bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF THE MATERIAL REMOVAL RATE IN MAGNETIC ABRASIVE FINISHING OF THIN FILM COATED PYREX GLASS
Authors: LEE HEE HWAN , LEE SEOUNG HWAN
Published: March 2017

The material removal rate (MRR) during precision finishing/polishing is a key factor, which dictates the process performance. Moreover, the MRR or wear rate is closely related to the material/part reliability. For nanoscale patterning and/or planarization on nano-order thickness coatings, the prediction and in-process monitoring of the MRR is necessary, because the process is not characterizable due to size effects and material property/process condition variations as a result of the coating/substrate interactions. The purpose of this research was to develop a practical methodology for the prediction and in-process monitoring of MRR during nanoscale finishing of coated surfaces. Using a specially designed magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring setup, experiments were carried out on indium-zinc-oxide (IZO) coated Pyrex glasses. After a given polishing time interval, AFM indentation was conducted for each workpiece sample to measure the adhesion force variations of the coating layers (IZO), which are directly related to the MRR changes. The force variation and AE monitoring data were compared to the MRR calculated form the surface measurement (Nanoview) results. The experimental results demonstrate strong correlations between AFM indentation and MRR measurement data. In addition, the monitored AE signals show sensitivity of the material structure variations of the coating layer, as the polishing progresses.
MANIPULATING THE STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF ZINC OXIDE THIN FILMS BY CHANGING THE SPUTTERING POWER OF RADIO FREQUENCY MAGNETRON SPUTTERING
Authors: WANG YANG , WANG CHENGBIAO , PENG ZHIJIAN , WANG QI , FU XIULI
Published: March 2017

Oxygen-deficient zinc oxides thin films with different levels of defects were prepared by using radio frequency magnetron sputtering method with sintered zinc oxide disk as target at different sputtering powers. The composition, structure and electrical properties of the prepared films were investigated. Under the present conditions, all the obtained films possessed würtzite structure, which were growing preferentially along the [Formula: see text]-axis. The thickness of the films, the size of the zinc oxide grains and the content of Zn atoms increased with increasing sputtering power. In the films deposited at a sputtering power from 52[Formula: see text]W to 212[Formula: see text]W, the main defect was interstitial zinc. With increasing sputtering power, due to the enhanced number of interstitial zinc in the films, their room-temperature electrical resistivity would decrease, which was controlled by electron conduction. At increasing measurement temperature, their electrical resistivity would increase, owing to the decrease of defect concentration caused by oxidization.
STRUCTURAL AND OPTOELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF SnO2 THIN FILMS DOPED BY GROUP-IA ELEMENTS
Authors: BENHEBAL HADJ , BENRABAH BEDHIAF , AMMARI AEK , MADOUNE YACINE , LAMBERT STÉPHANIE D.
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the results of an experimental work devoted to the synthesis and the characterization of tin dioxide (SnO[Formula: see text] thin layers doped with group-IA elements (Li, Na and K). The materials were synthesized by the sol–gel method and deposited by dip-coating, using tin (II) chloride dihydrate as a source of tin and absolute ethyl alcohol as solvent. Thin films prepared were characterized by several techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), visible and ultraviolet spectroscopy and complex impedance method. The results obtained show that the materials kept their tetragonal rutile structure with preferred orientation of (101), whereas doping leads to a reduction of their energy band gap. The complex impedance analysis suggests that the different processes occurring at the electrode interface are modeled by an electrical circuit not affected by the doping.
The probability that the multiplication of two ring elements is zero
Authors: Esmkhani M. A. , Jafarian Amiri S. M.
Published: March 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite commutative ring. We denote by [Formula: see text] the probability that the multiplication of two randomly chosen elements of [Formula: see text] is zero. In this paper, we show that either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] for any ring [Formula: see text] and determine all rings [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. Also, we obtain the structures of rings [Formula: see text] having maximum or minimum value of [Formula: see text] among all rings with identity of the same size. We characterize all rings [Formula: see text] with identity such that [Formula: see text]. Finally, we compute [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a PIR local ring.
Perinormal rings with zero divisors
Authors: Rani Anam , Dumitrescu Tiberiu
Published: March 2017

We extend, to rings with zero divisors, the study of perinormal domains initiated by Epstein and Shapiro. We say that a ring [Formula: see text] is perinormal if whenever a ring [Formula: see text] situated between [Formula: see text] and the total quotient ring of [Formula: see text] satisfies going down over [Formula: see text], it follows that [Formula: see text] is a flat [Formula: see text]-module.
Omni-Directional Walking Pattern Generator for Child-Sized Humanoid Robot, CHARLES2
Authors: Lee Kinam , Ryoo Young-Jae , Byun Kyung-Seok , Choi Jaeyoung
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we propose an omni-directional walking pattern generator to make a child-sized humanoid robot walk in any direction. The proposed omni-directional walking pattern generator creates walking patterns for which zero moment point (ZMP) is located on the center of the supporting foot. For humanoid robots to adapt to human’s life and perform missions, it should be taller than the minimum height of a child. In this paper, we designed a humanoid robot which is similar to a child who is taller than 1[Formula: see text]m. We show the humanoid robot’s kinematics, design of a three-dimensional (3D) model, develop mechanisms and the hardware structures with servo-motors and compact-size PC. The developed humanoid robot “CHARLES2” stands for Cognitive Humanoid Autonomous Robot with Learning and Evolutionary System-Two. The inverse kinematics of its legs is described. The principle of the omni-directional walking pattern generator is discussed to create walking motions and overcome the robot’s mechanical deficiencies. We applied the proposed omni-directional walking pattern generator based on ZMP. Through experiments, we analyzed walking patterns according to the creation and changing parameter values. The results of the experiments are presented for the efficacy of our proposed walking engine.
Effect of Zn2+ and F− Co-Modification on the Structure and Electrochemical Performance of Li4Ti5O12 Anode Material
Authors: Wei Aijia , Li Wen , Zhang Lihui , Li Xiaohui , Bai Xue , Liu Zhenfa
Published: March 2017

