bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agrobacterium mediated transformation of Marchantia spores v6
Authors: Silvestri Linda , Susana Sauret-Gueto not provided
Published: June 2017

This method produces random integration of DNA into the genome of Marchantia. The technique relies on the capacity of Agrobacterium tumefasciens to transfer DNA to plants. This DNA can be specified as it is flanked by sequences of DNA called the Right and Left Border (RB & LB), named as a whole as the T-DNA. The original tumour-inducing (Ti) plasmid from Agrobacterium was adapted to a binary plasmid system allowing easy cloning of the T-DNA part of the system in E. coli before being electroplated into Agrobacterium and then transfection into plants by infection. This protocol is based onIshizaki et al., 2008 initially set up in Jim Haseloff lab Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, by Nuri Purswani,Lihua Han and Bernardo Pollak. Further optimised by Linda Silvestri and Susana Sauret-Gueto including feedback from other researchers working in Marchantia, like Bo Xu (Sam Brockington group, Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge) and Victor Jones (Liam Dolan group at University of Oxford).
Quality Assessment: FastQC v1
Authors: Tully Ben
Published: June 2017

Quality impact results is the universal first step for all sequencing methods. Sequencing results distrputed in FASTQ format.
BiMat: a MATLAB package to facilitate the analysis of bipartite networks v1
Authors: Weitz Joshua
Published: June 2017

BiMat: a MATLAB package to facilitate the analysis ofbipartite networks. Extensive documentation, code, and worked examples available on: http://bimat.github.io The datasets included with the package include phage-bacterai infection networks.
ssh to UA HPC v1
Authors: Youens-Clark Ken
Published: June 2017

This describes setting up ssh keys and configuration to avoid having to useyour NetID+ 2-factor authentication every time you log into the HPC. Windows users are encouraged to install Cygwin (http://www.cygwin.com), a free Unix-like environment that provides a terminal so as to avoid using an ssh client like Putty. Cygwin users must be sure to install the "ssh" tools which are not installed by default.
Agrobacterium mediated transformation of Marchantia spores v4
Authors: Sauret-Gueto Susana
Published: June 2017

This method produces random integration of DNA into the genome of Marchantia. The technique relies on the capacity of Agrobacterium tumefasciens to transfer DNA to plants. This DNA can be specified as it is flanked by sequences of DNA called the Right and Left Border (RB & LB), named as a whole as the T-DNA. The original tumour-inducing (Ti) plasmid from Agrobacterium was adapted to a binary plasmid system allowing easy cloning of the T-DNA part of the system in E. coli before being electroplated into Agrobacterium and then transfection into plants by infection. This protocol is based onIshizaki et al., 2008, optimised in Jim Haseloff lab,Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, by Nuri Purswani and Bernardo Pollak. At the moment Linda Silvestri and Susana Sauret-Gueto are seeing on further optimisation, including feedback from other researchers working in Marchantia, like Bo Xu.
Preparing Biological Samples for Column Chemistry v1
Authors: Wasson Alexis
Published: June 2017

Protocol for preparing biological samples fro isotopic analysis by column chemistry.
Plant Protoplast Encapsulation v1
Authors: Ziyi Yu Dr
Published: June 2017

A protocol to encapsulate plant protoplasts using a PDMS microfluidic chip. Work was funded by Cambridge Synthetic Biology Strategic Research Initative (SRI) SynBio Fund. http://www.synbio.cam.ac.uk/synbiofund
C_HW2: Makefile, command line exercises with yeast v11
Authors: Youens-Clark Ken
Published: June 2017

Yeast is a well-characterized genome due to its small size and historical significance in genetics. The websitehttp://yeastgenome.org/ is a dedicated resource for yeast genomics. For this exercise, I want you to create a "Makefile" that will execute this entire pipeline if I type "make."
EpiQuik™ Total Histone Extraction Kit v2
Authors: Crowley Natalie
Published: June 2017

The EpiQuik™ Total Histone Extraction Kit is a complete set of optimized buffers and reagents for extracting total core histone proteins (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) from mammalian cells or tissuesin a simple 60 minute procedure.The post-translational modifications (PTM) in the histone extracts are kept intact and thus can be used with Epigentek's histone modification assay kits or in a variety of downstream applications for histonemethylation, acetylation, phosphorylation,sumoylation, ubiquitination,citrullination, and ADP-ribosylationstudies. Pre-optimized and simple 1 hour protocol. Conveniently includes all essential reagents to carry out a histone extraction. Standardized procedure for reproducible results. Extracts a high yield of total core histones from as little as1mg of tissues. Post-translational modifications are kept intact. Does not affect histone modification status or levels.
MG_HW12: Anvi'o interactive v1
Authors: Hurwitz and Murat Meren Bonnie
Published: June 2017

This protocol describes basic functions to view your contigs and profiles databases in Anvi'o.
Electroporation transformation of FITC-dextran into Oxyrrhis marina - an early branching dinoflagellate. v1
Authors: Irwin Nicholas , Elisabeth Hehenberger not provided , Patrick Keeling not provided
Published: June 2017

