bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual hysteroscopy: a new non invasive approach for the assessment of uterine cavity
Authors: Cossi Paulo Sergio , Werner Heron , Peixoto Alberto Borges , Martins Wellington P , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: March 2017

Endometrial pathology is frequent in premenopausal women and the diagnostic hysteroscopy is considered the gold standard for assessing endometrial cavity and congenital uterine anomalies. However it is an invasive and uncomfortable procedure. Saline contrast hysterosalgingography and hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography allow detailed assessment of the uterine cavity. We propose a virtual hysteroscopy from three-dimensional saline and three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography scan data to generate a virtual reality as a new noninvasive procedure for assessing the uterine cavity in uterine congenital anomaly and endometrial pathology cases as well.
Draft Genome Sequence of Five Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Wild Deer in Japan
Authors: Asakura Hiroshi , Ikeda Tetsuya , Yamamoto Shiori , Kabeya Hidenori , Sugiyama Hiromu , Takai Shinji
Published: March 2017

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) is one of the major foodborne pathogens. Having observed the wide distribution of this pathogen in wild deer, we report here the draft genome sequence of five STEC strains isolated from wild deer (
Cervus nippon yesoensis
) in Hokkaido, Japan.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus licheniformis Strain YNP1-TSU Isolated from Whiterock Springs in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: O'Hair Joshua A. , Li Hui , Thapa Santosh , Scholz Matthew B. , Zhou Suping
Published: March 2017

Novel cellulolytic microorganisms can potentially influence second-generation biofuel production. This paper reports the draft genome sequence of
Bacillus licheniformis
strain YNP1-TSU, isolated from hydrothermal-vegetative microbiomes inside Yellowstone National Park. The assembled sequence contigs predicted 4,230 coding genes, 66 tRNAs, and 10 rRNAs through automated annotation.
Draft Genome Sequences of Nine Cyanobacterial Strains from Diverse Habitats
Authors: Zhu Tao , Hou Shengwei , Lu Xuefeng , Hess Wolfgang R.
Published: March 2017

Here, we report the annotated draft genome sequences of nine different cyanobacteria, which were originally collected from different habitats, including hot springs, terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments, and cover four of the five morphological subsections of cyanobacteria.
Genome Sequences of Two Brucella suis Strains Isolated from the Same Patient, 8 Years Apart
Authors: Viana Marcus Vinicius Canário , Wattam Alice Rebecca , Govil Batra Dhwani , Boisvert Sébastien , Brettin Thomas Scott , Frace Michael , Xia Fangfang , Azevedo Vasco , Tiller Rebekah , Hoffmaster Alex R.
Published: March 2017

Brucella suis
is a Gram-negative, facultative intracellular pathogen that has pigs as its preferred host, but it can also infect humans. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two
B. suis
strains that were isolated from the same patient, 8 years apart.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens
USDA 122, a Nitrogen-Fixing Soybean Symbiont
Authors: Sugawara Masayuki , Tsukui Takahiro , Kaneko Takakazu , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Sato Shusei , Nagata Yuji , Tsuda Masataka , Mitsui Hisayuki , Minamisawa Kiwamu
Published: March 2017

We report the complete genome sequence of
Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens
USDA 122, a nitrogen-fixing soybean symbiont. The genome consists of a 9.1 Mb circular chromosome, and 8,551 coding sequences (CDSs) were predicted on the genome. The sequence will provide insight into the evolution of rhizobial genome, and the symbiotic compatibility with host plants.
New Virus Genome Sequences of the Guama Serogroup (Genus
Orthobunyavirus
, Family
Bunyaviridae
), Isolated in the Brazilian Amazon Region
Authors: Carvalho Valéria L. , Nunes Márcio R. T. , Medeiros Daniele B. A. , da Silva Sandro Patroca , Lima Clayton P. S. , Inada Davi T. , Cardoso Jedson F. , Vianez João L. S. G. , Rodrigues Sueli Guerreiro , Vasconcelos Pedro F. C.
Published: March 2017

This is the first announcement of two nearly complete viral genome sequences belonging to the Guama serogroup (genus
Orthobunyavirus
, family
Bunyaviridae
) isolated in the Brazilian Amazon region:
Mirim virus
(MIRV; BEAN7722) and
Ananindeua virus
(ANUV; BEAN109303).
Nutrient Sensing at the Plasma Membrane of Fungal Cells
Authors: Van Dijck Patrick , Brown Neil Andrew , Goldman Gustavo H. , Rutherford Julian , Xue Chaoyang , Van Zeebroeck Griet
Published: March 2017

To respond to the changing environment, cells must be able to sense external conditions. This is important for many processes including growth, mating, the expression of virulence factors, and several other regulatory effects. Nutrient sensing at the plasma membrane is mediated by different classes of membrane proteins that activate downstream signaling pathways: nontransporting receptors, transceptors, classical and nonclassical G-protein-coupled receptors, and the newly defined extracellular mucin receptors. Nontransporting receptors have the same structure as transport proteins, but have lost the capacity to transport while gaining a receptor function. Transceptors are transporters that also function as a receptor, because they can rapidly activate downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on these four types of fungal membrane proteins. We mainly discuss the sensing mechanisms relating to sugars, ammonium, and amino acids. Mechanisms for other nutrients, such as phosphate and sulfate, are discussed briefly. Because the model yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
has been the most studied, especially regarding these nutrient-sensing systems, each subsection will commence with what is known in this species.
Rare case of severe serotonin syndrome leading to bilateral compartment syndrome
Authors: Clarissa Samara Verena , Warner Judith
Published: March 2017

