bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Hydraulic Gradient, Intersecting Angle, Aperture, and Fracture Length on the Nonlinearity of Fluid Flow in Smooth Intersecting Fractures: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Wu Zhijun , Fan Lifeng , Zhao Shihe
Published: March 2018

This study experimentally investigated the nonlinearity of fluid flow in smooth intersecting fractures with a high Reynolds number and high hydraulic gradient. A series of fluid flow tests were conducted on one-inlet-two-outlet fracture patterns with a single intersection. During the experimental tests, the syringe pressure gradient was controlled and varied within the range of 0.20–1.80 MPa/m. Since the syringe pump used in the tests provided a stable flow rate for each hydraulic gradient, the effects of hydraulic gradient, intersecting angle, aperture, and fracture length on the nonlinearities of fluid flow have been analysed for both effluent fractures. The results showed that as the hydraulic gradient or aperture increases, the nonlinearities of fluid flow in both the effluent fractures and the influent fracture increase. However, the nonlinearity of fluid flow in one effluent fracture decreased with increasing intersecting angle or increasing fracture length, as the nonlinearity of fluid flow in the other effluent fracture simultaneously increased. In addition, the nonlinearities of fluid flow in each of the effluent fractures exceed that of the influent fracture.
The Relationship between Social Capital and Quality of Life among Patients Referring to Diabetes Centers in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Keyvanara Mahmoud , Afshari Maryam , Dezfoulian Elham
Published: March 2018

Background. Studies have shown that the relationship between social capital (SC) and quality of life (QOL) has an important role in care, prevention, and treatment of some patients. The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the relationship between social capital and QOL of patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods. This descriptive, correlational study was conducted on 215 individuals selected through quota sampling. To assess social capital, the Social Capital Questionnaire was used, and to evaluate the QOL of patients with type 2 diabetes, the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) Brief Clinical Inventory was used. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Results. A significant relationship was observed between QOL and social capital in patients with diabetes. Moreover, social capital explained 14% of variance in QOL and with the addition of other accompanying diseases, this was increased to 19%. Conclusion. The results of this study can be useful for health care providers to improve the health of patients with diabetes. They also help patients to better manage and cope with their illness.
An Overview of Meta-Analyses of Endovascular Bridging Therapies for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chen Si-Yan , Zhang Xing-Ru , Chen Jie , Ge Wan-Qian , Wang Wen-Wen , Wang Xin-Shi , Xie Cheng-Long
Published: March 2018

Background. Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) is a common cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of long-term severe disability. Endovascular bridging therapies (EBT), including endovascular thrombectomy (ET) and intra-arterial thrombolytic (IAT), have been recommended to realize a favorable functional outcome for AIS patients. Methods. An overview of meta-analyses of primary randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies was performed evaluating EBT for AIS patients compared with usual care. Results. Ten meta-analyses were included in this overview. ET was associated with a higher incidence of achieving functional outcome improvement, defined as a modified Rankin scale of 0 to 1 (mRS, p=0.003), 0 to 2 (p<0.00001), and 0 to 3 (p=0.005). The risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rate and all-cause mortality were similar between the two groups. Moreover, IAT treatment was also related to significantly improved outcomes in terms of the mRS score (p<0.05), but no significant difference in rates of sICH and mortality within 90 days. Conclusions. In conclusion, our analysis supports that EBT, regardless of format (e.g., ET or IAT), is superior to the best medical therapy alone (e.g., IVT) in terms of mRS score in patients with AIS. In addition, the safety of EBT is similar to IVT.
The Magnitude of Androgen Receptor Positivity in Breast Cancer Is Critical for Reliable Prediction of Disease Outcome
Authors: Ricciardelli Carmela , Bianco-Miotto Tina , Jindal Shalini , Butler Lisa M. , Leung Samuel , McNeil Catriona M. , O'Toole Sandra A. , Ebrahimie Esmaeil , Millar Ewan K.A. , Sakko Andrew J. , Ruiz Alexandra I. , Vowler Sarah L. , Huntsman David G. , Birrell Stephen N. , Sutherland Robert L. , Palmieri Carlo , Hickey Theresa E. , Tilley Wayne D.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Consensus is lacking regarding the androgen receptor (AR) as a prognostic marker in breast cancer. The objectives of this study were to comprehensively review the literature on AR prognostication and determine optimal criteria for AR as an independent predictor of breast cancer survival.

Experimental Design: AR positivity was assessed by immunostaining in two clinically validated primary breast cancer cohorts [training cohort, n = 219; validation cohort, n = 418; 77% and 79% estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) positive, respectively]. The optimal AR cut-point was determined by ROC analysis in the training cohort and applied to both cohorts.

