bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of variation of salinity on protein, RNA and DNA contents of liver, muscle and ovary of female singi fish, heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch), at two phases of reproductive cycle
Authors: Dasmahapatra A. K. , Medda A. K.
Published: March 2017

Investigou-se as mudanças causadas nos teores de proteínasje ácidos nucleicos do fígado, músculo, ovários e peso dos orgãos (HSI, GSI) pela variação de salinidade do meio (65, 135 e 225_mOsm, NaCl/litro2 e salinidade zero ou água destilada) em fêmeas nao vitelogenicas (NV) e vitelogênicas (V) do peixe Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) às temperaturas de 25ºC e 30ºC, 30 dias após o período de aclimação nos respectivos meios. Obteve-se valores máximos de HSI tanto nos peixes (NV) e (V) quando mantidos em água destilada e valores mínimos quando em solução de 225 mOsm. 0 aumento de temperatura de 25ºC para 30°C causou uma redução nos valores de HSI somente nos peixes (V). Salinidade de 135 e 65-135 mOsm produziu o valor mais alto de GSI nos dois grupos de peixes: (NV) e (V). 0 efeito estimulante da alta temperatura (30°C) no GSI foi encontrado somente nos peixes (NV) em todos os meios salinos. 0 teor hepático de proteínas e RNA foi máximo nos peixes (NV) e (V) mantidos em meios de 65 mOsm de NaCl e mínimo nos de 225 mOsm de salinidade. 0 aumento de temperatura de 25ºC para 30ºC não alterou o teor protéico hepático mas aumentou e diminuiu o teor de RNA nas fases (V) e (NV). 0 teor muscular de proteínas e RNA foram máximos a salinidadgs zero e 65 mOsm e mínimos a 225 mOsm tanto a 25ºC , como 30ºC. A alta temperatura (30°C) aumentou o teor protéico, mas não alterou o teor de RNA. Salinidade de 135 mOsm causou o maior aumento nos teores dg proteínas, RNA e DNA do ovário das fêmeas (NV) a 25°C ou 30ºC. Salinidade zero reduziu bastante o teor desta substância no ovário. No caso do GSI o efeito estimulador da alta temperatura (30°C) no acúmulo de proteínas, RNA e DNA se fez sentir em todas as concentrações salinas do meio. Os peixes (V) apresentaram teor máximo de proteínas ovarianas a salinidade de 135 mOsm e mínimos em água destilada. Os ovários (V) tiveram a taxa mais alta de DNA em 65 e 135 mOsm de salinidade do que a zero ou 225 mOsm. A influência das altas temperaturas não foi sentida nas fêmeas (V). 0 teor de RNA ovariano dos peixes (V) também não se alterou em todas as condições experimentais.
Two botton living Copepoda calanoida aetideidae: Bradyidius plinioi and Lutamator elegans n.sp. collected in brazilian waters
Authors: Alvarez Maria Paloma Jimenez
Published: March 2017

0 macho de Bradyidius plinioi Campaner, 1978, é descrito. As duas subespécies B. plinioi plinioi e B. plinio minor são consideradas sinônimas devido à observação de especimens intermediários. Foi redefinido o gênero Lutamator Bradford, 1969, registrado pela primeira vez em águas brasileiras. A fêmea de Lutamator elegans n.sp. é descrita e comparada com a espécie-tipo do gênero L. hurleyi.
Sobre Rhinodrilus e Urobenus (Oligochaeta, Glossoscolecidae)
Authors: Righi Gilberto
Published: March 2017

Os gêneros Rhinodrilus e Urobenus foram separados e suas diagnoses reformuladas. As espécies de Rhinodrilus e de Urobenus foram listadas com seus sinônimos e ocorrências e apresentadas chaves para sua identificação. Quatro espécies novas foram reconhecidas: R. corderoi, R. jucundus, R. marcusae e U. petrerei. U. buritis e U. brevis foram elevadas ao nível de espécie. Novas ocorrências e variações foram registradas para R. motucu e R. xeabaibus.
Sobre o gênero Andiorrhinus (Oligochaeta, Glossoscolecidae)
Authors: Righi Gilberto
Published: March 2017

Andiorrhinus foi reavaliado pela literatura, a diagnose reformulada, as 23 espécies listadas com seus sinônimos e ocorrências e apresentada chave para identificação. Quatro espécies novas foram descritas: A. bucki, A. pauate, A. evelineae e A. samuelensis. A. holmgreni redescrita. Foram reestudadas as glândulas calcíferas de Rhinodrilus torquemadai, transferida para Andiorrhinus. A. tarumanis foi elevada ao nível de espécie.
A second find of Puiteca camica d. B.-r. Marcus, 1955
Authors: Marcus Eveline Du Bois-Reymond
Published: March 2017

0 turbelário Puiteca camica d. B.-R. Marcus, 1956 é redescrito com base em dois espécimes jovens, não fixados, provenientes de Torres, RS.
Two new species of the Aglajid genus Melanochlamys (Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia)
Authors: Gosliner Terrence M.
Published: March 2017

