bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients From Appalachia Have Reduced Access to Liver Transplantation After Wait-Listing
Authors: Beal Eliza W. , Tumin Dmitry , Sobotka Lindsay , Tobias Joseph D. , Hayes Don , Pawlik Timothy M. , Washburn Kenneth , Mumtaz Khalid , Conteh Lanla , Black Sylvester M.
Published: September 2018

Background:

The Appalachian region is medically underserved and characterized by high morbidity and mortality. We investigated disparities among patients listed for liver transplantation (LT) in wait-list outcomes, according to residence in the Appalachian region.

Methods:

Data on adult patients listed for LT were obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing for July 2013 to December 2015. Wait-list outcomes were compared using cause-specific hazard models by region of residence (Appalachian vs non-Appalachian) among patients listed at centers serving Appalachia. Posttransplant patient and graft survival were also compared. The study included 1835 LT candidates from Appalachia and 5200 from non-Appalachian regions, of whom 1016 patients experienced wait-list mortality or were delisted; 3505 received liver transplants.

Results:

In multivariable analyses, patients from Appalachia were less likely to receive LT (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79-0.93; P < .001), but Appalachian residence was not associated with wait-list mortality or delisting (HR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.89-1.18; P = .696). Among liver transplant recipients, patient and graft survival did not differ by Appalachian versus non-Appalachian residence.

Conclusion:

Appalachian residence was associated with lower access to transplantation after listing for LT. This geographic disparity should be addressed in the current debate over reforming donor liver allocation and patient priority for LT.
Towards feedback-controlled nanomedicines for smart, adaptive delivery
Authors: Jones Stephen J. , Taylor Annette F. , Beales Paul A
Published: September 2018

Nanomedicines for controlled drug release provide temporal and spatial regulation of drug bioavailability in the body. The timing of drug release is usually engineered either for slow gradual release over an extended period of time or for rapid release triggered by a specific change in its physicochemical environment. However, between these two extremes, there is the desirable possibility of adaptive nanomedicines that dynamically modulate drug release in tune with its changing environment. Adaptation and response through communication with its environment is a fundamental trait of living systems; therefore, the design of biomimetic nanomedicines through the approaches of bottom-up synthetic biology provides a viable route to this goal. This could enable drug delivery systems to optimize release in synchronicity with the body’s natural biological rhythms and the personalized physiological characteristics of the patient, e.g. their metabolic rate. Living systems achieve this responsiveness through feedback-controlled biochemical processes that regulate their functional outputs. Towards this goal of adaptive drug delivery systems, we review the general benefits of nanomedicine formulations, provide existing examples of experimental nanomedicines that encapsulate the metabolic function of enzymes, and give relevant examples of feedback-controlled chemical systems. These are the underpinning concepts that hold promise to be combined to form novel adaptive release systems. Furthermore, we motivate the advantages of adaptive release through chronobiological examples. By providing a brief review of these topics and an assessment of the state of the art, we aim to provide a useful resource to accelerate developments in this field.

Impact statement

The timing and rate of release of pharmaceuticals from advanced drug delivery systems is an important property that has received considerable attention in the scientific literature. Broadly, these mostly fall into two classes: controlled release with a prolonged release rate or triggered release where the drug is rapidly released in response to an environmental stimulus. This review aims to highlight the potential for developing adaptive release systems that more subtlety modulate the drug release profile through continuous communication with its environment facilitated through feedback control. By reviewing the key elements of this approach in one place (fundamental principles of nanomedicine, enzymatic nanoreactors for medical therapies and feedback-controlled chemical systems) and providing additional motivating case studies in the context of chronobiology, we hope to inspire innovative development of novel “chrononanomedicines.”
The Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Does Not Lie Parallel to the Thumb Metacarpal
Authors: Lans Jonathan , van Hernen Jan Jonas , Eusamio Beatriz , Langhammer Chris , Eberlin Kyle R. , Chen Neal C.
Published: September 2018

Background: Repair of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon by tendon retriever can be challenging because of uncertainty of the optimal direction. This study aims to describe the FPL tendon path in the thenar eminence. Methods: In 18 hands of 9 cadavers, the angle of the FPL tendon was, after dissection, measured in relation to the axis formed between the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb and the dorsal carpometacarpal joint (MC1-axis) and the axis formed between the second MCP joint and the distal edge of the trapezium (MC2-axis). Results: The FPL does not follow the angle of the thumb metacarpal. The FPL runs ulnarly from the MC1-axis at a median of 32.5° in abduction and 30.6° in adduction. In relation to the MC2-axis, it runs at a median of 47.5° in abduction and 25° in adduction. Conclusions: The FPL tendon path can be preoperatively marked using: (1) the MC1-axis from which it runs ulnarly approximately at an angle of 30° in both abduction and adduction; or (2) the MC2-axis from which it runs radially at an angle of 47.5° in abduction and at an angle of 25° in adduction. We conclude that the FPL tendon path can be preoperatively marked using these axes and does not parallel the metacarpal axes of the thumb.
A Unique Presentation of Scaphocapitate Syndrome With Extrusion Into the Carpal Tunnel: A Case Report
Authors: Akinleye Sheriff D. , Melamed Eitan
Published: September 2018

