bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of effective pore pressure in asphalt pavement based on computational fluid dynamics calculation
Authors: Guo Xuedong , Sun Mingzhi , Dai Wenting
Published: February 2017

A micromechanical model was established based on the fluid dynamics theory. This model could be used to calculate several kinds of data when the asphalt pavement under the influence of traffic loading is in water-saturated condition. The results showed that the maximum pressure inside the effective pore was located at the junction between exit slits and the pore wall. There was a positive correlation between the pressure and the vehicle speed. Therefore, the repeated traffic loading could cause emulsification, shift and even peeling of the asphalt membrane. Moreover, the bigger size of the exit slit is, the higher velocity of the fluid has. The high velocity flow keeps scouring both the exit slit and the lower boundary of pore wall. It will cause a bigger slit. Pressure distribution inside the effective pore is related to the number of the exit slit which connect with the pore. More exit slits means bigger pressure inside the effective pore. In addition, if asphalt membranes at exit slits have micro-cracking, the cumulative damage could appear easily and asphalt membranes could be peeled easily. Finally, a test was conducted so as to obtain the bonding strength and adhesion strength between asphalt and aggregate. Then, we can get accurate damage form and position during the scour process by comparing the numerical simulation results with experiment results.
Single-input adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control of the lower extremity exoskeleton based on human–robot interaction
Authors: Jin Xinglai , Zhu Shiqiang , Zhu Xiaocong , Chen Qingcheng , Zhang Xuequn
Published: February 2017

This article introduces a human–robot interaction controller toward the lower extremity exoskeleton whose aim is to improve the tracking performance and drive the exoskeleton to shadow the wearer with less interaction force. To acquire the motion intention of the wearer, two subsystems are designed: the first is to infer the wearer is in which phase based on floor reaction force detected by a multi-sensor system installed in the sole, and the second is to infer the motion velocity based on the multi-axis force sensor and admittance model. An improved single-input fuzzy sliding mode controller is designed, and the adaptive switching controller is combined to promote the tracking performance considering system uncertainties. Adaptation laws are designed based on the Lyapunov stability theorem. Therefore, the stability of the single-input adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control can be guaranteed. Finally, the proposed methods are applied to the lower extremity exoskeleton, especially in the swing phase. Its effectiveness is validated by comparative experiments.
Design and experiment of a passive damping device for the multi-panel solar array
Authors: Kong Yongfang , Huang Hai
Published: February 2017

With the space technology development, large flexible space deployable structures have been used widely. Studying on the vibration control for large flexible space deployable structures becomes very important. In this study, a novel passive vibration damping device is developed for the multi-panel sun-orientated deployable solar array. Its upper strut contains a viscous damper while the lower strut is rigid. The device is lockable and located near the solar array root hinge to increase the structural damping without reducing the fundamental frequency. This design will not influence the original functions of the solar array, such as folding, deploying, and sun tracking. The corresponding finite element models are established, and the properties of the damping device are investigated by modal analysis and transient response analysis. The damping mechanism design for a certain type of solar array is presented. The associated modal tests based on a solar array test sample verify the effectiveness of the device. Conclusions are drawn to help define design guidance for future damping device implementations.
Finite element modeling and analysis for the integration–rolling–extrusion process of spline shaft
Authors: Cui Minchao , Zhao Shengdun , Chen Chao , Zhang Dawei , Li Yongyi
Published: February 2017

An integration–rolling–extrusion process is raised for the manufacture of spline shaft in this study. First, the principle and procedures of integration–rolling–extrusion process are described. Next, the finite element model with a simplified sector blank is established to obtain a practical method for the simulation of integration-rolling-extrusion process. Through the simulation results, the plastic forming mechanisms are clearly revealed. During the integration–rolling–extrusion process, the equivalent stress, deformation degree, and material flow behavior mainly distribute on the surface layer of the blank and then gradually decrease along the radial inward direction. In the core region of the blank, there are almost no effective stress distribution, deformation degree, and material flow behavior. Next, the experiments are carried out on a specialized forming equipment to verify the finite element model. The results are measured and compared with finite element results. The finite element results show a good agreement with experiments; thus, the finite element analysis on the integration–rolling–extrusion process is credible. In addition, the measurement results show that the dimensions meet the requirement of heavy truck application. It indicates that the integration–rolling–extrusion process is feasible for the manufacture of spline shaft. However, the surface quality of the formed spline shaft is not satisfying, which needs to be discussed further.
Critical heat flux enhancement of HFE-7100 flow boiling in a minichannel heat sink with saw-tooth structures
Authors: Fu Ben-Ran , Chung Shan-Yu , Lin Wei-Jen , Wang Lei , Pan Chin
Published: February 2017

