bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triple Tendon Transfer for Correction of Foot Deformity in Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy
Authors: Movahedi Yeganeh Mohsen
Published: February 2016

Background:

Anterior transfer of posterior tibial tendon (PTT) is the most common technique to correct foot drop in patients with common peroneal nerve palsy. It does not address the loss of toe extension or “toe drop.” This may affect the gait pattern, and patients may not tolerate it. Described here is a technique that addresses toe drop associated with common peroneal nerve palsy.

Method:

A new technique of tendon transfer using the PTT, flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon, and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon was performed on 15 patients (13 males and 2 females) with complete common peroneal nerve palsy from 2009 to 2013. Minimum follow-up was 12 months (range, 12-50 months). The mean age was 37 years (range, 20-52 years).

Results:

Based on the evaluation criteria of Carayon et al, the postoperative results for foot drop correction were excellent in 9 (60%), good in 5 (33%), and moderate in 1 (7%), and the mean active range of motion of the ankle was 46 degrees. Postoperative extension evaluation of the toes was excellent in 7 (47%), good in 5 (33%), and moderate in 3 (20%).

Conclusion:

Releasing and transferring of FDL and FHL to the toe extensors along with the anterior transfer of the PTT neutralized the deforming forces and allowed for active toe extension while strengthening ankle dorsiflexion. Movahedi Tendon Transfer was a reliable method to achieve a balanced foot and toe dorsiflexion for complete common peroneal nerve palsy.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Precision concurrent speed and position tracking of brushed dc motors using nonlinear time-frequency control
Authors: Wang Xin , Suh C Steve
Published: February 2016

Brushed DC motors are essential components in a wide range of applications in which their unique benefits are explored. However, their being inherently nonlinear and sensitive to system based uncertainties such as load variation and process noise has made improving the precision control of brushed DC motors a challenging task. To mitigate such negative effects that invariably undermine motor stability and controllability, a novel wavelet-based nonlinear time-frequency control scheme viable for the concurrent speed and position tracking of brushed DC motors is presented. The control approach has its basis in discrete wavelet transformation and adaptive control. Considering system response in the wavelet domain allows the true dynamics of the system as delineated by both the time and frequency information of the response to be faithfully resolved without being distorted or misinterpreted. By employing adaptive theory, the undesirable features typical of nonlinear brushed DC motor systems such as being highly unstable and energy inefficient are also properly addressed. The validity of the controller design are demonstrated by evaluating its performance and the power requirement against PID control and fuzzy logic control in mitigating the speed, position, and armature voltage responses of a permanent magnet brushed DC motor under severe system uncertainties. The proposed nonlinear controller is shown to be accurate, robust, energy efficient, low in power requirement, and easy to switch between speed and position control.
Modeling of a hydraulic damper with shear thinning fluid for damping mechanism analysis
Authors: Jiao Sujuan , Tian Jiajin , Zheng Hui , Hua Hongxing
Published: February 2016

This paper presents an analytical model for computing the force-displacement loops of the passive hydraulic dampers filled with shear thinning fluid when the damper is subjected to a sinusoidal excitation. The analytical model is developed on the basis of Navier-Stokes equations by considering the rheological behavior of silicone oil. The obtained computational results agree well with those by experimental measurements, and both of them suggests that viscous friction, fluid compressibility, and friction loss are the three major damping mechanisms of a hydraulic damper with shear thinning fluid. The damper in a low-frequency and large-amplitude vibration may have bigger viscous damping coefficient than that when it is in a high-frequency and small-amplitude vibration, which suggests that a hydraulic damper filled with shear thinning fluid can satisfy the requirement of the isolation system better.
The Moderating Effect of Job Satisfaction on Physicians’ Motivation to Adhere to Financially Incentivized Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Waddimba Anthony C. , Beckman Howard B. , Mahoney Thomas L. , Burgess James F.
Published: February 2016

We examined moderating effects of professional satisfaction on physicians’ motivation to adhere to diabetes guidelines associated with pay-for-performance incentives. We merged cross-sectional survey data on attitudes, from 156 primary physicians, with prospective medical record-sourced data on guideline adherence and census data on ambulatory-care population characteristics. We examined moderating effects by testing theory-driven models for satisfied versus discontented physicians, using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results show that attitudes motivated, while norms suppressed, adherence to guidelines among discontented physicians. Separate models for satisfied versus discontented physicians revealed motivational differences. Satisfied physicians disregarded intrinsic and extrinsic influences and biases. Discontented physicians, alienated by social pressure, favored personal inclinations. To improve adherence to guidelines among discontented physicians, incentives should align with personal attitudes and incorporate promotional campaigns countering resentment of peer and organizational pressure.
Test–Retest Reliability and Measurement Invariance of Executive Function Tasks in Young Children With and Without ADHD
Authors: Karalunas Sarah L. , Bierman Karen L. , Huang-Pollock Cynthia L.
Published: February 2016

