bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for Aphasia in NeuroDegeneration for the Diagnosis of Patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia: Clinical Validity and Psychometric Properties
Authors: Battista Petronilla , Catricalà Eleonora , Piccininni Marco , Copetti Massimiliano , Esposito Valentina , Polito Cristina , Miozzo Antonio , Gobbi Elena , Cuoco Sofia , Boschi Veronica , Picillo Marina , Sorbi Sandro , Barone Paolo , Iannaccone Sandro , Garrard Peter , Logroscino Giancarlo , Cappa Stefano F.
Published: October 2018

Background: We evaluated the psychometric proprieties of the Screening for Aphasia in NeuroDegeneration (SAND) battery in Italian primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and movement disorder (MD) patients. Methods: The sample included 30 consecutive PPA and 45 MD patients who completed the SAND battery together with a clinical interview and a neurological/neuropsychological examination and 130 healthy controls (HC). Results: The SAND battery showed good internal consistency and good convergent and divergent validity. receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.978 for PPA versus HC and of 0.786 for PPA versus MD. A cutoff ≥3 gave a sensitivity of 0.933% and a specificity of 0.946% for discriminating PPA versus HC, whereas a cutoff ≥5 gave a sensitivity of 0.767% and a specificity of 0.667% for discriminating PPA versus MD. Conclusion: These results indicate that the SAND battery is an adequate, reliable, and valid diagnostic tool for PPA.
Differential Peripheral Inflammatory Factors Associated with Cognitive Function in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Redwine Laura S. , Pung Meredith A. , Wilson Kathleen , Chinh Kelly , Duffy Allyson R.
Published: October 2018

Objective: Cognitive deficits are common in patients with heart failure (HF), and can negatively affect self-care, predict rehospitalizations, and increase mortality rates 5-fold. Inflammation can produce vascular pathology, reducing cerebral blood flow to brain regions necessary for optimal cognitive function. The purpose of the investigation was to identify a pattern of peripheral blood inflammation-related biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment in patients with HF. Methods: Forty-five outpatients (median age = 67 years, SD = 9.9) were recruited from University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare Systems (VASDHS), diagnosed with New York Heart Association Stages I–III HF. Participants were administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a measure of global cognitive impairment, and blood was analyzed for plasma biomarkers, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin-8 (IL-8), matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid-A (SAA). Results: Almost half the patients scored below the threshold on the MoCA, indicating at least mild cognitive impairment. A factor analysis produced three biomarker factors: vascular inflammatory factor-1: TNFα, sICAM1, sVCAM1; neuroinflammatory factor-2: BDNF, MMP-9, IL-8; peripheral inflammatory factor-3: IL-6, CRP, SAA. Only vascular inflammatory factor-1 was significantly associated with cognitive function (MoCA) (ΔR2 = 0.214, beta = –0.468, p = 0.008). Conclusions: In this cohort with HF, vascular inflammation appears related to poorer cognitive function. This could indicate targets for treatment to reduce cognitive deficits in HF. However, this is a preliminary study, and further research is needed.
A Successfully Treated Case of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma with Exacerbation of Dermatomyositis
Authors: Yasuda Jungo , Onda Shinji , Shiozaki Hironori , Gocho Takeshi , Shiba Hiroaki , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: October 2018

Dermatomyositis (DM) is often found in conjunction with malignant tumors such as lung, cervical, and breast cancer. However, the association with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is extremely rare. Moreover, to our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of DM discovered because of exacerbation of DM. Our case was a 44-year-old female with dry cough, myalgia, and arthralgia. We performed hepatic resection for intrahepatic ICC. She was diagnosed with DM, and combination treatment with prednisolone and tacrolimus was started. During outpatient visits, her symptoms worsened, and she was hospitalized due to deterioration of her primary disease. On detailed examination, a malignant lesion in the liver was discovered. After operation, the symptoms of DM remain stable by taking prednisolone and tacrolimus. The patient was suspected to have paraneoplastic syndrome, which was discovered due to the exacerbation of the DM that was caused by the intrahepatic ICC.
Pulseless Electrical Activity Complicating Neonatal Resuscitation
Authors: Sillers Laura , Handley Sara C. , James Jennifer R. , Foglia Elizabeth E.
Published: October 2018

Background: The most recent guidelines by the Neonatal Resuscitation Program recommend use of electrocardiography monitoring during advanced resuscitation. Objective: We describe a case in whom detection of pulseless electrical activity (PEA) on electronic heart rate monitoring complicated delivery room management of an extremely low birth weight infant and offer suggestions for the identification of PEA for neonatal providers. Conclusion: Further prospective studies are needed to determine the true incidence of PEA in the delivery room setting as well as its prognosis in newborns.
Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Cervix with Sequential Metastasis to Different Sites: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Eunhyun , Ji Yong-Il
Published: October 2018

