bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“That’s not me anymore”: Resistance strategies for managing intersectional stigmas for women with substance use and incarceration histories
Authors: Gunn Alana J , Sacks Tina K , Jemal Alexis
Published: January 2017

Significant previous research has focused on how individuals experience stigma when interacting with the public sphere and service agencies; the purpose of this grounded theory study is to explore how formerly incarcerated mothers with histories of substance use experience stigmas from their intimate relationships with family and romantic partners. Using an intersectionality lens, this study reveals that the women perceived multiple stigmas due to their previous substance use, incarceration, and other addiction-related behaviors that challenged their roles as mothers and romantic partners. Compounding the behavioral-related stigmas were race and class-based stereotypes of black criminality that also challenged women’s ability to embody key motherhood and womanhood roles. As a result, the women employed resistance strategies to safeguard against stigma and preserve their recovery. The implications for practice underscore the significance of addressing personal experiences of stigma, complex relational dynamics, and understanding the needs of support systems that are also shaped by the women’s cycles of incarceration and illness.
Professional relationships and decision making in social work: Lessons from a Scottish case study of secure accommodation decision making
Authors: Roesch-Marsh Autumn
Published: January 2017

There has been a great deal written in recent years about the complexities of social work decision making and the need for a more ecological conceptualisation of the decision-making task in child welfare and protection. This article outlines some of the findings from a PhD study of secure accommodation decision making in Scotland which sought to understand the dynamics of local social work decision making in cases where children and young people pose a significant risk to themselves and/or others. Observations of decision-making meetings, interviews and focus groups were used to develop a multidimensional perspective on decision-making practices in one large urban local authority. Professional relationships were found to impact on information gathering, ‘thinking through’ decisions and managing emotions, ‘working’ the decision-making system to the benefit of your referral and having your assessment accepted by others. Trust emerged as an important quality in relationships between professionals who share decision-making responsibilities. Drawing on theories of trust, relationships and decision making, the article challenges the dominant rational choice model of social work decision making and develops new links between theory and practice by highlighting the importance of understanding the impact of professional relationships when seeking to improve social work decision making. The article also emphasises the need for further research to enhance our understanding of the multiplicity of ways that professional relationships can impact on decision-making practice and its outcomes.
Academic researchers on the project market in the ethos of knowledge capitalism
Authors: Brunila Kristiina , Hannukainen Kristiina
Published: January 2017

How knowledge capitalism retools the scope of academic research and researchers is an issue which this article ties to the project market in the ethos of knowledge capitalism. In Finland, academic research has been forced to apply for funding in project-based activities reflecting European Union policies. The project market, which in this article represents knowledge capitalism, shapes opportunities related to research and knowledge as well as in terms of researcher subjectivity. However, a critical approach that recognises the function of power can both highlight and challenge the forms of knowledge capitalism that reorganises the scope of research and researchers today.
Aerodynamic effect of the aircraft carrier island on flight deck flow with cross wind
Authors: Bardera-Mora Rafael , León Calero Marina , García-Magariño Adelaida
Published: January 2017

Regarding the importance of helicopter operations over aircraft carriers and the increment of the workload of the pilot during take-off and landing manoeuvres, it has been performed a study of the flow downstream the island of an aircraft carrier in cross-wind conditions. The main objective of this work is to characterize the aerodynamic flow in that critical area providing insight for future investigations directed to reduce the workload and improve safe operational conditions. Then, a wind tunnel test campaign was carried out using particle image velocimetry and laser Doppler anemometry techniques. Finally, wind tunnel results have been compared with on-board measurements showing a good agreement between full-scale and model-scale wind tunnel tests.
Bridge extreme stress prediction based on Bayesian dynamic linear models and non-uniform sampling
Authors: Fan Xueping
Published: January 2017

Bridge monitoring systems produce a large amount of data, including uniform and non-uniform sampled data in the long-term service periods; the proper handling of these data is one of the main difficulties in structural health monitoring. To properly predict structural non-uniform extreme stress and deal with the uncertainties of the monitored data, the objectives of this article are to present (a) Bayesian dynamic linear models about non-uniform extreme stress, (b) monitoring mechanism about the Bayesian dynamic linear models based on single and cumulative Bayes’ factors, and (c) an effective use of the Bayesian dynamic linear models to incorporate the dynamic monitored data into structural non-uniform extreme stress prediction. The proposed models and procedure are applied to the monitored data obtained from the I-39 Northbound Bridge over the Wisconsin River in Wausau, Wisconsin, USA.
Teachers, school choice and competition: Lock-in effects within and between sectors
Authors: Parding Karolina , McGrath-Champ Susan , Stacey Meghan
Published: January 2017

