bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Circadian Rhythm of Copeptin, the C-Terminal Portion of Arginine Vasopressin
Authors: Beglinger Svetlana , Drewe Jürgen , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: June 2017

Background. Several studies have investigated copeptin as a prognostic marker of different acute diseases and as a diagnostic marker in disorders of water and salt homeostasis. However, no data of the normal circadian rhythm of copeptin in healthy subjects are available. Aim. To investigate the circadian rhythm of copeptin in healthy subjects under standardized conditions. Methods. 19 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 53 years, male and female, were studied in a prospective observational study. In all 19 participants, blood samples for copeptin were taken in regular intervals of 30 minutes for 24 hours after a fasting period of minimum 8 hours. Results. The mean values of copeptin showed a circadian rhythm, similar to that described for AVP release, with a trend towards higher levels (5.9±1 pmol/L) at night and early morning between 4 am and 6 am and lowest levels (2.3±0.2 pmol/L) in the late afternoon between 5 pm and 7 pm. This finding was only observed in individuals with initial higher copeptin levels, whereas in individuals with lower basal copeptin levels no circadian rhythm was observed. Conclusion. There is evidence for a circadian rhythm in copeptin release during 24 hours, however, of minor extent. These findings suggest that copeptin levels can be determined irrespectively of the time of the day.
Neuroprotective Effect of the Ginsenoside Rg1 on Cerebral Ischemic Injury In Vivo and In Vitro Is Mediated by PPARγ‐Regulated Antioxidative and Anti‐Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Li Yang , Guan Yue , Wang Ying , Yu Chun-Lei , Zhai Feng-Guo , Guan Li-Xin
Published: June 2017

The ginsenoside Rg1 exerts a neuroprotective effect during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Rg1 has been previously reported to improve PPARγ expression and signaling, consequently enhancing its regulatory processes. Due to PPARγ’s role in the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation, Rg1’s PPARγ‐normalizing capacity may play a role in the observed neuroprotective action of Rg1 during ischemic brain injury. We utilized a middle cerebral artery ischemia/reperfusion injury model in rats in addition to an oxygen glucose deprivation model in cortical neurons to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of Rg1. We found that Rg1 significantly increased PPARγ expression and reduced multiple indicators of oxidative stress and inflammation. Ultimately, Rg1 treatment improved neurological function and diminished brain edema, indicating that Rg1 may exert its neuroprotective action on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through the activation of PPARγ signaling. In addition, the present findings suggested that Rg1 was a potent PPARγ agonist in that it upregulated PPARγ expression and was inhibited by GW9662, a selective PPARγ antagonist. These findings expand our previous understanding of the molecular basis of the therapeutic action of Rg1 in cerebral ischemic injury, laying the ground work for expanded study and clinical optimization of the compound.
Neutrophil and Monocyte Bactericidal Responses to 10 Weeks of Low‐Volume High‐Intensity Interval or Moderate‐Intensity Continuous Training in Sedentary Adults
Authors: Bartlett David B. , Shepherd Sam O. , Wilson Oliver J. , Adlan Ahmed M. , Wagenmakers Anton J. M. , Shaw Christopher S. , Lord Janet M.
Published: June 2017

Neutrophils and monocytes are key components of the innate immune system that undergo age‐associated declines in function. This study compared the impact of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT) on immune function in sedentary adults. Twenty‐seven (43 ± 11 years) healthy sedentary adults were randomized into ten weeks of either a HIIT (>90% maximum heart rate) or MICT (70% maximum heart rate) group training program. Aerobic capacity (VO2peak), neutrophil and monocyte bacterial phagocytosis and oxidative burst, cell surface receptor expression, and systemic inflammation were measured before and after the training. Total exercise time commitment was 57% less for HIIT compared to that for MICT while both significantly improved VO2peak similarly. Neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst and monocyte phagocytosis and percentage of monocytes producing an oxidative burst were improved by training similarly in both groups. Expression of monocyte but not neutrophil CD16, TLR2, and TLR4 was reduced by training similarly in both groups. No differences in systemic inflammation were observed for training; however, leptin was reduced in the MICT group only. With similar immune‐enhancing effects for HIIT compared to those for MICT at 50% of the time commitment, our results support HIIT as a time efficient exercise option to improve neutrophil and monocyte function.
Evaluating the Timeliness of Enteric Disease Surveillance in British Columbia, Canada, 2012-13
Authors: Galanis Eleni , Taylor Marsha , Romanowski Kamila , Bitzikos Olga , Jeyes Jennifer , Nowakowski Craig , Stone Jason , Murti Michelle , Paccagnella Ana , Forsting Sara , Li Sophie , Hoang Linda
Published: June 2017

