bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new device for ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access
Authors: Brugioni Lucio , Barchetti Marco , Tazzioli Giovanni , Gelmini Roberta , Girardis Massimo , Bianchini Marcello , Schepis Filippo , Nicolini Matteo , Pinelli Giovanni , Martella Pietro , Barozzi Marco , Mori Francesca , Scarabottini Serena , Righetti Andrea , Ravazzini Mirco , Bertellini Elisabetta
Published: September 2018

Background:

In patients with difficult peripheral venous access, alternative techniques require expertise and are invasive, expensive, and prone to serious adverse events. This brought us to designing a new venous catheter (JLB® Deltamed, Inc.) for the cannulation of medium and large bore veins; it is echogenic, and available in different lengths (60 / 70 / 80 mm) and Gauges (14 / 16 / 17 / 18).

Methods:

We led a multi-center observational convenience sampling study to evaluate safety and effectiveness of JLB. Data was collected from June 2015 to February 2018. Inclusion criteria were age ⩾ 18, difficulty in obtaining superficial venous access in the veins of the arm, need for rapid infusion, or patient’s preference.

Results:

We enrolled 1000 patients, mean age 66.8 years. In total, 951 (95.1%) had the device placed in internal jugular vein, 28 in basilic or cephalic vein, 15 in femoral vein, 5 in axillary vein (infra-clavicular tract), and 1 in the external jugular vein. The procedure was performed by attending physicians or emergency medicine residents under US guidance. Mean procedure time (from disinfection to securing) was approximately 240 s. Mean attempts number was 1.21. Early complications (<24 h) occurred in four patients, consisting in two soft tissue hematoma, one phlebitis, and one atrial tachyarrhythmia. No major complications (such as pneumothorax) were reported. Mean indwelling time was 168 h (7 days); early occlusion/dislocation occurred in four cases.

Conclusion:

According to preliminary data, the application of JLB appears to be safe, cost-effective, and rapid to place bedside.
Associations between different components of executive control in childhood and sleep problems in early adolescence: A longitudinal study
Authors: Tomaso Cara C , Nelson Jennifer Mize , Espy Kimberly Andrews , Nelson Timothy D
Published: September 2018

Research has examined the impact of poor sleep on executive control and related abilities, but the inverse relationship has received less attention. Youth completed objective executive control tasks in childhood ( N = 208; Mage = 10.03; 50.5% girls) and self-report measures of sleep–wake problems and daytime sleepiness in early adolescence ( Mage = 12.00). Poorer interference suppression and flexible shifting abilities both predicted sleep–wake problems, but response inhibition and working memory did not. For daytime sleepiness, interference suppression was the only significant predictor among executive control components. Socioeconomic status did not moderate any of these associations. Findings have implications for targeting specific executive control abilities in childhood to improve sleep outcomes later in development.
The criminal justice system as a problem in binary classification
Authors: Bown William Cullerne
Published: September 2018

Attempts to establish a quantitative framework for thinking about the criminal justice system have been made at least since Kaplan’s influential 1968 article. Here I avoid the probabilistic approaches that Kaplan inspired and instead characterise the law’s underlying problem as one of measurement. I then exploit statistical techniques developed in recent years in other disciplines to evaluate systems that also face the challenge of ‘binary classification’ to solve it. This approach entails the mathematisation of the criminal justice system’s core epistemic concern of distinguishing the guilty from the innocent with Van Rijsbergen’s F-measure and empirical measurements of effectiveness. Once one adopts the perspective of a sovereign, it yields a meta-meta-epistemology that allows traditional arguments like those that refer to Blackstone’s ratio to be made rigorous. This provides a clearer relationship between values and policies and, in a narrowly epistemic sense, a complete answer to questions of evidence and procedure.
Relational happiness through recognition and redistribution: Emotion and inequality
Authors: Holmes Mary , McKenzie Jordan
Published: September 2018

This article develops a model of relational happiness that challenges popular individualized definitions and emphasizes how it can enhance the sociological analysis of inequality. Many studies of happiness suggest that social inequalities are closely associated with distributions of happiness at the national level, but happiness research continues to favour individual-level analyses. Limited attention has been given to the intersubjective aspects of happiness and the correlations between it and higher social equality. Conversely, key theoretical debates about inequalities, such as Axel Honneth and Nancy Fraser’s exchanges, have only indirectly touched on happiness. A relational approach to happiness is not new, but what this article offers is a new combination of a relational understanding of happiness as an intersubjectively, culturally experienced complex of emotions with discussions about recognition of marginalized groups and redistribution of material resources. This combined approach can further debates about understanding and remedying social inequalities. It argues that theories and measurements of happiness must consider how it can be achieved collectively through working at mutual respect as well as greater material equality.
Competitive McLafferty-type rearrangements of sodium adduct of anti-2,3-dihydroxy-1-phenylpentane-1,4-dione compounds in tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Xiayan , Xu Xu , Chen Xinmeng , Chen Lin , Xu Xiaoying , Wu Zhijun , Fang Dongmei , Cai Tian
Published: September 2018