The term ‘serotonin syndrome’ describes a constellation of symptoms caused by serotonergic overstimulation. Its characteristic clinical presentation consists of encephalopathy, neuromuscular signs and autonomic hyperactivity. After removal of the offending agent, the clinical course is usually self-limited but can occasionally lead to severe symptoms. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman who presented emergently with encephalopathy. Home medications included paroxetine and dextroamphetamine/amphetamine. Physical examination revealed tachycardia, tachypnoea, diaphoresis, rigidity, hyperreflexia and clonus. Given the fast onset of symptoms, a diagnosis of serotonin syndrome was made. Laboratory studies showed acute-on-chronic kidney injury and elevated creatine kinase. The patient's mental status quickly returned to baseline with supportive care. Her rhabdomyolysis, however, persisted and led to acute compartment syndrome in her lower extremities. After bilateral leg fasciotomies and treatment of a severe wound infection with intravenous antibiotics, the patient has now recovered with complete resolution of her symptoms.
Investigating the meaning of ‘good’ or ‘very good’ patient evaluations of care in English general practice: a mixed methods study
Authors: Burt Jenni , Newbould Jenny , Abel Gary , Elliott Marc N , Beckwith Julia , Llanwarne Nadia , Elmore Natasha , Davey Antoinette , Gibbons Chris , Campbell John , Roland Martin
Published: March 2017

Objective

To examine concordance between responses to patient experience survey items evaluating doctors' interpersonal skills, and subsequent patient interview accounts of their experiences of care.

Design

Mixed methods study integrating data from patient questionnaires completed immediately after a video-recorded face-to-face consultation with a general practitioner (GP) and subsequent interviews with the same patients which included playback of the recording.

Setting

12 general practices in rural, urban and inner city locations in six areas in England.

Participants

50 patients (66% female, aged 19–96 years) consulting face-to-face with 32 participating GPs.

Main outcome measures

Positive responses to interpersonal skills items in a postconsultation questionnaire (‘good’ and ‘very good’) were compared with experiences reported during subsequent video elicitation interview (categorised as positive, negative or neutral by independent clinical raters) when reviewing that aspect of care.

Results

We extracted 230 textual statements from 50 interview transcripts which related to the evaluation of GPs' interpersonal skills. Raters classified 70.9% (n=163) of these statements as positive, 19.6% (n=45) neutral and 9.6% (n=22) negative. Comments made by individual patients during interviews did not always express the same sentiment as their responses to the questionnaire. Where questionnaire responses indicated that interpersonal skills were ‘very good’, 84.6% of interview statements concerning that item were classified as positive. However, where patients rated interpersonal skills as ‘good’, only 41.9% of interview statements were classified as positive, and 18.9% as negative.

Conclusions

Positive responses on patient experience questionnaires can mask important negative experiences which patients describe in subsequent interviews. The interpretation of absolute patient experience scores in feedback and public reporting should be done with caution, and clinicians should not be complacent following receipt of ‘good’ feedback. Relative scores are more easily interpretable when used to compare the performance of providers.
Risk stratification of survival in injured patients with cardiopulmonary resuscitation within the first hour of arrival to trauma centre: retrospective analysis from the national trauma data bank
Authors: Ahmed Nasim , Greenberg Patricia , Johnson Victor M , Davis John Mihran
Published: March 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate overall survival and associated survival factors for patients with trauma who had cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within 1 hour after arrival to a hospital.

Methods

Retrospective patient data was retrieved from the 2007–2010 edition of the US National Trauma Data Bank. Inhospital survival was the primary outcome; only patients with a known outcome were included in the analysis. Summary statistics and univariate analyses were first reported. Eighty per cent of the patients were then randomly selected and used for multivariate logistic regression analysis. The identified risk factors were further assessed for discrimination and calibration with the remaining patients with trauma using area under the curve (AUC) analysis and a Hosmer-Lemeshow test.

Results

From 19 310 total cases that were reviewed, only 2640 patients required CPR within 1 hour of hospital arrival and met the additional inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 2309 (87.5%) died and 331 (12.5%) survived to discharge. There were statistical differences for race (p=0.003), initial systolic BP (p<0.001), initial pulse (p<0.001), cause of injury (p<0.001), presence of head injury (p=0.02), Injury Severity Score (ISS) (p<0.001), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) total score (p<0.001) and GCS motor score (p<0.001); though not all were clinically significant. The multiple logistic regression model (AUC=0.72) identified lower ISS, higher GCS motor score, Caucasian race, American College of Surgeons (ACS) level 2 trauma designation and higher initial SBP as the most predictive of survival to hospital discharge.

