bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hierarchical energy efficiency optimization control strategy for distributed drive electric vehicles
Authors: Hua Min , Chen Guoying , Zhang Buyang , Huang Yanjun
Published: February 2018

Distributed drive electric vehicle with four in-wheel motors is widespread with various characteristics, such as performance potentials for independent wheel drive control and energy efficiency. However, in future, one of the biggest obstacles for its success in the automotive industry would be its limited energy storage. This paper proposes a hierarchical control method that involves a high-level motion controller that uses sliding mode control to calculate the total desired force and yaw moment and a low-level allocation controller in which an optimal energy-efficient control allocation scheme is presented to provide optimally distributed torques of four in-wheel motors in all the normal cases. A practicable motor energy efficiency model as a motor actuator is proposed by incorporating the electric motor efficiency map based on measured data into the motor efficiency experiment and a current closed-loop motor model. Moreover, both tracking performance and energy-saving are carried out in this research and evaluated via a co-simulation approach using MATLAB/Simulink and CarSim. A ramp maneuver at a constant speed and New European Driving Cycle and Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule maneuvers have been conducted. To conclude, it is demonstrated that distributed drive electric vehicle with four in-wheel motors can reduce total power consumption and enhance tracking performance compared with a simple control allocation in which the torques are the fixed ratio distribution.
Investigation of toggling effect on pullout performance of pedicle screws
Authors: Aycan Mehmet Fatih , Yaman Mesut Emre , Usta Yusuf , Demir Teyfik , Tolunay Tolga
Published: February 2018

Objective of this study is to assess the pullout performance of various pedicle screws in different test materials after toggling tests comparatively. Solid core, cannulated (cemented), novel expandable and solid-core (cemented) pedicle screws were instrumented to the polyurethane foams (Grade 10 and Grade 40) produced in laboratory and bovine vertebra. ASTM F543 standard was used for preparation process of samples. Toggling tests were carried out. After toggling test procedures, pullout tests were performed. Load versus displacement graph was recorded, and the ultimate pullout force was defined as the maximum load (pullout strength) sustained before failure of screw. Anteriosuperior and oblique radiographs were taken from each sample after instrumentation in order to examine screw placement and cement distribution. The pullout strength of pedicle screws decreased after toggling tests with respect to the initial condition. While the cemented solid-core pedicle screws had the highest pullout strength in all test materials, they had the highest strength differences. The cemented solid-core pedicle screws had decrement rates of 27% and 16% in Grade 10 and Grade 40, respectively. There are almost same decrement rate (between 5.5% and 6.5%) for all types of pedicle screws instrumented to the samples of bovine vertebra. The pullout strengths of novel expandable pedicle screws in both of early period and after toggling conditions were almost similar, in other words, the decrement rates of it were lower than other types. According to the data collected from this study, polymethylmethacrylate augmentation significantly decreases pullout strength following the toggling loads. Higher brittleness of cured polymethylmethacrylate has adverse effect on the pullout strength. Although augmentation is an important process for enhancing pullout strength in early period, it has some disadvantages for preserving stabilization in a long time. Expandable pedicle screw with polyetheretherketone shell may be good alternative to polymethylmethacrylate augmentation on both primer stabilization and long-term loading application with toggling.
Use of in vitro and haptic assessments in the characterisation of surface lubricity
Authors: Irwin Nicola J , McCoy Colin P , McCullough Amanda R , Corbett Dan J
Published: February 2018

Lubricity is a key property of hydrophilic-coated urinary catheter surfaces. In vitro tests are commonly employed for evaluation of surface properties in the development of novel catheter coating technologies; however, their value in predicting the more subjective feeling of lubricity requires validation. We herein perform a range of in vitro assessments and human organoleptic studies to characterise surface properties of developmental hydrophilic coating formulations, including water wettability, coefficient of friction, dry-out kinetics and lubricity. Significant reductions of up to 40% in the contact angles and coefficient of friction values of the novel coating formulations in comparison with the control poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-coated surfaces were demonstrated during quantitative laboratory assessments. In contrast, no significant differences in the more subjective feeling of lubricity between the novel formulations and the control-coated surfaces were observed when formulations were haptically assessed by the techniques described herein. This study, importantly, highlights the need for optimisation of in vitro and human haptic assessments to more reliably predict patient preferences.
Intravenous metronidazole, liquid tinidazole, and intra-vaginal boric acid to cure trichomonas in a patient with gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Butt Saira , Tirmizi Amir
Published: February 2018

This study presents a case report of a female patient with symptomatic refractory Trichomonas vaginalis infection who was not able to clear her infection with high-dose oral metronidazole, oral tinidazole, intra-vaginal zinc sulfate, intra-vaginal metronidazole, intra-vaginal tinidazole, and intra-vaginal boric acid. She was unable to tolerate intra-vaginal paromomycin. A combination of intravenous metronidazole, oral tinidazole liquid suspension, and intra-vaginal boric acid for 14 days subsequently achieved a complete symptomatic and laboratory cure.
An overview of biomass energy research with bibliometric indicators
Authors: Yu Dejian , Meng Sun
Published: February 2018