Timely surveillance of enteric diseases is necessary to identify and control cases and outbreaks. Our objective was to evaluate the timeliness of enteric disease surveillance in British Columbia, Canada, compare these results to other settings, and recommend improvements. In 2012 and 2013, information was collected from case report forms and laboratory information systems on 2615Salmonella, shigatoxin-producingE. coli,Shigella, andListeriainfections. Twelve date variables representing the surveillance process from onset of symptoms to case interview and final laboratory results were collected, and intervals were measured. The median time from onset of symptoms to reporting subtyping results to BC epidemiologists was 26–36 days and from onset of symptoms to case interview was 12–14 days. Our findings were comparable to the international literature except for a longer time (up to 29 day difference) to reporting of PFGE results to epidemiologists in BC. Such a delay may impact our ability to identify and solve outbreaks. Several process and system changes were implemented which should improve the timeliness of enteric disease surveillance.
Translational Genomics: Practical Applications of the Genomic Revolution in Breast Cancer
Authors: Yates Lucy R. , Desmedt Christine
Published: June 2017

The genomic revolution has fundamentally changed our perception of breast cancer. It is now apparent from DNA-based massively parallel sequencing data that at the genomic level, every breast cancer is unique and shaped by the mutational processes to which it was exposed during its lifetime. More than 90 breast cancer driver genes have been identified as recurrently mutated, and many occur at low frequency across the breast cancer population. Certain cancer genes are associated with traditionally defined histologic subtypes, but genomic intertumoral heterogeneity exists even between cancers that appear the same under the microscope. Most breast cancers contain subclonal populations, many of which harbor driver alterations, and subclonal structure is typically remodeled over time, across metastasis and as a consequence of treatment interventions. Genomics is deepening our understanding of breast cancer biology, contributing to an accelerated phase of targeted drug development and providing insights into resistance mechanisms. Genomics is also providing tools necessary to deliver personalized cancer medicine, but a number of challenges must still be addressed. Clin Cancer Res; 23(11); 2630–9. ©2017 AACR.

See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “Breast Cancer Research: From Base Pairs to Populations.”
Breast Cancer Disparities at Home and Abroad: A Review of the Challenges and Opportunities for System-Level Change
Authors: Reeder-Hayes Katherine E. , Anderson Benjamin O.
Published: June 2017

Sizeable disparities exist in breast cancer outcomes, both between Black and White patients in the United States, and between patients in the United States and other high-income countries compared with low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In both settings, health system factors are key drivers of disparities. In the United States, Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer than Whites and have poorer outcomes, even among patients with similar stage and tumor subtype. Over-representation of higher risk “triple-negative” breast cancers contributes to breast cancer mortality in Black women; however, the greatest survival disparities occur within the good-prognosis hormone receptor–positive (HR+) subtypes. Disparities in access to treatment within the complex U.S. health system may be responsible for a substantial portion of these differences in survival. In LMICs, breast cancer mortality rates are substantially higher than in the United States, whereas incidence continues to rise. This mortality burden is largely attributable to health system factors, including late-stage presentation at diagnosis and lack of availability of systemic therapy. This article will review the existing evidence for how health system factors in the United States contribute to breast cancer disparities, discuss methods for studying the relationship of health system factors to racial disparities, and provide examples of health system interventions that show promise for mitigating breast cancer disparities. We will then review evidence of global breast cancer disparities in LMICs, the treatment factors that contribute to these disparities, and actions being taken to combat breast cancer disparities around the world. Clin Cancer Res; 23(11); 2655–64. ©2017 AACR.

See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “Breast Cancer Research: From Base Pairs to Populations.”
A new species of Aedes Meigen subgenus Ochlerotatus Lynch Arribálzaga (Diptera: Culicidae) from the coastal wetlands of the desert in northern Chile: morphological and molecular identification
Authors: GONZÁLEZ CHRISTIAN R , REYES CAROLINA , RADA-CHAPARRO VIVIANA , SALDARRIAGA-CÓRDOBA MÓNICA
Published: June 2017

Aedes (Ochlerotatus) sallumae González & Reyes n. sp. is described and validated using morphological characters of the adult male and female, male genitalia and immature stages, and its cytochrome oxidase unit 1 mitochondrial gene sequence (COI). Aedes (Och.) sallumae is morphologically close to Ae. (Och.) albifasciatus (Macquart). However, these species can be distinguished based on characters of the males and females, male genitalia and fourth-instar larvae. Aedes (Och.) sallumae was collected in the geographically isolated desert zone of northern Chile, the Atacama Desert. This isolation suggests allopatric speciation, with Ae. (Och.) sallumae divergent from its sister species Ae. (Och.) albifasciatus. Molecular characterization showed a difference of more than 8% between these species, supporting their recognition as different species.
Contribution to the knowledge of the Neotropical species of Smeryngolaphria Hermann, 1912 (Diptera: Asilidae: Laphriinae)
Authors: CAMARGO ALEXSSANDRO , VIEIRA RODRIGO , LIMA SHEILA , CHAGAS CÍNTHIA
Published: June 2017

