bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase transitions of copper, aluminum, and tungsten wires during underwater electrical explosions
Authors: Rososhek A. , Efimov S. , Tewari S. V. , Yanuka D. , Krasik Ya. E.
Published: October 2018

Using streak images of underwater electrically exploding copper, aluminum, and tungsten wires (current densities of 107–108 A/cm2 and energy density deposition of 10–50 kJ/g) and generated weak shocks, the onset of each phase transition, its duration, and the time when the wire explosion occurred were determined. The measured discharge current and resistive voltage were used to calculate the energy and energy density deposition. Using the discharge current waveform and the onset of the strong shock wave, the specific action integral was calculated and compared with published data. The thermodynamic parameters during the wire explosion were calculated using one-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic simulations coupled with equations of state for water, copper, and aluminum. It was shown that the onset times of weak shocks, in general, cannot be related to the melting or the evaporation of the entire wire.
On different calculation formulas of the pressure term in bi-phase SPH simulations
Authors: Chen Shuai , Niu Wei
Published: October 2018

The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is usually expected to be an efficient numerical tool for calculating the multiphase phenomena in compressors. However, numerical instability arises around the interfaces due to the pressure inconsistency. By analyzing different formula of the pressure term under SPH approximation, we show that the frequently-used formulation (n=-1) leads to the worst performance and is thus not recommended. By contrast, we suggest the formulas n=0 and 1 in future practical SPH applications.
Realization of an H2/CO dual-gas sensor using CoPd magnetic structures
Authors: Liang Jaw-Yeu , Chou Yu-Jun , Yin Chiao-Wen , Lin Wen-Chin , Lin Hong-Ji , Chen Po-Wen , Tseng Yuan-Chieh
Published: October 2018

We demonstrated the application of CoPd magnetic devices in single (H2) and dual (H2 and CO) gas detection by varying the thin-film structure. The anomalous Hall effect provided the read-out signal of the devices. The dual-gas sensor was particularly useful for examining whether methane reformation by steam was completed during H2 production where CO is a byproduct. Through in situ Fourier transform infrared and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we discovered that H2 detection involved a charge-transfer effect between Co and Pd in addition to a surface-adsorption process, for both multilayer and alloy structures; however, CO detection was solely associated with a surface-adsorption process, which only occurred in the alloy structure. The proposed devices demonstrated performances exceeding those of current commercial models (solid-state based) regarding power consumption (<5 mW) because they were not required to undergo a heating process. An Arduino prototype platform was employed to test the modularization of the device, and adequate feasibility was demonstrated.
A compact ultra-wideband ridge waveguide to coaxial line transition
Authors: Deng Jie , Wang Qingyuan , Zhao Peng
Published: October 2018

A novel compact single-ridge waveguide (SRW) to coaxial line ultra-wideband transition is proposed in this paper. The transition using shorter matching networks between the coaxial port and the SRW port achieves maximum matching bandwidth; meanwhile, a wideband short circuit is also introduced to further broaden bandwidth performance. The whole structure is very simple and can be readily fabricated with a conventional computer numerical control machine. The prototype transitions were designed, manufactured, and measured. The measured results are reasonably consistent with the simulated results. Measurements show that the return loss and insertion loss of the back-to-back transition are better than 18 dB and 0.2 dB, respectively, from 6 to 18 GHz, with 100% fractional bandwidth. Besides, the measured return loss of the single transition is higher than 23 dB in the entire bandwidth. Compared with some other reported SRW transitions, the proposed SRW transition exhibits extreme compactness, lower insertion loss, and more excellent bandwidth performance. The dimensions of the transition structure are only 0.75λ * 0.7λ * 0.35λ (λ is the wavelength at the center frequency) for the central frequency of 12 GHz. The design’s transition is completely scalable to other needed frequency band.
Dietary fibres from cassava residue: Physicochemical and enzymatic improvement, structure and physical properties
Authors: Huang Lijie , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Xu Mingzi , An Shuxiang , Li Chunying , Huang Chongxing , Chai Kungang , Wang Shuangfei , Liu Yang
Published: October 2018

In this study, an physico-chemical method and enzymatic improvement were used to extract cassava dietary fiber from cassava residue. α-amylase, glucoamylase, lipase, and protease were added to the physically comminuted cassava residue to remove starch, fat, and protein. Then, with the aid of ultrasound, dietary fiber was bleached with hydrogen peroxide to increase its whiteness. Finally, the cassava dietary fiber was treated with cellulase to increase the amount of soluble dietary fiber. The yield of dietary fiber was 75.63%, 37.55% of which was soluble dietary fiber. Water-holding capacity, water-swelling capacity, and oil-holding capacity of cassava dietary fiber were 4.020 g/g, 2.091 mL/g, and 2.891 g/g, respectively, which were 11.14%, 52.85%, and 9.55% higher than those of raw tapioca. Thus, the physical and chemical properties of the dietary fiber were improved.
Vertical patterns of photosynthesis and related leaf traits in two contrasting agricultural crops
Authors: D'Odorico Petra , Emmel Carmen , Revill Andrew , Liebisch Frank , Eugster Werner , Buchmann Nina
Published: October 2018

