bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new species of Brazilian springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) with comments on Neotropical Brachystomella Ågren and Seira (Lepidocyrtinus) Börner
Authors: Bellini B.C. , Santos N.M.C. , Souza P.G.C. , Weiner W.M.
Published: May 2018

Herein we describe two new species of Brazilian springtails, both from Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.Brachystomella nordestinasp.n.resembles other Neotropical congeners with 8+8 eyes, postantennal organ with four lobes and 19/19/18 chaetae on tibiotarsi I–III, but it is unique in the combination of trilobed apical bulb, 2+2 dorsal chaetae on thorax I, male’s genital plate with 4+4 modified eugenital chaetae and 2+2 hr chaetae on lateral anal valves.Seira(Lepidocyrtinus)dapestesp.n.is similar to other Neotropical species ofLepidocyrtinusBörner, 1903 in long antennae, mesonotum projected over head and presence of modified blunt macrochaetae on dorsal furca, but differs in the combination of dorsal head chaetotaxy, 14–19 a macrochaetae on thorax II, 7–9 central macrochaetae on thorax III and 4 central macrochaetae on abdomen II. We also present a detailed comparison and an updated key of the Neotropical species ofBrachystomellaÅgren, 1903.
Revision of Anisepyris Kieffer (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae), with description of 135 new species
Authors: BARBOSA DIEGO N. , AZEVEDO CELSO O.
Published: May 2018

The identity of many species of Anisepyris Kieffer is currently unknown, mostly because the available taxonomic data are not sufficiently accurate to allow for precise identifications. To solve this problem, all 121 described species were investigated, including the analyses of 115 holotypes and 26 allotypes. Almost all Neotropical species of Epyrinae and many from the Nearctic were also examined in order to recognize possible species of Anisepyris misclassified in other genera. The ten species-groups included in Anisepyris are redefined. And the female genital structures of the genus are investigated for the first time. Based on this, we recognize 119 previously described species as belonging to Anisepyris, one species is transferred to Laelius Ashmead, L. foveaticeps (Rosmann & Azevedo) comb. nov., one is transferred to Chlorepyris Kieffer, C. nigerrimus (Evans) comb. nov., and 135 new species are described to science, so that the genus is now contains 254 species. They are recorded from 31 countries of the New World. Lectotypes are designated for A. aurichalceus (Westwood) and A. planiceps (Fabricius). The previously identified species-groups are re-organized into six, and seven additional species-groups are proposed are new. Identification keys for Anisepyris species-groups and species are provided.
Foundations in Australia: Dimensions for International Comparison
Authors: McGregor-Lowndes Myles , Williamson Alexandra
Published: May 2018

Australia lacks a dedicated legal structure for foundations, and public data on its philanthropic sector are sparse. There is no public registry of foundations as opposed to charities generally, and the information held by the revenue office on foundation activity is generally unavailable. Available data are presented and show that Australian foundations are experiencing a phase of slow but steady growth in both numbers and size, punctuated by an increasing number of high-profile philanthropic donations by individuals, which are bringing public attention to the sector. This has been partially enabled by new tax arrangements that permit modified U.S.-style family foundations. Community foundations and collective giving are steadily growing as well. The major fields of foundation activity as well as their growing roles in Australian society are described. Finally, a research agenda is proposed that encompasses not only improved data collection but an exploration of emerging trends such as foundation staff professionalization, response to government marketization of welfare provision, and the increasing voice of foundations concerned with the environment.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) Expression on Endothelial Cells in Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: A Review of 70 cases and Tissue Microarray Analysis
Authors: Song Xiaole , Yang Chenhe , Zhang Huankang , Wang Jingjing , Sun Xicai , Hu Li , Liu Zhuofu , Wang Dehui
Published: May 2018

Objective:

To examine the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and its related molecules (cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes [CREG], osteopontin [OPN], proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src [c-Src], and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) and explore the correlation between clinical prognosis and HIF-1α expression.

Methods:

The study performed a retrospective review of the clinical records of patients with JNA treated between 2003 and 2007. Specimens were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for HIF-1α, CREG, OPN, c-Src, and VEGF expression, and microvessel density (MVD) was assessed by tissue microarray. The correlation between expression levels and clinicopathological features including age, tumor stage, intraoperative blood loss, and recurrence was analyzed.

Results:

HIF-1α, CREG, OPN, c-Src, and VEGF were upregulated in endothelial cells (ECs) of patients with JNA, and strong correlations in the expression of these molecules were observed. HIF-1α expression was higher in young patients ( P = .032) and in recurrent cases ( P = .01). Survival analysis showed that low HIF-1α levels in ECs predicted longer time to recurrence (log rank test P = .006). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that HIF-1α was a prognostic factor for recurrence (area under the curve = 0.690, P = .019). No correlation was found between the expression of molecules and Radkowski stage or intraoperative blood loss.