The male of Smeryngolaphria gurupi Artigas, Papavero & Pimentel, 1988 and the female of Smeryngolaphria taperignae Artigas, Papavero & Pimentel, 1988 are described for the first time. The habitus, thorax, abdomen, male and female terminalia with external and internal structures are illustrated and described. The external and internal structures of the male and female of Smeryngolaphria gorayebi Artigas, Papavero & Pimentel, 1988, Smeryngolaphria maculipennis (Macquart, 1846) and Smeryngolaphria numitor (Osten Sacken, 1887) are described and illustrated, Smeryngolaphria numitor for the first time. A map with the new records is provided.
Dry Intrusions: Lagrangian Climatology and Dynamical Impact on the Planetary Boundary Layer
Authors: Raveh-Rubin Shira
Published: June 2017

Dry-air intrusions (DIs) are dry, deeply descending airstreams from the upper troposphere toward the planetary boundary layer (PBL). The significance of DIs spans a variety of aspects, including the interaction with convection, extratropical cyclones and fronts, the PBL, and extreme surface weather. Here, a Lagrangian definition for DI trajectories is used and applied to ECMWF interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim) data. Based on the criterion of a minimum descent of 400 hPa during 48 h, a first global Lagrangian climatology of DI trajectories is compiled for the years 1979–2014, allowing quantitative understanding of the occurrence and variability of DIs, as well as the dynamical and thermodynamical interactions that determine their impact. DIs occur mainly in winter. While traveling equatorward from 40°–50° latitude, DIs typically reach the lower troposphere (with maximum frequencies of ~10% in winter) in the storm-track regions, as well as over the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Sea, and eastern North Pacific, off the western coast of South America, South Africa, and Australia, and across the Antarctic coast. The DI descent is nearly adiabatic, with a mean potential temperature decrease of 3 K in two days. Relative humidity drops strongly during the first descent day and increases in the second day, because of mixing into the moist PBL. Significant destabilization of the lower levels occurs beneath DIs, accompanied by increased 10-m wind gusts, intense surface heat and moisture fluxes, and elevated PBL heights. Interestingly, only 1.2% of all DIs are found to originate from the stratosphere.
Wind and Current Effects on Extreme Wave Formation and Breaking
Authors: Zou Qingping , Chen Haifei
Published: June 2017

Wind and current effects on the evolution of a two-dimensional dispersive focusing wave group are investigated using a two-phase flow model. A Navier–Stokes solver is combined with the Smagorinsky subgrid-scale stress model and volume of fluid (VOF) air–water interface capturing scheme. Model predictions compare well with the experimental data with and without wind. It was found that the following and opposing winds shift the focus point downstream and upstream, respectively. The shift of focus point is mainly due to the action of wind-driven current instead of direct wind forcing. Under strong following/opposing wind forcing, there appears a slight increase/decrease of the extreme wave height at the focus point and an asymmetric/symmetric behavior in the wave focusing and defocusing processes. Under a weak following wind, however, the extreme wave height decreases with increasing wind speed because of the dominant effect of the wind-driven current over direct wind forcing. The vertical shear of the wind-driven current plays an important role in determining the location of and the extreme wave height at the focus point under wind actions. Furthermore, it was found that the thin surface layer current is a better representation of the wind-driven current for its role in wind influences on waves than the depth-uniform current used by previous studies. Airflow structure above a breaking wave group and its link to the energy flux from wind to wave as well as wind influence on breaking are also examined. The flow structure in the presence of a following wind is similar to that over a backward-facing step, while that in the presence of an opposing wind is similar to that over an airfoil at high angles of attack. Both primary and secondary vortices are observed over the breaking wave with and without wind of either direction. Airflow separates over the steep crest and causes a pressure drop in the lee of the crest. The resulting form drag may directly affect the extreme wave height. The wave breaking location and intensity are modified by the following and opposing wind in a different fashion.
Exposure to suicide behaviour and individual risk of self-harm: Findings from a nationally representative New Zealand high school survey
Authors: Chan Song , Denny Simon , Fleming Theresa , Fortune Sarah , Peiris-John Roshini , Dyson Ben
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To examine whether there is an association between students self-reported suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-injury and exposure to suicidal behaviour among friends, family members or within school communities.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative health and well-being survey of 8500 New Zealand high school students conducted from March through November 2012. Students’ self-reported suicide attempts and repeated non-suicidal self-injury was examined in relation to student reports of self-harming behaviour among friends and family as well as data from school administrators of completed suicides within the school community.

Results:

Almost 1 in 20 (4.5%) students reported a suicide attempt in the last 12 months and 7.9% reported repeated non-suicidal self-injury in the last 12 months. The risk of both suicide attempts and repeated non-suicidal self-injury was highest among females, students from homes with economic deprivation and among students reporting an episode of low mood in the previous 12 months. Students exposed to suicide attempts or completed suicide among friends and/or family members were at increased risk of reporting attempted suicide and repeated non-suicidal self-injury in the last year. There was no association between completed suicide in school community and students self-reported suicide attempts or repeated non-suicidal self-injury.

