bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-200c plays an oncogenic role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by targeting PTEN
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Zhen , Cao Heng-Chang , Huang Dong-Li , Wu Qi , Chen Xiao-Fan , Wan Jun , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2017

Recent studies suggested that microRNA-200 family microRNAs play critical roles in cancer initiation and metastasis. The underlying mechanism remained elusive. In this study, we show that microRNA-200c is upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Manipulation of microRNA-200c levels affected cell growth, migration, and invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. Furthermore, PTEN was identified as a direct target of microRNA-200c. Overexpression of PTEN resulted in similar effects to those of anti-microRNA-200c transfection. In vivo suppression of microRNA-200c level reduced tumor growth in mice. Overall, our data suggest that microRNA-200c plays an oncogenic role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by targeting PTEN.
A test of giant electrorheological valve in DC and square wave AC fields with different frequencies
Authors: Xu Luning , Li Yufei , Han Li , Shen Rong , Lu Kunquan
Published: May 2017

The high price and less content of current Braille displays keep most of visually impaired persons from using them. The compact arrangement of Braille dots regulated by Braille standard presents a rigid limitation to develop a full-page Braille display. Electrorheological valve gives a possibility to meet these severe demands, and its pressure drop is a key parameter to design a full-page Braille display. A giant electrorheological valve in DC field and square waveform AC field with different frequencies was investigated. It was shown that the pressure drop of valve increases with the electric field strength, and decreases with increasing frequency of square waveform AC field. The pressure drop of the giant electrorheological valve is high enough for the purpose in application of a full-page Braille display. The results also show that only square waveform AC field with low frequency can provide higher pressure drops. A forcing flow of giant electrorheological fluids in channel of valve may be a solution of solving the aggregations of nanoparticles on the electrodes.
Tunable discontinuous shear thickening with magnetorheological suspensions
Authors: Bossis Georges , Grasselli Yan , Meunier Alain , Volkova Olga
Published: May 2017

Discontinuous shear thickening is a phenomenon observed in concentrated suspensions where, at a given applied stress, the flow becomes suddenly partially blocked and the shear rate begins to decrease and to oscillate when the stress is increased above the critical one. In this work, we show that it is possible to control with a magnetic field this abrupt transition from a flowing state to a jammed state, using a suspension of magnetic particles coated with a superplastifier molecule. In the case of experiments made at constant velocity, the transition to the jammed state corresponds to a very high jump of stress which can reach several hundred pascals for fields as low as a few kiloampere per meter. We present also results obtained in microgravity on a magnetic powder, showing that the solid friction between particles plays a key role in the jamming phenomenon.
Efficient three-node finite shell element for linear and geometrically nonlinear analyses of piezoelectric laminated structures
Authors: Rama Gil , Marinković Dragan , Zehn Manfred
Published: May 2017

Fiber-reinforced composite laminates involving piezoelectric layers represent a very attractive material system. It combines the advantages of using rather lightweight and stiff material with the possibility of sensing structural changes and actively influencing its state by means of sensors and actuators. A three-node shell element is proposed as an efficient tool for modeling structures made of such a material system. Thoroughly tested solutions are implemented to resolve locking problems intrinsic for shell elements. The embedded piezoelectric layers are considered to be polarized in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the extension of the formulation to geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis is based on a co-rotational formulation. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the applicability of developed element in linear and geometrically nonlinear finite element analyses covering both actuator and sensor cases.
The Actin Cytoskeleton in SMA and ALS: How Does It Contribute to Motoneuron Degeneration?
Authors: Hensel Niko , Claus Peter
Published: May 2017

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are neurodegenerative diseases with overlapping clinical phenotypes based on impaired motoneuron function. However, the pathomechanisms of both diseases are largely unknown, and it is still unclear whether they converge on the molecular level. SMA is a monogenic disease caused by low levels of functional Survival of Motoneuron (SMN) protein, whereas ALS involves multiple genes as well as environmental factors. Recent evidence argues for involvement of actin regulation as a causative and dysregulated process in both diseases. ALS-causing mutations in the actin-binding protein profilin-1 as well as the ability of the SMN protein to directly bind to profilins argue in favor of a common molecular mechanism involving the actin cytoskeleton. Profilins are major regulat ors of actin-dynamics being involved in multiple neuronal motility and transport processes as well as modulation of synaptic functions that are impaired in models of both motoneuron diseases. In this article, we review the current literature in SMA and ALS research with a focus on the actin cytoskeleton. We propose a common molecular mechanism that explains the degeneration of motoneurons for SMA and some cases of ALS.
A novel inverse dynamic model for a magnetorheological damper based on network inversion
Authors: Boada MJL , Boada BL , Diaz V
Published: May 2017

