bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Psychological Stress Accelerates Vascular Senescence and Impairs Ischemia‐Induced Neovascularization: The Role of Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4/Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1‐Adiponectin Axis
Authors: Piao Limei , Zhao Guangxian , Zhu Enbo , Inoue Aiko , Shibata Rei , Lei Yanna , Hu Lina , Yu Chenglin , Yang Guang , Wu Hongxian , Xu Wenhu , Okumura Kenji , Ouchi Noriyuki , Murohara Toyoaki , Kuzuya Masafumi , Cheng Xian Wu
Published: September 2017

Background

Exposure to psychosocial stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including vascular aging and regeneration. Given that dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (
DPP
4) regulates several intracellular signaling pathways associated with the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (
GLP
‐1) metabolism, we investigated the role of
DPP
4/
GLP
‐1 axis in vascular senescence and ischemia‐induced neovascularization in mice under chronic stress, with a special focus on adiponectin ‐mediated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐γ/its co‐activator 1α (
PGC
‐1α) activation.

Methods and Results

Seven‐week‐old mice subjected to restraint stress for 4 weeks underwent ischemic surgery and were kept under immobilization stress conditions. Mice that underwent ischemic surgery alone served as controls. We demonstrated that stress impaired the recovery of the ischemic/normal blood‐flow ratio throughout the follow‐up period and capillary formation. On postoperative day 4, stressed mice showed the following: increased levels of plasma and ischemic muscle
DPP
4 and decreased levels of
GLP
‐1 and adiponectin in plasma and phospho‐
AMP
‐activated protein kinase α (p‐
AMPK
α), vascular endothelial growth factor, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐γ,
PGC
‐1α, and Sirt1 proteins and insulin receptor 1 and glucose transporter 4 genes in the ischemic tissues, vessels, and/or adipose tissues and numbers of circulating endothelial
CD
31
+
/c‐Kit
+
progenitor cells. Chronic stress accelerated aortic senescence and impaired aortic endothelial sprouting.
DPP
4 inhibition and
GLP
‐1 receptor activation improved these changes; these benefits were abrogated by adiponectin blocking and genetic depletion.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the
DPP
4/
GLP
‐1‐adiponectin axis is a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of vascular aging and cardiovascular disease under chronic stress conditions.
Shuffle Up and Deal: Use of a Capture–Recapture Method to Estimate the Size of Stolen Data Markets
Authors: Macdonald Mitch , Frank Richard
Published: September 2017

Often overlooked in the measurement of crime is the underlying size of offender populations. This holds true for online property crimes involving the sale, purchase, and use of stolen financial data. Though available data suggests that online frauds are steadily increasing, there are currently no estimates of the scope of this offender population. The current study addresses this issue by using capture–recapture methods to estimate the size of the population participating in stolen data markets over a calendar year. Data analysis involved samples collected from three websites that facilitate financial crimes and frauds. Findings suggest that markets are much larger in size than what can otherwise be observed, are heterogeneous, and that buyers outnumber vendors.
Psychosocial Support Issues Affecting Older Patients: A Cross-sectional Paramedic Perspective
Authors: Ross Linda , Jennings Paul , Williams Brett
Published: September 2017

This research aimed to gain an understanding of the psychosocial support needs of older patients in the out-of-hospital setting from the perspective of paramedics. Specifically, we investigate if and how paramedics are able to meet the needs of older adults, and the barriers preventing them from achieving this. This study was a cross-sectional study utilizing a sequential design with both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. All participants agreed or strongly agreed that older patients have needs beyond the physical and that they would like to do more for older patients. Paramedics discussed that psychosocial support issues are rarely in isolation and straightforward but were often coupled with broader, longer term physical health and social support issues. They would like to be able to do more for patients but feel hamstrung by lack of time, resources, and know-how.
Correctional Officer Risk Perceptions and Professional Orientations: Examining Linkages Between the Two
Authors: Ferdik Frank Valentino
Published: September 2017

Prisons managing treatment programs for incarcerated offenders require correctional officers to share favorable dispositions toward prisoners and rehabilitation if they are to function effectively. How officers judge prisoners, rehabilitative practices, and the broader goals of corrections can influence treatment efficiency, as well as offender conduct. For these reasons, it becomes paramount to investigate the professional orientations of corrections officers and the factors related to them. Using the protection motivation theory as a guiding theoretical framework, the present study collected questionnaire data from South Carolina maximum security correctional officers ( N = 649) to determine whether their risk perceptions of workplace harm shared statistically significant relationships with the counseling roles, concern for corruption of authority, social distance, and punitive orientations. Linear regression estimations found that heightened officer risk perceptions shared significant relationships with each orientation. Findings may be useful for global correctional administrators in need of officers supportive of rehabilitative practices.
Structured Feedback Training for Time-Out: Efficacy and Efficiency in Comparison to a Didactic Method
Authors: Jensen Scott A. , Blumberg Sean , Browning Megan
Published: September 2017

