bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wake structures behind a rotor with superhydrophobic-coated blades at low Reynolds number
Authors: Choi Hongseok , Lee Jungjin , Park Hyungmin
Published: January 2019

We experimentally investigate the flow structures generated by a rotor with the superhydrophobic coating applied on the blade surface in static water. Considered Reynolds number based on the rotating velocity and blade tip to tip distance is 96 000, and spray coating of hydrophobic nanoparticles is used to produce a superhydrophobic surface. We focus on the changes in both instantaneous and time-/ensemble-averaged flows measured with a stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. The vortical structures behind a rotor is characterized by the periodic shedding of hub and tip vortices, whose interactions induce a cone-shaped low-speed region where higher velocities are induced over it. These are closely connected to the spatial distribution of velocity fluctuation. With superhydrophobic surface, the organized formation of vortical structures is disturbed due to the slip on the blade surface, that is, the accumulation of vorticity on the surface is delayed or not strong. Thus the conical region shrinks toward the rotation axis, and the vortex strength is reduced. As a result, about 20% reduction in the turbulent kinetic energy is achieved in the wake, followed by smaller decrease (∼6%) in the streamwise momentum flux. Also, it is found that superhydrophobic surface on the pressure side is more effective, in terms of turbulence reduction. This is the first study to investigate the effect of superhydrophobic surface on the flow around a rotating body, and we think the results will be useful to extend the application of superhydrophobic surface.
Bulk defects and surface state dynamics in topological insulators: The effects of electron beam irradiation on the ultrafast relaxation of Dirac fermions in Bi2Te3
Authors: Khalil L. , Papalazarou E. , Caputo M. , Nilforoushan N. , Perfetti L. , Taleb-Ibrahimi A. , Konczykowski M. , Hruban A. , Wołoś A. , Krusin-Elbaum L. , Marsi M.
Published: January 2019

One of the most important challenges in the study of topological insulators is the realization of materials that are really insulating in the bulk, in order to emphasize quantum transport in the protected surface states. Irradiation with electron beams is a very promising approach toward this goal. By studying a series of samples of the prototype 3D topological insulator Bi2Te3, we show that while the topological properties of Dirac surface states are preserved after electron irradiation, their relaxation dynamics are very sensitive to the related modifications of the bulk properties. Using time- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, we can reveal two distinct relaxation regimes after optical excitation for non-irradiated and irradiated samples. While the faster regime, corresponding to the first few picoseconds, presents a similar temporal evolution of the photoexcited population for all studied samples, the slower regime is strongly influenced by the controlled generation of defects in the bulk lattice. By adjusting the irradiation parameters in this class of materials, one can thus not only change the bulk transport properties but also tune the ultrafast response of the topological surface states.
High performance charge-transfer induced homojunction photodetector based on ultrathin ZnO nanosheet
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Peng , Zhu Yuankun , Gao Jinrao , Gong Fan , Li Qing , Xie Runzhang , Wu Feng , Wang Ding , Yang Junhe , Fan Zhiyong , Wang Xianying , Hu Weida
Published: January 2019

Nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) semiconductors have emerged as promising materials for high-performance photodetectors due to their natural direct bandgap and extraordinary physicochemical properties. However, the oxygen vacancy defects of nano-ZnO can easily trap oxygen molecules in air and generate charge transfer at the interface, which induced continuous photoconductance that limited the development and application of ZnO in photodetection. Here, we demonstrate a homojunction ultrathin ZnO nanosheet photodetector with high performance and propose a better dominant photoresponse mechanism of the ZnO nanosheet driven by the charge transfer induced local field. The strong localized electric field significantly accelerates the separation of photo-generated carriers and effectively suppresses the dark current. Thus, the photodetector of the charge transfer induced homojunction exhibits ultralow dark current (10−12 A), ultra-high specific detectivity (up to ∼1014 Jones), and fast rising (300 ms) and decaying times (310 ms), taking advantages of high-performance and fast response speed and subverting the limitation of traditional ZnO photodetectors in the field of application. An easy-fabrication, fast response, and high-performance photodetector proposed here provides a good paradigm for the next-generation photodetectors based on two-dimensional nanostructures.
Biomimetic pulsatile flows through flexible microfluidic conduits
Authors: M Kiran Raj , DasGupta Sunando , Chakraborty Suman
Published: January 2019

We bring out unique aspects of the pulsatile flow of a blood analog fluid (Xanthan gum solution) in a biomimetic microfluidic channel. Pressure waveforms that mimic biologically consistent pulsations are applied on physiologically relevant cylindrical microchannels fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane. The in vivo features of the relevant waveforms like peak amplitude and dicrotic notch are reproduced in vitro. The deformation profiles exhibit viscoelastic behavior toward the end of each cycle. Further, the time-varying velocity profiles are critically analyzed. The local hydrodynamics within the microchannel is found to be more significantly affected by pressure waveform rather than the actual wall deformation and the velocity profile. These results are likely to bear far-reaching implications for assessing micro-circulatory dynamics in lab on a chip based microfluidic platforms that to a large extent replicate physiologically relevant conditions.
Protic Ionic Liquids Based on Oligomeric Anions [(HSO4)(H2SO4)x]− (x = 0, 1, or 2) for a Clean ϵ-Caprolactam Synthesis
Authors: Matuszek Karolina , Brzeczek-Szafran Alina , Kobus Dominika , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Swadźba-Kwaśny Małgorzata , Chrobok Anna
Published: January 2019

