bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotor dynamic experimental investigation of an ultra-high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motor supported on a three-pad bidirectional gas foil bearing
Authors: Cheng Wenjie , Deng Zhikai , Xiao Ling , Zhong Bin , Duan Wenbo
Published: September 2019

With a 10-kW, 120,000-r/min, ultra-high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motor taken as a prototype, experimental research is conducted on the rotor dynamic behaviours of a three-pad bidirectional gas foil bearing high-speed motor rotor system. Load-carrying properties of the three-pad bidirectional gas foil bearing are analysed, and natural frequencies of conical and parallel whirling modes of the elastically supported rotor are calculated based on an appropriate simplification to the stiffness and damping coefficients of the gas foil bearings. The prototype passes through a 90,000-r/min coast-down experiment. Experiments show that there are violent subsynchronous whirling motions that are evoked by the gas foil bearing–rotor system itself. The cause of shaft orbit drift is analysed, and the corresponding solution is put forward. The theoretical analysis and experimental results can offer a useful reference to the bearing–rotor system design of ultra-high-speed permanent magnet motors and its subsequent dynamic analysis.
Framework for visual-feedback training based on a modified self-organizing map to imitate complex motion
Authors: Yokota Hiroki , Naito Munekazu , Mizuno Naoki , Ohshima Shigemichi
Published: September 2019

The goal of this research was to develop a visual-feedback system, based on motion sensing and computational technologies, to help athletes and patients imitate desired motor skills. To accomplish this objective, the authors used a self-organizing map to visualize high-dimensional, time-series motion data. The cyclic motion of one expert and five non-experts was captured as they pedaled a bicycle ergometer. A self-organizing map algorithm was used to display the corresponding circular motion trajectories on a two-dimensional motor skills map. The non-experts modified their motion to make their real-time motion trajectory approach that of the expert, thereby training themselves to imitate the expert motion. The root mean square error, which represents the difference between the non-expert motion and the expert motion, was significantly reduced upon using the proposed visual-feedback system. This indicates that the non-expert subjects successfully approximated the expert motion by repeated comparison of their trajectories on the motor skills map with that of the expert. The results demonstrate that the self-organizing map algorithm provides a unique way to visualize human movement and greatly facilitates the task of imitating a desired motion. By capturing the appropriate movements for display in the visual-feedback system, the proposed framework may be adopted for sports training or clinical practice.
Current status of hepatocellular carcinoma detection: screening strategies and novel biomarkers
Authors: Ayoub Walid S. , Steggerda Justin , Yang Ju Dong , Kuo Alexander , Sundaram Vinay , Lu Shelly C.
Published: September 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Delayed diagnosis is a major factor responsible for the poor prognosis of HCC. Several advances have been made in the field of liver imaging with the use of novel imaging contrasts, improving current imaging techniques with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), introduction of new technologies such as contrast liver ultrasound, and development of novel biomarkers with the goal of early detection of HCC and improving outcomes of patients with HCC. This review focuses on current surveillance strategies and development of biomarkers with the goal of early detection of HCC.
Non-Traumatic Acute Subdural Hemorrhage Due To Cranial Venous Hypertension
Authors: Orde Matthew M.
Published: September 2019

Acute subdural hemorrhage is typically associated with a history of head trauma, and as such it is a finding with significant potential medicolegal consequences. In this article, 37 adult and post-infantile pediatric sudden death autopsy cases with small volume (“thin film” or “smear”) acute subdural hemorrhage are presented—in which there is either no further evidence of head trauma or only features of minor head injury. The possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are explored, and it is concluded that a common thread in many of these cases is likely to have been cranial venous hypertension at around the time of death. These findings may have implications in instances where small volume subdural hemorrhage is identified in the absence of other evidence of significant head injury.
Takayasu Arteritis in a 19-Year-Old Black Male: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Breslauer Cori A. , Evans Mariama , Aurelius Michelle B.
Published: September 2019

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare idiopathic vasculitis of large blood vessels. Prevalence is highest in Japan, with predominance in young females. Classic signs and symptoms include limb claudication, decreased/absent distal pulses, vascular bruits, and blood pressure discrepancy between arms. Without treatment, progression leads to mural fibrosis, stenosis, hypertension, thrombus formation, and ischemic changes of surrounding tissue. Takayasu arteritis is usually a clinical and radiographic diagnosis and has a low mortality rate with effective treatment. Here, we present an unexpected case of TA in a 19-year-old black male diagnosed at autopsy. No suggestion of vasculitis was noted during antemortem workup. Takayasu arteritis may be encountered in the forensic setting in cases of sudden death in a young person, especially in the context of an atypical demographic.
Clostridium Perfringens Bacteremia with Acute Hemolytic Anemia in the Setting of Endometrial Malignancy
Authors: Cypher Luke R. , Sullivan Christopher , Jones Ryan , Phillips Angelina
Published: September 2019