Although time-out has been demonstrated to be effective across multiple settings, little research exists on effective methods for training others to implement time-out. The present set of studies is an exploratory analysis of a structured feedback method for training time-out using repeated role-plays. The three studies examined (a) a between-subjects comparison to more a traditional didactic/video modeling method of time-out training, (b) a within-subjects comparison to traditional didactic/video modeling training for another skill, and (c) the impact of structured feedback training on in-home time-out implementation. Though findings are only preliminary and more research is needed, the structured feedback method appears across studies to be an efficient, effective method that demonstrates good maintenance of skill up to 3 months post training. Findings suggest, though do not confirm, a benefit of the structured feedback method over a more traditional didactic/video training model. Implications and further research on the method are discussed.
Nonprofit Arts Organizations: Debt Ratio Does Not Influence Donations—Interest Expense Ratio Does
Authors: Charles Cleopatra
Published: September 2017

Due to increased competition for scarce resources, scholars and practitioners have been devoting more attention to identifying the factors that drive private contributions to nonprofit organizations in recent years. This study aims to investigate whether capital structure decisions made by nonprofit managers have an impact on future contributions from individual donors. More specifically, it asks whether debt is associated with a reduction in future financial support. This study relies on data derived from the DataArts Cultural Data Profile to answer this question. It utilizes a log-log model where the dependent variable is defined as total private contributions in the current period. Results indicate that an increase in the interest expense to total expense ratio is associated with a decrease in future contributions. A nonprofit’s debt to assets ratio, however, does not have a statistically significant impact on future contributions.
A Note on the Modeling of Rent Seeking
Authors: von Seekamm Kurt
Published: September 2017

Rent seeking has once again become an important topic in economics. However, rent seeking poses challenges that standard economic theory is not well equipped to handle. This paper develops a working definition of rent seeking that can be applied to post-Keynesian growth models. The main finding is that, in a post-Keynesian framework, rent seeking will have an effect on income distribution and average productivity. In addition, increases in rent seeking can have undesirable effects on the distribution of talent.
Adapting the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index© for Use in Long-Term Care: A Mixed-Methods Approach
Authors: Ballard Stephanie A. , Yaffe Mark J. , August Linda , Cetin-Sahin Deniz , Wilchesky Machelle
Published: September 2017

Currently available elder abuse screening and identification tools have limitations for use in long-term care (LTC). This mixed-methods study sought to explore the appropriateness of using the Elder Abuse Suspicion Index© (a suspicion tool originally created for use with older adults in the ambulatory setting with Mini-Mental State Examination scores ≥ 24) with similarly cognitively functioning persons residing in LTC. Results were informed by a literature review, Internet-based consultations with elder abuse experts across Canada ( n = 19), and data obtained from two purposively selected focus groups ( n = 7 local elder abuse experts; n = 7 experienced front-line LTC clinicians). Analyses resulted in the development of a nine-question tool, the EASI-ltc, designed to raise suspicion of EA in cognitively intact older adults residing in LTC (with little or no cognitive impairment). Notable modifications to the original Elder Abuse Suspicion Index© (EASI) included three new questions to further address neglect and psychological abuse, and a context-specific preamble to orient responders.
The Behavioral Health Role in Nursing Facility Social Work
Authors: Myers Dennis R. , Rogers Robin K. , LeCrone Harold H. , Kelley Katherine
Published: September 2017

Types of compromised resident behaviors licensed nursing facility social workers encounter, the behavioral health role they enact, and effective practices they apply have not been the subject of systematic investigation. Analyses of 20 in-depth interviews with Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)/Master of Social Work (MSW) social workers averaging 8.8 years of experience identified frequently occurring resident behaviors: physical and verbal aggression/disruption, passive disruption, socially and sexually inappropriateness. Six functions of the behavioral health role were care management, educating, investigating, preventing, mediating, and advocating. Skills most frequently applied were attention/affirmation/active listening, assessment, behavior management, building relationship, teamwork, and redirection. Narratives revealed role rewards as well as knowledge deficits, organizational barriers, personal maltreatment, and frustrations. Respondents offered perspectives and prescriptions for behavioral health practice in this setting. The findings expand understanding of the behavioral health role and provide an empirical basis for more research in this area. Recommendations, including educational competencies, are offered.
The Who, What, and Where of School Kindness: Exploring Students’ Perspectives
Authors: Binfet John-Tyler , Passmore Holli-Anne
Published: September 2017

The aim of this exploratory study was to examine fourth to eighth graders’ conceptualizations of kindness at school (i.e., their definition of kindness, an example of an act of kindness they have done, who they see as the most salient adult agent of kindness, and which location they deem that kindness happens most). To date, kindness research has focused predominantly on assessing the effects of being kind on student well-being and little is known about how students understand kindness and are kind in school. Across definitions and examples of kindness, the themes of helping others, showing respect, and encouraging others were prevalent. Teachers and principals were identified as the main adult agents of kindness; the classroom and outside/playground were identified as the two main kindness locations. Understanding how students conceptualize kindness within the school context holds implications for educators seeking to foster prosocial behavior among students.
Silver and molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles synthesized in situ in dimethylformamide as dielectric for micro-electro discharge machining
Authors: Mandal Soumen , Vinod Kumar Rajulapati , Nagahanumaiah
Published: September 2017

