bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical behavior of calcium sulfate scaffold prototypes built by solid free-form fabrication
Authors: Asadi-Eydivand Mitra , Solati-Hashjin Mehran , Abu Osman Noor Azuan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the mechanical behavior of three-dimensional (3D) calcium sulfate porous structures created by a powder-based 3D printer. The effects of the binder-jetting and powder-spreading orientations on the microstructure of the specimens are studied. A micromechanical finite element model is also examined to predict the properties of the porous structures under the load.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors printed cylindrical porous and solid samples based on a predefined designed model to study the mechanical behavior of the prototypes. They investigated the effect of three main build bed orientations (x, y and z) on the mechanical behavior of solid and porous specimens fabricated in each direction then evaluated the micromechanical finite-element model for each direction. The strut fractures were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, micro-computed tomography and the von Mises stress distribution.

Findings

Results showed that the orientation of powder spreading and binder jetting substantially influenced the mechanical behavior of the 3D-printed prototypes. The samples that were fabricated parallel to the applied load had higher compressive strength compared with those printed perpendicular to the load. The results of the finite element analysis agreed with the results of the experimental mechanical testing.

Research limitations/implications

The mechanical behavior was studied for the material and the 3D-printing machine used in this research. If one were to use another material formulation or machine, the printing parameters would have to be set accordingly.

Practical implications

This work aimed to re-tune the control factors of an existing rapid prototyping process for the given machine. The authors achieved these goals without major changes in the already developed hardware and software architecture.

Originality/value

The results can be used as guidelines to set the printing parameters and a model to predict the mechanical properties of 3D-printed objects for the development of patient- and site-specific scaffolds.
Biphasic osteochondral scaffold fabrication using multi-material mask projection stereolithography
Authors: Wu Xiangquan , Lian Qin , Li Dichen , Jin Zhongmin
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to develop a multi-material stereolithography (MMSL) technique to directly fabricate a biphasic osteochondral scaffold.

Design/methodology/approach

A bespoke prototype MMSL system was developed based on a bottom-up mask projection approach. The system was controlled by a multi-material fabrication algorithm with minimum number of switching cycles during fabrication. A variable-power light source was used to fabricate materials with significantly different curing characteristics. The light-curable poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) ceramic suspension were used for fabricating the biphasic osteochondral scaffold.

Findings

The bonding strength of the multi-material interface is shown to be mainly affected by the type of photopolymer, rather than the switching of the materials in MMSL. Lighting power densities of 2.64 and 14.98 mW/cm2 were used for curing the PEGDA hydrogel and the ß-TCP ceramic suspension, respectively. A biphasic osteochondral scaffold with complex interface was successfully fabricated.

Originality/value

This study proposes a potential technical method (MMSL) for manufacturing a complex biphasic osteochondral scaffold composing a PEGDA hydrogel/ß-TCP ceramic composite in a time-efficient and precise manner. The designed bone-cartilage scaffold interface and the surface of the cartilage scaffold can be precisely manufactured.
Characterization of shape memory polymer parts fabricated using material extrusion 3D printing technique
Authors: Garcia Rosales Carlos Alejandro , Kim Hoejin , Garcia Duarte Mario F. , Chavez Luis , Castañeda Mariana , Tseng Tzu-Liang Bill , Lin Yirong
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Shape memory polymer (SMP) is capable of recovering its original shape from a high degree of deformation by applying an external stimulus such as thermal energy. This research presents an integration of two commercial SMP materials (DiAPLEX and Tecoflex) and a material extrusion (ME) printer to fabricate SMP parts and specimens. The material properties such as Young’s modulus of the specimens was examined as a process output. Furthermore, stress-strain curve, strain recovery, instant shape-fixity ratio, long-term shape-fixity ratio and recovery ratio of SMP specimens during a thermo-mechanical cycle were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The ME fabrication settings for the SMP specimens were defined by implementing a design of experiments with temperature, velocity and layer height as process variables.

Findings

It was found, according to main effect and iteration plots, that fabrication parameters have an impact on Young’s modulus and exist minimum iteration among variables. In addition, Young’s modulus variation of DiAPLEX and Tecoflex specimens was mostly caused by velocity and layer height parameters, respectively. Moreover, results showed that SMP specimens were able to recover high levels of deformation.

Originality/value

This paper is a reference for process control and for rheological properties of SMP parts produced by ME fabrication process.
Cold Plasma for Effective Fungal and Mycotoxin Control in Foods: Mechanisms, Inactivation Effects, and Applications
Authors: Misra N.N. , Yadav Barun , Roopesh M.S. , Jo Cheorun
Published: October 2018

Cold plasma treatment is a promising intervention in food processing to boost product safety and extend the shelf‐life. The activated chemical species of cold plasma can act rapidly against micro‐organisms at ambient temperatures without leaving any known chemical residues. This review presents an overview of the action of cold plasma against molds and mycotoxins, the underlying mechanisms, and applications for ensuring food safety and quality. The cold plasma species act on multiple sites of a fungal cell resulting in loss of function and structure, and ultimately cell death. Likewise, the species cause chemical breakdown of mycotoxins through various pathways resulting in degradation products that are known to be less toxic. We argue that the preliminary reports from cold plasma research point at good potential of plasma for shelf‐life extension and quality retention of foods. Some of the notable food sectors which could benefit from antimycotic and antimycotoxin efficacy of cold plasma include, the fresh produce, food grains, nuts, spices, herbs, dried meat and fish industries.
A Case of Fatal Dehydration During Police Custody
Authors: Zilg Brita
Published: October 2018

