bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late-onset biopsy-proven lupus nephritis without other associated autoimmune diseases: severity and long-term outcome
Authors: Ugolini-Lopes M R , Santos L P S , Stagnaro C , Seguro L P C , Mosca M , Bonfá E
Published: November 2018

Background/Purpose

Lupus nephritis (LN) usually develops within the first years of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) onset and rarely after that. There are scarce studies comparing early- versus late-onset nephritis (before versus after five years of SLE diagnosis). The aim of this study was to compare the severity and long-term outcome (after 7 years) in these two, late-onset and early-onset, nephritis groups.

Methods

This study included 93 patients from rheumatology tertiary centers from Brazil and Italy, all of them with biopsy-proven LN with > 7 years follow-up. Patients were divided in two groups: early-onset nephritis ( n = 75) and late-onset nephritis ( n = 18). Clinical and laboratorial data were obtained using a standardized electronic chart database protocol carried out at 1–6 months interval and established in 2000. Patients >50 years or with concomitant autoimmune diseases were excluded. Variables evaluated at the LN presentation were Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), creatinine, albumin, anti-DNA positivity and nephritis class. Variables evaluated at the long-term outcome (after 7 years) were Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI), creatinine, dialysis and mortality.

Results

The average time of LN presentation was 10.94 ± 3.73 years for the late-onset and 1.20 ± 1.60 years for the early-onset group. Their similar nephritis duration (12.44 ± 3.2 versus 13.28 ± 4.03 years, p = 0.41) and comparable mean ages (49.17 ± 9.9 versus 44.11 ± 10.8 years old, p = 0.06) allow a more accurate comparison. Regarding severity, late-onset was similar to early-onset group: SLEDAI (8 (range: 6–22) versus 12 (range: 2–24), p = 0.47), creatinine (1.36 ± 0.94 versus 1.36 ± 1.13 mg/dl, p = 0.99); albumin (2.84 ± 0.65 versus 2.59 ± 0.84 mg/dl, p = 0.30); proteinuria (3.77 ± 2.18 versus 5.01 ± 4.51 g/vol, p = 0.26); proliferative nephritis (44% ( n = 8) versus 60% ( n = 45), p = 0.23). There was also no difference in the long-term outcomes between groups: SDI (1 (range: 0–5) versus 0.5 (range: 0–5), p = 0.27); creatinine (2.04 ± 2.38 versus 1.69 ± 2.26 mg/dl, p = 0.56); dialysis (22% ( n = 4) versus 13% ( n = 10), p = 0.46) and mortality (0% ( n = 0) versus 12% ( n = 9), p = 0.19).

Conclusion

This study provides novel evidence of comparable long-term outcomes between late-onset and early-onset nephritis, which is most likely explained by the observation that at presentation, the clinical, laboratorial and histological features of late-onset and early-onset nephritis are similar. This suggests that there should be no distinct treatment targets and therapeutic interventions for the late- and early-onset groups.
Insights From Crossing Research Silos on Visual and Auditory Attention
Authors: Godwin Karrie E. , Erickson Lucy C. , Newman Rochelle S.
Published: November 2018

Many learning tasks that children encounter necessitate the ability to direct and sustain attention to key aspects of the environment while simultaneously tuning out irrelevant features. This is challenging for at least two reasons: (a) The ability to regulate and sustain attention follows a protracted developmental time course, and (b) children spend much of their time in environments not optimized for learning—homes and schools are often chaotic, cluttered, and noisy. Research on these issues is often siloed; that is, researchers tend to examine the relationship among attention, distraction, and learning in only the auditory or the visual domain, but not both together. We provide examples in which auditory and visual aspects of learning each have strong implications for the other. Research examining how visual information and auditory information are distracting can benefit from cross-fertilization. Integrating across research silos informs our understanding of attention and learning, yielding more efficacious guidance for caregivers, educators, developers, and policymakers.
The immediate futures of health law after Brexit: Law, ‘a-legality’ and uncertainty
Authors: Hervey Tamara , Speakman Elizabeth M
Published: November 2018

The European Union (EU) is a rules-based international organisation with an exceptionally dense legal system. Likewise, the ways in which EU law has effects in domestic law are determined by (constitutional) law. The legal rights and obligations entailed for state and ‘third sector’ entities, companies and human beings of some 45 years of membership have had significant effects on domestic health law across the United Kingdom, even though health per se is a national competence. That said, the EU’s relationships with national legal orders are also determined by the politically possible. We therefore sketch the key legal questions for UK health law, and health law in each of the ‘devolveds’, in two possible immediate post-Brexit futures. By immediate future, we mean after 29 March 2019, the date on which the Article 50 TEU notification period ends. It will not be possible to answer these legal questions until the politics have crystallised into legal texts, which is not the case at the time we write. We go on to argue that the ways in which UK health law, policy and practice are currently determined by the UK’s membership of the EU, coupled with the short time frame within which the future EU-UK relationship must be determined, mean that law may be expected to be less of a determinant in immediate post-Brexit futures than it is at present. Our principal conclusion is that the uncertainties that surround the process of Brexit mean that at a level of specific policy and practice, such as in areas of health law, we might expect a period of ‘a-legality’, where the legal position of actors does not necessarily determine or explain their actions.
Future of Public Health Training: What Are the Challenges? What Might the Solutions Look Like?
Authors: Baker Philip R. A. , Dingle Kaeleen , Dunne Michael P.
Published: November 2018

