bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoothing of vehicular trajectories under heterogeneous traffic conditions to extract microscopic data
Authors: Pal Dibyendu , Chunchu Mallikarjuna
Published: January 2018

Trajectory data collected using video image processing techniques are prone to noise. Trajectory data extracted using commercially available video image processing software (TRAZER) contains the noise associated with the false detection in addition to the white noise. This paper proposes a method based on complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) to smooth such trajectory data. In this approach, trajectory data are decomposed into a finite number of intrinsic modes and a unique residue is computed to obtain each mode. This monotonic residue gives the smoothed trajectory. The instantaneous speeds of the vehicles are then estimated using the method of continuous wavelet transforms, discrete wavelet transforms, and numerical differentiation. Internal consistency analyses show that the wavelet transforms methods are effective in reducing the noise amplification of the speed profile. It was also observed that the corrections applied on trajectory data have a significant effect on macroscopic traffic relations.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the CaLAX and CaPIN gene families in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under various abiotic stresses and hormone treatments
Authors: Zhang Chenghao , Dong Wenqi , Huang Zong-an , Cho MyeongCheoul , Yu Qingcang , Wu Chuanyu , Yu Chenliang
Published: January 2018

Auxin plays key roles in regulating plant growth and development as well as in response to environmental stresses. The intercellular transport of auxin is mediated by the following four gene families: ATP-binding cassette family B (ABCB), auxin resistant1/like aux1 (AUX/LAX), PIN-formed (PIN), and PIN-like (PILS). Here, the latest assembled pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) genome was used to characterise and analyse the CaLAX and CaPIN gene families. Genome-wide investigations into these families, including chromosomal distributions, phytogenic relationships, and intron/exon structures, were performed. In total, 4 CaLAX and 10 CaPIN genes were mapped to 10 chromosomes. Most of these genes exhibited varied tissue-specific expression patterns assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. The expression profiles of the CaLAX and CaPIN genes under various abiotic stresses (salt, drought, and cold), exogenous phytohormones (IAA, 6-BA, ABA, SA, and MeJA), and polar auxin transport inhibitor treatments were evaluated. Most CaLAX and CaPIN genes were altered by abiotic stress at the transcriptional level in both shoots and roots, and many CaLAX and CaPIN genes were regulated by exogenous phytohormones. Our study helps to identify candidate auxin transporter genes and to further analyse their biological functions in pepper development and in its adaptation to environmental stresses.
Movie moves for knotted surfaces with markings
Authors: Graham Matthew
Published: January 2018

We present a marked analog of Carter and Saito’s movie theorem. Our definition of marking was chosen to coincide with the markings that arise in link Floer homology. In order to deal with complications arising from certain isotopes, we define three equivalences for marked surfaces and work over an equivalence class of marked surfaces when proving our generalization of Carter and Saito’s movie theorem.
Multivariate Skew Normal Copula for Asymmetric Dependence: Estimation and Application
Authors: Wei Zheng , Kim Seongyong , Choi Boseung , Kim Daeyoung
Published: January 2018

The exchangeability and radial symmetry assumptions on the dependence structure of the multivariate data are restrictive in practical situations where the variables of interest are not likely to be associated to each other in an identical manner. In this paper, we propose a flexible class of multivariate skew normal copulas to model high-dimensional asymmetric dependence patterns. The proposed copulas have two sets of parameters capturing asymmetric dependence, one for association between the variables and the other for skewness of the variables. In order to efficiently estimate the two sets of parameters, we introduce the block coordinate ascent algorithm and discuss its convergence property. The proposed class of multivariate skew normal copulas is illustrated using a real data set.
Multiple Attribute Decision-Making Methods with Unbalanced Linguistic Variables Based on Maclaurin Symmetric Mean Operators
Authors: Teng Fei , Liu Peide , Zhang Li , Zhao Juan
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we firstly introduced the unbalanced linguistic term sets, the linguistic transforming methodology, the Maclaurin symmetric mean (MSM) operator and dual MSM (DMSM) operator. Then, we proposed the closed operational rules of unbalanced linguistic variables, and several new MSM aggregation operators, including unbalanced linguistic MSM (ULMSM) operator, weighted unbalanced linguistic MSM (WULMSM) operator, unbalanced linguistic DMSM (ULDMSM) operator and weighted unbalanced linguistic DMSM (WULDMSM) operator. Further, we proposed two multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) methods under unbalanced linguistic environments based on the WULMSM operator and WULDMSM operator, respectively. Finally, a numerical example is used to show the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed MADM methods and to reveal their advantages by comparing with the existing methods.
Steroid-photosensitizer conjugates: Syntheses and applications
Authors: Osati Samira , Ali Hasrat , Guérin Brigitte , van Lier Johan E.
Published: January 2018