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix is rare, and prognosis is very poor. Because of its rarity, effective treatment of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix has not been established. It has distinct patterns of metastasis, but can be successfully treated with radical surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. We report a 50-year-old woman who was diagnosed with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix and underwent radical surgery followed by adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. She experienced recurrence several times and to different sites, with sequential metastasis to the lung, breast, and retroperitoneum, but nevertheless survived more than 5 years.
Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ambachew Sintayehu , Eshetie Setegn , Geremew Demeke , Endalamaw Aklilu , Melku Mulugeta
Published: October 2018

Background: The ever-increasing global prevalence of hepatitis C infection is fueling the burden of diabetes mellitus, which exacerbates various complications and may be a cause of death of millions of people. Several studies have reported that hepatitis C virus infection is an important risk factor for the development of diabetes mellitus. However, fragmented studies have reported variable and inconsistent findings regarding the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among hepatitis C virus-infected patients. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to estimate the overall prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among patients infected with hepatitis C virus. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis includes original articles reporting on cohort and cross-sectional studies. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the global pooled prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among hepatitis C-infected patients. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to check the stability of the summary estimate. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. A subgroup analysis was also conducted based on geographical region. Funnel plots were used to spot publication bias. Results: A total of 40 eligible articles reporting data on 14,765 study participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among hepatitis C virus-infected patients was 19.67% (95% CI: 17.25, 22.09). The subgroup analysis showed a pooled prevalence of 27.72% (95% CI: 20.79, 34.65) in Africa, 20.73% (95% CI: 17.57, 23.90) in Asia, 16.64% (95% CI: 6.79, 26.49) in North America, and 15.02% (95% CI: 10.66, 19.38) in Europe. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among hepatitis C virus-infected patients was considerably higher than in the general population in a global perspective. The highest prevalence was noted in Africa and Asia, followed by North America and Europe. Therefore, early intervention is needed (prevention and early treatment of hepatitis C virus infection) to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Sirt1 Antisense Long Noncoding RNA Promotes Cardiomyocyte Proliferation by Enhancing the Stability of Sirt1
Authors: Li Bing , Hu Yinlan , Li Xinzhong , Jin Guoqing , Chen Xiaoqiang , Chen Guojun , Chen Yanmei , Huang Senlin , Liao Wangjun , Liao Yulin , Teng Zhonghua , Bin Jianping
Published: October 2018

Background

Antisense long noncoding RNAs (lnc
RNA
s) are single‐stranded
RNA
s that overlapped gene‐coding regions on the opposite
DNA
strand and play as critical regulators in cardiovascular diseases. The high conservation and stability may be good advantages for antisense lnc
RNA
s. However, the roles of antisense lnc
RNA
s in cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac regeneration are still unknown.

Methods and Results

In this study, we found that Silent information regulator factor 2 related enzyme 1 (Sirt1) antisense lnc
RNA
expression was significantly increased during heart development. By gain and loss function of Sirt1 antisense lnc
RNA
using adenovirus and locked nucleic acid, respectively, we demonstrated that Sirt1 antisense lnc
RNA
promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and the suppression of Sirt1 antisense lnc
RNA
inhibited cardiomyocyte proliferation. Moreover, overexpression of Sirt1 antisense lnc
RNA
enhanced cardiomyocyte proliferation, attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis, improved cardiac function, and decreased mortality rate after myocardial infarction. Furthermore, Sirt1 antisense lnc
RNA
can bind the Sirt1 3′‐untranslated region, enhancing the stability of Sirt1 and increasing Sirt1 abundance at both the
mRNA
and protein levels. Finally, we found that Sirt1 was involved in Sirt1 antisense lnc
RNA
‐induced cardiomyocyte proliferation.

Conclusions

The present study identified Sirt1 antisense lnc
RNA
as a novel regulator of cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac regeneration by interacting and stabilizing Sirt1
mRNA
, which may serve as an effective gene target for preventing myocardial infarction.
Risk Factors for Early‐Onset Ischemic Stroke: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Kivioja Reetta , Pietilä Arto , Martinez‐Majander Nicolas , Gordin Daniel , Havulinna Aki S. , Salomaa Veikko , Aarnio Karoliina , Curtze Sami , Leiviskä Jaana , Rodríguez‐Pardo Jorge , Surakka Ida , Kaste Markku , Tatlisumak Turgut , Putaala Jukka
Published: October 2018

Background

Recent studies have shown an increasing prevalence of vascular risk factors in young adults with ischemic stroke (
IS
). However, the strength of the association between all vascular risk factors and early‐onset
IS
has not been fully established.

Methods and Results

We compared 961 patients with a first‐ever
IS
at 25 to 49 years to 1403 frequency‐matched stroke‐free controls from a population‐based cohort study (
FINRISK
). Assessed risk factors included an active malignancy, atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular disease, current smoking status, a family history of stroke, high low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high triglycerides, low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertension, and type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We performed subgroup analyses based on age, sex, and
IS
etiology. In a fully adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis, significant risk factors for
IS
consisted of atrial fibrillation (odds ratio [OR], 10.43; 95% confidence interval [
CI
], 2.33–46.77], cardiovascular disease (OR, 8.01; 95%
CI
, 3.09–20.78), type 1 diabetes mellitus (OR, 6.72; 95%
CI
, 3.15–14.33), type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.31; 95%
CI
, 1.35–3.95), low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR, 1.81; 95%
CI
, 1.37–2.40), current smoking status (OR, 1.81; 95%
CI
, 1.50–2.17), hypertension (OR, 1.43; 95%
CI
, 1.17–1.75), and a family history of stroke (OR, 1.37; 95%
CI
, 1.04–1.82). High low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol exhibited an inverse association with
IS
. In the subgroup analyses, the most consistent associations appeared for current smoking status and type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