Sodium adducts of anti-2,3-dihydroxy-1-phenylpentane-1,4-dione compounds with different substituents were studied by collision-induced dissociation. McLafferty-type rearrangements preceding fragmentation were found as their main fragmentation pathway. Coordination of sodium cation to the oxygen functions may either lead to formation of a five-membered or a six-membered ring. Two McLafferty-type rearrangement product ions exhibiting a mass difference of 2 u indicated that two competitive McLafferty-type rearrangements through a six-membered ring coordination occurred. Relative abundances of the corresponding product ions were studied by energy-resolved collision-induced dissociation experiments and density functional theory calculations. Furthermore, the influence of different substituents was probed.
“In the flesh”: Narratives of family caregivers at risk of Early-onset Familial Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: García-Toro Maritza , Sánchez-Gómez María Cruz , Madrigal Zapata Lucía , Lopera Francisco Javier
Published: September 2018

In the growing body of literature dealing with the consequences of family caregiving amongst people with dementia, there are few studies examining the impact of Early-onset Familial Alzheimer’s Disease on caregivers. This study exposes the subjective experience of a group of family caregivers who themselves possess a genetic susceptibility to develop this form of dementia. We interviewed and analyzed the accounts of 27 caregivers belonging to family lineages carrying the E280A mutation for Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. We utilized a phenomenological method to analyze these accounts, initially tracking seven theoretical categories (Anxiety, Depression, Burden, Resilience, Self-efficacy, Social Support, and Coping Strategies) and then subsequently two additional categories which emerged (Conceptions about the Disease and Other Vital Experiences Interfering with Caregiving). The results show that caring for a loved one while simultaneously running the risk of developing the same form of Alzheimer’s Disease permeates the caregivers’ experience both in a negative and a positive way. The continuous exposition to emotional stress in these caregivers should be seriously considered as they may be at risk of accelerating the onset of symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, while simultaneously, early psychological symptoms of dementia may be masked by the emotional sequelae of caregiving, interfering with early diagnosis. Certainly, support services for the entire family group are suggested.
Substitute decision makers’ experiences of making decisions at end of life for older persons with dementia: A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Cresp Sarah Jane , Lee Susan Fiona , Moss Cheryle
Published: September 2018

Background

Substitute decision makers are important for people with advanced dementia, particularly at the end of life. Substitute decision makers report issues in providing support, and physical and psychological consequences from the role. However, there is no synthesised evidence about how substitute decision makers are affected by and experience making decisions for older persons diagnosed with dementia at end of life. Methodology: A protocol for a qualitative systematic review was developed. Seven articles met both inclusion and research quality criteria following a comprehensive search for published and unpublished studies (January 2007–2017, English language). Meta-synthesis was achieved through meta-aggregation of the results from included studies.

Results

Meta-aggregation of 20 themes into eight categories resulted in five synthesised findings. The findings were: ‘trust’; ‘guilt, mistrust and confusion’; ‘translating quality of life’; ‘negotiating families’; and ‘uncertainty and reactivity’. Trust in healthcare personnel positively affected substitute decision makers and supported their adaptability. Substitute decision makers experienced guilt, mistrust, and confusion as they encountered increased complexity in care and health interventions as social needs changed. Substitute decision makers experienced complexities and struggles as they interpreted quality of life and negotiated end of life treatment decisions. Substitute decision makers experienced practical needs to negotiate family as they fulfilled their support roles. Ambiguity in advance care plans, limited knowledge of dementia, end of life uncertainties, and communication issues reduced substitute decision makers’ proactivity. Implications: Being a substitute decision maker for people with advanced dementia at end of life is stressful. Health professionals need to be cognizant of substitute decision makers experiences and needs, and identify mechanisms to achieve support and education. The findings generate need for further investigation of interventions to meet the needs of substitute decision makers.
Insights from studio teaching practices in a Creative Industries Faculty in Australia
Authors: Chamorro-Koc Marianella , Kurimasuriyar Anoma
Published: September 2018

Studio teaching is a long standing tradition and a signature pedagogy across a broad range of art and creative disciplines, from arts to architecture and design. However, the practice of studio teaching varies across disciplines and practitioners. Do these variances indicate different signature pedagogies in the creative disciplines? An exploratory study was conducted to examine how studio teaching is practised at a Faculty of Creative Industries in Australia, and whether those studio practices suggest distinctive signature pedagogies and creative transfer. In this article, we describe the study and offer insights into studio teaching practices in the creative industries disciplines. We argue that nuances and differences among studio practices in creative industries reveal different signature pedagogies. Our findings offer a unique lens on current approaches to creative disciplines education, where interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching are encouraged in order to support and prepare a highly educated and flexible future workforce.
Control method for ventilated supercavitating vehicle considering planing avoidance and stability
Authors: Kim Seonhong , Kim Nakwan
Published: September 2018

