bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual Keloid Formation at the Mammostat Location Following Breast Reduction
Authors: Adjadj L. , Schmitt T. , Fenoll C. , Makhoul R. , Levan P.
Published: April 2017

We report the case of a patient who developed keloid scarring associated with Mammostat-induced skin trauma during reduction mammoplasty. A 32-year-old patient consulted for breast hypertrophy and developed from the fourth postoperative month significant keloid scars on skin shears caused by dermal stretching techniques used during de-epithelialization. The Mammostat-related scars were keloid, while those found on old skin incisions were only enlarged and slightly hypertrophic. We followed up this patient for 7 years. During this time, she received the following local treatments: scar kneading, silicone dressings, intralesional injections of corticosteroids, and potent dermocorticosteroids. After balancing the benefit/risk ratio of a possible revision surgery for resection and plasty of her keloid scars, we opted for therapeutic abstention. In patients at high risk of keloids, we recommend a soft de-epithelialization causing no skin shear, performed by manual tensioning of the dermis.
Forgiveness and Christian Character: Reconciliation, Exemplarism and the Shape of Moral Theology
Authors: Torrance Alan J.
Published: April 2017

Acts of Christian forgiveness that run counter to natural inclinations and ethical intuitions raise questions about the nature of human identity and the basis of moral theology. An assessment of the biblical and theological warrant for Christian forgiveness challenges the ethical misappropriation of the language of covenant, torah and righteousness to that of contract, law and justice. The argument is made that forgiveness should be seen as normative—indeed, obligatory rather than supererogatory. A theological account is then provided of the conditions under which our natural inclinations are transformed so as to facilitate an orientation of forgiveness. It is argued that the doctrines of the incarnation and human participation in the mind of Christ (where transformation is conceived as both ‘evangelical’ and ‘ecclesial’) are axiomatic for interpreting the Christian life and thus moral theology. This leads to the conclusion that a combination of ‘reconciled exemplarism’ and ‘semantic externalism’ is key to the exposition of Christian ethics – the language of which tracks God’s historical engagement with humanity rather than denoting immanent, ethical categories.
Les voix/es de la mémoire dans Pas pleurer de Lydie Salvayre
Authors: Arráez José Luis
Published: April 2017

Résumé

À travers Pas pleurer, Lydie Salvayre plonge le lecteur dans la mémoire de la première et de la deuxième génération de la guerre civile espagnole par le biais d’un récit double où elle évoque en parallèle l’histoire de la mère de la narratrice à Barcelone, sous la révolution libertaire, et celle de Georges Bernanos à Majorque, sous la terreur des militaires nationaux. Estimant chacune de ces voix du roman comme des voies utilisées par la romancière pour transmettre la mémoire historique sur la guerre espagnole, cet article prétend développer une approche narratologique au roman de Lydie Salvayre où l’on analysera l’appareil énonciatif afin de présenter les différentes voix du roman. Ensuite, on approfondira sur la mémoire des personnages sous une perspective sociologique afin de montrer le travail de mémoire réalisé par la romancière et sa contribution au devoir de mémoire.
Decline in sperm count in European men during the past 50 years
Authors: Sengupta P , Borges E , Dutta S , Krajewska-Kulak E
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

To investigate whether the sperm concentration of European men is deteriorating over the past 50 years of time.

Materials and Methods:

We analysed the data published in English language articles in the past 50 years in altering sperm concentration in European men.

Results:

A time-dependent decline of sperm concentration ( r = −0.307, p = 0.02) in the last 50 years and an overall 32.5% decrease in mean sperm concentration was noted.

Conclusion:

This comprehensive, evidence-based meta-analysis concisely presents the evidence of decreased sperm concentration in European male over the past 50 years to serve the scientific research zone related to male reproductive health.
Validation of a Seven-Factor Structure for the Motives for Playing Drinking Games Measure
Authors: Zamboanga Byron L. , Audley Shannon , Olthuis Janine V. , Blumenthal Heidemarie , Tomaso Cara C. , Bui Ngoc , Borsari Brian
Published: April 2017

Playing drinking games can be characterized as a high-risk drinking activity because games are typically designed to promote heavy alcohol consumption. While research suggests that young adults are motivated to play drinking games for a variety of reasons (e.g., for thrills/fun, for the competition), the Motives for Playing Drinking Games measure has received limited empirical attention. We examined the psychometric properties of this measure with a confirmation sample of young adults recruited from Amazon’s MTurk ( N = 1,809, ages 18-25 years, 47% men; 41% not currently enrolled in college) and a validation sample of college students ( N = 671; ages 18-23 years; 26% men). Contrary to the 8-factor model obtained by Johnson and Sheets in a study published in 2004, examination of the factor structure with our confirmation sample yielded a revised 7-factor model that was invariant across race/ethnicity and college student status. This model was also validated with the college student sample. In the confirmation sample, enhancement/thrills and sexual pursuit motives for playing drinking games were positively associated with gaming frequency/consumption and negative gaming consequences. Furthermore, conformity motives for playing drinking games were positively associated with negative gaming consequences, while competition motives were positively associated with gaming frequency. These findings have significant implications for research and prevention/intervention efforts.
Momentum exchange impact damper design methodology for object-wall-collision problems
Authors: Kushida Yohei , Umehara Hiroaki , Hara Susumu , Yamada Keisuke
Published: April 2017

