bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative T2-mapping using MRI for detection of prostate malignancy: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lee Chau Hung
Published: January 2019

Quantitative T2-mapping using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows measurement of tissue T2-relaxation times to complement anatomical and spatial information derived from T2-weighted imaging. Studies have shown varying T2-relaxation times between prostate malignancy and non-malignant prostatic tissue. This paper aims to critically review the literature in a systematic review, to determine the usefulness of T2-mapping in the evaluation of prostate malignancy. A literature search of PubMed and Embase databases was performed. There were 17 studies, up to 31 June 2018, that measured T2-relaxation times of prostate cancer and non-malignant prostatic tissue. Data reviewed from each study included: number of patients and regions of interest evaluated; patient age; study design; T2-mapping technique utilized; reported T2-relaxation values; method of data analysis; method of “ground-truth” assessment; and reported limitations. The T2-relaxation times of prostate cancer and non-malignant prostatic tissue were compared. The T2-relaxation times in the transition zone (TZ) are generally lower than the peripheral zone (PZ). The T2-relaxation times in prostate malignancy are significantly lower than normal PZ in all the studies that performed a statistical comparison. In three out of four studies that performed a statistical comparison, there was no significant difference in the T2-relaxation times between prostate malignancy and non-malignant TZ. T2-mapping appears useful in identifying prostate malignancy in the peripheral zone but is unable to reliably distinguish prostate malignancy and non-malignant transition zone. Further studies are recommended to determine if T2-mapping can improve diagnostic accuracy when used in conjunction with multiparametric MRI for detection of prostate malignancy.
An unresolved issue: The relationship between spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and 24-hour proteinuria
Authors: Akin Davut , Ozmen Sehmus
Published: January 2019

Objective

To investigate the relationship between spot urine protein-to-creatinine (sP/Cr) ratio and 24-h protein excretion in patients with different diagnoses.

Methods

This retrospective study analysed data from the medical records of patients admitted for24-h proteinuria determination who also had sP/Cr ratio data for the same day.

Results

A total of 1222 urine samples obtained from 694 adult outpatients were analysed. The mean ± SD age of the patients was 53.6 ± 15.9 years. The mean ± SD 24-h proteinuria and sP/Cr were 1.7 ± 2.4 g/day and 1.8 ± 2.4, respectively. The correlation between the sP/Cr and 24-h protein excretion was high (R2 = 0.89). The sP/Cr ratio accounted for 72% of the variability in 24-h proteinuria in the entire study population. Areas under the curve for 24-h proteinuria at 0.3 g/day, 1.0 g/day and 3.0 g/day were 0.940, 0.966, and 0.949, respectively. The mean + 2SD limits of agreement were between +2.99 and –2.73 g/day according to the Bland Altman analysis.

Conclusion

This current study found a clinically unacceptable deviation between 24-h proteinuria and sP/Cr ratio. Therefore, the sP/Cr ratio cannot replace 24-h proteinuria. A new method using spot urine protein and creatinine values that is able to minimize under or over estimation is still warranted.
TRAIL inhibits platelet-induced colorectal cancer cell invasion
Authors: Wu Li-Sha , Wang Xiao-Wei , He Wen , Ma Xiao-Ting , Wang Hai-Yue , Han Mei , Li Bing-Hui
Published: January 2019

Objective

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a pro-apoptotic ligand that activates the extrinsic apoptosis pathway of cell death receptors. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between TRAIL and platelet-induced tumor metastasis in colorectal cancer.

Methods

Platelet P-selectin (CD62P) was measured by immunohistochemistry in tumor and adjacent normal tissues from 90 patients with colorectal cancer undergoing resection. Tumor cell invasion was assessed by transwell assay in the presence of platelets with or without TRAIL. The expression of TRAIL receptors DR4 and DR5 on platelets was assessed by flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting.

Results

P-selectin (CD62P) expression was significantly increased in tumor tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. High CD62P expression was significantly correlated with tumor stage and vascular invasion. Tumor cell migration was increased by coculture with platelets, but this effect was inhibited by TRAIL. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 secretion was significantly reduced in TRAIL-treated platelets. The TRAIL receptor DR5 but not DR4 was expressed in platelets according to flow cytometry.