São descritas duas espécies novas de opistobrânguios aglajídeos do gênero Melanochlamys. M. papillata é proveniente da Tailândia e M. barryi foi coletada apenas em "False Bay", Africa do Sul. Ambas as espécies diferem pronunciadamente de outras congenéricas em detalhes da sua anatomia reprodutiva e na morfologia peniana. A disposição dos órgãos reprodutivos em M. barryi representa o modelo mais primitivo dentro do gênero e fornece dados adicionais para a pesquisa da filogenia da família Aglajidae.
Estudo da população de peneídos da área de Cabo Frio V. Experiências de cultivo do camarão-rosa (Penaeus brasiliensis e P. paulensis) na laguna hipersalina de Araruama (R.J.)
Authors: Brisson S.
Published: March 2017

A laguna de Araruama, apesar de sua hipersalinidade, produz uma quantidade considerável de camarões-rosa por meio de pesca artesanal. Devido a esta tendência natural, temos estudado a possibilidade de criar camarões neste ambiente, visando a uma posterior utilização de salinas inativadas como criadouros de camarões. Muitos testes foram feitos para ajustar materiais e metodologias, pertencendo os presentes a esta fase preliminar. Seus objetivos foram: experimento 1, conhecer o desempenho simultâneo (= crescimento + sobrevivência)de post-larvas de Penaeus brasiliensis e P. paulensis em ambiente hipersalino; experimento 2, simular um cultivo semi-intensivo (13 camarões m2) visando à obtenção de animais de tamanho pelo menos similar ao dos pescados na laguna (80 mm). No experimento 1, com uma densidade reduzida de post-larvas e altos níveis de alimento, obtivemos desempenhos muito bons para ambas as espécies (tamanho médio de 90 mm e 6 g) nas condições, ainda experimentais, do teste. No experimento 2, apenas com post-larvas de P. brasiliensis, também obtivemos, num período de três meses, uma produção de 1829 kg/ha e uma taxa de sobrevivência de 89% desde a colocação das post-larvas até a despesca. O tamanho médio da população foi de 90 mm t.l e 6 g. Tanto P. brasiliensis como P. paulensis, sob aquelas circunstâncias, pareceram ser muito resistentes e euriplásticas, com um grande potencial para atividades de cultivo.
Life table and behavior of Sceliphron asiaticum (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)
Authors: Fowler Harold G.
Published: March 2017

Dados para calcular a tabela de vida da vespa solitária Sceliphron asiaticum demonstram que a mortalidade durante o seu desenvolvimento é baixa e semelhante a mortalidade já descrita para outras espécies de Sceliphron no Caribe e na Austrália. Os principais parasitóides são vespas das famílias Chrysididae e Eulophoridae, e moscas da família Bombyliidae. Uma proporção significativa da mortalidade não depende do ataque dos parasitóides.
Parathyroid gland of the frog Rana tigrina
Authors: Srivastav Ajai K. , Rani Ladly
Published: March 2017

A glândula paratiróide de Rana tigrina é composta por células epiteliais densamente agrupadas que são distribuídas em círculos. A diferença na densidade das células paratiroidais já foi registrada. As células no centro da glândula são compactamente agrupadas possuindo núcleos alongados e citoplasma denso. As células da periferia da glândula são dsitribuídas frouxamente, tendo citoplasma claramente corado e núcleos esféricos grandes.
Anatomia funcional de Gari solida (Gray, 1828) (Bivalvia: Psammobiidae) do litoral de Dichato, Chile
Authors: Domaneschi Omar
Published: March 2017

Gari solida (Cray, 1828) ocorre em quase toda extensão da Província Malacológica Peruana, onde vive enterrada na areia ou cascalho da zona infralitorânea. A abundância de indivíduos em certas áreas de distribuição daespécie permite sua exploração econômica como alimento, o que justifica a necessidade de estudos sobre a sua biologia e de esforços no sentido de se evitar sua dizimação. Como contribuição ao conhecimento de G. solida, o autor descreve em detalhes a concha, manto, sifões, pé e respectiva musculatura, órgãos da cavidade do manto e trato digestivo. Especial atenção é dada ao funcionamento dos órgãos da cavidade do manto e ao conteúdo estomacal. Os sifões são típicos dos Tellinacea, sendo relativamente curtos mas amplos e guarnecidos por tentáculos simples. Os ctenídios, do tipo C(2) de Atkins (1937), são intensamente pregueados, heterorrábdicos, com a crista das pregas posteriores praticamente duplicadas em forma de "Y" e cada uma das demibrânquias possuindo um sulco marginal evidente. Os palpos são muito pequenos, comparados ao tamanho dos ctenídios e a relação entre ambos pertence à categoria III de Stasek (1963). Falta a prega adicional do manto que forma o canal de rejeição de pseudofezes. 0 saco do estilete e o intestino são unidos, a parte livre deste último sendo muito longa e enovelada. 0 estômago, tipo V de Purchon (1960), apresentou-se praticamente preenchido por uma massa viscosa, englobando muito material amorfo, marrom-esverdeado e partículas pouco densas, ambos preponderando sobre o material tipicamente de fundo. A comparação da anatomia funcional de G. solida com a de outros Psammobiidae conhecidos, permitiu a constatação das adaptações da espécie para viver em ambientes de águas calmas, com pequenos distúrbios do sedimento, e alimentar-se predominantemente do material em suspensão.
Relations of Metabolically Healthy and Unhealthy Obesity to Digital Vascular Function in Three Community‐Based Cohorts: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Brant Luisa C. C. , Wang Na , Ojeda Francisco M. , LaValley Michael , Barreto Sandhi M. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Mitchell Gary F. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Palmisano Joseph N. , Münzel Thomas , Blankenberg Stefan , Wild Philipp S. , Zeller Tanja , Ribeiro Antonio L. P. , Schnabel Renate B. , Hamburg Naomi M.
Published: March 2017

Background

Microvascular dysfunction is a marker of early vascular disease that predicts cardiovascular events. Whether metabolically healthy obese individuals have impaired microvascular function remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of obesity phenotypes stratified by metabolic status to microvascular function.

