bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the most suitable MR signal index for quantitative evaluation of placental function using Half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo compared with T2-relaxation time?
Authors: Kameyama Kyoko Nakao , Kido Aki , Himoto Yuki , Moribata Yusaku , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Konishi Ikuo , Togashi Kaori
Published: September 2017

Background

Half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) imaging is now widely used for placental and fetal imaging because of its rapidity and low sensitivity to fetal movement. If placental dysfunction is also predicted by quantitative value obtained from HASTE image, then it might be beneficial for evaluating placental wellbeing.

Purpose

To ascertain the most suitable magnetic resonance (MR) signal indexes reflecting placental function using HASTE imaging.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study included 37 consequent patients who had given informed consent to MR imaging (MRI) examinations. All had undergone MRI examinations between February 2014 and June 2015. First, the correlation between T2-relaxation time of normal placenta and gestational age (GA) was examined. Second, correlation between signal intensity ratios (SIRs) using HASTE imaging and placental T2-relaxation time were assessed. The SIRs were calculated using placental signal intensity (SI) relative to the SI of the amniotic fluid, fetal ocular globes, gastric fluid, bladder, maternal psoas major muscles, and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Results

Among the 37 patients, the correlation between T2-relaxation time of the 25 normal placentas and GA showed a moderately strong correlation (Spearman rho = –0.447, P = 0.0250). The most significant correlation with placental T2-relaxation time was observed with the placental SIR relative to the maternal psoas major muscles (SIRpl./psoas muscle) (Spearman rho = −0.531, P = 0.0007).

Conclusion

This study revealed that SIRpl./psoas muscle showed the best correlation to placental T2-relaxation time. Results show that SIRpl./psoas muscle might be optimal as a clinically available quantitative index of placental function.
Differentiation of grade II and III oligodendrogliomas from grade II and III astrocytomas: a histogram analysis of perfusion parameters derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI
Authors: Lee Ji Young , Ahn Kook Jin , Lee Youn Soo , Jang Jin Hee , Jung So Lyung , Kim Bum Soo
Published: September 2017

Background

Since oligodendroglial tumors are sensitive to chemotherapy and have a better prognosis, the differentiation of oligodendroglial tumors (OT) from astrocytic tumors (AT) is important.

Purpose

To investigate the perfusion and permeability parameters that differentiate grade II and III OT from AT, using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Material and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the DCE and DSC MRIs of 39 patients with OT (OTs, n = 19; grade II, n = 12 and grade III, n = 7) and AT (ATs, n = 20; grade II, n = 7 and grade III, n = 13). Glioblastomas were not included. Various histogram parameters of relative cerebral blood volume, volume transfer constant (Ktrans), flux rate constant (Kep), plasma volume fraction (Vp), and extravascular extracellular volume fraction (Ve) from DSC and DCE MRI, were compared between the two groups. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to distinguish OT from AT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed.

Results

On the results of DCE MRI, most of the histogram parameters of Ktrans, Kep, and Ve showed tendencies toward higher values in OT than AT. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the 50th Kep and 95th Ktrans were the most significant parameters predictive of OT, with an odds ratio of 3.7 and 2.5, respectively ( P = 0.004 and 0.03). The area under the curve from the ROC curve analysis for the 50th Kep and the 95th Ktrans were 0.81 and 0.80, respectively.

Conclusion

The DCE MRI-derived parameters of Ktrans and Kep could facilitate differentiation of OT from AT.
Freehand 3T MR-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VAB): a five-year experience
Authors: Gristina Licia , Rescinito Giuseppe , Garlaschi Alessandro , Tosto Simona , Cevasco Luca , Calabrese Massimo
Published: September 2017

Background

Magnetic resonance (MR) permits the detection of some malignant lesions that cannot be identified with mammography or ultrasonography. The characterization of these MR-only detectable lesions often requires a biopsy.

Purpose

To evaluate the technique, the feasibility and the accuracy of freehand 3T MR-guided VAB for the characterization of suspicious, MR-only detectable lesions and to compare VAB results with surgical pathology and follow-up imaging results.

Material and Methods

During 2010–2015, 118 women who were referred for MR-guided VAB were retrospectively reviewed. All BI-RADS MR 4 and 5 lesions and some BI-RADS MR 3 lesions (according to clinical context and patient anxiety) were scheduled to undergo biopsy.

Results

A total of 123 suspicious lesions were retrospectively selected. Technical failures occurred in only two cases (1.6%) due to the location of the lesions. Histopathological results revealed 59 benign lesions (48%), 27 high-risk lesions (22%), and 35 malignant lesions (28.4%). Surgical pathology results led to the reclassification of eight B3 lesions: one proved to be a ductal carcinoma in situ, while seven presented with invasive features. B3 underestimation also occurred in 29% of the cases. MR follow-up was achieved for all the benign lesions and no false-negative cases were observed. No complications, 3T-related artefacts, or difficulties were observed.

