bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of creatinine index and geriatric nutritional risk index for nutritional evaluation of patients with hemodialysis
Authors: Hwang Wonsun , Cho Mi Sook , Oh Ji Eun , Lee Ji Hyun , Jeong Jong Cheol , Shin Gyu‐Tae , Kim Heungsoo , Park Inwhee
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Malnutrition is prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and the risk of mortality is strongly correlated with malnutrition. Current methods of nutritional evaluation are mostly subjective, time‐consuming, and cumbersome. Creatinine index (CI) and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) are very simple and objective methods to assess the nutritional status of HD patients. The present study compares the performance of CI and GNRI as nutritional risk assessment tools.

Methods: Eighty‐eight patients with end‐stage renal disease on HD were recruited from a single tertiary center. A clinical dietitian carried out individual interviews of all patients and made nutritional diagnosis. Demographic and clinical data were also used to derive GNRI and CI over 4 months.

Findings: Thirty‐eight out of 88 patients (44%) were diagnosed with normal nutritional status. Twenty‐two patients (25%) were diagnosed with severe malnutrition and 27 (31%) had moderate malnutrition. Compared with patients with severe malnutrition, the normal group and those with moderate malnutrition showed significantly higher levels of body mass index and GNRI. Even though GNRI was associated with CI, protein intake, uric acid, and normalized protein nitrogen were not significantly correlated with GNRI, whereas the markers were highly associated with CI (P = 0.000). GNRI enable the identification of the severe malnutrition group but not the normal and moderate‐malnutrition groups. However, based on CI, the normal group was distinguished while those with severe and moderate malnutrition were not.

Discussion: Either CI or GNRI was a valid tool for longitudinal observation of nutritional status of patients on chronic HD and facilitated the screening of cases with malnutrition. Compared with GNRI, CI ranked higher in performance for the assessment and monitoring of nutritional status in HD patients.
Properties and microstructural aspects of TiO2‐doped sintered Alumina‐Zirconia composite ceramics
Authors: Khaskhoussi Amani , Bouhamed Hazem , Calabrese Luigi , Proverbio Edoardo , Bouaziz Jamel
Published: May 2018

The effect of titania content on the densification, the phase transformation, the microstructures, and mechanical properties of 50 wt% Al2O3‐50 wt% ZrO2 (12 mol% CeO2) was evaluated. Ceramic composites with different TiO2 content (0.27, 5, 10 wt%) were prepared by pressureless sintering at low temperature (1400°C) for 2 hours in air. Dense ceramic was obtained by adding 5 wt% of TiO2 loading to improved mechanical properties. The microstructure analysis provided lots of information about solid‐state reactivity in alumina‐zirconia‐titania ternary system. The content of TiO2 strongly affected the phases evolution and the grain growth during sintering. Furthermore, a significant effect on mechanical properties and fracture behavior was also observed.
Ertapenem – a potent treatment for clinical and quality of life improvement in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Braunberger Taylor L. , Nartker Nathan T. , Nicholson Cynthia L. , Nahhas Amanda F. , Parks‐Miller Angela , Hanna Zachary , Jayaprakash Rachna , Ramesh Mayur S. , Rambhatla Pranita V. , Hamzavi Iltefat H.
Published: May 2018

Background

A paucity of knowledge exists regarding the use of ertapenem in hidradenitis suppurativa. Our retrospective chart review and telephone interview aims to investigate the utility of intravenous ertapenem in severe, refractory hidradenitis suppurativa.

Methods

This retrospective chart review and telephone interview included patients with severe, refractory hidradenitis suppurativa treated with intravenous ertapenem between March 2013 and December 2016. Data were obtained from medical charts. During the telephone interview, patients were asked questions relating to satisfaction, quality of life changes, and disease state changes with ertapenem therapy.

Results

A total of 36 patients including 22 females and 14 males with Hurley stage II or III hidradenitis suppurativa were included. Thirty‐five patients (97.2%), demonstrated improvements in hidradenitis suppurativa with ertapenem treatment. In total, 28 patients participated in our telephone interview. Twenty patients (71.4%) were very satisfied (n = 12) or satisfied (n = 8). Quality of life improved in 85.7% of patients (n = 24).

Conclusion

Following ertapenem therapy, patients reported improvements in quality of life. This treatment appears promising as an adjunct to biologics or as a bridge to surgery in the treatment of severe, refractory hidradenitis suppurativa.
A Brief Review of Approaches to Non‐ignorable Non‐response
Authors: Sikov Anna
Published: May 2018

While there exist numerous methods to handle ignorable non‐response, the literature on non‐ignorable non‐response is somewhat sparse. In this article, we review the main approaches to imputation for missing data and to parameter estimation in the presence of missing data. We focus almost exclusively on the methods applicable to situations where non‐response is not missing at random, such that the probability to respond depends on the variables that are missing. In this case, the non‐response cannot be ignored. We discuss item non‐response, where the missingness occurs only in the outcome variable, while the auxiliary (explanatory) variables are observed for both respondents and non‐respondents, as well as unit non‐response, where neither the outcome variable nor the covariates of the non‐respondents are observed. We also illustrate an application of some of the methods described and compare their performance using a real data set.
Differences in primary cardiovascular disease prevention between the 2013 and 2016 cholesterol guidelines and impact of the 2017 hypertension guideline in the United States
Authors: Egan Brent M. , Li Jiexiang , Davis Robert A. , Fiscella Kevin A. , Tobin Jonathan N. , Jones Daniel W. , Sinopoli Angelo
Published: May 2018

