bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Metastatic Mouse Model Identifies Genes That Regulate Neuroblastoma Metastasis
Authors: Seong Bo Kyung A. , Fathers Kelly E. , Hallett Robin , Yung Christina K. , Stein Lincoln D. , Mouaaz Samar , Kee Lynn , Hawkins Cynthia E. , Irwin Meredith S. , Kaplan David R.
Published: November 2016

Metastatic relapse is the major cause of death in pediatric neuroblastoma, where there remains a lack of therapies to target this stage of disease. To understand the molecular mechanisms mediating neuroblastoma metastasis, we developed a mouse model using intracardiac injection and in vivo selection to isolate malignant cell subpopulations with a higher propensity for metastasis to bone and the central nervous system. Gene expression profiling revealed primary and metastatic cells as two distinct cell populations defined by differential expression of 412 genes and of multiple pathways, including CADM1, SPHK1, and YAP/TAZ, whose expression independently predicted survival. In the metastatic subpopulations, a gene signature was defined (MET-75) that predicted survival of neuroblastoma patients with metastatic disease. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated causal roles for CADM1, SPHK1, and YAP/TAZ in mediating metastatic phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. Notably, pharmacologic targeting of SPHK1 or YAP/TAZ was sufficient to inhibit neuroblastoma metastasis in vivo. Overall, we identify gene expression signatures and candidate therapeutics that could improve the treatment of metastatic neuroblastoma. Cancer Res; 77(3); 696–706. ©2017 AACR.
Limitation of Simultaneous Analysis of T-Cell Receptor and κ-Deleting Recombination Excision Circles Based on Multiplex Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction in Common Variable Immunodeficiency Patients
Authors: Atschekzei Faranaz , Ahmad Fareed , Witte Torsten , Jacobs Roland , Schmidt Reinhold E.
Published: November 2016

Aim of Study: We used a triplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to classify our common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients into distinct groups according to the amount of their T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and κ-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs). Materials and Methods: TREC and KREC analysis was performed using a multiplex real-time PCR assay. The T- and B-lymphocyte subsets were measured by flow cytometry. Results: The copy number of TRECs and KRECs was significantly reduced in CVID patients compared to healthy controls. The TREC copy number was inversely correlated with age in both healthy subjects and patients; however, the KREC copy number was inversely correlated with age only in CVID patients. Moreover, no association was seen between TREC/KREC copy number and clinical manifestations such as bronchiectasis, splenomegaly, granulomata, autoimmune cytopenias, organ-specific autoimmunity, enteropathy and lymphoid hyperplasia. Conclusion: TREC and KREC quantification might be a useful tool to differentiate between CVID and combined immunodeficiency, but considering the results of this study a classification of CVID patients in certain groups is hardly possible.
Calcitriol Reduces Eosinophil Necrosis Which Leads to the Diminished Release of Cytotoxic Granules
Authors: Ethier Caroline , Yu Yingqi , Cameron Lisa , Lacy Paige , Davoine Francis
Published: November 2016

Background: Asthma severity and eosinophilia correlate with a deficiency in vitamin D and its active metabolite calcitriol. Calcitriol modulates numerous leukocyte functions, but its effect on eosinophils is not fully understood. We postulated that calcitriol exerts a direct effect on eosinophil biology by modulating cell survival. Methods: Purified peripheral blood eosinophils from atopic donors were incubated in the presence of calcitriol for up to 14 days with or without IL-5. The effect of calcitriol on eosinophil viability was measured using the annexin-V/propidium iodide flow cytometry assay. We also examined the release of eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) in media using a flow cytometry assay with anti-EPX antibodies, and the enzymatic activity of EPX was measured by an OPD-based colorimetric assay. Results: We observed that calcitriol sustained cell viability in eosinophils with a concurrent reduction of necrotic cells. This effect was amplified by the addition of IL-5. In parallel, we observed that a physiological dose of calcitriol (10 nM) significantly reduced eosinophil necrosis and cytolytic release of EPX in media when coincubated with IL-5. Conclusion: These results suggest that calcitriol may exert a direct effect on eosinophils by reducing necrosis and the cytolytic release of inflammatory mediators like EPX.
The Efficacy of Sublingual Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis May Vary with the Time of Day
Authors: Igarashi Satoshi , Suzuki Keisuke , Nakamura Yuki , Ishimaru Kayoko , Fukano Chiharu , Masuyama Keisuke , Ohashi-Doi Katsuyo , Nakao Atsuhito
Published: November 2016