Biomass energy has the characteristics of renewable and decentralized and plays a certain role in mitigating climate change. Now it is considered to be a very important renewable energy and has great potential for development. Based on Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index databases, this paper retrieved the publication data through topic search using the keywords biomass energy and related words during 2007–2016. This paper investigates the development characteristics in biomass energy research based on bibliometrics methods and data mining techniques. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the knowledge structure and citation landscape in this field. The general development trends, Essential Science Indicators publications characteristics, and leading journals in this area are discussed. The main advantage of this analysis is based on massive data which can, to some extent, reveal the macrostate of the development of the field.
Neuroprotective Effects of Betulin in Pharmacological and Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Tsai Chia-Wen , Tsai Rong-Tzong , Liu Shih-Ping , Chen Chang-Shi , Tsai Min-Chen , Chien Shao-Hsuan , Hung Huey-Shan , Lin Shinn-Zong , Shyu Woei-Cherng , Fu Ru-Huei
Published: February 2018

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common degenerative disorder of the central nervous system in the elderly. It is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, as well as by motor dysfunction. Although the causes of PD are not well understood, aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in neurons contributes to this disease. Current therapeutics for PD provides satisfactory symptom relief but not a cure. Treatment strategies include attempts to identify new drugs that will prevent or arrest the progressive course of PD by correcting disease-specific pathogenic process. Betulin is derived from the bark of birch trees and possesses anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential for betulin to ameliorate PD features in Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans) models. We demonstrated that betulin diminished α-syn accumulation in the transgenic C. elegans model. Betulin also reduced 6-hydroxydopamine-induced dopaminergic neuron degeneration, reduced food-sensing behavioral abnormalities, and reversed life-span decreases in a pharmacological C. elegans model. Moreover, we found that the enhancement of proteasomes activity by promoting rpn1 expression and downregulation of the apoptosis pathway gene, egl-1, may be the molecular mechanism for betulin-mediated protection against PD pathology. Together, these findings support betulin as a possible treatment for PD and encourage further investigations of betulin as an antineurodegenerative agent.
Circumferential Esophageal Replacement by a Tissue-engineered Substitute Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Catry Jonathan , Luong-Nguyen Minh , Arakelian Lousineh , Poghosyan Tigran , Bruneval Patrick , Domet Thomas , Michaud Laurent , Sfeir Rony , Gottrand Frederic , Larghero Jerome , Vanneaux Valerie , Cattan Pierre
Published: February 2018

Tissue engineering appears promising as an alternative technique for esophageal replacement. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be of interest for esophageal regeneration. Evaluation of the ability of an acellular matrix seeded with autologous MSCs to promote tissue remodeling toward an esophageal phenotype after circumferential replacement of the esophagus in a mini pig model. A 3 cm long circumferential replacement of the abdominal esophagus was performed with an MSC-seeded matrix (MSC group, n = 10) versus a matrix alone (control group, n = 10), which has previously been matured into the great omentum. The graft area was covered with an esophageal removable stent. A comparative histological analysis of the graft area after animals were euthanized sequentially is the primary outcome of the study. Histological findings after maturation, overall animal survival, and postoperative morbidity were also compared between groups. At postoperative day 45 (POD 45), a mature squamous epithelium covering the entire surface of the graft area was observed in all the MSC group specimens but in none of the control group before POD 95. Starting at POD 45, desmin positive cells were seen in the graft area in the MSC group but never in the control group. There were no differences between groups in the incidence of surgical complications and postoperative death. In this model, MSCs accelerate the mature re-epitheliazation and early initiation of muscle cell colonization. Further studies will focus on the use of cell tracking tools in order to analyze the becoming of these cells and the mechanisms involved in this tissue regeneration.
Decellularization and Solubilization of Porcine Liver for Use as a Substrate for Porcine Hepatocyte Culture
Authors: Coronado Ramon E. , Somaraki-Cormier Maria , Natesan Shanmugasundaram , Christy Robert J. , Ong Joo L. , Halff Glenn A.
Published: February 2018

Biologic substrates, prepared by decellularizing and solubilizing tissues, have been of great interest in the tissue engineering field because of the preservation of complex biochemical constituents found in the native extracellular matrix (ECM). The integrity of the ECM is critical for cell behavior, adhesion, migration, differentiation, and proliferation that in turn affect homeostasis and tissue regeneration. Previous studies have shown that various processing methods have a distinctive way of affecting the composition of the decellularized ECM. In this study, we developed a bioactive substrate for hepatocytes in vitro, made of decellularized and solubilized liver tissue. The present work is a comparative approach of 2 different methods. First, we decellularized porcine liver tissue with ammonium hydroxide versus a sodium deoxycholate method, then characterized the decellularized tissue using various methods including double stranded DNA (dsDNA) content, DNA size, immunogenicity, and mass spectrometry. Second, we solubilized the decellularized porcine liver with hydrochloric acid versus acetic acid (AA) and characterized the resultant solubilized tissues using relevant methodologies including protein yield, immunogenicity, and bioactivity. Finally, we isolated primary porcine hepatocytes, cultured, and evaluated their bioactivity on the optimized decellularized–solubilized liver substrate. The decellularized porcine liver ECM processed by the ammonium hydroxide method and solubilized with AA displayed higher ECM integrity, low dsDNA, no evidence of intact nuclei, low human monocyte chemoattraction, and the presence of key molecules typically found in the native liver, a very important element for normal cell function. In addition, primary porcine hepatocytes showed enhanced functionality including albumin and urea production and bile canaliculi formation when cultured on the developed liver substrate compared to type I collagen.
Mitochondrial Impairment as a Key Factor for the Lack of Attachment after Cold Storage of Hepatocyte Suspensions
Authors: Pless-Petig Gesine , Walter Björn , Bienholz Anja , Rauen Ursula
Published: February 2018

