bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
System architecting and design space characterization
Authors: Raz Ali K. , Kenley C. Robert , DeLaurentis Daniel A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article provides a process for system architecting that incorporates a holistic approach for architecture design space characterization by integrating decision alternatives in functional, physical, and allocational design spaces and accounting for interactions. System architects are faced with numerous decisions for system form, functions, and operations when defining a system architecture. Systems designers are tasked with selecting design options which provide the necessary functionality in support of the architecture. Since modern systems, especially system‐of‐systems, are composed of interacting and interwoven functions and elements, it is imperative to holistically evaluate variations in the system architecture and system design, and discover interactions among and between architecture decisions and design decisions. In this article, this design space characterization is made an integral part of the system architecting process and a set‐theoretic framework is developed for managing an extensive design space. The design space characterization problem is formulated as identification of the significant decisions variables and quantification of their impact on the system objectives. A Design of Experiments framework—utilizing Analysis of Variation (ANOVA) and Range Tests—is presented to holistically characterize system architecture design space including the interactions between system form, function, operations, and design decisions.
Think Globally, Act Locally: Teaching Climate Change Through Digital Inquiry
Authors: Castek Jill , Dwyer Bernadette 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn the 21st century, our students increasingly communicate, connect, collaborate, and interact with diverse cultures and traditions around the world, so they need to develop global literacy. This department column highlights research and research‐to‐practice at the international level to bring global best teaching practices to the forefront. Topics include international literacy instruction, international professional development, global literacy initiatives, global partnership and collaborative projects between schools and educators, best practices in literacy globally, and advocacy.
Nanotherapeutics for multiple myeloma
Authors: Zheleznyak Alexander , Shokeen Monica , Achilefu Samuel 
Published: April 2018

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an age‐related hematological malignancy with an estimated 30,000 new cases and 13,000 deaths per year. A disease of antibody‐secreting malignant plasma B‐cells that grow primarily in the bone marrow (BM), MM causes debilitating fractures, anemia, renal failure, and hypercalcemia. In addition to the abnormal genetic profile of MM cells, the permissive BM microenvironment (BMM) supports MM pathogenesis. Although advances in treatment options have significantly enhanced survival in MM patients, transient perfusion of small‐molecule drugs in the BM does not provide sufficient residence to enhance MM cell–drug interaction, thus allowing some myeloma cells to escape the first line of treatment. As such, there remains a crucial need to develop advanced drug delivery systems that can navigate the complex BMM and effectively reach the myeloma cells. The high vascular density and spongy nature of bone structure suggest that nanoparticles (NPs) can serve as smart drug‐delivery systems capable of extravasation and retention in various BM compartments to exert a durable therapeutic effect. In this focus article, we first summarize the pathophysiology of MM, emphasizing how the BM niche presents serious challenges for effective treatment of MM with small‐molecule drugs. We then pivot to current efforts to develop NP‐based drug carriers and intrinsically therapeutic nanotherapeutics. The article concludes with a brief perspective on the opportunities and challenges in developing and translating nanotherapeutics to improve the treatment outcomes of MM patients.This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Chlorhexidine Antiseptic Irrigation Eradicates Staphylococcus epidermidis From Biofilm: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Schmidt Kenneth , Estes Chris , McLaren Alex , Spangehl Mark J. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
Antiseptic and antibacterial solutions used for intraoperative irrigation are intended to kill bacteria and thereby decrease the incidence of surgical site infections. It is unknown if the concentrations and exposure times of irrigation solutions commonly used for prophylaxis in clean cases (povidone-iodine 0.35% for 3 minutes) are effective against bacteria in biofilm that are present in implant infections. Currently, povidone-iodine (0.35%), chlorhexidine (0.05%), sodium hypochlorite (0.125%), and triple antibacterial solution are all being used off-label for wound irrigation after surgical débridement for orthopaedic infections.

Questions/purposes
Do commonly used antibacterials and antiseptics kill bacteria in established biofilm at clinically relevant concentrations and exposure times?

Methods

Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC#35984) biofilms were exposed to chlorhexidine (0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%), povidone-iodine (0.35%, 1.0%, 3.5%, and 10%), sodium hypochlorite (0.125%, 0.25%, and 0.5%,), and triple antibacterial solution (bacitracin 50,000 U/L, gentamicin 80 mg/L, and polymyxin 500,000 U/L) for 1, 5, and 10 minutes in triplicate. Surviving bacteria were detected by 21-day subculture. Failure to eradicate all bacteria in any of the three replicates was considered to be “not effective” for that respective solution, concentration, and exposure time.

Results
Chlorhexidine 0.05% and 0.1% at all three exposure times, povidone-iodine 10% at all three exposure times, and povidone-iodine 3.5% at 10 minutes only were effective at eradicating S epidermidis from biofilm. All concentrations and all exposure times of sodium hypochlorite and triple antibacterial solution were not effective.