Conclusion

Freehand 3T MR-guided VAB was found to be a valid, safe, fast, and inexpensive alternative to surgical histology.
Social Reactions to IPV Disclosure and PTSD Symptom Severity: Assessing Avoidant Coping as a Mediator
Authors: Schackner Jennifer N. , Weiss Nicole H. , Edwards Katie M. , Sullivan Tami P.
Published: September 2017

Women’s experiences of negative social reactions to disclosure of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization have been linked to greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. However, research has not identified factors that may explain this association. The goal of the current study was to extend research in this area by elucidating the potential mediating role of avoidant coping in the relations among negative and positive social reactions to IPV disclosure and PTSD symptom severity. Participants were 173 community women currently experiencing IPV who disclosed their victimization to another individual ( M age = 36.31, 65.9% African American). Findings revealed that IPV-victimized women who experienced greater negative social reactions to IPV endorsed higher levels of avoidant coping and greater PTSD symptom severity. Moreover, avoidant coping was found to mediate the negative social reactions–PTSD symptom severity association. Results highlight the relevance of avoidant coping to the link between negative social reactions to IPV disclosure and PTSD symptom severity, and suggest that prevention and intervention efforts targeting avoidant coping may be useful in reducing PTSD symptom severity among IPV-exposed women who experience negative social reactions to IPV disclosure.
Effect of temperature on the mechanical properties of polypropylene–talc composites
Authors: Bouakkaz AO , Albedah A , Bouiadjra B Bachir , Khan Sohail MA , Benyahia F , Elmeguenni M
Published: September 2017

In this study, the effect of the temperature and talc concentration on the mechanical properties of the polypropylene (PP) + talc composite is analysed. Tensile, impact, bending and dynamic mechanical tests were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of PP + talc composite and to analyse the effect of temperature variation on these properties. The obtained results show that the temperature increase has a very negative effect on the mechanical strength of the PP–talc composite but it can be significantly reduced by the augmentation of the talc content.
Representation and Diversity, Advocacy, and Nonprofit Arts Organizations
Authors: Kim Mirae , Mason Dyana P.
Published: September 2017

In recent years, arts and culture nonprofits have sought to make themselves more relevant to community issues by engaging in advocacy. Based on survey data drawn from a national sample of arts nonprofits, this study compares the different levels of advocacy carried out by all arts nonprofits and by minority-led arts nonprofits. To explain the varying levels of advocacy, this study focuses on the diversity of an organization’s constituents and its surrounding community, as well as the ethnic or racial identity and the professional background of its leader. Our results indicate that constituent and community racial and ethnic compositions are associated with the level of advocacy at arts nonprofits. Also, arts nonprofits with leaders who have been in the arts industry for a significant time are more likely to be engaged in advocacy than otherwise similar organizations. We discuss the implication of diversity and professional leadership on arts nonprofits’ advocacy.
Design and analysis of a novel multi-legged horse-riding simulation vehicle for equine-assisted therapy
Authors: Wu Jianxu , Yao Yan-an
Published: September 2017

A novel multi-legged horse-riding simulation vehicle aiming at providing the equine-assisted therapy is proposed, the functions of which include both transportation and rehabilitation. The whole system consists of a walking system constructed with four identical-legged units, a control system, an energy system, and a riding system. Based on the requirements of the foot trajectory, the configuration of the whole close-chain legged mechanism serving as a legged unit is designed with the structure of a single leg. The kinematics of the legged mechanism is built using the vector loop method, and the dimension is optimized adopting the sequence quadratic program. With the established mathematic model, the form-position inversion method is developed for the fluctuation analysis of the riding platform, and its modified algorithm is proposed according to the walking properties. The closed fluctuating curve group is obtained when the riding platform walks on a treadmill with a constant speed, and two functional curves are selected and analyzed for different walking modes. Combined with the practical requirements of different intensities, the sensitivity analysis is carried out for the reconfigurable process to adjust the fluctuation amplitude. A series of dynamic walking simulations are conducted and analyzed, and a prototype is fabricated to verify the expected functions of the multi-legged riding simulation vehicle. The study provides a new idea and an application reference for equine-assisted therapy system.
Design of a robust fault-tolerant control algorithm based on failure mode effects criticality analysis for a three-axis satellite
Authors: Abedini Mohammad Reza , Abedi Mostafa
Published: September 2017

This paper proposes a robust fault-tolerant control algorithm for a three-axis satellite. In this regard, an adaptive sliding attitude control algorithm is suggested, which has the capability of fault estimation in the satellite actuators and correction of their effects. For this, the disturbances due to environmental effects and actuator failures and also the satellite unknown parameters are estimated by the adaptive updating law; the sliding mode algorithm compensates the errors due to estimation process. In the suggested design process, the sliding surface is selected so that the unwinding and singularity problems are solved, and also a compensator part is included to remove unstable equilibrium points. In this paper, the failure mode effects criticality analysis have been done to classify different failure modes of reaction wheel according to their severity and probability of occurrence. Accordingly, the critical failure modes and their effects at the control system level are derived. It is shown that the derived critical failures lead to small or severe variations in the generated torques of reaction wheels for which a supervision level will be proposed to correct their effects. Finally, different simulations are conducted to validate expected performance of the suggested algorithms.
Feasible footprint generation with uncertainty effects
Authors: He Rui-Zhi , Zhang Yuan-Long , Liu Lu-Lua , Tang Guo-Jian , Bao Wei-Min
Published: September 2017