The Asia-Pacific region has rapidly changing health needs. This reshaping of health priorities is directly affecting current and future public health education. This brief review focuses on foundational public health skills including epidemiology, biostatistics, and health informatics. Epidemiological skills, in particular, are essential for policymakers and practitioners to identify the emergence of problems and to inform priority setting of public health efforts. Training needs to move beyond didactic, passive learning methods in class settings to approaches that engage and challenge students and academics in active, flexible learning and realistic problem-solving. We provide an overview of future trends in public health training in the Asia-Pacific region and illustrate the diversity of online training resources globally that can enrich staff and student skills and complement our active, class-based teaching.
It Takes a Village to Raise an Early Childhood Music Teacher
Authors: Koops Lisa Huisman
Published: November 2018

In this column, I consider the important supporting players for an early childhood music educator: classroom teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and caregivers, and children. I argue that it is vital for early childhood music educators to view these individuals as part of their “village” and reach out to make connections with other early childhood music educators as well.
Analysis and optimization of coupled vibration between substructures of a multi-axle vehicle
Authors: Lin Jiewei , Lin Zefeng , Ma Liang , Xu Tianshu , Chen Daliang , Zhang Junhong
Published: November 2018

The vibration from transport vehicles may negatively affect the ride comfort in the cab and the product safety in the carriage. A 15 degrees of freedom vehicle model consisted of a cab, a carriage, a chassis, and mounts and suspensions between them are introduced to present the vibration behavior of a three-axle vehicle. Two indices, the coupling factor and the vibration attenuation factor, are employed to quantify the correlation between structures and the vibration isolation capability of subsystems. A sensitivity analysis is carried out with a 43-factor optimal Latin hypercube design, concerning the effect of mass properties, geometries, stiffness, and damping on the vibration coupling effect and the vibration attenuation of subsystems. Results show obvious trade-offs between the vibration coupling effect and the vibration attenuation among different subsystems. Based on the significant factor identified, multi-objective optimizations are conducted to improve the vibration performance of both the cab and the carriage and simultaneously reduce the correlations between structures using different algorithms. Comparison between different optimal results indicates that a compromise can be achieved between the ride comfort and the cargo safety based on a lightweight constraint.
Big Beautiful Heart
Authors: Lahman Maria K. E.
Published: November 2018

The author considers the nature of death and life through a concrete poem created from emails.
Parental ADHD Symptoms and Inhibitory Control in Relation to Parenting Among Mothers of Children With and Without ADHD
Authors: Zaidman-Zait Anat , Shilo Iris
Published: November 2018

Objective: The study examined how the interplay between maternal ADHD symptoms and maternal inhibitory control and child ADHD is related to parenting behaviors. Method: The sample included 141 mothers and their 8- to 12-year-old children, 61 children with ADHD and 80 without. Parenting was measured using self-reports (i.e., overreactive and lax parenting) and observation (i.e., negative and supportive parenting). Maternal inhibitory control was measured using a neurocognitive task. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to predict parenting, controlling for child sex, conduct behaviors, and parenting distress. Results: Interactions between maternal ADHD symptoms and maternal inhibitory control suggested that hyperactive–impulsive symptoms were linked to parenting negativity only when inhibitory control was low, and maternal inattention symptoms were related to lax parenting only when maternal inhibitory control was high or when children did not have ADHD. Conclusion: Results indicate the importance of maternal regulation processes in the mechanisms linking maternal ADHD with parenting.
Using Metacognitive Methods to Examine Emotion Recognition in Children With ADHD
Authors: Basile Alexandra , Toplak Maggie E. , Andrade Brendan F.
Published: November 2018

Objective: This study investigated confidence accuracy associations for emotion recognition (ER) in children with ADHD and typically developing children (TD). Method: Thirty-nine children with ADHD and 42 TD ( M = 9 years, 11 months, SD = 14.92 months, 26 females) completed an ER task. Intelligence and executive function task performance were also measured. Results: The ADHD group was more confident on ER compared with TD, but no group differences were found on their overall accuracy. Specifically, the ADHD group was more confident in its recognition of sad and angry faces compared with the TD group. On a metacognitive index, the ADHD group displayed lower resolution, suggesting that the TD group was better at discriminating correct from incorrect responses. Higher resolution was associated with lower ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: Confidence ratings with reference to performance on a specific task can provide an index of social-cognition in children with ADHD.
Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with active workers’ compensation claims do not demonstrate inferior outcomes at mid-term
Authors: Perets Itay , Prat Dan , Close Mary R. , Chaharbakhshi Edwin O , Rabe Stephanie M , Battaglia Muriel R , Domb Benjamin G
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Workers’ compensation (WC) claims have been associated with poor short-term outcomes after hip arthroscopy. We aim to report mid-term outcomes and return to work (RTW) among patients with WC claims.

