bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B-Cell Receptor-Associated Protein 31 Regulates the Expression of Valosin-Containing Protein Through Elf2
Authors: Jia Cong-cong , Du Juan , Liu Xia , Jiang Rui , Huang Yongye , Wang Tianyi , Hou Yue , Wang Bing
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: B-cell receptor-associated protein 31 (Bap31) is an evolutionarily conserved, ubiquitously expressed, polytopic integral membrane protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that is involved in the regulation of apoptosis, protein transport and degradation. Patients with Bap31 mutations exhibit symptoms similar to those exhibited by patients with central nervous system (CNS) diseases, such as deafness, dystonia, and intellectual disability. The present study aimed to investigate the function of Bap31 in CNS diseases by identifying a CNS disease-related gene regulated by Bap31 and exploring the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: ShRNA-Bap31 and siRNA-Bap31 were used to knockdown Bap31 in N2a cells, and real-time PCR was performed to detect the mRNA levels of genes involved in CNS diseases. Western blot analyses were used to examine the protein levels of the candidate gene (valosin-containing protein, VCP) both in vivo and in vitro. The functions of Bap31 and VCP in mediating the degradation of the hyper-unstable mutant of cystic fibrosis trans-membrane conductance regulator (CFTRΔF508) were studied. Moreover, real-time PCR, Western blot and dual luciferase reporter analyses were conducted to investigate the molecular mechanism by which Bap31 regulates the expression levels of VCP. Results: VCP was identified as a candidate gene based on its differential expression in N2a cells following both shRNA- and siRNA-mediated knockdown of Bap31. Both the mRNA and protein levels of VCP were regulated by Bap31 in vivo and in vitro. In the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway, Bap31 also regulated VCP expression and caused differences in the binding quantities of CFTRΔF508 and VCP. Furthermore, a transcription factor of VCP (E74-like factor 2, Elf2) was regulated by Bap31, and Elf2 mediated the changes in VCP transcription and expression in cells with altered Bap31 expression. Conclusion: These results indicate that Bap31 regulates the expression of VCP possibly via Elf2 and support the potential molecular function of Bap31 in CNS diseases.
Interleukin-35 Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer is Associated with Tumor Progression
Authors: Sun Mingfei , Zheng Xianjie , Meng Qingjiang , Dong Yanjun , Zhang Guoyu , Rao Dexin , An Xiaokang , Yang Zhongxin , Pan Lihong , Zhang Shuanglin
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide due to its high incidence, malignant behavior and lack of major advancements in treatment strategy. The occurrence and development of lung cancer is closely related to inflammation. Thus, we conducted the present study to investigate the effects of IL-35 (Interleukin 35), a newly identified anti-inflammatory factor, on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for about 85% of all lung cancers. Methods: We first evaluated the IL-35 expression in 384 pairs of NSCLC samples and their adjacent normal mucosa by realtime PCR, ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunoassay) and tissue microarrays. Then the role of IL-35 on patient survival rates, cancer progression and their sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs were assessed. Results: IL-35 was barely expressed in the NSCLC tissues but highly expressed in the adjacent normal tissues. The down-regulation of IL-35 was significantly correlated with the results of American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, differentiation and it was also shown to be an independent prognostic indicator of disease-free survival and overall survival for patients with NSCLC. Overexpression of IL-35 in NSCLC cells suppressed cell migration, invasion, proliferation, colony formation through suppressing β-catenin. IL-35 inhibited NSCLC formation in the mice model and sensitize the cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs. Conclusion: Our results showed that IL-35 plays an inhibitory role in NSCLC development and function as a novel prognostic indicator and a potential therapeutic target.
Redescription and phylogenetic placement of Cirrhilabrus sanguineus Cornic (Teleostei: Labridae), with first documentation of the female form
Authors: TEA YI-KAI , FRABLE BENJAMIN W. , VAN DER WAL CARA
Published: November 2018

The labrid fish Cirrhilabrus sanguineus Cornic is redescribed on the basis of the neotype, two male specimens, and an additional female specimen recently collected from the northern coast of Mauritius. We provide new live and nuptial colouration descriptions, as well as the first documented female specimen for the species. we also include a molecular phylogenetic analysis of related species, with brief comments on phylogenetic interpretation of putative relationships amongst members of the genus Cirrhilabrus.
Harmonizing Forms of Legitimacy in the Consecration of Popular Music
Authors: Schmutz Vaughn , van Venrooij Alex
Published: November 2018