Landing footprint is critical in generating feasible entry trajectories for hypersonic glide vehicles. In this paper, a new landing footprint generation algorithm that considers multiple uncertainty effects is proposed, based on the improved 3D acceleration profile planning method. First, a new entry corridor with uncertainty effects is derived, in which the angle of attack profile is adjustable at any time during the entire flight. Second, the longitudinal drag profile is designed as the interpolation results of the upper and lower fitting safe boundaries. The corresponding lateral lift-to-drag corridor is obtained using the quasi-equilibrium glide condition. A combined Proportion Integration Differentiation (PID) tracker is used to follow the planned profiles in the longitudinal and lateral corridors, and the feasible entry trajectories are completed. Finally, feasible footprint is generated by repeatedly computing the reachable boundaries for all the profiles in the new safe corridor, as well as the analytical calculation of the maximum range point. The approach is tested using the Common Aero Vehicle-H model. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can rapidly generate a feasible footprint of entry for vehicles while satisfying all the path and terminal constraints.
Representing Color Ensembles
Authors: Chetverikov Andrey , Campana Gianluca , Kristjánsson Árni
Published: September 2017

Colors are rarely uniform, yet little is known about how people represent color distributions. We introduce a new method for studying color ensembles based on intertrial learning in visual search. Participants looked for an oddly colored diamond among diamonds with colors taken from either uniform or Gaussian color distributions. On test trials, the targets had various distances in feature space from the mean of the preceding distractor color distribution. Targets on test trials therefore served as probes into probabilistic representations of distractor colors. Test-trial response times revealed a striking similarity between the physical distribution of colors and their internal representations. The results demonstrate that the visual system represents color ensembles in a more detailed way than previously thought, coding not only mean and variance but, most surprisingly, the actual shape (uniform or Gaussian) of the distribution of colors in the environment.
Income and Price Elasticities of Crude Oil Demand in Pakistan
Authors: Jebran Khalil , Abdullah  , Elhabbaq Mahmoud Moustafa , Ali Arshad
Published: September 2017

This study is an attempt to examine the income and price elasticities of crude oil demand in Pakistan using annual data from 1981 to 2013. The short-and long-run relationship was analysed by autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach. The results reveal that income and exchange rate show significant positive relationship with crude oil demand in short run as well as in long run. The analyses also show that crude oil price and domestic production have negative effect in both short and long run on crude oil demand. The income is found to be a strong determinant of crude oil demand in both short and long run. This study suggests that strategies would be formulated and adopted which may control the demand of crude oil without affecting the economic growth of Pakistan.
Determinants of Technical Efficiency and Income Inequality of Food Vending as a Family Business in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Olubukola Ehinmowo , Olayemi Simon-Oke O. , Adewale Fatuase I. , Silvester Ojo O.
Published: September 2017

This study examines the determinants of technical efficiency (TE) and income inequality of family business in southwest Nigeria. Data were obtained from primary source using structured questionnaire and interview schedule. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed in selecting 120 respondents for the study. Analyses were carried out using descriptive statistics, Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve as well as the stochastic frontier production function models. The results revealed that experience, educational level, household size and method of processing were the main determinants of TE of the respondents. Results further showed that food vending was in Stage II of production surface as shown by the returns to scale (RTS) of 0.776. The variables such as cost of raw materials, labour, operating expenses, depreciation cost on equipment and duration of the business were effectively allocated and used, which was also confirmed by the estimated coefficient value of each variable between zero and unity. The technical efficiency of food vending also varied between 0.44 and 0.69 with a mean of 0.52. However, the analysis of inefficiency model revealed a positive response of age factor. This implies that age factor led to decrease in TE of food vending in the study area. Also, the result of the Gini coefficient (0.58) indicated the presence of income inequality among the food vendors which was also affirmed by the Lorenz curve. The study therefore concludes that experience, educational level, household size, age factor and processing method were the main determinants of technical efficiency and uneven income distribution among the food vendors in the study area.
How do research-intensive universities portray employability strategies? A review of their websites
Authors: Bennett Dawn , Knight Elizabeth , Divan Aysha , Kuchel Louise , Horn Jody , van Reyk David , Burke da Silva Karen
Published: September 2017

