bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology Transfer in Western Rural Areas
Authors: Jenkins Steven V.
Published: July 2018

Although rural cities and counties in the West appear stable with respect to available resources and demands on their transportation systems, changes in demands and available resources are becoming more evident. Available transportation resources in rural areas are limited at the same time that agriculturally based areas are exploring ways to strengthen their economies. A common approach by local officials is to use the same resources as they have in the past and solve problems as they arise rather than conduct systematic planning for the future. Increasing traffic demands on rural transportation systems, environmental pressures, strict standards, and diversified use make solutions harder to find. Today's legal environment forces cities and counties to adhere to minimum standards in construction and maintenance. The current need for technology transfer and providing assistance to local officials to solve transportation problems is focused on. Several factors adversely affect the transfer of needed information. They fit into two basic categories: ineffective communication on the part of the giver and a lack of desire or ability to receive needed information by local officials. Programs at technology transfer centers throughout the West have been developed to improve the quality and availability of training. The programs are designed to reduce travel, time involvement, cost, and effort required by the local transportation officials to participate in training activities. All of these ideas define technology transfer as communication.
Graft Hypertrophy After Third-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Has No Correlation With Reduced Cartilage Quality: Matched-Pair Analysis Using T2-Weighted Mapping
Authors: Niethammer Thomas R. , Loitzsch Ansgar , Horng Annie , Baur-Melnyk Andrea , Bendiks Martin , Gülecyüz Mehmet F. , Müller Peter E. , Pietschmann Matthias F.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Graft hypertrophy is common after matrix-based autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in the knee joint. However, it is not clear whether graft hypertrophy is a complication or an adjustment reaction in the cartilage regeneration after ACI.

Purpose:

To analyze the cartilage quality of the ACI regeneration with graft hypertrophy using T2-weighted mapping.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 91 patients with isolated cartilage defects (International Cartilage Repair Society [ICRS] grade III-IV) of the knee were treated with Novocart 3D, a third-generation, matrix-based, ACI procedure in the knee joint. All patients were evaluated with a standardized magnetic resonance imaging protocol after 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months postoperatively. For morphological and biochemical assessment, the T2-weighted relaxation times of the ACI grafts as well as the healthy surrounding cartilage were determined. The results of the 20 patients with graft hypertrophy (hypertrophic group) were compared with the results of 21 matched patients without graft hypertrophy (nonhypertrophic group) after ACI. Match-paired analysis was performed by comparison of age, defect size, and body mass index.

Results:

The T2-weighted relaxation times of the ACI graft showed significant improvement, with values decreasing from 52.1 milliseconds to 33.3 milliseconds after 48 months. After 12 months, the T2-weighted relaxation times were constant and comparable with the healthy surrounding cartilage. Graft hypertrophy was seen in 22% (n = 20) of the patients who underwent ACI. A significant difference in T2-weighted relaxation times between the hypertrophic and nonhypertrophic ACI grafts could not be found except after 36 months (hypertrophic T2-weighted relaxation time/nonhypertrophic T2-weighted relaxation time: 3 months, 48.0/56.4 ms, P = .666; 6 months, 45.6/42.5 ms, P = .280; 12 months, 39.3/34.7 ms, P = .850; 24 months, 34.8/32.2 ms, P = .742; 36 months, 34.6/38.2 ms, P = .030; 48 months, 34.2/32.3 ms, P = .693).

Conclusion:

The T2-weighted relaxation time of the ACI graft cartilage showed significant improvements over the observation period of 4 years postoperatively. After 2 years, graft maturation was completed. Graft hypertrophy after ACI was seen in 22% of the patients. Reduced cartilage quality could not be found in patients with graft hypertrophy after ACI.
Potential Biases in Big Data: Omitted Voices on Social Media
Authors: Hargittai Eszter
Published: July 2018

While big data offer exciting opportunities to address questions about social behavior, studies must not abandon traditionally important considerations of social science research such as data representativeness and sampling biases. Many big data studies rely on traces of people’s behavior on social media platforms such as opinions expressed through Twitter posts. How representative are such data? Whose voices are most likely to show up on such sites? Analyzing survey data about a national sample of American adults’ social network site usage, this article examines what user characteristics are associated with the adoption of such sites. Findings suggest that several sociodemographic factors relate to who adopts such sites. Those of higher socioeconomic status are more likely to be on several platforms suggesting that big data derived from social media tend to oversample the views of more privileged people. Additionally, Internet skills are related to using such sites, again showing that opinions visible on these sites do not represent all types of people equally. The article cautions against relying on content from such sites as the sole basis of data to avoid disproportionately ignoring the perspectives of the less privileged. Whether business interests or policy considerations, it is important that decisions that concern the whole population are not based on the results of analyses that favor the opinions of those who are already better off.
Beyond multidirectional technology transfer
Authors: Passarelli Mariacarmela , Cariola Alfio , Vecellio Pino
Published: July 2018

