bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community Pharmacist Preferences in Transition of Care Communications
Authors: Dolan Mackenzie A. , Renfro Chelsea P. , Ferreri Stefanie P. , Shilliday Betsy B. , Ives Timothy J. , Cavanaugh Jamie J.
Published: April 2018

Objective:

To determine community pharmacist preferences in transition of care (TOC) communications.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, data were gathered via electronic survey of community pharmacists regarding their preferences for TOC communications. The survey was distributed via email by the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

Survey responses were received from 343 community pharmacists (response rate = 6.1%). Responders most commonly worked in an independent, single store (29.2%, n = 100) or national chain (29.2%, n = 100) pharmacy setting. Preferred method for a TOC communication was via electronic health record (63.0%, n = 184). Preferred TOC communication content are mentioned as follows: active (93.2%, n = 274) and discontinued (86.4%, n = 254) medications and reason for hospitalization (85.0%, n = 250). The top 3 self-identified barriers to utilizing a TOC communication: lack of care coordination with community pharmacy (35.0%, n = 14), lack of support from other health-care providers (22.5%, n = 9), and absence of compensation for providing the service (17.5%, n = 7). When asked if TOC communications were available, 97.5% (n = 278) indicated it would be useful.

Conclusion:

Community pharmacists acknowledged a need for TOC communications and shared their preferences in the content and method of communication. Future research is warranted to implement TOC communications between a health system and community pharmacy.
Fault degree identification method for thruster of autonomous underwater vehicle using homomorphic membership function and low frequency trend prediction
Authors: Yin Baoji , Yao Feng , Wang Yujia , Zhang Mingjun , Zhu Chenguang
Published: April 2018

This article presents a novel thruster fault degree identification method for autonomous underwater vehicle. The novel method is developed from the fuzzy support vector domain description method, which establishes a fault identification model first, and then estimates fault degree according to the model. When establishing fault identification model for thruster based on fuzzy support vector domain description method, it is found that the relative fitting error of the model to the actual fault degree is large, making the model accuracy poor. To reduce the relative fitting error, a homomorphic membership function method is proposed. Different from fuzzy support vector domain description method, which calculates the fuzzy membership degree of fault sample in time domain, the proposed method calculates the fuzzy membership degree in log domain. On estimating thruster fault degree by fuzzy support vector domain description method, it is obtained that the estimated fault degree lags behind the actual fault degree. To shorten the lag time, a low frequency trend prediction method is proposed. Different from fuzzy support vector domain description method, which brings the fault feature extracted from the current surge speed and control voltage into the fault identification model to calculate fault degree, the proposed method firstly forward predicts surge speed and control voltage, and then takes the fault feature extracted from the predicted surge speed and control voltage into the model to acquire fault degree. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified by pool experiments of the experimental prototype.
A dynamic model parameter identification method for quadrotors using flight data
Authors: Lyu Pin , Bao Sheng , Lai Jizhou , Liu Shichao , Chen Zang
Published: April 2018

The dynamic model parameter identification is important for unmanned aerial vehicle modeling and control. The unmanned aerial vehicle model parameters are usually identified through wind tunnel experiments, which are complex. In this paper, a model parameter identification method is proposed using the flight data for quadrotors. The parameters of the thrust, drag force, torque, rolling moment and pitching moment are estimated through Kalman filter. Global positioning system and inertial sensors are used as measurements. The observabilities of the model parameters and their degrees of observability are analyzed. Flight experiments are carried out to verify the proposed method. It is shown that the model parameters estimated by the proposed method have good accuracies, demonstrating the validity of the proposed method.
Catalytic activities of nickel, dolomite, and olivine for tar removal and H2-enriched gas production in biomass gasification process
Authors: Soomro Ahsanullah , Chen Shiyi , Ma Shiwei , Xiang Wenguo
Published: April 2018

Tar content in gasification products is a serious problem for fuel gas utilization in downstream applications. Catalytic steam reforming of tar to syngas is a promising way for the removal of tar from the gas products. Nickel-based catalysts, dolomite, and olivine have been widely investigated for tar cracking and reforming by various researchers. This paper presents a review of biomass gasification, tar composition, and its elimination process by using the above three catalysts. This paper summarizes the knowledge in the published literature associated with tar elimination during the biomass gasification including discussion on the effects of different support, promoter on the catalytic performance. The aim of this paper is to collect information on the performance of above catalysts to make them accessible to readers within one paper. Comparative studies on these catalysts carried out by some researchers have also been presented here which show that the nickel-based catalyst is much more active than dolomite and olivine, but they are more expensive and can be also deactivated. Compared to olivine, the dolomite shows better catalytic performance with much higher gas yield and H2. Calcination of these catalysts improves the catalytic activities but the amount of coke deposited on the surface of the dolomite is reported higher than that of the olivine, which may be resulted from the different Fe amount of the catalyst.
Connections and Correspondences in Simulation/Gaming
Authors: Harviainen J. Tuomas
Published: April 2018

