bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern Imaging Techniques in Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Jan M. Fuad , Tajik A. Jamil
Published: September 2017

Modern advanced imaging techniques have allowed increasingly more rigorous assessment of the cardiac structure and function of several types of cardiomyopathies. In contemporary cardiology practice, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are widely used to provide a basic framework in the evaluation and management of cardiomyopathies. Echocardiography is the quintessential imaging technique owing to its unique ability to provide real-time images of the beating heart with good temporal resolution, combined with its noninvasive nature, cost-effectiveness, availability, and portability. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging provides data that are both complementary and uniquely distinct, thus allowing for insights into the disease process that until recently were not possible. The new catchphrase in the evaluation of cardiomyopathies is multimodality imaging, which is purported to be the efficient integration of various methods of cardiovascular imaging to improve the ability to diagnose, guide therapy, or predict outcomes. It usually involves an integrated approach to the use of echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of cardiomyopathies, and, on occasion, single-photon emission computed tomography and such specialized techniques as pyrophosphate scanning.
Inflammatory Cardiomyopathic Syndromes
Authors: Trachtenberg Barry H. , Hare Joshua M.
Published: September 2017

Inflammatory activation occurs in nearly all forms of myocardial injury. In contrast, inflammatory cardiomyopathies refer to a diverse group of disorders in which inflammation of the heart (or myocarditis) is the proximate cause of myocardial dysfunction, causing injury that can range from a fully recoverable syndrome to one that leads to chronic remodeling and dilated cardiomyopathy. The most common cause of inflammatory cardiomyopathies in developed countries is lymphocytic myocarditis most commonly caused by a viral pathogenesis. In Latin America, cardiomyopathy caused by Chagas disease is endemic. The true incidence of myocarditis is unknown to the limited utilization and the poor sensitivity of endomyocardial biopsies (especially for patchy diseases such as lymphocytic myocarditis and sarcoidosis) using the gold-standard Dallas criteria. Emerging immunohistochemistry criteria and molecular diagnostic techniques are being developed that will improve diagnostic yield, provide additional clues into the pathophysiology, and offer an application of precision medicine to these important syndromes. Immunosuppression is recommended for patients with cardiac sarcoidosis, giant cell myocarditis, and myocarditis associated with connective tissue disorders and may be beneficial in chronic viral myocarditis once virus is cleared. Further trials of immunosuppression, antiviral, and immunomodulating therapies are needed. Together, with new molecular-based diagnostics and therapies tailored to specific pathogeneses, the outcome of patients with these disorders may improve.
Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Braunwald Eugene
Published: September 2017

The nonischemic cardiomyopathies are a diverse group of cardiac disorders that frequently cause heart failure and death and are now recognized with increasing frequency. There has been substantial progress in the clinical recognition and understanding of the natural history of these conditions. Well-established and new techniques of cardiac imaging are also helpful in this regard. Basic scientists are elucidating the pathogenesis and pathobiology of individual cardiomyopathies. In this compendium, some of the most important advances in this field are reviewed. Scientific opportunities to enhance further collaborative research to accelerate progress are identified.
Disturbed Placental Imprinting in Preeclampsia Leads to Altered Expression of DLX5, a Human-Specific Early Trophoblast Marker
Authors: Zadora Julianna , Singh Manvendra , Herse Florian , Przybyl Lukasz , Haase Nadine , Golic Michaela , Yung Hong Wa , Huppertz Berthold , Cartwright Judith E. , Whitley Guy , Johnsen Guro M. , Levi Giovanni , Isbruch Annette , Schulz Herbert , Luft Friedrich C. , Müller Dominik N. , Staff Anne Cathrine , Hurst Laurence D. , Dechend Ralf , Izsvák Zsuzsanna
Published: September 2017

Background:

Preeclampsia is a complex and common human-specific pregnancy syndrome associated with placental pathology. The human specificity provides both intellectual and methodological challenges, lacking a robust model system. Given the role of imprinted genes in human placentation and the vulnerability of imprinted genes to loss of imprinting changes, there has been extensive speculation, but no robust evidence, that imprinted genes are involved in preeclampsia. Our study aims to investigate whether disturbed imprinting contributes to preeclampsia.

Methods:

We first aimed to confirm that preeclampsia is a disease of the placenta by generating and analyzing genome-wide molecular data on well-characterized patient material. We performed high-throughput transcriptome analyses of multiple placenta samples from healthy controls and patients with preeclampsia. Next, we identified differentially expressed genes in preeclamptic placentas and intersected them with the list of human imprinted genes. We used bioinformatics/statistical analyses to confirm association between imprinting and preeclampsia and to predict biological processes affected in preeclampsia. Validation included epigenetic and cellular assays. In terms of human specificity, we established an in vitro invasion-differentiation trophoblast model. Our comparative phylogenetic analysis involved single-cell transcriptome data of human, macaque, and mouse preimplantation embryogenesis.