A heat sink with convective boiling in micro- or mini-channels is with great potential to meet the requirement of the high heat dissipation of the electronic devices. This study investigates the flow boiling of HFE-7100, having a suitable boiling temperature at atmospheric pressure and dielectric property, in the minichannel heat sink with the modified surface (namely, the saw-tooth structure). The effect of the system pressure on the boiling characteristics was also studied. The results reveal that the critical heat flux can be significantly improved by introducing the saw-tooth structures on the channel surface or boosting the system pressure as well as by increasing the mass flux. Compared to the non-modified channel, the enhancements of the critical heat flux for the parallel and counter saw-tooth channels are 44% and 36%, respectively, at the small mass flux. The boiling visualization further indicates that the minichannels with the saw-tooth structures interrupt the boundary layer and restrain the coalescence of the bubble, which may be the reason for the critical heat flux enhancement. Moreover, the degree of the critical heat flux enhancement, contributed by the saw-tooth modification of the channel, decreases with an increase in the mass flux.
Pitching axis control for a satellite camera based on a novel active disturbance rejection controller
Authors: Liu Bingyou , Jin Yi , Zhu Changan , Chen Changzheng
Published: February 2017

The pitching axis of a satellite camera is controlled under the weightless environment. A novel active disturbance rejection controller is designed to eliminate the influences of the pitching axis. The novel active disturbance rejection controller is designed based on a new nonlinear function, and thus, this function is first established. The function exhibits better continuity and smoothness than previously available functions, hence, it can effectively improve the high-frequency flutter phenomenon. Therefore, the novel active disturbance rejection controller based on the new nonlinear function can eliminate disturbances of the pitching axis. The novel active disturbance rejection controller is composed of a tracking differentiator, a novel extended state observer, and a novel nonlinear state error feedback. The tracking differentiator is used to arrange the transient process. Nonlinear dynamics, model uncertainty, and external disturbances are extended to a new state. The novel extended state observer is utilized to observe this state. The overtime variation of the system can be predicted and compensated using the novel extended state observer. The novel nonlinear state error feedback is adopted to restrain the residual errors of the system. Finally, simulation experiments are performed, and results show that the novel active disturbance rejection controller exhibits better performance than the traditional active disturbance rejection controller.
Bearing preload optimization for machine tool spindle by the influencing multiple parameters on the bearing performance
Authors: Dong Yanfang , Zhou Zude , Liu Mingyao
Published: February 2017

The bearing preload plays an important role on the bearing performance, particularly the important characteristics of the bearing include bearing temperature increases, the bearing fatigue life, and ball skidding. Generally, the bearing preload contains the initial bearing preload and the thermal-induced bearing preload. Moreover, the bearing performance is closely related to machine tool accuracy. Obtaining an optimal bearing preload can improve the spindle work accuracy of machine tools. A method for determining optimal bearing preload over a wide range of speeds is given in this article. The method is based on the aforementioned factors that affect bearing performance, synthetically considering the initial preload and thermal-induced bearing preload, and it is verified both experimentally and with simulations. The results show that there is a minimum bearing preload value for avoiding the bearing ball skidding; the bearing temperature rise more than 30°C can be hardly achieved in the normal speed range, the fatigue life decides the biggest bearing preload; and the method is applicable to machine tool spindle usage.
Low-inertia centrifugal compressor wheels: Aerodynamic and mechanical design
Authors: Fischer Tore , Seume Joerg R
Published: February 2017

A new centrifugal compressor impeller design approach is presented, focusing on electrically driven compressors for gasoline engine and fuel cell applications. The performance and mechanical integrity are evaluated based on numerical simulations. Additionally, the numerical model is applied to several variations of the diffuser and volute geometries, in order to evaluate stage characteristics for diffuser area ratios of 110% and 150%, volute area ratios from 60% to 90%, and diffuser pinch ratios from 60% to 80%. The preliminary performance results show the capability to achieve a flow range comparable to a larger state-of-the-art impeller, with minor penalties regarding stage efficiency and near surge operating stability.
Application of fuzzy logic in constant speed control of hydraulic retarder
Authors: Lei Yulong , Song Pengxiang , Zheng Hongpeng , Fu Yao , Li Xingzhong , Song Bin
Published: February 2017

Hydraulic retarders are extensively used in commercial vehicles because of their advantages, such as their large braking torque and long continuous operating hours. In this article, the structure and working principles of hydraulic retarders are introduced, and their dynamic characteristics are analyzed. The theoretical model of a hydraulic retarder is then established based on the dynamic analysis of a vehicle driving downhill. The braking process that involves the hydraulic retarder is divided into three stages. Moreover, the filling ratio controller of the hydraulic retarder is designed by adopting fuzzy control theory to control the braking torque of the vehicle while driving downhill. The vehicle dynamic model and constant-speed control model were then established in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. The simulation results showed that the fuzzy logic controller designed in this study has good constant-torque control and anti-inference performances, which can accurately and immediately produce braking torque to satisfy the braking requirement, thereby enabling the vehicle to drive downhill at a constant speed. As a result, the control strategy designed in this article can lead to significant improvements toward a safe road transport.
Effects of impeller trim on performance of two-stage self-priming centrifugal pump
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Zixu , Jiang Linglin , Liu Houlin , Li Yu
Published: February 2017

