bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"آيات الأخلاق": سؤال الأخلاق عند المفسرين
Authors: الخطيب معتز
Published: August 2017

يعالج البحث مفهوم "آيات الأخلاق" كمقابل لـ"آيات الأحكام" الذي شاع لدى الفقهاء والمفسرين وصُنِّفت فيه المصنفات، فيحرر مفهوم الأخلاق بوصفها علمًا، ويبحث إشكالية التداخل بين الأخلاقي والفقهي ومحاولات التمييز بينهما تاريخيًّا، كما يوضح أنه لم يستقرّ لدى المفسرين تصورٌ نظريّ محدد حول أخلاق القرآن أو الجانب الأخلاقي فيه خارجَ إطار التصورات الفلسفية اليونانية التي تجعله فرعًا من فروع الفلسفة أو الحكمة العملية. ونظرًا لهذا الغموض في التأسيس النظري لمفهوم الأخلاق في التراث التفسيري وموقعه من باقي علوم القرآن، فإن القرآن لم يُشكّل الإطار المرجعيّ الحاكم في بناء التصورات الأخلاقية أو محاولة استكشافها. يحاول البحث استشكاف طرائق تفكير المفسرين القدامى في الجانب الأخلاقي من القرآن، ويدرس الآيات التي قيل: إنها تعبر عن أصول علم الأخلاق، ويقف مطولاً عند الآيتين (199) من سورة الأعراف، و(90) من سورة النحل.
Lectotypification of the name Pittosporum eriocarpum (Pittosporaceae)
Authors: SRIVASTAVA AMBER , VERMA DURGESH , SRIVASTAVA SUNIL KUMAR , DANGWAL LAKHI RAM
Published: August 2017

The genus Pittosporum Banks ex Gaertner (1788: 286) is represented by c. 200 species occurring in different tropical parts of the world (Mabberley 2008). In India, the genus is represented by 10 species (Nayar & Giri 1993, Singh & Diwakar 2009), of which five species are endemic to India (Singh & Diwakar 2009, Singh et al. 2015): P. anamallayense Nayar & Giri (1980: 4), P. dasycaulon Miquel (1852: 5), P. eriocarpum Royle (1834: 77), P. humile Hooker & Thomson (1872: 198) and P. neelgherrense Wight & Arnott (1834: 154).
Two new species of Microlicia (Melastomataceae) from the Rupestrian Grasslands of Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: PACIFICO RICARDO B. , FIDANZA KARINA , ALMEDA FRANK
Published: August 2017

In the course of preparing a monograph of Microlicieae (Melastomataceae) for Serra do Cipó, two new species of Microlicia were discovered that are described and illustrated here. The two proposed species, Microlicia nortecipoana and Microlicia obovatifolia, are probably endemic to this mountain range. Morphological descriptions, diagnoses, photographs and comments on their affinities are provided. Their conservation status is assessed using IUCN criteria.
New species of chitons of the superfamily Cryptoplacoidea (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) from Vietnamese waters
Authors: SIRENKO BORIS I. , SAITO HIROSHI
Published: July 2017

Twelve species of the polyplacophoran genera Notoplax, Leptoplax, Acanthochitona and Cryptoplax (Chitonida: Acanthochitonina: Cryptoplacoidea) were found in Vietnamese waters for the first time. Five of them, namely Notoplax conica, Leptoplax doederleini, Leptoplax richardi n. comb., Acanthochitona achates and A. biformis, are new to Vietnamese fauna. The remaining seven species are new to science, namely: Notoplax odysseyi n. sp., Leptoplax nhatrangi n. sp., L. tongkingi n. sp., Acanthochitona condaoi n. sp., A. lanae n. sp., A. nigra n. sp. and A.ostreaphila n. sp. Leptoplax richardi n. comb. was transferred from the original genus Notoplax based on the redefinition of the genus given herein. We confirmed the occurrences of 21 species of the superfamily Cryptoplacoidea in the Vietnamese fauna, which makes them the richest group of chitons in Vietnamese waters. A peculiar feature, a comb-like blade in the major uncinal teeth of the radula is found in two new species, L. tongkingi n. sp. and A. ostreaphila n. sp. A similar feature is known only in two other distinct groups: the genus Ferreiraella of the family Ferreiraellidae of the order Lepidopleurida and the genera Tonicella and Boreochiton of the family Tonicellidae of the order Chitonida. This is the first report of this feature other than those two groups.
Channa pseudomarulius, a valid species of snakehead from the Western Ghats region of peninsular India (Teleostei: Channidae), with comments on Ophicephalus grandinosus, O. theophrasti and O. leucopunctatus
Authors: BRITZ RALF , ADAMSON ELEANOR , RAGHAVAN RAJEEV , ALI ANVAR , DAHANUKAR NEELESH
Published: July 2017