Our study establishes the associations between 11 vascular risk factors and early‐onset
IS
, among which atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular disease, and both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus in particular showed strong associations.
Association of Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness With Cognition in 2 Population‐Based Child and Adult Cohorts
Authors: Lamballais Sander , Sajjad Ayesha , Leening Maarten J. G. , Gaillard Romy , Franco Oscar H. , Mattace‐Raso Francesco U. S. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Roza Sabine J. , Tiemeier Henning , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: October 2018

Background

High blood pressure levels and higher arterial stiffness have been shown to be associated with lower cognition during adulthood, possibly by accumulative changes over time. However, vascular factors may already affect the brain during early life.

Methods and Results

We examined the relation between cognition and vascular factors within 5853 children from the Generation R Study (mean age 6.2 years) and 5187 adults from the Rotterdam Study (mean age 61.8 years). Diastolic and systolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness were assessed, the latter by measuring pulse‐wave velocity and pulse pressure. For cognition, the Generation R Study relied on nonverbal intelligence, whereas the Rotterdam Study relied on a cognitive test battery to calculate the g‐factor, a measure of global cognition. In the Generation R Study, standardized diastolic blood pressure showed a significant association with standardized nonverbal intelligence (β=−0.030, 95% confidence interval=[−0.054; −0.005]) after full adjustment. This association held up after excluding the top diastolic blood pressure decile (β=−0.042 [−0.075; −0.009]), suggesting that the relation holds in normotensives. Within the Rotterdam Study, standardized cognition associated linearly with standardized systolic blood pressure (β=−0.036 [−0.060; −0.012]), standardized pulse‐wave velocity (β=−0.064 [−0.095; −0.033]), and standardized pulse pressure (β=−0.044 [−0.069; −0.020], and nonlinearly with standardized diastolic blood pressure (quadratic term β=−0.032 [−0.049; −0.015]) after full adjustment.

Conclusions

Blood pressure and cognition may already be related in the general population during early childhood, albeit differently than during adulthood.
The Metaphysical, Epistemological, and Mystical Aspects of Happiness in the Treatise on Ultimate Happiness Attributed to Moses Maimonides
Authors: Elqayam Avi
Published: October 2018

This article explores the metaphysical, epistemological, and mystical aspects of happiness in the Judeo-Arabic Treatise on Ultimate Happiness (Kitāb as-Saʿāda al-Ākhira), of which only two chapters have survived from what is thought to have been a more comprehensive text. Although the treatise is attributed to Moses Maimonides, the conception of happiness (saʿāda) it presents is clearly that of the Pietists (Ḥasīdīm), the Jewish-Sufi circle of thirteenth-century Egypt. The discussion of happiness in this short treatise constitutes an important chapter in the philosophical and mystical discourse about happiness in medieval Jewish-Islamic thought, especially within the Jewish-Sufi mystical stream led by Maimonides’s descendants.
The genus Odontarrhena (Brassicaceae) in Albania: Taxonomy and Nickel accumulation in a critical group of metallophytes from a major serpentine hot-spot
Authors: CECCHI LORENZO , BETTARINI ISABELLA , COLZI ILARIA , COPPI ANDREA , ECHEVARRIA GUILLAUME , PAZZAGLI LUIGIA , BANI AIDA , GONNELLI CRISTINA , SELVI FEDERICO
Published: October 2018

Metal hyperaccumulator plants represent a unique biological resource for scientific research and practical applications. Though essential, however, an adequate knowledge of the systematics of these plants is often missing. This is the case of Odontarrhena, a large but taxonomically critical group of nickel hyperaccumulators from Eurasia. We present a study on this genus in Albania, to fill a gap in our knowledge of this group from a major centre of diversity of metallicolous flora, and to contribute updated information to the Global Hyperaccumulator Database. Morphological and karyological analyses of material from field collections across all major serpentine outcrops in the country, in different years and seasons, allowed to delimit seven taxa: O. albiflora, O. chalcidica, O. moravensis, O. sibirica, O. decipiens, O. smolikana subsp. glabra and O. rigida. The three latter taxa have been long neglected and were resurrected in view of their clear distinctness, while commonly accepted taxa such as O. bertolonii subsp. scutarina and O. markgrafii were reduced to synonymy of O. chalcidica due to the lack of consistent differentiation. Polyploidy was prevalent, while diploid complements were typical of the two vicariant endemics O. rigida and O. moravensis. Types are indicated or newly designated for each entity, and nomenclatural issues are addressed based on in-depth studies of literature and herbarium material. Revised descriptions, phenology, habitat and distribution data are given for each taxon, as well as original iconographies and chromosome counts. A revised identification key is provided. Shoot nickel concentrations were determined to assess accumulation levels of taxa and populations in natural conditions and their potential for phytoextraction of this metal from the soil. With ca. 23000 and 17000 µg of Ni g-1 of shoot dry weight, respectively, the tetraploids O. chalcidica and O. decipiens were the most promising candidates, especially the latter for its robust habit.
Typification of names in Camellia (Theaceae), II
Authors: ZHAO DONGWEI , PARNELL JOHN A.N. , HODKINSON TREVOR R.
Published: October 2018

