bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Epigenetic Mapping of Human and Mouse Salivary Gene Regulation
Authors: Michael D.G. , Pranzatelli T.J.F. , Warner B.M. , Yin H. , Chiorini J.A.
Published: November 2018

Significant effort has been applied to identify the genome-wide gene expression profiles associated with salivary gland development and pathophysiology. However, relatively little is known about the regulators that control salivary gland gene expression. We integrated data from DNase1 digital genomic footprinting, RNA-seq, and gene expression microarrays to comprehensively characterize the cis- and trans-regulatory components controlling gene expression of the healthy submandibular salivary gland. Analysis of 32 human tissues and 87 mouse tissues was performed to identify the highly expressed and tissue-enriched transcription factors driving salivary gland gene expression. Following RNA analysis, protein expression levels and subcellular localization of 39 salivary transcription factors were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. These expression analyses revealed that the salivary gland highly expresses transcription factors associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress, human T-cell lymphotrophic virus 1 expression, and Epstein-Barr virus reactivation. DNase1 digital genomic footprinting to a depth of 333,426,353 reads was performed and utilized to generate a salivary gland gene regulatory network describing the genome-wide chromatin accessibility and transcription factor binding of the salivary gland at a single-nucleotide resolution. Analysis of the DNase1 gene regulatory network identified dense interconnectivity among PLAG1, MYB, and 13 other transcription factors associated with balanced chromosomal translocations and salivary gland tumors. Collectively, these analyses provide a comprehensive atlas of the cis- and trans-regulators of the salivary gland and highlight known aberrantly regulated pathways of diseases affecting the salivary glands.
CPP-ACP Promotes SnF2 Efficacy in a Polymicrobial Caries Model
Authors: Dashper S.G. , Shen P. , Sim C.P.C. , Liu S.W. , Butler C.A. , Mitchell H.L. , D’Cruze T. , Yuan Y. , Hoffmann B. , Walker G.D. , Catmull D.V. , Reynolds C. , Reynolds E.C.
Published: November 2018

Dental caries is associated with plaque dysbiosis, leading to an increase in the proportions of acidogenic and aciduric bacteria at the expense of alkali-generating commensal species. Stannous fluoride (SnF2) slows the progression of caries by remineralization of early lesions but has also been suggested to inhibit glycolysis of aciduric bacteria. Casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) promotes fluoride remineralization by acting as a salivary biomimetic that releases bioavailable calcium and phosphate ions, and the peptide complex has also been suggested to modify plaque composition. We developed a polymicrobial biofilm model of caries using 6 bacterial species representative of supragingival plaque that were cultured on sound human enamel and pulsed with sucrose 4 times a day to produce a high cariogenic challenge. We used this model to explore the mechanisms of action of SnF2 and CPP-ACP. Bacterial species in the biofilms were enumerated with 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, and mineral loss and lesion formation were determined in the enamel directly under the polymicrobial biofilms via transverse microradiography. The model tested the twice-daily addition of SnF2, CPP-ACP, or both. SnF2 treatment reduced demineralization by 50% and had a slight effect on the composition of the polymicrobial biofilm. CPP-ACP treatment caused a similar inhibition of enamel demineralization (50%), a decrease in Actinomyces naeslundii and Lactobacillus casei abundance, and an increase in Streptococcus sanguinis and Fusobacterium nucleatum abundance in the polymicrobial biofilm. A combination of SnF2 and CPP-ACP resulted in a greater suppression of the acidogenic and aciduric bacteria and a significant 72% inhibition of enamel demineralization.
Preparation and characterization of composite scaffold of alginate and cellulose nanofiber from ramie
Authors: Zhang Yuanming , Wang Conger , Liu Yanhui , Jiang Wei , Han Guangting
Published: November 2018

Alginate scaffold with high porosity has great potential in the field of tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility and degradability. However, the poor mechanical performance of pure alginate scaffold has limited its use in many applications. Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have attracted attention as reinforcing agents to fabricate composite scaffolds with alginate. In this paper, CNF obtained from raw ramie fibers was incorporated with sodium alginate to make a composite scaffold by the freeze-drying method. CNF contents of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6% were selected to study the effect of CNF on scaffold characterization. The composite scaffold exhibited fewer pores but more compact structure than the pure alginate scaffold. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study the changes in the functional groups between the ramie fiber and its CNF, pure alginate scaffold, and the composite scaffold. X-ray diffraction indicated that the crystallinity of scaffold increased with addition of CNF. The mechanical performance of scaffold was successfully improved by adding CNF, but the porosity and swelling ratio were decreased. Hence, by combining CNF with alginate, the porous structure, mechanical properties, and swelling behaviors could be tailored, which could expand its use in the field of tissue engineering.
Development and performance study of a new shrink-proof and non-iron cotton blended fabric
Authors: Peng Mengna , Liu Can , Chen Shaojuan , Gao Songwei , Jiang Liang , Ma Jianwei
Published: November 2018

