bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicenter Experience Evaluating Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement in Bovine Jugular Vein (Contegra) Right Ventricle to Pulmonary Artery Conduits
Authors: Morray Brian H. , McElhinney Doff B. , Boudjemline Younes , Gewillig Marc , Kim Dennis W. , Grant Elena K. , Bocks Martin L. , Martin Mary H. , Armstrong Aimee K. , Berman Darren , Danon Saar , Hoyer Mark , Delaney Jeffrey W. , Justino Henri , Qureshi Athar M. , Meadows Jeffery J. , Jones Thomas K.
Published: June 2017

Background—

Follow-up of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with the Melody valve has demonstrated good short-term and long-term outcomes, but there are no published studies focused on valve performance in the Contegra bovine jugular vein conduit.

Methods and Results—

This is a retrospective, multicenter study of the short- and intermediate-term outcomes of Melody TPVR within the Contegra conduit in the right ventricle to pulmonary artery position. Data from 13 centers were included in the analysis. During the study period, 136 patients underwent 139 catheterizations for attempted Melody TPVR with a median follow-up of 3 years (1 day to 9.1 years). Of the 136 patients, 117 underwent successful Melody TPVR. Two patients underwent a second Melody TPVR. The majority of patients underwent placement of ≥1 stents before transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation. There was a significant reduction in peak conduit pressure gradient acutely after transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (39 versus 10 mm Hg;
P
<0.001). At most recent follow-up, the maximum pulmonary valve gradient by echocardiogram remained significantly reduced relative to prevalve implant measurements (65.9 versus 27.3 mm Hg;
P
<0.001). The incidence of Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve stent fracture (3.4%) and infectious endocarditis (4.3%) were both low. Serious adverse events occurred in 3 patients.

Conclusions—

Melody TPVR in Contegra conduits is safe and effective and can be performed in a wide range of conduit sizes with preserved valve function and low incidence of stent fracture and endocarditis.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Left Main Disease
Authors: Park Duk-Woo , Park Seung-Jung
Published: June 2017

For nearly half a century, coronary artery bypass grafting has been the standard treatment for patients with obstructive left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. However, there has been considerable evolution in the field of percutaneous coronary intervention, and especially, percutaneous coronary intervention for LMCA disease has been rapidly expanded with adoption of drug-eluting stents. Some, but not all randomized trials, have shown that percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents might be a suitable alternative for selected patients with LMCA disease instead of bypass surgery. However, none of previous trials involving early-generation drug-eluting stents was sufficiently powered and comparative trials using contemporary drug-eluting stents were limited. Recently, primary results of 2 new trials of EXCEL (Evaluation of XIENCE Everolimus Eluting Stent Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization) and NOBLE (Nordic-Baltic-British Left Main Revascularization Study) were reported. However, these trials showed conflicting results, which might pose uncertainty on the optimal revascularization strategy for LMCA disease. In this article, with the incorporation of a key review on evolution of LMCA treatment, we summarize the similarity or disparity of the EXCEL and NOBLE trials, focus on how they relate to previous trials in the field, and finally speculate on how the treatment strategy may be changed or recommended for LMCA treatment.
S1PR1 (Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 1) Signaling Regulates Blood Flow and Pressure
Authors: Cantalupo Anna , Gargiulo Antonella , Dautaj Elona , Liu Catherine , Zhang Yi , Hla Timothy , Di Lorenzo Annarita
Published: June 2017

Nitric oxide is one of the major endothelial-derived vasoactive factors that regulate blood pressure (BP), and the bioactive lipid mediator S1P (sphingosine-1-phosphate) is a potent activator of endothelial nitric oxide synthase through G protein–coupled receptors. Endothelial-derived S1P and the autocrine/paracrine activation of S1PR (S1P receptors) play an important role in preserving vascular functions and BP homeostasis. Furthermore, FTY720 (fingolimod), binding to 4 out of 5 S1PRs recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat autoimmune conditions, induces a modest and transient decrease in heart rate in both animals and humans, suggesting that drugs targeting sphingolipid signaling affect cardiovascular functions in vivo. However, the role of specific S1P receptors in BP homeostasis remains unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the role of the key vascular S1P receptors, namely, S1PR1 and S1PR3, in BP regulation in physiological and hypertensive conditions. The specific loss of endothelial S1PR1 decreases basal and stimulated endothelial-derived nitric oxide and resets BP to a higher-than-normal value. Interestingly, we identified a novel and important role for S1PR1 signaling in flow-mediated mechanotransduction. FTY720, acting as functional antagonist of S1PR1, markedly decreases endothelial S1PR1, increases BP in control mice, and exacerbates hypertension in angiotensin II mouse model, underlining the antihypertensive functions of S1PR1 signaling. Our study identifies S1P–S1PR1–nitric oxide signaling as a new regulatory pathway in vivo of vascular relaxation to flow and BP homeostasis, providing a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension.
Impaired Muscle Oxygenation and Elevated Exercise Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Dipla Konstantina , Triantafyllou Areti , Koletsos Nikolaos , Papadopoulos Stavros , Sachpekidis Vasileios , Vrabas Ioannis S. , Gkaliagkousi Eugenia , Zafeiridis Andreas , Douma Stella
Published: June 2017