Zn[Formula: see text] and F[Formula: see text] ions are successfully used to modify pure Li4Ti5O[Formula: see text] via a co-precipitation method followed by calcination at 400[Formula: see text]C for 5[Formula: see text]h in an Ar atmosphere in order to further investigate the reaction mechanism of the fluoride modification process. Zn[Formula: see text] and F[Formula: see text] co-modified Li4Ti5O[Formula: see text] samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical measurements. After the modification process, no ZnF2coating layer is formed on the surface of Li4Ti5O[Formula: see text], instead, F[Formula: see text] ions react with Li4Ti5O[Formula: see text] to generate a new phase, composed of a small amount of anatase TiO2, rutile TiO2, LiF, and Zn[Formula: see text] ions are suspected to form a ZnO coating layer on Li4Ti5O[Formula: see text] particles. The electrolyte reduction decomposition is suppressed in Zn[Formula: see text] and F[Formula: see text] co-modified Li4Ti5O[Formula: see text] due to the ZnO coating layer. 1[Formula: see text]wt.% Zn[Formula: see text] and F[Formula: see text] co-modified Li4Ti5O[Formula: see text] exhibits the best rate capability, which leads to a charge capacity of 236.7, 227.8, 222.1, 202.7, 188.9 and 150.7[Formula: see text]mAh g[Formula: see text] at 0.2C, 0.5C, 1C, 3C, 5C and 10C, respectively, between 0[Formula: see text]V and 3[Formula: see text]V. Furthermore, 1[Formula: see text]wt.% Zn[Formula: see text] and F[Formula: see text] co-modified Li4Ti5O[Formula: see text] exhibits 96.0% charge capacity retention at 3C rate after 200 cycles, which is significantly higher than that of pure Li4Ti5O[Formula: see text] (78.4%).
Reforming in a Difficult Macroeconomic Context: A Review of Issues and Recent Literature
Authors: Sánchez Aida Caldera , de Serres Alain , Yashiro Naomitsu
Published: March 2017

This paper reviews the main issues related to the short-term impact of structural reforms in different macroeconomic contexts and takes stock of existing theoretical and empirical studies. Taking reforms introduced in “normal” times as a benchmark, it reviews the available evidence on the impact of reforms that are implemented in “bad” times — defined as the presence of a sizeable negative output gap and persistently weak demand — as well as under different assumptions regarding the availability or effectiveness of macroeconomic policies in supporting the reforms. In doing so, the paper focuses on the key channels through which different reforms influence short-term activity via the main components of demand and discusses how these channels operate under different macro conditions.
The Capabilities Driving Participation in Global Value Chains
Authors: Pathikonda Vilas , Farole Thomas
Published: March 2017

Global value chains (GVCs) have altered the nature of global trade and offer significant opportunities for developing countries to expand exports, access technology, and raise productivity. Recent literature has pointed to a range of underlying characteristics that may drive participation in GVCs. Using a modified factor-content methodology, this paper shows that proximity to markets, efficient logistics, and strength of institutions are among the most important capabilities. However, the paper also shows that each sector has a unique mix of capability requirements. The paper applies the methodology to Southern African Customs Union countries, and demonstrates that, by filling gaps in underlying capabilities, these countries could increase participation in certain GVC sectors.
Time-dependence of the electromechanical bending actuation observed in ionic-electroactive polymers
Authors: Bass Patrick S. , Zhang Lin , Cheng Z.-Y.
Published: March 2017

The characteristics of the electromechanical response observed in an ionic-electroactive polymer (i-EAP) are represented by the time ([Formula: see text]) dependence of its bending actuation ([Formula: see text]). The electromechanical response of a typical i-EAP — poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) doped with lithium perchlorate (LP) — is studied. The shortcomings of all existing models describing the electromechanical response obtained in i-EAPs are discussed. A more reasonable model: [Formula: see text] is introduced to characterize this time dependence for all i-EAPs. The advantages and correctness of this model are confirmed using results obtained in PEO-LP actuators with different LP contents and at different temperatures. The applicability and universality of this model are validated using the reported results obtained from two different i-EAPs: one is Flemion and the other is polypyrrole actuators.
Effects of β-adrenergic receptor drugs on embryonic ventricular cell proliferation and differentiation and their impact on donor cell transplantation
Authors: Feridooni Tiam , Hotchkiss Adam , Baguma-Nibasheka Mark , Zhang Feixiong , Allen Brittney , Chinni Sarita , Pasumarthi Kishore B. S.
Published: March 2017

