bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional outcome of debridement, antibiotics and implant retention in periprosthetic joint infection involving the hip
Authors: Grammatopoulos G. , Bolduc M-E. , Atkins B. L. , Kendrick B. J. L. , McLardy-Smith P. , Murray D. W. , Gundle R. , Taylor A. H.
Published: April 2017

Aims

Advocates of debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) in hip periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) argue that a procedure not disturbing a sound prosthesis-bone interface is likely to lead to better survival and functional outcome compared with revision. This case-control study aims were to compare outcome of DAIRs for infected primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with outcomes following primary THA and two-stage revision of infected primary THAs.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all DAIRs, performed for confirmed infected primary hip arthropasty (n = 82) at out institution, between 1997 and 2013. Data recorded included full patient information and type of surgery. Outcome measures included complications, mortality, implant survivorship and functional outcome. Outcome was compared with two control groups matched for gender and age; a cohort of primary THAs (n = 120) and a cohort of two-stage revisions for infection (n = 66).

Results

Mean age at DAIR was 69 years (33 to 87) and mean follow-up was eight years (2 to 17; standard deviation (sd) 5). A total of 52 (63%) of DAIRs were for early PJI (less than six weeks). Greater success in the eradication of infection with DAIR was identified with early PJI, comprising an interval less than a week between onset of symptoms and exchange of modular components with the DAIR procedure. Eradication of infection, complications and re-operation rates were similar in the DAIR and two-stage revision groups. For hips with successful eradication of infection with DAIR, the five-year survival (98%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 94 to 100) was similar to the primary THA group (98%; 95% CI 95 to 100) (n = 43; p = 0.3). The DAIR group had inferior mean Oxford Hip Scores (OHS) (38; 12 to 48) compared with the primary THA group (42; 15 to 48) (p = 0.02) but a significantly better mean OHS compared with the two-stage revision group (31; 0 to 48) (p = 0.008). Patients who required only one DAIR for eradication of infection had a similar mean OHS (41; 20 to 48) to the primary THA group (p = 0.2).

Conclusion

The DAIR procedure is associated with a similar complication rate and ability to eradicate infection as two-stage revision. This study emphasises the need for exchange of modular components for improved chances of eradication of infection. This is the first study showing that DAIR is better than a two-stage revision regarding functional outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:614–22.
Contemporary failure aetiologies of the primary, posterior-stabilised total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Abdel M. P. , Ledford C. K. , Kobic A. , Taunton M. J. , Hanssen A. D.
Published: April 2017

Aims

The number of revision total knee arthroplasties (TKA) that are performed is expected to increase. However, previous reports of the causes of failure after TKA are limited in that they report the causes at specific institutions, which are often dependent on referral patterns. Our aim was to report the most common indications for re-operations and revisions in a large series of posterior-stabilised TKAs undertaken at a single institution, excluding referrals from elsewhere, which may bias the causes of failure.

Patients and Methods

A total of 5098 TKAs which were undertaken between 2000 and 2012 were included in the study. Re-operations, revisions with modular component exchange, and revisions with non-modular component replacement or removal were identified from the medical records. The mean follow-up was five years (two to 12).

Results

The Kaplan-Meier ten-year survival without a re-operation, modular component revision and non-modular component revision was 95.7%, 99.3% and 95.3%, respectively. The most common indications for a re-operation were: post-operative stiffness (58%), delayed wound healing (21%), and patellar clunk (11%). The indications for isolated modular component revision were acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (64%) and instability (36%). The most common indications for non-modular component revision were chronic PJI (52%), aseptic loosening (17%), periprosthetic fracture (10%), and instability (10%).

Conclusion

Post-operative stiffness remains the most common indication for re-operation after TKA. Infection is the most common indication for modular and non-modular component revision. Aseptic loosening was not an uncommon cause of failure, however, it was much less common than in national registry and non-registry data. Focusing on posterior-stabilised TKAs initially performed at our institution allowed for an accurate assessment of the causes of failure in a contemporary specialty practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:647–52.
Induced membrane technique for treating tibial defects gives mixed results
Authors: Morris R. , Hossain M. , Evans A. , Pallister I.
Published: April 2017

Aims

This study describes the use of the Masquelet technique to treat segmental tibial bone loss in 12 patients.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective case series reviewed 12 patients treated between 2010 and 2015 to determine their clinical outcome. Patients were mostly male with a mean age of 36 years (16 to 62). The outcomes recorded included union, infection and amputation. The mean follow-up was 675 days (403 to 952).

Results

The mean tibial defect measured 5.8 cm (2 to 15) in length. Of the 12 patients, 11 had an open fracture. Eight underwent fixation with an intramedullary nail, three with plates and one with a Taylor Spatial Frame. The mean interval between stages was 57 days (35 to 89). Bony union was achieved in only five patients. Five patients experienced infective complications during treatment, with two requiring amputation because of severe infection.

