bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Intake Valve Close Timing Misalignment Between the Maximum Volume Efficiency and the None Backflow on a Single Cylinder Diesel Engine
Authors: Liu Fushui , Shi Zhongjie , Hua Yang , Kang Ning , Li Yikai , Zhang Zheng
Published: August 2018

Since the intake valve close timing (IVC) directly determines the amount of displacement backflow and the amount of fresh charge trapped in the cylinder, optimizing the IVC is important to improve the performance of the diesel engine. In this paper, the relationship between the IVC and the displacement backflow of the cylinder at the high-speed condition was studied by establishing a one-dimensional (1D) gas dynamic model of a single-cylinder diesel engine. The results show that the forward airflow mass of intake and the backflow increase as the IVC retards, and the airflow mass trapped in cylinder increases at first and then decreases. It is interesting to find that the backflow does not equal zero when the air mass trapped in cylinder is the largest, which is different from the traditional optimizing strategy on the IVC. That is to say, there exists a misalignment between the maximum-volume-efficiency IVC and the none-backflow IVC. To further verify this interesting misalignment, the airflow characteristics at the optimized IVC condition are studied by establishing a three-dimensional (3D) simulation. It is found that the appearance of backflow is a gradual process, and there exists an overall backflow when the engine volume efficiency reaches its maximum value. In addition, the misalignment is reduced as the mean valve-closing velocity increases. The misalignment equals to 0 only if the mean valve-closing velocity approaches infinity.
Basic Physics of Vehicle Acceleration
Authors: Cross Rod
Published: August 2018

The acceleration of a vehicle or a bicycle is commonly used in elementary physics courses to illustrate problems concerning Newton’s laws of motion when friction forces are involved. The maximum possible acceleration is rarely discussed, although it is of interest to consumers and racing car enthusiasts, and it is sometimes questioned by students. It is the main focus of the present article and is considered from a basic physics point of view, appropriate for classroom discussion.
Lab circuit boards you can build
Authors: Bryson J. Michael , Wheeler Jonathan M. , Kutzner Mickey D.
Published: August 2018

For use in our physics laboratory courses, we designed and constructed inexpensive and easy-to-use circuit boards for conducting electrical experiments. These ready-made circuit boards allow students to investigate simple circuits without breadboarding, and reduce the overhead of drawers of resistors, capacitors, and jumper wires.
Collective clog control: Optimizing traffic flow in confined biological and robophysical excavation
Authors: Aguilar J. , Monaenkova D. , Linevich V. , Savoie W. , Dutta B. , Kuan H.-S. , Betterton M. D. , Goodisman M. A. D. , Goldman D. I.
Published: August 2018

Efficient methods for excavating in narrow channels are studied through the observation of ants, robot analogs, and cellular automata.
Vowel Articulation Dynamic Stability Related to Parkinson’s Disease Rating Features: Male Dataset
Authors: Gómez-Vilda Pedro , Galaz Zoltan , Mekyska Jiri , Vicente José M. Ferrández , Gómez-Rodellar Andrés , Palacios-Alonso Daniel , Smekal Zdenek , Eliasova Ilona , Kostalova Milena , Rektorova Irena
Published: August 2018

Neurodegenerative pathologies as Parkinson’s Disease (PD) show important distortions in speech, affecting fluency, prosody, articulation and phonation. Classically, measurements based on articulation gestures altering formant positions, as the Vocal Space Area (VSA) or the Formant Centralization Ratio (FCR) have been proposed to measure speech distortion, but these markers are based mainly on static positions of sustained vowels. The present study introduces a measurement based on the mutual information distance among probability density functions of kinematic correlates derived from formant dynamics. An absolute kinematic velocity associated to the position of the jaw and tongue articulation gestures is estimated and modeled statistically. The distribution of this feature may differentiate PD patients from normative speakers during sustained vowel emission. The study is based on a limited database of 53 male PD patients, contrasted to a very selected and stable set of eight normative speakers. In this sense, distances based on Kullback–Leibler divergence seem to be sensitive to PD articulation instability. Correlation studies show statistically relevant relationship between information contents based on articulation instability to certain motor and nonmotor clinical scores, such as freezing of gait, or sleep disorders. Remarkably, one of the statistically relevant correlations point out to the time interval passed since the first diagnostic. These results stress the need of defining scoring scales specifically designed for speech disability estimation and monitoring methodologies in degenerative diseases of neuromotor origin.
Probability Analysis of a Perturbed Epidemic System with Relapse and Cure
Authors: Lahrouz Aadil , Settati Adel , El Fatini Mohamed , Pettersson Roger , Taki Regragui
Published: August 2018

This paper is devoted to a continuous-time stochastic differential system which is derived by incorporating white noise to a deterministic [Formula: see text] epidemic model with mass action incidence, cure and relapse. We focus on the impact of a relapse on the asymptotic properties of the stochastic system. We show that the relapse encourages the persistence of the disease in the population and we determine the threshold of the relapse rate, above the threshold the disease prevails in the population. Furthermore, we show that there exists a unique density function of solutions which converges in [Formula: see text], under certain conditions of the parameters to an invariant density.
Proofs of some conjectures of Sun on the relations between sums of squares and sums of triangular numbers
Authors: Xia Ernest X. W. , Yan Zhang
Published: August 2018

