bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System Is Not Involved in the Arterial Stiffening Induced by Acute and Prolonged Exposure to High Altitude
Authors: Revera Miriam , Salvi Paolo , Faini Andrea , Giuliano Andrea , Gregorini Francesca , Bilo Grzegorz , Lombardi Carolina , Mancia Giuseppe , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Parati Gianfranco
Published: June 2017

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to explore the effects of exposure to very high altitude hypoxia on vascular wall properties and to clarify the role of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibition on these vascular changes. Forty-seven healthy subjects were included in this study: 22 randomized to telmisartan (age, 40.3±10.8 years; 7 women) and 25 to placebo (age, 39.3±9.8 years; 7 women). Tests were performed at sea level, pre- and post-treatment, during acute exposure to 3400 and 5400-m altitude (Mt. Everest Base Camp), and after 2 weeks, at 5400 m. The effects of hypobaric hypoxia on mechanical properties of large arteries were assessed by applanation tonometry, measuring carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity, analyzing arterial pulse waveforms, and evaluating subendocardial oxygen supply/demand index. No differences in hemodynamic changes during acute and prolonged exposure to 5400-m altitude were found between telmisartan and placebo groups. Aortic pulse wave velocity significantly increased with altitude (
P
<0.001) from 7.41±1.25 m/s at sea level to 7.70±1.13 m/s at 3400 m and to 8.52±1.59 m/s at arrival at 5400 m (
P
<0.0001), remaining elevated during prolonged exposure to this altitude (8.41±1.12 m/s;
P
<0.0001). Subendocardial oxygen supply/demand index significantly decreased with acute exposure to 3400 m: from 1.72±0.30 m/s at sea level to 1.41±0.27 m/s at 3400 m (
P
<0.001), remaining significantly although slightly less reduced after reaching 5400 m (1.52±0.33) and after prolonged exposure to this altitude (1.53±0.25;
P
<0.001). In conclusion, the acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia induces aortic stiffening and reduction in subendocardial oxygen supply/demand index. Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system does not seem to play any significant role in these hemodynamic changes.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/
. Unique identifier: 2008-000540-14.
Prognostic Value of Variability in Systolic Blood Pressure Related to Vascular Events and Premature Death in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ohkuma Toshiaki , Woodward Mark , Jun Min , Muntner Paul , Hata Jun , Colagiuri Stephen , Harrap Stephen , Mancia Giuseppe , Poulter Neil , Williams Bryan , Rothwell Peter , Chalmers John
Published: June 2017

Visit-to-visit variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP) is a risk factor for cardiovascular events. However, whether it provides additional predictive information beyond traditional risk factors, including mean SBP, in the long term is unclear. The ADVANCE trial (Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation) was a randomized controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; ADVANCE-ON (ADVANCE-Observational) followed-up patients subsequently. In these analyses, 9114 patients without major macrovascular or renal events or death during the first 24 months were included. Data on SBP from 6 visits during the first 24 months after randomization were used to estimate visit-to-visit variability in several ways: the primary measure was the standard deviation. Events accrued during the following 7.6 years. The primary outcome was a composite of major macrovascular and renal events and all-cause mortality. Standard deviation of SBP was log-linearly associated with an increased risk of the primary outcome (
P
<0.001) after adjustment for mean SBP and other cardiovascular risk factors. The hazard ratio (HR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) in the highest, compared with the lowest, tenth of the standard deviation was 1.39 (1.15–1.69). Results were similar for major macrovascular events alone and all-cause mortality alone (both
P
<0.01). Addition of standard deviation of SBP significantly improved 8-year risk classification (continuous net reclassification improvement, 5.3%). Results were similar for other measures of visit-to-visit variability, except maximum SBP. Visit-to-visit variability in SBP is an independent predictor of vascular complications and death, which improves risk prediction beyond that provided by traditional risk factors, including mean SBP.
Androstenedione and 17-α-Hydroxyprogesterone Are Better Indicators of Adrenal Vein Sampling Selectivity Than Cortisol
Authors: Ceolotto Giulio , Antonelli Giorgia , Maiolino Giuseppe , Cesari Maurizio , Rossitto Giacomo , Bisogni Valeria , Plebani Mario , Rossi Gian Paolo
Published: June 2017