This article focuses on co-development technology transfer models. It offers an empirical analysis of a pioneer model applied in Italy: the proof-of-concept network (PoCN) applied by AREA Science Park in Trieste. Starting with a review of the literature, the authors identify the drivers that facilitate collaboration between the industrial and research systems in the embryonic phase of technology development. Then, discussing the PoCN model, the article analyzes and explores an emerging phenomenon that is as yet poorly understood. The application of a model for co-development, in fact, highlights many advantages for both firms and the research system and improves the efficiency of matching between these distant and heterogeneous sectors. The authors report a single case study which, while appearing to be a limitation of the article, offers elements of originality because it concerns the first applied co-development model in Italy. There are many practical implications, not only for firms and research institutions but also for policymakers who seek to implement public policies to support innovation and technology transfer.
Numerical study of the flame stability of premixed methane–air combustion in a combined porous-free flame burner
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad , Hashemi Seyed Abdolmehdi
Published: July 2018

Premixed methane–air combustion process within a combined porous-free flame burner was investigated numerically in the present study. The burner consisted of a perforated porous ceramic pellet forming combination of submerged and free flame zones. Nonequilibrium thermal condition between the gas and solid phases was implemented and governing equations were solved in a two-dimensional model using finite volume method. Detailed chemistry based on reduced GRI 3.0 mechanism with 41 reaction steps and 16 species including NOx mechanisms was utilized to simulate the combustion processes and pollutant emissions. In order to investigate the validation of the implemented numerical model, the burner was manufactured and tested. The predicted results were consistent with the experimental data. Comparison of the combined porous-free flame burner with porous burner showed that the flame stability limits of the combined burner were higher than those of porous burner. Multimode heat transfer within the porous medium was perused and the effect of heat recirculation on the flame stabilization was discussed. Investigation of the effect of pore density on the flame stabilization showed that the lower pore densities were desirable in order to improve the flame stability limits. Pollutant emission analysis proved that the NO concentration increased with increasing the equivalence ratio while the minimum quantity of CO concentration was evaluated at an equivalence ratio of 0.6.
Quaternionic accelerometer/magnetometer attitude determination using symbolic computations
Authors: Han Qiang , Tuo Xianguo , Lin Da
Published: July 2018

Attitude determination is a significant aspect of the navigation technology. The determination of the attitudes based on accelerometer and magnetometer fusion is basically an applied mathematical problem. In this article, we obtained the proposed quaternionic symbolic solution for accelerometer and magnetometer fusion which is quite different from existing methods. The proposed symbolic solution has the advantages of high accuracy and consumes much less time. Besides, the normalization problem of input data was discussed. Biquaternions ware introduced to describe the existence of the complex quaternion. Several experiments were carried out to verify the proposed symbolic solution.
Mortality and prognostic factors in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mu L , Hao Y , Fan Y , Huang H , Yang X , Xie A , Zhang X , Ji L , Geng Y , Zhang Z
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To investigate the mortality and causes of death in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

We collected the clinical data of all consecutive adult systemic lupus erythematosus patients at the Rheumatology department of Peking University First Hospital between January 2007 and December 2015. The primary causes of death were identified, the standardized mortality ratio and years of life lost were calculated, and the survival and variables associated with mortality were determined by Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis respectively.

Results

The mean age of all 911 patients (814 females and 97 males) was 37.8 ± 14.7 years, the median disease duration at recruitment was 2.6 (0.5–7.0) years, and the median follow-up duration was 3.0 (1.4–5.1) years. Among the 911 patients who were successfully followed up, 45 patients died. Infection (31.1%) was the leading cause of death followed by renal failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases. The overall age and sex-adjusted standardized mortality ratio was 3.2 (95% confidence interval 2.4–4.0), and the years of life lost for women and men were 29.8 and 9.4 respectively. Overall survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was 98.2%, 95.3% and 93.7% respectively. Older age at disease onset, infection, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and pulmonary arterial hypertension were independent risk factors for the mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus patients, and longer disease duration at recruitment was an independent protective factor.

