bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moisture Content Quantization of Masson Pine Seedling Leaf Based on Stacked Autoencoder with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Ni Chao , Zhang Yun , Wang Dongyi
Published: September 2018

Masson pine is widely planted in southern China, and moisture content of the pine seedling leaves is an important index for evaluating the vigor of seedlings. For precisely predicting leaf moisture content, near-infrared spectroscopy analysis is applied in the experiment, which is a cost-effective, high-speed, and noninvasive material content prediction tool. To further improve the spectroscopy analysis accuracy, in this study, a new analysis model is proposed which integrates a stacked autoencoder for extracting hierarchical output-related features layer by layer and a support vector regression model to leverage these features for precisely predicting moisture contents. Compared with traditional spectroscopy analysis method like partial least squares regression and basic support vector regression, the proposed model shows great superiority for leaf moisture content prediction, with R2 value 0.9946 and root-mean squared error (RMSE) value 0.1636 in calibration set and R2 value 0.9621 and RMSE 0.4249 in prediction set.
Heterozygosity of Chaperone Grp78 Reduces Intestinal Stem Cell Regeneration Potential and Protects against Adenoma Formation
Authors: van Lidth de Jeude Jooske F. , Spaan Claudia N. , Meijer Bartolomeus J. , Smit Wouter L. , Soeratram Tanya T.D. , Wielenga Mattheus C.B. , Westendorp B. Florien , Lee Amy S. , Meisner Sander , Vermeulen Jacqueline L.M. , Wildenberg Manon E. , van den Brink Gijs R. , Muncan Vanesa , Heijmans Jarom
Published: September 2018

Deletion of endoplasmic reticulum resident chaperone Grp78 results in activation of the unfolded protein response and causes rapid depletion of the entire intestinal epithelium. Whether modest reduction of Grp78 may affect stem cell fate without compromising intestinal integrity remains unknown. Here, we employ a model of epithelial-specific, heterozygous Grp78 deletion by use of VillinCreERT2-Rosa26ZsGreen/LacZ-Grp78+/fl mice and organoids. We examine models of irradiation and tumorigenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. Although we observed no phenotypic changes in Grp78 heterozygous mice, Grp78 heterozygous organoid growth was markedly reduced. Irradiation of Grp78 heterozygous mice resulted in less frequent regeneration of crypts compared with nonrecombined (wild-type) mice, exposing reduced capacity for self-renewal upon genotoxic insult. We crossed mice to Apc-mutant animals for adenoma studies and found that adenomagenesis in Apc heterozygous-Grp78 heterozygous mice was reduced compared with Apc heterozygous controls (1.43 vs. 3.33; P < 0.01). In conclusion, epithelium-specific Grp78 heterozygosity compromises epithelial fitness under conditions requiring expansive growth such as adenomagenesis or regeneration after γ-irradiation. These results suggest that Grp78 may be a therapeutic target in prevention of intestinal neoplasms without affecting normal tissue.

Significance: Heterozygous disruption of chaperone protein Grp78 reduces tissue regeneration and expansive growth and protects from tumor formation without affecting intestinal homeostasis. Cancer Res; 78(21); 6098–106. ©2018 AACR.
Fallopian Tube Lesions in Women at High Risk for Ovarian Cancer: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Visvanathan Kala , Shaw Patricia , May Betty J. , Bahadirli-Talbott Asli , Kaushiva Alpana , Risch Harvey , Narod Steven , Wang Tian-Li , Parkash Vinita , Vang Russell , Levine Douglas A. , Soslow Robert , Kurman Robert , Shih Ie-Ming
Published: September 2018