Background: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a safe and effective treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR). However, many issues regarding SLIT remain to be resolved, including the optimal timing of administration. This study investigated the effect of time of day on SLIT efficacy with the goal of optimizing the therapeutic outcome. Methods: We performed prophylactic SLIT at different times of day (10 a.m. or 10 p.m.) in 2 mouse models of AR: an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR model and Cry j 1-induced AR model, and compared the effects. Results: In the OVA-induced AR model, mice sublingually receiving OVA at 10 a.m. exhibited a greater decrease in total and OVA-specific IgE levels than mice treated at 10 p.m. In addition, mice treated at 10 a.m. exhibited reductions in OVA-specific IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 production by splenocytes relative to mice treated at 10 p.m. Furthermore, we observed a more efficient capture of sublingually administered OVA in submandibular lymph nodes at 10 a.m. than at 10 p.m. in mice. Similar results were observed in the Cry j 1-induced AR model using Japanese cedar pollen extract for SLIT. Conclusions: Given the allergen-specific antibody and T cell responses, we suggest that SLIT may be more effective in the resting phase than in the active phase (note that mice are nocturnal animals). Thus, we propose that a chronotherapeutic approach should be considered for SLIT to maximize its effectiveness.
Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity Calculated from Age and Mean Arterial Blood Pressure
Authors: Greve Sara V. , Laurent Stephan , Olsen Michael H.
Published: November 2016

In a recently published paper, Greve et al [J Hypertens 2016;34:1279-1289] investigate whether the estimated carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (ePWV), calculated using an equation derived from the relationship between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), age, and blood pressure, predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) as good as the measured cfPWV. Because ePWV predicts CVD as good as cfPWV, some might wonder whether ePWV could be replaced by cfPWV, which is a time-consuming measurement requiring an expensive apparatus. This question is addressed in this mini-review.
Identification of Shared and Unique Serum Lipid Profiles in Diabetes Mellitus and Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kjellqvist Sanela , Klose Christian , Surma Michal A. , Hindy George , Mollet Inês G. , Johansson Anna , Chavaux Patrick , Gottfries Johan , Simons Kai , Melander Olle , Fernandez Céline
Published: November 2016

Background

Diabetes mellitus (
DM
) and cardiovascular disease are associated with dyslipidemia, but the detailed lipid molecular pattern in both diseases remains unknown.

Methods and Results

We used shotgun mass spectrometry to determine serum levels of 255 molecular lipids in 316 controls, 171
DM
, and 99 myocardial infarction (
MI
) events from a cohort derived from the Malmö Diet and Cancer study. Orthogonal projections to latent structures analyses were conducted between the lipids and clinical parameters describing
DM
or
MI
. Fatty acid desaturases (
FADS
) and elongation of very long chain fatty acid protein 5 (
ELOVL
5) activities were estimated by calculating product to precursor ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids in complex lipids.
FADS
genotypes encoding these desaturases were then tested for association with lipid levels and ratios. Differences in the levels of lipids belonging to the phosphatidylcholine and triacylglyceride (
TAG
) classes contributed the most to separating
DM
from controls.
TAG
s also played a dominating role in discriminating
MI
from controls. Levels of C18:2 fatty acids in complex lipids were lower both in
DM
and
MI
versus controls (
DM
,
P
=0.004;
MI
,
P
=6.0E‐06) at least due to an acceleration in the metabolic flux from C18:2 to C20:4 (eg, increased estimated
ELOVL
5:
DM
,
P
=0.02;
MI
,
P
=0.04, and combined elongase‐desaturase activities:
DM
,
P
=3.0E‐06;
MI
,
P
=2.0E‐06). Minor allele carriers of
FADS
genotypes were associated with increased levels of C18:2 (
P
≤0.007) and lower desaturase activity (
P
≤0.002).

Conclusions

We demonstrate a possible relationship between decreased levels of C18:2 in complex lipids and
DM
or
MI
. We thereby highlight the importance of molecular lipids in the pathogenesis of both diseases.
Patent Foramen Ovale and Cryptogenic Strokes in the Stroke in Young Fabry Patients Study
Authors: Huber Roman , Grittner Ulrike , Weidemann Frank , Thijs Vincent , Tanislav Christian , Enzinger Christian , Fazekas Franz , Wolf Markus , Hennerici Michael G. , McCabe Dominick J.H. , Putaala Jukaa , Tatlisumak Turgut , Kessler Christoph , von Sarnowski Bettina , Martus Peter , Kolodny Edwin , Norrving Bo , Rolfs Arndt
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is disproportionately prevalent in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Without alternative explanations, it is frequently considered to be causative. A detailed stratification of these patients may improve the identification of incidental PFO.