Objective: Measurement reliability is assumed when executive function (EF) tasks are used to compare groups or to examine relationships between cognition and etiologic and maintaining factors of psychiatric disorders. However, the test–retest reliabilities of many commonly used EF tasks have rarely been examined in young children. Furthermore, measurement invariance between typically developing and psychiatric populations has not been examined. Method: Test–retest reliability of a battery of commonly used EF tasks was assessed in a group of children between the ages of 5 and 6 years old with ( n = 63) and without ( n = 44) ADHD. Results: Few individual tasks achieved adequate reliability. However, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models identified two factors, working memory and inhibition, with test–retest correlations approaching 1.0. Multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) models confirmed configural measurement invariance between the groups. Conclusion: Problems created by poor reliability, including reduced power to detect group differences, index change over time, or to identify relationships with other measures, may be mitigated using latent variable approaches.
A mixed-method evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth-based parent-mediated intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Pickard Katherine E , Wainer Allison L , Bailey Kathryn M , Ingersoll Brooke R
Published: February 2016

Research within the autism spectrum disorder field has called for the use of service delivery models that are able to more efficiently disseminate evidence-based practices into community settings. This study employed telehealth methods in order to deliver an Internet-based, parent training intervention for autism spectrum disorder, ImPACT Online. This study used mixed-methods analysis to create a more thorough understanding of parent experiences likely to influence the adoption and implementation of the program in community settings. Specific research questions included (1) What are parents’ perceptions of the online program? (2) How does ImPACT Online compare to other services that parents are accessing for their children? And (3) Do parents’ experience in, and perceptions of, the program differ based on whether they received a therapist-assisted version of the program? Results from 28 parents of a child with autism spectrum disorder indicate that parents saw improvements in their child’s social communication skills and their own competence during the course of the program, regardless of whether they received therapist assistance. However, qualitative interviews indicate that parents who received therapist assistance were more likely endorse the acceptability and observability of the program. These findings support the potential for Internet-based service delivery to more efficiently disseminate evidence-based parent training interventions for autism spectrum disorder.
First evidence of the feasibility of gaze-contingent attention training for school children with autism
Authors: Powell Georgina , Wass Sam V , Erichsen Jonathan T , Leekam Susan R
Published: February 2016

A number of authors have suggested that attention control may be a suitable target for cognitive training in children with autism spectrum disorder. This study provided the first evidence of the feasibility of such training using a battery of tasks intended to target visual attentional control in children with autism spectrum disorder within school-based settings. Twenty-seven children were recruited and randomly assigned to either training or an active control group. Of these, 19 completed the initial assessment, and 17 (9 trained and 8 control) completed all subsequent training sessions. Training of 120 min was administered per participant, spread over six sessions (on average). Compliance with the training tasks was generally high, and evidence of within-task training improvements was found. A number of untrained tasks to assess transfer of training effects were administered pre- and post-training. Changes in the trained group were assessed relative to an active control group. Following training, significant and selective changes in visual sustained attention were observed. Trend training effects were also noted on disengaging visual attention, but no convincing evidence of transfer was found to non-trained assessments of saccadic reaction time and anticipatory looking. Directions for future development and refinement of these new training techniques are discussed.
Sharp decrease in observed cerebrovascular mortality may be due to certification and coding
Authors: Denissov Gleb
Published: February 2016

Aims and methods: Being easily available and having good coverage and comparability, official mortality statistics are used very widely. This in turn is because the definitions of mortality and methods of pertinent data collection are coordinated worldwide by the World Health Organization. In Estonia, registered cerebrovascular mortality has dropped 50% since 2000. A less dramatic decrease has been observed in nearly all EU Member States. To find out if this development can be explained by changing certification and coding practices, we counted all mentions of cerebrovascular diseases in the Estonian Causes of Death Registry database between 2004 and 2013 and analyzed the selection of the underlying cause of death. Results: We found that the sharp decrease in registered cerebrovascular mortality was by a half due to an increased selection of hypertension as the underlying cause of death. In cases where a cerebrovascular disease was mentioned and selected the underlying cause of death, the mean number of diagnoses per record was 2.45, in cases where a cerebrovascular disease was mentioned, but hypertension selected the underlying cause of death, the mean number of diagnoses was 3.15. Conclusions: The choice of the underlying cause of death registered in official statistics depends on the level of details provided in a death certificate, as well as updates to coding rules and use of modern quality assurance instruments in data production.
Hacking in the public interest: Authority, legitimacy, means, and ends
Authors: Powell Alison
Published: February 2016