The prognosis of women diagnosed with invasive high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) is poor. More information about serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) and serous tubal intraepithelial lesions (STIL), putative precursor lesions of HGSC, could inform prevention efforts. We conducted a multicenter study to identify risk/protective factors associated with STIC/STILs and characterize p53 signatures in the fallopian tube. The fallopian tubes and ovaries of 479 high-risk women ≥30 years of age who underwent bilateral risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy were reviewed for invasive cancer/STICs/STILs. Epidemiologic data was available for 400 of these women. In 105 women, extensive sampling of the tubes for STICs/STILs/p53 signatures were undertaken. Descriptive statistics were used to compare groups with and without lesions. The combined prevalence of unique tubal lesions [invasive serous cancer (n = 6) /STICs (n = 14)/STILs (n = 5)] was 6.3% and this was split equally among BRCA1 (3.0%) and BRCA2 mutation carriers (3.3%). A diagnosis of invasive cancer was associated with older age but no risk/protective factor was significantly associated with STICs/STILs. Extensive sampling identified double the number of STICs/STILs (11.9%), many p53 signatures (27.0%), and multiple lesions in 50% of the cases. Women with p53 signatures in the fimbria were older than women with signatures in the remaining tube (P = 0.03). STICs/STILs may not share the protective factors that are associated with HGSC. It is plausible that these factors are only associated with STICs that progress to HGSC. Having multiple lesions in the fimbria may be an important predictor of disease progression. Cancer Prev Res; 11(11); 697–706. ©2018 AACR.
PINK1/Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy Promotes Resistance to Sonodynamic Therapy
Authors: Song Lin , Huang Yongmin , Hou Xuandi , Yang Yaoheng , Kala Shashwati , Qiu Zhihai , Zhang Rui , Sun Lei
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Sonodynamic therapy (SDT), based on the synergistic effect of low-intensity ultrasound and sonosensitizer, is a potential approach for non-invasive treatment of cancers. In SDT, mitochondria played a crucial role in cell fate determination. However, mitochondrial activities and their response to SDT remain elusive. The purpose of this study was to examine the response of mitochondria to SDT in tumor cells. Methods: A human breast adenocarcinoma cell line - MCF-7 cells were subjected to 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-SDT, with an average ultrasonic intensity of 0.25W/cm2. Mitochondrial dynamics and redox balance were examined by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot. The occurrence of mitophagy was determined by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Results: Our results showed that ALA-SDT could induce mitochondrial dysfunction through mitochondrial depolarization and fragmentation and lead to mitophagy. The Parkin-dependent signaling pathway was involved and promoted resistance to ALA-SDT induced cell death. Finally, excessive production of ROS was found to be necessary for the initiation of mitophagy. Conclusion: Taken together, we conclude that ROS produced by 5-ALA-SDT could initiate PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy which may exert a protective effect against 5-ALA-SDT-induced cell death in MCF-7 cells.
Effects of Ghrelin on iNOS-Derived NO Promoted LPS-Induced Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial A549 Cells Apoptosis
Authors: Zeng Mian , Huang Chunrong , Zheng Haichong , Chen Qingui , He Wanmei , Deng Yubin
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: In the process of abnormal apoptosis of pulmonary alveolar type II epithelial A549 cells in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity in the lung, nitric oxide (NO) production, and the level of protein S-nitrosylation were increased. However, the role of excessive NO production in sepsis-induced ARDS is controversial. Additionally, ghrelin is a growth hormone that exerts an inhibitory role in cell apoptosis. We examined the effect of NO and S-nitrosylation on apoptosis of A549 cells induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and molecular mechanism underlying the anti-apoptotic effect of ghrelin in this process. Methods: Flow cytometry and qPCR were used to detect lentiviral infection efficiency and iNOS gene level, respectively. Extracellular and intracellular NO levels were observed by Griess assay kit and DAF-FM DA. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential, apoptosis rate and SNO levels were determined by flow cytometry, Biotin-Switch method and immunofluoresence staining. The expression of iNOS, apoptotic proteins and JNK were assessed by immunoblot analysis. Results: The results showed about two times increase in iNOS expression and intracellular NO levels response to LPS exposure at 24 hours (P< 0.05), while not in extracellular NO levels. NO donors, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) significantly raised (36.7%, P< 0.05; 38.4%, P< 0.05; 41.8%, P< 0.05) extracellular NO levels without influencing the intracellular NO levels. LPS increased the apoptosis rate (42.4%±2.6% vs 2.8%±1%, P< 0.05) of A549 accompanied by increased Bax levels and decreased Bcl-2 levels through activating JNK signaling, which was reversed when we diminished the iNOS expression in A549 cells using lentiviral vectors encoding iNOS shRNA in the presence of LPS (24.8%±3.8% vs 42.4%±2.6%, P< 0.05). However, the apoptosis rate was increased when SNAP was added (38.8%±1.3% vs 24.8%±3.8%, P< 0.05). Furthermore, we investigated whether ghrelin exert a protective role against LPS-induced apoptosis and the potential mechanism involved in. Ghrelin alone appeared to decrease iNOS expression (32.3%, P< 0.05; 42.3%, P< 0.05), which showed no signifiant difference between LPS+ghrelin group and LPS group. However, this study showed that ghrelin decreased the intracellular NO production (38.9%, P< 0.05), protein S-nitrosylation levels (33.5%, P< 0.05), Bax protein expression (70.2%, P< 0.05), whereas increasing Bcl-2 protein expression (14.1%, P< 0.05) and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (∆ΨM) (20.7%, P< 0.05) in the presence of LPS. Conclusion: The data suggested that NO derived from iNOS induced by LPS stimulation exerts an important role in promoting apoptosis of A549 cells, and ghrelin abolished intracellular NO production and protein S-nitrosylation levels, abrogating the apoptosis of A549 cells partly through inhibiting mitochondrial-dependent pathways.
Presença travesti e mediação sociocultural nos palcos brasileiros: uma periodização histórica
Authors: Jayo Martin , Meneses Emerson Silva
Published: September 2018

Os palcos brasileiros testemunharam diferentes momentos da trajetória cultural da transgeneridade. Com foco em artistas travestis do passado e do presente, este ensaio coloca em perspectiva a histórica relação entre transgeneridade e artes cênicas. Desenvolve uma periodização histórica para a presença travesti nos palcos brasileiros, e ao fazer isso discute o papel que artistas travestis podem desempenhar como mediadoras socioculturais no processo de aceitação social da transgeneridade.
Por que estudar línguas africanas no Brasil?
Authors: Petter Margarida Maria Taddoni
Published: September 2018