Methods—

We investigated the PFO prevalence in 3497 transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke patients aged 18 to 55 years in the prospective multicenter SIFAP1 study (Stroke in Young Fabry Patients 1) using the ASCO classification. Patients without an obvious cause for transient ischemic attack/stroke (ASCO 0) were divided into subgroups with and without vascular risk factors (ASCO 0+ and 0−). In addition, we looked for PFO-related magnetic resonance imaging lesion patterns.

Results—

PFO was identified in 25% of patients. Twenty percent of patients with a definite or probable cause of transient ischemic attack/stroke (≥1 grade 1 or 2 ASCO criterion; n=1769) had a PFO compared with 29% of cryptogenic stroke patients (ASCO 0 and 3; n=1728;
P
<0,001); subdivision of cryptogenic strokes revealed a PFO in 24% of 978 ASCO 3 patients (n.s. versus ASCO 1 and 2) and a higher prevalence of 36% in 750 ASCO 0 cases (
P
<0.001 versus ASCO 3 and versus ASCO 1 and 2). PFO was more commonly observed in ASCO 0− (n=271) than in ASCO 0+ patients (n=479; 48 versus 29%;
P
<0.001). There was no PFO-associated magnetic resonance imaging lesion pattern.

Conclusions—

Cryptogenic stroke patients demonstrate a heterogeneous PFO prevalence. Even in case of less conclusive diseases like nonstenotic arteriosclerosis, patients should preferentially be considered to have a non-PFO-mediated stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00414583.
Monitoring Process Water Quality Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Partial Least Squares Regression with Prediction Uncertainty Estimation
Authors: Skou Peter B. , Berg Thilo A. , Aunsbjerg Stina D. , Thaysen Dorrit , Rasmussen Morten A. , van den Berg Frans
Published: November 2016

Reuse of process water in dairy ingredient production—and food processing in general—opens the possibility for sustainable water regimes. Membrane filtration processes are an attractive source of process water recovery since the technology is already utilized in the dairy industry and its use is expected to grow considerably. At Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI), permeate from a reverse osmosis polisher filtration unit is sought to be reused as process water, replacing the intake of potable water. However, as for all dairy and food producers, the process water quality must be monitored continuously to ensure food safety. In the present investigation we found urea to be the main organic compound, which potentially could represent a microbiological risk. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in combination with multivariate modeling has a long-standing reputation as a real-time measurement technology in quality assurance. Urea was quantified Using NIRS and partial least squares regression (PLS) in the concentration range 50–200 ppm (RMSEP = 12 ppm, R2 = 0.88) in laboratory settings with potential for on-line application. A drawback of using NIRS together with PLS is that uncertainty estimates are seldom reported but essential to establishing real-time risk assessment. In a multivariate regression setting, sample-specific prediction errors are needed, which complicates the uncertainty estimation. We give a straightforward strategy for implementing an already developed, but seldom used, method for estimating sample-specific prediction uncertainty. We also suggest an improvement. Comparing independent reference analyses with the sample-specific prediction error estimates showed that the method worked on industrial samples when the model was appropriate and unbiased, and was simple to implement.
A Community Arts-Based Parent Program
Authors: Richerson Julia , Pendleton Amber , Davis Deborah Winders
Published: November 2016

Early childhood is an important period for development. Parents play an important role in structuring children’s physical and psychosocial environments. Much remains unknown about the best methods for engaging parents in health promotion programs. It is critical that programs meet the needs of the families while encouraging the use of positive parenting strategies. The article describes how one pediatrician used the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Community Access to Child Health grant program to develop and implement The Arts of Parenting program with input from predominantly low-income families. A community mapping and needs assessment was conducted as well as stakeholder interviews and parent focus groups to determine the needs of the families with preschoolers. Family programs that are centered in play and the arts provide families with a supportive environment in which to engage their children and learn about their child’s socioemotional development, and build a network with neighborhood peers.
Investigation of the thermal properties of spacer fabrics with bio-ceramic additives using the finite element model and experiment
Authors: Barauskas Rimantas , Sankauskaite Audrone , Abraitiene Ausra
Published: November 2016

The heat resistance of fabric enhanced by bio-ceramic additives (BCAs) is investigated theoretically and experimentally in order to determine the influence of modification of the infrared (IR) absorption property of the fabric. The enhanced IR sensitivity of textiles improves the thermoregulatory processes when worn in cold environments. The finite element model has been developed by taking into account the coupled phenomena of heat conduction, surface convection and the interaction of the fabric with IR power flux by employing heat transfer differential equations and the Stefan–Boltzmann law. Evaluations of IR absorptivity, reflectivity and transmissivity, the temperature transients during the hot plate chamber test and heat retaining properties of the fabric heated by an IR lamp have been obtained experimentally and simulated by means of the developed finite element model. The values of model parameters have been found, which provided a satisfactory match between the computation and the experiment in all considered cases. Simultaneously, the obtained values were reasonably close to rough theoretical estimations. Efforts have been made to distinguish from each other the influence of diffusive and radiative components of heat transfer, which affect the results of thermal resistance tests. The comparative analysis of contributions of different heat exchange mechanisms allows a better understanding of the peculiarities of standard heat resistance measurement procedures applied to BCA-enhanced fabrics and facilitates the validation of the computational models.
Embeddedness and locational choices: A study of creative workers in a dance organisation
Authors: Montanari Fabrizio , Scapolan Annachiara , Mizzau Lorenzo
Published: November 2016

