bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Media for Identifying Lead Users? Insights into Lead Users’ Social Media Habits
Authors: Ernst Markus , Brem Alexander
Published: March 2017

An important and frequently researched concept in the field of open innovation is the integration of lead users into the process for developing innovative product concepts. Social media has offered promising new possibilities for companies in terms of supporting lead user integration. This paper provides an overview of relevant aspects of lead user research, as well as the identification of lead users. Furthermore, we connect lead user theory with social media and discuss possible ways to identify lead users. Based on the conclusion that existing research does not yet sufficiently provide a detailed understanding on identifying lead users in social media, we conducted an empirical study to gain deeper insights in the social media habits of lead users; this involved a case study comprising 20 interviews.

This study’s findings present a rather ambivalent picture, concluding that identifying lead users via social media may work with some limitations. Social media can contribute complementary with established approaches like pyramiding to the identification of lead users, but it is not a standalone solution. It strongly depends on the content of the project and on the group of individuals where lead users should be originated. Based on these findings, we derive theoretical and managerial implications and show how companies can utilize social media in addition to established methods for identifying lead users. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion of study limitations and recommendations for areas of further research.
Ecodesign Practices in a Furniture Industrial Cluster of Southern Brazil: From Incipient Practices to Improvement
Authors: Sellitto Miguel Afonso , Luchese Juliane , Bauer Jéssica Mariella , Saueressig Gislaine Gabrielle , Viegas Cláudia Viviane
Published: March 2017

Eco-design practices are still incipient in Brazilian furniture industries, although some improvement can be identified in recent years. This paper describes the performance of an industrial furniture cluster located in Southern Brazil regarding such practices. An embedded case study involving four companies — two manufacturers and two suppliers — was carried out using in-depth interviews. It enabled to depict particularities of how these companies deal with sustainable aspects of design in their respective business. Critical issues identified as obstacles for eco-design implementation in these industries were: control of both, productive process and product durability; product distribution; rational use of space for transportation and storage. Minor difficulties were identified regarding the lack of renewable energy sources and the scarcity of knowledge dissemination. Such hurdles could provide opportunities and support future eco-design strategy implementation, improving the competitiveness and contributing for the eco-efficiency of the Brazilian furniture industry.
Mechanism of salutary effects of melatonin-mediated liver protection after trauma-hemorrhage: p38 MAPK-dependent iNOS/HIF-1α pathway
Authors: Hsu Jun-Te , Le Puo-Hsien , Lin Chun-Jung , Chen Tsung-Hsing , Kuo Chia-Jung , Chiang Kun-Chun , Yeh Ta-Sen
Published: March 2017

Although melatonin attenuates the increases in inflammatory mediators and reduces organ injury during trauma-hemorrhage, the mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored whether melatonin prevents liver injury after trauma-hemorrhage through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent, inducible nitrite oxide (iNOS)/hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α pathway. After a 5-cm midline laparotomy, male rats underwent hemorrhagic shock (mean blood pressure ~40 mmHg for 90 min) followed by fluid resuscitation. At the onset of resuscitation, rats were treated with vehicle, melatonin (2 mg/kg), melatonin plus p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 (2 mg/kg), or melatonin plus the melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole (2.5 mg/kg). At 2 h after trauma-hemorrhage, histopathology score of liver injury, liver tissue myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde, adenosine triphosphate, serum alanine aminotransferase, and asparate aminotransferase levels were significantly increased compared with sham-operated control. Trauma-hemorrhage resulted in a significant decrease in the p38 MAPK activation compared with that in the sham-treated animals. Administration of melatonin after trauma-hemorrhage normalized liver p38 MAPK phosphorylation and iNOS and HIF-1α expression and attenuated cleaved caspase 3 and receptor interacting protein kinase-1 levels. Coadministration of SB203580 or luzindole abolished the melatonin-mediated attenuation of the trauma-hemorrhage-induced increase of iNOS/HIF-1α protein expression and liver injury markers. Taken together, our results suggest that melatonin prevents trauma-hemorrhage-induced liver injury in rats, at least in part, through melatonin receptor-related, p38 MAPK-dependent iNOS/HIF-1α pathway.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Trauma-hemorrhage resulted in a significant decrease in liver p38 MAPK activation and increase in nitrite oxide synthase (iNOS) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression. Administration of melatonin after trauma-hemorrhage normalized liver p38 MAPK phosphorylation and iNOS and HIF-1α expression, which was abolished by coadministration of SB203580 or luzindole. Melatonin prevents trauma-hemorrhage-induced liver injury in rats via the melatonin receptor-related, p38 MAPK-dependent iNOS/HIF-1α pathway.
Impact of mild orthostatic stress on aortic-cerebral hemodynamic transmission: insight from the frequency domain
Authors: Sugawara Jun , Tomoto Tsubasa , Imai Tomoko , Maeda Seiji , Ogoh Shigehiko
Published: March 2017