Conclusion

Approximately 13% of patients who had CPR within an hour of arrival to a trauma centre survived their injury. Therefore, implementation of an aggressive first hour in-hospital resuscitation strategy may result in better survival outcomes for this patient population.
A modified method for isolating mouse islets of an adequate quality, quantity, and purity
Authors: Xu Jiejie , Peng Baogang , Zhang Caiyun , Xu Jiwei , Ma Yi , Lu Xinjun
Published: March 2017

Mouse islets are widely used in diabetes research. Thus an adequate quality, quantity, and purity of islets are needed for high-quality investigations. We performed a combination of filtration and density gradient separation and optimized many steps in the islet isolation procedure, including perfusion, digestion, and purification. Our results show that an increased quality, quantity, and purity of isolated islets can be achieved using these modifications. Moreover, this method can guarantee maximal recovery and purity of the isolated islets and is easy to perform with practice.
Dormancy in sunflower line A-3: the role of the pericarp
Authors: Vigliocco Ana E. , Andrade Andrea M. , Lindström Lilia I. , Alemano Sergio G.
Published: March 2017

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) can often display seed dormancy, which causes a delay for immediate sowing. The final degree of “whole seed” dormancy is determined by the contributions of the tissues that comprise it, such as, embryo, seed coat, and (or) pericarp. The sunflower dormancy can be reduced during after-ripening and by removing seed constraints. Our objective was to study how the conditions of storage and removal of the pericarp affect the level of dormancy in line A-3. Also we provide insight on the basis of the morphological characteristics of A-3 pericarp-imposed dormancy. A germination test was conducted on dry cypselas with and without pericarp, at 30 and 70 days after harvest. For histological analysis, permanent slides of pericarp cross-sections were obtained. The germination percentage showed significant differences between cypselas with intact pericarp (30 days after harvest = 26%; 70 days after harvest = 77%), and cypselas without pericarp (30 days after harvest = 65%; 70 days after harvest = 96%). This indicates that the pericarp plays an important role in regulating physical dormancy in the seed of sunflower line A-3, and that its relative contribution to the dormancy level is modified during after-ripening.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of structurally simplified noscapine analogues as microtubule binding agents
Authors: Ghaly Peter E. , Churchill Cassandra D.M. , Abou El-Magd Rabab M. , Hájková Zuzana , Dráber Pavel , West F.G. , Tuszynski Jack A.
Published: March 2017

This paper reports on the results of chemical synthesis and biological assays performed on several new analogues of noscapine. We have successfully synthesized four noscapine analogues called 1a–4a, as well as their four corresponding enantiomers called 1b–4b. The chemical pathway consisted of three steps with yields in excess of 60% in each step. Subsequently, we have performed biological activity assays intended to reveal the mode of action of these compounds on microtubules in buffer and in cancer cell lines. We have assayed fluorescence quenching effects in microtubule polymerization experiments, cytotoxicity evaluation in breast cancer cell lines, as well as microtubule dynamicity assessments, for each of the synthesized compounds. Finally, we performed computational docking simulations to two binding sites on β-tubulin: (a) the colchicine binding site and (b) the noscapine binding site. Our results indicate that these compounds have relatively low cytotoxicity profile and less pronounced effects on microtubule dynamics compared with noscapine. Our computational results indicate that these compounds bind to both putative binding sites but have higher affinity for the colchicine site.
Colloidal synthesis of Pt–In bimetallic nanoparticles for propane dehydrogenation
Authors: Wang Xuchun , Yang Di , Xu Yong , Zhong Jun , Zhang Qiao
Published: March 2017

Recently, Pt-based bimetallic nanoparticles have drawn much attention because of their great catalytic performance and wide applications in diverse fields. In this work, we report that bimetallic Pt–In nanoparticles with uniform size distribution and controllable composition can be synthesized through a one-step, facile colloidal approach. Various characterization tools such as XRD, TEM, XPS, and synchrotron techniques have been used to characterize the as-obtained nanoparticles. It is demonstrated that the Pt and In elements are homogeneously distributed in the whole nanoparticle. The bimetallic Pt–In nanoparticles have shown great catalytic performance, including high activity, high selectivity, and high stability, for the propane dehydrogenation reaction to produce propene, one of the most important chemicals. The excellent catalytic performance makes Pt–In bimetallic nanoparticles promising catalysts in future industrial application.
Contribution of orbital angular momentum to the nucleon spin
Authors: Momeni-Feili Maryam , Arash Firooz , Taghavi-Shahri Fatemeh , Shahveh Abolfazl
Published: March 2017

We have calculated the orbital angular momentum of quarks and gluons in the nucleon. The calculations are carried out in the next to leading order utilizing the so-called valon model. It is found that the average quark orbital angular momentum is positive, but small, and the average gluon orbital angular momentum is negative and large. We also report on some regularities about the total angular momentum of the quarks and the gluon, as well as on the orbital angular momentum of the separate partons. We have also provided partonic angular momentum, [Formula: see text] as a function of [Formula: see text].
Discussion on Lorentz invariance violation of noncommutative field theory and neutrino oscillation
Authors: Luo Cui-Bai , Shi Song , Du Yi-Lun , Wang Yong-Long , Zong Hong-Shi
Published: March 2017