Results:

We found disturbed placental imprinting in preeclampsia and revealed potential candidates, including
GATA3
and
DLX5
, with poorly explored imprinted status and no prior association with preeclampsia. As a result of loss of imprinting,
DLX5
was upregulated in 69% of preeclamptic placentas. Levels of
DLX5
correlated with classic preeclampsia markers. DLX5 is expressed in human but not in murine trophoblast. The DLX5
high
phenotype resulted in reduced proliferation, increased metabolism, and endoplasmic reticulum stress-response activation in trophoblasts in vitro. The transcriptional profile of such cells mimics the transcriptome of preeclamptic placentas. Pan-mammalian comparative analysis identified
DLX5
as part of the human-specific regulatory network of trophoblast differentiation.

Conclusions:

Our analysis provides evidence of a true association among disturbed imprinting, gene expression, and preeclampsia. As a result of disturbed imprinting, the upregulated
DLX5
affects trophoblast proliferation. Our in vitro model might fill a vital niche in preeclampsia research. Human-specific regulatory circuitry of
DLX5
might help explain certain aspects of preeclampsia.
Increased Hazard of Myocardial Infarction With Insulin‐Provision Therapy in Actively Smoking Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: The BARI 2D (Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes) Trial
Authors: Khan Asrar A. , Chung Matthew J. , Novak Eric , Brown David L.
Published: September 2017

Background

In the BARI 2D (Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2 Diabetes) trial, randomization of diabetic patients with stable ischemic heart disease to insulin provision (
IP
) therapy, as opposed to insulin sensitization (
IS
) therapy, resulted in biochemical evidence of impaired fibrinolysis but no increase in adverse clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that the prothrombotic effect of
IP
therapy in combination with the hypercoagulable state induced by active smoking would result in an increased risk of myocardial infarction (
MI
).

Methods and Results

We analyzed
BARI
2D patients who were active smokers randomized to
IP
or
IS
therapy. The primary end point was fatal or nonfatal
MI
.
PAI
‐1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1) activity was analyzed at 1, 3, and 5 years. Of 295 active smokers,
MI
occurred in 15.4% randomized to
IP
and in 6.8% randomized to
IS
over the 5.3 years (
P
=0.023).
IP
therapy was associated with a 3.2‐fold increase in the hazard of
MI
compared with
IS
therapy (hazard ratio: 3.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–7.28;
P
=0.005). Baseline
PAI
‐1 activity (19.0 versus 17.5 Au/mL,
P
=0.70) was similar in actively smoking patients randomized to
IP
or
IS
therapy. However,
IP
therapy resulted in significantly increased
PAI
‐1 activity at 1 year (23.0 versus 16.0 Au/mL,
P
=0.001), 3 years (24.0 versus 18.0 Au/mL,
P
=0.049), and 5 years (29.0 versus 15.0 Au/mL,
P
=0.004) compared with
IS
therapy.

Conclusions

Among diabetic patients with stable ischemic heart disease who were actively smoking,
IP
therapy was independently associated with a significantly increased hazard of
MI
. This finding may be explained by higher
PAI
‐1 activity in active smokers treated with
IP
therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00006305.
Duncan Pritchard’s Epistemic Angst
Authors: Greco John
Published: September 2017

Epistemic Angst: Radical Skepticism and the Groundlessness of our Believing. By Duncan Pritchard. Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2016. Pp. xv + 239. isbn 978-0-691-16723-7.
Implication of variable characters for the taxonomy of Altiphylax stoliczkai (Steindachner, 1867) and Altiphylax yarkandensis (Anderson, 1872) (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) with comments on the ZSI ‘syntype’ of the latter taxon’
Authors: DAS SUNANDAN , RAHA SUJOY , MITRA SHIBAJEE , BAG PROBHAT
Published: September 2017

We studied the available specimens of Altiphylax stoliczkai (Steindachner, 1867) collected during the Second Yarkand Expedition (1873–74) by Ferdinand Stoliczka. During our study we found some characters that exhibit intrapopulational variation which were not reported in previously published works on this species. We also examined ZSI 3792, said to be the ZSI syntype of Altiphylax yarkandensis (Anderson, 1872) and provide comments on its taxonomy and true status. Based on our study of specimens of A. stoliczkai and comparison with the published description and photographs of the Natural History Museum (NHM) syntype of A.yarkandensis, we regard the former to be a junior synonym of A. stoliczkai.
Description of a new species of deepwater catshark Apristurus yangi n.sp (Carcharhiniformes: Pentanchidae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: WHITE WILLIAM T. , MANA RALPH R. , NAYLOR GAVIN J.P.
Published: September 2017

