bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cystic Lymphangioma: Are Triglycerides Always Measurable?
Authors: François Silke , Martin Manuella , Costa Olivier , Urbain Daniel , Mana Fazia
Published: March 2018

The presence of chylous fluid with high triglycerides levels on endoscopic ultrasound- (EUS-) guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is very pathognomonic for the diagnosis of cystic lymphangiomas of the pancreas. In our case report the puncture of the pancreatic cyst showed a typical milky fluid though measurable triglyceride concentrations were absent in the laboratory. Two possible explanations were found. First of all grossly lipemic samples show a slower rate of color development than do clear serums which can produce a false negative result if the sample is insufficiently diluted. Secondly, high lipase levels can divide triglycerides in glycerol and fatty acids, making the concentration of triglycerides undetectable.
Channel Estimation for OFDM-Based Amplify-and-Forward Cooperative System Using Relay-Superimposed Pilots
Authors: He Xianwen , Dou Gaoqi , Gao Jun
Published: March 2018

For the OFDM-based Amplify-and-Forward cooperative system, a novel relay-superimposed pilot strategy is proposed, where the source pilot symbols are frequency division multiplexed to estimate the cascaded channel while relay pilot sequence is superimposed onto the top of the cooperative data stream for second-hop channel estimation. This method avoids the loss of data rate for additional pilot subcarriers but results in the interference of unknown cooperative data. To remove the interference of cooperative data during the estimation of second-hop channel, the Cooperative Interference Cancelation scheme assisted by cooperative data from direct link is proposed. We derive the approximated lower bound for the MSE of second-hop channel estimation. Simulation results are presented to validate the performance of the proposed schemes.
Difficulty in the Clinical Diagnosis of Tularemia: Highlighting the Importance of a Physical Exam
Authors: Kumar Rupin , Mansour Mohamed , Brunetto Jacqueline , Verma Renuka , Fisher Margaret , Teitelbaum Jonathan
Published: March 2018

We report an 18-month-old male who presented with fever and nonspecific symptoms. He was evaluated for multiple differential diagnoses including Kawasaki disease and JIA and received treatment for them. After he was readmitted, tularemia was considered based on the physical exam finding of an ulcer on the scalp and enlarged lymph nodes. Tularemia titers were positive, and the patient was given the appropriate antibiotic and was discharged home. Follow-up of the patient showed complete resolution of symptoms. This is a case that demonstrates the importance of physical exam in identifying rare diseases presenting with common signs and symptoms.
Functional Morphology of Thecal Glands in the Ovary of Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: Rodler Daniela , Sinowatz Fred
Published: March 2018

The role of thecal glands in the ovary of birds remains controversial. Using transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, immunohistochemical localisation of cyclooxygenase I and II (COX-1 and COX-2), oestrogen receptor α and β (ER-α and ER-β), androgen receptor (AR) and progesterone receptor (PR), a detailed analysis of the thecal glands was performed. Our ultrastructural studies revealed that the thecal glands of the quail ovary consist of 2 cell types, steroid-producing cells (SPCs) and enclosing cells (ENCs). The SPCs are large, light cells containing a varying number of lipid droplets. Their cytoplasm is characterised by a large amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The ENCs are always located at the periphery of the gland. Some ENCs contain an abundant number of microfilaments, but lipid droplets and dense bodies were rare. Within 1 gland, SPCs with distinct COX-2 immunostaining were interspersed between usually larger numbers of moderately COX-2-positive cells. A completely different staining pattern was observed for COX-1, where the cytoplasm of the ENCs was distinctly immunopositive. The SPCs stained only weakly with antibodies to COX-1. The thecal glands showed distinct reactions for ER-β but only a weak to negative one for ER-α, PR, and AR. Our immunohistochemical and ultrastructural data support our hypothesis that the thecal glands of the quail are involved in steroid hormone and prostaglandin synthesis. The prostaglandins secreted by the thecal glands probably contribute to the ovulation of the follicle first in the hierarchy.
Risk of de novo Hepatocellular Carcinoma after HCV Treatment with Direct-Acting Antivirals
Authors: Finkelmeier Fabian , Dultz Georg , Peiffer Kai-Henrik , Kronenberger Bernd , Krauss Franziska , Zeuzem Stefan , Sarrazin Christoph , Vermehren Johannes , Waidmann Oliver
Published: March 2018