In order to save energy by broadening its application range, the influence of impeller trim on the performance of a two-stage self-priming centrifugal pump was numerically studied. The hydraulic performance experiments and self-priming experiments were carried out. And the unsteady performance of pressure fluctuation and radial force in the pump was analyzed. The results show that with the increase in impeller trim quantity, the best efficiency point of the pump would move to the small flow rate condition. Under the design flow rate, when both the two stages of the impeller were trimmed by 6%, head of the pump was reduced by 13%, efficiency of the pump was as well decreased by 1.69 percentage points, and self-priming time was increased by 1.7%. Thus, impeller trim can be used to meet the operating requirements in the head range of 94–107 m. With the increase in impellers trim quantity, the pressure fluctuation in the positive channel of the radial guide vane and the volute was smaller, while the radial force on the wall of radial guide vane and volute was also smaller.
Super Kutler flap: an alternative technique for reconstruction of fingertip defects
Authors: Arpaci E. , Unlu R. E. , Altun S. , Ertas N. M.
Published: February 2017

The bilateral V-Y flap concept for fingertip reconstruction was first desribed by Kutler. This method has limitations, such as flap size and advancement, therefore larger flap modifications are described to increase the advancement capacity of the flaps. We described a small direct-flow homodigital island flap method, called the ‘super Kutler flap’, for recontruction of finger pulp defects. In addition, neurorrhaphy was performed between the cut ends of the digital nerves to prevent neuroma formation. This method was used in 10 fingers in patients who had undergone pulp tissue reconstruction of fingertip defects from May 2008 to October 2011. The mean defect size was 2.2 × 1.7 cm. The mean static two-point discrimination was 3.5 mm and the mean Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test of the flaps was 2.83 g. The super Kutler flap provides an altenative option for reconstruction of fingertip defects.

Level of evidence: IV
The effect of merging two infectious disease units on hand hygiene adherence in Italy
Authors: Petrilli Christopher M. , Mantengoli Elisabetta , Saint Sanjay , Fowler Karen E. , Bartoloni Alessandro
Published: February 2017

Background:

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are common and harmful to patients. Effective hand hygiene can help prevent HAIs, however, suboptimal healthcare worker hand hygiene remains problematic across the globe. This study analyses the impact of organisational changes on hand hygiene.

Methods:

This observational study assessed hand hygiene by different professions before and after a merger of a recently combined infectious diseases (ID) unit coupled with a qualitative study about barriers to optimal hand hygiene. Direct observations were compared with previous data collected on both units before they merged. We also conducted focus groups with the doctors and nurses about hand hygiene.

Results:

After two ID units merged in 2013, we observed 681 provider–patient interactions. We compared these with a previous observation period in 2012. Hand hygiene adherence among nurses significantly declined after the merger (from 36% to 24%, P <0.001). However, adherence among doctors increased from 51% to 63% after the merger ( P = 0.004). Data from the focus groups revealed a gap between doctor and nurses perceptions of education and goal adherence rates.

Conclusions:

Our findings underscore the important role played by effective unit leaders to prevent infection. We found long-term sustainability of hand hygiene practices among doctors. However, adherence among nurses was substantially lower.
Aspiration, abjection and precariousness: The neo-liberal educator’s desire for compliance
Authors: Best Shaun
Published: February 2017

Aspiration has come to play a central role in the British government’s approach to educational underachievement. This article revisits research conducted in the 1970s by Paul Corrigan and Paul Willis to examine the impact of neo-liberalism on the school life of young teenagers. The behaviours of working-class children as described by Corrigan and Willis have become increasingly regarded as problematical by policymakers and school leaders. This article discusses the impact of the measures to enhance ‘student aspiration’ by using quality assurance measures such as benchmarking. The article explores how teenagers now live much more abject and precarious lives than the teenagers who Willis and Corrigan investigated. The conclusion reached is that, in an education context, abjection is imposed on those people who do not fit into the regulatory ideal of achievement via aspiration. The mechanisms that help to bring about this precarious life are identified with reference to Foucault, Kristeva, Agamben and Butler. Educational research into leadership, school improvement and school effectiveness is said to have been complicit in the facilitation of neo-liberal practice into school life, and effective schools are schools that are effective in achieving neo-liberal objectives.
Correction of Hallux Valgus Deformity in Association With Underlying Metatarsus Adductus Deformity
Authors: Shibuya Naohiro , Jupiter Daniel C. , Plemmons Britton S. , Martin Lanster , Thorud Jakob C.
Published: February 2017

