bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A recommendation for timing of repeat Chlamydia trachomatis test following infection and treatment in pregnant and nonpregnant women
Authors: Lazenby Gweneth B , Korte Jeffrey E , Tillman Sarah , Brown Florence K , Soper David E
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study was to describe the time required to obtain a negative chlamydia test in pregnant and nonpregnant women following treatment to inform test-of-cure collection and recommend an abstinence period to avoid reinfection. Seventy-two women with Chlamydia trachomatis infection, 36 pregnant and 36 nonpregnant, were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Women were excluded less than 18 years of age, if they had been treated for chlamydia, reported an allergy to macrolide antibiotics, or if they had Myasthenia Gravis. Women were treated for chlamydia with single-dose therapy and submitted weekly vaginal chlamydia nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). Once NAAT were negative, the participants completed the study. Forty-seven women completed the study per protocol. The primary outcome was to determine the time to a negative chlamydia NAAT following treatment, with secondary outcomes of determining the appropriate time to collect a test-of-cure following chlamydia treatment and to recommend an appropriate abstinence period following treatment to avoid reinfection. Results showed that the time to a negative chlamydia NAAT was significantly different between groups (log-rank p = 0.0013). The median number of days to obtain a negative chlamydia NAAT was 8 days (IQR 7–14) in pregnant and 7 days (IQR 6–10) in nonpregnant women (WRST p = 0.04). All participants had a negative chlamydia NAAT by day 29 post-treatment. Following single-dose treatment for chlamydia, both pregnant and nonpregnant women should test negative with NAAT by 30 days post-treatment. Clinicians should collect a test-of-cure in pregnant women no earlier than 1 month. To avoid reinfection, women should avoid condomless intercourse for at least 1 month.
When Far Becomes Near
Authors: Cavallo Andrea , Ansuini Caterina , Capozzi Francesca , Tversky Barbara , Becchio Cristina
Published: November 2016

On many occasions, people spontaneously or deliberately take the perspective of a person facing them rather than their own perspective. How is this done? Using a spatial perspective task in which participants were asked to identify objects at specific locations, we found that self-perspective judgments were faster for objects presented to the right, rather than the left, and for objects presented closer to the participants’ own bodies. Strikingly, taking the opposing perspective of another person led to a reversal (i.e., remapping) of these effects, with reference to the other person’s position (Experiment 1). A remapping of spatial relations was also observed when an empty chair replaced the other person (Experiment 2), but not when access to the other viewpoint was blocked (Experiment 3). Thus, when the spatial scene allows a physically feasible but opposing point of view, people respond as if their own bodies were in that place. Imagination can thus overcome perception.
Aeroservoelastic simulations for horizontal axis wind turbines
Authors: Prasad CS , Chen Q-Z , Bruls O , D’Ambrosio F , Dimitriadis G
Published: November 2016

This paper describes the development of a complete methodology for the aeroservoelastic modelling of horizontal axis wind turbines at the conceptual design stage. The methodology is based on the implementation of unsteady aerodynamic modelling, advanced description of the control system and nonlinear finite element calculations in the Samcef Wind Turbines design package. The aerodynamic modelling is carried out by means of fast techniques, such as the blade element method and the unsteady vortex lattice method, including a free wake model. The complete model also includes a description of a doubly fed induction generator and its control system for variable speed operation. The Samcef Wind Turbines software features a nonlinear finite element solver with multi-body dynamics capability. The full methodology is used to perform complete aeroservoelastic simulations of a realistic 2 MW wind turbine model. The interaction between the three components of the approach is carefully analysed and presented here.
Repeated self-harm in young people: a review
Authors: Robinson Jo
Published: November 2016

Objectives:

This paper provides a review of the rates of self-harm and repeated self-harm among young people. It describes some of the risk factors associated with these behaviours and summarises some of the barriers to delivering optimal treatment.

Conclusions:

The review concludes that there is an urgent need for the delivery of respectful and evidence-based practice to all young people who present with self-harm. In addition, improved monitoring of self-harm presentations to hospitals across Australia is required in order that robust data are collected and the impact of practice change can be reliably assessed.
Using Practice-Based Evidence to Improve Supportive Care Practices to Reduce Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections in a Pediatric Oncology Unit
Authors: Linder Lauri A. , Gerdy Cheryl , Abouzelof Rouett , Wilson Andrew
Published: November 2016

