bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Nonlinear Modeling Play a Role in Plasmid Bioprocess Monitoring Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra?
Authors: Lopes Marta B. , Calado Cecília R.C. , Figueiredo Mário A.T. , Bioucas-Dias José M.
Published: November 2016

The monitoring of biopharmaceutical products using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy relies on calibration techniques involving the acquisition of spectra of bioprocess samples along the process. The most commonly used method for that purpose is partial least squares (PLS) regression, under the assumption that a linear model is valid. Despite being successful in the presence of small nonlinearities, linear methods may fail in the presence of strong nonlinearities. This paper studies the potential usefulness of nonlinear regression methods for predicting, from in situ near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectra acquired in high-throughput mode, biomass and plasmid concentrations in Escherichia coli DH5-α cultures producing the plasmid model pVAX-LacZ. The linear methods PLS and ridge regression (RR) are compared with their kernel (nonlinear) versions, kPLS and kRR, as well as with the (also nonlinear) relevance vector machine (RVM) and Gaussian process regression (GPR). For the systems studied, RR provided better predictive performances compared to the remaining methods. Moreover, the results point to further investigation based on larger data sets whenever differences in predictive accuracy between a linear method and its kernelized version could not be found. The use of nonlinear methods, however, shall be judged regarding the additional computational cost required to tune their additional parameters, especially when the less computationally demanding linear methods herein studied are able to successfully monitor the variables under study.
Attitudes of Primary School Teachers in Three Western Countries Toward Learning Disabilities
Authors: Cornoldi Cesare , Capodieci Agnese , Colomer Diago Carla , Miranda Ana , Shepherd Katharine G.
Published: November 2016

In recent years, teachers in Western countries have developed beliefs and attitudes related to working with students with specific learning disabilities (LD) that may be critical in shaping their educational practices with them; however, their beliefs and attitudes differ across political and geographical contexts and may be influenced by specific contextual circumstances and national legislation. This study examines these issues by comparing beliefs and attitudes among 557 primary school teachers from specific areas of three countries (Italy, Spain, and the United States). Results from this study support the hypothesis that, in general, teachers in these areas are sufficiently well informed about students with LD and are in favor of policies supporting these students’ needs. However, substantial differences emerge among countries about the etiology of LD; teachers’ and specialists’ roles in managing LD students; intervention planning, inclusion, and compensatory provisions; and the range of emotional attitudes that teachers exhibit. These differences have implications for intervention and suggest that efforts should be made to increase collaboration and promotion of common policies across countries.
Police officers giving evidence
Authors: Brian David , Cruickshank Andrew
Published: November 2016

This article reviews Police Research Series Paper 15, The Presentation of Police Evidence in Court (Stockdale and Gresham, 1995), and the role of police officers giving testimony in court. In particular, consideration is given to the recommendations made and subsequent developments, or lack thereof, in police literature and practice. Police officers are well prepared to manage the pre-trial investigation but still receive little preparation, or guidance from researchers, for performing as witnesses at court. Key factors in effectively presenting evidence are reviewed and directions outlined for building knowledge on preparing police officers to perform in court whilst upholding obligation to victims and the legal standard of public interest.
“For in him the whole fullness of Deity dwells bodily”: The Trinitarian Depths of the Incarnation
Authors: Ormerod Neil
Published: November 2016

This article explores further implications of Lonergan’s four-point hypothesis, linking the trinitarian relations with four created participations in the divine nature, this time in the area of Christology. These include a much richer trinitarian account of the Incarnation, with a deeper pneumatological dimension emerging. It offers a brief comparison of this approach with three other approaches which similarly seek to provide a richer trinitarian account of Christology, from Christopher Schwöbel, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and David Coffey.
Variation in Subjective Aging by Sexual Minority Status
Authors: Barrett Anne , Barbee Harry
Published: November 2016

The past few decades have seen increased scholarly attention to gay and lesbian individuals' aging experiences; however, few studies examine differences in subjective aging by sexual minority status. We identify four perspectives on the association between sexual minority status and subjective aging—double jeopardy, crisis competence, gender interactive, and limited salience perspectives. We examine each perspective’s predictions using data from the first wave of Midlife in the United States (1995–1996; MIDUS). Ordinary least square regression models reveal strongest support for the limited salience perspective, suggesting that sexual minority status has weaker effects on subjective aging than do other social factors, such as age, health, and gender. However, some results provide support for the gender interactive perspective, positing that the effect of sexual minority status on subjective aging varies by gender. Our study provides an organizational framework of theoretical perspectives that can guide further examinations of variation in aging experiences by sexual minority status.
Comfort Food
Authors: Troisi Jordan D. , Wright Julian W. C.
Published: November 2016