In a recent paper, Sun posed six conjectures on the relations between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the number of representations of [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] are positive integers, [Formula: see text] are arbitrary nonnegative integers, and [Formula: see text] denotes the number of representations of [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text], where this time [Formula: see text] are integers. In this paper, we prove Sun’s six conjectures by using Ramanujan’s theta function identities.
Game-theoretic network bandwidth distribution for self-adaptive cameras
Authors: Seetanadi Gautham Nayak , Oliveira Luis , Almeida Luis , Arzén Karl-Erik , Maggio Martina
Published: August 2018

Devices sharing a network compete for bandwidth, being able to transmit only a limited amount of data. This is for example the case with a network of cameras, that should record and transmit video streams to a monitor node for video surveillance. Adaptive cameras can reduce the quality of their video, thereby increasing the frame compression, to limit network congestion. In this paper, we exploit our experience with computing capacity allocation to design and implement a network bandwidth allocation strategy based on game theory, that accommodates multiple adaptive streams with convergence guarantees. We conduct some experiments with our implementation and discuss the results, together with some conclusions and future challenges.
Immigration and Security—Post 9/11 United States
Authors: Roy Nalanda
Published: August 2018

This article explores the changing relationship between immigration and security in the post-9/11 United States. When it comes to immigration before 9/11, security was not the overarching concern in the US; rather, the focus was on economic interest, skilled and unskilled labor, family reunification, etc. However, immediately after 9/11, security became indisputably prioritized. In fact, September 11 changed the way Americans started to look at security, and this led to a thickening of the balance between the two.
Southern Hemisphere weather maps for the international Geophysical Year
Authors: Taljaard J. J. , van Loon H.
Published: August 2018

Attention is drawn to the IGY World Weather Map project of the United States Weather Bureau, the Federal German Weather Service and the South African Weather Bureau. Reference is made to the data and the procedures used for sea level analysis of the Southern Hemisphere maps. The procedure for obtaining 500-mb maps over the large areas of the Southern Ocean where no sounding stations existed is described, and the reliability of sea level and 500-mb maps is discussed.
the precipitation program of the Techniques Development Laboratory
Authors: Klein William H.
Published: August 2018

The applied research program of the Techniques Development Laboratory in the field of precipitation prediction is summarized. Current projects are discussed which combine statistical, dynamical, and synoptic techniques and aim at improved and objective forecasts of precipitation probability and amount.
meteorological rocket observations and research in the soviet union
Authors: Quiroz Roderick S.
Published: August 2018

An inventory of Soviet meteorological rocket soundings, 1957–1966, is provided, along with a sample of the first detailed observational results published by the Central Aerological Observatory. A description is given of the basic observational technique, involving an assembly of pressure gages and resistance thermometers in a separated nose cone which descends by parachute. Observational accuracies are noted. Similarities and differences in United States and Soviet rocket programs are pointed out, and attention is called to Soviet emphasis on density derivation and on scientific scheduling of launchings for the study of special atmospheric features such as stratospheric warmings.
laser techniques for observing the upper atmosphere1
Authors: Goyer Guy G. , Watson Robert D.
Published: August 2018

Recent advances in the technology of the optical radar (lidar) are reviewed. Its use as a remote probe for the study of atmospheric parameters, such as water vapor, density, temperature and aerosols at altitudes above 10 km is discussed. The lidar data on the reflectivity of the 20 km sulfate layer is used to determine the most likely size distribution of the particulates in that layer.
A study of high-, middle- and low-molecular weight adiponectin in urine as a surrogate marker for early diabetic nephropathy using ultrasensitive immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Yamamoto Mayumi , Fujimoto Yuki , Hayashi Shino , Hashida Seiichi
Published: August 2018

Background

For the early identification of patients at risk of developing diabetic nephropathy, we have developed an ultrasensitive immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay to measure adiponectin in urine.

Methods

We developed immune complex transfer enzyme immunoassay for adiponectin and measured urinary adiponectin from 70 healthy subjects, 35 obese non-diabetic subjects and 20 patients with diabetes.

Results

The urinary adiponectin concentrations in patients with diabetes (3.3 ± 10.7 ng/mg creatinine) were significantly higher than those in obese subjects (0.54 ± 0.44; P < 0.01) and healthy subjects (0.46 ± 0.42; P < 0.001). The gel filtration elution profile of urine from healthy subjects showed traces of four immunoreactive peaks (high-, medium-, low-molecular weight and monomer molecules), despite the majority of blood adiponectin being high-molecular weight. However, urinary adiponectin molecules were more frequent in low-molecular weight as the estimate glomerular filtration rate decreased. Furthermore, as blood glucose concentrations rose, middle-molecular weight and high-molecular weight increased in urine. Further, urinary adiponectin concentrations correlated with estimate glomerular filtration rate ( r = −0.61, P < 0.001), but not urinary albumin. In addition, our analysis showed a significantly ( P < 0.001) higher value for urinary adiponectin in the G2 stage of chronic kidney disease classification where urinary albumin is not elevated.