Background: Scaphocapitate syndrome is a rare variety of perilunate instability, described as a trans-scaphoid, trans-capitate fracture, with rotation of the capitate head either 90° or 180°. Methods: We present a unique case of scaphocapitate syndrome in which the rotated proximal capitate fragment expelled into the carpal canal. Results: The capitate head was extricated from the carpal tunnel via the volar approach, and was anatomically aligned and fixed through the dorsal approach using two 2.0 mm headless compression screws. The scaphoid fracture was then also reduced through the dorsal approach and stabilized with a 2.5 mm headless compression screw. All intercarpal ligaments appeared intact. Conclusions: Volar dislocation of the proximal capitate into the carpal tunnel in scaphocapitate syndrome presents a unique challenge that can be addressed with a combined volar and dorsal approach.
The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) for recurrent aneurysms: Clinical and imaging results
Authors: van Rooij SBT , van Rooij WJ , Sluzewski M , Peluso JP
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is a novel intrasaccular flow disrupter designed for wide-necked aneurysms. We present our results of WEB treatment in previously treated and reopened aneurysms.

Materials and methods

Between February 2015 and December 2017, 17 patients with reopening of previously treated aneurysms were treated using the WEB device. Initial treatment was clipping in one, WEB in five and coiling in 11 aneurysms. Six aneurysms had two or three previous treatments. Mechanism of aneurysm reopening was clip remnant in one, compaction without regrowth in three, focal regrowth in five, reopening in partially thrombosed aneurysms in three and WEB compression in five aneurysms.

Results

Endovascular treatment of the recurrent aneurysm was possible in all 17 patients with good WEB position obtained. Additional devices were used in three of 17 patients (18%): coils in two and stent in one patient.  No technical, hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications occurred (0%, 97.5% confidence interval 0–22%). Overall imaging result at latest follow-up was complete occlusion in five (29%), neck remnant in six (35%), aneurysm reopening in six (35%) and persistent WEB filling in one aneurysm (6%). After retreatment with the WEB, two aneurysms were again additionally treated and three aneurysms are scheduled for additional treatment. Worst results were in partially thrombosed aneurysms.

Conclusion

The WEB device for recurrent aneurysms may be a feasible and safe option, especially in wide-necked, shallow aneurysm recurrences. Results were poor in partially thrombosed recurrent aneurysms.
The effect of welded joint properties on the surface characteristics of laser-welded 2205 duplex stainless steel
Authors: Hu Shanshan , Zheng Dongrui , Zhao Guolin , Li Guangliang , Tang Hongqun
Published: September 2018

Welded joints of poor welding surface quality are sensitive to stress concentrations, affecting both the tensile strength of workpieces and the fluidity of liquids and gases in pressure and liquid containers. Orthogonal experiments involving the laser welding of 1-mm-thick duplex stainless steel sheets were conducted using different electric current, pulse width and frequency values in order to analyse the effect of welding properties on the surface characteristics of the welded joints. Rapid judgement regarding the welded joint properties was made based on the observed welding surface quality. The results show that an even phase proportion and grain refinement are not necessarily guaranteed to provide good welding surface quality. A satisfactory welding surface quality characterised by a smaller spot pitch or spot pitch difference, smaller weld width, reduced surface roughness and valley depth of surface waviness implies better welded joint mechanical characteristics and a more even microstructure. The specimen with the most suitable welding parameters and the greatest heat input can reach the lowest volume fraction of ferrite phase of 42.5% and the highest tensile strength of 848 MPa, and its surface quality is the best.
Dynamic effects induced by the impact of debris flows on protection barriers
Authors: Marchelli Maddalena , De Biagi Valerio
Published: September 2018

Debris flow is a transient phenomenon that causes large disasters. Retaining systems, whose design is still nowadays a crucial issue, can mitigate this risk. Multiple surges can arise during this phenomenon; thus, an accurate analysis might consider the impact force time histories rather than only its maxima. The aim of this work is to analyze the effects of the interaction between the debris and the barrier during one surging phenomenon. A discrete element model models the granular motion and the interaction between the debris and a rigid open barrier set at the end of the channel. The estimated interaction force time history is then used as input impact force for the dynamic structural analyses of the piles. A total of 12 different structural sections are adopted and the internal forces at the base are critically compared. It results that the first mode vibration period is the parameter that largely affects the behavior of the piles.
Investigation of relationships between soil type and condition and crater size for shallow-buried explosive charges
Authors: Payne Joshua Edward , Myers William Scott , Ehrgott John Qua , Rickman Denis Dwayne , Thomas Cameron Demond , Windham Jon Enrique
Published: September 2018