The research focuses on the applicability of silver (Ag) and molybdenum disulfide (MOS2) nanoparticle synthesized in situ in dimethylformamide solution as dielectric material for micro-electro discharge machining. Ag nanoparticles (~120 nm size) and MOS2 nanoparticles (~20 nm size) were synthesized in dimethylformamide solution using a combination of nanoparticle solution synthesis routes. A setup for micro-electro discharge machining was developed in-house with an arrangement to generate spark at varying voltages. The setup was integrated with a precise linear height gauge to measure the spark gap during the experiments where Ag and MOS2 nanoparticles in dimethylformamide solution served as dielectric. The debris was collected and was characterized for each of the experiments. The feature size of the crater generated during the micro-electro discharge machining was also studied. The experiments were repeated with silver and MOS2 nanoparticle powder mixed with dimethylformamide as dielectric. It was observed that in situ prepared nanoparticles in dimethylformamide offered much better machining performance in terms of process stability, crater size and material removal rates. On use of in situ synthesized nanoparticle dielectric, the material removal rate increased by nearly two to three times whereas the spark gap increased by about two times.
Impact of fuel on real diesel injector performance in field test
Authors: Stepien Zbigniew , Mazanek Aleksander , Suchecki Andrzej
Published: September 2017

This work assessed the potential impact of diesel fuel complying with the EN 590 standard on real diesel injector performance in a long-term field test. Injector deposit formation has been attributed to diesel fuel instability during storage in relation to fuel injection equipment (FIE) operating conditions. These deposits can occur at different locations within FIE and impact on fuel spray characteristics, causing threats to the proper functioning of the fuel injectors. The long-term field tests were performed with two new vehicles fitted with an advanced common rail (CR) fuel injection system, meeting the requirements of Euro 5. A high quality diesel fuel meeting the requirements of the EN 590 standard was used for both vehicles. A scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and an electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) detector was used for observation and imaging of external, coking injector deposits around the nozzle fuel-flow holes and internal diesel injector deposits (IDID) in the area of the nozzle needle. An elemental analysis was performed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDX). Evaluation of the macroscopic characteristics revealed that, despite the formation of external and internal injector deposits, there was no measurable loss of flow through the injectors. As a result, while injector deposits have adverse impacts on some injector macroscopic characteristics, they did not cause a significant deterioration of the injectors’ operating characteristic and their real performance.
Multi-objective reliability design optimization of a novel side door negative Poisson’s ratio impact beam
Authors: Zhou Guan , Zhao Wanzhong , Ma Zheng-Dong , Wang Chunyan , Wang Yuanlong
Published: September 2017

By possessing a good capacity for energy absorption and a lightweight structure, the negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) structure has very fine prospects for application in vehicle engineering. By combining the traditional side door impact beam and a NPR structure, a novel side door NPR impact beam is first proposed in this work to improve the side impact crashworthiness in automobiles. The performance of the side door NPR impact beam is first studied in detail by comparison with a traditional side door impact beam and aluminum-foam-filled impact beam. To make further improvement on the performance of the side door NPR impact beam, the multi-objective design optimization while considering reliability is also investigated in this work. The parametric model of the NPR structure is established to improve modeling efficiency when the shape and topology are changed. A Latin hypercube sampling technique, orthogonal design, and a response surface model are then combined to construct the surrogate models. A radial-based importance sampling technique (RBIS) and multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm (MOPSO) are applied in the inner and outer loop respectively to find the optimal multi-objective reliability solutions. The results indicate that the side impact crashworthiness is improved remarkably by the side door NPR impact beam and the structure is further improved by the multi-objective reliability optimization. The studies in this work also serve as a good example for other improvements in automobile performance.
Quantitative mechanical assessment of the whole prostate gland ex vivo using dynamic instrumented palpation
Authors: Hammer Steven J , Good Daniel W , Scanlan Paul , Palacio-Torralba Javier , Phipps Simon , Stewart Grant D , Shu Will , Chen Yuhang , McNeill S Alan , Reuben Robert L
Published: September 2017