Isolated primary hepatocytes, which are widely used for pharmacological and clinical purposes, usually undergo certain periods of cold storage in suspension during processing. While adherent hepatocytes were shown previously to suffer iron-dependent cell death during cold (4 °C) storage and early rewarming, we previously found little iron-dependent hepatocyte death in suspension but severely decreased attachment ability unless iron chelators were added. Here, we focus on the role of mitochondrial impairment in this nonattachment of hepatocyte suspensions. Rat hepatocyte suspensions were stored in a chloride-poor, glycine-containing cold storage solution with and without iron chelators at 4 °C. After 1 wk of cold storage in the basic cold storage solution, cell viability in suspension was unchanged, while cell attachment was decreased by >80%. In the stored cells, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), a decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content (2 ± 2 nmol/106 cells after cold storage, 5 ± 3 nmol/106 cells after rewarming vs. control 29 ± 6 nmol/106 cells), and a decrease in oxygen consumption (101 ± 59 pmol sec−1 per 106 cells after rewarming vs. control 232 ± 83 pmol sec−1 per 106 cells) were observed. Addition of iron chelators to the cold storage solution increased cell attachment to 53% ± 20% and protected against loss of MMP, and cells were able to partially regenerate ATP during rewarming (15 ± 10 nmol/106 cells). Increased attachment could also be achieved by addition of the inhibitor combination of mitochondrial permeability transition, trifluoperazine + fructose. Attached hepatocytes displayed normal MMP and mitochondrial morphology. Additional experiments with freshly isolated hepatocytes confirmed that impaired energy production—as elicited by an inhibitor of the respiratory chain, antimycin A—can decrease cell attachment without decreasing viability. Taken together, these results suggest that mitochondrial impairment with subsequent energy deficiency is a key factor for the lack of attachment of cold-stored hepatocyte suspensions.
Winston Churchill (1874–1965), Dr Robson Roose, MD Brux, FRCPE (1848–1905) and Dr Joseph Rutter, MD Lond, MRCP (1834–1913): Treatment for pneumonia in March 1886
Authors: Vale J Allister , Scadding John W
Published: February 2018

This paper will review Winston Churchill's severe respiratory illness in March 1886 when he developed pneumonia of the right lung as an 11-year-old boy. Winston was treated supportively with ‘nourishment, stimulants [probably alcohol] and close watching’ at his school by the ‘celebrated’ family physician, Dr Robson Roose, with the assistance of Dr Joseph Rutter. Roose was exemplary in his commitment to his young patient and assiduous in informing Lord Randolph Churchill of his son's clinical progress by letter.
Sleep Pattern and Predictors of Sleep Disturbance Among Family Caregivers of Terminal Ill Patients With Cancer in Taiwan: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lee Kwo-Chen , Hsieh Ya-Ling , Lin Pi-Chu , Lin Yun-Ping
Published: February 2018

Background:

Sleep disturbance commonly has a negative impact on the well-being of family caregivers (FCs) of terminally ill patients with cancer. The effect of sleep disturbance on FCs has not been explored through long-term follow-up studies in Taiwan.

Objective:

The purposes of this study were to (1) identify the trajectory of sleep quality of FCs of terminally ill patients with cancer in Taiwan and (2) examine the determinants of sleep disturbance through a longitudinal follow-up until patient death.

Methods:

A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted among 95 FCs of terminally ill patients with cancer. The FCs’ sleep quality was measured subjectively by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and objectively by wearing a wrist actigraphy for 48 hours each month during the 6-month follow-up assessments. The trajectory and determinants of sleep quality were identified using a generalized estimation equation approach.

Results:

The FCs’ sleep quality significantly decreased as the patient’s death approached. Family caregivers who were women or older, had a relative with a longer survival period after diagnosis, reported higher levels of depression and fatigue, and provided lower levels of assistance to their relatives experienced more sleep disturbance.