Conclusion

Adiponectin increases in urine as renal function decreases, and urinary adiponectin may be useful as a surrogate marker for diabetic nephropathy risk.
Leptospirosis: a diagnostic conundrum
Authors: Gurumurthy Keerthivasan , Narasimha Harish Belgode , Wyawahare Mukta , Biswal Niranjan
Published: August 2018

Leptospirosis is a serious public health concern worldwide. It is highly endemic in the Andaman Islands and its prevalence is increasing in other Indian states.

Clinical features are non-specific and diagnosis relies on laboratory confirmation. The gold standard is microscopic agglutination testing, but this is not widely available. Real-time polymerase chain reaction testing of LipL32 antigen provides the earliest detection of pathogenic Leptospira in the body. We found it to be 100% specific, but it should be used in the first 10 days of illness for reliable results.
Choosing Between Safeguards: Scope and Governance Decisions in R&D Alliances
Authors: Lioukas Constantinos S. , Reuer Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2018

Research on transaction cost economics has emphasized the choice of an appropriate governance structure as an important mechanism in alleviating exchange hazards in interfirm transactions, yet firms may also manipulate the characteristics of a transaction to make it less hazardous in the first place by carefully selecting the activities or assets involved in the transaction. In this paper, we explore this theoretical issue in transaction cost economics by examining how firms design R&D alliances to mitigate appropriation hazards in these interfirm transactions. In particular, we investigate when firms will prefer to limit the scope of functional activities involved in an R&D alliance, thus addressing appropriation hazards directly by manipulating the alliance’s characteristics, versus when they will opt for an equity-based governance structure in order to mitigate appropriation hazards ex post. We argue that firms are more likely to limit the scope of alliance activities rather than choose an equity-based governance structure when there are multiple partners in an alliance and when the partners are from different nations, because monitoring and other control mechanisms become more cumbersome and problematic in these circumstances. In contrast, firms that are direct competitors are more likely to choose an equity-based governance structure in order to mitigate exchange hazards, such as knowledge misappropriation, through carefully monitored knowledge sharing. Empirical analysis of data on R&D alliances in a variety of industries provides support for our arguments regarding alliances involving multiple partners and alliances between competitors. We discuss the implications of our study for research on transaction cost economics.
Understanding barriers to sexual communication
Authors: Rehman Uzma S. , Balan Danielle , Sutherland Siobhan , McNeil Julia
Published: August 2018

There is consistent empirical evidence to suggest that more open and positive sexual communication is a vital component of sexual relationships, but romantic partners tend to avoid sexual communication. Although clinical and theoretical writing has identified barriers to sexual communication, there is a relative paucity of empirical literature investigating specific barriers to sexual communication and whether these barriers are unique to sexual communication. We developed the Barriers to Communication Questionnaire, a measure that investigates the types of threat that are activated during couples’ sexual and nonsexual communication (Study 1) and the degree to which these threats are differentially activated across the two discussions (Study 2). In Study 1, we found that the same categories of threats were activated for both sexual and nonsexual conflict communication: threat to self, threat to partner, and threat to relationship. Study 2 revealed that threat to self is activated to a greater degree during sexual conflict communication compared to nonsexual conflict communication. The differential degree to which threat to self is activated during sexual and nonsexual communication provides a plausible explanation for why romantic partners tend to avoid sexual communication more so than nonsexual communication. The measure developed in the current study could be used clinically to identify the specific threats that are preventing an individual from communicating with the partner about needs and desires. In the research domain, the measure can be used to further investigate the causal association between emotional barriers and sexual communication.
Operational Effects of the Consolidated Intersection Design on Urban and Suburban Arterials
Authors: Cook Daniel J.
Published: August 2018