High cerebral pressure and flow fluctuations could be a risk for future cerebrovascular disease. This study aims to determine whether acute systemic vasoconstriction affects the dynamic pulsatile hemodynamic transmission from the aorta to the brain. We applied a stepwise lower body negative pressure (LBNP) (−10, −20, and −30 mmHg) in 15 young men to induce systemic vasoconstriction. To elucidate the dynamic relationship between the changes in aortic pressure (AoP; estimated from the radial arterial pressure waveforms) and the cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) at the middle cerebral artery (via a transcranial Doppler), frequency-domain analysis characterized the beat-to-beat slow oscillation (0.02–0.30 Hz) and the intra-beat rapid change (0.78–9.69 Hz). The systemic vascular resistance gradually and significantly increased throughout the LBNP protocol. In the low-frequency range (LF: 0.07–0.20 Hz) of a slow oscillation, the normalized transfer function gain of the steady-state component (between mean AoP and mean CBFV) remained unchanged, whereas that of the pulsatile component (between pulsatile AoP and pulsatile CBFV) was significantly augmented during −20 and −30 mmHg of LBNP (+28.8% and +32.4% vs. baseline). Furthermore, the relative change in the normalized transfer function gain of the pulsatile component at the LF range correlated with the corresponding change in systemic vascular resistance ( r = 0.41, P = 0.005). Regarding the intra-beat analysis, the normalized transfer function gain from AoP to CBFV was not significantly affected by the LBNP stimulation ( P = 0.77). Our findings suggest that systemic vasoconstriction deteriorates the dampening effect on the pulsatile hemodynamics toward the brain, particularly in slow oscillations (e.g., 0.07–0.20 Hz).

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We characterized the pulsatile hemodynamic transmission from the heart to the brain by frequency-domain analysis. The low-frequency transmission was augmented with a mild LBNP stimulation partly due to the elevated systemic vascular resistance. A systemic vasoconstriction deteriorates the dampening effect on slow oscillations of pulsatile hemodynamics toward the brain.
Sun Exposure and Protection Behaviors among Long-term Melanoma Survivors and Population Controls
Authors: Vogel Rachel Isaksson , Strayer Lori G. , Engelman Leah , Nelson Heather H. , Blaes Anne H. , Anderson Kristin E. , Lazovich DeAnn
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Melanoma is considered a generally preventable cancer, with excessive ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure being a strong causal factor. UVR exposure following a melanoma diagnosis can be modified to reduce risk of second primary melanomas. The goal of this study was to compare measures of UVR exposure and protection behaviors between long-term melanoma survivors and controls.

Methods: Participants from a previously conducted case–control study were recruited for a cross-sectional survey. Melanoma cases were 25 to 59 years old at diagnosis; controls were age and sex matched. Participants were asked about UVR exposure and protection measures used in the past year, and comparisons between melanoma survivors and controls were conducted using logistic regression models, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: A total of 724 (62.0%) long-term melanoma survivors and 660 (59.9%) controls completed the follow-up survey. Melanoma survivors were significantly less likely to report high sun exposure on a typical weekday [OR, 0.72 (0.55–0.94)], sunburns [OR, 0.40 (0.30–0.53)], or indoor tanning [OR, 0.20 (0.09–0.44)] than controls; however, high sun exposure on a typical weekend day was similar. Report of optimal sun protection behaviors was higher in melanoma survivors compared with controls. However, a few melanoma survivors reported indoor tanning, 10% reported intentionally seeking sun to tan, and 20% reported sunburns.

Conclusions: Although long-term melanoma survivors reported healthier UVR exposure and protection behaviors compared with controls, a sizeable proportion still reported elevated sun exposure, sunburns, and suboptimal UVR protection behaviors.

Impact: Opportunities remain for improving sun protection to reduce future melanoma risk among melanoma survivors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(4); 607–13. ©2017 AACR.
Clinical Impact of Tumor DNA Repair Expression and T-cell Infiltration in Breast Cancers
Authors: Green Andrew R. , Aleskandarany Mohammed A. , Ali Reem , Hodgson Eleanor Grace , Atabani Suha , De Souza Karen , Rakha Emad A. , Ellis Ian O. , Madhusudan Srinivasan
Published: March 2017

Impaired DNA repair drives mutagenicity, which increases neoantigen load and immunogenicity. We investigated the expression of proteins involved in the DNA damage response (ATM, Chk2), double-strand break repair (BRCA1, BLM, WRN, RECQL4, RECQL5, TOPO2A, DNA-PKcs, Ku70/Ku80), nucleotide excision repair (ERCC1), base excision repair (XRCC1, pol β, FEN1, PARP1), and immune responses (CD8, PD-1, PD-L1, FOXP3) in 1,269 breast cancers and validated our findings in an independent estrogen receptor–negative (ER−) cohort (n = 279). Patients with tumors that expressed low XRCC1, low ATM, and low BRCA1 were not only associated with high numbers of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, but were also linked to higher grades, high proliferation indexes, presence of dedifferentiated cells, ER− cells, and poor survival (all P ≤ 0.01). PD-1+ or PD-L1+ breast cancers with low XRCC1 were also linked to an aggressive phenotype that was high grade, had high proliferation indexes, contained dedifferentiated cells and ER− (all with P values ≤ 0.01), and poor survival (P = 0.00021 and P = 0.00022, for PD-1+ and PD-L1+ cancers, respectively) including in an independent ER− validation cohort (P = 0.007 and P = 0.047, respectively). We conclude that the interplay between DNA repair, CD8, PD-L1, and PD-1 can promote aggressive tumor phenotypes. XRCC1-directed personalization of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy may be feasible and warrants further investigation in breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(4); 292–9. ©2017 AACR.
Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in the Absence of Maternal Cytomegalovirus-IgM Antibodies
Authors: Gunkel Julia , van der Knoop Bloeme J. , Nijman Joppe , de Vries Linda S. , Manten Gwendolyn T.R. , Nikkels Peter G.J. , Murk Jean-Luc , de Vries Johanna I.P. , Wolfs Tom F.W.
Published: March 2017

