bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Populists and planners: ‘We are the people. Who are you?’*
Authors: Sager Tore
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this article is to offer planning scholars a basis for criticizing authoritarian populism and not limiting ideological critique to neoliberalism. Authoritarian populism is anti-elitist, anti-pluralist and excluding in that the authentic people includes only part of the population. Authoritarian populists imagine a homogeneous people whose will determines policy. The article deals with confrontations and contact points between communicative planning theory and populist currents. It distils several core themes from five authoritative collections of works on planning theory and examines their relations with populist ideas. Authoritarian populism is an incomplete ideology that can fuse with various other ideologies. Amalgamations of populism and neoliberalism pose new challenges to participatory planning. Authoritarian populism criticizes planning institutions for blocking the immediate realization of the will of the people and being sympathetic to social diversity and cultural influence threatening heartland values. Neoliberalism is opposed to the welfare policies, equity goals, growth restrictions and other public interventions associated with spatial planning. Joint pressure from the two ideologies may alter the planning of liberal democracies in an autocratic direction.
Do Cohorts Matter? Cohort Analysis and Value-Difference Impressions of a Rising China
Authors: Wu Chung-li , Lin Alex Min-Wei
Published: July 2019

As an emerging first-tier world power, China is exerting an important influence on countries in the Asia-Pacific region, especially Taiwan, with which it has a long history of often contentious relations. This study investigates the impact of “intergenerational value change” on impressions of China in 2017 among three political birth cohorts of Taiwanese. Based on a representative survey of Taiwanese citizens, the study finds that cohort impressions can be classified according to the extent to which they relate to the economic–political and the social–environmental dimensions, suggesting that Taiwanese perceptions of China are not unidimensional and are more nuanced than they first appear. The data by and large confirm the validity of cohort differences; members of the first and oldest cohort hold more positive impressions of China with respect to social and environmental issues than members of the second and middle cohort, while the third and youngest cohort would regard China in a more positive light if their economic and political concerns were addressed. A few variables remain statistically significant, including party identification and unification versus independence preference, even after controlling for aging effects.
Total Endovascular Repair With Parallel Stent-Grafts for Postdissection Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm After Prior Proximal Repair
Authors: Liu Junjun , Li Zhenjiang , Feng Jiaxuan , Zhou Jian , Zhao Zhiqing , Bao Xianhao , Zhao Yuxi , Xu Ziyi , Wu Jianlie , Wang Haofu , Feng Rui , Jing Zaiping
Published: July 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of total endovascular repair with parallel stent-grafts for postoperative residual dissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken of 21 patients (mean age 64.0±12.5 years; 17 men) undergoing total endovascular therapy with parallel stent-grafts for postdissection TAAA after prior proximal repair between 2014 and 2016. The preoperative minimum true lumen diameter was 12.3±4.8 mm and the mean extent of dissection was 248.1±48.2 mm. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative medical records were reviewed to assess technical success, spinal cord ischemia, patency of target branch arteries, endoleak, and short-term outcomes of this approach. Results: Technical success was achieved in 17 of 21 patients owing to 4 type I endoleaks at the end of the procedures. A total of 70 branch arteries were revascularized and 14 celiac trunks were covered intentionally without reconstruction. Of 7 intraoperative endoleaks, 2 were managed intraoperatively and 5 (4 type I and 1 type II) disappeared spontaneously within 1 month. No spinal cord or abdominal organ or limb ischemia was observed. Mean follow-up was 16.2±6.1 months. No death or type I or III endoleak occurred during the follow-up; 2 type II endoleaks were observed. Nineteen of the 21 false lumens thrombosed, and the total aortic diameter decreased (57.3±8.4 to 55.3±7.4 mm, p<0.01). Three (4.3%) of 70 target branch arteries occluded during follow-up. The cumulative patency of retrogradely and antegradely revascularized branch arteries was 97.3% vs 100% at 12 months and 91.2% vs 100% at 18 months. Conclusion: Total endovascular therapy with parallel stent-grafts could be an effective alternative in treating postdissection TAAA. Further studies with long-term follow-up and larger sample size are recommended to evaluate the technique.
A Novel Internal and External Bypass Method to Safeguard Cerebral Blood Flow During Aortic Arch Endovascular Repair Requiring Triple In Situ Fenestrations
Authors: Wang Wenwen , Zhang Xin , Liu Changjian , Zhu Yuelin , Yu Tong , Liu Chen , Li Xiaoqiang , Liu Zhao
Published: July 2019