Along urban and suburban arterials, closely-spaced signalized intersections are commonly used to provide access to adjacent commercial developments. Often, these signalized intersections are designed to provide full access to developments on both sides of the arterial and permit through, left-turn, and right-turn movements from every intersection approach. Traffic signal timing is optimized to reduce vehicle delay or provide progression to vehicles on the arterial, or both. However, meeting both of these criteria can be cumbersome, if not impossible, under high-demand situations. This research proposes a new design that consolidates common movements at three consecutive signalized intersections into strategic fixed locations along the arterial. The consolidation of common movements allows the intersections to cycle between only two critical phases, which, in turn, promotes shorter cycle lengths, lower delay, and better progression. This research tested the consolidated intersection concept by modeling a real-world site in microsimulation software and obtaining values for delay and travel time for multiple vehicle paths along the corridor and adjacent commercial developments in both existing and proposed conditions. With the exception of unsignalized right turns at the periphery of the study area, all non-displaced routes showed a reduction in travel time and delay. Additional research is needed to understand how additional travel through the commercial developments adjacent to the arterial may effect travel time and delay. Other expected benefits of the proposed design include a major reduction in conflict points, shorter pedestrian crossing and wait times, and the opportunity to provide pedestrian refuge areas in the median.
A National Online Survey of South Korean High School Students’ Understanding of Learning Disabilities
Authors: Lee Okin , Shin Mikyung
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this online survey study was to obtain basic information about South Korean high school students’ understanding of learning disabilities. A total of 343 students responded to questions about demographics, familiarity with terms related to learning disabilities, beliefs about learning disabilities, and attitudes toward students with learning disabilities. The study’s findings showed that 91.3% of respondents were aware of the term “dyslexia,” yet only 65% had previously heard the term “learning disabilities.” The results of chi-square tests indicated that, in general, familiarity with terms related to learning disabilities led to no significant differences in beliefs and attitudes toward students with learning disabilities. However, more respondents who had previously heard the term “learning disabilities” believed that learning disabilities would affect adulthood activities than did those who had never previously heard the term ( p < .05).
Death Anxiety in Muslim Iranians: A Comparison Between Youths, Middle Adults, and Late Adults
Authors: Dadfar Mahboubeh , Lester David , Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M. , Ron Pnina
Published: August 2018

The study aimed to examine the levels of death anxiety between three age groups and compare gender-related differences among Iranian population. A total of 453 participants (252 college students, 55 middle-aged, and 146 old-aged) answered the Arabic Scale of Death Anxiety (ASDA). Significant differences were found between youths and old-aged samples and between middle-aged and old-aged samples on the ASDA scale. Old-aged persons showed more death anxiety than youths and middle-aged persons. There were also significant differences between men and women in total scores of the ASDA scale; men had more death anxiety than women. There were significant associations between age, gender, and death anxiety total scores. Limitations of the study include the use of a self-report scale, selection of a nongeneral nonclinical population, a Muslim religion, and an Iranian culture. Present results can be considered for psychological therapies for reducing death anxiety and pathways to death acceptance in Iranian people and for carrying out cross-cultural studies in other Asian, Arabic, Eastern, and Western countries with shared and nonshared religions and cultures in future studies.
Getting Better Hospital Alarm Sounds Into a Global Standard
Authors: Edworthy Judy Reed , McNeer Richard R. , Bennett Christopher L. , Dudaryk Roman , McDougall Siné J. P. , Schlesinger Joseph J. , Bolton Matthew L. , Edworthy Jonathan D. Reed , Özcan Elif , Boyd Andrew D. , Reid Scott K. J. , Rayo Michael F. , Wright Melanie C. , Osborn David
Published: August 2018

The reserved set of audible alarm signals embodied within the global medical device safety standard, IEC 60601-1-8, is known to be problematic and in need of updating. The current alarm signals are not only suboptimal, but there is also little evidence beyond learnability (which is known to be poor) that demonstrates their performance in realistic and representative clinical environments. In this article, we describe the process of first designing and then testing potential replacement audible alarm signals for IEC 60601-1-8, starting with the design of several sets of candidate sounds and initial tests on learnability and localizability, followed by testing in simulated clinical environments. We demonstrate that in all tests, the alarm signals selected for further development significantly outperform the current alarm signals. We describe the process of collecting considerably more data on the performance of the new sounds than exists for the current sounds, which ultimately will be of use to end users. We also reflect on the process and practice of working with the relevant committees and other practical issues beyond the science, which also need constant attention if the alarms we have developed are to be included successfully in an updated version of the standard.
Tacrolimus for the treatment of immune-related adverse effects refractory to systemic steroids and anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy
Authors: Beardslee Tyler , Draper Amber , Kudchadkar Ragini
Published: August 2018

Immunotherapy treatments in oncology have garnered much attention and use throughout the past several years. With increased use and new approvals in many different types of solid tumors and hematological malignancies, practitioners in oncology should have an appreciation and understanding of the potential adverse effects of these unique treatment approaches. The most common adverse effects with immunotherapy treatment are immune-related adverse effects with activation of patients' immune systems against a wide array of tissues and organ systems. Immune-related adverse effects are typically treated first with high doses of immunosuppressive corticosteroids. Patients with immune-related adverse effects refractory to high dose corticosteroid treatment may receive anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy in an attempt to halt the immune system from causing further organ dysfunction. However, these agents are not always successful and other immunomodulatory agents should be considered for refractory cases. Presented here are three patient cases supporting the use of the calcinuerin inhibitor tacrolimus to treat immune-related adverse effects refractory to corticosteroids and anti-tumor necrosis factor α.
Numerical investigations on blast resistance of sandwich panels with multilayered graded hourglass lattice cores
Authors: Yang Lihong , Han Xiao , Feng Lijia , Chen Zongbing , Yu Guocai , Qu Jia , Yang Jinshui , Wu Linzhi
Published: August 2018