Neoliberal forces since the latter part of the 20th century have ushered in greater devolution in state schooling systems, producing uneven effects on the working conditions of teachers, commonly the largest segment of the public sector workforce. Within this context, this paper examines secondary teachers’ working conditions as they relate to the restructuring of the professional landscape that school choice reforms bring. Drawing illustrations from a qualitative study of teachers’ working experiences in the lowest socio-economic status schools, through the ‘middle band’, to the most prestigious and affluent in a metropolitan city in Australia, this paper finds that teachers develop skill-sets that are context specific, creating possible ‘lock-in effects’ within but also between sectors. Moreover, various work arrangement issues seem to reinforce the lock-in effects by making changes between sectors risky and unattractive. We postulate that inter- and intra-sectoral differences, which are exacerbated through school choice processes, have the potential to reinforce and deepen the lock-in effects on teachers, with possible consequences for their future career mobility.
Impaired olfactory function is related to the presence of neuropathy in adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Duda-Sobczak Anna , Araszkiewicz Aleksandra , Urbas Magdalena , Borucki Lukasz , Kulas Katarzyna , Chudzinski Maciej , Suwalska Aleksandra , Zozulinska-Ziolkiewicz Dorota
Published: January 2017

Introduction:

Olfactory dysfunction is suggested to be a clinical manifestation of central diabetic neuropathy. The aim of the study was to assess olfactory function in adult patients with type 1 diabetes.

Materials and methods:

A total of 106 patients with type 1 diabetes and 30 healthy subjects were included in the study. We evaluated the metabolic control of diabetes and the presence of chronic complications. Olfactory function was assessed with Sniffin’ Sticks.

Results:

We found a negative correlation between olfactory identification scores and body mass index ( Rs −0.2; p = 0.04) and triglycerides ( Rs = −0.2; p = 0.04). We showed lower olfactory identification scores in neuropathy group versus non-neuropathy group [8 (interquartile range, 7–9) vs 10 (interquartile range, 9–11) points; p = 0.005]. In multivariate linear regression, impaired olfaction was independently associated with neuropathy (beta, −0.3; p = 0.005). In multivariate logistic regression, diabetes duration (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.11; p = 0.04) and olfactory identification score (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.43–0.85; p = 0.003) were independently associated with neuropathy.

Conclusion:

Olfactory dysfunction is observed in patients with type 1 diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
A Positive Psychology Theoretical Model to Coach Veterans Through Successful Transitions
Authors: Miller Lisa M.
Published: January 2017

A conceptual model was constructed on the basis of an extensive literature review examining positive psychology topics as related to human resource development.

The Problem

Research primarily focused on workplace or university settings. Fostering positive psychology in veterans’ work transitions is a new and an important component to human resource development research.

The Solution

The benefits of focusing on positive psychology in the military to better prepare veterans for the workforce starts with support from research in the workplace and the university setting. Psychological well-being is vital to workplace performance and engagement. Despite the research supporting positive psychology, systematic approaches to developing psychological well-being often go missing in organizations and in the military.

The Stakeholders

An institution wide implementation of a positive psychology approach imbedded in human resource development would allow for measurement of the impact in the veteran population. Models of positive psychology training would guide the promotion of well-being in military to work transitions.
A Qualitative Inquiry of Lower Extremity Disease Knowledge Among African Americans Living With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bonner Timethia , Harvey Idethia S. , Sherman Ledric
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate how personal illness representations of type 2 diabetes affected the level of foot care knowledge and self-care strategies among African Americans adults. Thirteen African Americans (ages 32-72 years) participated in individual semistructured qualitative interviews regarding self-care practices and lower extremity disease knowledge related to type 2 diabetes. Using phenomenological methodology, all interviews were transcribed and analyzed by the research team for themes. Three major themes emerged from the interviews: basic foot care knowledge, lower extremity disease knowledge, and patient–provider communication. The study yielded that the majority of the participants lacked understanding of basic diabetic foot care as well as how lower extremity complications can evolve from uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Diabetes self-management education is an essential component that could aid in the improvement of poor health outcomes of African Americans. Diabetes self-management education programs should consider implementing more detailed foot care educational tools, especially those individuals who are affected with complications due to the disease and that can lead to lower extremity amputations. This study provided insight on the importance of this knowledge as it relates to making common sense assumptions about the disease and self-management strategies.
Introduction to Global Health Promotion
Authors: Torres Jennifer
Published: January 2017

Global health education is becoming increasingly prominent in universities throughout the country especially in programs focused on health and behavioral sciences, law, economics, and political science. Introduction to Global Health Promotion is a book that can be used by both instructors and students in the field of global health. The book provides theories and models, human rights, and technology relevant to the field. In addition the book is designed to share best evidence for promoting health and reducing morbidity and mortality in a variety of areas. The book can be used by health educators, public health practitioners, professors, and students as a resource for research and practice in the field of health promotion and disease prevention.
Impact of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair on Pulsatile Circumferential and Longitudinal Strain in Patients With Aneurysm
Authors: Nauta Foeke J. H. , van Bogerijen Guido H. W. , Trentin Chiara , Conti Michele , Auricchio Ferdinando , Moll Frans L. , van Herwaarden Joost A. , Trimarchi Santi
Published: January 2017