This review focuses on progress in the development of different approaches to the design of steroid ([Formula: see text] estrogens, androgens, cholesterol) conjugates with coordination assemblies of metalloporphyrins, phthalocyanines and related complexes. Porphyrins and phthalocyanines have received considerable attention due to their novel composition, intriguing spectroscopic, photophysical, and redox properties, and potential application in light-harvesting and optoelectronic devices. With the development of more efficient imaging and therapeutic applications, these bio-conjugates are evaluated as multimodality agents (PET, fluorescence imaging) to monitor the mechanism of action of biologically active components in living systems and as agents for molecular recognition, oxygen atom transfer and catalysis. The tetrapyrrole components, which can be coupled via covalent and various non-covalent linkages, may exhibit strong interactions through efficient photo-induced electron and/or energy transfer processes.
Evaluating Self-Centering Behavior of Unbonded Prestressed Bridge Columns Using a New Performance Index Based on Quasi-Static Analysis
Authors: Liu Xiaoxian , Li Jianzhong , Tsang H. H. , Wilson John L.
Published: January 2018

In order to fulfill post-earthquake operational requirements, in recent years, there has been an increasing interest in developing self-centering structural systems, where self-centering elements are used with combinations of energy dissipation elements in parallel. It was demonstrated experimentally and numerically that such systems exhibit robust flag-shape hysteretic behavior under seismic load. A new performance index for evaluating self-centering behavior of the bridge column is developed in this paper based on the flag-shape hysteresis and the index can be obtained conveniently. Parametric analysis was carried out to investigate the effects of different parameters on the seismic response of a SDOF system. The results show that the residual displacement decreases as the new performance index increases and the residual displacement is negligible when the performance index [Formula: see text] exceeds unity (1.0). Furthermore, parametric analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of design parameters on the self-centering behavior of an unbonded pre-stresed reinforced concrete column (UBPS column). The design parameters include the prestressing force, the bonded longitudinal reinforcement ratio and the area of unbonded strands. Results show that either increasing the prestressing force or decreasing the amount of longitudinal reinforcement can result in smaller residual displacement and a higher value of the new index.
Nonlinear Nonmodal Stability Theory
Authors: Kerswell R.R.
Published: January 2018

This review discusses a recently developed optimization technique for analyzing the nonlinear stability of a flow state. It is based on a nonlinear extension of nonmodal analysis and, in its simplest form, consists of finding the disturbance to the flow state of a given amplitude that experiences the largest energy growth at a certain time later. When coupled with a search over the disturbance amplitude, this can reveal the disturbance of least amplitude—called the minimal seed—for transition to another state such as turbulence. The approach bridges the theoretical gap between (linear) nonmodal theory and the (nonlinear) dynamical systems approach to fluid flows by allowing one to explore phase space at a finite distance from the reference flow state. Various ongoing and potential applications of the technique are discussed.
Targeting Neutrophils in Severe Asthma via Siglec-9
Authors: Chen Zi , Bai Fang-Fang , Han Lu , Zhu Jin , Zheng Tao , Zhu Zhou , Zhou Lin-Fu
Published: January 2018

Severe asthma comprises only 5% of patients with asthma, but the burden it brings to the social health system accounts for more than half of all asthmatics. Clinical evidence shows that severe asthma is often linked to the recruitment and activation of neutrophils in the airways. However, the underlying molecular and immunological mechanisms of neutrophilia in severe asthma are not clear and currently available drugs exert only limited effects on neutrophilic inflammation. Great efforts are underway to address the mystery of neutrophilic inflammation in chronic respiratory disorders. Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) are members of the immunoglobulin gene family. Of note, Siglec-9 is uniquely expressed by human neutrophils and monocytes, as well as a minor population of natural killer cells. Engaging this structure with antibodies or glycan ligands results in programmed cell death in human neutrophils. Intriguingly, the administration of Siglec-E antibody abolished the recruitment of neutrophils in mouse models of neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation in vivo. Given that neutrophils are probably a major culprit in the generation and perpetuation of inflammation, targeting Siglec-9 could be beneficial for the treatment of severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and related pulmonary disorders characteristic of neutrophilia.
Immune Consequences of in vitro Infection of Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes with Vesicular Stomatitis Virus
Authors: Tomczyk Tomasz , Wróbel Grażyna , Chaber Radosław , Siemieniec Iwona , Piasecki Egbert , Krzystek-Korpacka Małgorzata , Orzechowska Beata U.
Published: January 2018