Background and Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development after treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and to compare HCC occurrence in these patients with that among patients treated with interferon (IFN)-based therapies. Methods: We analyzed a large cohort with chronic hepatitis C virus patients for the onset of new HCC after DAA treatment. A historical IFN-treated cohort was investigated for comparison. Results: A total of 819 patients were included in the DAA group. The median follow-up period was 263 days (0–1,001). Twenty-five patients (3.6 HCCs/100 person-years; 3.1%) were diagnosed with de novo HCC within the time of observation. No patient without cirrhosis had developed HCC. Patients with newly diagnosed HCC were mostly male, older, and treatment-experienced and had a lower 12-week sustained virologic response (SVR12) rate and higher levels of liver inflammation markers. The median time to HCC was 312 days (0–880). Investigation of the subcohort of 269 cirrhotic patients yielded an HCC rate of 8.9 HCCs/100 person-years. In this cohort, non-SVR12 was an independent risk factor for de novo HCC (HR 4.48; 95% CI 1.51–13.12; p = 0.007). Twenty-four patients (96%) with new HCC were Child-Pugh class A and 17 (68%) were diagnosed in early BCLC stage A. For the IFN-treated patients, we calculated an overall risk of HCC occurrence of 1.3/100 person-years (19 patients out of 351; 5.4%). The median time to diagnosis was 38.8 months (0–113). Conclusion: The de novo HCC rates did not differ between the DAA-treated patients and those who received IFN. Achievement of SVR is of utmost importance for HCC prevention.
Identification of Potential Therapeutic Targets Among CXC Chemokines in Breast Tumor Microenvironment Using Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Chen Erbao , Qin Xuan , Peng Ke , Xu Xiaojing , Li Wei , Cheng Xi , Tang Cheng , Cui Yuehong , Wang Zhiming , Liu Tianshu
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Breast cancer is a common cause of cancer mortality throughout the world. The cross-talk between cancer cells and interstitial cells exerts significant effects on neoplasia and tumor development and is modulated in part by chemokines. CXC is one of four chemokine families involved in mediating survival, angiogenesis, and immunosensitization by chemoattracting leukocytes, and it incentivizes tumor cell growth, invasion and metastasis in the tumor microenvironment. However, the differential expression profiles and prognostic values of these chemokines remains to be elucidated. Methods: In this study, we compared transcriptional CXC chemokines and survival data of patients with breast carcinoma (BC) using the ONCOMINE dataset, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, TCGA and cBioPortal. Results: We discovered increased mRNA levels for CXCL8/10/11/16/17, whereas mRNA expression of CXCL1/2/3/4/5/6/7/12/14 was lower in BC patients compared to non-tumor tissues. Kaplan-Meier plots revealed that high mRNA levels of CXCL1/2/3/4/5/6/7/12/14 correlate with relapse-free survival (RFS) in all types of BC patients. Conversely, high CXCL8/10/11 predicted worse RFS in BC patients. Significantly, high transcription levels of CXCL9/12/13/14 conferred an overall survival (OS) advantage in BC patients, while high levels of CXCL8 demonstrated shorter OS in all BC sufferers. Conclusions: Integrative bioinformatics analysis suggests that CXCL8/12/14 are potential suitable targets for precision therapy in BC patients compared to other CXC chemokines.
Synergistic Antitumor Effect of BKM120 with Prima-1Met Via Inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR and CPSF4/hTERT Signaling and Reactivating Mutant P53
Authors: Li Zongjuan , Xu Xiangdong , Li Yizhuo , Zou Kun , Zhang Zhuo , Xu Xiaoying , Liao Yina , Zhao Xinrui , Jiang Wei , Yu Wendan , Guo Wei , Chen Yiming , Li Yixin , Chen Miao , Deng Wu-guo , Li Liren , Zou Lijuan
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: PI3KCA and mutant p53 are associated with tumorigenesis and the development of cancers. NVP-BKM120, a selective pan-PI3K inhibitor, exerts the antitumor activity by suppressing the PI3K signaling pathway. Prima-1Met, a low molecular weight compound, can rescue the gain-of-function of mutant p53 by restoring its transcriptional function. In this study, we investigated whether PI3K inhibition combined with mutant p53 reactivation could enhance the antitumor effect in thyroid cancer cells. Methods: The effects of BKM120 and Prima-1Met on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of thyroid cancer cells were measured by MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound-healing and transwell assays, respectively. Thyroid differentiation was assessed by detecting the expression levels of specific markers using RT-PCR and Western blot. The in vivo antitumor efficacy was analyzed in a mouse xenograft model. Results: The combinational treatment of BKM120 and Prima-1Met significantly enhanced the inhibitions of cell viability, colony formation, migration and invasion, and the induction of apoptosis in thyroid cell lines, and synergistically suppressed tumor xenograft growth by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and EMT signaling pathways, up-regulating p53 targeted genes, and triggering the release of cytochrome c. Moreover, the combination of BKM120 and Prima-1Met suppressed the stemlike traits of thyroid cancer cells and promoted their differentiation by upregulating the expression of thyroid-specific differentiation markers and repressing the expression of cancer stem cell markers. Furthermore, the mechanism study demonstrated that the combinational treatment synergistically abrogated the binding of CPSF4 at the promoter of hTERT and thus suppressed hTERT expression. Consistently, overexpression of hTERT rescued the inhibitions of cell viability, invasion and stem-like traits mediated by the combination of BKM120 and Prima-1Met. Conclusion: Our results showed that the combination of BKM120 with Prima-1Met synergistically suppressed the growth of thyroid cancer cells and tumor xenografts via inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR and CPSF4/hTERT signaling and reactivating mutant p53.
Risk Factors for Major Early Adverse Events Related to Cardiac Catheterization in Children and Young Adults With Pulmonary Hypertension: An Analysis of Data From the IMPACT (Improving Adult and Congenital Treatment) Registry
Authors: O'Byrne Michael L. , Kennedy Kevin F. , Kanter Joshua P. , Berger John T. , Glatz Andrew C.
Published: March 2018

Background

Cardiac catheterization is the gold standard for assessment and follow‐up of patients with pulmonary hypertension (
PH
). To date, there are limited data about the factors that influence the risk of catastrophic adverse events after catheterization in this population.