Food is a powerful motivator in human functioning—it serves a biological need, as emotional support, and as a cultural symbol. Until recently, the term “comfort food” has been inadequately and unscientifically defined. In addition, the popular media have oversimplified the concept of comfort food as purely unhealthy food, often consumed in moments of stress or sadness. Recent empirical research, detailed within this article, seeks to correct these misrepresentations by describing how comfort food serves as a social surrogate and as a cognitive/emotional representation of others. We discuss these findings with potential course-specific content examples. We also discuss broader teaching implications, highlighting the applicability of comfort food research to virtually every area psychology.
When Slights Beget Slights
Authors: Cortes Kassandra , Wilson Anne E.
Published: November 2016

Every close relationship has a history, but how people manage their relational past varies and can have important implications in the present. The current research investigated the role of subjective representation of time: How feeling subjectively close (vs. distant) to a past relational transgression (vs. kind act) predicted “kitchen thinking”—the tendency to bring to mind relational past memories in new, unrelated contexts. We explored the role of attachment anxiety as a predictor of subjective time perception and kitchen thinking. We found support for our hypothesis that when negative memories felt subjectively closer relative to positive memories, people were more likely to kitchen think (Studies 1-3). Kitchen thinking, in turn, predicted negative relationship outcomes (Study 4). Furthermore, people high (vs. low) in attachment anxiety were less likely to perceive the timing of their relational memories adaptively, accounting for more kitchen thinking and in turn, maladaptive relational outcomes.
Active control of structures and sound radiation modes and its application in vehicles
Authors: Hu He-Xuan , Tang Bo , Zhao Yang
Published: November 2016

This paper presents computation of structural sound power and sound radiation modes, combined with structural dynamic equations to obtain the coupling relationship between sound and structures. As a result, the relationship between sound radiation modes of structures and structural vibration modes is established. The influence of the number and position of optimal secondary force sources on control of sound radiation modes is considered. Results show that sound radiation efficiency of sound radiation modes at the first order was more than that of sound radiation modes at other orders. The main diagonal element of coupling matrix between modes and sound radiation impedances was more than elements at other positions. Sound radiation modes at the first order were dominant sound radiation modes. When the number of secondary force sources was 4, the sound radiation power of structures was the lowest. Four force sources were taken as the basis to conduct on the related experiments in the anechoic chamber and compare with the computational result. Their results had a good consistency, which showed that the mentioned theory method was effective. Finally, the control strategy was applied to roofs of the vehicle. Experiments verified that sound pressure level of the driver in the low frequency was obviously improved, which remedied the defect of other optimization strategies for solving noises in the low frequency.
An evaluation of an integrated model of speech and language therapy in public health practice for early language development
Authors: Smith Clare , Gibbard Deborah , Higgins Louise
Published: November 2016

Speech and language therapists (SLT) frequently operate in an integrated manner, working with other professionals in the delivery of services to children. Since the end of the 1990s within the UK SLTs have developed integrated services within the field of public health. This study reports an evaluation of an integrated model of service delivery for a family focused health promotion service for early language development, the Babytalk Home Visiting (BTHV) service in terms of reach and perceived quality of service delivery. Children’s Centres workers were trained to deliver the service alongside existing SLT assistants. Ongoing supervision was delivered by the SLT service. The effect of integrated staffing was compared with the original single agency model through comparison of contact monitoring data and parental feedback questionnaires. Availability of the BTHV service was successfully extended by a factor of 4.46 and actual contacts by a factor of 3.96 compared to a staffing increase of a factor of 2.88. There was no evidence of a significant difference between results of parental evaluation forms from the extended service and the original service, indicating that the quality of service delivery was not compromised. Limitations of evaluation methods are highlighted and research priorities recommended.
Set and setting, psychedelics and the placebo response: An extra-pharmacological perspective on psychopharmacology
Authors: Hartogsohn Ido
Published: November 2016

Placebo response theory and set and setting theory are two fields which examine how non-biological factors shape the response to therapy. Both consider factors such as expectancy, preparation and beliefs to be crucial for understanding the extra-pharmacological processes which shape the response to drugs. Yet there are also fundamental differences between the two theories. Set and setting concerns itself with response to psychoactive drugs only; placebo theory relates to all therapeutic interventions. Placebo theory is aimed at medical professionals; set and setting theory is aimed at professionals and drug users alike. Placebo theory is primarily descriptive, describing how placebo acts; set and setting theory is primarily prescriptive, educating therapists and users on how to control and optimize the effects of drugs. This paper examines how placebo theory and set and setting theory can complement and benefit each other, broadening our understanding of how non-biological factors shape response to drugs and other treatment interventions.
Percutaneous CT-guided sternal biopsy: factors affecting the diagnostic yield
Authors: Song Yoonah , Kwon Jong Won
Published: November 2016

Background

Sternal lesions are occasionally seen in clinical practice and their diagnosis can be important, especially for oncologic patients. However, percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of sternal lesions is rarely performed.