The detonation of near-surface and shallow-buried explosives results in a ground crater that has a size and shape that is directly related to the charge size, charge position, and soil conditions. Several methods are currently available that attempt to predict crater size, that is, apparent depth and diameter of a ground crater, based on direct inputs of key factors such as the soil type, soil conditions, explosive type and mass, and depth of burial of the explosive. Current prediction methodologies are limited, primarily due to the lack of key cratering data in well-controlled and characterized soil backfills consisting of a full range of soil types, water contents, and density conditions. A new cratering database is currently being developed based on craters produced in well-characterized materials representing a significant number of soil types defined by the Unified Soil Classification System. This database is capturing key cratering measurements for charge depth of burials ranging from tangent below the ground surface to a scaled depth of approximately 1.0 ft/lb1/3. Data collected include water content and density measurements in the as-constructed backfills and measurements of the crater cross-sectional profiles, including the apparent depth and diameter, lip-to-lip diameter, and lip-to-bottom depth. Analyses were conducted on the test data to define key parameters affecting crater size. Based on the results of these analyses, the critical soil parameters affecting crater size were identified.
Extended duration vancomycin in recurrent Clostridium difficile infection: a systematic review
Authors: Murphy Madison M. , Patatanian Edna , Gales Mark A.
Published: September 2018

Clostridium difficile infections have a high recurrence rate following acute treatment. Extended duration vancomycin (EDV) is a mainstay for the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infections (rCDI). Clinical disease guidelines recommend a variety of different vancomycin treatment regimens though based on weak, low-quality evidence. Patients typically receive an initial vancomycin treatment course of 7–14 days for the acute infection, followed by an extended duration vancomycin course. Multiple publications on the utility of EDV regimens have been published but few include reported effectiveness outcomes associated with a prescribed treatment regimen. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the safety and efficacy data on extended duration vancomycin regimens used in recurrent clostridium treatment. Five articles, three case series and two randomized open-label clinical trials, were identified which included both elements. Outcomes were evaluable in 174 patients, 31 from randomized trials, with prior average recurrent episodes ranging from 3 to 4. Vancomycin dose ranged from 3500 to >6800 mg with therapy durations extending from 21 days to over 60 days. Follow-up duration ranged from 10 weeks to 12 months. Case series reported success rates for EDV in rCDI from 61% to 100%, while randomized trials found lower success rates from 26% to 58%. Taper and pulse regimens reported superior outcomes compared to pulse-only regimens, 58–100% versus 26–81%, respectively. Comparative EDV data is limited. Current available data supports an EDV regimen which includes both a daily dosing taper followed by an every 48 or 72 h pulse.
Self-esteem, study skills, self-concept, social support, psychological distress, and coping mechanism effects on test anxiety and academic performance
Authors: Hyseni Duraku Zamira , Hoxha Linda
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this article is to assess the association of test anxiety and academic performance with study skills, coping mechanism, self-concept, self-esteem, and psychological distress among university and high school students. A series of validated measures were administered to 284 Kosovar students, most of whom were in college (60.3%). Being in college and social support resulted as protective factors for test anxiety. Better study skills, self-concept, and psychological distress were indicative of higher test anxiety. Higher levels of self-esteem were associated with higher student success. Practical implications and research future directions have also been discussed.
The Double Edge of Legitimacy: How Women with Disabilities Interpret Good Mothering
Authors: Frederick Angela , Leyva Kylara , Lavin Grace
Published: September 2018

Modern ideologies of “good mothering” demand the resources and family configurations primarily available to privileged mothers, and mothers with disabilities are among those women who have been regarded as unsuitable for the responsibilities demanded of mothers in advanced industrial societies. Although less often explored than dynamics of race and class, mothers with disabilities are among those women who have been regarded as unsuitable for the responsibilities demanded of mothers in advanced industrial societies. Through interviews and focus groups conducted with mothers who have sensory and/or physical disabilities, we examine how women with disabilities interpret their identities as mothers in relation to modern ideals of good mothering. We find that motherhood offered some participants a path to feminine legitimacy often denied women with disabilities. Yet, because they are simultaneously regarded as less-than-ideal mothers, participants engaged in interpretive strategies including upholding and expanding dominant standards of good mothering, as well as reframing and rejecting elements of this mothering logic. We also find that, like women of color, these mothers engaged in culturework, performing identity work to strengthen their children’s social justice perspectives on disability and other forms of inequality.
Transferrin receptor 2 is a potential novel therapeutic target for β-thalassemia: evidence from a murine model
Authors: Artuso Irene , Lidonnici Maria Rosa , Altamura Sandro , Mandelli Giacomo , Pettinato Mariateresa , Muckenthaler Martina U. , Silvestri Laura , Ferrari Giuliana , Camaschella Clara , Nai Antonella
Published: September 2018