An instrumented palpation sensor, designed for measuring the dynamic modulus of tissue in vivo, has been developed and trialled on ex vivo whole prostate glands. The sensor consists of a flexible membrane sensor/actuator with an embedded strain gauge and is actuated using a dynamically varying airflow at frequencies of 1 and 5 Hz. The device was calibrated using an indentation stiffness measurement rig and gelatine samples with a range of static modulus similar to that reported in the literature for prostate tissue. The glands were removed from patients with diagnosed prostate cancer scheduled for radical prostatectomy, and the stiffness was measured within 30 min of surgical removal. Each prostate was later examined histologically in a column immediately below each indentation point and graded into one of the four groups; normal, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cancerous and mixed cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. In total, 11 prostates were assessed using multiple point probing, and the complex modulus at 1 and 5 Hz was calculated on a point-by-point basis. The device yielded values of quasi-static modulus of 15 ± 0.5 kPa and dynamic modulus of 20 ± 0.5 kPa for whole prostates, and a sensitivity of up to 80% with slightly lower specificity was achieved on diagnosis of prostate cancer using a combination of mechanical measures. This assessment did not take into account some obvious factors such as edge effects, overlap and clinical significance of the cancer, all of which would improve performance. The device, as currently configured, is immediately deployable in vivo. A number of improvements are also identified which could improve the sensitivity and specificity in future embodiments of the probe.
Modeling, simulation and re-adhesion control of an induction motor–based railway electric traction system
Authors: Uyulan Çağlar , Gokasan Metin
Published: September 2017

Increasing the traction force is a complex problem in the design of railway vehicles; therefore, effective traction systems and algorithms have to be developed. During the traction process, the verification of traction algorithms and control strategies are based on simulations covering all locomotive dynamics. In this article, traction model of a railway vehicle and re-adhesion control method based on simulation approach are investigated to obtain more effective results. The longitudinal dynamic of a railway vehicle having traction system, which comprises two parallel motor groups, each of which has two field-oriented induction motor connected in series, is simulated to examine time-dependent changes in motor stator currents, traction torque, adhesion and resistance forces according to a given speed reference. The interaction between the adhesion force and the slip ratio is established according to the Burckhardt adhesion model, and a modified super-twisting sliding mode slip control is implemented in a computer simulation under various contact conditions so that simulation results approve the presented control method works under the maximum adhesion force. The comparison between the classical and modified version of the proposed control strategy was made to better evaluate the performance of the control system and to better optimize the traction system.
Austerity urbanism: Rescaling and collaborative governance policies in Athens
Authors: Chorianopoulos Ioannis , Tselepi Naya
Published: September 2017

This paper explores the urban politics of austerity in Greece, paying particular attention to ‘local collaboration’. It revisits the key austerity periods noted in the country since accession to the European Union (1981), and marks their impact in redefining central–local relations, amidst a broader rescaling endeavour. A direct link is identified between austerity-oriented pre-occupations and the introduction of territorial regulatory experimentations that rest heavily on local-level collaboration and competitiveness. The overall record of partnerships, however, has been appraised, up until recently, as underdeveloped. From this spectrum, we look at the latest re-organization of state spatial contour (2010). The influence of this rescaling attempt on local relational attributes is explored in Athens, in light of the emergent re-shuffling in the scalar balance of power rendering austerity pre-occupations a firm trait of the emerging regulatory arrangement. Examination focuses on key social policy programmes launched recently by the City in an attempt to ameliorate extreme poverty and social despair. In Athens, it is argued, a financially and regulatorily deprivileged local authority is opening up to the influence of corporate and third sector organizations. It adopts a partnership approach that is best understood as a form of ‘elite pluralism’, undermining local political agency and falling short in addressing social deprivation.
Beauty Is in the Eye of Beholder: Intracultural and Transcultural Heterogeneity of Individuals
Authors: Fatehi Kamal , Priestley Jennifer L.
Published: September 2017

Most cross-cultural studies unintentionally give the impression that there is intracultural homogeneity. This research is among a few that suggests otherwise, that there is intracultural and transcultural individual heterogeneity in thinking and logic, or “Mindscape.” It is a replication and an expansion of the earlier study. It intends to verify the existence of intracultural heterogeneity in support of mindscape theory. In doing so, it employs a unique way of data collection and analysis. The analysis of data that were collected from six countries not only supports the earlier findings but also points to the existence of intracultural and transcultural heterogeneity of individuals.
Stability of a strut with one end fixed and the other pinned only at the first bifurcation point
Authors: Jin M
Published: September 2017

In the sense of the Lagrange–Dirichlet minimum energy stability criterion, the static stability of a strut with one end fixed and the other pinned only at the first bifurcation point is investigated analytically. The second variation of potential energy expressed by the deflection is semi-positive-definite only at the first bifurcation point and vanishes only in the ‘buckling mode’ in small deflection theory. The fourth variation of potential energy is positive in the ‘buckling mode’. The potential energy of the strut at the first bifurcation point is proved to hold a minimum. Based on the Lagrange–Dirichlet stability criterion, the strut at the first bifurcation point is stable.
El book or the libro? Insights from acceptability judgments into determiner/noun code-switches
Authors: Parafita Couto Maria Carmen , Stadthagen-Gonzalez Hans
Published: September 2017

Objectives/research questions:

We used two types of acceptability judgments to experimentally test the predictions of two theoretical models of code-switching regarding the surface realization of the determiner in nominal constructions: lexicalist approaches within the Minimalist Program (MP) versus the Bilingual NP Hypothesis within the Matrix Language Frame Model (MLF).