Conclusions
Chlorhexidine is capable of eradicating S epidermidis from biofilm in vitro in clinically relevant concentrations and exposure times. Povidone-iodine at commonly used concentrations and exposure times, sodium hypochlorite, and triple antibacterial solutions are not.

Clinical Relevance
This in vitro study suggests that chlorhexidine may be a more effective irrigation solution for S epidermidis in biofilm than other commonly used solutions, such as povidone-iodine, Dakin’s solution, and triple antibiotic solution. Clinical outcomes should be studied to determine the most effective antiseptic agent, concentration, and exposure time when intraoperative irrigation is used in the presence of biofilm.
What Is the Relationship of Fear Avoidance to Physical Function and Pain Intensity in Injured Athletes?
Authors: Fischerauer Stefan F. , Talaei-Khoei Mojtaba , Bexkens Rens , Ring David C. , Oh Luke S. , Vranceanu Ana-Maria 
Published: April 2018

Background
Fear avoidance can play a prominent role in maladaptive responses to an injury. In injured athletes, such pain-related fear or fear avoidance behavior may have a substantial influence on the recovery process. Specifically, it may explain why some are able to reach their preinjury abilities, whereas others are unable to return to sport.

Questions/purposes
(1) Is fear avoidance in athletes associated with decreased physical function after injury? (2) To what degree is fear avoidance associated with athletes’ pain intensity?

Methods
In a cross-sectional study, we recruited injured athletes—defined as patients with sports-related injury, weekly engagement in sport activities, participation in competitive events as part of a team or club, self-identification as an athlete, and a desire to return to sport after recovery—from an orthopaedic sports medicine center at a major urban university hospital. Of 130 approached patients, 102 (84% men; mean ± SD age 25 ± 8.5 years) met the inclusion criteria. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire, which assesses injury-related fear and avoidance behavior specifically in an athletic population, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and two Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures: Physical Function Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) and Pain Intensity CAT.

Results
After controlling for age, injury region (upper versus lower extremity), catastrophic thinking, and emotional distress, we found that an increase in athletes’ fear avoidance was associated with a decrease in physical function (b = -0.32; p = 0.002). The model explained 30% of the variation in physical function with 7.3% explained uniquely by fear avoidance. After controlling for initial appointment/followup, surgery for the current condition, multiple pain conditions, history of prior sport-related injury/surgery, pain medication prescription, catastrophic thinking, and emotional distress, athletes' fear avoidance was not associated with pain (b = -0.14; p = 0.249). The model explained 40% of the variation in pain intensity and pain catastrophizing (b = 0.30; p = 0.001) uniquely explained 7.1% of this variation.

Conclusions
In injured athletes, fear avoidance is independently associated with decreased physical function, whereas pain catastrophizing is associated with high pain intensity. Both level of an athlete’s fear avoidance and catastrophic thinking about pain should be accounted for in clinical interventions aimed at helping athletes improve recovery and return to sport.

Level of Evidence
Level II, prognostic study.
Health Selection, Migration, and HIV Infection in Malawi
Authors: Anglewicz Philip , VanLandingham Mark , Manda-Taylor Lucinda , Kohler Hans-Peter 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDespite its importance in studies of migrant health, selectivity of migrants—also known as migration health selection—has seldom been examined in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This neglect is problematic because several features of the context in which migration occurs in SSA—very high levels of HIV, in particular—differ from contextual features in regions that have been studied more thoroughly. To address this important gap, we use longitudinal panel data from Malawi to examine whether migrants differ from nonmigrants in pre-migration health, assessed via SF-12 measures of mental and physical health. In addition to overall health selection, we focus on three more-specific factors that may affect the relationship between migration and health: (1) whether migration health selection differs by destination (rural-rural, rural-town, and rural-urban), (2) whether HIV infection moderates the relationship between migration and health, and (3) whether circular migrants differ in pre-migration health status. We find evidence of the healthy migrant phenomenon in Malawi, where physically healthier individuals are more likely to move. This relationship varies by migration destination, with healthier rural migrants moving to urban and other rural areas. We also find interactions between HIV-infected status and health: HIV-infected women moving to cities are physically healthier than their nonmigrant counterparts.
Diagnostic utility of glycosyltransferase mRNA expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Bhat Showkat Ahmad , Mir Manzoor Ur Rahman , Majid Sabhiya , Hassan Tehseen , Rehman Muneeb U. , Kuchy Sonallah 
Published: April 2018

Objective/background:
Posttranslational modification of proteins, including glycosylation, is known to differ between normal and tumor cells. Altered glycosyltransferase levels have been observed in tumor tissues and their role in tumor metastasis and invasion has been implicated. In this study the role of altered glycosyltransferase messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in serum of gastric cancer patients as early markers of gastric cancer was evaluated.