Results: AR was an independent prognostic marker of breast cancer outcome in 22 of 46 (48%) previous studies that performed multivariate analyses. Most studies used cut-points of 1% or 10% nuclear positivity. Herein, neither 1% nor 10% cut-points were robustly prognostic. ROC analysis revealed that a higher AR cut-point (78% positivity) provided optimal sensitivity and specificity to predict breast cancer survival in the training (HR, 0.41; P = 0.015) and validation (HR, 0.50; P = 0.014) cohorts. Tenfold cross-validation confirmed the robustness of this AR cut-point. Patients with ERα-positive tumors and AR positivity ≥78% had the best survival in both cohorts (P < 0.0001). Among the combined ERα-positive cases, those with comparable or higher levels of AR (AR:ERα-positivity ratio >0.87) had the best outcomes (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: This study defines an optimal AR cut-point to reliably predict breast cancer survival. Testing this cut-point in prospective cohorts is warranted for implementation of AR as a prognostic factor in the clinical management of breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 24(10); 2328–41. ©2018 AACR.
Vitamin E Analogue Protects Red Blood Cells against Storage-Induced Oxidative Damage
Authors: Antosik Adam , Czubak Kamila , Cichon Natalia , Nowak Pawel , Zbikowska Halina
Published: March 2018

Background: To investigate i) the effects of Trolox® or mannitol, which represent two different classes of antioxidants, on oxidative changes generated in manually isolated red blood cells (RBCs) from citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) preserved whole blood, followed by up to 20 days refrigerated storage, and ii) whether Trolox supplemented to the blood bank-manufactured saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAGM) preserved RBC units would offer better storage conditions compared with SAGM alone. Methods: The percentage of hemolysis and extracellular activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured to assess RBC membrane integrity. Lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were quantified by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), Ellman's reagent and 2, 2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS.+) based assay, respectively. Results: Trolox was little more effective than mannitol in protecting against progressive RBC hemolysis. Trolox (0.125-3.125 mmol/l) inhibited storage-induced leakage of LDH, lipid peroxidation, and to a lesser extent GSH depletion. Mannitol at these concentrations neither inhibited TBARS formation nor prevented GSH depletion. RBC units stored in SAGM-Trolox had significantly lower hemolysis, LDH leakage, and lipid peroxidation level compared to RBCs stored in SAGM. Conclusion: There is evidence of the beneficial effects of supplementing RBC-additive solutions with membrane-interacting antioxidants such as vitamin E analogues.
Auxiliary Liver Transplantation as a Transient Treatment for Acute Liver Failure: Two Cases
Authors: Perdigoto David N. , Tomé Luís , Diogo Dulce , Ferrão José , Martins Ricardo , Oliveira Pedro , Tralhão Guilherme , Furtado Emanuel
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Acute liver failure is an uncommon condition associated with a high mortality. Most patients do not survive without liver transplantation. In the last decades, auxiliary liver transplantation has emerged as a therapeutic option. Clinical Case: The authors present two cases of acute liver failure that required liver transplantation. Given the patients’ young age and the preserved macroscopic liver pattern evaluated in surgery, auxiliary liver transplantation was executed using different surgical approaches. Afterwards, following confirmed full native liver regeneration, the patients were submitted to auxiliary liver hepatectomy, which was accomplished without complications. Conclusion: Auxiliary liver transplantation can be regarded as an effective temporary treatment for acute liver failure in selected cases, allowing an immunosuppression-free life.
НАУКОВО-ПРАКТИЧНА КОНФЕРЕНЦІЯ З МІЖНАРОДНОЮ УЧАСТЮ «АКТУАЛЬНІ ІНФЕКЦІЙНІ ЗАХВОРЮВАННЯ. СУЧАСНІ АСПЕКТИ КЛІНІКИ, ДІАГНОСТИКИ, ЛІКУВАННЯ ТА ПРОФІЛАКТИКИ»
Authors: Trykhlib V. I.
Published: March 2018

Наведено коротку інформацію про науково-практичну конференцію з міжнародною участю «Актуальні інфекційні захворювання. Сучасні аспекти клініки, діагностики, лікування та профілактики», яка відбулася 23-24 листопада 2017 р. у Національному військово-медичному клінічному центрі «ГВКГ» у м. Києві.
Influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) supplementation at different times of in vitro maturation of canine oocytes
Authors: Pereira Leda Maria Costa , Bersano Paulo Ricardo Oliveira , Lopes Maria Denise
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on in vitro maturation of canine oocytes at different times of the process. Ovaries were collected from 55 bitches considered healthy and aseptically isolated, immersed in physiological solution (0.9% NaCl) and transported under refrigeration. Grade 1 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were selected and divided into two groups: control group (CG) and treatment group (TG). In CG 698 grade I COCs were placed in 4-well plates containing TCM-199 medium supplemented with 25 mM HEPES, 100 IU/mL penicillin, 100 mg/mL streptomycin, 26 mM sodium bicarbonate, 1.5 mM sodium pyruvate, 2.9 mM sodium lactate pentahydrate, 0.6 mM cysteine, 0.03 IU/mL hCG, 0.5 μg/mL FSH, 20 μg/mL estrogen at 38.5ºC in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in times of 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. In TG 547 COCs received the same maturation medium plus 10 ηg/mL EGF. Logistic regression models (SAS, 2011) were constructed in order to estimate the chances of oocytes being observed at nuclear maturation stages in different culture times (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). Based on the results found EGF-supplemented medium showed 2.56 times more chances of having an oocyte at metaphase I (M-I) than medium without EGF (p < 0.0001). The results of this study demonstrated that the time of 72 h showed 5.88 times more chances of having an oocyte at metaphase II (M-II) compared to time of 24 h (p = 0.0001) and 7.69 times more chance than time of 48 h (p = 0.0001). The chances of finding an oocyte at M-II were also 9.09 times higher in medium supplemented with EGF than in medium without EGF (p = 0.0001). Thus, these results demonstrated the essential importance of EGF at different moments of oocyte maturation, being a key component for the acquisition of meiotic competence in bitches, increasing the M-I and M-II rates.
Canine juvenile cellulitis: a retrospective study (2009-2016)
Authors: Bezerra José Artur Brilhante , Santos Julianna Pereira da Silva , Filgueira Kilder Dantas
Published: March 2018