Conclusions

Mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in China was substantial, especially in females, with infection the leading cause of death. Older age at disease onset, infection, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and pulmonary arterial hypertension were associated with poor outcomes.
Four meditations on time and future relations
Authors: Adam Barbara
Published: July 2018

In four short meditations, approaches to time and the future are explored through both a time and futures lens. A compressed poetic form of expression is used to distil the essence of the processes involved. The shapes emerge in the writing and once discernable they begin to guide the choice of words. Theory becomes a playful activity that draws on a deep and extensive pool of time theory. The first meditation expresses the difficulty for conventional social science to engage with the future. The second depicts temporal relations of modernity that encompass features shared by humanity across the ages. The third piece explores time encoded in nature, money and society. The last meditation engages with approaches to sustainability and indicates the significant differences that arise with the respective standpoints of the present future and future present. It closes the circle back to the first meditation on disciplinary challenges presented by the temporal and engagement with future presents.
The significance of the levels of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products for predicting trauma severity
Authors: Murata Masato , Hagiwara Shuichi , Aoki Makoto , Nakajima Jun , Oshima Kiyohiro
Published: July 2018

Background:

On initial treatment in the emergency room, trauma patients should be assessed using simple clinical indicators that can be measured quickly.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the injury severity score and blood test parameters measured on emergency room arrival in trauma patients.

Methods:

Trauma patients transferred to Gunma University Hospital between May 2013 and April 2014 were evaluated in this prospective, observational study. Blood samples were collected immediately on their arrival at our emergency room and their hematocrit, platelet, international normalized ratio of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products, and D-dimer were measured. We evaluated the correlations between the injury severity score and those biomarkers, and examined whether the correlation varied according to the injury severity score value. We also evaluated the correlations between the biomarkers and the abbreviated injury scale values of six regions.

Results:

We analyzed 371 patients. Fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products and D-dimer showed the greatest coefficients of correlation with injury severity score (0.556 and 0.543, respectively). The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic was larger in patients with injury severity score ⩾ 9 than in those with injury severity score ⩾ 4; however, patients with injury severity score ⩾ 9 or ⩾16 showed no significant differences. The area under the curve of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products was larger than that of D-dimer at all injury severity score values. The chest abbreviated injury scale had the strongest relationship with fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products.

Conclusion:

Fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products and D-dimer were positively correlated with injury severity score, and the relationships varied according to trauma severity. Chest trauma contributed most strongly to fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product elevation.
Assessing the Drug-Involved Client
Authors: Griffin Rosalind E.
Published: July 2018

The use of alcohol and other drugs is so widespread that most practitioners are likely to have clients with serious alcohol or other drug-abuse problems. However, practitioners who work in nonspecialized programs are likely to miss opportunities to explore these issues due to lack of knowledge and skills required to assess and confront the drug-involved client. They may also possess moralistic and punitive attitudes toward such clients.
Interview Techniques to Assess Sexual Disorders
Authors: Fedoroff J. Paul
Published: July 2018

The importance of taking a sexual history is reviewed and suggestions regarding opening the interview, establishing rapport, identifying problems, obtaining background information, and completing and closing the interview are provided. Several specialized interview techniques are described.
The Leadership Challenge in Family-Based Services: Policy, Practice, and Research
Authors: Whittaker James K.
Published: July 2018

Growing interest in family-based services creates challenges and opportunities for individual practitioners as well as service agencies. This paper focuses on the specific nature of these challenges in the areas of family practice, policy, and research. Each of these areas will require informed leadership in framing and resolving difficult questions. Some practical suggestions for joining this overall task are offered.
Criteria for Terminating Treatment
Authors: Fortune Anne E. , Pearlingi Bill , Rochelle Cherie D.
Published: July 2018

What criteria do social workers use to terminate treatment? Sixty-nine practitioners reported on their most recently terminated case. The most important criteria were improved coping in the environment, improved intrapsychic functioning, the client's wish to terminate, meeting initial goals, and changes in therapeutic content. Practitioners rarely considered terminating treatment unless they perceived treatment as successful, although many different success indicators were used.
Rural Interventions in Woman Battering: One State's Strategies
Authors: Edleson Jeffrey L. , Frank Marilyn D.
Published: July 2018

Little systematic information is available on woman-battering interventions in small cities, towns, reservations, or rural areas. The authors describe Minnesota's experience in developing a statewide network of battered women's programs, almost half of which are located in low-population-density areas. The results of a systematic survey of 31 such programs are presented. These programs exhibit a high level of skill both in assessing the needs and particular culture of their area and in providing services with limited funding and personnel. Programs have also found creative solutions to problems by developing new funding sources and by creating statewide and local networks to further their goals.
Empowerment of Incest Survivors: Speaking Out
Authors: Nelson Mardell
Published: July 2018