Apristurus yangi, a new species of deepwater catshark, is described from Papua New Guinea based on two specimens collected during recent deepwater surveys. The new species belongs to the longicephalus-group which is characterised by its very long snout compared to members of the brunneus-group and spongiceps-groups. Apristurus yangi differs from its closest congeners in a combination of the following characters: 8 intestinal spiral valves; mouth width 7.9–8.6% TL; 32–33 monospondylous centra; 38 precaudal-diplospondylous vertebrae; small in size (female holotype mature at 437 mm TL); egg case small (~5.9 cm long) and with faint longitudinal striations.
Lannapsyche and Marilia species of China (Trichoptera: Odontoceridae)
Authors: YANG LIAN-FANG , YUAN HONG-YIN , MORSE JOHN C.
Published: September 2017

The Chinese species of the genera Lannapsyche and Marilia (Trichoptera, Odontoceridae) are reviewed, including 1 new species of Lannapsyche (Lannapsyche altilis sp. n.), 1 new Chinese record of Lannapsyche (Lannapsyche chantaramongkolae Malicky 1989, originally described from Thailand), and 3 new species of Marilia (Marilia discaulis, sp. n., Marilia megalopos, sp. n., and Marilia qinlingensis, sp. n.), bringing the Chinese fauna of Lannapsyche to 3 species and of Marilia to 6 species. Previously known species Lannapsyche setschuana Malicky 1995b and Marilia parallela Hwang 1957 are redescribed and reillustrated for both males and females. Updated information about the holotype specimen of Marilia simulans Forsslund 1935 is provided. Distinctive differences of the female genitalia are described, which may add important diagnostic characters for genus and species recognition.
Voters’ Perceptions of Trust in 2016 Presidential Candidates, Clinton and Trump: Exploring the Election’s Outcome
Authors: Shockley-Zalabak Pamela S. , Morreale Sherwyn P. , Stavrositu Carmen
Published: September 2017

This study explored voters’ perceptions of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump regarding their general trust in the two 2016 presidential candidates, voters’ demographics, five underlying drivers of trust, and important campaign issues. The study also examined how perceptions of trust on issues were evidenced in the popular vote and in key swing states and the Electoral College. The study used two online census-representative surveys to examine registered voters’ perceptions: one survey of 1,500 respondents conducted immediately before the first presidential debate (September 7-15, 2016) and a second survey of a different sample of 1,500 immediately after the third debate (October 20-31), 2016. Analysis of the results confirmed relatively low-trust levels for both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump and an electorate divided demographically about their trust in the two candidates. The five trust drivers yielded statistically significant differences between the candidates. Clinton was evaluated as more competent, concerned, and reliable, and a person with whom participants identified. With the second survey, Trump statistically surpassed Clinton for openness and honesty. Regarding the three issues of most importance in the campaign, Clinton and Trump had equivalent trust evaluations for dealing with the U.S. economy/jobs, but Trump was more trusted regarding terrorism/national security and Clinton was more trusted regarding health care. The overall trust evaluations for Clinton, coupled with intentions to vote, contribute to understanding Clinton’s popular vote victory. However, the importance of terrorism/national security in swing states and Trump’s trust advantage on that issue contributes to understanding the Electoral College vote by comparison with the popular vote.
Higher Risk of Bleeding in Asians Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample Database
Authors: Misumida Naoki , Ogunbayo Gbolahan O. , Kim Sun Moon , Olorunfemi Odunayo , Elbadawi Ayman , Charnigo Richard J. , Abdel-Latif Ahmed , Ziada Khaled M.
Published: September 2017

Bleeding is a major complication in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Several studies suggested that Asians are more susceptible to bleeding when treated with antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and thrombolytic agents. In our study, we aimed to investigate the association between Asian ethnicity and bleeding events in patients who presented with STEMI. We analyzed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2002 to 2013 and identified patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of STEMI. We compared clinical outcomes between patients of Asian and white ethnicity. Primary outcome was inhospital major bleeding defined as a composite of intracranial hemorrhage and blood transfusions for bleeding events. After exclusions, an estimated 1 695 680 white and 46 563 Asian patients with STEMI were included in the analysis. Asian patients had a higher incidence of inhospital major bleeding (3.6% vs 2.2%, P < .001) without a significant difference in inhospital mortality (9.3% vs 8.7%, P = .06). Asian ethnicity was an independent predictor for major bleeding (estimated odds ratio: 1.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.51; P < .001). This increased risk of bleeding would warrant further investigation of optimal treatment strategies tailored for patients with STEMI of Asian ethnicity.
Side-Effects of Convulsive Seizures and Anti-Seizure Therapy on Bone in a Rat Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Garip Ustaoglu Sebnem , Evis Zafer , Ilbay Gul , Boskey Adele Ludin , Severcan Feride
Published: September 2017