Acute intravascular hemolysis is a rare and often lethal complication of Clostridium perfringens septicemia.Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic, gram-positive spore-forming rod which is commonly implicated in cases of food poisoning, gas gangrene, and severe hemolytic anemia in humans via the alpha-toxin (phospholipase C). We report an interesting and rare case of a 72-year-old woman who developed massive intravascular hemolysis secondary to C perfringens bacteremia in the setting of poorly differentiated high-grade endometrial malignancy.
Fire-Borne Life: A Brief Review of Smoke-Induced Germination
Authors: Soós Vilmos , Badics Eszter , Incze Norbert , Balázs Ervin
Published: September 2019

Naturally occurring fires have been shaping landscapes long before mankind existed. Presumably, it is an early observation that in some habitats, fire is crucial to maintaining species diversity and for the rejuvenation of the vegetation, and so early settled farmers might have started to take advantage of the controlled burning of a desired area. The heat of fire is essential to break the dormancy of many fire ephemerals and for the seed release of some serotinous or woody taxa. Besides the physical effects caused by the heat on seeds, smoke and burnt organic material contain chemical cues that regulate the germination of seeds and the early development of seedlings. The scientific community really started to reveal the secrets of these enigmatic components from the early 1990s, although there are still a number of questions to be answered. In this review, we briefly introduce the path which leads to our current knowledge on smoke-derived compounds and their enormous effects on plant life.
Early Outcomes of 3D Printed Total Talus Arthroplasty
Authors: Scott Daniel J. , Steele John , Fletcher Amanda , Parekh Selene G.
Published: September 2019

Background. Patients with talar avascular necrosis (AVN) have limited treatment options to manage their symptoms. Historically, surgical options have been limited and can leave patients with little ankle motion and have high failure rates. The use of custom 3D printed total talar replacements (TTRs) has arisen as a treatment option for these patients, possibly allowing better preservation of hindfoot motion. We hypothesized that patients undergoing TTR will demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at 1 year after surgery. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 15 patients who underwent a TTR over a 2-year period. Patient outcomes were reviewed, including age, sex, comorbidities, etiology of talar pathology, number and type of prior surgeries, radiographic alignment, FAOS and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and range of motion. Data analysis was performed with Student t-tests and multivariate regression. Results. FAOSs and VAS scores showed statistically significant improvements postoperatively as compared with preoperative scores. There was a statistically significant decrease in VAS pain scores from 7.0 preoperatively to 3.6 (P < .001). Average follow-up was 12.8 months. With the number of patients available, there was no statistically significant change in radiographic alignment parameters postoperatively as compared with preoperatively (P values ranged from .225 to .617). Conclusion. Our hypothesis that these patients show statistically significant improvements in FAOSs at 1 year was confirmed. TTR represents an exciting treatment option for patients with talar AVN, though longer-term follow-up is needed.

Level of Evidence: Level IV: Case series
Factors Influencing the Detection of Spatially-Varying Surface Gloss
Authors: Wendt Gunnar , Faul Franz
Published: September 2019

In this study, we investigate the ability of human observers to detect spatial inhomogeneities in the glossiness of a surface and how the performance in this task depends on several context factors. We used computer-generated stimuli showing a single object in three-dimensional space whose surface was split into two spatial areas with different microscale smoothness. The context factors were the kind of illumination, the object’s shape, the availability of motion information, the degree of edge blurring, the spatial proportions between the two areas of different smoothness, and the general smoothness level. Detection thresholds were determined using a two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) task implemented in a double random staircase procedure, where the subjects had to indicate for each stimulus whether or not the surface appears to have a spatially uniform material. We found evidence that two different cues are used for this task: luminance differences and differences in highlight properties between areas of different microscale smoothness. While the visual system seems to be highly sensitive in detecting gloss differences based on luminance contrast information, detection thresholds were considerably higher when the judgment was mainly based on differences in highlight features, such as their size, intensity, and sharpness.
Plasma dopa decarboxylase activity in treatment-resistant recent-onset psychosis patients
Authors: van der Pluijm Marieke , Sutterland Arjen L. , van Kuilenburg André B. P. , Zoetekouw Lida , de Haan Lieuwe , Booij Jan , van de Giessen Elsmarieke
Published: September 2019

Treatment resistance (TR) in psychosis is a major clinical problem. A biomarker predicting TR against conventional antipsychotic drugs would be relevant, potentially reducing unnecessary delay to adequate treatment with clozapine. Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) activity in the striatum, measured with positron emission tomography, is elevated in responders, but not in treatment-resistant patients. Plasma DDC activity could be a surrogate marker for DDC brain activity, and thus a potential biomarker that could be used in daily clinical practice. Therefore, we determined plasma DDC activity in 40 male patients with recent-onset psychosis, of whom the majority had started treatment, whereby 21 turned out to be treatment responders and 19 treatment resistant during follow up. We observed no significant group differences. Furthermore, symptom severity was not associated with plasma DCC activity. We did observe a trend level difference in the distribution of plasma DDC activity across categories of medication, with subsequent post hoc analysis showing lower DDC activity in risperidone-using patients. This may suggest that risperidone could influence plasma DDC activity. Based on these results, plasma DDC activity does not appear to be a promising biomarker for TR in recent-onset psychosis patients who are already receiving antipsychotic treatment.
A liquid profession: An ecological approach to the theory and knowledge that underpin the practice of public relations
Authors: Bowman Sarah , Hendy Jane
Published: September 2019