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic yield of percutaneous CT-guided sternal biopsies and to analyze the factors that affect diagnostic yield.

Material and Methods

A retrospective review of 34 patients who underwent CT-guided sternal biopsy was carried out at a single institution. Pre-biopsy CT density, location, penetration length of biopsy needle, number of biopsy attempts, angle of needle approach, final diagnosis, and operator experience level were recorded. A biopsy was considered as diagnostic if it provided a confident pathologic result. All variables were compared using Chi-square tests.

Results

Twenty-two of the 34 (64.7%) biopsy procedures yielded a diagnostic sample and 12 (35.3%) were non-diagnostic. Eight participants in the non-diagnostic group were clinically diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis of the manubriosternal or costosternal joints. Longer penetration distance of the tumor by the biopsy needle showed higher diagnostic yield ( P = 0.031). Osteoblastic lesions ( P < 0.001), lesions in the manubriosternal joint ( P = 0.018) and approaches using more obtuse angles ( P = 0.009) were associated with significantly lower diagnostic yields. Malignancy in the final diagnosis led to a higher diagnostic yield than benign lesions ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

CT-guided percutaneous sternal biopsy has a relatively lower diagnostic yield. However, acute angle of needle approach may help increase biopsy success rate. Osteoblastic lesions and lesions in the manubriosternal joint tend to have lower diagnostic yield.
Anatomy and immunochemical characterization of the non-arterial peptidergic diffuse dural innervation of the rat and Rhesus monkey: Implications for functional regulation and treatment in migraine
Authors: Rice Frank L , Xie Jennifer Y , Albrecht Phillip J , Acker Emily , Bourgeois Justin , Navratilova Edita , Dodick David W , Porreca Frank
Published: November 2016

Objective

The interplay between neuronal innervation and other cell types underlies the physiological functions of the dura mater and contributes to pathophysiological conditions such as migraine. We characterized the extensive, but understudied, non-arterial diffuse dural innervation (DDI) of the rat and Rhesus monkey.

Methods

We used a comprehensive integrated multi-molecular immunofluorescence labeling strategy to extensively profile the rat DDI and to a lesser extent that of the Rhesus monkey.

Results

The DDI was distributed across a dense, pervasive capillary network and included free nerve endings of peptidergic CGRP-expressing C fibers that were closely intertwined with noradrenergic (NA) sympathetic fibers and thin-caliber nonpeptidergic “C/Aδ” fibers. These newly identified C/Aδ fibers were unmyelinated, like C fibers, but expressed NF200, usually indicative of Aδ fibers, and uniquely co-labeled for the CGRP co-receptor, RAMP1. Slightly-larger caliber NF200-positive fibers co-labeled for myelin basic protein (MBP) and terminated as unbranched corpuscular endings. The DDI peptidergic fibers co-labeled for the lectin IB4 and expressed presumably excitatory α1-adrenergic receptors, as well as inhibitory 5HT1D receptors and the delta opioid receptor (δOR), but rarely the mu opioid receptor (µOR). Labeling for P2X3, TRPV1, TRPA1, and parasympathetic markers was not observed in the DDI.

Interpretation

These results suggest potential functional interactions, wherein peptidergic DDI fibers may be activated by stress-related sympathetic activity, resulting in CGRP release that could be detected in the circulation. CGRP may also activate nonpeptidergic C/Aδ fibers that are likely mechanosensitive or polymodal, leading to activation of post-synaptic pain transmission circuits. The distribution of α1-adrenergic receptors, RAMP1, and the unique expression of the δOR on CGRP-expressing DDI fibers suggest strategies for functional modulation and application to therapy.
Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy in Ankylosing Spondylitis (Bechterew Disease) Is Feasible and Not Associated With Higher Complication Rates
Authors: Hamsen Uwe , Kamp Oliver , Kaczmarek Chris , Aach Mirko , Waydhas Christian , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Jansen Oliver
Published: November 2016

Background:

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common disease with an incidence of approximately 0.5% in Europe, causing severe limitations of axial spine mobility and cervical kyphosis. Deformities of the cervical spine and the temporomandibular joints could increase the risk of complications while performing an intubation or tracheostomy. The percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a standard procedure in intensive care medicine. However, the combination of cervical kyphosis and osteoporosis makes patient positioning challenging. Therefore, one could conclude that patients with AS are not candidates for PDT, but neither studies nor case reports yet reported about feasibility of this procedure in AS.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis at a level 1 trauma center of patient records from 2002 to 2016, assessing all patients with AS and PDT.

Results:

A total of 31 patients with AS have been subjected to PDT. All PDTs were performed using the modified Ciaglia single-step dilatational technique. Neither cardiopulmonary nor surgical complications occurred during the procedure. One patient received a change of the existing airway prior to the procedure; a small nasal tube was changed for a laryngeal mask.

