bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Older patients with traumatic brain injury present with a higher GCS score than younger patients for a given severity of injury
Authors: Kehoe A , Smith J E , Bouamra O , Edwards A , Yates D , Lecky F
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Recent evidence suggests that presenting GCS may be higher in older rather than younger patients for an equivalent anatomical severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study was to confirm these observations using a national trauma database and to test explanatory hypotheses.

Methods

The Trauma Audit Research Network database was interrogated to identify all adult cases of severe isolated TBI from 1988 to 2013. Cases were categorised by age into those under 65 years and those 65 years and older. Median presenting GCS was compared between the groups at abbreviated injury score (AIS) level (3, 4 and 5). Comparisons were repeated for subgroups defined by mechanism of injury and type of isolated intracranial injury.

Results

25 082 patients with isolated TBI met the inclusion criteria, 10 936 in the older group and 14 146 in the younger group. Median or distribution of presenting GCS differed between groups at each AIS level. AIS 3: 14 (11–15) vs 15 (13–15), AIS 4: 14 (9–15) vs 14 (13–15), AIS 5: 9 (4–14) vs 14 (5–15) all p<0.001. Similar differences between the groups were observed across all mechanisms of injury and types of isolated intracranial injury. We detected no influence of gender on results.

Conclusions

For an equivalent severity of intracranial injury, presenting GCS is higher in older patients than in the young. This observation is unlikely to be explained by differences in mechanism of injury or types of intracranial injury between the two groups.
First evidence of the Cretaceous decapod crustacean
Protocallianassa
from Sweden
Authors: Einarsson Elisabeth , Praszkier Aron , Vajda Vivi
Published: January 2016

An assemblage of the burrowing ghost shrimp,
Protocallianassa faujasi
, is described, providing the first evidence of this decapod species from Sweden. The fossils occur in successions of the informal earliest late Campanian
Belemnellocamax balsvikensis
zone at Åsen and the latest early Campanian
B. mammillatus
zone at Ivö Klack, both in the Kristianstad Basin of NE Skåne. Numerous, heavily calcified chelipeds were found within a restricted bed at Åsen that was rich in carbonate-cemented nodules. Based on the burrowing lifestyle of modern mud shrimps, we interpret these nodules as infilled burrow chambers. The low abundance of molluscs within the
Protocallianassa
beds is also consistent with analogous extant communities, indicating that a similar ecologically exclusive relationship ruled within the Late Cretaceous shallow-marine ecosystems.
Muscle RANK is a key regulator of Ca2+ storage, SERCA activity, and function of fast-twitch skeletal muscles
Authors: Dufresne Sébastien S. , Dumont Nicolas A. , Boulanger-Piette Antoine , Fajardo Val A. , Gamu Daniel , Kake-Guena Sandrine-Aurélie , David Rares Ovidiu , Bouchard Patrice , Lavergne Éliane , Penninger Josef M. , Pape Paul C. , Tupling A. Russell , Frenette Jérôme
Published: January 2016

Receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), its ligand RANKL, and the soluble decoy receptor osteoprotegerin are the key regulators of osteoclast differentiation and bone remodeling. Here we show that RANK is also expressed in fully differentiated myotubes and skeletal muscle. Muscle RANK deletion has inotropic effects in denervated, but not in sham, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles preventing the loss of maximum specific force while promoting muscle atrophy, fatigability, and increased proportion of fast-twitch fibers. In denervated EDL muscles, RANK deletion markedly increased stromal interaction molecule 1 content, a Ca2+ sensor, and altered activity of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) modulating Ca2+ storage. Muscle RANK deletion had no significant effects on the sham or denervated slow-twitch soleus muscles. These data identify a novel role for RANK as a key regulator of Ca2+ storage and SERCA activity, ultimately affecting denervated skeletal muscle function.
Pivotal role of AKAP121 in mitochondrial physiology
Authors: Czachor Alexander , Failla Athena , Lockey Richard , Kolliputi Narasaiah
Published: January 2016

In this Perspective, we discuss some recent developments in the study of the mitochondrial scaffolding protein AKAP121 (also known as AKAP1, or AKAP149 as the human homolog), with an emphasis on its role in mitochondrial physiology. AKAP121 has been identified to function as a key regulatory molecule in several mitochondrial events including oxidative phosphorylation, the control of membrane potential, fission-induced apoptosis, maintenance of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis, and the phosphorylation of various mitochondrial respiratory chain substrate molecules. Furthermore, we discuss the role of hypoxia in prompting cellular stress and damage, which has been demonstrated to mediate the proteosomal degradation of AKAP121, leading to an increase in reactive oxgyen species production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ultimately cell death.
Leaky ryanodine receptors delay the activation of store overload-induced Ca2+ release, a mechanism underlying malignant hyperthermia-like events in dystrophic muscle
Authors: Cully Tanya R. , Launikonis Bradley S.
Published: January 2016

The mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the mdx mouse, displays changes in Ca2+ homeostasis that may lead to the pathology of the muscle. Here we examine the activation of store overload-induced Ca2+ release (SOICR) in mdx muscle. The activation of SOICR is associated with the depolymerization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ buffer calsequestrin and the reduction of SR Ca2+ buffering power (BSR). The role of SOICR in healthy and dystrophic muscle is unclear. Using skinned fibers we show that lowering the Mg2+ concentration can activate discrete Ca2+ release events that did not necessarily lead to activation of SOICR. However, SOICR waves could propagate into these fiber segments. The average delay to activation of SOICR in mdx fibers was longer than in wild-type (WT) fibers. In the lowered Ca2+-buffered environment following large SOICR events, brief waves in mdx fibers displayed a low amplitude and propagation rate, in contrast to WT fibers that showed a range of amplitudes correlated with wave propagation rate. The distinct properties of SOICR in mdx fibers were consistent with a ryanodine receptor (RyR) that was leakier to Ca2+ than in WT. The consequence of delayed SOICR and leaky RyRs is prolonged high BSR and a reduction in free Ca2+ concentration inside the SR as total SR calcium drops. We present a hypothesis that SOICR activation is required in healthy muscle and that this mechanism works suboptimally in mdx fibers to fail to limit the activation of store-operated Ca2+ entry.
Candidate Antimetastasis Drugs Suppress the Metastatic Capacity of Breast Cancer Cells by Reducing Membrane Fluidity
Authors: Zhao Weina , Prijic Sara , Urban Bettina C. , Tisza Michael J. , Zuo Yan , Li Lin , Tan Zhi , Chen Xiaoling , Mani Sendurai A. , Chang Jeffrey T.
Published: January 2016

Despite the high mortality from metastatic cancer, therapeutic targets to prevent metastasis are limited. Efforts to identify genetic aberrations that predispose tumors to metastasis have been mostly unsuccessful. To understand the nature of candidate targets for metastatic disease, we performed an in silico screen to identify drugs that can inhibit a gene expression signature associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Compounds discovered through this method, including those previously identified, appeared to restrict metastatic capacity through a common mechanism, the ability to modulate the fluidity of cell membranes. Treatment of breast cancer cell lines with the putative antimetastasis agents reduced membrane fluidity, resulting in decreased cell motility, stem cell–like properties, and EMT in vitro, and the drugs also inhibited spontaneous metastasis in vivo. When fluidity was unchanged, the antimetastasis compounds could no longer restrict metastasis, indicating a causal association between fluidity and metastasis. We further demonstrate that fluidity can be regulated by cellular cholesterol flux, as the cholesterol efflux channel ABCA1 potentiated metastatic behaviors in vitro and in vivo. The requirement for fluidity was further supported by the finding in breast cancer patients that ABCA1 was overexpressed in 41% of metastatic tumors, reducing time to metastasis by 9 years. Collectively, our findings reveal increased membrane fluidity as a necessary cellular feature of metastatic potential that can be controlled by many currently available drugs, offering a viable therapeutic opportunity to prevent cancer metastasis. Cancer Res; 76(7); 2037–49. ©2016 AACR.
Breast Tumor Kinase (Brk/PTK6) Is Induced by HIF, Glucocorticoid Receptor, and PELP1-Mediated Stress Signaling in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Regan Anderson Tarah M. , Ma Shi Hong , Raj Ganesh V. , Cidlowski John A. , Helle Taylor M. , Knutson Todd P. , Krutilina Raisa I. , Seagroves Tiffany N. , Lange Carol A.
Published: January 2016

Cancer cells use stress response pathways to sustain their pathogenic behavior. In breast cancer, stress response–associated phenotypes are mediated by the breast tumor kinase, Brk (PTK6), via the hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α. Given that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), we investigated cross-talk between stress hormone–driven GR signaling and HIF-regulated physiologic stress. Primary TNBC tumor explants or cell lines treated with the GR ligand dexamethasone exhibited robust induction of Brk mRNA and protein that was HIF1/2–dependent. HIF and GR coassembled on the BRK promoter in response to either hypoxia or dexamethasone, indicating that Brk is a direct GR/HIF target. Notably, HIF-2α, not HIF-1α, expression was induced by GR signaling, and the important steroid receptor coactivator PELP1 was also found to be induced in a HIF-dependent manner. Mechanistic investigations showed how PELP1 interacted with GR to activate Brk expression and demonstrated that physiologic cell stress, including hypoxia, promoted phosphorylation of GR serine 134, initiating a feed-forward signaling loop that contributed significantly to Brk upregulation. Collectively, our findings linked cellular stress (HIF) and stress hormone (cortisol) signaling in TNBC, identifying the phospho-GR/HIF/PELP1 complex as a potential therapeutic target to limit Brk-driven progression and metastasis in TNBC patients. Cancer Res; 76(6); 1653–63. ©2016 AACR.
Secondary Tumors Arising in Patients Undergoing BRAF Inhibitor Therapy Exhibit Increased BRAF–CRAF Heterodimerization
Authors: Boussemart Lise , Girault Isabelle , Malka-Mahieu Hélène , Mateus Christine , Routier Emilie , Rubington Margot , Kamsu-Kom Nyam , Thomas Marina , Tomasic Gorana , Agoussi Sandrine , Breckler Marie , Laporte Mélanie , Lacroix Ludovic , Eggermont Alexander M. , Cavalcanti Andrea , Grange Florent , Adam Julien , Vagner Stéphan , Robert Caroline
Published: January 2016

BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) elicit therapeutic responses in metastatic melanoma, but alarmingly, also induce the formation of secondary benign and malignant skin tumors. Here, we report the emergence and molecular characterization of 73 skin and extracutaneous tumors in 31 patients who underwent BRAFi therapy. The majority of patients presented with classic epidermal tumors such as verrucous papillomas, keratoacanthomas, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). However, 15 patients exhibited new or rapidly progressing tumors distinct from these classic subtypes, such as lymph node metastasis, new melanomas, and genital and oral mucosal SCCs. Genotyping of the tumors revealed that oncogenic RAS mutations were found in 58% of the evaluable tumor samples (38/66) and 49% of the control tumors from patients not treated with BRAFi (30/62). Notably, proximity ligation assays demonstrated that BRAF–CRAF heterodimerization was increased in fixed tumor samples from BRAFi-treated patients compared with untreated patients. Our findings reveal that BRAF–CRAF complex formation is significantly associated with BRAFi treatment, and may therefore serve as a useful biomarker of BRAFi-induced cutaneous and extracutaneous tumor formation. Cancer Res; 76(6); 1476–84. ©2016 AACR.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor Agonist Fingolimod Increases Myocardial Salvage and Decreases Adverse Postinfarction Left Ventricular Remodeling in a Porcine Model of Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Santos-Gallego Carlos G. , Vahl Torsten P. , Goliasch Georg , Picatoste Belen , Arias Teresa , Ishikawa Kiyotake , Njerve Ida U. , Sanz Javier , Narula Jagat , Sengupta Partho P. , Hajjar Roger J. , Fuster Valentin , Badimon Juan J.
Published: January 2016

Background—

Fingolimod, a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonist, is used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and exerts antiapoptotic properties. We hypothesized that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor activation with fingolimod during acute myocardial infarction (MI) inhibits apoptosis, leading to increased myocardial salvage, reduced infarct size, and mitigated left ventricular (LV) remodeling in a porcine model of ischemia/reperfusion.

Methods and Results—

Ischemia/reperfusion was induced in pigs by balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, followed by reperfusion. Animals randomly received fingolimod or saline (control). In short-term experiments, fingolimod treatment activated the cardioprotective reperfusion injury salvage kinase and survivor activating factor enhancement pathways in the infarct border zone 24 hours after MI, leading to decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and reduced myocardial oxidative stress. These effects were abolished by specific inhibitors of both pathways, demonstrating that fingolimod-induced cardioprotection was mediated by reperfusion injury salvage kinase and survivor activating factor enhancement pathways. In long-term experiments, fingolimod significantly improved myocardial salvage, reduced infarct size, and improved systolic LV function measured by cardiac magnetic resonance 1 week and 1 month after MI. Importantly, fingolimod mitigated the development of adverse post-MI LV remodeling 1 month after MI. Specifically, fingolimod treatment led to a significant reduction in LV mass, LV dilatation, and neurohormonal activation, and it preserved LV geometry. Furthermore, fingolimod decreased interstitial fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and chronic activation of Akt and extracellular receptor kinase 1/2 in the remote noninfarcted myocardium.

Conclusions—

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor activation with fingolimod during acute MI reduced infarct size via the reperfusion injury salvage kinase and survivor activating factor enhancement pathways, improved systolic LV function, and mitigated post-MI LV remodeling. Our data strongly support a cardioprotective role for sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor activation during MI.
Long-Term Outcome of Patients With Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Delcroix Marion , Lang Irene , Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Jansa Pavel , D’Armini Andrea M. , Snijder Repke , Bresser Paul , Torbicki Adam , Mellemkjaer Sören , Lewczuk Jerzy , Simkova Iveta , Barberà Joan A. , de Perrot Marc , Hoeper Marius M. , Gaine Sean , Speich Rudolf , Gomez-Sanchez Miguel A. , Kovacs Gabor , Jaïs Xavier , Ambroz David , Treacy Carmen , Morsolini Marco , Jenkins David , Lindner Jaroslav , Dartevelle Philippe , Mayer Eckhard , Simonneau Gérald
Published: January 2016

Background—

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, a rare complication of acute pulmonary embolism, is characterized by fibrothrombotic obstructions of large pulmonary arteries combined with small-vessel arteriopathy. It can be cured by pulmonary endarterectomy, and can be clinically improved by medical therapy in inoperable patients. A European registry was set up in 27 centers to evaluate long-term outcome and outcome correlates in 2 distinct populations of operated and not-operated patients who have chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Methods and Results—