Methods and Results

We meta‐analyzed aggregate data from 3 large cohorts (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health, the Framingham Heart Study, and the Gutenberg Heart Study; n=16 830 participants, age range 19–90, 51.3% men). Regression slopes between cardiovascular risk factors and microvascular function, measured by peripheral arterial tonometry (
PAT
), were calculated. Individuals were classified as normal‐weight, overweight, or obese by body mass index (
BMI
) and stratified by healthy or unhealthy metabolic status based on metabolic syndrome using the
ATP
‐
III
criteria. Male sex,
BMI
, and metabolic risk factors were associated with higher baseline pulse amplitude and lower
PAT
ratio. There was stepwise impairment of vascular measures from normal weight to obesity in both metabolic status strata. Metabolically healthy obese individuals had more impaired vascular function than metabolically healthy normal‐weight individuals (baseline pulse amplitude 6.12±0.02 versus 5.61±0.01;
PAT
ratio 0.58±0.01 versus 0.76±0.01, all
P
<0.0001). Metabolically unhealthy obese individuals had more impaired vascular function than metabolically healthy obese individuals (baseline pulse amplitude 6.28±0.01 versus 6.12±0.02;
PAT
ratio 0.49±0.01 versus 0.58±0.01, all
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

Metabolically healthy obese individuals have impaired microvascular function, though the degree of impairment is less marked than in metabolically unhealthy obese individuals. Our findings suggest that obesity is detrimental to vascular health irrespective of metabolic status.
Atrial Arrhythmias and Electroanatomical Remodeling in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Deshmukh Amrish , Kim Gene , Burke Martin , Anyanwu Emeka , Jeevanandam Valluvan , Uriel Nir , Tung Roderick , Ozcan Cevher
Published: March 2017

Background

The incidence, predictors, and impact of atrial arrhythmias along with left atrial structural changes in patients with left ventricular assist devices (
LVAD
s) remain undetermined.

Methods and Results

All patients who underwent
LVAD
implantation from 2008 to 2015 at the University of Chicago Medical Center were included. Electronic medical records, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and cardiac electrical device interrogations were reviewed. The association of arrhythmias and clinical covariates with survival was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses. A total of 331 patients were followed for a median of 330 days (range 0–2306 days). Mean age was 57.8±12.8 years, 256 participants (77.3%) were male, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 20±6.6%, and 124 (37.5%) had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Atrial arrhythmias (53.8%) were highly prevalent and frequently coexisted before
LVAD
implantation: atrial fibrillation (
AF
) in 45.9%, atrial flutter in 13.9%, atrial tachycardia in 6.9%, and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia in 1.2%. New‐onset
AF
was documented in 14 patients (7.8% of patients without prior
AF
) after the first 30 days with an
LVAD
. Increasing age, renal insufficiency, and lung disease were predictors of new‐onset
AF
after LVAD implantation. Of patients with paroxysmal
AF
, 43% had no further
AF
after
LVAD
. Left atrial size and volume index improved with
LVAD
(
P
<0.005). History of persistent
AF
, atrial tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia, coronary artery bypass, and low albumin were associated with decreased survival.

Conclusions

Atrial arrhythmias are significantly prevalent in patients who require
LVAD
and are associated with increased mortality; however,
LVAD
s induce favorable atrial structural and electrical remodeling.
Natural History of Perihematomal Edema and Impact on Outcome After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Wu Teddy Y. , Sharma Gagan , Strbian Daniel , Putaala Jukka , Desmond Patricia M. , Tatlisumak Turgut , Davis Stephen M. , Meretoja Atte
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose—

Edema may worsen outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We assessed its natural history, factors influencing growth, and association with outcome.

Methods—

We estimated edema volumes in ICH patients from the Helsinki ICH study using semiautomated planimetry. We assessed the correlation between edema extension distance (EED) and time from ICH onset, creating an edema growth trajectory model up to 3 weeks. We interpolated expected EED at 72 hours and identified clinical and imaging characteristics associated with faster edema growth. Association of EED and mortality was assessed using logistic regression adjusting for predictors of ICH outcome.

Results—

From 1013 consecutive patients, 861 were included. There was a strong inverse correlation between EED growth rate (cm/d) and time from onset (days): EED growth=0.162*days exp(−0.927),
R
2
=0.82. Baseline factors associated with larger than expected EED were older age (71 versus 68;
P
=0.002), higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (14 versus 8;
P
<0.001), and lower Glasgow Coma scale score (13 versus 15;
P
<0.001), larger ICH volume (19.7 versus 12.7 mL;
P
<0.001), larger initial EED (0.42 versus 0.30;
P
<0.001), irregularly shaped hematoma (55% versus 42%;
P
<0.001), and higher glucose (7.6 versus 6.9 mmol/L;
P
=0.001). Patients with faster edema growth had more midline shift (50% versus 31%;
P
<0.001), herniation (12% versus 4%;
P
<0.001), and higher 6-month (46% versus 26%;
P
<0.001) mortality. In the logistic regression model, higher-than-expected EED was associated with 6-month mortality (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.46;
P
=0.032).