In the forensic literature, fatal dehydration predominantly concerns young children or incapacitated elderly persons. The postmortem diagnosis of fatal dehydration can be challenging to confirm, especially if the preceding circumstances are unknown. Here presented is a case of a 23‐year‐old man who died while held in an isolation cell during police custody for 18 days. Autopsy findings were unspecific, but vitreous fluid analysis showed 192 mmol/L sodium, 179 mmol/L chloride, 16 mmol/L potassium, 352 μmol/L (3.98 mg/dL) creatinine, and 81 mmol/L (226.9 mg/dL) urea nitrogen. Based on the findings and circumstances, the cause of death was determined as severe dehydration and manner of death accident. This case illustrates the importance of performing postmortem biochemistry.
Comparative Assessment of a Novel Photo‐Anthropometric Landmark‐Positioning Approach for the Analysis of Facial Structures on Two‐Dimensional Images
Authors: Flores Marta R. P. , Machado Carlos E. P. , Gallidabino Matteo D. , de Arruda Gustavo H. M. , da Silva Ricardo H. A. , de Vidal Flávio B. , Melani Rodolfo F. H.
Published: October 2018

Positioning landmarks in facial photo‐anthropometry (FPA) applications remains today a highly variable procedure, as traditional cephalometric definitions are used as guidelines. Herein, a novel landmark‐positioning approach, specifically adapted for FPA applications, is introduced and, in particular, assessed against the conventional cephalometric definitions for the analysis of 16 landmarks on ten frontal images by two groups of examiners (with and without professional knowledge of anatomy). Results showed that positioning reproducibility was significantly better using the novel method. Indeed, in contrast to the classic approach, very low landmark dispersions were observed for both groups of examiners, which were usually below the strictest clinical standards (i.e., 0.575 mm). Furthermore, the comparison between the two groups of examiners highlighted higher dispersion consistencies, which supported a higher robustness. Thus, the use of an adapted landmark‐positioning approach proved to be highly advantageous in FPA analysis and future work in this field should consider adopting similar methodologies.
Position of the abdominal seat belt sign and its predictive utility for abdominal trauma
Authors: Jiang Osborn , Asha Stephen Edward , Keady Jessica , Curtis Kate
Published: October 2018

Objective

In a motor vehicle crash, compressive forces from the lap component of the seat belt may produce an abdominal abrasion/contusion known as the ‘seat belt sign’, and is associated with abdominal and lumbar injuries. Previous research has not taken into account the position of this sign in relation to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Our aim was to demonstrate an association between the seat belt sign position in relation to ASIS and the presence of abdominal/lumbar injury.

Methods

A mixed prospective and retrospective observational study of patients involved in a motor vehicle crash was conducted. The presence of a seat belt sign was recorded as above ASIS, at/below ASIS, or none. Injury data were extracted from discharge summaries, radiology reports and operation reports. Proportions of patients with injuries were compared across the three groups.

Results

Four hundred and sixty‐four participants were enrolled. For participants with a seat belt sign above ASIS, compared to those with no seat belt sign, the positive likelihood ratio for a seat belt related injury was 4.2 (95% CI 2.6–6.8). When the seat belt sign was at/below the level of ASIS the positive likelihood ratio was 1.5 (95% CI 0.4–5.7).

Conclusion

The seat belt sign is associated with abdominal and lumbar injury; however, the location is important. This association is strong when the seat belt sign is above ASIS, but when the sign is at/below the ASIS the injury rate is similar to participants with no seat belt sign. Routine imaging of the abdomen may be appropriate only for those with a seat belt sign above ASIS.
Physiological evidence of integrin‐antibody reactive proteins influencing the innate cellular immune responses of larval Galleria mellonella hemocytes
Authors: Lapointe Jason F. , McCarthy Connor D. , Dunphy Gary B. , Mandato Craig A.
Published: October 2018