Methods:

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy between September 2008 and July 2011. Inclusion criteria were an active WC claim at time of surgery with preoperatively-documented patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Exclusion criteria were a previous hip condition and preoperative Tönnis grade >1. Patient-reported WC cases were pair-matched to non-WC cases based on body mass index (BMI) ± 5, age ± 5 years, gender, preoperative LCEA, labral treatment, and capsular treatment.

Results:

52 patients had minimum 5-year outcomes. Mean age was 40.6 (±10.6) years and a mean BMI of 27.5 (±5.3). 9 (16.7%) hips underwent secondary arthroscopies. 5 hips (9.3%) were converted to THA. There were 5 (9.3%) reports of numbness, all of which resolved spontaneously. Work status details were available for 49 patients and 47 patients (95.9%) returned to work. 42 WC hips were matched to 42 control hips. At ⩾5-year follow-up, patient-reported outcomes, visual analogue scale (VAS) and satisfaction were not different between the groups. All magnitudes in improvement were significantly higher in the WC group ( p = < 0.001) except for VAS. No significant differences were found in rates of secondary arthroscopies, conversions to THA, or complications between the groups.

Conclusions:

WC patients have equal favourable mid-term outcomes as non-WC patients after hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and labral pathology.
Thermotherapy: Improving the vascular access cannulation procedure
Authors: Tapia González Irati , Esteve Simó Vicent , Moreno Guzman Fátima , Fulquet Nicolás Miquel , Duarte Gallego Verónica , Saurina Solé Anna , Pou Potau Mónica , Ramírez de Arellano Serna Manel
Published: November 2018

Introduction and objectives:

Vascular access is essential to perform an adequate hemodialysis. Needle cannulation in vascular access is usually painful. There is little scientific evidence on the analgesic effect of thermotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of thermotherapy on vascular access cannulation.

Methods:

We performed a 2-week single center prospective study. Demographic data and vascular access location were collected. The main outcome was pain perceived in vascular access cannulation measured by the visual analog scale. We performed two phases of study: phase I was performed with usual cannulation procedure, and in phase II, we applied local thermotherapy for 15 min (hot packs: 60 s, 600 W). Also, main hemodynamic data, local, and vascular access–related complications were recorded.

Results:

A total of 34 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 67.3 ± 16.4 years and 49.1 ± 66.3 months on hemodialysis. Main cardiovascular risk factors are hypertension (81.8%) and diabetes mellitus (39.4%). Most common vascular access is left radiocephalic fistula (45.5%). Mean weekly/patient cannulation is 6.03 ± 0.2. Mean visual analog scale is 3.8 ± 2.4. At the end of the study, thermotherapy on the vascular access revealed a significant decrease in visual analog scale (3.9 ± 2.4 vs 2.6 ± 2.0, p = 0.002), without hemodynamic changes pre- and post-intervention, nor changes in analgesic or antihypertensive treatment. One patient had a mild surface erythema. No further complications related to vascular access were observed.

Conclusion:

(1) Thermotherapy on the vascular access reduced the pain caused by needle cannulation in our patients, without complications related to vascular access. (2) We will consider its clinical application in those painful vascular access cannulations at our hemodialysis unit. (3) Further studies are required to assess other potential beneficial effects added to thermotherapy in vascular access cannulation procedure.
Judgmental adjustments in tourism forecasting practice: How good are they?
Authors: Lin Vera Shanshan
Published: November 2018

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of different judgmental forecasting tasks, compare the judgmental forecasting behaviour of tourism researchers and practitioners and explore the validity of experts’ judgmental behaviour by using the Hong Kong visitor arrivals forecasts over the period 2011Q2−2015Q4. Delphi-based judgmental forecasting procedure was employed through the Hong Kong Tourism Demand Forecasting System, an online forecasting support system, to collect and combine experts’ adjusted forecasts. This study evaluates forecasting performance and explores the characteristics of judgmental adjustment behaviour through the use of a group of error measures and statistical tests. The findings suggest a positive correlation between forecast accuracy and the level of data variability, and that experts’ adjustments are more beneficial in terms of achieving higher accuracy for series with higher variability. Industry practitioners’ forecasts outperformed academic researchers, particularly in making short-term forecasts. However, no significant difference was found between the two panels in making directionally correct forecasts. Experts’ judgmental intervention was found most useful for those series most in need of adjustment. The size of adjustment was found to have a strong and significantly positive association with the direction of forecast adjustment, but no statistically significant evidence was found regarding the relationship between accuracy improvement and adjustment size.
Does electronic monitoring as a means of release preparation reduce subsequent recidivism? A randomized controlled trial in Germany
Authors: Meuer Katharina , Woessner Gunda
Published: November 2018