To include within-canopy leaf acclimation responses to light and other resource gradients in photosynthesis modelling, it is imperative to understand the variation of leaf structural, biochemical and physiological traits from canopy top to bottom. In the present study, leaf photosynthetic traits for top and bottom canopy leaves, canopy structure and light profiles, were measured over one growing season for two contrasting crop types, winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and rape seed (Brassica napus L.). With the exception of quantum yield, other traits such as maximum photosynthetic capacity (Amax), dark respiration, leaf nitrogen and chlorophyll contents, and leaf mass per area, showed consistently higher (P<0.05) values for top leaves throughout the growing season and for both crop types. Even though Amax was higher for top leaves, the bottom half of the canopy intercepted more light and thus contributed the most to total canopy photosynthesis up until senescence set in. Incorporating this knowledge into a simple top/bottom-leaf upscaling scheme, separating top and bottom leaves, resulted in a better match between estimated and measured total canopy photosynthesis, compared with a one-leaf upscaling scheme. Moreover, aggregating to daily and weekly temporal resolutions progressively increased the linearity of the leaf photosynthetic responses to light for top leaves.
Resveratrol supplementation promotes recovery of lower oxidative metabolism after vitrification and warming of in vitro-produced bovine embryos
Authors: Madrid Gaviria Stephania , Morado Sergio A. , López Herrera Albeiro , Restrepo Betancur Giovanni , Urrego Álvarez Rodrigo A. , Echeverri Zuluaga Julián , Cética Pablo D.
Published: October 2018

Although vitrification is the current method of choice for oocyte and embryo cryopreservation, it may have detrimental effects on reduction–oxidation status and mitochondrial activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing invitro culture (IVC) media and/or vitrification solutions with the antioxidant resveratrol on active mitochondria, mitochondrial superoxide production and lipid peroxidation. Abattoir-derived oocytes were matured and fertilised invitro using standard procedures. Following IVF (21h later), zygotes were cultured in IVC medium supplemented with 0 or 0.5µM resveratrol. On Day 7, blastocysts were vitrified using the Cryotech Vitrification Kit (Cryo Tech Laboratory) with or without 0.5µM resveratrol. After warming, active mitochondria, mitochondrial superoxide production and lipid peroxidation were evaluated using Mito Tracker Green FM, MitoSOX Red and BODIPY581/591 C11 staining respectively. The vitrification–warming process significantly increased active mitochondria and mitochondrial superoxide production in bovine embryos (P<0.05, ANOVA). The addition of 0.5µM resveratrol to the IVC medium or vitrification solutions significantly attenuated the increase in active mitochondria (P<0.05), but not in mitochondrial superoxide production, whereas embryos cultured and vitrified with resveratrol showed the highest values for both parameters (P<0.05). Regarding lipid peroxidation, no significant differences were detected between treatments. In conclusion, resveratrol supplementation of IVC medium or vitrification solutions contributes to recovery of an embryo’s ‘quieter’ state (i.e. lower oxidative metabolism) after vitrification. However, supplementation of both solutions with resveratrol seemed to have a pro-oxidant effect.
microRNA-378 promotes autophagy and inhibits apoptosis in skeletal muscle
Authors: Li Yan , Jiang Jingjing , Liu Wei , Wang Hui , Zhao Lei , Liu Shengnan , Li Peng , Zhang Shengjie , Sun Chao , Wu Yuting , Yu Shuxian , Li Xihua , Zhang Hui , Qian Haifeng , Zhang Duo , Guo Feifan , Zhai Qiwei , Ding Qiurong , Wang Li , Ying Hao
Published: October 2018

Significance

Muscle wasting and weakness can be observed under either physiological or pathological conditions, which are partly due to an imbalance between autophagy (“self-eating”) and apoptosis (“self-killing”). How microRNAs coordinate autophagy and apoptosis in the metabolic regulation of cell death remains largely unknown. This work identifies miR-378 as a critical component of metabolic checkpoints, which integrates metabolic information into an adaptive response to reduce the propensity of myocytes to undergo apoptosis by enhancing autophagy and suppressing apoptosis via directly targeting phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 and Caspase 9, respectively. Our study highlights a crucial role of miR-378 in maintaining normal muscle homeostasis by orchestrating autophagy and apoptosis processes and provides a potential therapeutic target to treat myopathies.
Fork pausing allows centromere DNA loop formation and kinetochore assembly
Authors: Cook Diana M. , Bennett Maggie , Friedman Brandon , Lawrimore Josh , Yeh Elaine , Bloom Kerry
Published: October 2018

Significance

There is an epigenetic requirement for de novo kinetochore assembly in budding yeast. Perturbations that delay S phase suppress assembly defects. We propose a role for replication fork progression in allowing DNA to adopt configurations conducive for centromere function. The function of replication fork stalling upon encounters with DNA damage or other blockades is to allow time for thermal fluctuations of the DNA chain to explore numerous configurations. Biasing thermodynamics provides a mechanism to facilitate macromolecular assembly, DNA repair, and other nucleic acid transactions at the replication fork. These loop configurations are essential for sister centromere separation and kinetochore assembly in the absence of the COMA complex.
Plant-feeding phlebotomine sand flies, vectors of leishmaniasis, prefer
Cannabis sativa
Authors: Abbasi Ibrahim , Trancoso Lopo de Queiroz Artur , Kirstein Oscar David , Nasereddin Abdelmajeed , Horwitz Ben Zion , Hailu Asrat , Salah Ikram , Mota Tiago Feitosa , Fraga Deborah Bittencourt Mothé , Veras Patricia Sampaio Tavares , Poche David , Poche Richard , Yeszhanov Aidyn , Brodskyn Cláudia , Torres-Poche Zaria , Warburg Alon
Published: October 2018