In this study, we focus on realizing planing avoidance control for a ventilated supercavitating vehicle while considering stability issues. A ventilated supercavitating vehicle can control the size of a cavity by blowing gas into the cavity. By controlling the cavity size, planing can be prevented in advance. However, the vehicle loses its stability because of the growth of the cavity. Additional control input is determined to prevent “stability loss” based on linear stability analysis while considering ventilation system dynamics. The proposed controllers are applied to a supercavitating vehicle model, and numerical simulations are performed to analyze the physical feasibility and performance of the designed controllers. The results show that the proposed control methods can maintain vehicle stability during maneuvering operations and can eliminate planing.
Estimated Costs of Contact in College and High School Male Sports
Authors: Fair Ray C. , Champa Christopher
Published: September 2018

Injury rates in 12 U.S. men’s college sports and 5 U.S. boys’ high school sports are examined in this article. The sports are categorized as “contact” or “noncontact,” and differences in injury rates between the two are examined. Injury rates in the contact sports are considerably higher than those in the noncontact sports, and they are on average more severe. Estimates are presented of the injury savings that would result if the contact sports were changed to have injury rates similar to those in the noncontact sports. The estimated college savings are 48,100 fewer injuries per year and 5,900 fewer healthy years lost-to-injury per year. The estimated high school savings are 568,600 fewer injuries per year and 92,000 fewer healthy years lost-to-injury per year. For concussions, the savings are 6,900 per year for college and 161,400 per year for high school. The estimated dollar value (in 2015 dollars) of the total injury savings is between US$433 million and US$1.5 billion per year for college and between US$5.1 billion and US$18.4 billion per year for high school.
Moderate Heat Application Enhances the Efficacy of Nanosecond Pulse Stimulation for the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Edelblute Chelsea M. , Guo Siqi , Hornef James , Yang Enbo , Jiang Chunqi , Schoenbach Karl , Heller Richard
Published: September 2018

Nanosecond pulse stimulation as a tumor ablation therapy has been studied for the treatment of various carcinomas in animal models and has shown a significant survival benefit. In the current study, we found that moderate heating at 43°C for 2 minutes significantly enhanced in vitro nanosecond pulse stimulation-induced cell death of KLN205 murine squamous cell carcinoma cells by 2.43-fold at 600 V and by 2.32-fold at 900 V, as evidenced by propidium iodide uptake. Furthermore, the ablation zone in KLN205 cells placed in a 3-dimensional cell-culture model and pulsed at a voltage of 900 V at 43°C was 3 times larger than in cells exposed to nanosecond pulse stimulation at room temperature. Application of moderate heating alone did not cause cell death. A nanosecond pulse stimulation electrode with integrated controllable laser heating was developed to treat murine ectopic squamous cell carcinoma. With this innovative system, we were able to quickly heat and maintain the temperature of the target tumor at 43°C during nanosecond pulse stimulation. Nanosecond pulse stimulation with moderate heating was shown to significantly extend overall survival, delay tumor growth, and achieve a high rate of complete tumor regression. Moderate heating extended survival nearly 3-fold where median overall survival was 22 days for 9.8 kV without moderate heating and over 63 days for tumors pulsed with 600, 100 ns pulses at 5 Hz, at voltage of 9.8 kV with moderate heating. Median overall survival in the control groups was 24 and 31 days for mice with untreated tumors and tumors receiving moderate heat alone, respectively. Nearly 69% (11 of 16) of tumor-bearing mice treated with nanosecond pulse stimulation with moderate heating were tumor free at the completion of the study, whereas complete tumor regression was not observed in the control groups and in 9.8 kV without moderate heating. These results suggest moderate heating can reduce the necessary applied voltage for tumor ablation with nanosecond pulse stimulation.
Improving operational reliability of manufacturing systems by process optimization via survival signatures
Authors: Ge Liling , Zhang Yingjie
Published: September 2018

Considering that a mechanical part or component can be produced by varying process plans for specific manufacturing requirements, process optimization can be performed for some objectives, such as production quality, cost, and system reliability. The survival signature, as a reliability equivalence factor, is recently introduced to evaluate the performance reliability of a system. In this article, a survival signature–based process optimization approach is proposed to improve the operational reliability of the manufacturing process. First, a three-dimensional part model is analyzed for the identification of machining features, and the corresponding process strategies are made for creating them. Based on the feature process strategies and the current manufacturing resources, multi-process plans could be generated and a network is constructed, which illustrates the varying operation paths. Then the reliability distribution functions of the machines on the network are estimated by the failure data. Finally, the survival signatures of the network are computed and applied to measure the failure probabilities of all operation paths so that the optimal one could be selected. The feasibility and efficiency of the proposed approach have been demonstrated by a case study.
Effect of intensive blood pressure lowering on cardiovascular outcomes based on cardiovascular risk: A secondary analysis of the SPRINT trial
Authors: Attar Armin , Sayadi Mehrab , Jannati Mansoor
Published: September 2018

Background

It is not clear whether risk stratification can help choose the most favourable systolic blood pressure target for primary prevention of cardiovascular events.