Following our previous work of typifying names of Camellia Linnaeus (1753: 698) (Zhao et al. 2017), three more names of this genus are lectotypified here.
Taxonomic Revision of Garcinia Section Garcinia (Clusiaceae)
Authors: NAZRE M. , NEWMAN M. F. , PENNINGTON R. T. , MIDDLETON D. J.
Published: October 2018

Species of Garcinia sect. Garcinia are typically understorey trees in rain forest and are distributed from eastern India to Malesia. A taxonomic revision of Garcinia section Garcinia (Clusiaceae) has resulted in the recognition of 13 species, two of which have three varieties each. Several species are excluded from Garcinia section Garcinia, reported as insufficiently known, or reduced to synonymy. Five species, G. acuticosta, G. discoidea, G. exigua, G. ochracea and G. sangudsangud, and two varieties, G. diospyrifolia var. minor and G. mangostana var. borneensis, are newly described. Morphological characters that are important for sectional delimitation are terminally attached inflorescences of simple cymes, stamen bundles 4 or 4-angled, and fruits with a smooth surface. Species limits are defined on the basis of a combination of characters of the male flower (i.e. shape of stamens, presence of pistillode), type of fruit, and characters of the leaf (shape and size, venation pattern and glandular lines).
Calochortus occidentalis (Liliaceae), a new species from western Mexico
Authors: GARCÍA-MARTÍNEZ MIGUEL A. , RODRÍGUEZ AARÓN
Published: October 2018

Calochortus fuscus Schultes (1829: 131) was described based on material collected by Wilhelm Friedrich von Karwinski in Mexico, who participated in two excursions in Mexico (1827–1832, 1841–1843). His collections were purchased by European institutions, especially by Botanische Staatssamlung München (M) in Munich, Germany. Calochortus fuscus is the only species of Calochortus section Cyclobothra Sweet (1828: t273) deposited at M. For his monograph, Ownbey (1940) had access to a photograph of the type of C. fuscus, but he confused this with C. spatulatus Watson (1879: 267) and described C. hintonii Bullock ex Ownbey (1940: 524) based on C. fuscus fresh material (McVaugh 1989). It is now well accepted that C. hintonii is a synonym of C. fuscus. The type locality of C. fuscus was not clarified in the description or the label attached to specimens. We tracked Karwinki’s excursions in Mexico and found out that he made a trip to Temascaltepec, State of Mexico, in September of 1827 (McVaugh 1972), which corresponds with the date on the type collection.
On Hemionitis atreyu, an invalid and unnecessary name, and on the correct name for that species if placed in Hemionitis (Pteridaceae subfam. Cheilanthoideae)
Authors: MOSYAKIN SERGEI L.
Published: October 2018

New molecular phylogenetic and taxonomic publications on cheilanthoid and other ferns (Gastony & Rollo 1998, Smith et al. 2006, Schuettpelz & Pryer 2007, Schuettpelz et al. 2007, Zhang et al. 2007, Christenhusz et al. 2011, Eiserhardt et al. 2011, PPG I 2016, etc.) resulted in numerous recent nomenclatural changes and new taxonomic concepts of a rational generic circumscription in ferns in general and cheilanthoids (Pteridaceae subfam. Cheilanthoideae) in particular. These changes affected many taxa, in particular, the well-known species listed in recent literature mainly as Cheilanthes acrostica (Balbis 1801: 98) Todaro (1866: 215) or Allosorus acrosticus (Balb.) Christenhusz (2012: 284).
Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopic Evaluation of Inkjet Printed Standards of Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) on Aluminum Substrates
Authors: Ewing Kenneth J. , Sanghera Jasbinder , Major Kevin J. , Farrell Mikella E. , Holthoff Ellen L. , Pellegrino Paul M.
Published: October 2018

The Department of Defense (DOD) and first responder communities are evaluating and developing optical systems for the detection and identification of explosives and components used for assembling homemade explosives (HMEs). Emerging detection technologies must be evaluated with authentic hazard material concentrations to ensure their accurate and reliable use in the field. In this work, infrared (IR) reflectance spectra over the spectral rage of 1000–1700 cm–1 were collected for different concentrations of inkjet-printed RDX (cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine) samples deposited onto aluminum substrates. A plot of the integrated area of both the symmetric and asymmetric NO2 vibrational bands for RDX on aluminum exhibited good linearity over the concentration range 20–500 µg/cm2. Detection limits for RDX on an aluminum surface were calculated to be 10.7 µg/cm2 for the symmetric NO2 vibrational band and 1.4 µg/cm2 for the asymmetric NO2 vibrational band. Evaluation of the NO2 vibrational band areas at different locations of the RDX array demonstrated that the samples exhibited good homogeneity across the surface. The concentration of an unknown sample of RDX on aluminum was determined using the fitted equations; results showed good agreement between the calculated and actual RDX surface concentration. The lot-to-lot variation of RDX on the aluminum surface was compared using the long wavelength infrared (LWIR) spectral band areas for two different lots of standards printed at the same RDX surface concentration. Results showed excellent lot-to-lot agreement indicating good reproducibility of the standards for RDX.
Investigation of Issues for the Accurate and Precise Measurement of an Analyte Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)
Authors: Skuratovsky Aleksander , Klimenko Anton S. , Porter Marc D.
Published: October 2018