Significance

Sand fly females suck blood from vertebrate animals, including humans, and thereby transmit
Leishmania
parasites and arboviruses. In addition, both sand fly sexes consume plant-derived sugar meals. Therefore, the structure of plant communities can influence the transmission dynamics of sand fly-borne diseases. Our findings demonstrate that, in proportion to their abundance,
Cannabis sativa
plants were consumed by sand flies much more frequently than expected (i.e.,
C. sativa
is probably highly attractive to sand flies). We discuss the conceivable influence of
C. sativa
on the transmission of
Leishmania
and its potential utility for sand fly control.
Names and Identities in Courtroom Narratives
Authors: Chaemsaithong Krisda
Published: October 2018

This study seeks to examine how the use of names serves to accomplish the process of identity construction in institutional discourse. Drawing upon six opening addresses from three high-profile trials, the study analyzes the forms, functions, and frequency of names that lawyers use to refer to defendants and victims in their narratives. The quantitative and qualitative analysis reveals that the prosecution and the defense differ starkly in how they use names to construct the identities of the characters. Such systematic differences contribute to ascribing polarized identities to the characters, which in effect negotiates reality by (de)legitimizing guilt and responsibility claims and mediating jurors’ perceptions.
CLASP stabilization of plus ends created by severing promotes microtubule creation and reorientation
Authors: Lindeboom Jelmer J. , Nakamura Masayoshi , Saltini Marco , Hibbel Anneke , Walia Ankit , Ketelaar Tijs , Emons Anne Mie C. , Sedbrook John C. , Kirik Viktor , Mulder Bela M. , Ehrhardt David W.
Published: October 2018

Central to the building and reorganizing cytoskeletal arrays is creation of new polymers. Although nucleation has been the major focus of study for microtubule generation, severing has been proposed as an alternative mechanism to create new polymers, a mechanism recently shown to drive the reorientation of cortical arrays of higher plants in response to blue light perception. Severing produces new plus ends behind the stabilizing GTP-cap. An important and unanswered question is how these ends are stabilized in vivo to promote net microtubule generation. Here we identify the conserved protein CLASP as a potent stabilizer of new plus ends created by katanin severing in plant cells. Clasp mutants are defective in cortical array reorientation. In these mutants, both rescue of shrinking plus ends and the stabilization of plus ends immediately after severing are reduced. Computational modeling reveals that it is the specific stabilization of severed ends that best explains CLASP’s function in promoting microtubule amplification by severing and array reorientation.
The efficiency analysis of a 300 MW steam turbine unit after the through-flow transformation of based on thermal performance test method
Authors: Wang B , Zhao Y Z
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the thermal performance of a 300 MW subcritical steam turbine is studied. The influence of the flow remoulding technology on the heat dissipation rate is analyzed by comparing the thermal performance test data before and after the transformation and after the completion of the operation. It focuses on the reasons for the decline in thermal performance after four-year operation. Through the transformation of the flow remoulding can greatly enhance the efficiency of the steam turbine, the gap between the steam seal and cylinder defect are the main reasons for the decrease of the thermal performance of the steam turbine after four years of operation. After four years of operation, the efficiency of the steam turbine is still superior to that before the flow.
Foucault, governmentality theory and ‘Neoliberal Community Development’
Authors: Fraser Gary
Published: October 2018

It is widely accepted that Michel Foucault’s ‘governmentality lectures’ constituted a seminal moment in the history of neoliberal studies. In an analysis which was original and prescient, Foucault framed neoliberalism, not only in terms of a set of economic policies based on monetarism, de-regulation and privatisation, but also as a productive power, which arguably, marked the beginnings of a new paradigm in the governance of human beings. Drawing upon my own empirical research, which was based on a case study of community development in the context of local government in the UK, I apply ideas associated with Foucault and governmentality theory to the field of contemporary practice. I argue that community development has been fundamentally transformed by practices associated with neoliberalism and new managerialism, and that a model of practice which can broadly be characterised as ‘neoliberal community development’ has emerged along with a changing sense of professional identity. In an analysis indebted to governmentality theory, community development emerges not so much as a social profession rooted in the needs and aspirations of communities as a technology of government which is deployed by local states to facilitate neoliberalisation, austerity and the marketisation of public services.
Evaluation of the Impact of a Sequencing Assay for Detection of Drug Resistance on the Clinical Management of Tuberculosis
Authors: Lowenthal Phil , Lin Shou-Yean Grace , Desmond Ed , Shah Neha , Flood Jennifer , Barry Pennan M
Published: October 2018

Background

In 2012, the California Department of Public Health began using pyrosequencing (PSQ) to detect mutations associated with resistance to isoniazid, rifampin, quinolones and injectable drugs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. We evaluated the impact of the PSQ assay on the clinical management of tuberculosis (TB) in California.