This is a conceptual essay that explores the concept of knowledge as it relates to public relations (PR). It suggests an ecological knowledge architecture as a lens through which to understand the theories and concepts that support practice. It does so by drawing on the work of Zygmunt Bauman and his reflections on liquid modernity to inform and shape thinking and uses it as a thread to help synthesise scholarship from knowledge, competency and career scholarship and debates around professionalisation. It argues that by subdividing knowledge into explanatory, interventionist and practice principles greater clarity can be given to the know-how (functional skills) and know-that (theoretical knowledge) of PR. In addition, by overlaying a postmodernist and liquid concept to this tripartite division of knowledge, PR can be well placed to take advantage of the change in careers and capabilities necessary for work in the 21st century.
Theorizing expectations as enablers of intangible assets in public relations: Normative, predictive, and destructive
Authors: Olkkonen Laura , Luoma-aho Vilma
Published: September 2019

Expectations intersect with many areas of public relations, yet conceptual and theoretical understandings of expectations have not been strong in public relations research. In fact, expectations are often discussed at a cursory level, expectation theories are seldom applied, and the concept of expectations is not problematized. In this article, therefore, we explore the role of expectations in public relations and illustrate how expectations shape organizational relationships, particularly by enabling or destroying the creation of organizational intangible assets. We identify gaps in how expectations are addressed in public relations, present the results from a literature review of 159 academic articles, and move forward conceptually by elaborating expectations as normative, predictive, and destructive assessments. The predictive and destructive dimensions that recognize negative expectations, in particular, can help public relations scholars understand the flipside of the much more often discussed positive expectations. Fulfillment of negative expectations, for example, can explain the active maintenance of unfavorable reputations and reputational stigmas.
Impact of the 2015 NICE guidance for urgent assessment of patients with non-visible haematuria
Authors: John Joseph B , Wijeyaratne Saliya , Speakman Mark
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

To assess the impact of the 2015 National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance for referral of non-visible haematuria (NVH) and to compare diagnostic findings in patients referred using 2005 and 2015 guidance.

Patients and method:

Review of the referral details and diagnostic findings for urgent NVH referrals was assessed over a 27-month period. Referrals continued to be received under 2005 and 2015 NICE guidance during this period, and the diagnostic findings from each pathway were compared.

Results:

The number of urgent haematuria referrals reduced by 34% over the 27-month period. NVH referrals fell from 144 in the first quarter to 30 in the last quarter. The transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) diagnosis rate was low in patients referred using 2005 and 2015 criteria (1.7 and 1.9% respectively). No muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) was diagnosed. There was a high rate of benign urological findings. Non-adherence to referral criteria was high in the 2015 pathway (56%).

Conclusion:

The reduction in NVH referrals following introduction of 2015 NICE guidance could allow resource re-allocation. Low adherence to referral criteria should be investigated. The absence of MIBC and low rate of TCC diagnosis is reassuring and consideration should be given to investigating NVH patients semi-urgently. Level of evidence: 2C
Pelvic ureteric junction obstruction: Natural history, nephrological considerations and current evidence base for surgical management in poorer functioning kidneys
Authors: Moon Dora , Napier-Hemy Timothy
Published: September 2019

Pelvic ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) can pose a management challenge to urologists. The natural history of the disease, particularly in adults is poorly understood and management decisions are largely based on historical, poor quality data. Additionally, many older patients may already have a degree of renal impairment secondary to systemic disease, further compounding the situation. The purpose of this paper is to detail the pathophysiology and natural history of PUJO, discuss the implications of chronic kidney disease in this population detailing the current evidence base for poorer functioning kidneys and describe the nephrological advantages of accurate renal function testing. There exists accurate methods to assess both glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and split function which could potentially provide both the urologist and patient with more relevant data on which to base their decisions when contemplating surgical intervention. The existing, low patient number case series currently published fail to address the relevance of overall GFR on the outcomes after pyeloplasty, no studies use single unit GFR and there is no clear consensus on what constitutes surgical success. PUJO is an area of benign upper tract disease that is in need of high-quality scientific studies to identify when intervention is necessary, long-term success of both surgery and conservative management in poorer functioning kidneys and clear guidelines for urologists.
Early Clinical Results of Arthroscopically Assisted Drilling via the Radius in a Distal-to-Proximal Direction for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow
Authors: Arai Yuji , Hara Kunio , Inoue Hiroaki , Minami Ginjiro , Kida Yoshikazu , Fujiwara Hiroyoshi , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: September 2019

Background:

We have previously reported the technique of arthroscopically assisted drilling of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the elbow via the radius in a distal-to-proximal direction. With this technique, the entire OCD lesion can be drilled vertically under arthroscopic guidance with pronation and supination of the forearm and flexion and extension of the elbow joint.