The approaches for cotton shrink-resistant finishing can be categorized into chemical finishing and physical finishing. In this research, a new approach to prevent cotton fabric from shrinkage and wrinkling without resin finishing was studied to reach an easy care effect of “wash-and-wear” for related end products. It was achieved by adding a certain proportion of fine denier polyester and memory polyester fibers. Unlike the previous chemical finishing methods, this physical finishing method does not cause yellowing, formaldehyde content increase or strong damage of tensile strength. It can reduce the shrinkage rate and increases the wrinkle recovery angle (WRA) through the shape memory formed by the memory polyester fiber in the heat setting stage. Our results were of better condition with significant improvements in WRA, anti-pilling effect, shrink-proofing and strength of the fabrics. The fabrics can be widely used in bedding textiles and shirting fabrics.
The Influence of Alcohol Intoxication on Adolescent Sexual Intercourse and Contraception Use
Authors: Felson Richard B. , Savolainen Jukka , Schwartz Joseph A.
Published: November 2018

We use the method of situational decomposition in an attempt to identify the causal effect of alcohol intoxication on adolescent sexual intercourse and contraception use. This approach assumes that the relationship between frequency of alcohol intoxication and behavior while sober is entirely spurious. With this in mind, the total association between drinking and behavior can be decomposed into spurious and “non-spurious” (i.e., causal) components. The larger the magnitude of the total association relative to the spurious association, the larger the influence of alcohol on behavior. This method was employed to analyze data from the first wave of National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) in-home interview ( N = 20,743). The results suggest that almost all of the relationship between alcohol and sexual intercourse is spurious. On the contrary, alcohol intoxication was found to reduce the use of contraceptives during sexual intercourse, especially among boys.
Urethral pull-up operation for distal and mid-penile hypospadias: a new safe method
Authors: Jawale Sagar A. , Jesudian Gnanaraj , Nehete Rajendra
Published: November 2018

This case series of 51 patients (age range = 11–17 years; 30-month follow-up) describes a new modified approach to treatment of distal and mid-penile hypospadias that has fewer complications. The meatal locations were sub-coronal (51%), coronal (45%) and mid-penile (4%). Forty patients had chordee.

Urethra with the corpus spongiosum was dissected off the corpus cavernosum up to the peno-scrotal junction. The distal 5 mm stenotic and avascular part of the urethral tube was excised. The elastic urethra was then stretched and sutured to form a neo-meatus. The urethra was anchored to the Buck’s fascia at the glandular, sub-coronal and mid-penile levels.

Meatal regression in one patient (2%), subcutaneous hematomas in two patients (4%) and wound dehiscence in two patients (4%) were the complications in the immediate postoperative period. None developed fistula, meatal stenosis or residual chordee in the 30-month follow-up.
Low-cost laparoscopy for rural areas: the flexible video laparoscope
Authors: Jawale Sagar , Jesudian Gnanaraj
Published: November 2018

Diagnostic laparoscopies are a very useful diagnostic tool especially in rural areas. However, the very high costs of the current diagnostic equipment make them unavailable to most of the rural centres. We describe a low-cost laparoscope that does away with the telescope and rod lens system and offers very good quality pictures for diagnostic laparoscopy at small fraction of the cost of current laparoscopic surgical instruments.
Scrotal abscess consequent on syphilitic epididymo-orchitis
Authors: Agrawal Vivek , Ranjan Rohit
Published: November 2018

Syphilis is notorious and a great imitator of all diseases. It is a chronic bacterial infection, caused by the sexually transmitted spirochete, Treponema pallidum. Though it has drastically reduced in prevalence, its recent resurgence (especially with HIV disease) is worrying. Without treatment, the disease can progress over years through a series of clinical stages and lead to irreversible neurological or cardiovascular complications. The disease may occur in any organ, including the testis, and is commonly mistaken for malignancy. We report a case of scrotal abscess consequent on epididymo-orchitis, confirmed by histopathological examination to be syphilitic in origin, in an immunocompromised HIV-positive patient.
Trajectories of academic burnout in adolescents after the Wenchuan earthquake: A latent growth mixture model analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Zhen Rui , Wu Xinchun
Published: November 2018