Methods

TB surveillance and laboratory data for specimens submitted 1 August 2012 through 31 December 2016 were analyzed to determine time to effective treatment initiation. A survey of clinicians was used to assess how PSQ results influenced clinical decision making.

Results

Of 1957 specimens tested with PSQ, 52% were sediments and 46% were culture isolates, submitted a median of 8 and 35 days, respectively, after collection. Among 36 patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB who had a sediment specimen submitted for PSQ, median time from specimen collection to MDR-TB treatment initiation was 12 days vs 51 days when PSQ was not used. Completed surveys were returned for 303 patients, 177 of whom reported a treatment change; 75 (42%) of clinicians reported PSQ as a reason for change. Twenty-one patients either had an MDR-TB risk factor and a smear-positive sputum specimen, but had PSQ performed on a culture isolate (9/36 [25%]); or did not have PSQ used for MDR-TB diagnosis (12/38 [32%]) and thus had an opportunity for earlier MDR-TB diagnosis with PSQ on sediment.

Conclusions

Patients with MDR-TB initiated effective treatment 5 weeks earlier when PSQ was used compared to those without PSQ. Survey data suggest clinicians use PSQ to devise effective TB drug regimens. To maximize the benefit of PSQ, earlier submission of specimens should be prioritized.
In defense of sandcastles: Research thinking through visualization in digital humanities
Authors: Hinrichs Uta , Forlini Stefania , Moynihan Bridget
Published: October 2018

Although recent research acknowledges the potential of visualization methods in digital humanities (DH), the predominant terminology used to describe visualizations (prototypes and tools) focuses on their use as a means to an end and, more importantly, as an instrument in the service of humanities research. We introduce the sandcastle as a metaphorical lens and provocative term to highlight visualization as a research process in its own right. We argue that building visualization sandcastles provides a holistic approach to cross-disciplinary knowledge generation that embraces visualization as (1) an aesthetic provocation to elicit critical insights, interpretation, speculation, and discussions within and beyond scholarly audiences, (2) a dynamic process wherein speculation and re-interpretation advance knowledge within all disciplines involved, and (3) a mediator of ideas and theories within and across disciplines. Our argument is grounded in critical theory, DH, design, human–computer interaction, and visualization, and based on our own research on an exceptional literary collection. We argue that considering visualizations as sandcastles foregrounds valuable insights into the roles of visualization as a mindset, methodology, and praxis within humanities research and beyond.
Swift X-ray and UV observations of SDSS J141118.31+481257.6 during its first ever recorded superoutburst
Authors: Rivera Sandoval L E , Maccarone T J
Published: October 2018

SDSS J141118.31+481257.6 is an ultracompact white dwarf binary (or AM CVn system) with an orbital period of 46 min. We analyse ∼23 ks of X-ray and ultraviolet (UV) data taken with the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory during its first ever recorded outbursts. The events took place 13 yr after the system was discovered. We detected three events in our UV data, all with amplitudes of ∼7 mag with respect to quiescence, the largest detected for an AM CVn system so far. The first two events correspond to a superoutburst and the third one to another detected outburst. The three episodes that we identified occurred in a period of 24 d, each one displaying very rapid brightness changes. At ∼120 d since the detection of the superoutburst, the system remains 1 mag brighter in UV compared to the quiescence level. The X-ray observations suggest that the X-ray emission is not correlated with the UV.
Comparison of Pipeline Embolization Device and Flow Re-Direction Endoluminal Device Flow Diverters for Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Griessenauer Christoph J , Thomas Ajith J , Enriquez-Marulanda Alejandro , Deshmukh Aviraj , Jain Abhi , Ogilvy Christopher S , Kocer Naci , Engelhorn Tobias , Möhlenbruch Markus , Holtmannspötter Markus , Janssen Hendrik , Finkenzeller Thomas , Reith Wolfgang , Sonnberger Michael , Buhk Jan-Hendrik , Schirmer Clemens M , Killer-Oberpfalzer Monika
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Flow diversion has become an accepted endovascular treatment modality for intracranial aneurysms. Studies comparing different types of flow diverters are currently lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a propensity score-matched cohort study comparing the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) and Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device (FRED; MicroVention, Aliso Viejo, California).

METHODS

Aneurysms of the internal carotid artery proximal to the communicating segment treated with PED at 2 neurovascular centers in the United States were matched with aneurysms treated in the European FRED study using propensity scoring. Aneurysms treated in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage were excluded from matching. Occlusion rates and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-one internal carotid artery aneurysms were treated with PED and 282 with FRED. Propensity score matching controlling for age, sex, aneurysm size, location, number of flow diverters, and adjunctive coiling resulted in 55 matched pairs. Median angiographic follow-up was nonsignificantly longer for FRED compared to PED (12.2 vs 7.5 mo, P = .28). The rate of complete occlusion did not differ between flow diverters (80% vs 80%, P > .99). Functional outcome and complications were comparable for PED and FRED.