Children with cancer are a subset of patients with central lines with distinct risk factors for infection including periods of prolonged neutropenia and compromised mucous membrane integrity. This article relates the implementation of principles of practice-based evidence to identify interventions in addition to best practice maintenance care bundles to reduce central line–associated bloodstream infections involving viridans group streptococci and coagulase-negative staphylococci on an inpatient pediatric oncology unit. Review of individual events combined with review of current clinical practice guided the development of structured protocols emphasizing routine oral care and general supportive cares. Key principles of the protocols emphasized a 1-2-3 mnemonic and included daily bathing, twice daily oral care, and out-of-bed activity 3 times daily. Poisson regression identified a significant main effect for time period for central line–associated bloodstream infection rates involving both viridans group streptococci and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Significant differences were present between the preintervention baseline and implementation of the supportive care protocols. Project outcomes demonstrate the added value of using principles of practice-based evidence to guide the development of interventions to improve clinical care when evidence-based sources are limited.
Culturally Adapted Substance Use Interventions for Latino Adolescents
Authors: Hernandez Robles Eden , Maynard Brandy R. , Salas-Wright Christopher P. , Todic Jelena
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To examine the characteristics and effects of culturally adapted substance use interventions with Latino adolescents on substance use outcomes.

Methods:

Systematic review and meta-analytic methods were used to synthesize effects across studies on substance use outcomes at posttest and follow-up time points.

Results:

Ten studies comprising 12,546 Latino adolescents met eligibility criteria. Meta-analytic results suggest positive, yet small effects on substance use outcomes at posttest and slightly larger effects at follow-up. A moderate amount of heterogeneity was observed; however, no variables tested explained the variance. The risk of bias assessment revealed that most studies were at high risk for performance and selection bias.

Conclusions:

Culturally adapted substance use interventions with Latino adolescents may be slightly more effective than other active interventions. We also uncovered important gaps and deficiencies in this body of research, including the need to examine potential secondary benefits of culturally adapted interventions.
Impacts of Experiential Learning Depth and Breadth on Student Outcomes
Authors: Coker Jeffrey Scott , Heiser Evan , Taylor Laura , Book Connie
Published: November 2016

This 5-year study of graduating seniors at Elon University ( n = 2,058) evaluates the impacts of experiential learning depth (amount of time commitment) and breadth (number of different types of experiences) on student outcomes. Data on study abroad, undergraduate research, internships, service, and leadership experiences were pulled from cocurricular transcripts and paired with responses to the National Survey of Student Engagement. Both depth and breadth were associated with acquiring a broad general education, writing clearly and effectively, contributing to the welfare of communities, relationships with faculty and administration, and desire to attend the same institution. Depth (but not breadth) was associated with higher order thinking (synthesis and application) in the senior year, as well as overall educational experience. Breadth (but not depth) was associated with working effectively with others and better relationships with other students. Overall, key learning outcomes desired for a college student are driven by both experiential learning depth and breadth.
Patient and Caregiver Interplay in Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: Family Caregiver’s Experience
Authors: Song Jun-Ah , Park Myonghwa , Park Jaewon , Cheon Hong Jin , Lee Mihyun
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study was to identify family caregivers’ experiences in managing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) with particular focus on their interpersonal interactions with patient with dementia. Data were collected through focus-group interviews with 15 family caregivers from three local dementia-support centers located in Seoul. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Three main themes were identified through data analysis: triggers of BPSD, family caregiver’s actions in response to BPSD and patient’s reactions, and the effect of BPSD on family caregivers. Findings demonstrated that BPSD depended on the complex interplay of family caregivers and patients, including their interaction style. This information could help nurses when counseling and educating family caregivers to improve or modify their attitudes and approaches to behavioral symptoms of patients.
Investigation of damage initiation in high-strength dual-phase steels using cohesive zone model
Authors: Sirinakorn T , Uthaisangsuk V
Published: November 2016

Dual-phase steels have been increasingly used for several vehicle structural parts due to their great combination of high strength and good formability. However, for an effective forming process of such steel sheets, their complex failure mechanism on the microscale plays an important role. In this work, damage initiation occurrences in two dual-phase steel grades were examined by a micromechanics-based final element modeling approach. Two-dimensional representative volume element models were applied to take into account amount, morphologies, and distributions of each constituent phase. Uniaxial tensile tests and fractography of the examined steels were carried out in order to characterize crack formation in the microstructure. According to a dislocation-based theory and local alloys partitioning, stress–strain curves were defined for the individual phases and interphases, where geometrically necessary dislocations were present due to austenite–martensite transformation. Cohesive zone model with extended finite element method and two-dimensional damage locus were applied in the representative volume elements for describing crack initiation induced by martensite cracking and ductile fracture of ferrite, respectively. Parameters of the damage models were identified by means of correlation between experimental and final element simulation results. The states of damage initiation of both dual-phase steels were predicted. Local stress, strain, and damage distributions in the dual-phase microstructures were determined and discussed.
An approach for emotions and behavior modeling in a crowd in the presence of rare events
Authors: Saifi Lynda , Boubetra Abdelhak , Nouioua Farid
Published: November 2016