Purpose: To report a novel internal and external blood bypass method for cerebral protection during in situ triple-fenestrated stent-graft repair in the aortic arch. Technique: A method was devised to combine internal and external blood bypass circuits to preserve cerebral blood flow when all 3 supra-aortic branches are covered by the stent-graft. Long 14-F to 18-F introducers are placed retrogradely into the right and left common carotid arteries (CCAs). Smaller sheaths are placed antegradely into the internal carotid arteries (ICAs) bilaterally and into the right CCA introducer, which has had an aperture cut into it for flow to pass into the smaller sheath. The right CCA introducer is positioned in the ascending aorta to supply the innominate artery; the smaller sheath in the right CCA introducer is positioned at the aperture. The small sheath in the right CCA is connected to the left ICA sheath, and the left CCA fenestration is made and stented. The left ICA sheath is connected to the right ICA sheath, and the right CCA introducer is pulled back to the origin of the innominate artery and the smaller sheath removed. The fenestrations for the innominate and left subclavian arteries are opened sequentially. In 8 patients, complete bypass to maintain brain perfusion was performed for an average 17.6±6.9 minutes; intraoperative transcranial Doppler monitoring during flow bypass showed no notable decline in intracranial blood flow velocity. Two patients suffered stroke; one recovered completely. Conclusion: A cerebral protection strategy that integrates internal and external blood flow bypass techniques to maintain adequate brain blood flow is simple and feasible for in situ triple-fenestration aortic arch stent-graft repairs. However, neurological complications were not avoided with this method; thus, further research and development are required.
The scattering analysis of trifurcated waveguide involving structural discontinuities
Authors: Nawaz Touqeer , Afzal Muhammad , Nawaz Rab
Published: July 2019

The present article highlights the acoustic waves scattering in a trifurcated waveguide containing compressible fluid together with step discontinuities and change of bounding material properties. The study is important because of its applications in active noise control measures, especially used to control the low-frequency noise and related vibrations. The governing boundary value problem is solved by using the mode-matching technique. The solution is developed for the analysis of symmetric, uniform, and non-uniform cross-sections. The solution procedure begins by determining the expanded form of field potentials in various duct regions of the waveguide. Then, the pressures and the normal velocity modes across the waveguide regions are matched at interface. The energy flux against frequency and various duct configurations is plotted. The solution is validated altogether through the apposite analytical and numerical results.
Are people with an intellectual disability at increased risk of attachment difficulties? A critical review
Authors: Hamadi Layla , Fletcher Helen K
Published: July 2019

Attachment difficulties are associated with a range of adverse outcomes in mental health, and people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) may be at greater risk of experiencing difficulties in their attachment relationships. This review critically evaluated recent research measuring the prevalence of attachment difficulties in people with ID. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and a higher prevalence of insecure and disorganized attachment classifications, and symptoms of attachment disorder, was found across a number of subgroups of people with diagnoses of ID. However, the validity and reliability of measures of attachment have not been empirically established in this population, and control groups were not always appropriate. These findings indicate the need to (1) develop reliable and standardized assessments of attachment for people with ID and (2) evaluate the efficacy of attachment-based interventions in relation to reducing psychological distress, mental health problems and expression of behaviours experienced by others as challenging.
Tendon transfers after peripheral nerve injuries: my preferred techniques
Authors: Hentz Vincent R.
Published: July 2019

While there is now keen interest in restoring function lost through irreparable nerve injury by performing nerve-to-nerve transfer, for some time to come, tendon transfers will remain the primary reconstructive procedure for paralytic injuries of the upper limb. A career spanning more than 50 years has permitted the author to try many tendon transfers promoted by past and present colleagues for the three common nerve injuries (median, radial and ulnar) affecting hand function and, eventually, to settle upon those which have provided the most predictable and consistent outcomes. This article describes the author’s preferred tendon transfers for high radial and low median and ulnar palsies, providing the rationale behind these choices, operative details supplemented with illustrations, technical tips and advice regarding postoperative rehabilitation.
Effect of pregnancy hormone mixtures on cytokine production and surface marker expression in naïve and LPS-activated THP-1 differentiated monocytes/macrophages
Authors: Mendoza-Cabrera María Isabel , Navarro-Hernández Rosa-Elena , Santerre Anne , Ortiz-Lazareno Pablo Cesar , Pereira-Suárez Ana Laura , Estrada-Chávez Ciro
Published: July 2019

In pregnancy, maternal monocytes and macrophages acquire a specific phenotype that enables them to maintain immune tolerance and facilitate hormone–immune cell interactions, which are necessary for gestational progression. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pregnancy hormone mixtures of the first and third trimesters on both resting and activated monocytes and macrophages. Pregnancy hormone levels (cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin) were quantified at the first and third trimesters. The average of the levels obtained was used to prepare two mixtures of synthetic hormones: low and high. These mixtures were then used to stimulate THP-1 monocytes and macrophages, resting or activated with LPS. Cytokine production in the culture supernatants and surface marker expression (CD14, CD86, and CD163) were evaluated by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. We found that the hormones modulated the pro-inflammatory response of THP-1 cells, LPS-activated monocytes, and macrophages, inducing high levels of IL-10 and low levels of IL-8, IL-1-β, and IL-6. All hormone stimulation increased the CD163 receptor in both resting and LPS-activated monocytes and macrophages in a dose-independent manner, unlike CD14 and CD86. Pregnancy hormones promote the expression of the markers associated with the M2-like phenotype, modulating their pro-inflammatory response. This phenotype regulation by hormones could be a determinant in pregnancy.
Metabolic bone disease in patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease from Spain
Authors: Miranda-Bautista José , Verdejo Cristina , Díaz-Redondo Alicia , Bretón Irene , Bellón José M. , Pérez-Valderas María Dolores , Caballero-Marcos Aránzazu , de Dios-Lascuevas Marta , González-Río Elena , García-Sánchez Cristina , Marín-Jiménez Ignacio , Bañares Rafael , Menchén Luis
Published: July 2019

Background:

The objective of this study was to analyse the prevalence of metabolic bone disease (MBD) in a cohort of Southern European patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to identify associated risk factors in this population.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective, both cross-sectional and longitudinal study of MBD, assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), among patients diagnosed with IBD and previously recognized risk factors for this complication from two referral Spanish institutions.