Depending on deformed canonical anticommutation relations, massless neutrino oscillation based on Lorentz invariance violation in noncommutative field theory is discussed. It is found that the previous studies about massless neutrino oscillation within deformed canonical anticommutation relations should satisfy the condition of new Moyal product and new nonstandard commutation relations. Furthermore, comparing the Lorentz invariant violation parameters A in the previous studies with new Moyal product and new nonstandard commutation relations, we find that the orders of magnitude of noncommutative parameters (Lorentz invariant violation parameters A) is not self-consistent. This inconsistency means that the previous studies of Lorentz invariance violation in noncommutative field theory may not naturally explain massless neutrino oscillation. In other words, it should be impossible to explain neutrino oscillation by Lorentz invariance violation in noncommutative field theory. This conclusion is supported by the latest atmospheric neutrinos experimental results from the super-Kamiokande Collaboration, which show that no evidence of Lorentz invariance violation on atmospheric neutrinos was observed.
Effects of internal inductance on the Shafranov parameter by using the solution of equilibrium problem
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Asif Anila
Published: March 2017

In this work, the dependence of Shafranov parameter on plasma internal inductance has been studied by using the solution of Grad–Shafranov equation (GSE) for Hefei Tokamak-7. The Shafranov parameter was obtained from the solution of GSE, using the expansion of free functions, which is quadratic in flux function. Then, we can find the dependence of Shafranov parameter on plasma internal inductance.
Numerical simulation on n-MoS2/p-Si heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Deng Quanrong , Li Yiqi , Shen Yonglong , Chen Lian , Wang Geming , Wang Shenggao
Published: March 2017

n-MoS2/p-Si heterojunction solar cells were simulated by using Analysis of Microelectronic and Photonic Structures (AMPS-1D) software. In order to fundamentally understand the mechanism of such kind of cells, the effects of electron affinity, band gap and thickness for MoS2, as well as the donor concentration in Si layer on the devices performance were simulated and discussed in detail. The effects of defect states in Si layer and at n-MoS2/p-Si interface on the performance of devices were also simulated. It is demonstrated that two-dimensional monolayer MoS2 with the highest band gap of 1.8 eV is the optimized option for ideal devices which can give out the highest efficiency over 19.0%. Si layer with higher acceptor concentration is more likely to be recommended in achieving higher power conversion efficiency if defect level can be effectively controlled. The defect states in Si layer and at MoS2/Si interface were identified to influence the performance of the devices significantly.
From SL(5, ℝ) Yang–Mills theory to induced gravity
Authors: Assimos T. S. , Pereira A. D. , Santos T. R. S. , Sobreiro R. F. , Tomaz A. A. , Otoya V. J. Vasquez
Published: March 2017

From pure Yang–Mills action for the [Formula: see text] group in four Euclidean dimensions we obtain a gravity theory in the first order formalism. Besides the Einstein–Hilbert term, the effective gravity has a cosmological constant term, a curvature squared term, a torsion squared term and a matter sector. To obtain such geometrodynamical theory, asymptotic freedom and the Gribov parameter (soft BRST symmetry breaking) are crucial. Particularly, Newton and cosmological constant are related to these parameters and they also run as functions of the energy scale. One-loop computations are performed and the results are interpreted.
WHICH MORPHOLOGIC AND HEMODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS PREDICT INTRACRANIAL FUSIFORM ANEURYSMS RUPTURE? A PATIENT-SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS STUDY
Authors: CHEN YAN , FANG YI-BIN , YANG PENG-FEI , HUANG QING-HAI , LIU JIAN-MIN
Published: March 2017

To identify hemodynamic and morphological parameters leading to increased risk of intracranial fusiform aneurysms (IFA) rupture using computational fluid dynamics (CFDs). A total of 24 patient-specific fusiform aneurysms models on vertebral artery were reconstructed from 3D angiography images. 11 ruptured cases and 13 unruptured cases were included. Morphologic parameters were measured and CFD parameters were calculated using CFD simulation. The length of the aneurysm is significantly shorter in ruptured group than in unruptured group. The ratio of the width to the length of an aneurysm (WLR) and the ratio of the cross-section area to the length of an aneurysm (ALR) to the averaged cross sectional areas of the inlet and outlet of the parent artery (ALaR) were significantly higher in ruptured group compared with unruptured group. Wall shear stress (WSS) of the aneurysm was normalized to the WSS of the parent artery. Hemodynamically, only low WSS was associated with higher risk of rupture. Ruptured IFAs are shorter, have bigger WLR, ALaR, and lower WSS, compared with unruptured IFAs.
Measurement of Oxygen Desaturation Is Not Useful for the Detection of Aspiration in Dysphagic Stroke Patients
Authors: Marian Thomas , Schröder Jens , Muhle Paul , Claus Inga , Oelenberg Stephan , Hamacher Christina , Warnecke Tobias , Suntrup-Krüger Sonja , Dziewas Rainer
Published: March 2017

Background: Dysphagia is one of the most dangerous symptoms of acute stroke. Various screening tools have been suggested for the early detection of this condition. In spite of conflicting results, measurement of oxygen saturation (SpO2) during clinical swallowing assessment is still recommended by different national guidelines as a screening tool with a decline in SpO2 ≥2% usually being regarded as a marker of aspiration. This paper assesses the sensitivity of SpO2 measurements for the evaluation of aspiration risk in acute stroke patients. Methods: Fifty acute stroke patients with moderate to severe dysphagia were included in this study. In all patients, fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was performed according to a standardised protocol. Blinded to the results of FEES, SpO2 was monitored simultaneously. The degree of desaturation during/after swallows with aspiration was compared to the degree of desaturation during/after swallows without aspiration in a swallow-to-swallow analysis of each patient. To minimise potential confounders, every patient served as their control. Results: In each subject, a swallow with and a swallow without aspiration were analysed. Overall, aspiration seen in FEES was related to a minor decline in SpO2 (mean SpO2 without aspiration 95.54 ± 2.7% vs. mean SpO2 with aspiration 95.28 ± 2.7%). However, a significant desaturation ≥2% occurred only in 5 patients during/after aspiration. There was no correlation between aspiration/dysphagia severity or the amount of aspirated material and SpO2 levels. Conclusions: According to this study, measurement of oxygen desaturation is not a suitable screening tool for the detection of aspiration in stroke patients.
Impacts of Renal Sympathetic Activation on Atrial Fibrillation: The Potential Role of the Autonomic Cross Talk Between Kidney and Heart
Authors: Yu Lilei , Huang Bing , Wang Zhuo , Wang Songyun , Wang Menglong , Li Xuefei , Zhou Liping , Meng Guannan , Yuan Shenxu , Zhou Xiaoya , Jiang Hong
Published: March 2017

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated that there is a high variability of renal sympathetic nerve density distribution from proximal to distal renal artery segments. The aim of our study was to investigate the roles of renal sympathetic nerve stimulation (
RSS
) on atrial fibrillation and cardiac autonomic nervous activity.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐eight dogs were randomly assigned to the proximal
RSS
group (P‐
RSS
, N=7), middle
RSS
group (M‐
RSS
, N=7), distal
RSS
group (D‐
RSS
, N=7), and the control group (sham
RSS
, N=7).
RSS
was performed using electrical stimulation on the bilateral renal arteries for 3 hours. Effective refractory period and the window of vulnerability were measured at atrial and pulmonary veins sites. Superior left ganglionated plexi (
SLGP
) and left stellate ganglion (
LSG
) function and neural activity were determined. C‐fos and nerve growth factor protein expression in the
SLGP
and
LSG
were examined. Only P‐
RSS
(1) caused pronounced blood pressure rises, induced a significant decrease in effective refractory period, and generated a marked increase in cumulative window of vulnerability and effective refractory period dispersion; (2) increased the frequency and amplitude of the neural activity in the
SLGP
and
LSG
; (3) increased
SLGP
and
LSG
function; and (4) upregulated the level of c‐fos and nerve growth factor expression in the
SLGP
and
LSG
.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that renal sympathetic nerve activation induced by 3 hours of P‐
RSS
facilitated atrial fibrillation inducibility by upregulating cardiac autonomic nervous activity, suggesting a potential autonomic cross talk between kidney and heart.
Frequency Gradient Within Coronary Sinus Predicts the Long‐Term Outcome of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation
Authors: Yin Xiaomeng , Zhao Ziming , Gao Lianjun , Chang Dong , Xiao Xianjie , Zhang Rongfeng , Chen Qi , Cheng Jie , Yang Yanzong , Xi Yutao , Xia Yunlong
Published: March 2017

Background

The coronary sinus (
CS
), as a junction of the atria, contributes to atrial fibrillation (
AF
) by developing unstable reentry, and isolating the atria by ablation at the
CS
could terminate
AF
. The present study evaluated whether
AF
activities at the
CS
in a subset of patients contributed to
AF
maintenance and predicted clinical outcome of ablation.

Methods and Results

We studied 122 consecutive patients who had a first‐time radiofrequency ablation for persistent
AF
. Bipolar electrograms were obtained from multiple regions of the left atrium by a Lasso mapping catheter before ablation. Pulmonary vein isolation terminated
AF
in 12 patients (9.8%). Sequential stepwise ablation was conducted in pulmonary vein isolation nontermination patients and succeeded in 22 patients (18%). In the stepwise termination group,
AF
frequency in the proximal
CS
(
CS
p) was significantly higher (10.2±2.1 Hz versus 8.3±1.8 Hz,
P
<0.001), and the ratio of distal
CS
(
CS
d) to proximal
CS
(
CS
d/
CS
p ratio, 56.6%±10.11% versus 70.7%±9.8%,
P
<0.001) was significantly lower than that in the nontermination group. The stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that the
CS
d/
CS
p ratio was an independent predictor with an odds ratio of 1.131 (95%
CI
1.053‐1.214;
P
=0.001). With a cutoff of 67%, the patients with lower
CS
d/
CS
p ratios had significantly better index and long‐term outcomes than those with higher ratios during a follow‐up of 46±18 months.