The US Preventive Services Task Force cholesterol guideline recommended statins for fewer adults than the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guideline by setting a higher 10‐year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease threshold (≥10.0% vs ≥7.5%) and requiring concomitant diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or cigarette smoking. The 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline lowered the hypertension threshold, increasing 2016 guideline statin‐eligible adults. Cross‐sectional data on US adults aged 40 to 75 years enabled estimated numbers for the 2013 guideline and 2016 guideline with hypertension thresholds of ≥140/≥90 mm Hg and ≥130/80 mm Hg, respectively, on: (1) untreated, statin‐eligible adults for primary atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention (25.40, 14.72, 15.35 million); (2) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events prevented annually (124 000, 70 852, 73 199); (3) number needed to treat (21, 21, 21); and (4) number needed to harm (38, 143, 143) per 1000 patient‐years for incident diabetes mellitus (42 800, 6700, 7100 cases per year). Despite the lower hypertension threshold, the 2013 cholesterol guideline qualifies approximately 10 million more adults for statins and prevents approximately 50 600 more primary atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events but induces approximately 35 700 more diabetes mellitus cases annually than the 2016 guideline.
Choosing to Decline: Finding Common Ground through the Perspective of Shared Decision Making
Authors: Megregian Michele , Nieuwenhuijze Marianne
Published: May 2018

Respectful communication is a key component of any clinical relationship. Shared decision making is the process of collaboration that occurs between a health care provider and patient in order to make health care decisions based upon the best available evidence and the individual's preferences. A midwife and woman (and her support persons) engage together to make health care decisions, using respectful communication that is based upon the best available evidence and the woman's preferences, values, and goals. Supporting a woman's autonomy, however, can be particularly challenging in maternity care when recommended treatments or interventions are declined. In the past, the real or perceived increased risk to a woman's health or that of her fetus as a result of that choice has occasionally resulted in coercion. Through the process of shared decision making, the woman's autonomy may be supported, including the choice to decline interventions. The case presented here demonstrates how a shared decision‐making framework can support the health care provider‐patient relationship in the context of informed refusal.
When Home Is Still Unsafe: From Family Reunification to Foster Care Reentry
Authors: Font Sarah A. , Sattler Kierra M. P. , Gershoff Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

Reuniting children with their families is the preferred outcome of foster care, yet many children reunited with their families reenter foster care. This study examined how parental substance abuse and mental health problems, and the time allotted for reunification, are associated with reentry risk. We used a complete cohort of children who entered the Texas foster care system in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to identify the risk of foster care reentry within 5 years of reunification using selection‐adjusted multilevel survival analysis. Approximately 16% of reunified children reentered care within 5 years. Substance abuse and mental health problems predicted higher rates of reentry. Reunification after 12 months was associated with increased reentry risk overall, but not among children commonly exempted from federal permanency timelines. Permanency guidelines that restrict the length of time to achieve reunification may have the unintended consequence of pushing reunification before maltreatment risks have been resolved.
Alternative therapies for GERD: a way to personalized antireflux surgery
Authors: Rieder Erwin , Riegler Martin , Simić Aleksandar P. , Skrobić Ognjan M. , Bonavina Luigi , Gurski Richard , Paireder Matthias , Castell Donald O. , Schoppmann Sebastian F.
Published: May 2018

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder, known to affect about 20% of the Western population. Although conventional medical or surgical treatment has proven effective, there is certainly room for improvements. As only 10% of GERD patients are finally treated by antireflux surgery, a large therapeutic window exists. This treatment gap consists of patients who are not effectively treated with proton pump inhibitor but do not want to run the potential risks of conventional surgery. During the last two decades, several novel and intriguing options for the surgical treatment of GERD have been introduced and found their way into clinical use. The following summary will give an update of certain alternative therapeutic options to treat GERD or its pathological consequences.
Learning the principles of simulation using the birthday problem
Authors: Martins Rui Manuel da Costa
Published: May 2018

Using the famous Birthday problem, we present here a practical activity that allows students to perceive the basic reasoning behind simulation and explore its potential. Through a playful approach with probabilities, students are led along a path that illustrates difficulties with intuition and introduces them to theoretical results for sample proportions.
A mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase influences grain size and weight in rice
Authors: Xu Ran , Yu Haiyue , Wang Junmin , Duan Penggen , Zhang Baolan , Li Jing , Li Yu , Xu Jinsong , Lyu Jia , Li Na , Chai Tuanyao , Li Yunhai
Published: May 2018