This case study involves four adult women who were molested as children. It discusses empowerment strategies used to help the women make public presentations about their personal histories. Strategies utilized included modification of the practitioner's role and use of small groups to encourage the presenters to assume valued helping roles. Design elements of this project included the development of a life script, the use of childhood photographs, the use of a song as a vision statement, and the healing interactions between the presenters and audience.
The Development of a Role Strain Index for Stepparents
Authors: Whitsett Doni , Land Helen
Published: July 2018

The stepparent role has been identified with chronic strain throughout the literature. Although various aspects of role strain have been anecdotally reported, its specific nature and most problematic aspects for stepparents have not been examined empirically. This article reports the initial phases in the development of an instrument that measures the strain thought to be integral to the stepparent role. Descriptive findings point to the importance of role strain in informing our knowledge of and service to stepfamilies.
Family Service Agencies: Responding to Change in a Conservative Decade
Authors: Alperin Diane Elias
Published: July 2018

During the 1980s much of the concern in social services has focused on the impact of external forces on agencies—namely the increase in the problems of the American family with a simultaneous decrease in commitment from the U.S. government for funding and services. A nationwide survey of Family Service America, Inc., member agencies was undertaken in an attempt to assess partially the impact of these environmental changes on voluntary social service agencies. The data indicate that the increased needs of the community took precedence over the decline in public sector support. Response to a conservative environment led to interorganizational changes, which allowed for program expansion in an attempt to meet the increased demand for human services.
Child Welfare as a Woman's Issue
Authors: Hutchison Elizabeth D.
Published: July 2018

The recognition that ensuring the welfare of children is not possible without addressing the welfare of their female caregivers is notably missing from the child welfare literature. This article seeks to correct this omission by analyzing the welfare of children in the context of societal structures for caregiving. The author places the gender analysis of child welfare in historical context, discusses current themes of gender bias, and analyzes the impact of child welfare policy and practice on several categories of women. Policy implications and practice guidelines for improving the well-being of children are discussed.
Renew: A Program for Building Remarried Family Strengths
Authors: Duncan Stephen F. , Brown Geneva
Published: July 2018

In designing educational programs to help remarried families, family practitioners usually focus on the unique problems of this family type, often ignoring possible or potential strengths. It is counterproductive to focus only on the problems of a family type that is increasing in numbers. This article describes RENEW, a home-based family enrichment program designed specifically to help remarried families recognize and develop their special strengths. Suggestions for implementation are offered.
Self Psychology in Clinical Intervention with the Elderly
Authors: Goldmeier John , Fandetti Donald V.
Published: July 2018

The self psychology of Heinz Kohut can be usefully integrated with current clinical interventions in social work. The authors discuss the major principles of self psychology, applying them to work with the elderly. Emphasis is on the striving for growth and affirmation in the elderly and on how more subtle treatment dimensions, such as empathy and transference, can be understood.
Assessing the Incestuous Family's Readiness for Reconstitution
Authors: Powell Martine B. , Ilett Merrick J.
Published: July 2018

Given the lack of empirical data concerning factors associated with successful vs. unsuccessful treatment of incestuous families, professionals urgently need to develop systems for coordinating and evaluating ongoing therapeutic efforts. The authors outline the factors that are usually considered important for making decisions about the appropriateness of family reconstitution during or after the treatment of intrafamilial sexual abuse. Attributions of responsibility for the abuse, protection of the child from further abuse, overall level of family functioning, and characteristics of the abuse and the offender are discussed. Problematic assessment issues are discussed in relation to the use of these factors as a guide for decision making, and questions are raised on which to base research regarding each factor's ability to predict further abuse.
Intergenerational Support during the Transition to Parenthood: Issues for New Parents and Grandparents
Authors: Hansen Laura B. , Jacob Elizabeth
Published: July 2018

Intergenerational support during the transition to parenthood is explored on the basis of a research and preventive-service project that included 86 fist-time parents and their parents. Many factors influence the nature and perception of support: developmental and life-stage issues for both generations, maternal and paternal family relationships, family coping styles, and continuities or discontinuities of cultures and traditions. A holistic view of intergenerational resources is recommended, emphasizing increased recognition of the paternal family.
Adding Attribution to Parenting Programs
Authors: Goddard H. Wallace , Miller Brent C.
Published: July 2018

Most major parenting programs are based on a few long-established principles. One body of research that may improve the content and delivery of parent education is attribution. Parents' attributions to their children have important effects on child development. Applications of attribution research to parenting programs are discussed, and a five-session program is outlined. Evaluation of the program with 53 parents of adolescents found that adolescent children of treated parents were more likely than were well adolescent children of control parents to view their parents as more nurturing. Implications for parent education are discussed.
Splitting Custody of Children between Parents: Impact on the Sibling System
Authors: Kaplan Lori , Hennon Charles B. , Ade-Ridder Linda
Published: July 2018