For identification of potentially surgically curable primary aldosteronism, guidelines recommend use of adrenal vein sampling (AVS) that requires selective catheterization of both adrenal veins as verified by using the cortisol-derived selectivity index. Unfortunately, bilaterally selective studies are not obtained under unstimulated conditions in a proportion of the cases ranging between 15% and 50% depending on the cutoff used. We therefore investigated whether 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione, which showed a higher step-up between adrenal vein and inferior vena cava blood than cortisol, can ascertain selectivity when cortisol failed to do so. We prospectively recruited 32 hypertensive patients with confirmed primary aldosteronism, who underwent bilaterally simultaneous sampling without cosyntropin stimulation and with the same predefined AVS protocol. All were consecutively selected because of a cortisol-based selectivity index <2.00 in at least one of the paired adrenal vein blood samples collected as per protocol. Results showed that the values of the selectivity index based on 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione were higher (
P
<0.01) on average by 1.6- and 12-fold, respectively, than those based on cortisol. With use of these steroids, we rescued 43% and 73% of the AVS, respectively, from being judged nonselective. Thus, in challenging patients with primary aldosteronism submitted to AVS use of 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, and even more so of androstenedione, for ascertaining selectivity allows demonstration of correct catheter placement in a proportion of AVS studies better than cortisol. Thus, replacing cortisol measurement with these steroids, and particularly androstenedione, can improve the diagnostic yield of AVS.
SCN5A
Genetic Polymorphisms Associated With Increased Defibrillator Shocks in Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Makarawate Pattarapong , Chaosuwannakit Narumol , Vannaprasaht Suda , Sahasthas Dujdao , Koo Seok Hwee , Lee Edmund Jon Deoon , Tassaneeyakul Wichittra , Barajas‐Martinez Hector , Hu Dan , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak
Published: June 2017

Background

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited primary arrhythmia disorder leading to sudden cardiac arrest.

SCN
5A

, encoding the α‐subunit of the cardiac sodium channel (Nav1.5), is the most common pathogenic gene of BrS. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (
ICD
) is the standard treatment for secondary prevention. This study aimed to evaluate association of the

SCN
5A

variant with this cardiac conduction disturbance and appropriate
ICD
shock therapy in Thai symptomatic BrS patients with
ICD
implants.

Methods and Results

Symptomatic BrS patients diagnosed at university hospital were enrolled from 2008 to 2011. The primary outcome of the study was an appropriate
ICD
shock defined as having non‐pacing‐associated
ICD
shock after the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Associations between

SCN
5A

polymorphisms, cardiac conduction disturbance, and potential confounding factors associated with appropriate
ICD
shock therapy were analyzed. All 40 symptomatic BrS patients (median age, 43 years) with
ICD
implantations were followed for 24 months. There were 16 patients (40%) who had the appropriate
ICD
shock therapy after
ICD
treatment. An independent factor associated with appropriate
ICD
shock therapy was

SCN
5A‐

R1193Q with an adjusted hazard ratio of 10.550 (95%
CI
, 1.631–68.232).

Conclusions

SCN
5A‐

R1193Q is associated with cardiac conduction disturbances. It may be a genetic marker associated with ventricular arrhythmia leading to appropriate
ICD
shock therapy in symptomatic BrS patients with
ICD
treatment. Because of the small sample size of study population and the appropriate
ICD
shock outcome, further large studies are needed to confirm the results of this study.
A Syriac Medical Kunnāšā of Īšōʿ bar ʿAlī (9th c.): First Soundings
Authors: Kessel Grigory
Published: June 2017

A little-known thirteenth-century manuscript preserved in Damascus contains by far the largest Syriac medical work that has survived till today. Despite the missing beginning, a preliminary study of the text allows us to argue that it is the medical handbook (entitled Kunnāšā) of Īšōʿ bar ʿAlī, a ninth-century physician and student of Ḥunayn b. Isḥāq. The seven books of the handbook appear to follow the model of Paul of Aegina’s Pragmateia both in composition and content. The actual significance of the handbook in the history of Syriac and Arabic medicine is yet to be assessed, but there can be no doubt that it will be a pivotal source that illustrates the development of Syriac medicine during a period of four centuries at the moment when it was being translated to lay the foundations of the nascent medical tradition in Arabic.
A new species of the genus Anthaxia (Anthaxia) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from The Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: OBOŘIL MARTIN , BAŇAŘ PETR G.
Published: June 2017

Anthaxia (Anthaxia) skorpiki sp. nov., a new species from The Islamic Republic Iran is described and illustrated. The newly described species is compared to the three most similar West Palaearctic members of Anthaxia nitidula species–group, including male genitalia.
First record of the Granulate Ambrosia Beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: GALLEGO DIEGO , LENCINA JOSÉ LUIS , MAS HUGO , CEVERÓ JULIA , FACCOLI MASSIMO
Published: June 2017

The Granulate Ambrosia Beetle Xylosandrus crassiusculus, an alien species of Asian origin, was recorded for first time in the Iberian Peninsula. Many specimens were collected in October 2016 in the Valencia region (Spain) from infested carob trees. The species is included in the EPPO Alert List as causing serious damage in many Mediterranean regions. A key for the morphological identification of the Xylosandrus species occurring in Europe is also reported.
The Design of Video-Based Professional Development: An Exploratory Experiment Intended to Identify Effective Features
Authors: Beisiegel Mary , Mitchell Rebecca , Hill Heather C.
Published: June 2017