Methods:
In this case control study the expression profile of ppGalNAc-T6, GlcNAcT-V, ST3Gal I, ST3 Gal IV, and ST6GalNAc-I in normal healthy control and gastric cancer patients was compared. Serum was isolated from blood samples of gastric cancer patients (n = 200) and controls (n = 200). Following RNA extraction, reverse transcription was carried out and transcript levels of glycosyltransferases were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and normalized against glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) expression. The amount of target gene, normalized to an endogenous reference gene relative to calibrator was calculated by using ΔΔCT method. Transcript levels in the serum samples of gastric cancer patients were compared with those of controls; also the same was correlated within sex and different stages of disease.

Results:
The mRNA expression of ppGalNAc-T6 and ST6GalNAc-I was significantly higher in serum samples of gastric cancer patients on comparison with controls (p = .008), however, there was no significant difference in mRNA expression of GlcNAcT-V, ST3Gal I, and ST3 Gal IV in serum samples of gastric cancer patients and controls (p = .097). In addition, no significant association of mRNA expression of these glycosyltransferases was found within sex and stages in this study.

Conclusion:
This study revealed the potential of ppGalNAc-T6 and ST6GalNAc-I mRNA transcript levels in serum as markers of gastric cancer. Further studies on the wider range of glycosyltransferases in various cancers are needed to establish signature mRNA batteries as minimally invasive markers of gastric cancer.
Characterization of superhydrophobic surfaces for drag reduction in turbulent flow
Authors: Gose James W. , Golovin Kevin , Boban Mathew , Mabry Joseph M. , Tuteja Anish , Perlin Marc , Ceccio Steven L. 
Published: April 2018