Conclusions

TRAIL could inhibit metastasis and colon cancer cell invasion by promoting platelet apoptosis and reducing the release of TGF-β1.
The role of retrospectively perceived parenting style and adult attachment behaviour in music performance anxiety
Authors: Wiedemann Anna , Vogel Daniel , Voss Catharina , Nusseck Manfred , Hoyer Jana
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to examine the extent to which music performance anxiety relates to retrospectively perceived parenting style and adult attachment behaviour. Participants were 82 music students ( Mage = 23.5 years, SD = 3.4) with the majority being vocal (30.5%), string (24.4%) or piano (19.5%) students each with about 20 performance opportunities per year. Music performance anxiety was assessed using the German version of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory. Parenting style was measured by retrospective self-report using the German version of the Measure of Parenting Style, adult attachment behaviour by the Relationship Questionnaire based on Bartholomew’s four-category model. Furthermore, general anxiety-related symptoms were assessed by the Severity Measure for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Canonical and partial canonical correlation analyses were used to measure the dependence between multi-dimensional constructs: Both parenting style and adult attachment behaviour were related to music performance anxiety as measured by a performance-related sub-scale of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory ( r = 0.45, p = 0.01 and r = 0.37, p = 0.02, respectively). The partial canonical correlation analysis, however, showed no significant relations between music performance anxiety and parenting styles or adult attachment behaviour. A strong link of music performance anxiety and generalised anxiety was found in all analyses. This study expands on more theoretical research in this area and provides first empirical insight into this complex multi-dimensional relationship.
Effect of processing fluency on metamemory for written music in piano players
Authors: Schwartz Bennett L , Peynircioğlu Zehra F , Tatz Joshua R
Published: January 2019

We examined the effects of processing fluency on metamemory for written music. In Experiment 1, piano players studied short sequences notated in either treble or bass clef by playing them on a silent keyboard with either their left or right hand, creating a congruent (fluent) and an incongruent (dysfluent) condition (hand/clef match or mismatch, respectively). A subsequent recognition test accompanied by confidence ratings (CRs) gauged retrospective metamemory. Items in the congruent conditions were recognized better (a desirable-difficulty effect), but CRs showed that participants were unaware of this memory difference. In Experiment 2, judgments of learning (JOLs) followed each studied sequence to gauge prospective metamemory. JOLs were higher in the congruent condition, although recognition was unaffected. In Experiment 3, whether the music was fingered on the silent keyboard or not did not influence results. These data are discussed within the framework of metacognitive theories that emphasize the importance of processing fluency.
Beyond capitalist enclosure, commodification and alienation: Postcapitalist praxis as commons, social production and useful doing
Authors: Chatterton Paul , Pusey Andre
Published: January 2019

This paper aims to further a geographical agenda through the concept of postcapitalism. We outline its contours across three terrains of transformation between capitalism and postcapitalism: creating commons against enclosure, socially useful production that counters commodification, and joyful doing that negates alienated work. Secondly, we explore how postcapitalism is mobilised with different inflections through three contemporary debates: community economies, post-work and autonomous perspectives. We then illuminate how one area of social practice (platform cooperatives) resonates with postcapitalist terrains and debates. We conclude by exploring the, as yet unclear and partially formed, social and spatial landscape of postcapitalism.
SimPower-based analysis and design of a hybrid wind–diesel-superconducting magnetic energy storage system for simultaneous frequency and voltage control
Authors: Abass Aaqib Ali , Mufti Mairaj Ud-Din
Published: January 2019

Power quality control in a stand-alone power system is a demanding task. For satisfactory operation, such systems are being augmented with fast-acting energy storage devices. In this article, a stand-alone wind–diesel system augmented with a small-rating superconducting magnetic energy storage system is considered for both reactive and real power balance. Suitable controllers are proposed which force the superconducting magnetic energy storage system to exchange both reactive and real power with the system under various perturbations. A simulation platform is developed in SimPower to virtually validate the system model and control design aspects. Superconducting magnetic energy storage system and its power electronic interface are represented by average value models and the various controller parameters are tuned using Genetic Algorithm. Simulation results show that both voltage and frequency of the system are improved.
The effects of a multispecies probiotic supplement on inflammatory markers and episodic and chronic migraine characteristics: A randomized double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Martami Fahimeh , Togha Mansoureh , Seifishahpar Maryam , Ghorbani Zeinab , Ansari Hossein , Karimi Tahereh , Jahromi Soodeh Razeghi
Published: January 2019

Background

The current study was designed to assess the effect of supplementation with a 14-strain probiotic mixture on episodic and chronic migraine characteristics.

Methods

Forty episodic and 39 chronic migraine patients who completed this randomized double-blind controlled trial received two capsules of multispecies probiotic or placebo. The migraine severity was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). The number of abortive drugs consumed, migraine days, frequency and duration of attacks were recorded on paper-based headache diaries. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and C- reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured at baseline and the end of the intervention.