Foram muitas as línguas que o tráfico transatlântico transplantou para o Brasil, no entanto o estudo dessas línguas não atraiu muito a atenção dos estudiosos, que se dedicaram a outros aspectos da diversidade cultural africana, como religiões, danças, música, culinária etc. Este texto aborda as motivações que levaram pesquisadores, e linguistas em particular, a estudar (ou não) as línguas africanas entre nós, chamando a atenção para as duas vertentes desse estudo: as línguas que entraram em contato com o português no Brasil e as línguas que são faladas no continente africano. Examina-se, primeiramente, o contexto sociocultural que fomentou o interesse pelas questões linguísticas e que influenciou as análises feitas ao longo da história brasileira. Destaca-se a seguir a importância científica da investigação das línguas da África, tanto para para a linguística quanto para o conhecimento da humanidade.
A interpretação da cultura através dos dados: O BIG DATA a partir da epistemologia do sul
Authors: Romanini Anderson Vinicius , Lima Renata Lipia
Published: September 2018

A revolução digital, acompanhada pela introdução dos dispositivos móveis conectados online às redes sociais, produziu uma nova esfera para a circulação da informação e produção de cultura. Um dos efeitos da cibercultura é a acumulação de um fabuloso volume de dados sobre as ações e transações nos usuários das redes. O Big Data passou a ser analisado com ferramentas de visualização e interpretação para atender aos propósitos do atual estágio do sistema capitalista, e aos interesses detentores do poder em busca de uma hegemonia digital. Defendemos a necessidade de uma Epistemologia do Sul na formulação desses algoritmos e esquemas interpretativos para garantir que a diversidade e complexidade das culturas periféricas sejam preservadas, e também para a formulação de ações de resistência e de afirmação das identidades culturais ameaçadas.
A performance de Regina José Galindo: luta e resistência na América Latina
Authors: Fazzolari Cláudia
Published: September 2018

Regina José Galindo, artista guatemalteca, tem orientado suas performances à proposição de zonas de conflito na mais recente memória política de seu país. Em sua errância caribenha, recupera no próprio corpo, a carga explosiva de situações que, pouco a pouco, contaminam todo o público. O contexto de La Verdad, projeto artístico resultante da anulação da sentença condenatória de Efrain Ríos Montt, pode ser compreendido como moção de repúdio da artista e gesto consciente de penalização. Para a performance, a criadora aciona, em um intervalo de quase hora e meia, a leitura dos testemunhos de mulheres sobreviventes do conflito armado vivido na Guatemala. Com dificuldade crescente, em virtude de anestésico aplicado em sua boca, entre pausas, Galindo descortina, página após página, um documento que contém  os registros dos crimes praticados por ordem do ditador Ríos Montt. Com sua ação reelabora assim os atos de horror impostos às mulheres da etnia Ixil propondo uma revisão do trauma.
Aportes teóricos e reflexões sobre o racismo estrutural no Brasil
Authors: Bersani Humberto
Published: September 2018

O artigo pretende analisar o racismo enquanto um elemento estrutural de opressão no Brasil. Para tanto, são consideradas as contribuições teóricas de Jacob Gorender, Clóvis Moura, Caio Prado Júnior e Nelson Werneck Sodré, destacando-se o escravismo colonial e sistematizado, a economia colonial e a formação do capitalismo no Brasil. A partir do levantamento bibliográfico e estabelecidas as relações entre os referenciais, será apresentada uma proposta de compreensão do racismo estrutural.
Mediações Culturais e Diversidade na América Latina
Authors: Oliveira Dennis de
Published: September 2018

Texto de apresentação da Extraprensa V. 11, nº 2 (junho/2018)
Brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) social interactions and their implications for bovine tuberculosis epidemiology
Authors: Rouco C. , Jewell C. , Richardson K.S. , French N.P. , Buddle B.M. , Tompkins D.M.
Published: September 2018

The brushtail possum is the main reservoir of bovine tuberculosis in New Zealand. Disease prevalence is generally higher in males than in females. This has conventionally been assumed due to greater infection rates of males, but recent work has raised the hypothesis that it may instead be driven by survival differences. With bovine tuberculosis transmission among possums most likely occurring between individuals in close proximity, here we analyse social networks built on data from wild possums collared with contact loggers inhabiting a native New Zealand forest, to investigate whether there is mechanistic support for higher male infection rates. Our results revealed that adult female possums were generally just as connected with adult male possums as other adult males are, with male–female connection patterns not being significantly different. This result suggest that the new ‘survivorship’ hypothesis for the sex bias is more likely than the conventional ‘infection rate’ hypothesis.
Towards a nemo judex in parte sua Critique of the International Criminal Court?
Authors: Chigara Benedict Abrahamson
Published: September 2018

When the relevance or, practice of international tribunals is impugned their tendency often is to resort to ‘vivere-existential reflexes’. This habit can incubate conflict between the particular tribunal and the requirements of General Principles of Law recognized by civilized nations. This risks disunity between international law, supranational law and domestic law. This article examines the International Criminal Court’s (icc) application and interpretation of Article 87 of the Rome Statute (1998) under the light of nemo judex in parte sua – a general principle of law recognized by civilized nations. The article recommends that an observatory for monitoring International Tribunals’ compliance with general principles of law recognized by civilized nations should be established and a database on non-compliance should be developed and maintained. This should check practice of international tribunals for consistency with general principles of law recognized by civilized nations in a manner that promotes the integrity of international law.
Migration and the Historical Population Register of Norway
Authors: Thorvaldsen Gunnar , Østrem Nils Olav
Published: September 2018