Conclusion:

The sleep quality of Taiwanese FCs significantly deteriorated as the death of the terminally ill patients with cancer approached. Early detection of the FCs’ sleep disturbance, increasing their self-awareness of sleep problems, and providing nonpharmacological interventions and psychosocial support may be helpful for FCs to improve their quantity and quality of sleep.
Recognizing and Resolving Ethical Issues
Authors: Gold Joshua M.
Published: February 2018

Counseling stepfamilies necessitates appreciating the relational complexity of this family constellation and the impact of these relational schema on the provisions of ethical counseling. Clinicians need to recognize common ethical concerns as specific to stepfamilies and learn how to resolve these potential concerns in a manner that enhances therapeutic service and honors the ethical aspirations of the counseling profession.
Parental Perspectives on Parent–Child Conflict and Acculturation in Iranian Immigrants in California
Authors: Jannati Elmira , Allen Stuart
Published: February 2018

Iranians have settled in a number of areas in the United States, especially Southern California and Texas, and experience substantial prejudice as a result of perceptions of their religion and national origin. This study explored the relationship between Iranian immigrant parents’ acculturation and the level of conflict they experience with their U.S.-born children. A survey was used to collect data from a sample of 100 first-generation Iranian immigrant parents living in Orange County, CA, with children aged 11–22 years. Parent-acculturation levels were expected to predict parent–child conflicts (PCCs) resulting from potential acculturation gaps between children and parents. Results demonstrated a moderate positive relationship between Iranian cultural involvement and PCC and a weak negative relationship between American cultural involvement and PCC. The effects of various demographic variables were also considered. Results show higher PCC levels among lower income families, suggesting a need for support from schools, counselors, or other institutions.
Utility of Additional Tissue Sections in Surgical Pathology
Authors: Hamza Ameer , Alrajjal Ahmed , Edens Jacob , Khawar Sidrah , Khurram Muhammad Siddique , Szpunar Susanna , Bonnett Michelle
Published: February 2018

Background. To avoid diagnostic errors such as missed diagnosis and errors in staging tumors due to inadequate tissue sampling, pathologists submit additional sections (AS). Objective. This study assessed frequency, diagnostic yield, distribution, and cost of AS. Method. Among 1542 AS cases, we calculated mean AS per case; fraction of AS that altered diagnosis or stage; AS variation by tissue, malignant versus benign lesions, presence or absence of neoadjuvant therapy, mass, margin, lymph nodes, or other source, resident versus pathologist assistant (PA) dissector; and AS cost per case. Results. Overall 9.2 ± 8.8 AS were collected per case. In only 3.8% (58/1542) of cases AS altered diagnosis or stage. Urinary bladder cases provoked the most AS: 19.5 ± 15.1 per case. Significantly more AS came from malignant versus benign lesions (10.8 ± 9.7 vs 7.6 ± 7.5, P = <.0001) and from specimens treated with neoadjuvant therapy versus malignant lesions not so treated (12.3 ± 9.4 vs 10.3 ± 9.8, P = .02). Lymph nodes were sampled more heavily compared with mass, margin, and other sites combined (11.8 ± 11.4 vs 8.9 ± 8.4, P = .003), but in 78.4% (1209/1542) of cases, AS were from mass. Of diagnosis or stage altering AS cases, two thirds (38/58) were from masses, one fifth (11/58) from lymph nodes, a 10th (6/58) from margins, and a 20th (3/58) from other specimen sites. Resident versus pathologist assistant dissection caused no significant AS difference. AS contributed 40% cost per case. Conclusions. AS per case ranged widely; their diagnostic yield was low; they were highest in urinary bladder specimens, in malignant and particularly neoadjuvant-treated lesions. Although lymph nodes were most heavily sampled, most AS were from masses. Resident dissection did not increase AS and cost of AS was high.
Evaluation of high-order modes and damage effects of multi-crack beams using enhanced spectral element method
Authors: Xu Z M , Cao M S , Bai R B , Xu H , Xu W
Published: February 2018

Exact evaluation of high-order modes of a multi-crack Euler–Bernoulli beam using the conventional spectral element method (SEM) suffers from the deficiency of numerical ill-conditioning, mainly due to round-off errors in floating-point computations involved in evaluating the spectral element stiffness matrix, therefore, the modeling of the multiple cracks intensively increases the complexity of the matrix. To address this limitation, an enhanced SEM with the spectral element stiffness matrix constructed in a set of local coordinate systems is developed. With the method, two sets of local coordinate systems are created to derive two types of spectral element stiffness matrices for a multi-crack beam. The proposed spectral element stiffness matrices are of improved capacities to characterize the high-order modes of a multi-crack beam by largely eliminating the round-off errors involved in the conventional SEM. Moreover, the function of evaluating high-order modes endows the enhanced SEM with distinctive capability to reveal the effect of multiple cracks on the modal property of a multi-crack beam. The effectiveness of the proposed method in evaluating high-order modes and revealing the effects of multiple cracks on the modal property of a beam is investigated on various damage cases.
Partisan Strength and Social Media Use Among Voters During the 2016 Hong Kong Legislative Council Election: Examining the Roles of Ambivalence and Disagreement
Authors: Chan Michael
Published: February 2018

