bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengthening of the East Asian winter monsoon during the mid-Holocene
Authors: Tian Zhiping , Jiang Dabang
Published: June 2018

The change in the East Asian winter (December–January–February) monsoon (EAWM) during the mid-Holocene, approximately 6000 years ago, was investigated using all available experiments within the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP). As defined by regional-averaged meridional wind speed at 850 hPa, the mid-Holocene EAWM intensity was consistently stronger than that of the reference period in 38 out of the 42 models chosen for analysis, with an average strengthening of 14% across all models. In response to changes in the Earth’s orbital parameters and atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, zonal and meridional land–sea thermal contrasts and sea-level pressure gradients were enhanced between the continent and the adjacent oceans of East Asia, leading to the strengthening of the mid-Holocene EAWM. In addition, there were uncertainties regarding the EAWM reconstructions and the effect of dynamic ocean and vegetation on the EAWM change during the mid-Holocene.
Microenvironment Imbalance of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Fan Baoyou , Wei Zhijian , Yao Xue , Shi Guidong , Cheng Xin , Zhou Xianhu , Zhou Hengxing , Ning Guangzhi , Kong Xiaohong , Feng Shiqing
Published: June 2018

Spinal cord injury (SCI), for which there currently is no cure, is a heavy burden on patient physiology and psychology. The microenvironment of the injured spinal cord is complicated. According to our previous work and the advancements in SCI research, ‘microenvironment imbalance’ is the main cause of the poor regeneration and recovery of SCI. Microenvironment imbalance is defined as an increase in inhibitory factors and decrease in promoting factors for tissues, cells and molecules at different times and spaces. There are imbalance of hemorrhage and ischemia, glial scar formation, demyelination and re-myelination at the tissue’s level. The cellular level imbalance involves an imbalance in the differentiation of endogenous stem cells and the transformation phenotypes of microglia and macrophages. The molecular level includes an imbalance of neurotrophic factors and their pro-peptides, cytokines, and chemokines. The imbalanced microenvironment of the spinal cord impairs regeneration and functional recovery. This review will aid in the understanding of the pathological processes involved in and the development of comprehensive treatments for SCI.
Stem Cell Therapy: A Promising Therapeutic Method for Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Gao Liansheng , Xu Weilin , Li Tao , Chen Jingyin , Shao Anwen , Yan Feng , Chen Gao
Published: June 2018

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one type of the most devastating cerebrovascular diseases worldwide, which causes high morbidity and mortality. However, efficient treatment is still lacking. Stem cell therapy has shown good neuroprotective and neurorestorative effect in ICH and is a promising treatment. In this study, our aim was to review the therapeutic effects, strategies, related mechanisms and safety issues of various types of stem cell for ICH treatment. Numerous studies had demonstrated the therapeutic effects of diverse stem cell types in ICH. The potential mechanisms include tissue repair and replacement, neurotrophy, promotion of neurogenesis and angiogenesis, anti-apoptosis, immunoregulation and anti-inflammation and so forth. The microenvironment of the central nervous system (CNS) can also influence the effects of stem cell therapy. The detailed therapeutic strategies for ICH treatment such as cell type, the number of cells, time window, and the routes of medication delivery, varied greatly among different studies and had not been determined. Moreover, the safety issues of stem cell therapy for ICH should not be ignored. Stem cell therapy showed good therapeutic effect in ICH, making it a promising treatment. However, safety should be carefully evaluated, and more clinical trials are required before stem cell therapy can be extensively applied to clinical use.
A Role for Nrf2 Expression in Defining the Aging of Hippocampal Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Ray S. , Corenblum M. J. , Anandhan A. , Reed A. , Ortiz F. O. , Zhang D. D. , Barnes C. A. , Madhavan L.
Published: June 2018

Redox mechanisms are emerging as essential to stem cell function given their capacity to influence a number of important signaling pathways governing stem cell survival and regenerative activity. In this context, our recent work identified the reduced expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2, or Nrf2, in mediating the decline in subventricular zone neural stem progenitor cell (NSPC) regeneration during aging. Since Nrf2 is a major transcription factor at the heart of cellular redox regulation and homeostasis, the current study investigates the role that it may play in the aging of NSPCs that reside within the other major mammalian germinal niche located in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. Using rats from multiple aging stages ranging from newborn to old age, and aging Nrf2 knockout mice, we first determined that, in contrast with subventricular zone (SVZ) NSPCs, Nrf2 expression does not significantly affect overall DG NSPC viability with age. However, DG NSPCs resembled SVZ stem cells, in that Nrf2 expression controlled their proliferation and the balance of neuronal versus glial differentiation particularly in relation to a specific critical period during middle age. Also, importantly, this Nrf2-based control of NSPC regeneration was found to impact functional neurogenesis-related hippocampal behaviors, particularly in the Morris water maze and in pattern separation tasks. Furthermore, the enrichment of the hippocampal environment via the transplantation of Nrf2-overexpressing NSPCs was able to mitigate the age-related decline in DG stem cell regeneration during the critical middle-age period, and significantly improved pattern separation abilities. In summary, these results emphasize the importance of Nrf2 in DG NSPC regeneration, and support Nrf2 upregulation as a potential approach to advantageously modulate DG NSPC activity with age.
Work-stress factors associated with truck crashes: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Belzer Michael H
Published: June 2018