Methods and Results

A retrospective multicenter cohort study was performed to measure risk of catastrophic adverse outcomes after catheterization in children and young adults with
PH
and identify risk factors for these outcomes. All catheterizations in children and young adults, aged 0 to 21 years, with
PH
at hospitals submitting data to the IMPACT (Improving Adult and Congenital Treatment) registry between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, were studied. Using mixed‐effects multivariable regression, we assessed the association between prespecified subject‐, procedure‐, and center‐level covariates and the risk of death, cardiac arrest, or mechanical circulatory support during or after cardiac catheterization. A total of 8111 procedures performed in 7729 subjects at 77 centers were studied. The observed risk of the composite outcome was 1.4%, and the risk of death before discharge was 5.2%. Catheterization in prematurely born neonates and nonpremature infants was associated with increased risk of catastrophic adverse event, as was precatheterization treatment with inotropes and lower systemic arterial saturation. Secondary analyses demonstrated the following: (1) increasing volumes of catheterization in patients with PH were associated with reduced risk of composite outcome (odds ratio, 0.8 per 10 procedures;
P
=0.002) and (2) increasing pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary artery pressures were associated with increased risk (
P<
0.0001 for both).

Conclusions

Young patients with PH are a high‐risk population for diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization. Hospital experience with
PH
is associated with reduced risk, independent of total catheterization case volume.
Parisflâneur. Artistic Approaches to Binaural Technology and Their Evaluation
Authors: Rumori Martin , Marentakis Georgios
Published: March 2018

This article approaches binaural interactive environments from an artistic research perspective. Beyond content production, an aesthetic reflection of binaural media requires pervasive access to digital processing means and ways to employ them in composition. However, most conventional workflows separate media-specific rendering algorithms from object-based scene authoring. Such a delimitation between binaural engineering and its application restricts transdisciplinary creation that crosses both areas. This article assumes that the full potential of immersive media cannot be explored without investigating technology in the context of aesthetic experience. A case study is presented in which artistic references are regarded together with its technical realization. Contemporary user experience evaluation methods are adopted and refined with reference to the aims of the artist. A subsequent revision of the work is discussed along with implementation adjustments and conceptual alterations. The presented project shall exemplify how artistic research may bridge scholarly investigation and the creative acquirement of media technology beyond its mere application. A point of departure shall be provided for further cross-fertilization between engineering and the arts by identifying mutual implications.
Typification of the myxomycete taxa described by the Listers and preserved at the Natural History Museum, London (BM)
Authors: LADO CARLOS , WRIGLEY DE BASANTA DIANA
Published: March 2018

This paper describes a revision and typification of the slime mould or myxomycete taxa proposed by the Lister family, according to current nomenclatural and taxonomic criteria. It is based on the collections in the BM fungarium housed at the Natural History Museum, London, formerly called the British Museum (Natural History). Arthur Lister, and his daughter Gulielma Lister, conducted intense research between 1887–1945 on the taxonomy and description of new species of myxomycetes. Arthur Lister published one of the first monographs of the myxomycetes in the world “A monograph of the Mycetozoa” in 1894, from collections in BM. His daughter Gulielma Lister edited and revised a second (1911) and third (1925) edition of this keystone publication. The Listers maintained a strong relationship with the Museum, and so the BM holds most of the type specimens of the taxa described by them in the three editions of the monograph, and the huge number of the scientific papers they published on myxomycetes. In almost six decades of work, the Listers described 115 new taxa, and proposed more than 100 new name combinations, but some of them are of doubtful interpretation currently, and a clarification was needed of the nomenclatural position of the described species. A search was made of type material and documents housed in the Natural History Museum such as notebooks, collections of slides or personal annotated copies of the monographs. A large quantity of information was checked with the historically important notes and illustrations of the 50 personal notebooks, and 20 other books detailing collections studied or revised by these authors. Almost all of Lister’s nomenclatural novelties lacked type indication, although in some cases a herbarium identifier was given, often referring to multiple collections, and in other cases several collections were mentioned under the description of the new taxa, so a lectotypification was done. From the 115 new taxa described by the Listers, 2 holotypes have been determined, 2 neotypes and 86 lectotypes have been designated in this publication. In 2 taxa syntypes were found but the material was too poor to lectotypify. Ten taxa remain unresolved when the pertinent material was not located. The rest were illigitimate names or doubtful taxa. All the typification information has been standardized, the geographical information updated, and BM barcodes included to facilitate future work. A brief biography of Arthur and Gulielma Lister, some historical notes, and a revision of the organization and level of conservation of their collection at BM, are included. There are also appendices with doubtful and excluded taxa, all the new combinations proposed by these authors, a list of notebooks and a complete list of publications by the Listers.
Prophaecasia species in Malawi (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae: Olethreutini)
Authors: HEPPNER JOHN B. , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: March 2018