Conclusion:

Although head positioning may be challenging, PDT should be taken into consideration for patients with AS. In the hands of an experienced doctor, it is safe and feasible.
‘Access without Fear!’: Reconceptualizing ‘Access’ to Schooling for Undocumented Students in Toronto
Authors: Villegas Francisco J.
Published: November 2016

This paper uses Chela Sandoval’s (2000) concept of meta-ideologizing to examine how definitions of ‘access’ are reframed to further the goals of social justice activists. Meta-ideologizing refers to re-operationalizing liberal, widely-accepted terms to fit the needs of a community. The paper draws from 14 semi-structured interviews with individuals pivotal to the passing and implementation of Toronto’s ‘Students Without Legal Immigration Status Policy’, also known as a ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy. It also employs data from literature developed by stakeholders as well as the author’s experiential knowledge. It examines how organizers have reframed the concept of ‘access’ by extending its focus beyond entry into schools and including the need for undocumented migrants to be safe and have access to other social services. It also analyzes the ways bureaucratic logic can invisibilize the gains made by developing procedures that reify illegalization.
Predictors of surgeons’ efficiency in the operating rooms
Authors: Nakata Yoshinori , Watanabe Yuichi , Narimatsu Hiroto , Yoshimura Tatsuya , Otake Hiroshi , Sawa Tomohiro
Published: November 2016

The sustainability of the Japanese healthcare system is questionable because of a huge fiscal debt. One of the solutions is to improve the efficiency of healthcare. The purpose of this study is to determine what factors are predictive of surgeons’ efficiency scores. The authors collected data from all the surgical procedures performed at Teikyo University Hospital from April 1 through September 30 in 2013–2015. Output-oriented Charnes-Cooper-Rhodes model of data envelopment analysis was employed to calculate each surgeon’s efficiency score. Seven independent variables that may predict their efficiency scores were selected: experience, medical school, surgical volume, gender, academic rank, surgical specialty, and the surgical fee schedule. Multiple regression analysis using random-effects Tobit model was used for our panel data. The data from total 8722 surgical cases were obtained in 18-month study period. The authors analyzed 134 surgeons. The only statistically significant coefficients were surgical specialty and surgical fee schedule (p = 0.000 and p = 0.016, respectively). Experience had some positive association with efficiency scores but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.062). The other coefficients were not statistically significant. These results demonstrated that the surgical reimbursement system, not surgeons’ personal characteristics, is a significant predictor of surgeons’ efficiency.
A unified approach to the kinematic synthesis of five-link, four-link, and double-wishbone suspension mechanisms with rack-and-pinion steering control
Authors: Simionescu P A
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a unified approach to the problem of dimensional synthesis of the five-link, four-link, and three-link (double-wishbone) suspension mechanisms with a rack-and-pinion steering input. In a simplified approach, the guiding links are assumed to be removed from their joints, allowing the wheel to be exactly driven through a number of prescribed jounce–rebound and steering positions during the kinematic synthesis process. Alternatively, the tie rod is maintained in place, and the rack length and the lengths of the remaining four guiding links are allowed to vary. An optimization problem based on the aggregated change in distance between the released ball joints evaluated in the aforementioned positions is then defined. By prescribing to the wheel a jounce–rebound motion only, rear-suspension mechanisms of the five-link, four-link, and three-link types can be conveniently synthesized by following the same procedure. Several solutions obtained through synthesis are then analyzed for their changes in steering error, recessional wheel motion, wheel track, toe angle and camber angle, showing very promising results. Additionally, a comprehensive review of nearly 150 publications relevant to the suspension design of automobiles is provided in the paper.
Does maternal exposure to artificial food coloring additives increase oxidative stress in the skin of rats?
Authors: Başak K , Başak PY , Doğuç DK , Aylak F , Oğuztüzün S , Bozer BM , Gültekin F
Published: November 2016

Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A polypeptide 1 (CYP1A1) metabolize and detoxify carcinogens, drugs, environmental pollutants, and reactive oxygen species. Changes of GST expression in tissues and gene mutations have been reported in association with many neoplastic skin diseases and dermatoses. Widely used artificial food coloring additives (AFCAs) also reported to effect primarily behavioral and cognitive function and cause neoplastic diseases and several inflammatory skin diseases. We aimed to identify the changes in expression of GSTs, CYP1A1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rat skin which were maternally exposed AFCAs. A rat model was designed to evaluate the effects of maternal exposure of AFCAs on skin in rats. “No observable adverse effect levels” of commonly used AFCAs as a mixture were given to female rats before and during gestation. Immunohistochemical expression of GSTs, CYP1A1, and VEGF was evaluated in their offspring. CYP1A1, glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP), glutathione S-transferase alpha (GSTA), glutathione S-transferase mu (GSTM), glutathione S-transferase theta (GSTT), and VEGF were expressed by epidermal keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, sebaceous glands, hair follicle, and subcutaneous striated muscle in the normal skin. CYP1A1, GSTA, and GSTT were expressed at all microanatomical sites of skin in varying degrees. The expressions of CYP1A1, GSTA, GSTT, and VEGF were decreased significantly, while GSTM expression on sebaceous gland and hair follicle was increased. Maternal exposure of AFCAs apparently effects expression of the CYP1A1, GSTs, and VEGF in the skin. This prominent change of expressions might play role in neoplastic and nonneoplastic skin diseases.
The vasorelaxant mechanisms of methanol on isolated rat aortic rings: Involvement of ion channels and signal transduction pathways
Authors: Bai Y , Zhang Q , Yang Z , Meng Z , Zhao Q
Published: November 2016

