bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slachtoffers en herstelrecht: ervaringen van (niet-)deelnemers
Authors: Vanfraechem Inge
Published: June 2017

Victims and restorative justice: experiences of (non)participants

This article describes some victim-related research results of both an action research into the Flemish practice of conferencing, as well as the results of a European comparative research on victim-offender mediation. Through these results, we examine what victims think of restorative justice and why they choose (not) to participate. This way, we aim to fill a certain gap in restorative justice literature especially when it comes to non-participating victims (Van Camp & Wemmers, 2016), a group which remains hard to interview.
China and International Student Mobility
Authors: Gao Hang , De Wit Hans
Published: June 2017

China has the objective to receive 500,000 international students at the end of this decade, and is already moving fast in this direction, bypassing Australia, France, and Germany, to become the third destination country after the United States and the United Kingdom in hosting international students. With the current political climate in the main countries hosting international students, China’s perspectives to become a dominant player are more optimistic than a few years ago. Attracting international students and increasing their stay-rate after graduation is becoming a major political strategy at the national level and also for the main cities and provinces, as well as the universities. But, to be sustainable in this effort, China’s higher education system needs to work on the quality of its education and services.
Abstracts of the International Congress of Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences & Human Development (2016)
Authors: Reis Vitor , Silva António , Batalha Nuno , Saavedra Francisco , Abrantes Catarina , Costa Aldo , Marques Mário , Marinho Daniel , Travassos Bruno , Pereira Ana , Vila-Chã Carolina , Costa Mário , Esteves Pedro , Louro Hugo , Cid Luís , Conceição Ana Teresa , Barbosa Tiago , Lopes Vitor , Póvoas Susana , Pereira Catarina , Marmeleira José , Corrales Borja Sanudo , Olcina Guilhermo , Maynar Marcus , Del Pozo Jesus , Timon Rafael , Raimundo Armando , Folgado Hugo
Published: June 2017

The papers published in this book of abstracts / proceedings were submitted to the Scientific Commission of the International Congress of Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences & Human Development, held on 11 and 12 November 2016, at the University of Évora, Évora, Portugal, under the topic of Exercise and Health, Sports and Human Development. The content of the abstracts is solely and exclusively of its authors responsibility. The editors and the Scientific Committee of the International Congress of Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences & Human Development do not assume any responsibility for the opinions and statements expressed by the authors. Partial reproduction of the texts and their use without commercial purposes is allowed, provided the source / reference is duly mentioned.
Validation of the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire (GCEQ) for a sample of elderly Portuguese people
Authors: Antunes Raul , Couto Nuno , Monteiro Diogo , Moutão João , Marinho Daniel , Cid Luis
Published: June 2017

According Sebire, Standage and Vansteenkiste (2008), goals contents (motives) are the major drivers of behavior, giving rise to the goal content theory, which is in the basis of Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire (GCEQ: Sebire et al., 2008) development. So, the main goal of present study was to conduct the validation of GCEQ for a sample of Portuguese elderly (n = 311), with equal or higher ages than 60 years old (M = 68.53; DP = 6.69). The main results show us that CGEQ measurement model (5 factors, 20 items) only present adequate fit to data after the elimination of 3 items: S-Bχ²=219.9, df=109, p=.001, SRMR=.049, TLI=.916, CFI=.934, RMSEA=.057, RMSEA 90% CI=.046-.068, PCFI=.747). Besides that, the 5 factors show us acceptable values of composite reliability: between .76 and .88. Those findings allow us to conclude that GCEQ with 5 factors and 17 items can be used to measure goal content in a population of elderly Portuguese people in physical activity domain.
Transcription factor TFCP2L1 patterns cells in the mouse kidney collecting ducts
Authors: Werth Max , Schmidt-Ott Kai M , Leete Thomas , Qiu Andong , Hinze Christian , Viltard Melanie , Paragas Neal , Shawber Carrie J , Yu Wenqiang , Lee Peter , Chen Xia , Sarkar Abby , Mu Weiyi , Rittenberg Alexander , Lin Chyuan-Sheng , Kitajewski Jan , Al-Awqati Qais , Barasch Jonathan
Published: June 2017

Although most nephron segments contain one type of epithelial cell, the collecting ducts consists of at least two: intercalated (IC) and principal (PC) cells, which regulate acid-base and salt-water homeostasis, respectively. In adult kidneys, these cells are organized in rosettes suggesting functional interactions. Genetic studies in mouse revealed that transcription factor Tfcp2l1 coordinates IC and PC development. Tfcp2l1 induces the expression of IC specific genes, including specific H+-ATPase subunits and Jag1. Jag1 in turn, initiates Notch signaling in PCs but inhibits Notch signaling in ICs. Tfcp2l1 inactivation deletes ICs, whereas Jag1 inactivation results in the forfeiture of discrete IC and PC identities. Thus, Tfcp2l1 is a critical regulator of IC-PC patterning, acting cell-autonomously in ICs, and non-cell-autonomously in PCs. As a result, Tfcp2l1 regulates the diversification of cell types which is the central characteristic of 'salt and pepper' epithelia and distinguishes the collecting duct from all other nephron segments.
Reading Competence of the Saudi EFL Learner: Empowering the Teachers through Linguistics
Authors: Suleiman Alfallaj Fahad Saleh
Published: June 2017