Grain size and weight are directly associated with grain yield in crops. However, the molecular mechanisms that set final grain size and weight remain largely unknown. Here, we characterize two large grain mutants, large grain8‐1 (large8‐1) and large grain8‐2 (large8‐2). LARGE8 encodes the mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase1 (OsMKP1). Loss of function mutations in OsMKP1 results in large grains, while overexpression of OsMKP1 leads to small grains. OsMKP1 determines grain size by restricting cell proliferation in grain hulls. OsMKP1 directly interacts with and deactivates the mitogen‐activated protein kinase 6 (OsMAPK6). Taken together, we identify OsMKP1 as a crucial factor that influences grain size by deactivating OsMAPK6, indicating that the reversible phosphorylation of OsMAPK6 plays important roles in determining grain size in rice.
Mineralization can be an incidental ultrasonographic finding in equine tendons and ligaments
Authors: O'Brien Etienne J. O. , Smith Roger K. W.
Published: May 2018

Tendon/ligament mineralization is recognized in horses but information regarding its clinical significance is limited. The aims of this observational study were to report the structures most commonly affected by ultrasonographically detectable mineralization and, for these, determine frequency of diagnosis and key clinical features. Cases presented at our hospital in April 1999–April 2013 and September 2014–November 2015 were included: a total of 27 horses (22 retrospective, five prospective). Mineralizations were most common in deep digital flexor tendons (10) and suspensory ligament branches (eight), representing 10% and 7% (estimated), respectively, of horses diagnosed with injuries to these structures during the study. Two deep digital flexor tendon and three suspensory ligament branch cases showed bilateral mineralization. Deep digital flexor tendon mineralization was restricted to the digital flexor tendon sheath, most commonly in the proximal sheath (±sesamoidean canal), and seven of 10 cases involved hindlimbs. Suspensory ligament branch mineralization was visible in the same ultrasound window as the proximal sesamoid bones in 10/11 limbs and six of eight cases involved forelimbs. Previous corticosteroid medication was a feature of one deep digital flexor tendon and one suspensory ligament branch case. Mineralization was associated with lameness in some but not all limbs. Mineralized foci within the deep digital flexor tendon preceded hypoechoic lesion formation in two limbs. Of the cases with deep digital flexor tendon or suspensory ligament branch injury only, one of three and two of three cases, respectively, became sound. Findings indicated that tendon/ligament mineralization can be associated with lameness in some horses, but can also be an incidental finding.
Exploring cogging free magnetic gears
Authors: Borgers Stefan , Völkel Simeon , Schöpf Wolfgang , Rehberg Ingo
Published: May 2018

The coupling of two rotating spherical magnets is investigated experimentally, with particular emphasis on those motions in which the driven magnet follows the driving one with a uniform angular speed, which is a feature of the so called cogging free couplings. The experiment makes use of standard equipment and digital image processing. The theory for these couplings is based on fundamental dipole-dipole interactions with analytically accessible solutions. Technical applications of this kind of coupling are foreseeable particularly for small machines, an advantage which also comes in handy for classroom demonstrations of this feature of the fundamental concept of dipole-dipole coupling.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Lung Transplant Recipients with Respiratory Isolation of Corynebacterium spp
Authors: Los-Arcos Ibai , Len Oscar , Martín-Gómez María Teresa , Baroja Aída , Berastegui Cristina , Deu María , Sacanell Judith , Román Antonio , Gavaldà Joan
Published: May 2018

Although chronic respiratory disease and immunosuppression are risk factors for
Corynebacterium
species respiratory infection, data are scarce regarding this disease in lung transplantation. Our aim was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of lung transplant recipients (LTR) with respiratory isolation of
Corynebacterium
spp.
QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus Is a More Sensitive Screening Tool than QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube for Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Chien Jung-Yien , Chiang Hsiu-Tzy , Lu Min-Chi , Ko Wen-Chien , Yu Chong-Jen , Chen Yen-Hsu , Hsueh Po-Ren
Published: May 2018

We investigated the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among the residents in seven long-term care facilities (LTCFs) located in different regions of Taiwan and compared the performance of two interferon gamma release assays, i.e., QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) for screening LTBI. We also assessed the diagnostic performance against a composite reference standard (subjects with persistent-positive, transient-positive, and negative results from QFTs during reproducibility analysis were classified as definite, possible, and not LTBI, respectively).
Time-dependent effect of intensity of smoking and of occupational exposure to asbestos on the risk of lung cancer: results from the ICARE case–control study
Authors: Lévêque Emilie , Lacourt Aude , Luce Danièle , Sylvestre Marie-Pierre , Guénel Pascal , Stücker Isabelle , Leffondré Karen
Published: May 2018

Objective

To estimate the impact of intensity of both smoking and occupational exposure to asbestos on the risk of lung cancer throughout the whole exposure history.

Methods

Data on 2026 male cases and 2610 male controls came from the French ICARE (Investigation of occupational and environmental causes of respiratory cancers) population-based, case–control study. Lifetime smoking history and occupational history were collected from standardised questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Occupational exposure to asbestos was assessed using a job exposure matrix. The effects of annual average daily intensity of smoking (reported average number of cigarettes smoked per day) and asbestos exposure (estimated average daily air concentration of asbestos fibres at work) were estimated using a flexible weighted cumulative index of exposure in logistic regression models.