It is reported that methanol is generally used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, cooking fuel and perfume. Methanol ingestion can lead to severe metabolic disturbances, blindness, or even death. So far, few studies about its negative effects on cardiovascular system have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the vasoactive effect of methanol and roles of ion channels and signal transduction pathways on isolated rat aorta. The results suggested that the mechanism of methanol-induced vasorelaxation at low concentrations (<500 mM) was mediated by ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) and L-type Ca2+ channels, but the mechanism at high concentrations (>600 mM) was related to KATP, voltage-dependent K+, big-conductance Ca2+-activated K+, L-type Ca2+ channels as well as prostacyclin, protein kinase C, β-adrenoceptors pathways. In addition, methanol induced a dose-dependent inhibition of vasoconstrictions caused by calcium chloride, potassium chloride, or norepinephrine. Further work is needed to investigate the relative contribution of each channel and pathway in methanol-induced vasoactive effect.
Scientific uncertainty in media content: Introduction to this special issue
Authors: Peters Hans Peter , Dunwoody Sharon
Published: November 2016

This introduction sets the stage for the special issue on the public communication of scientific uncertainty that follows by sketching the wider landscape of issues related to the communication of uncertainty and showing how the individual contributions fit into that landscape. The first part of the introduction discusses the creation of media content as a process involving journalists, scientific sources, stakeholders, and the responsive audience. The second part then provides an overview of the perception of scientific uncertainty presented by the media and the consequences for the recipients’ own assessments of uncertainty. Finally, we briefly describe the six research articles included in this special issue.
Occurrence of primary lymphocytic hypophysitis in two horses and presence of scattered T-lymphocytes in the normal equine pituitary gland
Authors: Grau-Roma Llorenç , Peckham Robert , Paton Jacqui , Stahel Anina , de Brot Simone
Published: November 2016

The postmortem examination of a 14-y-old Appaloosa gelding with clinically diagnosed pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction showed a unique finding of moderate multifocal lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH). The pituitary glands of 24 horses submitted for postmortem examination were examined grossly and examined histologically for the presence of lymphocytes. Of these 23 horses, 1 additional case suffered from moderate LH. The 2 cases with LH tested negative for Equid herpesvirus 1 and 4 by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and no viral particles were observed by electron microscopy in 1 case examined. The cause of LH remains unknown, but based on the T-lymphocytic nature of the inflammation and the human literature, an immune-mediated origin is hypothesized. In addition, the review of 24 cases revealed that 10 horses had few and small multifocal lymphocytic infiltrates within the pituitary gland; the remaining 12 horses showed no evident lymphocytes when examined by hematoxylin and eosin. IHC for CD3 showed the presence of a small number of individual T-lymphocytes scattered through the gland in all examined horses, which appears therefore to be a normal feature of the pituitary gland in horses.
Plantar Plate Repair for Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Instability
Authors: Flint Wesley W. , Macias David M. , Jastifer James R. , Doty Jesse F. , Hirose Christopher B. , Coughlin Michael J.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Lesser metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint instability is a common cause of forefoot pain. Advances in operative technique and instrumentation have made it possible to anatomically treat plantar plate tears through a dorsal approach. Our goal was to evaluate the subjective, functional, and radiographic outcomes of plantar plate repair (PPR) from a dorsal approach.

Methods:

A prospective case series was performed evaluating the results of PPR in 97 feet with 138 plantar plate tears. Patients underwent PPR from a dorsal approach with a Weil osteotomy. We followed patients at regular intervals for 12 months and collected data preoperatively and postoperatively with respect to visual analog scale (VAS) scores, MTP range of motion (ROM), paper pull-out test, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, satisfaction, and radiographic measures.

Results:

Eighty percent of patients scored “good” to “excellent” satisfaction scores at 12 months. The mean VAS pain score preoperatively was 5.4/10, and postoperatively was 1.5/10. The mean AOFAS scores increased from 49 to 81 points following surgery. The mean MTP ROM preoperatively was 43 degrees and postoperatively 31 degrees. Forty-two percent of toes passed the paper pull out test prior to surgery and 54% at 12 months. Mean metatarsal shortening was 2.4/3.1/1.2 mm for the second, third, and fourth metatarsals, respectively. The mean MTP joint angles preoperatively were 2/4.9/–1.3 degrees and postoperatively were 7.4/9.6/0.2 degrees, respectively, for the second, third, and fourth MTP joints.