Here we describe a protocol for transforming Oxyrrhis marina with FITC-labelled dextran (a DNA analog) by electroporation. This protocol is reproducible, and results in a transformation efficiency of around 50%. We have confirmed the viability of transformed cells by allowing them to recover in the dark (and thus maintain fluorescence intensity) and then by observing fluorescent cells swimming normally, days after transformation (see the videohere). As of yet we have been unable to demonstrate the actual uptake of plasmid DNA. We have tried using rhodamine labelled plasmids to demonstrate this but the results were inconclusive due to issues with cellular autofluorescence. We have also tried this method with a variety of expression plasmidsencoding different promoters. For example, we tried the MOE promoter fromPerkinsus marinus(a closely related species) and the generic eukaryotic CMV promoter. However no GFP fluorescence was detected in these samples. We have also tried transformingin vitro synthesized GFP encoding mRNA using this protocol. As of yet, no GFP production has been detected, but this may reflect non-cannonical translational systems in dinoflagellates as the same mRNA could be translated in starfish embryos. Although the development of expression systems in dinoflagellates remains a challenge, our results suggest thatO. marina may be amenable to genetic transformation.
C_HW10: Sample read count to functional categories for Anvi'o bar chart v1
Authors: Hurwitz Bonnie
Published: June 2017

Create a script to add functional information about the samples into Anvi'o.
Czaky Test for Hydroxamate-Type Siderophores v1
Authors: Steven Wilhelm Dr.
Published: June 2017

Please contact Dr. Steven Wilhelm (wilhelm@utk.edu) for additional information regarding this protocol. Modified fromCsaky T. Z. (1948)On the estimation of bound hydroxylamine in biological materials. Acta Chem. Scand.2,250–454 and A. H. Gillam, A. G. Lewis, and R. J. Andersen. Quantitative determination of hydroxamic acids Anal. Chem., 1981, 53 (6), pp 841–844 DOI: 10.1021/ac00229a023
Seasonal incidence of spider mite Tetranychus ludeni Zacher (Tetranychidae: Acari) and its predator Scolothrips sexmaculatus Pergande (Thysanoptera: Insecta) on carnation (var. Master) from Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Vijay , Chauhan Usha
Published: June 2017

Study was conducted on carnation (var. Master) during 2013 and 2014 under polyhouse. Infestation of Tetranychus ludeni Zacher was recorded. One species of predatory thrips viz. Scolothrips sexmaculatus Pergande was recorded in association with T. ludeni. Infestation of T. ludeni remained active throughout the year. Maximum population was recorded during June in both the years. Population was 13.2±1.24 and 14.4±1.57 mites/sample. Activity of S. sexmaculatus was recorded from June to August. Both species were recorded for the first time on this crop from North India. Population of T. ludeni and S. sexmaculatus was positively correlated with temperature whereas negative correlation with relative humidity. This study will be useful in bio control of phytophagous mites in IPM programme.
Guest Editorial Note
Authors: Rao Ullas
Published: June 2017

No Abstract.
Tesco Accounting Misstatements: Myopic Ideologies Overshadowing Larger Organisational Interests
Authors: Kukreja Gagan , Gupta Sanjay
Published: June 2017

This case study explores what went wrong in Tesco that resulted in the fraud of accounting misstatements of the magnitude of £263 million, why the fraud remained undetected over a number of years, which resulted in catastrophic consequences for both Tesco and its stakeholders. Furthermore, it highlights the lessons learnt from this debacle in Tesco, with focus on enterprise risk management, change management, corporate governance, materiality of transactions from accounting perspective, auditors' independence, sound accounting practices, internal controls and, employees' incentives policies. Finally, while the ultimate price of these scandals is paid by the society at large - particularly stockholders who put their hard earned savings in these institutions just on the basis of their trust on them - and while such scandals are often attributed to gaps in internal controls and auditors' negligence, this study concludes that, whatever controls are put in place or whatever accounting and reporting standards are set, if the people who are the part of system themselves decide to bypass the control systems, it is next to impossible to prevent such fraudulent activities. This case study has been prepared for educational purposes based on public available sources such as newspapers, magazines, websites and other referred articles.
Determinants of Domestic Tourism Growth in India
Authors: Nair Radhika B. , Ramachandran Jayalakshmy
Published: June 2017

In this paper we aim to empirically identify the determinants of tourist destinantion by domestic tourists that leads to growth of tourism in Indiagers in India . Our sample, broadly. from the south revealed that climate and destination management inclusive of destination marketing and image had influenced the choice of consumers. The findings are significant in policy implications, particularly for the tour managers as well as advertising agennts and to a certain extent in government policies. In particular, we urge the Ministry of tourism to price tourism pacakges based on affordability of the consumers through discounts and promotional offers.
Financial Management: A Step-by-Step Approach
Authors: Aro-Gordon Stephen
Published: June 2017

No Abstract.
Basava Philosophy and its Relevance to Management - A Study
Authors: Nirmala M. , Pradeep N. E.
Published: June 2017