The trend in the Reading class in KSA has been what is called ‘Standards Based Proficiency’ as opposed to the more desirable ‘Real World Reading Requirements’. This is also where the greatest gap occurs. Whereas white collar jobs may require more reading, blue collar jobs may invariably involve reading of technical manuals and scripts where a single error can lead to disastrous results. Reading is a skill that is very much related to the real life language use by FL learners. Can this gap be closed in our educational institutions? The answer is yes as concluded by the current study that evaluates the role of Linguistics in empowering the teachers of EFL to successfully tackle the reading failure of the KSA EFL learners. Our results show that with basic training in the field teachers can bring about much change in the reading proficiency of the learners.
Associated anomalies in cases with esophageal atresia
Authors: Stoll Claude , Alembik Yves , Dott Beatrice , Roth Marie‐Paule
Published: June 2017

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a common type of congenital anomaly. The etiology of esophageal atresia is unclear and its pathogenesis is controversial. Infants with esophageal atresia often have other non‐EA associated congenital anomalies. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the prevalence and the types of these associated anomalies in a defined population. The associated anomalies in cases with EA were collected in all livebirths, stillbirths, and terminations of pregnancy during 29 years in 387,067 consecutive births in the area covered by our population‐based registry of congenital malformations. Of the 116 cases with esophageal atresia, representing a prevalence of 2.99 per 10,000, 54 (46.6%) had associated anomalies. There were 9 (7.8%) cases with chromosomal abnormalities including 6 trisomies 18, and 20 (17.2%) nonchromosomal recognized dysmorphic conditions including 12 cases with VACTERL association and 2 cases with CHARGE syndrome. Twenty five (21.6%) of the cases had multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). Anomalies in the cardiovascular, the digestive, the urogenital, the musculoskeletal, and the central nervous systems were the most common other anomalies. The anomalies associated with esophageal atresia could be classified into a recognizable malformation syndrome or pattern in 29 out of 54 cases (53.7%). This study included special strengths: each affected child was examined by a geneticist, all elective terminations were ascertained, and the surveillance for anomalies was continued until 2 years of age. In conclusion the overall prevalence of associated anomalies, which was close to one in two cases, emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation of cases with EA. A routine screening for other anomalies may be considered in infants and in fetuses with EA.
Programmed Synthesis of Molecular Wires with Fixed Insulation and Defined Length Based on Oligo(phenylene ethynylene) and Permethylated α‐Cyclodextrins
Authors: Masai Hiroshi , Fujihara Tetsuaki , Tsuji Yasushi , Terao Jun
Published: June 2017

The development of new tuning methods for π‐conjugated insulated molecular wires with strictly defined axle lengths as well as positions and degrees of macrocycle coverage would provide unprecedented insight into insulation effects in functionalized materials. Herein, iterative reactions of oligo(phenylene ethynylene) (OPE) linked with permethylated α‐cyclodextrins were carried out to fabricate insulated molecular wires with a defined length and insulation in desired areas. Insulated OPEs were elongated in a stepwise manner by performing sequential coupling/deprotection reactions. The insulated areas on the OPE units in each expansion step were selectively controlled by means of programmed solvent conditions (high/low polarity). Moreover, a completely insulated OPE (up to a linked [11]rotaxane) with high structural regularity and high covering ratio was synthesized by appropriate tuning of the Pd catalyst and an extension unit bearing a traceless capping unit based on a tert‐butyldimethylsilyl group. This strategy may guide the development of the selective synthesis of fully insulated, partially insulated, and uninsulated molecular wires with well‐defined lengths and covered/uncovered areas.
Coexistence of Strong Second Harmonic Generation Response and Wide Band Gap in AZn4Ga5S12 (A=K, Rb, Cs) with 3D Diamond‐like Frameworks
Authors: Lin Hua , Chen Hong , Zheng Yu‐Jun , Yu Ju‐Song , Wu Xin‐Tao , Wu Li‐Ming
Published: June 2017

Mid‐infrared (MIR, 2–20 μm) second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) materials with outstanding performances are of great importance in laser science and technology. However, the enormous challenge to design and synthesize an excellent MIR NLO material lies in achieving simultaneously a strong second harmonic generation (SHG) response [dij >0.6 × AgGaS2 (AGS)] and wide band gap (Eg>3.5 eV). Herein three new MIR NLO materials, AZn4Ga5S12 (A=K, Rb, Cs) are reported, which crystallize in the KCd4Ga5S12‐type structure and adopt a 3D diamond‐like framework (DLF) consisting of MS4 (M=Zn/Ga) tetrahedra; achieving the desired balance with strong powder SHG response (1.2–1.4 × AGS) and wide band gap (Eg≈3.65 eV). Moreover, they also show large laser induced damage thresholds (LIDTs, 36 × AGS), a wide range of optical transparency (0.4–25 μm) and ultrahigh thermal stability (up to 1400 K). Upon analyzing the structure‐property relationship of AXII4XIII5Q12 family, these 3D DLF structures can be used as a highly versatile and tunable platform for designing excellent MIR NLO materials.
Grade efficiency for sieve classification processes
Authors: Hennig Manuel , Teipel Ulrich
Published: June 2017