Employability development is a strategic priority for universities across advanced western economies. Despite this, there is no systematic study of employability development approaches internationally. In this study, we considered how universities portray employability on the public pages of their websites. We undertook website content analysis of 107 research-intensive universities in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Following Farenga and Quinlan, we classified these strategies as Portfolio, Hands-off, Award and Non-embedded. Portfolio or Award strategies were the most common across all four locations; Hands-off and Non-embedded strategies were more common to US universities; and Award was more common in the United Kingdom. Universities focused on either possessional or positional approaches to employability. We advocate for a pedagogical shift towards processual approaches in which responsibility for employability development is shared.
A preliminary examination of occupations and interests in Australia
Authors: Athanasou James A
Published: September 2017

This paper analyses the interest content of all 1016 Australian occupations. These were classified according to vocational interests (i.e. outdoor, practical, scientific, creative, business, office, people contact, health, community, and computing), educational qualifications, and skill level, as well as in terms of the six Holland (RIASEC) types. Just over half of all occupations in Australia involve a practical interest. Creative interest was the least common occupational interest (9.2% of occupations). Some 80% of occupations covered more than one interest content, and in four instances, as many as six interests. Practical and people contact interests were negatively correlated (r = −.50). Occupational interest categories were consistent with the Holland types except that outdoor and practical interests in Australia did not correlate meaningfully with realistic. Occupational interests were related to educational requirements and skill levels. Outdoor and practical occupations were focused at the lower skill levels. Scientific and computing included the highest skill levels.
Evaluation of CTAD (citrate–theophylline–adenosine–dipyridamole) as a universal anticoagulant in dogs
Authors: Granat Fanny A. , Geffré Anne , Lucarelli Laetitia A. , Braun Jean-Pierre D. , Trumel Catherine , Bourgès-Abella Nathalie H.
Published: September 2017

CTAD (citrate–theophylline–adenosine–dipyridamole) has been shown to be an almost universal anticoagulant in human and feline medicine, allowing most hematology, coagulation, and biochemical analyses. Forty canine blood specimens were collected in CTAD, EDTA, heparin, and citrate for hematology, biochemistry, and coagulation analyses. CTAD partially limited platelet aggregation observed in EDTA blood smears. CTAD specimens gave similar and well-correlated results for most variables of a complete blood cell count, except for mean corpuscular volume, which was moderately higher, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, which was moderately lower in CTAD than in EDTA; reticulocyte and platelet indexes were poorly correlated. CTAD plasma gave similar results to citrate for fibrinogen, antithrombin, and D-dimers, and relatively similar results for prothrombin time, but activated partial thromboplastin time was poorly correlated. Triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, total proteins, phosphate, iron, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and lipase were similar and well correlated in CTAD and heparin plasmas. Urea, creatinine, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, and aspartate aminotransferase showed moderate-to-marked bias, but these variables could be measured in CTAD plasma if new reference intervals were determined. Creatine kinase activity, potassium, chloride, and total carbon dioxide measurements are not recommended in CTAD plasma. CTAD is a prospective candidate as an almost universal anticoagulant for routine hematology, some plasma coagulation, and many biochemistry variables in dogs. Definitive recommendations will require study of abnormal canine blood specimens.
Detection of Salmonella spp. in veterinary samples by combining selective enrichment and real-time PCR
Authors: Goodman Laura B. , McDonough Patrick L. , Anderson Renee R. , Franklin-Guild Rebecca J. , Ryan James R. , Perkins Gillian A. , Thachil Anil J. , Glaser Amy L. , Thompson Belinda S.
Published: September 2017

Rapid screening for enteric bacterial pathogens in clinical environments is essential for biosecurity. Salmonella found in veterinary hospitals, particularly Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin, can pose unique challenges for culture and testing because of its poor growth. Multiple Salmonella serovars including Dublin are emerging threats to public health given increasing prevalence and antimicrobial resistance. We adapted an automated food testing method to veterinary samples and evaluated the performance of the method in a variety of matrices including environmental samples ( n = 81), tissues ( n = 52), feces ( n = 148), and feed ( n = 29). A commercial kit was chosen as the basis for this approach in view of extensive performance characterizations published by multiple independent organizations. A workflow was established for efficiently and accurately testing veterinary matrices and environmental samples by use of real-time PCR after selective enrichment in Rappaport–Vassiliadis soya (RVS) medium. Using this method, the detection limit for S. Dublin improved by 100-fold over subculture on selective agars (eosin–methylene blue, brilliant green, and xylose–lysine–deoxycholate). Overall, the procedure was effective in detecting Salmonella spp. and provided next-day results.
Influence of Direct Oral Anticoagulants on Anti–Factor Xa Measurements Utilized for Monitoring Heparin
Authors: Macedo Kelly A. , Tatarian Peter , Eugenio Kenneth R.
Published: September 2017