Although video cases and video clubs have become popular forms of teacher professional development, there have been few systematic investigations of designs for such programs. Programs may vary according to (a) whether teachers watch videos of their own/their peers’ instruction, or whether teachers watch stock video of unknown teachers; and (b) whether discussions are led by trained facilitators or by participants themselves. Using a factorial design, we defined four treatment conditions based on these possibilities, then assigned three groups of teachers to each condition. Teachers watched, scored, and discussed mathematics instruction according to each treatment condition’s protocol. Evidence from groups’ conversations and teachers’ video analyses and lesson reflections suggest that the teacher-led, own-video condition is slightly superior to the other conditions.
Case Finding Using Syndromic Surveillance Data During an Outbreak of Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli O26 Infections, Oregon, 2015
Authors: Hines Jonas Z. , Bancroft June , Powell Melissa , Hedberg Katrina
Published: June 2017

Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes an estimated 265 000 infections in the United States annually. Of emerging non-O157:H7 STEC serotypes, O26 is the most commonly recognized. During an outbreak of STEC O26 in Oregon in 2015, we used syndromic surveillance data to supplement case finding by laboratory reporting. From 157 records retrieved by querying syndromic surveillance data, we detected 4 confirmed and 5 suspected cases. However, none of the suspected cases were confirmed by stool culture, and by the time that the data were being analyzed, the confirmed cases were already known to investigators. Syndromic surveillance data can potentially supplement case finding during outbreaks of foodborne disease. To be an effective case-finding strategy, timely completion of all steps, including collecting specimens from suspected cases, should be performed in real time.
Connecting Psychological Science With Climate Change
Authors: Munro Geoffrey D. , Behlen Margaret M.
Published: June 2017

Students often have little understanding of the role psychological science plays in informing us about the impact of human behavior when addressing climate change. We designed an assignment for a social psychology course based on Frantz and Mayer’s use of the decision tree model of helping behavior to identify the psychological barriers that reduce the likelihood that people will take action against climate change. Students identified one barrier and designed a persuasion or influence attempt to address that barrier. The assignment integrated social psychological topics in several areas (e.g., helping behavior, persuasion). A pretest–posttest design revealed that students’ knowledge of the role of psychological science in understanding climate change increased compared to a control class.
Three-dimensional Ultrasound Elasticity Imaging on an Automated Breast Volume Scanning System
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Nasief Haidy G. , Kohn Sarah , Milkowski Andy , Clary Tom , Barnes Stephen , Barbone Paul E. , Hall Timothy J.
Published: June 2017

Ultrasound elasticity imaging has demonstrated utility in breast imaging, but it is typically performed with handheld transducers and two-dimensional imaging. Two-dimensional (2D) elastography images tissue stiffness of only a plane and hence suffers from errors due to out-of-plane motion, whereas three-dimensional (3D) data acquisition and motion tracking can be used to track out-of-plane motion that is lost in 2D elastography systems. A commercially available automated breast volume scanning system that acquires 3D ultrasound data with precisely controlled elevational movement of the 1D array ultrasound transducer was employed in this study. A hybrid guided 3D motion-tracking algorithm was developed that first estimated the displacements in one plane using a modified quality-guided search method, and then performed an elevational guided-search for displacement estimation in adjacent planes. To assess the performance of the method, 3D radiofrequency echo data were acquired with this system from a phantom and from an in vivo human breast. For both experiments, the axial displacement fields were smooth and high cross-correlation coefficients were obtained in most of the tracking region. The motion-tracking performance of the new method was compared with a correlation-based exhaustive-search method. For all motion-tracking volume pairs, the average motion-compensated cross-correlation values obtained by the guided-search motion-tracking method were equivalent to those by the exhaustive-search method, and the computation time was about a factor of 10 lesser. Therefore, the proposed 3D ultrasound elasticity imaging method was a more efficient approach to produce a high quality of 3D ultrasound strain image.
Protein kinase C epsilon delays latency until anoxic depolarization through arc expression and GluR2 internalization
Authors: Cohan Charles H , Stradecki-Cohan Holly M , Morris-Blanco Kahlilia C , Khoury Nathalie , Koronowski Kevin B , Youbi Mehdi , Wright Clinton B , Perez-Pinzon Miguel A
Published: June 2017