This research focuses on the dynamic response of sandwich panels with multilayered graded hourglass lattice core subjected to blast loading. A three-layer lattice core configuration is proposed to improve the absorption efficient of kinetic energy resulted from blast shock wave. The relative density of each core layer is changed with sectional dimension of core truss members to regulate the energy absorption of each core layer. Three-dimensional numerical simulation analyses of dynamic response are carried out, and the applied impulsive pressure distribution on the surface of the panels is calculated using the CONWEP code. The panels are made of stainless steel AL6XN, which is assumed to follow bilinear strain hardening and strain rate-dependence. Peak back sheet deflection and energy absorption of core layers for four types of hourglass lattice panels are comparatively analyzed and the effects of load intensity on the peak deflection are discussed. Furthermore, the near-optimal configuration under blast loadings is proposed.
Gender and bias in the International Relations curriculum: Insights from reading lists
Authors: Phull Kiran , Ciflikli Gokhan , Meibauer Gustav
Published: August 2018

Following growing academic interest and activism targeting gender bias in university curricula, we present the first analysis of female exclusion in a complete International Relations curriculum, across degree levels and disciplinary subfields. Previous empirical research on gender bias in the teaching materials of International Relations has been limited in scope, that is, restricted to PhD curricula, non-random sampling, small sample sizes or predominately US-focused. By contrast, this study uses an original data set of 43 recent syllabi comprising the entire International Relations curriculum at the London School of Economics to investigate the gender gap in the discipline’s teaching materials. We find evidence of bias that reproduces patterns of female exclusion: 79.2% of texts on reading lists are authored exclusively by men, reflecting the representation of women neither in the professional discipline nor in the published discipline. We find that level of study, subfield and the gender and seniority of the course convener matter. First, female author inclusion improves as the level of study progresses from undergraduate to PhD. This suggests the rigid persistence of a ‘traditional International Relations canon’ at the earliest disciplinary stage. Second, the International Organisations/Law subfield is more gender-inclusive than Security or Regional Studies, while contributions from Gender/Feminist Studies are dominated by female authorship. These patterns are suggestive of gender stereotyping within subfields. Third, female-authored readings are assigned less frequently by male and/or more senior course conveners. Tackling gender bias in the taught discipline must therefore involve a careful consideration of the linkages between knowledge production and dissemination, institutional hiring and promotion, and pedagogical practices.
One step forward and two steps back? The ‘20 Principles’ for questioning vulnerable witnesses and the lack of an evidence-based approach
Authors: Cooper Penny , Dando Coral , Ormerod Thomas , Mattison Michelle , Marchant Ruth , Milne Rebecca , Bull Ray
Published: August 2018

It is a widely held belief that questioning vulnerable witnesses is a specialist skill. In England and Wales vulnerable witness advocacy training built around ‘20 Principles’ has been developed and is being delivered. The 20 Principles do not cite a tested theoretical framework(s) or empirical evidence in support. This paper considers whether the 20 Principles are underpinned by research evidence. It is submitted that advocacy training and the approach to questioning witnesses in the courtroom should take into account the already available research evidence. The authors make recommendations for revision of the training and for a wider review of the approach taken to the handling of witness evidence.
Research on predictive control of helicopter/engine based on LMS adaptive torsional vibration suppression
Authors: Wang Yong , Zheng Qiangang , Zhang Haibo , Chen Haoying
Published: August 2018

In order to achieve the fast response of turboshaft engine combined with torsional vibration, a predictive controller of helicopter/engine based on the least mean square adaptive torsional vibration suppression is proposed and designed. First, in order to make up for the insufficiency of conventional notch filter on torsional vibration suppression with changeable frequency under variable rotor speed, an adaptive one based on least mean square is presented in the process of helicopter autorotation downward. Then, based on the least mean square adaptive filter, a predictive controller based on the support vector regression is proposed to compensate for the dynamic control performance in helicopter autorotation recovery process. It is shown that least mean square adaptive filter can suppress all low-order torsional vibrations with amplitude less than 15% in comparison with the notch filter, which proves the more remarkable ability of adaptive torsional vibration suppression. Meanwhile, the droop of power turbine speed can be reduced to less than 0.3% with the steady-state error no more than 0.01% by adopting the predictive controller based on least mean square adaptive torsional vibration suppression. The fast response and high-quality control of turboshaft engine has been realized.
Challenges to the veracity and the international comparability of Russian homicide statistics
Authors: Lysova Alexandra
Published: August 2018

Homicide statistics are often seen as the most reliable and comparable indicator of violent deaths around the world. However, the analysis of Russian homicide statistics challenges this understanding and suggests that international comparisons of homicide levels can be hazardous. Drawing on an institutionalist perspective on crime statistics, official crime-based homicide statistics in Russia are approached as a social construct, a performance indicator and a tool of governance. The paper discusses several incentives to misrepresent official homicide data in contemporary Russia, including politicization of homicide statistics as a legacy of the Soviet’ era’s falsified crime statistics and the role of policing. Mainly, the paper identifies and describes the exact legal, statistical and country-specific substantive mechanisms that allow homicide statistics to be distorted in Russia. By considering legal mechanisms alone, the more accurate homicide rate may be at least 1.6 times higher than that reported in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Global Study on Homicide 2013.
Novel Technique for Rapid and Accurate Insertion of a Microguidewire Tail Into Low-Profile Devices During Endovascular Procedures: The Paper Rail Method
Authors: Ohshima Tomotaka , Miyachi Shigeru , Matsuo Naoki , Kawaguchi Reo , Niwa Aichi , Maejima Ryuya , Isaji Taiki , Takayasu Masakazu
Published: August 2018