Background: Oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) can be delivered intravenously to target primary and metastatic lesions, but the interaction between human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and VSV remains poorly understood. Our study aimed to assess the overall immunological consequences of ex vivo infection of PBLs with VSV. Methods: Phenotypic analysis of lymphocyte subsets and apoptosis were evaluated with flow cytometry. Caspase 3/7 activity was detected by luminescence assay. Virus release was evaluated in a murine cell line (L929). Gene expression and cytokine/chemokine secretion were assessed by real-time PCR and multiplex assay, respectively. Results: Ex vivo infection of PBLs with VSV elicited upregulated expression of RIG-I, MDA-5, tetherin, IFITM3, and MxA. VSV infection triggered rapid differentiation of blood monocytes into immature dendritic cells as well as their apoptosis, which depended on caspase 3/7 activation. Monocyte differentiation required infectious VSV, but loss of CD14+ cells was also associated with the presence of a cytokine/chemokine milieu produced in response to VSV infection. Conclusions: Systemic delivery is a major goal in the field of oncolytic viruses. Our results shed further light on immune mechanisms in response to VSV infection and the underlying VSV-PBL interactions bringing hope for improved cancer immunotherapies, particularly those based on intravenous delivery of oncolytic VSV.
Preliminary Characterization of El Tor Vibriophage M4
Authors: Das Sayani , Ghosh Amar N.
Published: January 2018

Aims: The aim of the present study is the preliminary characterization of an El Tor vibriophage M4 (ATCC 51352-B4). Methods: We studied the growth characteristics and sustainability of this phage under various stresses like temperature, pH, and UV. The phage morphology and phage genome were also examined using electron microscopy. Results: Sustainability studies showed that the phage is more stable in acidic conditions, which is very uncommon among vibriophages. Studies also showed that M4 is a thermostable phage and it is inactivated by temperatures above 60°C but, like other phages, UV has a high inactivating effect on it. Morphological and genomic studies by electron microscopy showed that this phage has a long contractile tail and a big head. The genome is linear and about 120 kb in length. The genome also has a high packaging density as the value of Vm (the volume occupied per Da of biological macromolecule) is low for this phage. The phage-bacterial interaction was studied by negative staining as well as ultrathin sectioning methods. Conclusions: M4 belongs to the Myoviridae family and it is generally thermostable. It is prone to destruction by alkali and UV. It also has a large DNA which is densely packed inside of a big capsid.
Expression and Cellular Localization of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in Human Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Merckelbach Sophie , van der Vorst Emiel , Kallmayer Michael , Rischpler Christoph , Burgkart Rainer , Döring Yvonne , de Borst Gert-Jan , Schwaiger Markus , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Weber Christian , Pelisek Jaroslav
Published: January 2018

Background and Aims The CXCR4/CXCL12 complex has already been associated with progression of atherosclerosis; however, its exact role is yet unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression and cellular localization of CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods Carotid plaques (n = 58; 31 stable, 27 unstable, based on histological characterization of plaque morphology) were obtained during carotid endarterectomy, and 10 healthy vessels were used as a control. Expression of cxcr4, cxcr7, cxcl12, ccl2/ccr2 and csf1/csf1r was analysed at mRNA, and level expression of CXCR4, CXCR7 and CXCL12 was analysed at protein level. Cellular localization was determined using consecutive and double immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and microdissection.

Results At mRNA level, cxcr4, cxcr7 and cxcl12 were significantly higher expressed in stable carotid plaques compared with controls (p = 0.011, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Cxcl12 mRNA expression was successively augmented toward unstable plaques (p < 0.001). At protein level, CXCR4, CXCR7 and CXCL12 expression was significantly increased in both stable (p = 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.035, respectively) and unstable (p = 0.003, p < 0.001 and p = 0.045, respectively) plaques compared with controls. Using IHC, CXCR4 was particularly localized in macrophages and small neovessels. Microdissection confirmed strongest expression of cxcr4 in macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques. Leukocytes and smooth muscle cells showed cxcr4 expression as well. For cxcl12, only microdissected areas with macrophages were positive.

Conclusion Expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 was significantly increased in both stable and unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaques compared with healthy vessels, both at mRNA and protein level. CXCR4 and CXCL12 were localized particularly in macrophages.
Catestatin Prevents Macrophage-Driven Atherosclerosis but Not Arterial Injury–Induced Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Kojima Miho , Ozawa Nana , Mori Yusaku , Takahashi Yui , Watanabe-Kominato Kaho , Shirai Remina , Watanabe Rena , Sato Kengo , Matsuyama Taka-aki , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Koba Shinji , Kobayashi Youichi , Hirano Tsutomu , Watanabe Takuya
Published: January 2018