Results

Intensity of smoking in the 10 years preceding diagnosis had a much stronger association with the risk of lung cancer than more distant intensity. By contrast, intensity of asbestos exposure that occurred more than 40 years before diagnosis had a stronger association with the risk of lung cancer than more recent intensity, even if intensity in the 10 years preceding diagnosis also had a significant effect.

Conclusion

Our results illustrate the dynamic of the effect of intensity of both smoking and occupational exposure to asbestos on the risk of lung cancer. They confirm that the timing of exposure plays an important role, and suggest that standard analytical methods assuming equal weights of intensity over the whole exposure history may be questionable.
Crop rotations compared with continuous canola and wheat for crop production and fertilizer use over 6 yr
Authors: Gill Kabal S.
Published: May 2018

Local economic, logistic, soil, and weather conditions have made appropriate rotations vary from one area to another. Seed yield and fertilizer use in rotations were compared with continuous cropping for 6 yr in the southeast Peace region of Alberta, Canada. Canola (C) (Brassica napus L.), wheat (W) (Triticum aestivum L.), pea (P) (Pisum sativum L.), barley (B) (Hordeum vulgare L.), and flax (F) (Linum usitatissimum L.) were grown in 12 treatments [i.e., continuous canola (CC) and wheat (WW) and rotations of W–C, P–W–W, C–W–W, C–C–W, P–C–W, C–P–W, W–B–C, B–W–C, F–W–C, and F–C–W]. Canola yield increased with 1 or 2 yr breaks from canola. Within rotations, there was a trend to lower canola yield on canola stubble compared with other crop stubbles. Wheat yield was generally lower in WW than in rotations. Among rotations, wheat yield tended to be greater on pea stubble compared with canola, wheat, barley, and flax stubbles. Averaged over 2010–2015, the canola yield benefit from rotations was 0.632 Mg ha−1 (19.4%) over CC and the wheat yield benefit from rotations was 0.313 Mg ha−1 (7.2%) over WW. Nitrogen saving was observed when pea was included in rotation.
Dry pea (Pisum sativum L.) protein, starch, and ash concentrations as affected by cultivar and environment
Authors: Mohammed Yesuf Assen , Chen Chengci , Walia Maninder Kaur , Torrion Jessica A. , McVay Kent , Lamb Peggy , Miller Perry , Eckhoff Joyce , Miller John , Khan Qasim
Published: May 2018

Dry pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important crop in the Northern Great Plains of the USA and Canada. Information on dry pea quality as affected by cultivars and environments is limited. This experiment determined the effects of dry pea cultivars and environments on protein, starch, and ash concentrations. Six dry pea cultivars (‘Arcadia’, ‘Bridger’, ‘CDC Striker’, ‘Cruiser’, ‘Montech 4152’, and ‘SW Midas’) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications in 22 environments. The results showed that cultivar × environment interaction effects were highly significant on protein, starch, and ash concentration (p < 0.0001). These interaction means, calculated on a dry matter basis, ranged from 145 to 278 g kg−1 seed for protein, 439 to 617 g kg−1 seed for starch, and 10.5 to 31.9 g kg−1 seed for ash. The differences among environmental means were substantial compared with cultivar means. When averaged over environments, ‘CDC Striker’, ‘Arcadia’, and ‘Montech 4152’ produced greater mean protein, starch, and ash concentrations, respectively, than the other cultivars. None of these cultivars simultaneously outperformed the others for protein, starch, and ash concentrations. This may indicate the need to develop cultivars with outstanding qualities across environments to receive satisfy premium end-user quality requirements.
Homogeneity of inverse semigroups
Authors: Quinn-Gregson Thomas
Published: May 2018

An inverse semigroup [Formula: see text] is a semigroup in which every element has a unique inverse in the sense of semigroup theory, that is, if [Formula: see text] then there exists a unique [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We say that a countable inverse semigroup [Formula: see text] is a homogeneous (inverse) semigroup if any isomorphism between finitely generated (inverse) subsemigroups of [Formula: see text] extends to an automorphism of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we consider both these concepts of homogeneity for inverse semigroups, and show when they are equivalent. We also obtain certain classifications of homogeneous inverse semigroups, in particular periodic commutative inverse semigroups. Our results may be seen as extending both the classification of homogeneous semilattices and the classification of certain classes of homogeneous groups, such as homogeneous abelian groups and homogeneous finite groups.
Gravitational lensing by a black hole with torsion
Authors: Zhang Lu , Chen Songbai , Jing Jiliang
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we have investigated the gravitational lensing in a spherically symmetric spacetime with torsion in the generalized Einstein–Cartan–Kibble–Sciama (ECKS) theory of gravity by considering higher order terms. The torsion parameters change the spacetime structure, which affects the photon sphere, the deflection angle and the strong gravitational lensing. The condition of existence of horizons is not inconsistent with that of the photon sphere. Especially, there exists a novel case in which there is horizon but no photon sphere for the considered spacetime. In this special case, the deflection angle of the light ray near the event horizon also diverges logarithmically, but the coefficients in the strong-field limit are different from those in the cases with photon sphere. Moreover, in the far-field limit, we find that the deflection angle for certain torsion parameters approaches zero from the negative side, which is different from those in the usual spacetimes.
Medium- and High-Frequency Vibration Characteristics of a Box-Girder by the Waveguide Finite Element Method
Authors: Song Lizhong , Li Xiaozhen , Hao Hong , Zhang Xun
Published: May 2018