Semi-active suspensions based on magnetorheological (MR) dampers are receiving significant attention, especially for control of vibration isolation systems. The nonlinear hysteretic behavior of MR dampers can cause serious problems in controlled systems, such as instability and loss of robustness. Most of the developed controllers determine the desired damping forces which should be produced by the MR damper. Nevertheless, the MR damper behavior can only be controlled in terms of the applied current (or voltage). In addition to this, it is necessary to develop an adequate inverse dynamic model in order to calculate the command current (or voltage) for the MR damper to generate the desired forces as close as possible to the optimal ones. Due to MR dampers being highly nonlinear devices, the inverse dynamics model is difficult to obtain. In this paper, a novel inverse MR damper model based on a network inversion is presented to estimate the necessary current (or voltage) such that the desired force is exerted by the MR damper. The proposed inverse model is validated by carrying out experimental tests. In addition, a comparison of simulated tests with other damper controllers is also presented. Results show the effectiveness of the network inversion for inverse modeling of an MR damper. Thus, the proposed inverse model can act as a damper controller to generate the command current (or voltage) to track the desired damping force.
Evolution of a minimal parallel programming model
Authors: Lusk Ewing , Butler Ralph , Pieper Steven C
Published: May 2017

We take a historical approach to our presentation of self-scheduled task parallelism, a programming model with its origins in early irregular and nondeterministic computations encountered in automated theorem proving and logic programming. We show how an extremely simple task model has evolved into a system, asynchronous dynamic load balancing (ADLB), and a scalable implementation capable of supporting sophisticated applications on today’s (and tomorrow’s) largest supercomputers; and we illustrate the use of ADLB with a Green’s function Monte Carlo application, a modern, mature nuclear physics code in production use. Our lesson is that by surrendering a certain amount of generality and thus applicability, a minimal programming model (in terms of its basic concepts and the size of its application programmer interface) can achieve extreme scalability without introducing complexity.
Optogenetic Modulation of Intracellular Signalling and Transcription: Focus on Neuronal Plasticity
Authors: Eleftheriou Cyril , Cesca Fabrizia , Maragliano Luca , Benfenati Fabio , Maya-Vetencourt Jose Fernando
Published: May 2017

Several fields in neuroscience have been revolutionized by the advent of optogenetics, a technique that offers the possibility to modulate neuronal physiology in response to light stimulation. This innovative and far-reaching tool provided unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution to explore the activity of neural circuits underlying cognition and behaviour. With an exponential growth in the discovery and synthesis of new photosensitive actuators capable of modulating neuronal networks function, other fields in biology are experiencing a similar re-evolution. Here, we review the various optogenetic toolboxes developed to influence cellular physiology as well as the diverse ways in which these can be engineered to precisely modulate intracellular signalling and transcription. We also explore the processes required to successfully express and stimulate these photo-actuators in vivo before discussing how such tools can enlighten our understanding of neuronal plasticity at the systems level.
Clot in Lung, Clot in Heart: A Case Report of Tumor-Like Thrombus in Right Atrium
Authors: Habibi Roshanak , Altamirano Alvaro J , Dadkhah Shahriar
Published: May 2017

Tumor-like formation of thrombus in the right atrial cavity is rare. It may be mistaken for a myxoma. The exact pathophysiology of an isolated thrombus in the heart is still unclear. Management to prevent complications such as pulmonary thromboembolism depends on the clinical judgment of a cardiologist. This report describes a 76-year-old woman with right atrial thrombus causing subsequent pulmonary thromboembolism in right lung. She initially presented to us with pulmonary embolism, and later, an incidental finding of a mass in her right atrium revealed an association of thrombus in heart with thrombus in lung. The challenging management was to resect this thrombus which was fixed to atrial septum, and a trial of anticoagulation did not resolve it. Exact management of such incidental findings in right heart cavities is not well established. Some cases may benefit from resection of such formed fixed thrombus.
Advancing an understanding of selves in transition: I-positions as an analytical tool
Authors: Grimell Jan
Published: May 2017