Researchers have studied truck crashes extensively using methods appropriate for behavior, technology, and regulatory enforcement. Few safety studies associate crashes with economic pressure, a pervasive latent influence. This study uses data from the US Large Truck Crash Causation Study to predict truck crashes based on work pressure factors that have their origins in market pressures on motor carriers and truck drivers. Logistic regression shows that factors associated with the work process, including an index of work-pressure attributes, predict the likelihood that crash analysts consider the truck driver to be the person whose last action could have prevented the crash. While not proving causation, the data suggest that economic factors affecting drivers contribute significantly to truck crashes.
Through Their Eyes: Parental Perceptions on Hospital Admissions for Febrile Neutropenia in Children With Cancer
Authors: Anderson Katrina J. , Bradford Natalie K. , Clark Julia E.
Published: June 2018

Febrile neutropenia requires prompt assessment and antibiotic administration and is the most common reason for unexpected hospital admission in pediatric oncology. Parents are expected to be vigilant and “drop everything” to take their child to their nearest hospital for assessment if fever occurs. Delays in antibiotic administration are associated with poorer outcomes; however, delays are common. Our aim was to understand and describe the lived experience of parents of children with cancer who received treatment for fever with confirmed/suspected neutropenia. We used descriptive phenomenological concepts to undertake and analyze interviews with parents, who were asked to describe their recent experience of hospitalization in Queensland, Australia. Nine participants were interviewed. Five children were treated in the tertiary treating center and four were treated in smaller regional towns. Three main categories were identified that shaped and characterized parents’ experiences: being heard, confidence in capabilities of health care professionals, and living with anticipated distress and uncertainty. Parents’ experiences were related to the level they needed to advocate for their child’s care across all themes. Familiarity with health care professionals increased confidence and improved parents’ experiences. Maintaining vigilance and managing the child and family’s response to an unexpected admission had a substantial negative effect on parents. Understanding parents’ experiences and perceptions of the management of febrile neutropenia adds to the current body of knowledge and offers potential new insights to improve clinical practice.
Self-Perceived End-of-Life Care Competencies of Health-Care Providers at a Large Academic Medical Center
Authors: Montagnini Marcos , Smith Heather M. , Price Deborah M. , Ghosh Bidisha , Strodtman Linda
Published: June 2018

Background:

In the United States, most deaths occur in hospitals, with approximately 25% of hospitalized patients having palliative care needs. Therefore, the provision of good end-of-life (EOL) care to these patients is a priority. However, research assessing staff preparedness for the provision of EOL care to hospitalized patients is lacking.

Objective:

To assess health-care professionals’ self-perceived competencies regarding the provision of EOL care in hospitalized patients.

Methods:

Descriptive study of self-perceived EOL care competencies among health-care professionals. The study instrument (End-of-Life Questionnaire) contains 28 questions assessing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to the provision of EOL care. Health-care professionals (nursing, medicine, social work, psychology, physical, occupational and respiratory therapist, and spiritual care) at a large academic medical center participated in the study. Means were calculated for each item, and comparisons of mean scores were conducted via t tests. Analysis of variance was used to identify differences among groups.

Results:

A total of 1197 questionnaires was completed. The greatest self-perceived competency was in providing emotional support for patients/families, and the least self-perceived competency was in providing continuity of care. When compared to nurses, physicians had higher scores on EOL care attitudes, behaviors, and communication. Physicians and nurses had higher scores on most subscales than other health-care providers.

Conclusions:

Differences in self-perceived EOL care competencies were identified among disciplines, particularly between physicians and nurses. The results provide evidence for assessing health-care providers to identify their specific training needs before implementing educational programs on EOL care.
Differentiating Intrarenal Ectopic Adrenal Tissue From Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Kidney
Authors: Yousif Mustafa Q. , Salih Ziyan T. , DeYoung Barry R. , Qasem Shadi A.
Published: June 2018