Inexpensive Brønsted acidic ionic liquids, suitable for industrial-scale catalysis, are reported as reaction media and catalysts for the Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime to ϵ-caprolactam. A family of protic ionic liquids was synthesised from nitrogen bases (1-methylimidazole, N,N,N-triethylamine, N-methylpyrrolidine, 2-picoline) and sulfuric acid by proton transfer in a simple, inexpensive, solvent-free, one-step process. The density, viscosity, conductivity, and ionicity of the synthesised ionic liquids were determined. Variation in the molar ratio of sulfuric acid (χH2SO4=0.67 and 0.75) was used to tune the acidity of these protic ionic liquids, which showed extremely high catalytic activity in the Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime to ϵ-caprolactam. Both the structure of the cation and the sulfuric acid molar ratio strongly affect the rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime. The most active ionic liquid, based on the 1-metyhylimidazolium cation, χH2SO4=0.75, afforded high conversion of oxime combined with very good selectivity under mild conditions (110°C, 15min). The product could be extracted from the reaction mixture, eliminating the need for the neutralisation step that exists in conventional processes. The combination of affordable catalyst and process advantages leads to a greener alternative, competitive against existent industrial applications.
Human social motor solutions for human–machine interaction in dynamical task contexts
Authors: Nalepka Patrick , Lamb Maurice , Kallen Rachel W. , Shockley Kevin , Chemero Anthony , Saltzman Elliot , Richardson Michael J.
Published: January 2019

Multiagent activity is commonplace in everyday life and can improve the behavioral efficiency of task performance and learning. Thus, augmenting social contexts with the use of interactive virtual and robotic agents is of great interest across health, sport, and industry domains. However, the effectiveness of human–machine interaction (HMI) to effectively train humans for future social encounters depends on the ability of artificial agents to respond to human coactors in a natural, human-like manner. One way to achieve effective HMI is by developing dynamical models utilizing dynamical motor primitives (DMPs) of human multiagent coordination that not only capture the behavioral dynamics of successful human performance but also, provide a tractable control architecture for computerized agents. Previous research has demonstrated how DMPs can successfully capture human-like dynamics of simple nonsocial, single-actor movements. However, it is unclear whether DMPs can be used to model more complex multiagent task scenarios. This study tested this human-centered approach to HMI using a complex dyadic shepherding task, in which pairs of coacting agents had to work together to corral and contain small herds of virtual sheep. Human–human and human–artificial agent dyads were tested across two different task contexts. The results revealed (
i
) that the performance of human–human dyads was equivalent to those composed of a human and the artificial agent and (
ii
) that, using a “Turing-like” methodology, most participants in the HMI condition were unaware that they were working alongside an artificial agent, further validating the isomorphism of human and artificial agent behavior.
Computer simulations suggest that prostate enlargement due to benign prostatic hyperplasia mechanically impedes prostate cancer growth
Authors: Lorenzo Guillermo , Hughes Thomas J. R. , Dominguez-Frojan Pablo , Reali Alessandro , Gomez Hector
Published: January 2019

Significance

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in aging men that causes the prostate to enlarge progressively. Men with larger prostates tend to harbor prostatic tumors with more favorable features. The underlying mechanisms that explain this interaction between BPH and prostate cancer (PCa) are largely unknown. Here, we propose that BPH may mechanically impede PCa growth by producing increasingly intense mechanical stresses in the prostate over time, which are known to slow down tumor dynamics. To explore this hypothesis, we ran a qualitative simulation study using an extension of our mathematical model of PCa growth including the mechanical deformation of the prostate under BPH and PCa. The proposed mechanism suggests relevant shifts in clinical management of PCa and BPH.
AWZ1066S, a highly specific anti-
Wolbachia
drug candidate for a short-course treatment of filariasis
Authors: Hong W. David , Benayoud Farid , Nixon Gemma L. , Ford Louise , Johnston Kelly L. , Clare Rachel H. , Cassidy Andrew , Cook Darren A. N. , Siu Amy , Shiotani Motohiro , Webborn Peter J. H. , Kavanagh Stefan , Aljayyoussi Ghaith , Murphy Emma , Steven Andrew , Archer John , Struever Dominique , Frohberger Stefan J. , Ehrens Alexandra , Hübner Marc P. , Hoerauf Achim , Roberts Adam P. , Hubbard Alasdair T. M. , Tate Edward W. , Serwa Remigiusz A. , Leung Suet C. , Qie Li , Berry Neil G. , Gusovsky Fabian , Hemingway Janet , Turner Joseph D. , Taylor Mark J. , Ward Stephen A. , O’Neill Paul M.
Published: January 2019