This editorial presents some recent contributions in the field of game-related research, as well as discusses the contents of the issue. The field is currently engaging in much-awaited cross-pollination between different groups and traditions of game scholars, and the new works published both here and in books reflect this positive trend.
Delivery of Standardized Patient Instructions in the After-Visit Summary Reduces Telephone Calls Between Clinic Visits
Authors: Deeds Stefanie , Carr Stephanie , Garrison Michelle , Fainstad Tyra
Published: April 2018

Telephone calls from patients can be a large source of between-visit work in outpatient clinics. A baseline audit at the study clinic identified medication refills and test results as the most common preventable calls. The authors created a dot phrase with standardized text detailing methods for refilling medications and reviewing test results and instructed providers to use it in the after-visit summary (AVS). After implementation of the AVS dot phrase, telephone calls for medications and results had an adjusted absolute decrease of 23.9 (95% CI = 15.4-32.4) calls per day to 16.2 (SD 7.7) calls per day, a relative reduction of 61%. Providers reported significantly fewer inbox requests for both refills ( P = .04) and test results ( P = .01). Using a standardized AVS dot phrase to inform patients on how to navigate care needs can significantly reduce between-visit workload for clinic staff and providers.
Dynamic simulation of the oscillation characteristics of supercritical carbon dioxide impacting jets
Authors: Zhang Xinwei , Lu Yiyu , Tang Jiren , Zhou Zhe , Li Qian
Published: April 2018

A numerical model was established to investigate the dynamic oscillation characteristics of supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2) impacting jets. The jet hydrodynamics, heat transfer, and physical properties of sc-CO2 fluid were incorporated into the model. The coupling of multiple fields with large velocity and pressure gradients was achieved using a modified SIMPLE segmentation algorithm. Laboratory experiments validated the reliability of the numerical model by detecting dynamic changes in the pressure on the centerline of the sc-CO2 impacting jet. Analysis of the flow field showed single or double high-speed sc-CO2 mass structures for the sc-CO2 impacting jet, revealing the generation mechanism of the impacting oscillation frequency and the mechanism of improved rock-breaking efficiency by sc-CO2 jet. The oscillation frequency equation was obtained through a quantitative treatment of the velocity and motion area of the sc-CO2 mass. Finally, the equation and simulation results were used to analyze the influences of the target distance, inlet pressure and temperature on the sc-CO2 jet oscillation characteristics. The results showed that the oscillation frequency and amplitude first increased and then decreased with increases in the target distance. The oscillation frequency and amplitude both increased with increasing inlet pressure; the oscillation frequency increased slowly with increasing temperature.
Small Fiber Neuropathy: Disease Classification Beyond Pain and Burning
Authors: Levine Todd D
Published: April 2018

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) has a poorly understood pathology, but patients would benefit from determination of clinical phenotypes that allows for better diagnosis and treatment planning. I propose that patients should be classified dependent on whether there is sodium channel dysfunction, classic neurologic symptoms only, widespread neuropathic pain, or autonomic symptoms. Patients with SFN can then be considered in light of their clinical phenotype, allowing for focus on subsets of patients who might have diagnosable conditions or be more prone to responding to a particular type of therapy that may not be efficacious in the broader patient population with SFN. There are several therapies currently available that can address the symptoms of SFN; however, to develop novel therapeutic strategies, it will be imperative to classify patients to understand and target the underlying pathology.
Interactions between hard and soft power: The institutional adaptation of international intellectual property protection to global power shifts
Authors: Daßler Benjamin , Kruck Andreas , Zangl Bernhard
Published: April 2018

Prevailing power transition theories focus on hard sources of power to explain why international institutions do, or do not, adapt to shifts in the balance of power among their members. This article argues that, in the wake of such a shift in the balance between emerging and established powers, institutional adaptations depend on both their hard and soft power resources. Soft power matters for institutional adaptations because both emerging and established powers have to justify the use of hard power to their respective audiences. Whether emerging or established powers are able to use the hard power they have depends crucially on rhetorical resources, such as claims of legitimacy and their (transnational) societal resonance. We provide empirical support for our argument through an analysis of the adaptation of the Trade-Related Aspects of International Property Rights agreement and the adaptation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Emerging powers such as Brazil, India and South Africa were able to bring about institutional adaptations because they not only had the hard power to undermine the respective institutions, but could also build on civil society support that legitimized their demands or constrained established states’ use of hard power to fend off their demands.
Numerical investigation of thermal comfort and transport of expiratory contaminants in a ventilated office with an air curtain system
Authors: Park Dong Yoon , Chang Seongju
Published: April 2018