Catestatin, a catecholamine-release inhibitory peptide, has multiple cardiovascular activities. Conflicting results have been recently reported by increased or decreased plasma levels of catestatin in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there have been no previous reports regarding the effects of catestatin on arteriosclerosis. This study evaluated the vasoprotective effects of catestatin on human macrophages, human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, and aortic atherosclerosis and wire injury-induced femoral artery neointimal hyperplasia in apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE−/−) mice fed with a high-cholesterol diet. Histological expression of catestatin in coronary artery lesions and its plasma level were compared between CAD and non-CAD patients. Catestatin was abundantly expressed in cultured human monocytes, macrophages, HASMCs and HUVECs. Catestatin significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced upregulation of tumour necrosis factor-α, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in HUVECs. Catestatin significantly suppressed inflammatory responses and oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation associated with acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 downregulation and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 upregulation in human macrophages. Catestatin significantly suppressed migration, proliferation and collagen-1 expression without inducing apoptosis, and increased elastin and fibronectin expression in HASMCs. Administration of catestatin into ApoE−/− mice significantly retarded entire aortic atherosclerotic lesions with declined contents of macrophages, SMCs and collagen fibres in atheromatous plaques, but not the femoral artery injury–induced neointimal hyperplasia. In CAD patients, catestatin levels were significantly decreased in plasma but increased in coronary atheromatous plaques. This study provided the first evidence that catestatin could prevent macrophage-driven atherosclerosis, but not SMC-derived neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury.
Platelet Count, ADAMTS13 Activity, von Willebrand Factor Level and Survival in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: 5-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Garam Nóra , Maláti Éva , Sinkovits György , Gombos Tímea , Szederjesi Attila , Barabás Loránd , Gráf László , Kocsis Judit , Prohászka Zoltán
Published: January 2018

Distant metastasis is a major cause of colorectal cancer–related death, but the mechanism of tumour progression is not fully understood. There is growing evidence of an interaction between tumour cells and platelets which may influence tumour progression and metastasis formation. Quality and quantity of von Willebrand factor may regulate the interaction between tumour cells and platelets. Our aim was to measure the platelet count, von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) levels and ADAMTS13 activity in a large (n = 232) cohort of colorectal cancer patients and to examine their relationships with the stage of the disease and 5-year survival without thrombotic complications using multivariable models. Significantly higher platelet counts (p = 0.005), VWF:Ag levels (p = 0.008) and decreased ADAMTS13 activity (p = 0.006) were observed in patients with metastatic disease. Results of the Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that lower platelet counts (p < 0.0001), lower VWF:Ag (p = 0.0008) levels and higher ADAMTS13 activity (p < 0.0001) were associated with better event-free survival. Finally, to investigate the association between overall event-free survival and the three study variables, multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were generated. All models were adjusted for age, gender and disease stage. Platelet count, ADAMTS13 activity or VWF:Ag level were incorporated and all of these variables turned out to be age-, gender- and stage-independent predictors of mortality (all hazard ratio >1.7, p < 0.05). In summary, this is the first observational study reporting association between higher mortality or thrombotic complications and increased platelet count, increased VWF:Ag levels and decreased ADAMTS13 activity in colorectal cancer.
Geographic Variation in Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation in Medicare and Veterans Affairs Populations
Authors: Beatty Alexis L. , Truong Michael , Schopfer David W. , Shen Hui , Bachmann Justin M. , Whooley Mary A.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Cardiac rehabilitation is strongly recommended after myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass surgery, but it is historically underused. We sought to evaluate variation in cardiac rehabilitation participation across the United States.

Methods:

From administrative data from the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system and a 5% Medicare sample, we used International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes to identify patients hospitalized for myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass surgery from 2007 to 2011. After excluding patients who died in ≤30 days of hospitalization, we calculated the percentage of patients who participated in ≥1 outpatient visits for cardiac rehabilitation during the 12 months after hospitalization. We estimated adjusted and standardized rates of participation in cardiac rehabilitation by state using hierarchical logistic regression models.

Results:

Overall, participation in cardiac rehabilitation was 16.3% (23 403/143 756) in Medicare and 10.3% (9123/88 826) in VA. However, participation rates varied widely across states, ranging from 3.2% to 41.8% in Medicare and 1.2% to 47.6% in VA. Similar regional variation was observed in both populations. Patients in the West North Central region (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota) had the highest participation, whereas those in the Pacific region (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington) had the lowest participation in both Medicare (33.7% versus 10.6%) and VA (16.6% versus 5.1%) populations. Significant hospital-level variation was also present, with participation ranging from 3% to 75% in Medicare and 1% to 43% in VA.

Conclusions:

Cardiac rehabilitation participation remains low overall in both Medicare and VA populations. However, remarkably similar regional variation exists, with some regions and hospitals achieving high rates of participation in both populations. This provides an opportunity to identify best practices from higher performing hospitals and regions that could be used to improve cardiac rehabilitation participation in lower performing hospitals and regions.
Twenty‐four‐Hour Urinary Potassium Excretion, But Not Sodium Excretion, Is Associated With All‐Cause Mortality in a General Population
Authors: Nohara‐Shitama Yume , Adachi Hisashi , Enomoto Mika , Fukami Ako , Kumagai Eita , Nakamura Sachiko , Kono Shoko , Morikawa Nagisa , Nakao Erika , Sakaue Akiko , Tsuru Tomoko , Fukumoto Yoshihiro
Published: January 2018

Background

Few studies have examined the relationship between accurate monitoring of sodium or potassium consumption and mortality. We aimed to investigate the association between 24‐hour urinary sodium or potassium excretion and ≈30‐year mortality in a Japanese population using 24‐hour urine collection.