High identifiers to political parties are typically the most cognitively and behaviorally engaged during elections. Using a national postelection survey of voters ( N = 924) in the 2016 Hong Kong Legislative Council Election, the present study examined the relationship between partisan strength and a variety of social media behaviors. Findings showed that partisan strength was positively associated with social media use during the campaign. However, the relationships were generally only significant under conditions of lower ambivalence toward political parties and less disagreement among one’s friendship networks. Implications for the findings are discussed.
Mechanical metamaterials: a state of the art
Authors: Barchiesi Emilio , Spagnuolo Mario , Placidi Luca
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we give a review of the state of the art in the study of mechanical metamaterials. The very attractive property of having a microstructure capable of determining exotic and specifically tailored macroscopic behaviour makes the study of metamaterials a field that is actually in expansion, from both a theoretical and a technological point of view. This work is divided into two sections, describing the phenomenological and theoretical aspects of metamaterials. We first give an overview of some existing metamaterials, such as pentamode materials, auxetic materials, materials with negative mechanical constitutive coefficients and materials with enhanced mechanical properties. We also focus on some emerging areas, such as origami. Then, we present some theoretical studies in the field of mechanical metamaterials, such as those related to first- and second-gradient theories.
Hamilton–Jacobi inequality robust neural network control of a mobile wheeled robot
Authors: Hendzel Zenon
Published: February 2018

The work presented here presents a new approach to determine a robust neural network follow-up motion control of a mobile wheeled robot. The solution is a result of a Hamilton–Jacobi inequality, enabling synthesis of control of a non-linear object in terms of input to output stability. By applying Lyapunov’s theory of stability, it was demonstrated that all signals are limited, while the determined control provides a relatively high accuracy of actuated motion. The weights of the neural network were updated in real time and online. The produced simulation solutions confirmed the efficiency of the approach contemplated here.
Strong associations of nine-point body condition scoring with survival and lifespan in cats
Authors: Teng Kendy T , McGreevy Paul D , Toribio Jenny-Ann LML , Raubenheimer David , Kendall Kim , Dhand Navneet K
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The objective of the study was to investigate the associations of a nine-point body condition score (BCS) with survival time and lifespan in cats.

Methods

Electronic patient records from a cat-dominant primary practice in metropolitan Sydney, Australia, where the body condition of cats was regularly recorded using a nine-point BCS scale were obtained. The maximum BCS of each cat during the visits was used as the primary exposure variable. Two survival analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations of BCS with cats’ survival and lifespan.

Results

In total, 2609 cats met the selection criteria from 4020 cats screened. The median of the maximum BCS was 6 (interquartile range [IQR] 5–7). Compared with cats with a maximum BCS of 6, increased hazards of death were observed in cats with a maximum BCS of 3 (hazard ratio [HR] 4.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.00–7.27), 4 (HR 2.61, 95% CI 1.95–3.49), 5 (HR 1.43, 95% CI 11.5–1.76) and 9 (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.11–2.93). Median lifespan was 15.8 (IQR 13.5–17.6) years. Compared with cats reaching a maximum BCS of 6 in the same age group, cats reaching a maximum BCS of 4 (HR 4.15, 95% CI 1.26–13.67) or 5 (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07–2.85) between age 1 and 3 years, and a maximum BCS of 3 (HR 6.09, 95% CI 1.47–25.25) and 9 (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.27–4.04) between the age of 3 and 11 years had shorter lifespans.

Conclusions and relevance

There are significant associations of nine-point body condition scoring with survival and lifespan, and BCSs <5 and of 9 were found to be negatively associated with both. The study yielded information regarding a desirable BCS for cat longevity that veterinarians could consult with.
Wear behavior of Ag implantation GH4169 alloy by ion beam assisted bombardment
Authors: Xu Meng , Zhu Jiajun , Yang Wulin , Li Deyi , Zhou Lingping , Fu Licai
Published: February 2018

The wear behavior of Ag implantation GH4169 alloy by ion beam assisted bombardment was measured under lower applied load and sliding speed. The wear rate of GH4169 alloy decreased from 2.58 × 10−4 mm3·m−1 to 6.25 ×10−5 mm3·m−1 after Ag implantation. The friction coefficient had not mostly been changed. After Ag implantation, Ag and Ag2O were detected on the worn surface of GH4169 alloy, which benefits the formation of continuous lubrication and protected layers. The predominant wear mechanism changed from abrasion and adhesion wear to oxidation and adhesion wear. In addition, the hardness increased. So, the wear resistance of GH4169 alloy under lower applied load and sliding speed can be improved with Ag implantation by ion beam assisted bombardment.
The contribution of secondhand tobacco smoke exposure to pediatric multiple sclerosis risk
Authors: Lavery Amy M , Collins Bradley N , Waldman Amy T , Hart Chantelle N , Bar-Or Amit , Marrie Ruth Ann , Arnold Douglas , O’Mahony Julia , Banwell Brenda
Published: February 2018

Background:

Pediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADSs) are monophasic (mono-ADS) in 70% of cases and represent the first attack of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 30%. Secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure has been implicated as a risk factor for adult-onset MS. Little is known about whether SHS presents an additive risk beyond genetic factors and other environmental exposures associated with pediatric MS.