This study examined in vivo (1) skeletal muscle oxygenation and microvascular function, at rest and during handgrip exercise, and (2) their association with macrovascular function and exercise blood pressure (BP), in newly diagnosed, never-treated patients with hypertension and normotensive individuals. Ninety-one individuals (51 hypertensives and 40 normotensives) underwent office and 24-hour ambulatory BP, arterial stiffness, and central aortic BP assessment, followed by a 5-minute arterial occlusion and a 3-minute submaximal handgrip exercise. Changes in muscle oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin and tissue oxygen saturation were continuously monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy and beat-by-beat BP by Finapres. Hypertensives had higher (
P
<0.001) central aortic BP and pulse wave velocity versus normotensives and exhibited (1) a blunted tissue oxygen saturation response during occlusion, with slower (
P
=0.006) deoxygenation rate, suggesting reduced muscle oxidative capacity, and (2) a slower reoxygenation rate and blunted hyperemic response (
P
<0.05), showing reduced microvascular reactivity. Muscle oxygenation responses were correlated with aortic systolic and pulse pressure and augmentation index (
P
<0.05; age and body mass index (BMI) adjusted). When exercising at the same submaximal intensity, hypertensives required a significantly greater (
P
<0.001) increase in BP for achieving similar muscle oxygenation levels as normotensives. This response was correlated with the magnitude of microvascular hyperemia and aortic BP. In conclusion, nontreated patients with hypertension exhibit prominent reductions in in vivo indices of skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, suggestive of mitochondrial dysfunction, and blunted muscle microvascular reactivity. These dysfunctions were associated with higher aortic systolic BP and arterial stiffness. Dysregulations in muscle oxygen delivery/utilization and microvascular stiffness, in hypertensive patients, partially contribute to their exaggerated BP during exercise.
Association Between Modifiable Risk Factors and Pharmaceutical Expenditures Among Adults With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the United States: 2012–2013 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey
Authors: Salami Joseph A. , Valero‐Elizondo Javier , Ogunmoroti Oluseye , Spatz Erica S. , Rana Jamal S. , Virani Salim S. , Blankstein Ron , Younus Adnan , Arrieta Alejandro , Blaha Michael J. , Veledar Emir , Nasir Khurram
Published: June 2017

Background

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (
ASCVD
) causes most deaths in the United States and accounts for the highest healthcare spending. The association between the modifiable risk factors (
MRF
s) of
ASCVD
and pharmaceutical expenditures are largely unknown.

Methods and Results

We examined the association between
MRF
s and pharmaceutical expenditures among adults with
ASCVD
using the 2012 and 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. A 2‐part model was used while accounting for the survey's complex design to obtain nationally representative results. All costs were adjusted to 2013 US dollars using the gross domestic product deflator. The annual total pharmaceutical expenditure among those with
ASCVD
was $71.6 billion, 33% of which was for medications for cardiovascular disease and 14% medications for diabetes mellitus. The adjusted relationship between
MRF
s and pharmaceutical expenditures showed significant marginal increase in average annual pharmaceutical expenditure associated with inadequate physical activity ($519 [95% confidence interval (
CI
), $12–918;
P
=0.011]), dyslipidemia ($631 [95%
CI
, $168–1094;
P
=0.008]), hypertension: ($1078 [95%
CI
, $697–1460;
P
<0.001)], and diabetes mellitus ($2006 [95%
CI
, $1470–2542]). Compared with those with optimal
MRFs
(0–1), those with average
MRFs
(2–3) spent an average of $1184 (95%
CI
, $805–1564;
P
<0.001) more on medications, and those with poor
MRFs
(≥4) spent $2823 (95%
CI
, $2338–3307;
P
<0.001) more.

Conclusions

Worsening
MRFs
were proportionally associated with higher annual pharmaceutical expenditures among patients with established
ASCVD
regardless of non‐
ASCVD
comorbidity. In‐depth studies of the roles played by other factors in this association can help reduce medication‐related expenditures among
ASCVD
patients.
Dendrites Enable a Robust Mechanism for Neuronal Stimulus Selectivity
Authors: Cazé Romain D. , Jarvis Sarah , Foust Amanda J. , Schultz Simon R.
Published: June 2017