Purpose:

To retrospectively evaluate return to sport, range of motion, and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association–Japan Elbow Society Elbow Function Score (JOA-JES score) after treatment of an elbow OCD lesion by drilling through the radius.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

From November 2003 to January 2006, a total of 7 male adolescent baseball players with OCD lesions of the elbow were treated through use of arthroscopically assisted drilling via the radius. The stage of the OCD lesion was evaluated based on preoperative plain radiographs. Patients were observed for a minimum of 36 months, and clinical analysis included time for return to sport, elbow range of motion, and the JOA-JES score before intervention and at final follow-up.

Results:

We evaluated all 7 patients at a mean follow-up time of 36.1 months (range, 24-68 months). The stage of the OCD lesion on plain radiography was “translucent” in 1 patient, “sclerotic” in 5 patients, and “loosening” in 1 patient. The mean range of motion before surgery was 131.2° and –4.7° in flexion and extension, respectively, and this improved to 138.6° and 1.1° at final follow-up. The improvement in extension was statistically significant ( P = .04). The mean JOA-JES score of 83.0 before surgery significantly improved to 94.0 at final follow-up ( P < .001). One patient required excision of a free body at 51 months postoperatively, but all patients returned to sports early and without pain at an average of 4.6 months postoperatively. No feature of osteoarthrosis was noted on radiography on the final examination in any patient.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study demonstrate that arthroscopically assisted drilling of an elbow OCD lesion through the radial head allows for early return to sporting activities as well as improved motion and functional scores.
Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Caregiver-Reported Dental Caries in Children
Authors: Burgette J.M. , Rezaie A.
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

There is evidence that dental caries is both increased and decreased in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Objectives:

This study examined the association between ASD and the probability of a child having caregiver-reported dental caries based on a nationally representative sample. We hypothesized that when compared with children without ASD, children with ASD would have greater odds of dental caries.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health. Caregivers reported whether a health provider informed them that their children had ASD and “decayed teeth or cavities” during the past 12 mo. We used logistic regression controlling for child characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance, preventive dental use) and family characteristics (education and federal poverty level).

Results:

Among the 45,155 children in our sample, 1,228 (2.5%) had ASD. The prevalence of caregiver-reported dental caries was 14.7% in children with ASD and 9.5% in children without ASD. The odds of having caregiver-reported child dental caries (adjusted odds ratio = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.2 to 1.7) was greater among children with ASD than children without ASD when controlling for the aforementioned covariates.

Conclusion:

Using a nationally representative sample, we found that children with ASD had significantly greater odds of having caregiver-reported dental caries as compared with children without ASD. Families can be educated on the increased odds of having dental caries in children with ASD. Moreover, this finding highlights a need for oral health services and policies to prevent and treat dental caries, which are tailored to the increasing number of American children with ASD.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of this study support the need for policy makers, clinicians, and families to improve oral health services that prevent and treat dental caries in the increasing number of American children with autism spectrum disorder.
Relational expertise and the spatial (re)production of austerity: Challenges and opportunities for progressive politics
Authors: Standring Adam
Published: September 2019

What is the role of expertise in reproducing austerity and how might this be challenged by the left? The implementation of austerity policies, the widespread public backlash to these policies and the role that expertise has played in their implementation have contributed to highlighting many of the pathologies of neoliberalism, particularly widening geographical and intergenerational divisions. This article adopts the sociological approach to expertise developed by Harry Collins and colleagues in the ‘Studies of Expertise and Experience’ field. Here expertise is understood as relational in the sense that expertise is not recognized by the extent to which it can be said to be right but rather experts are recognized by their own social group. It argues that this relational approach to expertise is explicitly political in nature, involving inclusions and exclusions based on pre-existing power relations and can be further extended to incorporate the relational nature in which various forms of expertise or knowledge are accepted as being authoritative by the broader public. Using examples from the UK, Portugal and Spain, principally in the area of housing and urban politics, this article explores how expertise under neoliberalism can be understood spatially. Local expertise under austerity is focused on either minimizing social harms which may arise – food banks, housing shelters, community social care – or else is directed towards competing for external investment, promoting policies of regeneration and gentrification for the benefit of foreign capital rather than existing populations. A progressive, relational and political expertise should, however, not merely point to the failures of the current system but shape events. The recent growth in social movements has made some progress in challenging austerity, in practice and discourse, and points towards a more joined-up thinking in which knowledge production is clearly and unambiguously linked to action.
The Resurgence of the Heritage of Indigenous Peoples of Thailand in the Aftermath of Development
Authors: Miranda Marcelo Marques
Published: September 2019

The dichotomy between nature and culture in heritage and conservation is inappropriate in the case of indigenous peoples. Many natural sites are often considered sacred and consequently of both spiritual and biodiversity conservation significance. However, this dualist definition is the one usually imposed by nation states.