Methods:

This study examined SHS exposure in 216 children with mono-ADS and 81 children with MS. Interactions between SHS, HLA-DRB1*15 alleles, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, and serological evidence of remote Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) exposure were evaluated.

Results:

SHS exposure was more common in children with MS (37% exposed) compared to mono-ADS (29.5% exposed). Compared to mono-ADS, SHS exposure was not an independent risk factor for MS. When both SHS exposure and HLA-DRB1*15 were present, the odds for MS increased (odds ratio (OR) = 3.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17–11.9) compared to mono-ADS. Interactions between SHS and vitamin D or EBV did not associate with MS.

Conclusion:

Exposure to SHS is a risk factor for central nervous system (CNS) demyelination. Results suggest that SHS exposure and HLA-DRB1*15 interact to increase risk for MS in children diagnosed with mono-ADS.
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) - The Need for Radical Reform
Authors: Scott Michael J
Published: February 2018

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies is a UK government-funded initiative to widen access to the psychological treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. The author has had the opportunity to independently assess 90 Improving Access to Psychological Therapies clients, using a standardised semi-structured interview, the Structured Clinical Diagnostic Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID) and to listen to their account of interaction with the service. The results suggest that only the tip of the iceberg fully recovers from their disorder (9.2%) whether or not they were treated before or after a personal injury claim. There is a pressing need to re-examine the modus operandi of the service.
Developing social and decisional capital in US National Blue Ribbon Schools
Authors: Visone Jeremy D
Published: February 2018

The US National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) Program annually recognizes hundreds of schools successful in their states’ accountability systems. NBRS are studied for effective practices worth replicating. In this study, 2016 NBRS Program applications ( n = 24) yielded insight about espoused collaborative practices, providing information about the development of social and decisional capital. Leaders strategically allocated time and structures and created systems. Furthermore, relational conditions, such as a culture of teamwork and building trusting relationships were instrumental. Empowerment conditions, such as leaders trusting teachers and valuing their input, as well as providing them opportunities for decision-making and leadership, also supported the development of social and decisional capital.
Design, manufacturing, and structural optimization of a composite float using particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm
Authors: Jalal Mostafa , Mukhopadhyay Anal K , Grasley Zachary
Published: February 2018

In the realm of laboratory experiments dealing with solutions, float is a dynamic part of the testing device to help monitor and measure the level change of the solution, which has a significant influence on the reliability of the data recorded. Thus, the material selection, design, and structural configuration of the float need to be optimized based on the test exposure conditions, temperature, test requirements, and setup limitations, while maintaining the manufacturing to be simple and cost-effective. In the present study, a composite float design, manufacturing, and optimization have been undertaken based on the performance constraints and setup requirements. For this purpose, readily available composites were taken into account in terms of density, temperature resistance, and alkali resistance, resulting in two design alternatives such as polyvinyl chloride and low-density polyethylene. Then, the structural configurations were considered and a performance-based design was implemented. In order to minimize the length of the composite float to make it fit well into the test setup, the design problem was formulated into a constrained optimization problem with four design scenarios and optimization was conducted using genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. The results obtained showed that the solutions of genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization were comparable; however, those of particle swarm optimization proved to be more accurate in case of more complex design scenario, and also faster by two to three times. The manufacturing was conducted through plastic welding and heat shrink tubing and final assembly of linear variable differential transformer and steel weight. It was found that the composite float has a pretty sensitive and accurate performance and can reliably fit and be used in the experimental setup.
Articulating displacement: Sierra Leonean Muslim dress practice and the aesthetics of negotiation
Authors: D'Alisera JoAnn
Published: February 2018

In this paper, I examine the spatial and emotional poetics of dress practices deployed by Sierra Leonean Muslim women living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area as they navigate the complexity of life lived in the diaspora. Focusing on the way women utilize sartorial expression to reject or accept imposed moral regimes, I show how dress practices are part of a repertoire of tactics used to challenge displacement, express belonging, and enact pious presence in public venues. In so doing, I illustrate the way differing opinions about stylistic choices reassemble and rearticulate the strategic ways that Sierra Leonean women distinguish themselves, create personal and public subjectivities, and embrace or challenge dominant, and at times imposed, rules of propriety and morality in their everyday lives.
Effect of fixation stitches on out-of-plane response of textile non-crimp fabric composites
Authors: Bhudolia Somen K , Kam Kenneth KC , Perrotey Pavel , Joshi Sunil C
Published: February 2018