The Historical Population Register (HPR) of Norway gives rise to new research opportunities on a large array of topics spanning medicine, social sciences and humanities. This introductory article outlines the contents of the register, the periods it covers, and its use, particularly with respect to the study of geographic mobility. This article introduces the articles in this issue, which concentrate on the emigration to the US and the returnee emigrants.
Two new species of Tomentella (Thelephorales, Basidiomycota) from Lesser Xingan Mts., northeastern China
Authors: LU XU , MU YAN-HONG , YUAN HAI-SHENG
Published: September 2018

Two new species of Tomentella from the Lesser Xingan Mts. of northeastern China, T. pallidocastanea and T. tenuirhizomorpha, are described and illustrated using morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis. T. pallidocastanea is characterized by mucedinoid basidiocarps adherent to the substrate, a light reddish brown to pinkish grey hymenophoral surface, absence of rhizomorphs and cystidia, generative hyphae with clamps, rarely with simple septa and echinulate, and subglobose to lobed basidiospores (echinuli up to 1.5 μm long). T. tenuirhizomorpha is characterized by mucedinoid basidiocarps separable from the substrate, a greyish brown to dark brown hymenophoral surface, thin rhizomorphs in the subiculum and margins, an absence of cystidia, generative hyphae with clamps rarely with simple septa and echinulate, and subglobose to globose basidiospores (echinuli up to 1.5 μm long). Molecular analyses using Maximum Likelihood, Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian Analysis confirm the phylogenetic position of the two new species. The discriminating characters of these two new species and their closely related species are discussed in this study.
Five endemic Peperomia (Piperaceae) novelties from Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: JIMENO-SEVILLA HÉCTOR DAVID , VERGARA-RODRÍGUEZ DANIELA , KRÖMER THORSTEN , ARMENTA-MONTERO SAMARIA , MATHIEU GUIDO
Published: September 2018

Five new species of Peperomia (Piperaceae), endemic to the state of Veracruz, Mexico, are described, illustrated, compared with morphologically close taxa and assigned to their respective subgenus. Peperomia castilloi Vergara-Rodríguez & Jimeno-Sevilla, P. nopalana G.Mathieu, P. trichobracteata G.Mathieu & T.Krömer and P. xalana G.Mathieu are four somewhat similar species that occur at lower elevations in tropical humid forests. Peperomia zongolicana Jimeno-Sevilla & Vergara-Rodríguez occurs in tropical humid forests at mid-range elevations and is very distinct by the shape of its inflorescences. An assessment of their conservation status, considering IUCN Red List categories and criteria, revealed that they all belong to a threatened category, mainly due to the continuous loss and fragmentation of their natural habitats.
A new Miconia (Melastomataceae: Miconieae) from upland rain forest of northwestern Guyana
Authors: ALMEDA FRANK , PENNEYS DARIN S.
Published: September 2018

Miconia angustidentata, from upland rain forest in northwestern Guyana, is described, illustrated, mapped, and compared with its superficially similar species based on morphological features. It is characterized by its ovate to elliptic 3–5-nerved entire leaves; axillary clusters of 3–5 sessile mostly 5-merous flowers; sparse cover of minute stellate trichomes on abaxial foliar surfaces, hypanthia, and calyx lobes; conspicuous oblong calyx teeth that obscure calyx lobes at anthesis and in fruit; white oblong petals that lack a subapical mucro on the abaxial surface; white stamens with ventrally inclined anther pores; (4–) 5-locular superior ovary; and ovoid-pyramidal angulate seeds with an irregularly rugulate testa and a raphe that extends about 50% the length of the seed. A conservation assessment of Endangered is recommended for this species based on IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Effects of Wind Stress and Surface Cooling on Cross-Shore Exchange
Authors: Wu Xiaodong , Cahl Douglas , Voulgaris George
Published: September 2018

The formation of coastal dense shelf water in winter provides the available potential energy (APE) to fuel baroclinic instability. The combined effects of baroclinic instability and wind forcing in driving cross-shelf exchange are investigated using idealized numerical simulations with varied bottom slope, wind stress, and heat loss rate. The results show that under upwelling-favorable winds, the intensity of the instability decreases as the wind stress increases. This is caused primarily by enhanced turbulence frictional dissipation. Under downwelling-favorable winds, an increase in wind stress and/or a decrease in heat loss rate tends to constrain the baroclinic instability, leading to a circulation resembling that driven purely by wind forcing. In the latter case, once a critical value of cross-shore density gradient is reached, isopycnal slumping is initiated, leading to increased vertical stratification and narrowing of the inner shelf. The change in depth of the inner-shelf outer boundary, defined as the location corresponding to the maximum cross-shore gradient of the surface Ekman transport, is proportional to an empirically derived multiparametric quantity , where a2 is a dimensional constant, B0 is a constant heat loss rate, γ = 0.43, f is the Coriolis parameter, α is the shelf slope, B is the heat loss rate, and τ is the wind stress. This relationship is found to hold for cases when instabilities are present.
The thrust measurement system research for combined nozzle in small space
Authors: Lu Yonghua , Li Jing , Zhang Xiang , Li Yang
Published: September 2018