An approach to predicting the vibration responses of a bridge and analyzing the wave propagation characteristics along the bridge is proposed based on the waveguide finite element (WFE) method. For verification, a field vibration test was performed on a 30[Formula: see text]m-long simply supported box-girder on the fourth line of Guangzhou Metro in China. The numerical results were shown to agree well with the test results, demonstrating the accuracy of the proposed approach. The advantages of the WFE approach are discussed by comparing the WFE with finite element (FE) analyses. The dispersion characteristics and mode shapes of waves propagating in the box-girder are calculated by using the WFE method, from which the dominant wave modes corresponding to the peaks of the medium- and high-frequency train-induced vibrations are identified. A vibration reduction measure is considered. Both the test and numerical results show that the medium- and high-frequency vibrations of the box-girder are predominately in the 1/3 octave center frequency range of 63–100[Formula: see text]Hz with maximum occurring at the center frequency of 80[Formula: see text]Hz. The WFE method has higher computational efficiency and requires smaller storage space than the FE counterpart, but provides similar predictions as the latter. In total, there are 14 wave modes propagating in the box-girder below 200[Formula: see text]Hz. The G1, A1 and D2 wave modes are the dominant wave modes generating vibration velocity peaks on the top, bottom and flange slabs, respectively. Adding a middle web slab to the center of the cross-section is an effective way to mitigate the vibration of the box-girder bridge.
Vibration Analysis of Woven Fiber Metal Laminated Plates — Experimental and Numerical Studies
Authors: Prasad E. V. , Sahu S. K.
Published: May 2018

The present study deals with numerical and experimental investigations on the vibration behavior of fiber-metal-laminated (FML) plates, a new aircraft material. A finite element (FE)-based formulation is established for the plate using the first-order Reissner–Mindlin theory, including both fibers and metals of different material properties in alternate layers. A four-node isoparametric quadratic element with five degrees of freedom per node is adopted in the analysis. Convergence studies and comparison with previous studies are made to validate the present FE formulation. A set of experiments was conducted to get natural frequencies of vibration for glass FML (GFML) plates using Bruel and Kjaer (B&K) Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analyzer with PULSE platform. The effects of different parameters such as aspect ratio, side-to-thickness ratio, ply orientation, and boundary conditions on the dynamic behavior of the FMLs are studied. Good agreement is achieved between the numerical and experimental results. Both results indicate that increasing the aspect ratio can increase the natural frequency of the FML plate, while the increase in the side-to-thickness ratio decreases the natural frequency of vibration. The boundary conditions can significantly affect the natural frequency of the FML plates due to the restraint effect at the edges.
Supercongruences for some lacunary sums of powers of binomial coefficients
Authors: Lengyel Tamás
Published: May 2018

Let [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be an odd prime. We find a supercongruence for [Formula: see text] and related sums of powers of binomial coefficients. These results complement prior results for [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] obtained recently by the author.
On the diophantine equation x3 + y3 + z3 = q
Authors: Huong Phạm Lan
Published: May 2018

We show that integral solutions of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is prime, satisfy certain congruence conditions.
A ternary Diophantine inequality involving primes
Authors: Cai Yingchun
Published: May 2018

Let [Formula: see text]. In this paper, it is proved that for every sufficiently large real number [Formula: see text], the Diophantine inequality [Formula: see text] is solvable in primes [Formula: see text]. This result constitutes an improvement upon that of Baker and Weingartner.
Soft Robotics in Medical Applications
Authors: Tse Zion Tsz Ho , Chen Yue , Hovet Sierra , Ren Hongliang , Cleary Kevin , Xu Sheng , Wood Bradford , Monfaredi Reza
Published: May 2018

Soft robotics are robotic systems made of materials that are similar in softness to human soft tissues. Recent medical soft robot designs, including rehabilitation, surgical, and diagnostic soft robots, are categorized by application and reviewed for functionality. Each design is analyzed for engineering characteristics and clinical significance. Current technical challenges in soft robotics fabrication, sensor integration, and control are discussed. Future directions including portable and robust actuation power sources, clinical adoptability, and clinical regulatory issues are summarized.
Two contrasting accretion v. collision orogenies: insights from Early Paleozoic polyphase metamorphism in the Altun–Qilian–North Qaidam orogenic system, NW China
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Mattinson Chris , Yu Shengyao , Li Yunshuai , Yu Xingxing , Mao Xiaohong , Lu Zenglong , Peng Yingbao
Published: May 2018