Results

After a 10-week intervention, among episodic migraineurs the mean frequency of migraine attacks significantly reduced in the probiotic group compare to the placebo group (mean change: −2.64 vs. 0.06; respectively, p < 0.001). A significant reduction was also evident in the migraine severity (mean decrease: −2.14 in the probiotic group and 0.11 in the placebo group; p < 0.001). Episodic migraineurs who received the probiotic also showed significant reduction in abortive drug usage per week (mean change: −0.72; p < 0.001) compare to baseline, while there was no significant changes within the placebo group. In chronic migraine patients, after an 8-week intervention, the mean frequency of migraine attacks significantly reduced in the probiotic compared to the placebo group (mean change: −9.67 vs. −0.22; p ≤ 0.001). In contrast to the placebo, probiotic supplementation significantly decreased the severity (mean changes: −2.69; p ≤ 0.001), duration (mean changes: −0.59; p ≤ 0.034) of attacks and the number of abortive drugs taken per day (mean changes: −1.02; p < 0.001), in chronic migraine patients. We failed to detect any significant differences in the serum levels of inflammatory markers at the end of the study either in chronic or in episodic migraineurs.

Discussion

The results of this study showed that the 14-strain probiotic mixture could be an effective and beneficial supplement to improve migraine headache in both chronic and episodic migraineurs. Further research is required to confirm our observations.
High-Definition Field Texture Measurements for Predicting Pavement Friction
Authors: Zuniga-Garcia Natalia , Prozzi Jorge A.
Published: January 2019

Monitoring and managing skid resistance properties are crucial activities to reduce the number of highway accidents and fatalities. However, current methodologies to measure pavement surface friction present several disadvantages that make them impractical. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate alternative methods to estimate friction. The principal objective of this study was to develop friction models based on pavement texture. We implemented a Line Laser Scanner (LLS) to obtain an improved characterization of the pavement texture which includes macrotexture and incorporates microtexture description using eight different parameters. Field measurements of friction and texture were collected around Texas using the British Pendulum Test (BPT), the Dynamic Friction Test (DFT), the micro-GripTester, and the LLS. The experimental results showed that there is not a unique relationship between texture and friction; though strong and statistically significant, the relationship is different for each type of pavement surface. Thus, regression analysis pooling all data cannot be utilized to quantify this relationship. For this reason, we applied a panel data analysis approach that allows the incorporation of the type of surface and provides a more robust analysis. The results indicate that the prediction of friction is significantly improved when incorporating information from both macrotexture and microtexture into the prediction model. Therefore, a measure of microtexture should be included into friction models based on texture. In addition, the study of different texture parameters suggests that the mean profile depth (MPD) is the most significant parameter for macrotexture and for microtexture to explain the distinct friction measures.
An Approach to Characterize the Wearability of Concrete Pavement Surface Treatments
Authors: Abou Sleiman Carl N. , Shi Xijun , Zollinger Dan G.
Published: January 2019

For a concrete pavement, the permeation specifications for the surface have a crucial influence on its durability. In this accelerated laboratory research, a surface treatment that combines lithium silicate chemistry with a reactive silicon catalyst was tested to typify the product longevity under traffic and against salt scaling. River gravel and limestone aggregates were used in two different mixture designs. Abrasion testing was conducted according to ASTM standards in which mass loss was recorded at different time intervals. A modification was employed using a diluted deicer simulated by 4 wt.% CaCl2 solution during 15 cycles of freeze/thaw testing. A model was proposed to relate the abrasion efficiency against load cycles of a treated surface to represent the longevity of a concrete pavement. Based on the abrasion coefficient and the texture wavelength of the pavement, it is shown that the life cycle under abrasion of a concrete pavement can be modeled. During the experimental procedures, the untreated concrete specimens were used as the control sample. Results from the abrasion and freeze/thaw testing of treated specimens indicated a lower level of cumulative loss damage, which confirms the benefits of using such products to extend the service life of a concrete pavement surface. The results of modeling indicated an increase of 14% of the ultimate load application to failure for the treated specimens, which indicates an increase in longevity of the pavement. Moreover, when exposed to freeze/thaw cycles, a limestone concrete showed less damage compared with the river gravel concrete mixture.
Optimizing the Performance of Microsurfacing Treatments in Flexible Pavements and Assessing Its Effects on Moisture Damage
Authors: Bashar Mohammad Z. , Elseifi Mostafa A. , Mousa Momen R. , Zhang Zhongjie , Gaspard Kevin
Published: January 2019

Louisiana’s $6.3 million microsurfacing program is amongst the largest microsurfacing programs in the United States. As microsurfacing seals the road surface, the effectiveness of this treatment in such a setting has been a concern in recent years by linking it to moisture damage caused by the trapped moisture underneath the pavement especially in areas with shallow groundwater table. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness and optimal timing of microsurfacing applications are also not well established for the south-central United States. The objective of this study was to assess the short-term and long-term effects of microsurfacing treatments and to evaluate whether microsurfacing is a major contributor to moisture damage. Field performance of 27 sections where microsurfacing treatments were applied between 2003 and 2008 was monitored for at least eight years. Results indicated that microsurfacing is most effective in addressing rutting damage as compared with the other performance indicators. Microsurfacing extended the service life of the pavements by 4.9–8.8 years. The effectiveness of microsurfacing was found to be optimum when applied to pavements with pre-treatment conditions ranging from 80 to 85. Results of this study also showed that microsurfacing-treated sections exhibited higher percentage of moisture damage as compared with the untreated sections in all the districts. Therefore, an in-depth assessment of the effects of microsurfacing on moisture damage in asphalt pavements is recommended.
Major League Baseball Pitching Performance After Tommy John Surgery and the Effect of Tear Characteristics, Technique, and Graft Type
Authors: Marshall Nathan E. , Keller Robert , Limpisvasti Orr , Schulz Brian , ElAttrache Neal
Published: January 2019