Background. Adrenal rest (AR) is the presence of ectopic adrenal cortical tissue, often identified incidentally during autopsy (20% of postmortem examination). In the kidney, AR can be found in 6% of the general population. Ectopic adrenal tissue is of no functional significance but may in some cases, pose a diagnostic challenge for the pathologist, especially in the context of renal clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and small needle biopsies. Aim. To investigate the utility of immunohistochemical stains in distinguishing AR from RCC. Methods. Archival cases of AR, in our institution, were reviewed and compared with a cohort of RCC cases using a panel of immunohistochemical stains, including PAX2, PAX8, calretinin, and inhibin. Results. Nine of 10 (90%) cases of AR showed positive staining for inhibin and negative staining for calretinin, PAX2 and PAX8. One AR case was positive for PAX2 and PAX8 in addition to inhibin. All (100%) RCC cases were positive for PAX2 and PAX8, but negative for inhibin and calretinin. Conclusions. A panel of PAX2, PAX8 and inhibin may be useful markers for distinguishing AR from RCC. Calretinin was noncontributory in our study.
A Patient With Remote Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Antiphospholipid Syndrome Requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Do Current Guidelines Apply?
Authors: Ibrahim Warsame , Nakia Hunter , Stephen Miller , Bruce Spiess , Bryan Whitson , William Perez
Published: June 2018

Anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is required to prevent acute disseminated intravascular coagulation and clot formation within the bypass circuit. Unfractionated heparin is the standard anticoagulant for CPB due to its many advantages and long history of successful use. However, heparin has the unique drawback of triggering Heparin-PF4 (PF4) antibodies potentially leading to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). We have limited data regarding reformation of antibodies if a patient has had a prior (remote) antibody production or full HIT. Patients with antiphospholipid antibodies undergoing CPB with unfractionated heparin have a high complication rate, even in the absence of HIT. Antiphospholipid antibodies have a multifaceted, cumulatively inhibitory effect on the normal anticoagulation armamentarium in vivo. Even more concerning is the possibility that antiphospholipid syndrome and HIT may be synergistic. We report a patient with risk factors for both thromboembolic (remote history of HIT and antiphospholipid syndrome) and hemorrhagic complications who underwent an aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting on CPB using bivalirudin. We discuss the complex decision making regarding anticoagulant for CPB, particularly with regard to American College of Chest Physicians guidelines.
Does the femoral offset affect replacements? The results from a National Joint Registry
Authors: Wyatt Michael C , Kieser David C , Kemp Mark A , McHugh Gavin , Frampton Chris M A , Hooper Gary J
Published: June 2018

Background:

Femoral component offset influences the torque forces exerted on a femoral stem and may therefore adversely affect femoral component survival. This study investigated the influence of femoral component offset on revision rates for primary total hip replacements (THR) registered on the New Zealand Joint Registry (NZJR).

Methods:

There were 106,139 primary THRs registered, resulting in 4960 revisions for any cause. There were 46,242 THRs performed using the five commonest femoral components listed on the NZJR. A total of 41,100 were done for primary osteoarthritis of which 40,548 had all the offset information available for analysis. We defined low offset as < 42 mm, standard as 42–48 mm and high offset as > 48 mm offset and examined revision rates according to the reasons for revision. We performed survival analyses for both cemented and uncemented femoral components grouped by the different offsets.

Results:

The all-cause revision rate was 0.54/100 component years (cys). Stems with < 42 mm offset had a revision rate of 0.58/100 cys (mean 0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53–0.63), 42–48 mm offset 0.47 (95% CI 0.43–0.52) and > 48 mm offset 0.67 (95% CI 0.57–0.79). There was no significant difference in all-cause revision rates between varying stem offsets in uncemented stems adjusting for age and gender. In cemented stems both high and low offset stems were more likely to be revised. Uncemented stems of all offsets were more likely to undergo revision for femoral fracture.

Conclusions:

Femoral component offset affects the overall all-cause revision rate of the most commonly used cemented stem, but not uncemented stem designs. In cemented stems offset influences the rate of revision for loosening and periprosthetic fractures.
Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein Biomarkers Are Associated with Invasion and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Pitari Giovanni M , Cotzia Paolo , Ali Mehboob , Birbe Ruth , Rizzo Wendy , Bombonati Alessandro , Palazzo Juan , Solomides Charalambos , Shuber Anthony P , Sinicrope Frank A , Zuzga David S
Published: June 2018

Background and Aims:

The benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) patients remains unclear, emphasizing the need for improved prognostic biomarkers to identify patients at risk of metastatic recurrence. To address this unmet clinical need, we examined the expression and phosphorylation status of the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) in CRC tumor progression. VASP, a processive actin polymerase, promotes the formation of invasive membrane structures leading to extracellular matrix remodeling and tumor invasion. Phosphorylation of VASP serine (Ser) residues 157 and 239 regulate VASP function, directing subcellular localization and inhibiting actin polymerization, respectively.

Methods:

The expression levels of VASP protein, pSer157-VASP, and pSer239-VASP were determined by immunohistochemistry in tumors and matched normal adjacent tissue from 141 CRC patients, divided into 2 cohorts, and the association of VASP biomarker expression with clinicopathologic features and disease recurrence was examined.