Contemporary management is a multidisciplinary function, which is harmonized and integrated mutually, with varied disciplines. Aside organizations are open to learn from the historical evidences and experiences to enhance their performance in overall, also global organizations are making an effort to move on from ethnocentric cultural perspectives towards common cultures. In this regard, Basava Philosophy can contribute immensely towards efficient management practices, and this study is an attempt to establish the management perspectives from Basava Philosophy.
A Study on the Socio-Economic Impact of Mining Ban on the Households in Goa’s Mining Belt
Authors: Arondekar Sheetal D. , Murthy I. Bhanu
Published: June 2017

Mining is one of the economic activities practiced in the small state of Goa apart from agriculture, tourism and fishing. With the advent of mining activities in the areas, the practice of traditional occupations was difficult. Mining industry brings lucrative incomes but it also comes with a lot of environmental hazards. The protests and agitation that took place against rampant mining operations owing to the Chinese boom in the last decade compelled the Supreme Court to order ban in September, 2012. With this background the current study aims at assessing the impact of this ban on the socio-economic characteristics of the households in the mining belt of Goa. For the purpose, an interview schedule was forwarded to 256 respondents in the mining belt. The results of the paired sample t-test showed a significant difference in the economic status of the households in the mining regions. Standard deviation showed the wide disparities in the incomes. The study also revealed a change in the occupational structure. The study suggests the need to educate people about the nature of mining industry and thus a need to invest into alternate income avenues instead of entirely relying on the industry which is temporal.
Liquidity and Off-Balance Sheet Items: A Comparative Study of Public and Private Sector Banks in India
Authors: Pushkala N. , Mahamayi J. , Venkatesh K. A.
Published: June 2017

Liquidity is the life-line of every business. Banking business’ liquidity was the bone of contention during the economic crisis of Greece and the downfall of Finance Behemoth like Lehman Brothers. Banking Sector-Illiquidity was the epicentre of such crisis. Globally, the Off-Balance Sheet Exposure played a vital role in managing liquidity and solvency issues of commercial banks. This research paper explores the concepts, aspects, analysis of liquidity and the impact of Off-Balance Sheet Items on Liquidity and Solvency. Furthermore, this paper focuses on the liquidity aspects of Public and Private Sector banks towards scrutinizing whether the ownership has any influence on the liquidity and solvency aspects of the banking structure, under the backdrop of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure. Besides, it looks into the unpredictability of RBI’s policies on liquidity like Cash Reserve Ratio, Statutory Liquidity Ratio etc.
The Amazon Way: 14 Leadership Principles behind the World’s Most Disruptive Company
Authors: Rossman John E.
Published: June 2017

The book entitled ‘The Amazon Way’ is a delightful book to read for many reasons. For one, it makes a departure from the past by highlighting the value of ‘disruptive thinking and doing’, which makes the company Amazon, different from others. This is a book about an ‘American corporation that actually lives it values.’
Cognitive Factors and its Impact on Job Satisfaction- A Study on Selected Information Technology Enabled Service Companies in Bengaluru
Authors: Samson Anthony , Babu K. Nagendra
Published: June 2017

Everybody agrees that, the most valuable asset of any business for that matter it is the human beings who work there. Satisfied employees become productive assets of the company and they play a very important role in the overall development of the company. In order to get the employees involved, both physically as well as emotionally companies must assure that they satisfy the physical as well as emotion needs of the employees. Employees’ job satisfaction plays a vital role in the long run. This article tries to find out the role of cognitive factors on job satisfaction. Keeping job satisfaction as dependent variable and cognitive factors as an independent variable the study has been undertaken. For the purpose of the study the data has been collected from 1000 employees working in 10 different ITeS companies in Bengaluru. Respondents were selected through stratified random technique. The result of the study has shown that cognitive factors significantly influence job satisfaction among the employees of ITeS companies in Bengaluru.
Determinants of Capital Structure: Evidence from Indian Stock Market with Special Reference to Capital Goods, FMCG, Infrastructure and IT sector
Authors: Sathyanarayana S. , Harish S. N. , Kumar Hemanth
Published: June 2017

The current study aims to examine the relationship between various identified determinants (Profitability, Tangibility, Growth Rate, Business Risk, Size and Non Debt tax shield) and its impact on financial leverage (CS) decisions of Capital goods, FMCG, Infrastructure and IT sector in Indian Stock market. In order to realise the stated objectives of the study the researchers have collected data from the published financial statements of quoted firms in the Indian stock market from the above mentioned sectors for a period of ten years (2006-2015). In the very first step,we tested the data by using multico1tinearity test and then we use linear multiple regression model to investigate the impact of chosen independent variables on CS (leverage) decisions in Indian capital market. Later, residual diagnostic CS, such as Serial correlation test, Heteroskedasticity Test, Normality and CUSUM test have been run to assess the strength of the constructed regression model. The results show that ER (Earnings), TA (Tangibility) and GR (Growth) were the major determinants in case of capital goods sector and ER (Earnings), TA (Tangibility), GR (Growth), Size and NDTS were the major factors for the FMCG sector. GR (Growth), BR (Business Risk) and Size for the Infrastructure sectors and ER (Earnings), BR (Business Risk) and Size were the major factors for the IT sector. The study revealed inconsistency in independent variables influencing the financial leverage component, though there is statistical support for the proposed determinants with respect to earnings and growth rate influencing the financial leverage.
Perspectivas en la estimación del espectro sísmico de diseño de puentes en Colombia
Authors: Farías García Darío , Carillo León Wilmer Julián
Published: June 2017