Air distribution systems generally focus on diluting contaminants and distributing conditioned air. However, this strategy has a potential for spreading particulate matter or bioaerosols. Thus, it is considered to be useful to create a non-uniform indoor environment to prevent such dispersion of particulate matter or bioaerosols, and an air curtain could serve for this purpose. This study investigates the effects of an air curtain system in a ventilated office to prevent the dispersion of expiratory droplets that are generated locally, while also considering thermal comfort. Droplets dispersion was modelled with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with the Lagrangian method. In the CFD simulations, an air curtain system was installed in the middle of an office with varied factors of design, orientation and jet velocity of the air curtain system. Numerical results showed that unless there was an independent inlet and outlet for each region, the air curtain system alone could not create a non-uniform thermal environment; however, it was effective in removing and preventing dispersion of the expiratory droplets. The droplet removal performance of an air curtain system was not proportional to its jet velocity, but a velocity of 3 m/s was found to be feasible for this office. The air curtain system showed better performance than an air cleaner used to exhaust and filter the expiratory droplets.
Replication of the learning alliance inventory to blended student populations
Authors: Andrews Katrina , Bath Debra , Smith Calvin
Published: April 2018

The therapeutic working alliance by Bordin has been demonstrated as a ‘common ground’ variable attributable to change in identified change enterprises, including education. In this context, working alliance (renamed learning alliance) has been empirically demonstrated to predict positive on-campus student outcomes. However, minimal research investigating whether learning alliance predicts blended student outcomes has been conducted. A measure of on-campus student teaching alliance (the learning alliance inventory, LAI; Rogers), which operationalises (measures) learning alliance using three subscales (collaborative bond, teacher competency and student investment) was administered to 199 Australian tertiary students, enrolled in a counselling program delivered in the blended learning modality (online learning coupled with synchronous tutorials and an on-campus intensive). The aim of the study was to investigate if this on-campus measure of learning alliance can validly measure learning alliance in blended student populations as well. Results revealed that learning alliance in the blended student population is best operationalised as a two-factor model (collaborative bond and student investment) only. Thematic analysis of an open question revealed learning alliance in the blended teaching environment is understood as four themes: qualities of the teacher, teacher style, mastery of the technology and unique online factors. These results were interpreted as evidence that the bond factor of the original learning alliance construct as operationalised by Bordin (1979) continues to be important in the blended teaching space, but other factors unique to blended learning are important for online learning alliance, including content relevancy, currency and validity, as well as a transparent and structured course delivery style, flexibility when technology fails and online objectivity. Study limitations, implications and future research recommendations are discussed.
Photothermal Effects of Reduced Graphene Oxide on Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wu Jie , Li Zhifang , Li Yong , Pettitt Alex , Zhou Feifan
Published: April 2018

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor model with high mortality. Many patients are ineligible for surgical resection once diagnosed; therefore, it is important to explore more safe and effective treatment options. This study was designed to determine the therapeutic effect of reduced graphene oxide combined with the near-infrared laser in animal pancreatic cancer. The results showed that reduced graphene oxide has strong light absorption ability between 600 and 1100 nm detected by spectrophotometer. Experimental results of different concentrations of reduced graphene oxide solution under 980-nm laser irradiation at different powers showed that the enhancement of the photothermal conversion effect of reduced graphene oxide depends on reduced graphene oxide concentration and light dose. In vivo experiments showed that higher laser dose (0.75 W/cm2) combined with higher reduced graphene oxide concentration (2 mg/kg) can achieve higher treatment temperature and slower tumor growth. These results suggest that reduced graphene oxide combined with the 980-nm laser in the treatment of mouse pancreatic cancer can get an ideal thermal killing effect, with the clinical potential of pancreatic cancer treatment.
Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis. Part 1: Effects on Real-World Function
Authors: Mark Victor W. , Taub Edward , Uswatte Gitendra , Morris David M. , Cutter Gary R. , Adams Terrie L. , Bowman Mary H. , McKay Staci
Published: April 2018