Background:

Return to play and player satisfaction have been quite high after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR); however, there has been little reported on how outcomes are affected by surgical technique, graft type, and tear characteristics.

Purpose:

To evaluate surgical techniques, graft type, and tear characteristics on Major League Baseball (MLB) performance after UCLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

MLB pitchers who underwent primary UCLR at a single institution were included. Tear characteristics included tear location, tear grade, and acuity. Surgical technique and graft type were also collected. Pitching performance statistics, including earned run average (ERA), walks and hits per innings pitched (WHIP), innings pitched, and fastball velocity were evaluated 3 years before and after UCLR.

Results:

Forty-six MLB pitchers were identified as having primary UCLR. Return to play was 96%, with 82% returning to MLB play. Technique performed showed no difference in performance. As compared with pitchers with gracilis grafts, pitchers with palmaris grafts were younger ( P = .043), played longer after surgery ( P = .012), and returned to play at 100% (35 of 35) versus 82% (9 of 11, P = .010). When compared with pitchers with proximal tears, pitchers with distal tears pitched at higher velocity (93.0 vs 90.6 mph, P = .023) and had better performance before surgery (ERA, P = .003; WHIP, P = .021); however, those with proximal tears improved to match this performance and velocity after reconstruction. As compared with those having partial tears, pitchers with complete tears played longer after surgery (5.9 vs 4.0 years, P = .033), had a better ERA before injury ( P = .041), and had better WHIP ( P = .037) and strikeouts per 9 innings ( P = .025) after reconstruction. Pitchers with chronic tears had a significant improvement in postoperative ERA, from 4.49 to 3.80 ( P = .040).

Conclusion:

Technique performed and graft type used did not affect performance; however, pitchers with palmaris grafts returned at a higher rate than those with gracilis grafts. Distal tears occurred in pitchers with greater velocity and better performance before injury, yet pitchers with proximal tears matched this performance after reconstruction. Pitchers with complete tears played longer after reconstruction. Pitchers who had partial tears had worse performance before injury and after reconstruction, and those with chronic tears saw a significant improvement in ERA with reconstruction.
Water+shed: A 20-year survey of artwork on the Murray Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Fettling Neil
Published: January 2019

The Murray Darling Basin is the primary watershed of the Australian continent. It is central to the national imaginary as both major food bowl and natural resource. Two hundred years of unsustainable pastoral and farming practices are threatening its ecological future and with it the nation-state’s industrial agricultural economic base. I am a visual artist who works in multiple media. For most of my career I have been living and working in this region. A major component of my intellectual and artistic expression has been expended in a critical and aesthetic response to this watershed. The artworks documented in this essay were part of a 20-year (1989–2009) survey exhibition of my mediations and responses to the crisis of water allocation in the Murray Darling Basin.
Parental Conflict and Problematic Internet Use in Chinese Adolescents: Testing a Moderated Mediation Model of Adolescents’ Effortful Control and Emotional Dysregulation
Authors: Qi Wanxue
Published: January 2019

This study analyzed the association between parental conflict and adolescents’ problematic Internet use (PIU), especially the mediating role of adolescent emotional dysregulation and the moderating role of adolescents’ effortful control. About 870 middle school students participated in this survey, reporting on their perceived parental conflict, their own emotional dysregulation, effortful control, and PIU. The results demonstrated that the association between parental conflict and adolescent PIU was completely mediated by adolescent emotional dysregulation. Adolescent effortful control was found to moderate the indirect relation of parental conflict to adolescent PIU, with parental conflict more strongly associated with PIU for adolescents with lower levels of effortful control. Our findings add to the extant insights on how parental conflict could contribute to adolescent PIU.
Predicting Recidivism Among Defendants in an Expedited Domestic Violence Court
Authors: Collins Angela M. , Bouffard Leana A. , Wilkes Nicole
Published: January 2019