Conclusion:

In cases of JNA treated surgically, HIF-1α expression in ECs is a useful prognostic factor for tumor recurrence.
Double Carina: A Novel Tracheo-Bronchial Anomaly Found During a Pediatric Airway Evaluation
Authors: Mildenhall Nicholas R. , Raynor Eileen M.
Published: May 2018

Objectives:

To present a novel pediatric airway anomaly encountered on direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, further characterized with computed tomography imaging of the chest.

Study Design:

Case report and literature review.

Methods:

Review of the clinical presentation, operative findings, and imaging findings of an infant who presented with respiratory distress in the setting of multiple congenital abnormalities. A brief literature review supplements the case presentation.

Results:

While multiple tracheobronchial anomalies have long been reported, this is the first report of a double or false carina: a system of symmetric paired upper and lower bronchi connected by a central conduit. Operative evaluation was limited given the narrow lumen, and postoperative imaging aided in further characterization of the pediatric airway.

Conclusions:

This is the first report of a novel tracheobronchial anomaly presenting as a double carina. Tracheobronchial anomalies are diverse and should be considered when performing operative airway evaluations. Imaging can be a helpful adjunct with anatomic characterization.
Evolution of Frying Oil Quality Using Fourier Transform Near-Infrared (FT-NIR) Spectroscopy
Authors: Calero Antonia M , Muñoz Estrella , Pérez-Marin Dolores , Riccioli Cecilia , Pérez Luis , Garrido-Varo Ana
Published: May 2018

This study assesses the capacity of a Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectrometer operating in the range 4500–12 000 cm−1 (833.33–2222.22 nm) to provide quantitative predictions for the parameters of acidity (AV), p-anisidine (pAV), total polar materials (TPM), peroxide value (PV), and oxidative stability index (OSI). 562 samples of frying oil were analyzed from 14 distinct types of oil. The calibrations obtained accounted for 96%, 95%, 99%, 92%, and 91% of the AV, pAV, TPM, PV, and OSI variations in the study set and the similarity between the standard error of laboratory (RMSEP) values and the reference method errors (RMSEL), enabling the authors to conclude that NIR technology has the capacity to replace traditional methods in thermo-oxidative degradation studies in frying oils.
Perceptions of Pediatric Residents Regarding Counseling About Use of Social Networking Sites
Authors: Banker Sumeet L. , Fenick Ada M. , Qin Li , Talwalkar Jaideep S.
Published: May 2018

Increasing use of social networking sites (SNS) among youth prompted professional organizations to urge pediatricians to promote healthy media use. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to 76 pediatric residents at one academic center measuring attitudes, practices, and familiarity with SNS. Of 43 respondents (response rate = 57%), most reported personal SNS use (98%) and familiarity with SNS used by youth (72%), and 88% agreed that pediatricians should provide counseling on SNS use. Only 5% felt they had adequate training on SNS use in children, and just 26% felt comfortable advising families. Residents were less likely to discuss SNS use than general media use (19% vs 56%, P = .007). Media counseling was correlated with SNS counseling ( r = .38, P = .01). Pediatric residents recognize the importance of guiding families on SNS use, yet do not routinely provide counseling despite high levels of personal SNS use and familiarity. Focused training is necessary for pediatricians to prioritize practical guidance.
Judicial Trustworthiness in Africa: Do Macro-Level Conditions Matter?
Authors: Boateng Francis D. , Adjorlolo Samuel
Published: May 2018

The current study’s primary goal was to assess the extent to which specific macro-level conditions cause variation in citizens’ levels of trust in courts across 33 African countries. Using an advanced analytical technique, results revealed that a country’s levels of democracy has a significant and positive relationship with citizens’ trust in the court. However, institutional corruption and crime (homicide rate) had significant and negative relationship with citizens’ trust in the court. Moreover, findings observed indicate that the relationship between macro-level factors and trust in the court is mediated by region of the country. Policy implications of the findings are discussed.
Integrating Visual Mnemonics and Input Feedback With Passphrases to Improve the Usability and Security of Digital Authentication
Authors: Juang Kevin , Greenstein Joel
Published: May 2018

Objective:

We developed a new authentication system based on passphrases instead of passwords. Our new system incorporates a user-generated mnemonic picture displayed during login, definition tooltips, error correction to reduce typographical errors, a decoy-based input masking technique, and random passphrase generation using either a specialized wordlist or a sentence template.

Background:

Passphrases exhibit a greater level of security than traditional passwords, but their wider adoption has been hindered by human factors issues. Our assertion is that the added features of our system work particularly well with passphrases and help address these shortcomings.

Method:

We conducted a study to evaluate our new system with a customized 1,450-word list and our new system with a 6-word sentence structure against the control conditions of a user-created passphrase of at least 24 characters and a system-generated passphrase using a 10,326-word list. Fifty participants completed two sessions so that we could measure the usability and security of the authentication schemes.