Results:

A total of 612 patients (58.6% diagnosed with Crohn’s disease) were included. Mean (SD) age was 44.9 (14.7) years; 71.7% of patients received at least one tapered dosage of corticosteroids before first DXA. MBD and osteoporosis were diagnosed in 66.4% and 21.4% of patients, respectively. At baseline, male gender, menopause and ulcerative colitis were found as independent risks factors for osteoporosis, whereas age, more than three IBD-related hospitalizations and previous steroid treatment were found as independent risks factors for MBD. A total of 261 patients had at least a second DXA and were included in the longitudinal study; median follow up was 56.4 months. Logistic regression model identified menopause, ulcerative colitis and baseline lumbar DXA T-score value, but not steroid treatment, as risk factors for worsening ⩾1 SD in follow-up DXA T-score. According to guidelines, all patients under treatment with corticosteroids received calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Conclusion:

MBD is a frequent complication in south-European IBD patients. Routine evaluation of bone density when risk factors are present, as well as calcium plus D vitamin prophylaxis in patients under corticosteroid treatment should be recommended.
Book review: Rethinking the Law School: Education, Outreach, Research and Governance. Edited by Carel Stolker, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
Authors: Moulik Ishani
Published: July 2019

Rethinking the Law School: Education, Outreach, Research and Governance. Edited by Carel Stolker, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2014, 472 Pp., hb, £75.00. ISBN-13: 978-1107073890 ISBN-10: 978-1107073890
Book review: The Indian Legal Profession in the Age of Globalization: The Rise of Corporate Legal Sector and Its Impact on Lawyers and Society. Edited by David B. Wilkins, Vikramaditya S. Khanna, and David M. Trubek, Cambridge University Press, New Delhi
Authors: Sharma Prakash
Published: July 2019

The Indian Legal Profession in the Age of Globalization: The Rise of Corporate Legal Sector and Its Impact on Lawyers and Society. Edited by David B. Wilkins, Vikramaditya S. Khanna, and David M. Trubek, Cambridge University Press, New Delhi, 2018 (South Asian Edition). xv + 756 pp., (Paperback), ₹895. ISBN: 978-1-108-44487-3
Spatial Speech-in-Noise Performance in Bimodal and Single-Sided Deaf Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Williges Ben , Wesarg Thomas , Jung Lorenz , Geven Leontien I. , Radeloff Andreas , Jürgens Tim
Published: July 2019

This study compared spatial speech-in-noise performance in two cochlear implant (CI) patient groups: bimodal listeners, who use a hearing aid contralaterally to support their impaired acoustic hearing, and listeners with contralateral normal hearing, i.e., who were single-sided deaf before implantation. Using a laboratory setting that controls for head movements and that simulates spatial acoustic scenes, speech reception thresholds were measured for frontal speech-in-stationary noise from the front, the left, or the right side. Spatial release from masking (SRM) was then extracted from speech reception thresholds for monaural and binaural listening. SRM was found to be significantly lower in bimodal CI than in CI single-sided deaf listeners. Within each listener group, the SRM extracted from monaural listening did not differ from the SRM extracted from binaural listening. In contrast, a normal-hearing control group showed a significant improvement in SRM when using two ears in comparison to one. Neither CI group showed a binaural summation effect; that is, their performance was not improved by using two devices instead of the best monaural device in each spatial scenario. The results confirm a “listening with the better ear” strategy in the two CI patient groups, where patients benefited from using two ears/devices instead of one by selectively attending to the better one. Which one is the better ear, however, depends on the spatial scenario and on the individual configuration of hearing loss.
Correlating Carotid Intima-Media Thickness With Lipid Profile: Does It Improve Sonographic Diagnosis of Subclinical Atherosclerosis?
Authors: Idigo Felicitas U. , Ayogu Eberechukwu N. , Onwuzu Sobechukwu W. I. , Anakwue Angel-Mary C. , Nwogu Uloma B. , Anakwue Raphael C.
Published: July 2019

Objective. The purpose of this prospective study was to ascertain if lipid profile parameters could serve as predictors of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), which, when combined, may improve the sensitivity of sonographic CIMT measurement in the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerotic changes. Methods. The lipid profiles and CIMT of 181 subjects without cardiovascular risk factors were measured at the internal, external, common, and bulbar segments. Results. The mean CIMT values obtained were 0.620 ± 0.055 cm for men and 0.575 ± 0.051 cm for women, and the η2 values (η2 < 0.04) were used as a measure of association. Across all segments of both carotid arteries, lipid profiles were significantly and moderately associated with but not predictive of CIMT (fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein: η2 = 0.99–0.24). Conclusions. Although lipid profiles were moderately associated with CIMT, they are not significant predictors; hence, combining them with CIMT does not improve the diagnostic sensitivity of sonography in atherosclerosis screening.
Sepsis alters the transcriptional and translational landscape of human and murine platelets
Authors: Middleton Elizabeth A. , Rowley Jesse W. , Campbell Robert A. , Grissom Colin K. , Brown Samuel M. , Beesley Sarah J. , Schwertz Hansjörg , Kosaka Yasuhiro , Manne Bhanu K. , Krauel Krystin , Tolley Neal D. , Eustes Alicia S. , Guo Li , Paine Robert , Harris Estelle S. , Zimmerman Guy A. , Weyrich Andrew S. , Rondina Matthew T.
Published: July 2019