Juvenile cellulitis (JC) is an uncommon vesiculopustular disease that affects dogs, especially those under four months of age. The aim of the present study was to characterize the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profile of JC based on clinical records of canine patients treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, between the years 2009 and 2016. A total of five cases were diagnosed. Four dogs presented at an average age of two months and 22 days and were crossbred; the other dog was a rottweiler aged 38 weeks. The average time of evolution of the disease was 16 days, and the main clinical signs were edema, papules, pustules, and bilateral ocular discharge. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytology in four animals and by histopathology in only one patient. For all dogs, the treatment was based on cephalexin, administered for 30 days, and prednisolone for three weeks. Otological therapy was included when necessary. Four cases had a favorable outcome. JC is a rare dermatopathy that deserves special attention from veterinary practitioners.
Bernard Bailyn's Ideological Origins: A Perspective from 1774
Authors: Norton Mary Beth
Published: March 2018

This article addresses debates among revolutionaries in 1774 (omitted from Ideological Origins) about whether the East India Company should be compensated for the tea destroyed in Boston in December 1773.
Ideological Origins of the Irish Revolution
Authors: Pincus Steve
Published: March 2018

In 1782, the Irish obtained legislative and judicial concessions and liberal trade privileges from Britain. The debate over Ireland's political and constitutional status rivaled that which Bernard Bailyn made famous in Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. This essay addresses how the Irish were able to do this and why they did not declare their independence in 1782.
Village Dogs in Coastal Mexico
Authors: Ruiz-Izaguirre Eliza , Hebinck Paul , Eilers Karen (C.H.A.M.)
Published: March 2018

Village dogs are important for households in coastal Mexico, yet they are seen as out of place by etic stakeholders (public health and wildlife experts, and animal welfarists). Caregivers of village dogs are considered irresponsible, a view that is reinforced by Mexican policy. We describe two contrasting etic discourses in this article that have emerged from ideologies based on human-dog relation theories. The article is part of an ongoing shift in the social sciences that has seen attempts to move beyond anthropocentrism and to explore human-animal relations outside the parameters of the traditional nature-culture dichotomy. Local narratives hinge on different experiences with dogs. Villagers perceive their dogs as adults, capable of and subject to judgment. Etic discourses are currently the basis for dog management policies. Attaching the label of “irresponsible owner” to the caregivers of village dogs prevents their inclusion as legitimate participants in policy processes.
China’s Geopolitical Economy of Energy Security
Authors: Amineh Mehdi P. , Yang Guang
Published: March 2018

China’s transition to an urban-industrial society relies predominantly on its abundant domestic coal supplies and, secondly, on an increase in oil and gas imports. For this reason, China’s strategic investments in the oil and gas industries of resource-rich, energy-exporting countries have vastly increased. Given the high levels of import-dependency, the domestic power-wealth structures in China rely on uninterrupted supplies from beyond state borders. In their search for supply security, major import-dependent actors have two options. One is to reduce dependency by, for instance, higher energy efficiency. Another option is to increase the security of energy imports. This requires improving supply security from resource-rich oil- and gas-exporting countries and regions. The significant growth in the overseas assets and activities of China’s state-led National Oil Companies (nocs) are crucial to China’s energy supply security. In this study we argue that the transnational activities of Chinese nocs are part of the country’s so-called ‘statist’, state-led economic globalization, in the course of which some developing economies have become global political powers.