Prophaecasia malawiana, n. sp., is described from Malawi, and Anthozela usambarae Razowski & Wojtusiak, 2014, from Malawi, is transferred to Prophaecasia resulting in the new combination Prophaecasia usambarae (Razowski & Wojtusiak, 2014).
Description of three species of Eurypon Gray, 1867 (Raspailiidae: Demospongiae: Porifera) from the Western Atlantic and a name to replace the the secondary homonym Eurypon topsenti
Authors: CAVALCANTI THAYNÃ , SANTOS GEORGE GARCIA , PINHEIRO ULISSES
Published: March 2018

Eurypon  Gray, 1867 comprises 49 valid species distributed worldwide, and in an extensive bathymetric range. Three Eurypon species are known for Brazil, all endemic from the Northeast region. Here, we describe three new species of Eurypon. Two of which are recorded from shallow waters (down to 100 m) off Pernambuco and Paraíba States, and one species is from deep waters (157 m) off Rio Grande do Norte State. Eurypon oxychaetum sp. nov. has large subtylostyles (1025–2125 µm, length), styles, two categories of acanthostyles and oxychaetes; Eurypon potiguaris sp. nov. has large tylostyles (1000–2315 µm, length), two categories of acanthostyles, and thin oxeas; Eurypon verticillatum sp. nov. is a blue sponge with exclusive verticillate acanthostyles. The new species were compared with all other Atlantic species of the genus. A replacement name for the secondary homonym Eurypon topsenti is proposed: Eurypon pulitzeri nom. nov. The presence of verticillate acanthostyles and oxychaetes spicules are reported for the first time in Table 1 genus.
A new black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) species of the subgenus Asiosimulium Takaoka & Choochote from Thailand
Authors: TANGKAWANIT UBON , WONGPAKAM KOMGRIT , PRAMUAL PAIROT
Published: March 2018

A new black fly species of the subgenus Asiosimulium Takaoka & Choochote of the genus Simulium was recognized from northeastern Thailand based on morphology, mitochondrial DNA and ecology. This black fly species has similar morphological characteristics to Simulium oblongum Takaoka and Choochote that was also described from the same geographic region in all life stages. However, this new species could be distinguished at the adult stage by coloration of the maxillary palp and in the larval stage by the presence of a pigmented subesophageal ganglion that is lacking in S. oblongum. Genetic distance and phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I sequences clearly differentiated the two species with minimum genetic distance of 3.51%. These species are also ecologically isolated as S. oblongum is found only at low elevation (<650 m above sea level) but the new species occurs only at high elevation (>1,100 m above sea level).
ENSO Influence on TRMM Tropical Oceanic Precipitation Characteristics and Rain Rates
Authors: Henderson David S. , Kummerow Christian D. , Berg Wesley
Published: March 2018

Discrepancies between Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) and Precipitation Radar (PR) oceanic rainfall retrievals are prevalent between El Niño and La Niña conditions with TMI exhibiting systematic shifts in precipitation. To investigate the causality of this relationship, this paper focuses on the evolution of precipitation organization between El Niño and La Niña and their impacts on TRMM precipitation. The results indicate that discrepancies are related to shifts from isolated deep convection during La Niña toward organized precipitation during El Niño with the largest variability occurring in the Pacific basins. During El Niño, organized systems are more frequent, have increased areal coverage of stratiform rainfall, and penetrate deeper into the troposphere compared to La Niña. The increased stratiform raining fraction leads to larger increases in TMI rain rates than PR rain rate retrievals. Reanalysis and water vapor data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) indicate that organized systems are aided by midtropospheric moisture increases accompanied by increased convective frequency. During La Niña, tropical rainfall is dominated by isolated deep convection due to drier midtropospheric conditions and strong mid- and upper-level zonal wind shear. To examine tropical rainfall–sea surface temperature relations, regime-based bias corrections derived using ground validation (GV) measurements are applied to the TRMM rain estimates. The robust connection with GV-derived biases and oceanic precipitation leads to a reduction in TMI-PR regional differences and tropics-wide precipitation anomalies. The improved agreement between PR and TMI estimates yields positive responses of precipitation to tropical SSTs of 10% °C−1 and 17% °C−1, respectively, consistent with 15% °C−1 from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP).
Predicting Monsoon Intraseasonal Precipitation using a Low-Order Nonlinear Stochastic Model
Authors: Chen Nan , Majda Andrew J. , Sabeerali C. T. , Ajayamohan R. S.
Published: March 2018