Design

A secondary analysis of Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT).

Methods

To perform a secondary analysis, we obtained the data from SPRINT from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute data repository centre. In SPRINT, an open-label trial, participants without diabetes with systolic blood pressure of ≥130 mmHg were randomly assigned to intensive and standard treatment groups with systolic blood pressure targets of <120 and <140 mmHg, respectively. The primary composite outcome was myocardial infarction and other acute coronary syndromes, stroke, heart failure, or death from cardiovascular causes. Here, we have analysed data from participants without cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease aged under 75 years categorised based on the baseline 10-year Framingham risk score (<10% (low risk); ≥10% and <15% (intermediate risk); ≥15% (high risk)).

Results

A total of 4298 patients were included in the analysis. With intensive treatment, there was a significant reduction in the primary outcome events in patients at high risk (0.86% per year vs. 1.81% per year; hazard ratio (HR) 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31 to 0.85; P = 0.010), and at intermediate risk (0.60% per year vs. 1.46% per year; HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.82; P = 0.014) but not for those at low risk (0.75% per year vs. 0.57% per year; HR 1.14; 95% CI 0.55 to 2.38; P = 0.714).

Conclusions

Intensive systolic blood pressure reduction is beneficial for primary prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients without diabetes with more than low cardiac risk (above 10%).
Testican 1 (SPOCK1) and protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type S (PTPRS) show significant increase in saliva of tobacco users with oral cancer
Authors: Nanjappa Vishalakshi , Raja Remya , Radhakrishnan Aneesha , Jain Ankit P , Datta Keshava K , Puttamallesh Vinuth N , Solanki Hitendra S , Chavan Sandip , Patil Arun , Renuse Santosh , Jain Anu , Mathew Don , Thakur Reetu , Guerrero-Preston Rafael , Nair Bipin , Routray Samapika , Mohanty Neeta , Gowda KB Linge , Jadav Ritesh , Ghosal Sushmita , Kumar Rekha V , Ramesha Chaluvarayaswamy , Raghu Vijay C , Mathur Premendu Prakash , Prasad TS Keshava , Califano Joseph A , Sidransky David , Pal Arnab , Ganesh Mandakulutur S , Ray Jay Gopal , Pandey Akhilesh , Gowda Harsha , Chatterjee Aditi
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

To identify potential candidate proteins which are secretory in nature and present at a higher abundance in oral cancer patients with tobacco habits.

Methods:

Conditioned media of tobacco-treated and -untreated non-neoplastic oral keratinocytes were analyzed using iTRAQ-based mass spectrometry. Hypersecreted proteins; SPARC (osteonectin), cwcv and kazal like domains proteoglycan 1 (SPOCK1); prosaposin (PSAP); and protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type S (PTPRS) were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using saliva samples from oral cancer patients who are tobacco users.

Results:

Proteomic analysis of tobacco-treated and -untreated cells led to the identification of 2873 proteins. Among these, 378 proteins showed high abundance and 253 proteins showed low abundance (2-fold cutoff) in conditioned-media of tobacco-treated cells. ELISA-based validation showed significantly higher levels of SPOCK1, PSAP, and PTPRS in oral cancer patients with tobacco chewing habits compared to healthy controls. However, PSAP showed low specificity compared to SPOCK1 and PTPRS.

Conclusions:

This study indicates significantly increased levels of SPOCK1, PSAP, and PTPRS in saliva of oral cancer patients with tobacco habits. These protein biomarkers might be useful to identify tobacco users with high risk of developing oral cancers.
Long-term results following intra-articular fractures of the medial malleolus in children and adolescents with special emphasis on MRI
Authors: Zwetti Thomas N , Tschauner Sebastian , Sorantin Erich , Castellani Christoph , Till Holger , Kraus Tanja , Singer Georg
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

Presently, there is no publication combining clinical follow-up with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine possible post-traumatic alterations following paediatric intra-articular fractures of the medial malleolus. Therefore, the aims of this study were to retrospectively analyze a cohort of patients with Salter–Harris (SH) III and IV fractures of the medial malleolus and to evaluate their long-term outcome. MRI was used to assess possible changes of the articular surface that cannot be diagnosed on native radiographs.

Patients and Methods:

Fifty-four patients with SH III ( n = 38) or IV fractures ( n = 17) of the medial malleolus treated between 2001 and 2011 were invited for a follow-up examination. Clinical outcome was assessed with the Weber score and osteoarthritis with the Kellgren and Lawrence classification. MRI was rated by the Outerbridge classification. Correlations between the clinical and radiological outcomes were calculated.