Results:

With the new system conditions, memorability was improved, and security was equivalent to or better than the control conditions. Usability and overall ratings also favored the new system conditions over the control conditions.

Conclusion:

Our research presents a new authentication system using innovative techniques that improve on the usability and security of existing password and passphrase authentication systems.

Application:

In computer security, drastic changes should never happen overnight, but we recommend that our contributions be incorporated into current authentication systems to help facilitate a transition from passwords to usable passphrases.
Seeding undergraduate research experience: From Georgia Tech to KFUPM case study
Authors: Al-Ghadhban Samir , Muqaibel Ali , Alregib Ghassan , Al-Shaikhi Ali
Published: May 2018

In this paper, implementation and outcomes of an undergraduate research course are presented. The associated gains and learning outcomes of the course are evaluated and benchmarked with other international undergraduate research experiences. The course was offered to undergraduate students at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). The research group structure adopts Georgia Tech model. The paper summarizes the course structure, content, and best practices. In addition, the results of undergraduate research experience survey are presented and analyzed. The students reported significant gains in understanding of the research process and significant improvements in writing and oral presentation skills.
Investigation of the effects of environmentally friendly degumming methods on silk dyeing performance
Authors: Anis Pervin , Toprak Tuba , Yener Eyuphan , Capar Goksen
Published: May 2018

In this paper, firstly the effects of environmentally friendly degumming methods on the morphology and structure of fibers have been investigated. Then the dyeing behaviors of environmentally friendly degummed silk fibers were analyzed. In the dyeing process, acid and reactive dyes were used at various dye concentrations. To analyze dyeing characteristics of these fibers, investigations of washing fastness and measurements of color parameters were carried out. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of degummed silk fibers showed that the high temperature (HT) degumming method was more successful than the other methods, but the results were comparable. Weight loss values were also supported by SEM images. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis of degummed fibers showed that particles remaining on the surface were the most likely to indicate sericin residue. Fourier transform infrared spectra of raw and degummed fibers with different methods demonstrated typical absorption bands appointed to the peptide bonds (-CONH-) and no major differences were observed. When band intensity was examined, the most intense bands belong to the HT degumming process. The differential scanning calorimetry curves of conventionally and alternatively degummed silk fibers showed two endotherms at around 100℃ and 320℃ because of water loss and β-sheet fibroin decomposition, respectively. The acid and reactive dyeing of the degummed fibers by environmentally degumming methods gave similar color strength and washing fastness values compared with conventionally degummed fibers.
Wear comfort properties of ZrC/Al2O3/graphite-embedded, heat-storage woven fabrics for garments
Authors: Kim Hyun Ah , Kim Seung Jin
Published: May 2018

This study examined the different wear comfort properties of ZrC/graphite and Al2O3/graphite-embedded, heat-storage woven fabrics. ZrC/graphite and Al2O3/graphite-embedded, heat-storage polyethylene terephthalate (PET) filaments were spun on the pilot spinning equipment. The various wear comfort properties of the ceramic-embedded fabrics made from ZrC/graphite and Al2O3/graphite-embedded filaments were measured and compared with those of the regular PET/polyamide (PA) woven fabric. Surface temperatures of the ZrC/graphite and Al2O3/graphite-embedded fabrics, when irradiated by the light of a heat-emission bulb, were 5.1℃ and 8.4℃ higher than that of the regular PET/PA fabric, respectively. The water-absorption rate of the ceramic-embedded fabrics was 5 and 14 times higher than that of the regular PET/PA fabric, respectively. The breathability by the water vapor resistance ( Ref) of the ZrC/graphite-embedded fabric was superior to that of the regular PET/PA fabric. The heat-retention rates of the ceramic-embedded fabrics were more than two times higher than that of regular PET/PA fabrics. Furthermore, the Clo value of the ZrC/graphite-embedded fabric by the thermal manikin experiment was more than 10% higher than that of the Al2O3/graphite and regular PET/PA fabrics. The skin and microclimate temperatures of the ZrC/graphite-embedded fabrics during the wearer trial were higher than those of the Al2O3/graphite and regular PET/PA fabrics, which revealed the good heat-storage and -release properties of the ZrC/graphite-embedded fabric. However, the Al2O3 particles embedded in the yarns were assumed to give a unpleasant tactile effects.
Electrically conductive and superhydrophobic textiles via pyrrole polymerization and surface hydrophobization after alkaline hydrolysis
Authors: Lee Su Jin , Yun Changsang , Park Chung Hee
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study was to impart the electrical conductivity to the polyester fabric by applying polypyrrole having a good atmospheric stability, and to fabricate the superhydrophobic surface by using perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane to increase the durability and practicality of electrically conductive fabric. Nanoscale roughness that is essential for superhydrophobicity was given to polyester fabric by the alkaline hydrolysis. Samples simultaneously subjected to surface hydrophobization and the treatment for electrical conductivity exhibited the excellent electrical conductivity (0.55 kΩ/sq). However, in this case, static contact angle of the water droplet was 148.2°, and shedding angle was >10°, thus confirming that the superhydrophobic property was not exhibited. Samples subjected to surface hydrophobization after the treatment for electrical conductivity had an electrical conductivity and superhydrophobicity with an electrical surface resistivity of 0.87 kΩ/sq, water contact angle of 154.8°, and water shedding angle of 5.0°. This polyester fabric showed reasonable air permeability, water vapor transmission rate, and functional durability to various liquids. The developed fabric can be exposed to a reduced number of washing cycles due to its self-cleaning properties, thereby made able to exhibit a durable conductivity during its use phase.
Smooth control design for adaptive leader-following consensus control of a class of high-order nonlinear systems with time-varying reference and unknown control directions
Authors: Zhao Ling , Huang Jiangshuai
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we investigate the distributed adaptive leader-following consensus control for high-order nonlinear multi-agent systems with a time-varying reference trajectory under directed topology, subjected to mismatched unknown parameters and unknown control directions. By introducing local estimators for the bounds of the reference trajectory and a filter for each agent, a new backstepping-based smooth distributed adaptive control protocol is proposed. Meanwhile, a Nussbaum-type function is applied to address the consensus control with unknown control directions. It is shown that global uniform boundedness of all the closed-loop signals and asymptotic output consensus tracking can be achieved. Simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of our scheme.
Using Power as a Negative Cue: How Conspiracy Mentality Affects Epistemic Trust in Sources of Historical Knowledge
Authors: Imhoff Roland , Lamberty Pia , Klein Olivier
Published: May 2018