Modelling of the screening performance for classification processes is important to obtain a first estimate for a new process in the planning phase. In this work especially the grade efficiency curves of sieve classifications with vibrating screens were examined. A sensitivity study was performed by changing the operating parameters of the sieving machine and the parameters of the charging material (i.e. mass flow, particle size, etc.). The aim was to correlate the input parameters with the grade efficiency curve of the classification process. The main aspect of the presented work is to find an appropriate method to adjust four screening parameters in a way that the measured grade efficiency curve is modelled correctly. Several methods for this adjustment step are reviewed. A sensitivity study using a tumbling screen was performed previously. It is apparent that for that study, different methods and models for the parameter adjustment need to be used. Furthermore it is shown that data reconciliation is necessary, since the mass balance of the particle streams may not be closed correctly. In summary this work is the first step to predict the screening performance of a sieving machine without material‐ and time‐consuming experiments.
Neural organization of afferent pathways from the stomatopod compound eye
Authors: Thoen Hanne H. , Strausfeld Nicholas J. , Marshall Justin
Published: June 2017

Crustaceans and insects share many similarities of brain organization suggesting that their common ancestor possessed some components of those shared features. Stomatopods (mantis shrimps) are basal eumalacostracan crustaceans famous for their elaborate visual system, the most complex of which possesses 12 types of color photoreceptors and the ability to detect both linearly and circularly polarized light. Here, using a palette of histological methods we describe neurons and their neuropils most immediately associated with the stomatopod retina. We first provide a general overview of the major neuropil structures in the eyestalks lateral protocerebrum, with respect to the optical pathways originating from the six rows of specialized ommatidia in the stomatopod's eye, termed the midband. We then focus on the structure and neuronal types of the lamina, the first optic neuropil in the stomatopod visual system. Using Golgi impregnations to resolve single neurons we identify cells in different parts of the lamina corresponding to the three different regions of the stomatopod eye (midband and the upper and lower eye halves). While the optic cartridges relating to the spectral and polarization sensitive midband ommatidia show some specializations not found in the lamina serving the upper and lower eye halves, the general morphology of the midband lamina reflects cell types elsewhere in the lamina and cell types described for other species of Eumalacostraca.
Phenotyping of nNOS neurons in the postnatal and adult female mouse hypothalamus
Authors: Chachlaki Konstantina , Malone Samuel A. , Qualls‐Creekmore Emily , Hrabovszky Erik , Münzberg Heike , Giacobini Paolo , Ango Fabrice , Prevot Vincent
Published: June 2017

Neurons expressing nitric oxide (NO) synthase (nNOS) and thus capable of synthesizing NO play major roles in many aspects of brain function. While the heterogeneity of nNOS‐expressing neurons has been studied in various brain regions, their phenotype in the hypothalamus remains largely unknown. Here we examined the distribution of cells expressing nNOS in the postnatal and adult female mouse hypothalamus using immunohistochemistry. In both adults and neonates, nNOS was largely restricted to regions of the hypothalamus involved in the control of bodily functions, such as energy balance and reproduction. Labeled cells were found in the paraventricular, ventromedial, and dorsomedial nuclei as well as in the lateral area of the hypothalamus. Intriguingly, nNOS was seen only after the second week of life in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH). The most dense and heavily labeled population of cells was found in the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (OV) and the median preoptic nucleus (MEPO), where most of the somata of the neuroendocrine neurons releasing GnRH and controlling reproduction are located. A great proportion of nNOS‐immunoreactive neurons in the OV/MEPO and ARH were seen to express estrogen receptor (ER) α. Notably, almost all ERα‐immunoreactive cells of the OV/MEPO also expressed nNOS. Moreover, the use of EYFPVglut2, EYFPVgat, and GFPGad67 transgenic mouse lines revealed that, like GnRH neurons, most hypothalamic nNOS neurons have a glutamatergic phenotype, except for nNOS neurons of the ARH, which are GABAergic. Altogether, these observations are consistent with the proposed role of nNOS neurons in physiological processes.
Chirality Induction from a Chiral Guest to the Hydrogen‐Bonding Network of Its Hexameric Resorcinarene Host Capsule
Authors: Pollok Corina H. , Zhang Qi , Tiefenbacher Konrad , Merten Christian
Published: June 2017

The hexameric capsule of resorcin[4]arene 1 is capable of encapsulating tertiary amines, which has recently been used in the application of [(1)6(H2O)8] as (co‐)catalyst in various asymmetric reactions. However, not much is known about the highly asymmetric but conformationally very dynamic structure of the capsule after uptake of chiral molecules. Therefore, in this contribution, we utilize electronic circular dichroism and vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy to investigate how several chiral guest molecules affect the structural preferences of the capsule [(1)6(H2O)8]. In particular, we show that one small chiral amine encapsulated in [(1)6(H2O)8] is sufficient to control and dictate the stereochemical preferences of the entire capsule. Furthermore, neither strong π–π interactions nor a significant steric bulk are required for this induction. The observation of such a chiral imprint of the guest's stereochemistry onto its host molecule is expected to have implications also for other supramolecular capsules.
Cx43 suppresses evx1 expression to regulate joint initiation in the regenerating fin
Authors: Dardis Gabrielle , Tryon Robert , Ton Quynh , Johnson Stephen L. , Iovine M. Kathryn
Published: June 2017