Presence of underlying metatarsus deformity is known to negatively affect the outcome of hallux valgus corrective surgery. Yet there are many other factors that also affect final outcomes. In order to address the potential relationships between variables, we attempted to evaluate the association of metatarsus adductus with surgical outcomes, independent of other common factors used in evaluation of hallux valgus deformity. We enrolled 154 patients who had undergone hallux valgus corrective surgery and recorded their pre- and postoperative intermetatarsal (IM12) and hallux valgus (HVA) angles, preoperative Engel’s angle, and type of hallux valgus procedure. Using linear and logistic regression models, we identified variables that were independently (1) associated with the final IM12 and HVA and those (2) independently associated with dichotomized postoperative IM12 and HVA. We found that the only factors that were independently associated were preoperative IM12 with postoperative IM12, and preoperative HVA with postoperative HVA. In the linear model, a discretized Engel’s angle of 21 to 25 was marginally negatively associated with the final IM12. There was no detectable relationship between underlying metatarsus adductus deformity and the final outcome of hallux valgus correction after adjusting for other covariates.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective, cohort study
The acceptance of the Social Market Economy in Germany
Authors: Schlösser Hans Jürgen , Schuhen Michael , Schürkmann Susanne
Published: February 2017

Germany’s economic order is labelled ‘Social Market Economy’ in order to indicate that the economic system has both an economic and a social dimension. Its purpose is to reconcile efficiency goals and social responsibility. The concept of the Social Market Economy is based on central values such as freedom or justice. Under the label Social Market Economy, Germany has become an extensive social welfare system. However, the acceptance of this economic system has decreased over the last two decades. Especially in the eyes of young citizens, the value of justice is no longer upheld in Germany. Competition as an organising principle of economy is no longer esteemed but considered a threat and freedom has lost appreciation as a value. The goal of the study is to find out what the conception of Social Market Economy among first year undergraduate students looks like. In the context of the educational reconstruction model, we compared the students’ conceptions to professional assumptions in order to create a new pedagogical structure. The method is a qualitative approach, analysing students’ essays on Social Market Economy and its values. During the study, we found out that young people’s attitudes towards the economy and values highly correlate with their cognitive knowledge and education.
End of life care for urological cancer patients
Authors: Hounsome Luke , Verne Julia , Woodhams Simon
Published: February 2017

Background:

Each year around 15,000 men and 2900 women die from a urological cancer. The trajectory at end of life can be long and progressive or punctuated by acute events. Nonetheless those who die from urological cancer share some certain common disease manifestations that necessitate input from secondary care.

Methods:

All records of people dying from a urological cancer in 2004–2013 were extracted from Office for National Statistics and National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service databases. Records were linked to hospital episode statistics to analyse patterns of admitted patient care, outpatient attendances and emergency department attendances.

Results:

There has been a progressive decline in the proportion of deaths in hospital, from 47% to 35% of deaths. There has been a notable increase in care home deaths, which have risen from 13% to 19% of deaths and overtaken deaths in a hospice. Despite an only modest rise in total deaths from urological cancers (15,573 per year 2004–2006; 16,921 per year 2011–2013) there has been a much larger increase in secondary care activity in the last year of life. The largest change was for outpatient attendances, where the mean number increased from 3.0 to 13.6 per person.

Conclusion:

Differences in age at death may account for some of the differences in place of death. Those dying at an older age will be more likely to require care for comorbidities or frailty, and hence be in a care home already. The large increase in outpatient activity could reflect attempts to manage more end of life care without hospital admissions. Yet inpatient activity has increased more quickly than the number of deaths. The increase in outpatient activity may instead be due to developments in treatment for advanced cancer, and prostate cancer in particular, being offered to patients close to the end of life.
Variation in usage of radical prostatectomy and radical radiotherapy for men with locally advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Hounsome Luke , Rowe Ed , Verne Julia , Kockelbergh Roger , Payne Heather
Published: February 2017

Locally advanced prostate cancer is defined as primary tumours extending outside the prostate gland to the surrounding tissues or seminal vesicles but without spread beyond the pelvic region. With radical treatment there is good prospect of cure. Radiotherapy in combination with hormone therapy is well established, but specific NICE guidelines have only recently been published. The guidelines recommend offering either radical prostatectomy (RP), possibly with adjuvant radiotherapy, or radical radiotherapy (RT) with neo-adjuvant hormone therapy as treatment for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. Given that guidelines on managing locally advanced prostate cancer have recently changed, we wanted to quantify the baseline variation in use of radical treatments for this patient group.

Methods:

Men with T3/T4 N0 M0 prostate cancer who were diagnosed in 2010–2012 were identified using data from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS). Data on age, ethnicity, deprivation, Charlson comorbidity score, Strategic Clinical Network (SCN) of residence, and treatments delivered were extracted. A multivariable logistic regression was undertaken to identify important variables.

Results:

Overall, 1692 (14%) of men in the cohort had a record of radical prostatectomy. A total of 6212 (52%) had a record of curative RT. In a regression model each decade increase in age yielded odds of 0.39 ( p < 0.001) for receiving radical treatment. Black men were only half as likely as white men to receive radical treatment (OR = 0.54; p < 0.001). Deprivation, comorbidity and SCN of residence had smaller effects. The variation observed in radical treatment between SCNs largely disappeared once the multiple variables were accounted for.