This study analyses the recidivism-reducing effect of electronic monitoring (EM) in the context of early work release and home detention as a means of release preparation. We tested the hypothesis that EM reduces recidivism after the termination of EM. The results are based on a randomized controlled trial in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, where a pilot project between 2010 and 2012 enabled different forms of EM. The participating prisoners were randomly assigned either to the experimental group under EM or to the control group, whose participants had to continue their regular sentence behind prison walls. Qualitative data and data of a matched-pair sample complement the analyses. There was no statistical significant difference between the recidivism rates of the EM and control group subjects.
A Salient Belief Elicitation Examining Adolescents’ Meditation Beliefs Using the Reasoned Action Approach
Authors: Erbe Ryan G. , Middlestadt Susan E. , Lohrmann David K. , Beckmeyer Jonathon J.
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study was to identify adolescents’ consequence, referent, and circumstance beliefs about trying to meditate at least twice in the next week in order to inform subsequent meditation intervention design. A survey based on reasoned action approach (RAA) constructs was developed and pilot-tested. Thereafter, adolescents ( N = 129), recruited from a northeastern U.S. high school, responded to open-ended survey questions eliciting beliefs underlying intention to try meditating. Thematic analysis was executed to examine beliefs and frequencies of beliefs. Five types of salient meditation beliefs were identified: advantages (e.g., reduces stress, increases relaxation, improves focus), disadvantages (e.g., slows everything down), supporters and disapprovers (e.g., family and friends), and facilitating circumstances (e.g., more time, fewer distractions). Adolescents recognize meditation as having health benefits but as also taking time. They further viewed meditation as socially acceptable but need sufficient time and a conducive environment to try it. To be effective, interventions designed to promote adolescents’ self-regulation through meditation should address identified salient beliefs.
Talent Management and Employee Retention: An Integrative Research Framework
Authors: Narayanan Anoopa , Rajithakumar S. , Menon Manoj
Published: November 2018

The differential value created by talented employees and their contribution to organizations in the hypercompetitive and complex global economy has made talent management a strategic priority for organizations. Talent management has been advocated as an important strategy to retain talented employees, but academic studies exploring their relationship are limited. Building on the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory and Social Exchange Theory (SET), the present article studies the relationship between talent management and employee retention. In addition, a conceptual model explaining the role of talent perception congruence and organizational justice in the relationship between talent management and employee retention is developed by incorporating the Perceived Organizational Justice Theory and Congruence Theory in talent management context. This article may assist in setting the direction for future research in the area of talent management and help managers understand the significant roles of talent perception congruence and organizational justice in determining the talent management outcomes.
Engineering of Glasses for Advanced Optical Fiber Applications
Authors: Carlie Nathan , Petit Laeticia , Richardson Kathleen
Published: November 2018

Advanced optical applications (such as fiber optics) demand the engineering of innovative materials which provide the requisite optical performance in a form with specific functionality necessary for the desired application. We will report on recent efforts to engineer new non-oxide glasses with tailored photo-sensitive response, and multi-component oxide glasses optimized for use in next generation Raman amplification applications. The ultimate performance of such glasses relies on control of the formation and stability of defective and/or metastable structural configurations and their impact on physical as well as linear and nonlinear optical properties. Direct laser writing has drawn considerable attention since the development of femtosecond lasers and the recognition that such systems possess the requisite intensity to modify, reversibly or irreversibly the physical properties of optical materials. Such “structuring” has emerged as one of several possible routes for the fabrication of waveguides and other photo-induced structures.
Effect of Lycra Extension Percent on Single Jersey Knitted Fabric Properties
Authors: Sadek R. , El-Hossini A. M. , Eldeeb A. S. , Yassen A.A.
Published: November 2018

This research studies the effect of extension increase percent of bare Lycra yarns during loop formation on the geometrical, physical and mechanical properties of plain jersey fabrics. Samples with 100% cotton yarns, Lycra yarns in alternating courses (half plating) and Lycra yarns in every course (full plating) were produced on a circular knitting machine. The two latter cases were produced at five different levels of Lycra extension. Thermal setting was carried out without any traverse tension during finishing, thus evaluating the full effect of Lycra extension. Results show a sharp increase in the courses density rather than the wales density. Fabric thickness and weight per unit area also increased, and air permeability in the case of the half and full plating fabrics decreased considerably. The breaking load and extension also increased, while the initial elasticity modulus decreased with an increase in abrasion resistance in the case of full plating. A comparison between half and full plating methods contributes to improving fabric quality by determining optimal Lycra percentage.
Effects of Electrospinning Setup and Process Parameters on Nanofiber Morphology Intended for the Modification of Quartz Crystal Microbalance Surfaces
Authors: Rodoplu Didem , Mutlu Mehmet
Published: November 2018