β-Adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) and catecholamines are present in rodents as early as embryonic day (E)10.5. However, it is not known whether β-AR signaling plays any role in the proliferation and differentiation of ventricular cells in the embryonic heart. Here, we characterized expression profiles of β-AR subtypes and established dose-response curves for the nonselective β-AR agonist isoproterenol (ISO) in the developing mouse ventricular cells. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of ISO on cell cycle activity and differentiation of cultured E11.5 ventricular cells. ISO treatment significantly reduced tritiated thymidine incorporation and cell proliferation rates in both cardiac progenitor cell and cardiomyocyte populations. The ISO-mediated effects on DNA synthesis could be abolished by cotreatment of E11.5 cultures with either metoprolol (a β1-AR antagonist) or ICI-118,551 (a β2-AR antagonist). In contrast, ISO-mediated effects on cell proliferation could be abolished only by metoprolol. Furthermore, ISO treatment significantly increased the percentage of differentiated cardiomyocytes compared with that in control cultures. Additional experiments revealed that β-AR stimulation leads to downregulation of Erk and Akt phosphorylation followed by significant decreases in cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 levels in E11.5 ventricular cells. Consistent with in vitro results, we found that chronic stimulation of recipient mice with ISO after intracardiac cell transplantation significantly decreased graft size, whereas metoprolol protected grafts from the inhibitory effects of systemic catecholamines. Collectively, these results underscore the effects of β-AR signaling in cardiac development as well as graft expansion after cell transplantation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY β-Adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation can decrease the proliferation of embryonic ventricular cells in vitro and reduce the graft size after intracardiac cell transplantation. In contrast, β1-AR antagonists can abrogate the antiproliferative effects mediated by β-AR stimulation and increase graft size. These results highlight potential interactions between adrenergic drugs and cell transplantation.
Alveolar nonselective channels are ASIC1a/α-ENaC channels and contribute to AFC
Authors: Trac Phi T. , Thai Tiffany L. , Linck Valerie , Zou Li , Greenlee Megan , Yue Qiang , Al-Khalili Otor , Alli Abdel A. , Eaton Amity F. , Eaton Douglas C.
Published: March 2017

A thin fluid layer in alveoli is normal and results from a balance of fluid entry and fluid uptake by transepithelial salt and water reabsorption. Conventional wisdom suggests the reabsorption is via epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC), but if all Na+ reabsorption were via ENaC, then amiloride, an ENaC inhibitor, should block alveolar fluid clearance (AFC). However, amiloride blocks only half of AFC. The reason for failure to block is clear from single-channel measurements from alveolar epithelial cells: ENaC channels are observed, but another channel is present at the same frequency that is nonselective for Na+ over K+, has a larger conductance, and has shorter open and closed times. These two channel types are known as highly selective channels (HSC) and nonselective cation channels (NSC). HSC channels are made up of three ENaC subunits since knocking down any of the subunits reduces HSC number. NSC channels contain α-ENaC since knocking down α-ENaC reduces the number of NSC (knocking down β- or γ-ENaC has no effect on NSC, but the molecular composition of NSC channels remains unclear). We show that NSC channels consist of at least one α-ENaC and one or more acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) proteins. Knocking down either α-ENaC or ASIC1a reduces both NSC and HSC number, and no NSC channels are observable in single-channel patches on lung slices from ASIC1a knockout mice. AFC is reduced in knockout mice, and wet wt-to-dry wt ratio is increased, but the percentage increase in wet wt-to-dry wt ratio is larger than expected based on the reduction in AFC.
Clinical Features of Japanese Patients with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Complicated by Normal-Tension Glaucoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kida Teruyo , Fukumoto Masanori , Sato Takaki , Oku Hidehiro , Ikeda Tsunehiko
Published: March 2017