Background: How joints are correctly positioned in the vertebrate skeleton remains poorly understood. From our studies on the regenerating fin, we have evidence that the gap junction protein Cx43 suppresses joint formation by suppressing the expression of the evx1 transcription factor. Joint morphogenesis proceeds through at least two discrete stages. First, cells that will produce the joint condense in a single row on the bone matrix (“initiation”). Second, these cells separate coincident with articulation of the bone matrix. We propose that Cx43 activity is transiently reduced prior to joint initiation. Results: We first define the timing of joint initiation with respect to regeneration. We next correlate reduced cx43 expression and increased evx1 expression with initiation. Through manipulation of cx43 expression, we demonstrate that Cx43 negatively influences evx1 expression and joint formation. We further demonstrate that Cx43 activity in the dermal fibroblasts is required to rescue joint formation in the cx43 mutant, short finb123. Conclusions: We conclude that Cx43 activity in the dermal fibroblasts influences the expression of evx1, and therefore the differentiation of the precursor cells that give rise to the joint‐forming osteoblasts. Developmental Dynamics 246:691–699, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treated wastewater effluent as a source of pyrethroids and fipronil at Todos Santos Bay, Mexico: Its impact on sediments and organisms
Authors: Hernández-Guzmán Félix Augusto , Macías-Zamora José Vinicio , Ramírez-Álvarez Nancy , Alvarez-Aguilar Arturo , Quezada-Hernández Cristina , Fonseca Ana Paula
Published: June 2017

Pyrethroids are insecticides widely used to control pests and disease vectors in residential areas and agricultural lands. Pyrethroids are emerging pollutants, and their use is a growing concern because of their toxicity potential to aquatic organisms. Todos Santos Bay and the Punta Banda estuary, 2 coastal bodies located to the south of the Southern California Bight, were studied to establish a baseline of the current conditions of pollution by pyrethroids and fipronil. Eight pyrethroids, along with fipronil and its 2 metabolites, were determined in effluents from wastewater-treatment plants (n = 3), surface sediments (n = 32), and 3 locations with mussels (Mytilus californianus, n = 9). Bifenthrin, permethrin, and cypermethrin were the most common pyrethroids found in the study areas and were widespread in sediments, mussels, and wastewater-treated effluents. Fipronil and its metabolites were detected in mussels and wastewater-treated effluents only. Total pyrethroid concentrations in sediments ranged from 0.04 to 1.95 ng/g dry weight in the Punta Banda estuary (n = 13) and from 0.07 to 6.62 ng/g dry weight in Todos Santos Bay (n = 19). Moreover, total pyrethroids in mussels ranged from 1.19 to 6.15 ng/g wet weight. Based on the toxic unit data calculated for pyrethroids and fipronil for Eohaustorius estuarius and Hyalella azteca, little to no impact is expected to the benthic population structure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3057–3064. © 2017 SETAC
Application of a preconditioned high‐order accurate artificial compressibility‐based incompressible flow solver in wide range of Reynolds numbers
Authors: Hejranfar K. , Parseh K.
Published: June 2017

In the present study, the preconditioned incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations with the artificial compressibility method formulated in the generalized curvilinear coordinates are numerically solved by using a high‐order compact finite‐difference scheme for accurately and efficiently computing the incompressible flows in a wide range of Reynolds numbers. A fourth‐order compact finite‐difference scheme is utilized to accurately discretize the spatial derivative terms of the governing equations, and the time integration is carried out based on the dual time‐stepping method. The capability of the proposed solution methodology for the computations of the steady and unsteady incompressible viscous flows from very low to high Reynolds numbers is investigated through the simulation of different 2‐dimensional benchmark problems, and the results obtained are compared with the existing analytical, numerical, and experimental data. A sensitivity analysis is also performed to evaluate the effects of the size of the computational domain and other numerical parameters on the accuracy and performance of the solution algorithm. The present solution procedure is also extended to 3 dimensions and applied for computing the incompressible flow over a sphere. Indications are that the application of the preconditioning in the solution algorithm together with the high‐order discretization method in the generalized curvilinear coordinates provides an accurate and robust solution method for simulating the incompressible flows over practical geometries in a wide range of Reynolds numbers including the creeping flows.
Risk-based prioritization method for the classification of groundwater pesticide pollution from agricultural regions
Authors: Yang Yu , Lian Xin-Ying , Jiang Yong-Hai , Xi Bei-Dou , He Xiao-Song
Published: June 2017