Until 2002, Thailand’s development strategies involving indigenous peoples were mostly connected to what was referred to as the ‘hill tribes’ problems’. These strategies were designed without respecting indigenous peoples’ world views and concepts of good life. Consequently, a fragmentary world view was created among indigenous peoples. These issues are reflected in the establishment of national parks and ‘heritage sites’ as the lack of participation and consent generated many conflicts such as land tenure disputes, resettlement of the communities, difficulties in acquiring citizenship and cultural loss.

As a counteracting measure, indigenous peoples have been creating community museums and organizations at local, regional and even transnational level to sustain their cultures and territories. This article suggests that heritage can play a role in a wide range of social, political and economic endeavours in our contemporary world and is used both by nation states to legitimize their interests and by indigenous peoples to legitimize struggles for self-determination.
Haploidentical transplantation using posttransplant cyclophosphamide as GVHD prophylaxis in patients over age 70
Authors: Imus Philip H. , Tsai Hua-Ling , Luznik Leo , Fuchs Ephraim J. , Huff Carol Ann , Gladstone Douglas E. , Lowery Patrick , Ambinder Richard F. , Borrello Ivan M. , Swinnen Lode J. , Wagner-Johnston Nina , Gocke Christian B. , Ali Syed Abbas , Bolaños-Meade F. Javier , Varadhan Ravi , Jones Richard J.
Published: September 2019

Hematologic malignancies in older people are unlikely to be cured with chemotherapy alone. Advances in allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (alloBMT), especially nonmyeloablative (NMA) conditioning and the use of haploidentical donors, now make this therapy available to older people; however, long-term outcomes and predictors of success are unclear. We reviewed the outcomes of 93 consecutive patients aged 70 and older (median, 72; range, 70-78), who underwent haploidentical BMT at Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1 September 2009 and 1 April 2018. All patients received NMA conditioning and posttransplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. The 2-year overall survival was 53%, and 2-year event-free survival was 43%. The 180-day cumulative incidence (CuI) of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was 14%, and the 2-year CuI was 27%. The 2-year CuI of relapse was 30%. Of 78 patients who were alive and had their weight recorded on day 180, weight loss predicted subsequent NRM (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.0; 95% CI, 1-1.13; P = .048). In conclusion, haploidentical BMT with PTCy is feasible and relatively safe in septuagenarians. Although early, 6-month NRM was relatively low at 14%, but overall NRM continued to climb to 27% at 2 years, at least in part because of late deaths that appeared to be somewhat age related. Further studies to elucidate predictors of NRM are warranted.
What are the effects of control of mosquitoes and other nematoceran Diptera using the microbial agent Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Land Magnus , Bundschuh Mirco , Hopkins Richard J. , Poulin Brigitte , McKie Brendan G.
Published: September 2019

Background

The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis (Bti) is used in many countries as a biological larvicide to control dipteran insects of the suborder Nematocera, especially mosquitoes and black flies. Bti is generally accepted to be target-specific and efficient, with low potential for development of resistance among the target species. However, even though Bti may have minimal direct effects on non-target organisms, it might potentially be associated with knock-on effects on food webs and other ecosystem properties, including biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Evidence from previous research is mixed, with some finding no evidence for indirect effects on biodiversity and ecosystem-level properties, but others indicating that such effects are possible. The fact that many studies have been conducted by organisations coordinating the control programs, and that many of those studies have been published outside peer reviewed scientific journals, highlights the challenges for decision makers and others to assess the results of the existing studies. In this protocol we outline how we aim to systematically and transparently synthesise all available evidence in a forthcoming systematic review.

Methods

We will use six bibliographic databases/platforms and the online search engines Google and Google Scholar in searches for literature. Searches will also be made on specialist websites. We will screen the search results for eligibility in stage one based on title and abstract, and in stage two based on the full text of the material. At stage one, after testing and clarifying the eligibility criteria, two reviewers will split and single screen the search results. At stage two the articles will be screened independently by two reviewers. We have developed a preliminary critical appraisal tool that will be used as basis for assessing study validity. Each study will be critically appraised independently by two reviewers. Disagreements will be reconciled through discussions seeking to reach consensus. It is unclear whether a quantitative synthesis based on meta-analysis will be feasible. A narrative synthesis will include descriptive statistics outlining the evidence base in terms of bibliographic information and study metadata. A narrative synthesis table in the form of an Excel spreadsheet will be provided.
Topical biomaterials to prevent post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage
Authors: Liu Lumei , Rodman Cole , Worobetz Noah E. , Johnson Jed , Elmaraghy Charles , Chiang Tendy
Published: September 2019