Purpose: To report a novel technique (“paper rail”) to facilitate inserting the tail of a microguidewire into the tip of a low-profile device during endovascular procedures. Technique: A sterilized nonwoven fabric tape with a smooth glossy paper backing is used. The tape has several linear folds ideal for a paper rail. Holding each piece of equipment about 5 cm from its respective tip, both the tail of the guidewire and the tip of the catheter are navigated at a 30° angle toward each other in the crease until the guidewire enters the catheter. The paper rail technique was compared with the conventional freehand method under varying luminosities found in an operating room. The paper rail technique was most effective in suboptimal lighting, where the mean time was reduced from 83 seconds with the conventional method to 20 seconds with the paper rail maneuver. The times required to insert the wire with the paper rail method were comparable (~22 seconds) at all light levels. Conclusion: The paper rail method may help improve the speed and accurate insertion of the tail of a microguidewire into the tip of low-profile devices during endovascular procedures. It may be particularly useful for physicians in a low-light environment or trainees.
Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 Predicts the Recurrence of Breast Cancer in Patients Subjected to Radiotherapy After Breast-Preserving Surgery
Authors: Huang Ruyi , Cui Yiyao , Guo Yujiang
Published: August 2018

Radiotherapy is the most important component of the comprehensive treatment of breast cancer, and immunocompromised patients respond with lower response rate. However, the role of programmed cell death protein-1, a critical immune molecule, in recurrence of breast cancer subjected to radiotherapy is unknown. A retrospective analysis was designed to explore the relevance. A number of 42 patients with early-stage breast cancer undergoing breast-conserving surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (18 recurrence and 24 nonrecurrence) were recruited, and clinical data were obtained. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect programmed cell death protein-1, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze recurrence-free survival. The expression of programmed cell death protein-1 was higher in the recurrence group than recurrence-free group ( P < .05). Meanwhile, the recurrence-free mean survival was significantly longer in programmed cell death protein-1 low-expression group (68 months) than that in programmed cell death protein-1 high-expression group (56 months). In addition, the levels of T lymphocytes were obviously lower in patients with breast cancer than healthy group, and natural killer showed an opposite tendency. CD4+ decreased significantly after 1 week radiotherapy and recovered rapidly 3 weeks after radiotherapy. Compared to recurrence-free group, the increment of T lymphocytes were inadequate in recurrence group. These experimental results indicated that the expression of programmed cell death protein-1 in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is related to immune disorder and recurrence of patients undergoing breast-preserving surgery and radiotherapy.
A New Concept of Biotensegrity Incorporating Liquid Tissues: Blood and Lymph
Authors: Bordoni Bruno , Marelli Fabiola , Morabito Bruno , Castagna Roberto
Published: August 2018

The definition of fascia includes tissues of mesodermal derivation, considered as specialized connective tissue: blood and lymph. As water shapes rocks, bodily fluids modify shapes and functions of bodily structures. Bodily fluids are silent witnesses of the mechanotransductive information, allowing adaptation and life, transporting biochemical and hormonal signals. While the solid fascial tissue divides, supports, and connects the different parts of the body system, the liquid fascial tissue feeds and transports messages for the solid fascia. The focus of this article is to reconsider the model of biotensegrity because it does not take into account the liquid fascia, and to try to integrate the fascial continuum with the lymph and the blood in a new model. The name given to this new model is RAIN—Rapid Adaptability of Internal Network.
Sex Hormones and Change in N-Terminal Pro–B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ying Wendy , Zhao Di , Ouyang Pamela , Subramanya Vinita , Vaidya Dhananjay , Ndumele Chiadi E , Sharma Kavita , Shah Sanjiv J , Heckbert Susan R , Lima Joao A , deFilippi Christopher R , Budoff Matthew J , Post Wendy S , Michos Erin D
Published: August 2018

Context

Sex hormones may influence sex differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD). N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a predictor of CVD, is higher in women than men, which may relate to sex hormones.

Objective

To evaluate whether total testosterone (T), bioavailable T, free T, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and SHBG are associated with NT-proBNP.

Design

Cohort study.

Participants

Cross-sectional sample included 2371 postmenopausal women and 2688 men free of CVD, of which 2041 women and 2348 men were included longitudinally.

Main Outcome Measures

NT-proBNP at baseline (2000 to 2002) and one or more repeat NT-proBNPs (through 2012). Analyses adjusted for CVD risk factors.