Locational choices of creative workers have been a matter of heated debate over the last decade. This study proposes a micro perspective aimed at disentangling how the individual decision-making process behind locational choices is activated and develops over time. To this aim, we combine previous geographic research on the issue with research on the role of organisational factors in workers’ attraction and retention. Empirically, we carried out an exploratory case study of dancers in a renowned contemporary ballet company based in Reggio Emilia, Italy. With this study, we highlight how matching professional quests and organisation-specific job opportunities activates locational choices, and we extend geographical approaches to embeddedness by considering the role of organisations as crucial mediating entities between the city context and creative workers.
Geographies of production III
Authors: Jones Andrew
Published: November 2016

Within economic geography there has been a growing body of work that straddles the disciplinary boundaries of management studies and international business (IB) scholarship. Whilst this growing cross-disciplinary proximity may be related to increasing numbers of economic geographers being located in business and management schools, this report argues that it also corresponds to a growing fruitful and productive cross-disciplinary interest from both management studies and international business. It contends that there is growing epistemological and theoretical common ground between both these disciplines and economic geography which reflects a shift towards spatial thinking being increasingly evident in the empirical and conceptual concerns of management and IB scholars. The report reviews two major elements to this intersection within the recent economic geographical literature – what might loosely be termed the ‘new management geography’ and a broad range of work that brings together the thinking of economic geographers and IB scholarship concerned within firm internationalization.
The Anatomic Centers of the Femoral and Tibial Insertions of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Systematic Review of Imaging and Cadaveric Studies Reporting Normal Center Locations
Authors: Parkar Anagha P. , Adriaensen Miraude E.A.P.M. , Vindfeld Søren , Solheim Eirik
Published: November 2016

Background:

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is regularly reconstructed if knee joint function is impaired. Anatomic graft tunnel placement, often assessed with varying measurement methods, in the femur and tibia is considered important for an optimal clinical outcome. A consensus on the exact location of the femoral and tibial footprint centers is lacking.

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature regarding anatomic centers of the femoral and tibial ACL footprints and assess the mean, median, and percentiles of normal centers.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed/Medline database in November 2015. Search terms were the following: “ACL” and “insertion anatomy” or “anatomic footprint” or “radiographic landmarks” or “quadrant methods” or “tunnel placement” or “cadaveric femoral” or “cadaveric tibial.” English-language articles that reported the location of the ACL footprint according to the Bernard and Hertel grid in the femur and the Stäubli and Rauschning method in the tibia were included. Weighted means, weighted medians, and weighted 5th and 95th percentiles were calculated.

Results:

The initial search yielded 1393 articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 studies with measurements on cadaveric specimens or a healthy population were reviewed. The weighted mean of the femoral insertion center based on measurements in 218 knees was 29% in the deep-shallow (DS) direction and 35% in the high-low (HL) direction. The weighted median was 26% for DS and 34% for HL. The weighted 5th and 95th percentiles for DS were 24% and 37%, respectively, and for HL were 28% and 43%, respectively. The weighted mean of the tibial insertion center in the anterior-posterior direction based on measurements in 300 knees was 42%, and the weighted median was 44%; the 5th and 95th percentiles were 39% and 46%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Our results show slight differences between the weighted means and medians in the femoral and tibial insertion centers. We recommend the use of the 5th and 95th percentiles when considering postoperative placement to be “in or out of the anatomic range.”
“Calm . . . Satisfied . . . Comforting”: The Experience and Meaning of Rabbit-Assisted Activities for Older Adults
Authors: Pitheckoff Natalie , McLaughlin Sara J. , de Medeiros Kate
Published: November 2016

Animal-assisted activity programs are commonly used in long-term care facilities to enhance the well-being of older residents. Although research suggests that older adults benefit from these programs, little is known about the experience from the perspective of older adults themselves. In this qualitative study, we used direct observation and in-depth interviews to gain an understanding of the experience of participating in a unique rabbit-assisted activity program delivered in a Midwestern residential facility. Several benefits were identified, with no negative experiences articulated by the participants. In addition to finding the rabbits soothing, the rabbits served as a source of social support for some participants and encouraged social interaction. Participants generally felt that rabbits are good animals to use for this type of activity, but expressed a desire for more frequent, longer, and more interactive visits. Facilities considering animal-assisted activities (AAA) programs should consider these factors when designing their programs.
Performance Against WELCOA’s Worksite Health Promotion Benchmarks Across Years Among Selected US Organizations
Authors: Weaver GracieLee M. , Mendenhall Brandon N. , Hunnicutt David , Picarella Ryan , Leffelman Brittanie , Perko Michael , Bibeau Daniel L.
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to quantify the performance of organizations’ worksite health promotion (WHP) activities against the benchmarking criteria included in the Well Workplace Checklist (WWC).