Despite advances in surgical technique, postoperative hemorrhage remains a common cause of mortality and morbidity for patients following tonsillectomy. Application of biomaterials at the time of tonsillectomy can potentially accelerate mucosal wound healing and eliminate the risk of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH). To understand the current state and identify possible routes for the development of the ideal biomaterials to prevent PTH, topical biomaterials for eliminating the risk of PTH were reviewed. Alternative topical biomaterials that hold the potential to reduce the risk of PTH were also summarized.
Haploinsufficiency of mechanistic target of rapamycin ameliorates bag3 cardiomyopathy in adult zebrafish
Authors: Ding Yonghe , Dvornikov Alexey V. , Ma Xiao , Zhang Hong , Wang Yong , Lowerison Matthew , Packard Rene R. , Wang Lei , Chen Jun , Zhang Yuji , Hsiai Tzung , Lin Xueying , Xu Xiaolei
Published: September 2019

The adult zebrafish is an emerging vertebrate model for studying human cardiomyopathies; however, whether the simple zebrafish heart can model different subtypes of cardiomyopathies, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), remains elusive. Here, we generated and characterized an inherited DCM model in adult zebrafish and used this model to search for therapeutic strategies. We employed transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) genome editing technology to generate frame-shift mutants for the zebrafish ortholog of human BCL2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3), an established DCM-causative gene. As in mammals, the zebrafish bag3 homozygous mutant (bag3e2/e2) exhibited aberrant proteostasis, as indicated by impaired autophagy flux and elevated ubiquitinated protein aggregation. Through comprehensive phenotyping analysis of the mutant, we identified phenotypic traits that resembled DCM phenotypes in mammals, including cardiac chamber enlargement, reduced ejection fraction characterized by increased end-systolic volume/body weight (ESV/BW), and reduced contractile myofibril activation kinetics. Nonbiased transcriptome analysis identified the hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in bag3e2/e2 mutant hearts. Further genetic studies showed that mtorxu015/+, an mTOR haploinsufficiency mutant, repaired abnormal proteostasis, improved cardiac function and rescued the survival of the bag3e2/e2 mutant. This study established the bag3e2/e2 mutant as a DCM model in adult zebrafish and suggested mtor as a candidate therapeutic target gene for BAG3 cardiomyopathy.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Chemically-Activated Novel Mesoporous Silica for Cobalt Decontamination from Polluted Water
Authors: Matavos-Aramyan Sina , Soukhakian Sadaf
Published: September 2019

Mesoporous silica was synthesized by a chemical process and its efficiency was investigated for removal of cobalt (Co2+) ions from contaminated water in a laboratory scale. The characteristics of synthesized mesoporous were analyzed by SEM/TGA. Optimal conditions were determined for important parameters such as solution pH, the absorbent dose, the initial Co2+ concentration, and contact time by a single-variable method through the batch experiments. The SEM results confirmed the synthesized silica had high porosity with a honeycomb-like structure. The results showed that with an increasing adsorbent dose and contact time to the optimum, the efficiency of Co2+ adsorption increased. However, with increasing concentration of Co2+, the removal efficiency decreased. At optimal contact time (8 h), 85 % of Co2+ was removed. The maximum adsorption efficiency at pH =7, initial Co2+ concentration of 5 ppm, and at the adsorbent dose 0.3 g/50 ml, was 89%. The study of adsorption isotherm and kinetic models showed that the adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.9359) and the second-order kinetic model (R2=0.999). Therefore, the synthesized mesoporous silica presented a chemical adsorption mechanism for Co2+ removal from aqueous media and can be utilized in wastewater treatment containing divalent heavy metals such as Co2+.
BANALIDADE DO MAL E MANUTENÇÃO DA ORDEM SOCIAL: O TERCEIRO REICH E O RACISMO NO BRASIL
Authors: Santos Flora Bezerra dos , Zamora Maria Helena
Published: September 2019

Resumo: A partir da sistematização do conceito de banalidade do mal proposto por Hannah Arendt no livro Eichmann em Jerusalém – um relato sobre a banalidade do mal (1963, 1964, 1999), este trabalho busca apontar para as condições de suposta normalidade, em que se instauram mecanismos de desumanização. Os projetos hegemônicos de poder inscrevem, na ordem social, lógicas que corroboram para a anulação de modos de viver encarados como ameaçadores. Consideradas as devidas diferenças, tanto a sistemática nazista quanto a teoria das raças estipulada em fins do século XIX no Brasil, endossaram a existência de hierarquias entre características humanas. Com isso, traça-se um paralelo entre as pautas políticas nos períodos mencionados, a fim de refletir acerca dos efeitos diretos e indiretos que as práticas genocidas manifestam no cotidiano atual.Palavras-chave: Banalidade do mal. Ordem social. Racismo. Violência. Desumanização.Abstract: Based on the systematization of the concept of banality of evil proposed by Hannah Arendt in the book Eichmann in Jerusalem - a report on the banality of evil (1963, 1964, 1999), this paper aims at indicating the conditions of the supposed normality, in which mechanisms of dehumanization are instaured. The hegemonic projects if power inscribe, in the social order, logics that corroborate with the annulation of ways of living that are seen as threatening. Considering the assumed differences, both the systematic of the nazis and the theory of races stipulated in the end of the 19th century in Brazil, reinforced the existence of hierarchies among human characteristics. Having taken that into account, a parallel is drawn between the political agenda in the aforementioned periods, with the purpose of reflecting upon the direct and indirect effects that the genocidal practices manifest on daily life nowadays.Keywords: Banality of evil. Social order. Racism. Violence. Dehumanization.
Multifocal and multicentric breast cancer, is it time to think again?
Authors: Masannat YA , Agrawal A , Maraqa L , Fuller M , Down SK , Tang SSK , Pang D , Kontos M , Romics L , Heys SD
Published: September 2019