In a Plenary Paper, Middleton and colleagues describe important transcriptional and translational changes in murine and human platelets during sepsis, elucidating the emerging role of platelets in the complications of systemic inflammatory illness.
Pseudodynamic Test of a Deficient RC Frame Strengthened with Buckling Restrained Braces
Authors: Ozcelik Ramazan , Erdil Elif Firuze
Published: July 2019

Three story–three bay reinforced concrete (RC) frames with and without chevron braces were tested using the continuous pseudodynamic test method. New steel–concrete composite lateral load–carrying members called Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs) were used as chevron brace members while retrofitting the RC frame. The BRBs were fitted to the interior span of the RC frame by using anchorage rods. The chevron braced frame was observed to be effective in controlling interstory drift. The test results indicated that retrofitting with BRBs was beneficial in resisting deformation without significant damage under simulated ground motions. Furthermore, significant yielding that occurred on the core plate of the BRBs enabled the braced frame to dissipate energy induced by dynamic loading. The test results were compared with the results of the nonlinear time-history analysis. The analysis results were capable of estimating the base shear capacity and displacement demands with reasonable accuracy.
Obtaining Knowledge in Pathology Reports Through a Natural Language Processing Approach With Classification, Named-Entity Recognition, and Relation-Extraction Heuristics
Authors: Oliwa Tomasz , Maron Steven B. , Chase Leah M. , Lomnicki Samantha , Catenacci Daniel V.T. , Furner Brian , Volchenboum Samuel L.
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE

Robust institutional tumor banks depend on continuous sample curation or else subsequent biopsy or resection specimens are overlooked after initial enrollment. Curation automation is hindered by semistructured free-text clinical pathology notes, which complicate data abstraction. Our motivation is to develop a natural language processing method that dynamically identifies existing pathology specimen elements necessary for locating specimens for future use in a manner that can be re-implemented by other institutions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Pathology reports from patients with gastroesophageal cancer enrolled in The University of Chicago GI oncology tumor bank were used to train and validate a novel composite natural language processing-based pipeline with a supervised machine learning classification step to separate notes into internal (primary review) and external (consultation) reports; a named-entity recognition step to obtain label (accession number), location, date, and sublabels (block identifiers); and a results proofreading step.

RESULTS

We analyzed 188 pathology reports, including 82 internal reports and 106 external consult reports, and successfully extracted named entities grouped as sample information (label, date, location). Our approach identified up to 24 additional unique samples in external consult notes that could have been overlooked. Our classification model obtained 100% accuracy on the basis of 10-fold cross-validation. Precision, recall, and F1 for class-specific named-entity recognition models show strong performance.

CONCLUSION

Through a combination of natural language processing and machine learning, we devised a re-implementable and automated approach that can accurately extract specimen attributes from semistructured pathology notes to dynamically populate a tumor registry.
Changing Incidence of Uterine Cancer in Rural Egypt: Possible Impact of Nutritional and Epidemiologic Transitions
Authors: Alshahrani Saad , Hablas Ahmed , Chamberlain Robert M. , Meza Jane , Remmenga Steven , Seifeldin Ibrahim A. , Ramadan Mohamed , Soliman Amr S.
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE

Uterine cancer is a top-ranking women’s cancer worldwide, with wide incidence variations across countries and by rural and urban areas. Hormonal exposures and access to health care vary between rural and urban areas, globally. Egypt has an overall low incidence of uterine cancer but variable rural and urban lifestyles. Are there changes in the incidence of uterine cancer in rural and urban areas in middle-income countries such as Egypt? No previous studies have addressed this question from a well-characterized and validated population-based cancer registry resource in middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to explore the differences in clinical and demographic characteristics of uterine cancer over the period of 1999 to 2010 in rural and urban Gharbiah province, Egypt.