The Altun–Qilian–North Qaidam (AQQ) orogenic system in northern Tibet is considered to be the northernmost orogenic collage of the Prototethyan domain. It is regarded as resulting from collisions between various continental terranes derived from the northern margin of Gondwana, although the AQQ orogenic system also includes abundant ophiolites, arc magmatic rocks and subduction–accretion complexes. Some researchers regard the orogenic system of north Tibet as a typical accretionary orogen built by the development of an evolving arc–accretion complex growing southwards along the margin of the Tarim and North China cratons during the Paleozoic. We propose, based on both published data and our new data, that two distinct accretion and collision orogenies developed in the AQQ during the early Paleozoic. The diagnostic marks are HP–LT metamorphic rocks in the North Altun–North Qilian Mountains and UHP metamorphic rocks in the South Altun–North Qaidam Mountains. A review of metamorphic, geochronological, geochemical and structural data indicates that the North Altun–North Qilian HP–LT metamorphic belt is related to early Paleozoic subduction–accretion and, together with ophiolite mélanges and arc metamorphic–magmatic complexes, forms an early Paleozoic accretionary orogen. By contrast, the South Altun–North Qaidam UHP metamorphic belt is associated with continental subduction and collision, accompanied by Barrovian-type metamorphic overprinting and collision-related magmatism, reflecting an early Paleozoic collisional orogeny.
Historical Census Record Linkage
Authors: Ruggles Steven , Fitch Catherine A. , Roberts Evan
Published: May 2018

For the past 80 years, social scientists have been linking historical censuses across time to study economic and geographic mobility. In recent decades, the quantity of historical census record linkage has exploded, owing largely to the advent of new machine-readable data created by genealogical organizations. Investigators are examining economic and geographic mobility across multiple generations and also engaging many new topics. Several analysts are exploring the effects of early-life socioeconomic conditions, environmental exposures, or natural disasters on family, health, and economic outcomes in later life. Other studies exploit natural experiments to gauge the impact of policy interventions such as social welfare programs and educational reforms. The new data sources have led to a proliferation of record linkage methodologies, and some widespread approaches inadvertently introduce errors that can lead to false inferences. A new generation of large-scale shared data infrastructure now in preparation will ameliorate weaknesses of current linkage methods.
Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of porcine ovaries in estrus and proestrus
Authors: Zhou Xiaolong , Yang Songbai , Yan Feifei , He Ke , Zhao Ayong
Published: May 2018

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification involved in the estrous cycle and the regulation of reproduction. Here, we investigated the genome-wide profiles of DNA methylation in porcine ovaries in proestrus and estrus using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing. The results showed that DNA methylation was enriched in intergenic and intron regions. The methylation levels of coding regions were higher than those of the 5′- and 3′-flanking regions of genes. There were 4,813 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of CpG islands in the estrus vs. proestrus ovarian genomes. Additionally, 3,651 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified in pigs in estrus and proestrus. The DMGs were significantly enriched in biological processes and pathways related to reproduction and hormone regulation. We identified 90 DMGs associated with regulating reproduction in pigs. Our findings can serve as resources for DNA methylome research focused on porcine ovaries and further our understanding of epigenetically regulated reproduction in mammals.
Combined VEGF and PD-L1 Blockade Displays Synergistic Treatment Effects in an Autochthonous Mouse Model of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Meder Lydia , Schuldt Philipp , Thelen Martin , Schmitt Anna , Dietlein Felix , Klein Sebastian , Borchmann Sven , Wennhold Kerstin , Vlasic Ignacija , Oberbeck Sebastian , Riedel Richard , Florin Alexandra , Golfmann Kristina , Schlößer Hans A. , Odenthal Margarete , Buettner Reinhard , Wolf Juergen , Hallek Michael , Herling Marco , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Reinhardt H. Christian , Ullrich Roland T.
Published: May 2018

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents the most aggressive pulmonary neoplasm and is often diagnosed at late stage with limited survival, despite combined chemotherapies. We show in an autochthonous mouse model of SCLC that combined anti-VEGF/anti-PD-L1–targeted therapy synergistically improves treatment outcome compared with anti–PD-L1 and anti-VEGF monotherapy. Mice treated with anti–PD-L1 alone relapsed after 3 weeks and were associated with a tumor-associated PD-1/TIM-3 double-positive exhausted T-cell phenotype. This exhausted T-cell phenotype upon PD-L1 blockade was abrogated by the addition of anti-VEGF–targeted treatment. We confirmed a similar TIM-3–positive T-cell phenotype in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with SCLC with adaptive resistance to anti–PD-1 treatment. Mechanistically, we show that VEGFA enhances coexpression of the inhibitory receptor TIM-3 on T cells, indicating an immunosuppressive function of VEGF in patients with SCLC during anti–PD-1-targeted treatment. Our data strongly suggest that a combination of anti-VEGF and anti–PD-L1 therapies can be an effective treatment strategy in patients with SCLC.

