bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Spatially Varying Seismic Ground Motions and Incident Angles on Behavior of Long Tunnels
Authors: Zhou Yundong , Wu Yongxin , Shangguan Ziheng , Wang Zhanbin
Published: June 2018

Seismic behavior of long circle tunnels is significantly influenced by the nature of input motion. This study, based on the 3D finite‐element method (FEM), evaluates the effects of spatially varying seismic ground motions and uniform input seismic ground motions and their incident angles on the diameter strain rate and tensive/compressive principal stresses under different strata. It is found that (1) the spatially varying seismic ground motions induced larger diameter strain rate (radially deformation) than the uniform input seismic motion, (2) the spatially varying seismic ground motions had an asymmetric effect on the radial strain rate distributions, and (3) the rising incident angles changed the pure shear stress state into a complex stress state for tunnels under specified input motion.
Autophagy Suppresses Invasiveness of Endometrial Cells through Reduction of Fascin-1
Authors: Luo Xiaomei , Cheng Wei , Wang Shizhang , Chen Zhihong , Tan Jieqiong
Published: June 2018

Objective. Autophagy has been reported to be involved in the development of various disorders such as neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases and tumors. Autophagy activators and inhibitors are also potential therapeutics for these diseases. However, the mechanism of autophagic involvement in different diseases is not the same, and the role of autophagy in endometriosis (EM) has not yet been elucidated. This research investigated the mechanism by which autophagy acts in EM, with the aim of establishing a theoretical basis for its prevention and treatment through the targeted interference with autophagy. Methods. We used an RNA interference fragment targeting ATG5, the autophagy activator rapamycin, and the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA or overexpression of filopodia-related protein fascin-1, in conjunction with clonogenic assays, growth curves, and scratch assay to investigate the influence of autophagy on cellular growth, proliferation, and invasiveness. We collected specimens from 20 clinical cases of EM and investigated the protein expression of the autophagic marker LC3-II, the autophagic substrate p62, and fascin-1. Results. Rapamycin was able to inhibit the proliferation and colony formation of the endometriotic cell line CRL-7566, whereas the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA as well as the interference with the autophagy-related gene ATG5 had the opposite effect. More importantly, the autophagy activator rapamycin was able to inhibit the growth of filopodia in the endometriotic cells, and the overexpression of the fascin-1 restored the rapamycin-induced decrease of invasiveness. We found that the expression of the autophagy marker LC3-II was significantly reduced among the clinical EM specimens compared to the control group, while the expressions of fascin-1 and autophagic substrate p62 were increased. Conclusion. Our results indicate that the inhibition of autophagy and exogenous expression of fascin-1 may promote the invasiveness of endometrial cells. As a corollary, autophagy represents a potential target for the treatment of EM.
The Evolving Role of Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Laser Ablation in Elderly Unresectable Breast Cancer Patients: A Feasibility Pilot Study
Authors: Nori Jacopo , Gill Maninderpal Kaur , Meattini Icro , Delli Paoli Camilla , Abdulcadir Dalmar , Vanzi Ermanno , Boeri Cecilia , Gabbrielli Silvia , Giannotti Elisabetta , Lucci Francesco , Vezzosi Vania , De Benedetto Diego , Bicchierai Giulia , Bianchi Simonetta , Sanchez Luis , Orzalesi Lorenzo , Carmelo Guido , Miele Vittorio , Livi Lorenzo , Casella Donato
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives. Breast-conserving surgery represents the standard of care for the treatment of small breast cancers. However, there is a population of patients who cannot undergo the standard surgical procedures due to several reasons such as age, performance status, or comorbidity. Our aim was to investigate the feasibility and safety of percutaneous US-guided laser ablation for unresectable unifocal breast cancer (BC). Methods. Between December 2012 and March 2017, 12 consecutive patients underwent percutaneous US-guided laser ablation as radical treatment of primary inoperable unifocal BC. Results. At median follow-up of 28.5 months (range 6-51), no residual disease or progression occurred; the overall success rate for complete tumor ablation was therefore 100%. No significant operative side effects were observed, with only 2 (13.3%) experiencing slight to mild pain during the procedure, and all patients complained of a mild dull aching pain in the first week after procedure. Conclusions. Laser ablation promises to be a safe and feasible approach in those patients who are not eligible to the standard surgical approach. However, longer follow-up results and larger studies are strongly needed.
Comparative Hemolymph Proteomic and Enzymatic Analyses of Two Strains of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Ticks Resistant and Susceptible to Ixodicides
Authors: Aguilar-Díaz H. , Esquivel-Velázquez M. , Quiroz-Castañeda R. E. , Miranda-Miranda E. , Conde-Baeye R. J. P. , Cobaxín-Cárdenas M. , Ostoa-Saloma P. , Cossío-Bayúgar R.
Published: June 2018

The cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is one of the most harmful ectoparasites affecting bovines worldwide. It represents a major threat to livestock industry due to the economic losses caused and diseases associated with these ticks. The most important tick control strategy has been the use of ixodicides, resulting in chemically resistant tick populations. It is necessary to understand the mechanisms that result in resistance so as to create new strategies increasing the lifespan of ixodicides or finding alternative targets to produce new acaricides. In this paper, in order to obtain an insight into the mechanisms that govern ixodicides resistance, we will compare the hemolymph proteome of two tick R. microplus strains, one susceptible (MJ) and one resistant (SA) to ixodicides, using HPLC and 2D electrophoresis. Significant differences were found in protein content between strains using HPLC. 2D electrophoresis revealed that 68 hemolymph protein spots were common between strains; however, 26 spots were unique to the susceptible strain MJ and 5 to the resistant strain SA. The most distinctive protein spots on the preparative gels were selected for further analyses. Nine protein spots were identified by mass fingerprinting,  revealing proteins that may have a role in the ixodicides resistance or susceptibility. In this paper, we present the tick hemolymph proteome revealing a set of proteins which suggest a possible role in tick detoxification.
A Case Report of an Isolated Dislocation of the Scaphoid in a Lesser Arc Injury and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Sefcik Ryan , Andrews Kyle , Stirton Jacob , Lea Justin , Tanios Mina , Skie Martin
Published: June 2018

Isolated dislocations of the scaphoid are extremely uncommon injuries and are often associated with significant ligamentous failures. Since scaphoid dislocations typically present with associated carpal fractures, few cases of isolated dislocations of the scaphoid exist in the literature. The proposed treatment options in the literature range from closed reduction and casting to open reduction and internal fixation. We present the case of a 41-year-old male with an isolated scaphoid dislocation in whom open reduction and internal fixation was performed with K-wires. At five months follow-up, the patient had returned to work and all desired activities.
The Efficacy of Direct Mail, Patient Navigation, and Incentives for Increasing Mammography and Colonoscopy in the Medicaid Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Slater Jonathan S. , Parks Michael J. , Nelson Christina L. , Hughes Kelly D.
Published: June 2018

Background: Despite lower cancer screening rates and survival rates in the Medicaid population compared with those with private insurance, there is a dearth of population-based, evidence-based interventions targeting Medicaid clients to address this problem.

Methods: This study reports results of a population-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) among all individuals enrolled in Minnesota's Medicaid program who were overdue for breast cancer (n = 22,113) and/or colorectal cancer (n = 94,294) screening. Individuals were randomized to intervention or control groups. The intervention group received persuasive and innovative direct mail materials coupled with a $20 incentive for using their Medicaid benefit to get screened. Direct mail materials provided a phone number to a call center staffed by patient navigators who addressed barriers and scheduled appointments via three-way calls. The control group received the intervention 15 months later. Primary outcomes were completion of mammography or colonoscopy within 12 weeks of the intervention. Billing claims served as evidence of screening.

Results: Multivariate logistic regression showed significant differences for both breast cancer (P < 0.001) and colorectal cancer (P < 0.01). The odds of receiving a mammogram for the treatment group were significantly higher than the control group [OR = 1.30; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.16–1.46], and the treatment group was more likely to receive a colonoscopy than the control group (OR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.04–1.21).

Conclusions: This population-based intervention increased breast cancer and colorectal cancer screening in a Medicaid population overdue for screening.

Impact: These findings may have broad application for reaching individuals who generally remain outside the health care system despite having public health insurance. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(9); 1047–56. ©2018 AACR.
AKR1C3 Inhibitor KV-37 Exhibits Antineoplastic Effects and Potentiates Enzalutamide in Combination Therapy in Prostate Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Verma Kshitij , Gupta Nehal , Zang Tianzhu , Wangtrakluldee Phumvadee , Srivastava Sanjay K. , Penning Trevor M. , Trippier Paul C.
Published: June 2018

Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3), also known as type 5 17 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, is responsible for intratumoral androgen biosynthesis, contributing to the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and eventual chemotherapeutic failure. Significant upregulation of AKR1C3 is observed in CRPC patient samples and derived CRPC cell lines. As AKR1C3 is a downstream steroidogenic enzyme synthesizing intratumoral testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the enzyme represents a promising therapeutic target to manage CRPC and combat the emergence of resistance to clinically employed androgen deprivation therapy. Herein, we demonstrate the antineoplastic activity of a potent, isoform-selective and hydrolytically stable AKR1C3 inhibitor (E)-3-(4-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)-3-(3-phenylpropanamido)phenyl)acrylic acid (KV-37), which reduces prostate cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo and sensitizes CRPC cell lines (22Rv1 and LNCaP1C3) toward the antitumor effects of enzalutamide. Crucially, KV-37 does not induce toxicity in nonmalignant WPMY-1 prostate cells nor does it induce weight loss in mouse xenografts. Moreover, KV-37 reduces androgen receptor (AR) transactivation and prostate-specific antigen expression levels in CRPC cell lines indicative of a therapeutic effect in prostate cancer. Combination studies of KV-37 with enzalutamide reveal a very high degree of synergistic drug interaction that induces significant reduction in prostate cancer cell viability via apoptosis, resulting in >200-fold potentiation of enzalutamide action in drug-resistant 22Rv1 cells. These results demonstrate a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of drug-resistant CRPC that invariably develops in prostate cancer patients following initial treatment with AR antagonists such as enzalutamide. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(9); 1833–45. ©2018 AACR.
The ATR Inhibitor AZD6738 Synergizes with Gemcitabine In Vitro and In Vivo to Induce Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Regression
Authors: Wallez Yann , Dunlop Charles R. , Johnson Timothy Isaac , Koh Siang-Boon , Fornari Chiara , Yates James W.T. , Bernaldo de Quirós Fernández Sandra , Lau Alan , Richards Frances M. , Jodrell Duncan I.
Published: June 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest cancers, and overall survival rates have barely improved over the past five decades. The antimetabolite gemcitabine remains part of the standard of care but shows very limited antitumor efficacy. Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR), the apical kinase of the intra–S-phase DNA damage response, plays a central role in safeguarding cells from replication stress and can therefore limit the efficacy of antimetabolite drug therapies. We investigated the ability of the ATR inhibitor, AZD6738, to prevent the gemcitabine-induced intra–S-phase checkpoint activation and evaluated the antitumor potential of this combination in vitro and in vivo. In PDAC cell lines, AZD6738 inhibited gemcitabine-induced Chk1 activation, prevented cell-cycle arrest, and restrained RRM2 accumulation, leading to the strong induction of replication stress markers only with the combination. Moreover, synergistic growth inhibition was identified in a panel of 5 mouse and 7 human PDAC cell lines using both Bliss Independence and Loewe models. In clonogenic assays, the combination abrogated survival at concentrations for which single agents had minor effects. In vivo, AZD6738 in combination with gemcitabine was well tolerated and induced tumor regression in a subcutaneous allograft model of a KrasG12D; Trp53R172H; Pdx-Cre (KPC) mouse cancer cell line, significantly extending survival. Remarkably, the combination also induced regression of a subgroup of KPC autochthonous tumors, which generally do not respond well to conventional chemotherapy. Altogether, our data suggest that AZD6738 in combination with gemcitabine merits evaluation in a clinical trial in patients with PDAC. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(8); 1670–82. ©2018 AACR.
Summary Protocol for a Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial of Enteral Lactoferrin Supplementation in Newborn Very Preterm Infants (ELFIN)
Authors:   The ELFIN Trial Investigators Group
Published: June 2018

In a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT), we are assessing whether giving very preterm (i.e., born at < 32 weeks’ gestation) infants prophylactic enteral bovine lactoferrin supplementation (150 mg/kg/day) from shortly after birth until 34 weeks’ post-menstrual age reduces the incidence of late-onset invasive infection (primary outcome), all-cause mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotising enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and the duration of antibiotic exposure, intensive care, and hospital admission. The trial is recruiting 2,200 participants from 37 neonatal care centres in the UK over 4 years. We will undertake an economic evaluation within the RCT to evaluate cost-effectiveness and provide an estimate of incremental costs for differences in the pre-specified outcomes in primary and subgroup analyses. If a statistically significant and clinically important effect on the primary outcome is detected, we will seek further funding and approval to assess the impact of enteral lactoferrin supplementation on rates of adverse neuro-developmental outcomes in the participating infants when they are 5 years old.
mPGES-1 (Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1) Mediates Vascular Dysfunction in Hypertension Through Oxidative Stress
Authors: Avendaño María S. , García-Redondo Ana B. , Zalba Guillermo , González-Amor María , Aguado Andrea , Martínez-Revelles Sonia , Beltrán Luis M. , Camacho Mercedes , Cachofeiro Victoria , Alonso María J. , Salaices Mercedes , Briones Ana M.
Published: June 2018