Background: Unanticipated drug-laboratory interactions may occur between direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and anti-factor Xa (AXA) levels used to monitor parenteral heparin infusions. Characterization of the extent and duration of DOAC effect on AXA levels may reduce complications with transition to heparin infusions. Objective: To evaluate the impact of oral factor Xa inhibitors on AXA levels with and without concurrent heparin. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was approved by institutional review board waiver and included patients with AXA levels drawn on a heparin calibrated assay who had received a factor Xa inhibitor. Participants were divided on the basis of whether AXA levels were drawn with concurrent parenteral heparin. If transitioned to heparin, number of AXA draws required until AXA level was within therapeutic range was recorded. Results: A total of 50 patients (60% rivaroxaban, 40% apixaban) met inclusion criteria. When AXA levels were drawn within 12 hours of apixaban without concurrent heparin (n = 7), 71% were greater than 1 IU/mL, and 29% were below suggested trough levels (0.7-1.1 IU/mL). For AXA levels drawn within 24 hours of rivaroxaban without concurrent heparin (n = 11), 55% were greater than 1 IU/mL, 9% were within suggested trough (0.6-1 IU/mL), and 36% were below 0.6 IU/mL. In patients (n = 28) who were initiated on heparin infusion prior to AXA monitoring, administration of the DOAC within the prior 72 hours resulted in supratherapeutic initial AXA levels 69% of the time. Conclusion: DOACs may cause elevations in heparin-calibrated AXA assays; this creates problematic challenges in using the AXA level to optimize heparin management.
Lymphoplasmacyte-Rich Meningioma With Atypical Angiomatous Feature and an Increased Deposition of IgG4-Positive Plasma Cells: An Unusual Case Report
Authors: Son Hyun-Jin , Yu In Kyu , Kim Seong Min
Published: September 2017

Lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma (LPRM) is an extremely rare variant of meningioma, and a small percentage of LPRM may be associated with IgG4-related disease. To date, the coexistence of 2 rare meningioma variants consisting of LPRM and angiomatous meningioma within one neoplasm has not been reported in the literature. A 56-year-old woman presented with episodes of frequent and severe epistaxis that began 4 months ago. Initial magnetic resonance imaging showed localized, heterogeneous, and intermediate to high signal lesion at the odontoid process and clivus. In subsequent magnetic resonance images, the mass grew to the posterior nasopharyngeal wall, and compression to the medulla, and a suspicious enhancement of both distal vertebral arteries became evident even though there was 3 times of partial resection over 17 years. The tumor showed regional and temporal heterogeneity, and atypical features such as mitoses and a high proliferative index were also identified in the area of angiomatous meningioma in addition to LPRM with an increased deposition of IgG4-positive plasma cells within the neoplasm.
What Is This Thing Called Education?
Authors: Colebrook Claire
Published: September 2017

Education exposes a conundrum that extends well beyond government policy and beyond those working in education as a designated discipline. If education is nothing more than a human science or the achievement of satisfactory outcomes by way of testing, then education has no future. Education is the manufacture of docile subjects and (as Bernard Stiegler has argued) it will do little more than short-circuit attention. Stiegler does, however, point out that education’s power to orient bodies beyond themselves toward a complex future relies necessarily on the same technologies that contract and disorient individuals, becoming nothing more than captivation by already actualized forms. Education is at once necessary to bring forth a future distinct from what we already are, and yet that orientation toward a world of relations that is not oneself comes with the essential risk of stupidity
Oscillatory behavior-based wavelet decomposition for the monitoring of bearing condition in centrifugal pumps
Authors: Kumar Anil , Kumar Rajesh
Published: September 2017

Bearing failure is one of the reasons for centrifugal pump breakdown. Existing methods developed for bearing fault diagnosis do not work satisfactorily when the vibration signature of bearing is overlapped by the signature from other defect sources such as an impeller defect. A vibration signal processing scheme making use of ensemble empirical mode decomposition and dual Q-factor wavelet decomposition is proposed to extract information of the bearing defect in a pump. A criterion called as frequency factor is also proposed to find the best decomposition level for the given high and low Q-factor wavelet decomposition parameters. The transient impulses due to bearing defect are effectively extracted separating traces of oscillatory signature of impeller defect and the noise in the signal. The same has been demonstrated using simulation analysis and experimental study. A comparison of the proposed method with existing signal processing methods is also presented.
The dress: Theme and self-presentation in online Australian wedding planning fora
Authors: Laskey Brenda , Stirling Lesley
Published: September 2017

This investigation of the discourse of Australian women in the ‘new media’ context of online special interest advice fora contributes to theory about the ways in which language encodes cultural practices and mediates the social construction of identity. The linguistic self-presentation of participants in 588 asynchronous written posts to wedding planning fora was analysed. Prevalent themes were identified inductively and the degree to which each identified theme was evident in the data was measured. The study uncovered ways in which group membership criteria were expressed and found that traditional ideals of feminine perfection were reinforced. A focus of the investigation was the ways in which the participants spoke about the wedding dress. At times, it was referred to using personification as though it were a proxy for a lover. On other occasions, it appeared to function as a representation of the writer’s idealized bridal self. It emerged as a highly significant cultural object which conferred a special but temporary identity.
Construing oppositions, demarcating a we-ness: The dramaturgy of a live TV debate on the refugee crisis
Authors: Hellman Matilda , Lerkkanen Tuulia
Published: September 2017