Conclusions:

Low mood and exposure to suicide attempts of friends and family members are associated with suicide attempts and repeated non-suicidal self-injury in New Zealand high school students. This research highlights importance of supporting adolescents with low mood and exposed to suicide of friends and family.
Procedural Justice, Legitimacy, and Public Cooperation with Police
Authors: Sun Ivan Y. , Wu Yuning , Hu Rong , Farmer Ashley K.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

The principal objective of the current study is to test the applicability of Tom Tyler’s process-based model of policing in China. A secondary objective of this research is to examine the internal consistency and discriminant validity of key composite constructs in Tyler’s model.

Methods:

Using survey data collected from approximately 1,000 residents in a Chinese city, ordinary least squares regression was employed to assess the direct and indirect (through legitimacy) effects of procedural justice, specific distributive justice, and police effectiveness on willingness to cooperate with the police.

Results:

The internal consistency and discriminant validity of key composites in Tyler’s original model appear questionable with the Chinese data. Procedural justice, just like in the West, plays a significant role in predicting Chinese views on police legitimacy and willingness to cooperate with the police. Meanwhile, the strongest predictor of Chinese perceptions of police legitimacy is police effectiveness. The impact of both distributive justice and effectiveness on Chinese willingness to cooperate is mainly indirect through police legitimacy.

Conclusions:

Key arguments of Tyler’s model are largely supported by the Chinese data. Future research needs to develop culture-specific measures to further elaborate Tyler’s process-based model of policing.
Neighborhood Crime Control in a Changing China
Authors: Messner Steven F. , Zhang Lening , Zhang Sheldon X. , Gruner Colin P.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

This research assesses the impacts of three distinctive crime control activities organized and directed by the neighborhood committees with the assistance of local police in contemporary urban China—Tiao-jie, Bang-jiao, and neighborhood watches. Tiao-jie deals with disputes and minor criminal cases. Bang-jiao provides guidance to residents who have committed minor offenses or have been released from correctional institutions to facilitate reintegration. Neighborhood watches engage local residents in crime prevention under the direction of neighborhood committees.

Method:

Using survey data recently collected in Tianjin, we examine the effects of indicators of the implementation of these neighborhood-based crime control strategies on residents’ reports of household property victimizations that occurred within the neighborhoods with multilevel logistic regressions.

Results:

Net of a range of individual-level and neighborhood-level control variables, the indicators of the level of activity of Tiao-jie, Bang-jiao, and neighborhood watches exhibit negative effects on reported household property victimization.

Conclusions:

Our findings provide suggestive evidence that the traditional strategies of neighborhood-level crime control continue to be relevant in the China of today and that the role of collective efficacy appears to differ from that observed in Western cities.
Information Transfer Capacity of Articulators in American Sign Language
Authors: Malaia Evie , Borneman Joshua D. , Wilbur Ronnie B.
Published: June 2017

The ability to convey information is a fundamental property of communicative signals. For sign languages, which are overtly produced with multiple, completely visible articulators, the question arises as to how the various channels co-ordinate and interact with each other. We analyze motion capture data of American Sign Language (ASL) narratives, and show that the capacity of information throughput, mathematically defined, is highest on the dominant hand (DH). We further demonstrate that information transfer capacity is also significant for the non-dominant hand (NDH), and the head channel too, as compared to control channels (ankles). We discuss both redundancy and independence in articulator motion in sign language, and argue that the NDH and the head articulators contribute to the overall information transfer capacity, indicating that they are neither completely redundant to, nor completely independent of, the DH.
The associations between stressful life events and depression among students in a university in Botswana
Authors: Hetolang Leano Tumelo , Amone-P’Olak Kennedy
Published: June 2017

Depression is common among university students and often impacts their career development and health. Stressful life events might be associated with depression but remain to be studied among young adults, especially in non-Western settings. Depression and stressful life events were assessed in 304 students at a university in Botswana ( M = 21.56, standard deviation = 1.86) using the 21-item Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the 26-Item Social Readjustment Rating Scale. Regression models were fitted to study the associations between stressful life events and depression while a one-way between-subjects analysis of variance was performed to compare subjects with minimal, mild, moderate, and severe depression on reporting stressful life events. Depression was present in 22 % of the participants (severe in 8.2% and moderate in 13.8%). More than half of the participants reported 10 or more stressful life events. Stressful life events significantly predicted depression (β = .37, 0.13–0.60). When all the other stressful life events and gender were adjusted for each other, loss of a cell phone, tablet, or laptop and relationship difficulties with peers, parents, and lecturers independently predicted depression. Subjects with minimal, mild, moderate, and severe depression significantly differed on reporting stressful life events ( F(3, 300) = 12.69, p < .001). Depression is not only common but significantly and increasingly associated with reporting more stressful life events. Types of stressful life events such as relationship difficulties and losses were uniquely associated with depression and should be considered in planning interventions and treatment of depression on university campuses.
Comparison of random forest, artificial neural networks and support vector machine for intelligent diagnosis of rotating machinery
Authors: Han Te , Jiang Dongxiang , Zhao Qi , Wang Lei , Yin Kai
Published: June 2017