A total of 679 patients newly diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension were prospectively included over a 24-month period. Estimated survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was 93% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90–95), 91% (95% CI, 87–93), and 89% (95% CI, 86–92) in operated patients (n=404), and only 88% (95% CI, 83–91), 79% (95% CI, 74–83), and 70% (95% CI, 64–76) in not-operated patients (n=275). In both operated and not-operated patients, pulmonary arterial hypertension–targeted therapy did not affect survival estimates significantly. Mortality was associated with New York Heart Association functional class IV (hazard ratio [HR], 4.16; 95% CI, 1.49–11.62;
P
=0.0065 and HR, 4.76; 95% CI, 1.76–12.88;
P
=0.0021), increased right atrial pressure (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.95–1.90;
P
=0.0992 and HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.20–1.88;
P
=0.0004), and a history of cancer (HR, 3.02; 95% CI, 1.36–6.69;
P
=0.0065 and HR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.18–3.94;
P
=0.0129) in operated and not-operated patients, respectively. Additional correlates of mortality were bridging therapy with pulmonary arterial hypertension–targeted drugs, postoperative pulmonary hypertension, surgical complications, and additional cardiac procedures in operated patients, and comorbidities such as coronary disease, left heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in not-operated patients.

Conclusions—

The long-term prognosis of operated patients currently is excellent and better than the outcome of not-operated patients.
Development of real-time PCR primers for the quantification of Meloidogyne graminicola, Hirschmanniella oryzae and Heterodera cajani, pests of the major crops in Myanmar
Authors: Katsuta Akane , Toyota Koki , Min Yu Yu , Maung The Thiri
Published: January 2016

The rice root-knot nematode,Meloidogyne graminicola, and the rice root nematode,Hirschmanniella oryzae, are soil-borne pests causing damage to rice, and the pigeon pea cyst nematode,Heterodera cajani, is a pest to beans and sesame. Real-time PCR primers were designed for quantification. Relationships between the threshold cycle (Ct:y) values and number (no.) of nematodes inoculated () were:M. graminicola: ;H. oryzae: ; andH. cajani: .Meloidogyne graminicolaandH. oryzaewere detected in 25 and 38 out of 50 soils, collected from different fields in the lowland and central area of Myanmar, and their densities ranged from 1.0 to 4779 and from 0.4 to 787 (20 g soil)−1, respectively, whileH. cajaniwas detected only in two fields (3 and 268 (20 g soil)−1). The DNA-based method enables rapid and reliable quantification of the nematodes in soil.
Status-Aspirational Pricing
Authors: Askin Noah , Bothner Matthew S.
Published: January 2016

This paper examines the effect of status loss on organizations’ price-setting behavior. We predict, counter to current status theory and aligned with performance feedback theory, that a status decline prompts certain organizations to charge higher prices and that there are two kinds of organizations most prone to make such price increases: those with broad appeal across disconnected types of customers and those whose most strategically similar rivals have charged high prices previously. Using panel data from U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings of private colleges and universities from 2005 to 2012, we model the effect of drops in rank that take a school below an aspiration level. We find that schools set tuition higher after a sharp decline in rank, particularly those that appeal widely to college applicants and whose rivals are relatively more expensive. This study presents a dynamic conception of status that differs from the prevailing view of status as a stable asset that yields concrete benefits. In contrast to past work that has assumed that organizations passively experience negative effects when their status falls, our results show that organizations actively respond to status loss. Status is a performance-related goal for such producers, who may increase prices as they work to recover lost ground after a status decline.
The Development and Evaluation of Countermeasures to Tactile Change Blindness
Authors: Riggs Sara Lu , Sarter Nadine
Published: January 2016

Objective:

The goal of the present study was to develop and empirically evaluate three countermeasures to tactile change blindness (where a tactile signal is missed in the presence of a tactile transient). Each of these countermeasures relates to a different cognitive step involved in successful change detection.

Background:

To date, change blindness has been studied primarily in vision, but there is limited empirical evidence that the tactile modality may also be subject to this phenomenon. Change blindness raises concerns regarding the robustness of tactile and multimodal interfaces.

Method:

Three countermeasures to tactile change blindness were evaluated in the context of a highly demanding monitoring task. One countermeasure was proactive (alerting the participant to a possible change before it occurred) whereas the other two were adaptive (triggered after the change upon an observed miss). Performance and subjective data were collected.

Results:

Compared to the baseline condition, all countermeasures improved intramodal tactile change detection. Adaptive measures resulted in the highest detection rates, specifically when signal gradation was employed (i.e., when the intensity of the tactile signal was increased after a miss was observed).

Conclusion:

Adaptive displays can be used to counter the effects of change blindness and ensure that tactile information is reliably detected. Increasing the tactile intensity after a missed change appears most promising and was the preferred countermeasure.