This paper builds on an earlier examination of the influence of sampling size and analyte surface density on the accuracy and precision of measurements using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to read out heterogeneous immunoassays. Quantitation using SERS typically relies on interrogating a small area on the sample surface by using a micrometer-sized laser spot for signal generation. The information obtained using such a small portion of sample is then projected as being representative of the much larger sample, which can compromise the accuracy and precision of the measurement due to undersampling. For a heterogeneous immunoassay interrogated by SERS, quantitation is, therefore, sensitive to the size of the analyzed area and the surface density of the measured analyte. To identify conditions in which sampling error poses a threat to accuracy and precision, a simulation of a SERS immunoassay was developed and compared to experimental results. The simulation randomly distributes adsorbates across the capture surface and then measures the density of adsorbates inside areas of analysis of different sizes. This approach mimics the analysis of a heterogeneous immunoassay when using a Raman microscope with different laser spot sizes. The results of the simulations, which were confirmed experimentally by comparison to an immunoassay of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) show that the accuracy and precision of the measurement improved with larger analysis areas and higher analyte concentrations due to the increased apparent homogeneity of the analyte within the area of analysis. By imposing a threshold on precision (5%), we also begin to establish a framework for the parameters necessary to achieve reliable quantitative measurements (e.g., laser spot size, analyte concentration, and sample volume).
A Two Components Approach for Long Range Remote Raman and Laser-Induced Breakdown (LIBS) Spectroscopy Using Low Laser Pulse Energy
Authors: Misra Anupam K. , Acosta-Maeda Tayro E. , Porter John N. , Berlanga Genesis , Muchow Dalton , Sharma Shiv K. , Chee Brian
Published: October 2018

The remote detection of chemicals using remote Raman spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is highly desirable for homeland security and NASA planetary exploration programs. We recently demonstrated Raman spectra with high signal-to-noise ratio of various materials from a 430 m distance during daylight with detection times of 1–10 s, utilizing a 203 mm diameter telescopic remote Raman system and 100 mJ/pulse laser energy at 532 nm for excitation. In this research effort, we describe a simple two-components approach that helps to obtain remote Raman and LIBS spectra of targets at distance of 246 m with 3 mJ/pulse in daytime. The two components of the method are: (1) a small spectroscopy system utilizing 76 mm diameter collection optics; and (2) a small remote lens near the target. Remote Raman spectra of various chemicals are presented here with detection time of 1 s. Remote LIBS spectra of minerals using single laser pulse of 3 mJ/pulse energy from a distance of 246 m are also presented. This research work demonstrates a simple approach that significantly improves remote Raman and LIBS capabilities for long range chemical detection with compact low laser power Raman and LIBS systems.
Fitting as a temporal sensemaking process: Shifting trajectories and stable themes
Authors: Jansen Karen J , Shipp Abbie J
Published: October 2018

This study identifies several mechanisms and the overall process by which individuals understand their evolving fit with their work environment. Prior person‒environment research has emphasized one-time quantitative assessments of fit, primarily as new entrants enter their work environment. In this study, we employed a qualitative approach to investigate the following question: how do long-tenured professionals make sense of fit over time? Three key findings emerged from the fit-related histories we collected. First, we discovered four prototypical fit trajectories, which were constructed from temporal comparisons with past, present and future fit, and employed to make momentary sense of events occurring in the work environment. Second, we identified two fit processes that played out over time: a slow accumulation journey and a sudden identity-threat journey. Third, we found that individuals’ set of fit experiences was explained by one of four enduring fit themes, explaining their pattern of fit experiences over time and their reaction to misfit. Most surprising was the significant turnover among our long-tenured participants in the year or so following our interviews. Our findings break from traditional thinking about fit as predicting outcomes in the moment, to fitting as both a journey and a retrospective and prospective process of sensemaking.
Book review: Johann Mathew, Trafficking and Capitalism across the Arabian Sea
Authors: Goswami Chhaya
Published: October 2018

Johann Mathew, Trafficking and Capitalism across the Arabian Sea, Oakland, CA: University of California Press, 2016, 248 pp.
Book review: Sheldon Pollock, A Rasa Reader: Classical Indian Aesthetics
Authors: Patel Deven M.
Published: October 2018

Sheldon Pollock, A Rasa Reader: Classical Indian Aesthetics, New York: Columbia University Press, 2016, 472 pp.
Book review: Ishita Banerjee-Dube, A History of Modern India, Sugata Bose and Ayesha Jalal, Modern South Asia: History, Culture, Political Economy and Thomas R. Trautmann, India: A Brief History of a Civilization
Authors: Abraham Blessy C.
Published: October 2018