Conclusions—

Edema growth can be readily monitored and is an independent determinant of mortality after ICH, providing an important treatment target for strategies to improve patient outcome.
Predictors and Outcomes of Dysphagia Screening After Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Joundi Raed A. , Martino Rosemary , Saposnik Gustavo , Giannakeas Vasily , Fang Jiming , Kapral Moira K.
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose—

Guidelines advocate screening all acute stroke patients for dysphagia. However, limited data are available regarding how many and which patients are screened and how failing a swallowing screen affects patient outcomes. We sought to evaluate predictors of receiving dysphagia screening after acute ischemic stroke and outcomes after failing a screening test.

Methods—

We used the Ontario Stroke Registry from April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2013, to identify patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke and determine predictors of documented dysphagia screening and outcomes after failing the screening test, including pneumonia, disability, and death.

Results—

Among 7171 patients, 6677 patients were eligible to receive dysphagia screening within 72 hours, yet 1280 (19.2%) patients did not undergo documented screening. Patients with mild strokes were significantly less likely than those with more severe strokes to have documented screening (adjusted odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–0.64). Failing dysphagia screening was associated with poor outcomes, including pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio, 4.71; 95% CI, 3.43–6.47), severe disability (adjusted odds ratio, 5.19; 95% CI, 4.48–6.02), discharge to long-term care (adjusted odds ratio, 2.79; 95% CI, 2.11–3.79), and 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.42; 95% CI, 2.09–2.80). Associations were maintained in patients with mild strokes.

Conclusions—

One in 5 patients with acute ischemic stroke did not have documented dysphagia screening, and patients with mild strokes were substantially less likely to have documented screening. Failing dysphagia screening was associated with poor outcomes, including in patients with mild strokes, highlighting the importance of dysphagia screening for all patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Temporal Trends in Sex Differences With Regard to Stroke Incidence
Authors: Giroud Marie , Delpont Benoit , Daubail Benoit , Blanc Christelle , Durier Jérôme , Giroud Maurice , Béjot Yannick
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose—

We evaluated temporal trends in stroke incidence between men and women to determine whether changes in the distribution of vascular risk factors have influenced sex differences in stroke epidemiology.

Methods—

Patients with first-ever stroke including ischemic stroke, spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and undetermined stroke between 1987 and 2012 were identified through the population-based registry of Dijon, France. Incidence rates were calculated for age groups, sex, and stroke subtypes. Sex differences and temporal trends (according to 5-year time periods) were evaluated by calculating incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with Poisson regression.

Results—

Four thousand six hundred and fourteen patients with a first-ever stroke (53.1% women) were recorded. Incidence was lower in women than in men (112 versus 166 per 100 000/y; IRR, 0.68;
P
<0.001), especially in age group 45 to 84 years, and for both ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage. From 1987 to 2012, the lower incidence of overall stroke in women was stable (IRR ranging between 0.63 and 0.72 according to study periods). When considering stroke subtype, a slight increase in the incidence of ischemic stroke was observed in both men (IRR, 1.011; 95% confidence interval, 1.005–1.016;
P
=0.001) and women (IRR, 1.013; 95% confidence interval, 1.007–1.018;
P
=0.001). The sex gap in incidence remained unchanged in ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage. Conversely, the lower subarachnoid hemorrhage incidence in women vanished with time because of an increasing incidence.

Conclusions—

The sex gap in stroke incidence did not change with time except for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Despite lower rates, more women than men experience an incident stroke each year because of a longer life expectancy.
Description of a new kinorhynch species, Paracentrophyes sanchezae n. sp. (Kinorhyncha: Allomalorhagida) from the Gulf of Mexico, with differential notes on one additional, yet undescribed species of the genus
Authors: SØRENSEN MARTIN V. , LANDERS STEPHEN C.
Published: March 2017

A new kinorhynch species, Paracentrophyes sanchezae n. sp., is described from the Gulf of Mexico. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by its relatively low number of perispinal setae. In addition to the new species, the existence of one undescribed species of Paracentrophyes in the Gulf of Mexico is also reported. This undescribed species has very short lateral terminal spines, and the number of perispinal setae is lower than in any other known species of Paracentrophyes. Diagnostic notes are provided for this unnamed species, but the available material is too limited to provide a formal description.
Eight new species of Dolichopodinae (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) from northern Iran
Authors: KAZERANI FARZANEH , KHAGHANINIA SAMAD , TALEBI ALI ASGHAR , PERSSON MAGNUS , POLLET MARC
Published: March 2017

Dipterological surveys were conducted in different sites in western and central parts of northern Iran (Guilan, Mazandaran, Kordestan, East and West Azerbaijan and Ardabil provinces) during 2010–2011 using Malaise traps, and during 2012–2014 employing sweep nets. A total of 110 species were collected, including 42 Dolichopodinae. Eleven dolichopodine species proved new to science, eight of which are described here: Dolichopus fuscicercus sp. nov., D. subimmaculatus sp. nov., Gymnopternus flavitibia sp. nov., G. atratus sp. nov., Hercostomus setitibia sp. nov., H. albicoxa sp. nov., Poecilobothrus annulitarsis sp. nov. and P. innotabilis sp. nov. Some of these species strongly resemble European species and even share near identical conspicuous male secondary sexual characters.
Attitude of society towards people with mental illness: The result of national survey of the Slovak population
Authors: Letovancová Katarína , Kovalčíková Nadežda , Dobríková Patricia
Published: March 2017

Aims:

Our survey has been aimed at identifying the society attitude towards people with mental illness in Slovakia.