β-thalassemias are genetic disorders characterized by anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis, and iron overload. Current treatment of severe cases is based on blood transfusion and iron chelation or allogeneic bone marrow (BM) transplantation. Novel approaches are explored for nontransfusion-dependent patients (thalassemia intermedia) who develop anemia and iron overload. Here, we investigated the erythropoietin (EPO) receptor partner, transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2), as a novel potential therapeutic target. We generated a murine model of thalassemia intermedia specifically lacking BM Tfr2: because their erythroid cells are more susceptible to EPO stimulation, mice show improved erythropoiesis and red blood cell morphology as well as partial correction of anemia and iron overload. The beneficial effects become attenuated over time, possibly due to insufficient iron availability to sustain the enhanced erythropoiesis. Germ line deletion of Tfr2, including haploinsufficiency, had a similar effect in the thalassemic model. Because targeting TFR2 enhances EPO-mediated effects exclusively in cells expressing both receptors, this approach may have advantages over erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the treatment of other anemias.
Medical tourism: focusing on patients’ prior, current, and post experience
Authors: Hwang Soonae , Lee DonHee , Kang Chang-Yuil
Published: September 2018

This study empirically examines the effects of medical tourists’ experience of the decision-making process through a patient’s prior, actual, and post experience after having received the medical services. The research model and associated hypotheses were tested using a structural equation modeling based on data collected from 188 medical tourists who received care in Busan, South Korea. The findings of the study indicate that patients’ experience in medical tourism pre-search (reputation, searching information, and communication) has a partially positive effect on their experience (costs, care quality, and supporting system and/or information) and patients’ current experience during the medical tour process has a positive effect on post-experience (relationship building, recommendation, and feedback). The results of this study provide new insights about how key players (e.g., hospitals, medical travel agencies, hotels, and the medical tourists themselves) in medical tourism can effectively help managers identify medical tourists’ needs based on the decision-making process of prior, current, and post-experience of medical tourists.
Experimental BPA Exposure and Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Response in Adult Men and Women
Authors: Stahlhut Richard W , Myers John Peterson , Taylor Julia A , Nadal Angel , Dyer Jonathan A , vom Saal Frederick S
Published: September 2018

Context

Human cross-sectional and animal studies have shown an association of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic diseases, but no human experimental study has investigated whether BPA alters insulin/C-peptide secretion.

Design

Men and postmenopausal women (without diabetes) were orally administered either the vehicle or a BPA dose of 50 µg/kg body weight, which has been predicted by US regulators (Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency) to be the maximum, safe daily oral BPA dose over the lifetime. Insulin response was assessed in two cross-over experiments using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; experiment 1) and a hyperglycemic (HG) clamp (experiment 2). Main outcomes were the percentage change of BPA session measures relative to those of the control session.

Results

Serum bioactive BPA after experimental exposure was at levels detected in human biomonitoring studies. In the OGTT, a strong positive correlation was found between hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) and the percentage change in the insulinogenic index (Spearman = 0.92), an indicator of early-phase insulin response, and the equivalent C-peptide index (Pearson = 0.97). In the HG clamp study, focusing on the later-phase insulin response to a stable level of glucose, several measures of insulin and C-peptide appeared suppressed during the BPA session relative to the control session; the change in insulin maximum concentration (Cmax) was negatively correlated with HbA1c and the Cmax of bioactive serum BPA.

Conclusions

This exploratory study suggests that BPA exposure to a dose considered safe by US regulators may alter glucose-stimulated insulin response in humans.
Claudin-4 reconstituted in unilamellar vesicles is sufficient to form tight interfaces that partition membrane proteins
Authors: Belardi Brian , Son Sungmin , Vahey Michael D. , Wang Jinzhi , Hou Jianghui , Fletcher Daniel A.
Published: September 2018

Tight junctions have been hypothesized to act as molecular fences in the plasma membrane of epithelial cells, helping to form differentiated apical and basolateral domains. While this fence function is believed to arise from the interaction of four-pass transmembrane claudins, the complexity of tight junctions has made direct evidence of their role as a putative diffusion barrier difficult to obtain. Here, we address this challenge by reconstituting claudin-4 into giant unilamellar vesicles using microfluidic jetting. We find that reconstituted claudin-4 alone can form adhesive membrane interfaces without the accessory proteins that are present in vivo. By controlling the molecular composition of the inner and outer leaflets of jetted vesicle membranes, we show that claudin-4-mediated interfaces can drive partitioning of extracellular membrane proteins with ectodomains as small as 5 nm but not of inner or outer leaflet lipids. Our findings indicate that homotypic interactions of claudins and their small size can contribute to the polarization of epithelial cells.
A ascensão do G7 e os novos parâmetros da cooperação monetária e financeira internacional pós Bretton Woods | The rise of the G7 and the new parameters of post-Bretton Woods international monetary and financial cooperation
Authors: Gaspar Debora Garcia
Published: September 2018