Nowadays, the data-driven diagnosis method, exploiting pattern recognition method to diagnose the fault patterns automatically, achieves much success for rotating machinery. Some popular classification algorithms such as artificial neural networks and support vector machine have been extensively studied and tested with many application cases, while the random forest, one of the present state-of-the-art classifiers based on ensemble learning strategy, is relatively unknown in this field. In this paper, the behavior of random forest for the intelligent diagnosis of rotating machinery is investigated with various features on two datasets. A framework for the comparison of different methods, that is, random forest, extreme learning machine, probabilistic neural network and support vector machine, is presented to find the most efficient one. Random forest has been proven to outperform the comparative classifiers in terms of recognition accuracy, stability and robustness to features, especially with a small training set. Additionally, compared with traditional methods, random forest is not easily influenced by environmental noise. Furthermore, the user-friendly parameters in random forest offer great convenience for practical engineering. These results suggest that random forest is a promising pattern recognition method for the intelligent diagnosis of rotating machinery.
2,6-Diamino-1-N-methylpyrimidine as new fluorescent probe for palladium(II) determination using hyphenated technique
Authors: Volovenko Olesya , Keda Tetiana , Skreminska Natalia , Milokhov Demyd , Khilya Olga , Zaporozhets Olga
Published: June 2017

The selective and sensitive hyphenated technique for Pd(II) fluorescence and spectrophotometric determination was proposed. The procedure was based on preliminary solid-phase extraction of [PdCl4]2− onto silica modified with quaternary ammonium salts, with the subsequent elution from the surface by 2,6-diamino-1- N-methylpyrimidine solution and measurement of the fluorescence intensity. The luminescence enhancement effect of 2,6-diamino-1- N-methylpyrimidine in the presence of Pd(II) due to the complex formation was applied to the development of sorption-spectroscopic techniques for detecting trace amounts of palladium in solution.
The development and characterization of a novel coagulant for dust suppression in open-cast coal mines
Authors: Zhou Gang , Fan Tao , Xu Mao , Qiu Han , Wang Jiayuan , Qiu Lei
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes the development of a novel coagulant for dust suppression in open-cast mines. Specifically, pretreated sodium lignin sulfonate and acrylic acid were first cross-linked, then the graft copolymerization of the intermediate product (the cross-linking product) and acrylamide was conducted and finally the resulting gelatinous substances were crushed. During the reaction process, N,N’-methylene-bis-acrylamide and ammonium persulfate were used as the cross-linking agent and initiator, respectively. Subsequently, the functional groups, crystalline structure, and thermal stability of the dust coagulant were examined by means of Fourier transform infrared spectra measurements, X-ray diffraction spectra measurements, and differential scanning calorimeter analysis. Moreover, single-factor experiments were conducted to explore the optimal synthesis condition. According to the experimental results, the coagulant achieved its optimal dust suppression performance under the following conditions: the mass ratio of lignin to acrylic acid was 1:3, the mass ratio of lignin to acrylamide was 2:7, the content of the cross-linking agent was 0.9%, the mass ratio of initiator to acrylamide was 2:100, the reaction temperature was set as 60℃, and the pH value was set as 7. Finally, the coagulant was measured for its swelling kinetics, viscosity, film-forming hardness, peeling strength, and ability to suppress dust. It can be concluded that the coagulant exhibits a very high standard of both dust suppression and wind resistance.
The Effect of Physical Exercise After a Concussion: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lal Avtar , Kolakowsky-Hayner Stephanie A. , Ghajar Jamshid , Balamane Maya
Published: June 2017

Background:

Data evaluating the role of exercise in patients with a concussion are contradictory. Studies have reported improvement in the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) score, whereas others showed no effect on the PCSS score.

Purpose:

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the role of physical exercise on different outcomes in patients with a concussion.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

A search of 5 databases from the earliest available date to September 30, 2016, and a hand search of a few articles were performed. Trial registries were reviewed, and authors of multiple studies were contacted to find additional published or unpublished studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and before and after (pre-post) studies evaluating the effect of physical exercise, compared with control, in patients with a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury were included.

Results:

The search generated 1096 studies. Of these, 14 studies (5 RCTs, 1 propensity score matching study, 3 cohort studies, and 5 before and after studies) met our inclusion criteria. Exercise significantly decreased the PCSS score (mean difference, −13.06; 95% CI, −16.57 to −9.55; P < .00001; I2 = 44%), percentage of patients with symptoms of a concussion (risk ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.86; P = .0001; I2 = 0%), and days off work (17.7 days vs 32.2 days, respectively; P < .05) compared with control. Exercise improved the reaction time (standard mean difference, –0.43; 95% CI, −0.80 to −0.06; P = .02) component of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) score without affecting the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) score and neuropsychological parameters. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scores were moderate for the PCSS, symptoms, ImPACT, BESS, and neuropsychological tests.