Global cerebral ischemia is a debilitating injury that damages the CA1 region of the hippocampus, an area important for learning and memory. Protein kinase C epsilon (PKCɛ) activation is a critical component of many neuroprotective treatments. The ability of PKCɛ activation to regulate AMPA receptors (AMPARs) remains unexplored despite the role of AMPARs in excitotoxicity after brain ischemia. We determined that PKCɛ activation increased expression of a protein linked to learning and memory, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (arc). Also, arc is necessary for neuroprotection and confers protection through decreasing AMPAR currents via GluR2 internalization. In vivo, activation of PKCɛ increased arc expression through a BDNF/TrkB pathway, and decreased GluR2 mRNA levels. In hippocampal cultured slices, PKCɛ activation decreased AMPAR current amplitudes in an arc- and GluR2-dependent manner. Additionally, PKCɛ activation triggered an arc- and GluR2 internalization-dependent delay in latency until anoxic depolarization. Inhibiting arc also blocked PKCɛ-mediated neuroprotection against lethal oxygen and glucose deprivation. These data characterize a novel PKCɛ-dependent mechanism that for the first time defines a role for arc and AMPAR internalization in conferring neuroprotection.
Detecting, localizing, and tracking an unknown number of moving targets using a team of mobile robots
Authors: Dames Philip , Tokekar Pratap , Kumar Vijay
Published: June 2017

Target tracking is a fundamental problem in robotics research and has been the subject of detailed studies over the years. In this paper, we generate a data-driven target model from a real-world dataset of taxi motions. This model includes target motion, appearance, and disappearance from the search area. Using this target model, we introduce a new formulation of the mobile target tracking problem based on the mathematical concept of random finite sets. This formulation allows for tracking an unknown and dynamic number of mobile targets with a team of robots. We show how to employ the probability hypothesis density filter to simultaneously estimate the number of targets and their positions. Next, we present a greedy algorithm for assigning trajectories to the robots to allow them to actively track the targets. We prove that the greedy algorithm is a two-approximation for maximizing submodular tracking objective functions. We examine two such functions: the mutual information between the estimated target positions and future measurements from the robots and a new objective that maximizes the expected number of targets detected by the robot team. We provide extensive simulation evaluations to validate the performance of our data-driven motion model and to compare the behavior and tracking performance of robots using our objective functions.
Atelocollagen Enhances the Healing of Rotator Cuff Tendon in Rabbit Model
Authors: Suh Dong-Sam , Lee Jun-Keun , Yoo Ji-Chul , Woo Sang-Hun , Kim Ga-Ram , Kim Ju-Won , Choi Nam-Yong , Kim Yongdeok , Song Hyun-Seok
Published: June 2017

Background:

Failure of rotator cuff healing is a common complication despite the rapid development of surgical repair techniques for the torn rotator cuff.

Purpose:

To verify the effect of atelocollagen on tendon-to-bone healing in the rabbit supraspinatus tendon compared with conventional cuff repair.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A tear of the supraspinatus tendon was created and repaired in 46 New Zealand White rabbits. They were then randomly allocated into 2 groups (23 rabbits per group; 15 for histological and 8 for biomechanical test). In the experimental group, patch-type atelocollagen was implanted between bone and tendon during repair; in the control group, the torn tendon was repaired without atelocollagen. Each opposite shoulder served as a sham (tendon was exposed only). Histological evaluation was performed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Biomechanical tensile strength was tested 12 weeks after surgery.

Results:

Histological evaluation scores of the experimental group (4.0 ± 1.0) were significantly superior to those of the control group (7.7 ± 2.7) at 12 weeks ( P = .005). The load to failure was significantly higher in the experimental group (51.4 ± 3.9 N) than in the control group (36.4 ± 5.9 N) ( P = .001).

Conclusion:

Histological and biomechanical studies demonstrated better results in the experimental group using atelocollagen in a rabbit model of the supraspinatus tendon tear.

Clinical Relevance:

Atelocollagen patch could be used in the cuff repair site to enhance healing.
Does Participation in Sports Affect Osteoarthritic Progression After Periacetabular Osteotomy?
Authors: Hara Daisuke , Hamai Satoshi , Fukushi Jun-ichi , Kawaguchi Ken-ichi , Motomura Goro , Ikemura Satoshi , Komiyama Keisuke , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: June 2017

Background:

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is an effective treatment for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia. However, whether postoperative participation in sports leads to progression of the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade of osteoarthritis (OA) in these patients is unclear.

Purpose:

To investigate (1) participation in sports before and after PAO and (2) whether postoperative participation in sports leads to progression of the KL grade.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively reviewed data on 161 patients (183 hips) who underwent PAO for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia with preoperative KL grade 1 or 2 between 1998 and 2011. The mean age at the time of surgery was 42.0 ± 10.9 years (range, 12-64 years), and the mean follow-up duration was 100 months (range, 13-180 months). Data included participation in sports, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale score, age at the time of surgery, body mass index, follow-up duration, history of treatment for developmental hip dislocations, Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score, Oxford Hip Score, center-edge angle, and KL grade. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to determine which factors were associated with progression to KL grade 3 or 4 after PAO.