For measuring the thrust of combined nozzles in satellite thruster with a small space, the test method that the nozzle directly sprays on the load baffle is employed in this paper. The key problem is how to design the positions of 10 load baffles and how to construct the measurement system. A set of complete and automatic nozzle thrust measurement system is designed and built, and the influence of the load baffle applied on the flow field of nozzles is analyzed using the software FLUENT. Furthermore, the load surface locations of the sensors for the different types of nozzles are analyzed. We draw the conclusion that the load baffle position should range from 4–8 mm for the I-type nozzle and range in 6–12 mm for II-type and III-type nozzle. The correction coefficients of the thrust forces for all channels of the measurement system are determined in the calibration experiment. The uncertainty of measurement system is estimated and the error source of the measurement system is traced. We found that the systematic uncertainty is mainly contributed by the A-type uncertainty which is related with the nozzle dimension and its inner structure. The B-type uncertainty of system is contributed by the force sensor.
Passion at the heart of musicians’ well-being
Authors: Bonneville-Roussy Arielle , Vallerand Robert J.
Published: September 2018

This article proposes that passion for music is an essential element in explaining the well-being of musicians. Based on the PERMA model of well-being and on research on passion for music, this article posits that being passionate about music, and more specifically holding a harmonious type of passion (HP), reduces music-related anxiety and enhances musicians’ life satisfaction, sense of psychological growth and mastery. Furthermore, it is expected that holding an obsessive passion (OP) toward music might thwart musicians’ well-being through increased musical anxiety. These hypotheses were tested with 225 trainee and expert classical musicians. In order to provide a valid measure of passion for music, the Passion Scale for Music (PSM) was first validated. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) results provided support for the hypothesis that musicians who are passionate about music, and even more those who are HP, experience increased well-being, while OP does not contribute to musicians’ well-being. The relationships between passion and well-being in musicians were moderate to strong, confirming that the types of passion musicians hold is a central element in explaining their well-being. The article concludes that being passionate about music acts as a “sparkle” that brightens musicians’ lives with regards to their global well-being experience.
Sunlight Degradation of Polymeric Detectable Warning Surface Products
Authors: Na Sukjoon , Vahidi Siavash , Nguyen Hieu , ElSafety Adel , Hsuan Grace
Published: September 2018

Detectable warning surface (DWS) is a panel product installed at the edge of curb ramps to warn visually impaired pedestrians about the proximity of the roadway. Most DWS products are made of polymers and are subjected to outdoor weathering. Therefore, sunlight degradation is an important factor that affects their service life. In this study, the effects of sunlight on material degradation in four DWS products made from polyester, neopentylglycol (NPG), polyurethane, and polyolefin were evaluated by exposing DWS test coupons in a xenon weatherometer. The exposure conditions were largely based on ASTM D 2565 for a duration of 3,000 h. Color change induced by radiation was measured using a spectro-colorimeter. The fastest discoloration was measured in DWS made from polyurethane. The largest color change occurred between 500 and 1,000 h for polyurethane and between 1,000 and 3,000 h for other polymers. The changes of surface appearance observed under a digital microscope were consistent with the discoloration. The reinforcing fibers in DWS products made from polyester and polyurethane were revealed after 3,000 h exposure. Decrease in surface wear resistance was obtained in tested coupons that were exposed to the highest irradiance level. The product made from NPG exhibited the greatest decrease in wear resistance, while that made from polyolefin showed the least change.
Modeling and impact analysis on contact characteristic of the compaction roller for composite automated placement
Authors: Cheng Jinxiang , Zhao Dongbiao , Liu Kai , Wang Yangwei , Chen Huaiyuan
Published: September 2018

Composite automated placement shows great potential for efficient manufacturing of large aviation components. In order to understand the effect of the contact between the compaction roller and the fiber/tape on the layup quality, it is necessary to study the contact characteristic of the compaction roller and the morphological change of the prepreg under the compaction roller. The contact of the compaction roller is divided into the static and dynamic contact. For the static contact, the contact model is simplified to a roller compaction on an elastic body with curved surfaces, and it is developed based on the elastic contact theory. On the contrary, a dynamic contact model is presented by simplifying the contact areas as idealized rectangular elements with identically sized elements. Due to the compaction roller exerting pressure on the prepreg, the morphology of the prepreg will change with different processing parameters. The deformation model of the prepreg is determined as the resin flows through a porous network of fibers by creep theory. A series of experiments had been conducted to verify feasibility and accuracy of the developed models. Results demonstrate that these models have good precision.
Can Charter Schools Address Racial Inequities Evidenced in Access to the General Education Classroom? A Longitudinal Study in Chicago Public Schools
Authors: Waitoller Federico R. , Maggin Daniel M.
Published: September 2018

This study presents a longitudinal analysis of racial inequities evidenced in placement patterns in the least restrictive environment (LRE). We compared placement trends in neighborhoods and charter schools for Black and White students receiving special education services (SRSES). Drawing from the concept of institutional isomorphism and using a longitudinal analysis of odds ratio, we examined annual school data from 2008 to 2012 on students’ placement in the LRE in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Our findings indicate that over time charter schools mirror neighborhood schools’ (NS) racial inequities evidenced in access to general education classrooms.
Another Look at WIC’s Breastfeeding Data: State Totals Reveal More Than Regional Averages
Authors: Berkowitz Shari Salzhauer
Published: September 2018

Background:

Breastfeeding is known to be the most beneficial way of feeding infants, but 68% of the infants enrolled in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children are fully formula fed. Mandated annual reports about breastfeeding aggregate data from the states into regions, which obscures important information.