Conclusion:

Physical exercise appears to improve the PCSS score and symptoms in patients with a concussion. A high-quality RCT evaluating different intensities of exercise at different time points, for different durations after a concussion, for different races/ethnicities, and for sex needs to be conducted to evaluate a clear effect of exercise in patients with a concussion.
A two-stage cold isostatic pressing and gelling approach for fabricating a therapeutically loaded amorphous calcium polyphosphate local delivery system
Authors: Comeau Patricia , Filiaggi Mark
Published: June 2017

Local delivery systems have taken on a greater clinical focus for osteomyelitis therapy owing to their ability to overcome many disadvantages of systemic delivery. This study reports for the first time the capacity to fabricate strontium- and vancomycin-doped calcium polyphosphate beads using a two-stage cold isostatic pressing and gelling approach. The fabricated beads were of uniform shape and diameter, and upon gelling exhibited reduced porosity. Of greatest significance in the subsequent in vitro study was the improvement of bead long-term structural stability upon vancomycin incorporation; a characteristic that further encourages the extended release of therapeutically relevant levels of antibiotic. Overall, this study provides support for the inclusion of a cold isostatic pressing step in the fabrication of a therapeutically loaded calcium polyphosphate bead-based local delivery system intended for osteomyelitis treatment.
Fatigue crack propagation in aluminum plates with composite patch including plasticity effect
Authors: Albedah A , Khan Sohail MA , Bachir Bouiadjra B , Benyahia F
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we analyzed experimentally and numerically the behavior of fatigue crack in aluminum plates repaired with bonded composite patch. We studied the behavior of repaired crack in AA 2024 T3 and AA 7075 T6 under two levels of applied fatigue stresses: maximal stresses of 70 and 120 MPa at a load ratio of 0.1. In the experimental part, the fatigue life of unrepaired and repaired notched specimens were determined. In the numerical part, the J integral around repaired and unrepaired crack tips was calculated. The numerical and the experimental results were used to plot the crack velocity (da/dN) as a function of the J integral. The analysis was completed with scanning electron microscopic observations on fracture surfaces of repaired and unrepaired specimens. It was found that patch improves the fatigue life but this improvement is considerably reduced with the increase in the applied fatigue load. The Al 2024 T3 presents better resistance to fatigue crack propagation in both repaired and unrepaired cases.
Dynamic- and post-stall characteristics of pitching airfoils at extreme conditions
Authors: Leknys RR , Arjomandi M , Kelso RM , Birzer C
Published: June 2017

Post-stall flow structure and surface pressures are evaluated to determine the effects of large angles of attack, perching like manoeuvres on the flow about a NACA 0021 airfoil exposed to dynamic stall. Phase-averaged particle image velocimetry was performed to assess the load development during the constant angular velocity pitch-up motion and in post-stall conditions. Evaluation of the resultant aerodynamic loads indicates that initial airfoil rotation generates significant delays in force response. Furthermore, the reduced frequency is shown to influence the angle of attack at which deep stall is initiated, to the extent that fully separated flows are delayed to an angle of attack of 60°. Vortex structures are linked to lower surface pressures with increased angle of attack and also for post-stall flow conditions. Likewise, the presence of the vortex structures shifts the centre of pressure significantly along the airfoil chordline immediately after cessation of the airfoil rotation. At the maximum angle of attack, the centre of pressure is shown to move aft for fully separated flow conditions. The variation in location of the centre of pressure, not only changes the moment generation and aero-elastic characteristics of the airfoil, but also increases structural torsional loading and fluctuations that result in increased fatigue of helicopter rotor shafts and horizontal-axis wind turbines.
Efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with refractory thrombocytopenia: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Y , Feng X
Published: June 2017

Objective

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with refractory thrombocytopenia.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data for 20 systemic lupus erythematosus patients with refractory thrombocytopenia and treated with tacrolimus during the period January 2013 to January 2015. In addition to glucocorticoids, all patients were treated with tacrolimus, 1 mg taken twice daily. The clinical effect of tacrolimus treatment in patients was evaluated by analysis of platelet counts at baseline and after one, three and six months of tacrolimus treatment. Levels of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies and complement C3, C4 were determined individually.