Changes in academic burnout in adolescents have attracted much research attention; however, most studies assume that adolescent academic burnout is characterized by overall homogenous change and overlook the heterogeneity of burnout change. To address this issue, this study examined distinct latent trajectories of academic burnout in adolescents following the Wenchuan earthquake, China. Adolescents were surveyed at 1 (T1), 1.5 (T2), 2 (T3), and 2.5 years (T4) after the earthquake. Self-reported questionnaires were administered to 391 participants aged 12- to 19-years-old. The results identified three academic burnout trajectories: Increasing (3.9%), low (85.4%), and decreasing (10.7%). Additionally, intrusive post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were more likely in the increasing group, avoidance PTSD symptoms were more likely in the decreasing group, and PTSD hyperarousal symptoms were more likely in the decreasing group, but less likely in the increasing group. These findings indicate that adolescents experienced heterogeneous academic burnout changes following the earthquake.
Cultural Collectivism and Tightness Moderate Responses to Norm Violators: Effects on Power Perception, Moral Emotions, and Leader Support
Authors: Stamkou Eftychia , van Kleef Gerben A. , Homan Astrid C. , Gelfand Michele J. , van de Vijver Fons J. R. , van Egmond Marieke C. , Boer Diana , Phiri Natasha , Ayub Nailah , Kinias Zoe , Cantarero Katarzyna , Efrat Treister Dorit , Figueiredo Ana , Hashimoto Hirofumi , Hofmann Eva B. , Lima Renata P. , Lee I-Ching
Published: November 2018

Responses to norm violators are poorly understood. On one hand, norm violators are perceived as powerful, which may help them to get ahead. On the other hand, norm violators evoke moral outrage, which may frustrate their upward social mobility. We addressed this paradox by considering the role of culture. Collectivistic cultures value group harmony and tight cultures value social order. We therefore hypothesized that collectivism and tightness moderate reactions to norm violators. We presented 2,369 participants in 19 countries with a norm violation or a norm adherence scenario. In individualistic cultures, norm violators were considered more powerful than norm abiders and evoked less moral outrage, whereas in collectivistic cultures, norm violators were considered less powerful and evoked more moral outrage. Moreover, respondents in tighter cultures expressed a stronger preference for norm followers as leaders. Cultural values thus influence responses to norm violators, which may have downstream consequences for violators’ hierarchical positions.
New Media Pharmacology: Hansen, Whitehead, and Worldly Sensibility
Authors: Schneider Joseph
Published: November 2018

New media theorist Mark Hansen, in Feed-Forward: On the Future of Twenty-first Century Media and a series of articles, argues that the most sophisticated forms of media technology today have the capacity to broaden and enrich human experience and consciousness. Refusing the popular discourses of nonhuman and posthuman, while acknowledging yet turning away from the dystopian, he insists, using the figure of the Pharmakon and the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead, that while the balance of benefits and costs to human being is tipped toward toxicity, the human, through its imbrication with these media, can be ‘reformed’. In this essay I review Hansen’s argument, his use and critique of Whitehead, the central place of what he calls worldly sensibility in this vision, and consider his attempt to illustrate what this ‘new human’ of new media might be.
Ethics in municipal supply chain management in South Africa
Authors: Fourie David
Published: November 2018

Corruption is an obstacle to democracy and the rule of law. In a democratic system it is therefore essential that public offices and institutions retain their legitimacy by being accountable as stewards for the scare public funds. However, in a developing country such as South Africa, it may be difficult to develop and maintain accountable political leadership in a climate that is widely acknowledged to have become corrupt. This paper reflects on the ethics and the cost of unethical behaviour in general, and of corruption in local government procurement in South Africa in particular.
Reconfiguring local governance and community participation in South Africa and Botswana
Authors: Phago Kedibone , Molosi-France Keneilwe
Published: November 2018

While the questions of governance and community participation are distinct, their operationalisation in the context of local government is not always mutually exclusive. As a result, issues of governance and community participation have continued to be of interest in most developing countries. For local government as an important sub-national government structure within the Southern African Development Community, there are a myriad of both opportunities and problems associated with the decentralisation of their powers. This article argues for a need to reconfigure governance and community participatory models so as to maintain the relevance of local government structures in African countries. Anstein’s public participation model is propounded for the purpose of analysing these participation models. Embedded in the discussion is the legislative and functional consideration regarding configuration and governance of local government. The examination of the ward committees in South Africa and village development committees in Botswana as institutionalised and legitimate participatory fora for local community members remains a key focus. In the final analysis, an analogue and critique regarding opportunities and challenges for local governance and participation issues in South Africa and Botswana are provided.
Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome associated with olfactory neuroblastoma: acquirement of adrenocorticotropic hormone expression during disease course as shown by serial immunohistochemistry examinations
Authors: Kadoya Manabu , Kurajoh Masafumi , Miyoshi Akio , Shoji Takuhito , Terada Tomonori , Nakamoto Yuji , Tsukamoto Yoshitane , Moriwaki Yuji , Hirota Seiichi , Koyama Hidenori
Published: November 2018

Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome (EAS) is a condition of endogenous hypercortisolism sustained by an extrapituitary ACTH-secreting tumor. Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare malignant neoplasm of the sinonasal tract and is derived from the olfactory epithelium. Because the paranasal sinus is not a common site of EAS, the development of ONB in patients with EAS is rare. We herein report the first known case of ONB with acquirement of ACTH production during the clinical course as proven by immunohistochemistry. A 50-year-old man diagnosed with ONB was referred to our department in July 2015 because of hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, decreased eosinophil and granulocyte counts, and elevated serum levels of ACTH and cortisol. Although two previous ONB biopsy specimens (2011 and 2014) showed no ACTH immunoreactivity, a newly obtained specimen in August 2015 clearly showed ACTH immunoreactivity. This is the first case of ectopic ACTH syndrome associated with an ONB that acquired the ability to express ACTH during its clinical course as shown by serial immunohistochemical examinations.
Coculture with Clostridium difficile promotes apoptosis of human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Hui Liangliang , Zang Kui , Wang Min , Shang Futai , Zhang Guoxin
Published: November 2018

Objective

The clostridial triose-phosphate isomerase ( tpi) gene is a housekeeping gene that specifically distinguishes Clostridium difficile from other bacteria. This retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze and compare the TPI protein-positive rates in outpatients and hospitalized patients with and without diarrhea (control group).

Methods

Western blotting, methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and flow cytometry were used to investigate the pathogenic mechanism of C. difficile in the development and progression of diarrhea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Results

The TPI protein-positive rates were significantly higher in patients with diarrhea but without IBD than in the healthy control group as well as in patients with diarrhea and IBD than in patients with diarrhea but without IBD. Coculture with C. difficile inhibited aquaporin-1 protein expression in human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells, which significantly reduced the proliferation of these cells and promoted their apoptosis.

Conclusions

Clostridium difficile infection is associated with diarrhea and may be an important risk factor for diarrhea in patients with IBD. Coculture with C. difficile may inhibit the proliferation of intestinal mucosal cells and promote their apoptosis, reduce intestinal aquaporin-1 expression, and inhibit intestinal water uptake. Clostridium difficile is one cause of C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
Domestic divisions of work and couple dissolution in the UK
Authors: Fernández Iturrate Iñigo , Domínguez-Folgueras Marta
Published: November 2018

This paper analyses the effect of the domestic division of work on the risk of dissolution of married and cohabiting couples in the UK. The division of work is usually categorised in terms of equality or traditionalism, depending on whether housework is done mostly by women or not. Equity has received less attention in the literature. We propose an exploratory measure to include both equity and equality/traditionalism in our operationalisation of divisions of work, estimating the total number of hours that each partner spends doing any type of work (paid and unpaid). We hypothesise that the risk of dissolution will increase for cohabitors if they depart from an equitable and egalitarian model, whereas marriages will be protected by more traditional arrangements. We use an event-history approach to analyse data from 16 waves of the British Household Panel, from 1992 to 2008. Our results support the hypotheses only partially and suggest that for cohabitors both equality and equity are important for stability.
Opinions on a Firearm Prohibition Policy That Targets Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Montanez Julio , Donley Amy
Published: November 2018

Firearms and intimate partner violence form a nexus of dangerousness and lethality. But, some policies aim to separate the two phenomena. The present study aims to fill a gap in the literature focusing on opinions toward a firearm prohibition for persons with injunctions for protection in effect against them by analyzing data from a convenience sample of 290 undergraduate students at a large research university in Florida, United States. Overall, any agreement with the policy was high. Multivariate analyses indicated that females/women and gender identity minorities, together, tended to express more agreement with firearm prohibition than males/men. Multivariate analysis also showed that participants who experienced sexual violence also displayed more agreement with the prohibition when compared to individuals who did not experience sexual violence victimization. “Lower” severity sexual violence victimization had the strongest relationship with policy opinions. Possible explanations for the gender difference in opinions include the implications of hegemonic masculinity and power differentials among genders. A possible explanation for the relationship between sexual violence victimization and policy opinions includes empathy. Policy implications and directions for future research include investigating the potential relationship gap in firearm prohibitions within Florida, engaging college men to change the conceptions around firearms through educational intervention, harnessing the tech-savvy power that college students have to generate awareness of policies, and considering interconnections among opinions, polyvictimization, and firearm policies.
Science Teacher Motivation and Evaluation Policy in a High-Stakes Testing State
Authors: Mintz Jessica A. , Kelly Angela M.
Published: November 2018

This qualitative case study explored the teachers’ and administrators’ perceptions of a newly implemented teacher evaluation policy in a high-stakes testing state, and how this policy impacted their motivation. Five science teachers and their immediate supervisors were interviewed, and their perceptions were analyzed through motivational theories of incentivizing career behaviors. Findings suggest the overarching goal of improving teacher practice through accountability was facilitated by intrinsic motivation and challenged by weaknesses in policy design. These tensions could be mediated by localized control that improves stakeholder agency, peer learning communities, and the adoption of more reliable evaluation metrics. Implications for teacher buy-in of evaluation policy are discussed.
Critical Education, Critical Theory, and the Critical Scholar/Activist
Authors: Apple Michael W.
Published: November 2018