mPGES-1 (microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1), the downstream enzyme responsible for PGE
2
(prostaglandin E
2
) synthesis in inflammatory conditions and oxidative stress are increased in vessels from hypertensive animals. We evaluated the role of mPGES-1–derived PGE
2
in the vascular dysfunction and remodeling in hypertension and the possible contribution of oxidative stress. We used human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from asymptomatic patients, arteries from untreated and Ang II (angiotensin II)–infused mPGES-1
−/−
and mPGES-1
+/+
mice, and vascular smooth muscle cells exposed to PGE
2
. In human cells, we found a positive correlation between mPGES-1 mRNA and carotid intima-media thickness (
r
=0.637;
P
<0.001) and with NADPH oxidase–dependent superoxide production (
r
=0.417;
P
<0.001). In Ang II–infused mice, mPGES-1 deletion prevented all of the following: (1) the augmented wall:lumen ratio, vascular stiffness, and altered elastin structure; (2) the increased gene expression of profibrotic and proinflammatory markers; (3) the increased vasoconstrictor responses and endothelial dysfunction; (4) the increased NADPH oxidase activity and the diminished mitochondrial membrane potential; and (5) the increased reactive oxygen species generation and reduced NO bioavailability. In vascular smooth muscle cells or aortic segments, PGE
2
increased NADPH oxidase expression and activity and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, effects that were abolished by antagonists of the PGE
2
receptors (EP), EP1 and EP3, and by JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal–regulated kinases 1/2) inhibition. Deletion of mPGES-1 augmented vascular production of PGI
2
suggesting rediversion of the accumulated PGH
2
substrate. In conclusion, mPGES-1–derived PGE
2
is involved in vascular remodeling, stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction in hypertension likely through an increase of oxidative stress produced by NADPH oxidase and mitochondria.
Taxonomic changes in Synanthedonini from Madagascar, with description of two new genera and species (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)
Authors: BARTSCH DANIEL
Published: June 2018

A checklist of the Synanthedonini of Madagascar is presented. The following taxonomic changes are suggested: Malgassesia pauliani Viette, 1955 syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Rodolphia hombergi Le Cerf, 1911a; Malgassesia biedermanni Viette, 1982 syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Malgassesia rufescens Le Cerf, 1922; Epitarsipus Le Cerf, 1922 stat. rev. is resurrected from the synonymy with Malgassesia Le Cerf, 1922, the earlier consisting of the single species E. rufithorax Le Cerf, 1922 comb. rev. The taxonomic position of three species, which were originally described in Chamaesphecia Spuler, 1910 and later excluded from this genus as “incertae sedis”, remains unclear. These species are here transferred to Malgassesia: M. andrianony Viette, 1982 comb. nov.; M. lemur Le Cerf, 1957 comb. nov.; and M. ferdinandi nom. nov., a replacement name for Ch. seyrigi Le Cerf, 1957. Two new species and genera of Synanthedonini, Cinctosesia polistiformis and Nesosphecia mystica gen. nov. et sp. nov., are described from a submontane rainforest in the vicinity of Andasibe in the East of Madagascar.
Brain Gain or Brain Waste? Horizontal, Vertical, and Full Job-Education Mismatch and Wage Progression among Skilled Immigrant Men in Canada
Authors: Banerjee Rupa , Verma Anil , Zhang Tingting
Published: June 2018

This study examines the incidence and wage effects of vertical, horizontal, and full job-education mismatch for high skilled immigrant and native-born men over a six-year period, using a Canadian longitudinal dataset. Immigrants (particularly racial minorities immigrants) are more likely to be fully mismatched than white native-born Canadians. Full mismatch lowers initial wages, especially for racial minority immigrants. Full mismatch accelerates immigrants' wage growth slightly over time, but this is not enough to narrow the immigrant wage gap over the six-year survey period. The results highlight the importance of disaggregating the different types of job-education mismatch experienced by immigrants.
Ambulance staff and end-of-life hospital admissions: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Hoare Sarah , Kelly Michael P , Prothero Larissa , Barclay Stephen
Published: June 2018

Background:

Hospital admissions for end-of-life patients, particularly those who die shortly after being admitted, are recognised to be an international policy problem. How patients come to be transferred to hospital for care, and the central role of decisions made by ambulance staff in facilitating transfer, are under-explored.