Significance

Onchocerciasis (river blindness) and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) are neglected tropical diseases that cause severe disability and affect more than 157 million people globally. Current control efforts are hindered by the lack of a safe macrofilaricidal drug that can eliminate the parasitic adult nematodes safely. A clinically validated approach for delivering macrofilaricidal activity is to target the
Wolbachia
bacterial endosymbiont of the causative nematodes. This first-in-class and highly potent and specific anti-
Wolbachia
preclinical candidate molecule, AWZ1066S, has the potential to significantly impact current global onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis elimination programs and reduce elimination time frames from decades to years.
Influence of the synthesis method on electrical storage capacity of graphene-related materials
Authors: Lavin-Lopez M. P. , Valverde J. L. , de Lucas-Consuegra A. , Calcerrada A. B. , Paton-Carrero A. , Romero A.
Published: January 2019

The electrochemical properties and their relationship with the physico-chemical properties of graphene-based materials have been studied. Graphite was used as the raw material and it was oxidised and then reduced by two alternative approaches, namely thermal and multi-step reduction using ascorbic acid. It was demonstrated that the physico-chemical characteristics of the material are directly related to the synthesis method and greatly influence the major capacitance of the material. It was observed that the materials with lower levels of functional oxygen groups and with a more ordered structure, i.e. similar to graphene powder, are the ideal candidates for use in electrochemical applications as these materials have better capacitance and specific capacitances.
On structure and oxidation behaviour of non-stoichiometric amorphous aluminium phosphate coating
Authors: Sayyedan F. S. , Enayati M. H.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the structure and oxidation behaviour of non-stoichiometric aluminium phosphate coating. Phase composition analysis was performed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was used for molecular spectroscopy. The micro-structural studies were investigated by TEM. AISI 304 stainless steel substrates were dip coated in the aluminium phosphate solution to evaluate the cyclic oxidation behaviour. The oxidised samples were characterised by SEM/EDS and XRD techniques. The XRD patterns and TEM images confirmed the amorphous structure of as-synthesised aluminium phosphate. Based on the FTIR result, the non-stoichiometric amorphous aluminium phosphate owned Al−O−Al bonding besides Al−O−P. Weight change measurements after 100 h oxidation at 1100°C revealed that the range of the weight gain of the bare substrate was 30 times higher than that of the coated one.
Ni-P-TiO2 nanocomposite coatings with uniformly dispersed Ni3Ti intermetallics: effects of TiO2 nanoparticles concentration
Authors: Safavi Mir Saman , Rasooli Ali
Published: January 2019

Ni-P-TiO2 nanocomposite coatings were electrodeposited on copper substrates and influence of TiO2 nanoparticles concentration on the phase structure, morphology, chemical composition, microhardness, and corrosion behaviour of the coatings was investigated. Results demonstrate that Ni3Ti intermetallics form and grow during the electrodeposition of the coatings. This study is the first to report the formation of the intermetallics in the case of electrodeposited Ni-P alloy matrix composite coatings. Moreover, the formation mechanism of the intermetallics is discussed in detail. The formed intermetallics dispersed uniformly throughout the microstructure of the nanocomposite coatings, thereby playing a critical role in improving the mechanical and corrosion-related properties of the coatings. Ni-P-10 g·L−1 TiO2 nanocomposite coating possessing the highest amount of Ni3Ti intermetallic associated with the lowest P content, thereby showing the superior microhardness and corrosion resistance. All in all, the volume fraction of Ni3Ti intermetallics is the dominant factor altering the various properties of the coatings.
FAS and FASL polymorphisms and susceptibility to hepatitis B virus infection in Javanese individuals
Authors: Prasetyo A A , Agustin D A
Published: January 2019

Hepatitis B virus infection is still a major global health problem. The polymorphisms in FAS and FASL genes may involve with susceptibility to hepatitis B virus infection for Javanese. To investigate the association of FAS and FASL polymorphisms with the susceptibility to hepatitis B virus infection in Javanese individuals, blood samples with hepatitis B virus infection was subjected for polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism to genotype the FAS-670 A/G and FASL -124A/G polymorphism status, respectively. The frequencies of G/G genotype and G allele of FAS gene in the hepatitis B virus-infected blood sample were higher than that of the healthy sample (OR 3.5, 95%CI: 1.658 - 7.390, p = 0.001 and OR 2.3, 95%CI: 1.352 - 3.779, p = 0.002, respectively). It is proposed that the hepatitis B virus infection outcome in Japanese individuals might be influenced by FAS-670 A/G polymorphism through alteration in apoptosis of hepatocytes.
Hypercorrection as a By-product of Education
Authors: Hubers Ferdy , Trompenaars Thijs , Collin Sebastian , De Schepper Kees , De Hoop Helen
Published: January 2019