This study concerns the dramaturgy of a 2-hour-long live televised debate by the Finnish public service broadcasting company YLE regarding how the country was to answer to increased numbers of asylum seekers in 2015. It provides insight into generic features of live TV discussions for articulating the refugee crisis as a national political concern. It unfolds a media construction ‘in the making’ identifying: (1) the positions that participants are given and taken in the TV discussion context and (2) the dramaturgical execution that served to create oppositions and tensions. The study points out how dramatic compositions of scenes utilized participants’ assumed speakers’ positions and so created action and tensions. Despite efforts of a bold and fresh grasp, the programme channelled a classic polarization construct between ‘us’ (Finnish people) and ‘them’ (refugees) in its mere point of departure. The analysis shows the wrong and undeserving ways in which the otherhood of the immigrants is performed in a Finnish context. During the live broadcast, refugees were put to the test to demonstrate their compliance with right sorts of otherhood; they were asked to eat Finnish food and show their skills in the Finnish language. The analysis shows how journalistic and editorial decisions surrounding the dramaturgy of a live TV show actively contribute to the reproduction of certain political setups and elements of blame and shame. It points out a great need for awareness and sensitivity of the imaginary material that orders and underpins journalistic narratives regarding the European refugee situation.
Every House on Langland Road – the production of archival, architectural and artistic spaces
Authors: Umney Darren
Published: September 2017

This article describes an Arts Council England project, undertaken by the author and a photographer, to examine spatial and temporal relations between an art project, its subject and its audience. The project explored and documented the architecture of a modernist 1970s housing estate, Netherfield, designed by a group of four architects for the new city of Milton Keynes. The estate has not aged well and the visual remnants of what had been an ambitious and idiosyncratic housing scheme were to be photographed and juxtaposed with the original architectural drawings. The photographic process contributed to a more complex series of perspectives which included the archival history of the estate and its surrounding new city, the people who live there and my own reflections on a council estate childhood. In turn, these perspectives are set out in this article in terms of the spatial and temporal realms in which they are, and continue to be, produced. Loosely conceived in terms of Lefebvre’s production of space triad, these realms are traced through the estate’s historical narrative from plans to buildings which then converge in the eventual art work. The gallery is seen as an assemblage of multiple connections drawn between various productions of archival, architectural and artistic spaces.
The Relationship Between Osteomyelitis Complication and Drug-Resistant Infection Risk in Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yin , Ding Hui , Wu Hua , Chen Hong-Lin
Published: September 2017

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between osteomyelitis complications and drug-resistant infection risk in diabetic foot ulcer. Searches of MEDLINE and ISI databases were performed for the studies. Odds ratios (ORs) for drug-resistant infection incidence were calculated for diabetic foot ulcer patients with or without osteomyelitis complications. Eleven studies (12 cohorts) with 1526 patients were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that the summary OR was 3.343 (95% CI = 2.355-4.745; Z = 6.75, P < .00001) when compared with osteomyelitis group and without osteomyelitis group. Significant publication bias was found. Sensitivity analysis by only pooled the adjusted ORs showed that the result was robust (the summary OR = 4.081, 95% CI = 2.471-6.739). Subgroup analysis by drug-resistant type showed that the summary OR was 4.391 (95% CI = 2.287-8.394) for methicillin-resistant infection subgroup, and 2.693 (95% CI = 1.882-3.851) for multidrug-resistant infection subgroup. The meta-regression showed that drug-resistant incidence ( t = −0.90, P = .389) and published year ( t = −0.11, P = .913) were not related with the OR changes. In conclusion, our meta-analysis indicates that osteomyelitis complications are related with drug-resistant infection risk in diabetic foot ulcer. We suggest bone culture–based narrow-spectrum antibiotic therapy for osteomyelitis for prevention drug-resistant infection in diabetic foot ulcer.
Two Cases of Popliteal Cystic Adventitial Disease Treated With Excision and Primary Bypass Graft: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Hennessy Mairead M. , McGreal Gerald , O’Brien Gavin C.
Published: September 2017

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare vascular pathology which predominantly affects peripheral vessels of young otherwise healthy males. Much debate exists regarding its exact etiology. It is characterized by a collection of mucinous material within the adventitial wall layer of the affected vessel, resulting in arterial stenosis and rapidly progressive calf claudication. Treatment is primarily surgical, although radiological interventions have been reported. Its rarity makes evidence-based surgical or radiological management difficult. With this in mind, we report two cases of popliteal artery CAD treated successfully with primary excision and bypass grafting. We analyzed all literature published on CAD since first reported in 1947 and we propose an algorithm for appropriate management pathways.
Postoperative continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic reduces pain scores and narcotic use after lower extremity revascularization
Authors: Shutze William , Shutze Jr William P , Prajapati Purvi , Ogola Gerald , Schauer Jordan , Biller Emily , Douville Nicholas , Shutze Ryan A
Published: September 2017

Objective

Postoperative pain following lower extremity revascularization procedures is traditionally controlled with narcotic administration. However, this may not adequately control the pain and puts the patient at risk for complications from opiate use. Here we report an alternative strategy for pain management using a continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic into the operative limb.