An investigation integrating morphological and molecular data to address the taxonomic status of Indian Channa marulius-like fishes reveals the presence of two species within Indian Rivers. As a consequence, Channa pseudomarulius is resurrected as a valid species and removed from the synonymy of C. marulius. Channa pseudomarulius appears to be restricted to the southern Western Ghats region of peninsular India and can be distinguished from the more widespread C. marulius by fewer lateral-line scales, fewer dorsal- and anal-fin rays, fewer vertebrae, and by a difference of about 8% in mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene sequences. Channa marulius and C. pseudomarulius both possess low levels of genetic diversity across their range suggestive of small historical population sizes. This is especially interesting in the case of C. marulius, which is shown to have a large natural geographical range spanning at least the Indian subcontinent and parts of the Indo-Burman ranges in westernmost Myanmar. The synonymy of Channa marulius with Ophicephalus grandinosus, O. theophrasti, and O. leucopunctatus is confirmed based on examination of type specimens. A lectotype is designated for O. grandinosus.
A new species of Heptapterus Bleeker 1858 (Siluriformes, Heptapteridae) from the Uruguay River Basin in Misiones, Northeastern Argentina
Authors: AGUILERA GASTÓN , BENITEZ MAURICIO , TERÁN GUILLERMO ENRIQUE , ALONSO FELIPE , MIRANDE JUAN MARCOS
Published: July 2017

In this paper we describe Heptapterus mandimbusu sp. n., a new species of heptapterid catfish from a small tributary of the Uruguay River Basin in Misiones-Argentina. This new species is distinguished from all other congeners by the unique coloration pattern with aggregated melanophores scattered on dorsal and lateral surface of body, forming conspicuous size-variable blotches, and the combination of a long interdorsal distance (13.8–18.9 % SL), 14–18 anal-fin rays, short maxillary barbels (52.2–74.5 % HL), and the adipose fin confluent with caudal fin.
Heat transport in epoxy and polyester carbonyl iron microcomposites: The effect of concentration and temperature
Authors: Pech-May NW , Vales-Pinzon C , Vega-Flick A , Oleaga A , Salazar A , Yanez-Limon JM , Alvarado-Gil JJ
Published: August 2017

Temperature dependence of the thermal diffusivity in composites of epoxy and polyester resins, loaded with carbonyl iron particles, has been studied using the photopyroelectric technique. Increments of eight and 2.5 times the thermal conductivity of the polymers are obtained, as the volume concentration of microparticles is increased from 0% to 40% for epoxy and from 0% to 20% for polyester matrices, respectively. Additionally, the thermal diffusivity falls systematically as the temperature is increased from 270 to 400 K; the effect is more pronounced for high concentration of microparticles in epoxy composites. The glass transition of the composites is explored by implementing a numerical differentiation algorithm. In order to explain the consequences of the loading of the composites on the thermal conductivity, a modified Lewis-Nielsen model, which includes the presence of crowded regions in the samples, is used to study heat transfer in a wide range of particle concentrations.
“GRASS” ROOTS IN TEXAS: A Multiple Streams Approach to Understanding the Marijuana Movement’s Policy Impact
Authors: Harris Katharine Neill , Morris John C.
Published: July 2017

Several scholars have pointed to a gap between the social movement and policy literatures, and argue that the failure of each field to incorporate the other creates a missing link in our understanding of how social movements and policy shape each other. This study provides an opportunity to make these links by applying John Kingdon’s multiple streams framework of agenda setting to the marijuana movement in Texas. Texas, an unlikely candidate for marijuana reform, was the site of sustained efforts to change marijuana laws during the 2015 legislative session. This research offers evidence about the ways in which social movements influence the policy process, and how the policy process responds to activist efforts. We find that despite well-organized movement efforts, political influence was limited. We argue that the reform movement’s inability to control activist participation presents additional challenges in a nonballot initiative state such as Texas.
Distraction Osteogenesis Maxillary Expansion (DOME) for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with High Arched Palate
Authors: Liu Stanley Yung‐Chuan , Guilleminault Christian , Huon Leh‐Kiong , Yoon Audrey
Published: August 2017

A narrow maxilla with high arched palate characterizes a phenotype of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients that is associated with increased nasal resistance and posterior tongue displacement. Current maxillary expansion techniques for adults are designed to correct dentofacial deformity. We describe distraction osteogenesis maxillary expansion (DOME) tailored to adult patients with OSA with narrow nasal floor and high arched palate without soft tissue redundancy. DOME is performed with placement of maxillary expanders secured by mini‐implants along the midpalatal suture. This minimizes the maxillary osteotomies necessary to re‐create sutural separation for reliable expansion at the nasal floor and palatal vault. We report the safety and efficacy profile of the first 20 patients at Stanford who underwent DOME.
Tonsillectomy in Children with Down Syndrome: A National Cohort of Inpatients
Authors: Baker Andrew B. , Farhood Zachary , Brandstetter Kathleen A. , Teufel Ronald J. , LaRosa Angela , White David R.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To describe the cost, length of stay, and incidence of postoperative hemorrhage associated with Down syndrome (DS) patients undergoing tonsillectomy in a national sample of inpatient children.

Study Design

This study uses a national cross‐sectional cohort to analyze children with and without DS undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy.

Setting

2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Database.

Subjects and Methods

The database was analyzed for postoperative hemorrhage and respiratory compromise, length of stay, and total charges of hospital stay. These outcomes were compared between patients with DS vs patients without DS.