Momentum exchange impact dampers (MEIDs) were proposed to control the shock responses of mechanical structures. They were applied to reduce floor shock vibrations and control lunar/planetary exploration spacecraft landings. MEIDs are required to control an object’s velocity and displacement, especially for applications involving spacecraft landing. Previous studies verified numerous MEID performances through various types of simulations and experiments. However, previous studies discussing the optimal design methodology for MEIDs are limited. This study explicitly derived the optimal design parameters of MEIDs, which control the controlled object’s displacement and velocity to zero in one-dimensional motion. In addition, the study derived sub-optimal design parameters to control the controlled object’s velocity within a reasonable approximation to derive a practical design methodology for MEIDs. The derived sub-optimal design methodology could also be applied to MEIDs in two-dimensional motion. Furthermore, simulations conducted in the study verified the performances of MEIDs with optimal/sub-optimal design parameters.
Is the Families First Home Visiting Program Effective in Reducing Child Maltreatment and Improving Child Development?
Authors: Chartier Mariette J. , Brownell Marni D. , Isaac Michael R. , Chateau Dan , Nickel Nathan C. , Katz Alan , Sarkar Joykrishna , Hu Milton , Taylor Carole
Published: April 2017

While home visiting programs are among the most widespread interventions to support at-risk families, there is a paucity of research investigating these programs under real-world conditions. The effectiveness of Families First home visiting (FFHV) was examined for decreasing rates of being in care of child welfare, decreasing hospitalizations for maltreatment-related injuries, and improving child development at school entry. Data for 4,562 children from home visiting and 5,184 comparison children were linked to deidentified administrative health, social services, and education data. FFHV was associated with lower rates of being in care by child’s first, second, and third birthday (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 0.75, 0.79, and 0.81, respectively) and lower rates of hospitalization for maltreatment-related injuries by third birthday (aRR = 0.59). No differences were found in child development at kindergarten. FFHV should be offered to at-risk families to decrease child maltreatment. Program enhancements are required to improve child development at school entry.
Local Public Expenditure, Public Service Accessibility, and Housing Price in Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Huiping , Wang Qingfang , Deng Zhongwei , Shi Wei , Wang Hongwei
Published: April 2017

The level of public service accessibility differs by residential locations. Existing literature has documented the effects of public service accessibility on housing prices. However, few studies have examined how public service provision affects housing prices under the Chinese centralized governance system. Using data from different geographic scales, this study uses a multilevel research design to examine how public service provision is associated with housing prices in Shanghai. Results show that though the total expenditure at the urban district level is not related to housing prices, government redistributive expenditure is positively associated with housing price and the developmental expenditure is on the opposite. The expenditure effects are further mediated by the accessibility to public facilities at the community level. The findings suggest that, as public service accessibility has been capitalized into housing prices, the decentralized fiscal system with relatively centralized governance structure may have reinforced urban polarization in Shanghai.
Speculative Charter School Growth in the Case of UNO Charter School Network in Chicago
Authors: Teresa Benjamin F. , Good Ryan M.
Published: April 2017

Charter school advocates see the infusion of market competition into the educational sector as a means to achieving greater efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. Within this framework, consumer demand is understood to regulate the charter sector. This article challenges the adequacy of this premise, arguing that the structure of the financing of charter schools plays a decisive, if not determining, role in directing growth. Drawing on an analysis of the financing that enabled the dramatic growth of the UNO Charter School Network (UCSN) in Chicago during the 2000s, the article explores the implications of speculative borrowing and spiraling debt burdens on charter schools and on the functioning of the charter sector more broadly. The analysis reveals that (1) new debt was increasingly used to retire existing debt, (2) the structure of new financing assumed continued growth, and (3) schools within the network were yoked together as revenue from existing—and anticipated—schools was pledged to repay new debt.
The Effect of Long-Term Environmental Enrichment in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion-Induced Memory Impairment in Rats
Authors: Park Jong-Min , Seong Ho-Hyun , Jin Han-Byeol , Kim Youn-Jung
Published: April 2017