Methodology:

Two separate groups of 40 early Spanish-English bilinguals evaluated the acceptability of sentences with code-switches between the determiner and the noun that reflected the predictions of the MP model, the MLF, of both or none. The first group rated them on a Likert scale, while the second group performed a two-alternative forced-choice acceptability task (2AFC).

Data and analysis:

Ratings from the Likert ratings were subjected to an analysis of variance while results from the 2AFC were analyzed using Thurstone’s Law of Comparative Judgment.

Conclusions:

Both experiments yielded converging evidence supporting the predictions of the MLF. Results from the 2AFC provided a more detailed picture that suggests also a (smaller) contribution of the language of the determiner.

Originality:

This is the first study to use acceptability judgments to directly contrast the predictions of these major theoretical models regarding switches between determiner and noun. An additional novelty is the use of the 2AFC and Thurstone’s Law of Comparative Judgment, which yielded a more detailed picture than the more commonly used Likert-scale ratings.

Implications:

Our results provide further support for Eppler, Luescher, and Deuchar’s recent claim that we can only advance our understanding of grammaticality in code-switching if we combine the insights of the different frameworks rather than considering them in isolation.
Exploring immersive experience in journalism
Authors: Shin Donghee , Biocca Frank
Published: September 2017

Although virtual reality (VR) has been widely used to deliver news stories in immersive journalism (IJ), it is not clear how people are actually experiencing these stories and their contexts. Focusing on the immersion feature of VR stories, this study explicates the user experience to determine what it is like to experience news stories in VR and how immersion improves viewing experiences in IJ. This study proposes a VR experience model in the IJ context that integrates cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors as the primary influencing determinants. The results indicate that the meaning of immersion strongly depends on the users’ traits and contexts and that the function of immersion is strongly determined by the users’ own cognition and intentions. VR stories are viewed and accepted based on the manner that users imagine and intend to experience them. The model demonstrates the users’ cognitive processes of experiencing quality, value, and satisfaction, which determine how people empathize with and embody VR stories. The results confirm the relationship between immersion and both empathy and embodiment, implying a new conceptualization of immersion in the IJ context.
Transferring control from the backend to the frontend: A comparison of the discourse architectures of comment sections on news websites across the post-Soviet world
Authors: Toepfl Florian , Litvinenko Anna
Published: September 2017

This study compares how comment sections (CSs) were implemented, as of summer 2016, on the 179 leading national news websites across the 15 post-Soviet countries. In order to pursue this aim, a novel coding scheme is developed that facilitates assessment of the degree to which the discourse architectures of CSs transfer control over the content published from the backend to the frontend of a website. Accordingly, each CS is assigned a value on a ‘control transfer index’ (CTI). The study identifies the level of press freedom/democracy of a country as the only significant predictor for whether, and how openly, CSs were implemented. The popularity of CSs and their CTIs decreased with decreasing levels of press freedom/democracy. However, even in the most closed regimes, CSs were still a relatively commonly observed phenomenon. We interpret this latter finding by drawing on theories of citizen participation under authoritarian rule.
Institutional constraints or voluntary deference? Marginalized critical news content, spiked stories, series and careers subjected to the Buzzsaw
Authors: Kennis Andrew
Published: September 2017

This article focuses on all reported post-Cold War instances of several antidemocratic phenomena that occur within the US news media industry: the spiking of news stories and investigations with critical inclinations, demotions to enterprising journalists or editors, cancellations of TV programs due to critical content and forced resignations of journalists, independent and wire-based stories being overlooked by mainstream media, and investigative series whose story follow-ups are being marginalized out of existence or spiked. The reported occurrences are based on a plethora of evidence and documentation: testimony by journalists and/or their newsroom colleagues, audio-recorded conversations between editors and journalists, documented pressure by advertisers and powerful public officials, and documented meetings between editors and high-powered officials that led to spiked stories and/or follow-up reporting. This evidence shows a clear pattern of institutional constraints that result in varying forms of censorship. The focus on these repressive occurrences is of significant theoretical importance and is not only an attack on journalists but an attack on democracy as a whole. The most important theoretical tension between two models of media analysis – the indexing and propaganda models – is a conflicting attribution of culpability for poor media performance and the subsequent lack of news media independence. This article represents an attempt to unveil and subsequently address this underlying theoretical tension by criticizing the disproportionate fault attributed to journalists themselves by the indexing model as well as the underestimation by the propaganda model of the role of ‘crude intervention’ resulting from institutional constraints.
Capitalizing on Social Media for Career Development
Authors: Escoffery Cam , Kenzig Melissa , Hyden Christel , Hernandez Kristen
Published: September 2017

Social media is powerful and has effective tools for career advancement. Health promotion professionals at all stages of their career can employ social media to develop their profile, network with a range of colleagues, and learn about jobs and other career-enhancing opportunities. This article focuses on several social media resources, describes their key functions for career development, and offers strategies for effective use. Steps in using social media include creating a personal profile, sharing products such as newsletters or publications, and locating volunteer and job opportunities. Learning skills to use social media effectively is important to advancing careers and to the expansion of the public health workforce.
The fatigue behavior and fatigue reliability analysis of vibroseis baseplates based on fracture mechanics
Authors: Chen Zhen , Huang Zhiqiang , Jing Shuang , Tao Zhifei , Zhao Qi
Published: September 2017