Research Aim:

The aim of this study is to reexamine the data supplied by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children to identify which areas of the United States have the lowest incidence of breastfeeding infants.

Methods:

A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Data from the Breastfeeding Data Local Agency Report were extracted, graphed, and analyzed.

Results:

Data provided from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children for fiscal year 2016 show that the range of fully formula fed infants at the regional level is 60% to 78%, while at the state level the range is wider, at 51% to 89%. The states with the largest numbers of fully formula fed infants were Mississippi (89%), Louisiana (88%), Alabama (88%), and Arkansas (87%). When examining data from all 90 reporting agencies, the range of fully formula fed infants was 38% to 95%.

Conclusions:

Aggregating state, Native American nation, and territorial data at the regional level resulted in a loss of important information. WIC’s current breastfeeding interventions may be more effective in some areas than others. Future research can examine successful and unsuccessful interventions on a state or local level.
Experimental and numerical analysis of piezoelectric active repair of edge-cracked plate
Authors: Abuzaid Ahmed , Hrairi Meftah , Dawood MSI Shaik
Published: September 2018

This article proposes an alternative model for active repair for an edge-cracked plate with adhesively bonded piezoelectric actuator. It computes the Mode-I stress intensity factor (SIF) produced by the piezoelectric actuators using appropriate derived geometrical weight functions. Furthermore, this article presents an experimental study to verify the proposed analytical model and the finite element analysis using ANSYS software. Therefore, the analytical, finite element and experimental results for Mode-I opening of the crack conditions are demonstrated. Parametric analysis to understand the influence and to study the efficiency of the piezoelectric actuator on mitigation of the Mode-I SIF was conducted. The obtained analytical solution is applicable in the calculation of Mode-I SIF with reasonable accuracy. The result indicated that the maximum reduction of SIF is achieved with the application of high external voltage and thin thickness actuator. The relative errors of the analytical model and the experimental results are less than 10% in all the cases studied in this article.
Making Triage Decisions for the Acute Community Care Program: Paramedics Caring for Urgent Health Problems in Patients’ Homes
Authors: Iezzoni Lisa I. , Kothari Dhruva , Camargo Carlos A. , Wint Amy J. , Cluett W. Scott , Tripodis Yorghos , Palmisano Joseph
Published: September 2018

The Acute Community Care Program (ACCP) initiative sends specially trained paramedics to evaluate and treat patients with urgent care problems in their residences during evening hours. ACCP safety depends on making appropriate triage decisions from patients’ reports during phone calls about whether paramedics could care for patients’ urgent needs or whether they require emergency department (ED) services. Furthermore, after ACCP paramedics are on scene, patients may nonetheless need ED care if their urgent health problems are not adequately treated by the paramedic’s interventions. To train clinical staff participating in all aspects of ACCP, including these triage decisions, ACCP clinical leaders developed brief vignettes: 27 represented initial ACCP triage decisions and 10 the subsequent decision to send patients to EDs. This report describes findings from an online survey completed by 24 clinical staff involved with ACCP triage. Clinical vignettes could be useful for staff training and quality control in such paramedic initiatives.
A Comparison of Barbed Suture Versus Traditional Techniques for Muscle Belly Repair
Authors: Goyal Kanu S. , Speeckaert Amy L. , Goitz Robert J. , Tavana M. Lance
Published: September 2018

Background: The use of barbed sutures in wound closure and tendon repair has been previously been studied with improved results over traditional suture material. We examine the use of barbed suture in muscle belly repair in a custom configuration, comparing it with traditional configurations and a control. Methods: Twenty-five matched porcine psoas muscles were assigned to 5 different test groups: Mason-Allen with #1 Ethibond, Figure of Eight Allen with #1 Ethibond, Modified Kessler with #1 Ethibond, Custom Configuration with #2 Barbed PDS, Custom Configuration with #1 Ethibond. Repair was performed on the cut edge of muscle, with the free end of the suture anchored to a fixed base, forming a single-sided repair. An Instron 8874 tensiometer was used to linearly distract the repair to failure at 1 mm/s after 1 N preload. Five samples of each group were run, comparing load to failure and distraction at 10 N. Results: Repair with barbed suture in custom configuration had statistically significantly greater load to failure than all other methods. It also showed statistically significant less displacement at 10 N of force than all other methods of repair except the Mason-Allen repair with #1 Ethibond. Mode of failure for traditional techniques was suture pull-through with tissue loss. Failure with barbed suture was through suture pullout without tissue loss. Conclusions: Custom configuration with a barbed suture increases the load to failure and decreases displacement of the repair site at 10 N of force. In addition, when the suture does pull out, it does so with minimal tissue loss.
Redemption or forfeiture? Understanding diversity in Australians’ attitudes to parole
Authors: Fitzgerald Robin , Freiberg Arie , Bartels Lorana
Published: September 2018