Multifocal multicentric breast cancer has traditionally been considered a contraindication to breast conserving surgery because of concerns regarding locoregional control and risk of disease recurrence. However, the evidence supporting this practice is limited. Increasingly, many breast surgeons are advocating breast conservation in selected cases. This short narrative review summarises current evidence on the role of surgery in multifocal multicentric breast cancer and shows that when technically feasible the option of breast conservation is oncologically safe.
MODEL PEMETAAN RISIKO KEKERINGAN DI KABUPATEN BIMA, NUSA TENGGARA BARAT
Authors: Faizah Nuraimmatul , Buchori Imam
Published: September 2019

Drought in Bima regency is an annual phenomenon that always happens every year and its handling is still short-term. Therefore, there needs to be a monitoring and analysis of the drought risk factors so the drought risk mapping can be conducted to plan the drought mitigation. This research aims to develop the drought risk mapping model with Geographic Information System to find out the drought risk level in Bima regency based on the relevant variables. The drought risk model used as the basic of the research is the intersection between hazard and vulnerability, which are the basic models in disaster risk study. This research uses spatial approach with quantitative method which uses statistic indicator to measure and compare several variables. The data was collected by using institutional and literature survey. The data used was secondary data. The data analysis technique used was scoring analysis, weighting, and map overlay. The result of drought risk mapping model in Bima regency was classified into 5 classes, dominated by the Middle Class. The width of the classes consequently from the highest to the lowest are: Middle ±223.232,40 ha, Middle Lower ±136.414,29 ha, Middle High ±47.971,49 ha, Low ±10.962,28 ha dan High ± 1.776,53 ha. Then the model validation was conducted through field survey, with the validity result at 83,61%. The result shows that the modeling was good enough in analyzing the drought risk spatially. For further development, it is recommended to notice the used risk model, data using, analysis unit for each parameter, and the validation that will be used.
WPROWADZENIE
Authors: Czura Anna , Jedynak Małgorzata
Published: September 2019

WPROWADZENIE
JOANNA KIC-DRGAS : FREMDSPRACHENLERNEN IM SENIORENALTER. ENTWICKLUNG UND EVALUATION VON LEHR- UND LERNMATERIALIEN FÜR SENIOREN
Authors: Jaroszewska Anna
Published: September 2019

Recenzja
JOANNA ROKITA-JAŚKOW FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING AT PRE-PRIMARY LEVEL. PARENTAL ASPIRATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE
Authors: Jedynak Małgorzata
Published: September 2019

Recenzja
INICJATYWY RADY EUROPY I KOMISJI EUROPEJSKIEJ NA RZECZ WSPIERANIA REFLEKSYJNOŚCI NAD PROCESEM UCZENIA SIĘ I NAUCZANIA JĘZYKA OBCEGO
Authors: Jedynak Małgorzata
Published: September 2019

In the era of globalisation a command of foreign languages is regarded as a priority. For this reason, the Council of Europe and the European Commission promote language learning and linguistic diversity. A focal point in their language policy is reflection, which is recognized as a key feature of an employee’s professionalism. Therefore, the importance of reflection is stressed throughout all the years of language education. The objective of this paper is to give information about the documents, tools and actions which support a reflective approach to language learning and teaching in Europe.
WYBRANE TRUDNOŚCI W PODSYSTEMIE LEKSYKALNYM W ASPEKCIE KULTUROWYM NA PRZYKŁADZIE BŁĘDÓW KONTEKSTOWYCH W JĘZYKU NIEMIECKIM
Authors: Bawej Izabela
Published: September 2019

The paper attempts to describe language errors in the foreign language learning process. I have devoted attention to questions of context errors in the lexico-semantic subsystem made by Polish learners of German. Context errors appearing in statements of individual learning German are the result of interlingual interference process, at the base of which lie cultural differences, different ways of thinking and different kinds of experiences between the native language and the foreign language being learned.
Workshop on Micro-Rheology - Characterisation of the mechanical properties of food systems at the micrometer length scale
Authors: Paques Marcel , Hamer Rob
Published: September 2019