Teniendo en cuenta la ubicación geográfica de Colombia y los avances investigativos alcanzados en países desarrollados, es necesario actualizar y modificar la normativa vigente en cuanto al diseño sismo-resistente de los puentes en Colombia. Uno de los parámetros de diseño que se busca mejorar y actualizar es el espectro de diseño (demanda sísmica) teniendo en cuenta los estudios de amenaza sísmica local realizados en las cuidades más importantes del país. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados preliminares de una investigación analítica en el campo de la ingeniería estructural y sísmica donde se realiza la evaluación y comparación de las metodologías propuestas en Colombia y el mundo para estimar la demanda sísmica en las estructuras de los puentes. Adicionalmente, se muestra un caso de estudio y los resultados obtenidos al utilizar los espectros de diseño propuestos en las diferentes metodologías analizadas.
Control de manipuladores teleoperados
Authors: Gutiérrez Carvajal Ricardo Enrique , Castillo Estepa Ricardo Andrés
Published: June 2017

Este trabajo presenta una revisión bibliográfica acerca de distintos modelos utilizados en el diseño de controladores para manipuladores teleoperados, se realiza una descripción tanto de las ventajas como de los problemas que se presentan al momento de implementar sistemas de control con técnicas convencionales e inteligentes (Redes Neuronales y Lógica Difusa) en estos dispositivos. También se abordan descriptivamente los sistemas teleoperados, para finalmente presentar una sección especializada en la que se muestran estrategias de control empleadas para tratar los retardos de señal inherentes a la teleoperación de manipuladores. En la última sección se citan algunas aplicaciones importantes para estos sistemas.
Impacto inelástico de una partícula sobre una superficie
Authors: Vargas W. L. , Pineda Lyda M. , Murcia Juan Carlos
Published: June 2017

En este estudio se presentan fundamentos básicos sobre la evaluación experimental del coeficiente de restitución aplicando tres métodos de estimación diferentes. Experimentalmente se ha estudiado la colisión normal de una esfera sin rotación sobre una pared plana lisa, explorando un rango significativo de materiales, velocidades de impacto y tamaños de partícula. Los resultados muestran la consistencia de las tres metodologías, las cuales rinden información complementaria. Se ha aplicado un modelo simplificado que reproduce de manera satisfactoria las observaciones experimentales.
Tendencia de la producción y el consumo del café en Colombia
Authors: Ocampo Lopez Olga Lucía , Alvarez-Herrera Lina Maria
Published: June 2017

El objeto de este estudio fue la identificación de tendencias en la producción de café. Se analizaron estadísticas cafeteras en los niveles mundial y nacional, considerando reportes de la Organización Internacional del Café (ICO), el Sistema de Información Agropecuaria y la Federación Nacional de Cafeteros (FNC). Los factores relacionados con la variabilidad climática, el incremento del precio de producción, la escasez de mano de obra y la volatilidad del precio del café afectan la industria cafetera y pueden ser causas estructurales de las tendencias decrecientes en la producción, encontradas en algunos países productores y en algunos departamentos tradicionalmente caficultores de Colombia.
El incierto crecimiento económico colombiano
Authors: Vallejo-Zamudio Luis Eudoro
Published: June 2017

Uno de los objetivos de política económica más  importante en cualquier país, es el crecimiento económico. Su importancia radica en que, si la producción aumenta, las rentas serán más altas mañana y las generaciones futuras alcanzarán mayores niveles de bienestar material.  De igual manera, si crece la economía, -manteniendo constante la estructura tributaria-, el gobierno obtendrá  mayores ingresos fiscales, y, por ende, dispondrá de más recursos para financiar un gasto social más elevado, y, de esta forma, combatir la pobreza y satisfacer una serie de necesidades básicas.  Así mismo, si crece la economía, se aprovechan mejor los  recursos productivos, y, por consiguiente, el nivel de empleo se incrementa.
Spectrophotometric Method Development and Validation for Estimation of Ibuprofen and Famotidine In the pharmaceutical formulation
Authors: Patel Rajeshri Dineshbhai , Shukla Riddhi Hiteshbhai , Buch Prakruti Rajeshbhai
Published: June 2017