Em 1973, chega ao fim o regime de câmbio fixo, que caracterizou o período pós-guerra, dentro do Sistema de Bretton Woods. Na ausência de mecanismos multilaterais de governança do sistema monetário e financeiro internacional, ocorre a ascensão do G7 como o principal fórum de discussão. A ideia inicial era promover um espaço informal de concertação entre as principais economias do mundo. O fórum, no entanto, acabou por se consolidar e legitimar como o promotor da nova ordem econômica internacional. O artigo visa, por meio da análise das atas das reuniões dos cinco primeiros encontros do G7 (1975-1979), compreender as aproximações e as divergências de posições sobre quais seriam os novos fundamentos do bom funcionamento do sistema monetário financeiro internacional, a partir da noção de conceito de controle abrangente (Pijl, 1998).ABSTRACTIn 1973, the fixed exchange rate regime, which had characterized the post-war period, under the Bretton Woods System, came to an end. In the absence of multilateral governance mechanisms in the international monetary and financial system, the G7 rises as the main forum of discussion. The initial idea was to promote an informal concertation arena among the world's major economies. The forum, however, eventually consolidated and legimized itself as the promoter of the new international economic order. This article aims, through the analysis of the minutes of the five first G7 meetings (1975-1979), to understand the convergences and divergences of positions on what would be a new basis of the proper functioning of the international monetary system, departing from the theoretical notion of comprehensive concept of control (Pijl, 1998).Palavras-chave: G7, neoliberalismo, cooperação monetária.Keywords: G7, neoliberalism, monetary cooperationRecebido em 30 de Janeiro de 2018 | Received on January 30, 2018Aceito em 15 de Maio de 2018 | Accepted May 15, 2018 DOI
Teoria Queer e Relações Internacionais: análise da permeabilidade acadêmica de gênero no Brasil | Queer Theory and International Relations: analysis of gender academic permeability in Brazil
Authors: Mercher Leonardo
Published: September 2018

O presente artigo utiliza-se da teoria queer para investigar a permeabilidade de teorias e temáticas de gênero em Relações Internacionais no Brasil. Para investigá-la, fez-se a análise do grupo social acadêmico de Relações Internacionais: por meio do conteúdo bibliográfico presentes nos editais de seleção de pós-graduação; nos temas tratados pelas teses doutorais, produzidas nos 16 programas de Relações Internacionais e Ciência Política, de 2010 a 2018; e do espaço ao tema na ABRI, ABCP e ISA. Os resultados obtidos indicam baixa permeabilidade de gênero nas Relações Internacionais no Brasil: com baixa presença temática na bibliografia de seleção; ausência de espaço institucionalizado na ABRI, em relação à ABCP e ISA; e número reduzido de teses publicadas no tema, 5 de 405 em Relações Internacionais. O resultado vai de encontro com a percepção do atual ativismo acadêmico do MulheRIs por maior espaço de gênero no grupo social.ABSTRACTThis article uses queer theory to investigate the permeability of gender theories and themes in International Relations in Brazil. To investigate it, the analysis of the academic social group of International Relations was made: through the bibliographic content present in the post-graduate selection papers; in the topics covered by the doctoral theses, produced in the 16 programs of International Relations and Political Science, from 2010 to 2018; and from space to theme at ABRI, ABCP and ISA. The results indicate low permeability of gender in International Relations in Brazil: with low thematic presence in the selection bibliography; absence of institutionalized space in ABRI, in face of ABCP and ISA; and a reduced number of theses published in the theme, 5 of 405 in International Relations. The result agrees with the perception of the current MulheRIs academic activism for gender space in our social group.Palavras-chave: Gênero. Queer. Permeabilidade.Keywords: Gender. Queer. Permeability.Recebido em 28 de Maio de 2018 | Received May 28, 2018Aceito em 27 de Agosto de 2018 | Accepted on August 27, 2018DOI
Venous leg ulcers managed using polyurethane foam with a micropore dressing: two case reports
Authors: Nair Harikrishna K.R.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Cases of venous leg ulcers (VLU) are expected to rise due to the rapidly ageing population in Malaysia. Central to the management of these wounds is compression therapy together with an appropriate wound dressing. Pain and discomfort during dressing changes are common in these patients. Polyurethane foam dressings with SMARTPORE technology (micropore dressing; Mundipharma) facilitate vertical absorption of exudate to reduce risks of wound and periwound area maceration. They support easy dressing removal with less pain and trauma to the wound bed. Thus, the micropore dressing was chosen as a viable treatment option in these cases.

Cases:

Case 1, a 74-year-old diabetic female was treated for bilateral VLUs with micropore dressing for several months, which she noted to be painless and convenient. Case 2, a 49-year-old housewife with a solitary VLU was treated with micropore dressing, leading to good treatment results and high satisfaction.