The authors assess the predictability of large-scale monsoon intraseasonal oscillations (MISOs) as measured by precipitation. An advanced nonlinear data analysis technique, nonlinear Laplacian spectral analysis (NLSA), is applied to the daily precipitation data, resulting in two spatial modes associated with the MISO. The large-scale MISO patterns are predicted in two steps. First, a physics-constrained low-order nonlinear stochastic model is developed to predict the highly intermittent time series of these two MISO modes. The model involves two observed MISO variables and two hidden variables that characterize the strong intermittency and random oscillations in the MISO time series. It is shown that the precipitation MISO indices can be skillfully predicted from 20 to 50 days in advance. Second, an effective and practical spatiotemporal reconstruction algorithm is designed, which overcomes the fundamental difficulty in most data decomposition techniques with lagged embedding that requires extra information in the future beyond the predicted range of the time series. The predicted spatiotemporal patterns often have comparable skill to the MISO indices. One of the main advantages of the proposed model is that a short (3 year) training period is sufficient to describe the essential characteristics of the MISO and retain skillful predictions. In addition, both model statistics and prediction skill indicate that outgoing longwave radiation is an accurate proxy for precipitation in describing the MISO. Notably, the length of the lagged embedding window used in NLSA is crucial in capturing the main features and assessing the predictability of MISOs.
Change in Coherence of Interannual Variability of Summer Rainfall over the Western Pacific around the Early 2000s: Role of Indo-Pacific Ocean Forcing
Authors: He Zhuoqi , Wu Renguang
Published: March 2018

The observations show that the covariability between the western North Pacific (WNP) and the South China Sea (SCS) summer rainfall has experienced an obvious weakening since the early 2000s. During the period 1982–2003, the combined north Indian Ocean (NIO), central North Pacific (CNP), and central equatorial Pacific (CEP) sea surface temperature (SST) forcing results in a high coherence between the WNP and SCS summer rainfall variations via a zonally elongated anomalous lower-level cyclone over the western Pacific. During the period 2004–16, the Indian Ocean SST contribution is largely weakened, and the WNP rainfall variability is dominated by the enhanced Pacific SST forcing with an eastward retreated lower-level wind and rainfall anomalies, whereas the SCS rainfall variability is mainly associated with local air–sea interaction processes. The results obtained from observational analysis are supported by numerical experiments with atmospheric and coupled general circulation models. The change in the coherence of interannual summer rainfall variability over the WNP and SCS has important implications for regional climate prediction in South and East Asia.
Ridges, Seamounts, Troughs, and Bowls: Topographic Control of the Dianeutral Circulation in the Abyssal Ocean
Authors: Holmes Ryan M. , de Lavergne Casimir , McDougall Trevor J.
Published: March 2018

In situ observations obtained over the last several decades have shown that the intensity of turbulent mixing in the abyssal ocean is enhanced toward the seafloor. Consequently, a new paradigm has emerged whereby dianeutral downwelling dominates in the ocean interior and dianeutral upwelling only occurs within thin bottom boundary layers. This study shows that when mixing is bottom intensified the net abyssal dianeutral transports and the stratification can depend on subtle features of the seafloor geometry. Under an assumption of depth-independent net dianeutral upwelling, small changes in the curvature of the seafloor can result in interior stratification that is bottom intensified, uniform, or surface intensified. Further, when the net dianeutral transport is allowed to vary in the vertical, changes in the seafloor slope and bathymetric contour length with height can drive lateral exchange between the boundary layer and interior, with particularly strong lateral outflows predicted at the crests of midocean ridges. Finally, using a realistic neutral density climatology the authors suggest that the increase in the perimeter of abyssal neutral density surfaces with height drives much of the dianeutral upwelling at depths greater than 4 km, while the increase in the slope of the seafloor at shallower depths acts to oppose upwelling. These results add to a growing body of literature highlighting the key control of seafloor geometry on the abyssal overturning circulation.
Evaluation of the NCEP Climate Forecast System and Its Downscaling for Seasonal Rainfall Prediction over Vietnam
Authors: Phan-Van Tan , Nguyen-Xuan Thanh , Van Nguyen Hiep , Laux Patrick , Pham-Thanh Ha , Ngo-Duc Thanh
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the ability to apply National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) products and their downscaling by using the Regional Climate Model version 4.2 (RegCM4.2) on seasonal rainfall forecasts over Vietnam. First, the CFS hindcasts (CFS_Rfc) from 1982 to 2009 are used to assess the ability of the CFS to predict the overall circulation and precipitation patterns at forecast lead times of up to 6 months. Second, the operational CFS forecasts (CFS_Ope) and its RegCM4.2 downscaling (RegCM_CFS) for the period 2012–14 are used to derive seasonal rainfall forecasts over Vietnam. The CFS_Rfc and CFS_Ope are validated against the ECMWF interim reanalysis, the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) analyzed rainfall, and observations from 150 meteorological stations across Vietnam. The results show that the CFS_Rfc can capture the seasonal variability of the Asian monsoon circulation and rainfall distribution. The higher-resolution RegCM_CFS product is advantageous over the raw CFS in specific climatic subregions during the transitional, dry, and rainy seasons, particularly in the northern part of Vietnam in January and in the country’s central highlands during July.
What about the men? Gender parity in occupational therapy
Authors: Beagan Brenda L. , Fredericks Erin
Published: March 2018

Background.