Conclusion

The Masquelet technique was relatively ineffective in achieving union in this series, and was associated with a high rate of infection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:680–5.
The protective role of nitric oxide-dependent innate immunosuppression in the early stage of cartilage damage in rats
Authors: Hsu C-C. , Lin C-L. , Jou I-M. , Wang P-H. , Lee J-S.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 15% of the human population. Recently, increased concentration of nitric oxide in serum and synovial fluid in patients with OA has been observed. However, the exact role of nitric oxide in the initiation of OA has not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of nitric oxide in innate immune regulation during OA initiation in rats.

Methods

Rat OA was induced by performing meniscectomy surgery while cartilage samples were collected 0, 7, and 14 days after surgery. Cartilage cytokine levels were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while other proteins were assessed by using Western blot

Results

In the time course of the study, nitric oxide was increased seven and 14 days after OA induction. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were decreased. L-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a non-specific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) significantly decreased cartilage nitric oxide and blocked immune suppression. Further, L-NAME decreased Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and increased tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) expression in meniscectomised rats.

Conclusion

Nitric oxide-dependent innate immune suppression protects cartilage from damage in the early stages of OA initiation in rats. Cite this article: C-C. Hsu, C-L. Lin, I-M. Jou, P-H. Wang, J-S. Lee. The protective role of nitric oxide-dependent innate immunosuppression in the early stage of cartilage damage in rats: Role of nitric oxide in ca rtilage da mage. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:253–258. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJJ-2016-0161.R1.
Life-Cycle Assessment for Wood-Fired Boilers Used in the Wood Products Industry*
Authors: Puettmann Maureen E. , Milota Michael
Published: April 2017

Many wood production facilities use wood-based fuels for steam generation for drying wood or pressing boards or panels. This process contributes to the life-cycle impacts of the products produced downstream. Past life-cycle assessment studies of wood products have relied on wood boiler data sets that represent both the paper and the wood products industries as well as on secondary data from the US Environmental Protection Agency primarily based on the potential to emit or collect from an uncontrolled source. Primary data were collected by survey for the material and energy inputs and outputs of wood-fired boilers at lumber and plywood wood production facilities in the Pacific Northwest and Southeast regions of the United States. The results were averaged to create a life-cycle inventory model to represent wood-fired boilers at wood production facilities. Results indicated that regional differences, as well as type of wood waste burned, did not warrant separate boiler data sets for each industry and region. The model is useful for including the effects of steam production in the life-cycle assessment of wood products. The primary data used in the model should better represent wood-fired boilers used in US wood production facilities than existing data sets do.
Cradle-to-Gate Life-Cycle Impact Analysis of Glued-Laminated (Glulam) Timber: Environmental Impacts from Glulam Produced in the US Pacific Northwest and Southeast*
Authors: Bowers Tait , Puettmann Maureen E. , Ganguly Indroneil , Eastin Ivan
Published: April 2017

This study was an update on the 2000 life-cycle inventory data on material and energy inputs associated with the production of 1 m3 of glued-laminated (glulam) timbers produced in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and the Southeast (SE) regions of the United States. This article looks at the cradle to gate for the entire glulam production processes, which include forest harvest, lamstock production, and glulam beam production. Data collected from glulam beam manufacturers in 2013 allowed for the development of a life-cycle assessment utilizing the product category rules for North American Structural and Architectural Wood Products so that the results from these analyses can be used for the development of environmental product declarations of glulam beams produced in the United States. Comparing the results of this study with the life-cycle assessment based on the 2000 survey data shows 30 percent reductions in global warming potential of glulam beams produced in both the PNW and the SE and reductions in the use of energy derived from fossil fuels by 40 percent in the PNW and SE. The overall net carbon sequestered in 1 m3 of PNW glulam is equivalent to 938 kg of CO2 and 1,038 kg of CO2 in the SE. Utilizing techniques that reduced the use of electricity and minimizing the transportation distances of the raw materials and resins to the mill could help to further reduce the carbon footprint of the glulam beam manufacturing process.
Role of Online Survey Tools in Creating Temporally Accurate Environmental Product Declarations within the Context of the US Wood Products Industry*
Authors: Ganguly Indroneil , Bowers Tait , Pierobon Francesca , Eastin Ivan
Published: April 2017

An environmental product declaration (EPD) presents quantified environmental information on a product or process in a simplified form. EPDs are based on the life-cycle assessment (LCA) of products conducted in accordance with standards of the International Organization for Standardization. An LCA analysis ensures that the environmental impacts associated with all processes undertaken to produce the product, ranging from extraction (cradle) to its final product stage (gate) or postuse disposal (grave), are included. To be able to present temporally accurate EPDs, the corresponding LCA data need to be updated every 5 to 10 years, depending on the nature of the industry. In this article, we present the pros and cons associated with using Web-based data collection tools to conduct and maintain temporally accurate LCA data. We also present the lessons learned in using Web-based survey tools, with reference to the wood-based industry, and propose a methodology to maintain temporally accurate LCA data with minimal intervention, facilitating periodic update of the EPDs.
Cadmium(II) Complexes Adsorbed on Clay Edge Surfaces: Insight from First Principles Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Zhang Chi , Liu Xiandong , Lu Xiancai , Meijer Evert Jan , Wang Kai , He Mengjia , Wang Rucheng
Published: April 2017

