bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung Function, Inflammation, and Endothelin‐1 in Congenital Heart Disease–Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Low Andrew , George Sarah , Howard Luke , Bell Nicholas , Millar Ann , Tulloh Robert M. R.
Published: February 2018

Background

Breathlessness is the most common symptom in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension and congenital heart disease (
CHD
‐
APAH
), previously thought to be caused by worsening
PAH
, but perhaps also by inflammation and abnormalities of lung function. We studied lung function and airway inflammation in patients with
CHD
‐
APAH
and compared the results with controls.

Methods and Results

Sixty people were recruited into the study: 20
CHD
‐
APAH
, 20
CHD
controls, and 20 healthy controls. Spirometry, gas transfer, whole body plethysmography and lung clearance index, 6‐minute walk distance, and medical research council dyspnea scoring were performed. Inflammatory markers and endothelin‐1 levels were determined in blood and induced sputum. The
CHD
‐
APAH
group had abnormal lung function with lung restriction, airway obstruction, and ventilation heterogeneity. Inverse correlations were shown for
CHD
‐
APAH
between medical research council dyspnea score and percent predicted peak expiratory flow (
r
=−0.5383,
P
=0.0174), percent predicted forced expiratory flow rate at 50% of forced vital capacity (
r
=−0.5316,
P
=0.0192), as well as for percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (
r
=−0.6662,
P
=0.0018) and percent predicted forced vital capacity (
r
=−0.5536,
P
=0.0186). The
CHD
‐
APAH
patients were more breathless with lower 6‐minute walk distance (360 m versus 558 m versus 622 m,
P
=0.00001). Endothelin‐1, interleukin (
IL
)‐β,
IL
‐6,
IL
‐8, tumor necrosis factor α, and vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly higher in
CHD
‐
APAH
than controls. Serum endothelin‐1 for
CHD
‐
APAH
correlated with airflow obstruction with significant negative correlations with percent predicted forced expiratory flow rate at 75% of forced vital capacity (
r
=−0.5858,
P
=0.0135).

Conclusions

Raised biomarkers for inflammation were found in
CHD
‐
APAH
. Significant abnormalities in airway physiology may contribute to the dyspnea but are not driven by inflammation as assessed by circulating and sputum cytokines. A relationship between increased serum endothelin‐1 and airway dysfunction may relate to its bronchoconstrictive properties.
Diversity of entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria in south African plantations and indigenous forests
Authors: Abate Birhan A. , Slippers Bernard , Wingfield Michael J. , Malan Antoinette P. , Hurley Brett P.
Published: February 2018

The occurrence and diversity of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) and their symbiotic bacteria was evaluated in commercial forestry plantations (Eucalyptus spp., Pinus spp. and Acacia mearnsii) and indigenous forests in South Africa. EPN were most prevalent in A. mearnsii plantations, accounting for 60.7% of the isolates, while indigenous forests, plantations of Pinus spp. and Eucalyptus spp. accounted for 35.7, 3.6 and 0% of the isolates, respectively. DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and D2-D3 28S rDNA regions were used to identify the nematode species. Four Steinernema spp. were identified, including S. citrae, S. sacchari, two undescribed species, as well as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and H. baujardi. Heterorhabditis baujardi is reported from South Africa for the first time. Analysis of 16S rRNA of the bacteria confirmed the presence of at least three Xenorhabdus species from Steinernema isolates and two subspecies of Photorhabdus luminescens from Heterorhabditis species.
The ‘Galleon System’ and Chinese Trade in Manila at the Turn of the 16th Century
Authors: Iaccarino Ubaldo
Published: February 2018

When the mission of the Basque adelantado Miguel López de Legazpi reached Luzon – the northernmost isle of the Philippine archipelago – in 1570, the ambitious Spanish conquistadores met the ‘Sangley’ merchants for the first time.

During the 1570s many Chinese junks started to connect Manila with the ports of Fujian province and transformed the Philippine capital in a crossroads of the silk to silver exchange between China, Japan and the two Americas.

Following the establishment of the Manila-Acapulco-Callao triangular trade line and with the influx of the precious ‘reals of eight’ from Mexico, the so-called ‘Naos de China’ started to enrich both the Spaniards and the ‘Sangleys’, triggering an irreversible process that led to the establishment of a ‘Galleon System’ in just two decades.

This paper will discuss the role of Chinese trade in the Philippines at the close of the 16th century from the founding of Manila in 1571 to the establishment of the ‘Galleon System’ by the early 1590s.
Back to the Roots: The Imperial City of Shenyang as a Symbol of the Manchu Ethnic Identity of the Qing Dynasty
Authors: Sepe Agostino
Published: February 2018

At the UNESCO meeting held in Suzhou on the 2nd of July 2004, the Imperial City of Shenyang was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, so that now it is recorded together with the Forbidden City of Beijing as one single item: Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Ming Qing gongdian 明清宮殿. Nevertheless, the importance of Shenyang Palace is not at all due to its similarity to the one in Beijing. The part of the Shenyang Imperial City built before the Manchu conquest of Beijing in 1644 mirrors the culture of the Manchu people and the institutions of its rulers in its architectural style. The part built during Qianlong’s reign, on the other hand, is evidence of the devotion of Later Qing emperors (from Kangxi to Daoguang) towards their ancestors and their Manchu origins. At the same time, the palace also reflects the sinicization of the Manchus and the merging of the two different cultures and institutional systems, both in some of its buildings and in its whole. These two aspects clearly distinguish the Palace from the Forbidden City and confer it with immense historical and cultural value.

