bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observations of Misovortices within a Long-Lake-Axis-Parallel Lake-Effect Snowband during the OWLeS Project
Authors: Mulholland Jake P. , Frame Jeffrey , Nesbitt Stephen W. , Steiger Scott M. , Kosiba Karen A. , Wurman Joshua
Published: May 2017

Recent lake-effect snow field projects in the eastern Great Lakes region have revealed the presence of misovortices with diameters between 40 and 4000 m along cyclonic horizontal shear zones within long-lake-axis-parallel bands. One particular band in which an abundance of misovortices developed occurred on 7 January 2014. The leading hypothesis for lake-effect misovortexgenesis is the release of horizontal shearing instability (HSI). An analysis of three-dimensional dual-Doppler wind syntheses reveals that two criteria for HSI are satisfied along the horizontal shear zone, strongly suggesting that HSI was the likely cause of the misovortices in this case. Furthermore, the general lack of anticyclonic–cyclonic vortex couplets throughout the event reveal that tilting of horizontal vorticity into the vertical is of less importance compared to the release of HSI and subsequent strengthening via vortex stretching. A WRF simulation depicts misovortices along the horizontal shear zone within the simulated band. The simulated vortices display remarkable similarities to the observed vortices in terms of intensity, depth, spacing, and size. The simulated vortices persist over the eastern end of the lake; however, once the vortices move inland, they quickly dissipate. HSI criteria are also calculated from the WRF simulation and are satisfied along the shear zone. Competing hypotheses of misovortexgenesis are presented, with results indicating that the release of HSI is the likely mechanism of vortex formation.
Sensitive Detection of Rhodamine B in Condiments Using Surface-Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering (SERRS) Silver Nanowires as Substrate
Authors: Zhang Lixia , Li Peng , Luo Lan , Bu Xiangfeng , Wang Xiaolei , Zhao Bing , Tian Yuan
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a facile large-scale preparation of surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) substrates for the determination of Rhodamine B (RhB) based on silver nanowires (Ag NWs) has been developed. The morphology, structure, and properties of as-prepared Ag NWs are characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Ag NWs were assembled onto glass slides through a self-assembly method. Moreover, in our experiment, as-prepared Ag NWs@glass were used as a SERRS substrate to detect RhB at the excitation wavelength of 532 nm. Experimental conditions such as pH value and soaking time on SERRS performance were studied and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the SERRS intensity at 1648 cm−1 exhibited a linear relationship with the concentration of RhB in the range of 1.0 × 10−9–1.0 × 10−5 mol L−1 and detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio [S/N] = 3) is as low as 0.3 nmol L−1. The corresponding correlation coefficient of the linear equation was 0.996. This method based on Ag NWs@glass for the detection of RhB in three kinds of condiment was investigated. The limits of detection (LODs) for RhB were 0.35 µg/g in chili powder, 0.14 µg/g in chili sauce, and 0.02 µg/g in Chinese prickly ash. The relative standard deviations (RSD) were between 2.18% and 4.56% (n = 3) and recoveries at three levels were in the range of 80.0–98.7% for different spiked food products. Moreover, the results showed that the proposed method was sensitive, convenient, and feasible for the determination of RhB in condiments.
Critical Issues in the Understanding of Young Elementary School Students at Risk for Problems in Written Expression: Introduction to the Special Series
Authors: Coker David L. , Kim Young-Suk Grace
Published: May 2017

In this introduction to the special series “Critical Issues in the Understanding of Young Elementary School Students at Risk for Problems in Written Expression,” we consider some of the contextual factors that have changed since a similar special issue was published in the Journal of Learning Disabilities in 2002. We also explore how the five articles included in this special series address the following important themes: early writing development, identification of students with writing difficulties, and effective interventions for struggling writers. In conclusion, we envision future directions to advance the field.
Talking Circles to Improve Diabetes Self-care Management
Authors: Wilken Marlene , Nunn Martha
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of both the Talking Circles (TCs) and diabetes self-management education (DSME) results in better adherence and outcomes for diabetes self-management than DSME alone in American Indians (AIs) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A quasiexperimental, mixed-methods approach was used for AIs with uncontrolled T2DM, defined by an A1C > 7.0%. The experimental group (n = 20) participated in a TC and received DSME. The control group (n = 19) received only DSME. Talking Circles were audio-taped and analyzed qualitatively. Quantitative data were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation and Fisher exact test for all study participants every 3 months for 1 year.

Results

Themes identified by TC participants were spirituality, gratitude, and sharing. Major topics of discussion were the experiences of living with T2DM, including challenges and coping. Evidence of positive trends for the experimental group who received the TC intervention included lower systolic blood pressure, lower A1C, lower weight over time, and increased adherence without incentives.