Self-identity work appears to be a challenge for many service members as they transition and reintegrate into civilian life. When other cultural influences seem to threaten an established self as it labors with transition, tension and conflict may arise and can potentially impact mental health. Insights from an ongoing longitudinal project on the subject matter indicate that an analysis of an individual, which utilizes the concept of I-positions may serve as a useful analytical tool during these processes. A longitudinal methodology combining a narrative approach with such an exploration of I-positions derived from a dialogical self framework may prove to be a promising avenue to advance the understanding of selves in transition beyond the dichotomy of the military and civilian spheres. The bridging capacity of I-positions lies partly in the capacity of significant others to link the self to both spheres and to help fill the perceived void between these two realms, which in reality may be overlapping and intertwined. The findings suggest, facilitated by two case study examples, that military transition to civilian life may benefit from a dialogical approach. This dialogical mind-set could even already be introduced and established during basic training. However, there is also a shared responsibility for individuals in civilian contexts to invite former service members into open dialogue just as the service members themselves shall strive to initiate earnest dialogue. Future research is encouraged to widen the methodology and knowledge of selves in transition.
Two journeys: Forces that unite and disperse a community in the homeland
Authors: MacNeill Richard J
Published: May 2017

This article uses ‘the journey’ – the act of traversing a physical landscape – as a means of understanding the role landscape can play in preserving and reinforcing societies and their activities. It is based on material recorded over the course of three field seasons between 2006 and 2014 in the landscape of the Karavas basin in the northern part of Kythera, an island off the southern tip of the Greek Peloponnese. This material consists of spatial records of the location and the character of gardens, water channels, mills and other features in addition to accounts and reminiscences of inhabitants that relate to the former and current use of the landscape and their social, cultural and spiritual relationships to it.

In this article, the journey is used to reconstruct a cultural landscape, a dynamic and self-sustaining amalgam of cultural, social and physical mechanisms and features. In this reconstruction, observed relationships between the inhabitants and their infrastructure form the basis for two interpretive approaches. The first considers the landscape and community as a unity, within which the character of the one is dependent on and reflects the character of the other. The second approaches the community as an interlocking and self-sustaining collection of cognitive and behavioural mechanisms. In this exploratory reconstruction, these two approaches are regarded as complementary, each compensating for conceptual and logical shortcomings of the other. The essential link between these two approaches is the landscape and its multiple meanings, in one sense a world defined, moulded and mediated by the task; in another, a structure of culturally mediated mechanisms. The author argues that both post-structural and structural interpretations generate valid and complementary understandings.
Rationalising the burden of establishing defences at criminal law in Singapore: Reconsidering Jayasena, in the wake of Eu Lim Hoklai
Authors: Rajah Meera
Published: May 2017

The reversal of the burden of proof and the imposition of a mandatory death penalty for certain offences have left the Singapore criminal justice system the subject of much rights-based criticism. Case law hints that there exists a very real possibility of wrongful conviction, should the courts apply s. 107 of the Evidence Act (‘EA’) in its literal sense and shift the legal burden to the accused, irrespective of the defence he seeks to invoke. The Singapore courts have acknowledged that the ‘evidential burden’ of proof as a distinct legal concept on numerous occasions but have not reconciled it with Lord Devlin’s interpretation of s. 3(3) EA in Jayasena, which limits proof to the ‘legal burden’. This article argues that the time has come for the Singapore courts to expressly banish the Jayasena ghost. The fairer approach would be to examine whether the defence falls within the categories of (a) mental condition defences, namely insanity, insane automatism, diminished responsibility and intoxication causing abnormality of mind, and (b) other general defences. Reliance on a defence within the former category will cause the accused to bear the legal burden of proof; he should only bear the evidential burden for the latter.
Exploring patients’ perceptions of accessing electronic health records: Innovation in healthcare
Authors: Wass Sofie , Vimarlund Vivian , Ros Axel
Published: May 2017

The more widespread implementation of electronic health records has led to new ways of providing access to healthcare information, allowing patients to view their medical notes, test results, medicines and so on. In this article, we explore how patients perceive the possibility to access their electronic health record online and whether this influences patient involvement. The study includes interviews with nine patients and a survey answered by 56 patients. Our results show that patients perceive healthcare information to be more accessible and that electronic health record accessibility improves recall, understanding and patient involvement. However, to achieve the goal of involving patients as active decision-makers in their own treatment, electronic health records need to be fully available and test results, referrals and information on drug interactions need to be offered. As patient access to electronic health records spreads, it is important to gain a deeper understanding of how documentation practices can be changed to serve healthcare professionals and patients.
Practices of topic and dialogue activity management in dispute mediation
Authors: Vasilyeva Alena L
Published: May 2017