Larval Galleria mellonella (L.) hemocytes form microaggregates in response to stimulation by Gram‐positive bacteria. Hemocyte adhesion to foreign materials is mediated by the cAMP/ protein kinase A pathway and the β‐subunit of cholera toxin using a cAMP‐independent mechanism. Cholera toxin‐induced microaggregation was inhibited by the integrin inhibitory RGDS peptide, implying integrins may be part of the mechanism. Based on the types of mammalian integrin‐antibody reactive proteins affecting hemocyte adhesion and bacterial‐induced responses α5, αv, β1, and β3 subunits occurred on both granular cell and plasmatocyte hemocyte subtypes. A fluorescent band representing the binding of rabbit α5‐integrin subunit antibodies occurred between adhering heterotypic hemocytes. The frequency of the bands was increased by cholera toxin. The α5 and β1 rabbit integrin subunit antibodies inhibited removal of Bacillus subtilis (Cohn) from the hemolymph in vivo. A α5 β1‐specific synthetic peptide blocker similarly diminished hemocyte function whereas the αv β3‐specific inhibitory peptide and the corresponding integrin subunit antibodies did not influence nonself hemocyte activities. Western blots revealed several proteins reacting with a given integrin‐antibody subtype. Thus integrin‐antibody reactive proteins (which may include integrins) with possible α5 and β1 epitopes modulate immediate hemocyte function. Confocal microscopy established plasmatocyte adhesion to and rosetting over substrata followed by granular cell microaggregate adhesion to plasmatocytes during early stage nodulation.
Fruit Bagasse Phytochemicals from Malpighia Emarginata Rich in Enzymatic Inhibitor with Modulatory Action on Hemostatic Processes
Authors: Marques Tamara R. , Cesar Pedro Henrique S. , Braga Mariana A. , Marcussi Silvana , Corrêa Angelita D.
Published: October 2018

Agro‐industrial wastes are promising sources of phytochemicals for the development of products to be used in health promotion and maintenance. In this study, extracts from acerola bagasse (AB) were characterized by HPLC, and evaluated according to its modulatory action on phospholipases A2 and proteases involved in processes such as inflammation and blood clotting. Snake venoms were used as biological tools once they have high functional and structural homology between their enzymes and human enzymes. Two types of extracts were prepared from AB: aqueous and methanolic. These extracts, evaluated at different proportions (venom:extract, w:w), significantly inhibited the phospholipase activity induced by the venoms of Bothrops moojeni, Bothrops atrox (11% to 31%), and Crotalus durissus terrificus (C. d. t.) (11% to 19%). The hemolytic activity induced by the venoms of B. moojeni and C. d. t. was better inhibited by the methanolic extract (inhibition between 23% and 48%). Thrombolysis induced by the venoms of B. moojeni and C. d. t. was inhibited by both extracts, with inhibition ranging from 13% to 63% for the aqueous extract, and from 12% to 92% for the methanolic one. Both extracts increased the time of coagulation induced by the venoms of B. moojeni and Lachesis muta muta in 26 and up to 68 s. These inhibitory actions were related to the following phenolic compounds present in the extract of AB: gallic acid, catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, syringic acid, p‐coumaric acid, and quercetin. Additional studies are needed to confirm their potential use for nutraceutical purposes.

Practical Application

Agro‐industrial wastes are promising sources of phytochemicals for the development of products that can be used by pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries. Studies report the use of the acerola bagasse extract in health improvement. However, its toxic‐pharmacological characterization is still scarce. In this study, the extracts of acerola bagasse presented phenolic compounds that can modulate the activity of enzymes such as phospholipases A2 and proteases that act on the coagulant/anticoagulant and thrombotic/thrombolytic activities and the break of phospholipids, decreasing the inflammation and platelet aggregation. Although the in vivo effects of the extracts are not fully understood, this study shed light upon the possibilities of their usage.
Impact of Interfacial Composition on Emulsion Digestion Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models
Authors: Malinauskytė Ernesta , Ramanauskaitė Jovita , Keršienė Milda , Jasutienė Ina , Leskauskaitė Daiva , Devold Tove G. , Vegarud Gerd E.
Published: October 2018

This study explored the influence of different emulsification layers as mono‐ and bilayers on lipid digestion by using in vitro and in vivo digestion methods. The monolayer emulsion of rapeseed oil contained whey proteins and the bilayer emulsion, whey proteins and carboxymethyl cellulose. The in vitro digestion using human gastrointestinal enzymes showed that the lipid digestion as free fatty acids was slowed down in the bilayer emulsion compared with the monolayer. Droplet size was still low in the gastric phase and pseudoplasticity was well preserved (even though viscosity decreased) during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The in vivo studies confirmed a lower fat bioavailability from bilayer emulsions by a reduction in the triglyceride level in the blood of rats, fed by the bilayer emulsion. The results clearly showed that lipid digestion was slower in the bilayer emulsion than in the monolayer. These results provide bio‐relevant information about the behavior of emulsions upon digestion.

Practical Application

The layer‐by‐layer production approach that was presented here allows the preparation of emulsions with slower fat bioavailability. Such behavior of the bilayer emulsion made it interesting for the formulation of food products with low fat bioavailability.
Long‐read sequence capture of the haemoglobin gene clusters across codfish species
Authors: Hoff Siv Nam Khang , Baalsrud Helle T. , Tooming‐Klunderud Ave , Skage Morten , Richmond Todd , Obernosterer Gregor , Shirzadi Reza , Tørresen Ole Kristian , Jakobsen Kjetill S. , Jentoft Sissel
Published: October 2018