Purpose: The association of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension has been reported, and lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) helps to improve the retinal circulation in eyes with CRVO. However, the clinical features of CRVOs with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) are not well known. Therefore, we investigated Japanese CRVO patients with NTG. Methods: We retrospectively investigated 234 CRVO patients over 5 years, with follow-ups of more than 12 months, and evaluated the prevalence of glaucoma. Results: Of the 234 CRVO patients, 18 (7.7%) were diagnosed with NTGs (n = 10) or POAGs (n = 8). Seven POAG (87.5%) and 3 NTG (30%) patients had systemic hypertension. At the initial CRVO evaluation, 6 NTGs showed a significantly increased IOP; mean IOP was 13.3 mm Hg before CRVO, 16.2 mm Hg at CRVO, and 13.5 mm Hg at the final visit. Conclusions: The proportion of NTGs with systemic hypertension was low. IOP of NTG patients was significantly elevated at the initial CRVO evaluation, even in the presence of anti-glaucoma drugs.
Incidence and Causes of Intentional Fetal or Neonatal Demise in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Spruijt Marjolijn S. , Tameeris Ellen , Zhao De-Peng , Middeldorp Johanna M. , Haak Monique C. , Oepkes Dick , Lopriore Enrico
Published: March 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and causes of intentional fetal and neonatal demise in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Material and Methods: All TTTS pregnancies managed at our centre between 2000 and 2014 were included. We evaluated incidence and causes of intentional fetal/neonatal demise, defined as termination of pregnancy, selective fetal reduction, or withdrawal of neonatal intensive care. Results: Intentional fetal/neonatal demise occurred in 9.8% (110/1,122) of fetuses and was due to termination of pregnancy (2.2%), selective fetal reduction (4.2%), or withdrawal of neonatal intensive care (3.4%). Reasons for termination of pregnancy included complications of laser treatment (72.0%), severe fetal anomaly (20.0%), and unwanted pregnancy (8.0%). Reasons for selective fetal reduction were technical difficulties to perform laser surgery (51.1%), fetal complications (38.3%), and parental preference for fetal reduction rather than laser treatment (10.6%). Reasons for withdrawal of neonatal intensive care treatment were severe cerebral injury (47.4%), severe pulmonary complications (15.8%), birth asphyxia (5.3%), multiple complications of TTTS and/or prematurity combined (21.1%), or other (10.5%). Conclusions: Intentional fetal or neonatal demise in TTTS occurs frequently and is often due to complications after laser surgery and/or severe (cerebral) injury in affected fetuses or neonates.
Editorial
Authors: Dallari Sueli Gandolfi
Published: March 2017

Acabamos de receber a notícia de que a Revista de Direito Sanitário foi incorporada a Scopus, grande base de avaliação bibliométrica de revistas científicas. Ficamos muito felizes com o reconhecimento, pelos pares, da qualidade de nossa Revista. Isso nos convocou, contudo, a discutir neste editorial quais os limites da independência do pesquisador em relação a edição científica e, em decorrência, qual a justificação moral do direito de propriedade intelectual percebido pelas casas editoras das revistas científicas.
Coronary Artery Disease–Associated
LIPA
Coding Variant rs1051338 Reduces Lysosomal Acid Lipase Levels and Activity in Lysosomes
Authors: Morris Gavin E. , Braund Peter S. , Moore Jasbir S. , Samani Nilesh J. , Codd Veryan , Webb Tom R.
Published: March 2017

Objective—

Genome-wide association studies have linked variants at chromosome 10q23 with increased coronary artery disease risk. The disease-associated variants fall in
LIPA
, which encodes lysosomal acid lipase (LAL), the enzyme responsible for lysosomal cholesteryl ester hydrolysis. Loss-of-function mutations in
LIPA
result in accelerated atherosclerosis. Surprisingly, the coronary artery disease variants are associated with increased
LIPA
expression in some cell types. In this study, we address this apparent contradiction.

Approach and Results—

We investigated a coding variant rs1051338, which is in high linkage disequilibrium (
r
2
=0.89) with the genome-wide association study lead–associated variant rs2246833 and causes a nonsynonymous threonine to proline change within the signal peptide of LAL. Transfection of allele-specific expression constructs showed that the risk allele results in reduced lysosomal LAL protein (
P
=0.004) and activity (
P
=0.005). Investigation of LAL localization and turnover showed the risk LAL protein is degraded more quickly. This mechanism was confirmed in disease-relevant macrophages from individuals homozygous for either the nonrisk or risk allele. There was no difference in LAL protein or activity in whole macrophage extracts; however, we found reduced LAL protein (
P
=0.02) and activity (
P
=0.026) with the risk genotype in lysosomal extracts, suggesting that the risk genotype affects lysosomal LAL activity. Inhibition of the proteasome resulted in equal amounts of lysosomal LAL protein in risk and nonrisk macrophages.

Conclusions—

Our findings show that the coronary artery disease–associated coding variant rs1051338 causes reduced lysosomal LAL protein and activity because of increased LAL degradation, providing a plausible causal mechanism of increased coronary artery disease risk.
Newly Formed Reticulated Platelets Undermine Pharmacokinetically Short-Lived Antiplatelet Therapies
Authors: Armstrong Paul C. , Hoefer Thomas , Knowles Rebecca B. , Tucker Arthur T. , Hayman Melissa A. , Ferreira Plinio M. , Chan Melissa V. , Warner Timothy D.
Published: March 2017

Objective—

Aspirin together with thienopyridine P2Y
12
inhibitors, commonly clopidogrel, is a cornerstone of antiplatelet therapy. However, many patients receiving this therapy display high on-treatment platelet reactivity, which is a major therapeutic hurdle to the prevention of recurrent thrombotic events. The emergence of uninhibited platelets after thrombopoiesis has been proposed as a contributing factor to high on-treatment platelet reactivity. Here, we investigate the influences of platelet turnover on platelet aggregation in the face of different dual-antiplatelet therapy strategies.

Approach and Results—

Traditional light transmission aggregometry, cytometry, advanced flow cytometric imaging, and confocal microscopy were used to follow the interactions of populations of platelets from healthy volunteers and patients with stable cardiovascular disease. Newly formed, reticulated platelets overproportionately contributed to, and clustered at, the core of forming aggregates. This phenomenon was particularly observed in samples from patients treated with aspirin plus a thienopyridine, but was absent in samples taken from patients treated with aspirin plus ticagrelor.