This study examines the mediator practices to bring the interaction back on track when the participants of dispute mediation go off-task. An existing collection of 18 transcripts from audio recordings of mediation sessions at a mediation center in the western United States serves as a source of interactional data. First, the study examines the moves mediators make to perform interventions to bring the current state of activity more in line with mediation activity. Second, it accounts for the variety of interventions mediators perform using the concepts of face and facework. The article discusses what the findings mean in terms of mediation, the interaction order and the institutional order.
Importance–performance analysis as a strategic tool for tourism marketers: The case of Taiwan’s Destination Image
Authors: Jeng Chi-Ruey , Snyder Adam T , Chen Ching-Fu
Published: May 2017

Today’s travelers, facilitated by increased leisure time, rising levels of disposable income and more efficient transportation networks, have the means to choose from among this much larger variety of destinations. As a result, tourism marketers are now faced with influencing consumer decision-making in an increasingly complex and competitive global marketplace. The purpose of this study is to engage discussion of different perceptions of travel to Taiwan particularly as a travel destination. It also will try to understand tourist’s grievances and shortcomings of Taiwan as a travel destination and attempt to offer suggestions on improving these things.

This study investigated international perceptions of Taiwan as a tourist destination and examined holistic attributes of a destination according to positive and negative contexts to determine the relation between travel customer satisfaction and travel attribute importance and performance. We also researched the level of difference in the perceived travel attributes of importance and performance as an indicator of service quality strengths and weaknesses.

Our study results reveal the overall image of Taiwan to be a fun, free, hospitable place with friendly locals and an interesting culture. Climate, opportunity to increase knowledge, safety, political stability, relaxation, and scenery all scored as positive aspects of Taiwan. Free elicitation also corroborates this with the top four physiological attributes as friendly, fun, safe, and relaxing. Taiwan could use these attributes to its marketing advantage.
The subsistence marketplaces approach to poverty
Authors: Venugopal Srinivas , Viswanathan Madhubalan
Published: May 2017

Marketplace exchange occupies a central place in the lives of poor consumers and entrepreneurs across the world. The subsistence marketplaces literature has systematically examined marketplace exchanges in contexts of poverty and built a critical mass of knowledge. This knowledge stems from an approach with roots in the discipline of marketing and represents the unique contribution of scholars in marketing and related disciplines to the global discourse on poverty. This article reviews a decade and a half of research on subsistence marketplaces and clarifies certain conceptual, methodological and axiological positions that underlie marketing theory generation within this stream of research.
Moral authority and rulership in Ming literati thought
Authors: Ditmanson Peter
Published: May 2017

This article explores the crises and debates surrounding the management of imperial family matters, especially succession, under the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) as an approach to understanding the limits of imperial power and the nature of literati discourse on the imperium. Ming officials and members of the literati community became passionately engaged in the debates on imperial family decisions, regarding the moral order of the imperial family as a key feature of their prerogatives over imperial power. This prerogative was based upon claims to Neo-Confucian moral authority. Over the course of the dynasty, these claims grew increasingly widespread and increasingly vociferous.
Identification of tooth fault in a gearbox based on cyclostationarity and empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Kim Jong-Sik , Lee Sang-Kwon
Published: May 2017

In the previous work, the cyclostationarity process, which is one of signal processing methods, has been used in health monitoring of the rotating machinery because of the superior detecting property of hidden periodicity. However, it is often difficult to acquire the information about the hidden periodicity due to the fault of the rotating machinery when the impact signal is low. Therefore, a certain preprocessing tool to extract the information about the impact signal due to the fault is required. This article presents the new detection process of tooth faults in a gearbox system based on the empirical mode decomposition algorithm which adaptively decomposes the signal into a set of intrinsic mode functions and the cyclostationarity process which identifies the hidden periodicity clearly in bi-frequency domain. The proposed method was demonstrated with a simulated signal and was applied to the detection of four types of conditions of tooth fault successfully.
“EDG 6931 Writes Back!” Black Studies as Emancipatory Resistance to Neoliberal Tyranny in Teacher Education
Authors: Acosta Melanie M.
Published: May 2017

Academics have a responsibility to raise human consciousness and make connections to those elements of power and politics often hidden from public view, yet the strong arm of neoliberalism has tightened its grip on the structure, and scope of higher education and this includes the moral rigor of teacher education courses. Therefore, emancipatory learning spaces are critical to the development of competent and conscious educators. This article presents one example of the transformative possibilities in learning to teach that emerges from the emancipatory pedagogy of Critical Studyin’. The article includes student work from one course assignment as an example of Critical Studyin’ in action to highlight the kinds of critical knowledge students can acquire when learning to teach is situated as a morally engaged endeavor. The article concludes with implications for teaching and learning to teach in neoliberal times.
Speaking Back to the Neoliberal Agenda for Higher Education
Authors: Jovanovic Spoma
Published: May 2017