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infections are the most prevalent intrauterine infections worldwide and are the result of maternal primary or non-primary infections. Early maternal primary infections are thought to carry the highest risk of fetal developmental abnormalities as seen by ultrasound; however, non-primary infections may prove equally detrimental. Methods/Results: This case series presents 5 cases with fetal abnormalities detected in the second and third trimester, in which cCMV infection was ruled out due to negative maternal CMV-IgM. Discussion: This series highlights the possible pitfalls in serology interpretation and fetal diagnosis necessary for appropriate parental counseling. Once fetal abnormalities have been confirmed and cCMV is suspected, maternal CMV serostatus and fetal infection should be determined. Maternal CMV serology may be ambiguous; therefore, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results.
Eosinophilic Pancreatitis: A Rare Cause of Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Reppucci Jennifer , Chang Michael , Hughes Steven , Liu Xiuli
Published: March 2017

Eosinophilic pancreatitis is a rare form of recurrent acute pancreatitis that demonstrates distinct histologic features, including diffuse, periductal, acinar, and septal inflammatory infiltrates comprised of a pure or predominant population of eosinophils, eosinophilic phlebitis and arteritis, and localized eosinophilic infiltrates with pseudocyst formation. It is associated with elevated serum immunoglobulin E levels, an elevated eosinophil count with systemic manifestations, and eosinophilic infiltrates in other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. We present a case of eosinophilic pancreatitis in a 44-year-old man who was diagnosed after pancreatic resection for recurrent bouts of acute pancreatitis. While the gross and histologic evaluations matched other reported cases of eosinophilic pancreatitis, our patient had only minimal peripheral eosinophilia, no reported history of symptoms related to elevated eosinophilia or immunoglobulin E, and only mild eosinophilic infiltrates in his gallbladder.
E-Prostanoid 3 Receptor Mediates Sprouting Angiogenesis Through Suppression of the Protein Kinase A/β-Catenin/Notch Pathway
Authors: Chen Di , Tang Juan , Wan Qiangyou , Zhang Jian , Wang Kai , Shen Yujun , Yu Ying
Published: March 2017

Objective—

Angiogenesis is a hallmark of embryonic development and various ischemic and inflammatory diseases. Prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype 3 (EP3) plays an important role in pathophysiologic angiogenesis; however, the precise mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we investigated the role of EP3 in zebra fish embryo and mouse retina angiogenesis and evaluated the underlying mechanisms.

Approach and Results—

The EP3 receptor was highly expressed in the vasculature in both zebra fish embryos and murine fetal retinas. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of EP3 significantly reduced vasculature formation in zebra fish embryos and mouse retinas. Further characterization revealed reduced filopodia extension of tip cells in embryonic retinas in EP3-deficient mice. EP3 deletion activated Notch activity by upregulation of delta-like ligand 4 expression in endothelial cells (ECs). Inhibition of Notch signaling rescued the angiogenic defects in EP3-deficient mouse retinas. Moreover, EP3 deficiency led to a significant increase in β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser675 and nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in ECs. Knockdown or inhibition of β-catenin restored the impaired sprouting angiogenesis resulting from EP3 deficiency in ECs. The EP3 receptor depressed protein kinase A activity in ECs by coupling to Gαi. Inhibition of protein kinase A activity significantly reduced Ser675 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of β-catenin, abolished the increased delta-like ligand 4 expression, and subsequently restored the impaired angiogenic capacity of EP3-deficient ECs both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions—

Activation of the EP3 receptor facilitates sprouting angiogenesis through protein kinase A–dependent Notch signaling, suggesting that EP3 and its downstream pathways maybe potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of ischemic diseases.
EphrinB2 Activation Enhances Vascular Repair Mechanisms and Reduces Brain Swelling After Mild Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Ghori Adnan , Freimann Florian B. , Nieminen-Kelhä Melina , Kremenetskaia Irina , Gertz Karen , Endres Matthias , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: March 2017

Objective—

Cerebral edema caused by the disruption of the blood–brain barrier is a major complication after stroke. Therefore, strategies to accelerate and enhance neurovascular recovery after stroke are of prime interest. Our main aim was to study the role of ephrinB2/EphB4 signaling in mediating the vascular repair and in blood–brain barrier restoration after mild cerebral ischemia occlusion/reperfusion.