Purpose: To quantify both pulsatile longitudinal and circumferential aortic strains before and after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), potentially clarifying TEVAR-related complications. Methods: This retrospective study assessed the impact of TEVAR on pulsatile aortic strains through custom developed software and cardiac-gated computed tomography imaging of 8 thoracic aneurysm patients (mean age 71.0±8.2 years; 6 men) performed before TEVAR and during follow-up (median 0.1 months, interquartile range 0.1–5.8). Lengths of the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending aorta were measured. Diameters and areas were computed at the sinotubular junction, brachiocephalic trunk, left subclavian artery, and the celiac trunk. Pulsatile longitudinal and circumferential strains were quantified as systolic increments of length and circumference divided by the corresponding diastolic values. Results: Average pulsatile longitudinal strain ranged from 1.4% to 7.1%, was highest in the arch (p<0.001), and increased after TEVAR by 77% in the arch (7.1%±2.5% vs 12.5%±5.1%, p=0.04) and by 69% in the ascending aorta (5.6±2.3% vs 9.4±4.4%, p=0.06). Average pulsatile circumferential strain ranged from 3.6% to 5.0% before TEVAR and did not differ significantly throughout the thoracic aorta; there was a nonsignificant increase after TEVAR at the unstented sinotubular junction (5.0%±1.4% vs 6.3%±1.0%, p=0.18), with a significant increase at the celiac trunk (3.6%±1.8% vs 6.2%±1.8%, p=0.02). Pulsatile circumferential strains within stented segments were deemed unreliable due to image artifacts. Conclusion: TEVAR was associated with an increase of pulsatile longitudinal strains (in the arch) and circumferential strains (at the celiac trunk) in unstented aortic segments. These observations suggest increased pulsatile wall stress after TEVAR in segments adjacent to the device, which may contribute to the understanding of stent-graft–related complications such as retrograde dissection, aneurysm formation, and rupture.
Women Music Teachers as Military Band Directors during World War II
Authors: Sullivan Jill M.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine how women music teachers became the United States’ first female military band directors. Interviews with seventy-nine World War II military bandswomen revealed that seven of the ten chosen female directors were music teachers prior to their enlistment in the Army, Coast Guard, or Marines—band and orchestra teachers, music supervisors, and a college professor. Six of those seven directors are included in this study. Research questions pertained to their childhood music education, formal schooling, music-teacher employment, why they quit teaching to enlist, military education, military leadership and performance experiences, how they continued music making after the war, and the meaning of this experience for their lives. Corroboration of interview responses with primary and secondary sources—census data, school records, city directories, social security index, newspaper articles, photographs, diaries, military documents, military and WWII books—revealed that these music educators had accurate memories, outstanding music education and performance backgrounds, substantial leadership experiences, and diverse musical backgrounds that made them good choices for leading military bands and ensembles. All were part of significant firsts for women in the military. Near the end of their lives, they believed that their service as a military band director and musician had substantial impact on their lives and in some cases valued as “the most important” experience of their lives.
Temperance Songs in American School Songbooks, 1865–1899
Authors: Sanders Paul D.
Published: January 2017

The period from 1865 to 1900 proved to be one of tremendous growth for music education in the United States, as well as a time of renewed activity for the temperance movement. Numerous single-volume school songbooks were published, and several sources note the inclusion of temperance songs in these songbooks. By conveying the temperance message to school children, reformers both indoctrinated those children to temperance ideology and used them as intermediaries to convey the message of temperance to their parents and other adults. This study examines temperance songs included in sixty-seven school songbooks from this period, noting common themes and tactics employed by temperance lyricists as well as variations in dominant themes across this thirty-five-year span.
Pathfinder and Role Model: Ada Bloxham, Australian Vocalist and Tonic Sol-fa Teacher
Authors: Stevens Robin S.
Published: January 2017

The Australian mezzo-soprano Ada Beatrice Bloxham (1865–1956) was the inaugural winner (in 1883) of the Clarke Scholarship for a promising musician resident in the Colony of Victoria to study at the Royal College of Music in London. She was the first Australian to enrol at the Royal College of Music and to graduate as an Associate of the College in 1888, and she was the first woman to be awarded a Fellowship of the Tonic Sol-fa College, London, also in 1888. After a period teaching and performing in Japan (1893–1899), she married and lived variously in South Africa, England, and France, returning to Australia in 1927. Due most probably to her marriage and family responsibilities, she appears not to have achieved her full potential as a performer and teacher. Nevertheless, Bloxham is worthy of recognition as having gained success as a musician and educator both in her native Australia and abroad during her early and middle years, and as a pathfinder and role model for other women during the early years of their musical careers.
Warren Kimsey and Community Singing at Camp Gordon, 1917–1918
Authors: Morgan-Ellis Esther M.
Published: January 2017