In this paper we outline the approach and the conceptual foundations to understand geopolitical economy of energy security in China based on the following section: [1] the unit of analysis in the Political Economy of Energy. [2] Sequential industrialization and its global impacts, [3] Fossil fuel security and resource-scarcity, [4] China’s power structure, state class, and industrialization, [5] Industrialization, lateral pressure, the geopolitical economy and China’s external relations [6] National oil companies: changing the game.
A Perspective on the Rome Statute’s Defence of Duress: The Role of Imminence
Authors: Moran Clare Frances
Published: March 2018

The concept of duress encapsulated in Article 31(1)(d) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court is a novel inclusion in a statute created to allow prosecution of serious crimes against the person in international criminal law. Despite being the topic of much debate, the present state of the discourse remains at a fairly superficial level: existing studies focus on a general analysis of the defence and its conditions. This has included the way in which the defences merges necessity and duress, with only a few authors examining the conditions of ‘proportionality’ and ‘necessity’. This study looks at an underexplored part of the defence: the condition of imminence. The purpose of this work is to explore the idea of imminence and to review whether a clearer definition of duress could have been used, replacing the idea of imminence with the concept of the individual selecting the lesser evil.
The cicada genus Procollina Metcalf, 1952 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae): redescription including fourteen new species, with a key to the species of the subtribe Dazina Kato, 1932 rev. stat., the description of the Aragualnini n. tribe, and one new combination
Authors: SANBORN ALLEN F.
Published: March 2018

The cicada genus Procollina Metcalf, 1952 is redescribed. Procollina minima n. sp., P. parva n. sp., P. ustulata n. sp. and P. webbi n. sp. are described from Costa Rica, P. guatemalensis n. sp., P. mayaensis n. sp. and P. nigrapilosa n. sp. are described from Guatemala, P. hondurensis n. sp. is described from Honduras, P. convexa n. sp. and P. mesomaculata n. sp. are described from Guatemala and Honduras, P. ulnamaculata n. sp. is described from Guatemala and Mexico, P. nuevoleonensis n. sp. and P. tamaulipasensis n. sp. are described from Mexico, and P. nicaraguaensis n. sp. is described from Nicaragua. The current eighteen species of Procollina are listed along with their synonymies and known distribution of each species. The tribe Dazini Kato, 1932 is moved from the Cicadettinae Buckton, 1889 to the Cicadinae Latreille, 1802, synonymized with the Zammarini Distant, 1905, and revised to the subtribe Dazina rev. stat. based on the morphological characters of the representative genera. A key to the species of the Dazina rev. stat. is provided. Aragualnini n. tribe is erected for the genus Aragualna Champanhet, Boulard & Gaiani, 2000 as it exhibits morphological characteristics of the Cicadettinae Buckton, 1889 rather than the Cicadinae as do the rest of the genera previously assigned to the Dazini. Finally, Cicada pennata (Distant, 1881) is reassigned to Neocicada Kato, 1932 to become Neocicada pennata (Distant, 1881) n. comb..
Linking African Easterly Wave Activity with Equatorial Waves and the Influence of Rossby Waves from the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Yang Gui-Ying , Methven John , Woolnough Steve , Hodges Kevin , Hoskins Brian
Published: March 2018

A connection is found between African easterly waves (AEWs), equatorial westward-moving mixed Rossby–gravity (WMRG) waves, and equivalent barotropic Rossby waves (RWs) from the Southern Hemisphere (SH). The amplitude and phase of equatorial waves is calculated by projection of broadband-filtered ERA-Interim data onto a horizontal structure basis obtained from equatorial wave theory. Mechanisms enabling interaction between the wave types are identified. AEWs are dominated by a vorticity wave that tilts eastward below the African easterly jet and westward above: the tilt necessary for baroclinic wave growth. However, a strong relationship is identified between amplifying vorticity centers within AEWs and equatorial WMRG waves. Although the waves do not phase lock, positive vorticity centers amplify whenever the cross-equatorial motion of the WMRG wave lies at the same longitude in the upper troposphere (southward flow) and east of this in the lower troposphere (northward flow). Two mechanisms could explain the vorticity amplification: vortex stretching below the upper-tropospheric divergence and ascent associated with latent heating in convection in the lower-tropospheric moist northward flow.

In years of strong AEW activity, SH and equatorial upper-tropospheric zonal winds are more easterly. Stronger easterlies have two effects: (i) they Doppler shift WMRG waves so that their period varies little with wavenumber (3–4 days) and (ii) they enable westward-moving RWs to propagate into the tropical waveguide from the SH. The RW phase speeds can match those of WMRG waves, enabling sustained excitation of WMRG. The WMRG waves have an eastward group velocity with wave activity accumulating over Africa and invigorating AEWs at similar frequencies through the vorticity amplification mechanism.
On the Local View of Atmospheric Available Potential Energy
Authors: Novak Lenka , Tailleux Rémi
Published: March 2018

The possibility of constructing Lorenz’s concept of available potential energy (APE) from a local principle has been known for some time, but it has received very little attention so far. Yet the local APE density framework offers the advantage of providing a positive-definite local form of potential energy, which, like kinetic energy, can be transported, converted, and created or dissipated locally. In contrast to Lorenz’s definition, which relies on the exact from of potential energy, the local APE density theory uses the particular form of potential energy appropriate to the approximations considered. In this paper, this idea is illustrated for the dry hydrostatic primitive equations, whose relevant form of potential energy is the specific enthalpy. The local APE density is nonquadratic in general but can nevertheless be partitioned exactly into mean and eddy components regardless of the Reynolds averaging operator used. This paper introduces a new form of the local APE density that is easily computable from atmospheric datasets. The advantages of using the local APE density over the classical Lorenz APE are highlighted. The paper also presents the first calculation of the three-dimensional local APE density in observation-based atmospheric data. Finally, it illustrates how the eddy and mean components of the local APE density can be used to study regional and temporal variability in the large-scale circulation. It is revealed that advection from high latitudes is necessary to supply APE into the storm-track regions, and that Greenland and the Ross Sea, which have suffered from rapid land ice and sea ice loss in recent decades, are particularly susceptible to APE variability.
Variations of the Moist Static Energy Budget of the Tropical Indian Ocean Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: de Szoeke Simon P.
Published: March 2018