Hearing, vision, touch: underlying all of these senses is stimulus selectivity, a robust information processing operation in which cortical neurons respond more to some stimuli than to others. Previous models assume that these neurons receive the highest weighted input from an ensemble encoding the preferred stimulus, but dendrites enable other possibilities. Nonlinear dendritic processing can produce stimulus selectivity based on the spatial distribution of synapses, even if the total preferred stimulus weight does not exceed that of nonpreferred stimuli. Using a multi-subunit nonlinear model, we demonstrate that stimulus selectivity can arise from the spatial distribution of synapses. We propose this as a general mechanism for information processing by neurons possessing dendritic trees. Moreover, we show that this implementation of stimulus selectivity increases the neuron's robustness to synaptic and dendritic failure. Importantly, our model can maintain stimulus selectivity for a larger range of loss of synapses or dendrites than an equivalent linear model. We then use a layer 2/3 biophysical neuron model to show that our implementation is consistent with two recent experimental observations: (1) one can observe a mixture of selectivities in dendrites that can differ from the somatic selectivity, and (2) hyperpolarization can broaden somatic tuning without affecting dendritic tuning. Our model predicts that an initially nonselective neuron can become selective when depolarized. In addition to motivating new experiments, the model's increased robustness to synapses and dendrites loss provides a starting point for fault-resistant neuromorphic chip development.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks for Image Classification: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Rawat Waseem , Wang Zenghui
Published: June 2017

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been applied to visual tasks since the late 1980s. However, despite a few scattered applications, they were dormant until the mid-2000s when developments in computing power and the advent of large amounts of labeled data, supplemented by improved algorithms, contributed to their advancement and brought them to the forefront of a neural network renaissance that has seen rapid progression since 2012. In this review, which focuses on the application of CNNs to image classification tasks, we cover their development, from their predecessors up to recent state-of-the-art deep learning systems. Along the way, we analyze (1) their early successes, (2) their role in the deep learning renaissance, (3) selected symbolic works that have contributed to their recent popularity, and (4) several improvement attempts by reviewing contributions and challenges of over 300 publications. We also introduce some of their current trends and remaining challenges.
Population Vectors Can Provide Near Optimal Integration of Information
Authors: Orellana Josue , Rodu Jordan , Kass Robert E.
Published: June 2017

Much attention has been paid to the question of how Bayesian integration of information could be implemented by a simple neural mechanism. We show that population vectors based on point-process inputs combine evidence in a form that closely resembles Bayesian inference, with each input spike carrying information about the tuning of the input neuron. We also show that population vectors can combine information relatively accurately in the presence of noisy synaptic encoding of tuning curves.
Ideology and Urbanism in a Flux
Authors: Stanoeva Elitza
Published: June 2017

The socialist reconstruction of Sofia evolved at the juncture of institution-building, formation of professional expertise and social engineering, framed by a party ideology in a flux that time and again revised the social mission of urbanism and the professional role of the architect. This paper first focuses on four areas of Sofia’s reconstruction that illustrate the interplay of ideology and urbanism in the Stalinist years: the endorsement and subsequent betrayal of Marxist guidelines for urban planning; the replication of the leader cult and its prime monument, the Mausoleum; the reorganization of architects into a Soviet-style professional union; the application of the Stalinist art canon in monumental architecture. The paper then discusses how de-Stalinization affected urban planning, public architecture and architects’ professional standing. It concludes by reflecting on the post-1989 transformation of Sofia as a radical breach with socialism or a symptom of path dependence.
Energoprojekt in Nigeria
Authors: Sekulić Dubravka
Published: June 2017

The foundation of the Non-aligned Movement in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in September 1961 represented a new opening, not only for a joint political representation of the countries trying to challenge the bipolar division of the world and imperialism during the Cold War, but also for the establishment of the direct economic relations. In the first decades of the movement, Yugoslavia was trying to match political with economic cooperation, an important part of which was involvement of the construction companies in the large infrastructural projects being constructed in countries gaining their independence. This study focuses on the work of “Energoprojekt” construction enterprise from Belgrade, one of the most successful Yugoslav construction companies on the international markets, whose portfolio of projects beside infrastructural included also architectural projects. Closely examining the sequence of Energoprojekt’s project in Nigeria in the 1970s, the paper will look into the economic, political, and architectural conditions that enabled their construction, as well as how they influenced the design and construction process. The paper introduces some of the most important protagonists, architects and directors, who shaped Energoprojekt’s approach to architecture, and an overview of organizational formats used to support economic relationship between Yugoslav and the Non-aligned government and enterprises.
New genus and species of Neotropical Colobotheini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)
Authors: MONNÉ MIGUEL A. , MONNÉ MARCELA L. , BOTERO JUAN P.
Published: June 2017

The genus Lophobothea gen. nov. is described (type-species Carneades reticulata Bates, 1881). Two new species are described and illustrated: Lophobothea nearnsi sp. nov. from Colombia and Peru, and L. barclayi sp. nov. from Ecuador.
Systematic revision of Acanthodactylus busacki (Squamata: Lacertidae) with a description of a new species from Morocco
Authors: TAMAR KARIN , GENIEZ PHILIPPE , BRITO JOSÉ C. , CROCHET PIERRE-ANDRÉ
Published: June 2017