METHODS

Data were abstracted for all 660 patients with uterine cancer included in the Gharbiah Population-based Cancer Registry. Clinical variables included tumor location, histopathologic diagnosis, stage, grade, and treatment. Demographic variables included age, rural or urban residence, parity, and occupation. Crude and age-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) and rate ratios by rural or urban residence were calculated.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in most clinical and demographic characteristics between rural and urban patients. The age standardized IR (ASR) was 2.5 times higher in urban than in rural areas (6.9 and 2.8 per 100,000 in urban and rural areas, respectively). The rate ratio showed that the IR in urban areas was 2.46 times the rate in rural areas.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the disease IR in rural areas has increased in the past decade but is still low compared with the incidence in urban areas in Egypt, which did not show a significant increase in incidence. Nutritional transitions, obesity, and epidemiologic and lifestyle changes toward Westernization may have led to IRs increasing more in rural than in urban areas in Egypt. This pattern of increasing incidence in Egypt, which used to have a low incidence of uterine cancer, may appear in other middle-income countries that experience emerging nutritional and epidemiologic transitions. The rate of uterine cancer in urban areas in Gharbiah is almost similar to the corresponding rates globally. However, the rate in rural areas in this population has increased over the past decade but is still lower than the corresponding global rates. Future studies should examine the etiologic factors related to increasing rates in rural areas and quantify the improvement in rural case finding.
The New Neoliberal Turn in Argentina
Authors: Catanzaro Gisela , Stegmayer María , Rolón Machado Pedro J.
Published: July 2019

This article examines reconfigurations of neoliberalism as these can be traced in emergent forms of ideological interpellation in Argentina. Privileging an analysis of dominant modes of public discourse, we posit an inextricable relationship between—and simultaneous deployment of—the “punitive” elements of this interpellation and its new, entrepreneurial dimension. This last component, opposed to the first only nominally, exalts individual potency and delivers an “amicable” appeal to a wholesome and reconciled common life. Taking into account the Janus-faced, omnipotent, moralizing, and sacrificial character of this new community of “entrepreneurs cum punishers,” we focus on the idiosyncratic forms that this relationship takes in our current historical conjuncture, distinguishing it from previous inflections and ideological configurations of neoliberalism in contemporary Argentina. Finally, we seek to understand the ethical and political implications of this specific interpellative mode for the process of subject formation.
Beyond the bones and joints: a review of ligamentous injuries of the foot and ankle on 99mTc-MDP-SPECT/CT
Authors: Mandegaran Ramin , Dhillon Sukhvinder , Jen Ho
Published: July 2019

99mTc-MDP-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT has established itself as a useful modality in the assessment of the painful foot and ankle, owing to its ability to depict anatomical and functional information simultaneously. Despite its growing popularity, much of the literature describing the utility of 99mTc-MDP-SPECT/CT of the foot and ankle is limited to osseous and articular pathology, with descriptions of ligamentous pathology limited to just a handful of cases. Though assessment of soft tissues using a combination of bone tracer and CT is limited, with a sound understanding of the regional anatomy, it is certainly within the scope of 99mTc-MDP-SPECT/CT to accurately identify ligamentous injuries based on focal tracer uptake patterns and suspected ligamentous injuries should be reported as such. This article provides a case-based pictorial review of the 99mTc-MDP-SPECT/CT appearances of the various ligamentous injuries of the foot and ankle with case examples and MRI correlation where available, most of which have yet to be described. The typical patterns of bone tracer uptake and associated CT abnormalities that may be observed are discussed.
Molecular simulations of the pistol ribozyme: unifying the interpretation of experimental data and establishing functional links with the hammerhead ribozyme
Authors: Kostenbader Ken , York Darrin M.
Published: July 2019

The pistol ribozyme (Psr) is among the most recently discovered RNA enzymes and has been the subject of experiments aimed at elucidating the mechanism. Recent biochemical studies have revealed exciting clues about catalytic interactions in the active site not apparent from available crystallographic data. The present work unifies the interpretation of the existing body of structural and functional data on Psr by providing a dynamical model for the catalytically active state in solution from molecular simulation. Our results suggest that a catalytic Mg2+ ion makes inner-sphere contact with G33:N7 and outer-sphere coordination to the pro-RP of the scissile phosphate, promoting electrostatic stabilization of the dianionic transition state and neutralization of the developing charge of the leaving group through a metal-coordinated water molecule that is made more acidic by a hydrogen bond donated from the 2′OH of P32. This model is consistent with experimental activity-pH and mutagenesis data, including sensitivity to G33(7cG) and phosphorothioate substitution/metal ion rescue. The model suggests several experimentally testable predictions, including the response of cleavage activity to mutations at G42 and P32 positions in the ribozyme, and thio substitutions of the substrate in the presence of different divalent metal ions. Further, the model identifies striking similarities of Psr to the hammerhead ribozyme (HHr), including similar global fold, organization of secondary structure around an active site three-way junction, catalytic metal ion binding mode, and guanine general base. However, the specific binding mode and role of the Mg2+ ion, as well as a conserved 2′-OH in the active site, are interrelated but subtly different between the ribozymes.
Evaluation of Abnormal Limb Conformation in Jumping Thoroughbred Horses
Authors: MOSTAFA M. B. , SENNA N. A. , ABU-SEIDA A. M. , ELEMMAWY Y. M.
Published: July 2019