During the Great War, the Commission for Training Camp Activities (CTCA) pioneered a program in which civilian song leaders were assigned to camps throughout the United States. These men (and a few women) were instructed to organize regular community singing, train officers as song leaders, and cultivate musical talent among the soldiers. They also worked as song leaders in nearby towns and cities, an activity that was intended to improve military–civilian relations and promote patriotism. This article examines the career of Warren Kimsey, the first song leader assigned to Camp Gordon, an army training camp located near the city of Atlanta. Kimsey organized community singing both in the camp and in Atlanta, where he led enormous crowds in the newly constructed Auditorium–Armory. This study presents Kimsey’s work as a product of the nationwide community singing movement and its progressive political agenda, while at the same time contextualizing it in Atlanta’s identity as an emerging cultural center. It also identifies Kimsey’s contributions to music education in Georgia and discusses the broader influence of wartime song leaders on community music initiatives throughout the country.
Singing by Number in Mid-Nineteenth-Century America
Authors: Hansen Linda
Published: January 2017

Recognizing the broad potential of singing as a facilitator of moral instruction, academic learning, and societal participation, New Hampshire native Asa Fitz (1810–1878) was committed to advancing music and music education. A prolific publisher, editor, and author, he was involved in the production of dozens of works filled with songs and music, designed to further everything from reform movements to congregational singing, spiritualism to family life. As a singing master and music teacher, he instructed both children and other teachers, promoting his song books, his instructional techniques, his personal principles, and his overriding belief that everyone could, and should, learn to sing.

Yet, for all that he was well known during his lifetime, little scholarly attention has been paid to the man, his philosophical underpinnings, or his disparate publications. This article focuses on the development of his “new system of figured music,” culminating with the publication of School Songs for the Million! in 1850. It briefly reviews the concept and expressions of alternate systems of musical notation in early to mid-nineteenth-century America and then places Fitz within that context, as he created, developed, and promoted his system to children and teachers. Though School Songs for the Million! was not as commercially successful as some of his other titles, it serves to demonstrate Fitz’s willingness to experiment with unconventional and controversial ideas in an effort to advance participation in music.
Interventional Therapy for Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis Is Safe and Effective in Preserving Allograft Function and Improving Hypertension
Authors: Wang Lili , Liu Bin , Yan Jieke , Wang Yongzheng , Wang Wujie , Wang Wei , Chang Haiyang , Wang Hongwei , Wang Changjun , Li Zheng , Li Yuliang
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcomes of percutaneous intervention (PI) for transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS).

Materials and Methods:

Doppler ultrasonography was used as the screening tool, and angiography was the diagnostic method for TRAS. The indications for PI were (1) a reduction in lumen diameter of >50% or (2) a mean pressure gradient of >15 mm Hg. Technical success was assessed immediately after the procedure. The short-term results of stenosis were evaluated by serum creatinine (Scr) levels and blood pressure (BP). The long-term results were assessed by graft survival and renal function.

Results:

From October 2009 to July 2015, a total of 660 patients had kidney transplantation and 22 cases underwent PI. The technical success was 100%. The mean Scr level preintervention was 321.6 ± 167.2 (range, 171.3-862.0) μmol/L, and it decreased to 145.3 ± 44.7 (range, 74.3-260.8) μmol/L 1 month postintervention ( P < .001). Blood pressure was also improved at 1 month postintervention, as assessed by systolic (157.0 ± 13.0 vs 131.0 ± 11.0 mm Hg, P < .001), diastolic (95.0 ± 5.0 vs 77.0 ± 9.0 mm Hg, P < .001), and mean arterial pressure (116.0 ± 7.0 vs 95.0 ± 9.0 mm Hg, P < .001). The patency rate was 100%, 91.7%, and 85.7% at 1, 3, and 12 months, respectively. The secondary patency rate was 100%. Graft survival was 100% during follow-up. There was no significant deterioration in graft function or BP ( P > .05) postintervention when compared to posttransplantation.

Conclusions:

Percutaneous intervention for TRAS is safe and results in significant improvement both in allograft function and in BP.
Rare Iatrogenic Cardiovascular Embolization Following Dialysis
Authors: Sharma Arun , Duraisamy Sharmila , Jagia Priya , Gulati Gurpreet S.
Published: January 2017

Intracardiac or intrapulmonary dislodgement of dialysis catheter or guidewire coating is extremely rare. When present, it can be potentially lethal as it may get complicated by arrhythmias, myocardial or pulmonary artery rupture, valvular perforation, pulmonary thromboembolism, infarction, and infective endocarditis. Percutaneous removal should be attempted as an initial measure and is usually effective in most of the cases. We report 2 such cases, where in first patient it was the hemodialysis catheter which broke, with a large part migrating into the heart, while in second patient, it was the hydrophilic coating of the guidewire that migrated into the pulmonary arteries. Percutaneous retrieval of these foreign bodies was done successfully in both the cases.
Advanced Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Dua Anahita , Heller Jennifer A.
Published: January 2017

Introduction:

Intervention for advanced chronic venous insufficiency is considered an appropriate standard of care. However, outcomes vary among patients who present in advanced clinical stages of disease. The main objectives of this study were to determine whether racial disparity exists at initial presentation and response to intervention.