Results:

Seventeen patients were recruited for long-term follow-up at a mean of 112 (range, 65–184) months. The Weber score was very good for 5 patients, good for 10 patients and poor for 2 patients; the Kellgren and Lawrence score revealed a favourable grade 0 in 15 patients and grade 1 in 2 patients. The MRI-based Outerbridge classification yielded grade 0 for 12 patients, grade 1 for 1 patient, grade 2 for 2 patients and grade 3 for 1 patient. The Outerbridge score significantly ( p < 0.05) correlated with the Weber score.

Conclusion:

This study shows excellent and good outcome of SH III and IV fractures of the medial malleolus. Worse clinical outcome correlated with post-traumatic changes of the articular cartilage seen on MRI.
Political Dynasticism: Networks, Trust, Risk
Authors: Ruud Arild Engelsen , Nielsen Kenneth Bo
Published: September 2018

Political dynasticism is a persuasive phenomenon in South Asia. Yet, while political dynasticism has received ample attention at the national level, it has been almost systematically overlooked at the regional and local levels. In this article, we argue that political dynasticism at the local level is driven by conditions that are in crucial ways different from those that animate national politics. We use case studies and insights from the available literature both within and beyond South Asia to argue that, in a comparative light, three main elements stand out: reciprocity, trust, and failure. By zooming in on these elements we seek to explain political dynasticism as a political phenomenon that is enabled by particular conditions in the polity, and especially the nature of the state. These, we argue, help foment a dynamic within which political dynasticism is an understandable outcome.
Changes in the Demographics, Qualifications, and Turnover of American STEM Teachers, 1988–2012
Authors: Nguyen Tuan D. , Redding Christopher
Published: September 2018

Qualified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers are critical in the provision of high-quality STEM education for all students. Through descriptive and regression analysis, we document how demographic characteristics, qualifications, and turnover rates of a nationally representative sample of public school STEM teachers have changed from 1988 to 2012. Over this time period, STEM teachers are more likely to be female, attend selective colleges, have graduate degrees, and have STEM qualifications. Although STEM teachers are no more likely to turn over than other teachers, this masks differential rates between high- and low-poverty schools. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of recruiting qualified STEM teachers to work in high-poverty schools and providing supports to help them thrive and remain in the classroom.
Tubulointerstitial and intraglomerular metastasis with subsequent development of tumor lysis syndrome in a patient with advanced metastatic melanoma
Authors: Mamlouk Omar , Lin Jamie S , Zhang Haiyan , Glass William F , Amaria Rodabe N , Lahoti Amit , Workeneh Biruh T
Published: September 2018

Background:

While up to 50% of patients with malignant melanoma will have micrometastases to their kidneys, clinically apparent kidney metastasis is rare. Furthermore, intraglomerular metastases have been documented in only 3% of cases of disseminated malignancies. We present an unusual case of acute kidney injury secondary to tubular injury due to tubular or vascular obstruction by melanoma and intraglomerular metastasis followed by the development of tumor lysis syndrome after treatment.

Case report:

A 45-year-old male with previously normal kidney function and an established diagnosis of extensive metastatic melanoma presented to the emergency department for abdominal discomfort. Despite treatment with pembrolizumab and azacitidine, he had progression of disease. Subsequently, he developed progressive, unexplainable decline in kidney function and urinalysis that was notable for white blood cells, microscopic hematuria, and microalbuminuria with hyaline casts. The kidney biopsy revealed marked infiltration of melanoma cells characterized as multifocal tubulointerstitial and intraglomerular metastases, mild tubular injury, and no evidence of nephritis. Chemotherapy with paclitaxel was initiated to reverse-presumed cancer-induced kidney injury, but within 24 h, tumor lysis syndrome developed. Despite aggressive supportive measures including hemodialysis, his clinical course was irreversible and transitioned to comfort measures.

Conclusion:

Acute kidney injury secondary to metastatic tubulointerstitial and intraglomerular melanoma is a rare clinical entity that should be considered as the cause of acute kidney injury in a patient with extensive disease. Patients with extensive disease should also be cautiously monitored for the development of tumor lysis syndrome during treatment.
Design of new resource allocation scheme for symbiosis of DASH clients and non-DASH clients
Authors: Kim Hyun Jun , Son Ye Seul , Kim Joon Tae
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we propose a new resource allocation scheme for symbiosis of DASH clients and non-DASH clients (RASS) to provide seamless video streaming service to DASH clients and to guarantee fairness among non-DASH clients. In RASS, all the LTE downlink resource blocks are divided into two chunks by a KKT-conditions-based Resource-Division Controller (KCRDC). With the two divided chunks, the proposed scheme leads PFRA and KKT-conditions-based resource allocation scheme (KCRA) to allocate each chunk to non-DASH clients and DASH clients, respectively. PFRA allocates resource blocks with maintaining good trade-off between fairness and spectrum efficiency. On the other hand, KCRA allocates more resource blocks to DASH clients in the risk of re-buffering events to preferentially reduce the re-buffering-time ratios of the DASH clients. Finally, simulations are completed using the NS-3 (network simulator). The obtained results show that the proposed scheme shows a better synthetic performance than the existing resource allocation schemes in consideration of the re-buffering-time ratios and QoE value of DASH clients and the fairness among non-DASH clients.
Two-step analytical procedure for the characterization and quantification of metal soaps and resinates in paint samples
Authors: La Nasa Jacopo , Lluveras-Tenorio Anna , Modugno Francesca , Bonaduce Ilaria
Published: September 2018