A common phenomenon in everyday life is that, when a strange event occurs or is announced, a regular crowd can completely change, showing different intense emotions and sometimes uncontrollable and violent emerging behavior. These emotions and behaviors that disturb the organization of a crowd are of concern in our study, and we attempt to predict these suspicious circumstances and provide help in making the right decisions at the right time. Furthermore, most of the models that address crowd disasters belong to the physical or the cognitive approaches. They study pedestrian flow and collision avoidance, etc., and they use walking speed and angle of vision. However, in this work, based on a behavioral rules approach, we aim to model emergent emotion, behavior and influence in a crowd, taking into account particularly the personality of members of the crowd. For this purpose, we have combined the OCEAN (Openness, Consciousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) personality model with the OCC (Ortony, Clore, and Collins) emotional model to indicate the susceptibility of each of the five personality factors to feeling every emotion. Then we proposed an approach that uses first fuzzy logic for the emotional modeling of critical emotions of members of the crowd at the announcement or the presence of unusual events, in order to quantify emotions. Then, we model the behavior and the tendency towards actions using probability theory. Finally, the influence among the members of the crowd is modeled using the neighborhood principle and cellular automata.
Matching concepts and phenomena: A review of Biological Autonomy
Authors: Keijzer Fred
Published: November 2016

This paper discusses Moreno and Mossio’s book Biological autonomy: A philosophical and theoretical enquiry. The book provides an up-to-date overview of the authors’ work within the organizational approach to mind and life, which is linked to the work of Maturana and Varela but which is here developed in new ways and with a strong focus on the autonomy of living systems. After an overview of the book, the paper focuses on the choice of the guiding concepts for this enterprise – autonomy, agency, organism and cognition – and discusses whether these notions are still up to the task of formulating the key issues to be targeted by the organizational approach.
Density and Proximity of Licensed Tobacco Retailers and Adolescent Smoking
Authors: Gwon Seok Hyun , DeGuzman Pamela B. , Kulbok Pamela A. , Jeong Suyong
Published: November 2016

Adolescent smoking prevention is an important issue in health care. This literature review describes the theoretical concept of ecological model for adolescent smoking and tobacco retailers and summarizes previous studies on the association between the density and proximity of tobacco retailers and adolescent smoking. We reviewed nine studies on tobacco retailer density and proximity in relation to adolescent smoking, published in peer-reviewed journals between 2004 and 2014. The tobacco retailer density and proximity were correlated with adolescent lifetime smoking, past 12-month smoking, past 30-day smoking, and susceptibility to smoking. School nurses or other school health professionals may need to include the density and proximity of tobacco retailer factors around schools in school-based tobacco-use prevention programs. Health policy makers may need to consider zoning or licensing restrictions of tobacco retailers around schools for adolescent smoking prevention.
American Party Women
Authors: Barnes Tiffany D. , Cassese Erin C.
Published: November 2016

Research on the gender gap in American politics has focused on average differences between male and female voters. This has led to an underdeveloped understanding of sources of heterogeneity among women and, in particular, a poor understanding of the political preferences of Republican women. We argue that although theories of ideological sorting suggest gender gaps should exist primarily between political parties, gender socialization theories contend that critical differences lie at the intersection of gender and party such that gender differences likely persist within political parties. Using survey data from the 2012 American National Election Study, we evaluate how party and gender intersect to shape policy attitudes. We find that gender differences in policy attitudes are more pronounced in the Republican Party than in the Democratic Party, with Republican women reporting significantly more moderate views than their male counterparts. Mediation analysis reveals that the gender gaps within the Republican Party are largely attributable to gender differences in beliefs about the appropriate scope of government and attitudes toward gender-based inequality. These results afford new insight into the joint influence of gender and partisanship on policy preferences and raise important questions about the quality of representation Republican women receive from their own party.
Identification of non-proportional viscous damping matrix of beams by finite element model updating
Authors: Mondal Subhajit , Chakraborty Sushanta
Published: November 2016

A methodology has been proposed to estimate non-proportional viscous damping matrix of beams from measured complex eigendata using finite element model updating technique. Representation of damping through a proportional damping matrix ignoring the complexity of eigenvectors may not be appropriate when external damping devices are employed. The current literature of determination of non-proportional damping matrix demands measurement of a large number of complex modes which is extremely difficult in practice. A gradient based finite element model updating algorithm implementing inverse eigensensitivity method has been presented through a series of numerically simulated cantilever beams. The method can accurately predict the non-proportional damping matrix even if the measured eigenvectors are polluted with random noise. The novelty of the current method is that it can sustain a high level of modal and coordinate sparsity in measurement. The method assumes prior determination or updating of the mass and stiffness matrices.
Framework for virtual hybrid simulation of TADAS frames using opensees and abaqus
Authors: Ghaffary Azin , Karami Mohammadi Reza
Published: November 2016