Recent molecular phylogenies of the Acanthodactylus pardalis species-group have revealed a deep genetic divergence within the nominal species A. busacki from north-west Africa. The species is phylogenetically separated into northern and southern lineages, which correspond to a previously observed morphological differentiation between the northern and southern populations of this species. Based on morphological comparisons of the type material and location of the type locality, the nomen Acanthodactylus busacki Salvador, 1982 is assigned here to the southern lineage, known from the northern Saharan Atlantic coastal desert. The northern lineage, described here as Acanthodactylus margaritae sp. nov., is prominently characterized by weakly keeled dorsal scales and a characteristic colour pattern. The new species is endemic to Morocco and confined to arid and semi-arid bioclimatic areas between the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains, from around Tamri in the north to Tiznit in the south and the Souss valley in the east.
Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as Jugular Foramen Paraganglioma: A Role for Novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Thomas Andrew J. , Wiggins Richard H. , Gurgel Richard K.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

To describe a case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) masquerading as a jugular foramen paraganglioma (JP). To compare imaging findings between skull base metastatic RCC and histologically proven paraganglioma.

Methods:

A case of unexpected metastatic skull base RCC is reviewed. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compared between 3 confirmed cases of JP and our case of metastatic RCC. Diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) sequences and computed apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were compared between these entities.

Results:

A 55-year-old man presents with what appears clinically and radiographically to be JP. The tumor was resected, then discovered on postoperative pathology to be metastatic RCC. Imaging was retrospectively compared between 3 histologically confirmed cases of JP and our case of skull base RCC. The RCC metastasis was indistinguishable from JP on CT and traditional MRI but distinct by ADC values calculated from DW-MRI.

Conclusions:

Metastatic RCC at the skull base may mimic the clinical presentation and radiographic appearance of JP. The MRI finding of flow voids is seen in both paraganglioma and metastatic RCC. Diffusion-weighted MRI is able to distinguish these entities, highlighting its potential utility in distinguishing skull base lesions.
Leaving or Staying Home: Predicting Where Students Attend College
Authors: Chen Jin , Zerquera Desiree
Published: June 2017

Focusing on a cohort of high school students from a Midwest metropolitan region, this study combines multiple sources of data and uses a multinomial logistic regression to model student postsecondary choices with respect to whether and where to attend college. Specifically, we examined the enrollment patterns by proximity to the home region and factors associated with these college decisions. The results suggest that these students’ college choices were a process influenced by both precollege individual characteristics and social contexts. The findings also supported our hypothesis that acquisition of various types of capital and academic success of the school district (as one of several indicators of a college-going culture) were negatively related to student preferences for college proximity. These findings highlight the interplay between individual, family, community, and school at different levels as it influences college decisions of students from the deindustrialized Midwest region and regions alike.
Home Education and Law in China
Authors: Sheng Xiaoming
Published: June 2017

Home education is at an early stage for the public, researchers, media and educational authorities in China. Yet the research relating to the development of home education has been entirely ignored. In particular, the literature focusing on the legal status of home education is negligible in the educational context of China. There is no literature that has systematically explored the relationship between Compulsory Education Law and home education. The public, parents, and researchers have many questions as to whether home education is legal or not. This article provides comprehensive firsthand legal data and an in-depth analysis of the relationship between home education and law in the Chinese context. This article aims to contribute to the literature and reveal the legal status of home education in China.
Discount Stores, Discount(ed) Community? Parent and Family Engagement, Community Outreach, and an Urban Turnaround School
Authors: Peck Craig , Reitzug Ulrich C.
Published: June 2017

What roles do parent and family engagement and community outreach play in educator efforts to improve low-performing urban schools? To address this question, we considered findings from our 3-year case study of Brookdale Elementary (a pseudonym), which was undergoing a state-mandated, district-directed turnaround reform effort from 2011 to 2014. Specifically, we investigated how and why school personnel engaged with and reacted to parents and families, community-based organizations, and the surrounding locale. In the end, the school’s educators encountered complicated obstacles yet generated some tangible victories in their pursuit of productive school, parent/family, and community connections. We conclude by considering implications of our findings.
Preparation and characterization of biopolymer nanocomposites from cellulose nanofibrils and nanoclays
Authors: Al Gulyaz , Aydemir Deniz , Kaygin Bulent , Ayrilmis Nadir , Gunduz Gokhan
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cellulose nanofibrils and nanoclays on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of polyhydroxybutyrate and polylactic acid bio-polymers. Polyhydroxybutyrate and polylactic acid as a polymer matrix and nanoclays and cellulose nanofibrils as reinforcing nano-fillers were used to prepare the biopolymer nanocomposites in twin screw extruder. Density, flexure strength and flexure modulus, tensile strength and tensile modulus, impact strength, thermal properties, and morphological characterization of the obtained biopolymer nanocomposites were determined. According to the obtained results, densities of the biopolymer nanocomposites were found to decrease with addition of the bio-fillers, and it was determined to be decreasing the density due to increasing the porosity in biopolymer nanocomposites. Although the increasing in the porosity of biopolymer nanocomposites was found in scanning electron microscope pictures, the mechanical properties of the biopolymer nanocomposites generally increased as compare with neat bio-polymers. Thermal analysis conducted with thermogravimetric-dynamic thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimeter showed that thermal stability of the biopolymer nanocomposites generally improved according to the neat bio-polymers.
Resistance Through Compliance: The Strategic and Subversive Potential of Frontstage and Backstage Resistance
Authors: Ybema Sierk , Horvers Martha
Published: June 2017