Splitting custody of children between parents after divorce is one form of custody. The authors review this custody decision and its potential effect on the sibling system across the lifespan. The arrangement is analyzed by means of family-systems theory. Because split custody may be harmful to the sibling bond, the potential benefits must be weighed against costs in each case before entering into this custody arrangement.
Decision Making for Pregnant Adolescents: Applying Reasoned Action Theory to Research and Treatment
Authors: Cervera Neil J.
Published: July 2018

Adoption decision making is a difficult process for pregnant teenagers. Most studies have examined adoption decision making within either a sociological, psychological, or cultural context. The author examines the complex issues involved in the teenager's decision to relinquish a child and proposes an empirical model for both research and treatment.
Developing a Practice Model for the Homeless Mentally Ill
Authors: Sheridan Michael J. , Gowen Nancy , Halpin Susan
Published: July 2018

There is a growing recognition in the literature that traditional service approaches are not effective with the homeless mentally ill. A specialized practice model rooted firmly in the special characteristics and realities of this diverse population is needed. The authors propose components of such a practice model, including practice principles, worker characteristics, and agency supports. Examples from a three-year federally funded project serving homeless adults with mental illness are presented.
Economic Well-Being of the Chronically Disabled Elderly: Practice and Policy Implications
Authors: Bauer Jean W. , Stum Marlene S. , Delaney Paula J.
Published: July 2018

The 1982 Long-Term Care Survey (N = 5,670) was used to gain an understanding of predisposing, need, and enabling variables that influence the economic well-being of disabled elderly. Stepwise regression results suggest that a combination of enabling and predisposing factors best explained differences in economic well-being. Implications of the findings for practitioners are discussed within the context of practice and policy for the disabled elderly.
Family Poverty, Unemployment Rates, and AFDC Payments: Trends among Blacks and Whites
Authors: Caputo Richard K.
Published: July 2018

The author examines the relationships among the value of AFDC payments, unemployment rates, and family relationships in black and white poor families between 1973 and 1988. The study found that more American families became poor while AFDC payments were reduced in value, suggesting that reducing AFDC had little effect as a prod to remove American families from poverty. The study also showed that declines in poverty accompanied decreasing unemployment rates throughout the 1980s. The author argues that a more productive approach to addressing poverty revolves less around manipulating AFDC incentives as a means of welfare reform and more around reaffirming government's role in the economy. Industrial policy and welfare reform are discussed.
Families in Poverty and Chronic Neglect of Children
Authors: DiLeonardi Joan W.
Published: July 2018

There is a strong association between the poverty level of families and the neglect of children, including chronic neglect. The author reports on six projects designed to reduce the level and extent of chronic neglect of children in their geographic areas. Within the population of families in poverty who are reported for neglect, certain stances and strategies, including family empowerment, the use of groups to develop social support networks, and the assistance of volunteers or paraprofessionals as home visitors or parent aides, appear to be beneficial.
“She Wasn’t Resisting”: Students’ Barriers to Prosocial Intervention as Bystanders to Sexual Assault Risk Situations
Authors: Hoxmeier Jill C. , O’Connor Julia , McMahon Sarah
Published: July 2018

The White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault recommends bystander training as part of campus sexual assault prevention efforts. The current study sought to understand salient themes among students’ qualitative responses for why they did not intervene in sexual assault risk situations. In 2014, undergraduate students ( N = 9,358) at a large public university completed a web-based survey to assess bystander opportunities and responses for six risk situations. Content coding analysis indicated that students report several unique barriers to intervention. These findings have important implications for bystander training programs, as well as future research on bystander behavior.
Acute encephalopathy secondary to dabrafenib and trametinib in BRAF-positive metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung
Authors: Randhawa Jaskirat , Onyshchenko Mykola
Published: July 2018

Acute encephalopathy secondary to targeted therapy with BRAF inhibitors is uncommon. There are few case reports in patients with metastatic melanoma who received treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib, and developed acute confusion. The encephalopathy appears to resolve after the discontinuation of offending drug, with patient returning to their baseline mentation and functional ability. The mechanism of the encephalopathy has been unclear. Unlike posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, which has been reported with vemurafenib and cobimetinib combination in melanoma patients, there are generally no acute imaging abnormalities observed (e.g. on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging brain scans). We report a case of acute encephalopathy in a patient with BRAF mutated metastatic lung cancer due to dabrafenib and trametinib treatment. With the increasing use of targeted therapies in lung cancer treatments, it is important for clinicians to be aware of potentially toxic effects of novel treatments.
Mechanical, barrier, and color properties of banana starch edible films incorporated with nanoemulsions of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oils
Authors: Restrepo Andrea E , Rojas José D , García Omar R , Sánchez Leidy T , Pinzón Magda I , Villa Cristian C
Published: July 2018