The atmospheric circulation depends on poorly understood interactions between the tropical atmospheric boundary layer (BL) and convection. The surface moist static energy (MSE) source (130 W m−2, of which 120 W m−2 is evaporation) to the tropical marine BL is balanced by upward MSE flux at the BL top that is the source for deep convection. Important for modeling tropical convection and circulation is whether MSE enters the free troposphere by dry turbulent processes originating within the boundary layer or by motions generated by moist deep convection in the free troposphere. Here, highly resolved observations of the BL quantify the MSE fluxes in approximate agreement with recent cloud-resolving models, but the fluxes depend on convective conditions. In convectively suppressed (weak precipitation) conditions, entrainment and downdraft fluxes export equal shares (60 W m−2) of MSE from the BL. Downdraft fluxes are found to increase 50%, and entrainment to decrease, under strongly convective conditions. Variable entrainment and downdraft MSE fluxes between the BL and convective clouds must both be considered for modeling the climate.
Downward Wave Coupling between the Stratosphere and Troposphere under Future Anthropogenic Climate Change
Authors: Lubis Sandro W. , Matthes Katja , Harnik Nili , Omrani Nour-Eddine , Wahl Sebastian
Published: March 2018

Downward wave coupling (DWC) is an important process that characterizes the dynamical coupling between the stratosphere and troposphere via planetary wave reflection. A recent modeling study has indicated that natural forcing factors, including sea surface temperature (SST) variability and the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), influence DWC and the associated surface impact in the Northern Hemisphere (NH). In light of this, the authors further investigate how DWC in the NH is affected by anthropogenic forcings, using a fully coupled chemistry–climate model CESM1(WACCM). The results indicate that the occurrence of DWC is significantly suppressed in the future, starting later in the seasonal cycle, with more events concentrated in late winter (February and March). The future decrease in DWC events is associated with enhanced wave absorption in the stratosphere due to increased greenhouse gases (GHGs), which is manifest as more absorbing types of stratospheric sudden warmings (SSWs) in early winter. This early winter condition leads to a delay in the development of the upper-stratospheric reflecting surface, resulting in a shift in the seasonal cycle of DWC toward late winter in the future. The tropospheric responses to DWC events in the future exhibit different spatial patterns, compared to those of the past. In the North Atlantic sector, DWC-induced circulation changes are characterized by a poleward shift and an eastward extension of the tropospheric jet, while in the North Pacific sector, the circulation changes are characterized by a weakening of the tropospheric jet. These responses are consistent with a change in the pattern of DWC-induced synoptic-scale eddy–mean flow interaction in the future.
Optical Characterization of Paper Aging Based on Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Shun , Chang Keke , Sun Haifeng , Guo Qingqian , Ma Liuzheng , Yang Yatao , Zou Caihong , Wang Ling , Hu Jiandong
Published: March 2018

Paper aging and degradation are growing concerns for those who are responsible for the conservation of documents, archives, and libraries. In this study, the paper aging was investigated using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS), where the fluorescence properties of 47 paper samples with different ages were explored. The paper exhibits fluorescence in the blue-green spectral region with two peaks at about 448 nm and 480 nm under the excitation of 405 nm laser. Both fluorescence peaks changed in absolute intensities and thus the ratio of peak intensities was also influenced with the increasing ages. By applying principal component analysis (PCA) and k-means clustering algorithm, all 47 paper samples were classified into nine groups based on the differences in paper age. Then the first-derivative fluorescence spectral curves were proposed to figure out the relationship between the spectral characteristic and the paper age, and two quantitative models were established based on the changes of first-derivative spectral peak at 443 nm, where one is an exponential fitting curve with an R-squared value of 0.99 and another is a linear fitting curve with an R-squared value of 0.88. The results demonstrated that the combination of fluorescence spectroscopy and PCA can be used for the classification of paper samples with different ages. Moreover, the first-derivative fluorescence spectral curves can be used to quantitatively evaluate the age-related changes of paper samples.
Repression and refuge
Authors: Lindemann Stefan , Wimmer Andreas
Published: March 2018