Approach and Results—

Here, we show that the guidance molecule ephrinB2 plays a key role in neurovascular protection and blood–brain barrier restoration after stroke. In a focal stroke model, we characterize the stroke-induced damage to cerebral blood vessels and their subsequent endogenous repair on a cellular, molecular, and functional level. EphrinB2 and its tyrosine kinase receptor EphB4 are upregulated early after stroke by endothelial cells and perivascular support cells, in parallel to their reassembly during neurovascular recovery. Using both retroviral and pharmacological approaches, we show that the inhibition of ephrinB2/EphB4 signaling suppresses post-middle cerebral artery occlusion neurovascular repair mechanisms resulting in an aggravation of brain swelling. In contrast, the activation of ephrinB2 after brain ischemia leads to an increased pericyte recruitment and increased endothelial–pericyte interaction, resulting in an accelerated neurovascular repair after ischemia.

Conclusions—

We show that reducing swelling could result in improved outcome because of reduction in damaged brain tissue. We also identify a novel role for ephrinB2/EphB4 signaling in the maintenance of the neurovascular homeostasis and provide a novel therapeutic approach in reducing brain swelling after stroke.
Deficient Circumferential Growth Is the Primary Determinant of Aortic Obstruction Attributable to Partial Elastin Deficiency
Authors: Jiao Yang , Li Guangxin , Korneva Arina , Caulk Alexander W. , Qin Lingfeng , Bersi Matthew R. , Li Qingle , Li Wei , Mecham Robert P. , Humphrey Jay D. , Tellides George
Published: March 2017

Objective—

Williams syndrome is characterized by obstructive aortopathy attributable to heterozygous loss of
ELN
, the gene encoding elastin. Lesions are thought to result primarily from excessive smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and consequent medial expansion, although an initially smaller caliber and increased stiffness of the aorta may contribute to luminal narrowing. The relative contributions of such abnormalities to the obstructive phenotype had not been defined.

Approach and Results—

We quantified determinants of luminal stenosis in thoracic aortas of
Eln
−/−
mice incompletely rescued by human
ELN
. Moderate obstruction was largely because of deficient circumferential growth, most prominently of ascending segments, despite increased axial growth. Medial thickening was evident in these smaller diameter elastin-deficient aortas, with medial area similar to that of larger diameter control aortas. There was no difference in cross-sectional SMC number between mutant and wild-type genotypes at multiple stages of postnatal development. Decreased elastin content was associated with medial fibrosis and reduced aortic distensibility because of increased structural stiffness but preserved material stiffness. Elastin-deficient SMCs exhibited greater contractile-to-proliferative phenotypic modulation in vitro than in vivo. We confirmed increased medial collagen without evidence of increased medial area or SMC number in a small ascending aorta with thickened media of a Williams syndrome subject.

Conclusions—

Deficient circumferential growth is the predominant mechanism for moderate obstructive aortic disease resulting from partial elastin deficiency. Our findings suggest that diverse aortic manifestations in Williams syndrome result from graded elastin content, and SMC hyperplasia causing medial expansion requires additional elastin loss superimposed on
ELN
haploinsufficiency.
Ranolazine Prevents Phenotype Development in a Mouse Model of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Coppini Raffaele , Mazzoni Luca , Ferrantini Cecilia , Gentile Francesca , Pioner Josè Manuel , Laurino Annunziatina , Santini Lorenzo , Bargelli Valentina , Rotellini Matteo , Bartolucci Gianluca , Crocini Claudia , Sacconi Leonardo , Tesi Chiara , Belardinelli Luiz , Tardiff Jil , Mugelli Alessandro , Olivotto Iacopo , Cerbai Elisabetta , Poggesi Corrado
Published: March 2017

Background—

Current therapies are ineffective in preventing the development of cardiac phenotype in young carriers of mutations associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Ranolazine, a late Na
+
current blocker, reduced the electromechanical dysfunction of human HCM myocardium in vitro.

Methods and Results—

To test whether long-term treatment prevents cardiomyopathy in vivo, transgenic mice harboring the R92Q troponin-T mutation and wild-type littermates received an oral lifelong treatment with ranolazine and were compared with age-matched vehicle-treated animals. In 12-months-old male R92Q mice, ranolazine at therapeutic plasma concentrations prevented the development of HCM-related cardiac phenotype, including thickening of the interventricular septum, left ventricular volume reduction, left ventricular hypercontractility, diastolic dysfunction, left-atrial enlargement and left ventricular fibrosis, as evaluated in vivo using echocardiography and magnetic resonance. Left ventricular cardiomyocytes from vehicle-treated R92Q mice showed marked excitation–contraction coupling abnormalities, including increased diastolic [Ca
2+
] and Ca
2+
waves, whereas cells from treated mutants were undistinguishable from those from wild-type mice. Intact trabeculae from vehicle-treated mutants displayed inotropic insufficiency, increased diastolic tension, and premature contractions; ranolazine treatment counteracted the development of myocardial mechanical abnormalities. In mutant myocytes, ranolazine inhibited the enhanced late Na
+
current and reduced intracellular [Na
+
] and diastolic [Ca
2+
], ultimately preventing the pathological increase of calmodulin kinase activity in treated mice.