Methods:

A retrospective database was created to include all radiofrequency ablation procedures performed by a single surgeon from January 14, 2009, through May 25, 2011. Demographics, clinical traits, race, procedure, and outcomes were analyzed. Stepwise model selection reduced candidate baseline factors to a final parsimonious model, which was analyzed using analysis of variance.

Results:

The database consisted of 300 patients with a predominant female (n = 215, 85%) base and 85 (15%) males, with a mean age distribution of 53 years. The mean body mass index was 30.2. Racial distribution revealed Asian (n = 9, 3.3%), Pacific Islander (n = 1, 0.4%), African American (n = 37, 13.6%), and Caucasian (CAU, n = 225, 82.7%). African Americans presented with more advanced clinical stages than the CAU group—C2: African American 21.6%, CAU 36.7%; C4: African American 35%, CAU 24.3%; and C6: African American 35.1%, CAU 7.5%. African Americans demonstrated a higher preoperative venous clinical severity score (VCSS) than their CAU counterparts. Postprocedural decrease in VCSS score was lower in African Americans than their CAU counterparts.

Conclusion:

African American patients present with more advanced venous insufficiency than CAUs. Postprocedural analysis reveals not only slower ulcer healing times but also higher ulcer recurrence rates.
One-Year Follow-Up After Hybrid Thoracoabdominal Aortic Repair
Authors: van de Graaf Rob A. , Grüne Frank , Hoeks Sanne E. , ten Raa Sander , Stolker Robert Jan , Verhagen Hence J. M. , van Lier Felix
Published: January 2017

Background:

Compared to open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair, hybrid repair is thought to be less invasive with better perioperative outcomes. Due to the extent of the operation and long recovery period, studying perioperative results may not be sufficient for evaluation of the true treatment effect. The aim of this study is to evaluate 1-year mortality and morbidity in patients with TAAA undergoing hybrid repair.

Methods:

In a retrospective cohort study, all medical records of patients undergoing hybrid repair for TAAA at the Erasmus University Medical Center between January 2007 and January 2015 were studied. Primary outcome measures were 30-day and 1-year mortality. Secondary outcome measures included major in-hospital postoperative complications.

Results:

A total of 15 patients were included. All-cause mortality was 33% (5 of the 15) at 30 days and 60% (9 of the 15) at 1 year. Aneurysm-related mortality was 33% (5 of the 15) and 53% (8 of the 15) at 30-day and 1-year follow-up, respectively, with colon ischemia being the most common cause of death. Major complication rate was high: myocardial infarction in 2 (13%) cases, acute kidney failure in 5 (33%) cases, bowel ischemia in 3 (20%) cases, and spinal cord ischemia in 1 (7%) case.

Conclusion:

The presumed less invasive nature of hybrid TAAA repair does not seem to result in lower complication rates. The high mortality rate at 30 days continues to rise dramatically thereafter, suggesting that 1-year mortality is a more useful clinical parameter to use in preoperative decision-making for this kind of repair.
Double Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) With Intrahepatic Interruption, Hemiazygos Vein Continuation, and Intrahepatic Venous Shunt
Authors: Sahin Hilal , Pekcevik Yeliz , Aslaner Ramazan
Published: January 2017

The duplication of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare congenital anomaly, which also has some variations regarding the complex embryological development of the IVC. In the typical form, infrarenal IVC segments are duplicated and the left IVC joins the left renal vein, which crosses anterior to the aorta in the normal fashion to join the right IVC. In variant forms, the interruption of the intrahepatic segment of the IVC, azygos or hemiazygos continuation, or retroaortic course of the renal vein may be seen. An intrahepatic venous shunt accompanying a double IVC variant is an extremely rare anomaly. We report a case of 40-year-old female patient with double IVC, hemiazygos continuation, intrahepatic IVC interruption, and a transhepatic venous shunt.
Long-Term Survival After Coverage With Prevertebral Fascia for Abdominal Aortic Stump Closure
Authors: Inoue Takehiro , Imura Masato , Kaneda Toshio , Saga Toshihiko
Published: January 2017

Abdominal aortic graft-enteric fistula is an uncommon but grave complication. Acceptable early results of its management have been reported in recent years, but aortic stump disruption remains a dreaded problem in the remote period. This report describes a case of a 71-year-old male with graft-enteric fistula following after a distant abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The patient underwent 1-stage operation with extra-anatomic bypass preceding the complete removal of the infected aortic graft and intestinal repair. For coverage of the aortic stump closure, the prevertebral fascia was harvested as a flap and was successfully used to buttress the closure. Additionally, omental wrap was secured around the stump and around the area after complete graft removal. Postoperative intravenous antibiotic with meropenem was administered for 8 weeks, followed by suppression with ongoing oral antibiotic with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole for 6 months. Although sigmoidectomy and the left ureteral reconstruction were required, the patient is doing well without recurrent infection and without stump disruption after 8 years of follow-up.
Management of Type II Endoleak From Internal Iliac Artery Immediately After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Hsu Ming-Yi , Su Ta-Wei , Su I-Hao , Ko Po-Jen , Chu Sung-Yu
Published: January 2017