Results

Women had higher NT-proBNP than men (median 79.9 vs 38.5 pg/mL). Cross-sectionally, higher bioavailable T, free T, DHEA, and lower SHBG levels were independently associated with lower NT-proBNP among both women and men (all P < 0.05). Higher total T in women and estradiol in men were also associated with lower NT-proBNP (both P < 0.05). Longitudinally, in women, higher total T, bioavailable T, free T, DHEA, and lower estradiol and SHBG were associated with greater 10-year increase in NT-proBNP (all P < 0.05). In men, higher free T and estradiol were associated with greater NT-proBNP increase (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A more androgenic sex hormone pattern was inversely associated with NT-proBNP cross-sectionally and may contribute to sex differences in NT-proBNP. Longitudinally, a more androgenic sex hormone pattern was associated with greater increase in NT-proBNP in women, which may reflect a mechanism for CVD risk after menopause.
Cognition, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Psychosocial Functioning After GH/GnRHa Treatment in Young Adults Born SGA
Authors: Goedegebuure Wesley Jim , van der Steen Manouk , de With Justine Lenneke , Hokken-Koelega Anita
Published: August 2018

Background

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) with a poor adult height (AH) expectation benefit from treatment with GH and additional gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa). Because both SGA birth and GnRHa treatment might negatively influence cognition, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and psychosocial functioning, we assessed these outcomes at AH.

Methods

A randomized, dose-response GH study until AH involving 99 adolescents born SGA, of whom 61 children received 2 additional years of GnRHa treatment. At AH, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and TNO-AZL Adults Quality of Life questionnaire were administered to the study group. Additionally, the study group and 67 adolescents born SGA (19 GnRHa) from a second study group completed the Self-Perception Profile of Adolescents and Child/Adolescent Behavior Checklist at AH. Scores in GH-treated young adults with GnRHa treatment (GH/GnRHa group) were compared with GH-treated adolescents without GnRHa treatment (GH group) and a reference population.

Results

Mean age (SD) at AH was 17.5 (1.2) and 17.4 (1.4) years in the GH/GnRHa and GH group, respectively. Intelligence quotient scores were similar in GH/GnRHa and GH groups (96.33 vs 92.47). HRQoL was similar between both groups and also when compared with the reference population, but the GH/GnRHa group had a significantly lower perception of cognitive functioning. Self-perception and problem behavior were similar in the GH/GnRHa and GH groups. AH did not correlate with HRQoL, self-perception, or problem behavior.

Conclusion

Combined GH/GnRHa treatment has no long-term negative effects on cognition, HRQoL, self-perception, and behavior in early adulthood, compared with GH treatment only.
All about … under-threes' physical development
Authors: Archer Carol
Published: August 2018

Why movement is important for the youngest children and how settings can best provide opportunities to practise it. By Carol Archer
Bring to life
Authors: Vollans Caroline
Published: August 2018

Practitioners must first overcome their own reluctance to approach maths and then encourage children to explore it in real-life and meaningful situations. By Caroline Vollans
Partisipasi Publik Dalam Amandemen UUD
Authors: Nurhalimah Siti
Published: August 2018

Pasca runtuhnya rezim orde baru hingga saat ini, semangat amandemen UUD 1945 masih marak disuarakan masyarakat. Semangat tersebut tumbuh karena terdapat berbagai kekurangan dalam UUD 1945 yang dianggap tidak sejalan dengan cita-cita bangsa. Namun dari keempat amandemen UUD 1945 yang telah berlangsung tersebut, tidak ada satu pun yang melibatkan partisipasi rakyat. Sehingga, mimpi bangsa Indonesia untuk memiliki konstitusi ideal berdasarkan Pancasila, belum juga menjadi nyata. Banyak dari kalangan ahli Hukum Tata Negara mengatakan, konstitusi di Indonesia yang telah berulang kali mengalami perubahan hasilnya masih belum maksimal. Hal tersebut disebabkan karena perubahannya hanya disesuaikan dengan selera pemerintahan yang berkuasa pada masanya, tanpa disesuaikan dengan prinsip-prinsip negara yang terkandung dalam Pancasila. Sehingga, sudah menjadi hal yang mutlak bahwa dalam mengubah konstitusi harus melibatkan partisipasi aktif dari masyarakat.
Regulasi Perppu Ormas, Otoriterkah?
Authors: Romlah Siti
Published: August 2018

Tanggal 10 Juli 2017, rakyat Indonesia sempat dikejutkan dengan adanya kebar tentang dikeluarkannya Perppu No. 2 Tahun 2017 yang merupakan perubahan dari UU. No. 17 Tahun 2013 tentang Organisasi Kemasyarakatan. Dalam bab penjelasan Perppu No. 2 Tahun 2017 disebutkan tentang maksud dan tujuan dibentuknya Perppu tersebut, yang tidak lain adalah untuk membedakan dan melindungi antara Ormas yang konsisten dengan asas dan tujuan yang berdasarkan pancasila dan UUD 1945 dengan Ormas yang bertentangan dengan Pancasila dan UUD 1945. Selain memisahkan golongan Ormas, di dalam Perppu tersebut juga menambahkan banyak sanksi baik pidana maupun administrasi, berupa penghentian kegiatan Ormas serta pencabutan surat izin pendirian Ormas maupun statusnya sebagai badan hukum.
International scientific associations оn the history of science and technology: formation and development (part I)
Authors: Lytvynko A. S.
Published: August 2018