Results:

We report that changes in VASP expression and phosphorylation were significantly associated with tumor invasion and disease recurrence. Furthermore, we disclose a novel 2-tiered methodology to maximize VASP positive and negative predictive value performance for prognostication.

Conclusion:

VASP biomarkers may serve as prognostic biomarkers in CRC and should be evaluated in a larger clinical study.
Effect of Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition on Arterial Stiffness in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Alem Manal M , Alshehri Abdullah M , Cahusac Peter MB , Walters Matthew R
Published: June 2018

Background:

The xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol improves endothelial function in different populations, including patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Its effect on arterial stiffness parameters is less clear. We investigated the effect of short-term low-dose allopurinol therapy on arterial stiffness in Saudi patients with stable mild-moderate CHF.

Methods:

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed on 73 patients with mild-moderate CHF. In all, 36 patients were randomized to allopurinol 300 mg daily for 3 months, while 37 patients were randomized to placebo. Arterial stiffness parameters, aortic pulse wave velocity (Ao-PWV) and heart rate corrected augmentation index (c-AIx), were assessed before and after treatment along with serum uric acid.

Results:

A total of 66 patients completed the study. Both groups were matched for age, sex, severity of heart failure, and arterial stiffness. Compared with placebo, allopurinol recipients had a significant fall in uric acid concentration from 6.31 ± 1.4 (SD) mg/dL to 3.81 ± 1.2 ( P < .001). Despite that, there was no significant change in arterial stiffness parameters between allopurinol and placebo groups. Post-treatment Ao-PWV was 9.79 ± 2.6 m/s in the allopurinol group and 10.07 ± 3.4 m/s in the placebo group, P = .723. Post-treatment c-AIx was 24.0% ± 9.1% and 22.0% ± 9.9%, respectively, P = .403.

Conclusions:

We have shown that allopurinol significantly reduced uric acid concentration in Saudi patients with CHF but was not associated with a change in arterial stiffness. Our cohort of patients had worse arterial stiffness values at baseline, which might make them more resistant to change using our study regimen. The study has been registered with the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number registry with an identifier number of ISRCTN58980230.
Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma in the setting of a Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt: A novel clinical presentation
Authors: Haque Monira , Hameed Nadia , Perry Christopher T , Carter Elliot , Mneimneh Wadad S
Published: June 2018

We report a case of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) in a 31-year-old male with history of cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placed since infancy. He presented with fever, abdominal pain and distension. Computed tomography scan revealed a thick-walled rim-enhancing fluid collection, interpreted as pseudocyst. Intraoperatively, diffuse nodular peritoneal thickening with adhesions was demonstrated. The resection specimen consisted of multiple membranous fragments displaying firm nodules. Microscopic examination revealed a tumefactive malignant-appearing epithelioid proliferation involving the peritoneum, focally invading the underlying fat. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells expressed keratin AE1/AE3, CK7, CK5/6, Calretinin, WT1 and D2-40, and were negative for CEA and MOC31. The findings were consistent with MPM, epithelioid type. The patient’s condition continued to decline with increasing abdominal distension during the month following the original diagnosis. While atypical mesothelial hyperplasia has been described in association with long standing VPS, well-documented cases of MPM have not been previously reported in such context.
Making an impression in traffic stops: Citizens’ volunteered accounts in two positions
Authors: Kidwell Mardi , Kevoe-Feldman Heidi
Published: June 2018

When citizens are pulled over by police for traffic violations, they often volunteer accounts for their driving conduct. These accounts convey important character qualities about the citizen, as well as exigencies (e.g. they are late) that motivate officer response. We use the method of conversation analysis to show that where a citizen positions an account in the course of an encounter is subject to different interactional-organizational constraints, which in turn afford citizens different resources for self-presentation. We also show that officers are sensitive to citizens’ accounts and respond to them in differentiated ways. In addition to being a resource for self-presentation, citizens’ volunteered accounts are a resource for motivating and shaping police action.
Illuminating the formal–informal dichotomy in land development on the basis of transaction cost theory
Authors: Darabi Hassan , Jalali Danon
Published: June 2018

Transaction cost theory is largely used to investigate the formal domain of land and housing. In the informal domain, however, this perspective has been employed largely as a supplement in addressing the other fundamental notion in new institutional economics—property rights—despite the possibility that informality in land development can emerge regardless of the informality or formality of such rights. To cover this gap, this study developed a theoretical framework based on transaction cost theory to explain the formal–informal dichotomy in land development. The proposed framework maintains that land development depends on engaging in transactions that involve total or partial ownership of a combination of capital and land through lease and/or sale contracts, which enable landowners to earn from the new rental prices produced by the increase in land prices. Landowners are afforded two avenues from which to reduce transaction costs, namely, formal and informal institutional frameworks, each defining and enforcing restrictive rules on agents’ actions. These avenues, however, are simultaneously a source of new transaction costs that can affect the expected financial return of land development. Landowners therefore tend to choose the institutional framework that entails lower transaction costs but enables higher gains. Thus, the higher transaction costs associated with a formal institutional framework are the primary deterrents to the selection of this structure. In turn, informal land development continues to expand, regardless of the existence of formal prohibitive measures. We investigated the formal–informal dichotomy in the rural land development process in Tehran Province, Iran. The results indicated that transaction costs cause inefficiency in formal institutions, thereby driving the perpetuation of informal development.
Fair-play obligations and distributive injustice
Authors: Duus-Otterström Göran
Published: June 2018