Edible films are among the most promising fields in food science over the last decade due to their versatility (they can be made from a wide array of materials) and because they can be used as carriers of different active substances, like antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, and essential oils from plants. In the case of the essential oils, their inclusion in edible films is limited by their low water solubility. Nanoemulsions are thermodynamically stable and transparent systems that can be used as a way of incorporating essential oils into edible film matrices. In this paper, we developed lemongrass and rosemary essential oil nanoemulsions by using a low-energy method, observing the effect of the surfactant/oil ratio in their physicochemical properties. Then we studied the effect of the nanoemulsions concentration incorporated into banana starch edible films. We observed that essential oils’ nanoemulsions have a plasticizing effect increasing the film’s water vapor permeability, transparency, and elongation at break, while the hydrophobic nature of the essential oils lead to a decrease in their water solubility.
Mode mixity analysis of face/core debonds in a single cantilever beam sandwich specimen
Authors: Saseendran Vishnu , Berggreen Christian , Krueger Ronald
Published: July 2018

The single cantilever beam sandwich specimen has been proposed, as a fracture test standard for mode I peel loading. Critical parameters, including specimen dimensions, determine whether the crack propagates along the face/core interface in mode I during the fracture test. This paper outlines a parametric study based on a numerical method to examine local mode mixity conditions for a wide array of sandwich systems by varying several geometrical and material parameters. The thickness and modulus of the face sheet were seen to influence the mode mixity for most sandwich systems. Core Poisson’s ratio was shown to influence the local mode mixity and has the capability of driving the crack along the interface or into the core. The effect of the intact specimen length was analyzed and presented from a mode mixity perspective based on various elastic foundation modulus expressions. Reinforcement of the single cantilever beam specimen with stiff layers was also investigated numerically and compared with a similar analysis in the literature. The analysis presented in this paper shows that, despite reducing the global shear component, the local mode mixity condition deviated away from the mode I regime for several sandwich specimens. An appropriate foundation model along with a minimum loading rod length was one of the recommendations provided from the analyses, which may supplement the ASTM International standardization efforts.
Autonomy can support affect regulation during illness and in health
Authors: Cosme Danielle , Berkman Elliot T
Published: July 2018

The benefits of autonomy to self-regulation, health, and well-being are well established. However, relatively few studies have investigated how autonomy might influence affect regulation. In this commentary, we argue that autonomy is an important motivational factor that interacts with affect regulation and may be particularly relevant in health contexts, such as cancer, that can limit individual autonomy. We describe the relationship between autonomy and affect regulation and illustrate ways in which autonomy can be supported broadly as well as during various phases in the cancer trajectory.
Multibody analysis of longitudinal train dynamics on the passenger ride performance due to brake application
Authors: Sharma Sunil Kumar
Published: July 2018

In this paper, longitudinal train dynamics and coupler forces were modelled based on experimental results of Research Design and Standard Organisation and from the available literature. The model was solved numerically in MATLAB. Moreover, a multibody model was developed in Universal Mechanism software considering a locomotive and two coaches that were validated with the mathematical model by comparing acceleration responses of locomotives and coaches running at 150 km/h and then applying emergency braking. The validated model in the Universal Mechanism software was extended and used for additional study. For the case study, the Rajdhani Express train was considered running at its maximum operational speed of 160 km/h with track gradient of New Delhi and Agra Cantt station. The performance of the rail vehicle in five braking phases was evaluated. The maximum compression force in coupler increased after the application of each brake phase. Moreover, the maximum compressive coupler force of 149 t was experienced at the third quarter of the train. However, the ride quality and comfort were within the satisfactory range prescribed by Research Design and Standard Organisation.
A Paradox of Political Reform: Shadow Interests in the U.S. States
Authors: Strickland James
Published: July 2018

Laws that restrict and disclose the actions of lobbyists are attempts to protect elected officials from undue influence and preserve public trust in lawmaking processes. Imposing too many campaign finance restrictions and reporting requirements on registered interest groups, however, might discourage them from registering. I use an original data set compiled from several decades of lobbyist lists to determine whether these laws suppress registration rates among interest groups. More limits on campaign finance activities, but not heavier reporting burdens, are shown to be associated with depressed registration of interest groups. As unregistered interests are not subject to these regulations, this presents a paradox of political reform. Reformers can either restrict the campaign finance activities of organized interests or disclose their lobbying activities more fully, but not both. I provide estimated totals of registered interest groups given a set of laws that maximizes compliance.
Women’s Pregnancy Life History and Alzheimer’s Risk: Can Immunoregulation Explain the Link?
Authors: Fox Molly , Berzuini Carlo , Knapp Leslie A. , Glynn Laura M.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Pregnancy is associated with improvement in immunoregulation that persists into the geriatric phase. Impaired immunoregulation is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Hence, we investigate the relationship between pregnancy and AD.