The severe sole effects of seizures on the cortical part of bone were reported in our previous study. However, the side effects of anti-epileptic drug therapy on bones has not been differentiated from the effects of the convulsive seizures, yet. This study provides the first report on differentiation of the effects of seizures and carbamazepine (a widely used antiepileptic drug) therapy on bones; 50 mg/kg/day drug was given to genetically induced absence epileptic rats for five weeks. Distinct bone regions including cortical, trabecular, and growth plate in each of tibia, femur, and spine tissues were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) imaging and Vickers microhardness test. Blood levels of vitamin D and bone turnover biomarkers were also measured. According to the FT-IR imaging results, both seizure and carbamazepine-treated groups, more dominantly the drug-treated group, had lower mineral content with altered collagen crosslinks and higher crystallinity, implying reduced bone strength. Lower microhardness values also supported lower mechanical strength in bones. The most affected bone tissue and region from seizures and treatment was found as the spine and cortical, respectively. While there was a reduction in vitamin D and calcium levels in both seizure and carbamazepin-treated groups, significantly elevated PTH and bone turnover biomarkers were only seen in the drug-treated group.
Patagonia: Driving Sustainable Innovation by Embracing Tensions
Authors: O’Rourke Dara , Strand Robert
Published: September 2017

This article examines the tensions that arise when Patagonia simultaneously pursues sustainability and quality objectives embedded within its mission statement: “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” Specifically, this case study focuses on Patagonia’s durable water repellent (DWR) problem. DWR is a highly effective chemical treatment used to waterproof jackets (supporting the quality objective) but has by-products that are toxic and persist in the environment (undermining the sustainability objective). This case explores the challenges Patagonia has faced and presents some creative solutions to them.
Betrayed Sentiments: Joseph Anton and the Phraseology of Emotional Representation
Authors: Szpila Grzegorz
Published: September 2017

This article addresses the issue of the emotional construction of Salman Rushdie’s memoir Joseph Anton in terms of the conceptualization and the linguistic representation of emotions. To this end the essay explores the relationships between feelings and their linguistic expression as well as examining how emotions are represented in the memoir on the figurative level. In particular, the article looks at how idiomatic expressions, as part of the emotion lexis deployed in Joseph Anton, contribute to the emotional representation of its principal characters. The article claims that the memoir has an emotional structure imposed by a few central metaphors and sustained by idioms to figuratively frame its content. The study proves that Joseph Anton is not only heavily charged with emotions but it also utilizes a plethora of idiomatic expressions and figurative language, which is a distinctive feature of Rushdie’s novelistic works.
Street Youth, Social Schemas, and Crime
Authors: Baron Stephen W.
Published: September 2017

Utilizing 400 youths living on the street, the article examines the social schematic theory of crime developed by Simons and Burt. It explores the role homelessness, physical abuse, emotional neglect, violent victimization, and peers play in the development of criminogenic knowledge structures (CKSs). It then examines the associations between adverse experiences, the CKS, and crime. Results show that deviant peers mediate the relationships between physical abuse, homelessness, violent victimization, and the CKS, while emotional neglect is directly associated with the CKS. The CKS in turn is directly linked to crime along with peers, homelessness, and violent victimization. The CKS also mediates the relationships between deviant peers and offending, and emotional neglect and offending. The relationships between physical abuse, homelessness, violent victimization, and crime are mediated by deviant peers. Furthermore, these relationships are also serially mediated through deviant peers and the CKS. Avenues for future research and policy implications are discussed.
You Sound So Down: Capturing Depressed Affect Through Depressed Language
Authors: Newell Ellen E. , McCoy Shannon K. , Newman Matthew L. , Wellman Joseph D. , Gardner Susan K.
Published: September 2017

We present a new composite indicator of depressed language and examine its utility to capture depressed affect among three nonclinical samples. Depressed individuals use more first person singular pronouns, more negatively valenced words, and fewer positively valenced words. Building on this previous research, we hypothesize that individuals under conditions of chronic or acute stress, a psychological state likely to evoke depressed affect, will evidence increased use of depressed language when compared with those not under stress. Across three studies examining different populations (university faculty, undergraduate college women, and gay men) using multiple markers of stress (perceived stress, stress appraisals, blood pressure), we find that depressed language is consistently positively associated with both acute and chronic stress. Our findings suggest that this measure of depressed language may serve as a useful tool for identifying depressed affect for both practitioners and researchers.
Adsorption of oleic acid dissolved in isopropanol–water mixtures on hydrotalcite
Authors: Fröscher Agnes , Hasse Hans
Published: September 2017

Fatty acids are an interesting class of educts for chemical processes as they are available from renewable resources. For obtaining high-purity fatty acids, efficient separation techniques are needed. An interesting option is adsorption. In the present work, therefore, the adsorption of oleic acid on hydrotalcite, a readily available adsorbent, is studied. The focus is on studying the influence of the composition of the solvent on the adsorption. Adsorption isotherms are reported for oleic acid in pure isopropanol and mixtures of isopropanol and water at temperatures between 278 and 308 K. Even though the solubility of oleic acid in isopropanol is higher than in mixtures of isopropanol and water, the highest capacity of the adsorber is found for pure isopropanol. The reasons are discussed. No significant influence of the temperature was observed.
Imaging of rare appendicular non-acral soft-tissue chondromas in adults with histopathologic correlation
Authors: Nouh Mohamed Ragab , Amr Hanan Abd El-Aziz , Ali Rola H
Published: September 2017

Background

Soft-tissue chondroma (STC) is a rare benign soft tissue tumor that arises primarily in acral extra-skeletal locations. Occasionally, STCs may arise in more proximal non-acral locations, accompanied by non-classic features that label them as indeterminate lesions and pose diagnostic challenge for both radiologists and pathologists alike.