Cynicism, gossip, foot-dragging, simulation of productivity, etc. have been regarded by some scholars as manifestations of resistance that are subtle and unobtrusive, but still real and effective. Denying their strategic and subversive potential, others have argued that such informal, indirect or infrapolitical demonstrations of subversion are risk-free and ineffective, and, because members shy away from acting on their critique, that they should be re-evaluated as mere compliance. Refuting an either–or framework, we ask the more pertinent, empirically grounded, and underexplored question of how resistant and compliant behaviours are performed in situ. This allows us to discern and examine different forms and effects of infrapolitical strategies. Building on an ethnographic case-analysis of a planned change programme in the Amsterdam municipality’s Department of Work and Income (DWI), this paper explores in detail how organizational actors subtly synthesize compliance and resistance in their situated positionings vis-a-vis a change initiative, and how such ambiguous positioning becomes consequential. We describe two distinct infrapolitical strategies, which we term frontstage and backstage resistance. While frontstage resistance derives its subversive potential from mixing open protest with implicit complaisance, backstage resistance functions via a benign appearance of carefully staged compliant behaviour.
Aesthetics in Thyroid Surgery: The Patient Perspective
Authors: Chaung Katrina , Duke William S. , Oh Sun Jung , Behr Amanda , Waller Jennifer L. , Daniel Jeannie , Terris David J.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To define characteristics that influence patient perceptions of thyroidectomy scar cosmesis.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary endocrine surgery practice in an academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Institutional review board–approved trial in which 136 subjects were recruited from a population of patients being seen for either thyroid or sinus surgery and evaluated standardized photographs, superimposed with computer‐generated thyroidectomy scars of varying lengths (2, 4, and 6 cm) and widths (1 and 2 mm), and graded their perception of the scars using the observer scar assessment scale (OSAS) domains of the patient and observer scar assessment scale.

Results

There were 69 subjects in the thyroid group and 67 in the nonthyroid group. Controlling for width, longer scars were perceived as worse than shorter scars; controlling for length, thicker scars were perceived as worse than thinner scars (P <. 01). Beyond 2 cm, thick scars were judged to be worse than thin scars, even when they were shorter. There was no difference in the mean overall OSAS scores between surgery, sex, or age groups. Nonwhites tended to judge scars as being worse than whites did (P <. 01).

Conclusion

As expected, patients of all demographics prefer shorter scars compared with longer scars and thinner scars over thick scars. Ethnic differences in scar perception were identified and deserve additional study. Surgeons should endeavor to perform thyroid surgery through the smallest incision that allows the operation to be performed safely to minimize the cosmetic impact of the operation.
A study of the effect of thickness on the thermal degradation and flammability characteristics of some composite materials using a cone calorimeter
Authors: Fateh Talal , Kahanji Charles , Joseph Paul , Rogaume Thomas
Published: June 2017

In this article, we report on our investigation regarding the influence of the thickness on the thermal and fire response characteristics of two types of composite materials. For this purpose, carbon fibre–reinforced epoxy and glass fibre–reinforced phenolic resin samples, differing in thicknesses, were chosen. The primary aim was to investigate the effect of using multiple layers on the thermal degradation and fire reaction properties of the composite material using a cone calorimeter. The results showed that the primary fire reaction parameters such as the time to ignition and peak heat release rates depended on the number of the layers. Furthermore, the amount of smoke released during the thermal degradation was found to decrease as the number of layers increased. In addition, the carbon dioxide emission levels were also observed to be dependent on the number of layers.
Flow force regulation of the main poppet in a large flow load control valve
Authors: Liu Jianbin , Xie Haibo , Hu Liang , Yang Huayong , Fu Xin
Published: June 2017