Classical theories of attitude change point to the positive effect of source expertise on perceived source credibility persuasion, but there is an ongoing societal debate on the increase in anti-elitist sentiments and conspiracy theories regarding the allegedly untrustworthy power elite. In one correlational ( N = 275) and three experimental studies ( N = 195, N = 464, N = 225), we tested the novel idea that people who endorse a conspiratorial mind-set (conspiracy mentality) indeed exhibit markedly different reactions to cues of epistemic authoritativeness than those who do not: Whereas the perceived credibility of powerful sources decreased with the recipients’ conspiracy mentality, that of powerless sources increased independent of and incremental to other biases, such as the need to see the ingroup in particularly positive light. The discussion raises the question whether a certain extent of source-based bias is necessary for the social fabric of a highly complex society.
Jurisdictional Overlap and the Size of the Local Public Workforce
Authors: Goodman Christopher B.
Published: May 2018

The United States is a country of many overlapping local governments. Theoretical explorations of the potential influence of this institutional arrangement abound; however, empirical evidence as the influence of such an arrangement on local public sector remains relatively thin. Using a county-level data set from 1972 to 2012, this overlap problem is explored. The results suggest that a positive relationship between the jurisdictional overlap and the size of local public workforce amounting to approximately a 1 percent increase in employment or an increase of less than one full-time equivalent employee.
The application of legislative frameworks for the management of medical records in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Marutha Ngoako
Published: May 2018

Medical records management needs to be governed using a legal framework to avoid records being lost, modified, altered, misfiled and/or damaged, since that may result in a struggle to locate them and wasting time. Medical records management, like any other field, has to be guided by a sound legislative framework. The application of legislation in the management of medical records can help safeguard privacy and confidentiality and curb the loss, modification, alteration, damage and misfiling of records. The study sought to assess the extent to which public hospitals in the Limpopo Province, South Africa apply legislation in the management of medical records. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires completed by records management staff members in the hospitals of Limpopo. This study applied a quantitative research methodology and a survey research design. The study revealed that legal prescripts were not appropriately followed in the healthcare institutions due to a lack of fundamental resources. The study recommended, among other things, the provision of adequate resources and the appointment of suitably qualified records managers and staff or the development of staff capacity to ensure that appropriate legal frameworks are implemented adequately.
A unified multi-soft-body dynamic model for underwater soft robots
Authors: Renda Federico , Giorgio-Serchi Francesco , Boyer Frederic , Laschi Cecilia , Dias Jorge , Seneviratne Lakmal
Published: May 2018

A unified formulation that accounts for the dynamics of a general class of aquatic multi-body, soft-structured robots is presented. The formulation is based on a Cosserat formalism where the description of the ensemble of geometrical entities, such as shells and beams, gives rise to a multi-soft-body system capable of simulating both manipulation and locomotion. Conceived as an advanced tool for a priori hardware development, n-degree-of-freedom dynamics analysis and control design of underwater, soft, multi-body, vehicles, the model is validated against aquatic locomotion experiments of an octopus-inspired soft unmanned underwater robot. Upon validation, the general applicability of the model is demonstrated by predicting the self-propulsion dynamics of a diverse range of new viable combinations of multi-soft-body aquatic system.
Studying Virtual Manipulatives Paired With Explicit Instruction to Teach Algebraic Equations to Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Satsangi Rajiv , Hammer Rachel , Hogan Christina D.
Published: May 2018