The cultural appropriation of ideas about hacking and opening knowledge have had significant impact on ways of developing participation in creating public interest knowledge and knowledge commons. In particular, the ideal of hacking as developed through studies of free and open source (F/OS) has highlighted the value of processes of participation, including participatory governance, in relation to the value of expanded accessibility of knowledge, including knowledge commons. Yet, these means and ends are often conflated. This article employs three examples of projects where hacker-inspired perspectives on scientific knowledge conflict with institutional perspectives. Each example develops differently the relationships between means and ends in relation to authority and legitimacy. The article’s analysis suggests that while hacker culture’s focus on authority through participation has had great traction in business and in public interest science, this may come limit the contribution to knowledge in the public interest - especially knowledge commons.
‘We occasionally miss a bath but we never miss stories’: Fathers reading to their young children in the home setting
Authors: Swain Jon , Cara Olga , Mallows David
Published: February 2016

This paper reports findings from a mixed methods research project in 2011, which set out to examine the extent and nature of father and child shared home reading practices. There was a particular focus on exploring fathers’ perceptions of their role in reading with their child, aged five years old. The research was commissioned by Booktrust and conducted by the National Research and Development Centre for adult literacy and numeracy. It involved 254 fathers and the results from the study are supplemented and enhanced by analysis of data on fathers’ reading from the Millennium Cohort Study. One of the main findings from this study and the Millennium Cohort Study data is that significant numbers of fathers read to their children either every day or a few times a week. The other findings are presented under the headings of father’s own reading practices, their motivation for reading with their child/children, the place and the time reading occurs, the strategies and practices that are employed, the types of text that are read, the models or influences fathers draw on and the barriers that they believe militate against them reading with their child/children.
Associations between social network characteristics, cognitive function, and quality of life among residents in a dementia special care unit: A pilot study
Authors: Abbott Katherine M , Pachucki Mark C
Published: February 2016

Social integration has a significant influence on physical and mental health. Older adults experience an increased risk of social isolation as their social networks contract. The purpose of this study is to examine associations between dementia special care unit residents’ overall well-being and cognition with structural aspects of their coresident relationships.

Design and Methods

Measures of social network structure were calculated from self-reported social contact data within three cohorts of residents in one dementia special care unit. Pearson correlations were used to describe associations between overall quality of life and cognition, with network characteristics indicative of social integration.

Results

Approximately half the ties sent or received were reciprocated and positive associations were found between social integration and quality of life. However, inconsistent associations were found between social integration and cognitive function. Friendship ties were more frequent between people of adjacent cognitive status categories. In addition, comparing across personal networks, residents tended to be tied to residents of higher quality of life status (43.3%, n = 13 personal networks) as opposed to lower (30%, n = 9 networks) or same (26.7%, n = 8 networks). There is a strong positive correlation between quality of life and respondent’s betweenness centrality, suggesting that individuals with high quality of life tend to be important intermediaries between others in the community.

Implications

Among the “oldest old,” quality of life and cognitive function are unevenly distributed, yet these health indicators tend to cluster in social networks. This reinforces that while quality of life may be highly individual, it is in part linked to relationships with others.
Financially Eligible Pell Grant Community College Students’ Perceptions of Institutional Integration
Authors: Ocean Mia
Published: February 2016

There is a wealth of literature on the integration of university students increasing retention and ultimate completion, yet much less is known about the connections or disconnections that exist for community college students. Therefore, I interviewed financially eligible Pell Grant community college students ( n = 62) about their connections to their institutions, and I subsequently conducted a thematic analysis of the data. Students’ experiences of integration ranged from feeling they created a family to perceiving unfair treatment. Overwhelmingly, students felt connected to their community college. However, some students who were not meeting satisfactory academic progress described a disconnection to their community college. The results indicate a need to reevaluate the satisfactory academic progress criteria and develop an integration model specific for low-income community college students.
A Pilot Study Assessing the Impact of 3-D Printed Models of Aortic Aneurysms on Management Decisions in EVAR Planning
Authors: Tam Matthew D. , Latham Tom R. , Lewis Mark , Khanna Kunal , Zaman Ali , Parker Mike , Grunwald Iris Q.
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

Endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms with difficult anatomy is challenging. There is no consensus for planning such procedures.

Methods:

Six cases of aortic aneurysms with challenging anatomical features, such as short, angulated, and conical necks and tortuous iliacs were harvested. The computed tomography (CT) scans were anonymized. Lifesize 3-dimensional (3-D) printed models were created of the lumen. Endovascular operators were asked to review the CT angiography (CTA), make a management plan, and give an indication of their confidence. They were then presented with the equivalent model and asked to review their decision. Their attitudes to such models were briefly surveyed.

Results:

A total of 28 endovascular operators reviewed 144 cases. After review of the physical model, the management plan changed in 29 (20.1%) of 144 cases. Initial plan after CTA review was endovascular 73.6%, open repair 22.9%, and second opinion 3.5%. After model review, this became endovascular 67.4%, open repair 19.4%, and second opinion 4.8%. Although the general trend was toward more open procedures, off-label techniques reduced from 19.4% to 15.2% following model review. When the management plan did not change, level of confidence did increase in 37 (43.5%) of 85 cases. The majority of operators stated that they would find models useful for planning in some procedures. For 1 case, the change in the percentage of participants being sure in the management plan was statistically significant ( P = .031).