To improve the performance of mass sensitive biosensors, the surface of a piezoelectric quartz crystal transducer, is expanded by employing electrospun nanofibers to its surface. This work describes the effect of vertical - horizontal electrospinning setups and electrospinning parameters on fiber morphology. The research objective was to obtain finer and non-beaded fiber morphologies, via controllable and repeatable process parameters, for further applications of QCM surfaces in high performance DNA-, Aptamer-, Immunosensor applications.
Analysis of Fabrics Structure on the Character of Wicking
Authors: Ramesh Babu V. , Ramakrishnan G. , Subramanian V. S. , Kantha Lakshmi
Published: November 2018

In this article, the effect of weave pattern on fabric wicking was analyzed. Weaves are distributed into two groups, i.e. weaves, the floats of which are distributed in even intervals throughout the entire surface of fabric, and horizontally striped weaves. The wickability properties of all tested fabrics are determined using a newly developed electronic vertical wicking tester. It was determined that the results of wicking horizontally striped fabrics were higher than those of weaves with evenly distributed floats. Washburn's equation obeyed quite well when the time constant is near 0.5. In fact, the time constant for plain and fancy twill weave were exponentially lower than those of other fabrics. This can be considered a measure of fabric rigidity.
Bending and Position Hysteresis of Magnetic Microfibers in Nonuniform Magnetic Fields
Authors: Groff Richard E. , Li Meng , Karve Harshwardhan , Tokarev Alexander , Kornev Kostantin G.
Published: November 2018

Magnetic microfibers are fibers that behave as a flexible paramagnetic body, for example, polymer fibers filled with superparamagnetic particles. A cantilevered magnetic microfiber will bend in response to an applied magnetic field. In a nonuniform field, generated for example by a single electromagnet or by a magnetic dipole, a magnetic microfiber displays position hysteresis as the field strength increases and decreases. This paper presents a model for determining stable shapes of a cantilevered magnetic microfiber in a nonuniform magnetic field. The model determines stable shapes by finding local minima of the potential energy using a Rayleigh-Ritz method. The model predicts the position hysteresis behavior observed in magnetic microfibers. Experimental data ware collected using two electromagnets with different geometries. The model simulation and experimental data compare well both qualitatively and quantitatively. The model will be useful for designing actuators based on magnetic microfibers and for characterizing the magnetic properties of fabricated fibers. A rigid bar model is also introduced, which captures the qualitative behavior of the fiber and illustrates the source of the position hysteresis behavior.
Study on Fiber Overlap and Fiber Extent in Blended Spun Yarns
Authors: Das Biswa Ranjan , Ishtiaque S. M. , Rengasamy R. S.
Published: November 2018

This article reports on the analysis of the fiber overlap and fiber extent in ring, rotor, and air-jet spun polyester/viscose blended yarns. The fiber overlap and fiber extent was measured by employing the tracer fiber technique. Statistical analysis was carried out at the 95% significance level with the single tail test to trace out specific trends executed by the spun yarns with any change in their blend proportions. The fiber overlap index and spinning-in-coefficient is correlated with tensile characteristics (static and dynamic) of the spun yarns to explore the most influential structural parameter among them for different applications. This presents study indicates that the prediction of spun yarn performance in post spinning processes is more appropriately modeled based on fiber overlap index over spinning-in-coefficient for ring and air-jet spun yarns, whereas spinning-in-coefficient is more appropriate for rotor spun yarns. For apparel use, spinning-in-coefficient is more appropriate over fiber overlap index for rotor and air-jet yarns to model the spun yarn strength as opposed to fiber overlap index for ring spun yarns.
Loop Length of Plain Single Weft Knitted Structure with Elastane
Authors: Pavko-Cuden Alenka , Hladnik Ales , Sluga Franci
Published: November 2018