Over the last two decades, the significance of academic achievement for students with disabilities in K–12 education has increased. To meet the needs of this population, educators turned to innovative strategies and technologies for instructional support in the classroom. For students with a learning disability, the need for such solutions is vital to address many of the academic struggles they face in the area of mathematics education. One evidence-based strategy shown to support instruction for students with a learning disability is the use of manipulatives. Although concrete manipulatives were extensively studied for this population, the virtual form of this technology lacks comparable research. Using a multiple probe design across three secondary students with a learning disability in mathematics, this study assessed the benefits of an instructional strategy using a virtual manipulative balance paired with explicit instruction to teach multistep linear equations. Results showed increased percent accuracy and independence scores for all three students across an intervention and maintenance phase. These findings and their broader implications for the field of mathematics education are discussed.
Neuroleadership: Themes and limitations of an emerging interdisciplinary field
Authors: Kuhlmann Naila , Kadgien Chelsie A.
Published: May 2018

The relationship between brain and behaviour has perplexed philosophers and scientists since the time of the ancient Greeks. Recent technological advances have allowed neuroscience to flourish, alongside growing romanticism that reductionist studies will allow us to understand complex interpersonal behaviours. Organizational cognitive neuroscience and neuroleadership are newly established interdisciplinary fields that use neuroscientific techniques to answer questions about behaviours within organizations. Neuroleadership aims to discover screening tools for good leaders, to improve leadership skills, and to identify unconscious factors affecting behaviour in hopes of improving management and leadership practices. Although proponents of neuroleadership are optimistic, if we know anything about the functions of the human brain and our interpersonal behaviours, it is that they are exquisitely complex and context dependant. Here, we briefly discuss the major themes emerging in the new field of neuroleadership and the limitations and potential consequences of applying findings from the field prematurely and with blind optimism.
Medication adherence monitoring: implications for patients and providers
Authors: Gheorghiu Bobby , Nayani Seema
Published: May 2018

Non-adherence to medication is a key worldwide issue and can lead to adverse patient outcomes and increased health system costs. Would a process facilitating notification of non-adherence infringe upon the autonomy of individuals or breach expectations of privacy? In contrast, patients who are not taking their medication could unknowingly be putting themselves at risk and all the while prescribers are unaware and without the opportunity to intervene. With the advent of electronic methods of medication adherence monitoring, this ethical dilemma now involves a new layer of complexity. We present two scenarios encountered in clinical practice that reflect issues occurring regularly in the Canadian healthcare system.
Experimental investigation of wear of multiwalled carbon nanotube particles-filled poly-ether-ether-ketone matrix composites under dry sliding
Authors: Kumar D , Rajmohan T
Published: May 2018

Polymer matrix composites have revealed enormous potential to substitute metal components in a wide variety of applications because of their self-lubrication properties, lightweight and resistance to wear, corrosion and organic solvents. However, additional upgrading in their properties is still essential. The endeavour of this research was to assess the effect of the material type and the morphology of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the wear performance of poly-ether-ether ketone (PEEK) matrix composites. The MWCNT-filled PEEK matrix composites were prepared using melt mixing technique. The wear behaviour of reinforced MWCNT-filled PEEK composites was studied using the pin-on-disc apparatus under dry sliding conditions at different applied loads, sliding speeds, temperature and wt% MWCNTs. Experiments were conducted using response surface methodology (RSM)-based central composite design. The specific wear rate and coefficient of friction were considered as wear performances of MWCNT-filled PEEK matrix composites. The second-order models are developed to optimize the wear parameters using the genetic algorithm technique. The morphologies of the worn surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy.
Bayesian sample size re-estimation using power priors
Authors: Brakenhoff TB , Roes KCB , Nikolakopoulos S
Published: May 2018

The sample size of a randomized controlled trial is typically chosen in order for frequentist operational characteristics to be retained. For normally distributed outcomes, an assumption for the variance needs to be made which is usually based on limited prior information. Especially in the case of small populations, the prior information might consist of only one small pilot study. A Bayesian approach formalizes the aggregation of prior information on the variance with newly collected data. The uncertainty surrounding prior estimates can be appropriately modelled by means of prior distributions. Furthermore, within the Bayesian paradigm, quantities such as the probability of a conclusive trial are directly calculated. However, if the postulated prior is not in accordance with the true variance, such calculations are not trustworthy. In this work we adapt previously suggested methodology to facilitate sample size re-estimation. In addition, we suggest the employment of power priors in order for operational characteristics to be controlled.
Bone Marrow CD133+ Stem Cells Ameliorate Visual Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Mice with Early Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Rong Liyuan , Gu Xianliang , Xie Jing , Zeng Yuxiao , Li Qiyou , Chen Siyu , Zou Ting , Xue Langyue , Xu Haiwei , Yin Zheng Qin
Published: May 2018