Results:

The number of patients who participated in sports significantly increased from 50 (31.1%) preoperatively to 89 (55.3%) postoperatively. The mean UCLA score significantly increased from 4.7 ± 2.1 preoperatively to 5.5 ± 2.0 postoperatively. The KL grade progressed to grade 3 or 4 in 16 hips, including 4 hips that underwent conversion to total hip arthroplasty. No significant differences were found in postoperative participation in sports (89 hips [53.3%] vs 11 hips [68.8%], respectively; P = .24) and the UCLA score (5.6 ± 2.0 vs 5.1 ± 2.0, respectively; P = .30) between hips with KL grade 1 or 2 and KL grade 3 or 4. A multivariate analysis revealed that no factors, including postoperative participation in sports, were significantly associated with progression to KL grade 3 or 4.

Conclusion:

Postoperative participation in sports after PAO did not significantly and negatively influence progression of the KL grade at midterm follow-up.
Understanding Crime Control Theater
Authors: Yelderman Logan A. , Miller Monica K. , Forsythe Shelby , Sicafuse Lorie
Published: June 2017

Policies such as America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response Alerts, safe haven laws, Megan’s law, and three-strikes laws have provided the public with a feeling of safety and security. However, research has provided evidence that disputes their effectiveness. These types of laws and policies have become known as “crime control theater” (CCT) because they appear to be effective, serve the public’s best interests, and provide a crime control purpose but are largely ineffective and have unintended negative consequences. Using self-affirmation and emotion theory, this study examines potential explanations as to why individuals might support CCT policies. It also investigates whether support differs based on relevant characteristics (e.g., gender, sample type, and preexisting beliefs about policy effectiveness). Results suggest that females and Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers tend to support CCT policies more than males and college students. Further, the relationship between gender and support was mediated by anticipatory guilt, and this effect was stronger for individuals who did not believe in the effectiveness of the policy. Results suggest that individuals who believe the policy is effective will support it more than those who do not, regardless of their anticipated guilt. In contrast, those who doubt the policy only support it if they anticipate feeling guilty; this effect is stronger for women. Results can help explain why people support policies that are largely ineffective and suggest that relevance to the issue can help explain why some groups are more supportive than others.
Child marriage and family reunification
Authors: Wijffelman Anne
Published: June 2017

The Dutch Forced Marriage Prevention Act aims to prevent family reunification of so-called child brides with their husbands in the territory of the Netherlands by no longer recognizing child marriages concluded abroad as legal marriages. Although it can be argued that the Netherlands has an obligation not to recognise a child marriage concluded abroad, it is disputable whether the Forced Marriage Prevention Act is in line with other human rights obligations. This article analyses whether the rights of child brides are violated under Articles 8 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, if their family reunification application is denied. Although the minor spouse is most likely residing outside the territory of the Netherlands, a family reunification procedure brings her nevertheless within its jurisdiction, and as such within the sphere of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Buckling analysis of nonlocal strain gradient axially functionally graded nanobeams resting on variable elastic medium
Authors: Ebrahimi Farzad , Barati Mohammad R
Published: June 2017

This paper provides the first examination of buckling behavior of axially functionally graded nanobeams. A nonlocal strain gradient theory consisting of two scale parameter is employed for modeling of size-dependent behavior axially functionally graded nanobeam much accurately. This theory takes into account both nonlocal stress field and strain gradient effects on the response of nanostructures. A power-law model is used to describe the distribution of material properties along the axial direction. The axially functionally graded nanobeam is in contact with a non-uniform elastic medium which consists of a Winkler layer with variable stiffness and also a Pasternak layer with constant stiffness. Linear, parabolic and sinusoidal variations of Winkler foundation in longitudinal direction are considered. A Galerkin-based solution technique is implemented to solve the governing equation obtained from Hamilton’s principle. Buckling loads of functionally graded nanobeam are verified with those of previous papers. It is shown that buckling loads of axially functionally graded nanobeams are significantly influenced by power-law index, nonlocal parameter, length scale parameter, type of elastic foundation and boundary conditions.
Effect of temperature on the performance of railroad wheels
Authors: Dedmon Steven L
Published: June 2017

Sliding and tread brake heating are known to alter microstructures and properties and show causal relationships with shelling and spalling. Temperature can also affect the performance of wheels in other ways: rolling contact forces depend on the size of the contact patch, which is affected by the elastic modulus, which in turn is affected by the tread temperature. Temperature differences from the rim to the remaining portion of the wheel may cause distortions, which may result in unfavorable contact between the wheel and the rail. Cold temperatures affect the fracture toughness and, in the presence of water, may cause wedging, which will accelerate the shelling process. Oxidation within a crack can also cause wedging, resulting in the propagation of thermal cracks. Changes in the residual stress due to brake heating can also affect shakedown. This study considers the many ways of how temperature can affect the performance of the railroad wheel of a freight car. Most of the author’s observations relate to the freight car service in North America and may not be applicable to other types of service in other parts of the world.
Gas torque compensation control for range extender start-stop vibration reduction in electric vehicle
Authors: Guo Rong , Wang Meng-jia , Cao Chong
Published: June 2017