Prescriptive grammar rules are taught in education, generally to ban the use of certain frequently encountered constructions in everyday language. This may lead to hypercorrection, meaning that the prescribed form in one construction is extended to another one in which it is in fact prohibited by prescriptive grammar. We discuss two such cases in Dutch: the hypercorrect use of the comparative particle dan ‘than’ in equative constructions, and the hypercorrect use of the accusative pronoun hen ‘them’ for a dative object. In two experiments, high school students of three educational levels were tested on their use of these hypercorrect forms (nexp1 = 162, nexp2 = 159). Our results indicate an overall large amount of hypercorrection across all levels of education, including pre-university level students who otherwise perform better in constructions targeted by prescriptive grammar rules. We conclude that while teaching prescriptive grammar rules to high school students seems to increase their use of correct forms in certain constructions, this comes at a cost of hypercorrection in others.
Translating the Jansenist Controversy in Britain and Ireland
Authors: Williams Mark R F
Published: January 2019

This article explores perceptions of Jansenism in Britain and Ireland in the latter half of the seventeenth century. Grounded in the theology of Cornelius Jansen, the Catholic bishop of Ypres, the wider Jansenist ‘movement’ was a controversial group of theologians, philosophers, clergy and nuns whose disputes with the papacy and French monarchy endured well into the eighteenth century. These centred on questions of divine grace, papal fallibility and even political dissent. In exploring the translation and reception of these ideas, this article foregrounds a moment in the late 1670s when the natural philosopher Robert Boyle and a group of like-minded Protestants attempted to incorporate Jansenist writings into a translation of the Bible into Irish. Enthusiasm for this was based on widely held perceptions that the Jansenists represented a more rational strain of Catholicism which anticipated a broader reform of Catholic Europe. The ensuing ‘Jansenist Preface’ was intended to help unify Christendom by bringing about a more rational religion among Ireland’s Catholics. The shock felt by Boyle and his collaborators upon actually reading Jansenist works, and the reappraisal this engendered, provides the foundation for a wider exploration of how ideas and representations of the Jansenist controversy moved, were translated, and subsequently engaged with across these confessional spaces. In doing so, this article sets British and Irish interests in Jansenism against wider questions of interconfessional dialogue and European reformation, and explores the place of mobility and translation in the framing of the reformation process.
Early exercise pulmonary diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide after anatomical lung resection: a word of caution for fast-track programmes
Authors: Novoa Nuria M , Esteban Pedro , Gómez Hernández Maria Teresa , Fuentes Marta G , Varela Gonzalo , Jiménez Marcelo F
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVES

In healthy individuals, increasing pulmonary blood flow during exercise also increases the % of the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO%), but its evolution after lung resection is unknown. In this study, our goal was to measure changes in exercise DLCO% during the first 3 days after anatomical lung resection.

METHODS

We performed a prospective observational study on consecutive patients with non-small-cell lung cancer scheduled for anatomical resection, except pneumonectomy, during a 6-month period. Patients underwent measurement of the DLCO% by a single-breath technique adjusted by the concentration of haemoglobin—before and after standardized exercise the day before and 3 consecutive days after surgery. The delta (Δ) variation (basal versus exercise) was calculated. The number of functioning resected segments was calculated by bronchoscopy. Postoperative pain and pleural air leak were estimated using a visual analogue scale and graduated conventional pleural drainage systems, respectively, and their influence on ΔDLCO each postoperative day was evaluated by linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients were included. The visual analogue scale of pain and pleural air leaks were not correlated to Δ values (model R2: 0.0048). The evolution of Δ values during 3 postoperative days showed a progressive recovery of values, but on the third day, DLCO% capacity during exercise was still impaired (P < 0.01), especially in patients who underwent a resection of more than 3 functioning segments.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiological increase in DLCO% during exercise is still impaired on the third postoperative day in patients undergoing resection of more than 3 functioning pulmonary segments. This fact should be considered before discharging those patients after anatomical lung resection.
Change in alveolar bone level of mandibular second and third molars after second molar protraction into missing first molar or second premolar space
Authors: Baik Un-Bong , Choi Hong-Beom , Kim Yoon-Ji , Lee Dong-Yul , Sugawara Junji , Nanda Ravindra
Published: January 2019

Objective

To investigate the factors associated with the change in alveolar bone level of mandibular second and third molars after second molar protraction into the space of the missing first molar (L6) or second premolar (LE).

Methods

Fifty-one patients in whom space of the missing L6 or LE was treated with second molar protraction (13 males, 38 females, mean age 19.6 ± 4.7 years) from 2003 to 2015 were included. The alveolar bone level and position and angulation of the mandibular second and third molars were measured in panoramic radiographs at pre-treatment (T1), and after the alignment of the third molars following second molar protraction (T2). Factors associated with alveolar bone loss on the distal aspect of the mandibular second molars were assessed using linear regression analysis.

Results

Age at T1 (P < 0.001) and third molar angulation at T1 (P = 0.002) were significant factors for the prediction of alveolar bone level distal to the second molars.

Limitation

This study used two-dimensional panoramic radiographs, and we could observe only the interproximal bone level.