Specialized domestic violence courts are presumed to be more effective than general case processing in understanding and addressing the unique issues associated with this crime type, which should lead to reduced recidivism among offenders. Research, however, is less clear about whether and how domestic violence courts reduce recidivism. This study analyzes data from a misdemeanor, expedited domestic violence court in southeast Texas to assess whether defendant characteristics and court processing characteristics influence recidivism among offenders processed through the specialty docket. Results indicate that case processing time was a significant predictor of rearrest for domestic violence. Offenders who had a prior domestic violence arrest were twice as likely to have a subsequent domestic violence arrest. Offenders who received a jail sentence were significantly more likely to have a subsequent domestic violence arrest. Policy implications and future research needs are also discussed.
Why No Nonprofits? State, Market, and the Strive for Universalism in Swedish Elder Care
Authors: Blomqvist Paula , Winblad Ulrika
Published: January 2019

Elder care is one of the sectors where nonprofit organizations are most active. One exception is the Scandinavian countries, where the nonprofit sector plays a marginal role in this area. In the article, we ask why this is the case. The findings show that in Sweden, nonprofit organizations have found it hard to compete with for-profits and that this inability to compete, in turn, reflects their relative organizational weakness. A main argument in the article is that this weakness must be understood in the context of the historical development of the modern elder care system in Sweden, where social democratic reformers in the 1940s chose to create a universal public system for providing services to the elderly, thereby making the nonprofit sector redundant. Universalism in this interpretation was seen as incompatible with service delivery by private organizations, a view that has come to change in recent years.
Sensitivity analysis and Taguchi optimization procedure for a single-shoe drum brake
Authors: Khafaji Salwan Obaid Waheed , Manring Noah
Published: January 2019

Drum brakes have dominated the braking industry for many years and will most likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future due to their low cost and adequate operating performance. Basic equations for conventional brake are presented, while complicated analysis has been published using finite element methods to predict brake squeal and instability. This paper seeks to step away from the complexity of numerical models to consider the fundamental braking phenomenon of a single-shoe drum brake, using nondimensional, closed-form analysis and a Taylor series expansion to examine the effects of perturbing dimensionless design parameters. In addition, an optimal design for the conventional brake is achieved using Taguchi method. In conclusion, this paper shows that the braking torque is dependent upon only four dimensionless groups, and that two of these groups dominate the physics of braking. Furthermore, it is shown that adjustments to these two dominating groups have a direct impact on the contact pressure between that shoe material and the brake drum, and that this pressure must be kept below the yield strength of the braking material in order to prevent a mechanical failure of the brake. Since the results are nondimensional, they are generally applicable to all single-shoe drum brakes having a design with mechanical features that are similar to the one analyzed in this paper. There is very good agreement between the results of both Taguchi and sensitivity regarding the significance and insignificance of the design parameters.
Evaluation of the BD MAX™ Vaginal Panel for the detection of vaginal infections in a sexual health service in the UK
Authors: Sherrard Jackie
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study is to compare the performance of the BD MAX™ Vaginal Panel (Becton, Dickinson and company, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV), candidiasis and trichomoniasis with current standard tests in a UK specialist sexual health service. Women with abnormal vaginal discharge attending the service who had not used douches or vaginal treatment in the preceding 48 hours had two vulvovaginal swabs taken: one for Chlamydia and gonorrhoea nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) and one for testing on the BD MAX™ Vaginal Panel on the BD MAX System. Speculum examination was then performed and vaginal swabs taken for vaginal pH, and microscopy of vaginal secretions: Gram stain for Candida and BV using the Hay–Ison score and wet-mount for clue cells and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Forty-six (23.6%) women were negative for all three infections on the Vaginal Panel. Ninety-three were positive for BV (47.7%), 70 (35.9%) for Candida and 9 (4.6%) had TV detected. Thirty-six women tested positive for both BV and Candida on the BD MAX™. The investigational test sensitivity for all Candida species was 86.4% with a specificity of 86.0% and for BV the sensitivity was 94.4% with a specificity of 79%. The sensitivity for BV was good but specificity is lower than previously described and may reflect the high rates of sexually transmitted infections in this population which potentially altered the vaginal microbiome. The lower specificity and sensitivity for Candida is not unexpected as a high proportion of women are colonised with Candida, and in all cases other pathogens were found to account for their symptoms. NAATs do not provide the immediate results available from in-clinic microscopy but were easy to perform and process and offer benefits over the traditional “high vaginal swab” performed in primary care and other settings where immediate microscopy is unavailable.
Indulgent Foods Can Paradoxically Promote Disciplined Dietary Choices
Authors: Sullivan Nicolette J. , Fitzsimons Gavan J. , Platt Michael L. , Huettel Scott A.
Published: January 2019