Virtual hybrid simulation is a computationally-efficient method that enables coupling of two or more finite element analysis programs. In this study, benefits of this technique in predicting both cyclic and seismic response of a one-story one-bay frame equipped with a Triangular-plate Added Damping and Stiffness (TADAS) damper are evaluated. For this purpose, a detailed FE model of the damper is built in Abaqus to take into account precise modelling of its hysteretic behavior as well as a number of important features related to the geometric characteristics of the including parts of the device, while the remainder of the structure is modelled in OpenSees. Continuous exchange of the data between the coupled codes is conducted through the software framework, OpenFresco. Comparison of the results with experimental outcomes is presented, which proves the ability of the introduced technique in modelling the behavior of such structures in an efficient manner while preserving sufficient accuracy. At the end, a series of dynamic virtual hybrid simulations of the frame are performed which provide useful insights into design of TADAS frames.
Absorbing boundary layer control for linear one-dimensional wave propagation problems
Authors: Ritzberger Daniel , Schirrer Alexander , Jakubek Stefan
Published: November 2016

In this work, a boundary layer control scheme for one-dimensional wave propagation problems is presented that provides reflection-less absorption of incident waves in numerical simulations. The desired absorption properties are formulated as an optimization problem. By using the dispersion relation to predict the unbounded wave propagation as a reference trajectory, a constant-gain state-feedback boundary layer controller is found. Since no additional auxiliary variables are introduced, this approach is highly computationally efficient, making it suitable for simulations under real-time requirements. The performance of the boundary layer controller is first evaluated and demonstrated on the scalar wave equation (vibrating string), for which reference absorbing boundary conditions are well established. Afterward, the moving Euler–Bernoulli beam under axial tension is considered, for which a good absorbing performance is achieved.
Comparing Help-Seeking Behavior of Male and Female Survivors of Sexual Assault: A Content Analysis of a Hotline
Authors: Young Stephen M. , Pruett Jana A. , Colvin Marianna L.
Published: November 2016

This content analysis examines written documentation of telephone calls to a regional sexual assault hotline over a 5-year period. All male callers identified as primary victims were selected for analysis ( n = 58) and a corresponding sample of female primary victims ( n = 58) were randomly selected for comparison to better understand the help-seeking behavior of sexual assault survivors and inform services accordingly. A summative content analysis revealed significant contrasting themes between male and female victims, including females significantly receiving more referrals and males accessing the hotline to tell their experience of being sexually assaulted due to perceived limited support. Implications for training, practice, and future research are discussed.
Dyskinesia in Treatment-Naive and Stimulant-Treated Children With ADHD
Authors: Keresztény Ágnes , Ferenczi-Dallos Gyöngyvér , Velő Szabina , Gádoros Júlia , Balázs Judit
Published: November 2016

Objective: Stimulants are safe and effective medications for the treatment of ADHD. There are a number of case studies that report stimulant-induced dyskinesia. The aim of this study was to compare dyskinesia in a treated and a treatment-naive group of children with ADHD, and a healthy control group. Method: Children aged 6 to 18 years were involved in the study ( n = 158). Diagnosis of ADHD was measured with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Kid (MINI Kid). Dyskinesia was assessed with the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). Results: Before methylphenidate administration, the treated ADHD group showed significantly higher AIMS total score than the control group ( p = .001) and the treatment-naive ADHD group ( p < .001). We found the same pattern 1.5 hr after methylphenidate administration. Conclusion: These results call attention that clinicians should take special care for the possible development of dyskinesia during the treatment of their ADHD patients with methylphenidate.
Association Between Auditory and Visual Continuous Performance Tests in Students With ADHD
Authors: Schmidt Sergio Luís , Simões Eunice do Nascimento , Novais Carvalho Ana Lúcia
Published: November 2016

Objective: Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) are known to measure inattention and impulsivity in students with ADHD. Many CPTs utilize a visual format. It is accepted that auditory tasks reflect attentional demand more closely in the classroom. Thus, the association between deficits found by auditory and visual CPTs needs to be studied. We hypothesized that impulsivity would be dependent on sensory modality and inattention would be a unitary cross-modal construct. Method: Forty-four students with ADHD performed two CPTs (visual and auditory). We analyzed correlations between the variables examined by the two tasks. Results: There were strong correlations between variables measuring inattention. Correlations between auditory and visual measures of impulsivity were weak. Conclusion: Inattention is partially independent of modality. In contrast, response inhibition is modality-specific. Although ADHD is defined regardless of modality, hyperactive students may exhibit deficits in the auditory modality but not in the visual modality or vice versa.
Structuring Process Evaluation to Forecast Use and Sustainability of an Intervention: Theory and Data From the Efficacy Trial for Lunch Is in the Bag
Authors: Roberts-Gray Cindy , Sweitzer Sara J. , Ranjit Nalini , Potratz Christa , Rood Magdalena , Romo-Palafox Maria Jose , Byrd-Williams Courtney E. , Briley Margaret E. , Hoelscher Deanna M.
Published: November 2016