Recent Australian reforms to parole following high-profile violations are premised on a purported public desire for greater restrictions on the use of parole. These changes reflect the tendency of legislatures to presume that the public is largely punitive and invoke a ‘forfeiture’ of rights rationale that weakens support for offender rehabilitation. We consider whether restricting parole is based on a sound reading of public views. Drawing on a national study of public opinion on parole in Australia, we use a latent variable approach to look for distinct patterns in attitudes to parole and re-entry. We also examine what factors explain these patterns. The results support the conclusion that appealing to a public belief in offenders’ ability to change may be the most effective way to increase public confidence in parole systems.
Volumetric voxelwise apparent diffusion coefficient histogram analysis for differentiation of the fourth ventricular tumors
Authors: Payabvash Seyedmehdi , Tihan Tarik , Cha Soonmee
Published: September 2018

Purpose

We applied voxelwise apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis in addition to structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and patients’ age for differentiation of intraaxial posterior fossa tumors involving the fourth ventricle.

Participants and methods

Pretreatment MRIs of 74 patients with intraaxial brain neoplasm involving the fourth ventricle, from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2015, were reviewed. The tumor solid components were segmented and voxelwise ADC histogram variables were determined. Histogram-driven variables, structural MRI findings, and patient age were combined to devise a differential diagnosis algorithm.

Results

The most common neoplasms were ependymomas ( n = 21), medulloblastoma ( n = 17), and pilocytic astrocytomas ( n = 13). Medulloblastomas followed by atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors had the lowest ADC histogram percentile values; whereas pilocytic astrocytomas and choroid plexus papillomas had the highest ADC histogram percentile values. In a multivariable multinominal regression analysis, the ADC 10th percentile value from voxelwise histogram was the only independent predictor of tumor type ( p < 0.001). In separate binary logistic regression analyses, the 10th percentile ADC value, tumor morphology, enhancement pattern, extension into Luschka/Magendie foramina, and patient age were predictors of different tumor types. Combining these variables, we devised a stepwise diagnostic model yielding 71% to 82% sensitivity, 91% to 95% specificity, 75% to 78% positive predictive value, and 89% to 95% negative predictive value for differentiation of ependymoma, medulloblastoma, and pilocytic astrocytoma.

Conclusion

We have shown how the addition of quantitative voxelwise ADC histogram analysis of the tumor solid component to structural findings and patient age can help with accurate differentiation of intraaxial posterior fossa neoplasms involving the fourth ventricle based on pretreatment MRI.
Urinary Tract Endometriosis
Authors: Rehder Peter , Glodny Bernhard , Pichler Renate , Kerschbaumer Andrea , Mitterberger Michael
Published: September 2018

Endometriosis is a multifactorial polygenic genetic disorder that affects 10–20% of women. The urinary tract is affected in only 1–5% of cases and here most commonly the urinary bladder. Diagnosis of urinary tract endometriosis is made late due to its commonly asymptomatic course. The management of urinary tract endometriosis depends on the severity of the symptoms and signs, the extent of the disease, its location and the presence of renal damage because of ureteral obstruction. A conservative medical treatment is recommended for small areas of endometriosis in the bladder. For urinary tract endometriosis covering a large area, or where infiltration causes architectural damage, surgery is recommended. Partial cystectomy should be considered because of the transmural nature of bladder endometriosis. In cases of ureteral endometriosis, the surgical technique is determined by the location and extent of the lesion. For the distal ureter an ureterocystoneostomy using the Psoas hitch or Boari flap is recommended. For short, proximal ureteral involvement an end-to-end anastomosis or endoscopic incision may be used, and for extended areas, ileum interposition or kidney mobilization using nephropexy. A multidisciplinary approach is strongly recommended. Endometriosis with urological involvement more often needs surgical treatment, especially when ureteral obstruction leads to progressive kidney damage.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Endometriosis: Still a Controversial Issue
Authors: Bocci Guido , Fasciami Alessandro , Orlandi Paola , di Paolo Antonello , Del Tacca Mario , Danesi Romano
Published: September 2018

Endometriosis is a chronic, multifactorial, polygenic gynecological disease. Endometrium has a high angiogenic potential and endometriotic lesions involve large areas with a rich blood supply. Angiogenesis is controlled by numerous inducers, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. Endometrium undergoes cyclical growth and regression during the menstrual cycle, which depends on ovarian steroid levels and is a rich source of angiogenic growth factors, including VEGF-A. The VEGF-A gene is located on chromosome 6p21.3 and it is highly polymorphic with more than 20 different variants. This article critically reviews the published data concerning the relationships between some of the VEGF-A single nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk, pathogenesis and stage of endometriosis. Contrasting results have been published in the literature - probably due to the different ethnic background and the number of patients enrolled in clinical trials. However, the increasing interest in the use of antiangiogenic drugs (eg anti-VEGF-A drugs) in the therapy of endometriosis may suggest carrying out further genetic and pharmacogenetic studies of this disease because the stratification of patients at risk of endometriosis can lead to early diagnosis and optimal treatment choice.
Changes of hindfoot alignment after high or low tibial osteotomy
Authors: Choi Jun Young , Suh Jin Soo , Lee Dong Joo
Published: September 2018

Category:

Hindfoot

Introduction/Purpose:

We aimed to determine the change in hindfoot alignment after high (HTO) or low tibial osteotomy (LTO), which is commonly performed to prevent the progression of arthritis of the knee or ankle.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the radiographic findings of patients who underwent HTO or LTO for arthritis with varus deformity of the knee or ankle joint. The hindfoot alignment view angle (HAVA), hindfoot alignment ratio (HAR), and hindfoot moment arm (HMA) were measured using the hindfoot alignment radiographs. All radiographic parameters were measured at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively to assess serial changes.