A significant amount of the fuel consumed by marine vehicles is expended to overcome skin-friction drag resulting from turbulent boundary layer flows. Hence, a substantial reduction in this frictional drag would notably reduce cost and environmental impact. Superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs), which entrap a layer of air underwater, have shown promise in reducing drag in small-scale applications and/or in laminar flow conditions. Recently, the efficacy of these surfaces in reducing drag resulting from turbulent flows has been shown. In this work we examine four different, mechanically durable, large-scale SHSs. When evaluated in fully developed turbulent flow, in the height-based Reynolds number range of 10 000 to 30 000, significant drag reduction was observed on some of the surfaces, dependent on their exact morphology. We then discuss how neither the roughness of the SHSs, nor the conventional contact angle goniometry method of evaluating the non-wettability of SHSs at ambient pressure, can predict their drag reduction under turbulent flow conditions. Instead, we propose a new characterization parameter, based on the contact angle hysteresis at higher pressure, which aids in the rational design of randomly rough, friction-reducing SHSs. Overall, we find that both the contact angle hysteresis at higher pressure, and the non-dimensionalized surface roughness, must be minimized to achieve meaningful turbulent drag reduction. Further, we show that even SHSs that are considered hydrodynamically smooth can cause significant drag increase if these two parameters are not sufficiently minimized.
Paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic interpretation of the stratigraphic sequence of Lezetxiki II Cave (Basque Country, Iberian Peninsula) inferred from small vertebrate assemblages
Authors: Garcia-Ibaibarriaga Naroa , Suárez-Bilbao Aitziber , Bailon Salvador , Arrizabalaga Alvaro , Iriarte-Chiapusso María-José , Arnold Lee , Demuro Martina , Murelaga Xabier 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe present a paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstruction based on microfaunal assemblages preserved at Lezetxiki II Cave (Arrasate, Basque Country, Iberian Peninsula) and synthesize previously published and new chronological work from the cave to better understand the environmental history of the region. The stratigraphic sequence of this short gallery ranges from the end of the middle Pleistocene to the middle Holocene and has great micropaleontological relevance for the Iberian Peninsula, especially because it contains the most ancient small vertebrate remains found in the Cantabrian region, likely deposited during Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 7–6. Thirty-two small vertebrate taxa, including two extinct species, were identified. Environmental reconstruction based on small vertebrates suggests an open landscape at the base of the sequence (three lower levels) that progressively changed to woodland in the upper levels. Other paleoenvironmental data suggest a similar interpretation of the environmental history of the region, and although some uncertainty in the environmental reconstruction and chronology still exists, our data provide a richly detailed record of small vertebrates from an area that likely represented an important late Quaternary migration corridor for species traveling between the Iberian Peninsula and European continent.
Climate dynamics during the penultimate glacial period recorded in a speleothem from Kanaan Cave, Lebanon (central Levant)
Authors: Nehme Carole , Verheyden Sophie , Breitenbach Sebastian F.M. , Gillikin David P. , Verheyden Anouk , Cheng Hai , Edwards R. Lawrence , Hellstrom John , Noble Stephen R. , Farrant Andrew R. , Sahy Diana , Goovaerts Thomas , Salem Ghada , Claeys Philippe 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLittle is known about terrestrial climate dynamics in the Levant during the penultimate interglacial-glacial period. To decipher the palaeoclimatic history of the Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 6 glacial period, a well-dated stalagmite (~194 to ~154 ka) from Kanaan Cave on the Mediterranean coast in Lebanon was analyzed for its petrography, growth history, and stable isotope geochemistry. A resolved climate record has been recovered from this precisely U–Th dated speleothem, spanning the late MIS 7 and early MIS 6 at low resolution and the mid–MIS 6 at higher resolution. The stalagmite grew discontinuously from ~194 to ~163 ka. More consistent growth and higher growth rates between ~163 and ~154 ka are most probably linked to increased water recharge and thus more humid conditions. More distinct layering in the upper part of the speleothem suggests strong seasonality from ~163 ka to ~154 ka. Short-term oxygen and carbon isotope excursions were found between ~155 and ~163 ka. The inferred Kanaan Cave humid intervals during the mid–MIS 6 follow variations of pollen records in the Mediterranean basins and correlate well with the synthetic Greenland record and East Asian summer monsoon interstadial periods, indicating short warm/wet periods similar to the Dansgaard-Oeschger events during MIS 4–3 in the eastern Mediterranean region.
Skills and Core Competencies of Pharmacists in Humanitarian Assistance
Authors: Vardanyan Hamaspyur , Mosegui Gabriela Bittencourt Gonzalez , Miranda Elaine Silva 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundPharmacists’ participation in health care within multi-disciplinary teams in Humanitarian Assistance (HA) shall be encouraged. Limited literature exists on their role in the humanitarian context. The objective of this paper is to evidence the skill-specific, comprehensive core competencies that pharmacists must demonstrate working in humanitarian interventions.MethodsThe literature search laid the groundwork for the development of interview guides and further analysis of the data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with expatriate pharmacists and medical coordinators, all of whom have worked in the field of HA. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a content analysis methodology.ResultsThree pharmacists and three medical coordinators were interviewed, who had worked in a combined 32 humanitarian missions. The main functions of pharmacists were focused on stock management and supply of medicinal products. However, pharmacists in HA did not perform many functions related to the provision of effective medication therapy management (MTM). A core competency framework for pharmacists working in the humanitarian field was created, which reflects the personal and technical competencies that are essential to work in HA.ConclusionSelf-management in a pressured and changing environment, the ability to adapt to changing situations, and planning, prioritizing, and performing tasks well under pressure are the skills required for pharmacists and for any other humanitarian health worker. The results highlight great efforts being dedicated to pharmaceutical product supply and management by pharmacists working in HA.VardanyanH, MoseguiGBG, MirandaES. Skills and core competencies of pharmacists in humanitarian assistance. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(3):266–272.
The Contribution of Coping-Related Variables and Cardiac Vagal Activity on Prone Rifle Shooting Performance Under Pressure
Authors: Mosley Emma , Laborde Sylvain , Kavanagh Emma 
Published: April 2018

Abstract. The aims of this study were to assess the predictive role of coping-related variables (CRV) on cardiac vagal activity (derived from heart rate variability), and to investigate the influence of CRV (and cardiac vagal activity) on prone rifle shooting performance under low pressure (LP) and high pressure (HP) conditions. Participants ( n = 38) competed in a shooting task under LP and HP. Cardiac vagal activity measurements were taken at baseline, task, and recovery for 5 min, alongside ratings of stress via a visual analogue scale. Upon task conclusion, self-report measures of motivation, stress appraisal, attention, perceived pressure, and trait CRV questionnaires (Decision-Specific Reinvestment Scale [DSRS], Movement-Specific Reinvestment Scale [MSRS], and Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire [TEIQue]) were completed. Results indicated that task cardiac vagal activity was predicted by resting cardiac vagal activity and self-control in HP and LP. Post-task cardiac vagal activity was predicted by resting cardiac vagal activity in both conditions with the addition of a trait and state CRV in HP. Cardiac vagal reactivity, the change from resting to task, was predicted by resting cardiac vagal activity and self-control in LP and HP. Cardiac vagal recovery, the change from task to post-task, was predicted by a trait CRV in HP. Shooting performance was predicted by experience and cardiac vagal activity in LP and cardiac vagal activity and a trait in HP. Findings suggest both CRV and cardiac vagal activity influence cardiac vagal activity throughout a pressure task. Additionally, shooting performance directly influences cardiac vagal recovery.