CONCLUSION

Propensity score-matched analysis of PED and FRED for internal carotid artery aneurysms revealed comparable angiographic complete occlusion and complication rates. Whether FRED has an advantage in terms of near complete aneurysm occlusion warrants further investigation. Limitations include the retrospective design and lack of an independent assessment of radiographic outcome in a core-laboratory and functional outcomes, among others, and the results should be interpreted as such.
Patterns and Perceptions of Self-Management for Osteoarthritis Pain in African American Older Adults
Authors: Booker Staja , Herr Keela , Tripp-Reimer Toni
Published: October 2018

Objective

To explore and describe older African Americans’ patterns and perceptions of managing chronic osteoarthritis pain.

Methods

A convergent parallel mixed-methods design incorporating cross-sectional surveys and individual, semistructured interviews.

Setting

One hundred ten African Americans (≥50 years of age) with clinical osteoarthritis (OA) or provider-diagnosed OA from communities in northern Louisiana were enrolled.

Results

Although frequency varied depending on the severity of pain, older African Americans actively used an average of seven to eight self-management strategies over the course of a month to control pain. The average number of self-management strategies between high and low education and literacy groups was not statistically different, but higher-educated adults used approximately one additional strategy than those with high school or less. To achieve pain relief, African Americans relied on 10 self-management strategies that were inexpensive, easy to use and access, and generally perceived as helpful: over-the-counter (OTC) topicals, thermal modalities, land-based exercise, spiritual activities, OTC and prescribed analgesics, orthotic and assistive devices, joint injections, rest, and massage and vitamins.

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate the self-management of chronic OA pain in an older African American population that happened to be a predominantly higher-educated and health-literate sample. Findings indicate that Southern-dwelling African Americans are highly engaged in a range of different self-management strategies, many of which are self-initiated. Although still an important component of chronic pain self-management, spirituality was used by less than half of African Americans, but use of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids was relatively high.
Leviathan or Public Steward? Evidence on Local Government Taxing Behavior from New York State
Authors: Aldag Austin M , Warner Mildred E , Kim Yunji
Published: October 2018

Fiscal federalism argues local governments compete to provide optimal tax-service bundles as responsible public stewards. In contrast, Leviathan theories argue tax and expenditure limitations (TELs) are necessary to make local governments fiscally responsible. We analyze local taxing behavior in New York State, which implemented a levy limit in 2012 that allows legislative overrides with 60 percent vote of the local governing board. Our 2017 survey of all general-purpose local governments measured fiscal stress, service responses, and local political attitudes and found 38 percent of municipalities voted to override. Logistic regressions show local governments that have more fiscal stress, weaker property tax bases, higher need, and higher employee benefit costs are more likely to override. These findings support fiscal federalism, as local governments that override are pushing back against state policy in order to respond to local needs. TELs introduce unnecessary rigidity and run counter to the precepts of fiscal federalism.
Fighting an Epidemic in Political Context: Thirty-Five Years of HIV/AIDS Policy Making in the United States
Authors: Padamsee Tasleem J
Published: October 2018

The history of US government action on HIV/AIDS offers important lessons concerning the limits and possibilities of US public health policy. Yet only the first decade of this history has previously been well-documented. This article updates the history by constructing a macro-level account of policies that have been considered and implemented, along with the discourses and debates that have shaped them. This account is generated through systematic study of many dozens of policy making moments, drawing on >70 original interviews, >20,000 daily news reports and hundreds of contemporaneous policy documents. The paper chronicles HIV/AIDS policy from the initial years when the federal government resisted addressing the crisis; through subsequent periods shaped by alternating Republican and Democratic administrations; to contemporary policy making in an era when broader health policy transitions offer hope of normalized treatment and coverage for people with HIV, and scientific innovations offer the possibility of ending HIV/AIDS itself. It also illuminates how national HIV/AIDS policy is not only a series of responses to the concrete challenges of a health crisis, but also a malleable political product and a resource used to wage broader social and ideological battles.
Rooms of Silence at Three Universities in Scandinavia
Authors: Christensen Henrik Reintoft , Høeg Ida Marie , Kühle Lene , Nordin Magdalena
Published: October 2018

In recent decades, a new type of room has been established in public institutions in Europe: the rooms of silence. In this article, rooms of silence at three Scandinavian universities are analyzed with focus on intention, materiality, and use in relation to increased religious diversity in the student population, individualization, and ongoing secularization. This is done by using a typology which distinguishes between individual and collective use and use associated with religious, spiritual, and secular practices. The analyses show that plans and policies for the rooms emphasize stress-reduction and spiritual or secular reflection. The chaplains actively facilitate the shift from collective to more individual use of the rooms. The analyses also show that the restricted materiality of the rooms shapes practices in ways that either hinder collective Muslim prayer or force students to perform prayer as an individual “silent” action.
Loperamide-Associated Opioid Use Disorder and Proposal of an Alternative Treatment with Buprenorphine
Authors: Wolfrum Lee A. , Nordmeyer Aimee S. , Racine Christopher W. , Nichols Stephanie D.
Published: October 2018