Results

In total, 7512 patients were identified who underwent tonsillectomy: 7159 patients without DS and 353 patients with DS. The non‐DS group was younger with a median age of 3 years (range, 0‐18) compared with a DS median age of 4 years (range, 0‐20), P =. 004. The DS group had a significant increase in postoperative hemorrhage compared with non‐DS (10 [2.8%] vs 87 [1.2%], respectively), P =. 024. However, the DS and non‐DS groups were comparable for respiratory complications (5 [1.4%] vs 106 [1.5%], respectively), P =. 922. Median length of stay was significantly increased in the DS group (1 [interquartile range (IQR), 1‐3]) compared with the non‐DS group (1 [IQR, 1‐2]), P <. 001. Median charges for hospital stay totaled $17,451 (IQR, $11,901‐$24,949) for the DS group compared with $14,395 (IQR, $9739‐$21,890) for the non‐DS group, P <. 001.

Conclusion

Across the United States, children with DS hospitalized for tonsillectomy have an increased length of stay and cost of care. These data also suggest an increased risk of postoperative hemorrhage during the initial admission without an increased risk of respiratory complications.
Long-acting statin for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Naraoka Masato , Matsuda Naoya , Shimamura Norihito , Asano Kenichiro , Akasaka Kenichi , Takemura Atsuhito , Hasegawa Seiko , Ohkuma Hiroki
Published: August 2017

Statins have pleiotropic effects that are considered beneficial in preventing cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Many studies using statins have been performed but failed to show remarkable effects. We hypothesized that a long-acting statin would be more effective, due to a longer half-life and stronger pleiotropic effects. Patients with aSAH were randomly assigned to a pitavastatin group (4 mg daily; n = 54) and a placebo group ( n = 54) after repair of a ruptured aneurysm. The primary efficacy end point was vasospasm-related delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DIND), and the secondary end points were cerebral vasospasm evaluated by digital subtraction angiography (DSA), vasospasm-related new cerebral infarctions, and outcome at three months. Severe cerebral vasospasms on DSA were statistically fewer in the pitavastatin group than in the placebo group (14.8% vs. 33.3%; odds ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.11–0.87, p = 0.042); however, the occurrence of DIND and new infarctions and outcome showed no statistically significant differences between the groups. The present study is the first to prove the definite, statin-induced amelioration of cerebral vasospasm on DSA. However, administration of any type of statin at the acute phase of aSAH is not recommended.
Hepatocellular carcinoma with central scar on gadoxetic acid-enhanced and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Han Sol Bee , Kim Young Kon , Min Ji Hye , Ha Sang Yun , Jeong Woo Kyung , Lee Won Jae
Published: August 2017

Background

Central scars are rarely reported in conventional hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The presence of central scars on imaging might lead to erroneous diagnosis of hepatic tumors.

Purpose

To determine imaging features of HCC with central scars on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including gadoxetic acid-enhanced and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).

Material and Methods

Fifty-one patients with 51 surgically confirmed HCCs with central scars (fibrotic scar: n = 50; myxoid scar: n = 1; range = 1.2–15 cm; mean = 3.7 cm) underwent liver MRI that consisted of T1- and T2-weighted (T2W) imaging, gadoxetic acid-enhanced arterial, portal, 3-min late phase, and 20-min hepatobiliary phase (HBP), and DWI. Two reviewers evaluated morphology, signal intensity, and enhancement features of tumors and central scars for each image and reached consensus.

Results

Lobulated contour was seen for 30 tumors (58.8%); the rest were round or oval masses. Central scars (range = 0.2–6.0 cm; mean = 0.9 cm) were most commonly seen as defects within hyperenhancement on arterial phase images (n = 47, 92.2%), bright (n = 28, 54.9%) or dark areas (n = 15, 29.4%) on T2W imaging, areas of central darkness on high b-value DWI (b = 800) (n = 31, 60.8%), and/or central enhancement on HBP (n = 36, 70.6%), mimicking a target appearance. Tumor capsule was seen in 35 (39 pathology, 74.5%) and intratumoral septum in 35 (41 pathology, 78.4%) tumors on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI.

Conclusion

Non-fibrolamellar HCC may show central scar. HCC with central scar mimics cholangiocarcinoma by showing a target appearance on HBP and DWI. Tumor capsule and intratumoral septum might be useful for characterizing HCC with central scar.
Double Fortified Salt Intervention Improved Iron Intake But Not Energy and Other Nutrient Intakes in Female Tea Plantation Workers From West Bengal, India
Authors: Venkatramanan Sudha , Marquis Grace , Neufeld Lynnette , Wenger Michael , Murray-Kolb Laura , Reinhart Gregory , Haas Jere
Published: August 2017

Background:

Iron deficiency is a global public health concern and has implications on the health status of women in reproductive age.

Objective:

We hypothesized that improving iron intake with double fortified salt would improve food intake, resulting in higher energy, nutrient intakes, and weight indicators of female tea plantation workers.

Methods:

In this randomized double-masked study, the participants (n = 245) were assigned to receive salt double fortified with iron and iodine (DFS; treatment) or salt fortified with iodine (control) and followed for 7.5 to 9 months. Dietary intakes were measured at three time points, baseline, midpoint, and end line using (1) food frequency questionnaire, (2) 24-hour recall, and (3) weighed lunch intake. Anthropometric measures of height (cm), weight (kg), and mid-upper arm circumference (cm) were also recorded at three time points. Mixed-model repeated-measures approach was used to detect group differences across time.