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia. It occurs when the cerebral blood supply is reduced by disarrangement of the circulatory system. Environmental enrichment (EE) has been associated with cognitive improvement, motor function recovery, and anxiety relief with respect to various neurodegenerative diseases and emotional stress models. The purpose of this study was to determine whether long-term EE influenced cognitive impairment in a rat model of chronic hypoperfusion induced by permanent occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries (BCCAo). The Y-maze and Morris water maze tests were performed to evaluate the rats’ cognitive functions. Also, the protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated cAMP-calcium response element binding protein (pCREB), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were confirmed by Western blot. The microvessels and angiogenesis-associated proteins in the hippocampal region were investigated using immunohistochemistry. The VaD + EE group showed significantly better cognitive functions than the VaD group in both the Y-maze and MWM tests. In addition, the VaD + EE group showed significantly increased expression of BDNF, pCREB, and VEGF in the hippocampus compared to the VaD group. Rats in the VaD + EE group also had increased length of microvessels and VEGF expression in the hippocampus. These results suggest that long-term EE exerts neuroprotective effects against cognitive impairment induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion through the enhancement of BDNF, pCREB, and VEGF expression and indicate that EE may be a good nursing intervention in vascular dementia patients.
Correlation Between Ischemic Retinal Accidents and Radial Peripapillary Capillaries in the Optic Nerve Using Optical Coherence Tomographic Angiography: Observations in 6 Patients
Authors: Cerdà-Ibáñez Marta , Duch-Samper Antonio , Clemente-Tomás Rodrigo , Torrecillas-Picazo Raúl , Ruiz del Río Noemí , Manfreda-Dominguez Laura
Published: April 2017

Background:

Perfusion of the optic nerve has been widely studied using fluorescein angiography (FAG), which is currently regarded as the criterion standard. However, FAG has adverse effects associated with intravenous contrast administration and is limited in its capacity to characterize and stratify the different vascular layers of the optic nerve and retina. The use of new imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomographic angiography (Angio-OCT), is therefore important.

Aim:

A qualitative description is made of the vascular layers of the optic nerve and of how vascular events affect radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC). Two patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), 1 with arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION), and 3 healthy subjects were studied.

Results:

The Angio-OCT imaging afforded better visualization of the depth of the RPC and rest of the vascular layers of the retina compared with FAG. Optic nerve surface perfusion was affected in AAION and proved normal in CRAO.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that perfusion of the papilla and RPC mainly arises from the papillary plexus that depends on the posterior ciliary artery.
Acoustic perceptions of vessel fitness in southern Africa
Authors: Fowler Kent D , Sandred Örjan , Whiteway Autumn
Published: April 2017

The acoustic properties of objects found in archaeological contexts have seen little attention because they are seldom found intact. Nevertheless, sound is quality of objects that is of tremendous significance during both their manufacture and use. In this article, the authors examine how the acoustic properties of ceramic vessels influence the perception of their fitness for use. Grounded in how sound cues correlate to visual, tactile and olfactory measures of vessel fitness in an ethnographic context, they focus on detecting perceptible sonic differences between damaged and undamaged vessels produced by Zulu and Swazi potters in southern Africa. The article demonstrates how sound is a key quality of vessel ‘strength’ that both potters and clientele use to gauge functional and social suitability. We show that studies of fabric characteristics, such as fissures and voids, in addition to fabric composition provide a means to infer the acoustic properties of archaeological pottery and evaluate the significance of sound in past valuations of vessel fitness. Archaeological discussions of materiality can explore how social valuations of vessel fitness are accessible through studies of the functional properties of ceramics that consider human sensory experience.
Seismic behavior of structures considering uplift and soil–structure interaction
Authors: Behnamfar Farhad , Mirhosseini Seyyed Mohammad , Alibabaei Hossein
Published: April 2017

A common assumption when analyzing a structure for earthquake forces is that the building is positively attached to a rigid ground so that it can sustain possible tensile forces without being detached, or uplifted, from its bearing points. Considering the facts that almost no tension can be transferred between a surface foundation and soil and soft soils interact with the supported structure during earthquakes, in this research, the effects of uplift and soil–structure interaction on nonlinear seismic response of structures are evaluated. Several reinforced concrete and steel structures under different suits of consistent ground motions are considered. The base of the buildings is modeled with vertical no-tension springs being nonlinear in compression. The total soil–structure interaction system is modeled within OpenSees, and the seismic behavior is evaluated using a nonlinear dynamic analysis. The nonlinear responses of buildings are determined and compared between three cases: fixed base, flexible base without uplift, and flexible base with uplift. The cases for which uplift in conjunction with soil–structure interaction should be considered are identified.
Uncovering longitudinal life narratives: scrolling back on Facebook
Authors: Robards Brady , Lincoln Siân
Published: April 2017

This article explores the potential role of sustained social media use in longitudinal qualitative research. We introduce the research design and methodology of a research project exploring sustained use (five or more years) of the social network site Facebook among young people in their twenties. By focusing on this group, we seek to uncover how ‘growing up’ stories are told and archived online, and how disclosure practices (what people say and share on social media) change over time. We question how we can understand the ‘digital trace’ inscribed through the Facebook Timeline as a longitudinal narrative text. We argue that ‘scrolling back’ through Facebook with participants as ‘co-analysts’ of their own digital traces can add to the qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) tradition. QLR and the scroll back method attend to a similar set of concerns around change over time, the depth of inquiry, and uncovering rigorous, rich life narratives. We explore limitations (especially around intentionality) and ethical challenges, while also arguing for the inclusion of these often highly personal, deep, co-constructed digital texts in qualitative longitudinal research. We also consider how the scroll back method could apply to other digital media, as the sites and applications that people use diversifies and changes over time.
Language and legitimacy: Is pragmatist political theory fallacious?
Authors: Fossen Thomas
Published: April 2017

Eva Erman and Niklas Möller have recently criticised a range of political theorists for committing a pragmatistic fallacy, illicitly drawing normative conclusions from politically neutral ideas about language. This paper examines their critique with respect to one of their primary targets: the pragmatist approach to political legitimacy that I proposed in earlier work, which draws on Robert Brandom’s theory of language. I argue that the charge relies on a misrepresentation of the role of pragmatist ideas about language in my analysis of legitimacy. Pragmatism’s significance for thinking about political legitimacy does not lie in the normative conclusions it justifies but in the way it reorients our thinking towards political practice. This raises the deeper question of what we are to expect from a theory of legitimacy. I argue that Erman and Möller presuppose a widely held but unduly restrictive conception of what a normative theory of legitimacy consists in and that pragmatism can broaden the scope of enquiry: a theory of legitimacy should not focus narrowly on the content and justification of criteria, but more fundamentally aim to explicate the forms of political activity in which such criteria are at stake.
God’s Will
Authors: Boon Sonja
Published: April 2017

This autoethnographic essay examines the complexity of reproductive storytelling. Framed around a pair of interwoven reproductive stories, and located within a reproductive justice framework, it asserts that women’s stories of fertility, pregnancy, contraception, and abortion have, both historically and in the contemporary period, been marked by silences. Such silences, the result of political, legal, social, and moral forces beyond women’s control, have limited women’s abilities to share and reflect on the intricate negotiations that have shaped their reproductive lives, and as a consequence, have also limited their capacities for telling their reproductive stories. As this article argues, all reproductive stories are complex stories. Too often, however, those complex nuances that shape women’s reproductive lives and stories remain hidden, unspoken, and secret. Making room for the intricacies of reproductive stories and storytelling can also, this article argues, offer greater nuance to continuing debates around reproductive rights and reproductive justice.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Outcome in Comparing an Alginate Silver Dressing With a Conventional Treatment of a Necrotizing Fasciitis Wound
Authors: Meekul Jarernchon , Chotirosniramit Arnon , Himakalasa Woraluck , Orrapin Saritphat , Wongthanee Antika , Pongtam Orapin , Kulprachakarn Kanokwan , Rerkasem Kittipan
Published: April 2017

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a high morbidity and mortality disease and also demands high economic resources. The standard treatment of NF is surgical debridement and proper dressing for wound bed preparation. The efficacy of silver alginate dressing can inhibit the growth of microorganisms and keep the environment clean for wound bed preparation. However an optimal dressing to manage such wounds has yet to emerge. NF patients who were admitted between April 2013 and May 2016 were randomized to have wound dressing using either silver dressing (Ag group) or normal saline solution gauze (NSS group). The 4 main outcomes for comparison between the 2 groups were the duration of wound bed preparation, total cost during hospital stay, the duration of hospital stay, and the pain score. Thirty-nine patients were included in the study: 19 patients in the NSS group and 20 patients in the Ag group. The mean duration of wound bed preparation in the NSS group was 31.87 days, and in Ag group it was 21.39 days, but this trend was not statistically significant ( P = .057). The mean cost of treatment in the NSS and Ag groups was not significantly different ( P = .434; US$3308.83 and US$2647.82, respectively). The duration of hospital days in the 2 groups was not significantly different either (29.19 days [NSS group] and 20.99 days [Ag group]; P = .222). The pain score was significantly lower in the Ag group than those in the NSS group. Although silver dressing seems to be expensive, the cost of total treatment during hospital stay and the duration of hospital stay were not significantly different between groups. However, the mean duration of wound bed preparation seems to trend favoring toward the silver dressing group.
The Influence of AGEs Environment on Proliferation, Apoptosis, Homeostasis, and Endothelial Cell Differentiation of Human Adipose Stem Cells
Authors: Gong Jia-Hong , Dong Jiao-Yun , Xie Ting , Lu Shu-Liang
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of proliferation, apoptosis, homeostasis, and differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) in the simulated diabetic microenvironment and discuss the potential of the mesenchymal stem cell in the treatment of chronic diabetic wound. We simulated diabetic microenvironment with glycation end products (AGEs) in vitro and studied the changes of hASCs in proliferation and apoptosis. We found that AGEs inhibited the proliferation and lead to hASCs apoptosis, and the endothelial cell directed differentiation was also inhibited. AGEs upregulated growth-related oncogene and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and downregulated urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, which may inhibit the proliferation and transference of endothelial cells. The simulated diabetic microenvironment affects the proliferation, apoptosis, and homeostasis of hASCs, the endothelial cell migration, and the synthesis of collagen protein, leading to delayed wound healing.
Effects of Regulatory Support Services on Institutional Review Board Turnaround Times
Authors: Desai Pankaja , Nasa Priyanka , Soo Jackie , Jia Cunhui , Berbaum Michael L. , Fischer James H. , Johnson Timothy P.
Published: April 2017

We evaluated how regulatory support services provided by University of Illinois at Chicago’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science may reduce Institutional Review Board (IRB) turnaround times. IRB applications were categorized by receipt of any regulatory support and amount of support received. Turnaround time included total turnaround time, time for IRB review, and time for investigators to modify protocols. There were no differences in any turnaround times for supported versus nonsupported applications. However, for supported applications, those receiving more intensive support had total turnaround times 16.0 days ( SE 7.62, p < .05) faster than those receiving less intensive support. Receiving higher regulatory support may be associated with faster approval of IRB submissions.
Alternative network robustness measure using system-wide transportation capacity for identifying critical links in road networks
Authors: Du Muqing , Jiang Xiaowei , Cheng Lin
Published: April 2017

In transportation planning works, critical links identification is helpful to evaluate the vulnerable parts of the designed network schemes. A new capacity-based network robustness index is presented for identifying critical links and evaluating the transportation system performance. It uses the change of the total network capacity as an evaluation measure. The advanced practical network capacity model is employed to estimate the throughput of transportation system. A sensitivity analysis based algorithm is also developed to solve the practical capacity model efficiently. The capacity-based network robustness index identifies the links which play critical roles in the transportation capacity of the whole network. The capacity-based network robustness index is an effective supplementary to the existing network evaluation indices. The experiments demonstrate the differences between the capacity-based network robustness index and the efficiency-based network robustness index. The capacity-based network robustness index can be used as a practical measure in the situations where the network robustness index is not significant.
Importance-based technique with genetic algorithm for generating the initial rail transit network: A case study of Hefei
Authors: Yang Ming , Wu Lan
Published: April 2017

Recently, a growing body of research has emerged that focuses on rail transit network planning from the qualitative judgment, but few has made quantitative analysis on rail network generation. Therefore, this article proposes a theory of generating the initial rail transit network based on the importance in indicator system, where the analysis on a rail path was quantitatively conducted from three dimensions of plane, hub, and path. In this article, the morphology of initial rail transit network is primarily identified by the measurement of importance indicator for each traffic zone. Second, to maximize the coverage of passenger hubs, the virtual paths in the initial network are determined by the random search method and the genetic algorithm. Then, with the adjustment of the virtual paths based on the shortest path model, this article has empirically generated the entity paths for the rail transit system in Hefei as case study.
What are school leaders in Italy doing? An observational study
Authors: Bezzina Christopher , Paletta Angelo , Alimehmeti Genc
Published: April 2017

It is widely acknowledged that high-quality leadership is one of the main ingredients of successful schools and that leaders have a significant and positive impact on student outcomes. At the same time, little is known about how principals use their time, what they do on a day-to-day basis and how this may vary across schools. A review of the relevant literature shows that few studies have used qualitative methods as their sole form of data collection. The paper draws on data derived from a comprehensive study involving principals, other school leaders and teachers in the Italian northern region of Trento. It focuses on observation studies of eight principals over five consecutive days each. Whilst respecting the best-known ethnographic and observational studies conducted internationally, we have built a new observational classification tool which explored the work of the principals under different categories/activities. This study shows that in spite of working in a highly-centralised and prescribed context, the Italian principals carried out various acts of leadership in the way they engaged with the different categories of their work. The findings provide evidence that expresses similarities across the eight principals and unique ways of how they were leading their schools.
Osimertinib in patients with advanced epidermal growth factor receptor T790M mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer: rationale, evidence and place in therapy
Authors: Ricciuti Biagio , Baglivo Sara , Paglialunga Luca , De Giglio Andrea , Bellezza Guido , Chiari Rita , Crinò Lucio , Metro Giulio
Published: April 2017

The identification of epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) mutations represented a fundamental step forward in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as they define a subset of patients who benefit from the administration of specifically designed targeted therapies. The inhibition of mutant EGFR through EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), either reversible, first-generation gefitinib and erlotinib, or irreversible, second-generation afatinib, has dramatically improved the prognosis of patients harboring this specific genetic alteration, leading to unexpected clinical benefit. Unfortunately, virtually all patients who initially respond to treatment develop acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs within 9–14 months. The EGFR T790M secondary mutation has emerged as a cause of treatment failure in approximately 60% of resistant cases. To date, several compounds designed with the aim to overcome T790M-mediated resistance are under clinical investigation. The aim of this review is to discuss emerging data regarding the third-generation EGFR-TKI, osimertinib, for the treatment of EGFR T790M mutant advanced NSCLC.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in soft tissue sarcomas: latest evidence and clinical implications
Authors: Pasquali Sandro , Gronchi Alessandro
Published: April 2017

Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare and multifaceted group of solid tumours. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is increasingly used to limit loss of function after wide surgical excision with the ultimate aim of improving patient survival. Recently, advances in the identification of effective treatment strategies and improvements in patient risk stratification have been reached. A randomized trial demonstrated that neoadjuvant epirubicin and ifosfamide improves survival of patients affected by five high-risk soft tissue sarcoma histologies of trunk and extremities, including undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, myxoid liposarcoma, synovial sarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours, and leiomyosarcoma. Selection of patients for these treatments is expected to be improved by the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system, as it tailors T-stage categories on primary tumour site and considers a prognostic nomogram for retroperitoneal sarcoma, which also includes soft tissue sarcoma histology and other patient and tumour features not directly included in the TNM staging. Within this framework, this article will present neoadjuvant treatment strategies for high-risk soft tissue sarcoma, emphasizing the most recent advances and discussing the need for further research to improve the effectiveness of neoadjuvant treatments.
Metaphorical Representations of the Biblical Concepts of Death and Resurrection When Translating in a Buddhist Context
Authors: Somov Alexey
Published: April 2017

This article applies Lakoff and Johnson’s cognitive metaphor theory to the key terms of death and resurrection in the Scriptures and examines the translation of these terms into languages with a traditional Buddhist culture whose worldview is different from that of the Bible. The present analysis indicates that in the conceptual system of the biblical authors, the concept of death is metaphorically described as sleep while resurrection is pictured as waking up and standing up. However, in the Buddhist worldview the concept of the resurrection is absent and the concept of death is not always metaphorically extended as sleep. This article discusses the practical possibilities and limits of the representations of these metaphorical extensions in three Buddhist-context translation projects of the Institute for Bible Translation in Russia: Buryat, Kalmyk, and Tuvan. It also offers some suggestions about searching for their possible representations in the target language.
Understanding microstructure of the brain by comparison of neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) with transparent mouse brain
Authors: Sato Kanako , Kerever Aurelien , Kamagata Koji , Tsuruta Kohei , Irie Ryusuke , Tagawa Kazuhiko , Okazawa Hitoshi , Arikawa-Hirasawa Eri , Nitta Nobuhiro , Aoki Ichio , Aoki Shigeki
Published: April 2017

Background

Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) is a diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique with the potential to visualize the microstructure of the brain. Revolutionary histological methods to render the mouse brain transparent have recently been developed, but verification of NODDI by these methods has not been reported.

Purpose

To confirm the concordance of NODDI with histology in terms of density and orientation dispersion of neurites of the brain.

Material and Methods

Whole brain diffusion MRI of a thy-1 yellow fluorescent protein mouse was acquired with a 7-T MRI scanner, after which transparent brain sections were created from the same mouse. NODDI parameters calculated from the MR images, including the intracellular volume fraction (Vic) and the orientation dispersion index (ODI), were compared with histological findings. Neurite density, Vic, and ODI were compared between areas of the anterior commissure and the hippocampus containing crossing fibers (crossing areas) and parallel fibers (parallel areas), and the correlation between fiber density and Vic was assessed.

Results

The ODI was significantly higher in the crossing area compared to the parallel area in both the anterior commissure and the hippocampus ( P = 0.0247, P = 0.00022, respectively). Neurite density showed a similar tendency, but was significantly different only in the hippocampus ( P = 7.91E−07). There was no significant correlation between neurite density and Vic.

Conclusion

NODDI was verified by histology for quantification of the orientation dispersion of neurites. These results indicate that the ODI is a suitable index for understanding the microstructure of the brain in vivo.
The Dangers of Electrosurgical Smoke to Operating Room Personnel: A Review
Authors: Bree Kevin , Barnhill Spencer , Rundell William
Published: April 2017

A 2007 study in the United Kingdom showed that three of 98 surgeons surveyed admitted using dedicated smoke extractors; 72% of respondents believed inadequate precautions were in place to protect staff from the potential dangers of electrosurgical smoke. Surgical smoke contains harmful chemicals (e.g., hydrogen cyanide, acetylene, and butadiene) that can circumvent standard masks used in the operating room (OR). In addition, bacteria and viruses can be transmitted through this smoke. The topic of electrosurgical smoke is important to occupational health nurses not only because of their responsibility to protect workers, but also because they, like other health care providers, may be exposed to smoke routinely. The authors of this review recommend the regular use of smoke evacuation in ORs and avoidance of electrosurgery whenever possible to protect OR personnel from the potential long-term harmful effects of electrosurgical smoke.
History, Passion, and Performance
Authors: Campbell Kay N.
Published: April 2017