This article investigates the relationship between distributive injustice and political obligation within the confines of the fair-play theory of political obligation. More specifically, it asks how the distribution of benefits and burdens of a cooperative scheme affects people’s fair-play obligations to that scheme. It argues that neither a sufficiency-based nor a proportionality-based approach is capable of answering that question singlehandedly. However, the two approaches can be combined in a plausible way. Noting that some of the duties that go into our fair-play obligations are ‘gradual’ and others are ‘non-gradual’, the article argues that the sufficiency-based approach explains non-gradual duties such as the duty to obey the law, and that the proportionality-based approach explains gradual duties like political participation and civic responsibility. Thus, the article contends that the fair-play theory should be extended beyond the question of legal compliance and be applied to the duties of good citizenship more generally.
Design of an optical lens for LED lighting using a hybrid principal components analysis–Taguchi method
Authors: Yip WS , To S , Wang WK
Published: June 2018

Optical lenses are extensively used to enhance the performance of light-emitting diodes. Both uniformity and efficiency are important performance indicators in lens design; however, improving uniformity always lowers efficiency. In this study, the Taguchi method and principal component analysis (PCA) are integrated to optimise the lens shape for two quality objectives, namely, uniformity and efficiency. The Taguchi method was conducted twice to establish the signal/noise ratio of the two quality characteristics for calculating the principal components in PCA. Then, the optimum parameters obtained by the Taguchi method were processed by PCA. The correlated individual responses were converted to the principal components which explained most of the dataset and were considered as the single quality characteristic for the optimisation. The combined method resolved the difficulties of optimising multiple quality characteristics without sacrificing any particular quality characteristic while the traditional Taguchi method can only be applied to the single quality characteristic. A LED light source fitted with a secondary lens designed by the proposed method showed over 92% light efficiency and an improvement in uniformity.
A Feasibility Study for in vivo Dosimetry Procedure in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Falco Maria D. , Giancaterino Stefano , De Nicola Andrea , Adorante Nico , De Lorenzo Ramon Gimenez , Di Tommaso Monica , Vinciguerra Annamaria , Trignani Marianna , Perrotti Francesca , Allajbej Albina , Fidanzio Andrea , Greco Francesca , Grusio Mattia , Genovesi Domenico , Piermattei Angelo
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

The aim of the in vivo dosimetry, during the fractionated radiation therapy, is the verification of the correct dose delivery to patient. Nowadays, in vivo dosimetry procedures for photon beams are based on the use of the electronic portal imaging device and dedicated software to elaborate electronic portal imaging device images.

Methods:

In total, 8474 in vivo dosimetry tests were carried out for 386 patients treated with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and volumetric modulated arc therapy techniques, using the SOFTDISO. SOFTDISO is a dedicated software that uses electronic portal imaging device images in order to (1) calculate the R index, that is, the ratio between daily reconstructed dose and the planned one at isocenter and (2) perform a γ-like analysis between the signals, S, of a reference electronic portal imaging device image and that obtained in a daily fraction. It supplies 2 indexes, the percentage γ% of points with γ < 1 and the mean γ value, γmean. In γ-like analysis, the pass criteria for the signals agreement ΔS% and distance to agreement Δd have been selected based on the clinical experience and technology used. The adopted tolerance levels for the 3 indexes were fixed in 0.95 ≤ R ≤ 1.05, γ% ≥ 90%, and γmean ≤ 0.5.

Results:

The results of R ratio, γ-like, and a visual inspection of these data reported on a monitor screen permitted to individuate 2 classes of errors (1) class 1 that included errors due to inadequate standard quality controls and (2) class 2, due to patient morphological changes. Depending on the technique and anatomical site, a maximum of 18% of tests had at least 1 index out of tolerance; once removed the causes of class-1 errors, almost all patients (except patients with 4 lung and 2 breast cancer treated with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy) presented mean indexes values ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]%, and [Formula: see text] ) within tolerance at the end of treatment course. Class-2 errors were found in some patients.

Conclusions:

The in vivo dosimetry procedure with SOFTDISO resulted easily implementable, able to individuate errors with a limited workload.
Melanocortin 1 Receptor Targeted Imaging of Melanoma With Gold Nanocages and Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Zhao Yongfeng , Pang Bo , Detering Lisa , Luehmann Hannah , Yang Miaoxin , Black Kvar , Sultan Deborah , Xia Younan , Liu Yongjian
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

Melanoma is a lethal skin cancer with unmet clinical needs for targeted imaging and therapy. Nanoscale materials conjugated with targeting components have shown great potential to improve tumor delivery efficiency while minimizing undesirable side effects in vivo. Herein, we proposed to develop targeted nanoparticles for melanoma theranostics.

Method:

In this work, gold nanocages (AuNCs) were conjugated with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) peptide and radiolabeled with 64Cu for melanocortin 1 receptor-(MC1R) targeted positron emission tomography (PET) in a mouse B16/F10 melanoma model.

Results:

Their controlled synthesis and surface chemistry enabled well-defined structure and radiolabeling efficiency. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation demonstrated comparable organ distribution between the targeted and nontargeted AuNCs. However, micro-PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging demonstrated specific and improved tumor accumulation via MC1R-mediated delivery. By increasing the coverage density of α-MSH peptide on AuNCs, the tumor delivery efficiency was improved.

Conclusion:

The controlled synthesis, sensitive PET imaging, and optimal tumor targeting suggested the potential of targeted AuNCs for melanoma theranostics.
A low-cost indoor localization system based on received signal strength indicator by modifying trilateration for harsh environments
Authors: Tong Haibin , Deng Qingxu , Zhang Tianyu , Bi Yuanguo
Published: June 2018

Indoor localization systems using received signal strength indicator are very popular for their low power and low complexity, but some drawbacks limit their accuracy, especially in harsh environments, such as multipath and fluctuation. Most existing approaches solve the problem by “fingerprinting.” However, “fingerprinting” based algorithms are unsuitable for changeable environments like construction, since they all demand prior knowledge of the environment. This article studies a novel localization system to achieve an acceptable accuracy position using received signal strength indicator for harsh environments like construction. Based on analysis of the targets’ behavior pattern, we first use curve fitting to filter the distance derived from received signal strength indicator. And then, we propose a distance ratio location algorithm to estimate the targets’ positions. Furthermore, Kalman filter is considered to smooth the position results. This method has been applied in the “Monitoring and Control System for Underground Tunneling Based on Cyber Physical System” Project in Wuhan for tracking workers and vehicles. Practice results show that our system has an acceptable accuracy.
Green city: An efficient task joint execution strategy for mobile micro-learning
Authors: Yang Li , Zheng Ruijuan , Zhu Junlong , Zhang Mingchuan , Liu Ruoshui , Wu Qingtao
Published: June 2018

Mobile micro-learning has received extensive attention in the research of smart cities because it is a novel fusion service mode of the mobile Internet, cloud computing, and micro-learning. However, due to the explosively increased applications of the mobile micro-learning and the limited resources of mobile terminals, an effective energy saving approach for mobile micro-learning is urgently required. For this end, this article proposes an efficient task joint execution strategy to reduce energy consumption. First, a new matching method of time series is proposed to obtain the latest requested record, which can provide guidance for the selection of a future service mode. Second, a mapping-level service mode and a cloud-level service mode are proposed to achieve seamless switching. Finally, the genetic algorithm is used to find the optimal executive strategy. In addition, the experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively realize the target of energy saving by using real data set.
Gendered Public Support for Criminalizing “Revenge Porn”
Authors: Lageson Sarah Esther , McElrath Suzy , Palmer Krissinda Ellen
Published: June 2018

Many states have criminalized “revenge porn,” an increasingly common form of online sexual abuse. Yet, we know little regarding attitudes toward these laws. Through an original survey of nearly 500 U.S. residents, we find widespread public support for criminalization, but support varies by respondent’s self-identified gender and revenge porn type. Women favor criminalization more than men, but support falls among women and men when the subject created the media, colloquially known as “selfies” or “noodz.” Results suggest that women expressing their sexuality are deemed less deserving of protection, reinforcing feminist legal critiques of criminal law as insufficient to prevent sexual abuse.
Modular design and analysis of the x-by-wire center point steering independent suspension for in-wheel electric vehicle
Authors: Chi Cheng , Xu Ying , Xu Gang , Cheng Biyun , Shen Jianhao
Published: June 2018