Conclusions—

Reticulated platelets are more reactive than older platelets and act as seeds for the formation of platelet aggregates even in the presence of antiplatelet therapy. This is coherent with the emergence of an uninhibited subpopulation of reticulated platelets during treatment with aspirin plus thienopyridine, explained by the short pharmacokinetic half-lives of these drugs. This phenomenon is absent during treatment with ticagrelor, because of its longer half-life and ability to act as a circulating inhibitor. These data highlight the important influences of pharmacokinetics on antiplatelet drug efficacies, especially in diseases associated with increased platelet turnover.
Serum Sortilin Associates With Aortic Calcification and Cardiovascular Risk in Men
Authors: Goettsch Claudia , Iwata Hiroshi , Hutcheson Joshua D. , O’Donnell Christopher J. , Chapurlat Roland , Cook Nancy R. , Aikawa Masanori , Szulc Pawel , Aikawa Elena
Published: March 2017

Objective—

Genome-wide association studies and preclinical studies demonstrated a role of sortilin in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and vascular calcification—all cardiovascular risk factors. We evaluated the association of serum sortilin levels with the risk of major adverse cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events (MACCE) and the severity of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC).

Approach and Results—

A cohort of community-dwelling men aged ≥50 years (n=830) was assessed. At baseline, sortilin levels were measured by ELISA, and AAC was assessed on lateral spine scans obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Men aged ≥60 years (n=745) were followed up prospectively for the incidence of MACCE. During the median follow-up of 7.9 years, 76 MACCE occurred. The unadjusted incidence of MACCE across increasing sortilin quartiles was 8.0, 7.4, 19.8, and 20.3 per 1000 person-years. In multivariate-adjusted analysis, sortilin associated with increased risk of MACCE (hazard ratio, 1.70 per SD; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–2.20;
P
<0.001). The third and fourth quartiles associated with 3.42-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.61–7.25;
P
<0.005) and 3.82-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.77–8.26;
P
<0.001) higher risk of MACCE compared with the first quartile. High sortilin also predicted MACCE independent of traditional Framingham risk factors. Higher sortilin associated with higher odds of severe AAC (score>5) after adjustment for confounders (odds ratio, 1.43 per SD; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.85;
P
<0.01). The highest sortilin quartile associated with 2-fold higher odds of severe AAC (versus 3 lower quartiles combined). After adjustment for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the odds of severe AAC remained significant.

Conclusions—

In older men, higher serum sortilin levels associated with higher MACCE risk and severe AAC independently of relevant confounders, including C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This finding, however, needs to be validated in other cohorts.
Predicting Recovery Potential for Individual Stroke Patients Increases Rehabilitation Efficiency
Authors: Stinear Cathy M. , Byblow Winston D. , Ackerley Suzanne J. , Barber P. Alan , Smith Marie-Claire
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose—

Several clinical measures and biomarkers are associated with motor recovery after stroke, but none are used to guide rehabilitation for individual patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of upper limb predictions in stroke rehabilitation, by combining clinical measures and biomarkers using the Predict Recovery Potential (PREP) algorithm.

Methods—

Predictions were provided for patients in the implementation group (n=110) and withheld from the comparison group (n=82). Predictions guided rehabilitation therapy focus for patients in the implementation group. The effects of predictive information on clinical practice (length of stay, therapist confidence, therapy content, and dose) were evaluated. Clinical outcomes (upper limb function, impairment and use, independence, and quality of life) were measured 3 and 6 months poststroke. The primary clinical practice outcome was inpatient length of stay. The primary clinical outcome was Action Research Arm Test score 3 months poststroke.

Results—

Length of stay was 1 week shorter for the implementation group (11 days; 95% confidence interval, 9–13 days) than the comparison group (17 days; 95% confidence interval, 14–21 days;
P
=0.001), controlling for upper limb impairment, age, sex, and comorbidities. Therapists were more confident (
P
=0.004) and modified therapy content according to predictions for the implementation group (
P
<0.05). The algorithm correctly predicted the primary clinical outcome for 80% of patients in both groups. There were no adverse effects of algorithm implementation on patient outcomes at 3 or 6 months poststroke.

Conclusions—

PREP algorithm predictions modify therapy content and increase rehabilitation efficiency after stroke without compromising clinical outcome.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://anzctr.org.au
. Unique identifier: ACTRN12611000755932.
The world checklist of Stephania (Menispermaceae), with notes on types
Authors: HUL SOVANMOLY , DARY CHHAVARATH , JACQUES FREDERIC , OLLIVIER EVELYNE , BUN SOK-SIYA , CHENG SUN KAING , KIM SOTHEA , PEOU YOULEANG , JABBOUR FLORIAN
Published: March 2017

We provide in this article the catalogue of the species names currently accepted in the genus Stephania (Menispermaceae), together with information relative to their types. Sixty-nine species of Stephania are recognized and 36 lectotypes are designated here. This checklist constitutes the basis for a future taxonomical revision of the genus Stephania.
Crocus heilbronniorum, a new Turkish species of Series Lyciotauri (Iridaceae)
Authors: EROL OSMAN , HARPKE DOERTE , ÇİFTÇİ ALMILA
Published: March 2017