Gender parity is frequently raised as an equity issue in occupational therapy, with strategies proposed to recruit more men.

Purpose.

This article explores whether this is a legitimate equity concern.

Key Issues.

Most employment is gender segregated; when gender balances change, the field either re-genders feminine or creates gender-segregated internal divisions. Men avoid feminized jobs because they pay less and hold less social status. They are a “step down” for men. In such jobs, men are disproportionately pushed into management positions, with better pay, more prestige, and less hands-on care. Equity issues concern structural barriers to success in particular employment fields. Though they may feel discomfort in a feminized field, men do not face structural barriers in occupational therapy.

Implications.

Broader challenges to traditional gender norms are needed, but there is no evidence that gender parity is an equity concern or that recruitment targeting masculinity would make a difference.
Rhythms of the Heart: An interprofessional community health collaboration to increase cardiovascular health knowledge
Authors: Omelchenko Kira L , Hall Carrie A , Gainey Melissa E , Olson Gayle E
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

Cardiovascular health continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the USA. An interprofessional collaborative team comprising university faculty and undergraduate students developed and presented a community outreach event to provide education and health screening to a diverse group of local residents.

Design:

An event entitled Rhythms of the Heart was planned and implemented to reach community members.

Setting:

The event took place on the campus of a private college in Central Florida, USA.

Methods:

Clinical services, including health screening for blood pressure and body fat, were provided, along with information on the benefits of smoking cessation, physical activity, weight management, healthy diet alternatives and stress reduction. Local community resources and educational materials were supplied to event participants.

Results:

The event attracted approximately 275 guests. An analysis of feedback from attendees indicated a greater appreciation of music to enhance one’s understanding of cardiovascular health. Students and attendees perceived the Rhythms of the Heart concert as ‘smart and creative’, ‘cleverly conceived’ and ‘well thought out’.

Conclusion:

This interprofessional outreach event provided a novel means by which to undertake community education and health screening.
Measuring impedance using an open-source instrumentation platform
Authors: Burnik Urban , Križaj Dejan , Topčagić Zumret , Meža Marko
Published: March 2018

The article presents development and design of a precision LCR meter based on an affordable open-source instrumentation platform. The design of the instrument has been performed by an interdisciplinary group of students. A project-based approach has been used in order to make a practical use of engineering knowledge within the group of participants. The results cover all the necessary project results achieved by the participants from the state-of-the art analysis in the domain of LCR meters to dissemination of project results. These may serve as a guide for similar project specifications. Alternatively, the presented results may be used in preparing student assignments in electrical impedance measurements based on affordable hardware.
Rapid Bactericidal Action of Propolis against Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Yoshimasu Y. , Ikeda T. , Sakai N. , Yagi A. , Hirayama S. , Morinaga Y. , Furukawa S. , Nakao R.
Published: March 2018

Propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, is used as a folk medicine for treatment of periodontal diseases. However, its mode of the action and the compounds responsible for its activities remain obscure. In the present study, we comprehensively investigated the antibacterial activities of ethanol-extracted propolis (EEP) and EEP-derived compounds toward Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen for periodontal diseases. Broth microdilution and agar dilution assays were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations of EEP against a range of oral bacterial species, of which P. gingivalis showed a higher level of sensitivity than oral commensals such as streptococci. Its antibacterial activity toward P. gingivalis was maintained even after extensive heat treatment, demonstrating a high level of thermostability. EEP also induced death of P. gingivalis cells by increasing membrane permeability within 30 min. Spatiotemporal analysis based on high-speed atomic force microscopy revealed that EEP immediately triggered development of aberrant membrane blebs, followed by bleb fusion events on the bacterial surface. Furthermore, we isolated artepillin C, baccharin, and ursolic acid from EEP as antibacterial compounds against P. gingivalis. Of those, artepillin C and baccharin showed bacteriostatic activities with membrane blebbing, while ursolic acid showed bactericidal activity with membrane rupture. In particular, ursolic acid demonstrated a greater ability to affect bacterial membrane potential with increased membrane permeability, probably because of its highly lipophilic nature as compared with other compounds. Taken together, these findings provide mechanistic insight into the antibacterial activities of EEP and its exquisite membrane-targeting antibacterial compounds and imply the applicability of narrow-spectrum therapeutics with EEP for treatment of periodontitis. In addition, the advanced technology utilized in the present study to visualize the nanometer-scale dynamics of microorganisms will contribute to expanding our understanding of the activities of antimicrobials and the mechanism of drug resistance in bacteria.
Identifying key network characteristics for agricultural innovation: A multisectoral case study approach
Authors: Lambrecht Evelien , Crivits Maarten , Lauwers Ludwig , Gellynck Xavier
Published: March 2018