As obesity rates continue to rise, interventions promoting healthful choices will become increasingly important. Here, participants ( N = 79) made binary choices between familiar foods; some trials contained a common consequence that had a constant probability of receipt regardless of the participant’s choice. We theorized—on the basis of simulations using a value-normalization model—that indulgent common consequences potentiated disciplined choices by shaping other options’ perceived healthfulness and tastiness. Our experimental results confirmed these predictions: An indulgent common consequence decreased the decision weight participants placed on taste and increased the weight placed on health. We used eye-gaze data to provide insights into the underlying mechanisms, finding that an indulgent common consequence biased eye gaze toward healthful foods. Furthermore, attention toward the common consequence predicted individual differences in behavioral bias. Results were replicated across two independent samples receiving distinct goal primes. These results demonstrate that introducing an irrelevant indulgent food can alter processing of healthier items—and thus promote disciplined choices.
‘Hitlahamut’: A term for unreasonable populist public talk in Israel
Authors: Dori-Hacohen Gonen
Published: January 2019

This research follows the tradition of Ethnography of Communication to discuss hitlahamut, an Israeli term for a distinctive type of public talk. After presenting the denotive meaning, I define the act and style hitlahamut encodes, using analysis of the type of talk it describes. The data are taken from phone-in interactions and online op-eds and news. Hitlahamut defines a self-centered emotive, exaggerated style of the confrontational and divisive message, and it encodes hostile relations between the participants. I then connect this term with other Israeli terms for talk and with terms for public talk elsewhere, suggesting that hitlahamut describes unreasonable criticism, enabling participants not to engage with the content of the criticism due to its (perceived) style. In addition, hitlahamut describes populist discourse (from both left and right) due to its combination of aggression and emotive style with divisive language and problematic argumentative content.
Angiotensin II type 2 receptor gene polymorphisms and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level in Egyptian children with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shoaib R M S , Yahia S , Elsaid A , Abdel-Malak C , Hammad A
Published: January 2019

Background

There are no reports about the association of angiotensin II type 2 receptor ( AT2R) gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children.

Objective

The objective of this research is to study AT2R gene polymorphisms in exon 3 (C1593A) and intron 1 (A1675G) in Egyptian children with SLE and its correlation with disease manifestations and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level.

Methods

Typing of AT2R gene polymorphisms was conducted in 123 children with SLE in comparison with 100 healthy controls using the restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

Results

Significant differences were found between SLE patients and controls for A-containing genotypes (CA + AA) and A-allele frequencies of AT2R in exon 3 (C1593A) ( p = 0.01, odds ratio (OR) = 2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3–5.05; p = 0.01, OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.2–4.1, respectively). G-containing genotypes (AG + GG) and G allele of AT2R in intron 1 (A1675G) were more frequent in SLE patients compared to controls ( p = 0.01, OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2–4.5; p = 0.02, OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.2–3.7, respectively). Serum ACE level was significantly higher in SLE patients than in controls ( p < 0.001). There was no association between AT2R gene polymorphisms and ACE level in serum. Moreover, there was no association between AT2R gene polymorphisms and SLE clinical manifestations.

Conclusion

AT2R gene polymorphisms can be considered risk factors for SLE development in Egyptian children.
Phenotypic Annotation: Using Polygenic Scores to Translate Discoveries From Genome-Wide Association Studies From the Top Down
Authors: Belsky Daniel W. , Harden K. Paige
Published: January 2019

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified specific genetic variants associated with complex human traits and behaviors, such as educational attainment, mental disorders, and personality. However, small effect sizes for individual variants, uncertainty regarding the biological function of discovered genotypes, and potential “outside-the-skin” environmental mechanisms leave a translational gulf between GWAS results and scientific understanding that will improve human health and well-being. We propose a set of social, behavioral, and brain-science research activities that map discovered genotypes to neural, developmental, and social mechanisms and call this research program phenotypic annotation. Phenotypic annotation involves (a) elaborating the nomological network surrounding discovered genotypes, (b) shifting focus from individual genes to whole genomes, and (c) testing how discovered genotypes affect life-span development. Phenotypic-annotation research is already advancing the understanding of GWAS discoveries for educational attainment and schizophrenia. We review examples and discuss methodological considerations for psychologists taking up the phenotypic-annotation approach.
Near infrared spectroscopy in the supply chain monitoring of Annurca apple
Authors: Buccheri Marina , Grassi Maurizio , Lovati Fabio , Petriccione Milena , Rega Pietro , Scalzo Roberto L , Cattaneo Tiziana MP
Published: January 2019