Ishita Banerjee-Dube, A History of Modern India, New Delhi: Cambridge University Press, 2015, 486 pp.; Sugata Bose and Ayesha Jalal, Modern South Asia: History, Culture, Political Economy, Third Edition, New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2014, 274 pp.; and Thomas R. Trautmann, India: A Brief History of a Civilization, New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2011, 242 pp.
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Effective helping responses from social workers
Authors: Gibbs Anita , Bagley Kerryn , Badry Dorothy , Gollner Vicky
Published: October 2018

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability that often requires extensive intervention and support from the helping professions, notably social work. This article considers why a social work response to FASD is needed and explores social work frameworks and models that underpin current FASD-informed practice. It illustrates the discussion with three international models used in Canada and New Zealand, the Key Worker model, the Communities of Practice model and an advocacy and mentoring model.
New Approach to Economic Convergence in the EU: A Multilevel Analysis from the Spatial Effects Perspective
Authors: Díaz Dapena Alberto , Rubiera-Morollon Fernando , Paredes Dusan
Published: October 2018

The β-convergence model is based on the neoclassical framework in which the spatial level of analysis is not relevant. These levels will result in decreasing returns. However, local processes of agglomeration, spillover effects, or other forces could operate differently depending on the level of spatial disaggregation. The primary objective of this article is to observe whether different local, regional, and national convergence behaviors are possible in the European Union (EU). To capture the differences among spatial scales, a multilevel and spatial effects extension of the Solow–Swan theoretical growth model is proposed. The estimations of this model are made using consistent information from Eurostat and Cambridge Econometrics for the period of 2000–2014. A multilevel spatial Durbin model estimator is applied to evaluate the spatial interactions of the regions. The results indicate that a general process of convergence in the EU coexists with intranational processes of divergence, highlighting the relevance of the spatial level of analysis. A final analysis of the impact of the economic crisis over the general behavior has been included verifying that the economic crisis strongly reinforce the weakness of the EU convergence.
An effective social recommendation method based on user reputation model and rating profile enhancement
Authors: Ahmadian Sajad , Afsharchi Mohsen , Meghdadi Majid
Published: October 2018

Trust-aware recommender systems are advanced approaches which have been developed based on social information to provide relevant suggestions to users. These systems can alleviate cold start and data sparsity problems in recommendation methods through trust relations. However, the lack of sufficient trust information can reduce the efficiency of these methods. Moreover, diversity and novelty are important measures for providing more attractive suggestions to users. In this article, a reputation-based approach is proposed to improve trust-aware recommender systems by enhancing rating profiles of the users who have insufficient ratings and trust information. In particular, we use a user reliability measure to determine the effectiveness of the rating profiles and trust networks of users in predicting unseen items. Then, a novel user reputation model is introduced based on the combination of the rating profiles and trust networks. The main idea of the proposed method is to enhance the rating profiles of the users who have low user reliability measure by adding a number of virtual ratings. To this end, the proposed user reputation model is used to predict the virtual ratings. In addition, the diversity, novelty and reliability measures of items are considered in the proposed rating profile enhancement mechanism. Therefore, the proposed method can improve the recommender systems about the cold start and data sparsity problems and also the diversity, novelty and reliability measures. Experimental results based on three real-world datasets show that the proposed method achieves higher performance than other recommendation methods.
Prevalence of Minor Larynx Structural Alterations: Influence on the Concept of a Normal Vocal Fold
Authors: Moraes Bruno Teixeira , De Biase Noemi Grigoletto
Published: October 2018

Objective

To determine the prevalence of minor structural alterations (MSA) in the vocal fold cover in a population submitted to extralaryngeal site surgery and to characterize them according to morphological and epidemiological parameters.

Study Design

This was a cross‐sectional and observational study.

Setting

Tertiary referral medical center.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 147 patients underwent general anesthesia for extralaryngeal site surgery indicated for a procedure extraneous to the study and irrespective of the presence of vocal complaint. Next, detection and morphological characterization of MSAs in the vocal fold cover were performed by means of suspension microlaryngoscopy with laryngeal inspection and palpation without surgical intervention related to this procedure. The laryngeal findings were compared with variables from a clinical and demographic characteristics questionnaire given to these individuals.

Results

A 21.1% prevalence of MSAs was identified in the sample, which included a majority of individuals without vocal complaint (95.9%). Of these, 5.4% of individuals had laryngeal microdiaphragms, 16.3% sulcus vocalis, and 4.1% epidermoid cysts. No pouch sulcus or mucosal bridges were found. The identification of these alterations occurred mainly after 10 years of age, without effects of sex, vocal abuse, or upper airway conditions. The most common combination of MSAs was bilateral sulcus vocalis.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MSAs in laryngeal coverage in this predominantly vocally asymptomatic population was 21.1%, with identification of sulcus vocalis, epidermoid cyst, and laryngeal microdiaphragm. Age was the only clinical or demographic characteristic associated with these alterations.
Pediatric Bacterial Tracheitis—A Variable Entity: Case Series with Literature Review
Authors: Casazza Geoffrey , Graham M. Elise , Nelson Douglas , Chaulk David , Sandweiss David , Meier Jeremy
Published: October 2018

Objective

To review the presentation and treatment of children diagnosed with bacterial tracheitis at our institution and to review the available literature focusing on key presenting symptoms and clinical outcomes of children diagnosed with bacterial tracheitis.