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, is characterized by neurovascular disorders. Emerging evidence has demonstrated retinal neurodegeneration in the early pathogenesis of DR, and no treatment has been developed to prevent the early neurodegenerative changes that precede detectable microvascular disorders. Bone marrow CD133+ stem cells with revascularization properties exhibit neuroregenerative potential. However, whether CD133+ cells can ameliorate the neurodegeneration at the early stage of DR remains unclear. In this study, mouse bone marrow CD133+ stem cells were immunomagnetically isolated and analyzed for the phenotypic characteristics, capacity for neural differentiation, and gene expression of neurotrophic factors. After being labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein, CD133+ cells were intravitreally transplanted into streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice to assess the outcomes of visual function and retina structure and the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect. We found that CD133+ cells co-expressed typical hematopoietic/endothelial stem/progenitor phenotypes, could differentiate to neural lineage cells, and expressed genes of robust neurotrophic factors in vitro. Functional analysis demonstrated that the transplantation of CD133+ cells prevented visual dysfunction for 56 days. Histological analysis confirmed such a functional improvement and showed that transplanted CD133+ cells survived, migrated into the inner retina (IR) over time and preserved IR degeneration, including retina ganglion cells (RGCs) and rod-on bipolar cells. In addition, a subset of transplanted CD133+ cells in the ganglion cell layer differentiated to express RGC markers in STZ-induced diabetic retina. Moreover, transplanted CD133+ cells expressed brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNFs) in vivo and increased the BDNF level in STZ-induced diabetic retina to support the survival of retinal cells. Based on these findings, we suggest that transplantation of bone marrow CD133+ stem cells represents a novel approach to ameliorate visual dysfunction and the underlying IR neurodegeneration at the early stage of DR.
Nuclear (in)security in the everyday: Peace campers as everyday security practitioners
Authors: Eschle Catherine
Published: May 2018

This article extends the emergent focus on ‘the everyday’ in critical security studies to the topic of nuclear (in)security, through an empirical study of anti-nuclear peace activists understood as ‘everyday security practitioners’. In the first part of the article, I elaborate on the notion of everyday security practitioners, drawing particularly on feminist scholarship, while in the second I apply this framework to a case study of Faslane Peace Camp in Scotland. I show that campers emphasize the everyday insecurities of people living close to the state’s nuclear weapons, the blurred boundaries between ‘us’ and ‘them’, and the inevitability of insecurity in daily life. Moreover, campers’ security practices confront the everyday reproduction of nuclear weapons and prefigure alternative modes of everyday life. In so doing, I argue, they offer a distinctive challenge to dominant deterrence discourse, one that is not only politically significant, but also expands understanding of the everyday in critical security studies.
Screening for colorectal cancer in defunctioned colons
Authors: Akbar Fayyaz , Quyn Aaron , Steele Robert
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Population-based colorectal (bowel) cancer screening using faecal occult blood tests leads to a reduction in cause-specific mortality. However, in people where the colon is defunctioned, the use of standard faecal occult blood test is not appropriate. The aim of this study was to examine the current trends of clinical practice for colorectal cancer screening in people with defunctioned colons.

Methods

An online survey was performed using SurveyMonkey. All members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland were invited by email to participate. Reminders were sent to non-responders and partial responders till six weeks. All responses were included in our analysis.

Results

Of the 206 (34.59%) questionnaires completed, all questions were answered in 110 (55.8%). Among responders, 94 (85.4%) were colorectal consultant surgeons, 72% had worked in their current capacity for more than five years, and 105 (50.9%) had encountered colorectal cancer in defunctioned colons during their career. Some 72.2% of responders stated that a screening test for colorectal cancer in patients with defunctioned colons was currently not offered, or that they did not know whether or not it was offered in their area.

Conclusions

Bowel screening in the United Kingdom is currently not offered to 72.2% of the age appropriate population with defunctioned colons. Among responding colorectal surgeons, 50% had encountered colorectal cancer in such patients. There is considerable variability in clinical practice regarding the optimal age for onset of screening, time interval, and the optimal modality to offer for screening in such cases.
Demythologising the ‘Liberalisation’ of Clinical Trial Regulations in India: A Practitioner’s Perspective
Authors: Regal Brijesh
Published: May 2018

Recent history of clinical trials in India has been mired in avoidable controversies. Negative public perception and consequent reactions by government and judiciary have led to a virtual blockade of clinical trials in the country. This article dispassionately analyses the fiascos that happened in the past few years, describes how folklore disseminated by media, civil society and experts created a myth about ‘liberalisation’ of regulations and presents facts about regulatory amendments. The causes of recent non-compliances are discussed and real fault-lines are identified.