Combining high‐throughput sequencing with targeted sequence capture has become an attractive tool to study specific genomic regions of interest. Most studies have so far focused on the exome using short‐read technology. These approaches are not designed to capture intergenic regions needed to reconstruct genomic organization, including regulatory regions and gene synteny. Here, we demonstrate the power of combining targeted sequence capture with long‐read sequencing technology for comparative genomic analyses of the haemoglobin (Hb) gene clusters across eight species separated by up to 70 million years. Guided by the reference genome assembly of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) together with genome information from draft assemblies of selected codfishes, we designed probes covering the two Hb gene clusters. Use of custom‐made barcodes combined with PacBio RSII sequencing led to highly continuous assemblies of the LA (~100 kb) and MN (~200 kb) clusters, which include syntenic regions of coding and intergenic sequences. Our results revealed an overall conserved genomic organization of the Hb genes within this lineage, yet with several, lineage‐specific gene duplications. Moreover, for some of the species examined, we identified amino acid substitutions at two sites in the Hbb1 gene as well as length polymorphisms in its regulatory region, which has previously been linked to temperature adaptation in Atlantic cod populations. This study highlights the use of targeted long‐read capture as a versatile approach for comparative genomic studies by generation of a cross‐species genomic resource elucidating the evolutionary history of the Hb gene family across the highly divergent group of codfishes.
Satisfaction with pain management and impact of pain on quality of life in cancer patients
Authors: Lin Johnson , Hsieh Ruey‐Kuen , Chen Jen‐Shi , Lee Kuan‐Der , Rau Kun‐Ming , Shao Yu‐Yun , Sung Yung‐Chuan , Yeh Su‐Peng , Chang Cheng‐Shyong , Liu Ta‐Chih , Wu Ming‐Fang , Lee Ming‐Yang , Yu Ming‐Sun , Yen Chia‐Jui , Lai Pang‐Yu , Hwang Wen‐Li , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye
Published: October 2018

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence of pain in cancer outpatients in Taiwan and to investigate the impact of pain on quality of life (QoL) and patient satisfaction. Results were compared to those of a similarly designed study conducted in 2008 to identify trends.

Methods

Adult patients with cancer treated as outpatients in hospitals throughout Taiwan were recruited. Pain intensity and the extent to which pain interfered with QoL were self‐reported using a modified version of the Brief Pain Inventory. Patients also indicated their level of satisfaction with their physician, as well as with their pain control.

Results

A total of 2652 patients were enrolled from 16 sites. Of these, 1167 (44.0%) patients reported experiencing pain during the previous week. Prevalence and severity of pain were highest in patients with progressive disease. A higher pain severity score was significantly associated with greater interference in both physical and psychological functions. Overall, 86.0% of all participants expressed satisfaction with their physician and 84.8% were satisfied with their pain control; satisfaction rates were associated with pain severity. Compared with the findings from the 2008 study, pain prevalence was notably lower and patient satisfaction was significantly greater in the current study.

Conclusions

Prevalence and severity of pain were associated with disease stage. Pain interference on QoL correlated significantly with pain severity. Treatment of pain in cancer patients in Taiwan seems to have improved from 2008 to 2014, possibly attributable to new cancer pain treatment guidelines and the wider availability of novel analgesic therapies.
Priorities for Preventive Action: Explaining Americans’ Divergent Reactions to 100 Public Risks
Authors: Friedman Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2018

Why do Americans’ priorities for combating risks like terrorism, climate change, and violent crime often seem so uncorrelated with the dangers that those risks objectively present? Many scholars believe the answer to this question is that heuristics, biases, and ignorance cause voters to misperceive risk magnitudes. By contrast, this article argues that Americans’ risk priorities primarily reflect judgments about the extent to which some victims deserve more protection than others and the degree to which it is appropriate for government to intervene in different areas of social life. The article supports this argument with evidence drawn from a survey with 3,000 respondents, using pairwise comparisons to elicit novel measures of how respondents perceive nine dimensions of 100 life‐threatening risks. Respondents were well informed about these risks’ relative magnitudes—the correlation between perceived and actual mortality was .82—but those perceptions explained relatively little variation in policy preferences relative to judgments about the status of victims and the appropriate role of government. These findings hold regardless of political party, education, and other demographics. The article thus argues that the key to understanding Americans’ divergent reactions to risk lies more with their values than with their grasp of factual information.
Social context, interpersonal network, and identity dynamics: A social psychological case study of terrorist recidivism
Authors: Hakim Moh Abdul , Mujahidah Dhestina Religia
Published: October 2018

The existing literature on jihadist terrorism has extensively documented the importance of networks, yet the interpersonal element of the networks and how this links to the social identity dynamics of a mujahid have been scarcely explored. It also is still unclear how specific social contexts such as prison, neighbourhood, and home may play a role in the link between interpersonal networks and social identity dynamics. Drawing insights from the social identity perspective, this article examines the relationships between social context, interpersonal networks, and identity dynamics of a mujahid based on a single case of terrorist recidivism in Indonesia. Our analyses showed how transitions across social contexts were related to the subject's opportunities and constraints for the participation in different interpersonal networks that influenced the process of identity negotiation as a mujahid versus alternative identities of family member and belonging to a neighbourhood. It is argued that analysis of the dynamics of a mujahid's identity in local social contexts are an important part of assessing risks of their recidivism.
Institutional non‐participation in assisted dying: Changing the conversation
Authors: Shadd Philip , Shadd Joshua
Published: October 2018