Purpose

To explicate the potential of diagnostic imaging in the identification and characterization of appendicular non-acral STCs with emphasis on their morphologic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement.

Material and Methods

Our clinical database records were searched for patients with histologically proven primary soft-tissue chondroid lesions over a five-year period. Two musculoskeletal (MSK) trained radiologists evaluated the imaging studies and an MSK pathologist revised the pathological findings.

Results

The study included six cases of appendicular non-acral STCs (mean age = 40.5 years). The mean size of the tumors was 5.6 cm, with four localized to the knee region, one in the thigh, and one in the sternoclavicular region. All cases showed high signal intensity matrix with low-signal intensity septa on T2-weighted MRI and post-contrast marginal/septal enhancement. The lesions were lobulated and lacked host tissue reaction except for one showing subjacent mild soft-tissue edema. Histologically, the cases lacked overt features of malignancy although one was originally misdiagnosed as chondrosarcoma.

Conclusion

Non-acral STCs are benign cartilaginous tumors that may pose a diagnostic challenge, both radiologically and pathologically. Collaborative imaging and pathologic workup is needed for better characterization of non-aggression of these lesions, and to avoid diagnostic pitfalls and unnecessary radical resections.
Cluster headache – clinical pattern and a new severity scale in a Swedish cohort
Authors: Steinberg Anna , Fourier Carmen , Ran Caroline , Waldenlind Elisabet , Sjöstrand Christina , Belin Andrea Carmine
Published: September 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate clinical features of a cluster headache cohort in Sweden and to construct and test a new scale for grading severity.

Methods

Subjects were identified by screening medical records for the ICD 10 code G44.0, that is, cluster headache. Five hundred participating research subjects filled in a questionnaire including personal, demographic and medical aspects. We constructed a novel scale for grading cluster headache in this cohort: The Cluster Headache Severity Scale, which included number of attacks per day, attack and period duration. The lowest total score was three and the highest 12, and we used the Cluster Headache Severity Scale to grade subjects suffering from cluster headache. We further implemented the scale by defining a cluster headache maximum severity subgroup with a high Cluster Headache Severity Scale score ≥ 9.

Results

A majority (66.7%) of the patients reported that attacks appear at certain time intervals. In addition, cluster headache patients who were current tobacco users or had a history of tobacco consumption had a later age of disease onset (31.7 years) compared to non-tobacco users (28.5 years). The Cluster Headache Severity Scale score was higher in the patient group reporting sporadic or no alcohol intake than in the groups reporting an alcohol consumption of three to four standard units per week or more. Maximum severity cluster headache patients were characterised by higher age at disease onset, greater use of prophylactic medication, reduced hours of sleep, and lower alcohol consumption compared to the non-cluster headache maximum severity group.

Conclusion

There was a wide variation of severity grade among cluster headache patients, with a very marked impact on daily living for the most profoundly affected.
Mental Health Services Use Trends in Canadian Veterans: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study in Ontario
Authors: Mahar Alyson L. , Aiken Alice B. , Cramm Heidi , Whitehead Marlo , Groome Patti , Kurdyak Paul
Published: September 2017

Objective:

A substantial evidence base in the peer-reviewed literature exists investigating mental illness in the military, but relatively less is documented about mental illness in veterans. This study uses provincial, administrative data to study the use of mental health services by Canadian veterans in Ontario.

Method:

This was a retrospective cohort study of Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police veterans who were released between 1990 and 2013 and resided in Ontario. Mental health–related primary care physician, psychiatrist, emergency department (ED) visits, and psychiatric hospitalisations were counted. Repeated measures were presented in 5-year intervals, stratified by age at release.

Results:

The cohort included 23,818 veterans. In the first 5 years following entry into the health care system, 28.9% of veterans had ≥1 mental health–related primary care physician visit, 5.8% visited a psychiatrist at least once, and 2.4% received acute mental health services at an ED. The use of mental health services was consistent over time. Almost 8% of veterans aged 30 to 39 years saw a psychiatrist in the first 5 years after release, compared to 3.5% of veterans aged ≥50 years at release. The youngest veterans at release (<30 years) were the most frequent users of ED services for a mental health–related reason (5.1% had at least 1 ED visit).