Conclusion:

Radical treatments vary by 71% to 85% between networks for men aged 60–69 years. Given that men >80 years made up 12% of the study population and only 6% had a Charlson comorbidity score >0, there is a possibility that some men with ‘clinically significant’ disease are undertreated.
Implementing Restorative Justice Under the Retributive Paradigm
Authors: Gerkin Patrick , Walsh John , Kuilema Joseph , Borton Ian
Published: February 2017

This article explores the implementation of a pilot program in restorative justice in a medium-sized Midwestern city. Through an examination of meeting minutes, interviews, and the personal reflections of the authors, this article examines the implementation of a victim–offender mediation program, referred to throughout the article as the Fast Track Accountability Program (FTAP). Presented as a case study, the authors describe the key stakeholders, the process, the obstacles, as well as lessons learned along the way. Particular attention is given to the essential role of strong leadership and to the challenges faced when implementing such a program within the bureaucracy of the current, retributive, criminal justice system.
Intraosseous epidermoid cyst of the distal phalanx reconstructed with synthetic bone graft
Authors: Sasaki Hiromi , Nagano Satoshi , Shimada Hirofumi , Nakashima Takayuki , Yokouchi Masahiro , Ishidou Yasuhiro , Setoguchi Takao , Komiya Setsuro
Published: February 2017

Intraosseous epidermoid cysts are exceedingly rare. Known as pseudotumors, not true neoplasms, intraosseous epidermoid cysts usually involve the phalanges, the skull, and the toes. Intraosseous epidermoid cysts typically present as destructive osteolytic lesions on X-ray, mimicking malignant bone tumors. Here, we present two cases of an intraosseous epidermoid cyst in the distal phalanx treated with curettage and synthetic bone graft, followed by a review of the relevant literature. In both cases, the patient presented with a painful enlargement of the fingertip following a minor trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated lesions involving the distal phalanx that had a low signal on T1-weighted imaging (WI) and a high intensity on T2-WI. In both cases, the lesions were not enhanced by gadolinium. Good remodeling and functional recoveries were obtained. For physically active patients with substantial bone defects, synthetic bone graft may be recommended.
The combined use of oral and topical tranexamic acid is a safe, efficient and low-cost method in reducing blood loss and transfusion rates in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Cankaya Deniz , Dasar Uygar , Satilmis Ahmet Burak , Basaran Serdar Hakan , Akkaya Mustafa , Bozkurt Murat
Published: February 2017

Aims:

The combined (IV (intravenous) + topical) use of tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to be a safe method and more effective than single (IV or topical) application. The optimal administration method of TXA is still being investigated and safety, efficiency and cost are the three main crucial parameters in achieving the best administration method. We aimed to determine whether combined (oral + topical) use of TXA reduced blood loss and transfusion rates more than single (topical) administration in TKA and whether oral + topical use is as safe and efficient as the IV + topical use, in addition to the main advantage of relatively low cost.

Methods:

In this prospective, randomized study, 100 patients were randomly assigned to either the topical TXA group or the combined (oral + topical) TXA group. There were no significant differences between the groups in age, body mass index or gender. The haemoglobin and haematocrit levels of each patient were recorded preoperatively and on post-operative days 0, 1, 2 and 3. The post-operative suction drainage and blood transfusion volumes were also recorded.

Results:

There were statistically significant differences between the groups in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels on post-operative days 0, 1, 2 and 3 ( p < 0.05) in favour of the combined group. The post-operative drainage amounts ( p = 0.0001), measured blood loss volume ( p = 0.003) and transfusion rates ( p = 0.03) were lower in the combined (oral + topical) group compared to the topical group.

Conclusions:

Of the different methods of TXA administration, the combined use of oral and topical TXA is a safe, efficient and low-cost method in reducing blood loss and transfusion rates after TKA.
Intimate Partner Violence, Depression, and Quality of Life among Women Living with HIV/AIDS in a Coastal City of South India
Authors: Achchappa Basavaprabhu , Bhandary Mahak , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Ramapuram John T. , Kulkarni Vaman , Rao Satish , Maadi Deepak , Bhat Anish , Priyadarshni Shivani
Published: February 2017

Background:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a severe form of abuse prevalent in urban and rural areas of India with its effects on mental and physical health of the person receiving it, leading to a poorer quality of life.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 99 women living with HIV, and information was collected using abuse assessment scale. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 17.0.

Results:

The IPV was reported by 19.2% of the respondents, of which psychological (14.1%) was most common followed by physical (4.1%) and sexual abuse (1.0%). The experience of IPV was significantly associated with socioeconomic status, number of children, marital status, and CD4 counts of the participants.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of IPV in our study was found to be less compared to previous studies, however, there were significant association among factors such as socioeconomic status, CD4 counts, and marital status of the participants.
Patellar Maltracking Persists in Adolescent Females With Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Carlson Victor R. , Boden Barry P. , Shen Aricia , Jackson Jennifer N. , Alter Katharine E. , Sheehan Frances T.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Patellofemoral pain is one of the most common conditions seen in sports medicine practices, particularly among adolescent females. However, the natural history of the underlying pathology in patellofemoral pain during puberty remains poorly understood.