Methods:

Cross-sectional cohort of British women (N = 95). Cox proportional hazards modeling assessed the putative effects of cumulative months pregnant on AD risk and the mutually adjusted effects of counts of first and third trimesters on AD risk.

Results:

Cumulative number of months pregnant, was associated with lower AD risk (β = −1.90, exp(β) = 0.15, P = .02). Cumulative number of first trimesters was associated with lower AD risk after adjusting for third trimesters (β = −3.83, exp(β) = 0.02, P < .01), while the latter predictor had no significant effect after adjusting for the former.

Conclusions:

Our observation that first trimesters (but not third trimesters) conferred protection against AD is more consistent with immunologic effects, which are driven by early gestation, than estrogenic exposures, which are greatest in late gestation. Results may justify future studies with immune biomarkers.
Protocol for a program of research from the Aging, Community and Health Research Unit
Authors: Markle-Reid Maureen , Ploeg Jenny , Valaitis Ruta , Duggleby Wendy , Fisher Kathryn , Fraser Kimberly , Ganann Rebecca , Griffith Lauren E , Gruneir Andrea , McAiney Carrie , Williams Allison
Published: July 2018

Background:

The goal of the Aging, Community and Health Research Unit (ACHRU) is to promote optimal aging at home for older adults with multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) and to support their family/friend caregivers. This protocol paper reports the rationale and plan for this patient-oriented, cross-jurisdictional research program.

Objectives:

The objectives of the ACHRU research program are (i) to codesign integrated and person-centered interventions with older adults, family/friend caregivers, and providers; (ii) to examine the feasibility of newly designed interventions; (iii) to determine the intervention effectiveness on Triple Aim outcomes: health, patient/caregiver experience, and cost; (iv) to examine intervention context and implementation barriers and facilitators; (v) to use diverse integrated knowledge translation (IKT) strategies to engage knowledge users to support scalability and sustainability of effective interventions; and (vi) to build patient-oriented research capacity.

Design:

The research program was informed by the Knowledge-to-Action Framework and the Complexity Model. Six individual studies were conceptualized as integrated pieces of work. The results of the three initial descriptive studies will inform and be followed by three pragmatic randomized controlled trials. IKT and capacity building activities will be embedded in all six studies and tailored to the unique focus of each study.

Conclusions:

This research program will inform the development of effective and scalable person-centered interventions that are sustainable through interagency and intersectoral partnerships with community-based agencies, policy makers, and other health and social service agencies. Implementation of these interventions has the potential to transform health-care services and systems and improve the quality of life for older adults with multimorbidity and their caregivers.

Trial registration:

NCT02428387 (study 4), NCT02158741 (study 5), and NCT02209285 (study 6).
On the Cost of Introducing Speech-Like Properties to a Stimulus for Auditory Steady-State Response Measurements
Authors: Laugesen Søren , Rieck Julia Eva , Elberling Claus , Dau Torsten , Harte James M.
Published: July 2018

Validating hearing-aid fittings in prelingual infants is challenging because typical measures (aided audiometry, etc.) are impossible with infants. One objective alternative uses an aided auditory steady-state response (ASSR) measurement. To make an appropriate measurement, the hearing aid’s signal-processing features must be activated (or deactivated) as if the ASSR stimulus was real speech. Rather than manipulating the hearing-aid settings to achieve this, an ASSR stimulus with speech-like properties was developed. This promotes clinical simplicity and face validity of the validation. The stimulus consists of narrow-band CE-Chirps®, modified to mimic the International Speech Test Signal (ISTS). This study examines the cost of introducing the speech-like features into the ASSR stimulus. Thus, 90 to 100 Hz ASSRs were recorded to the ISTS-modified stimulus as well as an equivalent stimulus without the ISTS modification, presented through insert phones to 10 young normal-hearing subjects. Noise-corrected ASSR magnitudes and clinically relevant detection times were estimated and analyzed with mixed-model analyses of variance. As a supplement, the observed changes to the ASSR magnitudes were compared with an objective characterization of the stimuli based on modulation power. The main findings were a reduction in ASSR magnitude of 4 dB and an increase in detection time by a factor of 1.5 for the ISTS-modified stimulus compared with the standard. Detection rates were unaffected given sufficient recording time. For clinical use of the hearing-aid validation procedure, the key metric is the detection time. While this varied considerably across subjects, the observed 50% mean increase corresponds to less than 1 min of additional recording time.
Osteopontin alters DNA methylation through up-regulating DNMT1 and sensitizes CD133+/CD44+ cancer stem cells to 5 azacytidine in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gao Xiaomei , Sheng Yuanyuan , Yang Jing , Wang Chaoqun , Zhang Rui , Zhu Ying , Zhang Ze , Zhang Kaili , Yan Shican , Sun Haoting , Wei Jinwang , Wang Xuan , Yu Xinxin , Zhang Yu , Luo Qin , Zheng Yan , Qiao Peng , Zhao Yue , Dong Qiongzhu , Qin Lunxiu
Published: July 2018