Conclusion:

VLUs managed by the micropore dressing resulted in reduced pain and ease of use during dressing changes, as well as noticeable reduction in wound and periwound area maceration. The use of this type of dressing in these cases shows encouraging results and provides a desirable management option. More robust clinical studies are necessary to establish this.
Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy for in vivo bone strength prediction
Authors: Shu Chi , Chen Keren , Lynch Maria , Maher Jason R. , Awad Hani A. , Berger Andrew J.
Published: September 2018

Bone strength is a worldwide health concern. Although multiple techniques have been developed to evaluate bone quality, there are still gaps to be filled. Here we report a non-invasive approach for the prediction of bone strength in vivo using spatially offset Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra were acquired transcutaneously from the tibiae of mice from 4 to 23 weeks old and subsequently on the exposed bones. Partial least squares regression was applied to generate predictions of the areal bone mineral density (aBMD), volumetric bone mineralization density (vBMD), and maximum torque (MT) of each tibia as quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, microCT imaging, and biomechanical tests, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between Raman spectral predictions and the reference values in all three categories. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of Raman spectroscopy predicting a biomechanical bone parameter (MT) in vivo with an uncertainty much smaller than the spread in the reference values.
PORSI DAN NUTRISI MAKANAN MUHAMMAD SAW Kajian Hadis Teks dan Konteks
Authors: Nisa’ Mir’atun
Published: September 2018

The primary factor in increase of fatness and obesity in Indonesia is food consumption pattern. This article is focused on assessing the nutritional intake of Muhammad  based on hadis. By using thematic and nutritional science approach reflected the number of calories of the food of prophet Muhammad. The result can be a reference for muslims to balancing portions and nutrition also taking the purpose behind it.
Urgensi Pendidikan Hadis dalam Pembentukan Karakter Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Chasanah Udzlifatul
Published: September 2018

Pendidikan karakter adalah penamanan nilai esensial dengan pembelajaran dan pendampingan sehingga para siswa sebagai individu mampu memahami, mengalami, dan mengintegrasikan nilai yang menjadi core values ke dalam kepribadian nya. Masa dini merupakan waktu yang sangat brilian dalam proses pembentukan karakter, karena usia dini adalah masa dimana anak-anak banyak menyerap pengetahuan untuk diaplikasikan di masa mendatang. Kita lihat karakter anak bangsa pada era ini, istilah “Kids Zaman Now” telah masyhur di khalayak ramai. Ditelisik awal mula timbulnya istilah tersebut karena kelakuan anak-anak zaman sekarang yang jauh dari perilaku anak-anak semestinya. Memang tidak semua kelakuan anak “Kids Zaman Now” membawa implikasi negatif, jika dilihat melalui kacamata seni mereka memiliki nilai kreatifitas dan mental yang baik. Untuk menanggulangi kejadian tersebut peran pendidikan keislaman atau penanaman nilai-nilai keagamaan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari bisa menjadi salah satu alternatif dalam pembentukan karakter. Salah satu cabang keislaman yang dapat diajarkan adalah hadis. Tujuan pengajaran hadis pada anak usia dini adalah membentuk dan mengembangkan kepribadian dan karakter yang baik.
Problemáticas do contemporâneo em Tsai Ming-Liang: Memória, distanciamento e sexualidade
Authors: Felipe Marcos Aurélio
Published: September 2018

Abordamos o cinema como narrativa problematizadora da contemporaneidade, a partir da memória, dos distanciamentos afetivos e da sexualidade, que são determinantes para as representações artístico-culturais. Analisamos o filme Adeus, Dragon Inn (2003, de Tsai Ming-liang) em uma perspectiva filmográfica e comparativa com o cinema asiático contemporâneo. Entendemos que um filme pertence a uma tradição e dialoga com o cinema do seu tempo. A análise fílmica deve buscar uma maior compreensão das operações de significação, sensoriais e histórico-culturais dos filmes. Para isso, partimos das vertentes que pensam a contemporaneidade e a linguagem do cinema. Observamos que a obra de Tsai Ming-liang está em estreita sintonia com o contemporâneo, desenvolve constantes narrativas e uma fina reflexão sobre si, seus meios e potencial estéticos.
A inexistência como não-compactuação: Um Dia na Vida (2010) de Eduardo Coutinho
Authors: Andrade Fabio Cardoso
Published: September 2018

"Um Dia na Vida" (2010) é um documentário brasileiro, dirigido por Eduardo Coutinho, feito exclusivamente com a apropriação de material da TV aberta brasileira. O filme, que nunca teve lançamento comercial, sugere discussões sobre a estética do neo-liberalismo e a Nova República, vigente no Brasil entre 1985 e 2015. Relegado à ilegalidade, o penúltimo filme terminado por Eduardo Coutinho teve uma trajetória alternativa de circulação que abraçou todo um histórico dos modos de exibição cinematográfica, das palestras ilustradas ao compartilhamento peer-to-peer de arquivos online.
Sobre Cinema El Dorado – Cinema e Modernidade
Authors: Marques Elisabete Ferreira
Published: September 2018