Results:

In the HTO group, the HAVA and HMA were significantly increased at 12 months postoperatively compared to preoperatively (P=0.03 and 0.001, respectively). Similarly, the HAR increased from 0.23 preoperatively to 0.44 at 12 months postoperatively, which was a statistically significant change (P=0.001). In the LTO group, the 12-month postoperative HAVA, HAR, and HMA were significantly decreased (P=0.001 for each), which represented a hindfoot alignment change to the valgus position.

Conclusion:

After HTO, preoperative hindfoot valgus deviation was significantly decreased at 12 months and approached normal values, while the preoperative mild hindfoot varus alignment was changed to valgus deviation after LTO.
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Humbyrd Casey , Bae Sunjae , Segev Dorry
Published: September 2018

Category:

Trauma

Introduction/Purpose:

Patients who are dialysis-dependent and those who have received kidney transplants may be at increased risk for Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) as a result of compromised kidney function. Our goal was to examine the incidence, risk factors, and type of ATR treatment in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods:

We studied all Medicare patients with ESRD from 1999 through 2013, as captured by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the United States Renal Data System. Patients were categorized as not waitlisted for a transplant, waitlisted but not yet transplanted, or received a transplant. Patients were migrated to the corresponding groups at the time when they were waitlisted or received a transplant. We performed multivariate negative binomial regression using age, race, sex, body mass index, cause of ESRD, comorbidities, and year of study entry as covariables to estimate the adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) for all groups and to identify risk factors for ATR. We performed a subgroup analysis using the above methods for participants with Medicare Part D to characterize the association of fluoroquinolones and steroids with ATR.

Results:

We identified 1091 ATRs (incidence, 3.80 per 10,000 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.58–4.03). Patients who sustained an ATR were significantly younger, had higher mean body mass index, and had fewer comorbidities than patients without ATR. Compared with the incidence of ATR among transplant recipients, the incidence of ATR was lower in the non-waitlisted group (aIRR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.37–0.53) and similar in the waitlisted group (aIRR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.78–1.12). Patients who used fluoroquinolones and steroids had a higher incidence of ATR (aIRR 1.65; 95% CI, 1.32 -1.84 and aIRR 1.72, 95% CI, 1.44-2.05 respectively). A small proportion of patients (n = 184; 17%) received surgical treatment within 14 days of diagnosis of ATR, and the 30-day cumulative incidence of surgical site infections was 6.5%.

Conclusion:

The incidence of ATR was higher in the transplanted and waitlisted groups compared with the non-waitlisted group. Younger age, higher body mass index, better health, fluoroquinolone use and steroid use were significant risk factors for ATR. Patients were more likely to receive nonoperative than surgical treatment for ATR. Those who underwent surgical treatment for ATR had a low incidence of surgical site infection.
Use of the Extended Sinus Tarsi Approach for Treatment of Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures Compared with the Extended Lateral Approach
Authors: Kang Chan , Kim Dong Yeol , Song Jae-Hwang , Lee Jeong-kil , Song Seokhwan , Hwang Sungjin , Lee Gi-Soo , Choi Bo Sung , Seo Gangwon , Kim Yonghyun
Published: September 2018

Category:

Trauma

Introduction/Purpose:

We compared the radiographic results and clinical outcomes of patients with displaced, intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated via the extended sinus tarsi approach (ESTA) and the extended lateral approach (ELA).

Methods:

We retrospectively studied the utility of the ELA (46 patients, 52 feet) and the ESTA (56 patients, 64 feet) in patients operated upon between January 2009 and September 2014. We evaluated pre- and post-operative X-rays and computed tomography (CT) data. Pain, patient-reported functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications, were investigated at the three year follow-up.

Results:

Neither the postoperative nor three year follow-up Böhler angles, nor the calcaneal width, differed significantly between the two groups (both p > 0.05). The maximum step-off of the posterior facet on the three month CT follow-up of the ESTA was significantly less than that of the ELA (p < 0.05). We found no significant between-group differences in terms of postoperative translation (p = 0.232) or angulation of the sustentacular fragment (p = 0.132), three year follow-up mean visual analog scale pain score at rest (p = 0.641) or during weight-bearing (p = 0.525), Foot Function Index (FFI) (p = 0.712), and self-reported satisfaction (p = 0.823). The ELA experienced significantly more wound complications (p = 0.039) and nonunions (p = 0.014) than the ESTA.

Conclusion:

Compared with the ELA, the ESTA afforded comparable radiological results and clinical outcomes, associated with a reduced operative time and fewer wound complications and nonunions. We suggest that the ESTA is an efficient surgical option when treating displaced, intra-articular calcaneal fractures.