Recent sociological research has focused attention on formal instances of retrospective cultural consecration in the United States. In the fields of film, sport, and popular music, this has largely involved comparing the effects of various forms of cultural legitimacy on the odds of retrospective consecration. Such studies have used the three “competing” principles of cultural legitimacy identified by Bourdieu (1983)—specific, bourgeois, and popular—as predictors of consecration. Although Bourdieu (1983) refers to these as “competing” forms of cultural legitimacy, elsewhere he describes consecration as the collective product of “all the agents involved in the field of production.” Based on 3,234 popular music albums released from 2000 through 2007, we analyze factors associated with immediate, intermediate, and retrospective forms of consecration to explore the extent to which such forms of legitimacy compete and converge over time. Our findings suggest that rites of consecration can serve to reveal conflicts as well as build consensus regarding the reputations of artists and their works. The increasing consensus surrounding consecrated albums is particularly striking.
Association between social media use (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) and depressive symptoms: Are Twitter users at higher risk?
Authors: Jeri-Yabar Antoine , Sanchez-Carbonel Alejandra , Tito Karen , Ramirez-delCastillo Jimena , Torres-Alcantara Alessandra , Denegri Daniela , Carreazo Yhuri
Published: November 2018

Background:

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between social media dependence and depressive symptoms and also, to characterize the level of dependence. It was a transversal, analytical research.

Subjects and Methods:

The stratified sample was 212 students from a private university that used Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter. To measure depressive symptoms, Beck Depression Inventory was used, and to measure the dependence to social media, the Social Media Addiction Test was used, adapted from the Internet Addiction Test of Echeburúa. The collected data were subjected for analysis by descriptive statistics where STATA12 was used.

Results:

The results show that there is an association between social media dependence and depressive symptoms (PR [Prevalence Ratio] = 2.87, CI [Confidence Interval] 2.03–4.07). It was also shown that preferring the use of Twitter (PR = 1.84, CI 1.21–2.82) over Instagram (PR = 1.61, CI 1.13–2.28) is associated with depressive symptoms when compared to the use of Facebook.

Conclusion:

Excessive social media use is associated with depressive symptoms in university students, being more prominent in those who prefer the use of Twitter over Facebook and Instagram.
Understanding Differences in Types of Opioid Prescriptions Across Time and Space: A Community-Level Analysis
Authors: Anderson Tammy L. , Zhang Xiaoke , Martin Steven S. , Fang Yiqian , Li Jiamin
Published: November 2018

For the better part of the 21st century, opioid abuse and related consequences have beleaguered the United States. Effectively fighting the crisis may require a better understanding of potential differences among the types of opioids available as treating them as one homogeneous group may mask emerging trends and conflate more benign ones with those more troubling. The purpose of our study is to investigate changes in prescribing patterns of four groups of opioids (hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and other) and how community-level factors explain their variation over time. We use a census tract–level data set with population, concentrated disadvantage, and prescription drug monitoring payment variables to address our goals. Findings show disparate prescribing patterns among the four types of opioids and considerable differences in the community factors that predict their change. Implications for future research and interventions follow.
Style is Substance: Origins of John W. O’Malley’s Contribution to the Interpretation of Vatican II
Authors: Clifford Catherine E.
Published: November 2018

This article explores three aspects of John W. O’Malley’s contribution to the critical study of the Second Vatican Council: his contention that Vatican II reflects a new “style” or philosophy of history; that the distinctive rhetorical style of the conciliar texts is itself an expression of their substantive teaching; and finally, that the council is a decisive response to the crisis of modernity. A full appreciation of these insights requires that we consider his study of Vatican II against the horizon of his works on renaissance and early modern church history.
Liturgical Prayer and the Theology of Mercy in Thomas Aquinas and Pope Francis
Authors: Smith Innocent
Published: November 2018

Thomas Aquinas’ theology of mercy is deeply marked by the liturgical tradition of the Order of Preachers, incorporating many explicit and implicit references to liturgical prayers in praise of God’s mercy. This article explores the liturgical context of Thomas Aquinas’ theology of mercy, demonstrating the influence of the Dominican liturgy on Thomas’ understanding and articulation of mercy and showing the subsequent influence of Thomas on Pope Francis’ theology of mercy.
Re-evaluating the Prestige of Regional Accents in Netherlandic Standard Dutch: The Role of Accent Strength and Speaker Gender
Authors: Grondelaers Stefan , van Hout Roeland , van Gent Paul
Published: November 2018

This article investigates three neglected determinants of native speakers’ attitudes toward regional accent variation in Netherlandic Standard Dutch, namely, accent strength, speaker gender, and the evaluation dimension dynamism. Nineteen participants first rated 126 speech clips representing three regional accents (Randstad, Groningen, Limburg) in terms of the expected regional origin of the speakers and their accent strength. In a subsequent speaker evaluation study, 148 participants rated the 16 clips that emanated from Study 1 as the mildest and broadest accented male and female Randstad and Limburg speech. Crucially, accent strength variation reduced the alleged status asymmetry between the high-prestige Randstad and the low-prestige Limburg accent, since mild versions of the Limburg accent were significantly upgraded on superiority and dynamism. And broadly accented Randstad females were downgraded on superiority but not on dynamism. All in all, our findings necessitate a thorough revision of current thinking about accent-triggered impression formation in Dutch.
The Effects of a Paraphrasing Intervention on Word Problem-Solving Accuracy of English Learners at Risk of Mathematic Disabilities
Authors: Kong Jennifer E. , Swanson H. Lee
Published: November 2018