In education, the areas of critical policy studies, critical cultural studies, and critical curriculum studies all owe a good deal to a number of people. Among them are Paulo Freire, Raymond Williams, Pierre Bourdieu, Basil Bernstein, and Antonio Gramsci. Yet no such listing would be complete without the inclusion of Stuart Hall. The two books I discuss in this essay provide us with important parts of the reasons many people continue to find in his work—and his life—the kinds of analyses and commitments that point their own work in more substantive, nuanced, and satisfying directions. In many ways, his writings and his life provide a model for what I have called the critical scholar/activist in education.
A real-time and look-ahead interpolation algorithm with axial jerk-smooth transition scheme for computer numerical control machining of micro-line segments
Authors: Li Hao , Wu Wen-Jiang , Rastegar Jahangir , Guo An
Published: November 2018

Because micro-line segments are the most widely used form of tool-paths for computer numerical control machining, the smoothness at the junction of two adjacent segments is still the bottleneck for the machining quality and efficiency. To reduce the time spent by the smoothing process and improve the smoothness at the junction, this article proposes a real-time and look-ahead interpolation algorithm with an axial jerk-smooth transition scheme. In one step, the algorithm finishes the transition scheme construction and velocity planning by using the trigonometric velocity planning method. This method can utilize the maximal acceleration and/or jerk capabilities of drive axis to achieve smooth axial kinematic profiles while satisfying the user-specified chord error. In addition, a real-time look-ahead method is developed to plan the global feedrate profile and adjust the transition schemes without intersections constantly. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm could realize smooth axial velocity, acceleration and jerk control and improve the smoothing process efficiency and machining accuracy.
Towards an automated masking process: A model-based approach
Authors: Elgeneidy Khaled , Al-Yacoub Ali , Usman Zahid , Lohse Niels , Jackson Michael , Wright Iain
Published: November 2018

The masking of aircraft engine parts, such as turbine blades, is a major bottleneck for the aerospace industry. The process is often carried out manually in multiple stages of coating and curing, which requires extensive time and introduces variations in the masking quality. This article investigates the automation of the masking process utilising the well-established time–pressure dispensing process for controlled maskant dispensing and a robotic manipulator for accurate part handling. A mathematical model for the time–pressure dispensing process was derived, extending previous models from the literature by incorporating the robot velocity for controlled masking line width. An experiment was designed, based on the theoretical analysis of the dispensing process, to derive an empirical model from the generated data that incorporate the losses that are otherwise difficult to model mathematically. The model was validated under new input conditions to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach and the masking accuracy using the derived model.
Surface roughness optimal estimation for disc parts turning using Gaussian-process-based Bayesian combined model
Authors: Liu Hongqi , Lin Hai , Mao Xinyong , Jiang Xuchu , Liu Quanxin , Li Bin
Published: November 2018

The surface roughness is an important characterization of the products performance, and its estimation is required to evaluate the machining accuracy level of the turning machining or its machining condition monitoring. Traditional methods are using machining parameters or combined machining parameters with tool vibration to predict the surface roughness. But for a steel disc part turning machining, the surface roughness value on a circumference trajectory is not the same as one section of the trajectory because randomness element will exist in surface roughness value. This paper proposed a machine learning approach of using Gaussian-process-based Bayesian combined model to construct surface roughness trajectory prediction. Gaussian-process-based Bayesian combined model is a good machine learning method for dealing with variable with random element and introduced into building the correlation between surface roughness and surface roughness increment for next point in a trajectory. To show the process of the method establishing the model, a simulation is carried on first. Then, a turning experiment was conducted. The experimental results verify that Gaussian-process-based Bayesian combined model compared with Gaussian-process model can be used to predict the surface roughness in a more reliable way.
Optimization of tungsten carbide processing parameters for laser heating and ultrasonic vibration composite assisted cutting
Authors: Jiao Feng , Zhang Ming-jun , Niu Ying
Published: November 2018

Laser heating assisted cutting is a lucrative technique for machining difficult-to-machine materials such as tungsten carbide (YG20), which uses a high power laser to focally heat a workpiece before the material removal with traditional or innovative cutting tool. In the latter case, the application of ultrasonic vibration to the cutting edge was found to replace the continuous cutting mode to the interrupted one, it reduces the adhesion and entanglement of chips, improves the tool wear and surface roughness of the workpiece. The combination of laser heating assisted cutting and two-dimensional ultrasonic vibration cutting methods has been successfully applied by the authors of this paper for cutting of tungsten carbide (YG20). In this follow-up study, the proposed composite method is experimentally and theoretically verified. Through the mathematical model and simulation analysis, its advantages, including small cutting force, softening the effect and improved machining properties of the processed material (YG20) are corroborated. The dependencies between the laser power, cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed rate on the surface roughness are established via the response surface methodology. The genetic algorithm is applied to the optimization of machining parameters by setting the material removal rate as the object variable and surface roughness as a constraint variable. The results obtained strongly suggest that the optimized parameters improve the processing efficiency and furnish the required processing quality.
Kinematic analysis of a PPPR spatial serial mechanism with geometric errors
Authors: Feng Xingxing , Sun Haihua , Lv Tianqi , Zhang Yunqing
Published: November 2018