Inadvertent coverage of origin of internal iliac artery (IIA) during endovascular aneurysm repair may lead to type II endoleak. Except for open surgery, the endovascular solution is limited. We report a case with such complication that was successfully treated with coil embolization using retrograde extrastent approach. This is a new technique that has not been reported before, and as such, had been useful in the treatment of type II endoleak from IIA as an alternative to open ligation of IIA origin.
MynxGrip for Closure of Antegrade Puncture After Peripheral Interventions With Same-Day Discharge
Authors: Pruski Maciej J. , Blachut Aleksandra M. , Konkolewska Magda , Janas Adam , Hrycek Eugeniusz , Buszman Piotr P. , Kiesz Radoslaw S.
Published: January 2017

Background:

This was the first prospective study to assess the safety and efficiency of MynxGrip vascular closure device (VCD) in peripheral interventions with antegrade access.

Methods and Results:

We enrolled 66 consecutive patients from 1 center. All patients were discharged home on the day of procedure and were observed for adverse events at 1 and 30 days of follow-up. No major complications were observed. The rate of minor complications (conversion to manual or mechanical compression) was 7.6%. Postdischarge, 3% of patients experienced minor complications—small abscess, ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis. In 1 patient, a second VCD was deployed after device failure. The derived device failure rate was 5.9%. No patients required hospitalization. No late bleeding and no hematomas >6 cm were noted. The mean time to discharge was 4 hours and 5 minutes.

Conclusion:

The MynxGrip was safe and effective in sealing access sites after antegrade femoral artery puncture with same-day discharge.
Pathways of Transformational Service Learning
Authors: Shor Rachel , Cattaneo Lauren , Calton Jenna
Published: January 2017

This study extended research on transformational service learning by examining the impact that a community placement context can have on college students’ transformational processes. Kiely’s Transformational Service-Learning Process Model was used as a framework to better understand how context, dissonance, and student reactions are interrelated. Using the consensual qualitative research method of qualitative analysis, we examined 43 essays written by students in a service-learning course that focused on the development and maintenance of poverty in the United States. The essays described an experience the students found to be “eye-opening.” Our findings suggest that context of the community placement (i.e., job responsibilities and service location) shapes the types of disorienting dilemmas students identify and the reactions they report; working inside (e.g., shelter) and outside of a community placement may produce different transformational paths. These findings have implications for educators and researchers and highlight several different potential pathways of transformation within Kiely’s general framework.
Mild Acute Intermittent Hypoxia Improves Respiratory Function in Unanesthetized Rats With Midcervical Contusion
Authors: Lee Kun-Ze , Chiang Shu-Chi , Li Yu-Jie
Published: January 2017

Background. Mild intermittent hypoxia has been considered a potential approach to induce respiratory neuroplasticity. Objective. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether mild acute intermittent hypoxia can improve breathing function in a clinically relevant spinal cord injury animal model. Methods. Adult male rats received laminectomy or unilateral contusion at the C3-C4 spinal cord using a MASCIS Impactor (height: 6.25 or 12.5 mm). At 4 weeks postinjury, the breathing patterns of unanesthetized rats were measured by whole body plethysmography before, during and after 10 episodes of 5 minutes of hypoxia (10% O2, 4% CO2, balance N2) with 5 minutes of normoxia intervals. Results. The results demonstrated that cervical contusion resulted in reduction in breathing capacity and number of phrenic motoneurons. Acute hypoxia induced significant increases in frequency and tidal volume in sham surgery and contused animals. In addition, there was a progressive decline in the magnitude of hypoxic ventilatory response during intermittent hypoxia. Further, the tidal volume was significantly enhanced in contused but not sham surgery rats at 15 and 30 minutes postintermittent hypoxia, suggesting intermittent hypoxia can bring about long-term facilitation of tidal volume following cervical spinal contusion. Conclusions. These results suggest that mild acute intermittent hypoxia can elicit differential forms of respiratory plasticity in sham surgery versus contused animals, and may be a promising neurorehabilitation approach to improve respiratory function after cervical spinal cord injury.
Movement Kinematics of the Ipsilesional Upper Extremity in Persons With Moderate or Mild Stroke
Authors: Bustrén Eva-Lena , Sunnerhagen Katharina Stibrant , Alt Murphy Margit
Published: January 2017