Conclusions

After second molar protraction into the missing first molar or second premolar space, mandibular second molars may exhibit alveolar bone resorption in the distal root in older patients and in those with mesially tilted third molars before treatment.
Cultural Engagement Is a Risk-Reducing Factor for Frailty Incidence and Progression
Authors: Rogers Nina Trivedy , Fancourt Daisy
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Given that frailty is a multifaceted health condition of increasing importance to policy-makers and care providers, it is relevant to consider whether multimodal interventions could provide combined psychophysiological support. As studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of cultural engagement (including visiting museums/theatre/cinema) for many of the components of frailty, this study sought to explore whether community cultural engagement is associated both with a reduced risk of becoming frail and a slower trajectory of frailty progression in older adults.

Methods

We used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing to measure frequency of cultural engagement and both incident frailty and frailty progression over the following 10 years in 4,575 adults.

Results

Our analyses used competing risks regression models and multilevel growth curve models adjusting for socioeconomic, health behaviors, social confounders, and subthreshold symptoms of frailty. There was a dose–response relationship between increasing frequency of cultural engagement and both incidence and progression of frailty (attendance every few months or more: incidence subhazard ratio = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63 to 0.996; trajectory coefficient = –0.0039, 95% CI = –0.0059 to –0.0019).

Discussion

Older adults who engaged in cultural activities every few months or more had a reduced risk of becoming frail and a slower progression of frailty over time. Findings are in line with current calls for multimodal, multifactor, community approaches to support health in older age.
Affective and Situational Precipitants of Smoking Lapses Among Adolescents
Authors: Treloar Padovano Hayley , Merrill Jennifer E , Colby Suzanne M , Kahler Christopher W , Gwaltney Chad J
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Most adolescent smokers report a desire to quit, and many have made several unsuccessful quit attempts; however, when adolescents attempt to quit, they often resume smoking quickly. This ecological study aimed to (1) characterize affective and situational precipitants of smoking lapses among adolescents and (2) explore the moderating influence of nicotine dependence severity on lapse precipitants.

Methods

Adolescent daily smokers (n = 166; ages 14–18 years) completed electronic diaries of cigarettes smoked, craving and affective states, and situational variables on handheld computers in their natural environment for 2 weeks following an unassisted quit attempt. On average, adolescents were moderately nicotine dependent (Modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire [mFTQ] score = 4.9; SD = 1.6).

Results

Craving was a significant episodic cue for lapse and stable influence on lapse, relating to 44% and 15% increased odds of lapse, respectively. High-arousal affective states—regardless of valence—were associated with 12%–13% increased odds of lapse. Low-arousal positive affective states were associated with 17% decreased odds of lapse. A 1-unit difference in a teen’s mFTQ score related to 27% increased odds of lapse, but dependence severity did not moderate proximal lapse influences.

Conclusions

This report provides some of the first ecological data characterizing adolescent smoking lapses following a quit attempt. As in prior work with teens, lapses were nearly universal and quickly followed the quit attempt. Specific situational and affective contexts of smoking lapses for adolescents were implicated, indicating the need for cessation interventions to address craving and high-arousal affective states as precipitators of lapse in this high-risk group.

Implications

This report provides some of the first ecological data characterizing smoking lapses among teens attempting to quit smoking on their own. Like adults, adolescents face many barriers when making quit attempts. The present work provides ecological data to suggest that the experience of heightened arousal in teens’ daily lives interferes with their efforts to quit smoking. Thus, this work highlights the importance of affective dysregulation, or amplitude of emotional feelings, for teen smoking lapses. Moment-to-moment fluctuation in craving was also implicated as a dynamic precipitator of smoking lapse in this high-risk group.
Exploration of Policy Makers’ Views on the Implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the Gambia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jallow Isatou K , Britton John , Langley Tessa
Published: January 2019

Background

The World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is the first international health treaty and has now been ratified by 181 countries. However, there are concerns that in many countries, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries, FCTC legislations and implementation are weak. In this study, we report a qualitative study undertaken to assess policy makers’ awareness of the FCTC and national tobacco control policies, and assessed the achievements and challenges to the implementation of the FCTC in the Gambia.

Methods

The study involved semi-structured one-to-one interviews with 28 members of the National Tobacco Control Committee in the Gambia, which is responsible for formulating tobacco control policies and making recommendations for tobacco control. We used the Framework method and NVivo11 software for data analysis.

Results

Our findings demonstrate that the Gambia has made modest progress in tobacco control before and since ratification of the FCTC, particularly in the areas of policy formulation, bans on tobacco advertising and promotion, smoke-free laws, and tobacco taxation. Although several pieces of tobacco control legislation exist, enforcement and implementation remain a major challenge. We found that policy makers’ awareness of polices covered in the FCTC was limited.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight several challenges to the FCTC implementation and the need to step up efforts that will help to accomplish the obligations of the FCTC. To achieve the obligations of the FCTC, the Gambia should develop specific public awareness interventions, establish cessation services, mobilize adequate resources for tobacco control and strengthen tobacco surveillance and research.
Time and Chronometry
Authors: Racevskis Roland
Published: January 2019

The art and science of time-measurement underwent significant changes in the early modern period in Europe. This article will explore both the aesthetics and mechanics of baroque temporality. The central argument holds that as technologies of time sharpened users’ sense of minutes and even seconds, cultural forms such as literature and theater reflected changes in the understanding and experience of time.
Russian
Authors: Bailyn John Frederick , Bondarenko Tatiana
Published: January 2019