Conclusion:

Understanding how veterans use the health care system for mental health problems is an important step to ensuring needs are met during the transition to civilian life.
Nonlinear L1 adaptive control of an airplane with structural damage
Authors: Ahmadi Karim , Asadi Davood , Pazooki Farshad
Published: September 2017

This paper investigates the design of a novel nonlinear L1 adaptive control architecture to stabilize and control an aircraft with structural damage. The airplane nonlinear model is developed considering center of gravity variation and aerodynamic changes due to damage. The new control strategy is applied by using nonlinear dynamic inversion as a baseline augmented with an L1 adaptive control strategy on NASA generic transport model in presence of un-modeled actuator dynamics, wing and vertical tail damage. The L1 adaptive controller with appropriate design of filter and gains is applied to accommodate uncertainty due to structural damage and un-modeled dynamics in the nonlinear dynamic inversion loop, and to meet desired performance requirements. The properties of the proposed nonlinear adaptive controller are investigated against a model reference adaptive control, a robust model reference adaptive control, and an adaptive sliding mode control strategy. The results clearly represent the excellent overall performance of the designed controller.
Socioeconomic Moderators of the Relationship Between Different Quitting Motives and Smoking Cessation in Hong Kong Men
Authors: Lai Francisco T. T. , Wong Wikki W. K. , Kwan Joyce L. Y.
Published: September 2017

To facilitate effective tobacco control, it is important to identify the socioeconomic strata in which different quitting motives are more strongly associated with cessation. This study aims to examine such a moderating role of socioeconomic background. A total of 2022 past or current daily smoking men from the Hong Kong Thematic Household Survey 2010 who had attempted for cessation were analyzed. Binary socioeconomic indicators, quitting motives, and 1-year abstinence were entered in an exploratory backward-stepwise log-linear model, followed by a binary logistic regression to estimate the probability of one-year abstinence in each socioeconomic stratum. Results suggest that the association between cessation and health motives is stronger in less educated men ( P = .004) and nonmarried men ( P = .003). The estimated probability of cessation ranges from 0.02 (95% CI = 0.00-0.06) to 0.96 (95% CI = 0.89-1.00). Accordingly, policy makers should educate less-educated men and nonmarried men about the adverse health impacts of tobacco use.
Multi-locus sequence typing of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus strains isolated from cats
Authors: Britton Ann P. , Blum Shlomo E. , Legge Carolyn , Sojonky Ken , Zabek Erin N.
Published: September 2017

Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus ( S. zooepidemicus) causes outbreaks of fatal respiratory disease in dog shelters and fatal respiratory and neurologic disease in cat shelters. We conducted multi-locus sequence typing analysis on S. zooepidemicus isolates from 5 Canadian and 3 Israeli cats with severe respiratory and neurologic disease, plus 1 isolate from a clinically normal shelter cat. Our aim was to determine if feline outbreaks are clonal and whether there is commonality between feline and canine strains. ST363 was identified as the causative strain of a Canadian outbreak of S. zooepidemicus–linked disease, and is a double-locus variant of ST173, which was isolated from one of the Israeli cats. ST363 was also isolated from the clinically normal cat, indicative of the potential for enzootic infection in shelters. Strains within the ST173 clonal complex were responsible for 2 large canine outbreaks in the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as the death of 1 cat in the United States outbreak. ST215 was isolated from 2 cats in the Israeli outbreak, and is unrelated to the ST173 complex. We conclude that S. zooepidemicus outbreaks in cat shelters are clonal and that strains within the ST173 clonal complex are pathogenic for both dogs and cats.
Descriptive Profile and Survey of Alternatively Certified Texas Music Educators
Authors: Dye Christopher K.
Published: September 2017

The purpose of the study was to examine the features of Texas’s Alternative Route to Certification (ARC) programs in music education, the demographics and prior experiences of program completers, and the employment of ARC completers in K–12 public schools. Data were collected from the State Board of Educator Certification about demographics and employment information for all individuals who completed ARC programs in music education between 2002 and 2012 ( N = 1,200), and individuals from that population were surveyed concerning their experiences ( n = 214). Survey respondents completed programs that varied widely in duration, features, instructional modalities, and providing institutions. Music educator gender and ethnicity were significantly associated with the route used to pursue alternative certification. Relative to the distribution of music teaching positions across the state, ARC completers were disproportionately employed in large urban districts, charter school districts, and in districts with large proportions of economically disadvantaged students.
Robust output feedback control for aeroelastic vibration suppression of a 2-DOF airfoil under quasi-steady flow
Authors: Zhang K , Manaffam S , Marzocca P , Behal A
Published: September 2017