One of the key challenges with the development of range extended electric vehicles is the noise, vibration and harshness behavior, specifically the uncomfortable ride experience during the range extender starting and stopping. This article focuses on providing an active control method to address this critical noise, vibration and harshness issue. A control-oriented nonlinear model for the start-stop vibration analysis, including range extender mount system, engine-clutch-motor shaft system, engine inertia torque and force, engine friction torque, engine gas torque, engine manifold pressure, electric motor torque and range extender controller, is thus built. In the developed model, a new estimation method for gas torque is proposed, where the initial crank angle is considered as well as the relevant equations are simplified. The method is proved to predict gas torque accurately without the expense of complex calculation process. Based on the model, the mount system vibration response has been analyzed that the excitation of range extender block on vehicle body in x-direction is the most prominent. The concept of the active control method, gas torque compensation control, is thus introduced in detail to reduce such a system vibration during start-stop phase. According to the control principle, the torque compensation coefficient for gas torque compensation control is determined and the compensation speed range is analyzed. In order to evaluate the control effectiveness, gas torque compensation control is implemented in the set-up model. The simulation outcomes demonstrate that gas torque compensation control is effective in reducing the vibration generated during start-stop transitions.
Diversity in Social Work Doctoral Programs
Authors: Ghose Toorjo , Ali Samira , Sokha Keo Bec
Published: June 2017

Students of color (SOC) face multiple barriers to being admitted and retained in social work doctoral programs. We describe these hurdles and propose approaches to circumvent them. Admission challenges include a lack of guidance, financial hurdles, underpreparedness, and racism directed at applicants. Retention challenges include a dearth of mentorship, financial hardship, lack of academic support, and discrimination experienced by students. We propose institutional and structural responses to these challenges. Programs should recruit from milieus marked by diversity, de-emphasize standardized scores and blind reviews in admissions, increase faculty of color numbers, establish crosscutting mentorship networks, and expand academic and financial support. At the structural level, teaching credentials for core classes should be reconsidered, research and publication reimagined, and community engagement emphasized. Finally, moves like the replacement of tenured with adjunct faculty and the initiation of doctorate in social work programs should be examined for their implications to the career prospects of SOC.
Development and Validation of the Faceted Inventory of the Five-Factor Model (FI-FFM)
Authors: Watson David , Nus Ericka , Wu Kevin D.
Published: June 2017

The Faceted Inventory of the Five-Factor Model (FI-FFM) is a comprehensive hierarchical measure of personality. The FI-FFM was created across five phases of scale development. It includes five facets apiece for neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness; four facets within agreeableness; and three facets for openness. We present reliability and validity data obtained from three samples. The FI-FFM scales are internally consistent and highly stable over 2 weeks (retest rs ranged from .64 to .82, median r = .77). They show strong convergent and discriminant validity vis-à-vis the NEO, the Big Five Inventory, and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5. Moreover, self-ratings on the scales show moderate to strong agreement with corresponding ratings made by informants ( rs ranged from .26 to .66, median r = .42). Finally, in joint analyses with the NEO Personality Inventory–3, the FI-FFM neuroticism facet scales display significant incremental validity in predicting indicators of internalizing psychopathology.
Solvability of a rational contact model with limited interpenetration in viscoelastodynamics
Authors: Jarušek Jiří , Stará Jana
Published: June 2017

A rational model of a dynamical contact of a viscoelastic body with its support is presented. It is assumed that the contact is frictionless and permits a limited interpenetration which is prescribed. A weak formulation of the problem is given and the existence of its solutions is proved. It is also shown that if the depth of the interpenetration tends to zero, the solutions converge to a solution of the Signorini contact (without interpenetration).
Keeping Each Other Safe
Authors: Aronie Jonathan , Lopez Christy E.
Published: June 2017

This article examines the principles of “active bystandership” and “peer intervention” and considers their application in the context of policing to prevent or mitigate police officer mistakes or misconduct. We begin by exploring the science behind bystandership and the application of the concept to solve a number of national problems in nonpolicing contexts. We then explore the unique dynamics of policing and argue these dynamics make active bystandership training, as part of an overarching implementation of an active bystandership ethos, critical to overcoming entrenched inhibitors to peer intervention. We also discuss the significant risks to officers, agencies, cities, and communities of not creating an ethos of active bystandership among officers. Finally, we consider the New Orleans Police Department’s implementation of a peer intervention or active bystandership program beginning in 2015 (during which time it was under the oversight of federal consent decree) and present some “lessons learned” from that department’s experience.
Contextual Effects of Neighborhoods and Schools on Adolescent and Young Adult Marijuana Use in the United States
Authors: Milliren Carly E , Richmond Tracy K , Evans Clare R , Dunn Erin C , Johnson Renee M
Published: June 2017