Design

Retrospective case–control study.

Methods

Patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization procedures using continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic were compared to similar patients undergoing similar procedures during the same time period who did not receive continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic. Records were reviewed for pain scores, narcotics consumption, length of stay, need for postoperative chest X-ray, supplemental oxygen use, wound complications, and 30-day readmission.

Results

There were 153 patients (mean age 69.5 years) from September 2011 to December 2014 who underwent common femoral artery procedures, femoral-popliteal bypass, femoral-tibial bypass, popliteal aneurysm repair, popliteal to pedal bypass, popliteal artery thrombo-embolectomy, sapheno-popliteal venous bypass, or ilio-femoral bypass. There were no significant differences between the continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic ( n=57) and control ( n=96) groups regarding age, body mass index, cardiac history, diabetes, hypertension, and procedures performed. The continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic group showed better cumulative average pain scores, better high pain scores on postoperative days 1–3, and better average pain scores on postoperative days 2–3 ( P<0.03). The continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic group had lower median narcotics consumption on postoperative days 1–2 ( P=0.02). No differences were found in postoperative length of stay, urinary catheter use, number of postoperative chest X-rays, oxygen use, mobilization, or fever. Wound complications occurred in 8.8% of the continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic group and in 11.5% of controls (P=0.79). Readmission rates were 23% (continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic) and 21% (controls; P=0.84).

Conclusion

Postoperative continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic reduces pain scores and pain medication use compared to standard opiate therapy in these patients, without increasing wound complication or readmission rates. Continuous catheter-infused local anesthetic appeared to have no effect on the incidence of pulmonary complications, mobilization, or fever.
Non-communicable disease prevention in Nepal: systemic challenges and future directions
Authors: Sharma Sudesh Raj , Page Rachel , Matheson Anna , Lambrick Danielle , Faulkner James , Mishra Shiva Raj
Published: September 2017

Developing countries such as Nepal are experiencing a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) resulting in social and economic losses. In Nepal, more than half of the disease burden is due to NCDs. The major NCDs in Nepal are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. Behavioural factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are driving the epidemic of NCDs, which are further influenced by social, economic and environmental determinants. The health system of Nepal has not been able to address the ever-increasing burden of NCDs. With the formulation of the Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of NCDs 2014–2020, there has been some hope for tackling the NCDs and their social determinants in Nepal through a primary prevention approach. This paper discusses the systemic challenges and recommends two key actions for the prevention and control of NCDs in Nepal.
The social dynamics of heterogeneous innovation ecosystems
Authors: Ferdinand Jan-Peter , Meyer Uli
Published: September 2017

In this article, we develop a programmatic notion of innovation ecosystems, which emphasizes the analysis of different forms of distributed innovation without reducing the perspective to the role of a focal organization. It highlights relationships between communities and corporate firms as nexus for distributed innovation and elaborates how different facets of openness shape the dynamic of the ecosystem. Thus, our model allows for the analysis and comparison of a broad scope of constellations, their particular coordinating mechanisms as well as related advantages and disadvantages. We apply this framework to two specific cases of distributed innovation, the RepRap 3D printer and the ARA modular smartphone, in order to delineate how differences in the forms of openness affect the prevalent relationships between communities and firms as well as the constituting functions of their particular innovation ecosystem.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims: Explicating the public tragedy as a public relations challenge
Authors: Hayes Rebecca A. , Waddell Julia Crouse , Smudde Peter M.
Published: September 2017

A tragedy is substantively different than an organizational crisis. Tragedies, whether man-made or natural disasters, have a considerably greater and singular impact than a traditional industry crisis, and current typologies of crises fail to account for organizations being impacted by and being obligated to respond to events of which they are neither the victim nor the perpetrator. Thus, tragedies require explication and, possibly, a different paradigm for public relations and crisis communication, both in industry response and academic scholarship. The goals of this article are threefold: First, use interdisciplinary scholarship to introduce and define the concept of public tragedy within the scope of public relations and crisis communication. Second, to discuss the motivations for and role of organizational involvement in the conversation surrounding a public tragedy, particularly for third-party organizations not directly impacted by an event, including the consequences and affordances of social media in tragedy response. Finally, the goal is to present recommendations for third-party public relations involvement in a tragedy.
Rotary mechanical circulatory support systems
Authors: Hosseinipour Milad , Gupta Rajesh , Bonnell Mark , Elahinia Mohammad
Published: September 2017