In this paper, a robust output feedback control design is developed for suppression of aeroelastic vibration of a 2-DOF nonlinear wing section system. The aeroelastic system operates in a quasi-steady aerodynamic incompressible flowfield and is actuated using a combination of a leading-edge (LE) and a trailing-edge (TE) flap. By only utilizing measurements of pitching and plunging deflections, an innovative Lyapunov-based procedure is used to design sliding mode control inputs for the LE and TE control surface deflections. The closed-loop system is shown to have semi-global asymptotic stability even in the presence of model uncertainty and unknown external gust loading. Extensive simulation results under a variety of scenarios show the effectiveness of the control strategy.
Nonlocal stress-strain gradient vibration analysis of heterogeneous double-layered plates under hygro-thermal and linearly varying in-plane loads
Authors: Barati Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2017

This paper develops a nonlocal strain gradient plate model for vibration analysis of double-layered graded nanoplates under linearly variable in-plane mechanical loads in hygro-thermal environments. For more accurate analysis of nanoplates, the proposed theory contains two scale parameters related to the nonlocal and strain gradient effects. The double-layered nanoplate is modeled via a four-variable shear deformation plate theory needless of shear correction factors. Governing equations of a nonlocal strain gradient nanoplate on elastic substrate are derived via Hamilton’s principle. Galerkin’s method is implemented to solve the governing equations. Effects of different factors such as in-plane loading, load factor, nonlocal parameter, length scale parameter, moisture percentage rise, temperature rise, elastic foundation, and boundary conditions on vibration characteristics of a double-layered nanoplate have been examined.
A Hybrid Lesion of Lung Cancer and Aspergillosis
Authors: Takeoka Hiroaki , Koga Takeharu , Yano Hirohisa , Ikeda Jiro , Nishimura Munetsugu , Kamimura Tomoko , Aizawa Hisamichi
Published: September 2017

A 74-year-old man presented with gradual wall thickening of a cystic lung lesion. Serologic tests indicated Aspergillus infection, but neither fungal organisms nor evidence of malignant disease were recovered from repeated sputum collections, a bronchoscopic lung biopsy specimen, or bronchial washings. Treatment with antifungal agents did not result in clinical improvement. Surgical resection of the lesion demonstrated both squamous cell carcinoma and aspergillosis. These distinct disorders share common radiologic manifestations that can present a diagnostic challenge, as in the present case.
Developing a Health Care System for Children in Foster Care
Authors: Greiner Mary V. , Beal Sarah J.
Published: September 2017

In 2012, the Comprehensive Health Evaluations for Cincinnati’s Kids (CHECK) Center was launched at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to provide health care for over 1,000 children placed into foster care each year in the Cincinnati community. This consultation model clinical program was developed because children in foster care have been difficult to manage in the traditional health care setting due to unmet health needs, missing medical records, cumbersome state mandates, and transient and impoverished social settings. This case study describes the history and creation of the CHECK Center, demonstrating the development of a successful foster care health delivery system that is inclusive of all community partners, tailored for the needs and resources of the community, and able to adapt and respond to new information and changing systems.
The flame retardancy and pyrolysis mechanism of polyimide fibers investigated by cone calorimeter and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Xiansheng , Yan Xiong , Shi Meiwu
Published: September 2017

In the present research, the flame retardancy and pyrolysis mechanism of polyimide fibers were investigated by cone calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. As it turned out, the polyimide fibers possessed excellent thermal stability and flame retardancy. The onset thermal degradation temperature ( Tonset 10%) of polyimide was 587℃ and 610℃ at nitrogen and air atmospheres, respectively. The polyimide fibers cannot be ignited at the heat flux of 35 and 50 kW/m2, while they can be ignited at the heat flux of 75 kW/m2 with the time to ignition of 33 s and peak heat release rate of 53.4 kW/m2. Moreover, the flame retardancy of woven and knitted fabrics was also discussed, which demonstrated that knitted fabric was easier to become thermally thick than woven fabric. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the residual chars of fibers showed that the shape of fiber can be maintained irrespective of heat flux, but the chemical structure of the fiber was destroyed at the heat flux of 75 kW/m2. The pyrolysis combustible volatiles at 700℃ include benzonitrile, aniline, and phenol, which can interpret the ignition of polyimide fibers. The results obtained in the present research revealed the flame retardancy and pyrolysis mechanism of polyimide fibers, which can guide its application and further modification.
Anatomical characteristics of the styloid process in internal carotid artery dissection: Case–control study
Authors: Amorim José M , Pereira Daniela , Rodrigues Marta G , Beato-Coelho José , Lopes Margarida , Cunha André , Figueiredo Sofia , Mendes-Pinto Mafalda , Ferreira Carla , Sargento-Freitas João , Castro Sérgio , Pinho João
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Pathophysiology of cervical artery dissection is complex and poorly understood. In addition to well-known causative and predisposing factors, including major trauma and monogenic connective tissue disorders, morphological characteristics of the styloid process have been recently recognized as a possible risk factor for cervical internal carotid artery dissection.