In this article, a new design scheme of x-by-wire steering suspension system is proposed, which aims to solve the adaptation problem of the traditional steering system, suspension system, and the electric wheel. It meets the requirement of four-wheel independent steering function with large scale. The design keeps wheel steering center axis to coincide with the virtual wheel kingpin, thereby realizing the application of the center point steering independent suspension system in electric wheels. In addition, modular design is adopted to reduce the coupling between the system and the car body, thereby realizing the generalization of the front and rear steering suspension system, and it also decreases the number of components. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis and parameter design of the self-aligning torque of the suspension are carried out. The multi-body dynamics model of system is established, and the performance is simulated in both time domain and frequency domain. The comparison test shows that the center point steering independent suspension has higher feasibility. Finally, a prototype of the system is developed, which provides a new idea for the designing of chassis for electric vehicles.
Experimental investigation on performance of non-metallic flexible fire-resistance materials in flameproof diesel engine locomotive
Authors: Li Baolin , Bao Jiusheng , Bian Zhixin , Chen Kedi
Published: June 2018

The investigation was aimed at testing the performances in fire-resistance and transmission efficiency of non-metallic flexible materials in flameproof diesel engine locomotive which may replace traditional metal flame arresters with low gas transmission efficiency. On the basis of the chain reaction mechanism, the mixed gas was burnt in the experiment, and the free radical which can be absorbed by tiny pores of flexible fiber materials and quenched was released. A 9-m-long steel pipeline with an inner diameter of 110 mm was used to simulate the environment of gas transmission. The experimental results showed that flame arresters made of flexible fiber materials can improve the gas transmission efficiency about 3% to 7%, and they also have excellent performances in fire resistance.
The US Food and Drug Administration’s expedited approval programs: Evidentiary standards, regulatory trade-offs, and potential improvements
Authors: Wallach Joshua D , Ross Joseph S , Naci Huseyin
Published: June 2018

The US Food and Drug Administration has several regulatory programs and pathways to expedite the development and approval of therapeutic agents aimed at treating serious or life-debilitating conditions. A common feature of these programs is the regulatory flexibility, which allows for a customized approval approach that enables market authorization on the basis of less rigorous evidence, in exchange for requiring postmarket evidence generation. An increasing share of therapeutic agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration in recent years are associated with expedited programs. In this article, we provide an overview of the evidentiary standards required by the Food and Drug Administration’s expedited development and review programs, summarize the findings of the recent academic literature demonstrating some of the limitations of these programs, and outline potential opportunities to address these limitations. Recent evidence suggests that therapeutic agents in the Food and Drug Administration’s expedited programs are approved on the basis of fewer and smaller studies that may lack comparator groups and random allocation, and rather than focusing on clinical outcomes for study endpoints, rely instead on surrogate markers of disease. Once on the market, agents receiving expedited approvals are often quickly incorporated into clinical practice, and evidence generated in the postmarket period may not necessarily address the evidentiary limitations at the time of market entry. Furthermore, not all pathways require additional postmarket studies. Evidence suggests that drugs in expedited approval programs are associated with a greater likelihood that the Food and Drug Administration will take a safety action following market entry. There are several opportunities to improve the timeliness, information value, and validity of the pre- and postmarket studies of therapeutic agents receiving expedited approvals. When use of nonrandomized and uncontrolled studies cannot be avoided prior to market entry, randomized trials should be mandatory in the postmarket period, unless there are strong justifications for not carrying out such studies. In the premarket period, validity of the surrogate markers can be improved by more rigorously evaluating their correlation with patient-relevant clinical outcomes. Opportunities to reduce the duration, complexity, and cost of postmarket randomized trials should not compromise their validity and instead incorporate pragmatic “real-world” design elements. Despite recent enthusiasm for widely using real-world evidence, adaptive designs, and pragmatic trials in the regulatory setting, caution is warranted until large-scale empirical evaluations demonstrate their validity compared to more traditional trial designs.
Rethinking non-inferiority: a practical trial design for optimising treatment duration
Authors: Quartagno Matteo , Walker A Sarah , Carpenter James R , Phillips Patrick PJ , Parmar Mahesh KB
Published: June 2018

Background

Trials to identify the minimal effective treatment duration are needed in different therapeutic areas, including bacterial infections, tuberculosis and hepatitis C. However, standard non-inferiority designs have several limitations, including arbitrariness of non-inferiority margins, choice of research arms and very large sample sizes.

Methods

We recast the problem of finding an appropriate non-inferior treatment duration in terms of modelling the entire duration–response curve within a pre-specified range. We propose a multi-arm randomised trial design, allocating patients to different treatment durations. We use fractional polynomials and spline-based methods to flexibly model the duration–response curve. We call this a ‘Durations design’. We compare different methods in terms of a scaled version of the area between true and estimated prediction curves. We evaluate sensitivity to key design parameters, including sample size, number and position of arms.

Results

A total sample size of ~ 500 patients divided into a moderate number of equidistant arms (5–7) is sufficient to estimate the duration–response curve within a 5% error margin in 95% of the simulations. Fractional polynomials provide similar or better results than spline-based methods in most scenarios.

Conclusion

Our proposed practical randomised trial ‘Durations design’ shows promising performance in the estimation of the duration–response curve; subject to a pending careful investigation of its inferential properties, it provides a potential alternative to standard non-inferiority designs, avoiding many of their limitations, and yet being fairly robust to different possible duration–response curves. The trial outcome is the whole duration–response curve, which may be used by clinicians and policymakers to make informed decisions, facilitating a move away from a forced binary hypothesis testing paradigm.
Using Birds to Assess and Track Forest Restoration
Authors: Ramírez-Soto Aníbal , Rodríguez-Mesa Rafael , Villa-Bonilla Bernardino , Sheseña-Hernández Ixchel , Ruelas Inzunza Ernesto
Published: June 2018

We present a simple method to use birds to assess and track the restoration of Tropical Montane Cloud Forests using birds as indicator species. The method is composed of three pieces: a classification of disturbance phases, the collection of species- and assembly-level bird data, and the matching of these two data sets to understand its relationships. We were able to select three species of resident and three species of Neotropical migrants exclusively associated to each of the four habitat phases, as well as some characteristics at the assembly level that help understand the condition of habitats, prescribe restoration intervention plans, and to track its progress over time. The approach described here is intended to be of simple application, aimed for practitioners, and be easily replicated in other places.
Futuribles: Origins, Philosophy, and Practices—Anticipation for Action
Authors: de Jouvenel Hugues
Published: June 2018

Interest in the future blossomed on both sides of the Atlantic after World War II (WWII). Formalized methods were developed in the defense sector but swiftly spread to the corporate world. Various groups, public, private, and governmental, became enthusiastic about reflecting on the future. The American and European approaches to reflecting on the future, to applying foresight and la prospective varied; however, there was cooperation. A chronological overview, this article follows the philosophical gaze of Bertrand de Jouvenel, the French writer and futurist who coined the term futuribles and founded a center that would become Futuribles International. Its current president, his son, Hugues de Jouvenel, outlines the background of this Paris-based center for foresight thinking and studies, which aims to integrate a sense of the long term into decision making and action. To this end, Futuribles performs various scanning functions, publishes reports plus a specialized journal, and trains a diverse clientele in foresight methodology. Moreover, Futuribles International honors the tradition of public intellectual discussions (roundtable series) in the spirit of serving an informed citizenry. The author reminds readers of the necessity of foresight today when unelected multinationals play an unprecedented role yet fall through the cracks of almost all national and international regulation.
Transfusion Management of Incident Dialysis Patients in Canada: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Bello Aminu K. , Ribic Christine M. , Cournoyer Serge H. , Kiaii Mercedeh , LeBlanc Martine , Poulin-Costello Melanie , Churchill David N. , Muirhead Norman
Published: June 2018

Background:

Several studies have demonstrated harm associated with using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) to achieve higher hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Subsequently, more conservative use of ESAs has changed anemia therapy in patients with chronic renal failure.

Objective:

The objectives were to identify transfusion rates in hemodialysis (HD) patients during the first year of therapy, to identify factors associated with the probability of transfusion, describe reasons for the transfusions, and identify the Hb values associated with each transfusion. An exploratory objective was to describe the age of red blood cell transfusions.

Design:

This was a multicenter prospective observational cohort study.

Setting:

There were 12 study sites in 5 Canadian provinces. The study was performed from 2012 to 2014.

Methods:

The study patients were adult incident chronic HD patients in these centers. Patients with acute kidney injury, peritoneal dialysis, and planned transfer to satellite units were excluded. Patients had to receive at least 1 month of chronic HD to be eligible. Data for 3 months prior to HD were obtained by retrospective chart review. Prospectively, charts were reviewed monthly for 12 months for data abstraction.

Results:

There were 314 patients enrolled and 79.9% completed 12 month follow-up. Ninety-four (29.9%) patients received at least 1 unit of blood. During the first 90 days, the transfusion episode rate was 148.4 per 100 patient-years compared with 62.6 per 100 patient-years post 90 days. The most frequent indication was a low Hb value (92%) with gastrointestinal bleeding, surgical blood loss, and fatigue accounting for 9.9%, 8.6%, and 4.5%, respectively. Some patients had >1 indication. The mean Hb values prior to transfusion episodes ranged from 75.3 to 78.6 g/L. Cox regression analysis on time to first transfusion and time to first hospitalization/death both showed an association with inpatient initiation of HD. Some 37.5% initiated HD as an inpatient and differed from those starting as an outpatient. They had less predialysis care and laboratory data suggested more inflammation. The mean and median ages of the blood units transfused were 24.9 (SD = 10.0) and 23 days (interquartile range = 17-33).

Conclusions:

This work reported the blood transfusion rate in incident HD patients in Canada during a period associated with conservative ESA prescription. The major indication for transfusion was a low Hb rather than clinical symptoms. Initiation of HD as an inpatient was independently associated with the probability of receiving a blood transfusion. These findings require further investigation.