For decades, scientists have been trying to define relationships among yarn parameters, knitted fabric parameters, and knitting parameters with loop models. Recently, the geometrical loop models have returned to focus as they assist finding the effective parameters which cause dimensional changes during relaxation. Furthermore, they help designing knitted structures for technical applications and obtaining computer simulations of knitted structures. In the past, geometrical loop models considered more or less porous structures and the yarns used were mostly conventional, without elastane. The behavior and characteristics of compact knitted fabrics made from elasticized yarns have been investigated only recently. In general, mostly the structures with plated elastane threads have been analyzed. The aim of the research was to study the geometrical parameters (yarn thickness, loop width, loop height, fabric thickness, loop length) of plain single weft knitted structures made from various elasticized yarns, in comparison to equivalent structures made from conventional yarns. In the study, the most frequently applied loop models for the loop length calculations were evaluated with the emphasis on their adequacy for elasticized knitted structures. A new loop model for an elasticized weft knitted structure based on the multiple linear regressions was defined.
A Novel Method for Measurement of Porosity in Nanofiber Mat using Pycnometer in Filtration
Authors: Sreedhara Sudhakara Sarma , Tata Narasinga Rao
Published: November 2018

Electrospun Polymer nanofibers have a wide range of applications including automotive air filters. Large surface area, small pores, flexible and adequate porosity are widely recognized as important parameters for improving the performance of the filter media and therefore measuring the porosity of the medium is extremely important. Porosity measurement techniques such as density based method, mercury porosimetry, capillary flow porometry, image analysis are relatively inaccurate and they have some disadvantages for measuring the porosity of the nano fibers. In the present study porosity measurement for nanofiber mat using pycnometer was explored. Pycnometer is generally used to measure the density of the solids of having volumes upto 150 cc. Volume of the nanofiber was measured by pycnometer and porosity is determined as fraction of the void in total volume of the fiber. Total volume is calculated from FESEM image thickness. Various advantages of pycnometry method when compared to other techniques were discussed based on the results of porosity measurements of nanofiber mats.
Apparel Performance of Flame Retardant Silk Fabrics
Authors: Guan Jinping , Lu Hong , Chen Yan
Published: November 2018

Many countries enacted flame retardant legislation for apparel such as evening dress, and pajamas. But durable and formaldehyde free flame retardant finishing for silk is necessary and challenging. In this paper, three kinds of silk fabrics with different weaving styles for apparel uses were treated with a vinyl phosphorus monomer dimethyl-2-(methacryloyloxyethyl) phosphate (DMMEP) by a graft copolymerization technique using potassium persulfate as an initiator. The treated silk fabrics can be self-extinguished after being ignited with a candle like fire, can pass the vertical flammability test, and. show some decrease in permeability. Fabric bending, shear, compression, and drape were tested so that possible problems in garment manufacturing could be predicted, because these properties not only affect the appearance of silk products but also influence the garment making process. The sewing properties of the treated silk fabrics are also discussed.
Structure and Properties of Cotton Fibers Modified with Titanium Sulfate and Urea under Hydrothermal Conditions
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhu Linlin , Sun Runjun
Published: November 2018

Cotton fibers were treated with titanium sulfate, urea and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide by low temperature hydrothermal method. The surface morphology, chemical structure, thermal stability and optical properties of cotton fibers before and after treatments were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal gravimetric (TG) and diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS). The properties of tensile, friction and self–cleaning capability to discolor strawberry juice stain were also measured. The results showed that titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in anatase phase with an average particle size of 50 nm were grafted on the surfaces of cotton fibers. The crystallites of TiO2 were less than 10 nm in size. In comparison with the original cotton fibers, the thermal properties of TiO2 coated cotton fibers had almost no change. The protection against ultraviolet radiation was obtained. However, the tensile properties decreased to some extent. The coefficients of static and kinetic friction increased because of the introduction of TiO2 nanoparticles. The strawberry juice stained on cotton fibers could be discolored exposure to UV radiation.
Mechanical and FR Properties of Different Ratios of Cotton/Polysulfonamide (PSA) Core Spun and Blended Yarns
Authors: Ndlovu Lloyd N. , Han Cunchao , Yu Chongwen
Published: November 2018

The textile and its allied industries have had its research focus on ways of alleviating the risks and losses posed by uncontrolled fires. Textiles have been chemically modified to impart flame/fire retardancy (FR) properties and also studies have been done on inherently FR fibers. This research focuses on Polysulfonamide (PSA) fiber, an inherently FR fiber developed by Shanghai Textile Research Institute and Shanghai Synthetic Fiber Research Institute. The purpose of this research is to study ways of incorporating PSA into yarns that will utilize the benefits of the PSA fiber while compensating for its limitations. The 100% PSA yarn and five different percentage variations of PSA/cotton blended yarns were produced by ring spinning. The blending methods were intimate blending and core spinning, with cotton yarns being used as core and PSA fibers as sheath. The tensile, evenness, hairiness and FR properties of these yarns together with the blending methods were studied and compared. The results showed that the blended yarn yielded better tensile and hairiness properties whereas the core spun yarn had better evenness and flame retardancy properties.
Preparation and Oil Filtration Properties of Electrospun Nanofiber Composite Material
Authors: Feng Jian Yong , Zhang Jian Chun , Yang Daxiang
Published: November 2018