Significance: Combining VEGF and PD-L1 blockade could be of therapeutic benefit to patients with small cell lung cancer. Cancer Res; 78(15); 4270–81. ©2018 AACR.
Revealing the hidden species diversity of tropical cryptines: a review of the Neotropical Lissaspis Townes (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Bordera Santiago , Mazón Marina , Sääksjärvi Ilari E.
Published: May 2018

The Neotropical cryptine genus Lissaspis Townes is reviewed, comprising 26 species, of which, 17 are described as new, more than doubling the known species: L. aurea
sp. n. from Peru, L. brevis
sp. n. from Costa Rica and Ecuador, L. brunnea
sp. n. from Costa Rica, L. erwini
sp. n. from Ecuador, L. excavata
sp. n. and L. longigena
sp. n. from Venezuela, L. mesostriata
sp. n. from Ecuador, L. oaxacana
sp. n. from Mexico, L. reijoi
sp. n. and L. rugosa
sp. n. from Ecuador, L. soniae
sp. n. from Costa Rica, L. townesorum
sp. n. from Peru, L. variabilis
sp. n. from Costa Rica, L. vermelhensis
sp. n. from Brazil, L. victori
sp. n. from Costa Rica, and L. waorani
sp. n. and L. yasuniensis
sp. n. from Ecuador. An illustrated identification key and distribution maps of all species are provided.
Description of a new species of Hyalinocerus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from southwestern China, with an update on the generic diagnosis
Authors: ZHANG BIN , CHI WEN-FENG
Published: May 2018

Hyalinocerus mianyangensis Zhang sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Southwestern China. The generic diagnosis of Hyalinocerus are discussed and updated. A checklist and a key to the known Hyalinocerus species are presented.
A new idiocerine leafhopper genus, Dianica, from China (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Authors: ZHANG BIN
Published: May 2018

The new idiocerine leafhopper genus Dianica gen. nov. is described and illustrated based one species, Dianica rugulosa sp. nov. from southwestern China. A diagnosis of the new genus is given and compared to the related genera. In addition, a key to genera and a checklist of species for Tasnimocerus group are also provided.
Quality, Readability, and Trends for Websites on Ankyloglossia
Authors: Aaronson Nicole Leigh , Castaño Johnathan Edward , Simons Jeffrey P. , Jabbour Noel
Published: May 2018

Objective:

This study evaluates the quality and readability of websites on ankyloglossia, tongue tie, and frenulectomy.

Methods:

Google was queried with six search terms: tongue tie, tongue tie and breastfeeding, tongue tie and frenulectomy, ankyloglossia, ankyloglossia and breastfeeding, and ankyloglossia and frenulectomy. Website quality was assessed using the DISCERN instrument. Readability was evaluated using the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease Score, and Fry readability formula. Correlations were calculated. Search terms were analyzed for frequency using Google Trends and the NCBI database.

Results:

Of the maximum of 80, average DISCERN score for the websites was 65.7 (SD = 9.1, median = 65). Mean score for the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level was 11.6 (SD = 3.0, median = 10.7). Two websites (10%) were in the optimal range of 6 to 8. Google Trends shows tongue tie searches increasing in frequency, although the NCBI database showed a decreased in tongue tie articles.

Conclusions:

Most of the websites on ankyloglossia were of good quality; however, a majority were above the recommended reading level for public health information. Parents increasingly seek information on ankyloglossia online, while fewer investigators are publishing articles on this topic.
Downregulation of the α1- and β1-subunit of sGC in Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells of OPSCC Is HPV-Independent
Authors: Korkmaz Y. , Roggendorf H.C. , Siefer O.G. , Seehawer J. , Imhof T. , Plomann M. , Bloch W. , Friebe A. , Huebbers C.U.
Published: May 2018

The nitric oxide (NO)–sensitive soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is a heterodimeric enzyme with an α and β subunit. NO binds to heme of the β1-subunit of sGC, activates the enzyme in the reduced heme iron state in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and generates cGMP-inducing vasodilatation and suppression of VSMC proliferation. In the complex tumor milieu with higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), sGC heme iron may become oxidized and insensitive to NO. To change sGC from an NO-insensitive to NO-sensitive state or NO-independent manner, protein expression of sGC in VSMC is required. Whether sGCα1β1 exists at the protein level in arterial VSMCs of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is unknown. In addition, whether differences in the genetic profile between human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive and HPV-negative OPSCC contributes to the regulation of sGCα1β1 is unclear. Therefore, we compared the effects of HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPSCC on the expression of sGCα1β1 in arterial VSMCs from tumor-free and tumor-containing regions of human tissue sections using quantitative immunohistochemistry. In comparison to the tumor-free region, we found a decrease in expression of both α1- and β1-subunits in the arterial VSMC layer of the tumor-containing areas. The OPSCC-induced significant downregulation of the α1- and β1-subunits of sGC in arterial VSMC was HPV-independent. We conclude that the response of sGC to NO in tumor arterial VSMCs may be impaired by oxidation of the heme of the β1-subunit, and thus, α1- and β1-subunits of sGC could be targeted to degradation under oxidative stress in OPSCC in an HPV-independent manner. The degradation of sGCα1β1 in VSMCs may result in increased proliferation of VSMCs, promoting tumor arteriogenesis in OPSCC. This can be interrupted by preserving the active heterodimer sGCα1β1 in arterial VSMCs.
The Power of Percipience: Consequences of Self-Awareness in Teams on Team-Level Functioning and Performance
Authors: Dierdorff Erich C. , Fisher David M. , Rubin Robert S.
Published: May 2018