Aiming to identify the complexing mechanisms of heavy metal cations on edge surfaces of 2:1-type clay minerals, systemic first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) simulations were conducted and the microscopic structures and complex free energies were obtained. Taking Cd(II) as a model cation, the structures on both (010) and (110) edges of the complexes were derived for the three possible binding sites (≡SiO, ≡Al(OH)2/≡AlOH≡AlSiO, and vacant sites). The stable complexes adsorbed on the three binding sites on both terminations had similar structures. The free energies of the complexes on (010) edges were calculated by using the constrained FPMD method. The free energies of complexes on the ≡SiO and ≡Al(OH)2 sites were similar and they were both significantly lower than the free energy of the complex on the octahedral vacant site. In association with the concept of high energy site (HES) and low energy site (LES) in the 2 Site Protolysis Non Electrostatic Surface Complexation and Cation Exchange (2SPNE SC/CE) sorption model, the vacant site was assigned to HES and the other two sites to LES, respectively.
Intercalation of Ethylene Glycol in Smectites: Several Molecular Simulation Models Verified by X-Ray Diffraction Data
Authors: Szczerba Marek , Kalinichev Andrey G.
Published: April 2017

Organo-clays represent a special challenge for molecular simulations because they require accurate representation of the clay and the organic/aqueous sections of the model system and accurate representation of the interactions between them. Due to the broad range of force-field models available, an important question to ask is which sets of parameters will best suit the molecular modeling of the organo-intercalated smectites? To answer this question, the structure of the ethylene glycol (EG)-smectite complex is used here as a testing model because the intercalation of EG in smectites provides a stable interlayer complex with relatively constant basal spacing.

Three smectite samples with substantially different layer charge and charge localization were selected for X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Their molecular models were built and molecular-dynamics simulations performed using various combinations of the organic force fields (CGenFF, GAFF, CVFF, and OPLS-aa) with ClayFF and INTERFACE force fields used to describe smectites. The simulations covered a range of different EG and water contents. For every structure, the density distribution of interlayer species along the direction perpendicular to the layer plane was calculated and then used to optimize the XRD patterns for these simulated models.

A comparison of these results with experimental XRD patterns shows very large discrepancies in the structures and basal spacings obtained for different layer charges as well as for different force fields and their combinations. The most significant factor affecting the accuracy of the calculated XRD patterns was the selection of the clay-mineral force-field parameters. The second important conclusion is that a slight modification of the basal oxygen parameters for non-electrostatic interactions (increase of their effective atomic diameters) may be a simple and straightforward way to improve significantly the agreement between the modeled XRD patterns with experiments, especially for high-charge smectites. Generally, among organic force fields, the least accurate results were obtained with CGenFF. For unmodified ClayFF, its combination with GAFF gave the best results, while the two other sets (OPLS-aa and CVFF) gave the best results in combination with ClayFFmod. The INTERFACE and INTERFACEmod produced much better results for low-charge montmorillonite than for high-charge smectites.
The Arizona Cognitive Test Battery for Down Syndrome: Test-Retest Reliability and Practice Effects
Authors: Edgin Jamie O. , Anand Payal , Rosser Tracie , Pierpont Elizabeth I. , Figueroa Carlos , Hamilton Debra , Huddleston Lillie , Mason Gina , Spanò Goffredina , Toole Lisa , Nguyen-Driver Mina , Capone George , Abbeduto Leonard , Maslen Cheryl , Reeves Roger H. , Sherman Stephanie
Published: April 2017

A multisite study investigated the test-retest reliability and practice effects of a battery of assessments to measure neurocognitive function in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The study aimed to establish the appropriateness of these measures as potential endpoints for clinical trials. Neurocognitive tasks and parent report measures comprising the Arizona Cognitive Test Battery (ACTB) were administered to 54 young participants with DS (7–20 years of age) with mild to moderate levels of intellectual disability in an initial baseline evaluation and a follow-up assessment 3 months later. Although revisions to ACTB measures are indicated, results demonstrate adequate levels of reliability and resistance to practice effects for some measures. The ACTB offers viable options for repeated testing of memory, motor planning, behavioral regulation, and attention. Alternative measures of executive functioning are required.
Cross-sectional Analysis of AGE-CML, sRAGE, and esRAGE with Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in a Community-Based Cohort
Authors: Loomis Stephanie J , Chen Yuan , Sacks David B , Christenson Eric S , Christenson Robert H , Rebholz Casey M , Selvin Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptors are regarded as central to the development of diabetic complications, but associations with diabetes and cardiometabolic outcomes in previous studies are mixed.