It is, therefore, from these points of view that I will deal with Shenyang Imperial City in this paper, whose purpose is to demonstrate how the palace is a symbol of the origins and the history of China’s last dynasty.

The most ancient sources I will base my work on are Qing shilu 清實錄 (I will mainly refer to the sections regarding the Qing emperors from Nurhaci to Qianlong) and Manwen laodang 滿文老檔, which is a source of the utmost importance for the study of Qing history before the conquest of Beijing.
Qi Jiguang’s Wujing Qishu Zhaiti. A Few Notes On A Synopsis Of The Military Classics
Authors: Siegmund Felix
Published: February 2018

The famous Ming general Qi Jiguang (1522-1582) is best known for his military treatises, namely the Jixiao xinshu and the Lianbing shiji, while his other writings are much neglected by researchers. This article is an annotated translation and discussion of Qi Jiguang’s Wujing qishu zhaiti (16th cent.) The Wujing qishu zhaiti is a collage of excerpts from the Seven Military Classics (Wujing qishu), which are then re-arranged to form a new text. This new text, which is constructed like a wordgame, can be read as a commentary on the meaning of the military classics and their relative importance to the canon of military texts. In this re-arranged text, new meaning is constructed and new interpretations are suggested. While the history of the reception of the Wujing qishu zhaiti is unknown due to a lack of sources, the text seems to bear traces of discursive confrontations of the time and of a struggle for legitimacy. Qi Jiguang even seems to challenge the established order of the elites by re-enforcing the position of military studies as a serious subject, comparable to civil (Confucian) studies.
朝鮮燕行使視野下的乾隆禁教期間耶穌會士。 以洪大容的《湛軒燕記》為研究對象
Authors: Law Lok-yin (Login)
Published: February 2018

The Chosŏn Envoys to Beijing and their View on the Jesuits in the Qianlong Period of Persecution: Hong Tae-yong’s Tamhŏnyŏnki as a Case Study

As Matteo Ricci arrived to China, the Jesuits began their missionary activities in the Empire spurring new cultural interactions between East and West. While the current scholarship is particularly focused on the activities between late Ming and early Qing, the activities that took place during the Qianlong persecution have been ignored by the academia. At that time, however, some missionaries were still working at the Qintianjian (Imperial Astronomical Bureau), also trying to preach
sermons to Chinese common people as well as to other individuals, such as the members of the Korean embassies to Beijing.

Members of Chosŏn envoys to Beijing (Yŏnhaengsa) were granted by the Qing court the permission to visit different places in Beijing, therefore getting in contact with different people and activities. They got the opportunity to visit the church in the capital city and to meet the Jesuits, as well. This opportunity aroused the envoys’ curiosity about the Jesuits’ culture and religion. In 1765, one of the members of the embassy, Hong Tae-yong (1731-1783), got the opportunity to interact with two members of the Jesuits, Ferdinand Avguštin Hallerstein (1703-1774) and Antoine Gogeisi (1701-1771): that encounter helped Hong to learn more about the situation of Beijing missionaries which he successively recorded in his travel journal Tamhŏnyŏnki.

The records of Tamhŏnyŏnki about the missionaries and Hong Tae-yong’s interest on Catholic Church were related to the social and intellectual background of Hong Tae-yong in Chosŏn Kingdom. The Tamhŏnyŏnki’s records not only help us understand the envoys’ interest in Beijing’s Catholic culture, but they also reshape the discourse of the missionaries’ activities during the period of persecution, providing evidence that the missionaries were still working hard on their religious activities at that time. Also, the Tamhŏnyŏnki encouraged other intellectuals in Chosŏn to understand Western culture in general and Catholicism. This text, then, shows how the Korean envoys’ travel journals shaped the image of the missionaries, thus shedding new light on Ming-Qing Catholicism as well as on the development of Western learning in the Korean peninsula.
The advertisement call of Proceratophrys branti Brandão, Caramaschi, Vaz-Silva & Campos, 2013 (Amphibia, Anura, Odontophrynidae)
Authors: DE ANDRADE SHEILA PEREIRA , ROCHA CEZAR FILHO , VAZ-SILVA WILIAN
Published: February 2018