This article identified network characteristics critical for successful agricutural innovations within networks, or a set of interrelated organizations aiming at knowledge exchange for innovations. To explore key success factors, the research questioned how networks cope with innovation characteristics and combined network characteristics with four innovation characteristics in four agricultural sub-sectors. Data were collected from in-depth interviews with farmers and network coordinators and from focus group discussions with farmers active in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. Factors particularly helpful for success in agricultural innovation networks include numerous contacts, integration of knowledge providers in the network structure, face-to-face communication, a self-initiated coalition and surpassing innovation beyond the mere agricultural level, through collaboration with people from outside the sector. The findings are useful for academics, network coordinators and network members, possibly leading to a higher innovation performance via networking.
Shielding of electromagnetic radiation by multilayer textile sets
Authors: Marciniak Katarzyna , Grabowska Katarzyna Ewa , Stempień Zbigniew , Ciesielska-Wróbel Izabela Luiza
Published: March 2018

This paper presents the continuation of research on shielding efficiency (SE) of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) by woven fabric made of cotton (warps and wefts) and a hybrid yarn (wefts). This hybrid yarn was made of stainless steel yarn by Bekinox wrapped with an enamelled copper wire from Synflex Elektro GmbH, Germany. The pitch of copper coil on a hybrid yarn equals 3 mm. The wefts were introduced into the fabric in the following order: 1 hybrid yarn, 1 cotton yarn, 1 hybrid yarn, 1 cotton yarn, etc. The construction of this specific fabric was proven to be the most efficient in terms of the hybrid weft construction and the fabric construction to shield EMR among other previously tested fabrics with different weft configuration. The current study proposes to verify the effect of the number of layers of the fabrics and their mutual configuration on the final SE of the multilayered set. Some of the most interesting findings of this study are that increasing the number of layers placed on top of one another with an offset angle of 0° to more than two does not provide a higher SE; however, using three such layers provides an SE of 56 dB, which is over two times higher than that provided by a single layer. Increasing the number of layers of fabric aligned at an angle of 45° provides a higher SE only for a frequency of 30 MHz.
Development of breathable Janus superhydrophobic polyester fabrics using alkaline hydrolysis and blade coating
Authors: Youn Seonyoung , Hee Park Chung
Published: March 2018

Alkaline hydrolysis is a common finishing method that is used to give polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) a more natural touch and improved luster via chemical or physical changes in the fibers. However, its potential as a tool for surface modification in the development of single-sided superhydrophobic materials has not been studied yet. In this research, Janus superhydrophobic PET fabrics with asymmetric wetting properties (one side of the PET surface was rendered superhydrophobic while the other side was simply hydrophobic) were fabricated in two steps. Fine roughness was first achieved on the surface of PET fabrics by alkaline hydrolysis. Subsequently, optimized foam-coating emulsions were applied on only one surface of the alkaline-hydrolyzed PET. Alkaline treatment time, solution temperature, and viscosity of the foam-coating emulsions were varied to find optimal conditions in terms of structural changes, mechanical properties, superhydrophobicity, and absorption ability. The specimen treated with an aqueous solution of 8% sodium hydroxide at 70℃ for 60 min and coated with the mixture of the fluoro-emulsion and thickener in the volume ratio of 40:2 was determined to be the optimal conditions for the Janus superhydrophobic property. This sample showed a contact angle of 162.8° and a shedding angle of 5.6° on one side, whereas it completely permitted the percolation of water drops on the other side within 109 s. The mechanical properties of the developed Janus PET under the optimal conditions did not decrease significantly; its weight and tensile strength were found to have decreased by 3.3% and 19.2%, respectively. Furthermore, the single-sided superhydrophobic specimen demonstrated higher moisture transmissibility than the double-sided coated PET under the same alkaline treatment conditions. The method developed herein eliminates the requirement for an additional process to deliver nanoscale surface roughness and has the potential to produce waterproof–breathable PET fabrics for outdoor clothing.
The effect of domestic laundry detergents on the light fastness of certain reactive dyes on 100% cotton
Authors: Fergusson Stanley MacArthur , Padhye Rajiv
Published: March 2018

This study presents findings on the effect of several domestic laundry detergents on the fastness to light of selected fiber reactive dyes applied to cotton. Cotton fabric dyed with commonly used reactive dyes were laundered with water only, several domestic detergents, and a laboratory-formulated neutral detergent, and then exposed to light for 2 h in the wet state. Exposures were repeated 15 times, equivalent to 30 h of exposure. Color loss and color difference were measured after 5, 10, and 15 wash cycles, and 10 h, 20 h, and 30 h of exposure. When the fabric was exposed to light wet, the color faded more rapidly than when it was exposed dry. The presence of an oxidizing bleach (sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate) in the detergent increased color loss during washing and wet exposure to light. Ultraviolet radiation from the light source, heat, moisture, alkali, and oxidizing bleach during exposure resulted in hydrolysis of the dye–fiber bond, causing dye desorption during washing and rinsing. The combination of ultraviolet radiation and oxidizing bleaches altered the chemistry of the dye and hence its shade. This was particularly evident on the black dye and one of the navy blue dyes.
Novel shape-memory polyurethane fibers for textile applications
Authors: Sáenz-Pérez Míriam , Bashir Tariq , Laza José Manuel , García-Barrasa Jorge , Vilas José Luis , Skrifvars Mikael , León Luis Manuel
Published: March 2018