This paper presents the regulation methods of flow forces acting on the main poppet in a large flow load control valve. The negative flow forces working on the originally designed main poppet, which is as high as 10% of the control force, act as a big disturbance to the main poppet position control, resulting in poor lowering speed control performance of the load control valve or even instability of the main poppet. Firstly, by introducing a damping tail structure to the main poppet, the direction of the flow forces can be regulated to positive and best stability of the main poppet can be achieved with the calculated best parameter combination. Secondly, by introducing a damping tail with holes to the main poppet, the positive flow forces of all main poppet positions can be reduced to minimum, which results in minimum disturbance for the control of main poppet. Computational fluid dynamics calculations were conducted to analyze how the damping tail parameters affect the flow forces and obtain the best parameter combinations. A test rig was set up to validate the effect of above methods. Good agreement of the computational fluid dynamics calculations and experiment results indicates that the proposed methods can provide guidance for the flow force regulation of other valve poppets.
Immunohistochemical analysis of canine and feline muscle disorders using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues
Authors: Shiga Takanori , Uchida Kazuyuki , Chambers James K. , Nakayama Hiroyuki
Published: June 2017

Histochemical techniques used in examination of muscle biopsies typically require frozen sections. Given that most of the specimens submitted to a veterinary laboratory for diagnosis are formalin-fixed, the choice of staining methods is limited. We aimed to further advance the diagnostic capabilities of pathologists presented with formalin-fixed muscle samples and to describe the differences in immunohistopathologic findings between neurogenic and myogenic muscle disorders. Based on hematoxylin and eosin staining, we defined in dogs the histologic lesions in 4 neurogenic disorders (degenerative myelopathy and polyneuropathy) and 2 myogenic disorders (dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy). In cats, we defined the lesions in 2 neurogenic disorders (lymphoma of nerve roots and spinal cords) and 1 myogenic disorder (laminin α2–deficient muscular dystrophy). Immunohistochemistry for slow and fast myosins revealed angular and group atrophy of type 1 and type 2 fibers in dogs and cats, and fiber type grouping in dogs. These immunohistopathologic findings were specific to neurogenic muscle disorders. Immunohistochemistry for nestin and myogenin revealed nestin-positive fibers and myogenin-positive nuclei in dogs and cats. They were not specific, but these fibers in myogenic disorders can be interpreted as regenerating fibers. The immunohistochemical method described herein appears to be useful for discriminating neurogenic and myogenic disorders in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded muscle tissue of dogs and cats.
Improving the Quality of End-of-Life Care in Pediatric Oncology Patients Through the Early Implementation of Palliative Care
Authors: Ranallo Lauren
Published: June 2017

Providing end-of-life care to children with cancer is most ideally achieved by initiating palliative care at the time of diagnosis, advocating for supportive care throughout the treatment trajectory, and implementing hospice care during the terminal phase. The guiding principles behind offering palliative care to pediatric oncology patients are the prioritization of providing holistic care and management of disease-based symptoms. Pediatric hematology-oncology nurses and clinicians have a unique responsibility to support the patient and family unit and foster a sense of hope, while also preparing the family for the prognosis and a challenging treatment trajectory that could result in the child’s death. In order to alleviate potential suffering the child may experience, there needs to be an emphasis on supportive care and symptom management. There are barriers to implementing palliative care for children with cancer, including the need to clarify the palliative care philosophy, parental acknowledgement and acceptance of a child’s disease and uncertain future, nursing awareness of services, perception of availability, and a shortage of research guidance. It is important for nurses and clinicians to have a clear understanding of the fundamentals of palliative and end-of-life care for pediatric oncology patients to receive the best care possible.
Recycling Problems and Modernizing the Solution: Doing Institutional Maintenance Work on Swedish Public Service Television
Authors: Norbäck Maria
Published: June 2017

This article investigates the role of history and heritage in institutional maintenance work. Based on a study of collaborative production of public service TV programs in Sweden, I analyze the program makers’ rhetorical work to construct and justify meanings and interpretations. By drawing on the old but often overlooked understanding that institutions are “permanent” solutions to “permanent” problems, I discuss what problems the program makers argue that public service TV solves in contemporary Sweden, and the work of rhetorically constructing and justifying these problems in relation to everyday practices of making programs. This study adds to our understanding of how actors that inhabit and enact an institution can use its history and legacy as an interpretative resource in their work to maintain the institution, and how this process may affect the meanings ascribed to the institution.
Validation of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Computerized Adaptive Tests Against the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for 6 Common Foot and Ankle Pathologies
Authors: Koltsov Jayme C. B. , Greenfield Stephen T. , Soukup Dylan , Do Huong T. , Ellis Scott J.
Published: June 2017

Background:

The field of foot and ankle surgery lacks a widely accepted gold-standard patient-reported outcome instrument. With the changing infrastructure of the medical profession, more efficient patient-reported outcome tools are needed to reduce respondent burden and increase participation while providing consistent and reliable measurement across multiple pathologies and disciplines. The primary purpose of the present study was to validate 3 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System computer adaptive tests (CATs) most relevant to the foot and ankle discipline against the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Short Form 12 general health status survey in patients with 6 common foot and ankle pathologies.

Methods:

Patients (n = 240) indicated for operative treatment for 1 of 6 common foot and ankle pathologies completed the CATs, FAOS, and Short Form 12 at their preoperative surgical visits, 1 week subsequently (before surgery), and at 6 months postoperatively. The psychometric properties of the instruments were assessed and compared.