Little is known about the unique contribution of schools vs neighborhoods in driving adolescent marijuana use. This study examined the relative contribution of each setting and the influence of school and neighborhood socioeconomic status on use. We performed a series of cross-classified multilevel logistic models predicting past 30-day adolescent (N = 18 329) and young adult (N = 13 908) marijuana use using data from Add Health. Marijuana use differed by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and public assistance in adjusted models. Variance parameters indicated a high degree of clustering by school (σ2 = 0.30) and less pronounced clustering by neighborhood (σ2 = 0.06) in adolescence when accounting for both levels simultaneously in a cross-classified multilevel model. Clustering by school persisted into young adulthood (σ2 = 0.08). Parental receipt of public assistance increased the likelihood of use during adolescence (odds ratio = 1.39; 95% confidence interval: 1.19-1.59), and higher parental education was associated with increased likelihood of use in young adulthood. These findings indicate that both contexts may be promising locations for intervention.
Utilizing Big Data and Twitter to Discover Emergent Online Communities of Cannabis Users
Authors: Baumgartner Peter , Peiper Nicholas
Published: June 2017

Large shifts in medical, recreational, and illicit cannabis consumption in the United States have implications for personalizing treatment and prevention programs to a wide variety of populations. As such, considerable research has investigated clinical presentations of cannabis users in clinical and population-based samples. Studies leveraging big data, social media, and social network analysis have emerged as a promising mechanism to generate timely insights that can inform treatment and prevention research. This study extends a novel method called stochastic block modeling to derive communities of cannabis consumers as part of a complex social network on Twitter. A set of examples illustrate how this method can ascertain candidate samples of medical, recreational, and illicit cannabis users. Implications for research planning, intervention design, and public health surveillance are discussed.
Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma Arising Within a Mature Ovarian Teratoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pineyro Maria M , Pereda Jimena , Schou Pamela , de los Santos Karina , de la Peña Soledad , Caserta Benedicta , Pisabarro Raul
Published: June 2017

Mature cystic teratoma is the most common kind of ovarian germ cell tumor. Malignant transformation is uncommon, with thyroid cancer rarely found. Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma has rarely been described as associated with ovarian teratomas. We report a case of a 34-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain and an ovarian mass. After surgery, the patient was diagnosed with a follicular variant papillary thyroid microcarcinoma that arose within a mature cystic ovarian teratoma. Based on the small size of the primary lesion and patient preferences, no further treatment was performed. To our knowledge, this is the third reported case of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma arising within a mature ovarian teratoma without struma ovarii. There is no consensus on the surgical approach and postoperative management of this condition. Whether further therapy with total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation may be beneficial is unknown. In conclusion, papillary thyroid microcarcinoma can also arise within mature ovarian teratomas. Although a favorable prognosis is anticipated, there is limited information about its history or prognosis.
America, Brexit and the security of Europe
Authors: Rees Wyn
Published: June 2017

The Obama administration played a surprisingly interventionist role in the UK referendum on membership of the European Union (EU), arguing that a vote to leave would damage European security. Yet this article contends that US attitudes towards the EU as a security actor, and the part played within it by the United Kingdom, have been much more complex than the United States has sought to portray. While it has spoken the language of partnership, it has acted as if the EU has been a problem for US policy. The United Kingdom was used as part of the mechanism for managing that problem. In doing so, America contributed, albeit inadvertently, to the Brexit result. With the aid of contrasting theoretical perspectives from Realism and Institutionalism, this article explores how America’s security relationship with the United Kingdom has helped to engineer a security situation that the United States wanted to avoid.
A Simple Method for 2-D In Vivo Dosimetry by Portal Imaging
Authors: Peca Stefano , Brown Derek Wilson , Smith Wendy Lani
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To improve patient safety and treatment quality, verification of dose delivery in radiotherapy is desirable. We present a simple, easy-to-implement, open-source method for in vivo planar dosimetry of conformal radiotherapy by electronic portal imaging device (EPID).

Methods:

Correlation ratios, which relate dose in the mid-depth of slab phantoms to transit EPID signal, were determined for multiple phantom thicknesses and field sizes. Off-axis dose is corrected for by means of model-based convolution. We tested efficacy of dose reconstruction through measurements with off-reference values of attenuator thickness, field size, and monitor units. We quantified the dose calculation error in the presence of thickness changes to simulate anatomical or setup variations. An example of dose calculation on patient data is provided.

Results:

With varying phantom thickness, field size, and monitor units, dose reconstruction was almost always within 3% of planned dose. In the presence of thickness changes from planning CT, the dose discrepancy is exaggerated by up to approximately 1.5% for 1 cm changes upstream of the isocenter plane and 4% for 1 cm changes downstream.