Results:

Double fortified salt improved dietary iron intake in the treatment group compared to the control group ( P < .001). No other dietary or anthropometric differences could be attributed to treatment. Significant effect of time was observed in the intake frequency of major food groups and calcium, vitamin A and C ( P <.001 for all), suggesting an equal effect of seasonality in both the groups.

Conclusion:

Addition of DFS in the diet improved dietary iron intake but did not affect the intake of energy, other nutrients, or nutritional status indicators. The improvement observed in the dietary iron intake demonstrates that fortification is an effective strategy to address iron deficiency in at-risk populations.
Educational Aspirations of Survivors of the 1984 Anti-Sikh Violence in Delhi
Authors: Agarwal Yamini
Published: August 2017

Violent conflicts are becoming a regular feature across the world. Studies have pointed to the impact they have on the education of young survivors. But education appears in these studies as an instrument of integration. They overlook the processes both within and outside schools that affect the educational lives of young survivors. This article examines the educational trajectories of seven survivors of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, looking beyond the narrow focus on increasing access to schools post-violence. It argues that the consequences of violent conflict on education of children who are directly affected are long-drawn and complex and need to be examined keeping in mind the agency of families and role of schools.
Design and testing performance of a magneto-rheological elastomer isolator for a scaled bridge system
Authors: Li Rui , Mu Wenjun , Zhang Luyang , Wang Xiaojie
Published: August 2017

In this article, we proposed a study on the performance of a magneto-rheological elastomer isolator for the vibration isolation of a scaled bridge system. Based on dimensionless analysis of dynamic characteristics of real bridge system, the vibration acceleration and displacement of bridge deck are considered as evaluation indexes. According to the parameters of a scale model for the three-span bridge, a scaled magneto-rheological elastomer isolator prototype is designed and manufactured, and a small-scale test bench is set up to test the performance of magneto-rheological elastomer device for bridge vibration control. The experimental study shows that the bench testing results are consistent with that of theoretical model in terms of the vibration displacement and acceleration. Therefore, the small-scale study of bridge vibration system with magneto-rheological elastomer isolator based on similarity theory reveals the performance of a real bridge system. It shows that the scaled platform can model the vibration performance of a three-span bridge, which provides a fundamental understanding of the MRE isolator in the applications for the full-scale bridge system.
Do Birds of a Feather Vote Together, or Is It Peer Influence?
Authors: Wojcik Stefan
Published: August 2017

Why and when do legislators vote together on policy? Do legislators decide to vote similarly mainly because of social influence or similarity? I contribute to the literature by offering a social network theory of voting. It is argued that close social ties help to establish reputations and to aid the flow of information among peer legislators, leading to increased influence and increased rates of co-voting among them. I examine the relative effects of information exchange networks and social exchange networks on rates of co-voting, controlling for similarities among legislators. The data include legislative votes from 2010 to 2014 in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. The results suggest that social influence stemming from social relationships exert substantial effects on rates of congressional co-voting.
Intermittent hypoxia training in prediabetes patients: Beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis, hypoxia tolerance and gene expression
Authors: Serebrovska Tetiana V , Portnychenko Alla G , Drevytska Tetiana I , Portnichenko Vladimir I , Xi Lei , Egorov Egor , Gavalko Anna V , Naskalova Svitlana , Chizhova Valentina , Shatylo Valeriy B
Published: July 2017

The present study aimed at examining beneficial effects of intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) under prediabetic conditions. We investigate the effects of three-week IHT on blood glucose level, tolerance to acute hypoxia, and leukocyte mRNA expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and its target genes, i.e. insulin receptor, facilitated glucose transporter–solute carrier family-2, and potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J. Seven healthy and 11 prediabetic men and women (44–70 years of age) were examined before, next day and one month after three-week IHT (3 sessions per week, each session consisting 4 cycles of 5-min 12% O2 and 5-min room air breathing). We found that IHT afforded beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis in patients with prediabetes reducing fasting glucose and during standard oral glucose tolerance test. The most pronounced positive effects were observed at one month after IHT termination. IHT also significantly increased the tolerance to acute hypoxia (i.e. SaO2 level at 20th min of breathing with 12% O2) and improved functional parameters of respiratory and cardiovascular systems. IHT stimulated HIF-1α mRNA expression in blood leukocytes in healthy and prediabetic subjects, but in prediabetes patients the maximum increase was lagged. The greatest changes in mRNA expression of HIF-1α target genes occurred a month after IHT and coincided with the largest decrease in blood glucose levels. The higher expression of HIF-1α was positively associated with higher tolerance to hypoxia and better glucose homeostasis. In conclusion, our results suggest that IHT may be useful for preventing the development of type 2 diabetes.

Impact statement

The present study investigated the beneficial effects of intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) in humans under prediabetic conditions. We found that three-week moderate IHT induced higher HIF-1α mRNA expressions as well as its target genes, which were positively correlated with higher tolerance to acute hypoxia and better glucose homeostasis in both middle-aged healthy and prediabetic subjects. This small clinical trial has provided new data suggesting a potential utility of IHT for management of prediabetes patients.
GroupFound: An effective approach to detect suspicious accounts in online social networks
Authors: Feng Bo , Li Qiang , Pan Xiaowen , Zhang Jiahao , Guo Dong
Published: July 2017

Online social networks are an important part of people’s life and also become the platform where spammers use suspicious accounts to spread malicious URLs. In order to detect suspicious accounts in online social networks, researchers make a lot of efforts. Most existing works mainly utilize machine learning based on features. However, once the spammers disguise the key features, the detection method will soon fail. Besides, such methods are unable to cope with the variable and unknown features. The works based on graph mainly use the location and social relationship of spammers, and they need to build a huge social graph, which leads to much computing cost. Thus, it is necessary to propose a lightweight algorithm which is hard to be evaded. In this article, we propose a lightweight algorithm GroupFound, which focuses on the structure of the local graph. As the bi-followers come from different social communities, we divide all accounts into different groups and compute the average number of accounts for these groups. We evaluate GroupFound on Sina Weibo dataset and find an appropriate threshold to identify suspicious accounts. Experimental results have demonstrated that our algorithm can accomplish a high detection rate of [Formula: see text] at a low false positive rate of [Formula: see text].
Sudden unexpected death caused by stroke: A nationwide study among children and young adults in Denmark
Authors: Ågesen Frederik Nybye , Risgaard Bjarke , Zachariasardóttir Sára , Jabbari Reza , Lynge Thomas Hadberg , Ingemann-Hansen Ole , Ottesen Gyda Lolk , Thomsen Jørgen Lange , Haunsø Stig , Krieger Derk Wolfgang , Winkel Bo Gregers , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob
Published: August 2017

Background

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in young individuals globally. Data on the burden of sudden death by stroke are sparse in the young.

Aims

The aim of this study was to report mortality rates, cause of death, stroke subtype, and symptoms in children and young adults who suffered sudden death by stroke.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, nationwide study including all deaths within Danish borders between 2000–2009 and 2007–2009 in persons aged 1–35 years and 36–49 years, respectively. Two physicians identified all sudden death cases through review of all death certificates. All available autopsy reports and records from hospitals and general practitioners were retrieved and a neurologist identified all sudden death by stroke cases.

Results

Of the 14,567 deaths in the 10-year period, there were 1,698 sudden death cases, of which 52 (3%) were sudden death by stroke. There was a male predominance (56%) and the median age was 33 years. The incidence of sudden death by stroke in individuals aged 1–49 years was 0.19 deaths per 100,000 person-years. Stroke was hemorrhagic in 94% of cases, whereof subarachnoid hemorrhage was the cause of death in 63% of cases. Seventeen (33%) cases contacted the healthcare system because of neurological symptoms, whereof one was suspected of having a stroke (6%).

Conclusions

Sudden death by stroke in children and young adults occurs primarily due to hemorrhagic stroke. We report a high frequency of neurological symptoms prior to sudden death by stroke. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals towards stroke symptoms in children and young adults may lead to earlier detection of stroke, and thereby potentially lowering the incidence of sudden death by stroke.
Differences between leisure-time physical activity, health-related quality of life and life satisfaction: Al Ritmo de las Comunidades, a natural experiment from Colombia
Authors: Barradas Susana C. , Finck Barboza Carolyn , Sarmiento Olga L.
Published: August 2017

Physical inactivity is one of the major public health problems worldwide. Community-based interventions have been pointed out as a promising strategy to increase physical activity (PA) levels and impact population health. Recreovía is a community program with a potential to promote PA. There is growing evidence for two benefits derived from the practice of PA: an increased perception of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and life satisfaction (LS). The purpose of this study was to assess differences between leisure-time PA and perceptions of both HRQoL and LS, as well as to assess differences between perceptions of both HRQoL and LS for Recreovía and non-Recreovía participants. Data were obtained using the baseline cross-sectional survey of 1533 participants (501 belonged to the intervention group) as part of the natural experiment Al Ritmo de las Comunidades. HRQoL was measured with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30-item questionnaire, LS was measured with Questions on Life Satisfaction Scale, and self-reported minutes of leisure-time PA were measured with the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The mean age of participants was 41.7 years (standard deviation (SD) = 16.3). The participants had a good overall HRQoL and LS. The mean minutes of leisure-time PA were 158.1 min (SD = 230.2) a week. Results showed that those participants who reported higher leisure-time PA levels also reported a significantly higher LS (M = 41.9, SD = 35.0) relative to participants with lower levels (M = 37.6, SD = 34.2, t(1532) = −2.36, p < 0.01). There were no statistical differences in the perception of HRQoL and leisure-time PA ( t(1532) = −1.03, p = 0.30), although active people had higher scores. Both HRQoL and LS scores were higher in individuals who were participating in Recreovía ( p < 0.001). Higher LS scores were found in the group with higher leisure-time PA, while HRQoL showed no differences. Better psychological well-being indices were found in the Recreovía group.
Concurrent surface electromyography and force myography classification during times of prosthetic socket shift and user fatigue
Authors: Sanford Joe , Patterson Rita , Popa Dan O
Published: August 2017

Objective

Surface electromyography has been a long-standing source of signals for control of powered prosthetic devices. By contrast, force myography is a more recent alternative to surface electromyography that has the potential to enhance reliability and avoid operational challenges of surface electromyography during use. In this paper, we report on experiments conducted to assess improvements in classification of surface electromyography signals through the addition of collocated force myography consisting of piezo-resistive sensors.

Methods

Force sensors detect intrasocket pressure changes upon muscle activation due to changes in muscle volume during activities of daily living. A heterogeneous sensor configuration with four surface electromyography–force myography pairs was investigated as a control input for a powered upper limb prosthetic. Training of two different multilevel neural perceptron networks was employed during classification and trained on data gathered during experiments simulating socket shift and muscle fatigue.

Results

Results indicate that intrasocket pressure data used in conjunction with surface EMG data can improve classification of human intent and control of a powered prosthetic device compared to traditional, surface electromyography only systems.

Significance

Additional sensors lead to significantly better signal classification during times of user fatigue, poor socket fit, as well as radial and ulnar wrist deviation. Results from experimentally obtained training data sets are presented.
Perceived Need for Mental Health Care: The Intersection of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Villatoro Alice P. , Mays Vickie M. , Ponce Ninez A. , Aneshensel Carol S.
Published: August 2017

Racial/ethnic minority populations underutilize mental health services, even relative to psychiatric disorder, and differences in perceived need may contribute to these disparities. Using the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys, we assessed how the intersections of race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status affect perceived need. We analyzed a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (18years or older; N= 14,906), including non-Latino whites, Asian Americans, Latinos, African Americans, and Afro-Caribbeans. Logistic regressions were estimated for the total sample, a clinical need subsample (meets lifetime diagnostic criteria for a psychiatric disorder), and a no disorder subsample. Perceived need varies by gender and nativity, but these patterns are conditional on race/ethnicity. Men are less likely than women to have a perceived need, but only among non-Latino whites and African Americans. Foreign-born immigrants have lower perceived need than U.S.-born persons, but only among Asian Americans. Intersectional approaches to understanding perceived need may help uncover social processes that lead to disparities in mental health care.
Clinical Outcomes of Total Disc Replacement Versus Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
Authors: Mattei Tobias A. , Beer Jennifer , Teles Alisson R. , Rehman Azeem A. , Aldag Jean , Dinh Dzung
Published: August 2017

Study Design:

The authors performed a retrospective controlled study of patients diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disc disease who received surgical intervention (either total disc replacement [TDR]/Activ-L or anterior lumbar interbody fusion [ALIF]) at a single tertiary-care hospital from 2007–2010.

Objectives:

To investigate the clinical outcomes after TDR in comparison with ALIF for surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD).

Methods:

Analyzed data included intra-operative blood loss, time to return to work, and clinical outcomes as evaluated through the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain questionnaires pre-operatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperative follow-up.

Results:

At the univariate analysis, patients submitted to TDR presented significantly lower VAS pain scores than patients who received ALIF starting at 6 weeks ( P < .001) and continuing through one year postoperatively ( P = .007). Patients submitted to TDR also presented significantly lower ODI disability scores at all time points. There was a significant difference in the number of days to return to work, with TDR patients returning to work on average 65 days sooner than ALIF patients ( P = .011). There was no significant difference in the total blood loss between both groups.

Conclusions:

The results of this retrospective controlled study suggest that, in comparison with patients submitted to ALIF, patients submitted to TDR present quicker return to work, less back pain, and lower disability scores at 1 year follow-up.
“Pin the Tail on the MPFL” Identification by Palpation - Results
Authors: Koh Jason L. , Zimmerman Todd
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has become increasingly popular to treat patellar dislocation. Studies have noted the importance of recovering the anatomic insertion of the MPFL and that reconstruction should be performed within 5mm of the native insertion site to avoid biomechanical complications. Currently radiographic imaging is used to locate the MPFL insertion site at Schottle’s point. This study investigated the viability of utilizing palpation to locate the MPFL insertion site for proper MPFL reconstruction.

Methods:

Thirty-eight patellofemoral specialists attending IPSG were selected to participate in this study with a mean of 15.9 years in practice (median 14, range 1-39). Using a single fresh-frozen human cadaveric knee, each specialist individually performed surface palpation of the anatomical landmarks and inserted a dissection pin at the purposed MPFL femoral insertion site. Radiographic images were taken of each pin placement. At conclusion, the cadaveric leg was dissected and forceps were placed at the distal and proximal end of the MPFL insertion with a dissection pin in the middle of the insertion and a radiographic image was taken of this. Images were analyzed using ImageJ software to determine the distance and angle from the MPFL insertion center to the specialist’s pin location.

Results:

Length and angle measurements were taken three times and averaged for each sample. The bridge of a forceps was utilized as a scale for the images (2.325 pixels/mm). Average distance was found to be 3.18 ± 2.55 mm with an average angle of 161.2 ± 74.4° relative to the anterior direction indicating 0°. Seven of thirty-eight (18%) samples were more than 5mm from the native insertion site.

Conclusion:

With an average pin displacement of 3.18mm, it was seen that most specialists could accurately determine MPFL insertion location accurately without the use of radiographic equipment. On average, the displacement angle of 161.2° indicates the pin was typically located more posterior than the MPFL insertion site. Seven measurements exceeded 5mm distance from the MPFL insertion, which would be concerning for biomechanical effects on the patellofemoral joint if the repair was placed at the pin location.

Clinical Relevance:

While experienced patellofemoral surgeons were able to identify femoral MPFL origin with reasonable accuracy by palpation, even experienced surgeons had inaccuracies that could compromise outcomes up to 18% of the time. For this reason we recommend the use of radiography along with appropriate exposure to assist in accurately identifying the anatomic femoral attachment of the MPFL during MPFL reconstruction.
Segond Fracture: A Risk Factor for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Failure?
Authors: Gaunder Christopher L. , Bastrom Tracey P. , Pennock Andrew T.
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Segond fractures may be identified when an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is diagnosed and likely represent an avulsion of the anterolateral ligament. It is currently unclear whether these fractures can be ignored at the time of ACL reconstruction or if they should be addressed surgically. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of Segond fractures in patients undergoing a primary ACL reconstruction compared to those undergoing a revision ACL reconstruction in an attempt to determine if the presence of a Segond fracture predisposes to ACL reconstruction failure.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing a primary or revision ACL reconstruction between January 2007 and June 2014 was performed. Demographic data (age, gender, and BMI), injury variables (acuity, mechanism of injury), and radiographic features (concomitant ligamentous injuries, growth plate status) were documented. Each Segond fracture was analyzed for its specific location, size, displacement, and healing using both radiographic images and MRI. Statistical analysis was performed using a p value of <0.05.

Results:

The incidence of Segond fractures was 6%. The fracture fragment averaged 6.6 mm in height, 2.3 mm in width, and was displaced 5.0 mm. The fracture fragment bed was localized at the tibial attachment site of the anterolateral ligament 21 mm posterior to Gerdy’s tubercle in nearly all cases. Post-ACL reconstruction, the Segond fracture healed in 90% of cases. The incidence of a Segond fracture was twice as common in male patients (p=0.02), otherwise its presence was not associated with any other demographic data, injury variables, or radiographic features (p>0.05) ( Table 1 ). No patients undergoing a revision surgery had a Segond fracture and no patient with a Segond fracture had a graft failure. [Table: see text]

Conclusion:

Segond fractures are relatively uncommon in adolescent patients undergoing ACL surgery (6%). This injury occurs from an avulsion of the lateral joint capsule or the anterolateral ligament (ALL). Patients with a Segond fracture are at no higher risk to require a revision ACL reconstruction compared to patients without a Segond fracture. This may be attributable to its high union rate. At the time of primary ACL reconstruction, if a Segond fracture is identified, it can be ignored (not repaired or reconstructed) and this approach does not appear to predispose to ACL graft failure.
The Impact of a Revised Curriculum on Academic Motivation, Burnout, and Quality of Life Among Medical Students
Authors: Lyndon Mataroria P , Henning Marcus A , Alyami Hussain , Krishna Sanjeev , Yu Tzu-Chieh , Hill Andrew G
Published: July 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a revised curriculum on medical student academic motivation, burnout, and quality of life.

Methods:

This cross-sectional comparative study involved 2 medical school cohorts of second year and fourth year medical students at The University of Auckland: a cohort under a traditional curriculum (n = 437) and a cohort under a revised curriculum (n = 446). Participants completed self-reported questionnaires measuring academic motivation, burnout, and quality of life. Two multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) were conducted.

Results:

The response rate was 48%. No statistically significant differences were found between curriculum cohorts for mean scores of academic motivation, personal burnout, and quality of life. However, differences were found when comparing preclinical medical students and students in their clinical years of training. In comparison with Year 2 medical students, the MANCOVA for Year 4 students showed a significant main effect for the revised curriculum with respect to both physical and environmental quality of life.

Conclusions:

A revised medical curriculum had a differential effect on quality of life for Year 4 students in the latter years of medical school who are based in a clinical learning environment.
Overexpression of RUNX1 short isoform has an important role in the development of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Sakurai Hiroko , Harada Yuka , Ogata Yosuke , Kagiyama Yuki , Shingai Naoki , Doki Noriko , Ohashi Kazuteru , Kitamura Toshio , Komatsu Norio , Harada Hironori
Published: August 2017

Key Points

RUNX1a, but not RUNX1b, is overexpressed in CD34+ cells from patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms. SRSF2P95H mutation induces RUNX1a overexpression and a monocytic phenotype in TF-1 cells.
Deletion of the Arp2/3 complex in megakaryocytes leads to microthrombocytopenia in mice
Authors: Paul David S. , Casari Caterina , Wu Congying , Piatt Raymond , Pasala Swetha , Campbell Robert A. , Poe Kathryn O. , Ghalloussi Dorsaf , Lee Robert H. , Rotty Jeremy D. , Cooley Brian C. , Machlus Kellie R. , Italiano Joseph E. , Weyrich Andrew S. , Bear James E. , Bergmeier Wolfgang
Published: August 2017

Key Points

Deletion of Arp2/3 leads to marked microthrombocytopenia due to abnormal platelet release and increased platelet clearance. Arp2/3 is critical for platelet lamellipodia formation and spreading, but plays a minor role for platelet adhesion and hemostasis.
Wearable technology: role in respiratory health and disease
Authors: Aliverti Andrea
Published: July 2017