Whether institutions and not just individual doctors have a right to not participate in medical assistance in dying (MAID) is controversial, but there is a tendency to frame the issue of institutional non‐participation in a particular way. Conscience is central to this framing. Non‐participating health centres are assumed to be religious and full participation is expected unless a centre objects on conscience grounds. In this paper we seek to reframe the issue. Institutional non‐participation is plausibly not primarily, let alone exclusively, about conscience. We seek to reframe the issue by making two main points. First, institutional non‐participation is primarily a matter of institutional self‐governance. We suggest that institutions have a natural right of self‐governance which, in the case of health centres such as hospitals or hospices, includes the right to choose whether or not to offer MAID. Second, there are various legitimate reasons unrelated to conscience for which a health centre might not offer MAID. These range from considerations such as institutional capacity and expertise to a potential contradiction with palliative care and a concern to not conflate palliative care and MAID in public consciousness. It is a mistake to frame the conversation simply in terms of conscience‐based opposition to MAID or full participation. Our goal is to open up new space in the conversation, for reasons unrelated to conscience as well as for non‐religious health centres who might nonetheless have legitimate grounds for not participating in MAID.
Comparison of different in vitro differentiation conditions for murine female germline stem cells
Authors: Zou Kang , Wang Jian , Bi Haiwei , Zhang Yabin , Tian Xueli , Tian Ning , Ma Wanyun , Wu Ji
Published: October 2018

Objectives

In vitro differentiation of oocytes from female germline stem cells (FGSCs) has exciting potential applications for reproductive medicine. Some researchers have attempted to reveal the in vitro differentiation capacity of FGSCs. However, no systematic comparative study of in vitro differentiation conditions has been performed for murine FGSCs (mFGSCs).

Materials and Methods

mFGSCs line was cultured under five different conditions for in vitro differentiation. RT‐PCR was performed to detect the expression of Oct4, Fragilis, Blimp1, Mvh, Scp3 and Zp3. Immunofluorescence was carried out to test the expression of Mvh, Fragilis and Zp3. Two‐photon laser‐scanning microscope was used to analyze nucleus‐plasma ratio, and the proportion of chromatin of GV oocytes differentiated from mFGSCs in vitro (IVD‐GVO), GV oocytes from in vivo (GVO) and mFGSCs.

Results

RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence showed that mFGSC line expressed germ cell‐specific markers, but not a meiosis‐specific marker. By evaluating five different in vitro differentiation conditions, condition 5, which included a hanging drop procedure and co‐culture of mFGSCs with granulosa cells, was shown to be optimal. mFGSCs could be successfully differentiated into germinal vesicle (GV) ‐stage oocytes under this condition. 3D observation revealed that both the nucleus‐plasma ratio and proportion of chromatin were not significantly different between IVD‐GVO and GVO.

Conclusion

We evaluated five in vitro differentiation conditions for mFGSCs and successfully differentiate mFGSCs into GV‐stage oocytes using a three‐step differentiation process.
Joint Fundraising Appeals: Allocation Rules and Conditions That Encourage Aid Agencies' Collaboration
Authors: Toyasaki Fuminori , Wakolbinger Tina
Published: October 2018

Collaborative fundraising mechanisms—known as joint fundraising appeals—have received increasing attention as innovative ways to reduce fundraising competition between aid agencies. While some aid agencies participate in joint fundraising activities, others consider that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits. Based on the analysis of two‐stage sequential game theory models, the article identifies key factors that affect aid agencies' decisions about participation in a joint fundraising mode. Our analysis indicates that expected effects of the joint fundraising mode depend on aid agencies' efficiency levels. For efficient aid agencies, the joint mode functions as a buffer to prevent them from fierce competition. In the case of inefficient aid agencies, the competitive mode saves aid agencies from underinvestment in fundraising activities. We classify representative allocation rules currently applied in the humanitarian context into three types. Our analysis shows that these allocation rules only lead to beneficial allocations for limited circumstances. Following the analysis of the three representative allocation rules, the present work also analyzes aid agencies' negotiation‐based allocation without predetermined allocation rules, using generalized Nash bargaining.
Egypt’s Political Actors Post‐2011 Revolution: Incomplete Struggle for Democracy
Authors: Shehata Mostafa
Published: October 2018

Considering historical developments, this article discusses the conditions that have impeded Egypt’s political actors to lead a democratic transition following the 2011 revolution. In this context, I argue that the failure of Egypt’s major political actors to effect a democratic transition post‐2011 revolution is largely due to the obstruction of Egypt’s actors before the revolution. This argument is based on a historical assessment of Egypt’s political actors’ development and engagement in opposition activities over two periods: post‐1952 military coup and post‐2011 revolution. The article suggests that a democratic transition in post‐revolution countries like Egypt, which did not achieve a decisive victory over authoritarianism, requires strong prodemocracy actors to face antidemocracy actors and lead a democratization process.
When a Right Goes Wrong: The Unintended Consequences of India's Right to Education Act
Authors: Iyer Gopalkrishnan , Counihan Chris
Published: October 2018