Due to harsh working conditions and complicated external load, fatigue crack and fracture failure of the vibroseis baseplate usually occur during load cycles. To improve the fatigue resistance and extend the service life of the baseplates, this article studies the fatigue behavior of the baseplate materials and analyzes its fatigue reliability using fracture mechanics. Initially, the baseplate fatigue life is predicted by the crack propagation model based on the Paris’ and Forman’s laws. Three welded characteristic specimens of the baseplate are designed and fatigue is tested under a three-point bending load. The strain value and the crack propagation loading cycles are recorded during the test. Meanwhile, the crack propagation, damage, and fracture region of all the specimens are observed and tracked by scanning electron microscopy, which determines the fatigue damage mechanism of the baseplate. The fatigue reliability and parameter sensitivity analysis have been the subjects of previous research due to the randomness of the fatigue parameters. Finally, the most important random parameters are optimized based on the reliability analysis. As a result, the fatigue life reaches its maximum, and the reliability increases by 1.8%, resulting in a significant improvement in the fatigue resistance ability.
The Sonographic Spectrum of Baker Cysts
Authors: Li Tony Y.
Published: September 2017

Baker cysts are the most common pathologic finding in the sonography of the popliteal fossa. They have a wide range of sonographic appearances. Some of them may need to be recognized and differentiated from other popliteal lesions. Therefore, familiarity with their different imaging appearances is useful for clinical practice. This review summarized different presentations of Baker cysts. They are described in several categories, organized according to their shape and formation: typical Baker cysts and their mild variations, atypical small Baker cysts, ʎ-shaped Baker cysts and their related variations, Baker cysts with extension into nearby muscles, and Baker cysts with complications. The related differentiations are included in each category. The pathogenesis of Baker cysts is also discussed.
Somatic HLA mutations expose the role of class I–mediated autoimmunity in aplastic anemia and its clonal complications
Authors: Babushok Daria V. , Duke Jamie L. , Xie Hongbo M. , Stanley Natasha , Atienza Jamie , Perdigones Nieves , Nicholas Peter , Ferriola Deborah , Li Yimei , Huang Hugh , Ye Wenda , Morrissette Jennifer J. D. , Kearns Jane , Porter David L. , Podsakoff Gregory M. , Eisenlohr Laurence C. , Biegel Jaclyn A. , Chou Stella T. , Monos Dimitrios S. , Bessler Monica , Olson Timothy S.
Published: September 2017

Key Points

Somatic HLA class I gene mutations are frequent in aAA and define HLA class I restricted autoimmunity in aAA. HLA alleles targeted by inactivating mutations are overrepresented in aAA and correlate with poor therapy response and clonal evolution.
Prevalence of mental health conditions and relationship with
general health in a whole-country population of people with intellectual
disabilities compared with the general population
Authors: Hughes-McCormack Laura A. , Rydzewska Ewelina , Henderson Angela , MacIntyre Cecilia , Rintoul Julie , Cooper Sally-Ann
Published: September 2017

Background

There are no previous whole-country studies on mental health and
relationships with general health in intellectual disability populations;
study results vary.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of mental health conditions and relationships
with general health in a total population with and without intellectual
disabilities.

Method

Ninety-four per cent completed Scotland's Census 2011. Data on
intellectual disabilities, mental health and general health were
extracted, and the association between them was investigated.

Results

A total of 26 349/5 295 403 (0.5%) had intellectual disabilities. In
total, 12.8% children, 23.4% adults and 27.2% older adults had mental
health conditions compared with 0.3, 5.3 and 4.5% of the general
population. Intellectual disabilities predicted mental health conditions;
odds ratio (OR)=7.1 (95% CI 6.8–7.3). General health was substantially
poorer and associated with mental health conditions; fair health OR=1.8
(95% CI 1.7–1.9), bad/very bad health OR=4.2 (95% CI 3.9–4.6).

Conclusions

These large-scale, whole-country study findings are important, given the
previously stated lack of confidence in comparative prevalence results,
and the need to plan services accordingly.
The role of routine screening in blood-borne pathogens in Chinese patients undergoing joint arthroplasty
Authors: Cheng T. , Zhang X-L. , Hu J-J. , Li B. , Wang Q.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Surgeons face a substantial risk of infection because of the occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens (BBPs) from patients undergoing high-risk orthopaedic procedures. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of four BBPs among patients undergoing joint arthroplasty in Shanghai, China. In addition, we evaluated the significance of pre-operative screening by calculating a cost-to-benefit ratio.

Methods

A retrospective observational study of pre-operative screening for BBPs, including hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum (TP), was conducted for sequential patients in the orthopaedic department of a large urban teaching hospital between 01 January 2009 and 30 May 2016. Medical records were analysed to verify the seroprevalence of these BBPs among the patients stratified by age, gender, local origin, type of surgery, history of previous transfusion and marital status.