Purpose:

The purpose of this longitudinal study is to assess changes in patellar maltracking patterns in subjects with patellofemoral pain as they mature from mid- to late adolescence.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Three-dimensional patellofemoral kinematic data were acquired during active knee extension-flexion using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in 6 girls (10 knees; mean age, 14.0 years) with clinically diagnosed patellofemoral pain. The subjects then returned as late adolescents (mean age, 18.5 years) for follow-up scanning. Three-dimensional patellofemoral kinematic parameters were evaluated across the range of motion, but comparison between time points was restricted to 10° of flexion. Participation in impact and nonimpact physical activities, pain score based on the visual analog scale, and the anterior knee pain score were also compared across initial and follow-up visits.

Results:

All subjects reported improved patellofemoral pain symptoms at follow-up, and one subject reported complete resolution. However, relative to the initial visit, no differences were found in patellar maltracking. There was a decrease in hours engaged in impact physical activities for all subjects at follow-up.

Conclusion:

This study provides insight into the natural history of patellofemoral pain in adolescent females. The relatively unchanged patellofemoral maltracking across subjects suggests that potential anatomic and kinematic abnormalities contributing to patellofemoral pain during mid-adolescence persist during skeletal maturation. Symptom improvement for these subjects did not result from a change in patellofemoral tracking, but rather from other causes.
The Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Huang Tsuey-Yuan , Moser Debra K. , Hwang Shiow-Li
Published: February 2017

Background

Relaxation techniques can reduce sympathetic nervous system activation and stress, potentially improving heart failure patients’ physical and psychological outcomes.

Purpose

To examine the effects of biofeedback-assisted relaxation (BFAR) therapy in patients with heart failure.

Methods

A prospective randomized control study was conducted. Participants in the treatment group received BFAR therapy, while participants in the control group received standard of care. Short-term outcomes were physical symptoms and psychosocial variables measured at baseline and 3 months; long-term outcomes were cardiac events and mortality assessed at 12 months.

Results

Fifty-two heart failure patients participated in the study: 23 (mean age 60.0 ± 13.7 years; 60.9% male; 39.1% New York Heart Association III/IV) in the treatment group and 29 (mean age 59.2 ± 12.2 years; 72.4% male; 48.3% New York Heart Association III/IV) in the control group. Short-term effects of BFAR on outcome variables were not significantly different between treatment and control groups. However, longer event-free survival was found in the treatment group compared with the control group ( p = .019).

Conclusions/Implications for Practices

BFAR therapy is effective to improve cardiac event-free survival of heart failure patients and can be applied to clinical setting.
Radiation-free, alternative-donor HCT for Fanconi anemia patients: results from a prospective multi-institutional study
Authors: Mehta Parinda A. , Davies Stella M. , Leemhuis Thomas , Myers Kasiani , Kernan Nancy A. , Prockop Susan E. , Scaradavou Andromachi , O’Reilly Richard J. , Williams David A. , Lehmann Leslie , Guinan Eva , Margolis David , Baker K. Scott , Lane Adam , Boulad Farid
Published: February 2017

Key Points

Alternative donor HCT can be performed in patients with FA without using radiation. All 26 patients younger than 10 years of age undergoing HCT for marrow failure using lower-dose busulfan-containing regimen survived.
Post-challenge insulin concentration is useful for differentiating between coronary artery disease and cardiac syndrome X in subjects without known diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liang Kae-Woei , Sheu Wayne H.-H. , Lee Wen-Jane , Lee Wen-Lieng , Pan Hung-Chih , Lee I.-Te , Wang Jun-Sing
Published: February 2017

Background

Cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is characterized by angina pectoris but with patent coronary arteries. Our previous study demonstrated that subjects with CSX had a higher fasting insulin-resistance (IR) than the controls. However, few studies have investigated the degree of IR, including oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-derived indices and profiles of metabolic abnormalities between CSX and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Ninety-two CSX and 145 CAD subjects without known diabetes mellitus (DM) underwent coronary angiogram (CAG) for angina pectoris and also agreed to receive OGTT and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) evaluations for screening abnormal glucose regulation and IR.

Results

CAD group had more subjects with metabolically unhealthy obesity (52.4 vs. 31.5%, p < 0.001) than the CSX group. The CAD group had higher OGTT 2 h glucose and insulin (both p < 0.005) while fasting glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR were similar to those of CSX subjects. In the binary regression analysis, OGTT 2 h insulin and being metabolic unhealthy were significantly different between the CAD and CSX groups, but there were no significant differences in Matsuda index, fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, or HbA1C.

Conclusions

Post challenge OGTT 2 h insulin and being metabolic unhealthy were useful parameters in differentiating between CAD and CSX in subjects without known DM but suffered from angina pectoris and underwent CAG. Different degrees of IR and metabolic abnormalities might be implicated in the pathogenesis of micro vs. macro vascular coronary diseases.