English learners (ELs) experience difficulty with mathematical problem solving because word problems require complex processes beyond basic math skills, such as the use of linguistic information, identifying relevant information, and constructing the appropriate problem statement. This study used a combined multiple baseline design and criterion changing design to assess the effectiveness of a paraphrasing intervention on the problem-solving performance for nine third-grade students who are ELs and at risk of mathematical disabilities (MD). Although the magnitude of the Tau-U effect sizes was in the small range, the visual analysis indicated that all students displayed increasing trends in problem-solving accuracy as a function of the paraphrasing intervention. The results were discussed in terms of providing continual support toward maintaining intervention outcomes.
Friction and wear characteristics of fibre-reinforced plastic composites
Authors: Vinayagamoorthy R
Published: November 2018

The dominance of fibre-reinforced plastics in industries has enhanced the need for research to develop new composites and assess their properties. Among the various property analyses, tribological characteristics of the composites help to understand the friction and wear behaviour. This article presents a comprehensive survey on the tribological behaviour of polymeric composites, which includes the influence of various working parameters such as the velocity of sliding, sliding distance, pressure applied and temperature on the friction and wear. The article also addresses about the importance of the composite constituents such as fibre composition, fibre geometry and fibre orientation on the tribological behaviour. The major reasons causing the tribological failure like the debonding between the fibre and the matrix, failure of the matrix and the fibre are also extensively addressed. This review would be an insight to the industries and tribology researchers towards achieving optimum design for the components made of polymers.
Inflammatory Smooth Muscle Cells Induce Endothelial Cell Alterations to Influence Cerebral Aneurysm Progression via Regulation of Integrin and VEGF Expression
Authors: Liu Peixi , Shi Yuan , Fan Zhiyuan , Zhou Yingjie , Song Yaying , Liu Yingjun , Yu Guo , An Qingzhu , Zhu Wei
Published: November 2018

Cerebral aneurysm growth is characterized by vessel wall frailness, although the underlying cellular mechanisms are unclear. Here, we examined the relationship between inflammatory smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) in cerebral aneurysms, including the mechanisms underlying inflammatory SMC-induced changes in ECs. Five saccular cerebral aneurysms were collected and five temporal artery samples were used as controls. Cells and cytokines were detected by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL (transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assays performed to evaluate apoptosis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were seeded on collagen I, IV, and VI-coated plates for cell adhesion assays and inflammatory SMCs (iSMCs) were established by culture in flexible silicone chambers subjected to cyclic mechanical stretch. HUVECs were cultured in iSMC-conditioned medium, followed by evaluation of their viability, apoptosis, and function, and determination of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) -A and integrin levels by western blotting. Aneurysm tissue contained fewer SMCs and lacked ECs. In aneurysm walls, more matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -1, MMP-3, and apoptotic cells were detected, accompanied by decreased collagen IV and VI levels. Cell adhesion assays revealed that more HUVECs were attached in collagen IV and VI-coated plates compared with controls. iSMC-conditioned medium significantly reduced HUVEC viability and apoptosis showed an increased trend; however, the difference was not significant. iSMC medium also reduced tube formation and migration of HUVECs. Moreover, iSMC medium reduced HUVEC expression of VEGF-A, integrin α1, integrin α2, and integrin β. Our data demonstrate a lack of SMCs and ECs in aneurysm walls, accompanied by elevated MMP and decreased collagen levels. In vitro assays showed that iSMCs induced reduction in EC adhesion, and caused EC dysfunction. Understanding of the relationships among SMC, EC, and collagens during aneurysm progression provides an additional therapeutic option for prevention of cerebral aneurysm progression.
The Psychological and Neural Basis of Loss Aversion
Authors: Sokol-Hessner Peter , Rutledge Robb B.
Published: November 2018

Loss aversion is a central element of prospect theory, the dominant theory of decision making under uncertainty for the past four decades, and refers to the overweighting of potential losses relative to equivalent gains, a critical determinant of risky decision making. Recent advances in affective and decision neuroscience have shed new light on the psychological and neurobiological mechanisms underlying loss aversion. Here, integrating disparate literatures from the level of neurotransmitters to subjective reports of emotion, we propose a novel neural and computational framework that links norepinephrine to loss aversion and identifies a distinct role for dopamine in risk taking for rewards. We also propose that loss aversion specifically relates to anticipated emotions and aspects of the immediate experience of realized gains and losses but not their long-term emotional consequences, highlighting an underappreciated temporal structure. Finally, we discuss challenges to loss aversion and the relevance of loss aversion to understanding psychiatric disorders. Refining models of loss aversion will have broad consequences for the science of decision making and for how we understand individual variation in economic preferences and psychological well-being across both healthy and psychiatric populations.
Understanding Spatial and Contextual Factors Influencing Intraregional Differences in Child Vaccination Coverage in Bangladesh
Authors: Vyas Priyanka , Kim Dohyeong , Adams Alayne
Published: November 2018