This case report describes a patient with opioid use disorder who developed cardiac toxicity secondary to non-medical use of loperamide. At recommended doses, loperamide remains in the periphery to treat diarrhea. At high doses, loperamide causes central nervous system (CNS) opioid agonism. Complications of high-dose loperamide have been documented, including cardiotoxicity, and death. This is particularly important in light of the ongoing opioid epidemic. This case presents a patient with sequela of high-dose loperamide as an illicit opioid replacement and the subsequent loperamide toxicity, including significant QTc prolongation. Abrupt cessation of his high-dose loperamide use resulted in opioid withdrawal symptoms, which were treated with buprenorphine. Buprenorphine was selected to avoid possible worsening of QTc secondary to an additional medication, such as methadone. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the use of buprenorphine for treatment of loperamide-associated opioid use disorder. Non-medical use of loperamide requires increased recognition by the health care community, including both physicians and pharmacists, because it can result in marked and life-threatening toxicity.
Trans-Metaphyseal Screws Placed in Children: An Argument for Monitoring and Potentially Removing the Implants
Authors: Gamble James G. , Ziino Chason , Imrie Meghan N. , Young Jeffrey L.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Surgeons frequently use trans-metaphyseal screws in children to achieve osteosynthesis after fractures or stability after reconstructive osteotomies. Screws that were initially inserted below the cortex of bone can become prominent and symptomatic due to the process of funnelization that narrows the wide metaphysis to the diameter of the thinner diaphysis.

Methods:

Case series presentation of 11 children who presented with screw prominence after the cutback process range in age from 19 to 169 months. We used the screws as radiographic markers to quantitate the amount of bone “cutback” or lost during the process of funnelization.

Results:

The average length of screw protrusion beyond the edge of the bone when symptomatic was 8.7 mm (range, 3.3 to 14.3 mm). Time from implantation to the last radiograph averaged 40 months (range, 19 to 84 mo). The average loss of bone width at the time of presentation was 21% (range, 7% to 36%).

Conclusions:

These cases suggest that orthopaedic surgeons should consider monitoring children after implantation of trans-metaphyseal screws and informing parents and patients about the possibility of screw prominence necessitating removal due to the process of metaphyseal funnelization.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Increased 90-Day Mortality in Spontaneously Breathing Patients With Paraquat Poisoning: In Addition to Disease Severity, Lung Strain May Play a Role*
Authors: Liu Yang , Luo Xiao-jie , Li Guo-qiang , Wei Lu-qing , Yu Xin , Li Yu-ming
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

1) To evaluate the prognostic roles of quantitative CT and pulmonary function tests and 2) to assess the association of dynamic strain and ventilation heterogeneity during unassisted spontaneous breathing with 90-day survival in patients with paraquat poisoning.

Design:

Prospective study.

Setting:

A university hospital ICU.

Patients:

One-hundred spontaneously breathing patients with paraquat poisoning without mechanical ventilation.

Interventions:

A standardized treatment protocol.

Measurements and Main Results:

Blood samples were collected to measure the plasma paraquat concentration upon arrival. CT scans at suspended inspiration and pulmonary function tests were performed at day 5. The weight of the poorly aerated lung compartment as a percentage of total lung weight (%Wpoor) was exponentially transformed, generating a new variable, Exp(%Wpoor/15). The functional residual capacity that was determined by helium dilution was used to calculate the dynamic strain (tidal volume/functional residual capacity by helium dilution method). Respiratory system reactance at 5 Hz was used as a marker of ventilation heterogeneity. Exp(%Wpoor/15) (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.58; 95% CI, 2.021–3.296; p < 0.001) was most strongly associated with mortality, such that neither blood paraquat concentration nor Pao
2 provided any additional prognostic information. The ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity as a percentage of the predicted value (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.041; 95% CI, 1.026–1.057; p < 0.001) was the only variable that added prognostic value to Exp(%Wpoor/15). While controlling for Exp(%Wpoor/15) and percentage of predicted residual volume/total lung capacity, increases in dynamic strain (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.041/0.1 U; 95% CI, 1.283–3.248; p = 0.003) and/or decreases in respiratory system reactance at 5 Hz (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.19/0.1 U; 95% CI, 1.03–1.386; p = 0.02) were independently associated with increased 90-day mortality.

Conclusions:

In patients with paraquat poisoning, Exp(%Wpoor/15) and percentage of residual volume/total lung capacity are independent prognostic indicators. Higher dynamic strain and increased ventilation heterogeneity during unassisted spontaneous breathing were associated with worsened survival independent of Exp(%Wpoor/15) and percentage of residual volume/total lung capacity.
Balance Training in Pulmonary Rehabilitation to Reduce Fall Risk
Authors: Tymkew Heidi , Burlis Tamara , Baidy Maureen , Bennett Deborah , Hooper Sandra , Leidner Melissa , Morgan-Walker Hope , Sylvester Lawrence , Swafford DeLana , Arroyo Cassandra
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

To determine the efficacy of a balance training program for fall risk reduction in outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR).

Methods:

Forty-nine participants in an outpatient PR program participated in a balance training program in addition to the standard PR exercises. Balance was assessed with the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, Mini-BESTest (MBT), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Gait speed, 5 times sit to stand test (5TSTS), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) data were extracted for analysis. Progressive lower-extremity strengthening and balance specific exercises were performed during each PR session.