Study Design

Case series with literature review.

Setting

Tertiary children's hospital and available literature.

Subjects and Methods

Case series of children with bacterial tracheitis retrospectively reviewed at a tertiary children's hospital. Those with a tracheostomy or those who developed bacterial tracheitis as a complication of prolonged intubation were excluded.

Results

Thirty‐six children were identified (mean ± SD age, 6.7 ± 4.5 years). The most common presenting symptom was cough (85%), followed by stridor (77%) and voice changes/hoarseness (67%). A concurrent viral illness was found for 55%, and the most common bacteria cultured was methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Pediatric intensive care admission occurred for 69%, and 43% required intubation. No patient required tracheostomy. One patient (2.7%) died secondary to airway obstruction and subsequent respiratory arrest. Four patients had recurrence of bacterial tracheitis 4 to 12 months following their initial presentation.

Conclusion

Bacterial tracheitis is an uncommon condition with an atypical presentation and variable clinical course but serious consequences if left unrecognized. Staphylococcus is the most common bacteria identified, and many patients will have a prodromal viral illness. Changes in patient epidemiology and presentation may have occurred over time.
A Requiem for Mr Wilson: Comments on David Goldberg’s Conversation with Achille Mbembe
Authors: Apata Gabriel O.
Published: October 2018

Achille Mbembe’s book Critique of Black Reason has attracted scholarly interest and commentaries. In a conversation that took place between David Theo Goldberg and Mbembe, both men discuss some of the themes that are raised in the book. This paper examines that conversation and focuses on the idea of the archive and how the dehumanisation, damage, destruction and death that racism has visited on many black people can be resurrected, dusted down and repaired. I have used Mbembe’s idea of blackness as a way into the archive to retrieve and retell a particular story and, in doing so, to repair the damage to the life of an African American man, as only writing can do. I revive the humanity and dignity of that life against the brutal racism that ultimately claimed it. This is a requiem for Mr Wilson.
Optimization of large-scale wind-powered centrifugal pumps
Authors: Siddig Mohammed Hashim
Published: October 2018

A study on the optimal matching of centrifugal pumps and large-scale wind turbines is reported. The study includes mathematical modelling of the performance of high-capacity centrifugal pumps when matched with efficient high-speed low-solidity wind turbines. The dependence of the performance of wind pumps on the dimensionless parameter v/√( gh), termed the wind pump’s Froude number, was fully analysed. Similar to earlier reported results on wind-powered piston pumps, analysis is showing that the wind pump’s Froude number is the dominant independent dimensionless parameter that fully defines the system’s performance. Operation with continuous variable transmission was analysed and shown to optimize the wind pump’s performance, particularly at medium and low wind speeds. The optimum relation between the required gearbox transmission ratio and Froude number of a wind-powered centrifugal pump was analytically established for three different pumps. In addition to continuous variable transmission operation, the analysis helps in optimally sizing constant transmission ratio systems.
Safety Evaluation of the Advanced Stop Assist System in Connected Vehicle Environment
Authors: Njobelo Gwamaka , Sando Thobias , Sajjadi Soheil , Mtoi Enock , Ozguven Eren Erman , Sobanjo John
Published: October 2018