Conclusions—

Owing to the sustained reduction of intracellular Ca
2+
and calmodulin kinase activity, ranolazine prevented the development of morphological and functional cardiac phenotype in mice carrying a clinically relevant HCM-related mutation. Pharmacological inhibitors of late Na
+
current are promising candidates for an early preventive therapy in young phenotype-negative subjects carrying high-risk HCM-related mutations.
Optimizing a Drone Network to Deliver Automated External Defibrillators
Authors: Boutilier Justin J. , Brooks Steven C. , Janmohamed Alyf , Byers Adam , Buick Jason E. , Zhan Cathy , Schoellig Angela P. , Cheskes Sheldon , Morrison Laurie J. , Chan Timothy C. Y.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Public access defibrillation programs can improve survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, but automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are rarely available for bystander use at the scene. Drones are an emerging technology that can deliver an AED to the scene of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest for bystander use. We hypothesize that a drone network designed with the aid of a mathematical model combining both optimization and queuing can reduce the time to AED arrival.

Methods:

We applied our model to 53 702 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests that occurred in the 8 regions of the Toronto Regional RescuNET between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2014. Our primary analysis quantified the drone network size required to deliver an AED 1, 2, or 3 minutes faster than historical median 911 response times for each region independently. A secondary analysis quantified the reduction in drone resources required if RescuNET was treated as a large coordinated region.

Results:

The region-specific analysis determined that 81 bases and 100 drones would be required to deliver an AED ahead of median 911 response times by 3 minutes. In the most urban region, the 90th percentile of the AED arrival time was reduced by 6 minutes and 43 seconds relative to historical 911 response times in the region. In the most rural region, the 90th percentile was reduced by 10 minutes and 34 seconds. A single coordinated drone network across all regions required 39.5% fewer bases and 30.0% fewer drones to achieve similar AED delivery times.

Conclusions:

An optimized drone network designed with the aid of a novel mathematical model can substantially reduce the AED delivery time to an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest event.
Echocardiographic Screening for Rheumatic Heart Disease in Indigenous Australian Children: A Cost–Utility Analysis
Authors: Roberts Kathryn , Cannon Jeffrey , Atkinson David , Brown Alex , Maguire Graeme , Remenyi Bo , Wheaton Gavin , Geelhoed Elizabeth , Carapetis Jonathan R.
Published: March 2017

Background

Rheumatic heart disease (
RHD
) remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in children and young adults in disadvantaged populations. The emergence of echocardiographic screening provides the opportunity for early disease detection and intervention. Using our own multistate model of
RHD
progression derived from Australian
RHD
register data, we performed a cost–utility analysis of echocardiographic screening in indigenous Australian children, with the dual aims of informing policy decisions in Australia and providing a model that could be adapted in other countries.

Methods and Results

We simulated the outcomes of 2 screening strategies, assuming that
RHD
could be detected 1, 2, or 3 years earlier by screening. Outcomes included reductions in heart failure, surgery, mortality, disability‐adjusted life‐years, and corresponding costs. Only a strategy of screening all indigenous 5‐ to 12‐year‐olds in half of their communities in alternate years was found to be cost‐effective (incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio less than AU$50 000 per disability‐adjusted life‐year averted), assuming that
RHD
can be detected at least 2 years earlier by screening; however, this result was sensitive to a number of assumptions. Additional modeling of improved adherence to secondary prophylaxis alone resulted in dramatic reductions in heart failure, surgery, and death; these outcomes improved even further when combined with screening.

Conclusions

Echocardiographic screening for
RHD
is cost‐effective in our context, assuming that
RHD
can be detected ≥2 years earlier by screening. Our model can be adapted to any other setting but will require local data or acceptable assumptions for model parameters.
Taxonomic revision of the Malagasy Camponotus grandidieri and niveosetosus species groups (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) using qualitative and quantitative morphology
Authors: RAKOTONIRINA JEAN CLAUDE , CSŐSZ SÁNDOR , FISHER BRIAN L.
Published: March 2017

The Camponotus grandidieri species group and Camponotus niveosetosus species group of the Malagasy region are revised. Species delimitation was inferred from the evidence of both qualitative morphological analysis and multivariate morphometry. The multivariate method combined the Nest Centroid (NC)-clustering method and Partitioning Algorithm based on Recursive Thresholding (PART) function to generate hypotheses about species boundaries (clusters) based on 19 continuous morphological traits of minor workers. The proposed species hypotheses were tested by cumulative cross-validated Linear Discriminant Analysis (LOOCV-LDA) and Principal Component Analysis in a shape space (shape PCA). Morphometric ratios for the subsets of minor and major workers were used in species descriptions and redefinitions. Here, eight species are recognized, of which three are newly described and five are redescribed. Four species belong to the Camponotus grandidieri species group: auropubens Forel, efitra n. sp., grandidieri Forel, and maintikibo n. sp.; and four species belong to the Camponotus niveosetosus species group: descarpentriesi Santschi, madagascarensis Forel stat. rev., mita n. sp., and voeltzkowii Forel. Camponotus auropubens aldabrensis Forel and C. olivieri freyeri Santschi are synonymized under C. auropubens. Camponotus grandidieri atrabilis Santschi and C. grandidieri comorensis Santschi are synonymized under C. grandidieri. Illustrated species identification keys for both minor and major castes, taxonomic discussions, images, and distribution maps for each species superimposed on the ecoregions of Madagascar are also provided.
Ice-Phase Precipitation
Authors: Gultepe I. , Heymsfield A. J. , Field P. R. , Axisa D.
Published: March 2017