Method:

Selected group comprised 1,624 adult respondents with 18 years of age as the bottom limit. We applied reduced 26-item Community Attitudes Toward Mentally Ill Scale (CAMI) to the survey of the society attitude towards people with mental illness.

Results:

Average score reached by the respondents reached 94.0800 points, indicating lower stigmatization rate than presumed. Further investigation revealed prejudice and stigmatizing attitudes at significant part of the population. The survey confirmed statistically significant differences at the attitudes in the terms of gender ( t = −6.559, p = .000), age within the categories (χ2 = 20.358, p = .000), education ( F = 9.137, p = .000), socio-economic status (χ2 = 50.487, p = .000) and occupation (χ2 = 47.989, p = .000). We also confirmed statistically significant relation between the attitude and age (−.085**, p = .001).

Conclusion:

The survey confirmed rather neutral up to slightly positive attitude of the Slovak population towards people with mental illness. Existence of attitudes burdened with fear was revealed in some cases, indicating the need for continuous education of the society in this subject matter.
Watershed Politics: Groundwater Management and Resource Conservation in Southern California’s Pomona Valley
Authors: Hackenberger Benjamin , Miller Char
Published: March 2017

California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) of 2014 established oversight of the state’s groundwater basins and subbasins. The history of water rights in the Pomona Valley, east of Los Angeles, suggests that local control of water will not be a straightforward process. From the mid-nineteenth century, white settlers in this valley battled for control of its surface and groundwater. After decades of legislation and controversy, the Pomona Valley Protective Association (PVPA) emerged. Its membership included agricultural interests, communities, and mutual water companies in a scheme to capture storm water flowing off the San Gabriel Mountains and percolate it via spreading fields to recharge groundwater supplies. This cooperative venture combined water conservation with flood control, a pattern that might be replicated in the coming years as other California water basins struggle to comply with SGMA.
Changing times
Authors: Oldfield Chrissie
Published: March 2017

It is becoming apparent that the environment in which Executive Masters in Public Administration programmes operate has changed dramatically in the wake of economic crisis and subsequent cuts in public spending. Changes in the funding of public sector organisations has been compounded by a broader “crisis” in the wider public sector which has seen job losses, resources pressures, and the questioning of who delivers public services.

Despite arguing for the need for public management education in the face of adversity and austerity, the reality is that the demand for traditional university based courses is falling and despite the proven success of XMPA courses, public sector employers are just not funding or releasing their staff in the way that they did to attend these courses. Arguably, they may have justifiable “business” arguments such as loss of funding and staff and increasing demands on resources, ironically some of the senior managers who are saying no to their staff are the very ones who benefitted from more generous employer support themselves. However what this means for the development and continuance of public management programmes is that public management educators have to seriously think how to continue to develop and sustain XMPA programmes and show that they are not a burden to the organization and the sector but are of great value and benefit.

This paper argues for the need for public management courses, and in particular XMPAs, during a period of questioning and uncertainty in a changing public sector. It suggests some of the changes to courses and course delivery that are needed and uses the example of the XMPA, public management education programme at London South Bank University.

Such suggestions include: Delivering “Bite size XMPA”, portfolio of course accumulation, a Ladders and Bridges Framework, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Changes to course curriculum and content, a flexible approach to course timing and delivering courses off site to organizations. Further developing Learning Communities to respond to specific workplace managerial challenges, creating a safe learning environment and developing case studies from students own professional and practical experiences.

The aim of this paper is to consider ways in which public management educators can continue to provide relevant courses and skills and argues that despite the cuts in the public sector and the deprioritization of education and training, Executive Masters in Public Administration (XMPA) are much needed to enable managers to deal effectively with the managerial challenges and dilemmas in service provision, not least citizen’s expectations and demands for improved services at lower cost, brought about as a consequence of the fiscal crisis and resulting public service cuts.

The emphasis is on external training in the form of post graduate academic degrees and CPD (which are outside mandatory clinical and essential professional minimum training requirements), and specifically XMPA programmes.
Defining and Using Preoperative Predictors of Diabetic Remission Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Stallard Ryan , Sahai Vic , Drover John W. , Chun Shannon , Keresztes Christian
Published: March 2017

Background: Diabetes remission is defined as the return of glycemic control in the absence of medication or insulin use after bariatric surgery. We sought to identify and assess the clinical utility of a predictive model for remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a population seeking bariatric surgery. Method: A retrospective cohort design was applied to presurgical data on patients referred for Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). The model developed from logistic regression was compared with a published model through receiver operating characteristic analyses. Results: At 12 months postoperatively, 59.7% of the cohort was remitted, with no differences between RYGB and VSG. Logistic regression analyses yielded a model in which 4 preoperative variables reliably predicted remission. A Hosmer‐Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit test result of 0.204 indicated good fit of the developed prediction model to our outcome data. The predictive accuracy of this prediction model was compared with a published model, and an associated variation with diabetes years was substituted for age in our patient population. Our model was the most accurate. Conclusions: Using these predictors, healthcare providers may be able to better counsel patients who are living with diabetes and considering bariatric surgery on the likelihood of achieving remission from the intervention. This refined prediction model requires further testing in a larger sample to evaluate its external validity.
Omentin Val109Asp polymorphism and risk of coronary artery disease
Authors: Jamshidi Javad , Ghanbari Mehrdad , Asnaashari Ali , Jafari Nosaybeh , Valizadeh Gholam Abbas
Published: March 2017

Background

Omentin is an adipocytokine with antiinflammatory properties. It has been reported to be involved in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. We aimed to investigate the association of omentin Val109Asp polymorphism with coronary artery disease in an Iranian population.

Methods

For a case-control study, 400 individuals were recruited: 200 with coronary artery disease and 200 healthy controls. Patients with coronary artery disease were diagnosed by angiography as having at least one main coronary artery with more than 50% stenosis. Genotyping of Val109Asp was carried out using a polymerase chain reaction DNA-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique.

Results

There was no association between Val109Asp polymorphism and the risk of coronary artery disease in our study population ( p = 0.20). However, when subgroup analysis was performed according to sex, there was a significant difference in the distribution of alleles between groups for men ( p = 0.031, odds ratio = 0.57, 95% confidence interval: 0.35–0.95) but not for women ( p = 0.88, odds ratio = 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 0.66–1.61).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the Asp allele of Val109Asp (T allele of rs2274907) is more frequent among men with coronary artery disease than healthy men, so it is possibly a risk factor for coronary artery disease in men only. The difference in association between men and women may be due to the different distribution and metabolism of adipose tissue in men and women. More studies with larger sample sizes and in different populations are required to validate our study results.
Equine Hoof Canker: Cell Proliferation and Morphology
Authors: Apprich V. , Licka T. , Zipfl N. , Tichy A. , Gabriel C.
Published: March 2017

Hoof canker is described as progressive pododermatitis of the equine hoof with absent epidermal cornification and extensive proliferation of the dermal papillary body; however, in-depth research on the type of proliferative activity has not yet been reported. The aim of the present study was to determine cell-specific proliferation patterns together with morphological analysis of hoof canker tissue. Tissues removed during surgery from 19 horses presented for treatment of canker were compared with similar postmortem tissues of healthy hooves of 10 horses. Morphological alterations visible in light microscopy were assessed semiquantitatively and graded for severity. Proliferative activity was evaluated by means of anti-PCNA (proliferative cell nuclear antigen) and anti-Ki67 immunohistochemistry. Histologically, canker tissue showed 5 major morphological alterations–the presence of lacunae, vacuoles, giant cells, hemorrhage, and inflammation–not seen in control tissue. Also, there was a notable koilocytotic appearance of keratinocytes in canker tissue. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased levels of PCNA protein expression in keratinocytes and fibroblasts of canker tissue compared with control tissue. In control tissue, keratinocytes showed higher levels of Ki67 compared with canker tissue, while the dermal fibroblasts of both groups showed similar levels of Ki67, indicating similar proliferative activity of less than 3% of total dermal fibroblasts. These results demonstrate that, in contrast to previous reports, there is no evidence for increased proliferative activity of the dermal papillary body associated with hoof canker. Increased levels of PCNA protein expression and morphological alterations indicate that dysregulation of keratinocyte differentiation constitutes a key event in equine hoof canker development.
The Effect of Postoperative KT-1000 Arthrometer Score on Long-Term Outcome After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Goodwillie Andrew D. , Shah Sarav S. , McHugh Malachy P. , Nicholas Stephen J.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Many long-term studies have looked at outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but none have correlated long-term outcomes with postoperative laxity greater than 5 mm. It has been stated previously that more than 5 mm of postoperative graft laxity constituted a procedural failure.

Purpose:

To directly compare tight grafts (<3 mm) and loose grafts (>5 mm) to determine the effect of graft laxity, as measured by KT-1000 arthrometer, after ACLR on long-term clinical outcomes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The study included 171 consecutive patients who had undergone transtibial bone–patellar tendon–bone ACLR between 1992 and 1998. At 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively (the immediate postoperative period), patients were evaluated. Group A included patients with a maximal side-to-side (STS) difference in the immediate postoperative period of less than 3 mm (tight grafts), and group B included patients with a maximal STS difference of greater than 5 mm (loose grafts). Any patient with a history of ipsilateral or contralateral ACLR or ACL injury, meniscectomy, or cartilage restoration was excluded. Patients were prospectively followed to long-term follow-up, when a telephone interview was conducted regarding knee function and to document Lysholm, Tegner, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective outcome scores.

Results:

Eighty-seven patients met inclusion criteria: 66 tight grafts (group A) and 21 loose grafts (group B). The mean ± SD time to follow-up was 16.3 ± 1.5 years in group A (n = 46) and 16.8 ± 1.3 years in group B (n = 15). Tegner ( P = .77), Lysholm ( P = .85), KOOS ( P = .96), and IKDC ( P = .42) were found to have no statistically significant difference between groups at long-term follow-up. Both Tegner and Lysholm scores significantly improved in tight and loose grafts in the immediate postoperative period as well as at long-term follow-up compared with preoperatively. There were 2 ACL revisions in group A and none in group B. Eleven of 46 patients (24%) in group A required subsequent procedures versus 1 of 15 patients (6.7%) in group B ( P = .146).

Conclusion:

Postoperative laxity of greater than 5 mm STS difference as measured by KT-1000 arthrometer does not appear to place patients at a worse clinical outcome at long-term follow-up, nor does it lead to significantly more subsequent procedures. In addition, transtibial ACLR can provide excellent clinical results at long-term follow-up.
Structural Validity of the HBSC Bullying Measure: Self-Report Rating Scales of Youth Victimization and Perpetration Behavior
Authors: Roberson Anthony J. , Renshaw Tyler L.
Published: March 2017

Bullying involvement among youth has consistently been linked to potentially serious consequences for both perpetrators and victims. To help clarify the nature and scope of youth bullying involvement, empirically validated assessment instruments measuring victimization and perpetration behaviors are needed for use in research and practice. The present study investigated the latent factor structure of the 22 victimization and perpetration items within the 2009-2010 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) self-report survey. Structural validity analyses were conducted using a representative sample of U.S. youth in Grades 5 to 10 ( N = 11,449) obtained from the national administration of the HBSC self-report survey. Results suggested a two-factor latent structure comprised of bullying victimization and perpetration was the most theoretically and psychometrically sound measurement model for these data. In addition, multigroup measurement and structural invariance analyses showed that this model functioned equitably across student race/ethnicity, sex, and grade level, supporting the measure’s use with diverse student populations.
Immersed multilayer biodegradable ureteral stent with reformed biodegradation: An in vitro experiment
Authors: Yang Ganggang , Xie Hua , Huang Yichen , Lv Yiqing , Zhang Mingqing , Shang Yafeng , Zhou Junmei , Wang Liping , Wang Jin-Ye , Chen Fang
Published: March 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a novel immersed multilayer biodegradable ureteral stent with reformed biodegradation and evaluate it in vitro.

Methods

Poly(glycolic-co-lactic acid) (PGLA), microsphere zein and BaSO4 were employed to produce a multilayer biodegradable stent using immersion technology. Tests of the biodegradable stents and conventional control stents were conducted in human urine in vitro to evaluate the biodegradable properties. The biocompatibility was assessed by the morphology and proliferation of urine-derived cells cultured with extracted media from the biodegradable stent and a latex material positive control.

Results

An immersed multilayer biodegradable stent was successfully produced. It began to degrade in week 2 and was fully degraded by week 4. The mass loss ratio in the first 2 weeks was low (approximately 10.0% at 1 week, 20.0% at 2 weeks) and increased after 3 weeks (approximately 70%) to the end of testing. During the first 2 weeks, the radial compression load performances of the biodegradable stents were better than those of the control stents with statistically significant differences ( p = 0.00, p = 0.01) and the tensile strengths were lower in the biodegradable stents than those in the control stents throughout the experiment. SEM showed that the stents degraded layer by layer from the outer to the inner wall. The influences on the cells of extracted medium from the biodegradable stents were morphologically slight and lower than 10% in relative growth rates.

Conclusions

This preliminary study demonstrates that the immersed multilayer biodegradable ureteral stent has good radial compression and biocompatible performance and can be degraded in vitro within 4 weeks in a moderate manner.
Digital literacy in the marketing curriculum
Authors: Mishra Karen E. , Wilder Kelly , Mishra Aneil K.
Published: March 2017

Employers seeking to capitalize on current marketing graduates’ technological savvy may find a disappointing gap between their expectations and students’ digital preparedness. This study examines these issues by investigating female students’ attitudes and expectations with regard to using digital tools in marketing coursework and in a future career. Although students often claim they are confident about using technology, many actually feel discomfort about their preparedness for using technology in career contexts. Females in particular struggle to feel confident about their technological competence. This presents a challenge for marketing instruction, because employers have indicated that digital tools are critical for new marketing careers. Thus, it is incumbent upon marketing faculty to help prepare students for the job market not only by offering instruction on marketing’s theoretical foundations but also by providing hands-on opportunities for students to improve their digital skills and confidence.
Sintering process investigation during polytetrafluoroethylene hollow fibre membrane fabrication by extrusion method
Authors: Jia Jingxuan , Kang Guodong , Zou Tong , Li Meng , Zhou Meiqing , Cao Yiming
Published: March 2017

In this study, the effect of sintering conditions including manner, temperature and duration on properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hollow fibre membrane fabricated by extrusion method was intensively investigated. Different from un-sintered and relaxed sintered, the fixed sintered PTFE hollow fibre membrane was observed to generate a uniform ‘fibril–node’ porous structure and a main crystal transformation to folded chain crystal with smaller size. Consequently, it was found that for fixed setting sintering, both temperature increase from 340°C to 400°C and duration prolongation obviously improved pore size, ethanol permeation performance and mechanical strength. Additionally, the test results revealed that the membrane sintered below virgin melting point (350°C) had a noticeable higher porosity but poorer ethanol permeation performance that could be primarily attributed to increased ratio of closed pore. The sintering condition exhibited evident influence on PTFE hollow fibre membrane thermal stability, though it showed no alteration to the thermal decomposition of PTFE. The obtained PTFE hollow fibre membrane was tested to evaluate their vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) performances. It was found that PTFE membrane from lower sintering temperature delivered a better salt rejection; on the other hand, the permeate flux was improved by increased vacuum pressure during VMD operation.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Inconel-625 welded joint developed through microwave hybrid heating
Authors: Badiger Ravindra Ishwar , Narendranath S , Srinath M S
Published: March 2017