The history of the formation and development, the task, structure and directions of the activities of some international organizations in the field of history of science and technology, including The International Academy of the History of Science, International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IUHPST) and International Committee for the History of Technology (ICOHTEC), are highlighted. The participation of Ukrainian scientists in the activity of these research centers is shown.
Growing of two varieties of vegetables of the family Solanaceae in soil with different substrates
Authors: Barros Rubens Pessoa de , SANTOS Lindinalva Dos , SANTOS Joice Kessia Barbosa dos , SANTOS Eliane Dos , SANTOS Tamara Tais dos , CHAGAS Aleyres Bispo das , NEVES Jhonatan David Santos das , REIS Ligia Sampaio
Published: August 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho foi acompanhar o desenvolvimento das plantas de pimenta Cayene (Capsicum frutensces L.) e do pimentão (Capsicum annuum L.) em vasos com diferentes substratos, avaliando a fenologia das plantas que pertencem à família das solanaceas. No Brasil as pimentas são cultivadas em quase todos os Estados. Sendo utilizadas como aromatizantes, realçadoras do sabor na culinária, como planta medicinal e ou nutricional. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com quatro tratamentos e dez repetições, solo normal(t0), solo com esterco bovino (t1), solo com esterco ovino (t2) e solo com esterco aviário (t3). As sementes das duas variedades foram semeadas em bandejas de isopor e após a emergência foram transplantadas para os vasos de poliestireno. As plântulas foram irrigadas com lâmina de 100 mm diários, sempre que não havia precipitação pluviométrica. Com os resultados obtidos, verificou-se diferença significativa entre os tratamentos das duas espécies, quanto ao desenvolvimento da fenologia das plantas.
A paisagem canavieira em União dos Palmares - Alagoas e seus impactos socioambientais
Authors: Belo Carlos , Santos Salviano Da Silva
Published: August 2018

A cana-de-açúcar foi o primeiro grande produto da economia brasileira, destacando-se a princípio no Nordeste onde começou a evoluir economicamente. Ao instalar-se no final do século XVIII, na Vila Nova de Imperatriz, atual União dos Palmares, a monocultura da cana-de-açúcar provocou a derrubada de extensas áreas de matas e o estabelecimento dos grandes latifúndios como modelos por excelência de unidades agrícolas produtivas desta gramínea até hoje. Nessa ótica o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar os impactos socioambientais oriundos da monocultura da cana-de-açúcar e suas consequências em União dos Palmares - AL. Como metodologia foi adotada a coleta dos dados através de revisão bibliográfica sobre a temática ligada a pesquisa e, além disso, ida a campo para observações sistemáticas. Os resultados apresentados mostram os efeitos nocivos ao meio socioambiental tais como: a diminuição da biodiversidade da flora e fauna nativa, emissão de gases do efeito estufa e fuligem mediante as queimadas nos canaviais, contaminação dos corpos d‟água pelo uso de agrotóxico e vinhaça, erosão do solo, assoreamento das coleções hídricas, aumento exacerbado da concentração de terra e renda agravando, assim os conflitos sociais e o êxodo rural. Quanto às conclusões, nota-se que é necessário compatibilizar o desenvolvimento da lavoura canavieira com as normas de sustentabilidade ambiental.
A Educação Ambiental na perspectiva da Horta Escolar na Comunidade Quilombola do Castainho em Garanhuns – PE
Authors: Melo Maria Aparecida Vieira de
Published: August 2018

O presente trabalho parte da perspectiva transdisciplinar acerca da prática da horta escolar em uma escola do campo na comunidade Quilombola do Castainho em Garanhuns-PE. A pesquisa teve como finalidade promover a conscientização dos alunos sobre a educação ambiental a partir da metodologia alternativa da horta escolar mediante a sistematização dos saberes a partir da transdiciplinaridade. Desse modo, se fez uma pesquisa participante, a qual subsidiou a sistematização dos saberes técnicos agrícolas com as práticas oriundas da cotidianidade dos alunos da Escola Vírgilia Garcia Bessa. No decorrer do desenvolvimento da pesquisa a inquietação era: como os alunos associavam a educação formal à sua prática diária no campo partindo do pressuposto da sustentabilidade ambiental? Para tal, a luz de alguns teóricos como Barbosa (2003); Nicolescu (1999) e Morin (1991) sistematizou-se a fundamentação teórica, a qual mediante a instalação da horta escolar foi possível perceber a necessidade que os alunos têm de uma educação contextualizada com sua realidade sócio histórica para a valorização da cultura de cultivo da terra pelos alunos, em prol da sustentabilidade ambiental da comunidade Quilombola.