Results

Of the subjects who underwent arthroplasty surgery in our institution, pre-operative screening tests were available for 96.1% (11 609 patients). The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV and TP was 5.47%, 0.45%, 0.08% and 3.6%, respectively. A total of 761 seropositive cases (68.4%) were previously undiagnosed. Pre-operative screening for HIV resulted in a low cost to benefit ratio, followed by HCV and HBV.

Conclusion

Routine HCV and HIV screening prior to joint arthroplasty is not a cost-effective strategy. Considering the high rate of undiagnosed patients and the shortage of protective options, targeted pre-operative screening for HBV and syphilis should be considered for the protection of healthcare workers in China who have not been vaccinated. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2017;6:566–571.
CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF FoxP3+ REGULATORY T LYMPHOCYTES IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DURING METHOTREXATE THERAPY
Authors: Avdeeva A. S. , Rubtsov Yu. P. , Popkova T. V. , Dyikanov D. T. , Nasonov E. L.
Published: September 2017

Objective: to analyze the impact of methotrexate (MTX) therapy on percentage and absolute content of FoxP3+ regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) in the peripheral blood of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had not previously received MTX.

Subjects and methods. The investigation included 45 patients with early RA (2010 ACR/EULAR criteria) who had not previously received MTX, including 39 women; median age was 52.0 [32.5; 57.5] years; disease duration, 5 [4; 6] months, DAS28, 5.01 [4.18; 5.8]; 71.1% of the patients were positive for rheumatoid factor and 88.9% – for anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. As the first disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, all the patients were assigned to receive subcutaneous MTX at an initial dose of 10 mg/week with its rapid escalation up to 20–25 mg/week. The percentage and absolute count of Treg (FoxP3+CD25+; CD152+surface; CD152+intracellular; FoxP3+CD127-; CD25+CD127-; FoxP3+ICOS+; FoxP3+CD154+; and FoxP3+CD274+) were measured by immunofluorescence staining and multicolor flow cytometry.

Results and discussion. At 24 weeks after starting the therapy, median DAS28, SDAI, and CDAI were 3.1 [2.7; 3.62], 7.4 [4.2; 11.4], and 7.0 [4.0; 11.0], respectively; DAS28 and SDAI remission/low disease activity was reached by 22 (56.4%) and 25 (64.1%) patients, respectively; 4 (10.3%) patients had no MTX treatment effect according to the EULAR criteria. After a 6-month course of MTX therapy, the whole group had increases in the percentage of CD4+cells (from 45.0 [38.0; 49.2] to 46.8 [39.9; 53.2]%) and in the percentage and absolute number of CD152+surface from 0.65 [0.22; 1.67] to 2.07 [1.11; 3.81]% and from 0.0002 [0.0001; 0.0008]•109 to 0.0007 [0.0004; 0.002]•109, and a moderate decrease in the percentage and absolute content of FoxP3+ICOS+ cells from 5.3 [2.1; 11.3] to 4.07 [1.6;6.6]% and from 0.002 [0.001-0.006]•109 to 0.0015 [0.0006-0.003]•109 (p<0.05 in all cases).

Conclusion. The use of MTX in early RA is accompanied by an increase in the proportion and number of Treg with a high level of activation markers, which may indicate their enhanced suppressor activity that is more pronounced among the patients who have achieved remission/low disease activity during the treatment.
SIGNS OF ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND CORONARY HEART DISEASE
Authors: Kruglyi L. B. , Zairova A. R. , Fomicheva O. A. , Karpov Yu. A. , Rogoza A. N. , Gerasimova E. V. , Novikova D. S. , Popkova T. V. , Nasonov E. L.
Published: September 2017

Increased arterial stiffness is one of the additional risk factors (RFs) for cardiovascular diseases along with traditional RFs, such as male gender, age, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the risk of cardiovascular events, including coronary heart disease (CHD), is significantly higher than that in the general population, which may be associated with the characteristics of the underlying disease or the prevalence of traditional RFs.

Subjects and methods.The results of investigating the arterial stiffness in 56 patients including 46 with RA and 10 with CHD without inflammatory joint disease (a control group) were analyzed. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotidfemoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in the area from the carotid artery to the femoral one, which was determined by applanation tonometry, as well as by CAVI that was calculated according to the data of volume sphygmography.

Results and discussion.According to the investigation encompassing exercise tests and coronary angiography, the group of patients with RA was divided into two subgroups, depending on the presence or absence of coronary artery disease caused by atherosclerosis. The patients' age was 38 to 77 years (mean age 60.3±7.2 years); the male proportion was 34.8%.