In Bangladesh, policy discourse has mostly focused on regional inequities in health, including child immunization coverage. Knowledge of local geographical and contextual factors within regions, however, becomes pertinent in efforts to address these inequities. We used the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011 to examine factors that influence intraregional differences in vaccination coverage using a multilevel analysis. We found that in spite of the provision of health facilities at each level of administrative governance, only distance to the Upazilla Health Complex was a consistent predictor for each dose of vaccine, highlighting the remote locations of the communities that remain underserved. Our analysis demonstrates the value of subregional analyses that identify the characteristics of communities that are vulnerable to incomplete immunization coverage. Unless specific policy actions are taken to increase coverage in these remote areas, geographic inequities are likely to persist within regions, and desired targets will not be achieved.
A Failed Method? Reflections on Using Audio Diaries in Uganda With Young People Growing Up With HIV in the BREATHER Trial
Authors: Bernays Sarah , Paparini Sara , Namukwaya Stella , Seeley Janet
Published: November 2018

In this article, we present a case study in which we consider our use of the audio diary method with young people (aged 10–24) living with HIV in Uganda in a longitudinal qualitative study conducted in a clinical randomized control trial. Despite initial enthusiasm for the method among participants to capture accounts of participants’ experiences outside of the confines of the HIV clinic, the constraints the young people encountered in accessing sufficient privacy to confidently make recordings meant that no one elected to use them again in the study. Despite the insights the use of the method generated, the lack of acceptability led to its relative failure. This demonstrates that despite the call for innovation, there is an unwavering necessity when selecting methods that they align with the needs and preferences of our participants and with an attentive assessment of the local context in which illness narratives are produced.
Prediction of Horizontally and Widely Transferred Genes in Prokaryotes
Authors: Nakamura Yoji
Published: November 2018

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the process whereby an organism acquires exogenous genes (horizontally transferred genes or HT genes) that are not inherited from the parent, but are derived from another organism. In prokaryotes, HGT has been considered as one of the important driving forces of evolution. Previously, genome-wide analyses have been conducted for estimating the proportion of HT genes in prokaryotic genomes, but the number of species examined at the time was limited, and gene annotation was relatively poor. Currently, tens of thousands of prokaryotic genomes have been published and gene annotation resources have improved. In the present study, HT gene prediction method was modified so that the estimate was robust to gene length, conducting a comprehensive search using 3017 representative prokaryotic genomes belonging to 1348 species. The result showed that an average of 13% (ranging from 0% to 30% across species) of protein-coding genes was predicted as being of horizontal origin. The proportion of the predicted HT genes per species was associated with the species’ habitat, while a positive correlation between the proportion and genomic nucleotide frequency was also observed. Moreover, the functions of the predicted HT genes were inferred and compared according to two popular databases, the Clusters of Orthologous Groups and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. As a result, both databases indicated that many of the widely transferred genes were involved in mobile genetic elements (transposons, phages, and plasmids) as expected. Notably, the present study predicted that six as-yet-uncharacterized genes were widely distributed HT genes, and therefore, will be interesting targets for evolutionary studies. Thus, this study demonstrates that a data-driven approach using massive sequence data may contribute to a broader understanding of HGT in prokaryotes.
Nothing happened, something happened: Silence in a makerspace
Authors: de Vaujany François-Xavier , Aroles Jeremy
Published: November 2018

An ever-increasing range of work activities occur in open spaces that require collective discipline, with silence emerging as a key feature of such workplace configurations. Drawing from an ethnographic examination of a makerspace in Paris, we explore the ways in which silence is incorporated into new work practices in the context of their actualization, embodiment and apprenticeship. Through its engagement with the conceptual work of Merleau-Ponty, this article does not posit silence as the opposite of sounds or as a passive achievement. Silence is inscribed in a learning process and requires numerous efforts to be maintained (e.g. body postures to avoid staring into the eyes of someone entering into an open space, wearing headphones, etc.). It is also the envelope of numerous noisy acts that take place in the phenomenological body and in the embodied practices of workers. We argue that ‘silencing’ is an event ordering that gives direction to what ‘happens’ in collective work activities and is central to the process of embodied learning in collaborative spaces.
E-books: In the shadow of print
Authors: Bergström Annika , Höglund Lars
Published: November 2018

The e-book has gained a large number of readers in many countries. However, the growth rate, as well as the market penetration of e-books, varies considerably between countries and language areas. In the United States and other English-speaking countries, the use of e-books is more widespread than in many European countries, such as Sweden. In both the United States and Swedish markets, the growth rate has slowed down during the latest 2 years, and the majority of readers still seem to prefer printed books. This article aims to reveal the relationship between attitudes and use of e-books and to contextualize this in relation to socio-demographic background, library use and reading habits. The results, based on national, representative surveys in Sweden during 2013 and 2014, show that people’s attitudes are a significant and important factor for the choice of e-books instead of print, but this is probably a two-way relationship. It is also evident that e-books serve a complementary rather than displacement function in relation to print.
Understanding the causes of breast cancer treatment delays at a teaching hospital in Ghana
Authors: Sanuade Olutobi A , Ayettey Hannah , Hewlett Sandra , Dedey Florence , Wu Lily , Akingbola Titilola , Ogedegbe Gbenga , de-Graft Aikins Ama
Published: November 2018

Poor outcomes for breast cancer in Ghana have been attributed to late presentation of symptoms at biomedical facilities. This study explored factors accounting for delays in initiation of breast cancer treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. Focus group discussions were conducted with 20 women with breast cancer. A theory-driven thematic analysis identified three multilevel factors influencing treatment seeking delays: (1) patient (e.g. misinterpretation of symptoms, fear), (2) healthcare provider (e.g. negative attitudes) and (3) health systems (e.g. shortage of medicines). Addressing treatment delays will require multilevel interventions, including culturally congruent education, psychosocial counselling/support and strengthening health systems.
Healthcare access and services use among US children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lindly Olivia J , Zuckerman Katharine E , Kuhlthau Karen A
Published: November 2018

This study aimed to determine associations of healthcare access problems with services use among US children with autism spectrum disorder. We analyzed 2011–2014 National Health Interview Survey data on 651 children with autism spectrum disorder aged 2–17 years. There were three measures of healthcare access problems: (1) delays accessing healthcare, (2) difficulty affording healthcare, and (3) trouble finding a primary care provider. There were five service use measures: (1) ⩾4 office visits, (2) ⩾1 well-child visit, (3) flu vaccine, (4) prescription medication, and (5) ⩾1 emergency department visit. Multivariable regression models estimated associations of ⩾1 healthcare access problem with each service use variable and effect modification by socioeconomic status and race and ethnicity. Twenty-nine percent of children with autism spectrum disorder had ⩾1 healthcare access problem. Having ⩾1 healthcare access problem was associated with lower adjusted odds of ⩾1 well-child visit or prescription medication use but higher adjusted odds of ⩾4 office visits or ⩾1 emergency department visit. No significant association was found for flu vaccine. Associations of healthcare access problems with emergency department use were most pronounced for higher socioeconomic status and White, non-Hispanic subgroups. Intervention, such as insurance expansion, is needed to improve healthcare access for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Reaction to diagnosis and subsequent health in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Reed Phil , Osborne Lisa A
Published: November 2018

The current study assessed whether reactions to diagnosis are associated with health status for mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder at the time of diagnosis, and whether such diagnostic-reaction resolution status is associated with changes in health status over time. A total of 84 mothers of children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, with stable reactions to diagnosis over a year, participated. Their perceptions of their physical and psychological functioning, and quality of life, were taken at the time of diagnosis and 1 year later. The mothers were also given the Reaction to Diagnosis Interview. Mothers who had an unresolved reaction to diagnosis had a worse health status in terms of their perception of the physical symptoms at the time of the diagnosis, and showed worsening levels of health over the period of a year, relative to mothers who had a resolved diagnostic status. These relationships were independent of other potential predictors of ill health in this sample. The findings point to the potential of the diagnostic process to negatively impact parental health. Given that this can have negative consequences for child prognosis, as well as parental health, there is a need to develop better understanding of the impacts of diagnostic practices.
‘People like me don’t get support’: Autistic adults’ experiences of support and treatment for mental health difficulties, self-injury and suicidality
Authors: Camm-Crosbie Louise , Bradley Louise , Shaw Rebecca , Baron-Cohen Simon , Cassidy Sarah
Published: November 2018

Autistic people are at high risk of mental health problems, self-injury and suicidality. However, no studies have explored autistic peoples’ experiences of treatment and support for these difficulties. In partnership with a steering group of autistic adults, an online survey was developed to explore these individuals’ experiences of treatment and support for mental health problems, self-injury and suicidality for the first time. A total of 200 autistic adults (122 females, 77 males and 1 unreported) aged 18–67 (mean = 38.9 years, standard deviation = 11.5), without co-occurring intellectual disability, completed the online survey. Thematic analysis of open-ended questions resulted in an overarching theme that individually tailored treatment and support was both beneficial and desirable, which consisted of three underlying themes: (1) difficulties in accessing treatment and support; (2) lack of understanding and knowledge of autistic people with co-occurring mental health difficulties and (3) appropriate treatment and support, or lack of, impacted autistic people’s well-being and likelihood of seeing suicide as their future. Findings demonstrate an urgent need for autism treatment pathways in mental health services.
A manufacturing approach to functional biomimetic three-dimensional-printed bone implants
Authors: Helguero CG , Amaya JL , Ramírez EA , Komatsu DE , Kao I , Pentyala S
Published: November 2018

Orthopedic surgeons frequently face the problem of selecting adequate implants that fulfill certain characteristics of mechanical stability and biological features. Recent three-dimensional printing advancements have made possible the use of biologically compatible materials in regenerative medicine in order to meet the increasing demand of tissue and organs, including bones. Current three-dimensional printing bone technologies can create either strong bone structures (based on primary scaffolds) that are structurally compatible but functionally inert or structures that have osteoconductive properties but are extremely weak. In this context, the present article presents a follow-up study based on previous analysis in which a new technique is used to create high-resistance implants using biocompatible materials as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene to print biomimetic scaffolds directly from computer assisted design data. The main objective is to develop a design methodology to model and create artificial bone tissue, based on the trabecular pattern of the host, to obtain scaffolds within a structural design that mimics the mechanical resistance of the patients’ bone. These scaffolds, obtained from a micro-tomography, would generate stronger structures by enhancing them with osteoblast precursor cells in an osteogenic habitat in order to generate bone tissue in their surface. Mechanical strength of these scaffolds is also analyzed by comparing models with and without trabecular patterns using a standard compression test. The anisotropy of the structures was also considered in this analysis. Results confirm that trabecular pattern and bone matrix formation enhances the mechanical strength of the scaffolds obtaining similar values as of real trabecular tissue. The clinical use of the developed structures would constitute a new generation of three-dimensional-printed functional implants.
Doubly robust pseudo-likelihood for incomplete hierarchical binary data
Authors: Hermans Lisa , Ivanova Anna , Sotto Cristina , Molenberghs Geert , Verbeke Geert , Kenward Michael G
Published: November 2018

Missing data is almost inevitable in correlated-data studies. For non-Gaussian outcomes with moderate to large sequences, direct-likelihood methods can involve complex, hard-to-manipulate likelihoods. Popular alternative approaches, like generalized estimating equations, that are frequently used to circumvent the computational complexity of full likelihood, are less suitable when scientific interest, at least in part, is placed on the association structure; pseudo-likelihood (PL) methods are then a viable alternative. When the missing data are missing at random, Molenberghs et al. (2011, Statistica Sinica, 21,187–206) proposed a suite of corrections to the standard form of PL, taking the form of singly and doubly robust estimators. They provided the basis and exemplified it in insightful yet primarily illustrative examples. We here consider the important case of marginal models for hierarchical binary data, provide an effective implementation and illustrate it using data from an analgesic trial. Our doubly robust estimator is more convenient than the classical doubly robust estimators. The ideas are illustrated using a marginal model for a binary response, more specifically a Bahadur model.
Early Cannulation of Bovine Carotid Artery Graft Reduces Tunneled Dialysis Catheter-Related Complications: A Comparison of Bovine Carotid Artery Graft Versus Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts in Hemodialysis Access
Authors: Marcus Preston , Echeverria Angela , Cheung Mathew , Kfoury Elias , Shim Kevin , Lin Peter H.
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

In patients who receive chronic hemodialysis but do not have autogenous venous conduit for a native dialysis access, nonautologous grafts serve as an alternative conduit of choice. This study compared the clinical outcome of hemodialysis access using bovine carotid artery graft (BCAG) and prosthetic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft in patients who receive chronic hemodialysis.

Methods:

An analysis of all patients undergoing hemodialysis using either BCAG or PTFE grafts from 2010 to 2017 was performed. Clinical outcomes were analyzed including graft patency as well as associated complications related to dialysis grafts and tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC).

Results:

During the study period, 142 patients received BCAG and 128 patients received PTFE graft implantation for dialysis access. The mean duration from graft implantation to graft cannulation in the BCAG and PTFE group was 12.3 ± 8.5 days versus 43.5 ± 16.4, respectively ( P = .01). Bovine carotid artery graft group had a higher 2-year primary patency rate (33% vs 14%, P = .03) and assisted primary rate (57% vs 23%, P = .02) compared to the PTFE group. The 2-year secondary patency rates were similar between the 2 groups (56% vs 53%, P = .69). Complication rates in the BCAG and PTFE group was 1.69 ± 0.24 per patient-year versus 2.54 ± 0.48 per patient-year, respectively ( P = .01). Tunneled dialysis catheter-related infection was greater in the PTFE group compared to the BCAG group (10.87 ± 2.61 vs 5.69 ± 0.98 per 1000 TDC days; P = .02). Bovine carotid artery graft cohorts group required a mean of 1.69 interventions per patient-year, compared to 2.76 per patient-year for the PTFE group ( P = .03).

Conclusions:

Bovine carotid artery graft permits earlier cannulation for hemodialysis access with superior primary and assisted primary patency rates compared to PTFE grafts. Patients with BCAG experienced shorter indwelling TDC duration and less TDC-related complications compared to PTFE cohorts.
SP-Loc: A crowdsourcing fingerprint based shop-level indoor localization algorithm integrating shop popularity without the indoor map
Authors: Wei Jie , Zhao Fang , Luo Haiyong
Published: November 2018

With the development of indoor localization technology, the location-based services such as product advertising recommendation in the shopping mall attract widespread attention, as precise user location significantly improves the efficiency of advertising push and brings broader profits. However, most of the Wi-Fi-based indoor localization approaches requiring professionals to deploy expensive beacon devices and intensively collect fingerprints in each location grid, which severely limits its extensive promotion. We introduce a zero-cost indoor localization algorithm utilizing crowdsourcing fingerprints to obtain the shop recognition where the user is located. Naturally utilizing the Wi-Fi, GPS, and time-stamp fingerprints collected from the smartphone when user paid as the crowdsourcing fingerprint, we avoid the requirement for indoor map and get rid of both devices cost and manual signal collecting process. Moreover, a shop-level hierarchical indoor localization framework is proposed, and high robustness features based on Wi-Fi sequences variation pattern in the same shop analysis are designed to avoid the received signal strength fluctuations. Besides, we also pay more attention to mine the popularity properties of shops and explore GPS features to improve localization accuracy in the Wi-Fi absence situation effectively. Massive experiments indicate that SP-Loc achieves more than 93% localization accuracy.
Automatic incident detection in smart city using multiple traffic flow parameters via V2X communication
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Khan Majid Iqbal
Published: November 2018

Recent research trends in intelligent transportation system are focused toward developing automatic incident detection systems to deal with on-road incidents including accidents, traffic congestion, and jamming which cause damage to precious human lives and financial losses. Most of the existing automatic incident detection systems use fixed detectors to detect traffic parameters like occupancy, speed, and lane change information. These systems are prone to delay, inaccuracy, and false alarms during data collection and processing due to line of sight and short-range communication, weather conditions, road repairing, and driver’s driving patterns. Moreover, these systems are designed for freeways/highways and are less compatible with city scenario due to its highly variable traffic density factor. To overcome these deficiencies, an effective and robust approach for automatic incident detection for smart city is developed using smart roads in association with roadside units for data collection and data processing, respectively. The incident confidence factor of the algorithm is based not only on speed and lane change parameters but also on acceleration, orientation, and deviation factors that are integrated to cope with peak/non-peak traffic hours. The integration of multiple parameters increases the incident belief factor and hence the accuracy of incident detection. The complete algorithm is mathematically described using the notions of set theory and then formal analysis assures that the algorithm would be less susceptible to runtime and logical errors during simulations.
Gaming the SySTEM: The Relationship Between Video Games and the Digital and STEM Divides
Authors: Ball Christopher , Huang Kuo-Ting , Cotten Shelia R. , Rikard R. V.
Published: November 2018

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers are increasingly vital for countries, such as the United States and United Kingdom, to remain innovative and productive in the 21st century. Despite the growing demand and lucrative nature of STEM fields, minorities have remained traditionally underrepresented in STEM careers, possibly due to digital divide factors. In this study, we use social cognitive theory to explore the potential of video gameplay to provide a means of increasing minority students’ comfort with information and communication technologies, thereby increasing their positive STEM attitudes. Data were gathered during a large-scale computing intervention in an elementary school district in the southeastern United States. The results indicate that video game experiences may influence STEM attitudes via the mediating role of computer self-efficacy and emotional costs. Video gameplay, including games for entertainment, may be beneficial for young digitally divided populations as it may provide them with positive enactive experiences with technology.
Design and analysis of a six degrees of freedom serial–parallel robotic mechanism with multi-degree of freedom legs
Authors: Zhang Ziwei , Meng Guoying
Published: November 2018

A novel mobile serial–parallel mechanism with legs for in-pipe use is proposed. The mobile robotic mechanism is composed of two identical three-universal joint–prismatic joint–universal joint parallel mechanisms connected in series and two gripping modules. The proposed parallel mechanism has two rotational freedoms and one translational freedom. In addition, the parallel mechanism can achieve continuous and equivalent rotation. The singularities of the parallel mechanism are analyzed. The overall serial–parallel mechanism has six degrees of freedom, and each gripping module has four degrees of freedom. Each parallel mechanism in the waist module is driven by three servo-electric cylinders and each leg mechanism in the gripping modules is controlled by a linear actuator. The robotic mechanism can perform peristaltic movement and turning in space. The robotic mechanism possesses a simple structure and high flexibility, along with the merits of serial–parallel mechanism. In this article, analytic models for the kinematics and dynamics of the robotic mechanism are derived. Additionally, numerical examples are given, and their solutions are validated based on results obtained by SimMechanics and Adams.
Financing Decisions and Performance of Italian SMEs in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Botta Marco
Published: November 2018