Background. Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CIMT) has controlled evidence of efficacy for improving real-world paretic limb use in non-progressive physically disabling disorders (stroke, cerebral palsy). Objective. This study sought to determine whether this therapy can produce comparable results with a progressive disorder such as multiple sclerosis (MS). We conducted a preliminary phase II randomized controlled trial of CIMT versus a program of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for persons with MS, to evaluate their effect on real-world disability. Methods. Twenty adults with hemiparetic MS underwent 35 hours of either CIMT or CAM over 10 consecutive weekdays. The primary clinical outcome was change from pretreatment on the Motor Activity Log (MAL). Results. The CIMT group improved more on the MAL (2.7 points, 95% confidence interval 2.2-3.2) than did the CAM group (0.5 points, 95% confidence interval −0.1 to 1.1; P < .001). These results did not change at 1-year follow-up, indicating long-term retention of functional benefit for CIMT. The treatments were well tolerated and without adverse events. Conclusion. These results suggest that CIMT can increase real-world use of the more-affected arm in patients with MS for at least 1 year. Clinical Trial Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01081275.
UK method for solving multi-body system dynamics with singular problems
Authors: Yang Liusong , Yao Wenli , Li Zhenjing
Published: April 2018

In the process of solving differential algebraic equations of motion for constrained multi-body dynamic system, singular problems such as singular mass matrices, singular configurations, and redundant constraints may appear, which bring great difficulties to numerical simulation. The article presents a new equation of motion for multi-body dynamic system based on UK equations (explicit equations of motion proposed by Udwadia and Kalaba) and least square method, with which the dynamics problems are transformed into unconstrained optimization problems. Due to its pretty explicit and simple form, the new equation is very suitable for programming. Compared with the Lagrange method, the new equation does not require the introduction of Lagrange multipliers. Using this new equation, both the traditional optimization and modern optimization algorithms can be used in dynamics simulation for multi-body system. With the help of different optimization methods, approximate solutions can be found near the location of singular configurations to avoid instability of solution and numerical diffusion. In the end, several examples are given to illustrate that the new equation set is not only a practical modeling method for the above singular problems but also has faster solving speed and higher accuracy than the traditional methods.
Attitude control precision analysis for hypersonic vehicles based on covariance analysis describing equation technique
Authors: Guo Jianguo , Wang Xinming , Zhou Jun
Published: April 2018

This article investigates a control precision analysis based on covariance analysis describing equation technique for the generic hypersonic vehicle attitude tracking system. For a nominal generic hypersonic vehicle attitude system, a global sliding mode control strategy is pointed out first and then the stabilization of the control strategy is analyzed based on Lyapunov stability theory. In the presence of external disturbance moment and internal parameter perturbation, the statistical attitude model with the proposed control scheme is obtained using the covariance analysis describing equation technique. Moreover, 500 Monte Carlo tests are simulated for the hypersonic vehicle with the same disturbance and those mean and standard deviation are same as the results of the one-time covariance analysis describing equation technique simulation. Finally, the comparison of the covariance analysis describing equation technique and the Monte Carlo tests results shows that the covariance analysis describing equation technique is more effective and timesaving.
Automatic hazy image enhancement via haze distribution estimation
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Ju Mingye , Zhang Dengyin
Published: April 2018

Since the impact of haze on outdoor imaging varies sharply with the scene depth, hazy image enhancement proves to be a challenging task. In this article, we propose an adaptive image enhancement method for haze removal. In the proposed method, a quantitative measurement has been presented to evaluate the haze density, in which the characteristics of hazy images on brightness, texture, and color are taken into account. On the basis of the estimated haze density distribution, the intensity and color saturation have been enhanced. To achieve the increased visibility, the image texture component is extracted through a total variation model and sharpened depending on the haze density function. In addition, the corresponding correction on color saturation is also conducted to gain better color fidelity. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach is effective to produce the output images with compelling visual quality in terms of visibility and color fidelity.
Bifurcation and chaotic vibration of frictional chatter in turning process
Authors: Wang An , Jin Wuyin , Chen Wenke , Feng Ruicheng , Xu Chuangwen
Published: April 2018

A comprehensive 3-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of turning process is proposed to overcome the shortage of consideration on the feed velocity in Rusinek’s work; nonlinear dynamics behaviors of the cutting tool are investigated by means of displacement bifurcation diagram, time history, and power spectrum with cutting velocity as the bifurcation parameter. These results show that there are many kinds of nonlinear dynamic phenomena under the effect of cutting velocity, such as period, chaos, and crisis; furthermore, periodic chaos and crisis, and the high cutting velocity seem to be the effective means to suppress the vibration amplitude of the cutting tool.
Manufactures and mechanics of high ductile fiber-reinforced cementless composites
Authors: Kim Jeong-Su , Cho Chang-Geun , Moon Hyeong-Ju
Published: April 2018