In this work, thermoresponsive shape-memory polyurethane (SMPU) fibers were produced by melt spinning from different SMPU pellets. Afterwards, the knitted fabric samples were prepared by the obtained fibers. Some of the SMPUs used were synthesized previously in our laboratory whereas a commercial one, named DIAPLEX MM4520, was also evaluated in order to carry out comparative studies. All the SMPUs were characterized by different techniques, such as thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. Moreover, the shape-memory capabilities of the fabrics were measured by thermo-mechanical analysis. The obtained results show that the synthesized SMPUs could be attractive candidates for potential applications such as breathable fabrics or moisture-management textiles.
Functionalization of cotton by reduced graphene oxide for improved electrical conductivity
Authors: He Shan , Xin Binjie , Chen Zhuoming , Liu Yan
Published: March 2018

In this study, electrically conductive cotton fabric is prepared by a “dip and dry” method with graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets following by a reducing process with hydrazine hydrate. For a more practical application, an interfacial modification on the cotton fabric is conducted by using a functional silane coupling agent (KH-560) to enhance the binding force of GO and the fabric, which can increase the durability properties of the conductive fabric. The bonding mechanism among the cotton, KH-560 and GO is analyzed. The influences of the mass fraction of GO and the dipping cycle in GO dispersed solution on the properties of the conductive cotton fabric are investigated. The experimental results show that the optimal GO mass fraction for a good electrical conductivity of the resultant fabric (namely the reduced GO/KH-560/cotton) is 0.8%. In addition, the conductivity of the fabric is highest after five dipping cycles when prepared with a certain mass fraction of GO. Moreover, the durability properties of reduced GO/KH-560/cotton can be significantly improved when treated with KH-560. The prepared conductive fabric with a high flexibility, durability and excellent conductivity has a promising application for the preparation of wearable electronics, outdoor products, etc.
Characterization of tensile properties and viscoelasticity of PTFE woven fabrics at elevated temperature
Authors: Wang Ruiliu , Xu Guangbiao , He Yuechao
Published: March 2018

An experimental study was conducted to systematically investigate the effects of temperature on the tensile properties and viscoelasticity of PTFE woven fabrics. The ultimate strength retention after heat treatment was basically 95% or higher, even treated at 260℃ for six hours. However, significant reductions of modulus and ultimate strength during tensile tests at elevated temperature were observed. Creep behaviors of PTFE woven fabrics at elevated temperature can be fitted by Burgers model, and the parameters extracted from the model can be used to analyze the instantaneous elastic strain, time-dependent strain and permanent deformation. The rod-like structure of the PTFE molecular chain and high degree of crystallinity are proposed to explain why PTFE woven fabrics have good heat stability, whereas large deformation, or even creep failure, will happen at elevated temperature.
The performance of transparency in public–private infrastructure project governance: The politics of documentary practices
Authors: Valverde Mariana , Moore Aaron
Published: March 2018

That public–private infrastructure partnerships (P3s) present problems in relation to democratic accountability has often been noted, with calls for greater transparency often following. Such calls tend to assume that anything that promotes transparency will further accountability and openness. Drawing on socio-legal studies of the documentary and other information practices that underpin and operationalise governance, this article carefully examines the features and the possible uses of the documentation that is made public by the PPP sector, in Canada. We find that information practices that perform and produce transparency (such as posting project documents online) may produce a merely illusory accountability. Particular attention is paid to the scale at which infrastructure planning information is made public, the selection of content included in the documents (e.g. photos of buildings versus background information), and the information formats commonly utilised. Overall, we find that the information that is made public does not actually empower the concerned public: projects are presented out of context, devoid of historical or comparative context and without reference to any broader regional or other plan, and when ‘real’ documents are made public, neither the content nor their framing enables effective openness, thus hindering accountability.
The post-political state? The role of administrative reform in managing tensions between urban growth and liveability in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Clarke Andrew , Cheshire Lynda
Published: March 2018

The article investigates how governmental responses to problems arising from urban population growth contribute to the post-political governance of cities. It does this through a case study of the city of Brisbane, Australia. Brisbane markets itself as a medium-sized metropolis that balances economic growth with a level of urban liveability not found in larger cities. Yet, there are signs that rapid population growth and consolidation are undermining liveability in some Brisbane neighbourhoods, as evidenced by a rise in urban nuisances and neighbour complaints reported to the City Council. Drawing on theories of urban post-politics, we analyse how the Council recasts these symptoms of urban overload as a ‘techno-managerial’ problem that can be addressed by improving efficiency and ‘customer focus’ within its compliance branch. This strategy both eschews political questions about the compatibility of growth and liveability, and promotes an economic and transactional conception of urban citizenship that downplays urban politics more generally. This strategy is significant as it relates to the local state’s internal administrative practices and relations with its citizens, rather than the forms of governance-beyond-the-state that are usually associated with urban post-politics. We conclude that the identification of government-centred depoliticisation strategies indicates that urban post-politics is more comprehensive and multifaceted than previously thought.