Background

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), CD133+/CD44+ cells are one subgroup with high stemness and responsible for metastatic relapse and resistance to treatment. Our previous studies have demonstrated that osteopontin (OPN) plays critical roles in HCC metastasis. We further investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the role of OPN in regulating the stemness of HCC epigenetically and explored possible targeting strategy.

Methods

CD133+/CD44+ subgroup sorting from HCC cell lines and HCC tissues was used to investigate the effects of OPN knockdown on stemness. iTRAQ and MedIP-sequencing were applied to detect the protein profile and epigenetic modification of CD133+/CD44+ subgroup with or without OPN knockdown. The antitumor effects of 5 Azacytidine were examined in cultured HCC cells and patient derived xenograft (PDX) models.

Results

OPN was accumulated in CD133+/CD44+ subgroup of HCC cells. Knocking down OPN significantly inhibited the sphere formation and stemness-related genes expression, and delayed tumor initiation of CD133+/CD44+ subgroup of HCC cells. Employing MedIP-sequencing, dot blot and iTRAQ analyses of CD133+/CD44+ SCR and CD133+/CD44+ shOPN cells, we found that OPN knockdown leaded to reduction in DNA methylation with particular enrichment in CGI. Meanwhile, DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), the main methylation maintainer, was downregulated via proteomics analysis, which mediated OPN altering DNA methylation. Furthermore, DNMT1 upregulation could partially rescue the properties of CD133+/CD44+ shOPN cells. Both in vitro and in vivo assays showed that CD133+/CD44+ cells with high OPN levels were more sensitive to DNA methylation inhibitor, 5 Azacytidine (5 Aza). The above findings were validated in HCC primary cells, a more clinically relevant model.

Conclusions

OPN induces methylome reprogramming to enhance the stemness of CD133+/CD44+ subgroup and provides the therapeutic benefits to DNMT1 targeting treatment in HCC.
Risk for subsequent infection and mortality after hospitalization among patients with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria colonization or infection
Authors: Tseng Wen-Pin , Chen Yee-Chun , Chen Shang-Yu , Chen Shey-Ying , Chang Shan-Chwen
Published: July 2018

Background

Risks for subsequent multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDRGNB) infection and long-term outcome after hospitalization among patients with MDRGNB colonization remain unknown.

Methods

This observational study enrolled 817 patients who were hospitalized in the study hospital in 2009. We defined MDRGNB as a GNB resistant to at least three different antimicrobial classes. Patients were classified into MDRGNB culture-positive (MDRGNB-CP; 125 patients) and culture-negative (MDRGNB-CN; 692 patients) groups based on the presence or absence of any MDRGNB identified from either active surveillance or clinical cultures during index hospitalization. Subsequent MDRGNB infection and mortality within 12 months after index hospitalization were recorded. We determined the frequency and risk factors for subsequent MDRGNB infection and mortality associated with previous MDRGNB culture status.

Results

In total, 129 patients had at least one subsequent MDRGNB infection (MDRGNB-CP, 48.0%; MDRGNB-CN, 10.0%), and 148 patients died (MDRGNB-CP, 31.2%; MDRGNB-CN, 15.9%) during the follow-up period. MDR Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii were the predominant colonization microorganisms; patients with Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest hazard risk for developing subsequent infection. After controlling for other confounders, MDRGNB-CP during hospitalization independently predicted subsequent MDRGNB infection (hazard ratio [HR], 5.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.72–7.71), all-cause mortality (HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.67–3.50), and subsequent MDRGNB infection-associated mortality (HR, 4.88; 95% CI, 2.79–8.52) after hospitalization.

Conclusions

Harboring MDRGNB significantly increases patients’ risk for subsequent MDRGNB infection and mortality after hospitalization, justifying the urgent need for developing effective strategies to prevent and eradicate MDRGNB colonization.