Background. An increasing number of studies have indicated that the ipsilesional arm may be impaired after stroke. There is, however, a lack of knowledge whether ipsilesional deficits influence movement performance during purposeful daily tasks. Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate whether, and to what extent, movement impairments are present while performing an ipsilesional upper extremity task during the first 3 months after stroke. Methods. Movement kinematics describing movement time, smoothness, velocity, strategy, and pattern were captured during a standardized drinking task in 40 persons with first-ever stroke and 20 controls. Kinematics were measured early and at 3 months poststroke, and sensorimotor impairment was assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment in stroke. Results. Half of the ipsilesional kinematics showed significant deficits early after stroke compared to controls, and the stroke severity had a significant impact on the kinematics. Movements of the ipsilesional arm were slower, less smooth, demonstrated prolonged relative time in deceleration, and increased arm abduction during drinking. Kinematics improved over time and reached a level comparable with controls at 3 months, except for angular velocity of the elbow and deceleration time in reaching for those with more severe motor impairment. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that movements of the ipsilesional arm, during a purposeful daily task, are impaired after stroke. These deficits are more prominent early after stroke and when the motor impairment is more severe. In clinical studies and praxis, the use of less-affected arm as a reference may underestimate the level of impairment and extent of recovery.
Clinically Relevant Levels of 4-Aminopyridine Strengthen Physiological Responses in Intact Motor Circuits in Rats, Especially After Pyramidal Tract Injury
Authors: Sindhurakar Anil , Mishra Asht M. , Gupta Disha , Iaci Jennifer F. , Parry Tom J. , Carmel Jason B.
Published: January 2017

Background. 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) is a Food and Drug Administration–approved drug to improve motor function in people with multiple sclerosis. Preliminary results suggest the drug may act on intact neural circuits and not just on demyelinated ones. Objective. To determine if 4-AP at clinically relevant levels alters the excitability of intact motor circuits. Methods. In anesthetized rats, electrodes were placed over motor cortex and the dorsal cervical spinal cord for electrical stimulation, and electromyogram electrodes were inserted into biceps muscle to measure responses. The motor responses to brain and spinal cord stimulation were measured before and for 5 hours after 4-AP administration both in uninjured rats and rats with a cut lesion of the pyramidal tract. Blood was collected at the same time as electrophysiology to determine drug plasma concentration with a goal of 20 to 100 ng/mL. Results. We first determined that a bolus infusion of 0.32 mg/kg 4-AP was optimal: it produced on average 61.5 ± 1.8 ng/mL over the 5 hours after infusion. This dose of 4-AP increased responses to spinal cord stimulation by 1.3-fold in uninjured rats and 3-fold in rats with pyramidal tract lesion. Responses to cortical stimulation also increased by 2-fold in uninjured rats and up to 4-fold in the injured. Conclusion. Clinically relevant levels of 4-AP strongly augment physiological responses in intact circuits, an effect that was more robust after partial injury, demonstrating its broad potential in treating central nervous system injuries.
A non-line-of-sight error mitigation method for location estimation
Authors: Chen Chien-Sheng
Published: January 2017

Because there are always non-line-of-sight effects in signal propagation, researchers have proposed various algorithms to mitigate the measured error caused by non-line-of-sight. Initially inspired by flocking birds, particle swarm optimization is an evolutionary computation tool for optimizing a problem by iteratively attempting to improve a candidate solution with respect to a given measure of quality. In this article, we propose a new location algorithm that uses time-of-arrival measurements to improve the mobile station location accuracy when three base stations are available. The proposed algorithm uses the intersections of three time-of-arrival circles based on the particle swarm optimization technique to give a location estimation of the mobile station in non-line-of-sight environments. An object function is used to establish the nonlinear relationship between the intersections of the three circles and the mobile station location. The particle swarm optimization finds the optimal solution of the object function and efficiently determines the mobile station location. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than the related algorithms in wireless positioning systems, even in severe non-line-of-sight propagation conditions.
Relay participated–new-type building energy management system: An energy-efficient routing scheme for wireless sensor network–based building energy management systems
Authors: Zhang Kewang , Wu Qizhao , Li Xin
Published: January 2017

With the development of wireless sensor networks, many building energy management systems are getting to adopt wireless sensor network as their communication infrastructure. However, the existing wireless sensor network protocols cannot satisfy the energy-saving demand of building energy management systems. Considering the characteristics of the building energy management system wireless sensor networks, a novel energy-efficient routing scheme is proposed called relay participated–new-type building energy management system. Nodes in the building energy management system wireless sensor networks are divided into two types: energy-limited nodes (battery powered) and energy-unlimited nodes (main powered, solar charger, or heat energy powered). Relay participated–new-type building energy management system allows energy-unlimited nodes to temporarily receive packets that are routed to a nearby energy-limited nodes. In this way, time synchronization for low-power sleep at media access control layer is no longer required, which reduces the delay and control overhead at media access control layer dramatically. Relay participated–new-type building energy management system reduces energy usage of energy-limited nodes and extend the lifetime of wireless sensor networks in new-type building energy management systems. Simulation results show that the relay participated–new-type building energy management system protocol significantly improves energy efficiency of limited energy nodes and reduces latency as compared to ad hoc on-demand distance vector–sensor medium access control and low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy.
Recognizing human activities from smartphone sensors using hierarchical continuous hidden Markov models
Authors: Ronao Charissa Ann , Cho Sung-Bae
Published: January 2017