Conclusion:

The 3-D printed models may be potentially useful in planning cases with EVAR. It is a paradigm that warrants further investigation.
Vocal Cord Paralysis as the First Sign of Spontaneous Carotid Dissection in a Patient With Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Popov Petar , Chapot Rene , Tanasković Slobodan , Vekić Berislav , Sotirovic Vuk , Ilijevski Nenad , Radak Djordje
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

Spontaneous dissection of supra-aortic arteries is an exceptionally rare cause of vocal cord dysfunction. We are reporting a case of spontaneous carotid dissection and internal carotid artery aneurysm presenting as vocal cord paralysis.

Case Report:

A 44-year-old female was admitted with hoarseness and swallowing disorders. Diagnostic imaging revealed dissection and obliteration of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) 23 mm from the carotid bifurcation. Electromyography revealed unilateral paralysis/paresis of the right vocal cord. Genetic analyses for thrombophilia, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 were found to be at high risk. The patient was discharged after 5 days without any neurological findings, and control angiography revealed complete restitution of the flow in the right ICA one month later. However, a fusiform aneurysm of the distal part of the extracranial right ICA was detected and excluded with endovascular procedure.

Conclusion:

Connective tissue systemic disorders and even mild trauma could initiate the dissection process of neck arteries. Precise diagnosis might be difficult even for an experienced neurologist, however, the final outcome is favorable.
Endovascular Treatment of Chronic Occluded Popliteal Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Giaquinta Alessia , Veroux Pierfrancesco , D’Arrigo Giuseppe , Virgilio Carla , Ardita Vincenzo , Mociskyte Dovile , Veroux Massimiliano
Published: February 2016

Critical limb ischemia may be the consequence of chronic occlusion of an aneurysm of popliteal artery. Endovascular repairs have the potential to be less invasive than open surgery and to allow the treatment, during the same procedure, of occlusive infrapopliteal diseases achieving a better distal outflow. Eleven patients with occluded popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) underwent an endovascular repair of PAA using a new technique, by positioning of a Viabahn graft inside a bare nitinol stent, deployed at the level of aneurysm with the intent to avoid distal embolization and to assure an external scaffold for the Viabahn graft. Immediate success rate was 100%. A peroneal artery embolization occurred in 1 patient (9%) and was successfully treated by stent implantation. Four (36.4%) patients needed a below-the-knee revascularization to achieve at least 1 vessel line to the foot. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.6 days. At 24-month follow-up, primary patency, target lesion revascularization, and major amputation rates were 82%, 9%, and 0%, respectively. All patients are still alive at last follow-up visit. The endovascular repair with the combined use of a bare metal stent and Viabahn graft resulted in a low incidence of distal embolization and major amputation rate, with an excellent 24-month patency rate, and may offer a safe alternative to open surgery for the treatment of occluded PAAs.
Endovascular Treatment of Inflammatory Infrarenal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Bianchini Massoni Claudio , Stein Philipp von , Schernthaner Melanie , Gallitto Enrico , Rengier Fabian , Katzen Barry T. , Gargiulo Mauro , Böckler Dittmar , Geisbüsch Philipp
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate short- and midterm outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair in patients with inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA) focusing on changes in perianeurysmal inflammation and hydronephrosis.

Methods:

A retrospective study was performed considering data prospectively gathered from 1998 to 2013 in 3 centers. Patient demographics, preoperative clinical characteristics, clinical presentation, preoperative imaging measurements, procedural, and postoperative data were collected. Main outcome was to define evolution of periaortic fibrosis and hydronephrosis at computed tomography angiography (CTA) during follow-up.

Results:

A total of 22 patients (male n = 20; mean age 70.9 years ± 9.3) were included (mean AAA diameter: 58 mm ± 11, symptomatic: 50%, ruptured: 9.1%). Hydroureteronephrosis was preoperatively diagnosed by CTA in 6 (27.3%) cases. Median clinical follow-up was 2.2 years (range 0.1-14.5). Nine patients died during follow-up. At 1, 2, 4, and 6 years, overall survival was 85.4%, 74.3%, 56.6%, and 49.5%, respectively. Among these 13 patients with CTA follow-up, the mean AAA diameter was 56.2 mm ± 15.5, and progression of sac diameter was detected in 1 (7.7%) patient. Median maximum thickness of perianeurysmal inflammation was 5 mm (range 2-11) and decreased/remained unchanged in 92.3% of patients. Regression of hydroureteronephrosis occurred in 3 of 5 patients available for follow-up. There were no cases of de novo hydroureteronephrosis.