This chapter provides an overview of the major types of elliptical constructions in Russian: NP-ellipsis, clausal ellipsis (sluicing, sprouting, polarity ellipsis), vP-ellipsis, gapping, comparative deletion, Right-Node Raising, and fragment answers. The aim of this chapter is to examine these constructions in a cross-linguistic perspective, highlighting phenomena that seem peculiar to Russian, and outlining the set of restrictions on ellipsis licensing that does not differ from those of other languages. In addition, we discuss the controversial puzzle of verb-stranding constructions: these constructions seem to involve ellipsis, but its nature is still a matter of debate in the current literature.
The Rise of Cybercrime
Authors: Kirwan Grainne H.
Published: January 2019

Unlike many other types of crime, it is possible to make a good estimate for when the first cybercrimes occurred. It is unfortunately much more difficult to clearly define and categorize cybercrime, despite attempts by many key researchers in the field to do so. This chapter describes various types of cybercrime and presents typologies of cybercrime proposed by various researchers. It considers the problems in quantifying cybercrime and presents various reasons why such crimes may not be reported by victims or witnesses or recorded by law enforcement agencies. It provides an overview of various methods by which cybercrime can be prevented, including policing, diversion, deterrence, and developing target resistance. For many of these, psychological insights can help to provide guidance in the deterrence of offenders and preventative measures of targets.
Adolescent and Emerging Adult Perception and Participation in Problematic and Risky Online Behavior
Authors: Weeks Cody Devyn , Subrahmanyam Kaveri
Published: January 2019

Advances in mobile technology have allowed young people to access social media regardless of time of day or geographic location. Communication and behaviors that once took place solely offline have shifted to online contexts. Research has found that viewing problematic media content related to risky sexual activity and drug use may change youths’ beliefs and behaviors about these issues. Because social media is popular with adolescents and emerging adults, we must evaluate how the content that they consume could be related to negative outcomes. By understanding the relation between young people’s social media content and their beliefs and behaviors, we can potentially use media as a tool to reinforce more positive behaviors.
Race, Ethnicity, and American Immigration Policy
Authors: Law Anna O. , Tichenor Daniel
Published: January 2019

From the earliest days of U.S. nationhood, race and ethnicity have profoundly influenced the politics and governance of immigration. To be sure, this policy arena has been shaped by a variety of economic, social, cultural, and political forces. Yet it is impossible to explain the arc of American immigration policy over time save for recurrent battles over racial and ethnic criteria. This chapter reviews an impressive body of scholarship that chronicles the prominence of race and ethnicity as grounds for immigrant inclusion or exclusion as well as the myriad of ways race and ethnicity have affected the integration and acceptance of immigrants for generations. Additionally, much of the scholarship reviewed in this essay underscores the evolving meaning of racial and ethnic categories even as ascriptive hierarchies have proven durable.
Feasibility of a Hybrid Web-Based and In-Person Self-management Intervention Aimed at Preventing Acute to Chronic Pain Transition After Major Lower Extremity Trauma (iPACT-E-Trauma): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bérubé M , Gélinas C , Feeley N , Martorella G , Côté J , Laflamme G Y , Rouleau D M , Choinière M
Published: January 2019

Objective 1) To assess the feasibility of research methods to test a self-management intervention aimed at preventing acute to chronic pain transition in patients with major lower extremity trauma (iPACT-E-Trauma) and 2) to evaluate its potential effects at three and six months postinjury.

Design A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel groups.

Setting A supraregional level 1 trauma center.

Methods Fifty-six adult patients were randomized. Participants received the intervention or an educational pamphlet. Several parameters were evaluated to determine the feasibility of the research methods. The potential efficacy of iPACT-E-Trauma was evaluated with measures of pain intensity and pain interference with activities.

Results More than 80% of eligible patients agreed to participate, and an attrition rate of ≤18% was found. Less than 40% of screened patients were eligible, and obtaining baseline data took 48 hours postadmission on average. Mean scores of mild pain intensity and pain interference with daily activities (<4/10) on average were obtained in both groups at three and six months postinjury. Between 20% and 30% of participants reported moderate to high mean scores (≥4/10) on these outcomes at the two follow-up time measures. The experimental group perceived greater considerable improvement in pain (60% in the experimental group vs 46% in the control group) at three months postinjury. Low mean scores of pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale score < 30) and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores ≤ 10) were obtained through the end of the study.