Results

After one month of tacrolimus treatment, three patients (15%) did not respond, three patients (15%) achieved a complete response and the other 14 patients (75%) achieved a partial response. After three months of tacrolimus treatment, the platelet counts of all patients were significantly improved. A partial response was seen in 14 patients (75%) and the complete response rate increased to 25% (five patients). After six months, all patients attained partial response or complete response without relapse, and the rate of complete response increased to 75%. Compared to pretreatment, anti-double-stranded DNA antibody levels and the disease activity index score were markedly decreased after tacrolimus treatment. The levels of serum C3 and C4 were increased significantly ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our survey revealed that a six-month course of tacrolimus is a safe and effective treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus patients with refractory thrombocytopenia.
Dynamic Changes in the Bivariable Distribution of Urinary Iodine Concentration and Thyroid Volume in Children Aged 8 to 10 Years in China
Authors: Wang Zhengyuan , Su Xiaohui , Liu Peng , Liu Shoujun
Published: June 2017

National iodine-deficiency disorder surveillance surveys were conducted in 1999, 2005, and 2011 in China. Probability-proportional-to-size sampling technique was used to select sampling units. The mean of thyroid volume (Tvol) in the 100 to 199 µg/L UIC (urinary iodine concentration) group was significantly lower than that in the 200 to 299 µg/L UIC group in 2011 ( P < .05). The status in the 100 to 199 µg/L versus ≥300 µg/L and 200 to 299 µg/L versus ≥300 µg/L groups in 1999, and 100 to 199 µg/L versus ≥300 µg/L group in 2011 were the same ( P < .05). The mean Tvol in the <100 µg/L UIC group was significantly higher than that in the 100 to 199 µg/L UIC group in 1999 ( P < .05). Both insufficient and excess iodine may be associated with an increase in Tvol, and adequate iodine intake should be defined as median UIC 100 to 299 µg/L.
Wave propagation analysis of size-dependent rotating inhomogeneous nanobeams based on nonlocal elasticity theory
Authors: Ebrahimi Farzad , Barati Mohammad Reza , Haghi Parisa
Published: June 2017

The present research deals with the wave dispersion behavior of a rotating functionally graded material (FGMs) nanobeam applying nonlocal elasticity theory of Eringen. Material properties of rotating FG nanobeam are spatially graded according to a power-law model. The governing equations as functions of axial force due to centrifugal stiffening and displacements are obtained by employing Hamilton’s principle based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. By using an analytical model, the dispersion relations of the FG nanobeam are derived by solving an eigenvalue problem. Numerical results clearly show that various parameters, such as angular velocity, gradient index, wave number and nonlocal parameter, are significantly effective to characteristics of wave propagations of rotating FG nanobeams. The results can be useful for next generation study and design of nanomachines, such as nanoturbines, nanoscale molecular bearings and nanogears, etc.
Mindfulness in Anorexia Nervosa: An Integrated Review of the Literature
Authors: Dunne Julie
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychiatric illness with limited evidenced-based treatment options. Mindfulness appears useful in many conditions, but few studies focus on its use in individuals with anorexia nervosa. OBJECTIVE: To examine and summarize studies of mindfulness in individuals with anorexia nervosa and identify areas for future research. DESIGN: An integrated review was conducted by searching health care computerized databases. RESULTS: Results were mixed among the eight studies that met inclusion criteria. Multimodal mindfulness-based therapies appear effective, while brief interventions may be equally useful or result in greater anxiety compared to distraction. Qualitative data support that some participants feel mindfulness is challenging but beneficial. CONCLUSION: Mindfulness as a concurrent part of therapy and/or when routinely practiced may be more clinically useful than single-episode mindful eating interventions. Due to the complexity of the concept of mindfulness and limited existing data, additional research is needed.
Owner perceptions of their cat’s quality of life when treated with a modified University of Wisconsin–Madison protocol for lymphoma
Authors: Thornton Laura A , Cave Nicholas , Bridges Janis P , Stell Anneliese J
Published: June 2017

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to assess owner perceptions of their cat’s quality of life during treatment for lymphoma with a doxorubicin-containing multi-agent chemotherapy protocol, whether various health-related parameters correlated with quality of life scores, and to assess owner satisfaction with the protocol.

Methods

A postal questionnaire was sent to the owners of 33 treated cats. Owners retrospectively assessed their cat’s quality of life using a Likert scale (1–10) before lymphoma was diagnosed, at diagnosis and during chemotherapy. Owners assigned scores to various health-related parameters previously reported to affect quality of life at the three time points, and correlations with quality of life scores were sought. Owners were asked to rate the importance of these health-related parameters. Satisfaction with the protocol was investigated.

Results

Twenty questionnaires were completed (61% response rate). The median quality of life score before diagnosis (10, range 5–10) was higher than at diagnosis (3, range 1–9) ( P <0.05). The median quality of life score during chemotherapy (7, range 3–9) was lower than before diagnosis ( P <0.05) and higher than at diagnosis, but this was not statistically significant. Quality of life scores did not correlate with individual health-related parameter scores consistently; however, quality of life scores did correlate with appetite scores during chemotherapy. Appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea were parameters perceived as important in affecting quality of life. Most owners (75%) were happy they had treated their cat.