We integrate research on team functioning with that of self-awareness to advance the notion of self-awareness in teams as an important concept to consider when diagnosing team effectiveness. We argue that teams composed of individuals with greater levels of self-awareness will exhibit more effective team-level functioning and performance. This proposition was explored by examining the effects of self-other agreement with regard to individual-level contributions of teamwork behavior on three team-level functional outcomes (team coordination, conflict, cohesion) and team performance. Results from 515 teams (2,658 individuals) completing a high-fidelity team-based business simulation supported the effects of aggregate levels of self-awareness on team-level functioning and performance. Moreover, these effects were influential above and beyond individual contributions themselves, highlighting the unique value of team members’ self-awareness for understanding team functioning. Of the three functional outcomes, only team conflict mediated the effects of self-awareness in teams on subsequent team-level performance. Finally, results revealed that overrating among team members was a particularly problematic form of the lack of self-awareness in teams.
Social anxiety, cortisol, and early-stage friendship
Authors: Ketay Sarah , Welker Keith M. , Beck Lindsey A. , Thorson Katherine R. , Slatcher Richard B.
Published: May 2018

Socially anxious people report less closeness to others, but very little research has examined how social anxiety is related to closeness in real-time social interactions. The present study investigated social anxiety, closeness, and cortisol reactivity in zero-acquaintance interactions between 84 same-sex dyads (168 participants). Dyads engaged in either a high or low self-disclosure discussion task and completed self-report measures of closeness and desired closeness post-task. Salivary cortisol was collected before, during, and after the self-disclosure task. Multilevel models indicated that in the high self-disclosure condition, individuals higher in social anxiety displayed flatter declines in cortisol than those lower in social anxiety; cortisol declines were not significantly related to social anxiety in the low self-disclosure condition. Further, across both conditions, individual’s social anxiety was associated with decreased levels of closeness and desired closeness, particularly when individuals were paired with partners higher in social anxiety. These findings are discussed in relation to previous work on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal function, social anxiety, and interpersonal closeness.
Deconstructing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender victim of sex trafficking: Harm, exceptionality and religion–sexuality tensions
Authors: Boukli Avi , Renz Flora
Published: May 2018

Contrary to widespread belief, sex trafficking also targets lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) communities. Contemporary social and political constructions of victimhood lie at the heart of regulatory policies on sex trafficking. Led by the US Department of State, knowledge about LGBT victims of trafficking constitutes the newest frontier in the expansion of criminalization measures. These measures represent a crucial shift. From a burgeoning range of pre-emptive measures enacted to protect an amorphous class of ‘all potential victims’, now policies are heavily premised on the risk posed by traffickers to ‘victims of special interest’. These constructed identities, however, are at odds with established structures. Drawing on a range of literatures, the core task of this article is to confront some of the complexities and tensions surrounding constructions of LGBT trafficking victims. Specifically, the article argues that discourses of ‘exceptional vulnerability’ and the polarized notions of ‘innocence’ and ‘guilt’ inform hierarchies of victimhood. Based on these insights, the article argues for the need to move beyond monolithic understandings of victims, by reframing the politics of harm accordingly.
The Psychometrics of the Children’s Depression Inventory When Used With Children Who Are Chronically Ill and Matched Community Comparison Peers
Authors: Saoji Nikita , Baran Julie , Gerhardt Cynthia A. , Vannatta Kathryn , Rotter David , Trauth Jeanette M. , Noll Robert B.
Published: May 2018

The Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) is used to screen for depression in children aged 7 years to 16 years. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometrics of the CDI in a sample of children who are chronically ill ( N = 350) and in a sample of matched community comparison peers ( N = 357), and determine if the psychometrics of the scale are similar in both groups. Data were aggregated from previous reports examining social and emotional functioning of children with six chronic diseases and matched comparisons. The CDI was completed in the homes of all participants. No significant differences between groups on CDI scores, distributions, reliability, or validity were observed. Findings suggest that the psychometrics of the CDI are similar for children with chronic diseases compared with typically developing children. The CDI may be an effective screening tool for use with children who have chronic health conditions.
Students and Teachers' Intention to Use Technology: Assessing Their Measurement Equivalence and Structural Invariance
Authors: Teo Timothy
Published: May 2018

This study proposed a model to explain the students' and teachers' intention to use (ITU) technology. A sample of 1,095 participants (503 students and 592 teachers) responded to a 15-item, 7-point scale designed to measure six variables: perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use, attitude toward use (ATU), facilitating conditions, computer self-efficacy (CSE), and ITU technology. Results of this study showed that the six variables were valid in explaining the ITU technology for both student and teacher groups. Hypothesis tests revealed that eight of nine hypotheses were supported. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis found support for full configural and metric invariance, and partial scalar invariance in the data. Finally, the results revealed that only two paths, PU → ATU and CSE → ATU were structurally invariant in the research model. Implications of this study are discussed and future research possibilities proposed.