Trial registration NCT01198730 at https://clinicaltrials.gov, Registered Sep. 8, 2010
Diversity of fate outcomes in cell pairs under lateral inhibition
Authors: Guisoni Nara , Martinez-Corral Rosa , Garcia-Ojalvo Jordi , de Navascués Joaquín
Published: February 2017

Cell fate determination by lateral inhibition via Notch/Delta signalling has been extensively studied. Most formalised models consider Notch/Delta interactions in fields of cells, with parameters that typically lead to symmetry breaking of signalling states between neighbouring cells, commonly resulting in salt-and-pepper fate patterns. Here, we consider the case of signalling between isolated cell pairs, and find that the bifurcation properties of a standard mathematical model of lateral inhibition can lead to stable symmetric signalling states. We apply this model to the adult intestinal stem cell (ISC) of Drosophila, the fate of which is stochastic but dependent on the Notch/Delta pathway. We observe a correlation between signalling state in cell pairs and their contact area. We interpret this behaviour in terms of the properties of our model in the presence of population variability in contact areas, which affects the effective signalling threshold of individual cells. Our results suggest that the dynamics of Notch/Delta signalling can contribute to explain stochasticity in stem cell fate decisions, and that the standard model for lateral inhibition can account for a wider range of developmental outcomes than previously considered.
Self-organisation after embryonic kidney dissociation is driven via selective adhesion of ureteric epithelial cells.
Authors: Lefevre J. G. , Chiu H. S. , Combes A. N. , Vanslambrouck J. M. , Ju A. , Hamilton N. A. , Little M. H.
Published: February 2017

Human pluripotent stem cells, after directed differentiation in vitro, can spontaneously generate complex tissues via self-organisation of the component cells. Self-organisation can also reform embryonic organ structure after tissue disruption. It has previously been demonstrated that dissociated embryonic kidneys can recreate component epithelial and mesenchymal relationships sufficient to allow continued kidney morphogenesis. Here we investigate the timing and underlying mechanisms driving self-organisation after dissociation of the embryonic kidney using time-lapse imaging, high-resolution confocal analyses and mathematical modelling. Organotypic self-organisation sufficient for nephron initiation was observed within a 24 hour period. This involved cell movement with structure emerging after the clustering of ureteric epithelial cells, a process consistent with models of random cell movement with preferential cell adhesion. Ureteric epithelialisation rapidly followed the formation of ureteric cell clusters with the reformation of nephron forming niches representing a later event. Disruption of P-cadherin interactions was seen to impair this ureteric epithelial cell clustering without affecting epithelial maturation. This understanding may facilitate improved regulation of patterning within organoids and facilitate kidney engineering approaches guided by cell-cell self-organisation.
Mechanical tension and spontaneous muscle twitching precede the formation of cross-striated muscle in vivo
Authors: Weitkunat Manuela , Brasse Martina , Bausch Andreas R. , Schnorrer Frank
Published: February 2017

Muscle forces are produced by repeated stereotypical actomyosin units called sarcomeres. Sarcomeres are chained into linear myofibrils spanning the entire muscle fiber. In mammalian body muscles, myofibrils are aligned laterally, resulting in their typical cross-striated morphology. Despite this detailed textbook knowledge about the adult muscle structure, it is still unclear how cross-striated myofibrils are built in vivo. Here, we investigate the morphogenesis of Drosophila abdominal muscles and establish them as an in vivo model for cross-striated muscle development. By performing live imaging, we find that long immature myofibrils lacking a periodic actomyosin pattern are built simultaneously in the entire muscle fiber and then align laterally to give mature cross-striated myofibrils. Interestingly, laser micro-lesion experiments demonstrate that mechanical tension precedes the formation of the immature myofibrils. Moreover, these immature myofibrils do generate spontaneous Ca2+-dependent contractions in vivo, which, when chemically blocked, result in cross-striation defects. Taken together, these results suggest a myofibrillogenesis model in which mechanical tension and spontaneous muscle twitching synchronize the simultaneous self-organization of different sarcomeric protein complexes to build highly regular cross-striated myofibrils spanning the length of large muscle fibers.
Development of a human cardiac organoid injury model reveals innate regenerative potential
Authors: Voges Holly K. , Mills Richard J. , Elliott David A. , Parton Robert G. , Porrello Enzo R. , Hudson James E.
Published: February 2017