Background. A cluster-randomized trial at 30 early care and education centers (Intervention = 15, waitlist Control = 15) showed the Lunch Is in the Bag intervention increased parents’ packing of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in their preschool children’s bag lunches (parent–child dyads = 351 Intervention, 282 Control). Purpose. To examine the utility of structuring the trial’s process evaluation to forecast use, sustainability, and readiness of the intervention for wider dissemination and implementation. Method. Pretrial, the research team simulated user experience to forecast use of the intervention. Multiattribute evaluation of user experience measured during the trial assessed use and sustainability of the intervention. Thematic analysis of posttrial interviews with users evaluated sustained use and readiness for wider dissemination. Results. Moderate use was forecast by the research team. Multiattribute evaluation of activity logs, surveys, and observations during the trial indicated use consistent with the forecast except that prevalence of parents reading the newsletters was greater (83% vs. 50%) and hearing their children talk about the classroom was less (4% vs. 50%) than forecast. Early care and education center-level likelihood of sustained use was projected to be near zero. Posttrial interviews indicated use was sustained at zero centers. Discussion. Structuring the efficacy trial’s process evaluation as a progression of assessments of user experience produced generally accurate forecasts of use and sustainability of the intervention at the trial sites. Conclusion. This approach can assist interpretation of trial outcomes, aid decisions about dissemination of the intervention, and contribute to translational science for improving health.
Leveraging Frontline Employees’ Small Data and Firm-Level Big Data in Frontline Management
Authors: Lam Son K. , Sleep Stefan , Hennig-Thurau Thorsten , Sridhar Shrihari , Saboo Alok R.
Published: November 2016

The advent of new forms of data, modern technology, and advanced data analytics offer service providers both opportunities and risks. This article builds on the phenomenon of big data and offers an integrative conceptual framework that captures not only the benefits but also the costs of big data for managing the frontline employee (FLE)-customer interaction. Along the positive path, the framework explains how the “3Vs” of big data (volume, velocity, and variety) have the potential to improve service quality and reduce service costs by influencing big data value and organizational change at the firm and FLE levels. However, the 3Vs of big data also increase big data veracity, which casts doubt about the value of big data. The authors further propose that because of heterogeneity in big data absorptive capacities at the firm level, the costs of adopting big data in FLE management may outweigh the benefits. Finally, while FLEs can benefit from big data, extracting knowledge from such data does not discount knowledge derived from FLEs’ small data. Rather, combining and integrating the firm’s big data with FLEs’ small data are crucial to absorbing and applying big data knowledge. An agenda for future research concludes.
The role of input in second language oral ability development in foreign language classrooms: A longitudinal study
Authors: Saito Kazuya , Hanzawa Keiko
Published: November 2016

The current project longitudinally investigated the extent to which first-year Japanese university students developed their second language (L2) oral ability in relation to increased input in foreign language classrooms. Their spontaneous speech was elicited at the beginning, middle and end of one academic year, and then judged by linguistically trained coders for pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary and grammar qualities. According to the statistical analyses, the total amount of input (operationalized as number of English classes taken and L2 use outside of classrooms) was significantly related to the participants’ quick and immediate development of fluency and lexicogrammar during the first semester. Their pronunciation development was mixed, either subject to continuous change over two academic semesters (for prosody) or limited within the timeframe of the study (for segmentals). Similar to naturalistic L2 speech learning, the findings support the multifaceted role of input in different areas of oral proficiency development in foreign language classrooms.
Evaluating promising applications of a new nanomaterial produced by accumulative roll bonding process: A preliminary multiple criteria decision-making approach
Authors: Vaziri Jalil , Jahan Ali , Borhani Ehsan , Yousefieh Mohammad , Edwards Kevin L
Published: November 2016

Although many new materials are developed in laboratories, most of them do not get commercialized. The ranking of applications gives material engineers a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of any new or improved material under development. This is possible through simultaneously considering different technical, economic, and environmental criteria. It also helps to guide future research on developing new materials and identify the requirements that any new material must fulfill for the most fitting applications. The appropriateness of the proposed approach for evaluating promising applications of a new material is demonstrated using a case study in nanostructured Al/Al2O3 metal matrix composite produced via the accumulative roll bonding process. Al/Al2O3 metal matrix composite provides superior mechanical and physical properties and accumulative roll bonding is a severe plastic deformation process that can be applied to the continuous production of bulky sheet materials. The material is in growing use and becoming indispensable in several key industrial sectors such as aerospace, automobile, marine, and defense, and the enhanced properties created by accumulative roll bonding will only increase its potential. The innovative approach described in this paper will be of interest to academic researchers and practitioners involved in new materials, processing, and product development.
Green recoating of cotton fiber by different starching methods
Authors: Macedo José RN , Rocha Daniel B , Rosa Derval S
Published: November 2016