Crocus heilbronniorum is described as a new species from Fethiye, Muğla province (SW Turkey). Diagnostic morphological characters, a full description and detailed illustrations are provided based on the type specimen and wild specimens. Morphologically, C. heilbronniorum is close to Crocus atrospermus, but the newly described species differs by its indistinct corm tunic neck, the presence of teeth on rings, basal leaf number and narrower leaves, star-like flowers, longer filaments, almost half length shorter anthers, and style always longer than stamens. Furthermore, Crocus heilbronniorum possesses a different chromosome number (2n = 2x = 12) with regard to C. atrospermus (2n = 10). In order to clarify the phylogenetic position of this species within Series Lyciotauri, data on ITS region sequences are also reported.
Miconia renatogoldenbergii (Miconieae, Melastomataceae), a new species from savanna enclaves in southern Amazonia, Brazil
Authors: MEIRELLES JULIA , BACCI LUCAS F.
Published: March 2017

A new species of Miconia section Miconia, subsection Seriatiflorae from the Brazilian Amazonian region is described. Miconia renatogoldenbergii has a wide distribution in areas of savanna and forest understory in the states of Pará, Mato Grosso and Rondônia. It is similar to M. punctata as both species have chartaceous leaves with rusty lepidote indument on the abaxial surface. The new species can be distinguished by its mucronate leaf apex, a thyrse with short scorpioid branches, and subulate anthers, with round apex, dehiscent through an apical pore and with cordate connective appendages.
Effects of birth weight on profiles of dried blood amino-acids and acylcarnitines
Authors: Yang Lili , Zhang Yu , Yang Jianbin , Huang Xinwen
Published: March 2017

Background

Birth weight influences profiles of dried blood amino-acids and acylcarnitines in newborn screening. This study aimed to define a more appropriate cut-off value to reduce the false positive rate and the number of recalled patients in newborn screening.

Methods

All babies who underwent newborn screening in our center were included; they were divided into groups by birth weight: 2500–3999 g (comparator group), <1000 g (group 1), 1000–1499 g (group 2), 1500–2499 g (group 3), and >4000 g (group 4). The 0.5th and 99.5th percentiles were used as the cut-off values. Comparisons were done on amino acid and acylcarnitines concentrations between the groups. False positive rate, positive predictive value, corrected false positive rate by birth weights were determined.

Results

Data on a total of 578,287 newborn infants were included in the analysis. The total false positive rate was 0.75%, and positive predictive value 2.89%. The false positive rate was 0.69%, 0.54% and 5.31% in infants with normal birth weight, birth weight of >4000 (group 4) and low birth weight of < 2500 g (groups 1, 2 and 3), respectively. Low-birth weight infants had much higher phenylalanine, tyrosine, methionine, arginine, propionylcarnitine, isovalerylcarnitine and octadecanoylcarnitine concentrations. Free carnitines and palmitoylcarnitine concentrations were lower. After adjusting for birth weight, false positive rate of all indices decreased to 0.53%, and positive predictive value increased to 4.31%.

Conclusions

Amino acid and carnitine concentrations in low-birth weight newborn infants may differ from the normal term newborn infants. The cut-off values of individual metabolites should be adjusted based on birth weight, to reduce false positive rate and increase positive predictive value.
Clientelism in Competitive and Uncompetitive Elections
Authors: Corstange Daniel
Published: March 2017

This article examines how parties use clientelism in competitive and uncompetitive electoral environments. It argues that parties enjoy wide discretion to target clientelistic payoffs to inexpensive voters in their strongholds, but that head-to-head competition compels them to bid for more expensive voters. Empirically, it uses a list experiment embedded in a postelection survey to study electoral clientelism in Lebanon, a country with a mix of competitive and uncompetitive electoral districts. It finds respondents underreport clientelistic transactions by a factor of two. Proxies for the cost of a vote explain payoff targeting decisions in party strongholds, but lose their explanatory power in the competitive districts.
The Association of Mindfulness and Racial Socialization Messages on Approach-Oriented Coping Strategies Among African Americans
Authors: Womack Veronica Y. , Sloan Lloyd R.
Published: March 2017

This study investigated the association of mindfulness and racial socialization messages on approach-oriented coping strategies among African Americans. Three hundred African American college students completed measures of mindfulness, racial socialization, and coping strategy preference. The results revealed that a higher degree of mindfulness and culturally based racial socialization messages are positively associated with both planning and active coping strategies. The study also found that mindful observation was positively related to all of the minority and culturally based racial socialization messages. This research has discovered that racial socialization messages are related to mindfulness, suggesting that these two metacognitive self-regulatory strategies promote adaptive coping strategy selection and potentially buffer the negative consequences of stressors for African Americans. Stress-reduction programs that promote “cultural pride and reinforcement” as well as mindfulness techniques may be ideal for African Americans grappling with race-related stressors.
Influence of void content on the flexural fracture behaviour of carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene
Authors: Hayashi Takahiro , Takahashi Jun
Published: March 2017