Metal soaps and resinates are known to be spontaneously formed in artistic paintings, as a product of the reaction between aliphatic and terpenoid acids released by hydrolysis and oxidation of the organic media and certain cations contained in some inorganic pigments. In this paper we present an optimization and the validation of a GC/MS method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of mixtures of terpenoid acids and aliphatic mono and dicarboxylic acids and metal carboxylates of terpenoid and aliphatic mono and dicarboxylic acids in the same paint microsample. This is based on a two-step analytical approach entailing the subsequent use of two silylating agents, N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide for the analysis of free acids and metal carboxylates, and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane for the analysis of free acids. The application of this approach is possible because of the good stability at room temperature of the TMS derivatives of aliphatic and terpenoid species, characterized by high boiling points and relatively low vapour pressures. The method was then applied to the characterization of samples collected from two reference paint layers aged for 20 years, a paint sample taken from a pulpit, and sample of the varnish coating of a wooden writing desk, both from the second half of the seventeenth century.
New opportunities for nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Park Wooram , Heo Young-Jae , Han Dong Keun
Published: September 2018

Background

Recently, cancer immunotherapy has become standard for cancer treatment. Immunotherapy not only treats primary tumors, but also prevents metastasis and recurrence, representing a major advantage over conventional cancer treatments. However, existing cancer immunotherapies have limited clinical benefits because cancer antigens are often not effectively delivered to immune cells. Furthermore, unlike lymphoma, solid tumors evade anti-cancer immunity by forming an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). One approach for overcoming these limitations of cancer immunotherapy involves nanoparticles based on biomaterials.

Main body

Here, we review in detail recent trends in the use of nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy. First, to illustrate the unmet needs for nanoparticles in this field, we describe the mechanisms underlying cancer immunotherapy. We then explain the role of nanoparticles in the delivery of cancer antigens and adjuvants. Next, we discuss how nanoparticles can be helpful within the immune-suppressive TME. Finally, we summarize current and future uses of nanoparticles with image-guided interventional techniques in cancer immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Recently developed approaches for using nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy have enormous potential for improving cancer treatment. Cancer immunotherapy based on nanoparticles is anticipated not only to overcome the limitations of existing immunotherapy, but also to generate synergistic effects via cooperation between nanoparticles and immune cells.
Hypoxic condition enhances chondrogenesis in synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Bae Hyun Cheol , Park Hee Jung , Wang Sun Young , Yang Ha Ru , Lee Myung Chul , Han Hyuk-Soo
Published: September 2018

Background

The chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is regulated by many factors, including oxygen tensions, growth factors, and cytokines. Evidences have suggested that low oxygen tension seems to be an important regulatory factor in the proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation in various MSCs. Recent studies report that synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SDSCs) are a potential source of stem cells for the repair of articular cartilage defects. But, the effect of low oxygen tension on the proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation in SDSCs has not characterized. In this study, we investigated the effects of hypoxia on proliferation and chondrogenesis in SDSCs.

Method

SDSCs were isolated from patients with osteoarthritis at total knee replacement. To determine the effect of oxygen tension on proliferation and colony-forming characteristics of SDSCs, A colony-forming unit (CFU) assay and cell counting-based proliferation assay were performed under normoxic (21% oxygen) or hypoxic (5% oxygen). For in vitro chondrogenic differentiation, SDSCs were concentrated to form pellets and subjected to conditions appropriate for chondrogenic differentiation under normoxia and hypoxia, followed by the analysis for the expression of genes and proteins of chondrogenesis. qRT-PCR, histological assay, and glycosoaminoglycan assays were determined to assess chondrogenesis.

Results

Low oxygen condition significantly increased proliferation and colony-forming characteristics of SDSCs compared to that of SDSCs under normoxic culture. Similar pellet size and weight were found for chondrogensis period under hypoxia and normoxia condition. The mRNA expression of types II collagen, aggrecan, and the transcription factor SOX9 was increased under hypoxia condition. Histological sections stained with Safranin-O demonstrated that hypoxic conditions had increased proteoglycan synthesis. Immunohistochemistry for types II collagen demonstrated that hypoxic culture of SDSCs increased type II collagen expression. In addition, GAG deposition was significantly higher in hypoxia compared with normoxia at 21 days of differentiation.