Application:

The findings from this study can inform the design of interfaces employing the tactile modality to support monitoring and attention management in data-rich domains.
Health Care Austerity Measures in Times of Crisis
Authors: Heras-Mosteiro Julio , Sanz-Barbero Belén , Otero-Garcia Laura
Published: January 2016

The current financial crisis has seen severe austerity measures imposed on the Spanish health care system, including reduced public spending, copayments, salary reductions, and reduced services for undocumented migrants. However, the impacts have not been well-documented. We present findings from a qualitative study that explores the perceptions of primary health care physicians in Madrid, Spain. This article discusses the effects of austerity measures implemented in the public health care system and their potential impacts on access and utilization of primary health care services. This is the first study, to our knowledge, exploring the health care experiences during the financial crisis of general practitioners in Madrid, Spain. The majority of participating physicians disapproved of austerity measures implemented in Spain. The findings of this study suggest that undocumented migrants should regain access to health care services; copayments should be minimized and removed for patients with low incomes; and health care professionals should receive additional help to avoid burnout. Failure to implement these measures could result in the quality of health care further deteriorating and could potentially have long-term negative consequences on population health.
Sensemaking and the political–administrative interface: the challenges of strategically steering and managing a local public service
Authors: Audette-Chapdelaine Marianne
Published: January 2016

Our study focuses on the relationship between elected officials and managers in the context of local services management. We analyse the political–administrative interface using Weick’s theory of sensemaking. Our research, based on the case of water services management in Montreal, shows that the loss of expertise in the public sector, coupled with a lack of political vision, leads to a mismatch between the actions envisaged by the managers and the resources available. The organizational purpose needs to be politically defined in order to achieve a reciprocal influence in policy making. This collaboration, or complementarity of politics and administration, allows shared sensemaking that is essential both to a management diagnosis in line with the organizational mission and to strategic decision-making which takes into account the civil servants’ recommendations.

Points for practitioners

Some urban infrastructures, such as water infrastructure, are neither easily visible nor accessible. Thus, there is sometimes a wide gap between managers’ interpretation of the situation and that of the citizens and elected officials. This is a challenge for the development of common sensemaking. Elected officials must be able to count on a competent civil service that provides them with reliable information, enabling them to make trade-offs with all the relevant facts at hand. It is also in the public interest that elected officials maintain strategic control of the water activity in order for public action to efficiently contribute to the political vision.
Attitudes toward public pensions in Chile, Uruguay, and Venezuela: Testing self-interest and political ideology theories in Latin American countries
Authors: Pederson JoEllen , Shekha K Russell
Published: January 2016

The historical strength of Latin American public pension systems and the changes many countries are making in the contemporary period warrant understanding attitudes about public pensions in Latin America. Data were examined for three countries: Chile, Uruguay, and Venezuela, to see whether commonly tested welfare state theories explain individual differences in attitudes in these countries. Using basic multilevel modeling techniques, we find both individual- and country-level differences in attitudes toward government responsibility for and spending on public pensions. Understanding what predicts these attitudes in Latin America will help improve approaches to social welfare in this region.
Exploring the Relations Between Religious Orientation and Racial Identity Attitudes in African College Students
Authors: Sanchez Delida , Gilbert Dorie J.
Published: January 2016

As the Black African college student population increases across U.S. college campuses, helping professionals are encouraged to more clearly understand the unique identity developmental needs of these students in order to fortify their academic endeavors and contribute to their success. Both religion and race are powerful forces that shape identity, providing an overall sense of purpose, a feeling of connection with others, and a sense of community. Yet, both of these aspects of identity are rarely studied in Black African college student populations. This study examined the relations between religious orientation and racial identity attitudes in 49 Black African college students, whose diverse racial, ethnic, and religious experiences have been understudied. The results from multiple regression analyses indicated that religious orientation was significantly related to racial identity status. Specifically, intrinsic religious orientation was positively related to preencounter (i.e., pro-White, anti-Black beliefs about one’s own racial group) racial identity attitudes, quest religious orientation was positively related to immersion-emersion (i.e., anti-White, pro-Black attitudes about one’s own racial-cultural group) racial identity attitudes, and the relations between intrinsic religious orientation and internalization (i.e., internalized positive self-acceptance) racial identity attitudes approached significance. Recommendations for future research and implications for diversity in higher education are discussed.
Modeling and experimental investigation of induction welding of thermoplastic composites and comparison with other welding processes
Authors: Gouin O'Shaughnessey Patrice , Dubé Martine , Fernandez Villegas Irene
Published: January 2016

A three-dimensional finite element model of the induction welding of carbon fiber/polyphenylene sulfide thermoplastic composites is developed. The model takes into account a stainless steel mesh heating element located at the interface of the two composite adherends to be welded. This heating element serves to localize the heating where it is needed most, i.e. at the weld interface. The magnetic, electrical, and thermal properties of the carbon fiber/polyphenylene sulfide composite and other materials are identified experimentally or estimated and implemented in the model. The model predicts the temperature–time curves during the heating of the composite and is used to define processing parameters leading to high-quality welded joints. The effect of the heating element size and input current on the thermal behavior is investigated, both experimentally and using the developed model. The welds quality is assessed through microscopic observations of the weld interfaces, mechanical testing, and observations of the fracture surfaces. A comparison with two other welding processes, namely resistance welding and ultrasonic welding is finally conducted.
Comparisons of axial compression behaviors between four-directional and five-directional braided composite tubes under high strain rate loading
Authors: Wu Xianyan , Gu Bohong , Sun Baozhong
Published: January 2016