Results:

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System CATs each took less than 1 minute to complete, whereas the FAOS took 6.5 minutes, and the Short Form 12 took 3 minutes. CAT scores were more normally distributed and had fewer floor and ceiling effects than those on the FAOS, which reached as high as 24%. The CATs were more precise than the FAOS and had similar responsiveness and test-retest reliability. The physical function and mobility CATs correlated strongly with the activities subscale of the FAOS, and the pain interference CAT correlated strongly with the pain subscale of the FAOS. The CATs and FAOS were responsive to changes with operative treatment for 6 common foot and ankle pathologies.

Conclusions:

The CATs performed as well as or better than the FAOS in all aspects of psychometric validity. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System CATs show tremendous potential for improving the study of patient outcomes in foot and ankle research through improved precision and reduced respondent burden.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
Teaching Parents About Responsive Feeding Through a Vicarious Learning Video: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ledoux Tracey , Robinson Jessica , Baranowski Tom , O’Connor Daniel P.
Published: June 2017

The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization recommend responsive feeding (RF) to promote healthy eating behaviors in early childhood. This project developed and tested a vicarious learning video to teach parents RF practices. A RF vicarious learning video was developed using community-based participatory research methods. Fifty parents of preschoolers were randomly assigned to watch Happier Meals or a control video about education. Knowledge and beliefs about RF practices were measured 1 week before and immediately after intervention. Experimental group participants also completed measures of narrative engagement and video acceptability. Seventy-four percent of the sample was White, 90% had at least a college degree, 96% were married, and 88% made >$50,000/year. RF knowledge increased ( p = .03) and positive beliefs about some unresponsive feeding practices decreased ( ps < .05) more among experimental than control parents. Knowledge and belief changes were associated with video engagement ( ps < .05). Parents perceived Happier Meals as highly relevant, applicable, and informative. Community-based participatory research methods were instrumental in developing this vicarious learning video, with preliminary evidence of effectiveness in teaching parents about RF. Happier Meals is freely available for parents or community health workers to use when working with families to promote healthy eating behaviors in early childhood.
Stress as Experienced by People with Dementia: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Sharp Barbara K
Published: June 2017

Health and social care research on stress in dementia has predominantly considered the stress experienced by family and professional carers. Focus on the person with dementia has frequently laid emphasis on the impact of stress-related behaviour on others and how such behaviour might be ‘managed’. This paper describes a qualitative study which gives voice to people with dementia on the subject of stress and responds to the need for a better understanding of stress as it is experienced by people with dementia themselves. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted on data collected from a purposive sample of people diagnosed with varying types of dementia from across Scotland. Discussions across five focus groups consisting of 21 participants with dementia in total generated data which was audio and video recorded, and analysed thematically. Five key themes emerged, described in the participants’ own words, which were: (1) ‘Something’s torn, your life’s torn’; (2) ‘Families can bring stress’; (3) ‘It’s the stress of living with dementia’; (4) ‘A whole new set of rules’; and (5) ‘It’s our lives and we’ll get it under control ourselves’. These themes reflect experiences of loss, challenges to one’s sense of self, relationship dynamics, living with the symptoms of dementia, learning to do things differently and establishing coping mechanisms that provide control. Study participants illustrated individual potential for adapting and coping with some of the most stressful aspects of living with dementia, challenging assumptions of inevitable fixed decline and progressive vulnerability to stress. Participants describe a process of recovery in their perceptions of self-worth, purpose and value in life following diagnosis.
Uniform neural tissue models produced on synthetic hydrogels using standard culture techniques
Authors: Barry Christopher , Schmitz Matthew T , Propson Nicholas E , Hou Zhonggang , Zhang Jue , Nguyen Bao K , Bolin Jennifer M , Jiang Peng , McIntosh Brian E , Probasco Mitchell D , Swanson Scott , Stewart Ron , Thomson James A , Schwartz Michael P , Murphy William L
Published: June 2017

The aim of the present study was to test sample reproducibility for model neural tissues formed on synthetic hydrogels. Human embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived precursor cells were cultured on synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels to promote differentiation and self-organization into model neural tissue constructs. Neural progenitor, vascular, and microglial precursor cells were combined on PEG hydrogels to mimic developmental timing, which produced multicomponent neural constructs with 3D neuronal and glial organization, organized vascular networks, and microglia with ramified morphologies. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis of global gene expression profiles and a comparison of coefficient of variation for expressed genes demonstrated that replicate neural constructs were highly uniform to at least day 21 for samples from independent experiments. We also demonstrate that model neural tissues formed on PEG hydrogels using a simplified neural differentiation protocol correlated more strongly to in vivo brain development than samples cultured on tissue culture polystyrene surfaces alone. These results provide a proof-of-concept demonstration that 3D cellular models that mimic aspects of human brain development can be produced from human pluripotent stem cells with high sample uniformity between experiments by using standard culture techniques, cryopreserved cell stocks, and a synthetic extracellular matrix.