In order to investigate the influence of void content on the fracture behaviour of carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene (CF/PP), we investigated the relationship between the mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics and their void content using CF/PP prepreg sheet and partially impregnated sheet. Two types of flexural properties of cross-ply (CP) plates and chopped carbon fiber tape reinforced thermoplastic (CTT) plates with different void contents were measured by three-point bending tests. The flexural strength of CP specimens decreased drastically when their void content became higher than 1%, whereas the flexural strength of the CTT specimens decreased gradually with an increase in void content. Un-impregnated regions in the composites resulted in small dotted defects under loading conditions, although they were only found on the tape along the longitudinal direction in the case of CTT. In addition, a larger number of defects was observed on CP and CTT specimens with lower strengths. Therefore, cyclic loading tests were conducted to observe flexural fracture behaviour in more detail to elucidate the reason behind voids causing a decrease in strength. During these tests, the dotted defects in the CP specimens were shown to be connected along the in-plane transverse direction, while those in the CTT specimen propagated along the second layered tape.
Potential use of cotton dust as filler in the production of thermoplastic composites
Authors: Ayrilmis Nadir , Güleç Türker , Peşman Emrah , Kaymakci Alperen
Published: March 2017

The effect of cotton dust as filler on the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene composites was investigated and the results were compared with the properties of wood plastic composites. Cotton dust was obtained from the dust filtration system located in a textile manufacturing unit. Different mixtures of cotton dust (30 to 60 wt%) or wood flour (30 to 60 wt%) were compounded with polypropylene with a coupling agent (maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene 3 wt%) in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The test specimens were produced by injection molding machine. The tensile strength and flexural modulus of the specimens improved with the increase in the filler content. There was no significant difference in the strength and modulus values between the cotton dust and wood flour filled composites. The highest thermal stability was found to be in the composites produced with 40 wt% of cotton dust according to the results of differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Based on the findings obtained from the present study, the optimum mechanical and thermal properties for the filled polypropylene composites were found to be a 50/50/3 formulation of cotton dust, polypropylene, and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, respectively.
Learning-Related Values in Young Children’s Storybooks: An Investigation in the United States, China, and Mexico
Authors: Cheung Cecilia S. , Monroy Jorge A. , Delany Danielle E.
Published: March 2017

This research examined the prevalence of learning-related values in children’s storybooks in the United States, China, and Mexico. Storybooks ( N = 157) were randomly selected from government-recommended booklists in each country. Trained coders assessed the prevalence of learning-related beliefs (e.g., malleability of ability), motivated cognitions (e.g., achievement orientation), and behaviors (e.g., effort) in the storybooks. A set of MANOVAs revealed that Chinese (vs. American and Mexican) storybooks contained more instances of learning-related beliefs and behaviors. For example, Chinese storybooks included more instances of achievement-related goals and behaviors, relative to storybooks in the United States and Mexico. With the exception of achievement goals and helplessness, the prevalence of learning-related qualities was largely similar in the United States and Mexico.
Targeting of Streptococcus mutans Biofilms by a Novel Small Molecule Prevents Dental Caries and Preserves the Oral Microbiome
Authors: Garcia S.S. , Blackledge M.S. , Michalek S. , Su L. , Ptacek T. , Eipers P. , Morrow C. , Lefkowitz E.J. , Melander C. , Wu H.
Published: March 2017

Dental caries is a costly and prevalent disease characterized by the demineralization of the tooth’s enamel. Disease outcome is influenced by host factors, dietary intake, cariogenic bacteria, and other microbes. The cariogenic bacterial species Streptococcus mutans metabolizes sucrose to initiate biofilm formation on the tooth surface and consequently produces lactic acid to degrade the tooth’s enamel. Persistence of S. mutans biofilms in the oral cavity can lead to tooth decay. To date, no anticaries therapies that specifically target S. mutans biofilms but do not disturb the overall oral microbiome are available. We screened a library of 2-aminoimidazole antibiofilm compounds with a biofilm dispersion assay and identified a small molecule that specifically targets S. mutans biofilms. At 5 µM, the small molecule annotated 3F1 dispersed 50% of the established S. mutans biofilm but did not disperse biofilms formed by the commensal species Streptococcus sanguinis or Streptococcus gordonii. 3F1 dispersed S. mutans biofilms independently of biofilm-related factors such as antigen I/II and glucosyltransferases. 3F1 treatment effectively prevented dental caries by controlling S. mutans in a rat caries model without perturbing the oral microbiota. Our study demonstrates that selective targeting of S. mutans biofilms by 3F1 was able to effectively reduce dental caries in vivo without affecting the overall oral microbiota shaped by the intake of dietary sugars, suggesting that the pathogenic biofilm-specific treatment is a viable strategy for disease prevention.
Grain-Boundary Engineering for Aging and Slow-Crack-Growth Resistant Zirconia
Authors: Zhang F. , Chevalier J. , Olagnon C. , Batuk M. , Hadermann J. , Van Meerbeek B. , Vleugels J.
Published: March 2017