Annurca is the most cultivated apple variety in the Campania region (Italy). It is an Italian protected geographical indication product and its management must follow a strict product specification which requires a typical postharvest treatment: the fruit must be subjected to a reddening process in air (‘melaio’) that improves the red colour and the flavour of the fruit but is very expensive and time consuming. For this reason there is sometimes a tendency to skip the ‘melaio’ process, but in this case the fruit cannot be labelled as ‘Melannurca Campana PGI’. The purpose of this work was to discriminate ‘melaio’ treated fruit from untreated fruit using near infrared spectroscopy. A further objective of the work was the non-destructive evaluation of the apple storage conditions which can affect the product quality. Fruit of Annurca ‘Rossa del Sud’ subjected or not subjected to the reddening treatment in ‘melaio’ were stored at 0.5℃ in air (Air) or in controlled atmosphere (1%O2, 0.7% CO2) for eight-month duration. Following storage, fruit were analysed for standard maturity indices (flesh firmness, soluble solids, acidity) and the near infrared spectrum of each fruit was collected. The spectral data, subjected to various pre-treatments, were used to calculate a calibration model by applying partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The best model allowed discrimination of fruit immediately after storage under different conditions, but with 0 days of shelf life, to be classified with a 93.3% correct classification rate for the prediction set. However, after seven days of shelf life at 20℃, post-storage, correct classification rate dropped to 70%, but it was always possible to discriminate the two treatments (96.6% correct classification rate). The results of this preliminary work suggest a possible use of the portable near infrared instrument in the monitoring of the Annurca (protected geographical indication) supply chain.
Key indicators of organized cancer screening programs: Results from a Delphi study
Authors: Csanádi Marcell , de Kok Inge MCM , Heijnsdijk Eveline AM , Anttila Ahti , Heinävaara Sirpa , Pitter János G , Széles György , Ivanuš Urška , Priaulx Jennifer , Veerus Piret , Senore Carlo , Koning Harry J de , Vokó Zoltán
Published: January 2019

Objective

To maximize benefits and reduce potential harms of organized cancer screening programs in Europe, monitoring, quality assurance, and evaluation of long-term impact are required. We aimed to identify the most important indicators to be collected and reported. The study was designed to establish a consensus within a European-level working group and suggest a manageable list of key indicators.

Methods

We conducted a Delphi study among policymakers, researchers, and program coordinators who were experts in breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer screening. Study participants evaluated the importance of screening indicators on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results

The top 10 indicators by study participants were interval cancer rate, detection rate, screening attendance, screening coverage, cancer incidence, cause-specific mortality, proportion of persons attending further assessment after a positive screen test result, proportion of persons attending a treatment after diagnosis, invitation coverage, and distribution of cancers by mode of detection. Performance indicators were generally considered more important than outcome indicators. Subgroup analyses by cancer types showed similar results, and only cervical cancer screening experts had slightly different preferences. Subgroup analyses by experts’ roles indicated that policymakers found different indicators important compared with researchers or program coordinators, probably because of their different point of view on screening.

Conclusion

The implication of our priority ranking is twofold: it serves as an initial guidance for countries that have not yet established a system to collect data, and as a checklist for those where data collection is already established, to assess the comprehensiveness of their system.
Fuzzy neural network vibration control on a piezoelectric flexible hinged plate using stereo vision detection
Authors: Qiu Zhi-cheng , Wang Tao-xian
Published: January 2019

Vibration control on a two-connected piezoelectric flexible hinged plate is investigated, using a fuzzy neural network algorithm based on binocular vision measurement. As for vision sensing, a method to acquire vibration signals of the low frequency bending and torsional mode is investigated. To damp out the residual vibration quickly, the fuzzy neural network is applied to ensure the stability and control effect adaptively. To verify the stereo vision measurement method and the applied controller, an experimental setup of the piezoelectric flexible hinged plate with a binocular stereo vision is constructed. Experiments are conducted by using the binocular stereo vision measurement system and the adopted controller. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the visual measurement method. Furthermore, the designed fuzzy neural network can attenuate the bending and torsional vibrations quickly, in comparison with proportional and derivative control, particularly for the small-level residual vibration.
Tight Ties in Collaborative Health Research Puts Research Ethics on Trial? A Discussion on Autonomy, Confidentiality, and Integrity in Qualitative Research
Authors: Øye Christine , Sørensen Nelli Øvre , Dahl Hellen , Glasdam Stinne
Published: January 2019

Collaborative research involving different stakeholders is increasingly becoming a preferred way of doing qualitative research to improve health care services. However, ethical research dilemmas arise when collaborative ties are tight. Based on lessons learned from two qualitative collaborative health care research projects in two different municipalities in Norway and Denmark, respectively, this article illuminates ethical research dilemmas around ethical principles and guidelines of autonomy (informed consent), confidentiality (anonymity), and integrity of research. Accordingly, there is a need to revisit and resume international ethical research guidelines formulated in the Declaration of Helsinki, when it comes to research guidelines of informed consent, anonymity, and integrity of research. Moreover, we suggest that collaborators contemplate and negotiate these ethical research issues to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, conflicts, and pressures when doing research with stakeholders when collaboration ties are tight.
Damage behavior of orthopedic titanium alloys with martensitic microstructure during sliding wear in physiological solution
Authors: Cvijović-Alagić Ivana , Cvijović Zorica , Rakin Marko
Published: January 2019