Subjective, objective and photographic image using software Auto CAD programme were used for evaluation of limb conformation in 51 jumping thoroughbred horses. The abnormal limb conformations were included: standing under in front (58%), steep shoulder (55%), carpus valgus (45%), calf knee (31%), standing under behind (31%), short pelvis (31%) and straight hocks (16%). Linear and angular limb measurements showed standing under in front had increased elbow joint lateral angle, and decreased fore fetlock joint lateral angle. Steep shoulder displayed a significant increase (P< 0.05) in shoulder joint lateral angle and significant decrease in forearm front length. calf knee horses had significant decrease in the lateral angle of carpus joint. Short pelvis had a significant decrease in lateral length of pelvis and significant increase in croup angle and stifle joint lateral angle. Straight hocks showed the lateral length of both pelvis and gaskin showed a significant decrease and significant increase in the stifle joint lateral angle. Therefore, the current use of linear and angular measurements in relationships to abnormal limb conformation in the present study will allow for estimation of the future performance and soundness in jumping thoroughbred horses. In addition can be considered for selection athletic horse with less risk of lameness.
Effects of ruminal pH and subacute ruminal acidosis on milk yield and composition of Holstein cows in different stages of lactation
Authors: KITKAS G. C. , VALERGAKIS G. E. , KRITSEPI-KONSTANTINOU M. , GELASAKIS A. I. , ARSENOS G. , KALAITZAKIS E. , PANOUSIS N.
Published: July 2019

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA; implying a rumen fluid pH between 5.5 and 5.0), is one of the most important metabolic diseases of dairy cows. In this study, the effect of SARA and rumen fluid pH on milk yield and composition was assessed in dairy cows under field conditions, with repeated measurements in the same cows, at different stages of lactation. Rumenocentesis was performed in 83 Holstein cows of a commercial herd at 30, 90, and 150 days in milk (DIM). Rumen fluid pH was measured on-site using a portable pH-meter. Milk yield was also recorded at the same days. Milk samples were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose and total solids content. For the statistical analysis, mixed linear regression models were used. Prevalence of SARA was 48.2%, 53.8% and 65.3% at 30, 90 and 150 DIM, respectively. There was a significant negative effect of SARA and decreased rumen fluid pH on milk fat content; SARA was associated with a decrease of milk fat content by 0.22%, while a one-unit increase of rumen fluid pH, even within the normal range, was associated with a 0.28% increase of milk fat content and 0.44% increase of milk total solids content. There was no effect of SARA on milk yield or protein, lactose and total solids content. In conclusion, under field conditions, SARA and decreased rumen fluid pH reduce milk fat content.
Investigation of some gastric Helicobacter species in saliva and dental plaque of stray cats by cultural and PCR methods
Authors: TARHANE S. , OTLU S.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore the presence of gastric Helicobacter species in the oral cavity of stray cats in the Kars region. Saliva and dental plaque samples collected from 100 stray cats were evaluated by culture and PCR methods in terms of gastric Helicobacter species. For culture, samples were plated on 5% defibrinated-horse blood and 5% defibrinated-sheep blood enriched selective agar plates supplemented with Vancomycin (6 μg/ml), Polymyxine B (2.500 IU/l), Trimethoprim (20 μg/ml) and Amphotericin B (2.5 μg/ml). Molecular methods were also included to study by using the PCR targeting amplification of the 16S rRNA gene sequence for Helicobactergenus and urease B gene sequence for each Helicobacter species. As the results of cultural examination, Helicobacter spp. were isolated from 10 (10%) cats (10 saliva and 5 dental plaque samples) and these were further identified as H. heilmannii by PCR. Direct analysis of samples by genus-specific PCR revealed that a total of 70 (50 saliva and 20 dental plaques) samples from 65 cats were positive in terms of Helicobacter DNA. As the results of species – specific PCR analysis of these samples 34 (48.57%) (24 saliva and 10 dental plaque samples) were identified as H. heilmannii, while the remaining 36 (51.42%) were found to be negative in terms of related species (H. heilmannii, H. pylori and H. felis). It has been concluded that these bacteria, identified in the oral cavity of the cats, may play a role in transmission of infection to humans.
Unleashing Analytics to Reduce Costs and Improve Quality in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Zadorojniy Alexander , Wasserkrug Segev , Zeltyn Sergey , Lipets Vladimir
Published: July 2019

The authors discuss their development of an innovative process that applies descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to improve efficiency and reduce costs at wastewater treatment plants.
Which Side Are You On? The Divergent Effects of Protest Participation on Organizations Affiliated with Identity Groups
Authors: Negro Giacomo , Olzak Susan
Published: July 2019

Protest raises the visibility of a social movement, and this affects all organizations affiliated with the movement’s group identity. Although the mutually beneficial relationship between protest and social movement organizations is well documented, we argue that protest does not necessarily aid other, more mundane types of affiliated organizations in the same manner. Specifically, we expect that increases in protest participation will favor the viability of organizations targeting an audience close to the group identity but not of organizations with an audience in which some members share that identity and others do not. We evaluate these claims using a data set of pro-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) protest events and local organizations in U.S. cities using a fixed-effects panel design with instrumental variables. Findings show that increases in protest participation decrease the presence of organizations that engage LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ audiences, especially local businesses that simultaneously bridge multiple groups of owners, customers, and clients.
Preoperative surgical risk stratification in osteosarcoma based on the proximity to the major vessels
Authors: Fujiwara T. , Medellin M. R. , Sambri A. , Tsuda Y. , Balko J. , Sumathi V. , Gregory J. , Jeys L. , Abudu A.
Published: July 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the risk of local recurrence and survival in patients with osteosarcoma based on the proximity of the tumour to the major vessels.