Non-crimp fabrics are fabric tapes stitched to an adjacent orthogonal fabric with no associated crimp. In the current research, the effect of fixation polyester stitches in improving through-the-thickness properties of non-crimp fabric composite laminates is investigated. Detailed experimental studies on interlaminar fracture toughness and static indentation properties of stitched and unstitched thin ply carbon fibre epoxy composites have been conducted. About 23% higher peak load and 37% higher energy absorption were noticed during static indentation tests for the stitched ply composites. A detailed SEM investigation has shown that the stitch-stitch interaction ‘within a bi-angle ply’ and ‘between the bi-angle ply’ plays a significant role in reducing the delamination extent. The critical energy release rate during Mode I fracture toughness of stitched composites was found to be 26.5% higher and SEM investigation depicted that the stitches promote the intra-laminar delamination and enhance the toughness of the composite.
Association of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Gene Polymorphisms With Gastric Cancer and Its Development, Prognosis, and Survival
Authors: Liu Weimin , Dong Zhiyong , Hu Ruixiang , Wang Cunchuan
Published: February 2018

The relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphism and gastric cancer risk and its development, prognosis, and survival are still being debated. This meta-analysis was performed to assess these relationships. The association reports were identified from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database), and eligible studies were included and calculated using the meta-analysis method. VEGF+936C/T, VEGF+405 G>C, VEGF-460 T>C, VEGF-1498 T>C, and VEGF-2578 C>A gene polymorphisms were found to be unassociated with gastric cancer risk for the overall population in this meta-analysis, whereas the VEGF-634 G>C GG genotype was associated with gastric cancer risk in the overall population. Furthermore, VEGF-634 G>C C allele and the GG genotype were associated with gastric cancer risk in Caucasians, and VEGF+1612G/A gene polymorphism was associated with gastric cancer risk for the Asian population. VEGF+936C/T gene polymorphism was not associated with the stage of cancer, lymph node metastasis, Lauren classification, or survival of gastric cancer. However, VEGF+936C/T T allele and TT genotype were associated with the tumor size of gastric cancer. In conclusion, the VEGF-634 G>C GG genotype was associated with gastric cancer risk in the overall population with the VEGF-634 G>C C allele and GG genotype being associated with risk in Caucasians and VEGF+1612G/A in the Asian population.
Meta-analysis of Exercise Training on Vascular Endothelial Function in Cancer Survivors
Authors: Beaudry Rhys I. , Liang Yuanyuan , Boyton Steven T. , Tucker Wesley J. , Brothers R. Matthew , Daniel Kathryn M. , Rao Roshni , Haykowsky Mark J.
Published: February 2018

Cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Vascular endothelial dysfunction, an important contributor in the development of CVD, improves with exercise training in patients with CVD. However, the role of regular exercise to improve vascular function in cancer survivors remains equivocal. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect of exercise training on vascular endothelial function in cancer survivors. We searched PubMed (1975 to 2016), EMBASE CINAHL (1937 to 2016), OVID MEDLINE (1948 to 2016), and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials (1991 to 2016) using search terms: vascular function, endothelial function, flow-mediated dilation [FMD], reactive hyperemia, exercise, and cancer. Studies selected were randomized controlled trials of exercise training on vascular endothelial function in cancer survivors. We calculated pooled effect sizes and performed a meta-analysis. We identified 4 randomized controlled trials (breast cancer, n=2; prostate cancer, n=2) measuring vascular endothelial function by FMD (n=3) or reactive hyperemia index (n=1), including 163 cancer survivors (exercise training, n=82; control, n=81). Aerobic exercise training improved vascular function (n=4 studies; standardized mean difference [95% CI]=0.65 [0.33, 0.96], I2=0%; FMD, weighted mean difference [WMD]=1.28 [0.22, 2.34], I2=23.2%) and peak exercise oxygen uptake (3 trials; WMD [95% CI]=2.22 [0.83, 3.61] mL/kg/min; I2=0%). Our findings indicate that exercise training improves vascular endothelial function and exercise capacity in breast and prostate cancer survivors.
Broad Consent for Research on Biospecimens: The Views of Actual Donors at Four U.S. Medical Centers
Authors: Warner Teddy D. , Weil Carol J. , Andry Christopher , Degenholtz Howard B. , Parker Lisa , Carithers Latarsha J. , Feige Michelle , Wendler David , Pentz Rebecca D.
Published: February 2018

Commentators are concerned that broad consent may not provide biospecimen donors with sufficient information regarding possible future research uses of their tissue. We surveyed with interviews 302 cancer patients who had recently provided broad consent at four diverse academic medical centers. The majority of donors believed that the consent form provided them with sufficient information regarding future possible uses of their biospecimens. Donors expressed very positive views regarding tissue donation in general and endorsed the use of their biospecimens in future research across a wide range of contexts. Concerns regarding future uses were limited to for-profit research and research by investigators in other countries. These results support the use of broad consent to store and use biological samples in future research.
Can we look past people’s race? The effect of combining race and a non-racial group affiliation on holistic processing
Authors: Sadozai Ayesha K , Kempen Kate , Tredoux Colin , Robbins Rachel A
Published: February 2018