Wear damage behavior of new orthopedic Ti-13Nb-13Zr (mass %) alloy with martensitic microstructures developed by different thermo-mechanical treatments were examined during sliding in simulated physiological solution. The results obtained for this alloy processed by cold and hot rolling were compared with that of the standard Ti-6Al-4 V (mass %) alloy heat-treated to produce martensitic microstructure. The block-on-disk sliding friction and wear tests were conducted in Ringer’s solution. The friction coefficient, wear rate, and wear damage mechanisms were determined over a range of normal loads (20–60 N) and linear sliding speeds (0.26–1.0 m/s). The surface damage morphology revealed the presence of corrosive, abrasive, and adhesive wear in all investigated materials. The friction and wear properties were found to be dependent on the predominant wear damage mechanism and applied load/sliding speed combination. In the case of a Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy, the adhesive wear contributes to the higher wear rate and better friction behavior. This cold-rolled alloy, having a martensitic microstructure with the lowest hardness, shows the lowest friction coefficient values due to high material transfer from the alloy surface. The lowest friction resistance is observed for the Ti-6Al-4 V alloy with the highest hardness since the dominant wear damage mechanism is abrasion resulting in the low wear rate and material transfer.
Dynamic magneto-viscoelastic model for magnetorheological nanocomposites with imperfect interface
Authors: Chen Xiangrong , Li Rui , Sun LZ
Published: January 2019

A dynamic magneto-viscoelastic interface model is proposed to study the effective magneto-mechanical responses of magnetorheological nanocomposites filled with carbon nanotubes. It is incorporated with the fundamental micromechanics principles, microstructural magnetic and mechanical coupling, and computational homogenization procedures. The field-dependent effective dynamic stiffness and damping of randomly dispersed, chain-structured nanocomposites are investigated with the consideration of imperfect interfacial conditions among nanofillers, micro-particles and the matrix. Comparisons are performed between the model prediction and experimental data for a specific type of Fe particle-reinforced elastomer nanocomposites filled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes to demonstrate the capability of the proposed model framework.
Motor control strategies during bimanual isometric force control among healthy individuals
Authors: Jin Yan , Kim Minhee , Oh Sejun , Yoon BumChul
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to provide a basic description of the motor control strategy during bimanual isometric force control in healthy young adults. Thirty healthy young adults (mean age: 27.4 ± 3.7 years) participated in the study. The subjects were instructed to press both hands simultaneously to match the target force level of 5%, 25%, and 50% bimanual maximum voluntary force using continuous visual feedback. Bimanual motor synergy and bimanual coordination, as well as force asymmetry, force accuracy, and force variability were compared. This study identified the specific motor control strategy of healthy young adults during bimanual isometric force control, indicating that they proportionally increased “good” and “bad” variabilities, resulting in comparable bimanual motor synergy as the target force level increased.
Achilles Tension Mitigates Fibular Malalignment Measured in Cadaveric Studies of Syndesmotic Clamping
Authors: Goetz Jessica E. , Szabo Nicole , Rudert M. James , Karam Matthew D. , Phisitkul Phinit
Published: January 2019

Background:

Fibular malreduction is becoming a commonly recognized complication of surgical repair of the syndesmosis when a reduction clamp is used. The goal of this work was to determine the interdependent effects of transsyndesmotic reduction clamp position and applied compression force on fibular alignment in a realistic cadaveric preparation of complete syndesmotic injury.

Methods:

Six through-the-knee cadaveric specimens were CT scanned intact, with the distal syndesmosis fully destabilized, and with 53, 102, and 160 N clamping forces each applied along an anteriorly, centrally, and posteriorly directed transsyndesmotic axis. Testing was repeated incorporating 178 N of Achilles tendon tension using all 3 clamping forces applied along the centrally directed axis. Fibular reduction was automatically quantified from CT scan–generated bony surfaces as rotation of the fibula around the tibia, rotation of the fibula within the incisura, medial/lateral fibular displacement, and anterior/posterior fibular displacement.

Results:

Transsyndesmotic clamping along the anteriorly directed axis resulted in the best reduction quality by all 4 quantified measures. Along the centrally and posteriorly directed axes, progressively greater forces caused significantly greater sagittal plane fibular malreduction. Addition of Achilles tension reduced the magnitude of fibular malreduction and overcompression.

Conclusion:

Placing the medial tine of a transsyndesmotic reduction clamp on the anterior medial tibia resulted in the most accurate syndesmotic reduction and provided some protection against overcompression with large reduction clamp forces. Achilles tension appeared to contribute to reduction, decreasing the magnitude of measured malreduction from clamping.

Clinical relevance:

Previous studies estimating fibular malpositioning in cadaveric models that lacked passive muscle tension may have overestimated expected magnitudes of malalignment in patients treated with syndesmotic clamping. However, syndesmotic malreduction, particularly in the sagittal plane, was a real complication of syndesmotic clamping that was reduced by using an anterior position of the medial tine on the tibia.