Conclusions

Rapid repetitive activities in the musculature of the proximal
CS
may contribute to maintenance of
AF
after pulmonary vein isolation alone in persistent
AF
. A cutoff at 67%, of the
CS
d/
CS
p frequency ratio might be an indicator to stratify the subset of patients who might benefit from
CS
ablation.
A new genus and new species of Cicadettini (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettinae) from Pakistan
Authors: SANBORN ALLEN F. , AHMED ZUBAIR
Published: March 2017

Pakistan contains parts of the Indomalayan and Palaearctic ecozones. As a result, there is a diversity of habitats that has led to diversity in the cicada fauna. We reviewed the Pakistani cicada fauna (Ahmed and Sanborn 2010) but new records and new species continue to be found (Ahmed et al. 2010; 2012; 2013; 2014). This work continues to expand the knowledge of the Pakistani cicada fauna with the description of a new genus and new species of cicada provided to the second author from his contacts.
A second new species of Nanophyllium Redtenbacher, 1906 from the northern coast of New Guinea (Phasmida, Phylliidae)
Authors: CUMMING ROYCE T.
Published: March 2017

A new species of leaf insect, Nanophyllium larssoni n. sp. is described and illustrated bringing the known species in the genus to a total of six. Like all species of Nanophyllium Redtenbacher, 1906, the new species is named from a single male specimen, which is deposited in the San Diego Natural History Museum. With this newly identified species, two clear species-groups emerge and are described, in detail, in the species key. Measurements of anatomical figures were made to the nearest 0.1 mm.
Business News Framing of Corporate Social Responsibility in the United States and the United Kingdom: Insights From the Implicit and Explicit CSR Framework
Authors: Lee Tae Ho , Riffe Daniel
Published: March 2017

This study aims to contribute to the understanding of business news coverage of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within a comparative international context by investigating two business newspapers, The Wall Street Journal from the United States and The Financial Times from the United Kingdom. Drawing on the news framing research and the implicit and explicit CSR framework of Matten and Moon, this content analysis shows that business news coverage of CSR in the United States and in the United Kingdom differs in terms of news framing (thematic vs. episodic), motive attributions of CSR as a concept, motive attributions of referenced companies in relation to CSR, general tone toward the concept of CSR, and the general tone toward referenced companies in relation to CSR. Most significantly, findings suggest that business news plays different roles in constructing and legitimizing CSR in the two countries. In the United States, CSR’s legitimacy and its conceptual positivity may be more implied through the coverage of singular events or actors (episodic framing), whereas in the United Kingdom, CSR’s illegitimacy and its conceptual negativity may be more exposed for further discussion through the coverage of larger societal contexts (thematic framing). Other theoretical as well as practical implications are also discussed.
Contrasts and reflections: Social work fieldwork supervision in Brazil and England
Authors: Haanwinckel Barbara Zilli , Fawcett Barbara , Garcia Joana Angelica Barbosa
Published: March 2017

This article compares field supervision in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to practices in a major city in England in order to contextualize the academic training of students. It considers practical dimensions and incorporates a qualitative study carried out in England exploring how the process of supervision in social work affects student learning and development from the supervisor’s perspective. In the study, particular attention is paid to field support provided to students and to practice educator qualifications. The results support the importance of placement supervision and the role of practice educators and supervisors in the overall social work education process.
The Development of a Secondary-Level Solo Wind Instrument Performance Rubric Using the Multifaceted Rasch Partial Credit Measurement Model
Authors: Wesolowski Brian C. , Amend Ross M. , Barnstead Thomas S. , Edwards Andrew S. , Everhart Matthew , Goins Quentin R. , Grogan Robert J. , Herceg Amanda M. , Jenkins S. Ira , Johns Paul M. , McCarver Christopher J. , Schaps Robin E. , Sorrell Gary W. , Williams Jonathan D.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to describe the development of a valid and reliable rubric to assess secondary-level solo instrumental music performance based on principles of invariant measurement. The research questions that guided this study included (1) What is the psychometric quality (i.e., validity, reliability, and precision) of a scale developed to assess secondary-level solo music performance? (2) Do the proposed items fit the measurement model, and if so, how do the items vary in difficulty? and (3) How does the structure of the rating scale vary across individual items? The psychometric considerations in this study included calibrations of items, persons, raters, school level, musical instrument, and rating scale structure using the Multifaceted Rasch Partial Credit Measurement Model. A 13-member cohort of music content experts participated as raters in this study. A total of 75 video performances of secondary-level solo and ensemble performances were evaluated. The result was the development of the Music Performance Rubric for Secondary-Level Instrumental Solos (MPR-2L-INSTSOLO), a 30-item rubric consisting of rating scale categories ranging from two to four performance criteria. Implications for consequential validity, rater training, standard setting, and benchmarking are discussed.
Chronic pain care
Authors: Dezutter Jessie , Offenbaecher Martin , Vallejo Miguel A. , Vanhooren Siebrecht , Thauvoye Evalyne , Toussaint Loren
Published: March 2017

Objective

Experiencing pain not only affects patients’ biopsychosocial functioning but also the existential domain. Attention to the existential, in addition to the biopsychosocial domains, might thus be important in chronic pain care. Therefore, we investigated: (a) how satisfied patients were with the attention of their practitioners to the impact of pain on biological, psychological, social, and existential life domains, and (b) how satisfaction with each domain was related to patient functioning.

Method

Pain patients ( N = 163) were questioned on their satisfaction with the attention of their practitioners to biological, psychological, social, and existential life domains, and on pain intensity, pain disability, life satisfaction, and depressive symptoms.