The deliberate and well-crafted creep of neoliberalism into institutions of higher education has consequences for faculty that are likewise felt by students, families, and society at large. This article provides an autoethnographic glimpse at how democratic education is being forsaken to for-profit activities and how faculty at one campus pushed back against their own administration in response. I conclude with some suggestions for how to communicate and organize to keep hope alive for higher education to remain a vibrant public sphere where critical engagement can flourish.
Welcome to the Neoliberal University
Authors: Lockford Lesa
Published: May 2017

As university administrators increasingly promote policies supportive of neoliberalism, an implicit shift in educational mission is insinuating its way into academic life. In this parody of a university recruitment letter, I hope to bring the subtext of that shift into comic and tragic relief.
Examining Underlying Relationships Between the Supports Intensity Scale–Adult Version and the Supports Intensity Scale–Children’s Version
Authors: Seo Hyojeong , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Shogren Karrie A. , Hughes Carolyn , Thompson James R. , Little Todd D. , Palmer Susan B.
Published: May 2017

Given the growing importance of support needs assessment in the field of intellectual disability, it is imperative to develop assessments of support needs whose scores and inferences demonstrate reliability and validity. The purpose of this study was to examine the criterion validity of scores on the Supports Intensity Scale–Children’s Version (SIS-C) by identifying the relation of SIS-C scores to those on the Supports Intensity Scale–Adult Version (SIS-A) for youth on the boundary of appropriateness of the two assessments (ages 16–21). Using data from 142 youth who both completed the SIS-A and SIS-C, we found that parallel support need constructs on the two versions of the SIS have strong associations. In addition, there were similar relations between personal competency (i.e., intelligence and adaptive behavior) and support needs measured by the SIS-A and SIS-C. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Improve Outcomes in Functional Movement Disorders: A Case Study
Authors: Graham Christopher D. , Stuart Simon R. , O’Hara Daniel J. , Kemp Steven
Published: May 2017

Although there are many theories of functional movement disorders (FMD), the causes and prognosis remain unclear, and there are no treatments with high-quality empirical support. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an acceptance-based behavior therapy which, via altering a process called psychological flexibility, aims to support behaviors that are consistent with a person’s overarching values—even in difficult, uncertain, or immutable contexts. It may, therefore, have pragmatic benefits in the context of FMD. We outline the theoretical basis for ACT and detail a case study of a brief (six session) intervention for increasing personally meaningful activity with FMD. The participant was in her early 20s and had been diagnosed with functional propriospinal myoclonus. ACT techniques including relational framing, defusion, and mindfulness exercises were used to increase psychological flexibility, with the goal of enabling effective functioning within the difficult context created by FMD. Following treatment, the participant showed a reliable change/clinical recovery in psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II [AAQ-II]), FMD symptom interference (Work and Social Adjustment Scale [WSAS]; primary outcome), and mood (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation 10-item scale [CORE-10]; secondary outcome). This case study demonstrates an approach that focuses first on improving functioning with FMD, as opposed to eliminating or controlling symptoms.
Mentoring Hispanic Students: A Literature Review
Authors: Alcocer Luis F. , Martinez Andres
Published: May 2017

The notion of mentoring can be understood as a one-to-one relationship between a mentor and a protégé. A more contemporary perspective of the term argued it as a collaborative environment where the mentor and the mentee can learn from each other. This document presents faculty attitudes and reactions on the role of mentoring. In the reviewed articles, scholars coincided on the idea that mentoring is an effective academic tool which impacts students’ adjustment, retention, and achievement, and argued the development of peer mentoring programs as a resource for support during students’ academic path in postsecondary education. We include cases of effective peer mentoring programs in higher education institutions, and highlight the fact of pairing students with similar interests is beneficial for both participants due to the establishment of an exchange of learning and knowledge. The authors also annotated the fact that some traditional mentoring models in education have typically excluded Hispanics and individuals of other underrepresented minorities (URM), as there is lack of availability of faculty with similar backgrounds. This article includes perspectives that Hispanic higher education students shared in regard to their expectations of a mentor. This review also shows successful cases of peer mentoring programs with Hispanic students, which considered the cultural capital of this specific minority, and its connection with mentees’ expectations on outcomes from mentorship.
Use of potentially inappropriate medications among ambulatory home-dwelling elderly patients with dementia: A review of the literature
Authors: Patel Tejal , Slonim Karen , Lee Linda
Published: May 2017

Background:

Older adults with dementia are at high risk for drug-related adverse outcomes. While much is known about potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults, its prevalence and characteristics among those with dementia are not as well elucidated. We conducted a literature review to examine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use among home-dwelling older adults with dementia. Our secondary aim was to determine the most frequently implicated medications and factors associated with potentially inappropriate medication use.

Methods:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched between 1946 and 2014 for articles that referenced potentially inappropriate medication use and types of dementia. One reviewer screened all titles and abstracts from the initial search and full-text articles after the initial screen for eligibility, then 2 reviewers independently abstracted data from included studies.

Results:

Searches yielded 81 articles, of which 7 met inclusion criteria. Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use varied from 15% to 46.8%. No single drug or drug class was reported consistently across all studies as the most frequent potentially inappropriate medication, but anticholinergics and benzodiazepines, drugs that affect cognition, were among the most common medications or pharmacological classes listed.

Discussion:

Older adults with dementia may be particularly vulnerable to potentially inappropriate medications because of cognitive impairment from their condition and the greater likelihood of experiencing adverse events from medications. Given this population’s greater susceptibility to adverse events, more intense medication and patient monitoring may be warranted, especially among those taking anticholinergics and benzodiazepines, as these drugs can contribute to cognitive impairment.
Deploying images of enemy bodies: US image warfare and strategic narratives
Authors: Swimelar Safia
Published: May 2017

This article investigates the practice of post 9/11 US image warfare through an analysis of three sets of enemy capture and killing: Uday and Qusay Hussein, Saddam Hussein, and Osama bin Laden. Specifically, the article examines these images in terms of their potential to support, complicate, and/or undermine the strategic narratives of the Bush and Obama administrations as they relate to the Iraq War and the killing of Osama bin Laden, respectively. Today’s new media ecology complicates the relationship between images and strategic narratives. The analysis finds that the capture and death images of the Hussein family primarily served to reinforce the Bush administration strategic system narratives of American dominance and hegemony, the illegitimacy and oppression of the Hussein regime, and of ‘justice’; however, the images can also be interpreted as complicating and potentially undermining these same narratives. The absence of Osama bin Laden death images supported the Obama administration’s counter strategic narratives that focused more on an American identity of restraint and rule of law. The ‘situation room’ photo that became the representative image of the Bin Laden killing also reinforced given strategic narratives by providing a more innocuous and legitimate way, albeit still violent, to communicate a story of American military power and justice.
A numerical study of two-phase miscible flow through porous media with a Lagrangian model
Authors: Ahammad M Jalal , Alam Jahrul M
Published: May 2017

The multiphase flow mechanism in miscible displacement through porous media is an important topic in various applications, such as petroleum engineering, low Reynolds number suspension flows, dusty gas dynamics, and fluidized beds. To simulate such flows, volume averaging spatial operators are considered to incorporate pressure drag and skin friction experienced by a porous medium. In this work, a streamline-based Lagrangian methodology is extended for an efficient numerical approach to handle dispersion and diffusion of solvent saturation during a miscible flow. Overall pressure drag on the diffusion and dispersion of solvent saturation is investigated. Numerical results show excellent agreement with the results obtained from asymptotic analysis. The present numerical simulations indicate that the nonlinear effects due to skin friction and pressure drag cannot be accurately captured by Darcy’s method if the contribution of the skin friction dominates over that of the pressure drag. Moreover, mass conservation law is investigated, which is an important feature for enhanced oil recovery, and the results help to guide a good agreement with theory. This investigation examines how the flow regime may be optimized for enhanced oil recovery methods.
A Comparison of Time Delay in Three Continuous Glucose Monitors for Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Sinha Manasi , McKeon Katherine M. , Parker Savan , Goergen Laura G. , Zheng Hui , El-Khatib Firas H. , Russell Steven J.
Published: May 2017

Background:

The physiologic delay in glucose diffusion from the blood to the interstitial fluid and instrumental factors contribute to the delay between changes in plasma glucose (PG) and measurements made by continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). This study compared the duration of this delay for three CGMs.

Methods:

A total of 24 healthy adolescent and adult subjects with type 1 diabetes wore three CGM devices simultaneously for 48 hours: Dexcom G4 Platinum, Abbott Navigator, and Medtronic Enlite. The time delay between PG and CGM-estimated plasma glucose (CGMG) was estimated by comparing time-shifted CGMG with reference PG taken every 15 minutes.