Recensão critica de Cinema El Dorado - Cinema e Modernidade, de Fernando Guerreiro.
“The Moving Form of Film”: Conference Overview on IntermIdia II (6−8 November 2017)
Authors: Chinita Fátima
Published: September 2018

This text centres on the conference "The Moving Form of Film: Exploring Intermediality as a Historiographic Method" (2017), focusing especially on the keynote speeches and general activities.
The function of biblical passages used as graves inscriptions found in the Zelów’s necropolis
Authors: Balowska Grażyna
Published: September 2018

Graves inscriptions, which are subject of analysis in the present paper, are a basic element of the sepulchral space of the Evangelical Reformed Parish burial ground in Zelów that  brings together the descendants of Czech religious emigrants. It is assumed that the tombstone inscription is a linguistic and iconic message with a defined, conventionalized structure, containing both obligatory and optional verbal elements. This analysis will cover non-obligatory verbal elements represented by final formulas in the form of quotations from the Bible, mainly from the Old Testament (passim the Book of Psalms), less frequently from the New Testament (passim the Gospels). Biblical passages testify to the relationship of the deceased and the tombstone’s founder to God; moreover, they express the desire to commune with God and hope for the reward that is the eternal life.
Poetyka etiudy Klary Kochańskiej Lokatorki
Authors: Hendrykowski Marek
Published: September 2018

The article provides a comparative analysis of the style and composition of Klara Kochańska’s student short feature film Lodgers. (produced by the Polish Nation Filmschool in Łódź in 2015) as an example of film narrative practices typical of the academic exercises of students today.
Agrobacterium-mediated gene delivery and transient expression in the red macroalgaChondrus crispus
Authors: Ramessur Anusha Devi , Bothwell John H. , Maggs Christine A. , Gan Sook Yee , Phang Siew Moi
Published: September 2018

Molecular resources and transgenic studies in red algae are lagging behind those for green algae. TheAgrobacterium-mediated gene-transfer method routinely used in plant transformation has not been fully utilised in the red algae, which, as an important source of phycocolloids, warrant more studies. In this regard, a stepwise methodology was developed forAgrobacterium-mediated transformation of the carrageenophyteChondrus crispususing pCAMBIA 1301 and a construct featuring a codon-optimized beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene driven by the endogenousChondrusactin promoter. The effects of several factors on transformation efficiency were investigated. An intimate association ofChondrusand bacterial cells was observed using scanning electron microscopy.GUStransient expression withinChondruscortical and medullary cells with both expression cassettes testified to the amenability ofChondrustoAgrobacterium-mediated transformation. Darker staining, indicative of higher GUS activity, was observed with theChondrus-specific construct, suggesting its superiority over the pCAMBIA 1301. Presence of acetosyringone, the wounding method and the type of co-cultivation medium significantly affected the transformation outcome and efficiency. TheAgrobacterium-mediated transient expression presented here constitutes a first step towards tailoring a transformation strategy forChondrus, which can serve to facilitate further transgenic studies in this important red alga.
To Mitigate the Effect of Cross-Phase Modulation by Employing PC-DCF Technique in Multi-Tone RoF System
Authors: Kathpal Namita , Garg Amit Kumar
Published: September 2018

It is known that the high bandwidth demands are accomplished by deploying the concept of wavelength division multiplexing in optical networks which involves the transmission of multiple wavelength signals spaced very close to each other. Due to closely spaced wavelengths, the signal power of one channel phase modulates the adjacent channel which in turn produces nonlinear effects such as cross-phase modulation (XPM), self-phase modulation (SPM) and four-wave mixing (FWM). Thus, in this paper, PC-DCF (pre-compensating dispersion compensating fiber) technique has been demonstrated and evaluated in the transmission link to compensate the XPM effects, and this result seems to significantly enhance w.r.t. transmission performance and system capacity considering performance metrics such as Optical Signal to Noise Ratio (OSNR), bit rate, Q-factor and bit error rate (BER). It is evident from the simulation results as well as through mathematical modeling that the proposed technique (PC-DCF) provides optimum results at the channel spacing of 100 GHz, bit rate of 10 Gbps and input power of 5 mW which collectively provides a 5 dB increase in OSNR as compared to the existing compensating technique.
Not-So-Informal Relationships. Selective Unbundling of Maternal Care and the Reconfigurations of Patient–Provider Relations in Serbia
Authors: Pantović Ljiljana
Published: September 2018

Social practices, such as connections (veze) and gift giving, are often labelled as socialist legacies that lead to corruption and are contrary to the establishment of market practices in postsocialist societies. This paper investigates the effects of the selective opening of aspects of maternal care to market practices on patient–provider relationships. Ethnographic research indicates that doctors are navigating between the constraints and opportunities afforded by both sectors, private and public, to negotiate their daily interactions with patients. In the attempt to maintain both authority and trust with their patients in a very precarious economic and social context, doctors have to be both medical experts and entrepreneurs. This practice points towards the conclusion that it may not be the legacies of socialism that have created the need for finding new ways of forging connections between medical providers and their patients, but rather the unbundling of socialist healthcare into the market.
Future Challenges of Corruption Studies
Authors: Ledeneva Alena
Published: September 2018