Human activity recognition has been gaining more and more attention from researchers in recent years, particularly with the use of widespread and commercially available devices such as smartphones. However, most of the existing works focus on discriminative classifiers while neglecting the inherent time-series and continuous characteristics of sensor data. To address this, we propose a two-stage continuous hidden Markov model framework, which also takes advantage of the innate hierarchical structure of basic activities. This kind of system architecture not only enables the use of different feature subsets on different subclasses, which effectively reduces feature computation overhead, but also allows for varying number of states and iterations. Experiments show that the hierarchical structure dramatically increases classification performance. We analyze the behavior of the accelerometer and gyroscope signals for each activity through graphs, and with added fine tuning of states and training iterations, the proposed method is able to achieve an overall accuracy of up to 93.18%, which is the best performance among the state-of-the-art classifiers for the problem at hand.
Regular-hexagon-equilateral-triangle area grouping–based broadcast protocol for safety message in urban vehicular ad hoc networks
Authors: Wang Xiufeng , Qu Mingcheng , Cui Gang , Yan Moshe , Win Nwe Nwe Htay , Rehman Saif ur , Wang Chunmeng
Published: January 2017

Road-based directional broadcast protocols are proposed in the literatures to offset efficiency of message dissemination of traditional broadcast protocol in urban vehicular ad hoc networks. However, these protocols cannot provide enough reliability and efficiency for vehicles’ misclassification at intersection or on straight road. Therefore, we present regular-hexagon-equilateral-triangle area grouping–based broadcast protocol for urban vehicular ad hoc networks. The area covered by relay node is averagely divided using regular-hexagon-equilateral-triangle, and vehicles are grouped according to the area that they reside. The algorithm for constructing regular-hexagon-equilateral-triangle is proposed. We adopt same vehicles’ grouping method at intersection and on straight road, and no neighbor list is maintained to identify road intersection. We design waiting time formula to calculate time for node forwarding message. It is ruled that node with waiting time dropping to zero first is defined as the relay node, and this relay node transmits message. So there is only one relay node which forwards message in each group. It also rules in regular-hexagon-equilateral-triangle area grouping–based broadcast protocol that each relay node forwards the same message only once, therefore, it limits redundant message retransmission. Using the vehicles’ grouping method and selection strategy of relay node as mentioned above, the proposed protocol enables message to be transmitted in different directions along different roads at the same time. Simulation indicates that our protocol has a better performance
Virtual movement of relay nodes for two-tier wireless sensor networks in tunnels
Authors: Bao Yu , Zhao Liang , Hu Yuan , Tang Chaogang , Aijuan Zhang
Published: January 2017

In wireless sensor networks, node placement plays a significant role in terms of meeting design goals, such as cost effectiveness, connectivity, lifetime, and data latency. In tunnel environments, the energy consumption of sensor nodes and relay nodes is imbalanced because of the long and narrow shape of tunnels. In this article, to reduce the use of extra batteries and the number of forwarding times for a message, we propose a new approach to assist in the placement of relay nodes for two-tier wireless sensor networks in a tunnel environment. The approach proposed is based on the principle that working relay nodes can change approximately at the same time during network operation. It seems the relay nodes move to a new place when they are instead by dormant relay nodes. The approach provides a novel method that has been proved to find optimal places to deploy relay nodes in tunnel environment. Moreover, the approach balances the energy consumption of entire sensor nodes and prolongs the lifetime of entire networks significantly, which is shown in simulations.
A novel destination prediction attack and corresponding location privacy protection method in geo-social networks
Authors: Xue Di , Wu Li-Fa , Li Hua-Bo , Hong Zheng , Zhou Zhen-Ji
Published: January 2017

Location publication in check-in services of geo-social networks raises serious privacy concerns due to rich sources of background information. This article proposes a novel destination prediction approach Destination Prediction specially for the check-in service of geo-social networks, which not only addresses the “data sparsity problem” faced by common destination prediction approaches, but also takes advantages of the commonly available background information from geo-social networks and other public resources, such as social structure, road network, and speed limits. Further considering the Destination Prediction–based attack model, we present a location privacy protection method Check-in Deletion and framework Destination Prediction + Check-in Deletion to help check-in users detect potential location privacy leakage and retain confidential locational information against destination inference attacks without sacrificing the real-time check-in precision and user experience. A new data preprocessing method is designed to construct a reasonable complete check-in subset from the worldwide check-in data set of a real-world geo-social network without loss of generality and validity of the evaluation. Experimental results show the great prediction ability of Destination Prediction approach, the effective protection capability of Check-in Deletion method against destination inference attacks, and high running efficiency of the Destination Prediction + Check-in Deletion framework.