This paper reports the compressive behaviors of three-dimensional four-directional and three-dimensional five-directional circular braided composite tubes subjected to quasi-static and impact compressions along longitudinal direction. The compression tests of the three-dimensional four-directional and three-dimensional five-directional carbon fiber/epoxy circular braided composite tubes were tested under strain rates ranging from 0.001 to 884 s–1. The compression stress–strain curves were obtained and the damage morphologies were observed to analyze the damage behaviors. A microstructure model of the braided preform and the braided composite tube was established to calculate the compressive deformation and damage mechanisms with finite element method. The stress–strain curves, specific energy absorption, deformations, and damage morphologies were sensitive to the strain rate and the braiding structures. The three-dimensional five-directional braided composite tubes have higher compressive strength and specific energy absorptions than the three-dimensional four-directional braided composite tubes.
Psychological Interventions for Poor Oral Health
Authors: Werner H. , Hakeberg M. , Dahlström L. , Eriksson M. , Sjögren P. , Strandell A. , Svanberg T. , Svensson L. , Wide Boman U.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to study the effectiveness of psychological interventions in adults and adolescents with poor oral health. The review follows the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. The PICO format (population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) was used to define eligible studies. The populations were adults or adolescents (≥13 y of age and independent of others) with poor oral health (defined as dental caries, periodontal disease, and/or peri-implantitis). The interventions were psychological and/or behavioral models and theories, in comparison with traditional oral health education/information. The primary outcomes were dental caries, periodontitis, gingivitis, and peri-implantitis. Secondary outcomes were dental plaque, oral health–related behavior, health-related quality of life, health beliefs and attitudes, self-perceived oral health, and complications/risks. The systematic literature search identified 846 articles in December 2013 and 378 articles in July 2015. In total, 11 articles on 9 randomized controlled trials were found to meet the inclusion criteria. These reported on adults with periodontal disease, and several used motivational interviewing (MI) as their mode of intervention. The CONSORT guidelines and the GRADE approach were used for study appraisal and rating of evidence. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences in gingivitis or plaque presence. In addition, a meta-analysis on MI compared with education/information found no statistically significant differences in gingivitis presence. Only 1 meta-analysis—on psychological interventions versus education/information regarding the plaque index—showed a small but statistically significant difference. There were also statistically significant differences reported in favor of psychological interventions in oral health behavior and self-efficacy in toothbrushing. However, the clinical relevance of these differences is difficult to estimate. The certainty of evidence was low. Future research needs to address several methodological issues and not only study adults with periodontal disease but also adolescents and patients with dental caries and peri-implantitis.
Laboratory Studies of Nonlinear Optical Signals for Caries Detection
Authors: Terrer E. , Panayotov I.V. , Slimani A. , Tardivo D. , Gillet D. , Levallois B. , Fejerskov O. , Gergely C. , Cuisinier F.J.G. , Tassery H. , Cloitre T.
Published: January 2016

Multiphoton confocal microscopy and nonlinear spectroscopy are used to investigate the caries process in dentin. Although dentin is a major calcified tissue of the teeth, its organic phase comprises type I collagen fibers. Caries drive dentin demineralization and collagen denaturation. Multiphoton microscopy is a powerful imaging technique: the biological materials are transparent to infrared frequencies and can be excited to penetration depths inaccessible to 1-photon confocal microscopy. The laser excitation greatly reduces photodamage to the sole focal region, and the signal-to-noise ratio is improved significantly. The method has been used to follow pathologic processes involving collagen fibrosis or collagen destruction based on their 2-photon excited fluorescence (2PEF) emission and second harmonic generation (SHG). Combining multiphoton imaging with nonlinear spectroscopy, we demonstrate that both 2PEF and SHG intensity of human dentin are strongly modified during the tooth caries process, and we show that the ratio between SHG and 2PEF signals is a reliable parameter to follow dental caries. The ratio of the SHG/2PEF signals measured by nonlinear optical spectroscopy provides valuable information on the caries process, specifically on the degradation of the organic matrix of dentin. The goal is to bring these nonlinear optical signals to clinical application for caries diagnosis.
Cognitive Prediction of Reading, Math, and Attention: Shared and Unique Influences
Authors: Peterson Robin L. , Boada Richard , McGrath Lauren M. , Willcutt Erik G. , Olson Richard K. , Pennington Bruce F.
Published: January 2016