Proceratophrys Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920 currently comprises 40 species (Frost 2017) of which 15 are allocated into the Proceratophrys cristiceps species group (sensu Brandão et al. 2013). The species in this group are characterized by the absence of postocular swellings and, except for P. concavitympanum, are found in seasonally open habitats in Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga morphoclimatic domains (Giaretta et al. 2000; Ávila et al. 2012; Teixeira Jr. et al. 2012; Brandão et al. 2013). Information on advertisement calls is available for 11 species of the group (Eterovick & Sazima 1998; Nunes & Juncá 2006; Brasileiro et al. 2008; Santana et al. 2010; Ávila et al. 2012; Martins & Giaretta 2011; 2012; 2013; Ferreira et al. 2016). Proceratophrys branti Brandão, Carmaschi, Vaz-Silva & Campos, 2013 has been recently described and allocated in the P. cristiceps species group. The species occurs in open areas in the north-central portion of the Brazilian Cerrado, in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais and Tocantins (Brandão et al. 2013). Herein we describe for the first time its advertisement call, based on recordings made in an area of Cerrado biome in the state of Tocantins.
Rediscovery of Rhacophorus yaoshanensis and Theloderma kwangsiensis at their type localities after five decades
Authors: CHEN WEICAI , LIAO XIAOWEN , ZHOU SHICHU , MO YUNMING , HUANG YONG
Published: February 2018

Rhacophorus yaoshanensis Liu & Hu, 1962 and Theloderma kwangsiensis Liu & Hu, 1962 were described by Liu & Hu (1962) based on two specimens and one specimen, respectively, from the Dayaoshan Ranges, Guangxi, China. Since these two species were described, no additional specimens have been collected from their type localities, presenting an issue for phylogenetic studies of the genera. Five decades later, we have rediscovered R. yaoshanensis and T. kwangsiensis from their type localities. In this paper, we re-describe the two species and conduct a preliminary assessment of their phylogenetic relationships using two mitochondrial DNA genes (12S and 16S rRNA). The results indicate with high support that R. yaoshanensis is closely related to Rhacophorus pinglongensis. Theloderma kwangsiensis is nested within Theloderma corticale, with only 0.0–0.6% pairwise divergence, a level typical of intraspecific variation. Based on both molecular and morphological analyses, we further confirm that T. kwangsiensis is a synonym of T. corticale. Shiwandashan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi Province, China, is a new record for T. corticale.
Potentials in Improving Predictability of Multiscale Tropical Weather Systems Evaluated through Ensemble Assimilation of Simulated Satellite-Based Observations
Authors: Ying Yue , Zhang Fuqing
Published: February 2018

As a follow-up of our recent paper on the practical and intrinsic predictability of multiscale tropical weather and equatorial waves, this study explores the potentials in improving the analysis and prediction of these weather systems through assimilating simulated satellite-based observations with a regional ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). The observing networks investigated include the retrieved temperature and humidity profiles from the Advanced TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder (ATOVS) and global positioning system radio occultation (GPSRO), the atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs), infrared brightness temperature from Meteosat-7 ( Met7-Tb), and retrieved surface wind speed from the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS). It is found that assimilating simulated ATOVS thermodynamic profiles and AMV winds improves the accuracy of wind, temperature, humidity, and hydrometeors for scales larger than 200 km. The skillful forecast lead times can be extended by as much as 4 days for scales larger than 1000 km. Assimilation of Met7-Tb further improves the analysis of cloud hydrometeors even at scales smaller than 200 km. Assimilating CYGNSS surface winds further improves the low-level wind and temperature. Meanwhile, the impact from assimilating the current-generation GPSRO data with better vertical resolution and accuracy is comparable to assimilating half of the current ATOVS profiles, while a hypothetical 25-times increase in the number of GPSRO profiles can potentially exceed the impact from assimilating the current network of retrieved ATOVS profiles. Our study not only shows great promises in further improving practical predictability of multiscale equatorial systems but also provides guidance in the evaluation and design of current and future spaceborne observations for tropical weather.
Enhanced Linkage between Eurasian Winter and Spring Dominant Modes of Atmospheric Interannual Variability since the Early 1990s
Authors: Chen Shangfeng , Wu Renguang , Chen Wen , Yao Shuailei
Published: February 2018

The present study reveals a marked enhancement in the relationship between Eurasian winter and spring atmospheric interannual variability since the early 1990s. Specifically, the dominant mode of winter Eurasian 500-hPa geopotential height anomalies, with same-sign anomalies over southern Europe and East Asia and opposite-sign anomalies over north-central Eurasia, is largely maintained to the following spring after the early 1990s, but not before the early 1990s. The maintenance of the dominant atmospheric circulation anomaly pattern after the early 1990s is associated with a triple sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly pattern in the North Atlantic that is sustained from winter to the subsequent spring. This triple SST anomaly pattern triggers an atmospheric wave train over the North Atlantic through Eurasia during winter through spring. Atmospheric model experiments verify the role of the triple SST anomaly in maintaining the Eurasian atmospheric circulation anomalies. By contrast, before the early 1990s, marked SST anomalies related to the winter dominant mode only occur in the tropical North Atlantic during winter and they disappear during the following spring. The triple SST anomaly pattern after the early 1990s forms in response to a meridional atmospheric dipole over the North Atlantic induced by a La Niña–like cooling over tropical Pacific, and its maintenance into the following spring may be via a positive air–sea interaction process over the North Atlantic. Results of this analysis suggest a potential source for the seasonal prediction of the Eurasian spring climate.
L'umorismo di Pirandello fra Opera Aperta e la scoperta dell'io
Authors: Bini Andrea
Published: February 2018