Methods and Results

We enrolled a total of 1291 participants, aged 21 to 85 years, who underwent health checkups, including a blood test and 24‐hour urine collection. They were followed up for 27.5±9.9 years by December 31, 2015, and the final follow‐up rate was 95.8%. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the association between 24‐hour urinary sodium or potassium excretion and all‐cause mortality. At baseline, the mean 24‐hour urinary sodium and potassium excretions were 5.80±2.28 g/d and 1.85±0.82 g/d, respectively. There were 631 deaths during the follow‐up. The cumulative survival rate was significantly decreased in the lowest quartile compared with the other higher groups. In the Cox proportional hazard model after adjustment for age and sex, 24‐hour urinary potassium excretion, but not sodium excretion, was inversely associated with all‐cause mortality. We divided the 24‐hour urinary potassium excretion levels into quartiles. After adjustment for confounding factors, the hazard ratio of all‐cause mortality in the highest quartile of 24‐hour urinary potassium excretion versus the lowest was 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.48–0.79;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

The 24‐hour urinary potassium excretion, but not sodium excretion, was significantly associated with all‐cause mortality in the general population.
The Characterisation of the Dispute Concerning Coastal State Rights in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Kerch Strait
Authors: Volterra Robert G. , Mandelli Giorgio F. , Nistal Álvaro
Published: January 2018

The Dispute Concerning Coastal State Rights in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Kerch Strait between Ukraine and the Russian Federation probably will reactivate the debate regarding whether and to what extent tribunals constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea have jurisdiction to decide law of the sea disputes involving concurrent land sovereignty issues. The tribunal’s characterisation of the dispute likely will have a significant impact on its decision on jurisdiction. Although the tribunal might apply its own test to define the dispute, the awards on jurisdiction in the Chagos Marine Protected Area Arbitration and in The South China Sea Arbitration offer useful guidance on the key components that might influence that characterisation.
The Emergence of ‘Estate Culture’ in 18th Century Russia in the Works of F.M. Dostoyevsky and Other Writers
Authors: Bogdanova Olga A.
Published: January 2018

Traditionally considered a specifically urban writer, F.M. Dostoevsky has actually devoted many pages of his works (Poor Folk, The Village of Stepanchikovo, Demons, The Raw Youth [Adolescent], Diary of a Writer) to the representation of a noble estate and to the understanding of its role in Russian history and culture. In his creative writing, the autobiographical experience of the writer, who spent his childhood at the Darovoye family estate near the town of Zaraisk in the province of Ryazan, has also been reflected. This paper explores the role of “estate culture” in the writings of Dostoevsky and other writers (A.S. Pushkin, L. Tolstoy, I. Bunin, A. Chekhov and I. Kireyevsky) and their representation of the nobility (dvorianstvo).
Suffering Games: De Quincean Transgression and Self-Production in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Igrok (The Gambler)
Authors: Harrison Lonny
Published: January 2018

This paper compares Dostoevsky’s The Gambler (1866) to certain features of Thomas De Quincey’s Confessions of an English Opium Eater (1821) to show that the two texts demonstrate the emergence of a simulacral culture of the modern self. The De Quincean model of subjectivity is presented as a prototype of the modern self before The Gambler is investigated in its light. Insofar as the self is constructed in the context of social environments, modernity is characterized by a mimetic mode we might call intensity, where the modern self finds and creates its identity through repetitive patterns of mediated experience. In particular, it is argued that the first-person narrators of Confessions and The Gambler exemplify the obsessive cycle of self-production—a characteristically modern addiction to the decentring and multiplication of the self, rooted in the need for the intoxicating effect of strong sensations and imaginary experience. Self-production functions in a cycle of passion, transgression, and suffering, followed by anticipation of change and renewal, on a par, psychologically, with rebirth or resurrection. The major difference between the works is that, while Confessions emphasizes the causality of social conditions, The Gambler is predicated on the uniquely Russian sense of destiny (sud’ba).
Welcoming Parents to Their Child’s School: Practices Supporting Students With Diverse Needs and Backgrounds
Authors: Siegel Alana , Esqueda Monica , Berkowitz Ruth , Sullivan Katherine , Astor Ron Avi , Benbenishty Rami
Published: January 2018

While researchers acknowledge the importance of parents feeling welcomed and engaged in their child’s school, the school’s welcoming practices to engage parents have been rarely explored. Parents’ qualitative responses provide insight into what impacts their initial and ongoing experience of being welcomed into their child’s new school. In total, 1,020 and 191 parents and/or legal guardians of students enrolled in Grades pre-K through 12 across five California school districts answered first and second open-ended qualitative questions, respectively. Findings are categorized into three separate themes. Schools play a vital role for the entire family when transitioning into a new community. Parents expressed the desire to serve as important partners for the school in creating positive outcomes for the students, classrooms, and the school as a whole.
Forensic tools for the diagnosis of electrocution death: Case study and literature review
Authors: Mondello Cristina , Micali Antonio , Cardia Luigi , Argo Antonina , Zerbo Stefania , Spagnolo Elvira Ventura
Published: January 2018