Conclusions and relevance

The quality of life scores observed were comparable to a previous study using cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone, employing the same scoring system. Although quality of life scores during chemotherapy were not significantly improved at diagnosis, owner satisfaction with the protocol was high. The factors perceived by owners to determine quality of life in their pets may be different to those previously conjectured, but appetite during chemotherapy remains important.
Long-Term Cause-Specific Mortality After Surgery for Women With Breast Cancer: A 20-Year Follow-Up Study From Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Cancer Registries
Authors: Escarela Gabriel , Jiménez-Balandra Alan , Núñez-Antonio Gabriel , Gordillo-Moscoso Antonio
Published: June 2017

Background:

Research into long-term cause-specific mortality of women diagnosed with breast cancer is important because it allows for the splitting of the population into patients who eventually die from breast cancer and from other causes. The adoption of this approach helps to identify patients with an elevated risk of eventual death from breast cancer.

Objective:

The primary aim of this study was to examine the associations between both sociodemographic and clinicopathologic characteristics and the underlying risks of death from breast cancer and from other causes for women diagnosed with breast cancer. A second aim was to propose a predictive biomarker of cause-specific mortality in terms of treatment and several important characteristics of a patient.

Methods:

A cohort of 16 511 female patients diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990 was obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries and followed for 20 years. A mixture model for the regression analysis of competing risks was used to identify factors and confounders that affected either the eventual cause-specific mortality or conditional cause-specific hazard rates, or both. Missing data were handled with multiple imputation.

Results:

Curvilinear relationships of age at diagnosis along with race, marital status, breast cancer type, tumor size, estrogen receptor status, extension, lymph node status, type of surgery, and radiotherapy status were significant risk factors for the cause-specific mortality, with extension and lymph node status appearing to be confounded with the effects of both type of surgery and radiotherapy status. The score obtained from combining a set of predictors showed to be an accurate predictive biomarker.

Conclusions:

In cause-specific mortality of women diagnosed breast cancer, prognosis appears to depend on both sociodemographic and clinicopathologic factors. The predictive biomarker proposed in this study may help identifying the level of seriousness of the disease earlier than traditional methods, potentially guiding future allocation of resources for better patient care and management strategies.
Mainstreaming female masculinity, signifying lesbian visibility: The rise of the zhongxing phenomenon in transnational Taiwan
Authors: Hu Yu-Ying
Published: June 2017

“Zhongxing,” meaning “gender neutrality” in Mandarin Chinese, is the term typically used to describe young women who adopt masculine gender expressions affected by popular Japanese and Korean beautiful-boy styles and who assume a collective and prevalent presence in public space and popular culture in contemporary Taiwan. I examine how this cultural phenomenon evinces multilayered transnational convergence of globalizing western feminist and queer politics, commodified regional flow of Korean beautiful-boy image, and local Taiwanese T-Po lesbian subcultures in the process of Taiwan’s modern and international nation building. I also indicate the gender-specific consequences of cultural transnationalization on queer sexuality formation by elucidating how the rise of the zhongxing phenomenon mainstreams the unique form of female masculinity as a chic, politically progressive, and semi-normative gender performance for young women and represents lesbian visibility as a practice of insinuated signification rather than straightforward confession. Finally, I demonstrate how Taiwanese lesbians take advantage of the zhongxing discourse to conceive of a masculine inclination congruent with their female body and identification and to satisfy conflicting desires for queer visibility and social integration, revealing the subtle relations between normative constraints and the exercise of queer agency in a transnational cultural context.
Sexual harassment and menstrual disorders among Italian university women: A cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Romito P. , Cedolin C. , Bastiani F. , Beltramini L. , Saurel-Cubizolles M.J.
Published: June 2017

Aims: Menstrual disorders and sexual harassment are common among young women and interfere with their life and activities. We aimed to describe the association of sexual harassment and menstrual disorders among female university students. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study examined the association between sexual harassment and menstrual disorders in a sample of 349 university students in Italy. Students answered an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive bivariate analyses and logistic regression analyses were performed. Main outcome measures were associations between levels of exposure to sexual harassment (none, levels 1 and 2) and five menstrual disorders (premenstrual symptoms, heavy bleeding, pain, irregular cycles, and amenorrhea). Results: Among the women interviewed (mean age 20.4 ± 1.45 years), 146 (41.8%) had experienced sexual harassment in the previous 12 months: 91 (26.1%) level 1 and 55 (15.7%) level 2. The frequency of premenstrual symptoms was 31.9% ( n=110); heavy bleeding, 35.3% ( n=124); pain, 51.4% ( n=181); irregular cycles, 55.5% ( n=195); and amenorrhea, 6.7% ( n=23). After adjustment for age, place of birth, being in a couple relationship and receiving hormone therapy, the frequency of menstrual disorders, except for amenorrhea, was increased with sexual harassment, with a regular gradient from no harassment to level 2 harassment. Introducing factors of depression, specific gynaecological problems and lifetime sexual violence did not change the results. For instance, the adjusted odds ratios of premenstrual symptoms were 2.10 [1.19–3.68] for women with level 1 harassment and 3.58 [1.83–7.03] for women with level 2 compared with women without harassment exposure. Conclusions: Sexual harassment is related to the prevalence of menstrual disorders. Healthcare providers should encourage dialogue with patients and address the issue of sexual violence or harassment.