In the recent design of a sustainable high ductile fiber-reinforced cementless composite, optimizing both sustainable and mechanical properties is critical. The purpose of current research is to develop a sustainable material while maintaining high ductility, represented by strain-hardening behavior in tension. The sustainable material is referred as a sustainable high ductile fiber-reinforced cementless composite which is manufactured using ground granulated blast-furnace slag–based alkali-activated cementless binder mixing with poly vinyl alcohol fibers. Three mixture proportions which had proper flowability and viscosity in fresh state in order to mix easily and disperse fibers uniformly were determined according to alkali activators and admixtures. A series of experiments on compression, direct-tension, and panel bending responses were carried out on the hardened composites. The fresh composites showed an average of 465 mm slump flow, the hardened composites were able to obtain the tensile strain up to 2.8%, and the ratio of bending deflection to span length was up to 14.3% with multiple micro-cracks.
Staying Alive: TV News Facebook Posts, Perceived Credibility, and Engagement Intent
Authors: Keib Kate , Wojdynski Bartosz
Published: April 2018

Facebook drives more traffic to news websites than any other site and is the most used social platform in the journalistic process, elevating the importance of what organizations post there. Central to consumer’s decision to engage is their assessment of credibility. This study examines how characteristics of Facebook posts promoting news trigger heuristic cues previously shown to help online consumers’ make such decisions. A 2 (likes, shares, and comments: low vs. high) × 2 (sponsorship: liked brand vs. suggested post) × 3 (post source: peer vs. brand vs. journalist) online experiment was conducted. Participants were U.S. adults (mean age = 35.7) who use Facebook. Results indicate that actions do not always match the assumed actions that traditional heuristic cues would predict. Results can be used by scholars studying credibility and by news brands and journalists to increase credibility and engage audiences on Facebook.
Sailing Across the Divide: Challenges to the Transfer of Teacher Leadership
Authors: Weiner Jennie , Woulfin Sarah L.
Published: April 2018

Responding to questions on how to develop and support teacher leaders, this article draws on sensemaking theory to discuss teacher leaders’ transfer of ideas from Developing Exemplary Educators (DEE), an intermediary organization. We share findings grounded in qualitative interview data from teachers and administrators in two urban schools. After describing the elements of teacher leadership that teacher leaders reported transferring into practice, we present the structures, norms, and factors enabling and constraining teacher leadership.
The Effect of Romantic Relationships on the Evaluation of the Attractiveness of One’s Own Face
Authors: Cai Jiaye , Zheng Yan , Li Pei , Ye Bin , Liu Hongyan , Ge Liezhong
Published: April 2018

The present study sought to explore the effect of romantic relationships on the attractiveness evaluation of one’s own face using two experiments with the probability evaluation and the subjective rating method. Experiment 1 and Experiment 2 enrolled couples and single individuals as participants, respectively. The results of the two experiments indicated that the participants evaluated their own face as significantly more attractive than did others of the same sex. More importantly, the romantic relationship enhanced the positive bias in the evaluation of self-face attractiveness, that is, couple participants showed a stronger positive bias than did single individuals. It was also found that a person in a romantic relationship was prone to overestimating the attractiveness of his or her lover’s face, from the perspective of both probability evaluation and rating score. However, the abovementioned overestimation did not surpass the evaluations of the exaggeratedly attractive face. The present results supported the observer hypothesis, demonstrating the romantic relationship to be an important influential factor of facial attractiveness. Our findings have important implications for the research of self-face evaluation.
A rare case of retroperitoneal synovial sarcoma
Authors: Wong CS , Harris A , Kennedy R , Houghton OP , Carey PD
Published: April 2018

Lesson

Management of retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas is complex. Treatment is usually multimodal; involving surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Sub-acromial balloon spacer for irreparable rotator cuff tears: Is it an appropriate salvage procedure?
Authors: Prat Dan , Tenenbaum Shay , Pritsch Moshe , Oran Ariel , Vogel Guy
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

Irreparable rotator cuff tear (RCT) presents a difficult treatment challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Many treatment strategies with varying degrees of success have been performed over the years. One of the suggested surgical treatment options is the use of a biodegradable sub-acromial balloon spacer.

Methods:

A retrospective study of patients treated with sub-acromial balloon spacer between the years 2011 and 2016 was conducted. Mean follow-up time was 14.4 months. Patient charts were reviewed to evaluate the early clinical results and complications of sub-acromial spacer for irreparable RCTs.

Results:

The study cohort included 24 shoulders in 22 patients. The average postoperative Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 62.4. The average preoperative University of California at Los-Angeles Shoulder score was 10.9 and improved to 15.9 ( p = 0.001). Forty-six per cent of patients were satisfied with their clinical postoperative outcome. We found moderate–strong positive correlation ( r = 0.64) between preoperative range of motion (ROM) and general satisfaction. None of the postoperative radiographs showed an improvement regarding the proximal migration of the humeral head. In total, four (16.7%) patients experienced postoperative complications, and two (8.3%) patients required an additional surgery as a consequence of a postoperative complication.