Conclusion:

We found that the plantar plate could be repaired through a dorsal approach with reliable outcomes. PPR was a viable option to anatomically restore the ligamentous support in the unstable lesser MTP joint. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Percutaneous Reduction and Screw Fixation of Displaced Intra-articular Fractures of the Calcaneus
Authors: Tantavisut Saran , Phisitkul Phinit , Westerlind Brian O. , Gao Yubo , Karam Matthew D. , Marsh John L.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Extensile open approaches to reduce and fix intra-articular calcaneal fractures are associated with high levels of wound complications. To avoid these complications, a technique of percutaneous reduction and fixation with screws alone was developed. This study assessed the clinical outcomes, radiographs, and postoperative CT scans after operative treatment with this technique.

Methods:

153 consecutive patients with 182 intra-articular calcaneal fractures were reviewed. All patients were assessed for early postoperative complications at 3 months from the injury. The clinical results were assessed for patients seen at a minimum of 1 year after surgery (mean follow-up of 2.6 years; 90 patients, 106 feet). In patients who had both preoperative and postoperative CT scans (50 patients, 60 feet), the articular reduction was quantitatively analyzed.

Results:

At the 3-month follow-up, there were 1% superficial infections and 1% rate of screw irritation. The complications at a minimum of 1 year after injury included screw irritation 9.3%, subtalar osteoarthritis requiring subtalar fusion 5.5%, malunion 1.8%, and deep infection 0.9%. Bohler angle, calcaneal facet height, and width were significantly improved postoperatively ( P < .01). Bohler angle increased on average +24.1 degrees postoperatively with a loss of angle of 4.9 degrees at the 3-month follow-up. There was significant improvement ( P < .01) in posterior talocalcaneal joint reduction on postoperative CT scan but residual displacement remained. At the final follow-up, 54.5% of the patients reported a residual pain level of 3 or lower.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that reasonable early results could be achieved from the percutaneous treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures using screws alone based on articular reduction and level of residual pain.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Poverty, Business Strategy, and Sustainable Development
Authors: Hart Stuart , Sharma Sanjay , Halme Minna
Published: November 2016

The past 15 years have witnessed an exponential growth in business activities aimed at serving the needs and increasing the well-being of disenfranchised individuals in low-income communities. Thousands of new business initiatives, development institution programs, and innovative investment funds focused on poverty alleviation have emerged during this time. Similarly, since the late 1990s when Prahalad and Hart first coined the term Bottom of Pyramid (BoP), and suggested a new, enterprise-based approach to poverty alleviation, there has also been a steady rise in research on business and poverty. A whole new lexicon emerged to describe this phenomenon, including phrases like “inclusive business,” “subsistence market places,” “frugal innovation,” and “impact investing.” Unfortunately, management theory and research have not advanced at the same pace with the BoP business revolution, and consequently knowledge about parameters for successfully integrating business, poverty alleviation and sustainable development still remains ambiguous.
#fitspo on Instagram: A mixed-methods approach using Netlytic and photo analysis, uncovering the online discussion and author/image characteristics
Authors: Santarossa Sara , Coyne Paige , Lisinski Carly , Woodruff Sarah J
Published: November 2016

The #fitspo ‘tag’ is a recent trend on Instagram, which is used on posts to motivate others towards a healthy lifestyle through exercise/eating habits. This study used a mixed-methods approach consisting of text and network analysis via the Netlytic program ( N = 10,000 #fitspo posts), and content analysis of #fitspo images ( N = 122) was used to examine author and image characteristics. Results suggest that #fitspo posts may motivate through appearance-mediated themes, as the largest content categories (based on the associated text) were ‘feeling good’ and ‘appearance’. Furthermore, #fitspo posts may create peer influence/support as personal (opposed to non-personal) accounts were associated with higher popularity of images (i.e. number of likes/followers). Finally, most images contained posed individuals with some degree of objectification.
Identifying Hispanic mothers’ salient beliefs about human papillomavirus vaccine initiation in their adolescent daughters
Authors: Roncancio Angelica M , Vernon Sally W , Carmack Chakema C , Ward Kristy K , Muñoz Becky T , Cribbs Felicity L
Published: November 2016