The article posits that territorial laws must remain harmonised with contemporary international standards for regulating global activities like clinical trials. Fixing what was not broken has already caused substantial harm and Indian regulators have done well by reversing the unnecessary tinkering recommended by some quasi-experts. Professional self-regulation along with implementation of existing regulations are proposed as the best solutions for gaining India’s place on the global clinical trials’ growth curve.
Validation of a radioimmunoassay of serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity in ferrets
Authors: Bridges Cory S. , Miller Pamela S. , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Yi Yaling , Engelhardt John F. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: May 2018

Measurement of serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) is used to assess exocrine pancreatic function in dogs and cats. Ferrets ( Mustela putorius furo) serve as valuable animal models for human diseases such as cystic fibrosis and other pulmonary diseases, and may be a useful model of other diseases including pancreatitis. We developed and analytically validated a competitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) for measurement of TLI in ferret serum by determination of analytical sensitivity, assay linearity, accuracy of spiking recovery, precision, and reproducibility. Analytical sensitivity of the assay was 0.55 μg/L. Observed-to-expected (O/E) ratio for dilutional parallelism was 90.2–127.9% (mean: 108.1 ± 11.9%). The O/E ratio for spiking recovery was 94.5–113.0% (mean: 103.9 ± 7.2%). The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) were 2.7–5.7% and 3.5–8.2%, respectively. The reference interval (RI) for serum TLI derived from 31 healthy ferrets was 28–115 μg/L; the 90% confidence interval for the lower and upper limits of the RI were 10.0–32.1 μg/L and 103–126 μg/L, respectively. This TLI RIA is analytically sensitive, sufficiently linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible for the measurement of TLI in ferret serum samples.
Localization of multiple acoustic emission events occurring closely in time in thin-walled pipes using sparse reconstruction
Authors: Dubuc Brennan , Ebrahimkhanlou Arvin , Salamone Salvatore
Published: May 2018

A sparse reconstruction approach capable of localizing multiple acoustic emission events is proposed. The approach is specifically designed for localizing events that occur closely in time, where triangulation methods can fail. To perform localization, the approach uses information contained in the entire length of acoustic emission signals and is implemented using the matching pursuit algorithm. Implementation is considered theoretically for large-diameter thin-walled pipes. The approach is validated on experimental data of simulated acoustic emission events in a thin-walled pipe. The experimental data correspond to helical guided ultrasonic waves generated by standard pencil lead breaks (Hsu-Nielsen sources) on its outer surface. The acoustic emission signals are recorded by sparsely distributed low-profile piezoelectric transducers instrumented on the outer surface. Experimental examples are presented for the failure of the triangulation method when multiple sources are present while highlighting the capabilities of the proposed technique. It is demonstrated that the approach possesses the ability of localizing multiple events occurring closely in time. An example is also presented for the localization of a more commonly encountered isolated acoustic emission event.
Informed Consent in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Alahmad Ghiath
Published: May 2018

Objective:

Obtaining informed consent in pediatric cancer research can be subject to important ethical challenges because of the difficulty in distinguishing between care and research, which are interrelated. Pediatric oncologists also often conduct research, such as clinical trials, on their own patients, which may influence voluntary informed consent. This review aims to determine the ethical issues encountered in obtaining informed consent in pediatric oncology by identifying and summarizing the findings of existing qualitative studies on this topic.

Methods:

A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and PubMed were searched using the following terms: (oncolog* or cancer or hematol* or haematol* or leuk* or malign* or neoplasm*) and (child* or adolescent* or minor* or young people or pediatr* or paediatr*) and ethic* or moral*) and (qualitative or interview). Other sources were also mined to identify all relevant studies. The data analysis method used was thematic analysis.

Results:

At the end of the search process, 2361 studies were identified. Duplicates were removed and irrelevant studies were excluded. After screening the full text of the remaining studies against our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. All studies were qualitative studies using semistructured and structured interviews, qualitative analysis of open-ended questions, and observation of informed consent conferences. Four themes were identified: parental comprehension of the trial and medical terms, influence of parental distress on decision-making, no offer of an alternative treatment, and influence of the doctor–parent relationship.

Conclusion:

Many ethical challenges affect the informed consent process. These challenges may include a lack of parental understanding, the potential influence of treating doctors, and vulnerability because of psychological status. All of these result in parents being unable to give well-informed and voluntary consent. Researchers are encouraged to adopt a stepwise approach during the informed consent process.
Dendritic Spine Elimination: Molecular Mechanisms and Implications
Authors: Stein Ivar S. , Zito Karen
Published: May 2018

Dynamic modification of synaptic connectivity in response to sensory experience is a vital step in the refinement of brain circuits as they are established during development and modified during learning. In addition to the well-established role for new spine growth and stabilization in the experience-dependent plasticity of neural circuits, dendritic spine elimination has been linked to improvements in learning, and dysregulation of spine elimination has been associated with intellectual disability and behavioral impairment. Proper brain function requires a tightly regulated balance between spine formation and spine elimination. Although most studies have focused on the mechanisms of spine formation, considerable progress has been made recently in delineating the neural activity patterns and downstream molecular mechanisms that drive dendritic spine elimination. Here, we review the current state of knowledge concerning the signaling pathways that drive dendritic spine shrinkage and elimination in the cerebral cortex and we discuss their implication in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disease.
Brief Report: Increase in Melanoma Incidence in Ontario
Authors: Langley Annie , Levesque Linda , Baetz Tara , Asai Yuka
Published: May 2018

Background:

Melanoma is a serious, potentially lethal disease. It is one of very few common cancers whose incidence is rising in North America.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to examine trends in melanoma incidence in Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, over the past 20 years.