Design:

The Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) developed a tool to assess WHP with its 100-item WWC, which represents WELCOA’s 7 performance benchmarks.

Setting:

Workplaces.

Participants:

This study includes a convenience sample of organizations who completed the checklist from 2008 to 2015. The sample size was 4643 entries from US organizations.

Measures:

The WWC includes demographic questions, general questions about WHP programs, and scales to measure the performance against the WELCOA 7 benchmarks.

Analysis:

Descriptive analyses of WWC items were completed separately for each year of the study period.

Results:

The majority of the organizations represented each year were multisite, multishift, medium- to large-sized companies mostly in the services industry. Despite yearly changes in participating organizations, results across the WELCOA 7 benchmark scores were consistent year to year. Across all years, benchmarks that organizations performed the lowest were senior-level support, data collection, and programming; wellness teams and supportive environments were the highest scoring benchmarks.

Conclusion:

In an era marked with economic swings and health-care reform, it appears that organizations are staying consistent in their performance across these benchmarks. The WWC could be useful for organizations, practitioners, and researchers in assessing the quality of WHP programs.
The Relation of the Impostor Phenomenon to Future Intentions of Mathematics-Related School and Work
Authors: Blondeau Lauren A. , Awad Germine H.
Published: November 2016

Currently, the number of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs are expanding faster than the U.S. labor market; yet many individuals with STEM degrees choose to work in other fields. The present study uses social cognitive career theory as a framework for researching the impact of several variables on future expectations to continue in STEM. We measured math self-efficacy with the Patterns of Adaptive Learning Scales and impostorism from the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale. New measures of interest and future intentions were created. One hundred twenty-one undergraduates (47.1% women; median age = 21.00) enrolled in STEM majors completed an online survey. We hypothesized that math self-efficacy and interest would significantly predict future expectations and that impostorism would significantly add to this prediction. This theory was analyzed with a hierarchical multiple regression, and the hypothesis was supported by data from men. In the women’s model, only interest emerged as a significant predictor. Implications are discussed.
Response of Gaussian-modulated guided wave in aluminum: An analytical, numerical, and experimental study
Authors: Khan Sohaib Z , Khan Muhammad A , Tariq Muhammad , Khan Kamran A , Khan Tariq M , Ali Taha
Published: November 2016

The application of guided-wave ultrasonic testing in structural health monitoring has been widely accepted. Comprehensive experimental works have been performed in the past but their validation with possible analytical and numerical solutions still requires serious efforts. In this paper, behavior and detection of the Gaussian-modulated sinusoidal guided-wave pulse traveling in an aluminum plate are presented. An analytical solution is derived for sensing guided wave at a given distance from the actuator. This solution can predict the primary wave modes separately. Numerical analysis is also carried out in COMSOL® Multiphysics software. An experimental setup comprising piezoelectric transducers is used for the validation. Comparison of experimental results with those obtained from analytical and numerical solutions shows close agreement.
Determination of dynamic amplification factors for heavy haul railways
Authors: Zhao Xin , Yang Jizhong , An Boyang , Liu Chao , Cao Yabo , Wen Zefeng , Jin Xuesong
Published: November 2016

A new approach has been developed to determine the dynamic amplification factors of railways. This approach employs a traditional multi-body dynamic model of vehicle–track interaction and a 3D explicit finite element model of wheel–rail rolling contact to treat the low- and high-frequency dynamics, respectively. Excitations are considered by contact surface unevenness and more specifically, by the power spectrum density of track irregularity for the low-frequency analysis and by the critical wheel flat, weld, and rail corrugation for the high frequency. For the 40-tonne axle load heavy haul railway simulated in this work, it has been found that the optimum fastening stiffness should be 150–200 MN/m; the dynamic amplification factors of the wheel–rail contact, fastening, and ballast forces are 1.94, 2.0, and 1.67, respectively, if the fastening stiffness of 200 MN/m is applied. Finally, new dynamic amplification factor formulae that include key parameters such as the fastening stiffness, speed, and axle load are proposed for the heavy haul railway design.
Acting Out: Enabling Meaningful Participation Among People With Long-Term Mental Health Problems in a Music and Theater Workshop
Authors: Ørjasæter Kristin Berre , Ness Ottar
Published: November 2016