Conclusion:

Our results show unsatisfactory improvement in patients with irreparable RCT treated with the sub-acromial balloon spacer. Careful patient selection with attention to preoperative ROM should be considered.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic level IV.
Book review: Rahul Ramagundam, Including the Socially Excluded: India’s Experience with Caste, Gender and Poverty
Authors: Kaur Navprit
Published: April 2018

Rahul Ramagundam, Including the Socially Excluded: India’s Experience with Caste, Gender and Poverty. Orient BlackSwan. 2017. 302 pages. ₹850.
Radial Head Changes in Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum
Authors: Wu Mark , Eisenberg Katherine , Williams Kathryn , Bae Donald S.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow has almost exclusively been described in the humeral capitellum, with only a small number of reports describing secondary osteochondral changes in the radial head.

Hypothesis:

The authors hypothesized that concomitant radial head lesions (RHLs) would be seen with capitellar OCD and that patients with RHLs would present with more advanced capitellar OCD lesions and would respond better to procedures restoring articular congruity.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 86 elbows from 82 patients (39 female patients; mean ± SD age, 13.8 ± 2.2 years; age range, 9.8-23.6 years) were treated for capitellar OCD and enrolled in a prospective registry. Clinical and radiographic data were compared between those with and without RHLs, with a median follow-up of 10.8 months (interquartile range, 6.2-17.1 months). Magnetic resonance imaging was used to characterize and measure RHLs and OCD lesions. Postoperative clinical results were compared between patients who underwent drilling and those who had osteochondral autograft transplantation surgery (OATS).

Results:

RHLs were present in 26 (30%) elbows—17 in the dominant arm. Edema was seen in 22 elbows; 17 had involvement of the anterior third of the radial epiphysis. Cysts were present in 4 elbows: 2 in the anterior third and 2 in the middle third. Blunting of the normal concave contour of the radial epiphysis was present in 10 elbows in the anterior third. Demographic and presenting clinical features were similar between those with and without RHLs. RHLs were more commonly seen in Nelson grade 4 OCD lesions ( P = .04) as compared with elbows without RHLs. Elbows with RHLs that underwent OATS (n = 9) trended toward greater improvement in forearm range of motion ( P = .058) and fewer persistent mechanical symptoms ( P = .06) postoperatively as compared with elbows having RHLs that underwent drilling. There were no postoperative differences in elbows without RHLs that underwent OATS versus drilling.

Conclusion:

RHLs were seen in one-third of elbows with capitellar OCD. Lesions predominantly occurred in the anterior RH in patients with more advanced capitellar lesions. Short-term clinical follow-up suggested greater improvement in range of motion and resolution of mechanical symptoms for patients with RHLs who were treated with OATS than with drilling.
Medical Imaging Outpatients' Experiences With Receiving Information Required for Informed Consent and Preparation: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hyde Lisa L , J Mackenzie Lisa , Boyes Allison W , Symonds Michael , Brown Sandy , Sanson-Fisher Rob
Published: April 2018

Background:

Medical imaging outpatients often experience inadequate information provision and report high levels of anxiety. However, no studies have assessed patients’ receipt of preparatory information in this setting.

Objective:

To examine medical imaging outpatients’ perceived receipt or non-receipt of preparatory information from health professionals and imaging department staff prior to their procedure.

Method:

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging outpatients at one Australian hospital self-completed a touchscreen computer survey assessing their perceived receipt of 33 guideline-recommended preparatory information items.

Results:

Of 317 eligible patients, 280 (88%) consented to participate. Eight percent (95% confidence interval: 5%-12%) of participants reported receiving all information items. The median number of information items not received was 18 (interquartile range: 8-25). Items most frequently endorsed as “not received ” were: how to manage anxiety after (74%) and during the scan (69%). Items most commonly endorsed as “received” were: reason for referral (85%) and how to find the imaging department (74%).