The heterogeneity of food microstructure on mesoscopic scale plays a crucial role in the perception of food texture. Micro-rheology (the study of mechanical properties on a micrometer length scale) opens new perspectives for the study of “structure – function relationships” of food systems, and overcomes current limitations of instrumental approaches that are generally accepted.
Physica Advanced Peltier System PTD 150 (pat. pent.). Making the Temperature Control with a Peltier System Accurate
Authors: Läuger Jörg , Raffer Gerhard
Published: September 2019

A new Peltier system is introduced which offers new dimensions in temperature precision for parallel-plate and cone-and-plate measuring geometries in the temperature range from −30°C to +130°C. The use of an additional actively Peltier controlled hood (pat. pent.) reduces the temperature gradient across the sample to insignificant levels. The design allows easy access for sample loading and trimming as well as the use of inert gas or a solvent trap if necessary.
Different vitamin D status in common multiorgan autoimmune disease patients
Authors: Xie Erfu , Zhao Zhongjian , Yan Chengjing , Zhang Yiting , Zhang Qiaodi , Pan Shiyang
Published: September 2019

Background

Vitamin D plays a key role in calcium homeostasis and contributes to the regulation of the immune system. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be associated with autoimmune diseases (AIDs), especially with multiorgan AIDs. Various multiorgan AIDs may be different based on the vitamin D status. This study aims to investigate the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in patients with different common multiorgan AIDs.

Methods

A total of 295 patients with multiorgan AIDs treated in our hospital from January 2012 to September 2018 were recruited, including 137 cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 85 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 32 cases of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and 41 cases of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD); 47 apparently healthy individuals were also recruited as controls. The serum 25(OH)D levels in patients with different multiorgan AIDs were measured with Roche electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and statistically analyzed the proportion of patients with normal, insufficiency and deficiency in 25(OH)D levels in different multiorgan diseases. The 25(OH)D levels of different multiorgan AID groups and healthy controls were also compared.

Results

Incidences of 25(OH)D deficiency in the RA, SLE, SS and MCTD groups were 21.2%, 35.3%, 25.0% and 22.0%, respectively, with significant inter-group differences (p < 0.05). The incidence in the SLE group was higher than in the RA, SS and MCTD groups, indicating severe 25(OH)D deficiency in patients with SLE. Significant inter-group differences (p < 0.05) were detected in the serum 25(OH)D levels in different multiorgan AID groups and in the healthy control group. Further pairwise comparison found a significantly higher level of 25(OH)D in the healthy control group than in the SLE, SS, RA and MCTD groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the 25(OH)D status in the SLE group was significantly lower than that in the SLE, SS, RA and MCTD groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Serum 25(OH)D deficiency and a low 25(OH)D status are commonly seen in patients with different multiorgan AIDs compared to healthy controls, warranting vitamin D supplementation. Severe 25(OH)D deficiency and a lower 25(OH)D status were found in patients with SLE.
Impact of graphene/graphene oxide on the mechanical properties of cellulose acetate membrane and promising natural seawater desalination
Authors: Ismail Nahla , El-Gendi Ayman , Essawy Hisham , El-Din Lara Nezam , Abed Kamal , Ahmed Awad
Published: September 2019

New formulations of cellulose acetate (CA) membrane with graphene (G)/graphene oxide (GO) are suggested and investigated in the present work. This study is intended to find a wide range of conditions for fabricating CA membranes in the presence of some additions of graphene (G), and graphene oxide (GO). The membrane is prepared by phase inversion process. Microscopic investigations for graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO), and prepared membrane were performed by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties of prepared membranes are determined and evaluated. Permeation tests were performed using natural seawater and simulated seawater to check the prepared membrane performance. The results presented that the permeate flux of M25% CA membranes containing 0.01 wt.% G is the highest flux (57–74 l/m2 h) compared with the neat CA membrane, and the 0.01 wt.% GO-based membranes, while the GO-based membranes were comparable as the neat CA membrane at operating pressures (30–35 bar) and with a feed of 35 g/l NaCl solution. The results showed a remarkable salt rejection of simulated seawater of 95%, and natural seawater with a feed from the Mediterranean Sea displayed 90% salt rejection and accepted pure water flux as well.
Screenings
Authors: Smith Paul Julian
Published: September 2019

FQ Columnist Paul Julian Smith explores the latest trends in Mexican cinema, which encompasses such divergent genres as the rom-com and horror. Illustrating the former is the office comedy Mirreyes vs. Godinez (dir. Chava Cartas, 2019), which pits the spoiled offspring of the leisured class against the workers at their family company, a class conflict that predictably resolves through romantic alliances. In stark contrast is Belzebuth (dir. Emilio Portes, 2017), a disturbing film about the Satanic murder of children set in the tense and traumatic territory of Mexico's border with the United States. Finally, Smith looks at two productions—one an independent film, the other a televised sit-com—that use narratives about house shares to explore the theme of national reconciliation.