Results

Patients reported low satisfaction with the attention of their practitioners to the social and existential domains. Satisfaction with each domain was negatively related with pain intensity, pain disability, and depressive symptoms and positively related with life satisfaction. Only satisfaction with the existential domain was able to predict all functional outcomes above and beyond all other satisfaction variables modeled simultaneously.

Conclusions

Patients reported not feeling satisfied with the attention to the social and existential life domains. Furthermore, practitioners’ attention to the existential domain seems highly important for patient functioning. Openness to existential concerns of pain patients might thus be an important aspect of chronic pain care.
Fear, hope and disappointment
Authors: Little Adrian
Published: March 2017

The place of reconciliation in processes of conflict transformation is a deeply contested political issue. Reconciliation has played differing strategic roles in a variety of conflictual contexts. In some instances, such as Northern Ireland in the 1990s, the demands of reconciliation and the pursuit of truth seemed a step too far in the process of reducing political violence. In others, such as South Africa, it was a pivotal part of the transformative dynamic offering hope for a more unified post-apartheid settlement. Meanwhile in contemporary Australia, the idea of reconciliation continues to provide a rhetorical framing for the renegotiation of indigenous politics. This paper analyses these differing approaches to and uses of reconciliation and contends that they are underpinned by political narratives which invoke emotions of fear, hope and disappointment. This suggests that understanding these sentiments is fundamental to addressing the temporal challenges of the politics of reconciliation and the structural–agential dynamics of conflict transformation.
Numerical assessment of two-chamber mufflers hybridized with multiple parallel perforated plug tubes using simulated annealing method
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie
Published: March 2017

Enormous effort has been applied to research on mufflers hybridized with a single perforated plug tube; nonetheless, mufflers conjugated with multiple parallel perforated plug tubes that disperse venting fluid and reduce secondary noise have been overlooked. To this end, an analysis of the sound transmission loss of two-chamber mufflers with multiple parallel perforated plug tubes that are optimally designed to perform within a limited space will be presented. Here, using a decoupled numerical method, a four-pole system matrix for evaluating acoustic performance (sound transmission loss) is derived. During the optimization process, a simulated annealing method, which is a robust scheme utilized to search for the global optimum by imitating a physical annealing process, is used. Prior to dealing with a broadband noise, the sound transmission loss’s maximization relative to a one-tone noise (200 Hz) is produced to check the simulated annealing method’s reliability. The mathematical model is also confirmed for accuracy. To understand the acoustical effects brought about by the various tubes (perforated tubes, internally extended non-perforated tubes, and non-perforated tubes), mufflers with internally extended non-perforated tubes and non-perforated tubes have been evaluated. The optimization of three kinds of two-chamber mufflers hybridized with one, two, and four perforated plug tubes have also been compared. The results are revealing: the acoustical performance of mufflers conjugated with more perforated plug tubes decreases as a result of the decrement of the acoustical function for acoustical elements (II) and (III). Accordingly, in order to design a better muffler, an advanced presetting of the maximum (allowable) flowing velocity is necessary before an appropriate number of perforated plug tubes can be chosen for the optimization process.
Active structural acoustic control of transmitted sound through a double panel partition by weighted sum of spatial gradients
Authors: Sahu Kiran Chandra , Tuhkuri Jukka
Published: March 2017

Active control of harmonic sound transmission through an acoustically baffled, rectangular, simply supported double panel partition has been analytically studied. Velocity potential method is used for the vibro-acoustic modeling unlike the commonly used cavity mode method. It is very well-known that at high frequencies uncontrolled double panel partition mostly radiates sound due to the dipole-type motion of the radiating panel, which the volume velocity method can't be able to detect, therefore, weighted sum of spatial gradients is used to control these modes and achieves sound attenuation in a broad frequency band. A piezoceramic actuator (lead zirconate titanate) is attached on one side of the panel surface, and the optimal magnitude and phase of the voltage supplied to the lead zirconate titanate for minimizing the weighted sum of spatial gradients and volume velocity at the error sensor locations are calculated using a simple-gradient based algorithm. Numerical results of sound power transmission ratio and averaged quadratic velocity of panels indicate that lead zirconate titanate should be placed on the incident panel and minimization of the control quantities should be done on the radiating panel to achieve better sound attenuation. The acoustic radiation mode analysis shows that the weighted sum of spatial gradients is able to control multiple acoustic radiation modes and, thereby, accomplishes better reduction of sound power transmission compared to volume velocity.
Local Variations in the Impacts of Built Environments on Traffic Safety
Authors: Yu Chia-Yuan , Xu Minjie
Published: March 2017

This study examined the influence of built environments on crashes with different levels of injury severity, and employed Geographically Weighted Negative Binomial Regressions to test whether these relationships varied across different neighborhoods in Austin, Texas. The results showed that high-speed roads produced more total and fatal crashes, and their influence was stronger in downtown areas than in peripheral regions. Commercial and office areas experienced more injury crashes, especially in downtown locations. It is crucial to implement programs to reduce vehicle travel demand, retrofit high-speed roads, and design land areas that generate fewer vehicle trips, especially for downtown spaces.
From Family Engagement to Equitable Collaboration
Authors: Ishimaru Ann M.
Published: March 2017