Ice-phase precipitation occurs at Earth’s surface and may include various types of pristine crystals, rimed crystals, freezing droplets, secondary crystals, aggregates, graupel, hail, or combinations of any of these. Formation of ice-phase precipitation is directly related to environmental and cloud meteorological parameters that include available moisture, temperature, and three-dimensional wind speed and turbulence, as well as processes related to nucleation, cooling rate, and microphysics. Cloud microphysical parameters in the numerical models are resolved based on various processes such as nucleation, mixing, collision and coalescence, accretion, riming, secondary ice particle generation, turbulence, and cooling processes. These processes are usually parameterized based on assumed particle size distributions and ice crystal microphysical parameters such as mass, size, and number and mass density. Microphysical algorithms in the numerical models are developed based on their need for applications. Observations of ice-phase precipitation are performed using in situ and remote sensing platforms, including radars and satellite-based systems. Because of the low density of snow particles with small ice water content, their measurements and predictions at the surface can include large uncertainties. Wind and turbulence affecting collection efficiency of the sensors, calibration issues, and sensitivity of ground-based in situ observations of snow are important challenges to assessing the snow precipitation. This chapter’s goals are to provide an overview for accurately measuring and predicting ice-phase precipitation. The processes within and below cloud that affect falling snow, as well as the known sources of error that affect understanding and prediction of these processes, are discussed.
Process-Based Decomposition of the Decadal Climate Difference between 2002–13 and 1984–95
Authors: Hu Xiaoming , Li Yana , Yang Song , Deng Yi , Cai Ming
Published: March 2017

This study examines at the process level the climate difference between 2002–13 and 1984–95 in ERA-Interim. A linearized radiative transfer model is used to calculate the temperature change such that its thermal radiative cooling would balance the energy flux perturbation associated with the change of an individual process, without regard to what causes the change of the process in the first place. The global mean error of the offline radiative transfer model calculations is 0.09 K, which corresponds to the upper limit of the uncertainties from a single term in the decomposition analysis.

The process-based decomposition indicates that the direct effect of the increase of CO2 (0.15 K) is the largest contributor to the global warming between the two periods (about 0.27 K). The second and third largest contributors are the cloud feedback (0.14 K) and the combined effect of the oceanic heat storage and evaporation terms (0.11 K), respectively. The largest warming associated with the oceanic heat storage term is found in the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans, with relatively weaker warming over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The increase in atmospheric moisture adds another 0.1 K to the global surface warming, but the enhancement in tropical convections acts to reduce the surface warming by 0.17 K. The ice-albedo and atmospheric dynamical feedbacks are the two leading factors responsible for the Arctic polar warming amplification (PWA). The increase of atmospheric water vapor over the Arctic region also contributes substantially to the Arctic PWA pattern.
Multi-scale modeling of thermal conductivity of SiC-reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite
Authors: Dong Xiangyang , Shin Yung C
Published: March 2017

High thermal conductivity is one important factor in the selection or development of ceramics or composite materials. Predicting the thermal conductivity would be useful to the design and application of such materials. In this paper, a multi-scale model is developed to predict the effective thermal conductivity in SiC particle-reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite. A coupled two-temperature molecular dynamics model is used to calculate the thermal conductivity of the Al/SiC interface. The electronic effects on the interfacial thermal conductivity are studied. A homogenized finite element model with embedded thin interfacial elements is used to predict the properties of bulk materials, considering the microstructure. The effects of temperatures, SiC particle sizes, and volume fractions on the thermal conductivity are also studied. A good agreement is found between prediction results and experimental measurements. The successful prediction of thermal conductivity could help a better understanding and an improvement of thermal transport within composites and ceramics.
Developing Musical Creativity through Improvisation in the Large Performance Classroom
Authors: Norgaard Martin
Published: March 2017

Improvisation is an ideal way to develop musical creativity in ensemble settings. This article describes two prominent theoretical frameworks related to improvisation. Next, based on research with developing and expert improvisers, it discusses how to sequence improvisatory activities so that students feel accomplished at every step. Finally, the author recommends specific performance repertoire in various styles that allows for improvised solos during performance and outline various recordings and technologies for creating accompaniments.
The Effects of Cognitive Training on Cognitive Abilities and Everyday Function: A 10-Week Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Bo , Wei Yiluo , Deng Wengen , Sun Shaobang
Published: March 2017