Ceramic materials are prone to slow crack growth, resulting in strength degradation over time. Although yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramics have higher crack resistance than other dental ceramics, their aging susceptibility threatens their long-term performance in aqueous environments such as the oral cavity. Unfortunately, increasing the aging resistance of Y-TZP ceramics normally reduces their crack resistance. Our recently conducted systematic study of doping 3Y-TZP with various trivalent cations revealed that lanthanum oxide (La2O3) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) have the most potent effect to retard the aging kinetics of 3Y-TZP. In this study, the crack-propagation behavior of La2O3 and Al2O3 co-doped 3Y-TZP ceramics was investigated by double-torsion methods. The grain boundaries were examined using scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (STEM-EDS). Correlating these analytic data with hydrothermal aging studies using different doping systems, a strategy to strongly bind the segregated dopant cations with the oxygen vacancies at the zirconia-grain boundary was found to improve effectively the aging resistance of Y-TZP ceramics without affecting the resistance to crack propagation.
“Stand by Me”: A Mixed Methods Study of a Collegiate Marching Band Members’ Intragroup Beliefs Throughout a Performance Season
Authors: Matthews Wendy K.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate intragroup beliefs regarding participation in a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II marching band throughout the university’s American football season. Fifty-three undergraduates from an urban midwestern university elected one of two options: (1) focus group only or (2) focus group and surveys. For the quantitative inquiry, it was hypothesized that members would report a downward concavity of group cohesion attributes and collective efficacy beliefs across time. A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) found group integration–task (GI-T) and collective efficacy dipped at the midpoint of the season while beliefs regarding members’ attraction to the group, both task and social (ATG-T, ATG-S), and group integration–social (GI-S) remained consistently high. Focus groups data analysis revealed five broad themes: (1) connections, their pride in the band and its connectedness to their school and beyond; (2) family, how the band represents a family environment; (3) acceptance, belonging to the group; (4) music, the role of music in their lives; and (5) time, the temporal beliefs of the group throughout the season. These findings provide insight into the dynamic nature of group beliefs over time with musical ensembles.
Seeing Is Believing
Authors: Brugar Kristy A. , Roberts Kathryn L.
Published: March 2017

This study addresses the following questions: Does professional development (PD) designed to meet third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade teachers’ pedagogical and content needs influence how teachers teach and engage with graphical devices found in social studies texts? If so, what effect does that instruction and engagement have on students’ comprehension of those devices and social studies reading materials that contain them? We worked with teachers and students in a context-embedded PD series that emphasized literacy skills specific to standards that address accessing and sharing information (Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts) as social studies specialists (e.g., historians, geographers, economists; C3 Framework), with a particular focus on the graphical devices commonly found in social studies instructional materials (i.e., captioned images, maps, tables, timelines). Using teacher interviews, curricular materials, field notes, and student pre- and post-assessments as data sources, we explain the impact of this intervention on teaching and learning.
Measuring Social Climate in German Prisons Using the Essen Climate Evaluation Schema
Authors: Schalast Norbert , Laan Jacob Michael
Published: March 2017

Sociotherapeutic prison units have been criticized for their close operational connection with traditional prison systems. This research compared the social climate of German therapeutic prison units with that of traditional prison units, using the Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES). The EssenCES was administered in conjunction with the shortened Correctional Institutions Environment Scale. Results indicate significant differences between therapeutic and traditional units’ social climates, with the former demonstrating more supportive, safe, and therapeutic climates. Findings further confirm the psychometric properties of the EssenCES and support its use as a social climate measurement instrument.
The Answer Is Yes
Authors: Grubb John M. , Scott Pamela H. , Good Donald W.
Published: March 2017

Objective: The study assesses the impact of dual enrollment participation on remediation and completion for traditional first time, full-time freshmen at a community college in Northeast Tennessee. Method: This study began with the full population of 1,232 students who enrolled between 2008 and 2012 at a community college in northeast Tennessee the fall semester after finishing high school. The population was required to have American College Testing (ACT) scores, completely fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), enroll full-time as a degree-seeking student, and complete the first fall semester. Propensity score matching was utilized to eliminate self-selection bias and enable parametric comparisons using optimal matching of dual enrollment participants and non-participants while controlling for a range of covariates. Results: The analyses showed that community college students who participated in dual enrollment were (a) 9% or nearly 3.4 times less likely to take remediation, (b) 26% or nearly 2.5 times more likely to graduate in 2 years, and (c) 28% or nearly 1.5 times more likely to graduate in 3 years. Contributions: This study contributes to the literature showing that dual enrollment reduces remediation rates and assists in timely completions for community college students. Policy recommendations are to increase equitable participation, normalize dual enrollment for students academically able to do college coursework, align state terminology with the nation, and improve data for future research.
Publicness
Authors: Goodsell Charles T.
Published: March 2017

The Publicness discussed here exists when the society as a whole is working hard on behalf of its hungry and unsafe. Such work is not the responsibility of government alone but its private institutions as well. When studied closely, one finds in the United States a remarkably diverse and interpenetrated array of antipoverty activity across the public and private arenas. Its totality is regarded as an aggregate and identifiable yet scarcely recognized realm of pan-society activity named Publicness. Whether its present extent is sufficient is most doubtful.