Impact statement

Pluripotent stem (PS) cells have been characterized by an inherent ability to self-organize into 3D “organoids” resembling stomach, intestine, liver, kidney, and brain tissues, offering a potentially powerful tool for modeling human development and disease. However, organoid formation must be quantitatively reproducible for applications such as drug and toxicity screening. Here, we report a strategy to produce uniform neural tissue constructs with reproducible global gene expression profiles for replicate samples from multiple experiments.
The influence of journalistic role performance on objective reporting: A comparative study of Chilean, Mexican, and Spanish news
Authors: Mellado Claudia , Humanes María Luisa , Márquez-Ramírez Mireya
Published: June 2017

Most comparative research on journalistic objectivity, and particularly the relation between objectivity and professional roles, has been carried out in the context of Western media systems and from the perspective of journalists’ role conceptions. However, the relation between role performance and the implementation of the objectivity norm remains unsolved, especially in countries with no clear-cut journalistic tradition of objectivity. Based on a content analysis of news stories published in Chile, Mexico, and Spain (N = 7,868), this study examines (1) the use of four objective reporting methods in newspapers from Spain, Mexico, and Chile, and (2) the influence of the performance of six journalistic roles in those methods. The results show that the materialization of objectivity varies across journalistic cultures, revealing also a significant influence of the performance of professional roles on the implementation of objectivity in news. The study sheds some light on the implication of these results in countries expected to display similar traits due to their historical and cultural affinities but which show very distinctive patterns.
Post-School Visions and Expectations of Latino Students With Learning Disabilities, Their Parents, and Teachers
Authors: Keel Joanna Mossmond , Cushing Lisa Sharon , Awsumb Jessica M.
Published: June 2017

This study explored perspectives about the desired components of adult life for 12th-grade Latino students with learning disabilities, their parents, and special education teachers. Focus groups and individual interviews were used to understand the similarities and differences in post-school visions and expectations among participants. Five student, parent(s), and teacher triads ( n = 16) who were related (student-parent) and worked together (student-teacher) participated in this study. Results uncovered differences in teachers’ expectations of what students’ lives should look like after high school, and the desires of the students and parents themselves. Overall, teachers expressed a lack of cultural understanding regarding students’ and parents’ choices for after high school. Study limitations and implications for practice and research in secondary transition are presented.
The Relationship Between Audiovisual Binding Tendencies and Prodromal Features of Schizophrenia in the General Population
Authors: Odegaard Brian , Shams Ladan
Published: June 2017

Current theoretical accounts of schizophrenia have considered the disorder within the framework of hierarchical Bayesian inference, positing that symptoms arise from a deficit in the brain’s capacity to combine incoming sensory information with preexisting priors. Here, we present the first investigation to examine the relationship between priors governing multisensory perception and subclinical, prodromal features of schizophrenia in the general population. We tested participants in two complementary tasks (one spatial, one temporal) and employed a Bayesian model to estimate both the precision of unisensory encoding and the prior tendency to integrate audiovisual signals (i.e., the “binding tendency”). Results revealed that lower binding tendency scores in the spatial task were associated with higher numbers of self-reported prodromal features. These results indicate decreased binding of audiovisual spatial information may be moderately related to the frequency of prodromal characteristics in the general population.
Role of Employment in 11-Year Changes of Clinical Oral Health: A Multilevel Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Al-Sudani F.Y.H. , Vehkalahti M.M. , Bernabé E. , Knuuttila M. , Suominen A.L.
Published: June 2017

The objective was to investigate the role of employment in the 11-y changes of clinically determined oral health. We used data from the longitudinal Health 2011 Survey, including reinvited subjects from the Health 2000 Survey. Data were gathered by clinical oral examinations, interviews, and questionnaires of those aged 30 to 63 y ( n = 1,031) in 2000. Exposures were change in employment from baseline to follow-up and length of unemployment. Outcomes measures were the numbers of missing teeth, sound teeth, filled teeth, decayed teeth, and teeth with periodontal pockets (≥4 mm and ≥6 mm). Separate mixed-effects and conventional negative binomial regression models were fitted for each oral health outcome. Demographic, socioeconomic, and oral health–related behaviors were added as covariates to the analyses. The findings showed that unemployment was inconsistently associated with poorer clinically determined oral health over 11 y. These effects were attributed to income and education and, to a lesser extent, to oral health–related behaviors. The length of unemployment was also inconsistently associated with oral health. The study concluded that one socioeconomic factor, unemployment, had a partial impact on oral health.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: The findings of this study can help clinicians and oral health policy makers to reorient oral health services toward those who are unemployed as a risk group for poor oral health. The research highlights the role of employment in the longitudinal changes of clinically determined oral health, taking into consideration other socioeconomic factors. The study concluded that unemployment seemed to have a role in social inequalities of oral health.