This study investigates the existence of an optimal capital structure for small and medium enterprise (SME) hotels through the analysis of the relationship between financing decisions and financial performance in a large sample of Italian hotel SMEs. The results show that hotel SMEs face an optimal capital structure that allows them to maximize returns to investors, while instead having both too little and too much debt reduces their financial performance. This notwithstanding, we show that hotel SMEs are not particularly concerned with optimizing their capital structure, and their funding behavior is deeply connected with the availability of internally available funds, a typical pecking order behavior, and they result extremely slow in converging toward their optimal level of leverage so that they could improve their performance by adopting a more sophisticated financial strategy.
Xanthine-based acyclic nucleoside phosphonates with potent antiviral activity against varicella-zoster virus and human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Baszczyňski Ondřej , Kaiser Martin Maxmilian , Česnek Michal , Břehová Petra , Jansa Petr , Procházková Eliška , Dračínský Martin , Snoeck Robert , Andrei Graciela , Janeba Zlatko
Published: November 2018

While noncanonic xanthine nucleotides XMP/dXMP play an important role in balancing and maintaining intracellular purine nucleotide pool as well as in potential mutagenesis, surprisingly, acyclic nucleoside phosphonates bearing a xanthine nucleobase have not been studied so far for their antiviral properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of xanthine-based acyclic nucleoside phosphonates and evaluation of their activity against a wide range of DNA and RNA viruses. Two acyclic nucleoside phosphonates within the series, namely 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]xanthine (PMEX) and 9-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]xanthine (HPMPX), were shown to possess activity against several human herpesviruses. The most potent compound was PMEX, a xanthine analogue of adefovir (PMEA). PMEX exhibited a single digit µM activity against VZV (EC50 = 2.6 µM, TK+ Oka strain) and HCMV (EC50 = 8.5 µM, Davis strain), while its hexadecyloxypropyl monoester derivative was active against HSV-1 and HSV-2 (EC50 values between 1.8 and 4.0 µM). In contrast to acyclovir, PMEX remained active against the TK– VZV 07–1 strain with EC50 = 4.58 µM. PMEX was suggested to act as an inhibitor of viral DNA polymerase and represents the first reported xanthine-based acyclic nucleoside phosphonate with potent antiviral properties.
Perspectives on areca nut with some global implications: Symposium report
Authors: Gupta Prakash C. , Ray Cecily S. , Papke Roger L. , Stepanov Irina , Khariwala Samir S. , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Gupte Himanshu A. , Pednekar Mangesh S.
Published: November 2018

Areca nut and products made from the nut, evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as carcinogenic to humans since 2004, are being increasingly used in India and South East Asia and exported to many countries. There is thus an urgent need to identify best control policies and research gaps. On 1 February 2018, a group of experts shared their latest knowledge and perspectives on areca nut at Healis-Seksaria Institute for Public Health in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. By itself, areca nut has been implicated in oral and oesophageal cancer. Areca nut users are also at high risk of oral submucous fibrosis, a debilitating and potentially malignant condition. Users may also suffer adverse health outcomes due to smokeless tobacco, commonly mixed with areca nut. The use of areca nut commonly begins in childhood and often proceeds to use with tobacco. Gutka, a widely consumed, industrially made areca nut product containing tobacco, has been banned in all states and union territories of India, but it is still widely available. Areca nuts contain arecoline, an alkaloid that stimulates various brain receptors, promoting physical dependence. Areca nut alkaloids have also been implicated in carcinogenesis. Other chemicals, introduced during cultivation and processing of areca nuts, contribute to oral submucous fibrosis and cancer. The wide variety of products, different storage conditions and lack of regulation can lead to significant variation in the content of toxicants, carcinogens and alkaloids, making the psychological and physical dependence issues even more challenging. Regulation of product contents is needed as a part of control measures to supplement product bans.
Book review: Wendy Doniger, Beyond Dharma: Dissent in the Ancient Indian Sciences of Sex and Politics
Authors: Kumar Ashish
Published: November 2018

Wendy Doniger, Beyond Dharma: Dissent in the Ancient Indian Sciences of Sex and Politics (New Delhi: Speaking Tiger Publishing Pvt. Ltd), 2018, XIV + 226 pp., ₹599 (Hb).
Book review: Azfar Moin, The Millennial Sovereign: Sacred Kingship and Sainthood in Islam
Authors: Habib Irfan
Published: November 2018

Azfar Moin, The Millennial Sovereign: Sacred Kingship and Sainthood in Islam (Delhi: Primus Books in arrangement with Columbia University Press), 2018, XI + 343 pp., ₹1,250 (Hb).