Results:

The delay estimated by our approach was larger for the Navigator than for the G4 Platinum in adolescents (7.7 ± 1.1 versus 5.6 ± 0.9 min, P = .0396) and adults (10.9 ± 1.1 versus 8.1 ± 0.7 min, P = .0107). The delay was nominally longer for the Navigator than for the Enlite in both the adolescent (7.7 ± 1.1 versus 4.3 ± 1.0 min, P = .0728) and adult (10.9 ± 1.1 versus 8.3 ± 0.9 min, P = .111) populations, but these differences were not statistically significant. There was no difference in the delay between G4 Platinum and Enlite. Adolescents had shorter delays than adults for all three devices. There was a significant correlation between longer delay and increasing age for the G4 Platinum and Navigator.

Conclusions:

There are differences in the estimated PG to CGMG time delays between CGM devices in the same subjects. The delay between PG and CGMG is smaller for adolescents than for adults. The PG–to–CGMG time delay is influenced by both instrument and host factors.
Introduction of a Novel Smartphone-Coupled Blood Glucose Monitoring System
Authors: Jendrike Nina , Baumstark Annette , Chen Chieh-Hsiao , Rittmeyer Delia , Haug Cornelia , Freckmann Guido
Published: May 2017

The novel system for self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) PixoTest couples SMBG to a smartphone and does not require a separate glucose meter. The integrated system includes all components necessary for a glucose measurement, and owing to a colorimetric measurement principle, a smartphone camera can capture color changes and a software app calculates the corresponding glucose value. In the presented study, the system was evaluated in terms of system accuracy as described in ISO 15197:2013. It was shown to fulfill system accuracy requirements with 97-99% of results from three different reagent system lots within the accuracy limits and 100% of results within zone A of the consensus error grid.
A meta-analysis of antibacterial envelope use in prevention of cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection
Authors: Ali Sajid , Kanjwal Yousuf , Bruhl Steven R. , Alo Mohammed , Taleb Mohammed , Ali Syed S. , Kabour Ameer , Khawaja Owais
Published: May 2017

Objectives:

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection has been a major clinical problem in addition to being a major financial burden. In spite of antimicrobial prophylaxis, CIED infection rates have been increasing disproportionately. We therefore conducted this meta-analysis to assess the role of TYRX antibiotic envelope for the prevention of CIED infection.

Methods:

Using extensive online search, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies reporting CIED infections with versus without the use of TYRX antibiotic envelope. A random-effect model was used, and between studies heterogeneity was estimated with I2. All analyses were performed with RevMan (version 5.0.20).

Results:

Five cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of included studies was 0.29 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09–0.94; p < 0.004]. There was evidence of heterogeneity with I2 of 58%. There was also evidence of publication bias on funnel plot analysis. On sensitivity analysis, no statistically significant difference was noted when stratified by study design or duration of follow-up.

Conclusion:

The results of our study demonstrate a significant beneficial effect of TYRX antibiotic envelope for the prevention of CIED infections.
Racial Disparities in Elderly Patients Receiving Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery
Authors: Drazin Doniel , Shweikeh Faris , Lagman Carlito , Ugiliweneza Beatrice , Boakye Maxwell
Published: May 2017

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To evaluate for racial disparities in elderly patients having undergone lumbar spinal stenosis surgery.

Methods:

The US Medicare Provider Analysis and Review database (records from 2005 to 2011) was used to identify patients over the age of 65 years, diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis, and having undergone lumbar laminectomy or fusion surgery. Blacks were compared to Whites in both unmatched and propensity score-matched populations. The data was analyzed with univariate (χ2 and Wilcoxon rank sum tests for unmatched comparison, and McNemar exact and signed rank sum tests for matched comparison) and multivariate models.

Results:

Query of the data resulted in a study sample of 12 807 patients; 514 (4.0%) were identified as Black and 12 293 (96%) as White. Blacks were less likely to be discharged home (42.4% vs 58.9%, P < .0001) and had lower repeat operation rates (6.81% vs 11.5%, P = .0009); both remained significant in the propensity score-matched comparison. Finally, Blacks experienced more postoperative complications, higher median Medicare costs, but lower out-of-pocket expenses ( P = .0113). Blacks had higher rates of diabetes (33.7% vs 21.5%, P < .0001) and obesity (9.92% vs 6.85%, P = .0074), when compared to Whites, but these comorbidities did not significantly affect odds of 30-day complications.

Conclusions:

Black patients having undergone lumbar spinal stenosis surgery were more likely to have received fusion at initial operation, had shorter pre- and postoperative follow-up intervals and displayed variances in discharge disposition. Reasons for these differences are not entirely understood; however, educational and socioeconomic factors and possibly ethnic/cultural biases may have contributed. Racial disparities in health care continue to be identified and should be further explored in order to eliminate them.
Effectiveness of Operative and Nonoperative Care for Adult Spinal Deformity: Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Teles Alisson R. , Mattei Tobias A. , Righesso Orlando , Falavigna Asdrubal
Published: May 2017

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Objective:

There is a need for synthesizing data on effectiveness of treatments for patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD) due to its increasing prevalence and health care costs for these patients. The objective of this review was to estimate the effectiveness of surgery versus nonoperative care in patients with ASD.