Agricultural regions are a significant source of groundwater pesticide pollution. To ensure that agricultural regions with a significantly high risk of groundwater pesticide contamination are properly managed, a risk-based ranking method related to groundwater pesticide contamination is needed. In the present paper, a risk-based prioritization method for the classification of groundwater pesticide pollution from agricultural regions was established. The method encompasses 3 phases, including indicator selection, characterization, and classification. In the risk ranking index system employed here, 17 indicators involving the physicochemical properties, environmental behavior characteristics, pesticide application methods, and inherent vulnerability of groundwater in the agricultural region were selected. The boundary of each indicator was determined using K-means cluster analysis based on a survey of a typical agricultural region and the physical and chemical properties of 300 typical pesticides. The total risk characterization was calculated by multiplying the risk value of each indicator, which could effectively avoid the subjectivity of index weight calculation and identify the main factors associated with the risk. The results indicated that the risk for groundwater pesticide contamination from agriculture in a region could be ranked into 4 classes from low to high risk. This method was applied to an agricultural region in Jiangsu Province, China, and it showed that this region had a relatively high risk for groundwater contamination from pesticides, and that the pesticide application method was the primary factor contributing to the relatively high risk. The risk ranking method was determined to be feasible, valid, and able to provide reference data related to the risk management of groundwater pesticide pollution from agricultural regions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:1052–1059. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points

A risk-based method for the classification of groundwater pesticide pollution from agricultural regions was established. The total risk was calculated by multiplying the risk value of each indicator. The risk ranking method could identify the main factors causing the risk.
Multiscale regeneration scaffold in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chen Haiping , Xie Shikun , Yang Yuanmo , Zhang Jing , Zhang Zhuangya
Published: June 2017

Biocompatible scaffolds play an important role in modulating tissue growth. A gelatin and sodium alginate scaffold with a unique structure produced by a combination of 3‐D printing, electrospinning, and vacuum freeze‐drying has been developed for tissue engineering. The scaffold is composed of a macrostructure, a honeycomb microporous surface morphology, and nanofibers. This structure meets the design criteria for an ideal tissue engineering scaffold. The scaffold degrades and has low cytotoxicity. The biocompatibility of the scaffold is improved by the favorable cell–matrix interaction; cells attach to the scaffold well and secrete large amounts of extracellular matrix in vitro. Rats with the scaffold implanted survived without signs of complications and the host cells infiltrated the interior of the scaffold. After 2 months in vivo, the scaffold was vascularized and contained collagen fibers. This multiscale regeneration scaffold may be suitable for tissue engineering because of its unique structure, degradation, mechanical properties, and lower cytotoxicity, which support cell infiltration and growth, and promote vascularization and generation of granulation tissue in vivo. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1218–1225, 2018.
Application of whole‐lesion histogram analysis of pharmacokinetic parameters in dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of breast lesions with the CAIPIRINHA‐Dixon‐TWIST‐VIBE technique
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Ai Tao , Hu Yiqi , Yan Xu , Nickel Marcel Dominik , Xu Xiao , Xia Liming
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To investigate the application of whole‐lesion histogram analysis of pharmacokinetic parameters for differentiating malignant from benign breast lesions on dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI).

Materials and Methods

In all, 92 women with 97 breast lesions (26 benign and 71 malignant lesions) were enrolled in this study. Patients underwent dynamic breast MRI at 3T using a prototypical CAIPIRINHA‐Dixon‐TWIST‐VIBE (CDT‐VIBE) sequence and a subsequent surgery or biopsy. Inflow rate of the agent between plasma and interstitium (Ktrans), outflow rate of agent between interstitium and plasma (Kep), extravascular space volume per unit volume of tissue (ve) including mean value, 25th/50th/75th/90th percentiles, skewness, and kurtosis were then calculated based on the whole lesion. A single‐sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, paired t‐test, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Malignant breast lesions had significantly higher Ktrans, Kep, and lower ve in mean values, 25th/50th/75th/90th percentiles, and significantly higher skewness of ve than benign breast lesions (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in kurtosis values between malignant and benign breast lesions (all P > 0.05). The 90th percentile of Ktrans, the 90th percentile of Kep, and the 50th percentile of ve showed the greatest areas under the ROC curve (AUC) for each pharmacokinetic parameter derived from DCE‐MRI. The 90th percentile of Kep achieved the highest AUC value (0.927) among all histogram‐derived values.

Conclusion

The whole‐lesion histogram analysis of pharmacokinetic parameters can improve the diagnostic accuracy of breast DCE‐MRI with the CDT‐VIBE technique. The 90th percentile of Kep may be the best indicator in differentiation between malignant and benign breast lesions.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:91–96.
Diffusion kurtosis MRI versus conventional diffusion‐weighted imaging for evaluating inflammatory activity in Crohn's disease
Authors: Huang Li , Li Xue‐hua , Huang Si‐yun , Zhang Zhong‐wei , Yang Xu‐feng , Lin Jin‐jiang , Jiang Meng‐jie , Feng Shi‐ting , Sun Can‐hui , Li Zi‐ping
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To assess the efficacy of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and to compare DKI‐derived parameters with that of conventional diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) for grading the inflammatory activity of Crohn's disease (CD).

Materials and Methods

In all, 38 patients with CD underwent 3T magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) with DKI (b values of 0–2000 s/mm2). The inflammatory activity of the bowel segments was graded by magnetic resonance index of activity (MaRIA) as inactive (<7), mild (≥7 and <11), or moderate‐severe (≥11). Apparent diffusion for non‐Gaussian distribution (Dapp) and apparent kurtosis coefficient (Kapp) on DKI as well as apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on DWI were compared.