Methods:

Using data from the Ontario Cancer Registry (OCR), this retrospective cohort examined all incident cases of melanoma in Ontario from 1990 to 2012. Generalized linear modeling was used to evaluate changes in melanoma incidence over time, adjusting for age and sex using direct standardization with the 1991 Canadian census population. Tests for trend for changes in the distribution of cases by age, sex, socioeconomic status, and rurality status were also calculated.

Results:

Our results show a statistically significant increasing incidence of melanoma in Ontario from 9.3 cases per 100 000 in 1990 to 18.0 cases per 100 000 in 2012 ( P for trend <.001, adjusted for age and sex). Incidence rates show stabilization from 2010 to 2012.

Conclusion:

Our study reveals a marked increase in melanoma incidence in Ontario, more than doubling over the past 20 years but with a stabilization more recently. Adequate availability of dermatology services may be important to ensure satisfactory care for the increased caseload and to ensure that cases may detected at an early stage with a good prognosis.
Analysis and action: The political will and public will approach
Authors: Raile Amber NW , Raile Eric D , Post Lori A
Published: May 2018

Addressing complex social problems requires the implementation of public policies in support of positive social change efforts. Both political will and public will are crucial elements of such efforts. This article details an approach for analysis and action consistent with other action research approaches that facilitators can use in analyzing and subsequently helping to build political will and public will to address social problems. This article outlines a basic toolkit for action researchers working in the public policy arena. Four basic and iterative tasks, based on formal conceptual definitions of political will and public will, make up this approach for analysis and action. These tasks are stakeholder identification, assessment of stakeholder views of problems and solutions, alignment of problem and solution understandings, and the building of firm commitments and mutual accountability. Action researchers working to bring about positive social change through public policy can use this approach to structure their efforts.
Feasibility of Cryopreserved Conduits for Complex Vascular Reconstruction in the Pediatric Population: The Case of a 3-Year-Old With Femoral Vessels Transections
Authors: Bonasso Patrick C. , d’Audiffret Alexandre , Vaughan Richard , Pillai Lakshmikumar
Published: May 2018

This report presents an unusual case of traumatic iliofemoral vessel transection in a 3-year-old patient successfully reconstructed using a cryopreserved greater saphenous conduit. Five years after injury, the patient continues to do well with normal ambulation. An arterial duplex demonstrated graft patency free of aneurysmal dilatation. These encouraging results suggest that the natural history of cryopreserved conduits may differ in the pediatric population and cryopreserved conduits could be used for complex vascular reconstructions.
Bidirectional Transradial and Transfemoral Approach for Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization of Right Subclavian Artery Saccular Aneurysm
Authors: Oh Jin Kyung , Lee Jae-Hwan
Published: May 2018

Subclavian artery aneurysms are rare lesions that usually require treatment for complications. Bidirectional stent-assisted coil embolization is the most effective treatment of complex wide-necked aneurysms. The stents provide a rigid scaffold that allows coil deposition with reduced risk of coil herniation into the parent vessel lumen. Bidirectional transradial and transfemoral approaches contribute to stable procedure. We report a successful bidirectional stent-assisted coil embolization of a saccular aneurysm of the subclavian artery as an alternative to stent graft implantation to diminish the risk of right vertebral artery occlusion.
Reasons to Doubt the Reliability of Eyewitness Memory: Commentary on Wixted, Mickes, and Fisher (2018)
Authors: Wade Kimberley A. , Nash Robert A. , Lindsay D. Stephen
Published: May 2018

Wixted, Mickes, and Fisher (this issue) take issue with the common trope that eyewitness memory is inherently unreliable. They draw on a large body of mock-crime research and a small number of field studies, which indicate that high-confidence eyewitness reports are usually accurate, at least when memory is uncontaminated and suitable interviewing procedures are used. We agree with the thrust of Wixted et al.’s argument and welcome their invitation to confront the mass underselling of eyewitnesses’ potential reliability. Nevertheless, we argue that there is a comparable risk of overselling eyewitnesses’ reliability. Wixted et al.’s reasoning implies that near-pristine conditions or uncontaminated memories are normative, but there are at least two good reasons to doubt this. First, psychological science does not yet offer a good understanding of how often and when eyewitness interviews might deviate from best practice in ways that compromise the accuracy of witnesses’ reports. Second, witnesses may frequently be exposed to preinterview influences that could corrupt reports obtained in best-practice interviews.