Diagnosis of death by electrocution may be difficult when electric marking is not visible or unclear. Accordingly, the body of a man who appeared to have died from accidental electrocution was carefully forensically analysed. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the current mark was carried out using a variable-pressure scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray microanalyser to highlight skin metallisation, indicating the presence of iron and zinc. The histological findings of electrocution myocardial damage were supported by the results of biochemical analysis which demonstrated the creatine kinase-MB and cardiac troponin I elevation. The effects of electric current flow were also highlighted by perforations of endothelial surface of a pulmonary artery using scanning electron microscope, and all the results were analysed by the main tools suggested in the literature.
“The Crusade Is Now Begun in Philadelphia”: Municipal Reformers, Southern Moderates, and African American Politics
Authors: Davidow Julie
Published: January 2018

As the twentieth century dawned, social and political reformers increasingly identified the growing black population in Philadelphia as an important underpinning of the city’s corrupt Republican political machine. This article explores the ways in which Philadelphia’s urban political corruption narrative, with its pointed attacks on black partisanship and electoral participation, developed in dialogue with white southerners’ campaigns to frame Reconstruction as a perversion of democracy. Rather than simply solidifying Jim Crow in the South, northern reformers and southern moderates borrowed from each other to shape and articulate an emerging national consensus that African Americans were unfit for full participation in the body politic.
Surgical methods and clinical results of subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery in Japan
Authors: Kusagawa Hitoshi , Haruta Naoki , Shinhara Ryo , Hoshino Yuji , Tabuchi Atsushi , Sugawara Hiromitsu , Shinozaki Koji , Matsuzaki Kenji , Nagata Hidetoshi , Niihara Hiroyuki , Kohno Kunie , Takeda Ryoji ,   Japanese SEPS study group
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To clarify the surgical methods and the clinical results of subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery in Japan.

Methods

This study included 1287 limbs of 1091 patients who underwent subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery in 14 hospitals. Simultaneous saphenous vein treatment was performed in 1079 limbs (83.8%), and 118 limbs (9.2%) had deep venous lesions. The venous clinical severity score was calculated before and 6 to 12 months after surgery. The ulcer healing rate and ulcer recurrence rate were calculated cumulatively.

Results

Preoperative venous clinical severity score was significantly decreased from 10.0 ± 6.6 to 3.1 ± 3.4 ( P < .0001) postoperatively. The primary ulcer healing rate was 96.2% (332/345 C6 limbs) at an average follow-up of 47.7 months, and the ulcer recurrence rate was 12.0% (49/393 C5, C6 limbs) at the average follow-up of 46.0 months after the ulcer healed.

Conclusion

These results indicate that subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery is an alternative to improve the long-lasting disease severity and/or clinical outcome.
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Warmblood Horses: Morphology, Grading, and Distribution of Lesions
Authors: Bergmann Wilhelmina , Bergknut Niklas , Veraa Stefanie , Gröne Andrea , Vernooij Hans , Wijnberg Inge D. , Back Willem , Grinwis Guy C. M.
Published: January 2018

Equine intervertebral disc degeneration is thought to be rare and of limited clinical relevance, although research is lacking. To objectively assess pathological changes of the equine intervertebral disc and their clinical relevance, description of the normal morphology and a practical, biologically credible grading scheme are needed. The objectives of this study are to describe the gross and histological appearance of the equine intervertebral discs and to propose a grading scheme for macroscopic degeneration. Spinal units from 33 warmblood horses were grossly analyzed and scored. Of the 286 intervertebral discs analyzed, 107 (37%) were assigned grade 1 and grade 2 (considered normal) and were analyzed histologically. A nucleus pulposus and an annulus fibrosus could be identified macroscopically and histologically. Histologically, the nucleus pulposus was composed of a cartilaginous matrix and the annulus fibrosus of parallel collagenous bands. A transition zone was also histologically visible. Intra- and inter-observer reliability scores were high for all observers. Higher grades were associated with greater age. Gross changes associated with equine intervertebral disc degeneration (grades 3–5)—that is, yellow discoloration, cleft formation (tearing), and changes in consistency of the nucleus pulposus—were largely similar to those in humans and dogs and were most prevalent in the caudal cervical spine. Equine intervertebral disc degeneration was not associated with osteophyte formation. Changes of the vertebral bone were most common in the thoracolumbar spine but were not correlated with higher grades of intervertebral disc degeneration. Thus, changes of the vertebral bone should be excluded from grading for equine intervertebral disc degeneration.
On the concepts of character and personality: Correctly interpreting the statistical evidence putatively relevant to the disposition–situation debate
Authors: Lamiell James T.
Published: January 2018