The present study focuses on the kinematic analysis of a PPPR spatial serial mechanism with a large number of geometric errors. The study is implemented in three steps: (1) development of a map between the end-effector position error and geometric source errors within the serial mechanism kinematic chains using homogeneous transformation matrix; (2) selection of geometric errors which have significant effects on end-effector positioning accuracy by sensitivity analysis; (3) kinematic analysis of the serial mechanism within which the geometric errors are modelled as interval variables. The computational algorithms are presented for positioning accuracy analysis and workspace analysis in consideration of geometric errors. The analysis results show that the key factors which have significant effects on end-effector position error can be identified efficiently, and the uncertain workspace can also be calculated efficiently.
Vibration-assisted conformal polishing of additively manufactured structured surface
Authors: Zhang Jiong , Xiang Toh Alvin You , Wang Hao , Lu Wen Feng , Fuh Jerry Ying Hsi
Published: November 2018

The rapid development of additive manufacturing technology provides a more flexible and efficient manufacturing solution for the high value-added parts with a complex topology. However, the poor surface finish poses a major obstacle for the wide application of the additively manufactured components when their functionality and tolerance are benchmarked with those produced by the conventional process. In selective laser melting, visible pattern and texture of the printed layers and unmolten particles cannot be avoided although research works have been conducted to improve the surface finish by optimising the selective laser melting strategy and process parameters. Therefore, a dedicated post-processing technique is generally required to improve the surface finish of the additively manufactured products in terms of various levels of geometric complexity. In this study, a vibration-assisted conformal polishing tool is developed to finish a representative v-groove structure fabricated by selective laser melting. Experiments are conducted to investigate the effects of abrasive size and polishing time on the improvement in surface roughness. The developed technique in this paper can be applied to finish the additively manufactured internal structures such as honeycomb structure and irregular holes that have linear projection along a single axis.
Reliability sensitivity analysis method for time-dependent problem based on first-passage method
Authors: Wang Wenxuan , Gao Hangshan , Zhou Changcong , Xu Wanghua
Published: November 2018

The sensitivity index plays a critical role in the design of product and is used to quantify the impact degree of the uncertainty of the input variable to the uncertainty of the interest output. This paper presents a new local reliability sensitivity method and a global reliability sensitivity analysis method of time-dependent reliability problems. Firstly, according to the Poisson's assumption-based first-passage method, the local reliability sensitivity index is directly obtained by calculating the partial derivative of the failure probability to the distribution parameters of input random variable. Then, the moment-independent global reliability sensitivity index of the time-dependent problems is derived based on the concept of moment-independent. Finally, the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method are verified with the reference results of Monte Carlo simulation.
Complete ciprofloxacin resistance in gonococcal isolates in an urban Ugandan clinic: findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mabonga Emily , Parkes-Ratanshi Rosalind , Riedel Stefan , Nabweyambo Sheila , Mbabazi Olive , Taylor Chris , Gaydos Charlotte , Manabe Yukari C
Published: November 2018

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to gonorrhoea is a threat to global health security. There have been concerns expressed that countries with high rates of disease have poor surveillance. The objectives of the study were to determine the AMR patterns of Neisseria gonorrhoeae clinical isolates to antimicrobial agents in patients with HIV or high risk of HIV acquisition, to compare the concordance of disk diffusion and agar dilution as methods for determining AMR to N. gonorrhoeae, and to describe methodological challenges to carrying out AMR testing. The study was conducted at an HIV outpatient service for at-risk populations and an outreach clinic for commercial sex workers in Kampala. Patients were offered a sexually transmitted infection screen using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay. Samples positive for gonorrhoea were cultured. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion and isolates were sent to a reference laboratory for agar dilution direct susceptibility testing. Five hundred and seventy-five patients were screened. There were 33 (5.7%) patients with gonorrhoea detected by PCR. Of the 16 viable N. gonorrhoeae isolates, 100% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline by disk diffusion and 31% exhibited reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone and cefixime. By agar dilution, 100% of isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and all isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and cefixime. There was concordance between disk diffusion and agar dilution for ciprofloxacin and tetracycline resistance and a significant discordance for third-generation cephalosporins. More than half the women with gonorrhoea were asymptomatic and represent a potential reservoir for ongoing transmission. AMR testing of N. gonorrhoeae isolates is needed to ensure optimal treatment and prevention of antibiotic resistance progression.
Prevalence of and risk factors for gout in HIV-positive adults: A case–control study
Authors: Nicholson Prini , Saunsbury Emma , D’Angelo Stefania , Churchill Duncan , Walker-Bone Karen
Published: November 2018

Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis worldwide. Its principal risk factor is hyperuricaemia. While gout has been described in HIV patients and numerous more outdated anti-retroviral therapies (ARTs) have been implicated, there have been few recent studies. Our case–control study investigated the prevalence of and risk factors for gout in an established HIV cohort. Cases were identified from database searches using key search terms, with two age- and gender-matched controls. These were compared for demographic factors, co-morbidities, HIV factors and ART exposure. Forty-five cases with gout were identified (point prevalence 2.2%). All were male and were more likely than controls to be of black African origin. Hypertension was associated with an almost five-fold increased gout risk (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.8–12.4). No individual drug or ART class was associated with gout in this study but exposure to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors had a significantly protective effect against the risk of gout (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.9). Our data suggest that gout is common in HIV patients and that the traditional risk factors, especially hypertension, play a key role. Gout and hyperuricaemia should be regarded as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease in HIV patients as they are in the general population.
Sexual and physical violence and associated factors among female sex workers in Rwanda: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mutagoma Mwumvaneza , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia , Sebuhoro Dieudonné , Riedel David J , Ntaganira Joseph
Published: November 2018

Female sex workers (FSWs) frequently face violence in their working place. This study assessed the physical and sexual violence and associated factors among FSWs in Rwanda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among FSWs in Rwanda in 2015. Venue–Day–Time sampling method was used for recruitment. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression models were computed to assess factors associated with violence. In total, 1978 FSWs were recruited. A large proportion (18.3%) had been sexually abused outside of the family circle, and 37.8% had faced physical violence before 15 years of age. Clients were most often reported (67.0%) as perpetrators of physical violence in sex work. Being aged 25 years old and above, and having sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were positively associated with sexual violence (aOR = 2.1[95%CI: 1.80–2.39]) and (aOR = 3.0[95%CI: 1.01–2.14], respectively). Being aged 25 years old and above (aOR = 0.8[95%CI: 0.76–0.89]) and drinking alcohol every day (aOR = 0.6[95%CI: 0.42–0.87]) were negatively associated with physical violence. Sexual and physical violence was common among FSWs in Rwanda. Single FSWs are the most vulnerable to sexual violence. Alcohol consumption and having STIs are associated with violence against FSWs. Human rights and social protection as well as health promotion among FSWs is needed.
Correlates of condomless anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in Santiago de Chile
Authors: Fernandez-Rollan Leire , Stuardo A. Valeria , Strömdahl Susanne
Published: November 2018

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionally affected by the HIV epidemic globally. In Chile, HIV prevalence among MSM is estimated at 20%, and condomless anal intercourse is the predominant mode of HIV transmission. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate a broad array of characteristics in a sample of Chilean MSM including condomless anal intercourse (CLAI), as well as to explore possible associations between these characteristics and CLAI. MSM were recruited through respondent-driven sampling between June and October of 2016. A final sample size of 246 MSM was analyzed using CLAI as the outcome and sociodemographic, clinical and sexual risk behavior characteristics as exposure variables. Results show that close to half of the participants reported CLAI with casual sex partners during the last six months, and this outcome had an increased risk associated with use of drugs prior to sex and having had >5 sexual partners
Air supply system design of a Diesel–Brayton combined cycle engine
Authors: Jin Yuzhi , Qian Yuping , Zhang Yangjun , Zhuge Weilin
Published: November 2018

The Diesel–Brayton combined cycle engine was proposed previously to achieve the goal of lower fuel consumption, higher power density and good startup performance under low-temperature conditions. The prototype engine was designed and tested based on an off-the-shelf gas turbine and a diesel engine. To achieve a more compact and lighter design, the air supply system was designed based on the centrifugal compressor of the gas turbine. In the coupling operation mode aiming to generate the maximum power, a large amount of compressed air must be extracted into the diesel engine. The present paper presents the design methodology of the compact air supply system. The bleeding slot configuration was selected based on a parametric study and proven by systematic experiments. Three-dimensional simulations were conducted to investigate the performance and flow field of the compressor. Backflow appeared in several passages of the axial diffuser caused by air bleeding, which further distorted the air flow in the combustion chamber. Such distortion may cause compressor and combustion instabilities. In the future, the combustion chamber and the axial diffuser must be designed in combination with an air bleeding system to improve the engine performance.
Changes in the blood level, efficacy, and safety of tacrolimus in pregnancy and the lactation period in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hiramatsu Y , Yoshida S , Kotani T , Nakamura E , Kimura Y , Fujita D , Nagayasu Y , Shabana K , Makino S , Takeuchi T , Arawaka S
Published: November 2018

Objectives

We investigated the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) by monitoring its serum concentration for mothers and infants in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We measured trough concentrations of TAC in 25 pregnant patients with SLE to assess influence of TAC on the disease activity. Additionally, we measured the concentrations of TAC in umbilical arterial blood, breast milk, and breastfed infants to investigate the safety of TAC for the mothers and infants.