Guided by the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction, we identify mothers’ salient beliefs regarding their daughters’ initiation of the human papillomavirus vaccine series. In all, 34 Hispanic mothers responded to elicitation questions. Salient beliefs included the following: (1) feeling secure, happy, relieved, concerned, and fear about vaccinating; (2) believing that vaccinating prevents and protects from human papillomavirus but may result in side effects and sexual disinhibition; (3) identifying the daughter, father, mother, aunt, friends, and grandmothers as supporters/non-supporters; and (4) affordability, transportation, clinic distance, and making appointments as facilitators/barriers. This study begins the process of building a model of human papillomavirus vaccine initiation for this population.
Incorporating psychoeducation, mindfulness and self-compassion in a new programme for binge eating (BEfree): Exploring processes of change
Authors: Pinto-Gouveia José , Carvalho Sérgio A , Palmeira Lara , Castilho Paula , Duarte Cristiana , Ferreira Cláudia , Duarte Joana , Cunha Marina , Matos Marcela , Costa Joana
Published: November 2016

This study explores the efficacy of BEfree, a 12-session group intervention that integrates psychoeducation, mindfulness, compassion and value-based action, in a sample of overweight and obese women with binge eating disorder ( N = 31). We used repeated measures analyses of variance and explored processes of change in binge eating and eating psychopathology. At post-intervention, participants decreased in binge eating severity, eating psychopathology, external shame, self-criticism, psychological inflexibility, body image cognitive fusion and increased self-compassion and engagement with valued actions. These results were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. The changes in binge eating were mediated by the changes in the psychological processes promoted by BEfree.
Securitizing capital: A processual-relational approach to pluralized security
Authors: Diphoorn Tessa , Grassiani Erella
Published: November 2016

In this article, we introduce the concept of ‘securitizing capital’ as a new analytical tool to understand the pluralized landscape of security. We define securitizing capital as a process whereby different forms of capital are, consciously and unconsciously, used to acquire legitimacy and power. While other approaches have been developed to understand pluralized security, such as security networks, nodal frameworks and assemblages, we argue that, useful as they are, they tend to overlook issues of agency, how relationships are established and negotiated and the subjective experiences of security. In contrast, we introduce a processual-relational approach that is based on the translation and conversion of other types of capital, such as economic and social, to acquire a position of power within a specific (security) ‘field’. In order to elaborate on our approach and its relevance, we draw on fieldwork conducted in Kenya, Jamaica and Israel.
Structural health monitoring of wind turbine blades using acoustic microphone array
Authors: Poozesh Peyman , Aizawa Kai , Niezrecki Christopher , Baqersad Javad , Inalpolat Murat , Heilmann Gunnar
Published: November 2016

This article proposes a non-contacting measurement technique based on acoustic monitoring to detect cracks or damage within a structure by observing sound radiation using a single microphone or a beamforming array. The technique works by mounting an audio speaker inside a hollow structure, such as a wind turbine blade, and observing the sound radiated from the blade to identify damage. The primary hypothesis for this structural damage detection technique is that the structural damage (cracks, edge splits, holes, etc.) on the surface results in changes in the sound radiation characteristics of the structure. Preliminary measurements to validate the methodology were carried out on a section of a wind turbine blade containing different sized holes and cracks. An acoustic microphone array with 62 microphones was used to measure the sound radiated from the structure when an audio speaker generating random noise was placed inside a cavity emulating a wind turbine blade. A phased array beamforming technique and CLEAN-based subtraction of point spread function from a reference were employed to locate the different damage types on the test structures. The same experiment was repeated using a commercially available 48-channel acoustic ring array to compare the test results. It was shown that both the acoustic beamforming and the CLEAN-based subtraction of point spread function from reference techniques can identify the damage in the test structures with sufficiently high fidelity.
An electronically controlled hydraulic power steering system for heavy vehicles
Authors: Xia Lei , Jiang Haobin
Published: November 2016

To remedy the existing problems concerning vehicle handling for the heavy vehicle hydraulic power steering system, this article investigates a type of electronically controlled hydraulic power steering system, which can realize variable assistance characteristics and improve high-speed steering feel. To this end, a controlled electrohydraulic proportional valve is mounted in parallel with the rotary valve to regulate the flow rate through the rotary valve on demand according to vehicle speed and steering rate. After a system description in terms of structure and working principle, mathematical modeling of the electronically controlled hydraulic power steering system, vehicle, and steering resistance is conducted. To realize accurate tracking of valve spool displacement under parameter uncertainty and external disturbance, an adaptive dynamic surface control scheme is proposed for the electrohydraulic proportional valve. Numerical simulations and field tests are performed to validate the effectiveness and applicability of the electronically controlled hydraulic power steering system. The results show that the electronically controlled hydraulic power steering system can significantly improve high-speed steering feel compared with the hydraulic power steering system while maintaining the similar performance of low-speed steering portability.
Modulation of the contractility of micropatterned myocardial cells with nanoscale forces using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Nagarajan Neerajha , Vyas Varun , Huey Bryan D , Zorlutuna Pinar
Published: November 2016