Results:

Over 90% of participants presented with at least one balance assessment that indicated an increased fall risk and 81% had mobility limitations based on an SPPB score <10. During the final assessment, only 16.2% of the participants were at fall risk and 13.5% had mobility limitations. Significant improvements (P < .001) were seen in the mean differences from baseline to final in the ABC scale 31.6% (95% CI [24.8, 38.5]), MBT 9.3 (95% CI [7.6, 11.0]), SPPB 4.1 (95% CI [3.4, 4.7]), gait speed 0.37 m/s (95% CI [0.29, 0.46]), 5TSTS −7.8 seconds (95% CI [−10.5, −5.0]), and TUG −4.7 seconds (95% CI [−5.7, −3.7]).

Conclusions:

Incorporating a balance training program into a PR program may help to decrease fall risk and increase balance confidence in functional activities.
Comparison of the Visual Acuity and Refractive Error Using OPDIII and Subjective Findings in Visually Normal Subjects
Authors: Alamdar Mohaddeseh , Jafarzadehpur Ebrahim , Mirzajani Ali , Yekta Abbas Ali , Khabazkhoob Mehdi
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

To compare the visual acuity and refractive error using OPDIII and subjective findings in visually normal subjects.

Method:

This study was performed on 75 participants (134 eyes) with an age range of 18 to 35 years. Visual acuity was evaluated using both subjective Snellen chart and OPDIII devices. Also, OPDIII objective refraction was compared with subjective refraction. Paired t test was used to compare mean visual acuity and refractive error. The 95% limits of agreement (LOAs) were reported to evaluate the agreement between subjective and objective methods.

Results:

The mean Snellen visual acuity was 0.705±0.243 logMAR in group with myopia and 0.375±0.207 logMAR in group with hyperopia. Visual acuity obtained using OPDIII was 0.632±0.270 and 0.054±0.084 logMAR in groups with myopia and hyperopia, respectively. There was a significant difference in the mean visual acuity between OPDIII and Snellen chart. The correlation of the Snellen chart with OPDIII was 0.862 and −0.172 in myopic and hyperopic groups, respectively. The 95% LOAs of the OPDIII with Snellen chart were −0.33 to 0.18 and −0.14 to 0.79 logMAR in myopic and hyperopic patients, respectively. The mean spherical power obtained by OPDIII was more negative than that of subjective refraction (OPDIII mean difference −0.272±0.335 and 0.163±0.302 DS in myopic and hyperopic groups respectively), while the cylinder power was less than that of the subjective refraction (OPDIII mean difference 0.488±0.566 and 0.030±0.255 DC in groups with myopia and hyperopia, respectively). The correlation of OPDIII with subjective refraction was 0.905, 0.920 in measurement of the spherical power and 0.908, 0.928 in measurement of the cylinder power in groups with myopia and hyperopia, respectively.

Conclusion:

Visual acuity scores were significantly better using OPDIII compared with Snellen chart in group with myopia, whereas the Snellen chart provided the better visual acuity scores in hyperopic patients. Although the correlation of OPDIII with subjective refraction in measuring the refractive error was high, OPDIII showed a significant difference with subjective refraction.
Pathological Features and Clinical Course in Patients With Recurrent or Malignant Orbital Solitary Fibrous Tumor/Hemangiopericytoma
Authors: Sagiv Oded , Bell Diana , Guo Yunxia , Su Shirley , Wester Sara T. , Jiang Kailun , Yin Vivian T. , Shinder Roman , Hayek Brent , Kim Hee Joon , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Esmaeli Bita
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

A risk assessment score for metastasis based on age, tumor size, and mitotic figures has been suggested for nonorbital solitary fibrous tumor (SFT)/hemangiopericytoma. The authors herein examine the clinicopathological features of recurrent and metastatic orbital SFT and evaluate the existing risk assessment score for orbital SFT.

Methods:

The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Oncology Database was queried for patients with recurrent or malignant orbital hemangiopericytoma/SFT. The medical records were reviewed for clinical and pathologic findings, treatments, and outcomes.

Results:

Eight patients from 3 institutions were identified with recurrent orbital hemangiopericytoma/SFT. Median age at diagnosis was 59 years, and 4 patients were women. The mean size of tumor was 2.1 ± 1.1 cm. All patients were initially treated with surgery and experienced local recurrence after a median of 4 (range 0.5–10) years. Five patients were treated with orbital radiation. Two patients also developed distant metastases and eventually died of their disease. Median Ki-67 was 5% (range 1–65%) and 5 mitotic figures/10 high-power fields (range 2–30). The previously described risk stratification model for nonorbital SFT did not correlate with the propensity to develop metastases in this cohort; however, both patients with distant metastasis had > 4 mitotic figures /10 high-power fields.