Conclusion:

Endovascular treatment of IAAA has comparable short-term outcomes with non-IAAA. During midterm follow-up, aneurysm sac progression is rare, and perianeurysmal fibrosis decreases or remains unchanged in most cases. Hydronephrosis regression can occur in some but not all instances and thus warrants close surveillance.
Loss of Limb by Inadvertent Embolization of the Persistent Sciatic Artery
Authors: Huang Xianchen , Tang Yao , Xu Guoxiong , Zhang Zhixuan , Shen Liming , Jin Yiqi
Published: February 2016

Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare anatomic variant and is normally clinically silent. It can be found occasionally during uterine arteries embolization (UAE) and can lead to technical failure or complications. The authors present a patient with bilateral PSAs who was referred for emergency UAE because of uncontrollable postabortion hemorrhage. Inadvertent embolization of the right PSA led to unsalvageable ischemia and amputation of the right lower limb 12 days later.
“He Won’t Get Anything Out of This!” Intersections of Race, Disability, and Access
Authors: Theoharis George , Causton Julie
Published: February 2016

This case describes the leadership role and challenges in moving a school in a more inclusive direction for students with disabilities. Assistant Principal Mosier plays a key role and in that role meets Charles, sixth grader, who has been educated in self-contained special education. While 58% of the students at Reynolds are African American and 35% are White, all 12 of the students in Charles’s class are African American. As Charles began seventh grade, Reynolds adapted a more inclusive service delivery with general and special educators co-planning and co-delivering instruction. This case focuses on the intersection between race and disability in the midst of a school’s effort to create more inclusive services delivery.
Whose Language Is Legit? Intersections of Race, Ethnicity, and Language
Authors: Zisselsberger Margarita , Collins Kristina
Published: February 2016

This case describes St. Lucy School, a K-8 elementary school in a mid-sized urban center. St. Lucy has traditionally served African American students. In the past 10 years, the neighborhood has experienced a significant shift in population, such that many Latino/a families are now entering the school. In response to these changes, the school administration made the decision to transition into a fully bilingual school. As the school has begun to treat the Spanish language as an asset, however, tensions have arisen regarding why African American English (AAE) has not been—nor is currently—treated as an asset as well. In addition, there are tensions around the varieties of Spanish used, revealing different attitudes and beliefs about non-standard varieties of Spanish.
Recruitment strategies at the Iowa site for parent/infant pairs in a longitudinal dental caries study
Authors: Daly Jeanette M , Levy Barcey T , Xu Yinghui , Levy Steven M , Fontana Margherita
Published: February 2016

Background/aims:

Recruitment of parent/infant pairs can be more difficult and challenging than recruitment of adult subjects alone as the parent has to consider themselves along with the infant to be study participants. In order to determine which recruitment methods most effectively resulted in accrual of subjects, recruitment efforts at the University of Iowa were evaluated, one of three clinical sites involved in a longitudinal prospective study of dental caries.

Methods:

Enrollment goals were 300 parent/infant pairs within a year. Recruitment strategies included (1) a direct mailing to potential subjects who were University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics patients and potentially met inclusion criteria; (2) face-to-face recruitment visits at medical offices; (3) provision of recruitment materials to staff at off-campus agencies and medical offices serving low-income individuals; (4) a campus-wide mass e-mail; (5) recruitment materials to daycare centers and neighborhood centers; and (6) recruitment at a children’s museum.

Results:

From these recruitment efforts, 515 potential participants expressed interest and were screened for this study and 348 (68%) were enrolled during an 11-month time period. The face-to-face strategy had the highest recruitment rate of 25%, followed by direct individual mailings at 9% and follow-up telephone calls at 7%. For the face-to-face strategy, the contact at the children’s museum was most successful compared to the other office settings. The lowest rate of recruitment of 0.09% was attained with the mass e-mail. However, in terms of actual numbers recruited, the mass e-mail remained an important modality since it yielded 21 recruits and was much less time-intensive.

Conclusion:

An intensive, multi-pronged recruitment strategy proved successful in meeting enrollment goals and resulted in finishing the enrollment prior to the projected study deadline. Effective recruitment approaches are imperative for a study’s success and each recruitment strategy needs to be budgeted and planned for in a study. Investigators may need to adapt their approach to attain the needed number of subjects. Planning needs to include the numbers needed to be approached to attain your recruitment goal, how you will recruit, who will be responsible, and the costs and time commitment for various strategies.
Assessing public health job portals over the internet
Authors: Joshi Ashish , Mirza Attiqa , McFarlane Kim , Amadi Chioma
Published: February 2016

Aims:

The objective of our study was to search existing public health job websites over the internet and describe the challenges related to finding these job websites.