Conclusion:

Our novel electronic portal imaging device in vivo dosimetry allows clinically accurate 2-dimensional reconstruction of dose inside a phantom/patient at isocenter depth. Due to its simplicity, commissioning can be performed in a few hours per energy and may be modified to the user’s needs. It may provide useful dose delivery information to detect harmful errors, guide adaptive radiotherapy, and assure quality of treatment.
In vitro psoriasis models with focus on reconstructed skin models as promising tools in psoriasis research
Authors: Desmet Eline , Ramadhas Anesh , Lambert Jo , Van Gele Mireille
Published: June 2017

Psoriasis is a complex chronic immune-mediated inflammatory cutaneous disease associated with the development of inflammatory plaques on the skin. Studies proved that the disease results from a deregulated interplay between skin keratinocytes, immune cells and the environment leading to a persisting inflammatory process modulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and activation of T cells. However, a major hindrance to study the pathogenesis of psoriasis more in depth and subsequent development of novel therapies is the lack of suitable pre-clinical models mimicking the complex phenotype of this skin disorder. Recent advances in and optimization of three-dimensional skin equivalent models have made them attractive and promising alternatives to the simplistic monolayer cultures, immunological different in vivo models and scarce ex vivo skin explants. Moreover, human skin equivalents are increasing in complexity level to match human biology as closely as possible. Here, we critically review the different types of three-dimensional skin models of psoriasis with relevance to their application potential and advantages over other models. This will guide researchers in choosing the most suitable psoriasis skin model for therapeutic drug testing (including gene therapy via siRNA molecules), or to examine biological features contributing to the pathology of psoriasis. However, the addition of T cells (as recently applied to a de-epidermized dermis-based psoriatic skin model) or other immune cells would make them even more attractive models and broaden their application potential. Eventually, the ultimate goal would be to substitute animal models by three-dimensional psoriatic skin models in the pre-clinical phases of anti-psoriasis candidate drugs.

Impact statement

The continuous development of novel in vitro models mimicking the psoriasis phenotype is important in the field of psoriasis research, as currently no model exists that completely matches the in vivo psoriasis skin or the disease pathology. This work provides a complete overview of the different available in vitro psoriasis models and suggests improvements for future models. Moreover, a focus was given to psoriatic skin equivalent models, as they offer several advantages over the other models, including commercial availability and validity. The potential and reported applicability of these models in psoriasis pre-clinical research is extensively discussed. As such, this work offers a guide to researchers in their choice of pre-clinical psoriasis model depending on their type of research question.
Hypoxic conditioning and the central nervous system: A new therapeutic opportunity for brain and spinal cord injuries?
Authors: Baillieul S , Chacaroun S , Doutreleau S , Detante O , Pépin JL , Verges S
Published: June 2017

Central nervous system diseases are among the most disabling in the world. Neuroprotection and brain recovery from either acute or chronic neurodegeneration still represent a challenge in neurology and neurorehabilitation as pharmacology treatments are often insufficiently effective. Conditioning the central nervous system has been proposed as a potential non-pharmacological neuro-therapeutic. Conditioning refers to a procedure by which a potentially deleterious stimulus is applied near to but below the threshold of damage to the organism to increase resistance to the same or even different noxious stimuli given above the threshold of damage. Hypoxic conditioning has been investigated in several cellular and preclinical models and is now recognized as inducing endogenous mechanisms of neuroprotection. Ischemic, traumatic, or chronic neurodegenerative diseases can benefit from hypoxic conditioning strategies aiming at preventing the deleterious consequences or reducing the severity of the pathological condition (preconditioning) or aiming at inducing neuroplasticity and recovery (postconditioning) following central nervous system injury. Hypoxic conditioning can consist in single (sustained) or cyclical (intermittent, interspersed by short period of normoxia) hypoxia stimuli which duration range from few minutes to several hours and that can be repeated over several days or weeks. This mini-review addresses the existing evidence regarding the use of hypoxic conditioning as a potential innovating neuro-therapeutic modality to induce neuroprotection, neuroplasticity and brain recovery. This mini-review also emphasizes issues which remain to be clarified and future researches to be performed in the field.

Impact statement

Neuroprotection and brain recovery from either acute or chronic neurodegeneration still represent a challenge in neurology and neurorehabilitation. Hypoxic conditioning may represent a harmless and efficient non-pharmacological new therapeutic modality in the field of neuroprotection and neuroplasticity, as supported by many preclinical data. Animal studies provide clear evidence for neuroprotection and neuroplasticity induced by hypoxic conditioning in several models of neurological disorders. These studies show improved functional outcomes when hypoxic conditioning is applied and provides important information to translate this intervention to clinical practice. Some studies in humans provide encouraging data regarding the tolerance and therapeutic effects of hypoxic conditioning strategies. The main issues to address in future research include the definition of the appropriate hypoxic dose and pattern of exposure, the determination of relevant physiological biomarkers to assess the effects of the treatment and the evaluation of combined strategies involving hypoxic conditioning and other pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments.