bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motion prediction and delay compensation for improved teleoperation of an exoskeletal robot
Authors: Duan Pu , Duan Zhuoping , Li Shilei , Chen Yawen
Published: February 2018

Delay is a major challenge in teleoperation. To teleoperate a robot in real-time with specific human motion such as walking, prediction and compensation algorithms are needed to minimize the tracking delay. Human walking possesses the inherent features of synergy and quasi-periodicity with nonlinearity. By analyzing these features, three prediction methods were designed. A delay-coordinate phase space reconstruction method is based on the delay embedding theorem and uses the historical data. The echo prediction method uses data from the coupling joints of the other body side and takes the Euclidean distances in the delay-coordinate phase space reconstruction method for data search and match. The fused prediction method combines the delay-coordinate phase space reconstruction and echo prediction methods, uses the best matching historical data of the same joint and the corresponding joint of the other limb. These methods were implemented for teleoperation of an exoskeletal robot with inertial measurement unit measurements of human walking. The predicted trajectories were used to compensate the teleoperation delay and improve the robot tracking performance. Experimental results demonstrated that the fused method brought apparent improvement over other methods and can serve as a promising solution for time delay estimation, prediction, and compensation of human walking tracking and teleoperation.
Aspirin use is associated with decreased radiologically-determined thrombus sac volume in abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Balceniuk Mark D , Trakimas Lauren E , Aghaie Claudia , Mix Doran , Rasheed Khurram , Ellis Jennifer , Glocker Roan , Doyle Adam , Stoner Michael C
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Formation and renewal of intramural thrombus is associated with inflammation, and contributes to the complexity of aneurysm repair. Current cardiovascular pharmacotherapy includes several inflammatory modulators such as aspirin, statins, clopidogrel, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of these inflammatory modulators on radiographically-determined thrombus sac volume.

Methods

Pre-operative computed tomography scans were reviewed in patients who underwent elective infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair. Thrombus sac volume was obtained using a Hounsfield unit restricted region growth algorithm. Co-morbid conditions such as diabetes mellitus and post-operative complications were evaluated compared to thrombus sac volume. Receiver–operator characteristic curves were generated for thrombus sac volume and patients on the various cardiovascular pharmacotherapies.

Results

A total of 266 patients (mean age = 72.6 ± 0.6 years; mean thrombus sac volume = 58.7 (34.4–89.0) cm3) were identified. Acetylsalicylic acid use was associated with a decreased thrombus sac volume ≤50 cm3 (AUC = 0.616, p = 0.013) whereas statins ( p = 0.26), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors ( p = 0.46), and clopidogrel ( p = 0.62) had no correlation to thrombus sac volume. Diabetes mellitus was not associated with thrombus sac volume ( p = 0.31).

Conclusion

Acetylsalicylic acid use is associated with decreased thrombus sac volume in a patient population undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysms repair. The effect of acetylsalicylic acid over other anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet agents is possibly attributable to its distinct mechanism of cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition. Diabetes mellitus, a known correlate of aneurysm incidence, is not associated with thrombus burden. The potential to alter aneurysm thrombus volume, thereby affecting aneurysm morphology, may yield a more favorable aneurysmal repair.
Fast road obstacle detection method based on maximally stable extremal regions
Authors: Yi Xu , Song Gao , Derong Tan , Dong Guo , Liang Sun , Yuqiong Wang
Published: February 2018

Road obstacle detection is an important component of the advanced driver assistance system, and to improve the speed and accuracy of road obstacle detection method is a vital task. In this article, fast image region-matching method based on the maximally stable extremal regions method is proposed to improve the speed of image matching. The theoretical feasibility of detection method combining monocular camera with inertial measurement unit (IMU) is clarified. The fast road obstacle detection method based on maximally stable extremal regions combining fast image region-matching method based on maximally stable extremal regions and the vision-IMU-based obstacle detection method is proposed to bypass obstacle classification and to reduce time and space complexity for road environment perception. The AdaBoost cascade detector, the speeded-up robust features-based obstacle detection method, and the proposed method are used to detect obstacles in outdoor contrast tests. Test results show that the proposed method has higher accuracy, and the reason of high accuracy is analyzed. The processing time of AdaBoost cascade detector, speeded-up robust features-based obstacle detection method, and proposed method are compared, and the results show that the proposed method has faster processing speed, and the reason of faster processing speed is analyzed.
Predicting our own and others’ future preferences: The role of social distance
Authors: Bauckham Grace , Lambert Rachel , Atance Cristina M , Davidson Patrick SR , Taler Vanessa , Renoult Louis
Published: February 2018

People underestimate how much their preferences will change in the future, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as a “presentism bias.” Recently, we found that this presentism bias is attenuated when thinking about the preferences of other people. The aim of this study was to investigate whether predicting future preferences also differs depending on the level of social distance between self and other. A total of 67 participants completed a perspective-taking task in which they were required to think about their own preferences, those of a generic peer, and those of a close other both now and in the future. They were also asked to consider the preferences of an older adult now. Participants predicted less change between their current and future preferences than between the current and future preferences of a generic peer. Predicted change in preferences for a close other were similar, but not identical, to those made for the self. When considering relevant future preferences, participants predicted less change for themselves than for their close others and less change for close others than for generic peers. In other words, as social distance increases, the presentism bias decreases. Interestingly, participants estimated that both they and their peers would not change so much that they become similar to current older adults. Simulating the future perspectives of a generic peer or, even better, the current perspectives of an older adult may thus result in improved long-term decision-making, as it may enable a more realistic estimation of the magnitude of likely changes in the future.
Use of volumetric laser endomicroscopy for determining candidates for endoscopic therapy in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Trindade Arvind J , Benias Petros C , Inamdar Sumant , Fan Cathy , Sethi Amrita , Fukami Norio , Kahn Allon , Kahaleh Michel , Andalib Iman , Sejpal Divyesh V , Rishi Arvind
Published: February 2018

Background

Accurate staging of superficial esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) for endoscopic therapy is challenging. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been shown to be superior to high‐resolution endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Volumetric Laser Endomicroscopy (VLE), a second‐generation OCT, has recently become commercially available.

Objective

To assess if VLE can determine which patients with superficial ESSC can undergo endoscopic therapy.

Methods

This is a multi‐center retrospective study. Patients were included if (a) they had visible ESCC, (b) they underwent VLE and EUS for staging, and c) if superficial disease was suspected then endoscopic resection had to be performed to have accurate histology to compare the VLE scan to. VLE scans were then compared to the gold standard: histology for superficial disease and EUS for disease T1b and greater.

Results

Seventeen patients were included with the following disease: squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (4 patients), T1a disease (6 patients), T1b (2 patients), T2 disease (2 patients) and T3 disease (3 patients). VLE was able to distinguish superficial disease, defined as disease limited up to the lamina propria, from non‐superficial disease in all cases.

Conclusions

VLE may be able to determine which ESCC patients are candidates for endoscopic therapy. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this.
Influence of gender on OVA-induced airway inflammation in C57/B6J mice on a high-fat diet
Authors: Yu Gang , Zhu Lili , Li Haiyan , Shao Youyou , Chong Lei , Zhang Hailin , Li Changchong
Published: February 2018

Overweight/obesity has been suggested as a risk factor for asthma development, and prospective studies have confirmed that high body weight precedes asthma symptoms. However, the nature of the association between overweight/obese status and asthma remains unclear. Animal models of obesity-related asthma are very useful for understanding disease pathophysiology. Although C57/B6J mice are the most widely used animal model for researching obesity-related asthma, gender differences are not always taken into consideration. Therefore, to explore the effect of gender on the development of obesity-related asthma, both female and male C57/B6J mice were used in this study. The mice were fed with a high-fat diet or a low-fat diet as control. Body weight, body length, liver weight, and Lee’s Index were used to evaluate obesity status, and lung histology, lung inflammatory cells infiltration, and inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined for asthma evaluation. We found that the mean body weight of male mice on a high-fat diet gradually increased and was significantly higher than control male mice on a low-fat diet ( P < 0.01), while no significant differences were found between female mice at the end of 12 weeks of feeding. Furthermore, the obese asthma group female and male mice exhibited significantly high inflammatory cells infiltration than normal weight or obese female and male mice ( P < 0.01). However, the obese asthma group presented higher Neu infiltration, Th1 cytokine, and interferon gamma (IFNγ) concentrations in BALF than the asthma group in both the genders ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, both female and male mice are suitable for the obesity-related asthma model, although male mice might be more stable. Besides, obesity-related asthma is not Th2 type asthma.
Emotion regulation with music in depressed and non-depressed individuals
Authors: Sakka Laura S. , Juslin Patrik N.
Published: February 2018

Music is often used for regulating emotions in everyday life and could have both beneficial and harmful effects on emotional health. Depression is associated with impaired emotion-regulation skills, but few studies have examined whether such impairments apply to a musical context also. The aim of the present study was thus to compare depressed and non-depressed individuals with regard to their use of music for emotion regulation in everyday life. Seventy-seven listeners (19–65 years old) filled out a brief questionnaire, which measured emotion regulation in terms of the prevalence of various regulation goals, strategies, and mechanisms. The overall results indicated that the most frequent goal was to enhance positive emotions. Discharge was the most frequently used strategy and suppression was the least frequently used. A range of causal mechanisms were reported to occur. Contrary to our hypotheses, there were few differences between depressed and non-depressed listeners. We argue that knowledge gained from studies of emotion regulation may be used in field interventions that aim to teach depressed individuals how to use music to regulate emotions effectively.
Treatment of burn scars in Fitzpatrick phototype III patients with a combination of pulsed dye laser and non-ablative fractional resurfacing 1550 nm erbium:glass/1927 nm thulium laser devices
Authors: Tao Joy , Champlain Amanda , Weddington Charles , Moy Lauren , Tung Rebecca
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Burn scars cause cosmetic disfigurement and psychosocial distress. We present two Fitzpatrick phototype (FP) III patients with burn scars successfully treated with combination pulsed dye laser (PDL) and non-ablative fractional lasers (NAFL).

Case 1:

A 30-year-old, FP III woman with a history of a second-degree burn injury to the bilateral arms and legs affecting 30% body surface area (BSA) presented for cosmetic treatment. The patient received three treatments with 595 nm PDL (7 mm, 8 J, 6 ms), six with the 1550 nm erbium:glass laser (30 mJ, 14% density, 4–8 passes) and five with the 1927 nm thulium laser (10 mJ, 30% density, 4–8 passes). Treated burn scars improved significantly in thickness, texture and colour.

Case 2:

A 33-year-old, FP III man with a history of a second-degree burn injury of the left neck and arm affecting 7% BSA presented for cosmetic treatment. The patient received two treatments with 595 nm PDL (5 mm, 7.5 J, 6 ms), four with the 1550 nm erbium:glass laser (30 mJ, 14% density, 4–8 passes) and two with the 1927 nm thulium laser (10 mJ, 30% density, 4–8 passes). The burn scars became thinner, smoother and more normal in pigmentation and appearance.

Discussion:

Our patients’ burn scars were treated with a combination of PDL and NAFL (two wavelengths). The PDL targets scar hypervascularity, the 1550 nm erbium:glass stimulates collagen remodelling and the 1927 nm thulium targets epidermal processes, particularly hyperpigmentation. This combination addresses scar thickness, texture and colour with a low side effect profile and is particularly advantageous in patients at higher risk of post-procedure hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion:

Our cases suggest the combination of 595nm PDL plus NAFL 1550 nm erbium:glass/1927 nm thulium device is effective and well-tolerated for burn scar treatment in skin of colour.
Patient Perceptions of Text Messaging to Improve Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence: A Qualitative Study of Patients in a Ryan White Clinic
Authors: Sherman Elizabeth , Clauson Kevin Alan , Elrod Shara , Eckardt Paula , Alkhateeb Fadi , Jacobs Robin
Published: February 2018

Evidence on the use of short message service (SMS) to improve medication adherence in people living with HIV (PLHIV) is mounting, yet qualitative research on patient perceptions regarding SMS content and utility for HIV/AIDS remains nascent. To explore the experience of receiving medication reminders via SMS among PLHIV, 45 uninsured and underinsured PLHIV nested within the intervention arm of a larger study received daily, 1-way SMS adherence reminders. Qualitative data were collected by face-to-face, structured interview and were analyzed using conventional content analysis methods. Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) reminders helping with adherence, (2) concerns about delivery modes, and (3) the need for confidentiality. Study findings offer enhanced focus on an emerging strategy in patient-centered HIV care: Equipped with greater context on the experiences of PLHIV using SMS adherence reminders, health-care providers can offer more targeted support and thereby maximize the benefits of this popular and powerful technology.
Variability of United States Online Rehabilitation Protocols for Proximal Hamstring Tendon Repair
Authors: Lightsey Harry M. , Kantrowitz David E. , Swindell Hasani W. , Trofa David P. , Ahmad Christopher S. , Lynch T. Sean
Published: February 2018

Background:

The optimal postoperative rehabilitation protocol following repair of complete proximal hamstring tendon ruptures is the subject of ongoing investigation, with a need for more standardized regimens and evidence-based modalities.

Purpose:

To assess the variability across proximal hamstring tendon repair rehabilitation protocols published online by United States (US) orthopaedic teaching programs.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Online proximal hamstring physical therapy protocols from US academic orthopaedic programs were reviewed. A web-based search using the search term complete proximal hamstring repair rehabilitation protocol provided an additional 14 protocols. A comprehensive scoring rubric was developed after review of all protocols and was used to assess each protocol for both the presence of various rehabilitation components and the point at which those components were introduced.

Results:

Of 50 rehabilitation protocols identified, 35 satisfied inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Twenty-five protocols (71%) recommended immediate postoperative bracing: 12 (34%) prescribed knee bracing, 8 (23%) prescribed hip bracing, and 5 (14%) did not specify the type of brace recommended. Fourteen protocols (40%) advised immediate nonweightbearing with crutches, while 16 protocols (46%) permitted immediate toe-touch weightbearing. Advancement to full weightbearing was allowed at a mean of 7.1 weeks (range, 4-12 weeks). Most protocols (80%) recommended gentle knee and hip passive range of motion and active range of motion, starting at a mean 1.4 weeks (range, 0-3 weeks) and 4.0 weeks (range, 0-6 weeks), respectively. However, only 6 protocols (17%) provided specific time points to initiate full hip and knee range of motion: a mean 8.0 weeks (range, 4-12 weeks) and 7.8 weeks (range, 0-12 weeks), respectively. Considerable variability was noted in the inclusion and timing of strengthening, stretching, proprioception, and cardiovascular exercises. Fifteen protocols (43%) required completion of specific return-to-sport criteria before resuming training.

Conclusion:

Marked variability is found in both the composition and timing of rehabilitation components across the various complete proximal hamstring repair rehabilitation protocols published online. This finding mirrors the variability of proposed rehabilitation protocols in the professional literature and represents an opportunity to improve patient care.
Environmental Concern in the United States and China: The Influence of Measurement in National Context
Authors: Hao Feng , Huang Weiwei , Sloan Melissa M.
Published: February 2018

We compare environmental concern between people in the United States and China by analyzing two General Social Surveys carried out in 2010. The two surveys have the same questions about the environment that have been answered by national probability samples of respondents from each country. This study serves as a starting point to understand variation in environmental concern between these two countries that have major global environmental impacts. Our hypotheses draw on the measurement hypothesis and the theory of planned behavior. We found the Chinese report higher environmental concern when measured as environmental sacrifice and perceived dangerousness, whereas the Americans reported a greater frequency of pro-environmental behaviors. Results from structural equation modeling show that the connections between sociodemographic predictors and environmental concern vary depending on the dimension of environmental concern being examined. We discuss these findings in the context of existing literature and factors unique to each country.
Practical Tips for Ethical Data Sharing
Authors: Meyer Michelle N.
Published: February 2018

This Tutorial provides practical dos and don’ts for sharing research data in ways that are effective, ethical, and compliant with the federal Common Rule. I first consider best practices for prospectively incorporating data-sharing plans into research, discussing what to say—and what not to say—in consent forms and institutional review board applications, tools for data de-identification and how to think about the risks of re-identification, and what to consider when selecting a data repository. Turning to data that have already been collected, I discuss the ethical and regulatory issues raised by sharing data when the consent form either was silent about data sharing or explicitly promised participants that the data would not be shared. Finally, I discuss ethical issues in sharing “public” data.
Effect of mechanical activation on catalytic properties of Fe2O3-pillared bentonite for Fenton-like reaction
Authors: Wei G.T. , Li Y.S. , Zhang L.Y. , Li Z.M. , Deng Y. , Shao L.H. , Mo J .H.
Published: February 2018

A layered composite of Fe2O3-pillared bentonite (Fe-P-Bet), used as a catalyst in a Fenton-like process, was prepared and then its mechanical activation was studied in detail. The optimum conditions for preparation of Fe-P-Bet and the effects of mechanical activation on the catalytic activity of Fe-P-Bet were investigated systematically. The impact of the mechanical activation on the catalytic activity was affected by the filling ratio of the grinding medium, by the combination of different sized milling balls, by the rotation speed of the planet carrier, by the milling time and by the powder-to-ball ratio. Compared with the removal ratio of orange II of 14.5%, catalysed by Fe-P-Bet, the removal ratio catalysed by activated Fe2O3-pillared bentonite (A-Fe-P-Bet) was as high as 93.6%, and A-Fe-P-Bet had the merit of good stability and only a small amount of Fe leaching during the Fenton-like process. The catalysts prepared were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and by the BET method; A-Fe-P-Bet has a small particle size and a rough surface. The lattice distortion and decrease in the crystal size of α-Fe2O3, as well as damage to the layer structure of smectite in the bentonite, were the main reasons for the increase in the catalytic activity of A-Fe-P-Bet. The results indicated that mechanical activation was an easy and effective method for improving the catalytic activity of this bentonite-based layered composite and that A-Fe-P-Bet was a safe, ‘green’, catalyst material for use in Fenton-like oxidation during treatment of wastewater.
Clarification of apple juice using activated sepiolite as a new fining clay
Authors: Mirzaaghaei Marzieh , Goli Sayed Amir Hossein , Fathi Milad
Published: February 2018

The function of acid-activated sepiolite clay was evaluated for use in the clarification of apple juice. Optimizing the clarification process was done using response surface methodology (RSM) considering juice turbidity as a response. The efficiency of sepiolite in terms of clarification was compared to that of bentonite and a combination of these fining agents with gelatin and silica gel at optimal conditions. The conditions of 0.05% clay concentration at a temperature of 50°C for 7 h were deemed optimal in terms of juice clarification. The present results showed that treatment of sepiolitegelatin-silica gel was the most active fining agent with 99.7% reduction in apple-juice turbidity. The rate of turbidity, the viscosity, the total phenolic contents and the colour changes were fitted to first-, zero-, first- and zero-order kinetic models, respectively.
Mechanisms of platelet clearance and translation to improve platelet storage
Authors: Quach M. Edward , Chen Wenchun , Li Renhao
Published: February 2018

Hundreds of billions of platelets are cleared daily from circulation via efficient and highly regulated mechanisms. These mechanisms may be stimulated by exogenous reagents or environmental changes to accelerate platelet clearance, leading to thrombocytopenia. The interplay between antiapoptotic Bcl-xL and proapoptotic molecules Bax and Bak sets an internal clock for the platelet lifespan, and BH3-only proteins, mitochondrial permeabilization, and phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure may also contribute to apoptosis-induced platelet clearance. Binding of plasma von Willebrand factor or antibodies to the ligand-binding domain of glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) on platelets can activate GPIb-IX in a shear-dependent manner by inducing unfolding of the mechanosensory domain therein, and trigger downstream signaling in the platelet including desialylation and PS exposure. Deglycosylated platelets are recognized by the Ashwell-Morell receptor and potentially other scavenger receptors, and are rapidly cleared by hepatocytes and/or macrophages. Inhibitors of platelet clearance pathways, including inhibitors of GPIbα shedding, neuraminidases, and platelet signaling, are efficacious at preserving the viability of platelets during storage and improving their recovery and survival in vivo. Overall, common mechanisms of platelet clearance have begun to emerge, suggesting potential strategies to extend the shelf-life of platelets stored at room temperature or to enable refrigerated storage.
Differentiated osteoblasts derived decellularized extracellular matrix to promote osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Jeon Jin , Lee Min Suk , Yang Hee Seok
Published: February 2018

Background

The extracellular matrix (ECM) can directly or indirectly influence on regulation of cell functions such as cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation. The cell derived ECM (CD-ECM) is a useful in vitro model for studying the comprehensive functions of CD-ECM because it maintains a native-like structure and composition. In this study, the CD-ECM is obtained and a test is carried out to determine the effectiveness of several combinations of decellularized methods. These methods were used to regulate the optimal ECM compositions to be induced by osteogenic differentiation using primary isolated osteoblasts.

Result

We investigated the effect of osteoblasts re-seeded onto normal osteoblast ECM under the growth medium (GM-ECM) and the osteogenic differentiation medium (OD-ECM). The osteoblasts were then cultured statically for 1, 2, and 4 weeks in a growth medium or differentiation medium. Before osteoblast culture, we performed immunostaining with filamentous actin and nuclei, and then performed DNA quantification. After each culture period, the osteogenic differentiation of the osteoblasts re-seeded on the OD-ECMs was enhanced osteogenic differentiation which confirmed by alkaline phosphatase staining and quantification, Alizarin Red S staining and quantification, and von Kossa staining. The OD-ECM-4 W group showed more effective osteogenic differentiation than GM-ECM and OD-ECM-2 W.

Conclusions

The OD-ECM-4 W has a better capacity in a microenvironment that supports osteogenic differentiation on the GM-ECM and OD-ECM-2 W. The ECM substrate has a wide range of applications as cell culture system or direct differentiation of stem cell and excellent potential as cell-based tissue repair in orthopedic tissue engineering.
Extracting low signal-to-noise ratio events with the Hough transform from sparse array data
Authors: Averbuch Gil , Assink Jelle D. , Smets Pieter S. M. , Evers Läslo G.
Published: February 2018

Low-frequency acoustic, i.e., infrasound, waves are measured by sparse arrays of microbarometers. Recorded data are processed by automatic detection algorithms based on array-processing techniques such as time-domain beam forming and [Formula: see text] analysis. These algorithms use a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) value as a detection criterion. In the case of high background noise or in the presence of multiple coinciding signals, the event’s S/N decreases and can be missed by automatic processing. In seismology, detecting low-S/N events with geophone arrays is a well-known problem. Whether it is in global earthquake monitoring or reservoir microseismic activity characterization, detecting low-S/N events is needed to better understand the sources or the medium of propagation. We use an image-processing technique as a postprocessing step in the automatic detection of low S/N events. In particular, we consider the use of the Hough transform (HT) technique to detect straight lines in beam-forming results, i.e., a back azimuth (BA) time series. The presence of such lines, due to similar BA values, can be indicative of a low-S/N event. A statistical framework is developed for the HT parameterization, which includes defining a threshold value for detection as well as evaluating the false alarm rate. The method is tested on synthetic data and five years of recorded infrasound from glaciers. It is shown that the automatic detection capability is increased by detecting low-S/N events while keeping a low false-alarm rate.
An Approach to Identify Delivery of Palliative Radiation Therapy Using Health Care Claims Data: A Proof-of-Concept Application of a Visual Analytics Tool
Authors: Onukwugha Eberechukwu , Jayasekera Jinani , Gardner James , Malik Sana , Mullins C. Daniel , Hussain Arif , Ciezki Jay P. , Reddy Chandana A. , Seal Brian , Valderrama Adriana , Kwok Young
Published: February 2018

Purpose

There is limited information on the use of data visualization tools for health services research applications. We provide a proof-of-concept application that focuses on claims-based measures of palliative radiation therapy. We investigate whether a guided, data-driven investigation contributes information for subsequent statistical analysis and algorithm development.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used linked registry and claims data on men who were diagnosed with stage IV M0 or stage IV M1b prostate cancer between 2005 and 2009, with associated claims from 2005 through 2010, and receiving radiation therapy. Preprocessing of data was accomplished by using EventFlow software to investigate longitudinal patterns in claims for radiation therapy in the 13 months after cancer diagnosis. Guided by results from EventFlow, we developed descriptive statistics to investigate the length of radiation therapy, use of bone metastasis coding, and mortality between M1b and M0 patients.

Results

A total of 1,151 patients met the inclusion criteria. Taking advantage of the novel aggregation capability of EventFlow, we observed differences in the length of radiation therapy and the use of bone metastasis coding between men with (M1b) and without (M0) a diagnosis of bone metastasis. Seventy-nine percent of M1b patients received radiation for a duration ≤ 4 weeks, which suggested palliative radiation (to the bone). Seventy-six percent of M0 patients received radiation for ≥ 6 weeks, which suggested radiation to the prostate. Mortality was higher among those who received a shorter duration of radiation therapy compared with those who received a longer duration of therapy.

Conclusion

Use of EventFlow, followed by statistical analysis of the linked registry and claims data, identified useful components of a claims-based measure of radiation to the bone.
Comparing four radiotherapy techniques for treating the chest wall plus levels III–IV draining nodes after breast reconstruction
Authors: Lancellotta Valentina , Iacco Martina , Perrucci Elisabetta , Falcinelli Lorenzo , Zucchetti Claudio , de Bari Berardino , Saldi Simonetta , Aristei Cynthia
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To compare the dosimetric outcomes of four radiotherapy (RT) techniques for treating the chest wall plus draining nodes after mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

Methods:

Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, linac-based intensity modulated RT, helical tomotherapy (HT) and direct tomotherapy treatments were planned for 40 breast cancer patients. Dose prescription was 50 Gy. Plans were compared in terms of doses to the planning target volume, organs at risk and the homogeneity index. The non-parametric Friedman test for paired data and the Conover post hoc analysis were used for data analysis.

Results:

HT provided the highest D90 and D98% and the lowest HI, V107% and D2%. HT was associated with the lowest D2% and V25 Gy to the heart in left-sided treatments but the mean cardiac dose was highest. HT provided the highest V5 Gy and V20 Gy to the ipsilateral lung, but the V30 Gy was lower. The contralateral breast and lung were more exposed with HT.

Conclusion:

The present dosimetric study together with daily use of CT-MV image guided RT have led us to opt for HT after mastectomy and breast reconstruction and to draw up a suitable protocol for treating the chest wall and levels III and IV draining nodes.

Advances in knowledge:

HT is a suitable for treating the chest wall and levels III and IV draining nodes.
A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial on the prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery using Tocotrienol, an isomer of Vitamin E derived from palm oil
Authors: Musa Ahmad Farouk , Dillon Jeswant , Md Taib Mohamed Ezani , Mohamed Yunus Alwi , Nordin Rusli Bin , Kah Hay Yuen
Published: February 2018

Background: One of the most common complications following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is atrial fibrillation (AF), which contributes towards increasing morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay (LoHS) and reduced quality of life (QoL) of patients.

Objectives: To determine whether the intake of Tocotrienol, a Vitamin E isomer derived from palm oil, before and immediately following CABG prevents AF, reduces LoHS, and improves the QoL of patients.

Protocol: The study is registered with the National Medical Research Register with a trial number NMRR-17-1994-34963 and designed as a prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) with parallel groups. The experimental group will receive two 200mg Tocotrienol capsules each day, while the control group will receive two identical placebo (palm Super Olein) capsules per day. ECG readings will be used to detect AF post operatively, LoHS will be measured by checking the records from the National Heart Institute Hospital register, and the health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) analysis (the Malay version of the Short Form 36 Questionnaire) will be used to analyse QoL. The sample size was calculated to be 140 in each arm of the RCT for a power of 0.8 and a significance level of 0.05.

Funding: HOVID Berhad funds this research project.

Expected outcomes: The primary endpoint is the development of postoperative AF, whilst the secondary endpoints are the LoHS and HRQoL of patients post CABG.

Future implications: Prevention of AF and its complications such as cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, especially stroke, is an important output. Malaysia is one of the biggest producers and exporters of palm oil and palm oil products. Thus, the possibility of marketing Tocotrienol, in reducing AF post CABG surgery, is a very important proposition indeed.

Trial number: NMRR-17-1994-34963
Xylariales: First results of mycological exploration in the Sangay and Llanganates National Park, Ecuador
Authors: Guevara María-Fernanda , Salazar Paula , Mátyás Bence , Ordoñez María-Eugenia
Published: February 2018

In the present study fungi collections were sampled in the Sangay (SP) and Llanganates (LP) National Parks, from which sequences of the regions of the internal transcribable spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA were obtained (RDNA).

The taxonomic identification of fungi of the order Xylariales was achieved with the bioinformatic tools, to further study the phylogenetic relationships among the collected individuals and thus contribute with base information on their biological diversity, necessary to design and implement measures for the conservation of fungi.

All records belong to the genus Xylaria, of these eight belong to PL and two to SP. A record was not identified at the species level, suggesting that it could be a new species. A phylogenetic tree of Maximum Likelihood was built.
Social determinants and BCG efficacy: a call for a socio-biological approach to TB prevention
Authors: Dowd Jennifer B. , Fletcher Helen A , Boccia Delia
Published: February 2018

A high burden of TB mortality persists despite the long-term availability of the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, whose efficacy has been highly variable across populations. Innovative and alternative approaches to TB prevention are urgently needed while optimal biomedical tools continue to be developed. We call for new interdisciplinary collaborations to expand and integrate our understanding of how social determinants influence the biological processes that lead to TB disease, how this translates into differential BCG efficacy and, ultimately, how social protection interventions can play a role in reducing the global burden of TB. After providing an overview of the immune pathways important for the establishment of a response to the BCG vaccine, we outline how social determinants and psychosocial stressors can contribute to the observed variation in BCG efficacy above and beyond these biological factors. We conclude by proposing a new interdisciplinary research model based on the integration of social epidemiology theories with biomedical knowledge.
Impact of Compound and Reduced Specification on Valuation of Projects with Multiple Risks
Authors: Bansal Saurabh , Rosokha Yaroslav
Published: February 2018

Several firms make business decisions based on risk specifications or estimates provided by domain experts. But research on whether the format of risk specifications systematically affects decision making in multidimensional environments is scarce. Using laboratory experiments, we show that subjective valuations of projects with multiple risks are highly sensitive to the format of risk specification. In the experiments, participants considered a project that had two risks and would be considered a success when favorable outcomes occurred on both risks. Participants were provided with the probabilities of success for each risk in two different specifications. In the reduced specification, each probability was directly specified. In the compound specification, each probability was specified as a two-point distribution. The data showed that under the reduced specification, decision-makers’ perceived value of the project was higher than its true value, because of conjunctive probability bias in which decision makers overestimated the conjunctive probabilities. Under compound specification, however, judgmental valuations were subject to two biases that acted in opposite directions and, as a net outcome, managerial valuations were closer to risk-neutral valuations.
Raising our standards in recruitment and retention
Authors: Steel Sarah
Published: February 2018

With many early years teachers disappointed by the lack of any real increase in pay once they have completed training, and with Level 3 numbers down, finding and keeping the right staff is a real problem.
Reducing the time spent on adult-directed activities
Authors: Martin Claire
Published: February 2018

Even with the best plans in the world we have to be willing to adapt in the moment with children, to move away from over pre-planning activities and to focus on the careful placement of open-ended materials.
Autism or something different
Authors: Booth Rachel
Published: February 2018

If we are to ensure that children get the correct diagnosis and the most appropriate support, all practitioners need to get out an ‘attachment lens’ and use it to look at the child's development.
An app-titude for learning
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: February 2018

The second in a series exploring practical activities for introducing concepts that will help children in the Understanding the world area of learning – this month, we look at the use of iPads and tablets.
Field Evaluation of an Electrostatic Air Filtration System for Reducing Incoming Particulate Matter of a Hen House
Authors: Zhao Yang , Chai Lilong , Richardson Brad , Xin Hongwei
Published: February 2018

Abstract.

As a result of the unprecedented highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the U.S. in 2014-2015, some egg producers in the U.S. started using inlet air filtration to reduce the risk of disease transmission by air into hen houses. The removal efficiency of particulate matter (PM), the carrier of airborne pathogens, by such filtration systems has not been investigated. Therefore, this field study was conducted to evaluate the PM removal efficacy of an electrostatic air filtration system (consisting of a low-grade air filter and an electrostatic particle ionization, or EPI, system) installed at the inlet of a commercial high-rise hen house. The evaluation was performed in two test rounds over a one-year period. Results showed that average PM removal efficiencies in round 1 (spring to summer) and round 2 (late fall to spring) were respectively 66% and 29% for PM1, 66% and 30% for PM2.5, 66% and 31% for PM4, 68% and 36% for PM10, and 68% and 45% for total PM. Removal efficiency became unstable when the EPI system was inactive (i.e., when solely relying on the filter for PM removal). House static pressure and ventilation rate indicated considerable clogging of the filter media by dust accumulation and the need for replacement after ~16 weeks of use in the spring-to-summer sampling period (round 1); however, clogging was not an issue during the entire late fall-to-spring sampling period (24 weeks, round 2). The appearance of the filter changed gradually as dust accumulated with time, which can be captured by image analysis and used to judge filter dirtiness and lifespan. The findings of this field study provide insight into the efficacy of PM removal by such a low-cost air filtration system, which will help egg producers in their decision-making for disease prevention strategies. Keywords: Electrostatic particle ionization, Filtration, Hen house, Particulate matter, Reduction.
Improving In-Stream Nutrient Routines in Water Quality Models Using Stable Isotope Tracers: A Review and Synthesis
Authors: Jensen Alexandria , Ford William , Fox James , Husic Admin
Published: February 2018

Abstract.

Water quality models serve as an economically feasible alternative to quantify fluxes of nutrient pollution and to simulate effective mitigation strategies; however, their applicability is often questioned due to broad uncertainties in model structure and parameterization, leading to uncertain outputs. We argue that reduction of uncertainty is partially achieved by integrating stable isotope data streams within the water quality model architecture. This article outlines the use of stable isotopes as a response variable within water quality models to improve the model boundary conditions associated with nutrient source provenance, constrain model parameterization, and elucidate shortcomings in the model structure. To assist researchers in future modeling efforts, we provide an overview of stable isotope theory; review isotopic signatures and applications for relevant carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus pools; identify biotic and abiotic processes that impact isotope transfer between pools; review existing models that have incorporated stable isotope signatures; and highlight recommendations based on synthesis of existing knowledge. Broadly, we find existing applications that use isotopes have high efficacy for reducing water quality model uncertainty. We make recommendations toward the future use of sediment stable isotope signatures, given their integrative capacity and practical analytical process. We also detail a method to incorporate stable isotopes into multi-objective modeling frameworks. Finally, we encourage watershed modelers to work closely with isotope geochemists to ensure proper integration of stable isotopes into in-stream nutrient fate and transport routines in water quality models. Keywords: Isotopes, Nutrients, Uncertainty analysis, Water quality modeling, Watershed.
Book Reviews
Authors: Browning Kathy , Kárpáti Andrea , Serjouie-Scholz Ava
Published: February 2018

Digital Technologies in Early Childhood Arts: Enabling Playful Experiences, MONA Sakr (2017) London and New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 198 pp., ISBN: 9781474271882, h/bk, £95.00

Art and Technology: The Practice and Influence of Art and Technology in Education, Luisa Menano and Patricia Fidalgo (eds) (2017) Rotterdam, the Netherlands: Sense Publishers, 160 pp., ISBN: 9789463008617, p/bk, US$43

Teaching Painting: How can Painting be Taught in Art Schools?, Ian Hartshorne, Donal Moloney and Magnus Quaife (eds) (2016) London: Black Dog Publishing, 424 pp., ISBN: 9781911164104, p/bk, £16.95
Towards an immanent read: Being with wool as text
Authors: Barney Daniel T. , Jo Draper Roni , Blakely Rachel E. , Bryant Leea L. , Bryso Natalie R. , Bueno Brianne E. , Chopelas Alexander H. , Conte Philip L. , Crofts Eliza F. , Cummings Hannah C. , DeLeeuw Rachel M. , Eldredge Kandree M. , Facer Moira A. , Forsyth Camille H. , Hancock Kallie A. , Harris Morgan P. , Hatch Jacob C. , Kingi Caitlin G. , Landeen Hannah , McCann Caroline P. , McGrath Chloe J. , Mendez Nichole M. , Money Madison M. , Murdoch Cayla R. , Murdoch Claire A. , Packer Hailey S. , Petersen Julia L. , Romanovitch Ryan M. , Sanders Micah M. , Sheffield Sydney A. , Sircable Mikaela R. , Stallings Steven G. , Steele Savannah , Stewart Sarah B. , Taylor Madeline A. , Vasquez Rocio , Webster Whitney K.
Published: February 2018

Two faculty and 35 students in a beginning art theory course at Brigham Young University engage with speculative realism(s), new materialism and object oriented ontology literature as they wash, spin and knit sheep wool in relation to Coffen’s notion of an immanent read.
Círculo de Investigación Artística: New materialist pedagogies of resistance
Authors: Bobadilla Mariana Pérez
Published: February 2018

In response to artistic training that is overly technical, the Circle of Artistic Research (C.A.R.) was organized to rearticulate the relationship of theory to art production. Their work helps understand how art education can extend the arguments of new materialism by creating alternative research formats that restore the relevance to the material. This article argues that the strategies in practice as research that the C.A.R. adopts emphasize materiality without neglecting content in a matter-meaning entanglement, with a collective and rhizomatic organization, and producing situated knowledge. The interpretative method is framed by the new materialisms of the school of Rosi Braidotti promoting critique and creativity as a form of resistance.
Paper presentation: Reconfiguring objects, reconfiguring meanings
Authors: Tillett Wade
Published: February 2018

This project takes up the intersection of medium and content as a place where they can radically reconfigure one another. The entire process is a sort of unlearning; the habitual use of paper is disrupted. Physicality and meaning merge and emerge. Readers’ doings interact and transform both the meaning and background – the content (meaning) that traditionally would be simply re-presented via sheets of paper (background). Troubling just a small, habitual action leads to remarkably different modes of knowing and being. Action, object, meaning, reader and author (re)form tentative self-altering assemblages. These assemblages spiral out in new directions, moving beyond the confines of authorial intent. (Re)new(ed) configurations of self, meaning and object spring forth, opening themselves to different vectors. In order to explore these possibilities, I ask that you print out this article double-sided and cut/fold/etc. as instructed.