A detailed survey of the current trends and recent advances in rotary mechanical circulatory support systems is presented in this paper. Rather than clinical reports, the focus is on technological aspects of these rehabilitating devices as a reference for engineers and biomedical researchers. Existing trends in flow regimes, flow control, and bearing mechanisms are summarized. System specifications and applications of the most prominent continuous-flow ventricular assistive devices are provided. Based on the flow regime, pumps are categorized as axial flow, centrifugal flow, and mixed flow. Unique characteristics of each system are unveiled through an examination of the structure, bearing mechanism, impeller design, flow rate, and biocompatibility. A discussion on the current limitations is provided to invite more studies and further improvements.
Stem Cells in Spinal Fusion
Authors: Robbins Michael A. , Haudenschild Dominik R. , Wegner Adam M. , Klineberg Eric O.
Published: September 2017

Study Design:

Review of literature.

Objectives:

This review of literature investigates the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in spinal fusion, highlights potential uses in the development of bone grafts, and discusses limitations based on both preclinical and clinical models.

Methods:

A review of literature was conducted looking at current studies using stem cells for augmentation of spinal fusion in both animal and human models.

Results:

Eleven preclinical studies were found that used various animal models. Average fusion rates across studies were 59.8% for autograft and 73.7% for stem cell–based grafts. Outcomes included manual palpation and stressing of the fusion, radiography, micro–computed tomography (μCT), and histological analysis. Fifteen clinical studies, 7 prospective and 8 retrospective, were found. Fusion rates ranged from 60% to 100%, averaging 87.1% in experimental groups and 87.2% in autograft control groups.

Conclusions:

It appears that there is minimal clinical difference between commercially available stem cells and bone marrow aspirates indicating that MSCs may be a good choice in a patient with poor marrow quality. Overcoming morbidity and limitations of autograft for spinal fusion, remains a significant problem for spinal surgeons and further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of stem cells in augmenting spinal fusion.
The immunophilin FKBP12 inhibits hepcidin expression by binding the BMP type I receptor ALK2 in hepatocytes
Authors: Colucci Silvia , Pagani Alessia , Pettinato Mariateresa , Artuso Irene , Nai Antonella , Camaschella Clara , Silvestri Laura
Published: September 2017

Key Points

FKBP12 suppresses hepcidin by interaction with the BMP receptor ALK2. Disruption of FKBP12–ALK2 interaction increases hepcidin and renders the receptor responsive to the inflammatory ligand Activin A.
Twist1 regulates embryonic hematopoietic differentiation through binding to Myb and Gata2 promoter regions
Authors: Kulkeaw Kasem , Inoue Tomoko , Iino Tadafumi , Tani Kenzaburo , Akashi Koichi , Speck Nancy A. , Nakanishi Yoichi , Sugiyama Daisuke
Published: September 2017

Key Points

Twist1, a hematopoietic transcription factor, is highly expressed in embryonic HSPCs. Twist1 functions in embryonic HSPC differentiation through binding to Myb and Gata2 promoter regions and activates their transcription.
Long-term outcomes of bronchial thermoplasty in subjects with severe asthma: a comparison of 3-year follow-up results from two prospective multicentre studies
Authors: Chupp Geoffrey , Laviolette Michel , Cohn Lauren , McEvoy Charlene , Bansal Sandeep , Shifren Adrian , Khatri Sumita , Grubb G. Mark , McMullen Edmund , Strauven Racho , Kline Joel N.
Published: September 2017

Bronchial thermoplasty is an endoscopic therapy for severe asthma. The previously reported, randomised sham-controlled AIR2 (Asthma Intervention Research 2) trial showed a significant reduction in severe asthma exacerbations, emergency department visits and hospitalisations after bronchial thermoplasty. More “real-world” clinical outcome data is needed.

This article compares outcomes in bronchial thermoplasty subjects with 3 years of follow-up from the ongoing, post-market PAS2 (Post-FDA Approval Clinical Trial Evaluating Bronchial Thermoplasty in Severe Persistent Asthma) study with those from the AIR2 trial.

279 subjects were treated with bronchial thermoplasty in the PAS2 study. We compared the first 190 PAS2 subjects with the 190 bronchial thermoplasty-treated subjects in the AIR2 trial at 3 years of follow-up. The PAS2 subjects were older (mean age 45.9versus40.7 years) and more obese (mean body mass index 32.5versus29.3 kg·m−2) and took higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids (mean dose 2301versus1961 μg·day−1). More PAS2 subjects had experienced severe exacerbations (74%versus52%) and hospitalisations (15.3%versus4.2%) in the 12 months prior to bronchial thermoplasty. At year 3 after bronchial thermoplasty, the percentage of PAS2 subjects with severe exacerbations, emergency department visits and hospitalisations significantly decreased by 45%, 55% and 40%, respectively, echoing the AIR2 results.

The PAS2 study demonstrates similar improvements in asthma control after bronchial thermoplasty compared with the AIR2 trial despite enrolling subjects who may have had poorer asthma control.