Many private schools in India are under threat of closure as a result of the Right to Education Act 2009 (RTE Act). The Act mandates several input requirements rather than concentrating on learning outcomes. We show that some states are closing private schools despite government schools themselves failing to meet the mandates. We further argue that the RTE Act has the wrong priorities and so has failed to realise its mission of quality education, tends to promote disguised false equity and ignores the secondary education system, which forms an integral part of the formal education system. As a result of this faulty and discriminatory implementation of the law, a statutory ‘right’ has become a ‘wrong’.
Is Commerce Good for the Soul? An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Wright Walker A.
Published: October 2018

Numerous empirical studies suggest that market exchange helps (a) create the conditions for liberal values to flourish, (b) refine our sense of fairness, (c) promote cooperation with those who are different from ourselves, (d) develop networks of mutual trust and trustworthiness, (e) generate tolerance and respect towards others, and (f) undermine hostility and conflict in favour of peace. This article reviews this empirical evidence and argues that markets make us better people, morally speaking.
The role of phosphodiesterase 4 in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis and the perspective for its inhibition
Authors: Guttman‐Yassky Emma , Hanifin Jon M. , Boguniewicz Mark , Wollenberg Andreas , Bissonnette Robert , Purohit Vivek , Kilty Iain , Tallman Anna M. , Zielinski Michael A.
Published: October 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly prevalent, chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects children and adults. The pathophysiology of AD is complex and involves skin barrier and immune dysfunction. Many immune cytokine pathways are amplified in AD, including T helper (Th) 2, Th22, Th17 and Th1. Current treatment guidelines recommend topical medications as initial therapy; however, until recently, only two drug classes were available: topical corticosteroids (TCSs) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs). Several limitations are associated with these agents. TCSs can cause a wide range of adverse effects, including skin atrophy, telangiectasia, rosacea and acne. TCIs can cause burning and stinging, and the prescribing information lists a boxed warning for a theoretical risk of malignancy. Novel medications with new mechanisms of action are necessary to provide better long‐term control of AD. Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) regulates cyclic adenosine monophosphate in cells and has been shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of AD, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Several PDE4 inhibitors are in clinical development for use in the treatment of AD, including crisaborole, which recently became the first topical PDE4 inhibitor approved for treatment of mild to moderate AD. This review will further describe the pathophysiology of AD, explain the possible role of PDE4 in AD and review PDE4 inhibitors currently approved or being investigated for use in AD.
The parallel corpus for information extraction based on natural language processing and machine translation
Authors: He Honghua
Published: October 2018

In conventional algorithms, the lack of entity information, reference, and semantic relations in the current corpus leads to a low rate of precision and efficiency in constructing cross‐language bilingual mapping. According to natural language processing and machine translation technology, to solve the problem, this paper aims to establish a parallel corpus for information extraction based on the OntoNotes corpus by combining automatic extraction and manual adjustment. To verify the validity of the parallel corpus constructed in this paper, a comparative experiment was carried out on the corpus. The corpus entity alignment rate, anaphora absence, and syntactic structure were analysed in detail based on statistics. The data set is well performed in language processing and machine translation. The parallel corpus for information extraction constructed in this paper can produce highly precise, stable, and efficient information in the process of bilingual mapping, which provides an effective parallel corpus for the study in machine translation of bilingual mapping.
Cyber Technology and the Arms Race
Authors: Kanniainen Vesa
Published: October 2018

Cyber technology represents digital military capability with the purpose of causing damage to the military strength of a potential enemy. War using conventional weapons may be preceded by a strike using cyber technology. This paper introduces such technology into the theory of conflicts. The cost of war relative to the payoff from victory turns out to be crucial for the results on armament decisions. In the war game, two types of Nash equilibria may arise. One is subject to warfare while the other is not (‘equilibrium of terror’), depending on the perceived cost of war. In a symmetric war game, cyber capabilities are neutral with respect to the investments in conventional weapons, but they make wars more likely. Asymmetric access to cyber technology limits the international arms race with conventional weapons. A low success probability in the cyber programme encourages exercising the cyberattack option as the enemy may not have access to cyber capability. Uncertainty of the success of a cyber programme makes countries cautious when allocating resources not only to these programmes but also in conventional armament.
Predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence after direct‐acting antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Watanabe Takao , Tokumoto Yoshio , Joko Kouji , Michitaka Kojiro , Horiike Norio , Tanaka Yoshinori , Tada Fujimasa , Kisaka Yoshiyasu , Nakanishi Seiji , Yamauchi Kazuhiko , Yukimoto Atsushi , Hirooka Masashi , Abe Masanori , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: October 2018

Aim

The predictors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment were investigated.

Methods

A total of 1174 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection were treated with DAA therapy (sofosbuvir and ledipasvir [n = 615], sofosbuvir and ribavirin [n = 380], and daclatasvir and asunaprevir [n = 179]) and achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). The HCC development rate and the factors that might contribute to the development of HCC after the end of DAA treatment were analyzed.