Method:

An internet search was conducted using different search engines, including Google, Yahoo and Bing, with several keywords including: Public Health Jobs, Epidemiology Jobs, Biostatistics Jobs, Health Policy and Management Jobs, Community Health Jobs, Health Administration Jobs, Nutrition Jobs, Environmental and Occupational Health Science Jobs, GIS Jobs, and Public Health Informatics Jobs. We recorded the first 20 websites that appeared in the results of each keyword search, thus generating 600 URLs. Duplicate sites and non-functional sites were excluded from this search, allowing analysis of unique sites only.

Results:

The initial search resulted in 600 websites of which there were 470 duplicates. More than half of the website categories were “.com” (54%; n = 323) followed by “.gov” (19%; n = 111) and “.edu” 15% (n = 90). Results of our findings showed 194 unique websites resulting from a search of 600 website links. More than half of them had actual public health or its related jobs (56%; n = 108).

Conclusion:

There is a need to establish standard occupational classification categories for the public health workforce.
Factors Associated With Parents’ Perceptions of Their Infants’ Oral Health Care
Authors: Daly Jeanette M. , Levy Steven M. , Xu Yinghui , Jackson Richard D. , Eckert George J. , Levy Barcey T. , Fontana Margherita
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Parents have an important role ensuring their infants receive oral and medical health care. Their decisions affect the well-being of their children. Methods: This study used data collected from a longitudinal, prospective study with the aim of developing and validating a caries risk assessment tool. The objectives of this study are to ( a) compare parents’ perceptions of how well they do in taking care of the infants’ teeth and/or gums versus how well they do in taking care of the infants’ medical health and ( b) determine factors associated with parental perceptions of how well they do in taking care of the infants’ teeth and/or gums. Results: A total of 1323 parent/infant pairs were enrolled in the study at Duke University, Indiana University, and the University of Iowa. Through a survey, 283 (21%) of the parents perceived they did an excellent job of both taking care of both the infant’s oral and medical health, while 861 (65%) perceived the care of their infant’s medical health was better than their care of the teeth and/or gums. In the multivariable model, parents who perceived they provided excellent/very good/good care for the infants’ teeth and/or gums were more likely to brush the infant’s teeth daily, use toothpaste daily, clean inside the infant’s mouth and/or gums daily, and not let the infant have something other than water after brushing and prior to bedtime. Also, those with infants having Medicaid or State Insurance, parents not eating sugary snacks frequently, and parents getting dental checkups at least annually were likely to perceive that they provided excellent/very good/good care for their infant’s teeth and/or gums. Conclusions: Parents who provide good infant oral health care are more likely to perceive they provide good care and more likely to have better personal dental health behaviors. This agrees with previous studies concerning older children.
Deconstructing The End of Leadership
Authors: French Robert P.
Published: February 2016

The current article deconstructs Kellerman’s The End of Leadership via postmodernity, epistemology, and worldviews. Despite perceptively synthesizing and diagnosing a host of issues and assumptions that plague the leadership industry, Kellerman’s argument is flawed in two substantial, overlapping ways. First, the argument is decidedly grounded in modernity, despite the obvious evidences of a postmodern critique. Second, although the impact of technology and culture are likely correctly identified as significant, analysis explicating why these altered views about leaders facilitated a redistribution of power is unattended to. Therefore, the current work argues that The End of Leadership compellingly diagnoses the condition of the leadership industry via an incomplete lens. Therefore, three counterthemes are offered to compliment and nuance Kellerman’s argument: first, an understanding that technologies alter epistemologies; second, an analysis of the assumptions tethered to the epistemologies of modernity; and third, that individual and collective worldviews have changed as a consequence of the epistemological shift of postmodernity.
The Role of Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Disability Status on the Relationship Between Student Perceptions of School and Family Support and Self-Determination
Authors: Cavendish Wendy
Published: February 2016

The role of gender, race/ethnicity, and disability category in the relationship between student perceptions of family support of personal growth and school facilitation of student involvement and the development of self-determination was examined in a sample of 190 diverse high school students with disabilities. Results indicated that both school and family support was positively related to self-determination. Disability group and gender were significant contributors to level of self-determination of students whereas age and race/ethnicity were not. Implications for practice include a discussion of ways in which schools can provide collaborative opportunities for the development of self-determination that are sensitive to individual youth differences.
Genetic regulation of expression of leukotriene A4 hydrolase
Authors: Szul Tomasz , Castaldi Peter , Cho Michael H. , Blalock J. Edwin , Gaggar Amit
Published: February 2016

In chronic inflammatory lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the concurrent organ-specific and systemic inflammatory responses lead to airway remodelling and vascular dysfunction. Although a major common risk factor for COPD, cigarette smoke alone cannot explain the progression of this disease; there is increasing evidence that genetic predisposition also plays a role in COPD susceptibility and progression. A key enzyme in chronic lung inflammation is leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H). With its aminopeptidase activity, LTA4H degrades the neutrophil chemoattractant tripeptide PGP.