Conclusion.The presence of RA with and without CHD is associated with a significant rise in arterial stiffness compared to isolated CHD (cfPWV, 13.6 and 8.6 m/sec, respectively). The increase in cfPWV and CAVI compared with the age norm was revealed in the majority of RA patients both with and without CHD.
PREVENTION OF ACUTE RHEUMATIC FEVER: CURRENT ASPECTS
Authors: Belov B. S. , Kuzmina N. N. , Medyntseva L. G.
Published: September 2017

The program for the prevention of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and recurrent attacks of the disease includes primary and secondary prevention. The basis for the primary prevention of ARF are activities aimed at increasing the level of the body’s innate immunity and adaptive responses to adverse environmental conditions, as well as the timely diagnosis and adequate antimicrobial therapy of group A streptococcus throat infections, such as sore throat and pharyngitis. Secondary prevention aims to prevent recurrent attacks and disease progression in individuals who have experienced ARF and provides regular twenty-four-hour administration of long-acting penicillin (benzathine benzylpenicillin)
THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF RITUXIMAB IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: NEW EVIDENCE
Authors: Kusevich D. A. , Avdeeva A. S.
Published: September 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by chronic erosive arthritis (synovitis) and a systemic inflammatory lesion of the internal organs, which results in early disability and worse quality of life in patients. The accumulated data on the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of anti-B cell therapy allow identification of rituximab (RTM) as an extremely important drug of first- or second-line therapy with biological agents after ineffective treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors. In this connection, the choice of a personalized treatment regimen remains relevant in each specific case as before. Clinical experience with RTM suggests that the drug is highly effective in improving both clinical manifestations and quality of life in patients with active RA that is characterized by resistance to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and TNF-α inhibitors, as well as in those with early RA. The current literature presents a large amount of data on the role of prior therapy and the impact of the stage of RA when using different RTM doses on its efficiency, some of which will be discussed in this review.
LIVER DAMAGE IN PSORIASIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Korsakova Yu. L. , Korotaeva T. V.
Published: September 2017

Psoriasis (Ps) is a chronic systemic disease that affects the skin. Investigation could reveal the high prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with Ps compared with the general population, especially in those who have moderate to severe Ps with a high Ps area severity index (PASI). Similar pathogenic processes play a definite role in this relationship. The most likely causes are recognized to be insulin resistance and elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines. According to recent evidence, the prevalence of NAFLD and metabolic syndrome in patients with Ps is higher than that in the general population. In addition, patients with NAFLD and Ps are at higher risk of severe liver fibrosis than those with NAFLD without Ps. Therapy for this condition certainly needs not only to modify traditional risk factors, but also to reliably suppress inflammation. Obesity and NAFLD have a negative impact on the results of treatment in patients with psoriatic arthritis with biological agents.
IS THE PATIENT PARTNERSHIP INFORMATIVE IN PHARMACOVIGILANCE?
Authors: Muravyev Yu. V.
Published: September 2017

The paper discusses whether patients' spontaneous reporting on adverse drug reactions is appropriate and possible.
RESOLUTION OF THE EXPERT MEETING ON INCREASING THE AVAILABILITY OF INNOVATIVE TREATMENTS FOR PATIENTS WITH SPONDYLOARTHRITIS
Authors: Nasonov E. L. , Mazurov V. I. , Lila A. M. , Erdes Sh. F. , Karateev D. E. , Vertkin A. L. , Zyranov S. K. , Dubikov A. I. , Frolov M. Yu. , Obukhova O. V.
Published: September 2017

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The Thirring model in spaces of analytic functions
Authors: da Silva Daniel Oliveira
Published: September 2017

We consider the Cauchy problem for the Thirring model in the Gevrey spaces{G^{\sigma,s}}. In particular, we prove that the analyticity of solutions persists for a short time. In addition, we derive a sufficient condition to ensure that solutions will continue to be analytic for all time.
Klare Sprache als Mittel für Fachkommunikation und Wissenstransfer
Authors: Luttermann Karin
Published: September 2017

In der linguistischen Pragmatik wird der Ausdruck Kommunikation eingesetzt, um Zwecke der Verwendung von Sprache und Funktionen menschlichen Verständigungshandelns zu erfassen. Der Kommunikationsbegriff erstreckt sich auf diverse Domänen und Situationen der Kommunikation (Alltag, Beruf, Fach) und umfasst verschiedene Kommunikationskonstellationen und Adressaten (Experten, Laien, Behinderte, Migranten, Deutschlernende). Für die Kommunikation mit Menschen, die eine Behinderung haben, wird auf die Leichte Sprache als Kommunikationsmittel zurückgegriffen. Die Leichte Sprache ist aus praxisorientiertem Handeln entstanden; die (Sprach-)Wissenschaft steht weithin noch außen vor. Erst allmählich scheint die Linguistik sich dem Forschungsgegenstand Leichte Sprache zuzuwenden. Der vorliegende Beitrag plädiert – sprachwissenschaftlich fundiert – für den Gebrauch der „klaren Sprache“ und für eine Perspektivenerweiterung des Laienbegriffs innerhalb der Experten-Laien-Kommunikation. Hier steht eine theoretisch, empirisch und angewandt begründete Forschung erst am Anfang.