Conclusions Some challenges that need to be addressed in a future RCT include the small proportion of screened patients who were eligible and the selection of appropriate tools to measure the development of chronic pain. Studies will need to be conducted with patients presenting more serious injuries and psychological vulnerability or using a stepped screening approach.
Solving Burglary Offences: Building a Model to Predict Clearance of Burglary Following Initial Investigation
Authors: Olphin Tom W L , Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha , Banerjee Anindya
Published: January 2019

This research identifies solvability factors for burglary offences, and develops previous research by building, and testing, an algorithmic prediction model for solvability of burglary offences. It is based on a full population of 9,655 burglary offences reported to a UK Police force between 1st April 2012 and 30th April 2015. The dataset was split in half, with half being used to build the model and half to test it. Thirty-one solvability factors were identified, along with nine case-limiting factors, allowing a logit model to be built to predict solvability of burglary offences. When compared to a model of investigating all burglary offences, use of this model would reduce investigative workload by up to 42.2%, or 1,321 cases per year.
Distal Femur Locking Plates Fit Poorly Before and After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Campbell Sean T. , Bosch Liam C. , Swinford Steven , Amanatullah Derek F. , Bishop Julius A. , Gardner Michael J.
Published: January 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the fit of distal femur locking plates. Secondarily, we sought to compare plate fit among patients with and without a total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Design:

Retrospective.

Setting:

University hospital.

Intervention:

Standard length precontoured distal femur locking plates from 4 manufacturers were digitally templated onto each patient's pre-TKA and post-TKA radiographs.

Main Outcome Measurements:

The maximum distance from the plate to the lateral femoral cortex (plate-bone distance) was measured in the metaphyseal region. Mean plate-bone distances were compared between manufacturers and between pre-TKA and post-TKA radiographs.

Results:

All implants tested were undercontoured in all patients. Plate-bone distances ranged from 6.6 ± 0.4 mm to 8.0 ± 0.4 mm (mean ± SE) pre-TKA and 8.2 ± 0.3 mm to 8.6 ± 0.3 mm after TKA, indicating worse fit after arthroplasty (P < 0.001). There were also intermanufacturer differences, with Synthes and Smith & Nephew implants demonstrating the lowest plate-bone distances in the pre-TKA and post-TKA groups, respectively. Proportionally, plate-bone increase was greater in the female cohort (16%) compared with the male cohort (8%).

Conclusions:

There was plate-bone mismatch for the distal femur locking plates tested in this study, due to undercontouring of the implants. After patients underwent TKA, poor implant fit was exacerbated. Surgeons must be aware of the potential for deformity if the proximal segment is brought into contact with the implant. These finding may help optimize implant design for the treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures.
Syndactyly
Authors: Berger Aaron J. , Cabbad Nicole C.
Published: January 2019

Syndactyly refers to fusion, or webbing, of the digits. It is one of the more common congenital deformities of the hand. Syndactyly is classified as complete or incomplete, simple or complex. Complete syndactyly extends to the distal tip of the digit. Complex syndactyly refers to bone and/or nail involvement. Release of the fused digits is an option to improve the appearance of the hand and to prevent deformities (eg, clinodactyly and flexion contractures) in the growing hand. Hand function may improve as well, particularly if independent finger motion can be generated.
Comparison of Antiaging Effects on Rat Skin of Cog Thread and Poly-l-Lactic Acid Thread
Authors: Kapicioğlu Yelda , Gül Mehmet , Saraç Gülbahar , Yiğitcan Birgül , Gözükara Harika
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Polydioxanone Cog thread and poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) thread have been used clinically for lifting and antiaging purposes. However, the histological changes in tissue and the efficacy of these 2 different types of thread have not been compared.

OBJECTIVE

This study used hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and electron microscopy (EM) to compare the results associated with the use of Cog thread and PLLA thread in rat skin.

METHODS

Thirty female rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 rats each: a control group; a Cog group; and a PLLA group. Biopsy specimens obtained at 1, 3, and 6 months were examined using H&E, MT, and EM.

RESULTS

Although significant increases were observed in dermal thickness and the numbers of fibroblasts in the PLLA group compared with the control group within the first month (p: .019), there were no significant differences between the Cog and control groups during this period (p: .245). Dermal thickness (p: .002) and numbers of fibroblasts (p: .001) were similar in samples obtained from the PLLA and Cog groups at 3 and 6 months, and both groups showed significantly improved outcomes compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Poly-l-lactic acid and Cog sutures were effective in facial rejuvenation; both increased dermis thickness and stimulated collagen production.
Facial Nerve Outcomes Following Total Excision of Vestibular Schwannoma by the Enlarged Translabyrinthine Approach
Authors: Dandinarasaiah Manjunath , Prasad Sampath Chandra , Piccirillo Enrico , Vashishth Ashish , Valentina Mastronardi , Grinblat Golda , Codreanu Corneliu Mircea , Sanna Mario
Published: January 2019

Objective:

To study the early and late facial nerve (FN) outcomes in different tumor classes in addition to determining the predictive factors for the same.

Study Design:

A retrospective clinical study.

Setting:

A quaternary referral otology and skull base center.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective study of 1983 cases of vestibular schwannomas (VSs) with preoperative normal FN function, undergoing total excision with anatomical preservation of the nerve by enlarged translabyrinthine approach (ETLA) were included. FN status was recorded postoperatively at day 1, at discharge, and at 1-year follow-up and were analyzed in different tumor sizes.