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAIA) with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Famotidine is a competitive histamine H2-receptor antagonist, is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric or duodenal ulcer. The aim of the present research work was to develop accurate and rapid Area under Curve Method to determine Ibuprofen and Famotidine in combined dosage form. The Area under Curve method, wavelength range selected are 259-269 nm for Ibuprofen and 282-292 nm for Famotidine respectively. The developed method was obeyed the Beer’s law and was found linearity range between 80-640 μg/ml for IBU and 2-22 μg/ml for Famotidine; while the correlation coefficient were 0.9985 for Ibuprofen and 0.9982 for Famotidine. Parameters such as linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD and LOQ values were used for validation of the methods as per ICH guidelines for both methods. Intra and inter-day precision %RSD values were less than 2%. This method is found suitable for day to day analysis of Ibuprofen and Famotidine in combined dosage form.
Fascinante y detestable: artelización e integración de los paisajes industriales
Authors: Aníbarro Miguel Angel , Valdés Esther
Published: June 2017

Uno de los ejemplos más controvertidos del uso del término paisaje se refiere al de los de tipo industrial, al estar formados por complicadas instalaciones de todo tipo, incluyendo ahora también elementos como gigantescos aerogeneradores o extensos huertos solares. De lo que se trata es de indagar si es posible y cuando se produce una consideración estética de tales instalaciones comprendidas en su entorno, especialmentesi es campestre. Se hace uso para ello del concepto de “artelización” introducido por Alain Roger y de una nítida diferenciación entre paisaje y territorio. Pero también se advierte de que no siempre se logra esa apreciación estética y que con frecuencia se asiste a situaciones calificables como “despaisajes”. Un recorrido por una escogida selección de ejemplos permite abordar sus casos más característicos y aproximarse a una categorización de los mismos.
TINGKAH LAKU MAKAN LUTUNG JAWA Trachypithecus auratus DI KAWASAN PANCURAN 7 BATURADEN GUNUNG SLAMET JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Eliana Dwi , Nasution Erie Kolya , Indarmawan Indarmawan
Published: June 2017

Javan Langur (Trachypithecus auratus) has an important ecological role in conserving the forest as their habitat by spreading seeds of fruits of their food. They are also responsible for the pattern of the plant diversity and forest regeneration as their habitat. Unfortunately, Javan Langur has been listed on Appendix II of CITES and categorized as vulnerable by the IUCN. Pancuran 7 Baturaden on the Mount Slamet slope is one of the few Javan Langur habitats in Java. Information on the Javan Langur in this area was inadequate. Therefore this study was aimed to get information on the type of food and the feeding behavior of Javan Langur, particularly in Pancuran 7 Baturaden. This study used a survey method, and the Animal Scan sampling technique was applied. The variables observed were sex ratio, population size, eating position, eating process, feeding locations, feeding duration, including the food type of the Javan Langur. Observed data for each variable were analyzed descriptively as percentages, and the results showed the Javan Langur were eating by sitting and standing, were marking trees to feed, were using hands and mouth to eat, were eating leaves and fruit, were eating on the trees and bushes. There were nine plant species as their food variety, while Matoa fruit and leave (Pometia  pinnata) were their preferred foods.
Message from Editors-in-Chief
Authors: Hirota Kaoru ,   *Professor Emeritus, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan1000 Talents Programme Professor, School of Automation,Beijing Institute of Technology, ChinaDirector, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Beijing Office, China**Nagoya University, Professor EmeritusMeijo University, ProfessorBeijing Institute of Technology, 1000 Talents Programme Professor, Fukuda Toshio
Published: June 2017

It is our great pleasure to congratulate the Journal of Advanced Computational Intelligence and Intelligent Informatics (JACIII) on its 20th anniversary. The concept of Computational Intelligence was originally authorized in the first IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence (WCCI) held in Orlando, Florida in 1994, where the key issues of CI were characterized by fuzzy, neuro, and EC (Evolutionary Computation). The JACI (Journal of Advanced Computational Intelligence) Vol.1 No.1 was published from Fuji Technology Press in Oct 1997, and the name of the journal has been changed to JACIII since Vol.7 No.1 Feb 2003 to accept more widely developed issues related to intelligent informatics.   The JACIII is currently published in bimonthly, six issues a year, in cooperation with International Fuzzy Systems Association (IFSA), Japan Society for Fuzzy Theory and Intelligent Informatics (SOFT), Brazilian Society of Automatics (SBA), The Society of Instrument and Control Engineers (SICE), John von Neumann Computer Society (NJSZT), Vietnamese Fuzzy Systems Society (VFSS), Fuzzy Systems and Intelligent Technologies Research Society of Thailand (FIRST), Korean Institute of Intelligent Systems (KIIS), and Taiwanese Association for Artificial Intelligence (TAAI), and is indexed in ESCI, SCOPUS, and COMPENDEX (Ei-Index).   In the past 20 years personally, so many issues happened in the JACIII editing process. Some of them were very tough but all are very good memories to us. We occasionally organize the JACIII editorial meetings in Tokyo and remotely. As Editors-in-Chief, we are most grateful to all who have worked with the JACIII and helped reach its 20th anniversary. We thank the editorial board members for editing this journal with their high discernment and the guest editors for arranging special issues with their high profession. We would also like to thank the peer reviewers for their accurate evaluations in a short time, and finally our special thanks go to the editorial office of Fuji Technology Press Ltd., especially to its founder, Mr. K. Hayashi, and to the editors, Ms. Reiko Ohta and Mr. Kunihiko Uchida for their efforts in publishing this journal.
Functional and Radiographic Outcomes Following Growth-Sparing Management of Early-Onset Scoliosis
Authors: Johnston Charles E. , Tran Dong-Phuong , McClung Anna
Published: June 2017

Background:

In this study, we sought to evaluate radiographic, functional, and quality-of-life outcomes of patients who have completed growth-sparing management of early-onset scoliosis.