Natural fiber composites require coupling agents between phases to prevent poor adhesion between lignocellulosic fiber and a polymer matrix, which leads to a material that is not fully biodegradable. This work proposes the use of starch gum as a coupling agent for cotton fibers. The gum formation and fiber coating were characterized based on the starch paste solubility, clarity level according to UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, heated optical microscopy, and fiber weight coating. Water-starch solutions were heated at 70 ℃ for 5, 10, and 24 h with two concentrations (3 and 8 wt.%) to obtain six different systems of gelatinized starch and starched fibers. The fibers are coated during the process of gelatinization and then dried and vacuum filtered. The gelatinization occurs at 70 ℃ for bath samples heated for more than 5 h, which exhibits a more branched structure, higher thermal stability, and increased weight coating up to 140 wt.%. The recoating process promoted stronger fiber adhesion, which would make this reinforcement applicable in an industrial-scale process to produce fully biodegradable composites.
Embolization or Simple Coverage to Exclude the Internal Iliac Artery During Endovascular Repair of Aortoiliac Aneurysms? Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: Kontopodis Nikolaos , Tavlas Emmanouil , Papadopoulos George , Galanakis Nikolaos , Tsetis Dimitrios , Ioannou Christos V.
Published: November 2016

Purpose: To compare results of simple coverage vs preemptive embolization to exclude the internal iliac artery (IIA) during endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted by searching MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and OpenGray databases until March 2016. Primary outcome measures were safety and efficacy of the 2 strategies. Safety was determined by 30-day mortality and the minor and major complication rates. Efficacy was determined by absence of endoleak from the target IIA. Secondary outcomes of any endoleak, reintervention, operative time, fluoroscopy time, blood loss, contrast volume, and length of hospitalization were also examined. The random effects model was used to calculate combined overall effect sizes of pooled data. Data are presented as the odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Forest plots and inconsistency ( I2) statistics were used to evaluate the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results: Eight observational studies were included in the analysis. Overall, 284 and 255 subjects underwent IIA coverage or embolization, respectively. IIA coverage resulted in a significantly lower major complication rate (6% vs 29%; OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.46 to 6.04, p=0.003; I2=0%) and shorter hospitalization (MD 0.48 days, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.89, p=0.02; I2=0%), while differences in all other outcomes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: In the presence of limited data, available evidence suggests that simple coverage of the IIA may result in significantly fewer major complications compared to preemptive embolization; at the same time, the rates of endoleaks and/or reinterventions are similar between groups.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Component Stability of the Nellix Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing System After Treatment of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Dorweiler Bernhard , Boedecker Christian , Dünschede Friedrich , Vahl Christian F. , Youssef Marwan
Published: November 2016

Purpose: To assess short-term stability and conformational changes of the Nellix EndoVascular Aneurysm Sealing (EVAS) System using 3-dimensional (3D) analysis. Methods: Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans obtained at 0, 3, and 12 months in 24 patients (mean age 75±7 years; 22 men) who underwent EVAS between December 2013 and December 2014 for intact abdominal aortic aneurysm (within the instructions for use) were evaluated for stent-graft deviation in multiple planes using dedicated 3D analysis software. In addition, 2D analysis using an anatomically fixed reference landmark was performed to assess craniocaudal migration. Clinical and follow-up data of the patients were recorded and matched with results of the imaging analysis. Results: Overall stability of the Nellix endografts was promising. Relevant conformational changes in the majority of cases were limited to the iliac graft segment and were clinically benign in all cases. Conversely, the only deviation of the proximal stent-graft segment was found in a patient with type Ia endoleak. Additional 2D analysis found relevant (≥5 mm) caudal migration of the Nellix stent-graft in 6 patients, including the one with the type Ia endoleak. In 3 patients, 3D analysis demonstrated the absence of relevant conformational changes of the endografts despite caudal migration. Conclusion: Overall stability of the separate EVAS stent-grafts is promising in the short term. Relevant conformational changes (stent-graft deviation) in the majority of cases were benign and confined to the iliac segment.
Use of the Octopus Endograft Technique to Reconstruct Renovisceral Arteries Arising From the False Lumen of a Rapidly Expanding Type B Aortic Dissection After Endovascular Repair
Authors: Xiong Jiang , Ge Yangyang , Liu Xiaoping , Wang Lijun , Guo Wei
Published: November 2016