In this paper, PVA electrospun nanofiber was prepared on the surface of three different automobile engine oil filtration materials including polyester nonwoven, glass fiber nonwoven, and cotton pulp filtration paper. It was found that the substrate of cotton pulp filtration paper and the nanofiber layer had better adhesive effect. Then we A comparison of fiber diameter, pore diameter, filtration accuracy and pressure drop between the cotton pulp paper and nanofiber composite filtration material was then made. The results show that the nanofiber composite material had smaller pore diameter and filtration accuracy, higher pressure drop, and better oil filtration property. Additionally, the difference of pressure drop between the substrate and nanofiber composite material increased with increasing flow rate of experimental oil. The goal of this paper was use the electrospun nanofiber in the automobile engine oil filtration.
An optimized harmonic probe with tailored resonant mode for multifrequency atomic force microscopy
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Shi Tielin , Xia Qi
Published: November 2018

For simultaneously measuring specimen’s surface morphology and material properties, multifrequency atomic force microscopy is often employed. In this kind of atomic force microscopy, if the probe’s higher-order resonance frequencies match the integer multiples of its fundamental frequency, the probe’s responses at such harmonic frequencies will be enhanced. Meanwhile, an enlarged effective slope during vibration at the probe’s tip results in an improved probe sensitivity. Moreover, increasing the probe’s natural frequency leads to a fast scanning speed. In this study, we propose to design cantilever probes that satisfy the aforementioned requirements via a structural optimization technique. A cantilever probe is represented by a three-layer symmetrical geometric model, and its width profile is continuously varied through the optimization procedure. Thereafter, an optimized design of probe considering the fifth harmonic is prepared by focused ion beam milling. Both simulation and experiment results show that the prepared probe agrees well with design requirements.
Muscular bases and mechanisms of variable resistance training efficacy
Authors: Wallace Brian J , Bergstrom Haley C , Butterfield Timothy A
Published: November 2018

The use of chain or elastic band-resisted variable resistance has become popular in the training of athletes. A number of studies have investigated the utilization of variable resistance vs. traditional resistance training on both acute and chronic performance measures. However, the mechanisms of the observed outcome measures are not fully understood. This review aims to propose a four-part theory regarding the bases by which chain and elastic band-based variable resistance have been shown to be effective. Additionally, it compares methodologies in studies utilizing variable resistance and provides practitioners with recommendations on the use of variable resistance based on the current literature.
Optimal first trimester HbA1c threshold to identify Singaporean women at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A pilot study
Authors: Poo Zi X , Wright Ann , Ruochen Du , Singh Ravinder
Published: November 2018

This pilot study examined the use of early HbA1c in screening for gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Singapore. One hundred and fifty-one pregnant women with a gestational age of under 14 weeks had an HbA1c test measured with their antenatal bloods prior to a second trimester oral glucose tolerance test. Patient characteristics and pregnancy outcome data were collected. Gestational diabetes mellitus prevalence was 11%. A receiver operating characteristic curve showed an HbA1c level of 5.2% (33 mmol/mol), had an 82% sensitivity, 72% specificity, 97% negative predictive value and 27% positive predictive value to predict gestational diabetes mellitus. Women with HbA1c of 5.2% (33 mmol/mol) or over 5.2% (33 mmol/mol) were older, had higher BMI and were less likely to be Chinese than those with HbA1c less than 5.2% (33 mmol/mol). There was no difference in pregnancy outcomes. Early HbA1c less than 5.2% (33 mmol/mol) may be useful to exclude low-risk Singaporean women from further testing, while those with HbA1c of 5.2% (33 mmol/mol) or greater would still need a oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 28 weeks’ gestation.
Maternal monitoring and safety considerations during antiarrhythmic treatment for fetal supraventricular tachycardia
Authors: Malhamé Isabelle , Gandhi Christy , Tarabulsi Gofran , Esposito Matthew , Lombardi Kristin , Chu Antony , Chen Kenneth K
Published: November 2018

Fetal tachycardia is a rare complication during pregnancy. After exclusion of maternal and fetal conditions that can result in a secondary fetal tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia is the most common cause of a primary sustained fetal tachyarrhythmia. In cases of sustained fetal supraventricular tachycardia, maternal administration of digoxin, flecainide, sotalol, and more rarely amiodarone, is considered. As these medications have the potential to cause significant adverse effects, we sought to examine maternal safety during transplacental treatment of fetal supraventricular tachycardia. In this narrative review we summarize the literature addressing pharmacologic properties, monitoring, and adverse reactions associated with medications most commonly prescribed for transplacental therapy of fetal supraventricular tachycardia. We also describe maternal monitoring practices and adverse events currently reported in the literature. In light of our findings, we provide clinicians with a suggested maternal monitoring protocol aimed at optimizing safety.
Health literacy and social change: exploring networks and interests groups shaping the rising global health literacy movement
Authors: Sørensen Kristine , Karuranga Suvi , Denysiuk Eva , McLernon Laryn
Published: November 2018