In this article, we explore what enables meaningful participation in a music and theater workshop from a first person’s perspective of people with mental health problems. The study uses a hermeneutical-phenomenological approach. Data were collected from qualitative in-depth interviews with 12 participants in a music and theater workshop located in a Norwegian mental health hospital. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Two overarching themes were identified: (a) room for dignity and (b) a creative arena. This study indicates that to enable participation for people with long-term mental health problems, it is important to facilitate activities that are flexible, person centered, and resource oriented, in which participants have the possibility to participate regardless of symptoms, functional ability, or whether they are hospitalized. In addition, having professionals who believe in creative growth and offer an illness-free zone that belongs to the participants in a hospital setting is of great importance.
Lisfranc Injuries in the Athlete
Authors: Lewis John S. , Anderson Robert B.
Published: November 2016

Lisfranc injuries to the tarsometatarsal complex of the midfoot have become increasingly recognized in the athletic population. Regardless of mechanism, any injury that results in instability in the midfoot requires operative stabilization to preserve function and enable return to sport. In this manuscript, the anatomy, etiology, prevalence, current treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes of patients who suffer Lisfranc injuries are reviewed, with a special focus on the unique characteristics surrounding such an injury in an athlete.

Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
The “Reckoning Point” as a Marker for Formal Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Mexican American Families
Authors: Evans Bronwynne C. , Coon David W.
Published: November 2016

Palliative and end-of-life care (PEOLC) in Mexican American (MA) caregiving families remains unexplored. Its onset was uncovered in our mixed methods, multisite, interdisciplinary, qualitative descriptive study of 116 caregivers, most of whom had provided long-term informal home care for chronically ill, disabled older family members. This subanalysis used Life Course Perspective to examine the “point of reckoning” in these families, where an older person is taken in for care, or care escalates until one recognizes oneself as the primary caregiver. Ninety-three of 116 caregivers recognized and spontaneously reported a “reckoning point” that initiated the caregiving trajectory, while eight cited “gradual decline” into caregiving for elders in their homes. This “reckoning point,” which marks the assumption of this role, may afford a fertile opportunity for referral to community resources or initiation of formal PEOLC, thereby improving the quality of life for these older individuals and their families.
Figurative language comprehension in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analytic review
Authors: Kalandadze Tamar , Norbury Courtenay , Nærland Terje , Næss Kari-Anne B
Published: November 2016

We present a meta-analysis of studies that compare figurative language comprehension in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and in typically developing controls who were matched based on chronological age or/and language ability. A total of 41 studies and 45 independent effect sizes were included based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Group matching strategy, age, types of figurative language, and cross-linguistic differences were examined as predictors that might explain heterogeneity in effect sizes. Overall, individuals with autism spectrum disorder showed poorer comprehension of figurative language than their typically developing peers (Hedges’ g = –0.57). A meta-regression analysis showed that group matching strategy and types of figurative language were significantly related to differences in effect sizes, whereas chronological age and cross-linguistic differences were not. Differences between the autism spectrum disorder and typically developing groups were small and nonsignificant when the groups were matched based on the language ability. Metaphors were more difficult to comprehend for individuals with autism spectrum disorder compared with typically developing controls than were irony and sarcasm. Our findings highlight the critical role of core language skills in figurative language comprehension. Interventions and educational programmes designed to improve social communication skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorder may beneficially target core language skills in addition to social skills.
The influence of presentation modality on the social comprehension of naturalistic scenes in adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Gedek Haley M , Pantelis Peter C , Kennedy Daniel P
Published: November 2016

The comprehension of dynamically unfolding social situations is made possible by the seamless integration of multimodal information merged with rich intuitions about the thoughts and behaviors of others. We examined how high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical controls made a complex social judgment (i.e. rating the social awkwardness of scenes from a television sitcom) across three conditions that manipulated presentation modality—visual alone, transcribed text alone, or visual and auditory together. The autism spectrum disorder and control groups collectively assigned similar mean awkwardness ratings to individual scenes. However, individual participants with autism spectrum disorder tended to respond more idiosyncratically than controls, assigning ratings that were less correlated with the ratings of the other participants in the sample. We found no evidence that this group difference was isolated to any specific presentation modality. In a comparison condition, we found no group differences when participants instead rated the happiness of characters (a more basic social judgment) in full audiovisual format. Thus, although we observed differences in the manner with which high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder make social judgments compared to controls, these group differences may be dependent on the social dimension being judged, rather than the specific modality of presentation.
Parental sleep quality and behavior problems of children with autism
Authors: Mihaila Iulia , Hartley Sigan L
Published: November 2016