The adult human heart possesses a limited regenerative potential following an ischemic event, and undergoes a number of pathological changes in response to injury. While cardiac regeneration has been documented in zebrafish and neonatal mouse hearts, it is currently unknown whether the immature human heart is capable of undergoing complete regeneration. Combined progress in pluripotent stem cell differentiation and tissue engineering has facilitated the development of human cardiac organoids (hCO), which resemble fetal heart tissue and can be used to address this important knowledge gap. This study aimed to characterise the regenerative capacity of immature human heart tissue in response to injury. Following cryoinjury with a dry ice probe, hCO exhibited an endogenous regenerative response with full functional recovery by two weeks following acute injury. Cardiac functional recovery occurred in the absence of pathological fibrosis or cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Consistent with regenerative organisms and neonatal human hearts, there was a high basal level of cardiomyocyte proliferation, which may be responsible for the regenerative capacity of the hCO. This study suggests that immature human heart tissue has an intrinsic capacity to regenerate.
Eccentric position of the germinal vesicle and cortical flow during oocyte maturation specify the animal-vegetal axis of ascidian embryos
Authors: Tokuhisa Masumi , Muto Miyuki , Nishida Hiroki
Published: February 2017

The animal-vegetal (A-V) axis is already set in unfertilized eggs. It plays crucial roles to coordinate germ-layer formation. However, how the A-V axis is set has not been well studied. In ascidians, unfertilized eggs are already polarized along the axis in terms of cellular components. The polarization occurs during oocyte maturation. Oocytes within the gonad have the germinal vesicle (GV) close to the future animal pole. When the GVs of full-grown oocytes were experimentally translocated to the opposite pole by centrifugal force, every aspect that designates A-V polarity was reversed in the eggs and embryos. This was confirmed by examining the cortical allocation of the meiotic spindle, position of the polar body emission, polarized distribution of mitochondria and postplasmic/PEM mRNA, direction of the cortical flow during oocyte maturation, cleavage pattern, and germ-layer formation during embryogenesis. Therefore, the eccentric position of the GV triggers subsequent polarizing events and establishes the A-V axis in eggs and embryos. We emphasize important roles of the cortical flow. This is the first report in which the A-V axis was experimentally and completely reversed in animal oocytes before fertilization.
Senso e contrassenso no papel do líder
Authors: Nassif Vânia Maria Jorge , Andreassi Tales
Published: February 2017

Maria Cláudia, proprietária da de uma escola de idiomas, enfrenta um problema decorrente da contaminação de vírus no site da escola, que poderia causar constrangimentos entre grupos de alunos, professores e mercado em geral. Ela associa o problema à recente contratação de um professor, que poderia estar envolvido por apresentar comportamentos não usuais na escola. Após averiguar a situação e constatar o envolvimento do professor, precisa decidir se o demite silenciosamente, se o demite e torna pública a situação ou se monitora os computadores da escola e resolve o problema.
Towards a better understanding of the Ruppia maritima complex (Ruppiaceae): Notes on the correct application and typification of the names R. cirrhosa and R. spiralis
Authors: Ito Yu , Ohi-Toma Tetsuo , Nepi Chiara , Santangelo Annalisa , Stinca Adriano , Tanaka Norio , Murata Jin
Published: February 2017

Ruppia cirrhosa and R. maritima are two widely used names, each applied respectively to a long‐ and coiled‐pedunculate species or a short‐ and non‐coiled pedunculate species of Ruppia. The nomenclatural history of the two names is outlined here. A lectotype for the name R. cirrhosa is designated and the name is shown to be a homotypic synonym of R. maritima. Consequently, R. spiralis has nomenclatural priority over R. cirrhosa for the long‐ and coiled‐pedunculate Ruppia.
Cytogenetic insights into an oceanic island radiation: The dramatic evolution of pre‐existing traits in Cheirolophus (Asteraceae: Cardueae: Centaureinae)
Authors: Hidalgo Oriane , Vitales Daniel , Vallès Joan , Garnatje Teresa , Siljak-Yakovlev Sonja , Leitch Ilia J. , Pellicer Jaume
Published: February 2017

The genus Cheirolophus constitutes one of the most striking cases of species radiation in Macaronesia, where it diversified into a lineage of ca. 20 endemic species at a rate that is amongst the fastest reported for oceanic islands. Whilst the cytogenetic dynamics of many of the Macaronesian Cheirolophus species have been comparatively well studied, an overall vision of chromosome and genome evolution has been hampered by the lack of data for the earliest‐diverging species, Ch. crassifolius. In this study, we have completed the cytogenetic survey of Cheirolophus to investigate how different cytogenetic traits may have contributed to the dramatic radiation of the genus in Macaronesia. We provide new cytogenetic data (i.e., chromosome counts, genome size estimates and physical mapping of 35S rDNA loci) for several key species, including Ch. crassifolius, and then model trait evolution within a phylogenetic context. Our results reveal a trend of genome downsizing accompanied by a dramatic increase in number of 35S rDNA loci which started early in the evolutionary history of the genus, before its radiation in Macaronesia. It is notable that the increasing number of 35S rDNA loci has not been driven by polyploidisation, in contrast to the more typical trend observed in many angiosperms. In addition, the number of 35S rDNA loci was observed to negatively correlate with genome size, which is also very unusual in angiosperms. It is suggested that non‐homologous and unequal homologous recombination are the most likely mechanisms to explain these observations and we discuss whether the unique genomic architectures of Cheirolophus could have predisposed the genus to its successful and rapid speciation in Macaronesia.