The current study tested a multiple-cognitive predictor model of word reading, math ability, and attention in a community-based sample of twins ages 8 to 16 years ( N = 636). The objective was to identify cognitive predictors unique to each skill domain as well as cognitive predictors shared among skills that could help explain their overlap and thus help illuminate the basis for comorbidity of related disorders (reading disability, math disability, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Results indicated that processing speed contributes to the overlap between reading and attention as well as math and attention, whereas verbal comprehension contributes to the overlap between reading and math. There was no evidence that executive functioning skills help account for covariation among these skill domains. Instead, specific executive functions differentially related to certain outcomes (i.e., working memory to math and inhibition to attention). We explored whether the model varied in younger versus older children and found only minor differences. Results are interpreted within the context of the multiple deficit framework for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Changing lanes: generating steerable environments in video-based driving simulation
Authors: Brogan Michael , Markham Charles , Commins Sean , Deegan Catherine
Published: January 2016

This paper describes an approach that allows for a steerable environment to be generated directly from a video for the purpose of integration with a video-based driving simulator. As the range of steering motion in a driving simulator is relatively limited, a pseudo-three-dimensional approach can be taken. This method requires only a single image sequence or video, acquired by any type of imaging system along a road. No three-dimensional, stereo or visual odometry data is acquired or calculated. An experiment is then presented, involving multiple lane change requests, where participants are asked to change from the left-hand lane to the right-hand lane and back again.
Identifying Complex Dynamics in Social Systems
Authors: Spaiser Viktoria , Hedström Peter , Ranganathan Shyam , Jansson Kim , Nordvik Monica K. , Sumpter David J. T.
Published: January 2016

It is widely recognized that segregation processes are often the result of complex nonlinear dynamics. Empirical analyses of complex dynamics are however rare, because there is a lack of appropriate empirical modeling techniques that are capable of capturing complex patterns and nonlinearities. At the same time, we know that many social phenomena display nonlinearities. In this article, we introduce a new modeling tool in order to partly fill this void in the literature. Using data of all secondary schools in Stockholm county during the years 1990 to 2002, we demonstrate how the methodology can be applied to identify complex dynamic patterns like tipping points and multiple phase transitions with respect to segregation. We establish critical thresholds in schools’ ethnic compositions, in general, and in relation to various factors such as school quality and parents’ income, at which the schools are likely to tip and become increasingly segregated.
Development of chlorobutyl rubber/natural rubber nanocomposites with montmorillonite for use in the inner liner of tubeless ride tires
Authors: Hermenegildo G , Bischoff E , Mauler RS , Giovanela M , Carli LN , Crespo JS
Published: January 2016

The aim of this work was to combine the properties of chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) and natural rubber (NR) in a binary blend for application in the inner liner of tubeless tires, using organomodified montmorillonite (Cloisite® 15A) as filler in order to improve the barrier property of the material. The maintenance of the mechanical and barrier properties of CIIR/NR 60/40 indicated that this blend can be used in the inner liner of tubeless tires, thereby reducing the cost of the final product, since the CIIR is 80% more expensive than NR.
Women and Public Administration in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Meier Kenneth J. , Funk Kendall D.
Published: January 2016

This article explores two questions related to whether passive representation leads to active representation using Brazilian municipal data: Does electing women to public office increase the proportion of women in public administration? Does the representation of women in elected office and public administration lead to better representation of women’s interests? Results suggest that women elected leaders increase the probability that women will be appointed to head public agencies, and through these agency heads they indirectly affect representation in other administrative positions. In addition, women elected officials and public administrators are also associated with the adoption of more women-friendly policies.
“The University that Ate Birmingham”
Authors: Conner Catherine A.
Published: January 2016

In Birmingham, Alabama, in 1987, a white conservative movement arose in opposition to build a new healthcare clinic in downtown through the use of eminent domain. Critics claimed the Kirklin Clinic reflected urban corruption and the privatization of the public sphere. Municipal officials and white economic elites argued that the clinic secured the city’s economic transition from industrialization to healthcare. The clinic, however, was the manifestation of a twenty-year campaign to privatize healthcare services in a public university as well as the result of market shifts in healthcare disbursement policies. Neoliberal governance guided this urban economic development project. The controversy over the clinic reveals the ideological and class tensions among metropolitan whites, as well as conservatives’ demands for their inclusion and the recognition of their rights by the municipal government.
Building the World That Kills Us
Authors: Rosner David , Markowitz Gerald
Published: January 2016

One of the most troubling urban health issues is childhood poisoning caused by lead, the widespread environmental toxin. It is in old plumbing fixtures, solder, paint and other building materials in huge quantities. Despite decades of improvements in blood lead levels among America’s children, the continuing presence of lead on the walls of the nation’s older houses and the known neurological effects of low-level exposures presents a classic problem: in light of the enormous costs of detoxifying the nation’s housing, should society remove this toxin in order to prevent future impacts on IQ, attention deficits disorders, and possibly criminal behavior, or do we remove some of the most pernicious sources, such as window sashes and chipped paint to reduce, not eliminate, the risk to children? Throughout the 1970s and 1980s this issue emerged among public health advocates, HUD officials and housing reformers, and community organizers and activists. Who should bear the responsibility for polluted housing: Industry, housing officials, public health officials, landlords or tenants? The battles began during the 1960s and continue to today. In 2001 the high court in Maryland condemned studies conducted by Johns Hopkins researchers that sought to develop methods for the partial remediation of homes, saying they were akin to Nazi human experiments in which children were used as human guinea pigs. This article traces the evolving debate over responsibility for the public health consequences of polluted housing.
The Emergence of the Three Central Political Themes in the Legitimacy-Building of Chinese Revolutionary Politics, 1921–1923
Authors: Gao Yuan
Published: January 2016