METHODS

Using ELISA assays, we measured N(6)-carboxymethyllysine (AGE-CML), soluble receptor for AGEs (sRAGE), and endogenous secreted receptor for AGEs (esRAGE) in 1874 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to evaluate associations of these biomarkers with demographics, diabetes, hyperglycemia, cardiometabolic measures, and genetic variants in the gene encoding RAGE, AGER (advanced glycosylation end-product specific receptor).

RESULTS

After adjustment for demographics and body mass index (BMI), there were no significant differences in AGE-CML, sRAGE, or esRAGE by diabetes or hemoglobin A1c. Black race and AGER genetic variants were strongly associated with lower sRAGE and esRAGE even after adjustment [percent difference (95% CI) in black vs whites in sRAGE: −29.17 (−34.86 to −23.48), esRAGE: −26.97 (−33.11 to −20.84); with rs2070600 in sRAGE: −30.13 (−40.98 to −19.29), and esRAGE: −30.32 (−42.42 to −18.21); with rs2071288 in sRAGE: −20.03 (−34.87 to −5.18), and esRAGE: −37.70 (−55.75 to −19.65)]. Estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria significantly correlated with sRAGE and esRAGE. BMI and C-reactive protein significantly negatively correlated with AGE-CML, sRAGE, and esRAGE. AGE-CML was modestly correlated with fructosamine and glycated albumin.

CONCLUSIONS

AGE-CML, sRAGE, and esRAGE were more related to genetic, kidney, and inflammatory measures than to diabetes in this community-based population. Our results suggest that, when measured by ELISA, these biomarkers lack specificity and are of limited value in evaluating the role of these compounds in diabetes.
Book Review
Authors: Yoneno-Reyes Michiyo
Published: April 2017

DUBIOUS GASTRONOMY: THE CULTURAL POLITICS OF EATING ASIAN IN THE USA, ROBERT JI-SONG KU (2014) Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, x and 290 pp., ISBN: 9780824839970, p/bk, $28.00
Education Support by Research in Local Transportation History
Authors: Štefanovič Juraj , Schindler Frank
Published: April 2017

Aim of the article is to present our research dealing with virtual reality modeling and education activities. It involves a chain of development steps: taking pictures of objects, collecting information, creation of 3D models and panoramas, setting up the interactive virtual reality environment along with educational support and testing the user experience with students. Methodology/methods of work: the creation of 3D models and panoramas is done by taking pictures of real objects and using them as textures. The education materials are created as interactive presentations and the usability testing of these presentations should be planned. Scientific goal is to measure the quality of interaction by this education support in order to derive rules testing effectiveness of support, interactive applications and presentations. Findings: 3D models and other educational support materials may be created voluntarily by teachers. The open source library for many different models should be created by whole community provided suitable interfaces of modeling tools will be arranged. Conclusions: Complex educational and interactive materials including virtual reality and panoramas are satisfactory when combined with easy 3D models that are made from taken pictures, which could be made by teachers themselves and/or open communities by existing cameras.
Role of Acetone in the Formation of Highly Dispersed Cationic Polystyrene Nanoparticles
Authors: Ernawati Lusi , Balgis Ratna , Ogi Takashi , Okuyama Kikuo , Takada Tomonori
Published: April 2017

A modified emulsion polymerisation synthesis route for preparing highly dispersed cationic polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles is reported. The combined use of 2,2′-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin- 2-yl)propane] di-hydrochloride (VA-044) as the initiator and acetone/water as the solvent medium afforded successful synthesis of cationic PS particles as small as 31 nm in diameter. A formation mechanism for the preparation of PS nanoparticles was proposed, whereby the occurrence of rapid acetone diffusion caused spontaneous rupture of emulsion droplets into smaller droplets. Additionally, acetone helped to reduce the surface tension and increase the solubility of styrene, thus inhibiting aggregation and coagulation among the particles. In contrast, VA-044 initiator could effectively regulate the stability of the PS nanoparticles including both the surface charge and size. Other reaction parameters i.e. VA-044 concentration and reaction time were examined to establish the optimum polymerisation conditions.
Energetic Efficiency of Mixing and Mass Transfer in Single Phase and Two-Phase Systems
Authors: Bałdyga Jerzy , Jasińska Magdalena
Published: April 2017

In this work a concept of energetic efficiency of mixing is presented and discussed; a classical definition of mixing efficiency is modified to include effects of the Schmidt number and the Reynolds number. Generalization to turbulent flows is presented as well. It is shown how the energetic efficiency of mixing as well as efficiencies of drop breakage and mass transfer in twophase liquid-liquid systems can be identified using mathematical models and test chemical reactions. New expressions for analyzing efficiency problem are applied to identify the energetic efficiency of mixing in a stirred tank, a rotor stator mixer and a microreactor. Published experimental data and new results obtained using new systems of test reactions are applied. It has been shown that the efficiency of mixing is small in popular types of reactors and mixers and thus there is some space for improvement.
Liquid-Liquid Extraction in Systems Containing Butanol and Ionic Liquids – A Review
Authors: Kubiczek Artur , Kamiński Władysław
Published: April 2017