In this study, we used the luciferase reporter gene analysis system and quantitative trait locus analysis to explore the impact of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the putative promoter region ofLTA4Hon LTA4H expression.

We show that not only is the putative promoter ofLTA4Hlarger than previously reported but also that SNPs in the expanded promoter region regulate expression of LTA4H both in cell-based systems and in peripheral blood samples from human subjects.

These findings provide significant evidence for an active region upstream of the previously reportedLTA4Hpromoter, which may have implications related to ongoing inflammatory processes in chronic lung disease.
Characteristics of non‐diabetic foot ulcers in Western Sydney, Australia
Authors: Haji Zaine Norafizah , Hitos Kerry , Vicaretti Mauro , Fletcher John P. , Begg Lindy , Burns Joshua
Published: February 2016

Background

There are few studies investigating the characteristics, risk factors and socioeconomic status of patients with non‐diabetic foot ulcers. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of non‐diabetic foot ulcers in a large tertiary referral outpatient hospital setting in Western Sydney, Australia.

Methods

From 2011 to 2013, data from 202 patients with non‐diabetic foot ulcers during their initial visit were retrospectively extracted for analysis from Westmead Hospital's Foot Wound Clinic Registry. Data including demographics, socioeconomic status and foot ulcer characteristics were recorded on a standardised data collection form.

Results

Demographics and physical characteristics were: 54 % male, median age 78 years [interquartile range (IQR): 64–87], median body mass index (BMI) of 23.8 kg/m2 (IQR: 20–26.9), 35 % had loss of protective sensation and the median postcode score for socioeconomic status was 996 (IQR: 935–1034). Foot ulcer characteristics were: median cross‐sectional area of 1.2 cm2 (IQR: 0.3–5.0), 30.5 % plantar and 27 % dorsal, 22.1 % University of Texas (UT) Wound Classification for Diabetic Foot Ulcers Grade of 1C‐3C (with ischaemia).

Conclusions

Unlike diabetic foot ulcers, non‐diabetic foot ulcers largely affected older males and females. In accordance with diabetic foot ulcer characteristics, socioeconomic status was not related to non‐diabetic foot ulcers in Western Sydney. Based on the findings of this study the epidemiological pattern of non‐diabetic foot ulceration and its pathogenesis requires further investigation.
Intraperitoneally infused human mesenchymal stem cells form aggregates with mouse immune cells and attach to peritoneal organs
Authors: Bazhanov Nikolay , Ylostalo Joni H. , Bartosh Thomas J. , Tiblow April , Mohammadipoor Arezoo , Foskett Andrea , Prockop Darwin J.
Published: February 2016

Background

Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSC) have shown beneficial effects in many models of disease in part by modulating excessive inflammatory and immune responses. Frequently the beneficial effects of MSC persist long after their disappearance from host tissues, suggesting that MSC interact with intermediate cells in the host that relay or amplify their effects. The cells have usually been injected intravenously, but beneficial effects have also been reported with intraperitoneal (IP) injection of MSC. However the fate of IP injection of MSC has not been examined.

Methods

The fate of the human MSC injected IP into immune-competent mice was studied. In vivo imaging was used to track green fluorescent protein-labeled MSC in the peritoneal cavity. In addition, their retention in peritoneal tissues was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction for human GAPDH mRNA. To describe the effects of human MSC on the immune system of the peritoneum, the peritoneal lavage, omentum, lymph nodes and mesenteric tissues were collected. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the immune cell populations, while cytokine/chemokine production was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Challenge with lipopolysaccharide at 3 days after the administration of MSC was used to evaluate the preconditioning of the immune system.

Results

Within 20 min, single MSC were no longer detected in peritoneal lavage fluid. Instead they were recovered as aggregates of varying size that contained mouse macrophages and a few B220+ lymphocytes. After 1 day, most of the aggregates containing live MSC were attached to sites throughout the peritoneal cavity including the omentum and mesentery. Less than 0.05 % of the live injected cells were detected in the spleen and jejunal lymph nodes. In all locations, MSC colocalized with mouse macrophages and B220+ lymphocytes. Attachment to the omentum and mesentery was accompanied by the recruitment of immune cells and changes in the production of a series of mouse cytokines. A similar increase in mouse cytokines in the peritoneum was seen after IP injections of human fibroblasts.