Patients and Methods

A total of 226 patients with high-grade non-metastatic osteosarcoma in the limbs were investigated. Median age at diagnosis was 15 years (4 to 67) with the ratio of male to female patients being 1.5:1. The most common site of the tumour was the femur (n = 103) followed by tibia (n = 66). The vascular proximity was categorized based on the preoperative MRI after neoadjuvant chemotherapy into four types: type 1 > 5 mm; type 2 ≤ 5 mm, > 0 mm; type 3 attached; type 4 surrounded.

Results

Limb salvage rate based on the proximity type was 92%, 88%, 51%, and 0% for types 1 to 4, respectively, and the overall survival at five years was 82%, 77%, 57%, and 67%, respectively (p < 0.001). Local recurrence rate in patients with limb-salvage surgery was 7%, 8%, and 22% for the types 1 to 3, respectively (p = 0.041), and local recurrence at the perivascular area was observed in 1% and 4% for type 2 and 3, respectively. The mean microscopic margin to the major vessels was 6.9 mm, 3.0 mm, and 1.4 mm for types 1 to 3, respectively. In type 3, local recurrence-free survival with limb salvage was significantly poorer compared with amputation (p = 0.025), while the latter offered no overall survival benefit. In this group of patients, factors such as good response to chemotherapy or limited vascular attachment to less than half circumference or longitudinal 10 mm reduced the risk of local recurrence.

Conclusion

The proximity of osteosarcoma to major blood vessels is a poor prognostic factor for local control and survival. Amputation offers better local control for tumours attached to the blood vessels but does not improve survival. Limb salvage surgery offers similar local control if the tumour attachment to blood vessels is limited. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1024–1031.
The effect of femoral shortening in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip after walking age
Authors: Castañeda P. , Moscona L. , Masrouha K.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The optimal treatment for late-presenting developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is controversial. High tension forces after hip reduction increase the pressure on the femoral head, potentially causing avascular necrosis. Femoral shortening (FS) is commonly used as a means to decrease the pressure on the femoral head. We examined the effect of FS on the outcomes of patients with late-presenting DDH.

Methods

A total of 645 hips of a late-presenting DDH cohort treated with open reduction and iliac osteotomies were retrospectively reviewed; 328 hips had a FS performed (FS+) and 317 (FS-) had not. The mean age was 3.9 years (sd 1.55). We classified the hips with the Tönnis and International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) methods; and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), Iowa Hip Score (IHS) and Severin classification as outcome measurements.

Results

The FS- group had higher scores in PODCI (median 95 points; interquartile range (IQR) 78 to 91) and IHS (median 91 points; IQR 64 to 88) than the FS+ group (PODCI: median 94 points; IQR 69 to 89 points; IHS: median 89 points; IQR 62 to 87). The mean Severin scores were similar (FS- 2.65; FS+ 2.5; p = 0.93) but the FS– group had higher rates of good and excellent outcomes (FS- 56%; FS+ 41%; p < 0.00001) and lesser dislocation rates (FS- 6%; FS+ 14%; p = 0.16).

Conclusion

Although FS should be used when a hip cannot be reduced without undue tension, our results indicate that this procedure is not necessarily related to a better outcome.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic, Level III.
The impact of nonosteogenic factors on the expression of osteoprotegerin and RANKL during human fracture healing
Authors: Starlinger Julia , Kaiser Georg , Thomas Anita , Sarahrudi Kambiz
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) balance is of the utmost importance in fracture healing. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the impact of nonosteogenic factors on OPG and RANKL levels.

Methods

Serum obtained from 51 patients with long bone fractures was collected over 48 weeks. The OPG and serum sRANKL (soluble RANKL) concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Smoking habit, diabetes, and alcohol consumption were recorded.

Results

Age and sex greatly influenced preoperative serum levels of OPG and sRANKL but differences were even more pronounced during fracture healing. Statistical significance was observed for overall serum levels of OPG (p = 0.001) and sRANKL (p < 0.001) in older men and women (age greater than 50 years). Interestingly, OPG levels increased over time in older women but decreased over time in older men.

Conclusion

These data suggest that nonosteogenic factors, most significantly age and sex, have a major impact on sRANKL and OPG levels. Given the established association of OPG and sRANKL levels and nonunion, these findings seem to be of clinical relevance. Cite this article: J. Starlinger, G. Kaiser, A. Thomas, K. Sarahrudi. The impact of nonosteogenic factors on the expression of osteoprotegerin and RANKL during human fracture healing. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:349–356. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.87.BJR-2018-0116.R3.
in silico Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Prediction and Design for Targeting Amyloid Precursor Protein in Alzheimers Disease
Authors: Meghna M. , Athira B. , Saranya T.S. , Manakadan Asha Asokan
Published: July 2019