This study explored the impact of parental sleep quality on the experience of behavior problems by children with autism spectrum disorder. A 14-day daily diary was used in a sample of 176 mother–father couples. Dyadic multilevel models were conducted to examine the between-person and within-person effects of previous-night sleep quality on parents’ rating of level of behavior problems by the child with autism spectrum disorder and level of positive and negative affect. Results indicated that persistently poor sleep quality was associated with between-person differences in initial rating of level of behavior problems by the child with autism spectrum disorder for mothers. At a within-person level, previous-night sleep quality moderated the association between rating of level of behavior problems by the child with autism spectrum disorder and level of positive and negative affect in fathers. Child-related stressors exerted less influence on fathers’ affect following a day with poor sleep quality. Interventions aimed at enhancing sleep quality in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder may have important effects on parental psychological well-being.
Nonlinear vibration prediction of cylindrical roller bearing rotor system modeling for localized defect at inner race with finite element approach
Authors: Patel Utkarshkumar A , Naik Bhoomi S
Published: November 2016

In this paper, an analytical model is proposed to study the behavior of defective bearing and rotor system. An overhung rotor system and defective roller bearing are considered for the study. Rotor is considered with unbalanced mass and bearing is taken as the cylindrical roller bearing having localized surface defect. To analyze all the system components’ effect at one node, finite element method is used to predict exact system vibrations. Euler–Bernoulli’s beam element is used to discretize the shaft. Gyroscopic effect of overhung rotor is also taken into account and governing equations of motion have been modified according to our system. Hertz contact stress theory is used for every roller–race contact to calculate the overall nonlinear bearing force. Governing differential equation is solved by Newmark-β time integration method. Nonlinear matrix equation, which is generated at each time-step in Newmark’s method, is solved by Broyden’s method. Results for defective bearing are obtained and plotted in the time and frequency domain. Poincare map has been plotted to view the system’s minimum stability time. An experiment has been carried out to validate the proposed analysis work. In this paper, it has been shown how rotor dynamic analysis can be achieved numerically with minimum calculations.
Smart materials: Properties, design and mechatronic applications
Authors: Spaggiari A , Castagnetti D , Golinelli N , Dragoni E , Scirè Mammano G
Published: November 2016

This paper describes the properties and the engineering applications of the smart materials, especially in the mechatronics field. Even though there are several smart materials which all are very interesting from the research perspective, we decide to focus the work on just three of them. The adopted criterion privileges the most promising technologies in terms of commercial applications available on the market, namely: magnetorheological fluids, shape memory alloys and piezoelectric materials. Many semi-active devices such as dampers or brakes or clutches, based on magnetorheological fluids are commercially available; in addition, we can trace several applications of piezo actuators and shape memory-based devices, especially in the field of micro actuations. The work describes the physics behind these three materials and it gives some basic equations to dimension a system based on one of these technologies. The work helps the designer in a first feasibility study for the applications of one of these smart materials inside an industrial context. Moreover, the paper shows a complete survey of the applications of magnetorheological fluids, piezoelectric devices and shape memory alloys that have hit the market, considering industrial, biomedical, civil and automotive field.
Illuminating a Risk for Breast Cancer: A Preliminary Ecological Study on the Association Between Streetlight and Breast Cancer
Authors: Keshet-Sitton Atalya , Or-Chen Keren , Huber Eran , Haim Abraham
Published: November 2016

Artificial light at night (ALAN) for elongating photophase is a new source of pollution. We examined the association between measured ALAN levels and breast cancer (BC) standard morbidity ratio (SMR) at a statistical area (SA) level in an urban environment. Sample size consisted of 266 new BC cases ages 35-74. Light measurements (lux) were performed in 11 SAs. A new calculated variable of morbidity per SA size (SMR35-74/km2) was correlated with the light variables per road length, using Pearson correlations (P < .05, 1-tailed). Looking for a light threshold, we correlated percentage of light points above SA light intensity median with SMR35-74/km2. SMR35-74/km2 was significantly and positively strongly correlated with mean, median, and standard-deviation (SD) light intensity per road length (r = .79, P < .01, R2 = .63; r = .77, P < .01, R2 = .59; and r = .79, P < .01, R2 = .63). Light threshold results demonstrate a marginally significant positive moderate correlation between percentage of points above 16.3 lux and SMR35-74/km2 (r = .48, P < .07; R2 = .23). In situ results support the hypothesis that outdoor ALAN illumination is associated with a higher BC-SMR in a specific area and age group. Moreover, we suggest an outdoor light threshold of approximately 16 lux as the minimal intensity to affect melatonin levels and BC morbidity. To the best of our knowledge, our attempt is the first to use this method and show such association between streetlight intensity and BC morbidity and therefore should be further developed.
Cognitive Training in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Walton Courtney C. , Naismith Sharon L. , Lampit Amit , Mowszowski Loren , Lewis Simon J. G.
Published: November 2016