Conclusion:

Few medical imaging outpatients recalled receiving recommended preparatory information. Preparatory communication needs to be improved to better meet patient-centered service imperatives.
Ectopic Lck expression in CLL demarcates intratumoral subpopulations with aberrant B-cell receptor signaling
Authors: Theofani Efthymia , Alexis Spyridon , Costeas Paul , Andriopoulos Christos , Feleskoura Georgia , Zikos Panagiotis , Aktypi Anthi , Spyridonidis Alexandros , Nika Konstantina
Published: April 2018

Key Points

Ectopic Lck expression signifies interpatient and intratumoral heterogeneity in CLL. Lck expression identifies CLL subpopulations with aberrant BCR signaling.
The Bayeux embroidery: a dust deposition assessment
Authors: Uring Pauline , Chabas Anne , De Reyer Dominique , Gentaz Lucile , Triquet Sylvain , Mirande-Bret Cécile , Alfaro Stéphane
Published: April 2018

Particulate matter in the showcase of the Bayeux embroidery was studied for 8 months in order to determine the conservation state of this precious and fragile work of art. Both the suspended and deposited particles were observed, analysed, and quantified. Microclimatic conditions were also monitored. This study presents different methods for the qualification (SEM–EDS and ion chromatography) and quantification (haze, surface coverage, deposition thickness, fibre concentration) of the deposition of particulate matter in such an environment. It allowed the evaluation of the hazard represented by particulate matter for the piece of art and the effectiveness of the measures taken to preserve it, namely air filtration in its over-pressured showcase. The results are very positive, since the PM concentration is very low (ISO 8 regarding the ISO 14644-1 norm) and dust deposition is still negligible after five and a half month.
A discontinuous-grid finite-difference scheme for frequency-domain 2D scalar wave modeling
Authors: Fan Na , Zhao Lian-Feng , Xie Xiao-Bi , Yao Zhen-Xing
Published: April 2018

The discontinuous-grid method can greatly reduce the storage requirement and computational cost in finite-difference modeling, especially for models with large velocity contrasts. However, this technique is mostly applied to time-domain methods. We have developed a discontinuous-grid finite-difference scheme for frequency-domain 2D scalar wave modeling. Special frequency-domain finite-difference stencils are designed in the fine-coarse grid transition zone. The coarse-to-fine-grid spacing ratio is restricted to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a positive integer. Optimization equations are formulated to obtain expansion coefficients for irregular stencils in the transition zone. The proposed method works well when teamed with commonly used 9- and 25-point schemes. Compared with the conventional frequency-domain finite-difference method, the proposed discontinuous-grid method can largely reduce the size of the impedance matrix and number of nonzero elements. Numerical experiments demonstrated that the proposed discontinuous-grid scheme can significantly reduce memory and computational costs, while still yielding almost identical results compared with those from conventional uniform-grid simulations. When tested for a very long elapsed time, the frequency-domain discontinuous-grid method does not show instability problems as its time-domain counterpart usually does.
Activated ezrin controls MISP levels to ensure correct NuMA polarization and spindle orientation
Authors: Kschonsak Yvonne T. , Hoffmann Ingrid
Published: April 2018

Correct spindle orientation is achieved through signaling pathways that provide a molecular link between the cell cortex and spindle microtubules in an F-actin-dependent manner. A conserved cortical protein complex, composed of LGN (also known as GPSM2), NuMA (also known as NUMA1) and dynein–dynactin, plays a key role in establishing proper spindle orientation. It has also been shown that the actin-binding protein MISP and the ERM family, which are activated by lymphocyte-oriented kinase (LOK, also known as STK10) and Ste20-like kinase (SLK) (hereafter, SLK/LOK) in mitosis, regulate spindle orientation. Here, we report that MISP functions downstream of the ERM family member ezrin and upstream of NuMA to allow optimal spindle positioning. We show that MISP directly interacts with ezrin and that SLK/LOK-activated ezrin ensures appropriate cortical MISP levels in mitosis by competing with MISP for actin-binding sites at the cell cortex. Furthermore, we found that regulation of the correct cortical MISP levels, by preventing its excessive accumulation, is essential for crescent-like polarized NuMA localization at the cortex and, as a consequence, leads to highly dynamic astral microtubules. Our results uncover how appropriate MISP levels at the cortex are required for proper NuMA polarization and, therefore, an optimal placement of the mitotic spindle within the cell.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Tissue stiffening promotes keratinocyte proliferation through activation of epidermal growth factor signaling
Authors: Kenny Fiona N. , Drymoussi Zoe , Delaine-Smith Robin , Kao Alexander P. , Laly Ana C. , Knight Martin M. , Philpott Michael P. , Connelly John T.
Published: April 2018