The ability to modulate cardiomyocyte contractility is important for bioengineering applications ranging from heart disease treatments to biorobotics. In this study, we examined the changes in contraction frequency of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes upon single-cell-level nanoscale mechanical stimulation using atomic force microscopy. To measure the response of same density of cells, they were micropatterned into micropatches of fixed geometry. To examine the effect of the substrate stiffness on the behavior of cells, they were cultured on a stiffer and a softer surface, glass and poly (dimethylsiloxane), respectively. Upon periodic cyclic stimulation of 300 nN at 5 Hz, a significant reduction in the rate of synchronous contraction of the cell patches on poly(dimethylsiloxane) substrates was observed with respect to their spontaneous beat rate, while the cell patches on glass substrates maintained or increased their contraction rate after the stimulation. On the other hand, single cells mostly maintained their contraction rate and could only withstand a lower magnitude of forces compared to micropatterned cell patches. This study reveals that the contraction behavior of cardiomyocytes can be modulated mechanically through cyclic nanomechanical stimulation, and the degree and mode of this modulation depend on the cell connectivity and substrate mechanical properties.
Back to the USSR: How Colors Might Shape the Political Perception of East versus West
Authors: Gebauer Fabian , Raab Marius H. , Carbon Claus-Christian
Published: November 2016

People typically process information to confirm their prior held attitudes and stereotypes. As the political relations between NATO and Russia have distinctively drifted apart in recent years, we were interested in how far old-established color depictions referring to the Cold War’s demarcations (USSR = red; NATO = blue) might reinforce people’s political perception of an East versus West antagonism nowadays. Participants received a fabricated news article in which both world powers were either depicted on a map as Russia = red and NATO = blue or vice versa (Study 1). Testing a different sample in Study 2, we fully removed color assignments and used hachured distinctions or no distinctions at all. We revealed that perceived political distance between both sides increased particularly for participants with negative attitudes toward Russia, but only when Russia was depicted in red. Thus, colors referring to the old-established Cold War patterns can indeed shape the political perception and reinforce stereotypical East versus West thinking.
Improvement in relapse recovery with peginterferon beta-1a in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Scott Thomas F , Kieseier Bernd C , Newsome Scott D , Arnold Douglas L , You Xiaojun , Hung Serena , Sperling Bjoern
Published: November 2016

Background

Subcutaneous peginterferon beta-1a every 2 weeks significantly affects clinical outcomes in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Objectives

To explore relationships between relapses and worsening of disability in patients with RRMS, and assess the treatment effect of peginterferon beta-1a on relapse recovery.

Methods

Post-hoc analysis of the 2-year, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, Phase 3 ADVANCE study. The severity of relapses, proportion of patients with relapses associated with residual disability (onset of 24-week confirmed disability progression (CDP) within 90 days following a relapse), and persistence of changes in Functional Systems Scores, were compared between treatment groups.

Results

Subcutaneous peginterferon beta-1a every 2 weeks significantly reduced the proportion of patients experiencing relapse associated with CDP over 2 years (6.6%, compared with 15.1% of patients who received placebo in Year 1; p = 0.02). Reduction in relapses associated with residual disability was greater than the treatment effect on overall relapse rate, and occurred despite similar relapse severity across treatment groups.

Conclusions

The beneficial effect of peginterferon beta-1a on risk of CDP may be attributable to the combination of an overall reduction in the risk of relapses and improvement in recovery from relapses, thus limiting further disability progression.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00906399
Teaching humility in first-grade Christian school children
Authors: Yonker Julie E , Wielard Cassie J , Vos Carolyn L , Tudder Ashley M
Published: November 2016

Four classes of first-grade children at a Christian school took pre- and post-tests measuring humility. Two intervention classes had devotional lessons on humility and two comparison classes did not. For one week, devotional lessons featured humility-related children’s literature, cognitively appropriate discussions, writing about humility, and teacher-reinforced behaviors of humility. Intervention classes showed a slight increase in humility relative to comparison classes. After statistical control for personality traits of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, increases in humility disappeared; personality could be a mediator of humility assimilation. This research provides feasibility of teaching and measuring humility in young Christian school children.
Promoting Retention
Authors: Hall LaToya N. , Ficker Lisa J. , Chadiha Letha A. , Green Carmen R. , Jackson James S. , Lichtenberg Peter A.
Published: November 2016

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the capability of a research volunteer registry to retain community-dwelling African American older adults, and to explore demographic and health factors associated with retention. Method: A logistic regression model was used to determine the influence of demographics, health factors, and registry logic model activities on retention in a sample of 1,730 older African American adults. Results: Almost 80% of participants active in the volunteer research registry between January 2012 and June 2015 were retained. Employment, being referred to research studies, a higher number of medical conditions, and more follow-up contacts were associated with an increased likelihood of retention. Older age, more months in the registry, and more mobility problems decreased the likelihood of retention. Discussion: These results suggest the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research logic model promotes retention through involving older African American adults in research through study referrals and intensive follow-up. The loss of participants due to age- and mobility-related issues indicate the registry may be losing its most vulnerable participants.