This article asks why ethnic exclusion from executive-level state power leads to armed conflict in some cases but not in others. To resolve this puzzle, it focuses on the possible role of five additional, qualitatively coded factors that have been considered by either grievance or opportunity theories of civil war but for which quantitative data are not readily available. To assess the combined relevance of these factors, the authors use qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to explore the diverging conflict trajectories of 58 ‘most similar’ ethnic groups. These groups have a uniformly high conflict propensity because they are politically excluded, situated in poor countries, live geographically concentrated, and comprise substantial parts of the population; yet, only 25 of them actually experienced violent conflict. The results show that the resentment created by ethno-political exclusion translates into violent conflict if the state reacts against initial protests and mobilization with indiscriminate violence, and if there is a refuge area either within or outside the country that allows regime opponents to organize armed resistance. Moreover, a more processual analysis of conflict dynamics reveals that the conditions conducive to ethnic rebellion appear in a particular temporal sequence with a clear and universal escalation pattern.
Effect of Heliox on Respiratory Outcomes during Rigid Bronchoscopy in Term Lambs
Authors: Sowder Justin C. , Dahl Mar Janna , Zuspan Kaitlin R. , Albertine Kurt H. , Null Donald M. , Barneck Mitchell D. , Grimmer J. Fredrik
Published: March 2018

Objective

To (1) compare physiologic changes during rigid bronchoscopy during spontaneous and mechanical ventilation and (2) evaluate the efficacy of a helium‐oxygen (heliox) gas mixture as compared with room air during rigid bronchoscopy.

Study Design

Crossover animal study evaluating physiologic parameters during rigid bronchoscopy. Outcomes were compared with predicted computational fluid analysis.

Setting

Simulated ventilation via computational fluid dynamics analysis and term lambs undergoing rigid bronchoscopy.

Methods

Respiratory and physiologic outcomes were analyzed in a lamb model simulating bronchoscopy during foreign body aspiration to compare heliox with room air. The main outcome measures were blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, partial pressure of oxygen, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide. Computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed with SOLIDWORKS within a rigid pediatric bronchoscope during simulated ventilation comparing heliox with room air.

Results

For room air, lambs desaturated within 3 minutes during mechanical ventilation versus normal oxygen saturation during spontaneous ventilation (P =. 01). No improvement in respiratory outcomes was seen between heliox and room air during mechanical ventilation. Computational fluid dynamics analysis demonstrates increased turbulence within size 3.5 bronchoscopes when comparing heliox and room air. Meaningful comparisons could not be made due to the intolerance of the lambs to heliox in vivo.

Conclusion

During mechanical ventilation on room air, lambs desaturate more quickly during rigid bronchoscopy on settings that should be adequate. Heliox does not improve ventilation during rigid bronchoscopy.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection–Induced Cellular and Extracellular Events in Menisci: Implications for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Xie Jing , Zhang Demao , Lin Yunfeng , Yuan Quan , Zhou Xuedong
Published: March 2018

Background:

The meniscus plays an important role in knee joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). Meniscal injuries can be accompanied by joint catabolic events initiated by inflammation, leading to articular cartilage destruction, but the cellular events responsible for intrinsic meniscal injury and the extracellular matrix changes necessary for meniscal degradation are not well known.

Purpose:

To explore the cellular and matrix-related changes of menisci based on a mouse OA model of anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT).

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A mouse ACLT OA model was established by transection of anterior cruciate ligaments on the right knee joints of 8-week-old male (n = 34) and female (n = 34) C57 mice. The knee joints were collected at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after ACLT surgery, and the meniscal changes were analyzed by radiography, histology, immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

The deterioration of menisci was more extensive than that of articular cartilage and subchondral bone at 4 weeks after ACLT surgery. The rapid loss of collagen II and Sox9 in chondrocyte-like cells in the white-white zone of menisci was confirmed, and the activation of potential meniscus progenitor cells and chondroblasts was identified based on the increase of CD90, CD105, and Runx2. Further, the intrinsic inflammation in the bone marrow–like zone of menisci was activated by enhancement of dendritic cells (CD11c+), T cells (CD3+), and macrophages (F4/80+) with the increase of the inflammatory factors interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α. Finally, the extracellular matrix events involving changes in chemokines, increases of matrix proteases (matrix metalloproteinases and ADAMTS5), and decreases of lysyl oxidase family were elucidated.

Conclusion:

ACLT-induced meniscal changes not only could explain the contribution of the meniscus to the progress of OA but also could provide a cue for initiation of preventive treatments in the early stages of OA.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides support for better protection of menisci in ACL injury–induced conditions such as OA and indicates that menisci should be considered in the development of clinical pharmacological interventions.
Profile likelihood-based analyses of infectious disease models
Authors: Tönsing Christian , Timmer Jens , Kreutz Clemens
Published: March 2018

Ordinary differential equation models are frequently applied to describe the temporal evolution of epidemics. However, ordinary differential equation models are also utilized in other scientific fields. We summarize and transfer state-of-the art approaches from other fields like Systems Biology to infectious disease models. For this purpose, we use a simple SIR model with data from an influenza outbreak at an English boarding school in 1978 and a more complex model of a vector-borne disease with data from the Zika virus outbreak in Colombia in 2015–2016. Besides parameter estimation using a deterministic multistart optimization approach, a multitude of analyses based on the profile likelihood are presented comprising identifiability analysis and model reduction. The analyses were performed using the freely available modeling framework Data2Dynamics (data2dynamics.org) which has been awarded as best performing within the DREAM6 parameter estimation challenge and in the DREAM7 network reconstruction challenge.
The Effect of Advertising-Focused, Short-Term Study Abroad Programs on Students’ Worldviews
Authors: Hachtmann Frauke
Published: March 2018