Conclusions:

In this cohort of recurrent orbital hemangiopericytoma/SFT, median time to recurrence was 4 years underscoring the importance of careful continued follow-up. The current risk stratification models have limited use for orbital lesions, mostly due to the fact that orbital SFTs are smaller than even the smallest size criteria in this risk assessment model.
Whole-brain structural magnetic resonance imaging–based classification of primary dysmenorrhea in pain-free phase: a machine learning study
Authors: Chen Tao , Mu Junya , Xue Qianwen , Yang Ling , Dun Wanghuan , Zhang Ming , Liu Jixin
Published: October 2018

To develop a machine learning model to investigate the discriminative power of whole-brain gray-matter (GM) images derived from primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) women and healthy controls (HCs) during the pain-free phase and further evaluate the predictive ability of contributing features in predicting the variance in menstrual pain intensity. Sixty patients with PDM and 54 matched female HCs were recruited from the local university. All participants underwent the head and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging scans to calculate GM volume and myometrium-apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) during their periovulatory phase. Questionnaire assessment was also conducted. A support vector machine algorithm was used to develop the classification model. The significance of model performance was determined by the permutation test. Multiple regression analysis was implemented to explore the relationship between discriminative features and intensity of menstrual pain. Demographics and myometrium ADC-based classifications failed to pass the permutation tests. Brain-based classification results demonstrated that 75.44% of subjects were correctly classified, with 83.33% identification of the patients with PDM (P < 0.001). In the regression analysis, demographical indicators and myometrium ADC accounted for a total of 29.37% of the variance in pain intensity. After regressing out these factors, GM features explained 60.33% of the remaining variance. Our results suggested that GM volume can be used to discriminate patients with PDM and HCs during the pain-free phase, and neuroimaging features can further predict the variance in the intensity of menstrual pain, which may provide a potential imaging marker for the assessment of menstrual pain intervention.
Stroke survivor activity during subacute inpatient rehabilitation: how active are patients?
Authors: Selenitsch Natasha A. , Gill Stephen D.
Published: October 2018

Being active following stroke is recommended, but inactivity is common. The current study aimed to observe stroke survivors physical, social and cognitive activities in a large regional inpatient rehabilitation centre. Patients were observed over 8 separate days at 10-min intervals between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Patients were engaged in any form of activity 59.9% of the time and in therapy 4.6% of the time. Patients were inactive and alone 34.3% of the time. Activity levels were weakly associated with patients’ functional abilities (Spearman’s ρ≤0.39). Independent walkers spent a higher proportion of the day physically active (37.5%) compared with nonindependent walkers (30.6%) (P=0.019). Days since stroke was not correlated with patient activity levels. Initiatives to increase activity during inpatient rehabilitation appear to be warranted.
Dysfunctional Eating Patterns of Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Hershko Shirley , Aronis Anna , Maeir Adina , Pollak Yehuda
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to examine whether adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in students is associated with overeating or with unhealthy food choices. Sixty university students with and without ADHD, aged 20 to 30 years, completed the Food Frequency Questionnaire and reported their height and weight. Students with ADHD had a higher body mass index compared with students without ADHD. Although participants in both groups consumed similar amounts of servings, calories, and nutrients, students with ADHD reported lower healthy/unhealthy food consumption ratio. These findings suggest that ADHD in students is not associated with general overeating, but with a biased proportion of unhealthy versus healthy food consumption.
Evaluating Associations Between Perfectionism, Emotion Regulation, and Eating Disorder Symptoms in a Mixed-Gender Sample
Authors: Donahue Joseph M. , Reilly Erin E. , Anderson Lisa M. , Scharmer Christina , Anderson Drew A.
Published: October 2018

Prior research supports maladaptive perfectionism as a risk factor for eating disorders; however, not all individuals with elevated levels of perfectionism endorse eating pathology, suggesting additional variables may interact with perfectionism to account for this association. The current study examined the influence of difficulties in emotion regulation on the relation between perfectionism and eating disorders. Undergraduate students (N= 309, 50.7% male) from a large university completed measures of perfectionism, emotion dysregulation, and eating pathology. The results indicated that high levels of perfectionism only accounted for significant variance in eating disorder symptoms among individuals with limited access to adaptive strategies to regulate emotions, but not among those with greater access to adaptive strategies. Findings demonstrate that clinicians and researchers should consider the role of emotion regulation among individuals with elevated levels of perfectionism and eating pathology. Future research should prospectively evaluate these associations and examine mechanisms that may further elucidate these relations.
Assessment of Dural Ectasia Using Computed Tomodensitometry as a Criterion in Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Chuzel Quentin , Dupuis-Girod Sophie , Rousset Matthieu , Decharry Charlotte , Decullier Evelyne , Pialat Jean-Baptiste
Published: October 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to reevaluate dural ectasia criteria in Marfan syndrome patients fulfilling the revised Ghent criteria.

Methods

Lumbar computed tomography scans of 19 Marfan patients and 30 matched control subjects were retrospectively assessed. Dural sac ratio (DSR), nerve root sleeve diameter, pedicle width, and a scalloping or meningocele presence were each assessed by 2 readers blinded from the diagnosis. Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests compared the patient and control groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and multivariate models determined the optimal cutoff value.

Results

A DSR value greater than 0.69 at L5 (DSR-L5) such as L4 scalloping of more than 2.65 mm (scall-L4) and 6 or more vertebrae showing a scalloping of more than 3 mm (6-scall) were found very specific but with limited sensitivity. Multivariate model combining DSR-L5 + scall-L4 showed good positive predictive value, whereas model combining DSR-L5 + 6-scall showed good negative predictive value.

Conclusions

Assessment of DSR and vertebral scalloping allows valuable depiction of dural ectasia in Marfan syndrome patients.