Results

During the median observation period of 537 days, HCC developed in 33 cases. The incidence of HCC was 1.9%, 3.2%, and 4.1% at 1, 1.5, and 2 years after the end of DAA therapy, respectively. Multivariate analysis with pre‐ and post‐treatment factors identified the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.021–1.178; P = 0.011) and post‐treatment α‐fetoprotein (AFP) (HR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.054–1.172; P < 0.001) as independent factors that contributed to the development of HCC after DAA therapy. Using these identified parameters, a new scoring system (0 to 2 points) was established. Patients in the high‐score group (2 points) could be identified as having a significantly higher risk of HCC development, and the respective 1‐ and 2‐year cumulative incidence rates of HCC were 6.1% and 14.4%.

Conclusions

A high FIB‐4 index and a high post‐treatment AFP at the end of DAA treatment were the independent predictors for developing HCC after DAA treatment. For patients with these risk factors, extra attention to the possibility of HCC development is needed.
Mucin 21 is a novel, negative immunohistochemical marker for epithelioid mesothelioma for its differentiation from lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kai Yuichiro , Amatya Vishwa J , Kushitani Kei , Kambara Takahiro , Suzuki Rui , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Miyata Yoshihiro , Okada Morihito , Takeshima Yukio
Published: October 2018

Aims

The process of differential diagnosis between epithelioid mesothelioma and lung adenocarcinoma has been progressing; however, there are no absolute immunohistochemical markers with which to definitively diagnose epithelioid mesothelioma. The aim of this study was to search for a novel negative marker of epithelioid mesothelioma.

Methods and results

We immunohistochemically studied the applicability of mucin 21 (MUC21), which was identified in our previous study, as a novel, negative diagnostic marker for epithelioid mesothelioma. Seventy epithelioid mesotheliomas and 70 lung adenocarcinomas were investigated for the expression of MUC21, along with other previously reported markers, by the use of immunohistochemistry. MUC21 was expressed in only two of the 70 (3%) epithelioid mesotheliomas, as compared with 67 of the 70 (96%) lung adenocarcinomas. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of negative MUC21 expression for differentiating epithelioid mesothelioma from lung adenocarcinoma were 97%, 96%, and 96%, respectively; these are similar to those of carcinoembryonic antigen and claudin‐4, and better than those of thyroid transcription factor‐1, napsin‐A, and mucin 4.

Conclusion

MUC21 could be used as an additional, novel, negative immunohistochemical marker to differentiate mesothelioma from lung adenocarcinoma.
The Lymphoedema Genitourinary Cancer Questionnaire in urology follow‐up clinics
Authors: Noble‐Jones Rhian , Thomas Melanie J. , Bose Pradeep
Published: October 2018

Is the Lymphoedema Genitourinary Cancer Questionnaire (LGUCQ) useful to men treated for genitourinary cancer through facilitating symptom disclosure? Lymphoedema can be debilitating and progressive and its association with bladder, prostate, testicular and penile cancer, either as a consequence of treatment or progressive disease is well recognized. However, lymphoedema is generally unrecognized during follow‐up. Research on genitourinary cancer‐related lymphoedema is sparse with a lack of reliable prevalence figures. A lack of empirical understanding of the experiences of these men led to the development of the LGUCQ, a simple two‐sided tool to facilitate self‐reporting of symptoms and difficulties associated with lymphoedema. Related pilot work suggests that written self‐report tools enable men to disclose more sensitive information than they would verbally. However, the LGUCQ had not been formally evaluated in an uro‐oncology department to identify the benefits from the perspective of the patients and health professionals. Thematic analysis of completed LGUCQs and interviews with patients and staff were performed. Emergent themes included the perceived barriers to symptom disclosure, the LGUCQ as facilitator and pragmatic addition, the support needs of patients and health professionals and refinements required for roll out. Issues limiting identification of lymphoedema within uro‐oncology services existed. Findings suggest the inclusion of the LGUCQ within uro‐oncology clinics could lead to earlier identification of lymphoedema. Patients could identify genital oedema problems with the LGUCQ increasing prompt and accurate disclosure and normalizing the experience.
La convention n° 189 de l'OIT en Argentine, au Chili et au Paraguay: étude comparée sur la réglementation des heures de travail et de la rémunération des travailleuses domestiques
Authors: POBLETE Lorena
Published: October 2018

En juin 2011, la Conférence internationale du Travail adoptait la convention (n° 189) et la recommandation (n° 201) sur les travailleuses et travailleurs domestiques. L'auteure analyse, dans une perspective de droit comparé, le rôle joué par la convention n° 189 dans les réformes législatives mises en œuvre dans trois pays d'Amérique latine ayant ratifié le texte: l'Argentine, le Chili et le Paraguay. Elle décrit aussi les débats et les controverses qui ont déterminé la manière dont les dispositions concernant les heures de travail et la rémunération contenues dans la convention ont été incorporées dans les lois relatives au travail domestique rémunéré dans ces trois pays.
Hacia una mejor prevención de los accidentes laborales mortales en Portugal
Authors: SANTOS António J. R. , REBELO Efigénio L. , MENDES Júlio C.
Published: October 2018