Although traffic signals are installed to reduce the overall number of collisions at intersections, certain types, in particular, rear-end collisions are increasing due to signalization. One dominant factor associated with rear-end crashes is the indecisiveness of the driver, especially in the dilemma zone. An advisory system to help the driver make the stop-or-pass decision would greatly improve intersection safety. This study proposes and evaluates an Advanced Stop Assist System (ASAS) at signalized intersections by using Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication. The proposed system utilizes communication data, received from roadside equipment, to provide approaching vehicles with vehicle-specific advisory speed messages to prevent vehicle hard-braking at a yellow or red signal. A simulation test bed was modeled using VISSIM, a microscopic simulation software, to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed system. The results demonstrate that at full market penetration (100% saturation of vehicles equipped with on-board communication equipment), the proposed system reduces the number of hard-braking vehicles by nearly 50%. Sensitivity analyses of market penetration rates also show a degradation in safety conditions at penetration rates lower than 40%. The results suggest that a penetration rate of at least 60% is required for the proposed system to minimize rear-end collisions and improve safety at the signalized intersections.
Effect of laminated angle of carbon fiber on interior noise on an enclosure under center point excitation
Authors: Lee Sang-Kwon , Bang Sungil , Back Jiseon
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a novel method to control passively the interior noise of an enclosure such as car cabin by using the movement of the peak level and peak frequency according to the laminated angle of carbon fiber reinforced plastic composite plate. Recently, the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic laminated plates in a car has been increased in order to reduce the weight of a car. For example, the metal plate roof has been replaced by the carbon fiber reinforced plastic plate roof for weight reduction of an electric vehicle. The characteristics of the interior noise inside of a car made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic plate roof can be changed according to the laminated angle of carbon fiber. In this paper, how this characteristic is changed was studied based on the effect of laminated angle of carbon fiber. In order to perform this study, a closed box with one flexible side wall and five acoustically rigid side walls was modelled as the interior compartment of a car. The flexible side wall of the closed box regards as the roof plate of a car. For the flexible side wall of the closed box, three carbon fiber reinforced plastic plates with different angle-ply (± θ) laminates each other were used. Therefore, three carbon fiber reinforced plastic plates with the fiber lamination angles of [−15/15/15/–15]s, [–30/30/30/–30]s, and [–75/75/75/–75]s were fabricated and used as the flexible side wall of the closed box. How the interior noise inside of the closed box was changed according to the laminated angle was studied by theoretical and numerical methods. For the validation of theoretical and numerical methods, the experimental work was performed. Finally, the carbon fiber reinforced plastic plate roof for a passenger car was numerically simulated, and the effect of the laminated angle on the interior noise was studied.
Portable Ventilation/Perfusion Scanning is Useful for Evaluating Clinically Significant Pulmonary Embolism in the ICU Despite Abnormal Chest Radiography
Authors: Weinberg Aaron S. , Chang William , Ih Grace , Waxman Alan , Tapson Victor F.
Published: October 2018

Objective:

Computed tomography angiography is limited in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to renal insufficiency, hemodynamic instability, and difficulty transporting unstable patients. A portable ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan can be used. However, it is commonly believed that an abnormal chest radiograph can result in a nondiagnostic scan. In this retrospective study, we demonstrate that portable V/Q scans can be helpful in ruling in or out clinically significant pulmonary embolism (PE) despite an abnormal chest x-ray in the ICU.

Design:

Two physicians conducted chart reviews and original V/Q reports. A staff radiologist, with 40 years of experience, rated chest x-ray abnormalities using predetermined criteria.

Setting:

The study was conducted in the ICU.

Patients:

The first 100 consecutive patients with suspected PE who underwent a portable V/Q scan.

Interventions:

Those with a portable V/Q scan.

Results:

A normal baseline chest radiograph was found in only 6% of patients. Fifty-three percent had moderate, 24% had severe, and 10% had very-severe radiographic abnormalities. Despite the abnormal x-rays, 88% of the V/Q scans were low probability for a PE despite an average abnormal radiograph rating of moderate. A high-probability V/Q for PE was diagnosed in 3% of the population despite chest x-ray ratings of moderate to severe. Six patients had their empiric anticoagulation discontinued after obtaining the results of the V/Q scan, and no anticoagulation was started for PE after a low-probability V/Q scan.

Conclusion:

Despite the large percentage of moderate-to-severe x-ray abnormalities, PE can still be diagnosed (high-probability scan) in the ICU with a portable V/Q scan. Although low-probability scans do not rule out acute PE, it appeared less likely that any patient with a low-probability V/Q scan had severe hypoxemia or hemodynamic instability due to a significant PE, which was useful to clinicians and allowed them to either stop or not start anticoagulation.
Short message service cancellation intervention to reduce integrated sexual health and HIV ‘did not attend’ appointment rates
Authors: Tomkins Andrew , Naylor Sam , Morgan Emile
Published: October 2018

Did not attend (DNA) appointments create a significant impact upon resource and finance efficiency in the NHS. Despite introduction of short-message service (SMS) reminders to our patients, DNA rates remained persistently high. An option to send an SMS to cancel a booked appointment was piloted from 15 January to 16 April 2018 for integrated sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) appointments. Absolute monthly mean DNA rates as a proportion of total bookable appointments fell by 2.24% (14.42% pre-intervention [95% CI: 13.15–15.79%] to 12.18% post-intervention [95% CI: 10.98–13.50%]). Cancellation rates increased proportionally by 14.28% from 24.4% to 38.68% (786/3224 pre-intervention [95% CI: 22.70%–26.15%] to 1184/3061 post-intervention [95% CI: 36.52–40.93%]). Findings suggest that SMS cancellations are a viable solution to reduce DNA rates in this setting.
Iran’s gas export portfolio risk analysis based on the development of dependency risk framework
Authors: Nowrouzi Ali , Panahi Mostafa , Ghaffarzadeh Hamidreza , Ataei Abtin
Published: October 2018

This study attempts to provide a novel analytical framework for assessing Iran’s gas export portfolio risk considering the aggregate dependency index of natural gas of importing countries and geopolitics factor. After providing indicators related to each of the natural gas transmission methods, the aggregate dependency index of each country is determined using the entropy-based aggregating method. This paper considers pipeline and liquefied natural gas. In this study, 17 countries are selected to evaluate the risk of dependency in natural gas exports. With respect to Iran’s exporting natural gas plans, gas export portfolio risk is calculated based on two proposed scenarios. Considering two methods of transmission, the results show that gas export portfolio risk will be 63.4% at the lowest risk level.