Results

The trough concentrations of TAC in the mothers significantly decreased in the second trimester as compared with those before pregnancy. However, the decrease in the trough concentrations of TAC did not lead to the deterioration of SLE. When examined, the doses of TAC were significantly lower in the second trimester and postpartum in the deteriorating group than those in the non-deteriorating group. There were no adverse events by TAC in mothers and fetuses. The concentrations of TAC in the umbilical cord blood were lower than those in the maternal blood. The relative infant dose in breastfed infants of TAC was < 1%. The level of TAC in infant bloods was below detectable limits.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that TAC is one of the most effective and safest immunosuppressive drugs for use in pregnant patients with SLE.
Effectiveness of renoprotective approaches for persistent proteinuria in lupus nephritis: more than just immunosuppression
Authors: Castro M , Ugolini-Lopes M , Borba E F , Bonfá E , Seguro L P C
Published: November 2018

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a tightly controlled renoprotective protocol in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with persistent proteinuria.

Methods

Thirteen SLE patients with nephritis and persistent proteinuria (>1 g/24 hours) were included. The protocol consisted of regular clinical evaluations every two weeks to assess blood pressure (BP, target <130/80 mmHg), adherence to therapy, diet and smoking. No change in immunosuppressive drugs was allowed but reduction of glucocorticoid dose was permitted if indicated. Clinical, laboratory and treatment evaluations were performed at baseline and at the end of the study (after three months).

Results

SLE patients had a mean age of 37.85 ± 7.68 years and disease duration of 9.85 ± 7.29 years. At baseline, patients had a mean duration of maintenance therapy of 10.38 ± 7.56 months, 12 with mycophenolate mofetil (92.3%) and one with azathioprine (7.7%). At least one dose optimization of antihypertensive regimen was required in all patients during the study. Seven patients (53.8%) had BP>130/80mmHg at baseline. At the end, 11 patients (84.6%) achieved stable BP target; 92.3% were using an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, 53.9% an angiotensin receptor blocker, and 46.2% were using combined therapy. All patients had a significant reduction in proteinuria levels (2.26 ± 1.09 vs 0.88 ± 0.54 g/24 hours, p < 0.001) and 61.5% achieved proteinuria <1 g/24 hours. A significant decrease in mean prednisone dose was observed (10.96 ± 6.73 vs 5.38 ± 3.36 mg/day, p = 0.013) as well as mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score (4.38 ± 0.72 vs 3.08 ± 1.86, p = 0.043). No significant changes were identified in serum creatinine, albumin, potassium, complement 3 and complement 4 levels ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that a tightly controlled renoprotective protocol is effective in reducing persistent proteinuria in lupus nephritis. The concomitant reduction of prednisone without any change in immunosuppression reinforces the importance of strategies beyond the treatment of nephritis activity.
Intrathecal formation of anticardiolipin antibodies in a patient with SLE-related relapsing longitudinal myelitis: a possible pathogenic connection
Authors: Aguirre-Villarreal D , Whittall L P , Fragoso-Loyo H , Cantú-Brito C , Crispín J C , Valdés-Ferrer S I
Published: November 2018

Background

Nontraumatic acute transverse myelitis (ATM) can occur in response to infectious, inflammatory and vascular triggers; 1% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develop ATM, but the mechanism remains unknown.

Objective

The objective of this case report is to describe a case of intrathecal formation of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) during SLE-related ATM.

Methods

A single patient analysis was conducted.

Results

A 26-year-old housewife was diagnosed with SLE at age 19. Circulating aCL antibodies were positive at diagnosis. At age 21, she developed an episode of severe sepsis. At 23 years of age she developed an episode of ATM that left her paraplegic with a D10 sensory level, from which she recovered partially. Three years later, she developed a clinical relapse of ATM. During that second episode, serum levels of aCL were within normal limits, while cerebrospinal fluid levels were increased, suggesting intrathecal production of aCL.

Conclusion

Here, we present a case of a woman who developed relapsing SLE-related longitudinally extensive ATM in whom intrathecal formation of aCL was demonstrated, suggesting that local production and cross-recognition of nervous tissue by those autoantibodies may be myelopathic.
Exploring the Effects of “Sound Shape” on Consumer Preference
Authors: Schutz Michael , Stefanucci Jeanine K.
Published: November 2018

Interfaces play a crucial role in a device’s success or failure. Although visual aspects generally receive more attention, findings from sonic interaction design increasingly illustrate the importance of auditory aesthetics in creating desirable products. Here we show that small changes to the amplitude envelope (i.e., “sound shape”) of tones affect user preference. Specifically, participants are willing to pay 9% more for products using sounds with decaying-amplitude envelopes rather than abruptly ending envelopes that are common in many device sounds. These findings hold important implications for cost-effective changes that could potentially improve a product’s desirability and perceived value.