In the future, diagnostic devices will be able to monitor a patient’s physiological or biochemical parameters continuously, under natural physiological conditions and in any environment through wearable biomedical sensors. Together with apps that capture and interpret data, and integrated enterprise and cloud data repositories, the networks of wearable devices and body area networks will constitute the healthcare’s Internet of Things. In this review, four main areas of interest for respiratory healthcare are described: pulse oximetry, pulmonary ventilation, activity tracking and air quality assessment. Although several issues still need to be solved, smart wearable technologies will provide unique opportunities for the future or personalised respiratory medicine.
Editorial: Teaching old CAR-T cells new tricks
Authors: Kuehm Lindsey M , Teague Ryan M
Published: August 2017

Discussion on low integrin expression on T cells from geriatric donors as a barrier for CAR expression, and a potential target for improved CAR-T cell therapy.
Drug information update. Lithium and chronic kidney disease: Debates and dilemmas
Authors: Gupta Sumeet , Khastgir Udayan
Published: August 2017

Lithium is an established treatment for bipolar disorder and an augmenting agent for treatment-resistant depression. Despite awareness of renal adverse effects, including chronic kidney disease, for the past five decades, there has been a lack of research evidence. This has led to debates around the existence and magnitude of the risk. This article discusses the current evidence base regarding the link between lithium and chronic kidney disease, monitoring of renal functions and its clinical implications.
WASP-Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization influences fusogen localization during cell-cell fusion in C. elegans embryos
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yang Yihong , Zhu Zhiwen , Ou Guangshuo
Published: August 2017

Cell-cell fusion is essential for development and physiology. Actin polymerization was implicated in the C. elegans fusogen EFF-1 engagement in a reconstituted Drosophila cell culture system, and the actin-binding protein spectraplakin links EFF-1 to the actin cytoskeleton and promotes cell-cell fusions in C. elegans larvae. However, it remains unclear whether and how fusogens and the actin cytoskeleton are coordinated in C. elegans embryos. Here, we used live imaging analysis of GFP knock-in and RNAi embryos to study the embryonic cell-cell fusions in C. elegans. Our results show that the inhibition of WASP-Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization delays cell-cell fusions. EFF-1 is primarily distributed in intracellular vesicles in embryonic fusing cells, and we find that the perturbation of actin polymerization reduces the number of EFF-1-postive vesicles. Thus, the actin cytoskeleton differently promotes cell-cell fusion by regulating fusogen localization to the fusing plasma membrane in larvae or to intracellular vesicles in embryos.
Household Finance after a Natural Disaster: The Case of Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Gallagher Justin , Hartley Daniel
Published: July 2017

Little is known about how affected residents are able to cope with the financial shock of a natural disaster. This paper investigates the impact of flooding on household finance. Spikes in credit card borrowing and overall delinquency rates for the most flooded residents are modest in size and short-lived. Greater flooding results in larger reductions in total debt. Lower debt levels are driven by homeowners using flood insurance to repay their mortgages rather than to rebuild. Mortgage reductions are larger in areas where reconstruction costs exceeded pre-Katrina home values and where mortgages were likely to be originated by nonlocal lenders. (JEL D14, G21, G22, Q54)
The Fiscal Cost of Hurricanes: Disaster Aid versus Social Insurance
Authors: Deryugina Tatyana
Published: July 2017

Little is known about the fiscal costs of natural disasters, especially regarding social safety nets that do not specifically target extreme weather events. This paper shows that US hurricanes lead to substantial increases in non-disaster government transfers, such as unemployment insurance and public medical payments, in affected counties in the decade after a hurricane. The present value of this increase significantly exceeds that of direct disaster aid. This implies, among other things, that the fiscal costs of natural disasters have been significantly underestimated and that victims in developed countries are better insured against them than previously thought. (JEL H51, H53, H84, J65, Q54)
GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL DATA OF “EPSILON” FIELD IN PRINOS OIL BASIN
Authors: Mertzanides Y. , Kargiotis E. , Mitropoulos A.
Published: July 2017

The Epsilon field, is located at the centre of Prinos oil basin (N. Aegean, Greece), 11 km NW of the island of Thassos and 4 km NW of the Prinos field, the first productive oil field in the Aegean Sea. The taphrogenetic basin of Prinos has been widely studied, due to its hydrocarbon reservoirs. Extensive geophysical survey, started at early 1970 ‘s, led to a number of drilling jobs, which confirmed the existence of hydrocarbons in the area. The combined geological information, derived from the analysis of lithological, stratigraphic and geochemical data of the basin, suggested a structural and depositional model, strongly related to the Miocene tectonics and sedimentation. The new geophysical and drilling data from Epsilon oil field, are correlated to that already known, completing the model of the basin. Pay zone is found to be below an evaporitic sequence, consisting predominantly of salt, with anhydrite, clay and sandstone intercalations. These upper Miocene aged evaporites extend, varying in thickness, throughout Prinos basin. Reservoir consists mainly of sandstone with intercalations of claystone and trace of siltstone. The geology of the structure and the initial productivity, were positive for further drilling operations in Epsilon field.