Cognitive impairment is now widely accepted as a fundamental aspect of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Given the prevalence of cognitive impairment and the associated impact on well-being, evidence-based interventions are needed. However, while research is continually accumulating in order to better understand the pathology and trajectory of cognitive changes, treatment options lag behind. Nonpharmacological approaches are of particular interest in this group, given the typical polypharmacy already present in PD patients. In this regard, cognitive training (CT) is a relatively new and prominent therapeutic option with accumulating scientific support and increasing public awareness. Research has now established benefits across many different populations, and trials investigating the use of CT specifically in PD are becoming more common. We offer a brief summary of CT and its efficacy in PD samples to date, as well as discuss areas requiring further exploration in this group. Crucially, we suggest that CT should be supported as a research priority in PD, given both proven and potential benefits as a noninvasive and well-tolerated behavioral intervention for cognitive impairment.
Cyber-physical-social-thinking modeling and computing for geological information service system
Authors: Zhu Yueqin , Tan Yongjie , Li Ruixin , Luo Xiong
Published: November 2016

The serious geological hazards occurred frequently in the last few years. They have inflicted heavy casualties and property losses. Hence, it is necessary to design a geological information service system to analyze and evaluate geological hazards. With the development of computer and Internet service model, it is now possible to obtain rich data and process the data with some advanced computing techniques under network environment. Then, some technologies, including cyber-physical system, Internet of Things, and cloud computing, have been used in geological information management. Furthermore, the concept of cyber-physical-social-thinking as a broader vision of the Internet of Things was presented through the fusion of those advanced computing technologies. Motivated by it, in this article, a novel modeling and computing method for geological information service system is developed in consideration of the complex data processing requirement of geological service under dynamic environment. Specifically, some key techniques of modeling the information service system and computing geological data via cyber-physical system and Internet of Things are analyzed. Moreover, to show the efficiency of proposed method, two application cases are provided during the cyber-physical-social-thinking modeling and computing for geological information service system.
Modeling and performance analysis for a receiver-initiated MAC protocol in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Yi Joonhwan , Lee Hyungkeun
Published: November 2016

Energy efficiency is a very important requirement in designing a MAC protocol for wireless sensor networks using battery-operated sensor nodes. We proposed a new energy-efficient MAC protocol, RIX-MAC, based on asynchronous duty cycling and receiver-initiated scheme. In this article, we analyze the performance such as throughput, delay, and energy consumption of RIX-MAC with modeling and simulation. For mathematical analysis, we first use the Markov chain model and determine the transmission and state probabilities and set the equations to solve throughput and delay. We also calculate the energy consumption by separating a cycle period into TX and RX durations. Our analysis results are validated by comparing with the simulation results obtained by NS-2.
Variation in the Rate of Surgery for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb
Authors: Stoop Nicky , Teunis Teun , Ring David , Eberlin Kyle R.
Published: November 2016

Background: The indications for repair of rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of the thumb are debated. We studied factors predictive of operative treatment. Methods: In this retrospective study, we queried the research database from 3 affiliated urban hospitals in a single city in the United States and identified 383 patients with a thumb MP UCL injury. We recorded age, sex, treating surgeon, and whether or not a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was ordered. If radiographs showed a concomitant avulsion fracture, we measured fragment size and displacement. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with surgery. Results: Surgery was independently associated with older patient age, widely displaced fractures (≥2 mm), and obtaining an MRI. Two specific surgeons were less likely to operate. Compared with patients without a fracture, fractures without displacement were less likely to have surgery. Conclusions:The rate of surgery for acute thumb MP UCL injury varies based on patient characteristics and the individual treating surgeon. Variation might decrease with improved diagnostic techniques and consideration of practice guidelines. Future studies are needed to determine the patients and injuries that will benefit most from surgery.
Performance-Enhancing Drug Use in Adolescence
Authors: White Nicole D. , Noeun James
Published: November 2016

Despite inconclusive efficacy data and concerning safety data, the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in the adolescent population is on the rise. Anabolic-androgenic steroids, growth hormones, stimulants, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are among the most widely known and studied prescription PEDs in the adolescent population. The purpose of this article is to describe the proposed mechanism of action, efficacy and adverse effects of these agents as well as discuss prevention measures and treatment considerations for those patients at risk for, considering, or currently using PEDs.