Policy makers have long seen parents and families as key levers for improving U.S. student outcomes and success, and new cross-sector collaborative policy and initiatives provide a promising context for innovations in efforts to engage nondominant families in educational equity reform. Drawing on a lens of equitable collaboration, this study examined the strategies in three organizational efforts to improve family engagement in education within a common cross-sector collaboration initiative in a Western region of the United States. Although conventional approaches persisted amid regular exchanges across organizations, we identified more reciprocal, collective, and relational strategies: (a) parent capacity-building, (b) relationship-building, and (c) systemic capacity-building efforts. Despite promising strategies, the dynamics of implementation in the cross-sector collaborative constrained change and mirrored limitations in family engagement practice and policy. The article concludes with next steps for research, practice, and policy in the journey toward more equitable collaboration.
Use and acceptability of salivary hepatitis C virus testing in an English Young Offender Institution
Authors: Candfield Sophie , Samuel Mannampallil I , Ritchie David , McDonald Candice , Brady Michael , Taylor Chris
Published: March 2017

People held in prison are at a high risk of having hepatitis C virus (HCV) and there is a public health drive in the UK to increase HCV testing in prisons and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs), with opt-out testing. There is an oral antibody test for HCV; this project aims to determine its acceptability in an English YOI setting. This project offered HCV oral point-of-care testing (POCT) using the OraQuick® test to 107 male young offenders attending a sexual health service at an English YOI, monitoring HCV positivity and evaluating acceptability. It also investigated young offenders’ histories of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and drug use. Mean age was 19.1 years. A total of 80.4% reported lifetime drug use and 0.9% reported lifetime drug injection. A total of 19.6% reported previous STIs. One patient (0.9%) was positive for HCV on OraQuick® testing. All patients found the POCT acceptable and one stated he would have refused a fingerprick test had it been the only test available for HCV testing. Salivary rapid HCV testing is acceptable among English YOI inmates. It is not as sensitive or specific as standard HCV tests and is more expensive. In our cohort, HCV positivity was low.
A robust likelihood approach to inference about the difference between two multinomial distributions in paired designs
Authors: Tsou Tsung-Shan
Published: March 2017

Pairing serves as a way of lessening heterogeneity but pays the price of introducing more parameters to the model. This complicates the probability structure and makes inference more intricate. We employ the simpler structure of the parallel design to develop a robust score statistic for testing the equality of two multinomial distributions in paired designs. This test incorporates the within-pair correlation in a data-driven manner without a full model specification. In the paired binary data scenario, the robust score statistic turns out to be the McNemar’s test. We provide simulations and real data analysis to demonstrate the advantage of the robust procedure.
Implementation of a Pathway for the Treatment of Fever and Neutropenia in Pediatric Patients With Cancer
Authors: Vanderway Joy , Vincent Catherine , Walsh Susan M. , Obrecht Jennifer
Published: March 2017

Fever and neutropenia is an oncologic emergency. Time-to-antibiotics (TTA) refers to the amount of time from initial provider evaluation for fever and neutropenia to intravenous antibiotic administration. Research supports that rapid time-to-antibiotics (RTTA) is associated with improved patient outcomes. This quality improvement project evaluated the success of implementing an RTTA pathway in pediatric oncology patients with fever and neutropenia. The setting was an advanced practice nurse–managed pediatric ambulatory infusion center where patients with fever and neutropenia were often evaluated and treated. In order to improve TTA, a multidisciplinary pathway was implemented with a goal of TTA that was less than 60 minutes from initial provider evaluation. Implementation of the RTTA pathway included discussion of shared expectations with the pharmacy and education departments and discussion of shared expectations with the bedside nurses and advanced practice nurses staffing the unit. Additionally, a preliminary lab test was utilized. Success of the implementation was evaluated through 2 measures: TTA and nurses’ knowledge of fever and neutropenia and the importance of RTTA. The aims of this project were to improve TTA as well as nurses’ knowledge of fever and neutropenia and the importance of RTTA, and both these aims were successfully attained.
Fathers as Frauds: On the Criminalization of Fathers in the Parental Leave for Fathers Program in Israel
Authors: Perez-Vaisvidovsky Nadav
Published: March 2017

The criminalization of poverty, the process in which recipients of social security benefits are construed as frauds, is a well-documented phenomenon. Two aspects of this process are the use of stereotypes as a tool in fraud accusations and the targeting of marginalized populations. In this article, I wish to expand the gendered discussion of this phenomenon to men by examining the process of the construction of Israeli fathers wishing to take parental leave as welfare frauds. I will claim that this process is based on gendered assumptions that deny the possibility of fathers wishing to care for their children. The program that allows fathers to share parental leave experiences a high reported rate of fraud by fathers claiming parental leave benefits. However, analysis shows that the evidence does not support these reports and that claims on fraud and abuse are the result of a tendentious interpretation of the data by bureaucrats. This tendentiousness is based, I argue, on implicit assumptions about the nature of men. As this case shows, criminalization of benefit recipients can be targeted at nonmarginalized or even privileged groups. This sheds new light both on the criminalization process and on the workings of the gendered power structure.