Methods:

A systematic review of articles in published in English using PubMed between 2005 and 2015. Surgical and nonsurgical series that reported baseline and follow-up health-related quality of life measures of patients with ASD with a minimum 2 years of follow-up were selected. Independent extraction of articles by 2 authors using predefined data fields, including risk of bias assessment.

Results:

Surgery significantly reduces disability, pain, and improves patients’ quality of life. The average postoperative improvement in Oswestry Disability Index was −19.1 (±9.0), Numerical Rating Scale back pain −4.14 (±1.38), Numerical Rating Scale leg pain −3.36 (±1.33), Short-Form Health Survey 36-SF36-Physical Component score 11.2 (±5.07), and Short-Form Health Survey 36-Mental Component score 9.93 (±4.96). The complication rate ranged from 9.52% to 81.52% (mean = 39.62%), and the need for revision surgery ranged from 1.72% to 40.0% (mean = 15.71%). The best existing evidence about nonoperative care of ASD is provided from observational studies with very high risk of bias. Quantitative analyses of nonsurgical cohorts did not demonstrate significant changes in quality of life of patients after 2 years of observation.

Conclusions:

This data may assist clinicians to counsel patients, as well as to inform health care providers and policymakers about what to expect from the treatment for ASD.
The fate of Baker’s cyst after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Hommel Hagen
Published: May 2017

Aims and Objectives:

Baker’s cysts are common in knees with degenerative changes. Common opinion is that most them vanish after treatment of the intraarticular knee disorder. The present study aimed to evaluate the fate of Baker’s cyst and its associated symptoms after TKA.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective study, 105 patients with a MRI verified Baker’s cyst, primary OA and an appointment for TKA were included. Three patients were lost to follow-up (two died and one septic TKA removal). Mean age was 70.1 ± 7 years. Ultrasound was performed to evaluate the existing and the gross size of the cyst was performed before and one year (mean 12.3 ± 1.1 months) after TKA. Additionally, Baker’s cyst associated symptoms were recorded

Results:

After one year, Baker’s cysts were still detected in 85.3% of the patients (n = 87). There was a significant reduction in Baker’s cyst associated symptoms from before (70.6%) to after surgery (31.4%; p < 0.0001). No patients developed new Baker’s cyst associated symptoms. However, out of the 72 patients that reported preoperatively about Baker’s cyst associated symptoms, one year after surgery 44.4% (n = 32) of the patients still complained about Baker’s cyst associated symptoms. The size of Baker’s cysts decreased significantly from pre- (mean 1447 mm2) to postoperative (969 mm2) ultrasound assessment (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Baker’s cysts vanished only in a small amount of patients (15%) one year after TKA. Nevertheless in this in general considered successful surgery, in close to half of the patients (44.4%) with preoperative Baker’s cyst associated symptoms, these symptoms did not vanish until one year after TKA. Thus, it might be worthwhile to evaluate its treatment options and include them in future treatment plans.
A new surgical technique for functional implant alignment in varus osteoarthritis using patient-specific instrumentation (PSI)
Authors: Hommel Hagen
Published: May 2017

Aims and Objectives:

The use of patient-specific instruments (PSI) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has seen growing interest over the past years. A potential disadvantage of PSI is that functional implant alignment is not applicable in this technique. This study therefore aimed to develop a surgical technique for ligament-balanced implant alignment based on PSI, and to present the results obtained using this technique.

Materials and Methods:

25 patients were included in this prospective study. PSI was used for the resection of the extension gap. Ligament tension was measured after removal of all accessible osteophytes. In the event of asymmetry, the distal femur resection was adjusted up to 2.5° using an adjustable cutting block. The aim was to achieve a symmetrical extension gap without release, not a neutral leg axis. Femoral rotation was aligned on the basis of ligament tension. Patients were followed up 3 months postoperatively.

Results:

The postoperative whole-leg axis was 2.8°±1.6° varus. Patients achieved a flexion of 118.9°±9°, a Knee Score of 91.5±3.2 and a Function Score of 86.8±8.3 points.

Conclusion:

For the first time, the new surgical technique described here permits a functional, ligament-balanced implant alignment based on PSI. It was shown to be safe, with encouraging clinical and radiological results.