Complementing Banicki’s (2017) recent discussion of the conceptual and historical aspects of the distinction between theoretical notions of “character” and “personality,” the present commentary is intended as a corrective to the long-standing misinterpretation of empirical findings generated by research psychologists putatively bearing on the theoretical assumption of temporal and trans-situational stability in individuals’ behavioral manifestations of their personal attributes, whether conceived as features of character or as traits of personality. It is hoped that this corrective can facilitate more fruitful future discussions of the issues that Banicki has raised.
The cutaneous manifestations are significantly related to cerebrovascular in a Serbian cohort of patients with Hughes syndrome
Authors: Stojanovich L , Djokovic A , Stanisavljevic N , Zdravkovic M
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To investigate a possible relationship between cerebrovascular, such as stroke and transient ischaemic attack, and various cutaneous manifestations (livedo reticularis, skin ulcerations, pseudovasculitis lesions, superficial cutaneous necrosis and digital gangrene) in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This report is based on a Serbian cohort of APS patients.

Methods

A total of 508 antiphospholipid syndrome APS patients were assessed: 360 with primary (PAPS) and 148 with APS associated with SLE (SAPS). Antiphospholipid antibodies analysis included detection of anti-cardiolipin (IgG/IgM), anti-ß2glycoprotein I (IgG/IgM) and positive lupus anticoagulant test.

Results

The prevalence of cutaneous manifestations in our cohort was significantly higher in the SAPS group (76.4% vs. 27.2%, p = 0.0001). In both groups, the most common manifestation was livedo reticularis. The majority of cutaneous manifestations were significantly associated with cerebrovascular events in SAPS and PAPS. Cutaneous manifestations were independent predictors of transient ischaemic attack and stroke in PAPS patients (odds ratio 2.850, 95% confidence interval 1.562–5.202, p = 0.001, odds ratio 1.832, 95% confidence interval 1.024–3.277, p = 0.041, respectively).

Conclusion

In this cross-section analysis of a large cohort of Serbian APS patients, there was a strong relationship between cutaneous and cerebrovascular manifestations, suggesting a more cautious approach regarding neurological symptoms, especially in PAPS patients with cutaneous manifestations present.
Nasalization Amplitude-Timing Characteristics of Speakers With and Without Cleft Palate
Authors: Bae Youkyung
Published: January 2018

Objectives:

To examine the amplitude-temporal relationships of acoustic nasalization in speakers with a range of nasality and to determine the extent to which each domain independently predicts the speaker’s perceived oral-nasal balance.

Design:

Rate-controlled speech samples, consisting of /izinizi/, /azanaza/, and /uzunuzu/, were recorded from 18 participants (14 with repaired cleft palate and 4 without cleft palate) using the Nasometer. The mean nasalance of the entire mid-vowel–nasal consonant–vowel (mid-VNV) sequence (amplitude-domain) and the duration of the nasalized segment of the mid-VNV sequence (temporal-domain) were obtained based on nasalance contours.

Results:

Strong linear and vowel-dependent relationships were observed between the 2 domains of nasalization (adjusted R2 = 71.5%). Both the amplitude- and temporal-domain measures were found to reliably predict the speaker’s perceived oral-nasal balance, with better overall model fit and higher classification accuracy rates observed in /izinizi/ and /uzunuzu/ than in /azanaza/. Despite poor specificity, the temporal-domain measure of /azanaza/ was found to have a strong correlation with the participants’ Zoo passage nasalance scores ( rs = .897, p < .01), suggesting its potential utility as a severity indicator of perceived nasality.

Conclusions:

With the use of relatively simple speech tasks and measurements representing the amplitude and temporal domains of nasalization, the present study provided practical guidelines for using the Nasometer in assessing patients with oral-nasal resonance imbalance. Findings suggest that both domain measures of nasalization should be examined across different vowel contexts, given that each domain may provide clinically relevant, yet different, information.
Social Dynamics Management and Functional Behavioral Assessment
Authors: Lee David L.
Published: January 2018

Managing social dynamics is a critical aspect of creating a positive learning environment in classrooms. In this paper three key interrelated ideas, reinforcement, function, and motivating operations, are discussed with relation to managing social behavior.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for College Students With ADHD: Temporal Stability of Improvements in Functioning Following Active Treatment
Authors: Anastopoulos Arthur D. , King Kristen A. , Besecker Laura H. , O’Rourke Sarah R. , Bray Allison C. , Supple Andrew J.
Published: January 2018

Objective: This study examined the extent to which college students with ADHD continued to benefit from a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program beyond the active phase of treatment. Method: In successive cohorts over a 4-year period, a total of 88 college students with well-defined ADHD received CBT in an open clinical trial format that included active treatment and maintenance phases delivered across two consecutive semesters. Results: Immediately following active treatment, participants displayed statistically significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, improvements in executive functioning, and declines in anxiety and depression symptoms. Although grade point average did not improve significantly, there were statistically significant increases in the number of credit hours that participants attempted and earned across active treatment. Improvements in symptom severity, executive functioning, and educational functioning remained stable 5 to 7 months after active treatment concluded. Conclusion: Findings from this study support the use of CBT interventions for college students with ADHD.
Use, Training, and Opinions About Effectiveness of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Adult Liver Transplantation Among Anesthesiologists in the United States
Authors: Zerillo Jeron , Hill Bryan , Kim Sang , DeMaria Samuel , Mandell M. Susan
Published: January 2018