Methods:

This prospective study involved patients with early-onset scoliosis who underwent growth-sparing treatment and either “final” fusion or observation for ≥2 years since the last lengthening procedure. Demographics, radiographic parameters, pulmonary function test (PFT) values, and scores of patient-reported assessments (Early-Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire [EOSQ] and Scoliosis Research Society [SRS]-30) were obtained. At the most recent follow-up, patients performed 2 additional functional outcome tests: step-activity monitoring and a treadmill exercise-tolerance test.

Results:

Twelve patients were evaluated as “graduates” of growth-sparing management of early-onset scoliosis (mean of 37 months since the most recent surgery). The major scoliosis curve measurement averaged 88° before treatment and 47° at the most recent follow-up. T1-S1 height increased from a mean of 22.3 cm to 34.7 cm and T1-T12 height, from 13.3 to 22.3 cm. At the most recent follow-up, the mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) as a percentage of the predicted volume were 52.1% and 55.3%, respectively, and were essentially unchanged from the earliest PFT that patients could perform (FEV1 = 53.8% of predicted and FVC = 53.5% of predicted). There was no difference between graduates and controls with respect to activity time or total steps in step-activity monitoring, and in the exercise-tolerance test, graduates walked at the same speed but at a higher heart rate and at a significantly higher (p <0.001) VO2 cost (rate of oxygen consumed per distance traveled). The EOSQ mean score was 102.2 of a possible 120 points, and the SRS mean score was 4.1 of a possible 5 points.

Conclusions:

A realistic long-term goal for the management of early-onset scoliosis appears to be spine elongation and maintenance of pulmonary function at a level that is no less than the percentage of normal at initial presentation. Functional testing and patient-reported outcomes at a mean of 3 years from the last surgery suggest that activity levels were generally equal to those of controls but required greater physiologic demand. General health and physical function outcomes revealed continued impairment in these domains.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Comparison of Anterior and Posterior Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Kato So , Nouri Aria , Wu Dongjin , Nori Satoshi , Tetreault Lindsay , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Surgeons often choose between 2 different approaches (anterior and posterior) for surgical treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy on the basis of imaging features of spinal cord compression, the number of levels affected, and the spinal alignment. However, there is a lack of consensus on which approach is preferable. The objective of the present study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based propensity-score-matched analysis to compare postoperative outcomes between the anterior and posterior surgical approaches for degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Methods:

A total of 757 patients were enrolled in 2 prospective multicenter AOSpine studies, which involved 26 international sites. Preoperative MRIs were reviewed to characterize the causes of the cord compression, including single-level disc disease, multilevel disc disease, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, enlargement of the ligamentum flavum, vertebral subluxation/spondylolisthesis, congenital fusion, number of compressed levels, or kyphosis. The propensity to choose anterior decompression was calculated using demographic data, preoperative MRI findings, and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores in a logistic regression model. We then performed 1-to-1 matching of patients who had received anterior decompression with those who had the same propensity score but had received posterior decompression to compare 2-year postoperative outcomes and 30-day perioperative complication rates between the 2 groups after adjustment for background characteristics.

Results:

A total of 435 cases were included in the propensity score calculation, and 1-to-1 matching resulted in 80 pairs of anterior and posterior surgical cases; 99% of these matched patients had multilevel compression. The anterior and posterior groups did not differ significantly in terms of the postoperative mJOA score (15.1 versus 15.3, p = 0.53), Neck Disability Index (20.5 versus 24.1, p = 0.44), or Short Form-36 (SF-36) Physical Component Summary (PCS) score (41.9 versus 40.9, p = 0.30). The overall rates of perioperative complications were similar between the 2 groups (16% versus 11%, p = 0.48); however, dysphagia/dysphonia was reported only in the anterior group whereas surgical site infection and C5 radiculopathy were reported only in the posterior group.

Conclusions:

Anterior and posterior decompression for degenerative cervical myelopathy resulted in similar postoperative outcomes and rates of complications.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Changes in Psychological Status and Health-Related Quality of Life Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Cho Chul-Hyun , Song Kwang-Soon , Hwang Ilseon , Coats-Thomas Margaret S. , Warner Jon J.P.
Published: June 2017

Background:

There has been little documentation of the effects of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) on psychological status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We investigated changes in psychological status (depression and anxiety) and HRQoL following TSA and assessed the effect of preoperative psychological status on postoperative clinical and functional outcome. We hypothesized that TSA would improve both psychological status and HRQoL.

Methods:

We prospectively enrolled 46 patients undergoing TSA for osteoarthritis. Preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, all of the subjects completed the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Scale (ASES), the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) measure, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-BREF).

Results:

From 3 months after surgery, significant improvement in HADS-depression, HADS-anxiety, and WHOQOL-BREF scores as well as in the other outcome measures of VAS pain score, ASES score, and SSV were observed. The prevalence of depression and anxiety decreased from a rate of 15.2% and 19.5%, respectively, preoperatively to a rate of 6.5% for each at 12 months postoperatively. Preoperative HADS-depression and HADS-anxiety scores did not correlate with any of the clinical and functional outcome measures at 12 months after surgery.

Conclusions:

This study showed significant improvement in psychological status and HRQoL as well as in pain and functional ability from 3 months after TSA in patients with osteoarthritis. Preoperative depression and anxiety did not predict poor postoperative outcome. Our findings suggest that TSA offers an excellent chance of improving psychological status and HRQoL.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Plate Fixation Versus Nonoperative Treatment for Displaced Midshaft Clavicular Fractures
Authors: Woltz Sarah , Krijnen Pieta , Schipper Inger B.
Published: June 2017

Background:

The aim was to analyze whether patients with a displaced midshaft clavicular fracture are best managed with plate fixation or nonoperative treatment with respect to nonunion, secondary operations, and functional outcome, by evaluating all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this subject.

Methods:

A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science) was performed to identify RCTs comparing nonoperative treatment with plate fixation for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Risk of bias of the studies was assessed. Outcomes evaluated were nonunion, shoulder function (Constant score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] score), and secondary operations.

Results:

Six RCTs (614 patients) were included. The risk of nonunion was lower in the operatively treated patients (relative risk [RR] = 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06 to 0.32). One-third of the patients with a nonunion did not receive further treatment. Secondary operations for adverse events were performed less often in the operatively treated patients (RR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.25 to 0.71). When plate removal operations were also included, a secondary operation was performed in 17.6% in the operative group and 16.6% in the nonoperative group (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.64 to 1.59). Constant and DASH scores after 1 year were somewhat better after plate fixation, with mean differences of 4.4 points (95% CI, 0.9 to 7.9 points) and 5.1 points (95% CI, 0.1 to 10.1 points), respectively.

Conclusions:

Plate fixation significantly reduces the risk of nonunion, but does not have a clinically relevant advantage regarding final functional outcome. Secondary operations are common after both treatments. Overall, there is not enough evidence to support routine operative treatment for all patients with a displaced midshaft clavicular fracture.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Interrater and Intrarater Reliability of Arthroscopic Measurements of Articular Cartilage Defects in the Knee
Authors: Flanigan David C. , Carey James L. , Brophy Robert H. , Graham William C. , DiBartola Alex C. , Hamilton David , Nagaraja Haikady N. , Lattermann Christian
Published: June 2017

Background:

Cartilage lesions of the knee are difficult to treat. Lesion size is a critical factor in treatment algorithms, and the accurate, reproducible sizing of lesions is important. In this study, we evaluated the interrater and intrarater reliability of, and correlations in relation to, various arthroscopic sizing techniques.

Methods:

Five lesions were created in each of 10 cadaveric knees (International Cartilage Repair Society grade 3C). Three orthopaedic surgeons used 4 techniques (visualization and use of a 3-mm probe, a simple metal ruler, and a sliding metallic ruler tool) to estimate lesion size. Repeated-measures data were analyzed using a mixed-effect linear model. The differences between observed and gold-standard (plastic mold) values were used as the response. Intraclass and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values for intrarater and interrater reliability were computed, as were overall correlation coefficients between measurements and gold standards.

Results:

The mean lesion size was 2.37 cm2 (range, 0.36 to 6.02 cm2). Rater, lesion location and size, and measurement method all affected the cartilage defect measurements. Surgeons underestimated lesion size, and measurements of larger lesions had a higher percentage of error compared with those of smaller lesions. When compared with plastic molds of lesions, 60.5% of surgeon measurements underestimated lesion size. Overall, the correlation between measurements and gold standards was strongest for the simple metal ruler method and weakest for the visualization method.

Conclusions:

Several factors may influence arthroscopic estimation of cartilage lesion size: the lesion location, measurement tool, surgeon, and defect size itself. The intrarater and interrater reliability was moderate to good using a 3-mm probe, sliding metallic ruler tool, or simple metal ruler and was fair to moderate using visualization only.