The key to building the legitimacy of a political system is to select political themes in a complex social environment that will maximize social support for that system. The principal characteristic of legitimacy-building in Chinese revolutionary politics from 1921 to 1923 was the emergence of three central political themes: class struggle, substantive democracy, and national revolution. Comprehensively using these themes to generate maximal resonance with society as well as controlling the tensions between them was critical for revolutionary politics to consolidate its legitimacy.
Effects of Ethanol Lock Therapy on Central Line Infections and Mechanical Problems in Children With Intestinal Failure
Authors: Mokha Jasmeet S. , Davidovics Zev H. , Samela Kate , Emerick Karan
Published: January 2016

Objectives: Although use of 70% ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has been shown to decrease the rate of catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in patients with intestinal failure and central venous catheters (CVCs), concerns have been raised about its association with higher rates of mechanical problems and CVC replacements (CVC‐Rs). We sought to compare the rates of CRBSI, mechanical problems, and CVC‐Rs in a cohort of pediatric patients with intestinal failure, with and without ELT (ELT+ and ELT−, respectively). Methods: Data were collected in a retrospective chart review from February 2007 to May 2014. Mann‐Whitney and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were used to compare nonparametric and paired data, respectively. Results: Twenty‐nine children had 9033 catheter days (CDs). The ELT+ group (vs ELT−) had lower rate of infection and significantly fewer CVC‐Rs due to infection but significantly more mechanical events and related CVC‐Rs with significantly shorter mean CVC survival. In 13 children who had a pre‐ELT and post‐ELT period, ELT was associated with a decrease in the rate of CVC‐Rs due to infection (0.36 vs 4.74/1000 CDs, P = .046) and an increase in the rate of CVC‐Rs due to mechanical problems (5.05 vs 0/1000 CDs, P = .018). Conclusions: While ELT+ is associated with a lower rate of CRBSIs and related CVC‐Rs, it is also associated with higher rates of mechanical problems and related CVC‐Rs. In addition to investigating the ideal concentration, duration, and timing of ELT to preserve the integrity of the CVC, alternatives to exclusively ethanol‐based lock solutions should be developed.
Use of a Loading Dose of Vitamin D for Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients With Intestinal Failure
Authors: Grenade Neil , Kosar Christina , Steinberg Karen , Avitzur Yaron , Wales Paul W. , Courtney‐Martin Glenda
Published: January 2016

Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with intestinal failure and short bowel syndrome who have been weaned of parenteral nutrition. Dietary supplementation with vitamin D is necessary to correct this deficiency. In certain cases, routine supplementation strategy may be ineffective. We report 3 cases of vitamin D deficiency in patients with intestinal failure who showed improvement in serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels after supplementation with a loading dose of 20,000–40,000 IU vitamin D provided weekly.
Energy Expenditure in Critically Ill Elderly Patients: Indirect Calorimetry vs Predictive Equations
Authors: Segadilha Nara L. A. L. , Rocha Eduardo E. M. , Tanaka Lilian M. S. , Gomes Karla L. P. , Espinoza Rodolfo E. A. , Peres Wilza A. F.
Published: January 2016

Background: Predictive equations (PEs) are used for estimating resting energy expenditure (REE) when the measurements obtained from indirect calorimetry (IC) are not available. This study evaluated the degree of agreement and the accuracy between the REE measured by IC (REE‐IC) and REE estimated by PE (REE‐PE) in mechanically ventilated elderly patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: REE‐IC of 97 critically ill elderly patients was compared with REE‐PE by 6 PEs: Harris and Benedict (HB) multiplied by the correction factor of 1.2; European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) using the minimum (ESPENmi), average (ESPENme), and maximum (ESPENma) values; Mifflin–St Jeor; Ireton‐Jones (IJ); Fredrix; and Lührmann. Degree of agreement between REE‐PE and REE‐IC was analyzed by the interclass correlation coefficient and the Bland‐Altman test. The accuracy was calculated by the percentage of male and/or female patients whose REE‐PE values differ by up to ±10% in relation to REE‐IC. Results: For both sexes, there was no difference for average REE‐IC in kcal/kg when the values obtained with REE‐PE by corrected HB and ESPENme were compared. A high level of agreement was demonstrated by corrected HB for both sexes, with greater accuracy for women. The best accuracy in the male group was obtained with the IJ equation but with a low level of agreement. Conclusions: The effectiveness of PEs is limited for estimating REE of critically ill elderly patients. Nonetheless, HB multiplied by a correction factor of 1.2 can be used until a specific PE for this group of patients is developed.