Room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are a moderately new class of liquid substances that are characterized by a great variety of possible anion-cation combinations giving each of them different properties. For this reason, they have been termed as designer solvents and, as such, they are particularly promising for liquid-liquid extraction, which has been quite intensely studied over the last decade. This paper concentrates on the recent liquid-liquid extraction studies involving ionic liquids, yet focusing strictly on the separation of n-butanol from model aqueous solutions. Such research is undertaken mainly with the intention of facilitating biological butanol production, which is usually carried out through the ABE fermentation process. So far, various sorts of RTILs have been tested for this purpose while mostly ternary liquid-liquid systems have been investigated. The industrial design of liquid-liquid extraction requires prior knowledge of the state of thermodynamic equilibrium and its relation to the process parameters. Such knowledge can be obtained by performing a series of extraction experiments and employing a certain mathematical model to approximate the equilibrium. There are at least a few models available but this paper concentrates primarily on the NRTL equation, which has proven to be one of the most accurate tools for correlating experimental equilibrium data. Thus, all the presented studies have been selected based on the accepted modeling method. The reader is also shown how the NRTL equation can be used to model liquid-liquid systems containing more than three components as it has been the authors’ recent area of expertise.
Methanol as a High Purity Hydrogen Source for Fuel Cells: A Brief Review of Catalysts and Rate Expressions
Authors: Madej-Lachowska Maria , Kulawska Maria , Słoczyński Jerzy
Published: April 2017

Hydrogen is the fuel of the future, therefore many hydrogen production methods are developed. At present, fuel cells are of great interest due to their energy efficiency and environmental benefits. A brief review of effective formation methods of hydrogen was conducted. It seems that hydrogen from steam reforming of methanol process is the best fuel source to be applied in fuel cells. In this process Cu-based complex catalysts proved to be the best. In presented work kinetic equations from available literature and catalysts are reported. However, hydrogen produced even in the presence of the most selective catalysts in this process is not pure enough for fuel cells and should be purified from CO. Currently, catalysts for hydrogen production are not sufficiently active in oxidation of carbon monoxide. A simple and effective method to lower CO level and obtain clean H2 is the preferential oxidation of monoxide carbon (CO-PROX). Over new CO-PROX catalysts the level of carbon monoxide can be lowered to a sufficient level of 10 ppm.
Influence of Oxidizing Reactor on Flue Gas Denitrification by Ozonation and Possibility of by-Product Separation
Authors: Kordylewski Włodzimierz , Hałat Adam , Łuszkiewicz Dariusz
Published: April 2017

Results of laboratory scale research have been presented on the effects of an oxidizing reactor on ozone consumption and by-producs composition and separation of simultaneous NOx and SO2 removal from a carrier gas by ozonation method and absorption in an alkaline solution. The additional Dreschel washer added before two washers containing 100 ml of 0.1 molar NaOH solution played the role of an oxidation reactor. Its effect was investigated using an empty (dry or wetted) or filled with packing elements washer. The measured by-products in a scrubber and in the oxidizing reactor were SO32-, SO42-, NO2- and NO3- ions, respectively. It has been shown that use of oxidizing reactor improves NOx removal efficiency reducing ozone consumption. Wetting of the oxidation reactor with water enables a preliminary separation of sulphur and nitrogen species between the oxidizing reactor and an alkaline absorber. Application of packing elements in the oxidizing reactor allows to retain 90% of nitrogen compounds in it. Some results were confirmed by tests in pilot scale.
Extension of the Rissanen algorithm to the factorization of block-Hankel matrices for solving systems of linear equations
Authors: Cherepnev Mikhail A.
Published: April 2017

An extension of the well-known Rissanen algorithm [
On FE-precomplete classes in countable-valued logic
Authors: Marchenkov Sergey S.
Published: April 2017

We consider the set of functions of countable-valued logic and the closure operator based on systems of functional equation (FE-closure). We prove that the cardinality of the set of all FE-precomplete classes is hypercontinuum.
On serial rings
Authors: Tuganbaev Askar A.
Published: April 2017

Let A be a ring such that all maximal indecomposable factor rings
Bridging Finite and Super Population Causal Inference
Authors: Ding Peng , Li Xinran , Miratrix Luke W.
Published: April 2017

There are two general views in causal analysis of experimental data: the super population view that the units are an independent sample from some hypothetical infinite population, and the finite population view that the potential outcomes of the experimental units are fixed and the randomness comes solely from the treatment assignment. These two views differs conceptually and mathematically, resulting in different sampling variances of the usual difference-in-means estimator of the average causal effect. Practically, however, these two views result in identical variance estimators. By recalling a variance decomposition and exploiting a completeness-type argument, we establish a connection between these two views in completely randomized experiments. This alternative formulation could serve as a template for bridging finite and super population causal inference in other scenarios.
Contextualizing Cynicism: Palestinian Public Opinion Towards Human Rights and Democracy
Authors: Dana Karam
Published: April 2017