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is the common cause of dementia and affect life quality. Present research analysis is based on the amyloid precursor protein as it is one of the major biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease, the insoluble part of which gets deposited due to the inappropriate cleavage by secretase enzyme. The instrumental part of this study was performed by using Computer Aided Drug Design (CADD). About 23 phytoconstituents were taken, from these constituents rosamarinic acid produced the highest docking score. Preliminary characterizations of all the ligands were conducted using Biovia Discovery studio along with protein characterization, Lipinski rule analysis and ADMET. The in silico analysis convincingly predicted the action of rosamarinic acid, against the formation of amyloid plaque by binding with the amyloid precursor protein .Details of single nucleotide polymorphism on gene APPI were analyzed by dbSNP database and displays the need for further in vitro study.
Optimization of Five Reducing Agents using UV-VIS
Spectrometry for Reduction of Iron(III) to Iron(II)
Authors: Sugiarso K.S. R. Djarot , Kurnia Arum Dwi , Ratnawati Dewi , Putri Haryudini Arsa , Putro Herdayanto S. , Ediati Ratna Ediati
Published: July 2019

This study aims to investigate the optimum conditions of five reducing agents viz., sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH2OH·HCl), ascorbic acid (C6H8O6), sodium oxalate (Na2C2O4) and sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) for the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) using UV-Vis spectrometry. As result, the optimum pH of acetate buffer for Na2S2O3, NH2OH·HCl, C6H8O6, Na2C2O4 and Na2SO3 were obtained at pH 4.5, 4.5, 4.5, 5.0 and 4.0, respectively. Whilst the optimum time for each Na2S2O3, NH2OH·HCl and C6H8O6 were 15 min, the outcome for Na2C2O4 and Na2SO3 took longer time which are 45 and 30 min, respectively. As for optimum concentration, the results were various as Na2S2O3,
NH2OH·HCl, C6H8O6, Na2C2O4 and Na2SO3 were at 11, 7, 5, 12 and 60 ppm in consecutive order. Also to conclude the work, the recovery percentage were calculated and the results were Na2S2O3 (102.81 %), NH2OH·HCl (116.71 %), C6H8O6 (97.97 %), Na2C2O4 (85.89 %), and Na2SO3 (85.04 %).
Chitosan Grafted Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced
Vinyl Ester/UPE Blend Based Partially Bio-Nanocomposite
Authors: Mohanty Priyabrata , Bastia Tapan Kumar , Behera Dibakar , Panda Shivkumari
Published: July 2019

This work represents the preparation and characterization of some unique properties of vinyl ester (VE) and unsaturated polyester (UPE) blend based nanocomposites by introducing biopolymer chitosan grafted multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Initially, surface grafting of MWCNTs with chitosan was performed by utilizing glutaraldehyde as a cross linking reagent through covalent deposition method and are successfully characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). Then 50:50 wt % of vinyl ester and unsaturated polyester blend was prepared by simple sonication method. Three different specimens of VE/UPE/CS-g-MWCNTs nanocomposites were fabricated with addition of 1, 3 and 5 wt % of functionalized bionanofiller. Chitosan grafting of MWCNTs offered enhanced properties to the nanocomposites suggesting homogeneous distribution of the nanofiller in the matrix with minimum corrosion and swelling properties. 3 wt % of functionalized bionanofiller loading showed superior essential characteristics and after that the properties reduced may be due to the nucleating tendency of the nanofiller particles.
Triton B Mediated One-Pot Synthesis of Thiocarbonic Ester Derivatives in Non-Aqueous Medium
Authors: Singh Neha , Khare Richa , Srivastava Krishna
Published: July 2019

A differentiated series of thiocarbonic acid esters have been synthesized and characterized in good to excellent yields with the help of thiols, carbon di sulphide and alkyl/aryl halides in DMSO with benzyl trimethylammonium hydroxide where Triton B acts as a catalyst. This method is safer and efficient as compared to other conventional methods.
Evaluation of Nitroxide Radical Catalyst Activity in C-H Activation Step of the
Oxidative Coupling between 9,10-Dihydroacridine and Nitromethane
Authors: Iwasaki Kousuke , Yudai Yamazaki , Gotoh Hiroaki
Published: July 2019

Organocatalysts have been the subject of intense research effort because of their low toxicity, facile handling, and eco-friendly characteristics. Recently, the development of C-H activation reaction using organocatalysts has also been studied. Herein, we report the studies on the oxidative coupling of 9,10-dihydroacridine and nitromethane using a series of stable radicals. tert-Butyl(10-phenyl-9-anthryl)nitroxide was found to be an optimal catalyst for the coupling reaction.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activities of Copper(II)
Complexes of Schiff Base Ligand 2-[(3′-N-salicylidinephenyl)benzimidazole]
Authors: Roopashree B. , Gayathri V.
Published: July 2019

CuX2·6H2O (X = Cl–, Br– or ClO4–) reacted with a Schiff base ligand 2-[(3′-N-salicylidinephenyl)benzimidazole] in 1:2 mole ratio in methanol to yield brown colored
complexes of types [CuCl2L]2, [CuBr1.5L1.5]2Br and [Cu(OClO3)L2]2(ClO4)2·4H2O. The complexes were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic studies such as elemental analysis, conductivity and magnetic moment measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, IR, far-IR, electronic, ESR and mass spectral studies. IR spectral studies suggested the coordination of ligand to the central metal atom via tertiary nitrogen of benzimidazole and nitrogen of azomethine group. Based on these studies, binuclear structure was proposed for all the copper complexes. The ligand and its copper(II) complexes were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities.