bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of sulfur dioxide content in osmotically dehydrated papaya and its classification by near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Rongtong Bumrungrat , Suwonsichon Thongchai , Ritthiruangdej Pitiporn , Kasemsumran Sumaporn
Published: October 2018

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is used as a preservative in osmotically dehydrated papaya to improve product quality and extend shelf-life. The potential of near infrared spectroscopy, as a rapid method, was investigated to determine sulfur dioxide in osmotically dehydrated papaya. Commercial and laboratory osmotically dehydrated papaya samples were selected to determine the sulfur dioxide content using the Monier–Williams method. From the total of 350 samples, subsets were selected randomly for the calibration set (n=250) and validation set (n = 100). Near infrared spectra in the region 800–2400 nm were measured on the samples of osmotically dehydrated papaya. Quantitative analyses of sulfur dioxide in the osmotically dehydrated papaya and their qualitative analyses were carried out using multivariate analysis. Before developing models, a second derivative spectral pretreatment was applied to the original spectral data. Subsequently, two wavelength interval selection methods, namely moving window partial least squares regression (MWPLSR) and searching combination moving window partial least squares (SCMWPLS), were applied to determine the suitable input wavelength variables. For quantitative analysis, three linear models (partial least squares regression, MWPLSR and SCMWPLS) and a non-linear artificial neural network model were applied to develop predictive models. The results showed that the artificial neural network model produced the best performance, with correlation coefficient (R) and root mean square error of prediction values of 0.937 and 114.53 mg SO2 kg−1, respectively. Qualitative models were developed using partial least squares-discriminant analysis and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) for the optimized combination of informative regions of the near infrared spectra to classify osmotically dehydrated papaya into three groups based on sulfur dioxide. The SIMCA in combination with SCMWPLS model had the highest correct classification rate (96%). The study demonstrated that near infrared spectroscopy combined with SCMWPLS is a powerful procedure for both quantitative and qualitative analyses of osmotically dehydrated papaya. Therefore, it was demonstrated that near infrared spectroscopy could be effective tools for food quality and safety evaluation in food industry.
The Causal Dynamics in Indian Agriculture Commodity Prices and Macro-Economic Variables in the Presence of a Structural Break
Authors: Bodhanwala Shernaz , Purohit Harsh , Choudhary Nidhi
Published: October 2018

Agriculture commodity prices have been quite volatile in India. The proposed study explores the effect of structural change on the flow of information between the spot and futures market of agriculture commodities and select macro-economic factors. The volatility in agriculture commodity prices is studied with respect to three dominant macro-economic factors—movement in crude price which serves as an input to agriculture sector, movement in INR/USD exchange rate and movement in Sensex which is considered as a barometer of investment in India. The study uses non-linear cointegration and causality test to understand the direction of causality in volatility of commodities and impact of macro-economic factors. The study observed the agriculture commodities spot and futures prices to be co-integrated with crude, forex and Sensex for majority of the break periods. We find robust evidence that futures market played a leading role in the price discovery function and information processing. Breaks in agriculture commodity prices are attributed to fundamentals of demand and supply in the market and global financial turmoil of 2007. We observed mixed results of influence of the exchange rate, Sensex and crude on agriculture prices in different sub-periods.
United States and Its Challenge to Multilateralism in the Global Economy
Authors: Krishnakumar S.
Published: October 2018

With Donald Trump as President of United States, multilateralism in the world economy is facing an unprecedented challenge. The international economic institutions that have evolved since the fifties are increasingly under the risk of being undermined. With the growing assertion of the emerging and developing economies in the international fora, United States is increasingly sceptical of its ability to maneuvre such institutions to suit its own purpose. This is particularly true with respect to WTO, based on “one country one vote” system. The tariff rate hikes initiated by the leader country in the recent past pose a serious challenge to the multilateral trading system. The paper tries to undertake a critical overview of the US pre-occupation of targeting economies on the basis of the bilateral merchandise trade surpluses of countries, through the trade legislations like Omnibus Act and Trade Facilitation Act. These legislations not only ignore the growing share of the United States in the growing invisibles trade in the world economy, but also read too much into the bilateral trade surpluses of economies with United States and the intervention done by them in the foreign exchange market.
Small Business Orientation: A Construct Proposal
Authors: Runyan Rodney C. , Covin Jeffrey G.
Published: October 2018

Entrepreneurship and small business management literatures diverged decades ago, with the former receiving the bulk of subsequent scholarly attention. The concept of a small business orientation (SBO) has not been widely and consistently employed in the literature. We present a conceptual framework aimed at clarifying the construct of SBO, and conceptualize SBO as a firm size- and age-independent phenomenon operating at the individual level, and reflecting manager values about how the business ought to be conducted. We discuss the values-based derivation of SBO, identify elements of this multidimensional construct, its likely consequences, and propose future research directions.
Searching in the Shadows: The Impact of Economic Sanctions on Informal Economies
Authors: Early Bryan , Peksen Dursun
Published: October 2018

To date, most research on the consequences of sanctions has explored how foreign economic pressure influences the formal sector of targeted economies. This study instead focuses on explaining the ways in which economic sanctions might affect the size and growth of informal economies. We assert that the sanctions-induced economic disruptions and hardships in target economies distort the normal incentive structure that affected firms and individuals have for doing business in the formal economy, leading them to increase their participation in the shadow sector. To assess our theory, we conduct a global quantitative analysis of sanctions’ effects on size and growth of their targets’ informal economies from 1971 to 2005. Employing a wide variety of estimators and robustness checks to evaluate the direction of causality, we find strong evidence that economic sanctions increase their targets’ informal economies. This suggests that economic sanctions do not just harm their targets’ economies; they actually alter how their constituents participate in them. This has significant implications for efforts to understand the broader economic consequences of sanctions.
How Can International Ventures Utilize Marketing Capability in Emerging Markets? Its Contingent Effect on New Product Development
Authors: Ju Min , Jin Jason Lu , Zhou Kevin Zheng
Published: October 2018

Whether international ventures can benefit from their marketing capability in emerging markets is a critical but underresearched issue. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV), the authors propose that marketing capability can enhance international ventures’ new product performance. However, its effect is contingent on environmental forces (i.e., market uncertainty and technological turbulence) in the highly uncertain and turbulent environments of emerging markets. Using survey data of international ventures in high-tech industries in China, the authors find that marketing capability is less effective for new product development when firms face high levels of market uncertainty or technological turbulence. At that time, enhancing knowledge breadth represents a critical strategic solution to address the decreased efficacy of marketing capability in driving innovation.
Association of Patient Acuity and Missed Nursing Care in U.S. Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Lake Eileen T. , Staiger Douglas O. , Cramer Emily , Hatfield Linda A. , Smith Jessica G. , Kalisch Beatrice J. , Rogowski Jeannette A.
Published: October 2018

The health outcomes of infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) may be jeopardized when required nursing care is missed. This correlational study of missed care in a U.S. NICU sample adds national scope and an important explanatory variable, patient acuity. Using 2016 NICU registered nurse survey responses ( N = 5,861) from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators, we found that 36% of nurses missed one or more care activities on the past shift. Missed care prevalence varied widely across units. Nurses with higher workloads, higher acuity assignments, or in poor work environments were more likely to miss care. The most common activities missed involved patient comfort and counseling and parent education. Workloads have increased and work environments have deteriorated compared with 8 years ago. Nurses’ assignments should account for patient acuity. NICU nurse staffing and work environments warrant attention to reduce missed care and promote optimal infant and family outcomes.
Receptive Vocabulary Development of Children Placed in Foster Care and Children Who Remained With Birth Parents After Involvement With Child Protective Services
Authors: Zajac Lindsay , Raby K. Lee , Dozier Mary
Published: October 2018

Children who experience maltreatment are more likely than nonmaltreated children to demonstrate deficits in early receptive language skills that negatively impact their later academic achievement, social competence, and behavioral adjustment. It remains unclear whether placement in foster care affects children’s early receptive language skills. In the current study, we examined whether children with Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement who were in foster care ( n = 176) had more advanced receptive vocabulary than children with CPS involvement who resided with their birth parents ( n = 144). Results demonstrated that children in foster care had higher receptive vocabulary scores at ages 36 and 48 months than children who stayed with their birth parents. Group differences were not significant after controlling for caregiver education level, marital status, and household income. These findings suggest that placement in foster care may be associated with meaningful improvements in children’s receptive vocabulary among children with experiences of CPS involvement, and birth parents might benefit from increased supports to promote parent–child interactions that facilitate language development.
Emotion Regulation Moderates the Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and the Perpetration of Sexual Aggression
Authors: Kirwan Mitchell , Lanni Daniel J. , Warnke Andrew , Pickett Scott M. , Parkhill Michele R.
Published: October 2018

Sexual assault remains a significant problem on college campuses, and previous research identifies alcohol and emotion regulation as potential contributors to perpetration. Data were collected from 101 male undergraduates, assessing emotion regulation difficulties, sexual aggression perpetration toward women, and alcohol consumption. Results showed that emotion regulation moderated the relationship between alcohol consumption and sexual aggression, such that those with high emotion regulation difficulties were more likely to behave in a sexually aggressive manner. Thus, men with high emotion regulation difficulties may be more likely than those with low difficulties to use alcohol to overcome their inhibitions and perpetrate sexual aggression.
Implementation and evaluation of high-dose methotrexate administration guidelines
Authors: Nowak Thomas J , Lorge Aaron H , Rein Lisa E , Canadeo Angela M , Frank Joel P , Samanas Lisa C , Urmanski Angela M , Atallah Ehab L
Published: October 2018

Background

High-dose methotrexate is used to treat a variety of malignancies. Methotrexate-associated supportive care and the threshold methotrexate level for the discontinuation of supportive care are not consistent among studies. We evaluated the implementation of high-dose methotrexate administration guidelines, which raised the standard threshold methotrexate level for the discontinuation of supportive care from <0.05 to <0.1 µmol.

Methods

A single-center, observational analysis of patients receiving high-dose methotrexate from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017 was conducted. The primary endpoint was time from the start of the methotrexate infusion until the discontinuation of the sodium bicarbonate infusion, before and after guideline implementation.

Results

Fifty-two patients met the inclusion criteria, which comprised of a total of 136 individual methotrexate doses and were included in the retrospective analysis. Twenty-four patients were included in the prospective analysis, which comprised a total of 46 individual methotrexate doses. The primary endpoint, time until discontinuation of the sodium bicarbonate infusion, was a median of 97.7 h in the retrospective group versus 73.2 h in the prospective group (p = 0.098). Secondary endpoints also favored patients in the prospective group, including hours of hospitalization, number of methotrexate levels checked, weight gained during admission, and adherence to the guideline.

Conclusion

Among patients who received high-dose methotrexate, implementation of a guideline using a methotrexate threshold of <0.1 µmol was able to significantly decrease the time to discontinuation of supportive care and subsequently may lead to early hospital discharge given that we did not show a statistical significance.
Investigation of the tensile performance and failure mechanism of carbon–aramid hybrid fibers/epoxy sandwich structure laminates using the UV-thermal synergetic curing mechanism: Experimentation and simulation
Authors: Xi Jiaojiao , Liu Xiaoyan , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: October 2018

The tensile failure mechanism of carbon–aramid hybrid fibers/epoxy sandwich structure laminates was investigated by using experimental and finite element methods. Double curing agents, triarylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonates and triethylene tetramine with a mass ratio of 4:15 were introduced into the laminates. Sandwich structure laminates, with different proportions of hybrid fibers, were cured by UV-initiated anion/cationic dual curing technique. The results showed that the synergetic curing effects of two curing agents were observed under UV irradiation, leading to the better curing of the system, which further plays a positive influence on the mechanical performance. The tensile properties and failure mechanism of the laminates depended on the stacking sequence and fiber volume fractions of the layer structures. The interplay hybrid laminates, containing three alternate plies with fiber contents of 67.7 vol%, presented the optimal tensile performance, and its tensile strength and modulus were 0.82 GPa and 22.09 GPa, respectively. The fracture morphologies revealed that pull-out and debonding of fibers were the main failure mechanism of hybrid laminates. The performance of sandwich structure laminates was determined by the load-carrying capacity of carbon fiber and load-transferring capacity of the aramid fiber and adhesive. The finite element model based on experiments was established to simulate the stress state and failure mechanism of sandwich laminates. The results demonstrated that the stress was better transferred into carbon fibers from the aramid fibers and adhesive, and the relative error rate of maximum stress from finite element analysis and experimental results was less than 5%, which were in reasonable agreement with the experimental results.
Potential Benefits of Teaching Mindfulness to Journalism Students
Authors: Pearson Mark , McMahon Cait , O’Donovan Analise
Published: October 2018

Mindfulness can be defined and adopted in many ways, from the simple act of being more thoughtful through to the use of mindfulness-based meditation for a range of purposes and ultimately through to the application of mindfulness-based frameworks such as ‘mindful journalism’ to help navigate ethical dilemmas and avoid moral injury. Each has potential application in journalism education. This article outlines the basic principles and explains the likely benefits for participants in journalism learning, teaching and research, detailing some of the key research underpinning the field and offering some examples of its application. The principal argument is that instruction in mindfulness-based meditation—and in the expanded approach of mindful journalism—has the potential to strengthen journalism graduates’ resilience, deepen their learning and shore up their moral compasses as they enter an occupation where their reporting can expose them to trauma and the upheaval in the industry can subject them to stress, burnout and other mental health challenges.
Analysis of steady-state frictional rolling contact problems in Schapery–nonlinear viscoelasticity
Authors: Abdelrahman Alaa A , El-Shafei Ahmed G , Mahmoud Fatin F
Published: October 2018

In the context of an updated Lagrangian formulation, a computational model is developed for analyzing the steady-state frictional rolling contact problems in nonlinear viscoelastic solids. Schapery's nonlinear viscoelastic model is adopted to simulate the viscoelastic behavior. In addition to the material nonlinearity, the model accounts for geometrical nonlinearities, large displacements, and rotations with small strains. To satisfy the steady-state rolling contact condition, a spatially dependent incremental form of the viscoelastic constitutive equations is derived. Consequently, the dependence on the past history of the strain rate in the stress–strain law is expressed in terms of the spatial variation of the strain. The contact conditions are exactly satisfied by employing the Lagrange multiplier approach to enforce the contact constraints. The classical Coulomb's friction law is used to simulate friction. The developed model is verified and compared and good agreement is obtained. The applicability of the developed model is demonstrated by analyzing the steady-state rolling contact response of viscoelastically walled-wheel over rigid foundation. Moreover, the obtained results show remarkable effects of the rotational velocity and the viscoelastic material parameters on the mechanical response of steady-state frictional rolling contact.
Physical activity and interaction for less active pupils at elementary school: The experiences of teachers and parents
Authors: Øien Aud Marie , Solheim Inger Johanne
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to explore how teachers and parents experience and reflect on participation and interaction with and between less active fifth-grade pupils in physically active academic lessons, in the school playground and during physical activity homework. This study formed part of the Active Smarter Kids study investigating the effects of daily physical activity on academic performance and health, and generated qualitative data from focus group interviews with teachers and parents. We identified three main themes: (1) aiming at and planning for interaction – a critical prerequisite for learning; (2) negotiating collaborative interaction during activities at school; and (3) facilitating physical activity at home through collaboration. The promotion of collaborative interaction appeared as a powerful means of facilitating learning in physically active academic lessons at school and at home for less active pupils.
The year-round thermal performance of a new ventilated Trombe wall integrated with phase change materials in the hot summer and cold winter region of China
Authors: Zhou Yuekuan , Wah Yu Chuck
Published: October 2018

A new ventilated Trombe wall (VTW) constituted with double Phase Change Material (PCM) wallboards (PCMs-VTW) has been developed. The year-round thermal performance of the system was evaluated via an experimentally validated model. The impact of the transition temperature of PCMs and air change rate on cooling and heating load were determined. Also, the total energy and the electric energy consumption of the fan were evaluated. The new PCMs-VTW can contribute to a reduction in the cooling load (14.8%) and heating load (12.7%) when fusion temperatures of PCMs in exterior and interior PCM wallboards were 26°C and 22°C, respectively. As a result, the total energy consumption was reduced, relative to the use of a shading device, by 5.83 kWh in summer and 23.54 kWh in winter. The proposed system is beneficial to indoor thermal comfort during summer and winter. The test room fitted with the PCMs-VTW has an average predicted mean vote (PMV) of 0.97 and a predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD) of 12.5% in summer; and a PMV of –0.32 and 9.6% PPD in winter. By contrast, the test room fitted with a split-type air conditioner has a PMV of 2.71 and a PPD of 23.9% in summer and a PMV of –1.71 and 29.8% PPD in winter.
Alcohol policies and attitudes toward alcohol prevention at Swedish student unions
Authors: Strandberg Anna K. , Elgán Tobias H. , Jägerskog Magnus , Gripenberg Johanna
Published: October 2018

Aims:

High alcohol consumption among young adults is of great concern. About half of all young adults in Sweden are university students, and high alcohol consumption is common in this group. This makes student unions a potential arena for alcohol prevention. Little is known about attitudes toward alcohol prevention and to what extent Swedish student unions have written alcohol policies. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether student union representatives consider alcohol to be a problem, their attitudes toward alcohol prevention, the presence of written alcohol policies at student unions, and factors possibly associated with the existence of such policies.

Methods:

During November 2014, student union representatives ( n = 95) were invited to participate in a web-based questionnaire; data were obtained from 78 unions.

Results:

The majority (93%) reported positive attitudes toward alcohol prevention, and many also recognised that alcohol consumption could be a problem (47%). Furthermore, 81% reported having an alcohol policy at their student union. Unions that frequently arranged pubs were more likely to have a policy ( OR = 1.9).

Conclusions:

Many participants recognised that alcohol consumption could be a problem and reported positive attitudes toward alcohol prevention in the student union setting. This, together with the fact that the majority of student unions had written alcohol policies, suggests that the student union setting is a promising arena for alcohol prevention.
Identification of firefly algorithm-based fluctuation coefficient of the exciting torque for vehicle driveline
Authors: Liu Qiaobin , Shi Wenku , Chen Zhiyong
Published: October 2018

The unbalanced excitation force and torque generated by an engine that resonate with the natural frequency of drivetrain often causes vibration and noise problems in vehicles. This study aims to comprehensively employ theoretical modelling and experimental identification methods to obtain the fluctuation coefficients of engine excitation torque when a car is in different gear positions. The inherent characteristics of the system are studied on the basis of the four-degree-of-freedom driveline lumped mass model and the longitudinal dynamics model of vehicle. The correctness of the model is verified by torsional vibration test. The second order's engine torque fluctuation coefficients are identified by firefly algorithm according to the curves of flywheel speed in different gears under the acceleration condition of the whole open throttle. The torque obtained by parameter identification is applied to the model, and the torsional vibration response of the system is analysed. The influence of the key parameters on the torsional vibration response of the system is investigated. The study concludes that proper reduction of clutch stiffness can increase clutch damping and half-axle rigidity, which can help improve the torsional vibration performance of the system. This study can provide reference for vehicle drivetrain modelling and torsional vibration control.
Identity, relationship quality, and subjective burden in caregivers of persons with dementia
Authors: Enright Joe , O’Connell Megan E , Branger Camille , Kirk Andrew , Morgan Debra
Published: October 2018

The aim of the current study was to examine the associations between informal caregivers’ perception of identity change in their care-partner, the quality of the caregiver/care-recipient relationship, and caregiver burden in a sample of 56 informal caregivers of persons with dementia. Most (96.4%) of the caregivers of persons who received a dementia diagnosis reported a perceived change in the identity of their care-partner. Caregivers’ perception of relationship satisfaction was measured with the Burns Relationship Satisfaction Scale for premorbid relationship and current relationship quality, and caregiver burden was measured with the Zarit Burden scale. After controlling for variance due to dementia severity, premorbid relationship satisfaction, and current relationship satisfaction, caregivers’ perceived change in the identity of the person with dementia accounted for significant variance in caregiver burden. Using a mediational model, we found support for a direct effect between perceived change in identity and caregiver burden, but we also found support for an indirect effect of relationship quality on the relation between perceived identity change and caregiver burden. The demonstrated model provides an empirically supported theoretical framework for guiding potential research and development of future interventions, which we suggest should emphasize dyads.
Contemporary Management of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in the Endovascular Era
Authors: Lim Sungho , Halandras Pegge M. , Bechara Carlos , Aulivola Bernadette , Crisostomo Paul
Published: October 2018

Objective:

Acute mesenteric ischemia is a rare disease entity associated with high morbidity and mortality. Disparate etiologies and nonspecific symptoms make the diagnosis challenging and often result in delayed diagnosis and intervention. Open laparotomy with mesenteric revascularization and resection of necrotic bowel has been considered the gold standard of care. With recent advances in percutaneous catheter-directed techniques, multiple retrospective studies have demonstrated the outcomes of endovascular therapy. Herein, we review the etiology, presentation, and diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia with contemporary outcomes associated with both open and endovascular treatments.

Methods:

The PubMed electronic database was queried in the English language using the search words mesenteric, acute ischemia, embolism, thromboembolism, thrombosis, revascularization, and endovascular in various combinations. Abstracts of the relevant titles were examined to confirm their relevance and the full articles then extracted. References from extracted articles were checked for any additional relevant articles. This systematic review encompassed literature for the past 5 years (between 2011 and 2016).

Results:

Early diagnosis and intervention improves acute mesenteric ischemia outcomes. Early restoration of mesenteric flow minimizes morbidity and mortality. In comparison to open laparotomy with mesenteric revascularization and resection of necrotic bowel, several retrospective studies using administrative data and single-center chart reviews demonstrate noninferior outcomes of an endovascular first approach in acute arterial mesenteric occlusion.

Conclusions:

For acute mesenteric arterial occlusive disease, both endovascular and open revascularization techniques are viable options. Although there is lack of level 1 evidence, single-center retrospective studies and administrative database studies demonstrated that an endovascular first approach may have improved outcomes in the immediate postoperative period. However, selection and other bias in these studies necessitate the need for definitive randomized prospective studies between endovascular and open mesenteric intervention. In contrast, mesenteric venous thrombosis may be treated with systemic anticoagulation without surgical revascularization. Catheter-directed thrombectomy and thrombolysis can be considered at the discretion of the clinician.
Are You Puzzled When Credentialing Entities Ask You for Criteria for External Carotid Artery Stenosis? A Study Correlating Peak Systolic Velocities and Degree of External Carotid Artery Stenosis Based on CT Angiography
Authors: Xu Jing , Rafla Samuel D. , Pouria Michelle K. , Root Drena , Lyons Shannon H. , Clouse William D. , Ackerman Robert H. , Romero Javier M.
Published: October 2018

External carotid artery (ECA) disease has been understated in the current literature, likely secondary to the lack of clinical neurological symptoms when this vessel is stenotic. However, vascular ultrasound credentialing entities request the adoption of specific criteria for the assessment of the ECA. Our purpose is to determine the ultrasound criteria for the detection of hemodynamically significant stenosis (50%-99%) using computed tomography angiography (CTA) as the reference standard. We included patients who had a carotid ultrasound and a CTA of the neck performed both within a 12-month period. Ultrasound measurements were reviewed for technical accuracy. CTAs were reassessed to determine the degree of stenosis of the bilateral ECAs adopting the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated for different peak systolic velocity (PSV) cutoff points to determine the most accurate PSV for detecting 50% to 99% stenosis of the ECA. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to assess diagnostic performance. Of the 536 ECAs included in this study, 13 were noted to be occluded by CTA. Six of these occlusions were accurately detected by ultrasound. There were 82 ECAs with 50% to 99% stenosis on CTA; these vessels had a significantly higher mean PSV compared to ECAs with <50% stenosis (294 vs 122 cm/s) ( P < .0001). A cutoff velocity of ⩾200 cm/s demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of 0.84, 0.93, and 0.91, respectively. Using univariate analysis, smoking was significantly associated with the presence of ⩾50% ECA stenosis. We determined that a PSV cutoff of ⩾200 cm/s showed high sensitivity and specificity for detecting 50% to 99% ECA stenosis based on CTA.
An Automatic Suturing Machine for Intestinal Anastomosis: Advantages Compared With Hand-Suturing Technique
Authors: Mosafer Khoorjestan Sanaz , Rouhi Gholamreza
Published: October 2018

One of the main procedures in intestinal surgery is anastomosis, which is mostly performed by stapling or hand suturing. Due to limitations of these methods, a novel automatic suturing machine was designed and fabricated in this study, equipped with a needle-driving system; a thread control mechanism, and a linear mechanism, which is applicable in intestinal anastomosis by making continuous sutures. The main advantages of the fabricated machine are employing biocompatible suture, from the tissue’s adaptation point of view, and making a uniform suturing pattern, independent of surgeon’s skill, and thus offering a greater strength than the hand-sutured specimen. In order to evaluate the capability of the fabricated machine and investigate the validity of the hypothesis made in this study, that is, a more uniform suture will result in a greater mechanical strength of the sutured tissue, in vitro tests were performed on human intestine specimens, which were manually sutured by an expert surgeon and by the automatic suturing machine. The tensile tests with an elongation rate of 5 mm/min were done for 90 specimens, in 9 groups with various suturing configurations. The optimum pattern, from the mechanical strength point of view, was found to be the same in both manual and automatic suturing methods, that is, h7 d6 ( h = distance of suture from the edge of the tissue = 7 mm, and d = distance between stitches = 6 mm). It was also shown that the maximum breaking strength, for the best suturing pattern, h7 d6, is significantly greater when the automatic suturing machine was employed, compared with the hand-sutured tissue ( P < .001).
“Bringing Your Whole Self to Research”
Authors: Hordge-Freeman Elizabeth
Published: October 2018

Despite advancements, there remains relatively little research about how researchers navigate their bodies and emotions in the context of field research. Perhaps because it represents a threat to ideas about objective or value-free research, qualitative researchers may receive the least amount of practical training about how their bodies and emotions matter in the field. The prevailing assumption is that researchers will eventually find their way or organically develop the pivotal relationships that they need to conduct their work. This uncertainty can be a tremendous source of anxiety for researchers new to the field and even for those seasoned researchers initiating new projects. In this article, I explore the factors that shape the meanings that research participants attach to researchers’ bodies and emotions and, similarly, how researchers’ emotions are implicated in their research. Drawing on constructivist grounded theory and critical feminist methodologies, I use specific examples from my ethnographic research in Brazil to highlight the complex and contradictory ways that researchers’ bodies and emotions are perceived by potential research participants and can be managed in order to enhance ethnographic research. Ultimately, this presentation is intended to explore the challenges and possibilities created when researchers marshal their bodies and emotions to bring their whole self to research.
Meaningful entertainment experiences and self-transcendence: Cultural variations shape elevation, values, and moral intentions
Authors: Rieger Diana , Frischlich Lena , Oliver Mary Beth
Published: October 2018

Previous research reported that meaningful entertainment experiences are associated with elevation, mixed affect, physical indicators, and moral motivations. The importance of values, particularly altruistic values and self-transcendence, was thought to play a central role. Although the importance of values has been found to vary across cultures, little research so far has examined cultural variations in the response towards meaningful entertainment. The present study, therefore, investigated how cultural variations in self-construals and the importance of values (self-enhancement, conservation, and self-transcendence) in movies are related to meaningful entertainment experiences. An online experiment in Germany and the United Arab Emirates ( N = 245) confirmed that meaningful entertainment elicited elevation. Elevation was associated with conservation and self-transcendence values and, via this path, increased moral motivations. An interdependent self-construal was related to elevation and to moral motivations. The results are discussed in light of current conceptualizations of inward- and outward-oriented gratifications of meaningful entertainment and the impact of values.
Intercultural learning in schools through telecollaboration? A critical case study of eTwinning between Turkey and Germany
Authors: Bozdağ Çiğdem
Published: October 2018

Digital media offer various possibilities for internet-based telecollaboration in schools and open up a space for intercultural learning. Diverse initiatives like such as the European Union-initiative eTwinning network aim to support telecollaboration projects in education. This article argues that we need to develop critical and grounded understanding of telecollaboration projects and how they are being embedded in the context of existing school cultures. The article presents an in-depth case study of a telecollaboration project between a Turkish and a German school. On the basis of observations in schools, interviews with teachers and focus groups with pupils, the article argues that there are two main challenges that limit the experience of intercultural learning in the analysed project. The first point is about the strong teacher-centred project design and the discrepancy between the perspectives of teachers and pupils. The second point is the rather simplistic and superficial understanding of culture, which reasserts national cultures instead of promoting a more open perspective, that influences the project tasks and topics.
Successful therapy with rituximab in three patients with probable neurosarcoidosis
Authors: Zella Samis , Kneiphof Janina , Haghikia Aiden , Gold Ralf , Woitalla Dirk , Thöne Jan
Published: October 2018

Background:

Neurosarcoidosis occurs in about 5–15% of patients with sarcoidosis. Therapy with corticosteroids is generally accepted as the first-line medication, followed by various immunomodulating and cytotoxic agents or combined therapy. However, some patients show an unsatisfactory outcome or have adverse events and require novel treatment strategies.

Methods:

We describe three patients with systemic sarcoidosis and central nervous system involvement who received CD20-targeted B-cell depletion with rituximab.

Results:

Treatment with rituximab was well tolerated and followed by marked remission in patients nonresponsive to other immunosuppressive agents.

Conclusion:

Rituximab may be used for patients with neurosarcoidosis who are nonresponsive to established treatment regimes.
Outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hedjoudje A , Sportes A , Grabar S , Zhang A , Koch S , Vuitton L , Prat F
Published: October 2018

Background

Success and event rates of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided biliary drainage vary with techniques, and results from different studies remain inconsistent.

Objective

We conducted a proportion meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS‐guided biliary drainage and compare the outcomes of current procedures.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and Web of knowledge to identify studies reporting technical success, clinical success and complication rates of EUS‐guided biliary drainage techniques to estimate their clinical and technical efficacy and safety.

Results

We identified 17 studies including a total of 686 patients. The overall clinical success and technical success rates were respectively 84% confidence interval (CI) 95% (80–88) and 96% CI 95% (93–98) for hepaticogastrostomy, and respectively 87% CI 95% (82–91) and 95% CI 95 (91–97) for choledochoduodenostomy. Reported adverse event rates were significantly higher (p = 0.01) for hepaticogastrostomy (29% CI 95% (24–34)) compared to choledochoduodenostomy (20% CI 95% (16–25)). Compared with hepaticogastrostomy, the pooled odds ratio for the complication rate of choledochoduodenostomy was 2.01 (1.25; 3.24) (p = 0.0042), suggesting that choledochoduodenostomy might be safer than hepaticogastrostomy.

Conclusion

The available literature suggests choledochoduodenostomy may be a safer approach compared to hepaticogastrostomy. Randomized controlled trials with sufficiently large cohorts are needed to compare techniques and confirm these findings.
Vitamin D deficiency predicts severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Huh Ji Hye , Kim Jae Woo , Lee Kyong Joo
Published: October 2018

Background

The ability to predict the severity of disease is important to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with severity in various diseases.

Objective

This study was conducted to assess vitamin D as a predictor of disease severity in patients with AP.

Methods

Patients with AP were prospectively enrolled at Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine from March 2015 to September 2017. Serum vitamin D was analyzed as soon as AP was diagnosed. The level of vitamin D was classified as normal (>20 ng/ml), insufficient (>10 and ≤20 ng/ml) or deficient (≤10 ng/ml).

Results

Among 242 patients with AP, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 56.2%, and 28.5% of patients had vitamin D insufficiency. Serum vitamin D level was negatively correlated with severity indexes, such as the Atlanta classification, Computed Tomography Severity Index, Bedside Index for Severity of Acute Pancreatitis, and Ranson score. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency increased with severity of AP according to the Atlanta classification. Vitamin D deficiency was the independent factor for predicting severe AP (OR 5.37, 95% CI 1.13–25.57, p = 0.015) and intensive care unit admission (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.24–7.69, p = 0.035).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased severity of AP and is a predictor for intensive care unit admission.
Comparison to Color Stability Between Amine with Benzoyl Peroxide Includes Resin Cement and Amine-reduced, Amine-free, Lacking of Benzoyl Peroxide Resin Cements After Thermocycle
Authors: Alkurt Murat , Duymus Zeynep Yesil
Published: October 2018

Objective:

This study aims to compare the color change (Δ E) of 5 resin cements (Panavia SA, Panavia V5, RelyX U200, Variolink NLC clear and +1) after thermocycling. Changes in color of specimens were determined after 10,000 cycles of thermocycling by spectrophotometer in the CIELAB.

Materials and Methods:

Ceramic disks, simulating laminate veneers, with thicknesses of 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 mm (A1, IPS e.max) were fabricated. Color differences (Δ E) between the control and test groups were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Also, Tukey’s multiple comparison tests were applied to know the difference between the groups (α = 0.05).

Results:

The factors of cement type and thickness of ceramic showed significant influence on Δ E values ( P < .05). After thermocycling, all resin cements, except benzoyl peroxide including resin cement (Pan SA), were showed clinically acceptable to color change limits (Δ E < 3.3). On evaluating the effects of ceramic thickness on color change after thermocyle aging, control group (no ceramic thickness) showed color change ( P < .05) visually.

Conclusion:

Amine-reduced, amine-free and lacking benzoyl peroxide resin cement showed minimal color change and better color stability.
Married Men and Vasectomy: A Focused Group Study in an Urban Community in Ghana
Authors: Appiah Stella , Agyen James Kwaku , Garti Isabella , Menlah Awube
Published: October 2018

An effective method of birth control in men yet least accepted and patronized is vasectomy. Vasectomy provides health benefits to the user, his direct family, and the entire population as it helps to control population growth. This article explored the beliefs and attitudes of commercial drivers on vasectomy in an urban community in Ghana. The study employed qualitative exploratory design using focus group discussion. Data were collected from 12 married men between the ages of 45 to 60 years who were selected through purposive sampling method. The focus group discussions were audiotaped, handwritten, and recorded. Recorded data were then transcribed verbatim, and the current version of the NVivo software for analyzing qualitative data was used to manage the data. Three major themes emerged from the study: knowledge of respondents on vasectomy, beliefs, and attitudes of married men toward vasectomy. Each of the themes had three subthemes. The study revealed that vasectomy was perceived by some of the respondents to be synonymous to castration which comes with negative effects. Inadequate knowledge, negative perceptions, future uncertainty, and the irreversible nature of vasectomy emerged as contributing to the low patronage and some of the reasons why most of the respondents had no intentions of opting for vasectomy. In view of these findings, it is imperative for all stakeholders to give urgent attention to behavior change strategies that can be put in action to ameliorate the effects of these negative attitudes and misbeliefs. Ultimately, the tide can be turned around and vasectomy will be a preferred alternative when it comes to family planning in Ghana.
Jak2V617F and Dnmt3a loss cooperate to induce myelofibrosis through activated enhancer-driven inflammation
Authors: Jacquelin Sebastien , Straube Jasmin , Cooper Leanne , Vu Therese , Song Axia , Bywater Megan , Baxter Eva , Heidecker Matthew , Wackrow Brad , Porter Amy , Ling Victoria , Green Joanne , Austin Rebecca , Kazakoff Stephen , Waddell Nicola , Hesson Luke B. , Pimanda John E. , Stegelmann Frank , Bullinger Lars , Döhner Konstanze , Rampal Raajit K. , Heckl Dirk , Hill Geoffrey R. , Lane Steven W.
Published: October 2018

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of blood cancers that arise following the sequential acquisition of genetic lesions in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). We identify mutational cooperation between Jak2V617F expression and Dnmt3a loss that drives progression from early-stage polycythemia vera to advanced myelofibrosis. Using in vivo, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) with CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) disruption of Dnmt3a in Jak2V617F knockin HSPC, we show that Dnmt3a loss blocks the accumulation of erythroid elements and causes fibrotic infiltration within the bone marrow and spleen. Transcriptional analysis and integration with human data sets identified a core DNMT3A-driven gene-expression program shared across multiple models and contexts of Dnmt3a loss. Aberrant self-renewal and inflammatory signaling were seen in Dnmt3a−/− Jak2V617F HSPC, driven by increased chromatin accessibility at enhancer elements. These findings identify oncogenic cooperativity between Jak2V617F-driven MPN and Dnmt3a loss, leading to activation of HSPC enhancer–driven inflammatory signaling.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Tumour-originated exosomal miR-155 triggers cancer-associated cachexia to promote tumour progression
Authors: Wu Qi , Sun Si , Li Zhiyu , Yang Qian , Li Bei , Zhu Shan , Wang Lijun , Wu Juan , Yuan Jingping , Yang Changhua , Li Juanjuan , Sun Shengrong
Published: October 2018

Emerging evidence supports the pivotal roles of cancer-associated cachexia in breast cancer progression. However, the mediators and mechanisms that mediate cancer-induced cachexia remain unclear. Here, we show that breast cancer-derived exosomes alter adipocytes and muscle cells in terms of increased catabolism characterized by the release of metabolites. Likewise, tumour cells cocultivated with mature adipocytes or C2C12 exhibit an aggressive phenotype through inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mechanistically, we show that cancer cell-secreted miR-155 promotes beige/brown differentiation and remodel metabolism in resident adipocytes by downregulating the PPARγ expression, but does not significantly affect biological conversion in C2C12. In vitro the use of propranolol ameliorates tumour exosomes-associated cachectic wasting through upregulating the PPARγ expression. These results demonstrate that cancer-derived exosomes reprogram systemic energy metabolism and accelerate cancer-associated cachexia to facilitate tumour progression.