Levels of support for democratic governance and human rights in the Occupied West Bank appear to be inextricably linked. Although definitions of these two concepts are by no means universal, the contexts in which opinions are formed about these notions are significant. What meaning do these concepts have to Palestinians? How are these ideals examined and debated in a society that has remained under occupation for more than half a century? To answer these questions, this article explores the results of an original, representative public opinion survey (n=832) conducted in the West Bank in the summer of 2013, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Oslo Accords. The results point to high levels of cynicism towards human rights and democracy. I argue that the reason for this is directly related to exposure to the Israeli occupation, its policies, and a feeling of disenchantment with humanitarian organizations funded by governments that take no meaningful action to end the occupation.
Crystal structure of 2-(1-benzyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-5-(4-nitrobenzylthio)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, C25H19N5O3S
Authors: Huang Xu-Wen , You Jin-Zong , Ni Wan-Min , Zhang Yi-Ping , Feng Qi , Xu Wen-Chang , Tong Sheng-Yue , Li Tang-Qi , Qi De-Qiang
Published: April 2017

C25H19N5O3S, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 16.715(2) Å, b = 11.2677(15) Å, c = 12.6490(17) Å, β = 110.818(2)°, V = 2226.7(5) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0424, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1037, T = 296 K.
Crystal structure of 6,8-diphenyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(3H)-one, C27H20FNO
Authors: Maluleka Marole M. , Oyeyiola Felix A. , Mphahlele Malose J.
Published: April 2017

C27H20FNO, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 13.1620 Å, b = 13.8779 Å, c = 11.1618 Å, β = 99.710(1)°, V = 2009.62(6) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0436, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1310, T = 173(2) K.
Experience and Observations on the Choice of Career among Disadvantaged Students in North-Hungary
Authors: Karlovitz János Tibor , Gyukits György
Published: April 2017

It appears - and this is apparent from school documentation - that every school considers its duty to support career orientation. At the same time, it is obvious that guiding the process of making career choices exists only on the level of references. As we did not question teachers, we have only tiny fragments what is done for the sake of career choices. Such is like: letting students visit an open day; as the part of the head-teacher’s class they help students complete the admission form to high-schools; based on academic records they make the proper type of high schools, there was an elementary school that brought its students to trade gatherings in Budapest, where both on film and on the spot students were introduced to the master-strokes (on the other hand students did not remember these, even though they were present).
Homotopy Shear Band Solutions in Gradient Plasticity
Authors: Raees Ammarah , Xu Hang , Aifantis Elias C.
Published: April 2017

Analytical shear band type solutions for finite domains are derived within the framework of gradient plasticity theory by employing the homotopy analysis method (HAM). Such types of solutions were available in the literature only for infinite domains in the nonlinear material softening regime and steady-state conditions, as well as for finite domains in the material hardening regime. HAM allows for solutions to be obtained for both hardening and softening material models, as well as for unsteady conditions periodic solutions are also derived. The HAM results are verified with numerical simulations, which show excellent agreement. Moreover, an error analysis is provided which guarantees the convergence of our series solution.
DMAP as a new efficient catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of condensed phthalazines
Authors: Lamera Esma , Bouacida Sofiane , Merazig Hocine , Chibani Aissa , Le Borgne Marc , Bouaziz Zouhair , Bouraiou Abdelmalek
Published: April 2017

A new, convenient, and efficient method for the synthesis of 1H-pyrazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine-5,10-diones is developed starting from phthalhydrazide, aromatic aldehydes, and malononitrile using 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridin as catalyst. This modified route provides much higher yields and a simple work-up procedure of products. Also this methodology is of interest due to the use of ethanol as a solvent without use of any toxic metals as catalyst, thus minimizing the cost, the operational hazards, and environmental pollution.
Effectiveness of a 16-Week High-Intensity Cardioresistance Training Program in Adults
Authors: Greenlee Tina A. , Greene Daniel R. , Ward Nathan J. , Reeser Ginger E. , Allen Courtney M. , Baumgartner Nicholas W. , Cohen Neal J. , Kramer Arthur F. , Hillman Charles H. , Barbey Aron K.
Published: April 2017

Greenlee, TA, Greene, DR, Ward, NJ, Reeser, GE, Allen, CM, Baumgartner, NW, Cohen, NJ, Kramer, AF, Hillman, CH, and Barbey, AK. Effectiveness of a 16-week high-intensity cardioresistance training program in adults. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2528–2541, 2017—The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a novel, 16-week high-intensity cardioresistance training (HICRT) program on measures of aerobic fitness, agility, aerobic power, muscular endurance, lower-body explosive power, and self-reported activity level. The intervention group (N = 129; 63 f, 24.65 ± 5.55 years) had a baseline V̇o
2max of 39.83 ± 9.13. These individuals participated in 26, 70-minute exercise sessions, and 4 fitness testing sessions. Participants were matched with a nonexercise control group, paired by sex, age, and baseline V̇o
2max. Matched controls (N = 129, 63 f, 24.26 ± 5.59 years) had a baseline V̇o
2max of 39.86 ± 8.59 and completed preintervention and postintervention V̇o
2max testing only. The results demonstrate that participants in the fitness intervention group significantly increased their V̇o
2max (2.72 ± 0.31, Mdiff ± SE; p < 0.001) and reported being more physically active (0.42 ± 0.11, Mdiff ± SE; p < 0.001) after the intervention. The matched control group showed no significant pre–post intervention changes. Participants in the fitness intervention showed a significant improvement in 3 of 5 components of the fitness field tests. Specifically, significant improvements were observed for the 1-minute rower (5.32 ± 0.505, Mdiff ± SE; p < 0.001), 1-minute push-up (8.168 ± 0.709, Mdiff ± SE; p < 0.001), and 1.5-mile run tests (1.79 ± 0.169, Mdiff ± SE; p < 0.001). No significant improvements were observed for the shuttle run (p = 0.173) or standing long jump (p = 0.137). These findings demonstrate the efficacy of a novel, HICRT intervention across multiple dimensions of fitness for young- and middle-aged adults. High-intensity cardioresistance training affords flexibility for tailoring to meet desired health and fitness outcomes and makes perceivably daunting high-intensity functional training and multimodal sports training more accessible to general, traditionally nonathletic, populations.
Thermo-Cyclic Degradation Evaluation of Sewer CIPP Resin by ASTM Standard Tests and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Alam S. , Eklund S. , Allouche E. N. , Ng Yun Poy D.
Published: April 2017

This paper presented the study of potential degradation due to prolonged moist elevated thermo-cyclic loading on thermosetting resins that are used in cured in place pipe (CIPP) liner systems. Coupon samples were prepared from four different resins (high and low temperature vinyl esters, epoxy, and polyester) that were subjected to the thermo-cyclic loading. Mechanical strength evaluation tests were performed on the samples following ASTM D638-14 and ASTM D790-15e2 standards. The ASTM results showed decreased tensile and bending strength and an increased bending and tensile modulus for three of the resins (epoxy, polyester, and low temperature vinyl ester), which indicated as resin embrittlement/degradation, whereas the high temperature vinyl ester did not show any significant change in all three mechanical properties. Raman spectroscopic characterization of the three embrittled resins from the thermal cycling showed a significant decrease in the Raman band intensities, while the high temperature vinyl ester spectrum remained unchanged, also showing a correlation between the Raman spectra and resin degradation. The ASTM F1216-16 standard does not presently include a thermal loading factor, indicating a possible need for introduction of this into the current design equation for CIPP liner systems.
Variable Action Potential Backpropagation during Tonic Firing and Low-Threshold Spike Bursts in Thalamocortical But Not Thalamic Reticular Nucleus Neurons
Authors: Connelly William M. , Crunelli Vincenzo , Errington Adam C.
Published: April 2017

Backpropagating action potentials (bAPs) are indispensable in dendritic signaling. Conflicting Ca2+-imaging data and an absence of dendritic recording data means that the extent of backpropagation in thalamocortical (TC) and thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) neurons remains unknown. Because TRN neurons signal electrically through dendrodendritic gap junctions and possibly via chemical dendritic GABAergic synapses, as well as classical axonal GABA release, this lack of knowledge is problematic. To address this issue, we made two-photon targeted patch-clamp recordings from rat TC and TRN neuron dendrites to measure bAPs directly. These recordings reveal that “tonic”' and low-threshold-spike (LTS) “burst” APs in both cell types are always recorded first at the soma before backpropagating into the dendrites while undergoing substantial distance-dependent dendritic amplitude attenuation. In TC neurons, bAP attenuation strength varies according to firing mode. During LTS bursts, somatic AP half-width increases progressively with increasing spike number, allowing late-burst spikes to propagate more efficiently into the dendritic tree compared with spikes occurring at burst onset. Tonic spikes have similar somatic half-widths to late burst spikes and undergo similar dendritic attenuation. In contrast, in TRN neurons, AP properties are unchanged between LTS bursts and tonic firing and, as a result, distance-dependent dendritic attenuation remains consistent across different firing modes. Therefore, unlike LTS-associated global electrical and calcium signals, the spatial influence of bAP signaling in TC and TRN neurons is more restricted, with potentially important behavioral-state-dependent consequences for synaptic integration and plasticity in thalamic neurons.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn most neurons, action potentials (APs) initiate in the axosomatic region and propagate into the dendritic tree to provide a retrograde signal that conveys information about the level of cellular output to the locations that receive most input: the dendrites. In thalamocortical and thalamic reticular nucleus neurons, the site of AP generation and the true extent of backpropagation remain unknown. Using patch-clamp recordings, this study measures dendritic propagation of APs directly in these neurons. In either cell type, high-frequency low-threshold spike burst or lower-frequency tonic APs undergo substantial voltage attenuation as they spread into the dendritic tree. Therefore, backpropagating spikes in these cells can only influence signaling in the proximal part of the dendritic tree.
Being First Matters: Topographical Representational Similarity Analysis of ERP Signals Reveals Separate Networks for Audiovisual Temporal Binding Depending on the Leading Sense
Authors: Cecere Roberto , Gross Joachim , Willis Ashleigh , Thut Gregor
Published: April 2017