Conclusions

IP injected human MSC rapidly formed aggregates with mouse macrophages and B220+ lymphocytes and attached to the walls of the peritoneal cavity. The formation of the aggregates probably limits access of the cells to the systemic circulation.
ERα in Tac2 Neurons Regulates Puberty Onset in Female Mice
Authors: Greenwald-Yarnell Megan L. , Marsh Courtney , Allison Margaret B. , Patterson Christa M. , Kasper Chelsea , MacKenzie Alexander , Cravo Roberta , Elias Carol F. , Moenter Suzanne M. , Myers Martin G.
Published: February 2016

A variety of data suggest that estrogen action on kisspeptin (Kiss1)-containing arcuate nucleus neurons (which coexpress Kiss1, neurokinin B (the product of Tac2) and dynorphin (KNDy) neurons restrains reproductive onset and function, but roles for estrogen action in these Kiss1 neurons relative to a distinct population of rostral hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons (which does not express Tac2 or dynorphin) have not been directly tested. To test the role for estrogen receptor (ER)α in KNDy cells, we thus generated Tac2Cre and Kiss1Cre knock-in mice and bred them onto the Esr1flox background to ablate ERα specifically in Tac2-expressing cells (ERαTac2KO mice) or all Kiss1 cells (ERαKiss1KO mice), respectively. Most ERα-expressing Tac2 neurons represent KNDy cells. Arcuate nucleus Kiss1 expression was elevated in ERαTac2KO and ERαKiss1KO females independent of gonadal hormones, whereas rostral hypothalamic Kiss1 expression was normal in ERαTac2KO but decreased in ERαKiss1KO females; this suggests that ERα in rostral Kiss1 cells is crucial for control of Kiss1 expression in these cells. Both ERαKiss1KO and ERαTac2KO females displayed early vaginal opening, early and persistent vaginal cornification, increased gonadotropins, uterine hypertrophy, and other evidence of estrogen excess. Thus, deletion of ERα in Tac2 neurons suffices to drive precocious gonadal hyperstimulation, demonstrating that ERα in Tac2 neurons typically restrains pubertal onset and hypothalamic reproductive drive.
Continuous Attractor Neural Networks: Candidate of a Canonical Model for Neural Information Representation
Authors: Wu Si , Wong K Y Michael , Fung C C Alan , Mi Yuanyuan , Zhang Wenhao
Published: February 2016

Owing to its many computationally desirable properties, the model of continuous attractor neural networks (CANNs) has been successfully applied to describe the encoding of simple continuous features in neural systems, such as orientation, moving direction, head direction, and spatial location of objects. Recent experimental and computational studies revealed that complex features of external inputs may also be encoded by low-dimensional CANNs embedded in the high-dimensional space of neural population activity. The new experimental data also confirmed the existence of the M-shaped correlation between neuronal responses, which is a correlation structure associated with the unique dynamics of CANNs. This body of evidence, which is reviewed in this report, suggests that CANNs may serve as a canonical model for neural information representation.
Improved Collaborative Transport Planning at Dutch Logistics Service Provider Fritom
Authors: Buijs Paul , Alvarez Jose Alejandro Lopez , Veenstra Marjolein , Roodbergen Kees Jan
Published: February 2016

We study the collaborative transport planning for two autonomous business units of Fritom, a Dutch logistics service provider. This difficult planning problem does not fit any existing type of vehicle routing problem proposed in the academic literature; therefore, we define a new problem class, the generalized pickup and delivery problem. We also propose and evaluate methods to structure and improve Fritom’s existing collaborative transport planning process. Using an extensive real-world data set from Fritom, our experiments show that our proposed methods significantly outperform Fritom’s collaborative planning approach in total travel distance. We formulate managerial recommendations for Fritom and describe the implementation process for these recommendations. Finally, we present several recommendations for future research.
Case Article—Medication Waste Reduction in an In-Hospital Pharmacy: A Case That Bridges Problem Solving Between a Traditional Case and an Industry Project
Authors: Dobson Gregory , Tilson Vera
Published: February 2016

This operations management case describes a waste-reduction project in a compounding pharmacy in a hospital. Every day, pharmacy technicians prepare a large number of patient-specific medication doses and then deliver these doses to various hospital units. With the rising cost of medications, pharmacy managers become concerned that a significant number of compounded medication doses are not administered to patients and are subsequently wasted. The students are asked to quantitatively evaluate proposed changes to the compounding and delivery process and to estimate savings from process reconfiguration. Two large data sets are provided with the case to facilitate hypothesis generation regarding probable causes of waste and to analyze proposed changes. The analysis will deepen students’ spreadsheet skills as well as mathematical modeling of inventory problems. The case is presented in parts, and it is discussed over one-and-a half class meetings—simulating the steps of a field project: interviewing a client, framing the client’s problem, formulating a data request, and then analyzing the data and delivering a recommendation. This case has been used in a core MBA operations management class; it could also be used in a health-care operations or in a business modeling course.

Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
Puzzle—Brushing the Court Lines Optimally
Authors: Baker Kenneth R. , Magazine Michael J.
Published: February 2016

Clay-court tennis players are familiar with the well-known courtesy, after finishing their match, of preparing the court for the next players who will use the court. Preparation consists of two parts: sweeping the court and brushing the lines. Sweeping the court is straightforward, but the quantitatively oriented player surely wants to know how to brush the lines (a nontrivial routing problem) in the most efficient fashion.