Tissue biomechanics regulate a wide range of cellular functions, but the influences on epidermal homeostasis and repair remain unclear. Here, we examined the role of extracellular matrix stiffness on human keratinocyte behavior using elastomeric substrates with defined mechanical properties. Increased matrix stiffness beyond normal physiologic levels promoted keratinocyte proliferation but did not alter the ability to self-renew or terminally differentiate. Activation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling mediated the proliferative response to matrix stiffness and depended on focal adhesion assembly and cytoskeletal tension. Comparison of normal skin with keloid scar tissue further revealed an upregulation of EGF signaling within the epidermis of stiffened scar tissue. We conclude that matrix stiffness regulates keratinocyte proliferation independently of changes in cell fate and is mediated by EGF signaling. These findings provide mechanistic insights into how keratinocytes sense and respond to their mechanical environment, and suggest that matrix biomechanics may play a role in the pathogenesis keloid scar formation.
Research into occupational noise induced hearing loss in South African large-scale mines: Access denied?
Authors: Moroe Nomfundo F. , Khoza-Shangase Katijah
Published: April 2018

Background: The South African mining industry is frequently criticized for its poor health and safety record and high numbers of fatalities, thereby prompting researchers to conduct research on challenges faced by this industry. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of conducting audiological research into occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) within the South African mining sector. Specific objectives involved determining ease of identifying focal persons in charge of hearing conservation programmes (HCP); establishing response time and rate of identified focal person for interviews; and exploring focal person’s willingness to share information regarding HCP.

Methods: A qualitative research strategy comprising online desk research and interviews was undertaken through purposive sampling to recruit participants. Data were collected through checklists, logbooks and interviews. Deductive thematic analysis was used to analyse data.

Results: Gaining access into the mining sector is negatively impacted by the following factors: firstly, contact details of focal person are not always listed on the websites. Secondly, prolonged response rate between initial contact and the time in which the participants respond. Lastly, unwillingness to share information regarding the management of ONIHL and progress made in HCP at various mines.

Conclusions: Findings contribute evidence regarding possible barriers to effective and successful implementation of application of best practice in HCPs; guided by evidence that is contextually relevant. Challenges with accessing mines for research purposes by external and independent researchers arguably impacts on the available evidence produced by mines, due to a possible unavoidable conflict of interest. Success of HCPs depend on objective evidence regardless of whether it paints the mining industry in positive or negative light. It is only when this evidence is critically engaged with, that real and effective solutions can be deliberated and implemented. Clear, transparent, and open lines of communication between various stakeholders are key to achieving this.
The Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN): Applying Genomic technologies to probe host factors important to the progression of HIV and HIV-tuberculosis infection in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mboowa Gerald , Mwesigwa Savannah , Katagirya Eric , Retshabile Gaone , Mlotshwa Busisiwe C. , Williams Lesedi , Kekitiinwa Adeodata , Kateete David , Wampande Eddie , Wayengera Misaki , Kintu Betty Nsangi , Kisitu Grace P. , Kyobe Samuel , Brown Chester W. , Hanchard Neil A. , Mardon Graeme , Joloba Moses , Anabwani Gabriel , Pettitt Ed , Tsimako-Johnstone Masego , Kasvosve Ishmael , Maplanka Koketso , Mpoloka Sununguko W. , Hlatshwayo Makhosazana , Matshaba Mogomotsi
Published: April 2018

Background: The Human Heredity and Health in Africa consortium (H3Africa) was conceived to facilitate the application of genomics technologies to improve health across Africa. Here, we describe how the Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN) of the H3Africa consortium is using genomics to probe host genetic factors important to the progression of HIV and HIV-tuberculosis (TB) coinfection in sub-Saharan Africa.         

Methods: CAfGEN is an H3Africa collaborative centre comprising expertise from the University of Botswana; Makerere University; Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Clinical Centers of Excellence (COEs) in Botswana, Uganda, and Swaziland; as well as Baylor College of Medicine, Texas. The COEs provide clinical expertise for community engagement, participant recruitment and sample collection while the three University settings facilitate processing and management of genomic samples and provide infrastructure and training opportunities to sustain genomics research.

Results: The project has focused on utilizing whole-exome sequencing to identify genetic variants contributing to extreme HIV disease progression phenotypes in children, as well as RNA sequencing and integrated genomics to identify host genetic factors associated with TB disease progression among HIV-positive children. These cohorts, developed using the COEs’ electronic medical records, are exceptionally well-phenotyped and present an unprecedented opportunity to assess genetic factors in individuals whose HIV was acquired by a different route than their adult counterparts in the context of a unique clinical course and disease pathophysiology.

Conclusions: Our approach offers the prospect of developing a critical mass of well-trained, highly-skilled, continent-based African genomic scientists. To ensure long term genomics research sustainability in Africa, CAfGEN contributes to a wide range of genomics capacity and infrastructure development on the continent, has laid a foundation for genomics graduate programs at its institutions, and continues to actively promote genomics research through innovative forms of community engagement brokered by partnerships with governments and academia to support genomics policy formulation.