In multisensory integration, processing in one sensory modality is enhanced by complementary information from other modalities. Intersensory timing is crucial in this process because only inputs reaching the brain within a restricted temporal window are perceptually bound. Previous research in the audiovisual field has investigated various features of the temporal binding window, revealing asymmetries in its size and plasticity depending on the leading input: auditory–visual (AV) or visual–auditory (VA). Here, we tested whether separate neuronal mechanisms underlie this AV–VA dichotomy in humans. We recorded high-density EEG while participants performed an audiovisual simultaneity judgment task including various AV–VA asynchronies and unisensory control conditions (visual-only, auditory-only) and tested whether AV and VA processing generate different patterns of brain activity. After isolating the multisensory components of AV–VA event-related potentials (ERPs) from the sum of their unisensory constituents, we ran a time-resolved topographical representational similarity analysis (tRSA) comparing the AV and VA ERP maps. Spatial cross-correlation matrices were built from real data to index the similarity between the AV and VA maps at each time point (500 ms window after stimulus) and then correlated with two alternative similarity model matrices: AVmaps= VAmapsversus AVmaps≠ VAmaps. The tRSA results favored the AVmaps≠ VAmapsmodel across all time points, suggesting that audiovisual temporal binding (indexed by synchrony perception) engages different neural pathways depending on the leading sense. The existence of such dual route supports recent theoretical accounts proposing that multiple binding mechanisms are implemented in the brain to accommodate different information parsing strategies in auditory and visual sensory systems.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIntersensory timing is a crucial aspect of multisensory integration, determining whether and how inputs in one modality enhance stimulus processing in another modality. Our research demonstrates that evaluating synchrony of auditory-leading (AV) versus visual-leading (VA) audiovisual stimulus pairs is characterized by two distinct patterns of brain activity. This suggests that audiovisual integration is not a unitary process and that different binding mechanisms are recruited in the brain based on the leading sense. These mechanisms may be relevant for supporting different classes of multisensory operations, for example, auditory enhancement of visual attention (AV) and visual enhancement of auditory speech (VA).
Comparative pharmacology of a new recombinant FSH expressed by a human cell line
Authors: Koechling Wolfgang , Plaksin Daniel , Croston Glenn E , Jeppesen Janni V , Macklon Kirsten T , Andersen Claus Yding
Published: April 2017

Recombinant FSH proteins are important therapeutic agents for the treatment of infertility, including follitropin alfa expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and, more recently, follitropin delta expressed in the human cell line PER.C6. These recombinant FSH proteins have distinct glycosylation, and have distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles in women. Comparative experiments demonstrated that follitropin delta and follitropin alfa displayed the same in vitro potency at the human FSH receptor, but varied in their pharmacokinetics in mouse and rat. While follitropin delta clearance from serum depended in part on the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), follitropin alfa clearance was unaffected by ASGPR inhibition in rat or genetic ablation in mice. The distinct properties of follitropin delta and follitropin alfa are likely to contribute to the differing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles observed in women and to influence their efficacy in therapeutic protocols for the treatment of infertility.
Clinical course of pituitary function and image in IgG4-related hypophysitis
Authors: Anno Takatoshi , Kawasaki Fumiko , Takai Maiko , Shigemoto Ryo , Kan Yuki , Kaneto Hideaki , Mune Tomoatsu , Kaku Kohei , Okimoto Niro
Published: April 2017

A 76-year-old man had a hypopituitarism including adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism and hypothyroidism. Based on various findings including the swelling of the pituitary gland, increase of serum IgG4 level and abundant IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration in immunostaining of the pituitary gland, we diagnosed this subject as IgG4-related hypophysitis. In general, a high-dose glucocorticoid treatment is effective for IgG4-related disease. His clinical symptom, laboratory data and adrenal insufficiency were almost improved without any therapy. The serum IgG4 level was decreased and pituitary size was normalized with hydrocortisone as physiological replacement. This case report provides the possibility that IgG4 level is decreased spontaneously or with physiological dose of glucocorticoid therapy.

Learning points:

We performed the pituitary gland biopsy and histochemical examination glucocorticoid therapy in a subject with IgG4-related hypophysitis.

This case report provides the possibility that IgG4 level is decreased spontaneously or with a physiological dose of glucocorticoid therapy. We reported the clinical course of IgG4-related hypophysitis without a high-dose glucocorticoid treatment, although there were a few reports about the retrospective examination.

Although the patient had still higher IgG4 level compared to normal range, his clinical symptom disappeared and his laboratory data were improved.

We should keep in mind the possibility of IgG4-related hypophysitis when we examine one of the uncertain causes of a hypopituitarism including adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism and hypothyroidism.