Conclusion

These findings show that hypoxia condition has an important role in regulating the synthesis ECM matrix by SDSCs as they undergo chondrogenesis. This has important implications for cartilage tissue engineering applications of SDSCs.
Noninvasive Administration of Inhaled Epoprostenol and Inhaled Milrinone in Extubated, Spontaneously Breathing Patients With Right Ventricular Failure and Portal Hypertension: A Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Couture Etienne J. , Tremblay Jan-Alexis , Elmi-Sarabi Mahsa , Lamarche Yoan , Denault André Y.
Published: September 2018

We describe the cases of 2 patients free from mechanical ventilation after a cardiac surgery with systemic venous congestion from right ventricular (RV) failure. Management of these patients included RV preload reduction with diuretics and RV afterload reduction with inhaled pulmonary vasodilators. Noninvasive combination of inhaled epoprostenol and inhaled milrinone through the AirLife filtered nebulizer system (CareFusion) was used. Reduction of splanchnic venous congestion was assessed by Doppler portal flow pulsatility.
A model of mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB in pigs
Authors: Yang Qiang , Zhao Xueyan , Xing Yuyun , Jiang Chao , Jiang Kai , Xu Pan , Liu Weiwei , Ren Jun , Huang Lusheng
Published: September 2018

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB) is a rare genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the NAGLU gene. Pigs are an ideal large-animal model for human diseases; however, a porcine model of MPS IIIB has not been reported. We have previously generated a heterozygous NAGLU-deficient (NAGLU+/−) Large White boar via a transgenic approach. Here we characterized phenotypes of the F1 offspring of this founder to establish a pig model for MPS IIIB. qRT-PCR revealed that the NAGLU expression level was significantly decreased in a variety of tissues in NAGLU+/− pigs. ELISA assays showed obvious deficiency of NAGLU and higher (P<0.05) glycosaminoglycan levels in multiple tissues from NAGLU+/− pigs. NAGLU+/− pigs grew at a significantly (P<0.05) slower rate than control animals (NAGLU+/+). Death, mostly sudden death, occurred at all ages in NAGLU+/− pigs, most of which died within two years. Necropsy findings included pleural adhesions, lung shrinkage and abnormalities in the pericardium and mild hepatomegaly in NAGLU+/− pigs. Notable pathological changes were observed in the sections of brain, liver, spleen and kidney from NAGLU+/− pigs. Brain atrophy, ventriculomegaly, cerebellar atrophy and abnormalities in the intracerebral capsule, parietal lobes and the thalamus were also evident in NAGLU+/− pigs. Together, NAGLU+/− pigs show typical symptoms of human MPS IIIB patients and thus represent a novel large-animal model for the disease.
Thinking in Action
Authors: Arabatzis George , Erinakis Nikos , Kaluđerović Željko , Perović Milenko A. , Popović Una , Prole Dragan , Protopapadakis Evangelos D. , Theologou Kostas
Published: September 2018

Action can only be spontaneous and impulsive if not guided by contemplation; contemplation, on the other hand, may only be luxurious playfulness if not either purposed - or suitable - to motivate action. This volume seeks to prove what may seem self-evident to common sense, but adhering to common sense is never pointless nor excessive. Next to this, Thinking in Action is the offspring of friendship, respect and commitment between two academic communities, the Hellenic and the Serbian philosophical communities, that admittedly have a lot in common, especially with regard to philosophy, and hopefully as many differences as needed in order to secure a long-lasting and fertile exchange of ideas; it is also the natural-born child of necessity: philosophy is about argumentation, debate and confrontation. Thinking in Action inaugurates Hellenic-Serbian Philosophical Dialogue Series that entertains no hesitation in being as ambitious as any philosophical series could be: it seeks to establish a permanent, wide and rich channel of fruitful philosophical interaction between the two philosophical communities. Having high aspirations is one thing; meeting these aspirations as well as the expectations of the reader is a totally different one. We wish Thinking in Action, the first volume of the Hellenic-Serbian Philosophical Dialogue Series, apart from being the initial step of a long journey, will also be a fascinating one to the reader.
Cytomegalovirus infection and progressive differentiation of effector-memory T cells
Authors: Pardieck Iris N. , Beyrend Guillaume , Redeker Anke , Arens Ramon
Published: September 2018

Primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection leads to strong innate and adaptive immune responses against the virus, which prevents serious disease. However, CMV infection can cause serious morbidity and mortality in individuals who are immunocompromised. The adaptive immune response to CMV is characterized by large populations of effector-memory (EM) T cells that are maintained lifelong, a process termed memory inflation. Recent findings indicate that infection with CMV leads to continuous differentiation of CMV-specific EM-like T cells and that high-dose infection accelerates this progression. Whether measures that counteract CMV infection, such as anti-viral drugs, targeting of latently infected cells, adoptive transfer of CMV-specific T cells, and vaccination strategies, are able to impact the progressive differentiation of CMV-specific EM-like cells is discussed.
Queues Driven by Hawkes Processes
Authors: Daw Andrew , Pender Jamol
Published: September 2018