Clinical Relevance:

There is a need for more accurate methods of determining the size of articular cartilage lesions.
Nonspontaneous and multilayer adsorption of malachite green dye by Acacia nilotica waste with dominance of physisorption
Authors: Amin M. T. , Alazba A. A. , Shafiq M.
Published: June 2017

Adsorption of the hazardous dye malachite green (MG) by Acacia nilotica (AN) waste was investigated. Batch process variables for the adsorption of MG by AN were optimized. The mechanisms involved in the adsorption of MG by AN were explored using isotherms and kinetic models. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated to determine the spontaneity and thermal nature of the MG adsorption reaction. The maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity of AN was found to be 113.26 mg/g at 30 °C. The MG adsorption data revealed that AN adsorbs MG by multilayer adsorption, as shown by the better fit of the data to the Freundlich and Halsey models (R2 = 0.99) rather than to the Langmuir model. Multilayer adsorption involves physisorption, which was confirmed by the E value (mean free energy of adsorption) of the Dubinin–Radushkevich model (6.52 kJ/mol). Surface diffusion was found to be the main driving force for MG adsorption by AN. The MG adsorption reaction was endothermic, based on the enthalpy, and was controlled by the entropy of the system in the T1 temperature range (30 to 40 °C), while the opposite trend was observed in the T2 range (40 to 50 °C). Moreover, MG adsorption by AN was found to be nonspontaneous at all temperatures.
Preparation and Testing of PAN Carbon/Epoxy Resin Composites
Authors: Patro Brundaban , Shashidhar D. , Rajeshwer B. , Padhi Saroj Kumar
Published: June 2017

Background:

Due to light weight, high performance and excellent mechanical properties, carbon fibers are considered a key material in the 21st century. These are extensively used in many industries for structural usages, such as aerospace, aeronautical, sporting goods applications, and automotive and medical devices, due to their desirable strength to weight properties. Now, these are globally accepted as a high performance and high-strength material. Most of the carbon fibers are derived from polyacrylonitrile fiber precursor. These materials have the potential for fire hazards caused due to heat, smoke, and electric short circuit.

Objective:

To prepare polyacrylonitrile carbon and epoxy resin laminates in multilayers by hand-lay-up method and testing by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.

Method:

Polyacrylonitrile carbon fiber/epoxy resin composites are prepared using the hand-lay-up method. For the non-destructive testing, the ultrasonic type is used. For the destructive testing, a universal testing machine is used to test the tensile test, the flexural test and the inter-laminar shear stress test, as per the ASTM standard. Subsequently, the physical properties, such as the density test and the fiber content, the resin content and the void content tests of the laminate are carried out.

Results:

The experimental results show that the matrix laminates have good mechanical and physical properties.

Conclusion:

Preparation and testing of polyacrylonitrile carbon/epoxy resin composites are carried out and the prepared laminates exhibit good mechanical and physical properties. Hence, the laminates can be used in many industrial and commercial applications, as a composite material.
Cognitive Loads and Training Success in a Video-Based Online Training Course
Authors: Stiller Klaus D. , Köster Annamaria
Published: June 2017

Background:

According to research based on cognitive load theory, the way of presenting information in an instructional environment is essential to the learning outcome. By avoiding unnecessary extraneous load caused by badly designed instructions and other sources, learners are more likely to successfully construct knowledge. In addition, learner characteristics are known to affect learning.

Objective:

This study explores the effects of learners’ online learning experience, domain-specific prior knowledge, computer attitude and computer anxiety on their perceived intrinsic, extraneous and germane load and on their learning outcome in a video-based training course about media design for employees.

Method and Results:

Learning outcome was assessed by ratings of subjective learning success, ratings of professional competence, the number of completed modules and performance. None of the learning outcome variables could be modelled when entering learner characteristics in a regression analysis, but all could be modelled using the cognitive load ratings.

Conclusion:

Thus, extraneous, intrinsic and germane load were the most important factors for explaining the learning outcome. This result points to the importance of instructional design and particularly to managing cognitive load in online training scenarios.
Well-Being of Nursing Students: Role of Affect Regulation, Self-Esteem, Family Cohesion and Social Support
Authors: Brajsa-Zganec Andreja , Lipovcan Ljiljana Kaliterna , Ivanovic Danijela , Larsen Zvjezdana Prizmic
Published: June 2017

Background:

Nursing is a profession often characterized with high level of stress, physical and mental demands at work, which then can bring personal and social strains in nurses’ life. It is important to identify the factors, which can lead to nurses’ better subjective well-being.

Objective:

This study explores the relationship between subjective well-being (life satisfaction, happiness) and set of personal (self-esteem, affect regulation strategies) and social variables (family cohesion, social support).

Method:

411 participants were nursing part-time students, 79% females (M=25 years). They reported life satisfaction, happiness, strategies used by the Measure of Affect Regulation Styles classified into 6 scales: Behavioral, Cognitive, Situation-directed, Affect-directed, Disengagement and Avoidance, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Family cohesion scale and shortened and adapted version of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List belonging subscale, their gender, age and socioeconomic status.

Results:

Well-being variables were best predicted positively by behavioral and affect-focused strategies, social support, family cohesion and self-esteem. Both sets of personal and social variables showed similar predictive power.

Conclusion:

The findings of our study showed the importance of personal as well as social variables in predicting well-being among nursing students. Providing strong social support and good family cohesion, as well as using effective regulation strategies and having higher self-esteem would help in improving their life satisfaction and happiness.