Conclusion

Talking Circles may have utility in improving adherence in AI adults with uncontrolled T2DM. Further studies are warranted, including extending the use of the TCs after completion of DSME sessions.
Application of Binary Searching for Item Exposure Control in Cognitive Diagnostic Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Zheng Chanjin , Wang Chun
Published: May 2017

Cognitive diagnosis has emerged as a new generation of testing theory for educational assessment after the item response theory (IRT). One distinct feature of cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs) is that they assume the latent trait to be discrete instead of continuous as in IRT. From this perspective, cognitive diagnosis bears a close resemblance to searching problems in computer science and, similarly, item selection problem in cognitive diagnostic computerized adaptive testing (CD-CAT) can be considered as a dynamic searching problem. Previously, item selection algorithms in CD-CAT were developed from information indices in information science and attempted to achieve a balance among several objectives by assigning different weights. As a result, they suffered from low efficiency from a tug-of-war competition among multiple goals in item selection and, at the same time, put an undue responsibility of assigning the weights for these goals by trial and error on users. Based on the searching problem perspective on CD-CAT, this article adapts the binary searching algorithm, one of the most well-known searching algorithms in searching problems, to item selection in CD-CAT. The two new methods, the stratified dynamic binary searching (SDBS) algorithm for fixed-length CD-CAT and the dynamic binary searching (DBS) algorithm for variable-length CD-CAT, can achieve multiple goals without any of the aforementioned issues. The simulation studies indicate their performances are comparable or superior to the previous methods.
InfoTecarios
Authors: Equihua Saul Mtz. , Torres-Pérez Myrna Lee , Machin-Mastromatteo Juan D.
Published: May 2017

This article shares the experience of the InfoTecarios group, while commemorating its fifth anniversary. InfoTecarios is a regional initiative that publishes weekly blog posts in its website, written by Latin American professionals, and hence it conducts an important scientific dissemination activity of library and information science. It presents details about its origin, the selection and format of its publications, the technologies they use to operate and promote the group and its website, their website’s user and usage data, as well as some conclusions about its importance and its future. InfoTecarios is a useful example for other groups of the region wishing to conduct scientific dissemination through online and collaborative activities.
Ovis aries Papillomavirus 3 in Ovine Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Vitiello Veronica , Burrai Giovanni P. , Agus Mariagrazia , Anfossi Antonio G. , Alberti Alberto , Antuofermo Elisabetta , Rocca Stefano , Cubeddu Tiziana , Pirino Salvatore
Published: May 2017

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common malignancy affecting humans and other animals. Papillomaviruses (PVs) are frequently reported as causal agents of cutaneous benign and malignant epithelial lesions in different animal species, but only few studies have investigated their role in ovine SCC. In this study, we explore the possible involvement of the Ovine aries PVs (OaPV1, OaPV2, OaPV3) in cutaneous SCC using an integrated histological and molecular approach. Forty cutaneous SCCs from different anatomical locations of Sardinian sheep and 40 matched non-SCC samples were evaluated histologically and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess the presence of ovine PVs. In addition, DNA in situ hybridization (ISH) and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were carried out to evaluate the cellular localization and viral transcriptional activity, respectively. OaPV3 DNA was detected in 26 of 40 (65%) SCCs and in 12 of 40 (30%) non-SCC samples using PCR. OaPV1 and OaPV2 were not detected. OaPV3 viral DNA was observed by ISH in malignant epithelial squamous cells of 18 of 40 (45%) SCCs. In addition, the viral transcriptional activity was identified in 24 of 40 (60%) SCCs by RT-PCR. Notably, a higher viral positivity was observed in SCCs compared with non-SCC samples. The considerable infection rate of OaPV3 in the most common skin tumor of the sheep suggests that PV could represent a key factor in the onset of ovine SCC.
An Australian Newcastle Disease Virus With a Virulent Fusion Protein Cleavage Site Produces Minimal Pathogenicity in Chickens
Authors: Bergfeld Jemma , Meers Joanne , Bingham John , Harper Jennifer , Payne Jean , Lowther Sue , Marsh Glenn , Tachedjian Mary , Middleton Deborah
Published: May 2017

Newcastle disease is an important disease of poultry caused by virulent strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). During the 1998 to 2002 outbreaks of Newcastle disease in Australia, it was observed that the mild clinical signs seen in some chickens infected with NDV did not correlate with the viruses’ virulent fusion protein cleavage site motifs or standard pathogenicity indices. The pathogenicity of 2 Australian NDV isolates was evaluated in experimentally challenged chickens based on clinical evaluation, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular techniques. One of these virus isolates, Meredith/02, was shown to induce only very mild clinical signs with no mortalities in an experimental setting, in contrast to the velogenic Herts 33/56 and Texas GB isolates. This minimal pathogenicity was associated with decreased virus replication and antigen distribution in tissues. This demonstrates that the Australian Meredith/02 NDV, despite possessing a virulent fusion protein cleavage site, did not display a velogenic phenotype.
Spindle Cell Lipoma in Dogs
Authors: Avallone Giancarlo , Pellegrino Valeria , Muscatello Luisa V. , Sarli Giuseppe , Roccabianca Paola
Published: May 2017

Spindle cell lipoma (SCL) is a benign neoplasm of the adipose tissue that may resemble an undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma (STS). This report describes the histopathological features of 6 SCLs in dogs. All SCLs were located in the subcutis and were composed of bland, occasionally vacuolated spindle cells intermixed with ropey collagen and myxoid matrix. Sudan IV stain performed in 1 case demonstrated the lipid content of vacuoles. Mature adipocytes represented less than 10% of the neoplasm in 3 cases and were absent in the remaining 3. Average mitotic count in 10 high-power fields was 0.17. Neoplastic cells were immunohistochemically positive for vimentin and negative for S100 protein, smooth muscle actin, factor VIII-ra, and MDM2. Awareness of SCL and its specific histopathological features is essential to diagnose this specific tumor. Further studies are needed to document the biological behavior of these tumors in dogs.
Acceptability of Family Violence: Underlying Ties Between Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse
Authors: Gracia Enrique , Rodriguez Christina M. , Martín-Fernández Manuel , Lila Marisol
Published: May 2017

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and child abuse (CA) are two forms of family violence with shared qualities and risk factors, and are forms of violence that tend to overlap. Acceptability of violence in partner relationships is a known risk factor in IPV just as acceptability of parent–child aggression is a risk factor in CA. We hypothesized that these acceptability attitudes may be linked and represent the expression of a general, underlying nonspecific acceptance of violence in close family relationships. The sample involved 164 male IPV offenders participating in a batterer intervention program. Implicit measures, which assess constructs covertly to minimize response distortions, were administered to assess acceptability of partner violence against women and acceptability of parent–child aggression. To determine whether acceptability attitudes regarding both forms of violence were related to a higher order construct tapping general acceptance of family violence, Bayesian confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. Findings supported a hierarchical (bifactor) model with a general factor expressing a nonspecific acceptance of family violence, and two specific factors reflecting acceptability of violence in intimate partner and parent–child relationships, respectively. This hierarchical model supporting a general acceptance of violence in close family relationships can inform future research aiming to better understand the connections between IPV and CA.
Exploring emotional responses to orchestral gestures
Authors: Goodchild Meghan , Wild Jonathan , McAdams Stephen
Published: May 2017

Research on emotional responses to music indicates that prominent changes in instrumentation and timbre elicit strong responses in listeners. However, there are few theories related to orchestration that would assist in interpreting these empirical findings. This article investigates listeners’ emotional responses to four types of orchestral gestures – large-scale timbral and textural changes that occur in a coordinated, goal-directed manner – through an exploratory experiment that collected continuous responses of emotional intensity for musician and nonmusician listeners. A time series regression analysis was used to predict changes in emotional responses by modeling changes in several musical features, including instrumental texture, spectral centroid, loudness, and tempo. We demonstrate the application of a new visualization tool that compiles the emotional intensity ratings with score-based and performance-based musical features for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The results suggest that the response profiles differ for the four gestural types. Following the increasing growth of instrumental texture and loudness, the emotional intensity ratings climbed steadily for the gradual addition types. The ratings for the sudden addition gestures sharply increased in response to the rapid textural change, peaking toward the end of the excerpt. There was a slight tendency for musicians, but not nonmusicians, to anticipate the moment of sudden addition with heightened emotional responses. The responses to the reductive excerpts, both gradual and sudden, feature a plateau of lingering high emotional intensity, despite the decrease of other musical features. The visualization provided a method to observe the evolution of listeners’ emotional reactions in response to the orchestral gestures and assisted in interpreting the results of the time series regression analysis.
Job applicant screening in China and its four pillars
Authors: Hlásny Vladimír
Published: May 2017

Chinese employers practise extensive personal screening of applicants during the recruitment process. This study identifies four motives for these practices – statistical, customer taste, employer taste and regulatory. It discusses their distinctive roles in the Chinese labour market and in regard to labour-market regulations. Using a convenience sample of large Chinese employers, the study evaluates the economic and institutional determinants of screening approaches and implications for firms’ performance. Statistical screening, based on the assumption that social group membership is an indicator of productivity or loyalty, is found to be related positively to employers’ capitalisation, labour-market power and private ownership, and negatively to skill supply in provincial markets. Customer-taste screening is prevalent in the services and sales sectors, and interestingly in wealthy first-tier cities. Employer-taste screening endures in privately owned firms, and in skill-intensive industries and first-tier cities, and appears linked to customer-taste screening. Some forms of screening breach anti-discrimination laws and persist because of lax enforcement of such laws, but requests for personal data on job applications forms may also reflect compliance with equity indicators. Regulatory compliance-based screening is related positively to firms’ market power, capitalisation and state ownership. The implications of the different screening practices for public policy and corporate strategy are examined.
Does Anxiety Enhance or Hinder Attentional and Impulse Control in Youth With ADHD? An ERP Analysis
Authors: Klymkiw Deanna F. , Milligan Karen , Lackner Christine , Phillips Marjory , Schmidt Louis A. , Segalowitz Sidney J.
Published: May 2017

Objective: Youth with ADHD and comorbid anxiety (ADHD+ANX) experience increased social and academic impairment compared with youth with ADHD without anxiety (ADHD). Group differences in attentional and impulse control may underlie this increased impairment. Examination of group differences using behavioral measures of attentional and impulse control has yielded inconsistent findings. This study explored group differences using event-related potentials (ERPs), which provide neural information concerning early information processing. Method: ERPs (early frontal positivity [EFP], N2) were collected while youth aged 11 to 17 with ADHD ( n = 31) and ADHD+ANX ( n = 35) completed a visual and an auditory computer task. Results: Compared with the ADHD group, the ADHD+ANX group exhibited larger N2 amplitudes to no-go stimuli and larger EFP amplitudes to target auditory stimuli, with variable attention allocation to nontarget stimuli. Conclusion: The addition of anxiety to ADHD appears to alter early attentional processing, which may be an important aspect of this comorbidity.
PACE-GATE: An alternative view on a study with a poor trial protocol
Authors: Stouten Bart
Published: May 2017

The controversies surrounding the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome are explained using Cohen’s d effect sizes rather than arbitrary thresholds for ‘success’. This article shows that the treatment effects vanish when switching to objective outcomes. The preference for subjective outcomes by the PACE trial team leads to false hope. This article provides a more realistic view, which will help patients and their doctors to evaluate the pros and cons.
Barriers to ESC guideline implementation: results of a survey from the European Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions (CCNAP)
Authors: McKee Gabrielle , Kerins Mary , Hamilton Glenys , Hansen Tina , Hendriks Jeroen , Kletsiou Eleni , Lambrinou Ekaterini , Jennings Catriona , Fitzsimons Donna
Published: May 2017

Background:

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has a comprehensive clinical guideline development programme, relevant for all clinicians. However, implementation of guidelines is not always optimal.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine nurses’ and allied professionals’ awareness and barriers regarding clinical guideline implementation.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was administrated online and in print at EuroHeartCare 2015. A questionnaire was developed which examined awareness and barriers to implementation of ESC guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice (2012) and ESC guidelines in general.

Results:

Of the 298 respondents, 12% reported that the prevention guidelines were used in their practice area. Respondents identified, in order of magnitude, that lack of leadership, workload, time, resources and a perception that they were unable to influence current practice were barriers to the use of the prevention guidelines. When asked to rank barriers to use of any ESC guidelines, time (22%) and leadership (23%) were ranked highest.

Conclusions:

Implementation of ESC guidelines by nurses, the majority responders in this survey, is a serious problem, requiring urgent improvement to ensure patients receive optimal evidence based care. Issues of leadership, workload, time and resources are significant barriers to guideline implementation. It is of concern that these professionals perceive both that they have little influence on implementation decisions and lack of leadership regarding guideline implementation. Educational and organisational strategies to improve leadership skills are imperative. These will build self-efficacy and empower nurses and allied professionals to advocate for evidence-based care in the clinical environment.
Improving quality of care for end-stage respiratory disease: Changes in attitude, changes in service
Authors: Taylor D Robin , Murray Scott A
Published: May 2017

The illness trajectory for many patients with severe respiratory disease is characterized by steady decline. Yet most healthcare resources are poured into managing acute exacerbations that are only temporarily effective. Further, ‘bad deaths’ can result from inappropriate medical interventions at times of crisis. In this article, we describe a range of changes in attitudes, behaviour and service provision that together focus on improving quality of care for respiratory patients with frequent crises. These changes include prognostic conversations, developing and implementing anticipatory care plans both in hospital and in the outpatient settings, and establishing a supportive care clinic devoted to complex disease and optimizing palliative care. The underpinning philosophy is that common sense and compassion should motivate broader and more flexible care much more than adherence to the ‘curative–restorative’ guidelines-based model.
The young Van Dyck’s fingerprint: a technical approach to assess the authenticity of a disputed painting
Authors: Harth Astrid , Van der Snickt Geert , Schalm Olivier , Janssens Koen , Blanckaert Griet
Published: May 2017

The painting Saint Jerome, part of the collection of the Maagdenhuis Museum (Antwerp, Belgium), is attributed to the young Anthony van Dyck (1613–1621) with reservations. The painting displays remarkable compositional and iconographic similarities with two early Van Dyck works (1618–1620) now in Museum Boijmans van Beuningen (Rotterdam) and Nationalmuseum (Stockholm). Despite these similarities, previous art historical research did not result in a clear attribution to this master. In this study, the work’s authenticity as a young Van Dyck painting was assessed from a technical perspective by employing a twofold approach. First, technical information on Van Dyck’s materials and techniques, here identified as his fingerprint, were defined based on a literature review. Second, the materials and techniques of the questioned Saint Jerome painting were characterized by using complementary imaging techniques: infrared reflectography, X-ray radiography and macro X-ray fluorescence scanning. The insights from this non-invasive research were supplemented with analysis of a limited number of cross-sections by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that the questioned painting’s materials and techniques deviate from Van Dyck’s fingerprint, thus making the authorship of this master very unlikely.
Effectiveness and Adoption of a Drawing-to-Learn Study Tool for Recall and Problem Solving: Minute Sketches with Folded Lists
Authors: Heideman Paul D. , Flores K. Adryan , Sevier Lu M. , Trouton Kelsey E.
Published: May 2017

Drawing by learners can be an effective way to develop memory and generate visual models for higher-order skills in biology, but students are often reluctant to adopt drawing as a study method. We designed a nonclassroom intervention that instructed introductory biology college students in a drawing method, minute sketches in folded lists (MSFL), and allowed them to self-assess their recall and problem solving, first in a simple recall task involving non-European alphabets and later using unfamiliar biology content. In two preliminary ex situ experiments, students had greater recall on the simple learning task, non-European alphabets with associated phonetic sounds, using MSFL in comparison with a preferred method, visual review (VR). In the intervention, students studying using MSFL and VR had ∼50–80% greater recall of content studied with MSFL and, in a subset of trials, better performance on problem-solving tasks on biology content. Eight months after beginning the intervention, participants had shifted self-reported use of drawing from 2% to 20% of study time. For a small subset of participants, MSFL had become a preferred study method, and 70% of participants reported continued use of MSFL. This brief, low-cost intervention resulted in enduring changes in study behavior.
Elastic full-waveform inversion for surface topography
Authors: Qu Yingming , Li Zhenchun , Huang Jianping , Li Jinli , Guan Zhe
Published: May 2017

Elastic full-waveform inversion (EFWI) attempts to find high-resolution model parameters that are able to match observed data exactly by minimizing residuals between the observed and predicted data. However, irregular surface topography can generate problematic EFWI results. To resolve this issue, an EFWI method in the curvilinear system is presented to invert velocities for areas with surface topography. This method meshes the regions near the surface topography into body-fitted grids, and areas off surface regions into rectangular grids. We derived the gradient formulas with respect to multiple parameters in the curvilinear system and developed a step-search method to calculate the corresponding step lengths. Wiener filtering is performed on a multiscale decomposition method to invert the velocity from a low to a high wavenumber. Error analysis, using a homogeneous model with a surface topography, demonstrates the accuracy and validity of our methods. Numerical experiments with an elastic hill gully surface topography model reveal that the results obtained from our method are comparable with those of the body-fitted grid method, with the notable exception of a shortened computation time for the generation of grids and simulating wavefields. The inverted results with a modified elastic Marmousi model indicate that the inverted parameters are very well-resolved after implementing the proposed EFWI on the surface topography. The sensitivity analyzes of heterogeneous near-surface media, stochastic noise, and starting velocity errors further reveal that our method has the capability of handling complex land data.
Well ties for seismic with severe stratigraphic filtering
Authors: Qi Chen , Hilterman Fred
Published: May 2017

Stratigraphic filtering (SF), or short-period multiples, is prominent in cyclically stratified sedimentation with large impedance contrasts that result in normal-incident reflection magnitudes greater than 0.5. Because SF attenuates and delays the propagating wavelet, similar to the effects of [Formula: see text] attenuation, the integrity of well ties is often jeopardized. A method is proposed to obtain better well ties in areas with severe SF. Starting with a well-log acoustic impedance curve, two-way transmitted wavefields and their equivalent inverse filters are generated at each time sample. Because a time-varying convolution of the transmitted wavefields with the primary-only reflectivity yields the multiple reflectivity, a time-varying deconvolution of the multiple synthetic with the inverse filters yields the primary-only reflectivity. In essence, when the multiple synthetic matches the near-angle stack at a well location, the near-angle stack is deconvolved in a time-varying fashion to match the primary-only synthetic, which then constitutes a correlation with the acoustic impedance yielding a good well tie. This new well-tie technique preserves the integrity of the lithologic interpretation because stretching and squeezing the time scale of the primary-only synthetic to force a seismic match are avoided. Our well-tie method is applied to the synthetic and field data from Cooper Basin, Australia, where more than 30 coal beds are observed within a 1000 ft (304 m) interval.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor SAHA Is a Promising Treatment of Cushing Disease
Authors: Lu Jie , Chatain Grégoire P , Bugarini Alejandro , Wang Xiang , Maric Dragan , Walbridge Stuart , Zhuang Zhengping , Chittiboina Prashant
Published: May 2017

Context

Remission failure following transsphenoidal surgery in Cushing disease (CD) from pituitary corticotroph tumors (CtTs) remains clinically challenging. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are antitumor drugs approved for clinical use, with the potential to affect adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) hypersecretion by inhibiting pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) transcription.

Objective

Testing the efficacy of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) on human and murine ACTH-secreting tumor (AtT-20) cells.

Design

Cell viability, ACTH secretion (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), apoptosis, and gene expression profile were investigated on AtT-20 cells. In vivo efficacy was examined in an athymic nude mouse AtT-20 xenograft model. SAHA efficacy against human-derived corticotroph tumor (hCtT) (n = 8) was tested in vitro.

Setting

National Institutes of Health.

Intervention

SAHA (0.5 to 8 µM).

Main Outcome Measures

AtT-20 and hCtT cell survival, in vitro/invivo ACTH measurements.

Results

SAHA (1 µM) reduced AtT-20 viability to 75% at 24 hours, 43% at 48 hours (analysis of variance; P = 0.002). Apoptosis was confirmed with elevated BAX/Bcl2 ratio and FACS. Intriguingly, early (3-hour) significant decline (70%; P < 0.0001) of secreted ACTH and diminished POMC transcription was observed with SAHA (1 µM). Microarray analysis revealed a direct association between liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) and POMC expression. Accordingly, SAHA reduced LXRα in AtT-20 cells but not in normal murine corticotrophs. Xenografted nude-mice tumor involution (126 ± 33/160 ± 35 vs 337 ± 49 mm3; P = 0.0005) was observed with 5-day intraperitoneal SAHA, with reversal of elevated ACTH (P < 0.0001). SAHA did not affect serum ACTH in nontumor mice. Lastly, we confirmed that SAHA (1 µM/24 h) decreased hCtT survival (78.92%; P = 0.0007) and ACTH secretion (83.64%; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate SAHA’s efficacy in reducing survival and ACTH secretion in AtT-20 and hCtT cells, providing a potential intervention for recurrent/unremitting CD.
High-throughput and site-specific identification of 2′-O-methylation sites using ribose oxidation sequencing (RibOxi-seq)
Authors: Zhu Yinzhou , Pirnie Stephan P. , Carmichael Gordon G.
Published: May 2017

Ribose methylation (2′-O-methylation, 2′-OMe) occurs at high frequencies in rRNAs and other small RNAs and is carried out using a shared mechanism across eukaryotes and archaea. As RNA modifications are important for ribosome maturation, and alterations in these modifications are associated with cellular defects and diseases, it is important to characterize the landscape of 2′-O-methylation. Here we report the development of a highly sensitive and accurate method for ribose methylation detection using next-generation sequencing. A key feature of this method is the generation of RNA fragments with random 3′-ends, followed by periodate oxidation of all molecules terminating in 2′,3′-OH groups. This allows only RNAs harboring 2′-OMe groups at their 3′-ends to be sequenced. Although currently requiring microgram amounts of starting material, this method is robust for the analysis of rRNAs even at low sequencing depth.
Lagrangian Heuristics for Large-Scale Dynamic Facility Location with Generalized Modular Capacities
Authors: Jena Sanjay Dominik , Cordeau Jean-François , Gendron Bernard
Published: May 2017

We consider the dynamic facility location problem with generalized modular capacities, a multiperiod facility location problem in which the costs for capacity changes may differ for all pairs of capacity levels. The problem embeds a complex cost structure and generalizes several existing facility location problems, such as those that allow temporary facility closing or capacity expansion and reduction. As the model may become very large, general-purpose mixed-integer programming (MIP) solvers are limited to solving instances of small to medium size. In this paper, we extend the generalized model to the case of multiple commodities. We propose Lagrangian heuristics, based on subgradient and bundle methods, to find good quality solutions for large-scale instances with up to 250 facility locations and 1,000 customers. To improve the final solution quality, a restricted MIP model is solved based on the information collected through the solution of the Lagrangian dual. Computational results show that the Lagrangian-based heuristics provide highly reliable results for all problem variants considered. They produce good quality solutions in short computing times even for instances where state-of-the-art MIP solvers do not find feasible solutions. The strength of the formulation also allows the method to provide tight bounds on the optimal value.

Data and the online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2016.0738 .
Imaging in peri-prosthetic assessment: an orthopaedic perspective
Authors: Lohmann Christoph H. , Rampal Sanjiv , Lohrengel Martin , Singh Gurpal
Published: May 2017

As imaging techniques are ever-evolving, this article aims to provide a brief overview of the various modalities including their limitations. The ability of imaging for evaluation of implant osseo-integration will be addressed and also the role of imaging in assessing septic and aseptic loosening, with a particular focus on adverse tissue reactions, will be discussed. Specific features when imaging the big joints such as shoulder, hip, knee and ankle joint will also be outlined. Overall, a lack of standardisation and validity was noted and despite the gross variety of imaging modalities, there is no technique covering all aspects required for evaluation of implant fixation and septic and aseptic loosening. Each imaging modality has a role, depending on the information required and anticipated. The choice of imaging technique should not be primarily based on medical considerations but also on availability, accessibility, expertise and costs. Plain radiographs alone have been recommended in cases of suspected peri-prosthetic joint infections, given the lack of evidence for additional imaging techniques in this context. For aseptic loosening, ultrasound and plain radiographs may serve as initial screening tools. Metal artefact reducing sequences (MARS) MRI are advancing cross-sectional imaging and are likely to promote their role in patient evaluation. We conclude that imaging is one essential part in the work-up of patients with total joint replacements, within a specific clinical context. Close teamwork between experienced radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons is required for optimal patient care.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160058. Originally published online at www.efortopenreviews.org
Fast track in hip arthroplasty
Authors: Hansen Torben Bæk
Published: May 2017

‘Fast-track’ surgery was introduced more than 20 years ago and may be defined as a co-ordinated peri-operative approach aimed at reducing surgical stress and facilitating post-operative recovery. The fast-track programmes have now been introduced into total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery with reduction in post-operative length of stay, shorter convalescence and rapid functional recovery without increased morbidity and mortality. This has been achieved by focusing on a multidisciplinary collaboration and establishing ‘fast-track’ units, with a well-defined organisational set-up tailored to deliver an accelerated peri-operative course of fast-track surgical THA procedures. Fast-track THA surgery now works extremely well in the standard THA patient. However, all patients are different and fine-tuning of the multiple areas in fast-track pathways to get patients with special needs or high co-morbidity burden through a safe and effective fast-track THA pathway is important. In this narrative review, the principles of fast-track THA surgery are presented together with the present status of implementation and perspectives for further improvements.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160060. Originally published online at www.efortopenreviews.org
Acromion and glenoid shape: Why are they important predictive factors for the future of our shoulders?
Authors: Nyffeler Richard W. , Meyer Dominik C.
Published: May 2017

The shape of the acromion differs between patients with degenerative rotator cuff tears and individuals without rotator cuff pathology. It can be assessed in the sagittal plane (acromion type, acromion slope) and in the coronal plane (lateral acromion angle, acromion index, critical shoulder angle). The inter-observer reliability is better for the measurements in the coronal plane. A large lateral extension (high acromion index or high critical shoulder angle) and a lateral down-sloping of the acromion (low lateral acromion angle) are associated with full-thickness supraspinatus tears. The significance of glenoid inclination for rotator cuff disease is less clear. The postulated patho-mechanism is the compression of the supraspinatus tendon between the humeral head and the acromion. Bursal side tears might be caused by friction and abrasion of the tendon. Articular side tears could be due to impairment of the gliding mechanism between tendon fibrils leading to local stress concentration. Further research is needed to understand the exact pathomechanism of tendon degeneration and tear.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160076. Originally published online at www.efortopenreviews.org
Pakistan-India Equation: Determinants, Dynamics and the Outlook
Authors: Waqar-un-Nisa
Published: May 2017

Though it has been a longtime since 1947, both Pakistan and India couldn't steer the trajectory of their relations in the right direction. Even in the twenty first Century, this relationship is, by and large, determined through the prism of history. The nuclearization of South Asia, triggered by India and the strategic arms race alongside perpetual state of conflict, have aggravated the threat of war that may no more remain limited or restricted to convectional arsenal; but has strong indicators of escalation of any future conflict to nuclear plane, leading to Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD.) The assumption that economic interdependence can lead to normalization of relations, has failed in this particular case. The determinants and dynamics of bilateral relations, holdout that normalization of relations is a complex phenomenon intricately embedded in the resolution of the core disputes. Be it the domain of military and strategic relationship, or either political or economic dimension, there has been no substantial improvement. The resolution of the core disputes including Kashmir is the key to the betterment of relations, which remains as an unfulfilled agenda in the United Nations. Bilateralism has failed so far, and there is a dire need for a sustainable conflict resolution mechanism assisted by third party mediation in order to restraint the region from arm race and the threat of nuclear war, and to ensure a prosperous and peaceful future for South Asia.
Pak-Afghan Ties: Evolution, Challenges and the Way Forward
Authors: Mairaj-ul-Hamid
Published: May 2017

Pakistan and Afghanistan are often bracketed as brother nations, having deep rooted historical links, traditional affinity, striking social fabric similarity, shared religious identity, ethno-cultural bondage, and strategic partnerships, all dating back to pre-partition Indian subcontinent era. Nevertheless, in the post-partition regional dynamics and legacy of issues between the British Raj and Afghanistan, bilateral relations between the two have been wavy, marked by ups and downs; yet the affinity and warmth at people-to-people level have remained generally cordial if not idyllic. After 9/11, US-led international coalition invaded Afghanistan; it overthrew the Taliban government and since then the political face of Afghanistan has been managed through overt coercion and covert machinations. The conflict of interest between the people of Afghanistan and foreign installed Afghan governments is the cause of current mass resentment leading to armed resistance; led by Afghan Taliban. The ensuing trouble casts its shadow on Pakistan in the form of inflow of unarmed benign refugees as well as militants alongside arms, drug and human trafficking. Afghan government has brushed aside many meaningful border management proposals from Pakistan. Post 9/11 bilateral relations have been revolving around serious distrust, blame game, refugee crisis, cross border violation leading to an environment of low intensity hostility towards each other. This paper summarizes the profile of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, identifies the challenges, envisages the prospects and proposes ways for narrowing the gap between existing and desired format of relationship.
Pak-Iran Relations: Evolving Dynamics, Prospects and Approaches
Authors: Kulsoom Belal
Published: May 2017

Depending on how Trump administration adjusts to the nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1, the strategic landscape of Iran could either transform dramatically or slide back to pre-deal status quo ante. Traditionally, Iran aspires for a wider regional role to enhance its stature and assume a regional leadership position. As international politics becomes more complex and interlinked, a resurging Iran, reaching to the outer world, has implications for Pakistan. Critically speaking, Pakistan's relations with Iran are unique in the sense that these could neither be described as strategic partnership nor strategic rivalry; rather the relations have been alternating between strong friendship and competition. Thus, it is important to study and extrapolate Iran and Pakistan relations and also how this relationship could serve the long-term interests of each other in the region. The paper juxtaposes Pakistan-Iran relations in the changing regional balance of power. It looks at Pakistan-Iran relations from two angles: history of the bilateral relations; present issues and concerns that could have an impact on the future contours of the relations; and makes plausible policy recommendations for strengthening bilateral ties.
Prostitution in (and out of) policy on violence against women and girls in the UK
Authors: Coy Maddy
Published: May 2017

The extent to which prostitution is addressed in Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) policy in the UK varies by nation, region and local area. Current Westminster government policy frames prostitution in terms of associated harm and exploitation, not as harm and exploitation, in sharp contrast to Scotland and some local areas. This short article extends Liz Kelly's (1988) continuum of violence against women to prostitution, drawing on definitions of VAWG, research evidence on harms and conceptual links between men's abusive practices. For policy, this means a re-orientation towards specialist support for women, including to leave prostitution, and seeking to end demand. There are also opportunities for Westminster government policy to create consistency in VAWG prevention work and sexual exploitation of children through a more coherent analysis of gendered violations and violences. While the focus is on UK policy, the case for including prostitution in strategic approaches to VAWG will have wider resonance.
In search of justice and care: how women survivors of violence navigate the Indian criminal justice system
Authors: Dave Anjali , Ajgaonkar Vinita , Pradhan Yashoda , Chakraborty Radhika M
Published: May 2017

The conversation around Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, a provision that addresses marital cruelty, is saturated with the discourse of ‘misuse’, and the belief that it is the province of ‘scheming wives’ making ‘false allegations’. However, not all cases filed under Section 498A reach the courtroom at all. Before cases go to trial, the police conduct an investigation, and may close the case if it is found to be ‘false’ or the result of a ‘misunderstanding’. This paper explores the trajectory of such cases through interviews with women and stakeholders, and analysis of police reports. It was found that women approach lawyers and the police when they are facing violence they are unable to tolerate, to leverage police intervention. Laywers direct them to Section 498A to leverage the pressure of arrest. Women agree to close the case once some degree of ‘compromise’ has been effected by the police. The number of these ‘false’ cases paradoxically feeds the discourse of misuse, and judicial reluctance to convict. Women continue to turn to the state for support in ending violence. There is thus an urgent need for a vastly improved network of social services and better connections between multiple women-centric laws.
Gertrude Savile’s green damask: A case study of clothing reuse and alteration in eighteenth-century England
Authors: Dowdell Carolyn
Published: May 2017

In February 1745, English gentlewoman Gertrude Savile paid the large sum of almost 24 pounds (not including labour) for a gold-trimmed green damask sack dress with matching petticoat. The opulence of these materials and their high cost would have made for a rich, formal ensemble. Despite regular acquisitions of other fine textiles and clothes, the green damask reappeared in Savile’s account books numerous times over the ensuing decade. Thanks to her meticulous account-keeping, we find that Savile’s gown was retrimmed and made over multiple times and that leftover materials were used to fashion additional items such as pairs of shoes. The obvious motive behind these activities is thrift; however, by the time the green damask entered her life, she was a woman of significant independent means. And from the loose narrative, or lifestory, of this ensemble, several additional thematic threads may be teased: the practical interaction between women and fashion during the eighteenth century; the changing functions and status of garments within an individual’s wardrobe; aspects of personal taste and attachment to garments and even relationships and marks of affection between women.