Aims

To study the association of the anatomical characteristics of styloid process with internal carotid artery dissection.

Methods

Retrospective, multicenter, case–control study of patients with internal carotid artery dissection and age- and sex-matched controls. Consecutive patients with internal carotid artery dissection and controls with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack of any etiology excluding internal carotid artery dissection, who had performed computed tomography angiography, diagnosed between January 2010 and September 2016. Two independent observers measured styloid process length and styloid process distance to internal carotid artery.

Results

Sixty-two patients with internal carotid artery dissection and 70 controls were included. Interobserver agreement was good for styloid process length and styloid process–internal carotid artery distance (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.89 and 0.76, respectively). Styloid process ipsilateral to dissection was longer than left and right styloid process in controls (35.8 ± 14.4 mm versus 30.4 ± 8.9 mm and 30.3 ± 8.2 mm, p = 0.011 and p = 0.008, respectively). Styloid process–internal carotid artery distance ipsilateral to dissection was shorter than left and right distance in controls (6.3 ± 1.9 mm versus 7.2 ± 2.1 mm and 7.0 ± 2.3 mm, p = 0.003 and p = 0.026, respectively). Internal carotid artery dissection was associated with styloid process length (odds ratio = 1.04 mm−1, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.08, p = 0.015) and styloid process–internal carotid artery distance (OR = 0.77 mm−1, 95% confidence interval = 0.64–0.92, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Longer styloid process and shorter distance between styloid process and cervical internal carotid artery are associated with cervical internal carotid artery dissection.
Selecting a Risk-Based SQC Procedure for a HbA1c Total QC Plan
Authors: Westgard Sten A. , Bayat Hassan , Westgard James O.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Recent US practice guidelines and laboratory regulations for quality control (QC) emphasize the development of QC plans and the application of risk management principles. The US Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) now includes an option to comply with QC regulations by developing an individualized QC plan (IQCP) based on a risk assessment of the total testing process. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) has provided new practice guidelines for application of risk management to QC plans and statistical QC (SQC).

Methods:

We describe an alternative approach for developing a total QC plan (TQCP) that includes a risk-based SQC procedure. CLIA compliance is maintained by analyzing at least 2 levels of controls per day. A Sigma-Metric SQC Run Size nomogram provides a graphical tool to simplify the selection of risk-based SQC procedures.

Applications:

Current HbA1c method performance, as demonstrated by published method validation studies, is estimated to be 4-Sigma quality at best. Optimal SQC strategies require more QC than the CLIA minimum requirement of 2 levels per day. More complex control algorithms, more control measurements, and a bracketed mode of operation are needed to assure the intended quality of results.

Conclusions:

A total QC plan with a risk-based SQC procedure provides a simpler alternative to an individualized QC plan. A Sigma-Metric SQC Run Size nomogram provides a practical tool for selecting appropriate control rules, numbers of control measurements, and run size (or frequency of SQC). Applications demonstrate the need for continued improvement of analytical performance of HbA1c laboratory methods.
“Groupy” Allies Are More Beneficial While “Groupy” Enemies Are More Harmful
Authors: Dang Jianning , Liu Li , Ren Deyun , Gu Zibei
Published: September 2017

Previous research about group perception in terms of warmth and competence focused on the effects of social structural factors but overlooked the role of the fundamental group characteristic (i.e., entitativity or groupiness). Three studies were conducted to examine people’s perception of high/low entitativity groups under various functional relations. In Study 1, we experimentally created the target group (i.e., Group X) and manipulated entitativity and functional relation. In Studies 2 and 3, we chose a real group (i.e., Uyghurs) as the target group and measured cues to entitativity (Study 2) or entitativity itself (Study 3) and interethnic relations. In all studies, participants rated the target group on warmth and competence dimensions. The results suggested that, under cooperative functional relation, the group with higher entitativity was perceived as more competent and warmer, thereby more beneficial. Conversely, when the functional relation was conflictive, the group with higher entitativity was perceived as more competent but colder, and thus more harmful.
Science Denial Across the Political Divide: Liberals and Conservatives Are Similarly Motivated to Deny Attitude-Inconsistent Science
Authors: Washburn Anthony N. , Skitka Linda J.
Published: September 2017

We tested whether conservatives and liberals are similarly or differentially likely to deny scientific claims that conflict with their preferred conclusions. Participants were randomly assigned to read about a study with correct results that were either consistent or inconsistent with their attitude about one of several issues (e.g., carbon emissions). Participants were asked to interpret numerical results and decide what the study concluded. After being informed of the correct interpretation, participants rated how much they agreed with, found knowledgeable, and trusted the researchers’ correct interpretation. Both liberals and conservatives engaged in motivated interpretation of study results and denied the correct interpretation of those results when that interpretation conflicted with their attitudes. Our study suggests that the same motivational processes underlie differences in the political priorities of those on the left and the right.