bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profile and value of FIB‐4 in patients with dual chronic hepatitis C and B
Authors: Liu Chun‐Jen , Tseng Tai‐Chung , Yang Wan‐Ting , Su Tung‐Hung , Yang Hung‐Chih , Liu Chen‐Hua , Chen Pei‐Jer , Chen Ding‐Shinn , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: August 2018

Background and Aims

Patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are at risk of developing adverse outcomes. Coinfection with both viruses may further increase the risk. Currently, little is known about the role of fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index, a simple liver fibrosis stage biomarker, in predicting the clinical outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 152 non‐cirrhotic patients with dual chronic HCV and HBV infection: 56 patients received pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy, while 96 patients remained untreated. The association between the FIB‐4 index and the incidence of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was explored.

Results

After a 9.88‐year follow‐up, the incidence of hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance was 4.97 (95% confidence interval: 3.13–7.89) per 100 person‐years in the treated group and was 1.77 (1.10–2.85) in the untreated group. Of the treated group, only three and six patients developed HCC and liver cirrhosis, respectively, while 17 and 23 patients developed HCC and liver cirrhosis, respectively, in untreated group. Baseline FIB‐4 index correlated with the development of liver cirrhosis in multivariable analysis of all subjects. High baseline FIB‐4 index (per 1 point increase) in the treated groups was associated with a higher risk of developing liver cirrhosis (P = 0.001) and HCC (P = 0.038) in univariable analysis. FIB‐4 index decreased only in the treated group who achieved sustained virological response (n = 34, FIB‐4 index decreasing from 1.84 to 1.55).

Conclusions

In Taiwanese patients coinfected with HCV and HBV, FIB‐4 index helps identify patients at risk of developing adverse events, even in patients receiving pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy.
Resilience and difficulties of parents of children with a cleft lip and palate
Authors: Ueki Shingo , Fujita Yuichi , Kitao Mika , Kumagai Yukari , Ike Miho , Niinomi Kazuteru , Matsunaka Eriko , Fujiwara Chieko
Published: August 2018

Aim

The present study explored the differences in emotional difficulties and resilience between fathers and mothers of a child with a cleft lip and palate.

Methods

Married couples were recruited who were accompanying their child with a cleft lip and palate (<12 years old) on regular visits to an outpatient clinic in a Japanese hospital. The participants were distributed an anonymous questionnaire that included items regarding emotional difficulties with the cleft lip and palate and a scale to measure resilience when caring for the children. In the data analysis, the paired t‐test was used to compare the individuals within the couples.

Results

By analyzing the data of 64 couples who provided valid responses, two items with the highest mean score for the difficulties that were faced by both the father and mother of a child with a cleft lip and palate were: “I am worried about whether the child's teeth will be straightened” and “I am worried that the children could suffer due to their appearance.” The mothers felt significantly more worry about their child's future and more guilt than did the fathers. In contrast, the fathers had greater resilience, in terms of problem‐solving skills and recognition and acceptance than did the mothers.

Conclusion

It is important that healthcare providers understand the difference between the fathers’ and mothers’ worries about their child with a cleft lip and palate. Specific support services should be offered to fathers with a high level of resilience, in terms of the acceptance of reality and problem‐solving, which could increase their parenting ability.
Completeness of protocols for clinical trials in children submitted to ethics committees
Authors: Joseph Pathma D , Caldwell Patrina HY , Barnes Elizabeth H , Hynes Kay , Choong Catherine S , Turner Sean , Vosk Claire , White Jessie , Richichi Kate , Craig Jonathan C
Published: August 2018

Aim

Studies of published clinical trials involving children have shown frequent omissions in key aspects of design and conduct, but these problems may be artefactual and due to editorial processes and space limitations. To determine actual design and conduct, we analysed the completeness of key domains in trial protocols involving children submitted to Human Research Ethics Committees.

Methods

The ethics committees of all eight children's hospitals in Australia were invited to participate. De‐identified trial protocols submitted for review in 2012 were evaluated using a checklist derived from Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials, the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

Results

Four ethics committees agreed to participate, and 69 protocols were analysed. The domains almost always reported were clustered around the background and trial plan (planned interventions for each group (99%), specific objectives (97%) and scientific background (96%)). Risk‐of‐bias domains such as random sequence generation and blinding of participants were often reported (75–90%). Domains least reported were clustered around the statistical analysis plan (66%), specified intention‐to‐treat analysis (54%), the justification for the proposed trial based upon a systematic review (48%) and age‐specific outcomes (48%).

Conclusions

Protocols of trials involving children assessed by ethics committees generally include details on background and basic design, but many key domains in trial design and conduct are not covered. Despite widespread recognition of how problems in the design and conduct of trials may lead to unreliable results, investigators still appear to be omitting key elements in trial protocols.
MiR-324-5p reduces viability and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells through modulating TSPAN8
Authors: Lin Hai , Zhou Ai-Jun , Zhang Jing-Yu , Liu Shu-Fang , Gu Jian-Xiang
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to further clarify the role and underlying mechanism of miR-324-5p in gastric cancer.

Methods

The expressions of miR-324-5p and TSPAN8 as determined by qRT-PCR or Western blot were compared between the gastric cancer tissues and normal tissues. Human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 was cultured and transfected with miR-324-5p mimic/inhibitor or pcDNA-TSPAN8. The cell survival was assessed by the cell viability and apoptosis. Luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to explore the interaction between miR-324-5p and TSPAN8 in SGC-7901 cells.

Key findings

MiR-324-5p was decreased in human gastric carcinoma tissues (n = 33), but TSPAN8 protein expression was increased in the gastric carcinoma tissues (n = 33). Moreover, miR-324-5p inhibited the viability and induced the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in vitro. TSPAN8 is a functional target of miR-324-5p in gastric cancer. MiR-324-5p was further confirmed to reduce gastric cancer cell viability and induce apoptosis via downregulating TSPAN8 in SGC-7901 cells in vitro. Additionally, miR-324-5p overexpression markedly inhibited the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer cells in vivo, as shown by the smaller tumour volume compared with the control.

Conclusions

This study suggested a novel, probable mechanism of miR-324-5p in gastric cancer context and revealed that miR-324-5p inhibited gastric cancer cell survival by targeting TSPAN8.
The effects of parity and litter size on bone metabolic activity in pregnant and lactating sows
Authors: Schmidt Christina M. , Chiba Lee I. , Hood Wendy R.
Published: August 2018

During gestation and lactation, female mammals often mobilize endogenous nutrient reserves to meet the resource demands of offspring production. These mobilized stores include calcium, phosphorous and other minerals that are resorbed from maternal bone to facilitate rapid mineralization of offspring bones. The extent to which bone mineral is resorbed is governed by the total amount of mineral taken in from the diet, but also by the competing demands of offspring and the minimum level of bone density that a female must sustain to support self‐maintenance. The maximum amount of bone that a female may mobilize is undoubtedly dependent a variety of maternal traits, including age and reproductive experience (i.e., parity). We evaluated changes in serum concentrations of biomarkers of metabolic activity (total deoxypyridinoline [tDPD] and osteocalcin [OC]) of maternal bone and its relationship to reproductive output and parity throughout pregnancy and lactation in Yorkshire sows. Litter size did not affect bone metabolism; however, serum concentrations of both tDPD and OC were significantly higher in sows with little or no reproductive experience when compared to sows that had produced at least 3 litters prior to the current reproductive bout. This suggests a shift in ability or physiological strategy to meet offspring mineral demands that is acquired or associated with reproductive experience.
Occupational Therapy Empowering Support Workers to Change How They Support People with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities to Engage in Activity
Authors: Haines David , Wright Jonathan , Comerasamy Huguette
Published: August 2018

People with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities may not always be well supported to engage meaningfully in activity at home, an injustice impacting on well‐being and quality of life. Research sought better understanding of how occupational therapists work to improve the quality of this support, in particular, how they encourage support workers and managers to adopt recommendations. A single, purposively selected, case of supporting engagement in activity at home was investigated using a critical ethnographic case study methodology from an interpretivist and social constructionist stance. An occupational therapist worked with five people with severe and profound learning disabilities and their support workers over one year. Data were collected using ethnographic methods (participant observation, interviews and document analysis) and analyzed using an emergent systematic strategy (formal coding and categorization, alongside intuitive and affective analysis) and NVivo qualitative data analysis software. The case's story (illustrated by an ethnographic vignette constructed from the data) highlights challenges encouraging others to follow recommendations as intended. It has two overarching themes: the impact of shifting support and leadership cultures; and characteristics of occupational therapy, seeking in particular to create and sustain cultural change by working with support workers in a collaborative and empowering way. To overcome the impacts of organizational culture on how support is given (thereby improving the quality of lives of people with profound intellectual disabilities) professionals need to collaborate with support workers. Occupational injustices they arguably may face, in particular risk of burnout where their roles are conflicting or ambiguous, may also need to be addressed. Implications are suggested for health and social care professionals working indirectly through support workers of people with profound intellectual disabilities (and others with high support needs) and for the education and training of these professionals.
Social Performance as Cultural Critique: Critical Theory beyond Bourdieu and Habermas
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Man
Published: August 2018

Although Bourdieu and Habermas concur that a critical reconstruction of the lay practice must be able to help people emancipate themselves from the social forces that are beyond their recognition, they take a radically different tack to achieve that goal. In the first part of this paper, I will bring Bourdieu to a “virtual dialogue” with Habermas and show why Bourdieu's method of “participant objectivation” should be abandoned in favor of Habermas's theory of “virtual participation”. In the second part, after examining how Habermas uses his theory of virtual participation to criticize Garfinkel's ethnomethodology, I will show why Habermas's theory of virtual participation fails to accomplish what it professes to do. In the third part, by recounting the history of child abuse, I shall argue that the critique of the traditional practice of child beating was made possible not through the exchanges of validity claims about child beating as Habermas would argue but through the performance of narratives that re‐describe the “meaning” of child beating in terms that made the traditional practice of child beating look inhuman, unbearable and horrible. Keywords critical theory, participant objectivation, virtual participation, validity claim, social performance, Narrative.
Variation of endothelium‐related hemostatic factors during sepsis
Authors: Vasileiadis Ioannis , Politou Marianna , Dimopoulos Stavros , Rovina Nikoletta , Kyriakopoulou Magdalini , Kyriakoudi Anna , Tripodaki Elli‐Sophia , Koutsouri Theodora , Terpos Evangelos , Koulouris Nikolaos , Koutsoukou Antonia
Published: August 2018

Objective

The thrombomodulin/protein C and VWF/ADAMTS‐13 pathways are disturbed in sepsis and have been implicated in the coagulation disorders that characterize the septic syndrome. We aimed to assess the variation of these endothelial parameters during sepsis and their putative association with outcome, in critically ill, septic patients.