With a random groups design, the current study examined whether a 10-week cognitive training could improve healthy older adult’s cognitive functions and everyday problem-solving and whether high ecological validity trainings would have greater positive impact upon everyday problem-solving than low ecological validity trainings. Eighty-six healthy Chinese older adult participants were assigned randomly to five groups, including one control group receiving no training and four groups receiving low ecological memory training, high ecological memory training, low ecological reasoning training, and high ecological reasoning training, respectively. Participants were measured pre- and posttraining on spatial working memory, numerical working memory, reasoning, and everyday problem-solving. Results of this study showed that cognitive training significantly improved targeted cognitive functions and everyday problem-solving performance in all the intervention groups. However, high ecological cognitive trainings failed to show superior impact upon everyday problem-solving compared with low ecological cognitive trainings.
Acid surface modified carbon nanotube-filled fluoroelastomers aging test in oil-based drilling fluids
Authors: Heidarian Javad
Published: March 2017

Acid surface–modified carbon nanotube (ACNT)-, carbon nanotube (CNT)-filled fluoroelastomer (FE), and unfilled-FE compounds were prepared (ACNT/FE, CNT/FE, and FE). The oil-based drilling (OBD) mud aging resistances of these elastomers were assessed by tests of weight gain, swelling, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and optical microscopy. The results show that for ACNT/FE-OBD (OBD mud tested ACNT/FE) and CNT/FE-OBD, there are no blisters, cracks, swellings, and deformed or uneven surfaces; however, for FE-OBD surfaces, these defects exist. ACNT/FE-OBD and CNT/FE-OBD have very low swelling, while for FE-OBD, the swelling is negative which indicates OBD chemical degradation of FE-OBD. All samples under study show low weight gain. AFM results show that roughness and average height of FE-OBD surface decreased considerably compared to that of FE. However, the changes in AFM results of ACNT/FE-OBD and CNT/FE-OBD compared to ACNT/FE and CNT/FE, respectively, are minor. ACNT/FE-OBD has a rougher surface with more average height and height variations compared to CNT/FE-OBD. Optical microscopy images show that the surface of FE-OBD is full of cracks but those of ACNT/FE-OBD and CNT/FE-OBD have no cracks. This study indicates that FE is not resistant to OBD, while ACNT/FE and CNT/FE are resistant to OBD.
Influence of crystallizable units on the properties of aliphatic thermoplastic poly(ether urethane)s synthesized through a non-isocyanate route
Authors: Suqing Li , Jingbo Zhao , Zhiyuan Zhang , Junying Zhang , Wantai Yang
Published: March 2017

A simple non-isocyanate route synthesizing crystallizable aliphatic segmented thermoplastic poly(ether urethane)s (PEIUs) and elastomers with high melting temperature ( Tm) and good mechanical properties is described. Three poly(ethylene hexanediurethane) prepolymers (PrePEHDUs) were prepared through the self-transurethane polycondensation of bis(hydroxyethyl) hexanediurethane. Melt polycondensation of PrePEHDUs, poly(ethylene glycol)1500, and bis(hydroxyethyl) isophoronediurethane was conducted at 170°C under a reduced pressure of 399 Pa, and a series of segmented PEIUs containing irregular units were synthesized. The PEIUs were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1proton nuclear magnetic resonance, 13carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (C-NMR), 2D 13C–1H heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT)-135 13C-NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and tensile tests. The PEIUs exhibited a number-average molecular weight up to 20700 g/mol, Tm up to 141.1°C, initial decomposition temperature at over 243.1°C, and tensile strength up to 49.44 MPa. By tuning the length and amount of crystallizable segments, crystallizable PEIU thermoplastic elastomers were prepared. They exhibited tensile strength up to 20.85 MPa, elongation at break above 125.43%, and resilience above 65.69%.
The beneficial effects of l-cysteine on brain antioxidants of rats affected by sodium valproate
Authors: Hamza RZ , El-Shenawy NS
Published: March 2017

Oxidative stress caused by sodium valproate (SV) is known to play a key role in the pathogenesis of brain tissue. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of l-cysteine (LC) on the antioxidants of brain tissue of rats. The animals were divided into six groups: control group 1 was treated with saline as vehicle, groups 2 and 3 were treated with low and high doses of SV (100 and 500 mg/kg, respectively), group 4 was treated with LC (100 mg/kg), and groups 5 and 6 were treated with low-dose SV + LC and high-dose SV + LC, respectively. All the groups were treated orally by gastric tube for 30 successive days. Some antioxidant parameters were determined. Brain tissue (cerebral cortex) of SV-treated animals showed an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduction in activity of enzymatic antioxidant and total antioxidant levels. Histopathological examination of cerebral cortex of SV rats showed astrocytic swelling, inflammation, and necrosis. After 4 weeks of the combination treatment of SV and LC daily, results showed significant improvement in the activity of cathepsin marker enzymes and restored the structure of the brain. LC was able to ameliorate oxidative stress deficits observed in SV rats. LC decreased LPO level and was also able to restore the activity of antioxidant enzymes as well as structural deficits observed in the brain of SV animals. The protective effect of LC in SV-treated rats is mediated through attenuation of oxidative stress, suggesting a therapeutic role for LC in individuals treated with SV.
Impact of Social Influence and Green Consumption Values on Purchase Intention of Organic Clothing: A Study on Collectivist Developing Economy
Authors: Varshneya Geetika , Pandey Shivendra K. , Das Gopal
Published: March 2017

The present study is an attempt to investigate the impact of green consumption values and social influence on purchase intention for organic clothing. Five hypotheses were developed with the support of relevant literature. These were tested with the help of primary data of young adult Indian consumers in the age group 20–40 years, collected through a structured questionnaire. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The results of structural model revealed that attitude partially mediates the relationship of green consumption values and purchase intention for organic clothing. Further, social influence has no impact on attitude as well as purchase intention for organic clothing. The outcomes also indicated that for products at the introductory stages of the lifecycle, such as organic clothing, social influence does not play a vital role even in a collectivist culture. In such situations, consumers in a collectivist culture like India tend to exhibit individualistic behaviour. The results will be beneficial for designing market entry strategies for organic clothing brands targeting developing countries. The study also tries to extend our knowledge of understanding of departures from collectivistic behaviours in products which are in the introductory stages of the lifecycle in collectivist cultures.
Undergraduate Environmental Public Health Education
Authors: Ahonen Emily Q. , Lacey Steven E.
Published: March 2017

Environmental, occupational, and public health in the United States are practiced across a fragmented system that makes work across those areas more difficult. A large proportion of currently active environmental and occupational health professionals, advocates, policy makers, and activists are nearing retirement age, while some of our major health challenges are heavily influenced by aspects of environment. Concurrently, programs that educate undergraduate college students in environmental health are faced with multiple, often competing demands which can impede progressive movement toward dynamic curricula for the needs of the twenty-first century. We describe our use of developmental evaluation to negotiate these challenges in our specific undergraduate education program, with the dual aims of drawing attention to developmental evaluation as a useful tool for people involved in environmental and occupational health advocacy, policy-making, activism, research, or education for change, as well as to promote discussion about how best to educate the next generation of environmental public health students.
Arthrodesis of the Subtalar and Talonavicular Joints for Correction of Symptomatic Hindfoot Malalignment
Authors: Sammarco Vincent J. , Magur Edward G. , Sammarco G. James , Bagwe Mahesh R.
Published: March 2017

Background: Triple arthrodesis has long been used for the treatment of painful malalignment or arthritis of the hindfoot. However, the effect of fusion on adjacent joints has sparked interest in a more limited arthrodesis in patients without involvement of the calcaneocuboid joint. Method: Results of 16 feet in 14 patients who had a modified double arthrodesis for symptomatic flatfoot, cavovarus deformity, or hindfoot arthritis were reviewed retrospectively with a minimum followup of 18 (range 18 to 93) months. The most common diagnosis contributing to the hindfoot deformity was pes planovalgus. All operations were done with a consistent technique using rigid internal fixation with screws. In 15 feet, a concomitant gastrocnemius recession for equinus contracture was done at the time of the primary surgery. Clinical evaluation was based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale in addition to subjective assessments of pain, function, shoewear, cosmesis, and overall satisfaction. Radiographic evaluation included measurements of the anterior-posterior talo-second metatarsal angle, lateral talocalcaneal angle, and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and notation of arthritic changes of the ankle, calcaneocuboid, and midfoot joints, as well as an assessment of time to union of all arthrodeses. Results: The average AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale improved from 44.7 preoperatively to 77.0 postoperatively ( p < 0.01). Subjectively, patients experienced improvements in pain, function, cosmesis, and shoewear. Overall, all patients were satisfied and would have the procedure again under similar circumstances. Radiographically, all parameters statistically improved. There was an increase in arthritic scores for six ankle, six calcaneocuboid, and five midfoot joints. One talonavicular joint nonunion occurred in a rheumatoid patient, requiring revision arthrodesis. Conclusions: We have concluded that simultaneous arthrodesis of the talonavicular and subtalar joints is a reasonable treatment in the subset of patients with symptomatic hindfoot malalignment whose calcaneocuboid joints are not involved in the primary disease.
Thromboelastometry Versus Rotational Thromboelastography in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Zaky Ahmed
Published: March 2017

Evidence exists on the morbiduty and mortality associated with both massive blood loss and transfusion in cardiac surgical patients. Monitoring of the vesicoelastic properties of blood using rotational thromboelastometry and thromboelsatography (TEG) has been a major step towards ameliorating the risks associated with these 2 evils by providing trageted goal-directed blood product resuscitation. Point of care ROTEM and TEG overcome many of the current limitatons of conventional laboratory coagulation testing. Despite the peaking interest and widespread use there is a lack of consensus whetehr the use of these devices to guide blood product resucistation is associated with a reduction in mortality. Also, both ROTEM and TEG suffer from some limitations resulting in a lack of agreement on the duperiority of one device versus the other. In this concise review we discuss the operational charecteristics of both devices and the pro-side of the use of ROTEM in cardiac surgery backed with the most recent evidence.