History, Passion, and Performance was chosen as the theme for the 75th anniversary of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) kickoff. The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses has a long history created by passionate, dedicated members. This article highlights historical foundations of the Association, describes the occupational health nurse’s passion to drive quality care for workers and discusses future professional and organizational challenges.
Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Phillips Jennan A. , Hammond Stephanie
Published: April 2017

Preventing Clostridium difficile, the most common cause of health care–associated infections in hospitals and infectious disease death in the United States, is a national priority. Increased rates of infection among low-risk individuals in the community call for community-based prevention efforts to halt the increasing spread of this highly contagious opportunistic infection.
Parametric optimization of powder mixed electrical discharge machining for nickel-based superalloy inconel-800 using response surface methodology
Authors: Kumar Satish , Dhingra Ashwani Kumar , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: April 2017

Background

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is a well-established non-conventional machining process for the machining of electrically conductive and difficult-to-machine materials. But its applications are limited because of the slow machining rate and poor surface finish. Powder mixed EDM (PMEDM) is unitary of the recent progresses in the EDM process in which powder particles mixed in the dielectric fluid results in higher machining rate and better surface quality. In the past, limited work has been found on PMEDM of Inconel-800 material.  Researchers have reported about machining with different powder particles like aluminum powder, silicon carbide, graphite etc. in the dielectric fluid of EDM, but the effect of powder particles, i.e. Tungsten carbide, cobalt and boron carbide along with tool material i.e. copper, copper-chromium and graphite on Inconel-800 material has not been explored. The purpose of the present work is to look into the issue of tool material (Cu, copper-chromium, and graphite) along with powder particles (tungsten carbide, cobalt and boron carbide) suspended in EDM oil on Inconel-800 material.

Methods

The present work includes optimization of Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Tool Wear Rate (TWR) for the machining of Inconel-800 material using Powder Mixed Elctric Discharge Machining (PMEDM). Different input parameters such as peak current, pulse on-time, pulse off-time, tool and powder materials along with effect of three micro powder particles, i.e. tungsten carbide, cobalt and boron carbide and three electrodes i.e. copper, copper-chromium, and graphite have been considered for the experimentation. The box-Behnken method of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has been used for designing the experiments along with the Desirability Approach for multiple response parameters optimization. The adequacy of the proposed mathematical models have also been tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Microstructure analysis and transfer of different factors on the machined surface has also been investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) and X - Ray Diffraction (XRD).

Results

The results showed that peak current, pulse on-time, and tool material significantly affects the Material Removal Rate (MRR) while peak current, pulse on-time, tool material and powder materials affected the Tool Wear Rate (TWR). Pulse off-time has a trifling effect on both MRR and TWR, while powder particles on MRR. From desirability approach, the optimal combination of parameters found to be current 1 amp, pulse on-time 0.98 μs, pulse off-time 0.03 μs, tool material 0.31 and the powder (suspended particles) 0.64.

Conclusion

The analysis of the experimental observations highlights that the current, pulse on-time and tool material have found to be the most decisive factors for MRR, while current, pulse on-time, tool material and powder particles for TWR.
Complete genome sequence of Kosakonia oryzae type strain Ola 51T
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Li Shuying , Chen Mingyue , Peng Guixiang , Tan Zhiyuan , An Qianli
Published: April 2017

Strain Ola 51T (=LMG 24251T = CGMCC 1.7012T) is the type strain of the species Kosakonia oryzae and was isolated from surface-sterilized roots of the wild rice species Oryza latifolia grown in Guangdong, China. Here we summarize the features of the strain Ola 51T and describe its complete genome sequence. The genome contains one circular chromosome of 5,303,342 nucleotides with 54.01% GC content, 4773 protein-coding genes, 16 rRNA genes, 76 tRNA genes, 13 ncRNA genes, 48 pseudo genes, and 1 CRISPR array.
Anti-aging effect and gene expression profiling of dung beetle glycosaminoglycan in aged rats
Authors: Ahn Mi Young , Kim Ban Ji , Kim Ha Jeong , Hwang Jae Sam , Jung Yi-Sook , Park Kun-Koo
Published: April 2017

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-aging effect of a newly prepared insect-derived compound, dung beetle glycosaminoglycan (GAG), given intraperitoneally to old SD rats as part of their diet for 1 month. Insect GAG administration was found to be related to a reduction in oxidative damage, hepato-cellular biomarker levels, protein carbonyl content, and malondialdehyde concentration. The anti-aging-related molecular genetic mechanisms of dung beetle GAG are not yet fully elucidated.

Results

Catharsius molossus
(a type of dung beetle) GAG (CaG) possessed anti-aging activities; it reduced the serum level of creatinine kinase, had aortic vasorelaxant activities and cardioprotective actions, and maintained a normal glucose level in treated rats. Microarray analysis was performed with a rat 30 K cDNA clone set array to identify the gene-expression profiles of 14-month-old SD rats treated with dung beetle glycosaminoglycan 5 mg/kg (CaG5) over a 1-month period, which was done to investigate its anti-aging effect as compared to that of either
Bombus ignitus
(a type of bumblebee) queen GAG 5 mg/kg (IQG5) or chondroitin sulfate 10 mg/kg. CaG5 and IQG5 had marked anti-inflammatory effects, bringing about inhibition of free fatty acid, uric acid, sGPT, IL-1 beta, and CK values. In addition, anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects were seen: the concentration of factor 1 (fibrinogen) was increased in CaG- treated rat plasma. The CaG5-treated rat group, compared to the control, displayed upregulation of 131 genes, including lipocalin 2 (Lbp) and a serine peptidase inhibitor, Kaszal type3 (Spink3), and 64 downregulated genes, including lysyl oxidase (Lox), serine dehydratase (sds), and retinol saturase (Retsat).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that dung beetle glycosaminoglycan may be a helpful treatment for aged rats, which indicates its potential as a therapeutic biomaterial for aging.
Response History Analysis for the Design of New Buildings in the NEHRP Provisions and ASCE/SEI 7 Standard: Part II - Structural Analysis Procedures and Acceptance Criteria
Authors: Haselton Curt B. , Fry Andy , Hamburger Ronald O. , Baker Jack W. , Zimmerman Reid B. , Luco Nicolas , Elwood Kenneth J. , Hooper John D. , Charney Finley A. , Pekelnicky Robert G. , Whittaker Andrew S.
Published: April 2017

This paper represents the second part of a series of four publications on response history analysis for new buildings. It specifically focuses on modeling assumptions, consideration of important effects in the analysis, and interpretation of analysis results via global and local acceptance criteria. A statistical basis for development of both force- and deformation-controlled acceptance criteria consistent with the collapse probability goals of ASCE/SEI 7 is illustrated. More explicit sub-classifications of force- and deformation-controlled actions are proposed within the statistical framework. Additional philosophical discussion and simple probabilistic arguments are presented on the topic of consideration of unacceptable response, and guidance on addressing unacceptable response is given. Similarities and differences between the new requirements and those in other performance-based design guidelines are also enumerated.
Study of Responses of 64-Story Rincon Building to Napa, Fremont, Piedmont, San Ramon Earthquakes and Ambient Motions
Authors: Çelebi Mehmet , Hooper John , Klemencic Ron
Published: April 2017

We analyze the recorded responses of a 64-story, instrumented, concrete core shear wall building in San Francisco, California, equipped with tuned sloshing liquid dampers (TSDs) and buckling restraining braces (BRBs). Previously, only ambient data from the 72-channel array in the building were studied ( Çelebi et al. 2013 ). Recently, the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 Napa and three other earthquakes were recorded. The peak accelerations of ambient and the larger Napa earthquake responses at the basement are 0.12 cm/s/s and 5.2 cm/s/s respectively—a factor of ∼42. At the 61st level, they are 0.30 cm/s/s (ambient) and 16.8 cm/s/s (Napa), respectively—a factor of ∼56. Fundamental frequencies (NS ∼ 0.3, EW ∼ 0.27 Hz) from earthquake responses vary within an insignificant frequency band of ∼0.02–0.03 Hz when compared to those from ambient data. In the absence of soil-structure interaction (SSI), these small and insignificant differences may be attributed to (1) identification errors, (2) any nonlinear behavior, and (3) shaking levels that are not large enough to activate the BRBs and TSDs to make significant shifts in frequencies and increase damping.
Comparison of Manual and Automated Ground Motion Processing for Small-to-Moderate-Magnitude Earthquakes in Japan
Authors: Kishida Tadahiro , Di Giacinto Danilo , Iaccarino Giuseppe
Published: April 2017

Numerous time series for small-to-moderate-magnitude (SMM) earthquakes have been recorded in many regions. A uniformly-processed ground-motion database is essential in the development of regional ground-motion models. An automated processing protocol is useful in developing the database for these earthquakes especially when the number of recordings is substantial. This study compares a manual and an automated ground-motion processing methods using SMM earthquakes. The manual method was developed by the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center to build the database of time series and associated ground-motion parameters. The automated protocol was developed to build a database of pseudo-spectral acceleration for the Kiban-Kyoshin network recordings. Two significant differences were observed when the two methods were applied to identical acceleration time series. First, the two methods differed in the criteria for the acceptance or rejection of the time series in the database. Second, they differed in the high-pass corner frequency used to filter noise from the acceleration time series. The influences of these differences were investigated on ground-motion parameters to elucidate the quality of ground-motion database for SMM earthquakes.