Il presente saggio analizza l'estetica di Pirandello, contenuta soprattutto nel suo saggio L'umorismo, e il suo contributo dato all'estetica del XX secolo. Costituendo una rottura rispetto agli ideali estetici precedenti, la distinzione pirandelliana fra arte umoristica e non-umoristica può essere paragonata a quella fra arte aperta e arte classica teorizzata da Umberto Eco nel suo saggio Opera Aperta (1962). Ma interpretare L'umorismo come esempio ante litteram di opera aperta in quanto meta-arte autoriflessiva è anche lo spunto per ripensare il cuore della poetica pirandelliana incentrato sul problema della dissoluzione dell' io. Nella seconda parte di questo lavoro intendo dimostrare che nonostante l'esplicita dichiarazione di scetticismo lo scrittore siciliano è testimone acuto di una società in cui a emergere è proprio l'interiorità del soggetto, che si afferma parallelamente al declino delle varie maschere sociali. Detto in termini più specifici, nella società moderna di massa ad andare in crisi è il valore sociale del performativo. Questo significa leggere Pirandello alla luce delle tesi del sociologo Richard Sennet, contenute nel libro The Fall of the Public Man (1977), e di quelle di impostazione psicanalitica che il filosofo Rober Pfaller ha esposto in Die Illusionen der anderen. Über das Lustprinzip in der Kultur (2002).
Characterizing Abuse Progression of Immediate-Release Hydrocodone Combination Products
Authors: Beaumont Jared , Cassidy Theresa A. , Oyedele Natasha , Guenther Sven , Mickle Travis C.
Published: February 2018

This study examined patterns of hydrocodone combination product (HCP) abuse and their potential role in abuse progression of prescription opioids and other drugs. An Internet survey was administered to 472 adult opioid users in the United States who used HCPs nonmedically. Alternate routes (33%) and concomitant drug use (45%) were indicated more frequently during respondent’s most recent HCP nonmedical use compared with their initial use (20% and 24%, respectively). Those initiating HCP nonmedical use during adolescence used alternate routes (e.g., chewing, snorting) throughout their lifetime more frequently (69.5%) compared with those older when initiating HCP nonmedical use (51.0%). A different abuse pattern was observed from first to most recent HCP use, starting with oral administration of intact tablets followed by use of alternate routes and concomitant use of illicit drugs, sometimes use of heroin. These data may inform future public health interventions, including the potential development of abuse-deterrent immediate-release opioids.
Refugees, xenophobia, and domestic conflict
Authors: Getmansky Anna , Sınmazdemir Tolga , Zeitzoff Thomas
Published: February 2018

What factors influence attitudes towards refugees? Do negative attitudes towards refugees also influence attitudes towards conflict in the host countries? Previous studies suggest that an influx of refugees, and locals’ reaction to them, may destabilize receiving countries and lead to conflict. In particular, actual or perceived negative effects of refugees’ presence, such as increased economic competition with the locals, disruption of ethnic balance in the host country, and arrival of people with ties to rebel groups may lead to an increased likelihood of civil conflict in countries that receive refugees. These effects can lead to instability by changing the locals’ incentives and opportunities of engaging in violence. Indeed, some studies find a positive correlation at the cross-national level between influx of refugees and conflict in receiving countries. We contribute to this literature by experimentally manipulating information about the externalities of hosting refugees. We conducted a survey-experiment in the summer of 2014 in Turkey, a country that hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees. We examine how different messages about the possible effects of hosting refugees – increased economic burden, disruption of ethnic balance, and ties with rebels, as well as a positive message of saving innocent women and children – affect locals’ perceptions of the refugees and their attitudes towards the Turkish-Kurdish peace process. We find that some messages cause locals, especially majority non-Kurds, to hold more negative views of the refugees, and in some cases to view them as a threat. Generally speaking, this information does not affect support for the peace process within Turkey. Rather, fundamental factors, such as partisanship, and previous exposure to conflict are better predictors of attitudes towards peace.
Differential anxiety-like responses in NOD/ShiLtJ and C57BL/6J mice following experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induction and oral gavage
Authors: Kocovski Pece , Dang Phuc T. , D’Souza Claretta S. , Stamper Christopher E. , Hale Matthew W. , Orian Jacqueline M.
Published: February 2018

Oral gavage is commonly used in pre-clinical drug evaluation, but is potentially aversive and may induce behavioral effects independent of compounds under investigation. This study examined the combined effects of repeated oral gavage and disease induction on anxiety-like behavior in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis. The C57BL/6J and NOD/ShiLtJ EAE variants were exposed to sham-EAE induction or untreated control conditions, and either daily oral gavage or home cage conditions. Anxiety-like behavior was subsequently assessed in the elevated plus maze. C57BL/6J mice exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior, relative to NOD/ShiLtJ mice, in response to repeated gavage, whereas sham-EAE induction and repeated gavage were associated with increased anxiety-like behavior in NOD/ShiLtJ mice. Thus, exposure to the induction procedure and repeated gavage differentially altered subsequent anxiety-like behavior in the two EAE variants. Future pre-clinical studies should rely on prior evaluation of parameters of the experimental design using sham-EAE mice. Additionally, less aversive administration routes should be utilized wherever possible to ensure that procedures do not distort effects of the therapeutic under investigation.
Toward three-dimensional modeling of the interaction between the air flow and a clamped–free yarn inside the main nozzle of an air jet loom
Authors: Osman Akil , Delcour Lucas , Hertens Ine , Vierendeels Jan , Degroote Joris
Published: February 2018

In air jet looms, the weft yarn is transported from the prewinder to the reed by means of an air flow. In this work, the motion of a yarn inside a main nozzle during the first stage of an insertion process is modeled and analyzed. In this stage, the weft yarn is clamped at one side and free at the other side. Therefore, the deformation waves of a clamped–free yarn are modeled. A three-dimensional, two-way, fluid–structure interaction simulation has been performed in which the yarn is represented as a flexible cylinder and the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian technique is employed. The results of the simulation have been compared quantitatively and qualitatively with experiments. It was, however, not possible to match the initial position and stress state of the yarn in the simulations to that in the experiments. This causes large differences between the simulated and measured yarn positions and wave characteristics, especially at the beginning. The agreement between experimental and simulated wave characteristics notably improves as time progresses, but substantial differences remain. Analyzing the overall motion of the yarn inside the main nozzle shows that the mixing region, where the shocks are located, can be considered as an excitation point. In this point, the aerodynamic normal forces are high if the yarn is not located on the axis of the main nozzle. All deformation waves start from the mixing region and propagate along the yarn.
Finding Relief in Action: The Intersection of Youth-Led Community Organizing and Mental Health in Brooklyn, New York City
Authors: Ortega-Williams Anna , Wernick Laura J. , DeBower Jenny , Brathwaite Brittany
Published: February 2018

Youth of Color, especially those in households with low income, experience multiple stressors and trauma that affect their well-being. Few studies examine the impact of youth engagement in leadership and organizing to address systemic inequity on their mental health and well-being. In a community-based participatory action research design, three organizations which train youth of Color in organizing in Brooklyn, New York, held four focus groups ( n = 43, ages 14-24 years) to examine the impact of organizing on youth mental health and well-being. Key emergent themes of youth organizing include (a) storytelling as therapeutic; (b) group leadership as strengthening personal and collective power, hopefulness, and a sense of protection; and (c) the strain of navigating their hopes and current reality. This study has important implications for actions programs can take who seek to engage youth of Color in organizing in communities and institutions impacted by historical trauma and current day systemic inequity.
The Deprofessionalization of Football: The People’s Football Movement in Italy
Authors: Androus Zachary T. , Giudici Lorenzo
Published: February 2018

The movement in Italy known as calcio popolare, or people’s football, is characterized by the organization of fan owned and managed football teams in local divisions. Growing out of the Italian ultrà phenomenon, calcio popolare marks a fifth phase in the history of the ultrà movement, expressing the alienation from heavily commercialized mass-market professional football felt by fans. This article draws on the authors’ direct experience with CS Lebowski, one of the oldest and most successful of the calcio popolare teams, to illustrate the ways in which these teams present implicit and explicit challenges to the current degree of commercialization that characterizes professional football.
Venous outlet syndrome caused by capillary hemangioma of the subclavian vein
Authors: Bongiolatti Stefano , Massi Daniela , Maio Vincenza , Gonfiotti Alessandro , Viggiano Domenico , Voltolini Luca
Published: February 2018

We report a case of intravenous lobular capillary hemangioma in the subclavian vein, causing venous thoracic outlet syndrome. A 32-year-old woman was referred to our unit with facial and left arm oedema. Ultrasound evaluation, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a hypervascular mass in the middle portion of the subclavian vein, with arrest of venous flow. Through an infraclavicular approach, we excised the venous axis with the endovascular palpable tumour that extended from the axillary-subclavian junction to the jugular-subclavian junction, without reconstruction. The postoperative period was uneventful. The patient recovered well without recurrence at one year from surgery.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a rescue measure after thoracic surgery
Authors: Harris Dwight D , Saha Sibu P
Published: February 2018

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used for many different conditions including respiratory distress, cardiogenic shock, and trauma. In these patient groups, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been extensively studied. Recently, it has been used as a rescue measure in patients experiencing acute respiratory distress after thoracic surgery. The goal of our study was to examine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a rescue measure after thoracic surgery at a single center.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after thoracic surgery at the University of Kentucky from January 9, 2012 to January 9, 2017. Eight patients were identified.

Results

The average time on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was 9.125 days, and the average hospital stay was 65.125 days. Of the 8 patients placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 3 survived to discharge. Of the 3 patients who survived to discharge, 1 died within 6 months and 2 have been followed up for less than 4 months. The average total charge per patient was calculated to be $1,053,551, and the average charge per day was $16,177. The contribution margin was $109,200 per case.

Conclusions

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a tool that saves lives in many different patient populations but it does not appear to be as effective in patients experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome after thoracic surgery. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in this group also uses a tremendous amount of hospital resources.
Accommodation practices for gifted students
Authors: Lin Pei-Ying , Lin Yu-Cheng
Published: February 2018

Previous studies on Indian education have urged educators to address serious concerns about inequality and inequity in gifted education, and about the assessments for students educated in extremely diverse social and cultural landscapes in India. Although it is believed that appropriate test accommodations ensure valid and meaningful test results, accommodation practices for gifted students are rarely examined worldwide. To narrow this research gap, the present study examined a large-scale provincial literacy assessment in Ontario, Canada, as a test case, to investigate the accommodations used by gifted students and teachers. In particular, we analyzed 3-year assessment data sets to track the patterns of accommodation practices over time. Furthermore, we discussed potential implications for future research and the development of assessments for assessing gifted Indian students while being mindful of diverse cultural and educational landscapes in the context of India.
Excitotoxicity in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders: Therapeutic implications
Authors: Olloquequi Jordi , Cornejo-Córdova Elizabeth , Verdaguer Ester , Soriano Francesc X , Binvignat Octavio , Auladell Carme , Camins Antoni
Published: February 2018

Neurological and psychiatric disorders are leading contributors to the global disease burden, having a serious impact on the quality of life of both patients and their relatives. Although the molecular events underlying these heterogeneous diseases remain poorly understood, some studies have raised the idea of common mechanisms involved.

In excitotoxicity, there is an excessive activation of glutamate receptors by excitatory amino acids, leading to neuronal damage. Thus, the excessive release of glutamate can lead to a dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis, triggering the production of free radicals and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and eventually cell death. Although there is a consensus in considering excitotoxicity as a hallmark in most neurodegenerative diseases, increasing evidence points to the relevant role of this pathological mechanism in other illnesses affecting the central nervous system. Consequently, antagonists of glutamate receptors are used in current treatments or in clinical trials in both neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, drugs modulating other aspects of the excitotoxic mechanism could be more beneficial. This review discusses how excitotoxicity is involved in the pathogenesis of different neurological and psychiatric disorders and the promising strategies targeting the excitotoxic insult.
Psychedelics and the essential importance of context
Authors: Carhart-Harris Robin L , Roseman Leor , Haijen Eline , Erritzoe David , Watts Rosalind , Branchi Igor , Kaelen Mendel
Published: February 2018

Psychedelic drugs are making waves as modern trials support their therapeutic potential and various media continue to pique public interest. In this opinion piece, we draw attention to a long-recognised component of the psychedelic treatment model, namely ‘set’ and ‘setting’ – subsumed here under the umbrella term ‘context’. We highlight: (a) the pharmacological mechanisms of classic psychedelics (5-HT2A receptor agonism and associated plasticity) that we believe render their effects exceptionally sensitive to context, (b) a study design for testing assumptions regarding positive interactions between psychedelics and context, and (c) new findings from our group regarding contextual determinants of the quality of a psychedelic experience and how acute experience predicts subsequent long-term mental health outcomes. We hope that this article can: (a) inform on good practice in psychedelic research, (b) provide a roadmap for optimising treatment models, and (c) help tackle unhelpful stigma still surrounding these compounds, while developing an evidence base for long-held assumptions about the critical importance of context in relation to psychedelic use that can help minimise harms and maximise potential benefits.
Uterine artery embolization in a sheep model: biodegradable versus non-degradable microspheres
Authors: Keussen Inger , Bengtsson Johan , Gavier-Widén Dolores , Karlstam Erika
Published: February 2018

Background

Transarterial embolization with particles is a relatively common treatment method in both malignant and benign disorders. Permanent occlusion of the uterine arteries may sometimes be disadvantageous.

Purpose

To compare the local tissue effects, possible side effects, and extent of recanalization following uterine artery embolization, using either degradable or non-degradable microspheres in a sheep model.

Material and Methods

In 22 female sheep, the uterine artery (UA) was unilaterally, superselectively embolized, with either degradable starch microspheres-DSM (group A) or calibrated gelatin coated spherical shape tris-acryl microspheres-TGMS (group B). The completion of embolization was confirmed by angiography. The animals were kept in the animal research facilities for 14 days and sacrificed following new angiographic evaluation. Gross and histological examination of the uterus and other organs was performed.

Results

The procedure was successful in all animals. At final angiographic evaluation recanalization was found in 82% of the ewes in group A and in 18% in group B. At histopathological examination, tissue impairment was similar in both groups, whereas vascular changes were more pronounced in the TGMS-group.

Conclusion

Embolization with DSM was associated with significantly higher degree of recanalization, than after embolization with TGMS.
BOLD MRI to evaluate early development of renal injury in a rat model of diabetes
Authors: Wang Qidong , Guo Chuangen , Zhang Lan , Zhang Rui , Wang Zhaoming , Xu Ying , Xiao Wenbo
Published: February 2018

Objective

To investigate changes in renal oxygenation levels by blood-oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to evaluate BOLD-MRI for detecting early diabetic renal injury.

Methods

Seventy-five rats, with unilateral nephrectomy, were randomly divided into streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM, n = 65) and normal control (NC, n = 10) groups. BOLD-MRI scans were performed at baseline (both groups) and at 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 70 days (DM only). Renal cortical (C) and medullary (M) R2* signals were measured and R2* medulla/cortex ratio (MCR) was calculated.

Results

DM-group CR2* and MR2* values were significantly higher than NC values following diabetes induction. R2* values increased gradually and peaked at day 35 (CR2*, 33.95 ± 0.34 s–1; MR2*, 43.79 ± 1.46 s–1), then dropped gradually (CR2*, 33.17 ± 0.69 s–1; MR2*, 41.61 ± 0.95 s–1 at day 70). DM-group MCR rose gradually from 1.12 to 1.32 at day 42, then decreased to 1.25 by day 70.

Conclusions

BOLD-MRI can be used to non-invasively evaluate renal hypoxia and early diabetic renal injury in diabetic rats. MCR may be adopted to reflect dynamic changes in renal hypoxia.
Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence Victims With Police and the Justice System in Canada
Authors: Saxton Michael D. , Olszowy Laura , MacGregor Jennifer C. D. , MacQuarrie Barbara J. , Wathen C. Nadine
Published: February 2018

Legal responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) can determine whether and how those exposed to IPV seek help. Understanding the victim’s perspective is essential to developing policy and practice standards, as well as informing professionals working in policing and the justice system. In this survey study, we utilized a subset of 2,831 people who reported experiencing IPV to examine (a) rates of reporting to the police; (b) experiences with, and perceived helpfulness of, police; (c) rates of involvement with the criminal and family law systems, including protection orders; and (d) experiences with, and perceived helpfulness of, the justice system. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for closed-ended survey questions and content analysis of text responses. More than 35% of victims reported a violent incident to the police, and perceptions of helpfulness were mixed. Fewer victims were involved with the criminal and family law systems, and their satisfaction also varied. Text responses provided insight into possible reasons for the variability found in experiences, for example, the proposed role of victim and system expectations, and respondents’ perception that getting help depends on “being lucky” with the officials encountered.
Managing Illegitimate Task Requests Through Explanation and Acknowledgment: A Discursive Leadership Approach
Authors: Minei Elizabeth M. , Eatough Erin M. , Cohen-Charash Yochi
Published: February 2018

This study explored how discursive framing can mitigate an illegitimate task request—a request from a supervisor that extends beyond the appropriate parameters of the role. Using hypothetical vignettes in an experimental design, we examined how including an acknowledgment and/or explanation when making an illegitimate task request mitigated perceptions of illegitimacy and anger. Results indicate that acknowledgments mitigated perceptions of illegitimacy whereas explanations mitigated anger. Furthermore, the combination of acknowledgments and explanations had the strongest effects on reducing perceived illegitimacy and anger. We conclude with practical recommendations.
Influence of synthetic conditions on the performance of melamine–phenol–formaldehyde resin microcapsules
Authors: Hu Zun-Xiang , Hu Xiang-Ming , Cheng Wei-Min , Lu Wei
Published: February 2018

Melamine (M), phenol (P) and formaldehyde (F) were used as raw materials to synthesize a melamine–phenol–formaldehyde resin (MPF) which was used as shell material to prepare a self-healing microcapsule with E-51 epoxy resin as the core, via in situ polymerization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy and laser particle size analysis were used to characterize the surface morphology, structure and properties of the microcapsule. The influence of the reaction conditions on the properties of the microcapsule was investigated by orthogonal testing. The mass ratio between the MPF shell and the epoxy resin core was found to be 1.2:1.0, optimum pH for shell formation was found to be 3, the emulsification speed was 800 r/min, the acidification speed was 400 r/min and the acidification temperature was 60°C. Under these conditions, the prepared microcapsules are regular and spherical with a smooth, dense surface and uniform particle size with a normal distribution. The microcapsules remained well dispersed and did not aggregate. The orthogonal test revealed that the average particle size and yield of the microcapsules are mainly determined by the core/shell mass ratio, whereas the reaction temperature had a greater impact on the core content of the microcapsules. Although the best microcapsule samples showed poor anti-permeability in ethanol, they exhibited good thermal, isothermal and storage stabilities. This indicates that they may be stored at a constant temperature.
Calibration of a micro-electro mechanical system-based accelerometer for vehicle navigation
Authors: Ghaffari A , Khodayari A , Nosoudi S , Arefnezhad S
Published: February 2018

Micro-electro mechanical system-based inertial sensors have broad applications in moving objects including in vehicles for navigation purposes. The low-cost micro-electro mechanical system sensors are normally subject to high dynamic errors such as linear or nonlinear bias, misalignment errors and random noises. In the class of low cost sensors, keeping the accuracy at a reasonable range has always been challenging for engineers. In this paper, a novel method for calibrating low-cost micro-electro mechanical system accelerometers is presented based on soft computing approaches. The method consists of two steps. In the first step, a preliminary model for error sources is presented based on fuzzy subtractive clustering algorithm. This model is then improved using adaptive neuro-fuzzy systems. A Kalman filter is also used to calculate the vehicle velocity and its position based on calibrated measured acceleration. The performance of the presented approach has been validated in the simulated and real experimental driving scenarios. The results show that this method can improve the accuracy of the accelerometer output, measured velocity and position of the vehicle by 79.11%, 97.63% and 99.28%, in the experimental test, respectively. The presented procedure can be used in collision avoidance and emergency brake assist systems.
Development and validation of a hybrid method for predicting helicopter rotor impulsive noise
Authors: Wang Liangquan , Xu Guohua , Shi Yongjie
Published: February 2018

Prediction of helicopter rotor impulsive noise is practically a very challenging task. This paper describes a hybrid method to predict rotor impulsive noise for both high-speed impulsive noise and blade–vortex interaction noise. The hybrid solver has been developed by combining the advantages of three different methods: (1) a computational fluid dynamics method based on Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations to account for the viscous and compressible effects near the blade; (2) a vorticity transport model to predict rotor wake system without artificial dissipation; and (3) an acoustic calculation method, based on Ffowcs-Williams Hawkings equation implemented to a permeable data surface. The developed hybrid solver is validated through available test data, for the cases of UH-1H model rotor, AH-1 Operational Loads Survey rotor, and Helishape 7A rotor. Peak sound pressure level of high-speed impulsive noise is accurately predicted with relative errors less than 7%. Additionally, acoustic waveform of blade–vortex interaction noise is well captured though it is sensitive to small changes in aerodynamic load. It is suggested that present hybrid method is versatile for the prediction of rotor impulsive noise with moderate computational cost.
Dynamic response analysis of aero hydraulic pipeline system under pump fluid pressure fluctuation
Authors: Gao Pei-xin , Zhai Jing-yu , Han Qing-kai
Published: February 2018

The pressure fluctuation excited by the hydraulic pump can cause serious vibration in aero hydraulic pipeline system, which poses a serious threat to the safety of the aircraft. Therefore, an effective method for predicting the fluid pressure fluctuation and dynamic response of pipeline is strongly recommended. In this paper, a comprehensive model for predicting the dynamic response of pipeline, which includes the Poisson coupling, friction coupling, the vibration damping, Coriolis, and centrifugal forces is proposed. A numerical code is presented to solve the hydraulic pipeline equations. In this code, the hydraulic equations are solved by the method of characteristics and the dynamic equations of pipeline are solved by the finite element method combined with the Newmark algorithm. The numerical code is validated through the comparison of the dynamic response for a typical hydraulic pipeline with experiment. The obtained results indicate that the current combining method of characteristics and finite element method approach can predict the dynamic response of hydraulic pipeline with sufficient accuracy, which can serve as an efficient tool in the design and maintenance of aero hydraulic pipeline.
Experimental measurement of forces during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy
Authors: Pancani Silvia , Virga Antonio , Spina Rosario , Peris Adriano , Corvi Andrea
Published: February 2018

The measurement of mechanical effects associated with the dilatation phase of a percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is of primary importance to identify the causes of major complications associated with this procedure, such as tracheal cartilage subluxation or fracture and bleeding. Such information can be very useful also for the design of better instruments and procedures. The aim of this study was to present a methodology to evaluate mechanical effects of the dilatation phase of a percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy on the tracheal rings and adjacent anatomical structures. Forces and moments were measured through a dilator instrumented with strain gauges. Two surgeons, with different levels of expertise, performed the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy on a lifelike reproduction of an adult head, specifically designed for training professionals. The modified dilator was effective in measuring forces involved in the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy without affecting the ability of the operator to perform the procedure. The main contribution to the insertion of the dilator was given by the axial force, defined as the force acting on the handle, compressing it (mean and peak force: 48.8 and 88.2 N for Surgeon 1, 31.3 and 82.8 N for Surgeon 2, respectively). The proposed method was effective in measuring differences between procedures performed by surgeons with different amounts of experience in terms of duration, forces applied and repeatability. In addition, it may have applications for use as a feedback for incorrect positioning or excessively variable pressure during the training of surgeons for the execution of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.
Inaugurating Rationalization: Three Field Studies Find Increased Rationalization When Anticipated Realities Become Current
Authors: Laurin Kristin
Published: February 2018

People will often rationalize the status quo, reconstruing it in an exaggeratedly positive light. They will even rationalize the status quo they anticipate, emphasizing the upsides and minimizing the downsides of sociopolitical realities they expect to take effect. Drawing on recent findings on the psychological triggers of rationalization, I present results from three field studies, one of which was preregistered, testing the hypothesis that an anticipated reality becoming current triggers an observable boost in people’s rationalizations. San Franciscans rationalized a ban on plastic water bottles, Ontarians rationalized a targeted smoking ban, and Americans rationalized the presidency of Donald Trump, more in the days immediately after these realities became current compared with the days immediately before. Additional findings show evidence for a mechanism underlying these behaviors and rule out alternative accounts. These findings carry implications for scholarship on rationalization, for understanding protest behavior, and for policymakers.