Portugal se enfrenta al problema de reducir su alta tasa de accidentes laborales mortales con una financiación limitada. En esta investigación se identifican los predictores significativos en Portugal y se estima las probabilidades de accidentes mortales. Según los resultados de las estimaciones, basadas en una regresión logística aplicada, habría que centrar los esfuerzos de prevención en los trabajadores de edad, los asalariados con contrato indefinido en grandes empresas y los sectores del comercio y los servicios, y en las personas expuestas a desviaciones por desbordamiento, vuelco, escape, derrame, vaporización o emanación que puedan causar lesiones o heridas a nivel musculoesquelético, fracturas o amputaciones.
A multicountry comparative survey about organizational resilience in anaesthesia
Authors: Falegnami Andrea , Bilotta Federico , Pugliese Francesco , Costantino Francesco , Di Gravio Giulio , Tronci Massimo , Patriarca Riccardo
Published: October 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The application of resilience in health care requires the shift from a cause‐effect approach to a systemic approach, yet few tools have been developed to measure resilience potential in this specific context. This study tests a resilience assessment grid (RAG) questionnaire to measure the resilience of anaesthesiologists, with a cross‐country survey.

Method

A study was conducted with an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) questionnaire containing 57 detailed questions; 16 nations and 172 respondents were involved in the study. The data were statistically analysed to identify insights from the questionnaire, main improvements for further assessment, and confirmation of the design of the questionnaire. The questionnaire reliability was assessed by Cronbach analysis. Weak items were identified by a detailed correlations analysis and through a weight‐polarization matrix. Construct validity was confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA) and factor analysis (FA).

Results

The α level of Cronbach analysis is 0.910. PCA and FA confirmed the absence of underlying unexpected factors, with less than 8% from the first factor and a total of just 54% of variability explained by 17 factors. Suggestions for revising the questionnaire ensue from the analysis, with improvements for the questionnaire's significance.

Conclusion

The questionnaire shows the potential to assess proxy measures of resilience, even confirming the relevance of a structured weighting approach based on the AHP. The exemplar statistical cross‐country analyses encourage the widespread use of a centralized resilience questionnaire to support standardized analyses and the diffusion of best practices among organizations.
Influence of Heterologous Transplant of DNA‐lacking Mitochondria from Entamoeba histolytica on Proliferation of Entamoeba invadens
Authors: Kazama Makoto , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Ogiwara Sanae , Makiuchi Takashi , Tachibana Hiroshi
Published: October 2018

In mitochondria, compatibility of proteins encoded in mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA is essential for the normal functioning of the organelle. Incompatibility between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA can lead to dysfunctional respiration, mitochondrial diseases, and lethal problems, which suggests that the presence of heterologous mitochondria is unfavorable. In a previous study, we established a transplant method for DNA‐lacking mitochondria (mitosomes) in the anaerobic protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. In this study, interspecies transplant of mitosomes from E. histolytica into Entamoeba invadens, which is a parasitic protozoon of reptiles, was performed using the microinjection method at various temperatures and injection volumes. When E. invadens was used as recipient, it showed higher tolerance to a lower temperature and larger injection volume, in comparison with E. histolytica. After microinjection, donor mitosomes expressing HA‐tag conjugated protein were observed in recipient cells by immunofluorescent staining. The heterologous mitosomes‐injected cells proliferated and growth rate of the microinjected‐cells was similar to that of intact cells. Therefore, we conclude that interspecies transplant of DNA‐lacking mitochondria does not result in incompatibility.
Women's Perceptions of Prenatal Influences on Maternal Confidence for Physiologic Birth
Authors: Avery Melissa D. , Neerland Carrie E. , Saftner Melissa A.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

A physiologic approach to labor and birth is preferred for most women. The United States spends more on birth than any other country. Cesarean rates are currently 32%, and approximately 23% of women with a singleton pregnancy experience induction or augmentation of labor. Most physiologic birth research has focused on care during labor and birth. The purpose of this study was to describe women's perceptions of the care processes, support, and information received during pregnancy that helped them feel confident for physiologic labor and birth.

Methods

Using a qualitative descriptive design with 2 phases, women were recruited from an urban area and a smaller city in Minnesota. Phase 1 included focus groups with women who had given birth within the previous 6 months. They participated in a discussion about experiences that helped them feel confident for labor and birth. In Phase 2, women who had a physiologic birth, which was defined as term pregnancy, spontaneous labor, no epidural analgesia, and vaginal birth, participated in individual interviews. Focus group and individual interview recordings were transcribed and analyzed using Glaser's constant comparative approach.

Results

Thirty‐eight women participated in 9 focus groups. Seventeen women had a physiologic birth; 14 participated in individual interviews. Themes derived from the analysis included confidence in the face of uncertainty, belief in the normalcy of birth and the body's ability to birth, research on my own, supportive care partnership, on the same page, and sources of information and support.

Discussion

Women who experienced physiologic birth believed that this was possible and expected. They sought information, including searching on their own, from maternity care providers and a broader support system. Relationships with their maternity care providers were important. Prenatal care focused on women's strengths and abilities, while also monitoring pregnancy health and safety, may help reduce unnecessary interventions, improve outcomes, and reduce costs.