Methods

We monitored 34 septic patients, 23 of whom improved (group A) while 11 deteriorated (group B). We assessed ADAMTS‐13 levels, VWF activity, soluble thrombomodulin, and protein C activity upon admission to the ICU (time point 0) and at the time of a change in the clinical condition (remission or deterioration, time point 1).

Results

In group A, thrombomodulin and VWF increased at time point 1 compared to time point 0 (P = 0.011, P = 0.028, respectively). In group B, protein C and ADAMTS‐13 significantly decreased (P = 0.023, P = 0.026, respectively), while VWF, VWF/ADAMTS‐13 ratio, and the thrombomodulin/protein C ratio increased (P = 0.02, P = 0.002, P = 0.01, respectively). Protein C (> or ≤17%) and ADAMTS‐13 percentage difference (> or ≤22%) were independently associated with sepsis outcome among the endothelial variables tested.

Conclusions

An ongoing endothelial/hemostatic disorder was established during sepsis, observed even at clinical improvement. Among the variables tested, protein C and ADAMTS‐13 change were associated with outcome.
Reproducibility of the NanoString 22‐gene molecular subgroup assay for improved prognostic prediction of medulloblastoma
Authors: Leal Letícia F. , Evangelista Adriane F. , de Paula Flávia E. , Caravina Almeida Gisele , Carloni Adriana C. , Saggioro Fabiano , Stavale João N. , Malheiros Suzana M.F. , Mançano Bruna , de Oliveira Marco A. , Luu Betty , Neder Luciano , Taylor Michael D. , Reis Rui M.
Published: August 2018

Medulloblastoma is the most frequent malignant brain tumor in children. Four medulloblastoma molecular subgroups, MBSHH, MBWNT, MBGRP3 and MBGRP4, have been identified by integrated high‐throughput platforms. Recently, a 22‐gene panel NanoString‐based assay was developed for medulloblastoma molecular subgrouping, but the robustness of this assay has not been widely evaluated. Mutations in the gene for human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) have been found in medulloblastomas and are associated with distinct molecular subtypes. This study aimed to implement the 22‐gene panel in a Brazilian context, and to associate the molecular profile with patients’ clinical‐pathological features. Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) medulloblastoma samples (n = 104) from three Brazilian centers were evaluated. Expression profiling of the 22‐gene panel was performed by NanoString and a Canadian series (n = 240) was applied for training phase. hTERT mutations were analyzed by PCR followed by direct Sanger sequencing and the molecular profile was associated with patients’ clinicopathological features. Overall, 65% of the patients were male, average age at diagnosis was 18 years and 7% of the patients presented metastasis at diagnosis. The molecular classification was attained in 100% of the cases, with the following frequencies: MBSHH (n = 51), MBWNT (n = 19), MBGRP4 (n = 19) and MBGRP3 (n = 15). The MBSHH and MBGRP3 subgroups were associated with older and younger patients, respectively. The MBGRP4 subgroup exhibited the lowest 5‐year cancer‐specific overall survival (OS), yet in the multivariate analysis, only metastasis at diagnosis and surgical resection were associated with OS. hTERT mutations were detected in 29% of the cases and were associated with older patients, increased hTERT expression and MBSHH subgroup. The 22‐gene panel provides a reproducible assay for molecular subgrouping of medulloblastoma FFPE samples in a routine setting and is well‐suited for future clinical trials.
Carbon gain phenologies of spring‐flowering perennials in a deciduous forest indicate a novel niche for a widespread invader
Authors: Heberling J. Mason , Cassidy Steven T. , Fridley Jason D. , Kalisz Susan
Published: August 2018

Strategies of herbaceous species in deciduous forests are often characterized by the timing of life history phases (e.g. emergence, flowering, leaf senescence) relative to overstory tree canopy closure. Although springtime photosynthesis is assumed to account for the majority of their annual carbon budgets, the 12‐month photosynthetic trajectories of forest herbs have not been quantified.

We measured the temporal dynamics of carbon assimilation for seven native herbaceous perennials and the biennial Alliaria petiolata, a widespread invader in eastern North American forests. We assessed the relative importance of spring, summer, and autumn to species‐level annual carbon budgets.

Spring‐emerging species showed significant variation in carbon assimilation patterns. High spring irradiance before canopy closure accounted for 39–100% of species‐level annual carbon assimilation, but summer and autumn accounted for large proportions of some species’ carbon budgets (up to 58% and 19%, respectively). Alliaria was phenologically unique, taking advantage both autumn and spring irradiance.

Although spring‐emerging understory species are often expected to rely on early‐season irradiance, our results highlight interspecific differences and the importance of mid−late season carbon gain. Phenological strategies of forest herbs are a continuum rather than discrete categories, and invasive species may follow strategies that are underrepresented in the native flora.
The host actin cytoskeleton channels rhizobia release and facilitates symbiosome accommodation during nodulation in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Zhang Xiaxia , Han Libo , Wang Qi , Zhang Chen , Yu Yanjun , Tian Juan , Kong Zhaosheng
Published: August 2018

In plants, the actin cytoskeleton plays a central role in regulating intracellular transport and trafficking in the endomembrane system. Work in legumes suggested that during nodulation, the actin cytoskeleton coordinates numerous cellular processes in the development of nitrogen‐fixing nodules. However, we lacked live‐cell visualizations demonstrating dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton during infection droplet release and symbiosome development.

Here, we generated transgenic Medicago truncatula lines stably expressing the fluorescent actin marker ABD2‐GFP, and utilized live‐cell imaging to reveal the architecture and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton during nodule development.

Live‐cell observations showed that different zones in nitrogen‐fixing nodules exhibit distinct actin architectures and infected cells display five characteristic actin architectures during nodule development. Live‐cell imaging combined with three‐dimensional reconstruction demonstrated that dense filamentous‐actin (F‐actin) arrays channel the elongation of infection threads and the release of infection droplets, an F‐actin network encircles freshly‐released rhizobia, and short F‐actin fragments and actin dots around radially distributed symbiosomes.

Our findings suggest an important role of the actin cytoskeleton in infection droplet release, symbiosome development and maturation, and provide significant insight into the cellular mechanisms underlying nodule development and nitrogen fixation during legume–rhizobia interactions.
The role and impact of community health workers in childhood obesity interventions: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Schroeder K. , McCormick R. , Perez A. , Lipman T. H.
Published: August 2018

Childhood obesity increases the risk for poor health during childhood, as well as for adult obesity and its associated comorbidities. Children from racial/ethnic minority groups or who live in poverty experience elevated rates of obesity. One potential method for reducing childhood obesity disparities is to involve community health workers (frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and/or have an unusually close understanding of the community served). The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to explore the role and effectiveness of community health workers in childhood obesity interventions. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, of which nine were eligible for inclusion in the meta‐analysis. Results demonstrated that community health workers played various roles in childhood obesity interventions in the home, clinic, school, and community setting. Interventions focused primarily on children from underserved populations. Meta‐analytic findings demonstrated a small but significant impact on BMIz and BMI percentile (BMIz [7 studies]: −0.08, 95% CI: −0.15, −0.01, p = 0.03, I2 = 39.4%; BMI percentile [2 studies]: −0.25, 95% CI: −0.38, −0.11, p < 0.01, I2 = 0%). Findings from this review demonstrate that partnering with community health workers may be an important strategy for reducing childhood obesity disparities and advancing health equity.
Environmental resource deficit may drive the evolution of intraspecific trait variation in invasive plant populations
Authors: Liu Shuangshuang , Streich Jared , Borevitz Justin O. , Rice Kevin J. , Li Tingting , Li Bo , Bradford Kent J.
Published: August 2018

Intraspecific trait variation within natural populations (i.e. intra‐population trait variation, IPTV) is the basic source for selection and can have significant ecological consequences. Higher IPTV may increase a population's niche breath and benefit interspecies competition under a resource‐limited environment, thus affecting the ability of a species to move into novel habitats. However, the reciprocal influences of variation in environmental conditions and phenotypic trait expression in spreading plant populations are not clearly defined. We propose that during invasion, IPTV and its relative change in response to key resource enrichment may increase with the resource deficit of invaded sites, and that this relationship may facilitate plant invasions into resource‐limited environments. We analyzed the invasion trend, IPTV and its response to water enrichment, and moisture variability among populations of an annual grass Brachypodium hybridum in California, United States. We incorporated a genotyping‐by‐sequencing approach, a common garden experiment that had two water level treatments, and public plant and climate databases. Our hypothesis was supported by the observation that for populations that invaded sites with higher spring moisture deficit, both their seed biomass IPTV (for the water‐enriched treatment only) and relative change of the IPTV across water treatments were larger when examined in the common garden experiment. A generally north to south spreading direction was found in these B. hybridum populations, towards a drier and warmer climate exhibiting higher moisture deficit for plant growth. Our results suggest a role for interactions between IPTV (rather than trait means) and environmental resource availability in promoting plant invasions, providing new insights into the significance of IPTV in shaping plant geographic distributions.
Three‐dimensional CT Improves the Reproducibility of Stability Evaluation for Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Cho Yi‐cheng , Lee Pei‐yuan , Lee Cheng‐hung , Chen Chih‐hui , Lin Yu‐min
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Femoral intertrochanteric fractures are among the most common fractures in the elderly. There are various classification systems in intertrochanteric fractures. The aim of these classification systems is to help surgeons choose an appropriate treatment. The treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures depends on the results of a stability evaluation using imaging studies. However, it is difficult to evaluate the true fracture line using plain X‐ray films, especially on the sagittal plane and for intertrochanteric fractures with complex morphologies. The aim of the current study was to determine whether three‐dimensional CT (3DCT) improves the reproducibility of stability evaluation for femoral intertrochanteric fractures.

Methods

This was a single‐center observational study of intertrochanteric fractures. We retrospectively collected patients in our hospital with intertrochanteric fractures that underwent plain X‐ray (anteroposterior, lateral view) CT scans with axial images (2DCT) and 3DCT for an injured hip between 1 December 2011 and 30 November 2015. The exclusion criteria were pathological fractures (due to metastasis or primary bone tumors) and previous intertrochanteric surgery. During this period, 61 patients were enrolled. Two patients were excluded because lateral view X‐rays were not available. A total of 59 patients (27 women, 32 men) with an average age of 77 years (range, 55–96 years) were included in our final analysis. The stability evaluation (i.e. stable or unstable) and implant choices (i.e. dynamic hip screws or Gamma nail) were recorded independently by four observers (two attending physicians and two residents). All images were reviewed and classified using the AO/OTA and Evans modified by Jensen (EVJE) classification systems. The session was repeated after a 3‐month wash‐out period. The inter‐observer agreement was evaluated using the Kappa test.

Results

The inter‐observer agreements, measured by the mean weighted kappa values (expressed as X‐ray vs 3DCT) were as follows: For stability evaluation, the mean kappa values for attending physicians and residents were 0.68 versus 0.76 and 0.55 versus 0.56. For implant choices, the mean kappa values for attending physicians and residents were 0.68 versus 0.76 and 0.57 versus 0.65. For AO/OTA classification, the values for attending physicians and residents were 0.67 versus 0.65 and 0.70 versus 0.81. For EVJE classification, the values for attending physicians and residents were 0.66 versus 0.63 and 0.56 versus 0.55.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional CT improved the reproducibility of stability evaluation for femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Preoperative CT scanning may provide a diagnostic benefit for evaluating the stability of intertrochanteric fractures.
Integrating farm and air pollution studies in search for immunoregulatory mechanisms operating in protective and high‐risk environments
Authors: Martikainen Maria‐Viola , Rönkkö Teemu J. , Schaub Bianca , Täubel Martin , Gu Cheng , Wong Gary WK , Li Jing , Pekkanen Juha , Komppula Mika , Hirvonen Maija‐Riitta , Jalava Pasi I. , Roponen Marjut
Published: August 2018

Background

Studies conducted in farm environments suggest that diverse microbial exposure promotes children's lung health. The underlying mechanisms are unclear, and the development of asthma‐preventive strategies has been delayed. More comprehensive investigation of the environment‐induced immunoregulation is required for better understanding of asthma pathogenesis and prevention. Exposure to air pollution, including particulate matter (PM), is a risk factor for asthma, thus providing an excellent counterpoint for the farm‐effect research. Lack of comparable data, however, complicates interpretation of the existing information. We aimed to explore the immunoregulatory effects of cattle farm dust (protective, Finland) and urban air PM (high‐risk, China) for the first time using identical research methods.

Methods

We stimulated PBMCs of 4‐year‐old children (N = 18) with farm dust and size‐segregated PM and assessed the expression of immune receptors CD80 and ILT4 on dendritic cells and monocytes as well as cytokine production of PBMCs. Environmental samples were analysed for their composition.

Results

Farm dust increased the percentage of cells expressing CD80 and the cytokine production of children's immune cells, whereas PM inhibited the expression of important receptors and the production of soluble mediators. Although PM samples induced parallel immune reactions, the size‐fraction determined the strength of the effects.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the significance of using the same research framework when disentangling shared and distinctive immune pathways operating in different environments. Observed stimulatory effects of farm dust and inhibitory effects of PM could shape responses towards respiratory pathogens and allergens, and partly explain differences in asthma prevalence between studied environments.
Topical carbocysteine: A new option for the treatment of ichthyosis
Authors: Batalla Ana , Dávila‐Pousa Carmen , Feal Carlos , Flórez Ángeles
Published: August 2018

N‐acetylcysteine in combination with urea is effective for the treatment of congenital ichthyosis. Although it is well tolerated, its foul smell may compromise treatment adherence. Carbocysteine is a similar molecule without that bad odor. Thus, we have tried a new formula with carbocysteine for the treatment of 4 patients with ichthyosis, with positive results.
Bullous sweet syndrome healing with prominent secondary anetoderma
Authors: Loyal Jameson , Shagalov Devorah R. , Vatanchi Marjon , Glick Jaimie B. , Ferzli Georgina M. , Heilman Edward , Glick Sharon A.
Published: August 2018

A 15‐month‐old boy presented with 1‐4 cm, pink edematous plaques with overlying round erosions and hemorrhagic bullae in the setting of a gastrointestinal illness and was ultimately diagnosed with bullous‐type Sweet syndrome. Despite appropriate treatment with oral steroids, the patient's cutaneous lesions healed with secondary anetoderma. This case should prompt practitioners to be aware of bullous‐type Sweet syndrome and the possibility of lesions healing with postinflammatory scarring.
“Chaos, War, or a New World Order?” A Radical Plan for Peace and World Government in the 1930s
Authors: Threlkeld Megan
Published: August 2018

In 1937, feminist pacifists Rosika Schwimmer and Lola Maverick Lloyd crafted a plan to federate the world. They envisioned an “all‐inclusive, nonmilitary, democratic Federation of Nations” and launched the Campaign for World Government to implement it. Even though their vision was never realized, their plan is important because it represented a vision of peace, justice, and equality far more radical that of other world government theorists in the 1930s—many of whom later helped shape the United Nations. Schwimmer and Lloyd sought a sweeping alternative to the international status quo, one that took the needs of ordinary men and women into account and gave them a voice in international relations.
MgO‐induced defence against bacterial wilt disease in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ota M. , Imada K. , Sasaki K. , Kajihara H. , Sakai S. , Ito S.
Published: August 2018

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is a devastating soilborne disease in plants that limits the production of many crops worldwide. Although management of bacterial wilt has so far been unsuccessful, enhancing host resistance to the pathogen may be an effective control strategy. Recently, magnesium oxide (MgO) was found to induce defence responses against R. solanacearum in tomato plants. Here, the mechanisms underlying MgO‐induced defence responses against R. solanacearum (MgO‐i DARS) were investigated using Arabidopsis thaliana as a host plant. MgO‐i DARS was confirmed in A. thaliana mutants deficient in jasmonic acid or ethylene signalling pathways as well as in the wildtype (Col‐0) plants. In contrast, no MgO‐i DARS was found in A. thaliana mutants deficient in the salicylic acid (SA) production (sid2‐2) and signalling pathways (tga1‐1 and npr‐1). MgO treatment led to significant accumulation of SA in both roots and shoots of Col‐0. The SA biosynthesis gene isochorismate synthase 1 (ICS1) was induced in roots and shoots of A. thaliana treated with MgO. An NADPH oxidase gene respiratory burst oxidase homolog D (AtRbohD) was up‐regulated in both roots and shoots of Col‐0 treated with MgO. No MgO‐i DARS was observed in A. thaliana mutants deficient in AtRbohD. These results suggest that SA and RBOHD‐mediated ROS are pivotal for MgO‐i DARS in A. thaliana.
Couple interaction and child social competence: The role of parenting and attachment
Authors: Neppl Tricia K. , Wedmore Haley , Senia Jennifer M. , Jeon Shinyoung , Diggs Olivia N.
Published: August 2018

The current study examined the association between positive couple interaction and child social competence as mediated through positive parenting and parent–child attachment security. Prospective, longitudinal data came from 209 mothers, fathers, and their biological child. Information regarding observed positive couple interaction, observed positive parenting, and parent–child attachment security were assessed when the child was 2–4 years old, and child social competence was assessed at 5 years old. Mothers and fathers were analyzed separately in the model. Results indicated that for both mothers and fathers, positive couple interaction was indirectly associated with child social competence through positive parenting and parent–child attachment. These pathways remained statistically significant even after child social competence at age 2–4 was taken into account. Results suggest that couple interaction spills over into parenting which impacts parent–child attachment, which is associated with positive child developmental outcomes.
Optimized processing for pathogen inactivation of double‐dose buffy‐coat platelet concentrates: maintained in vitro quality over 7‐day storage
Authors: Ohlsson S. , Diedrich B. , Uhlin M. , Sandgren P.
Published: August 2018

Background and objective

Efficient pathogen inactivation (PI) offers the possibility of increasing the number of buffy coats per pool without the concurrent increased risk of pathogen transmission. Here, we describe the findings of in vitro analyses of platelets from pools of eight buffy coats treated with amotosalen and UVA light (INTERCEPT Blood System for Platelets) using INTERCEPT disposable processing sets with plastic materials sourced from alternate suppliers and split afterwards to obtain two therapeutic transfusion doses.

Methods

Double‐dose platelet concentrates were prepared from pools of eight buffy coats in additive solution (SSP+) using either previous 6‐lead or new 8‐lead pooling sets and PI processing sets in previous or alternate supplier sourced plastics (AS). Platelets were treated with the INTERCEPT Blood System then stored for up to 7 days and tested for in vitro quality.

Results

All tested units (n = 30) were in conformity with European guidelines. Using AS sets more effectively maintained glucose reserves (P < 0·01), reduced lactate production (P < 0·01), reduced CD62P expression (P < 0·01) and downregulated levels of surface CD42b (P < 0·01) overtime. AS set maintained JC‐positive cells (NS) between day 2 and day 7 and sustained platelet integrin activation (PAC‐1) between day 2 and day 7 (NS). Overall sCD40L and PGDF accumulated in an equivalent way (P < 0·01) within series.

Summary/conclusions

In summary, our data demonstrate that PI treatment using AS sets, in combination with the new pooling set for double‐dose platelet preparation, maintained the platelet in vitro quality over 7 days of storage.
EVOLUTION, CONTINGENCY, AND CHRISTOLOGY
Authors: Clayton Philip , Knapp Steven
Published: August 2018

Christopher Southgate has made important contributions to theodicy and the theory of divine action in light of the contingency in evolution and the suffering of creation. What happens then when one thinks through the implications of contingency for Christology? One can admit that aesthetic and moral judgments are products of a contingent history and yet affirm that they really are valid. Similarly, we argue, one can acknowledge the contingency of Jesus’ existence, actions, and subsequent impact and still maintain that his will was uniquely united with the divine will. Following a critical engagement with the recent work of Keith Ward, we argue that a high Christology is compatible with the actual contingencies of evolutionary and social history, without the necessity of interventionist divine action.
A Schematic Discoursal Study of Chinese Football Players’ Commercial Transfer News
Authors: Yang Wenhui , Zhao Junpeng , Zhen Kaiyue
Published: August 2018

This cognitive discoursal study explores human cognitive mechanisms by analyzing Football Players’ Commercial Transfer News (FPCTN) through adopting Gibbs’ (2010) embodied view of image schemas in language use and their interpretations in Chinese sports contexts, based on the database of 36 pieces of news reports collected from authoritative sports websites. The results demonstrate that FPCTN writers actively construct their meanings and perspectives by applying various metaphysical and metaphysicalized forms of image schemas, which are grounded on our knowledge and daily bodily experience. Discourse consumers, on the other hand, unconsciously engage themselves in imaginative simulation processes, which are fundamentally embodied in their past and present bodily experiences, to facilitate their understanding of linguistic information and writers’ intentions, which predicates the process of public general cognition construction and frame, meanwhile, constituting the mechanism of a news reader’s passionate identification with and attachment to a potential commodity in his/her social and entertainment life.
Analyses of the Costs Associated With Very High Turbine Entry Temperatures in Helium Recuperated Gas Turbine Cycles for Generation IV Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Gad-Briggs A. , Pilidis P. , Nikolaidis T.
Published: August 2018

Previous analyses of generation IV (GEN IV) helium gas turbine cycles indicated the possibility for high turbine entry temperatures (TETs) up to 1200 °C in order to improve cycle efficiency, using improved turbine blade material and optimum turbine cooling fractions. The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect on the levelized unit electricity cost (LUEC) of the nuclear power plant (NPP), when the TET is increased to 1200 °C from an original TET of 950 °C and when an improved turbine blade material is used to reduce the turbine cooling fraction. The analyses focus on the simple cycle recuperated (SCR) and the intercooled cycle recuperated (ICR). The baseline LUECs of the NPPs were calculated as $61.84/MWh (SCR) and $62.16/MWh for a TET of 950 °C. The effect of changing the turbine blades improved the allowable blade metal temperature by 15% with a reduction in the LUEC by 0.6% (SCR) and 0.7% (ICR). Furthermore, increasing the TET to 1200 °C has a significant effect on the power output but more importantly it reduces the LUECs by 22.7% (SCR) and 19.8% (ICR). The analyses intend to aid development of the SCR and ICR including improving the decision making process on choice of cycles applicable to the gas-cooled fast reactors (GFRs) and very high-temperature reactors (VHTRs), where helium is the coolant.
Numerical Investigation of Combustion and Emission With Different Diesel Surrogate Fuel by Hybrid Breakup Model
Authors: Qi Wenliang , Ming Pingjian , Jia Ming , Peng Ye , Liu Chen
Published: August 2018

Injection flow dynamics plays a significant role in fuel spray; this process controls the fuel–air mixing, which in turn is critical for the combustion and emissions process in diesel engine. In the current study, an integrated spray, combustion, and emission numerical model is developed for diesel engine computations based on the general transport equation analysis (GTEA) code. The model is first applied to predict the effect of turbulence inside the nozzle, which is considered by the submodel of hybrid breakup model on diesel spray process. The results indicate that turbulence term enhances the rate of breakup, resulting in more new droplets and smaller droplet sizes, leading to high evaporation rate with more evaporated mass. The model is also applied to simulate combustion and soot formation process of diesel. The effects of ambient density, ambient temperature, oxygen concentration and reaction mechanism on ignition delay, flame lift-off length, and soot formation are analyzed and discussed. The results show that although higher ambient density and temperature reduce the ignition delay and cause the flame stabilization location to move upstream, this is not helpful for fuel–air mixing because it increases the soot level in the fuel jet. While higher oxygen concentration has negative effects on soot formation. In addition, the model is employed to simulate the combustion and emission characteristics of a low-temperature combustion engine. The overall agreement between the measurements and predictions of in-cylinder pressure, heat release, and emission characteristics are satisfactory.
Improved Model of an Intermediate Point Enthalpy Control System for Enhancing Boiler Efficiency
Authors: Yang Zihao , Zhang Yanping , Gao Wei
Published: August 2018

Control quality of an once-through boiler’s water-fuel ratio (WFR) and main-steam temperature are heavily influenced by the control quality of the once-through boiler’s intermediate point enthalpy (IPE), and it is also related to the economic and stable operation of the a once-through boiler. In order to control the IPE in a better way and to increase boiler efficiency, an improved model of IPE control system was built in this paper, matlab/simulink is used to build the IPE control system model based on a 600 MW supercritical unit, and the mechanism model of the control object is built in the same time. The feedforward of the feed-water temperature is brought to this model to increase the control rate. The control method of amendments to the amount of coal and the control method of amendments to the amount of feed-water are combined by the means of fuzzy control to solve the problem of the contradiction of the responding speed of the IPE and the separation interface’s stability of the steam-water separator. The simulation results show that the improved control method has better control effect and higher boiler efficiency was obtained as well.
Modeling and Operational Optimization Based on Energy Hubs for Complex Energy Networks With Distributed Energy Resources
Authors: Ma Shixi , Zhou Dengji , Zhang Huisheng , Weng Shilie , Shao Tiemin
Published: August 2018

Energy hubs is an integrated system which is capable of transporting, transforming, and storing several types of energy. A number of hubs can be combined as a network and achieve higher efficiency by exchanging information and energy with each other. A decision-making framework for optimal integration of independent small-scale distributed energy systems and traditional large scale combined heating and power (CHP) plants is presented, and an energy supply system with renewable energy resources in Shanghai is cited as a case study. A performance simulation model of this energy network is proposed based on energy hub concept and energy flow between its elements. Furthermore, a novel optimization method named Whales optimization algorithm (WOA) is presented for 24 h operational optimization. A case study is undertaken on a seven-node energy system, including four energy hubs and three load hubs. The results of the case study show that the proposed model and optimization method can improve energy utilization efficiency and reduce system operating costs, even under a system contingency condition.
The Energy Absorption Behavior of Cruciforms Designed by Kirigami Approach
Authors: Zhou Caihua , Ming Shizhao , Li Tong , Wang Bo , Ren Mingfa
Published: August 2018

The cruciforms are widely employed as energy absorbers in ships and offshore structures, or basic components in sandwich panel and multicell structure. The kirigami approach is adopted in the design of cruciform in this paper for the following reasons. First, the manufacture process is simplified. Second, it can alter the stiffness distribution of a structure to trigger desirable progressive collapse modes (PCMs). Third, the kirigami pattern can be referred as a type of geometric imperfection to lower the initial peak force during impact. Experiments and numerical simulations were carried out to validate the effectiveness of kirigami approach for cruciform designs. Numerical simulations were carried out to perform comparative and parametric analyses. The comparative studies among single plate (SP), single plate with kirigami pattern (SPKP), and kirigami cruciform (KC) show that the normalized mean crushing force of KC is nearly two times higher than those of SP and SPKP, whereas the normalized initial peak force of KC reduces by about 20%. In addition, the parametric analyses suggest that both the parameters controlling the overall size (i.e., the global slenderness and local slenderness) and those related to the kirigami pattern (i.e., the length ratio and the relative position ratio) could significantly affect the collapse behavior of the cruciforms.
Fractional-Order Backstepping Sliding-Mode Control Based on Fractional-Order Nonlinear Disturbance Observer
Authors: Delavari Hadi , Heydarinejad Hamid
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a novel fractional-order (FO) backstepping sliding-mode control is proposed for a class of FO nonlinear systems with mismatched disturbances. Here the matched/mismatched disturbances are estimated by an FO nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO). This FO NDO is proposed based on FO backstepping algorithm to estimate the mismatched disturbances. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved by the new extension of Lyapunov direct method for FO systems. Exponential reaching law considerably decreases the chattering and provides a high dynamic tracking performance. Finally, three simulation examples are presented to show the features and the effectiveness of the proposed method. Results show that this observer approximates the unknown mismatched disturbances successfully.
Unconventional Techniques for the Analysis of Experimental Spiral Vibrations
Authors: Vania Andrea , Pennacchi Paolo , Chatterton Steven , Cangioli Filippo
Published: August 2018

The occurrence of spiral vibrations in rotating machines is a well-known but not very common phenomenon. However, this kind of shaft vibration, usually caused by light rubs between rotating and stationary parts, may give rise to a slow considerable increase of the amplitude of the synchronous (1X) vibration. Owing to the rubs, the normal contact forces cause a friction-induced thermal bow, which in turn determines rather slow changes in amplitude and phase of the 1X vibration vector. The curve described in a polar plot by the tip of the vibration vector is a spiral. The occurrence of expansive vibrations may cause serious damage.

Many studies about this malfunction are focused on the stability analysis of spiral vibrations. Simplified or rather rigorous thermal models can be used to evaluate the friction-induced thermal bow of the shaft and the slow continuous migration of the hot spot generated on the external surface of the rotor. However, owing to the complexity of the problem, some basic parameters of the thermal models can be affected by a significant uncertainty.

This paper shows some unconventional techniques that can provide useful information for optimizing the rotor-to-stator contact modelling as well as for tuning some critical parameters of the thermal models that affect the velocity with which the hot spot moves around the circumferential surface of the shaft. The effectiveness of these techniques is shown by means of the analysis of the experimental spiral vibrations detected in a steam turbine power unit.