Results

In all, 86 bowel segments including inactive (20), mild (19), and moderate‐severe (47) CD were analyzed. The differences in Kapp, Dapp, and ADC among inactive, mild, and moderate‐severe CD were significant (all P < 0.05). Kapp (r = 0.862), Dapp (r = −0.755), and ADC (r = −0.713) correlated well with MaRIA in all segments. Stronger correlation with MaRIA in moderate‐severe CD was found for Kapp (r = 0.647) than that of Dapp (r = −0.414) and ADC (r = −0.580). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed high accuracy of Kapp, Dapp, and ADC for differentiating active from inactive CD (AUC: 0.953 for Kapp, 0.944 for Dapp, 0.907 for ADC) as well as differentiating inactive‐mild from moderate‐severe CD (AUC: 0.946 for Kapp, 0.887 for Dapp, 0.846 for ADC). The threshold Kapp of 0.731 allowed differentiation of active from inactive CD with 89.4% sensitivity and 95% specificity.

Conclusion

DKI of CD is clinically feasible and might be superior to conventional DWI for grading the inflammatory activity of CD.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:702–709.
Trivalent chromium induces autophagy by activating sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 2 and increasing cellular ceramide levels in renal HK2 cells
Authors: Yang Cheng‐Lin , Chiou Shiow‐Her , Tai Wei‐Chun , Joseph Nithila A. , Chow Kuan‐Chih
Published: June 2017

In this study, we examined the role of autophagy in the initiation of lipid increases in renal epithelial HK2 cells. We found that trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] induced autophagy by activating sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 2 (SMPD2). SMPD2 increases levels of ceramide and other lipids. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy showed that signals of ceramide overlapped with LC3, suggesting that ceramide might play an important role in the formation of autophagosome. In conclusion, our data indicate that Cr(III) induces autophagy via structural aberration of organelle membrane, in particular by the increase of lipid compositions in addition to autophagy‐associated proteins.
Concise Review: Criteria for Chamber-Specific Categorization of Human Cardiac Myocytes Derived from Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Kane Christopher , Terracciano Cesare M. N.
Published: June 2017

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (PSC-CMs) have great potential application in almost all areas of cardiovascular research. A current major goal of the field is to build on the past success of differentiation strategies to produce CMs with the properties of those originating from the different chambers of the adult human heart. With no anatomical origin or developmental pathway to draw on, the question of how to judge the success of such approaches and assess the chamber specificity of PSC-CMs has become increasingly important; commonly used methods have substantial limitations and are based on limited evidence to form such an assessment. In this article, we discuss the need for chamber-specific PSC-CMs in a number of areas as well as current approaches used to assess these cells on their likeness to those from different chambers of the heart. Furthermore, describing in detail the structural and functional features that distinguish the different chamber-specific human adult cardiac myocytes, we propose an evidence-based tool to aid investigators in the phenotypic characterization of differentiated PSC-CMs.
Perspectives and Practices of Athletic Trainers and Team Physicians Implementing the 2010 NCAA Sickle Cell Trait Screening Policy
Authors: McDonald Mary Anne , Creary Melissa S. , Powell Jill , Daley Lori‐Ann , Baker Charlotte , Royal Charmaine DM
Published: June 2017

Sickle cell trait (SCT) is usually benign. However, there are some conditions that may lead to SCT‐related problems and put athletes with the trait at particular risk. In 2010 the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) issued a policy that required all Division I (DI) student‐athletes to confirm their SCT status or sign a liability waiver to opt out of testing. Athletic trainers and team physicians play key roles in the policy implementation and we examined their perceptions and practices. Between December 2013 and March 2014 we interviewed 13 head athletic trainers and team physicians at NCAA Division I colleges and universities in North Carolina. We used an interview guide with open‐ended questions covering knowledge of SCT, historical screening and education practices, current implementation, and policy benefits and challenges. Participants were knowledgeable about SCT and thought the policy was beneficial in providing SCT health information to and for student‐athletes. Schools varied in provision of genetic counseling, offering the waiver, SCT tests administered, and other aspects. Challenges included: insufficient guidance from the NCAA; financial considerations; and misunderstanding of the relationships of race and ancestry to SCT risk. Athletic staff found the policy valuable, but felt it needs clarity and standardization.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Thermophilic, Organic Solvent Stable Lipase of Bacillus from a Hot Spring
Authors: Li Jiang , Liu Xiumeng
Published: June 2017

A novel lipase gene lip256 was cloned and identified from the genomic library of hot spring strain Bacillus sp. HT19. The deduced amino acid sequence of lip256 has less than 32% identity to a predicted esterase (Cog1752) from Photobacterium leiognathi lrivu.4.1 and contains a novel motif (GTSAG) that differs from other clusters in the lipase superfamily. Following purification, a single band was obtained with a molecular mass of 33 kDa by SDS‐PAGE, and the optimal temperature and pH for lipolytic activity of Lip25 were 70 °C and 9.0, respectively. Lip256 exhibited high activity at high temperatures, with 40% maximum activity at 80 °C and good stability at temperatures ranges between 50 and 80 °C. Additionally, the enzyme was highly stable in the presence of butyl‐alcohol, glycerol, acetonitrile, pyridine, and urea. However, the presence of acetone, methanol, trichloromethane, petroleum ether, hexane, tert‐butanol, isopropanol, dithiothreitol, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, polyhexamethylene biguanide, dimethyl sulfoxide, benzene, Triton X‐100, Tween‐20, Tween‐80, and sodium dodecyl sulfate suppressed or absolutely inhibited enzyme activity. Furthermore, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Cu2+ suppressed enzyme activity, whereas Na+, Fe3+, K+, Fe2+, and Sr2+ enhanced enzyme activity. The unique characteristics of novel lipase Lip256, including its thermo‐alkaliphilic performance, high tolerance toward metal ions, inhibitors, and detergents, and high stability in organic solvents, implied that this enzyme might be an interesting candidate for industrial processes.
Insolvency administrator’s incentives and the tradeoff between creditor satisfaction and efficiency in bankruptcy procedures
Authors: Frieden Matthias , Wielenberg Stefan
Published: June 2017

An insolvency administrator replaces the manager of an insolvent firm to devise and organize a liquidation or reorganization plan in the creditors’ interest. In the course of the process, the insolvency administrator presents the most favourable option from his perspective, and the creditors choose to accept or reject this plan. Conflicts of interest arise because the insolvency administrator, as the better-informed party, considers in his proposal liability risks and reputational issues that are beyond the creditors’ scope. We model this conflict as a Bayesian game and find that, under those compensation schemes typically used in real-world regulations, optimal creditor satisfaction and efficient decisions concerning the economic future of the insolvent firm will never be achieved simultaneously.
Gender matters: Experiences and consequences of digital dating abuse victimization in adolescent dating relationships
Authors: Reed Lauren A. , Tolman Richard M. , Ward L. Monique
Published: June 2017

Digital dating abuse (DDA) behaviors include the use of digital media to monitor, control, threaten, harass, pressure, or coerce a dating partner. In this study, 703 high school students reported on the frequency of DDA victimization, whether they were upset by these incidents, and how they responded. Results suggest that although both girls and boys experienced DDA at similar rates of frequency (with the exception of sexual coercion), girls reported that they were more upset by these behaviors. Girls also expressed more negative emotional responses to DDA victimization than boys. Although DDA is potentially harmful for all youth, gender matters. These findings suggest that the experience and consequences of DDA may be particularly detrimental for girls.
Flibanserin in Postmenopausal Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Results of the PLUMERIA Study
Authors: Portman David J. , Brown Louise , Yuan James , Kissling Robert , Kingsberg Sheryl A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a common sexual disorder in younger and older women. Flibanserin is approved for the treatment of acquired generalized HSDD in premenopausal women only. The efficacy of flibanserin for postmenopausal women with HSDD was demonstrated in the first of two North American randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials (SNOWDROP).

Aim

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of flibanserin in postmenopausal women with HSDD in a second randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial (PLUMERIA).

Methods

Naturally postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to receive flibanserin (100 mg/d) or placebo. Efficacy outcomes were assessed using the last-observation-carried-forward imputation method.

Outcomes

Safety assessment included incidence of adverse events. Primary efficacy outcomes were the number of satisfying sexual events and the Female Sexual Function Index desire domain (FSFI-d) score.

Results

The study population (flibanserin, n = 376; placebo, n = 369) included primarily white women (84.7%), with a mean age of 56.1 years and a mean HSDD duration of 5.0 years. When the study was discontinued early by the sponsor, 45.3% of randomly assigned patients had completed week 16 (which served as the primary analysis time point). The most common adverse events in flibanserin-treated patients were insomnia (7.7%), somnolence (6.9%), and dizziness (6.4%). Improvement from baseline to week 16 (last-observation-carried-forward) in FSFI-d score was significantly greater for flibanserin compared with placebo (P = .011); however, the between-group comparison for satisfying sexual events did not reach statistical significance.

Clinical Implications

Considered with the findings of the previous randomized controlled trial (SNOWDROP), the results of this study support the safety and efficacy of flibanserin in postmenopausal women.

Strengths and Limitations

This was a well-designed randomized, placebo-controlled trial. A key limitation was early discontinuation by the study sponsor, which decreased the sample size. In addition, the validity of satisfying sexual events as a primary outcome measurement in HSDD studies has been called into question (but was required by the US Food and Drug Administration as a primary end point in studies of female sexual dysfunction at the time this study was conducted).

Conclusion

Flibanserin was generally well tolerated in this population of naturally postmenopausal women. Despite the greatly decreased power to detect improvement compared with placebo on the efficacy measurements used, results suggest that flibanserin could be efficacious in postmenopausal women with HSDD.
Distal Corporal Anchoring Stitch: A Technique to Address Distal Corporal Crossovers and Impending Lateral Extrusions of a Penile Prosthesis
Authors: Antonini Gabriele , Busetto Gian Maria , Del Giudice Francesco , Ferro Matteo , Chung Benjamin I. , Conti Simon L. , Suarez Sarmiento Alfredo , Pacchiarotti Arianna , De Berardinis Ettore , Perito Paul E.
Published: June 2017

Background

Unidentified distal crossovers, delayed distal crossovers, and impending lateral extrusion are complications of penile prosthesis implant insertion but are not as common as prosthesis infection or mechanical failure.