Many stochastic systems have arrival processes that exhibit clustering behavior. In these systems, arriving entities influence additional arrivals to occur through self-excitation of the arrival process. In this paper, we analyze an infinite server queueing system in which the arrivals are driven by the self-exciting Hawkes process and in which service follows a phase-type distribution or is deterministic. In the phase-type setting, we derive differential equations for the moments and a partial differential equation for the moment-generating function; we also derive exact expressions for the transient and steady-state mean, variance, and covariances. Furthermore, we also derive exact expressions for the autocovariance of the queue and provide an expression for the cumulant moment–generating function in terms of a single ordinary differential equation. In the deterministic service setting, we provide exact expressions for the first and second moments and the queue autocovariance. As motivation for our Hawkes queueing model, we demonstrate its usefulness through two novel applications. These applications are trending internet traffic and arrivals to nightclubs. In the web traffic setting, we investigate the impact of a click. In the nightclub or club queue setting, we design an optimal control problem for the optimal rate to admit club-goers.
The role of reflective practice in professional development
Authors: Fontaine Samantha J
Published: September 2018

Reflective practice (RP) is a process of critical evaluation and self-assessment whereby one deeply explores an event in order to learn from experiences, and consequently undertakes a change in perception or behaviour. RP can benefit practice through enhancing professionalism and encouraging self-directed learning (SDL). SDL is an important part of the lifelong learning undertaken by registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) who participate in ongoing continuing professional development (CPD). CPD is traditionally delivered using an input-based model, where the time in attendance of activities, such as lectures and seminars, are accrued. Although this model ensures a learning activity has been undertaken, it does not ensure any actual learning has occurred, and whether there has been a resultant increase in professional competency. As such, an outcome-based model of CPD has been proposed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) which includes planning, doing, recording and reflecting. The addition of RP to this new cycle ensures that RVNs explore the completed CPD activity more deeply, and consider what specific learning has occurred. This learning can then be measured as outcomes, which may include, for example, improvements to patient care, client service delivery, local processes, the wider organisation, or the management of staff or students. There have been concerns expressed within the profession about the proposed move to an outcome-based CPD model, including the increased time that measuring and recording outcomes will add to the process. If the implementation of this new model is to prove successful, these concerns will need to be addressed.
Helping kittens to become confident cats—why they and their owners need the support of the veterinary team. Part 2: environmental effects and support
Authors: Hargrave Claire
Published: September 2018

Despite having outcompeted the dog in popularity in UK, the cat has lived in close proximity to man for a relatively short period of time. This shorter period for domestication has affected the nature of the cat's level of domesticity, creating limitations on the behavioural flexibility that companion cats can offer. A previous article examined possible genetic predispositions that may interfere with a kitten's social flexibility. This article examines whose responsibility it is to assist a cat in maximising that flexibility while considering the question of how the cat's experience during its early weeks of life can place considerable restrictions on its capacity to relax with and interact with other cats, humans and a human environment. Following this, the article considers the nature of the advice that veterinary clients may benefit from, if they are to improve the behavioural welfare of the kitten that is expected to become a confident, sociable, companion cat.
Urethral obstruction in the male cat
Authors: Webb Gemma
Published: September 2018

Urethral obstruction in male cats is a common condition that can result in potentially life threatening complications. Veterinary nurses play a fundamental role in the nursing management and can greatly improve client education of these cases. It is important that veterinary nurses have an understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical signs and nursing interventions when dealing with cases of feline urethral obstruction to enable effective treatment.
A practical guide to heart murmurs for veterinary nurses
Authors: Pace Charlotte
Published: September 2018

Heart murmurs are a relatively common finding in small animal medicine, and are additional sounds to the normal ‘lub’ and ‘dub’ heard on auscultation. The most common type of murmur recorded is a systolic murmur, and can be an indicator of disease severity in dogs with mitral valve disease. However, murmur intensity is not related to the severity of dilated cardiomyopathy, and in cats, having a murmur has been linked to a favourable outcome, while cats can have heart disease and have no heart murmur. It would be ideal if there was a heart murmur chart that correlated heart murmur auscultated, heart disease severity and anaesthetic risk. Unfortunately, such a thing does not exist, and it is up to the veterinary professionals involved, to interpret what heart murmurs mean and know which breeds are at risk of cardiac disease and/or cardiac failure. This means that the nurse needs to not only monitor heart rate, rhythm, and pulse quality, but also respiratory rate and effort, oxygen saturation and systolic blood pressure carefully in those suspected of, or those diagnosed with, cardiac disease.
Firework fears and phobias in companion animals – why do we let owners take the one in two chance?
Authors: Hargrave Claire
Published: September 2018

Sensitivity to novel or sudden noises is a basic survival strategy, so it should be no surprise to veterinary staff that up to 50% of dogs show specific fear responses to sounds such as fireworks. Despite a lack of specific studies of sound sensitivities in other companion animal species, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that the statistics would be at least equivalent.