Face memory is worse for races other than one’s own, in part because other-race faces are less holistically processed. Both experiential factors and social factors have been suggested as reasons for this other-race effect. Direct measures of holistic processing for race and a non-racial category in faces have never been employed, making it difficult to establish how experience and group membership interact. This study is the first to directly explore holistic processing of own-race and other-race faces, also classed by a non-racial category (university affiliation). Using a crossover design, White undergraduates (in Australia) completed the part-whole task for White (American) and Black South African faces attributed to the University of Western Sydney (own) and University of Sydney (other). Black South African undergraduates completed the same task for White and Black South African faces attributed to the University of Cape Town (own) and Stellenbosch University (other). It was hypothesised that own-race faces would be processed more holistically than other-race faces and that own-university faces would be processed more holistically than other-university faces. Results showed a significant effect of race for White participants (White faces were matched more accurately than Black faces), and wholes were matched more accurately than parts, suggesting holistic processing, but only for White faces. No effect of university was found. Black South African participants, who have more experience with other-race faces, processed wholes better than parts irrespective of race and university category. Overall, results suggest that experiential factors of race outweigh any effects of a non-racial shared group membership. The quality of experience for the named populations, stimuli presentation, and degree of individuation are discussed.
The role of value in the attentional boost effect
Authors: Swallow Khena M , Atir Stav
Published: February 2018

Focusing attention on one item typically interferes with the ability to process other information. Yet, target detection can both facilitate memory for items paired with the target (the attentional boost effect) and increase the perceived value of those items (cued approach). Because long-term memory is better for valuable items than for neutral items, we asked whether the attentional boost effect is due to changes in the perceived value of items that are paired with targets. In three experiments, participants memorised a series of briefly presented images that depicted valuable (e.g., food) or neutral (e.g., children’s toys) items. Whenever an item appeared, a square flashed in its centre. Participants pressed a button if the square was a target colour but not if it was a distractor colour. Consistent with previous research, target-paired items were remembered better than distractor-paired items and were rated as more valuable. Importantly, if memory for target-paired items is enhanced because they increased in perceived value, then valuable items should have been better remembered than neutral items. However, we found no evidence that value enhanced memory for the items in this task. Thus, it is unlikely that the attentional boost effect is due to changes in perceived value.
South African Defence Force veterans’ modes of remembering and the ethics of post-apartheid nostalgia
Authors: Baines Gary , Barkhuizen Gemma
Published: February 2018

South African Defence Force veterans frequently evince nostalgia for their service in the apartheid army. This has invited censure as commentators regard it as self-evident that nostalgia for the oppressive apartheid regime is ethically dubious. However, such assumptions fail to employ the resources of moral philosophy to buttress and nuance their pronouncements. In this article, we argue that nostalgia can be understood as a bittersweet longing for irretrievable personal pasts, a yearning for times when South African Defence Force veterans felt a sense of belonging to a brotherhood in arms and to the imaginary white nation. However, this is not necessarily synonymous with a desire to reinstitute apartheid. We then offer a brief survey of significant difficulties posed by three prominent camps within moral philosophy (deontology, consequentialism and virtue ethics) for evaluating this post-apartheid nostalgia as a moral or ethical problem. We find that the emphasis on voluntary or deliberate action entrenched in mainstream moral thinking constitute substantial obstacles to arriving at sound judgements regarding the nature of nostalgia. We argue that nostalgia, properly understood, cannot fulfil commonplace theoretical and intuitive requirements for moral relevance. We therefore challenge the notion that definitive ethical judgements can usefully be made about post-apartheid nostalgia.
An Analysis of Diabetes Mobile Applications Features Compared to AADE7™: Addressing Self-Management Behaviors in People With Diabetes
Authors: Ye Qing , Khan Uzma , Boren Suzanne A. , Simoes Eduardo J. , Kim Min Soon
Published: February 2018

Background:

Diabetes self-management (DSM) applications (apps) have been designed to improve knowledge of diabetes and self-management behaviors. However, few studies have systematically examined if diabetes apps followed the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Self-Care Behaviors™ guidelines. The purpose of this study was to compare the features of current DSM apps to the AADE7™ guidelines.

Methods:

In two major app stores (iTunes and Google Play), we used three search terms “diabetes,” “blood sugar,” and “glucose” to capture a wide range of diabetes apps. Apps were excluded based on five exclusion criteria. A multidisciplinary team analyzed and classified the features of each app based on the AADE7™. We conducted interviews with six diabetes physicians and educators for their opinions on the distribution of the features of DSM apps.

Results:

Out of 1050 apps retrieved, 173 apps were identified as eligible during November 2015 and 137 apps during December 2017. We found an unbalanced DSM app development trend based on AADE7™ guidelines. Many apps were designed to support the behaviors of Healthy Eating (77%), Monitoring (76%), Taking Medication (58%), and Being Active (45%). On the other hand, few apps explored the behaviors of Problem Solving (31%), Healthy Coping (10%), and Reducing Risks (5%). From interviews, we identified the main reasons why only a few apps support the features related to Problem Solving, Healthy Coping, and Reducing Risks.

Conclusions:

Future diabetes apps should attempt to incorporate features under evidence-based guidelines such as AADE7™ to better support the self-management behavior changes of people with diabetes.