Despite decades of international efforts against it, corruption continues to present multiple challenges to governments, businesses, academics, and the public. This article highlights the importance of complexity, ambivalence and context-sensitive approach to understanding and tackling corruption, and suggests an agenda for future anti-corruption research and policy.
Eusebius was the author of the Contra Hieroclem
Authors: Montinaro Federico , Neumann Lisa
Published: September 2018

Overlooked textual evidence demonstrates Eusebius of Caesarea’s authorship of the treatise Contra Hieroclem, on which doubt has recently been cast by Tomas Hägg and Aaron Johnson.
Identitätskonstruktion und sprachnationale Identifikation im deutschen und französischen sprachpflegerischen Diskurs
Authors: Neusius Vera
Published: September 2018

The objective of this paper is to analyze a particular part of French and German language planning discourse in a comparative perspective. In this context, the purpose of the article is to reveal the metalinguistic use and function of the common and frequently used national identity motive. Considering discourse linguistics as an appropriate applied linguistics approach, a case study rather focuses on the topical structure and on specific argument layouts as they play a vital part in language-related discourse and metalinguistic interaction as a major domain of national identity construction.
La Nota Emilianense e il neotradizionalismo
Authors: Marcenaro Simone
Published: September 2018

This study focuses on a problem which has been widely debated among specialists in epic literature, Hispanists and Romance Philologists, that is the supposed existence of a Chanson de Geste written in Castilian («Cantar de Rodlane») around 1060–1070. According to Ramón Menéndez Pidal, this text could be the direct source for the famous and anonymous Nota Emilianense. Nevertheless, a thorough analysis of the arguments proposed by Menéndez Pidal leads to the conclusion that the Cantar de Rodlane probably never existed and, on the other hand, that some of the principles of Pidal’s neotraditionalist theory should be critically revisited.
An Introduction to Architecture and Building Construction: A Starter Module for Freshers of Interior Design
Authors: Didem Güneş Yilmaz
Published: September 2018

Architecture is an interdisciplinary area itself; a world of design, materials, textures, history, culture, art, technology, construction, visualisation, economics, management and so on. As it consists of many diverse knowledge-areas, the curriculum of architecture is often too loaded with different types of modules. Some modules are delivered only thematically, while some are introductory in order to prepare students to the next core modules. This paper focuses on the content development of the module of Introduction to Architecture and Building Construction, which is delivered to the fresher year of the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design in their spring semestre. The module is required to complete in the four-year curriculum and is formed of two theoretical hours and two practical hours in a week. In accordance with the title as well as the structure of the module, the content was developed in two-folds. The number of the students registered for the module was 24. For the part of Introduction to Architecture, each student was assigned a well-known architect to study, which aimed to make students familiar with the names, their career path, their design approach and building characteristics, the history of movements they followed, their strands in interior design and product design. For the part of Introduction to Building Construction, it was aimed to make the students familiar with the world renowned designs as well as materials and construction technology they used. Using the series of videos explaining the design and construction process of some of the selected buildings in the lectures and the follow-up discussions formed the latter part of the module. Accordingly, the paper explains how the module content was developed, why the rationales were behind and what was aimed to achieve by this kind of structure and content.
Psychological impact of 131I radioprotection measures on thyroid cancer patients
Authors: Barbus Elena , Pestean Claudiu , Larg Maria Iulia , Gabora Katalin , Bonci Eduard-Alexandru , Badulescu Claudiu , Piciu Andra
Published: September 2018

Background and aims. It is very well know nowadays that despite all the good and qualitative information available, the patients who are supposed to be treated with radioiodine for differentiated thyroid cancer suffer from a lot of concerns prior the treatment. The aim of our study is to investigate the level of anxiety and lessening of the concerns pre and post RIT (radioiodine therapy) using a dedicated, special designed questionnaire.Methods. A cross-sectional study of 54 differentiated thyroid cancer patients was conducted. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were invited to complete the radioprotection questionnaire pre and post RIT. The questionnaire comprises two sections (pre and post radioiodine treatment) with specific questions regarding aspects of radioprotection measures and the impact on the overall well-being. For uniform distribution of variables we used Pearson correlation and for monotonic relationship between variables, Spearman correlation.Results. The pre-treatment questionnaire reported a strong confidence of the patients in the medical team, good and accurate information regarding the treatment, >50 % suffering from anxiety and concerns before the radioiodine treatment. The post treatment questionnaire revealed no fear of isolation, a lot of useful information and most of the patients would undergo another treatment, if necessary and also recommend it to others. Conclusion. The milestone in having a good and compliant patient remains a very good communication between the medical team and the patient. We are able to influence and change things and have fewer patients with fear from radioactivity and treatment concerns if we dedicate enough time to give them the adequate information in the best way so it will be correctly received.