Study Objective. Describe transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) use, preparatory training and opinions about clinical importance, and future training pathways in a sample of liver transplant anesthesiologists. Design. Online survey questionnaire. Setting. Liver Transplant Centers in the United States. Participants. Director of Liver Transplant Anesthesia or designated alternate respondent. Results. A total of 79 Directors or alternates from 111 (71%) centers were identified. There were 56 responses (71%) representing 433 transplant anesthesiologists who cared for 63.3% of liver transplant cases performed in 2015. Basic TEE certification was reported more frequently (64%) than advanced (53.6%). At least one team member used TEE in over 90% of responding centers. Most respondents (83.9%) agreed TEE provided unique and valuable clinical information but were equally divided about future training pathways (on the job learning vs basic TEE certification). Conclusion. TEE use in liver transplantation is growing with a substantial increase in basic TEE certified users. Transplant anesthesiologists support basic certification but an equal number believe there should be more applied training at the site of care.
Medial Pivot in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Literature Review and Our First Experience
Authors: Sabatini Luigi , Risitano Salvatore , Parisi Gennaro , Tosto Ferdinando , Indelli Pier Francesco , Atzori Francesco , Massè Alessandro
Published: January 2018

Background:

Traditional total knee implants designs, usually, are not able to reproduce the physiological kinematics of the knee, leaving almost 20% of the patients, those who underwent a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), not fully satisfied. Modern inserts are nowadays designed with a fully congruent medial compartment to reproduce the normal medial pivoting biomechanics of the knee. The aim of this article was to evaluate preliminary clinical improvement using the Medial Congruent (MC) insert as specific level of constraint.

Materials and methods:

A total of 10 consecutive patients have been enrolled in this study and treated using an MC tibial polyethylene insert. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and the Knee Society Score (KSS) have been assessed preoperatively and at 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up (FU) and used as validated measurements to evaluate early clinical improvements. Postoperative radiological examination was reviewed looking for radiolucent lines or loosening of the components.

Results:

Average improvement in OKS was from 19.5 to 41.2, whereas KSS improved with an average score from 64.7 preoperatively to 167.5 at the final FU showing good to excellent results in 95% of the treated knees. Evaluating the range of motion, the average maximum active movement was 124° and none of the patients needing for a revision surgery or manipulation under anesthesia. No complications were observed at the final FU as septic or aseptic loosening or vascular or neurologic injury.

Discussion and conclusions:

Medial Congruent insert showed good to excellent clinical results at 1-year FU. Range of motion and subjective outcomes were satisfying and comparable with results obtained in literature using traditional TKA design.
Hiding the Bodies: Geographic Repression in Higher Educational Space
Authors: Richardson Tina
Published: January 2018

This article critiques the way that universities have acquired and developed campus space since World War II. Prompted by the need to increase student entry, British universities grew exponentially, with a demand to expand the campus in order to provide more teaching space and student accommodation. This article looks at the side effects of this expansion by providing a case study that demonstrates that land acquisition can have a deleterious effect on local residents. Using theories from urban studies, postmodern geography and cultural theory, this article presents the case study through a transdisciplinary lens, offering an original analysis of the heritage of an inherited cemetery.
Making textiles into persons: Gestural sequences and relationality in communities of weaving practice of the South Central Andes
Authors: Arnold Denise Y
Published: January 2018

The complex social and technical dimensions of weaving in contemporary Andean communities of practice are examined to suggest how these might have evolved so that populations could coordinate and make sense of their daily tasks in an emerging biocultural space. Rejecting former constructivist epistemological biases in operational studies of working practice, the article explores an alternative approach where technical practice is given meaning through ways of being in the world, and where common sense-making derives from the idea that textiles are living beings. The nurturing processes of a relational ontology where ‘making’ is ‘growing’ are traced in the patterns of learning and their gestural sequencing in weaving communities, in winding instruments that intercalate productive spheres and in finished textiles that express productive yields.
Behind the ratings: Text mining of restaurant customers’ online reviews
Authors: Jia Susan (Sixue)
Published: January 2018

Establishing the relation between online ratings and reviews provides a potentially inexpensive and effective way for restaurants to capture quality improvement hints from customers. To this end, this study proposes an integrated approach that leverages text mining and empirical modeling to quantitatively correlate ratings with reviews. From Dianping.com (a Chinese crowd-sourced online review community), 49,080 pairs of restaurant rating and review were examined, with high-frequency words, major topics, and subtopics identified. Multilinear regression was employed to screen out the most impactful factors that influence taste, environment, and service ratings. Managerially, the idea of triggering the synergistic benefit from customer ratings and reviews is referential for market practitioners both within and beyond the catering industry.