Global employers in the advertising industry are increasingly interested in hiring students with intercultural communication skills and cultural experience. While the benefits of long-term study abroad programs are well documented, this study focuses on advertising-specific, short-term study abroad programs. The purpose was to explore the effectiveness of such programs on students’ worldviews using a mixed methods design. The results show that students displayed lower levels of ethnocentrism after participating in short-term, advertising-focused study abroad programs. In addition, five qualitative themes emerged: an awareness of and appreciation for the out-group, an increased awareness of the in-group, the importance of communication, a positive effect on professional goals, and opportunities for personal growth and inspiration to explore cultures in more depth.
Using Social Media to Teach Social Media Advertising: How to Leverage Student Prior Knowledge and Word Press Blogs
Authors: Hettche Matt , Clayton Michael J.
Published: March 2018

Social Media not only present advertisers with new and interactive ways to connect with customers but they are quickly becoming a fixture of the modern college/university class environment. Social networking sites, blogs, games and end-user generated content are now relevant in both a commercial and educational context. This article examines how student prior knowledge and experience with social media can be leveraged by advertising educators to achieve a variety of learning outcomes. A framework for implementing active learning exercises from student self-assessments of various social media advertising techniques is discussed in connection with the Word Press (open source) blogging platform. The specific advertising techniques profiled include affiliate network advertising, YouTube video overlays, interstitial ads and pre-roll ad swapping in Hulu.
Teaching Multimedia Commercial Production for Advertising and Publication Relations
Authors: Morris Pamela
Published: March 2018

With the growth of online advertising and social media, it is increasingly necessary that advertising and public relations integrate video messages into campaign efforts. Offering video production classes that focus on multimedia broadcast strategy and production unique to advertising and public relations is one way that universities can address this development. This article provides a description of an experimental course, “Multimedia Commercial Production for Advertising and Public Relations,” co-taught at a private Midwestern university by an advertising professor with significant agency experience and an active award-winning filmmaker. Experiential learning and hands-on instruction of television production education provide the framework for the course design. Instructional goals, lecture topics and assignment ideas congruent with experiential methods of education are presented. A 16-week course outline, based on student feedback and evaluations gained from surveys as well as instructors’ assessment, is offered.
Teaching Curiosity: An Essential Advertising Skill?
Authors: Koranda David , Sheehan Kim Bartel
Published: March 2018

Several advertising industry professionals believe curiosity is an essential skill for the advertising business. In this paper, we describe how an advanced undergraduate class provides experiences that allow students to tap into multiple dimensions of curiosity. We question students at both the start and the end of the class to better understand if class exercises based on various curiosity models have changed how students view curiosity.
Blogging in the Classroom: Using WordPress Blogs with BuddyPress Plugin as a Learning Tool
Authors: Quesenberry Keith A. , Saewitz Dana , Kantrowitz Sheryl
Published: March 2018

In an effort to speak the social media language of our students, better prepare them for today's advertising jobs and seek the helpful learning aspects of social media, three professors used WordPress blogs with 130 students one semester in three different advertising courses. Descriptions of how blogs were used to enhance student participation, engagement and skill building are included along with students’ quantitative and qualitative assessments. The use of course blogs led to multiple positive self-reported student learning outcomes. Based on the researchers’ self-evaluation and analysis of students’ survey feedback, and research into the current advertising and teaching environment, this article offers insights for using blogging to provide added benefits to advertising courses including improving the learning environment and increasing student skill development.
Advertising Summer Camp for High School Students: A Recruitment Tool for Industry Diversity
Authors: Oliver Sheryl , Murphy Margaret , Tag Nancy R.
Published: March 2018

The U.S. advertising industry has long struggled to recruit ethnic minorities and other underrepresented groups to its work force. In addition, working in the technology sector and entrepreneurship have become increasingly more desirable options for minority candidates, attracting younger and creative talent that once considered advertising a viable career choice. Efforts from the advertising community and academics could help to recruit younger candidates before they have solidified their impressions of the job market or early in their undergraduate careers. This paper analyzes the shifting industry landscape and recruitment efforts and provides a case study of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) AdCamp as one potential solution to the challenges of recruiting minority candidates to advertising. Additionally, the paper provides teaching techniques and implementation suggestions whereby professors and universities can create their own own advertising “camps” to increase interest and diversity in the industry.
Comparison of surgical and radiological interventions for thrombosed arteriovenous access
Authors: Lambert Gary , Freedman Jonathan , Jaffe Susan , Wilmink Teun
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

To compare open surgical and radiological interventions for thrombosed arteriovenous access for dialysis.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of access procedures and dialysis episodes from 1 December 2002 to 30 November 2015 with follow-up up to 1 August 2016. Hospital records and dialysis database interrogated for further interventions and length of functional use.