Application of microwave energy for processing of bulk metals is effectively utilized to join Inconel-625 plates through hybrid heating technique using Inconel-625 powder as an interface filler material. Post welding characterization of microwave developed joints through X-ray diffraction shows the development of carbides of niobium and chromium as well as intermetallic phases along with the primary γ-phase face-centered cubic matrix. Microstructural examination reveals the formation of Laves phase along the grain boundaries in the fusion zone. Microwave-induced joints exhibit average microhardness of 245 ± 20 HV and 0.7% porosity in the fusion zone. Average ultimate tensile strength and flexural strength of the developed joints were estimated at 375 and 377 MPa respectively. Average impact toughness of microwave-induced joints is observed to be 18 J.
Optimizing performance of oil filling processes using fuzzy goal programming
Authors: Al-Refaie Abbas , Abu Ghazaleh Yaser , Li Ming-Hsien
Published: March 2017

This research aims at improving the performance of the filling line machine using fuzzy goal programming. Two main quality responses including the number of defective products and the production rate of the filling machine are of main interest. Initially, the control charts for number of nonconforming and production rate, np and I-MR, respectively, are established and indicate that the process is in statistical control. However, the process is found incapable. The fuzzy goal programming model is adopted to identify the combination of optimal factor settings utilizing the Taguchi’s L16 array. The optimal factor settings are 5.6 s, 5.6 s, 6.4 s, 6.0 s, 75°, 75°, 1.9 cm, 2.5 cm, 1.0 s, 0.9 s, 5.8 s, and 0.11 s for timing nozzle # 1, timing nozzle # 2, timing nozzle # 3, timing nozzle # 4, weighing valve # 1, weighing valve # 2, crimping head # 1 height, crimping head # 2 height, crimping time # 1, crimping time # 2, crimping delay, and conveyer, respectively. Confirmation experiments are conducted at optimal factor settings. Results showed reduction in the number of defective cans and significant enhancement of the oil filling process capability. In conclusions, the fuzzy goal programming model is found to be an efficient technique in supporting the process engineers of oil filling line for obtaining significant yearly savings in quality costs and considerable productivity gains.
Positive Behavioral Supports: Empirically Supported Use of Behavioral Logs
Authors: Krach S. Kathleen , McCreery Michael P. , Wilcox Raven , Focaracci Shannon D.
Published: March 2017

Teachers commonly use behavioral logs as a primary method for controlling classroom behavior, but frequently they are using these logs incorrectly. For this reason, this article provides specific information on how to correctly use behavioral logs for techniques such as check-in/check-out, behavioral report cards, and token economies. Each of these are described in terms of empirical support for their use and how they would be integrated into a positive behavioral and intervention support model. Concrete examples are provided for school-based practitioners to use when working with their own students.
Collaboration of General and Special Education Teachers: Perspectives and Strategies
Authors: Da Fonte M. Alexandra , Barton-Arwood Sally M.
Published: March 2017

Schools today focus on inclusive models of education for students with disabilities that include higher expectations and increased teacher accountability. Within this inclusion framework, both general and special education teachers have responsibilities for the education of diverse learners. Collaboration skills take time to develop, with many potential barriers that can limit successful teamwork. Therefore, teacher preparation programs have a responsibility for preparing general and special education teachers for collaboration with a focus on strategies to minimize potential barriers and support outcomes for students with disabilities. In order to be more responsive to teacher candidates’ development, a first step is to understand their perspectives about collaboration. This article outlines the hopes and fears of both general and special education preservice candidates regarding collaboration and how their perspectives align with documented views of practicing teachers. Strategies to minimize fears and potential barriers for successful collaboration in school settings are presented.
Micromechanics based discrete damage model with multiple non-smooth yield surfaces: Theoretical formulation, numerical implementation and engineering applications
Authors: Jin Wencheng , Arson Chloé
Published: March 2017

The discrete damage model presented in this paper accounts for 42 non-interacting crack microplanes directions. At the scale of the representative volume element, the free enthalpy is the sum of the elastic energy stored in the non-damaged bulk material and in the displacement jumps at crack faces. Closed cracks propagate in the pure mode II, whereas open cracks propagate in the mixed mode (I/II). The elastic domain is at the intersection of the yield surfaces of the activated crack families, and thus describes a non-smooth surface. In order to solve for the 42 crack densities, a Closest Point Projection algorithm is adopted locally. The representative volume element inelastic strain is calculated iteratively using the Newton–Raphson method. The proposed damage model was rigorously calibrated for both compressive and tensile stress paths. Finite element method simulations of triaxial compression tests showed that the transition between brittle and ductile behavior at increasing confining pressure can be captured. The cracks’ density, orientation, and location predicted in the simulations are in agreement with experimental observations made during compression and tension tests, and accurately show the difference between tensile and compressive strength. Plane stress tension tests simulated for a fiber-reinforced brittle material also demonstrated that the model can be used to interpret crack patterns, design composite structures and recommend reparation techniques for structural elements subjected to multiple damage mechanisms.