Results:

At 1 year, 988 patients with House–Brackmann (H–B) grade I and II FN at day 1 after surgery, 958 (96.9%) maintained their status up-to 1 year. Of the 216 patients with H–B grade III at day 1 after surgery, 113 (52.3%) improved to H–B grade I and II. Similarly, of the 779 patients with H–B grade IV and VI FN function at day 1 after surgery, improvement to H–B III and H–B I and II were noted in 442 (56.7%) and 80 (10.3%) of patients, respectively. Intrameatal and extrameatal tumors upto 2 cm showed better recovery from H–B grade III to H–B I and II and from H–B grade IV and VI to H–B I and III when compared with extrameatal tumors >2 cm (p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Tumors of smaller sizes have good immediate postoperative FN results and recover well at the end of 1 year while more than 3 cm have poor outcomes and recover poorly at the end of 1 year. When the VSs reaches more than 1 cm, the HB I and II outcomes drop significantly.
Flat Panel Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome
Authors: Tunkel Alexandra Elaine , Carey John Patrick , Pearl Monica
Published: January 2019

Hypothesis:

Flat panel computed tomography (FPCT) provides more accurate measurements of dimensions for superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SCD) than multislice CT (MSCT).

Background:

SCD syndrome occurs when a bony defect of the superior semicircular canal causes vestibular and auditory symptoms. MSCT can overestimate the size of the canal defect, with possible over-diagnosis of SCD and suboptimal selection of surgical approach. The higher resolution of FPCT should afford more accurate measurements of these defects.

Methods:

Radiographic and surgical measurements were compared in 22 patients (mean age 49.4) with clinical SCD syndrome and canal defects confirmed at surgery. Twenty second FPCT scans were acquired before surgery with parameters: 109Kv, small focus, 200 degrees rotation angle, and 0.4 degree per frame angulation step. Dehiscence dimensions were measured from orthogonal multiplanar reconstructions on a high-resolution liquid crystal display monitor and compared with actual measurements recorded during microsurgery.

Results:

SCD dimensions by FPCT (x) were 2.8 ± 1.6 mm for length and 0.72 ± 0.28 mm for width. The surgical measurements (y) were 2.8 ± 1.7 mm for length and 0.72 ± 0.34 mm for width. Linear fits between x and y yielded R2 values of 0.93 (length) and 0.66 (width). Our previous study using MSCT had R2 values of 0.28 (length) and 0.48 (width). The average difference between each FPCT and corresponding surgical measurement was not significantly different from zero, whereas the results for MSCT were significantly different.

Conclusion:

FPCT can provide more accurate measurements of SCD than MSCT. Clinicians should consider using FPCT for imaging suspected SCD.
Anatomy of the Surrounding Tissue of the Eustachian Tube in Patulous Eustachian Tube: 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging Approach
Authors: Yoshida Haruo , Takahashi Haruo , Morikawa Minoru
Published: January 2019

Objectives:

To clarify the possible pathological conditions of cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube (ET) and its surrounding tissues.

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Patients:

Twenty-five normal subjects (control group) and 25 patients with patulous ET (patulous group).

Methods:

We reconstructed cross-sectional 3 Tesla magnetic resonance (MR) images using the multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) technique. Cross-section area widths that were measured included the following: 1) inferior head of lateral pterygoid muscle (PM); 2) pterygoid venous plexus (PVP); 3) medial soft tissues of ET, including ET cartilage; and 4) maximum cross-sectional area of high intensity surrounding the medial ET lumen.

Results:

A statistically significant difference was found in the thickness of the inferior head of the lateral PM between male and female; it was thicker in the male participants. Ostmann's fatty tissue (OF) was significantly smaller in the patulous ET group.

Conclusion:

Smaller size of the surrounding tissues of the ET, viz., the OF, may contribute to the pathogenesis of patulous ET.
Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal in the Management of Complex Bilateral Flail Chest Injury
Authors: Wells Adam H. , Oswald Todd J. , Samra Navdeep , Scott L. Keith , Conrad Steven A.
Published: January 2019

Flail chest is an uncommon consequence of traumatic injury. Medical management includes mechanical ventilation for internal pneumatic stabilization. Control of respiratory drive is necessary to avoid paradoxical movement and impairment of recovery. Traditional approaches include sedation and neuromuscular blockade, but these measures are at odds with current trends of keeping patients awake and implementing active rehabilitation. We hypothesized that extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) would suppress the respiratory drive sufficiently to permit synchronous mechanical ventilation, allowing rib fracture healing in an awake patient with extensive bilateral flail chest. A patient with 21 fractures underwent ECCO2R for 6 weeks to permit internal pneumatic stabilization with mechanical ventilation, targeting a partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO2) of 25–30 mm Hg. The first 2 weeks were performed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for bilateral pulmonary contusions and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The last 4 weeks was with low-flow ECCO2R. Respiratory drive was suppressed during both ECMO and ECCO2R phases when the targeted hypocapnia range of 25–30 mm Hg was achieved, permitting synchronous positive pressure ventilation in an awake and cooperative patient undergoing active rehabilitation. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal targeting hypocapnia is a potential adjunct in extensive flail chest injury undergoing nonsurgical management.