Results:

Some 128 surgical and 27 radiological thrombectomies were compared. Radiological treatment was successful in 24 (89%) cases and surgical interventions in 65 cases (51%; p < 0.001). In all, 82 (64%) of the 128 surgical thrombectomies had no additional treatment, 43 (34%) had a surgical revision and 3 cases (2%) had an on-table balloon angioplasty. All 27 interventional thrombectomies had an additional balloon angioplasty. Success rate was significantly increased after a surgical revision (74%) or balloon angioplasty (87%) compared to no adjuvant procedure (38%; p < 0.001). There was a trend towards higher primary failure rates of arteriovenous fistula thrombectomies in the upper arm (57%) compared to the arteriovenous fistula thrombectomies in forearm (40%) and arteriovenous graft thrombectomies (33%; p = 0.056). Assisted primary patency was better after interventional treatment compared to surgery (p = 0.02) and significantly better after thrombectomy with additional treatment (p = 0.005). Patency after surgical revision or balloon angioplasty of the access was similar (p = 0.15). More procedures were required to maintain the access after balloon angioplasty than after surgical revision, and intervention-free survival was better after surgical revision (p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Revision procedures significantly increase success rate of access thrombectomies. Radiological thrombectomies have higher success rates but lower intervention-free survival and need more additional procedures to maintain patency.
Cytokine signaling in multiple sclerosis: Lost in translation
Authors: Göbel Kerstin , Ruck Tobias , Meuth Sven G
Published: March 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disorder of putative autoimmune origin. Clinical studies delineate abnormal expression of specific cytokines over the course of disease. Preclinical studies using animal models of MS have yielded promising results in manipulating the activity of certain cytokines to improve the clinical outcome. However, the translation of these findings into the clinic is often disappointing. The reason for this might be the complex nature of cytokine networks and the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation, as well as an oversimplified interpretation of preclinical observations. This review presents an overview on cytokines that potentially contribute to the development of MS and provides examples of success and failure in translating basic science into clinical benefit for people with MS.
Clinical outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation for pancreatic cystic lesions compared with the natural course: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Choi Jin Ho , Lee Sang Hyub , Choi Young Hoon , Kang Jinwoo , Paik Woo Hyun , Ahn Dong-Won , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong-Tae
Published: March 2018

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation (EUS-EA) is a recently introduced treatment for pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). However, clinical benefits such as survival gain and maintenance of quality of life (QOL) have not been fully established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical benefits of EUS-EA compared with the natural course (NC) of PCLs.

Methods

This retrospective comparative study of patients with PCLs investigated an EUS-EA group ( n = 118) and an NC group ( n = 428). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was applied to minimize the effects of selection bias. The overall survival as the primary outcome and the surgical resection rate and complete remission (CR) rate as the secondary outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Between 84 matched pairs of both groups, there were no significant differences in the baseline clinical characteristics and the mean follow-up duration (78.88 ± 38.86, 75.90 ± 57.46 months, p = 0.694). Overall survival did not differ significantly (194.12 ± 5.60, 247.54 ± 12.70 months, p = 0.235). The surgical resection rate (4.8% versus 26.2%, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the EUS-EA group. CR was observed only in the EUS-EA group and the CR rate was 32.1%.

Conclusions

EUS-EA for PCLs with low risk of malignancy might not be able to obtain a survival benefit, but showed maintenance of QOL by avoidance of unnecessary surgery, and a certain level of CR when compared to the NC. EUS-EA could be considered a useful treatment option for these, but careful application is needed because of the limited effects in some types of PCLs.
Understanding health food messages on Twitter for health literacy promotion
Authors: Zhou J , Liu F , Zhou H
Published: March 2018

Aims:

With the popularity of social media, Twitter has become an important tool to promote health literacy. However, many health-related messages on Twitter are dead-ended and cannot reach many people. This is unhelpful for health literacy promotion. This article aims to examine the features of online health food messages that people like to retweet.

Methods:

We adopted rumour theory as our theoretical foundation and extracted seven characteristics (i.e. emotional valence, attractiveness, sender’s authoritativeness, external evidence, argument length, hashtags, and direct messages). A total of 10,025 health-related messages on Twitter were collected, and 1496 messages were randomly selected for further analysis. Each message was treated as one unit and then coded. All the hypotheses were tested with logistic regression.

Results:

Emotional valence, attractiveness, sender’s authoritativeness, argument length, and direct messages in a Twitter message had positive effects on people’s retweet behaviour. The effect of external evidence was negative. Hashtags had no significant effect after consideration of other variables.

Conclusion:

Online health food messages containing positive emotions, including pictures, containing direct messages, having an authoritative sender, having longer arguments, or not containing external URLs are more likely to be retweeted. However, a message only containing positive or negative emotions or including direct messages without any support information will not be retweeted.