Purpose: To describe the use and 6-month outcomes of the octopus endograft technique to reconstruct renovisceral arteries arising from the false lumen (FL) of a type B aortic dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Case Report: A 46-year-old man post TEVAR for type B aortic dissection was admitted with persistent back pain and a rapidly expanding residual dissection. The celiac and left renal arteries arose from the FL and the superior mesenteric artery from both lumens, with the FL as its main supply. A 20% oversized Endurant stent-graft was deployed with the short limb just above the beginning of the dissection flap and the long limb in the aortic true lumen. A 120-mm-long Endurant extended limb was delivered antegradely via a conduit and deployed into the FL, with a 3-cm overlap with the short limb of the Endurant main body. The 3 renovisceral arteries were reconstructed by lining each with a series of Viabahn or Fluency stent-grafts whose proximal ends were subsequently placed parallel in the FL Endurant extended limb and dilated with kissing balloons. Imaging at 6 months showed an excluded FL, without stenosis or occlusion in the stent-graft or the renovisceral arteries. Conclusion: This case illustrates the successful use of the octopus endograft technique to reconstruct renovisceral arteries arising from a rapidly expanding FL in a post-TEVAR type B aortic dissection; the technique might be applicable in carefully selected patients.
Endovascular Treatment of Common Iliac Artery Aneurysms With an Iliac Branch Device
Authors: Jongsma Hidde , Bekken Joost A. , Bekkers Wouter J. J. , Zeebregts Clark J. , van Herwaarden Joost , Hoksbergen Arjan , Cuypers Philip , de Vries Jean Paul P. M. , Verhagen Hence J. , Fioole Bram
Published: November 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, and long-term outcomes of the Zenith ZBIS iliac branch device (IBD) to preserve internal iliac artery (IIA) perfusion in a large Dutch multicenter cohort. Methods: Between September 2004 and August 2015, 140 patients (mean age 70.9±7.4 years; 130 men) with 162 IBD implantations were identified in 7 vascular centers. The indication for IBD implantation was an abdominal aortic aneurysm >55 mm with a concomitant common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysm >20 mm (n=40), a CIA aneurysm with a diameter >30 mm (n=89), or revision of a type Ib endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (n=11). Results: Technical success (aneurysm exclusion, no type I or III endoleak, and a patent IIA) was obtained in 157 (96.9%) of 162 IBD implantations. Six (4.3%) patients developed major complications; 2 (1.4%) died. Mean follow-up was 26.6±24.1 months, during which 17 (12.1%) IBD-associated secondary interventions were performed. Including technical failures and intentional IIA embolizations, 15 (9.3%) IIA branch occlusions were identified; buttock claudication developed in 6 of these patients. The freedom from secondary intervention estimate was 75.9% (95% confidence interval 59.7 to 86.3) at 5 years. Conclusion: CIA aneurysms can be treated safely and effectively by IBDs with preservation of antegrade flow to the IIA. Secondary interventions are indicated in >10% of patients during follow-up but can be performed endovascularly in most.
Legendre spectral-collocation method for solving fractional optimal control of HIV infection of CD4+T cells mathematical model
Authors: Sweilam Nasser H , Al-Mekhlafi Seham M
Published: November 2016

In this paper, the optimal control problem of HIV infection is presented. We introduce fractional order into a model of HIV infection where the derivatives are taken in the sense of Caputo. The necessary optimality conditions are characterized using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. The optimality system is approximated by shifted Legendre polynomials which transform the system of differential equations into a nonlinear system algebraic equations with unknown coefficients. Newton’s iteration method is used to solve this system of nonlinear algebraic equations. The value of the objective function which is obtained by using shifted Legendre polynomials is compared with the value of the objective function which id obtained by using numerical methods such as the iterative optimal control method and forward–backward sweep method. Numerical results are also given to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the presented technique.
What We Know About Games
Authors: Coavoux Samuel , Boutet Manuel , Zabban Vinciane
Published: November 2016

This article proposes a reflexive approach on the scientific production in the field of game studies in recent years. It relies on a sociology of science perspective to answer the question: What are game studies really about? Relying on scientometric and lexicometric tools, we analyze the metadata and content of a corpus of articles from the journals Games Studies and Games & Culture and of Digital Games Research Association ( DiGRA) proceedings. We show that published researches have been studying only a limited set of game genres and that they especially focus on online games. We then expose the different ways game studies are talking about games through a topic model analysis of our corpus. We test two hypotheses to explain the concentration of research on singular objects: path dependence and trading zone. We describe integrative properties of the focus on common objects but stress also the scientific limits met by this tendency.
Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Tenodesis for Traumatic Digit Amputation at the Level of the Proximal Phalanx
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Maureen A. , Kakar Sanjeev
Published: November 2016

Background: Traumatic amputation of the digit requiring revision amputation at the level of the proximal phalanx provides the opportunity to improve flexor function via tenodesis of the remaining flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon. Salvage of the remaining FDS and performing flexor tenodesis to the proximal phalanx allows increased flexion at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. Methods: This series reviews FDS tenodesis, outlining its surgical technique with clinical and functional outcomes. Institutional review board–approved retrospective study was performed. Twelve digits in 8 patients were included. Results: Average flexion-extension arc of affected MCP joint was 82°, and average grip strength was 70% of unaffected extremity. No patients required revision surgery or revision amputation. One patient had a minor wound infection treated successfully with oral antibiotics. Conclusions: FDS tenodesis is a reliable motion-preserving procedure for patients with amputations at the level of the proximal phalanx to maintain flexion at the MCP joint.
The Listening Guide
Authors: Woodcock Christine
Published: November 2016

As qualitative researchers, our identities are inevitably mixed into our methodological approaches, and many of us secretly wonder about our roles and the quality of our listening. Researchers who are seeking a meaningful method of analysis that will honor the role of the researcher, and respect the voices and experiences of the human beings in their studies, will benefit from the multidisciplinary method of The Listening Guide (LG). The LG is a qualitative, relational, voice-centered, feminist methodology, predominantly used as a way to analyze interview transcripts. The LG differs from other means of analysis in that it places emphasis on the psychological complexities of humans through attention to voice. It does so through the creation and special analysis of voice poems as well as by attending to silences. The LG serves a very specific need in research analysis in the ways it honors the role of the researcher–researched relationship, the intricacies of voice and silence, and perhaps most importantly, unearthing trends which may have gone unnoticed. An explicit how-to guide does not exist. When researchers are new to a method, sometimes a more explicit how-to guide is necessary, and my intention is to share one in this article. In this article, I will share the democratic and multidisciplinary significance of the LG in how it matters right now, as well as a precise how-to guide on its utilization, and innovative examples of creative, interdisciplinary uses of the LG.
Prospective study of the innate cellular immune response in low vaccine responder children
Authors: Surendran Naveen , Nicolosi Ted , Kaur Ravinder , Morris Matthew , Pichichero Michael
Published: November 2016

We recently reported our findings from a longitudinal, prospective study where we identified 10% infants who were low vaccine responders (LVR) at age 9–12 mo following routine primary series vaccine schedule. We found multiple cellular deficiencies in LVR children, including low number of memory B cells, reduced polyclonal stimulation of naïve/memory T cell response and suboptimal APC response. These children outgrew their poor vaccine response by the time they received booster doses of vaccine. Studies in human infant innate immunity are rare because of the unique challenges in specimen collection. As innate immunity instructs adaptive immunity, we hypothesized that the primary immune defect lies with innate immunity and in this study we sought to determine the ontogeny of innate immune response in LVR children between 6 and 36 mo of age. Interestingly, suboptimal APC response observed in LVR children at 6–9 mo of age characterized by significantly ( P < 0.05) low basal MHC II expression, low R848 induced IRF7 fold change, as well as low IFN-α, IL-12p70 and IL-1β levels, came to parity with normal vaccine responders by 12–15 mo of age, suggesting that the observed immune deficiency in LVR children may be the result of delayed maturation of immune system.
Research and Conservation Priorities for Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles of Colombia
Authors: Forero-Medina German , Páez Vivian P. , Garcés-Restrepo Mario F. , Carr John L. , Giraldo Alan , Vargas-Ramírez Mario
Published: November 2016

The objective of our study was to review and quantify the level of knowledge of the biology of tortoise and freshwater turtle species of Colombia based on studies conducted in the country. We used the resulting rankings in knowledge, in combination with IUCN threat category, presence in protected areas, and endemism, to propose conservation priorities. This process also allowed us to evaluate which aspects of turtle biology have been least studied. Four species obtained total values of zero or one over the 21 knowledge criteria employed, so they were ranked as the highest priority for research based on the lack of knowledge of their biology: Black-lined Toad-headed Turtle ( Mesoclemmys raniceps), Amazon Toad-headed Turtle ( Mesoclemmys heliostemma), Gibba Toad-headed Turtle ( Mesoclemmys gibba), and Dunn’s Mud Turtle ( Kinosternon dunni). Moreover, species in the family Chelidae in general were found to have limited levels of knowledge, which makes this group a priority for investigation. Evaluation of the distinct criteria used in the knowledge assessment revealed that the best-known criteria were geographic distribution (modeled), presence or absence in protected areas, and clutch size. The most poorly known biological characteristics, which constitute research priorities, are the frequency of nesting, longevity and generation time, and population parameters. According to the criteria used, the priority species for conservation were the Magdalena River Turtle ( Podocnemis lewyana), Dahl’s Toad-headed Turtle ( Mesoclemmys dahli), K. dunni, and Maracaibo Wood Turtle ( Rhinoclemmys diademata), three of which are endemic or semiendemic ( R. diademata only occurs in Colombia and Venezuela), followed by two species of Mesoclemmys.