Limited health literacy is a neglected public health challenge in many countries. To bridge the gap, various interest groups, coalitions and networks have increasingly been formed. This study aimed to scope the formation of health literacy groups, coalitions and networks to map their existence and to discuss whether an actual global health literacy movement is under development. The internet was searched, particularly using Google, LinkedIn and Twitter. The 60 identified entities were categorised and analysed according to their target group, geographical origin, member profile, aim, year of establishment and communication platform. The study revealed a vibrant worldwide health literacy community driving the rise of an emerging global health literacy movement for social change towards empowerment and health equity. Time will show whether health literacy will successfully become mainstream or fade out without impact.
‘The Doctor doesn’t need to see you now’: reduction in general practice appointments following group pain management
Authors: Clare Ajay , MacNeil Sarah , Bunton Tamzin , Jarrett Stephanie
Published: November 2018

Background:

Patients living with chronic, non-malignant, musculoskeletal pain are frequent visitors to general practice (GP) services, placing a large burden on resources. Pain management programmes (PMPs) are recommended for chronic pain patients and aim to teach self-management techniques. While there is evidence for their clinical effectiveness, few studies have explored whether there is a reduction in primary care healthcare use after attending a PMP.

Aim:

This study sought to address this by gathering data on pain-related primary care appointments before and after attending a PMP.

Design and setting:

Medical records of 50 patients attending a group outpatient PMP were obtained to determine whether the number of pain-related GP appointments differed 1 year after attending the programme compared with the year beforehand. Robust data were obtained from GP appointment systems and a retrospective observational design was utilised.

Results:

The results indicated a 43.9% decrease in the number of GP appointments in the year following a PMP, a change that was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

The findings of the study show that there are fewer pain-related appointments in primary care in the year following a group outpatient PMP compared with the preceding year. It is possible that the self-management techniques taught on the programme lead to a reduction in patient’s need to consult their GP as frequently about their pain. However, limitations in the current research mean that the reduction in appointments cannot be definitively attributed to PMP attendance and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Elevated levels of netrin-1 in the serum of patients with diabetic nephropathy: Relationship with renal function and inflammation
Authors: Liu Chenxiao , Li Qi , Feng Xiu , Li Qian
Published: November 2018

Netrin-1, a survival factor, is highly induced and excreted after renal injury in animal experiments. We aimed to research the relationship between serum netrin-1 and parameters of renal tubule function as well as circulating inflammatory cytokines and to evaluate effect factors for netrin-1 in humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing different levels of albuminuria. In total, 81 T2DM patients were included and divided into three groups according to their amount of 24-h urine albumin excretion (UAE) after receiving consent. Plasma netrin-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits and the data were analyzed to assess whether serum netrin-1 correlates significantly with disease progression. The results showed that plasma netrin-1 level in patients with macroalbuminuria was significantly higher than that in those with microalbuminuria and normoalbuminuria. Plasma netrin-1 level was significantly associated with UAE, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), IL-6, and TNF-α independently of age, sex, diabetes duration, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). However, no correlation was found between netrin-1 and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG). Our studies may suggest that serum netrin-1 concentrations are increased with diabetic nephropathy progression, particularly in patients with macroalbuminuria, which are associated with renal insufficiency and compensatory responses after inflammation.
Examining Effort–Reward Imbalance and Depressive Symptoms Among Turkish University Workers
Authors: Keser Aşkın , Li Jian , Siegrist Johannes
Published: November 2018

The body of research pertaining to work-related stress and health among Turkish workers is sparse. It was the aim of this study to test the feasibility of two work stress scales of the Turkish short version of the Effort–Reward Imbalance (ERI-SV) questionnaire among staff and faculty in an academic university setting. We also assessed and examined if work stress was associated with depressive symptoms, using Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression (CES-D) scale. The two ERI-SV scales and the CES-D scale were distributed to 170 study subjects employed at a southern university in Turkey, in which 67% ( n = 114/170) responded. We examined Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the internal consistency of the two main work stress scales of the ERI-SV, and scale structural validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis. Logistic regression was performed to test the hypothesis of associations of work stress with depressive symptoms. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were .75 and .76 for the scales “Effort” and “Reward,” respectively. Two separate factors were extracted according to the theoretical assumption of the ERI model. Associations between ERI and depressive symptoms were significant (odds ratio [OR] = 3.80 for Effort–Reward [E-R] ratio with an increase per SD, and 7.39 for the high work stress group as defined by an E-R ratio > 1.0). This study provides evidence of the feasibility of the short version of the Turkish ERI questionnaire by pointing to a strong association of stressful work with depressive symptoms in this group of academic workers. Further psychometric properties of the ERI questionnaire are required before its wider application in research and practice.