Aim

To evaluate results of a surgical technique, the distal corporal anchoring stitch, that addresses fixation of the penile prosthesis in patients with these complications.

Methods

A lateral sub-coronal incision is used on the side where the crossover or laterally extruding cylinder should be positioned. Dissection is carried through the Buck fascia, followed by a transverse incision of the tunica albuginea, where the distal aspect of the affected cylinder is delivered. A 4-0 PDS suture is threaded through the distal cylinder ring of the implant. A new, properly positioned intracorporal channel is created and the suture is passed through the distal end of the channel. Once the suture is through the glans and the cylinder is in the correct position, a small cruciate incision is made on the glans at the location of the anchor stitch. The suture is tied with the knot buried in the glans tissue.

Outcomes

Fifty-three patients underwent treatment of their distal penile implant crossover with a distal corporoplasty using this method and their anatomic and functional outcomes and overall satisfaction were evaluated.

Results

This technique ensured that the cylinder remained in the newly created, appropriately positioned channel. No patients developed infections, wound-healing defect, glandular hypoesthesia, anesthesia, or altered sensation or pain in the glans related to the suture and only two reported recurrence of a lateral herniation that did not require further treatment.

Clinical Implications

Distal fixation of the penile prosthesis is a useful surgical adjunct to treating patients with prosthetic lateral extrusions or crossovers that can be applied in almost all cases.

Strengths and Limitations

Considering these rare complications, our experience is based on a relatively large number of patients and showed a low incidence of complications and a high satisfaction rate. The main limitation of this study is the retrospective nature of the data and the series included patients from two high-volume surgeons that might not be generalizable to all practices.

Conclusion

The distal corporal anchoring stitch is safe and effective in securing distal fixation of the extruding inflatable penile prosthesis.
Relational Intimacy Mediates Sexual Outcomes Associated with Impaired Sexual Function: Examination in a Clinical Sample
Authors: Witherow Marta Parkanyi , Chandraiah Shambhavi , Seals Samantha R. , Sarver Dustin E. , Parisi Kathryn E. , Bugan Antal
Published: June 2017

Background

Relational intimacy is hypothesized to underlie the association between female sexual functioning and various sexual outcomes, and married women and women with sexual dysfunction have been generally absent from prior studies investigating these associations, thus restricting generalizability.

Aim

To investigate whether relational intimacy mediates sexual outcomes (sexual satisfaction, coital frequency, and sexual distress) in a sample of married women with and without impaired sexual functioning presenting in clinical settings.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, 64 heterosexual married women with (n = 44) and without (n = 20) impaired sexual functioning completed a battery of validated measurements assessing relational intimacy, sexual dysfunction, sexual frequency, satisfaction, and distress. Intimacy measurements were combined using latent factor scores before analysis. Bias-corrected mediation models of the indirect effect were used to test mediation effects. Moderated mediation models examined whether indirect effects were influenced by age and marital duration.

Outcomes

Patients completed the Female Sexual Function Index, the Couple’s Satisfaction Index, the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women, the Inclusion of the Other in the Self Scale, and the Miller Social Intimacy Test.

Results

Mediation models showed that impaired sexual functioning is associated with all sexual outcomes directly and indirectly through relational intimacy. Results were predominantly independent of age and marital duration.

Clinical Implications

Findings have important treatment implications for modifying interventions to focus on enhancing relational intimacy to improve the sexual functioning of women with impaired sexual functioning.

Strengths and Limitations

The importance of the role relational intimacy plays in broad sexual outcomes of women with impaired sexual functioning is supported in clinically referred and married women. Latent factor scores to improve estimation of study constructs and the use of contemporary mediation analysis also are strengths. The cross-sectional design precludes any causal conclusions and it is unknown whether the results generalize to male partners, partners within other relationship structures, and non-heterosexual couples.

Conclusion

Greater relational intimacy mitigates the adverse impact of impaired sexual functioning on sexual behavior and satisfaction in women.
How “Whistling” Plasma Waves Shape Earth’s Radiation Belts
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: June 2017

The Van Allen radiation belts surrounding Earth shrink and swell due to plasma waves moving through them, an analysis of satellite data suggests.
Trump Says United States Will Withdraw from Paris Climate Accord
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: June 2017

Scientists and others decry the decision, arguing that it will slow efforts to address the risks of climate change.
Active absorptive frequency selective surface
Authors: Yu Dingwang , Liu Peiguo , Dong Yanfei , Zhou Qihui , Zhou Dongming
Published: June 2017

A novel design of absorptive frequency selective surface (AFSS) with tunable absorptive/switchable transmissive property is presented. The AFSS is comprised of a resistive surface and a metallic bandpass FSS on which PIN diodes are mounted. By changing the working state of the PIN diode, a tunable absorption performance at 3.5–11.2 GHz is achieved with a switchable transmission at the frequency of 0.83 GHz. A prototype of the proposed structure is fabricated and measured under the normal incidence.