Aim:

To understand the role of ambulance staff in the admission to hospital of patients close to the end of life.

Design:

Qualitative interviews, using particular patient cases as a basis for discussion, analysed thematically.

Participants/setting:

Ambulance staff ( n = 6) and other healthcare staff (total staff n = 30), involved in the transfer of patients (the case-patients) aged more than 65 years to a large English hospital who died within 3 days of admission with either cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or dementia.

Results:

Ambulance interviewees were broadly positive about enabling people to die at home, provided they could be sure that they would not benefit from treatment available in hospital. Barriers for non-conveyance included difficulties arranging care particularly out-of-hours, limited available patient information and service emphasis on emergency care.

Conclusion:

Ambulance interviewees fulfilled an important role in the admission of end-of-life patients to hospital, frequently having to decide whether to leave a patient at home or to instigate transfer to hospital. Their difficulty in facilitating non-hospital care at the end of life challenges the negative view of near end-of-life hospital admissions as failures. Hospital provision was sought for dying patients in need of care which was inaccessible in the community.
How are physicians delivering palliative care? A population-based retrospective cohort study describing the mix of generalist and specialist palliative care models in the last year of life
Authors: Brown Catherine RL , Hsu Amy T , Kendall Claire , Marshall Denise , Pereira Jose , Prentice Michelle , Rice Jill , Seow Hsien-Yeang , Smith Glenys A , Ying Irene , Tanuseputro Peter
Published: June 2018

Background:

To enable coordinated palliative care delivery, all clinicians should have basic palliative care skill sets (‘generalist palliative care’). Specialists should have skills for managing complex and difficult cases (‘specialist palliative care’) and co-exist to support generalists through consultation care and transfer of care. Little information exists about the actual mixes of generalist and specialist palliative care.

Aim:

To describe the models of physician-based palliative care services delivered to patients in the last 12 months of life.

Design:

This is a population-based retrospective cohort study using linked health care administrative data.

Setting/participants:

Physicians providing palliative care services to a decedent cohort in Ontario, Canada. The decedent cohort consisted of all adults (18+ years) who died in Ontario, Canada between April 2011 and March 2015 ( n = 361,951).

Results:

We describe four major models of palliative care services: (1) 53.0% of decedents received no physician-based palliative care, (2) 21.2% received only generalist palliative care, (3) 14.7% received consultation palliative care (i.e. care from both specialists and generalists), and (4) 11.1% received only specialist palliative care. Among physicians providing palliative care ( n = 11,006), 95.3% had a generalist palliative care focus and 4.7% a specialist focus; 74.2% were trained as family physicians.

Conclusion:

We examined how often a coordinated palliative care model is delivered to a large decedent cohort and identified that few actually received consultation care. The majority of care, in both the palliative care generalist and specialist models, was delivered by family physicians. Further research should evaluate how different models of care impact patient outcomes and costs.
Corporate killing law reform: A spatio-temporal fix to a crisis of capitalism?
Authors: Bittle Steven , Stinson Lori
Published: June 2018

The first decade of the new millennium saw the governments of Canada and the United Kingdom enact criminal legislation intended to hold corporations accountable for negligently killing workers and/or members of the public. Drawing empirically from document analyses and semistructured interviews, as well as theoretical insights concerning the crisis-prone tendencies of capital, this article demonstrates how both laws were conceived in ways that spatio-temporally delimited the ‘problem’ of corporate killing and re-secured the (neoliberal) capitalist status quo. In so doing, we argue that the inability of the state to hold powerful corporations and corporate actors to account for their serious offending presents strategic opportunities for demanding improved accountability measures and changes to a system responsible for so much bloodshed and killing.
Multivariate Poisson Lognormal Modeling of Weather-Related Crashes on Freeways
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhao Shanshan , Jackson Eric
Published: June 2018

Adverse weather conditions are one of the primary causes of motor vehicle crashes. To identify the factors contributing to crashes during adverse weather conditions and recommend cost-effective countermeasures, it is necessary to develop reliable crash prediction models to estimate weather-related crash frequencies. To account for the variations in crash count among different adverse weather conditions, crash types, and crash severities for both rain- and snow-related crashes, crash data on freeways was collected from the State of Connecticut, and crash prediction models were developed to estimate crash counts by crash type and severity for each weather condition. To account for the potential correlations among crash type and severity counts due to the common unobserved factors, integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) multivariate Poisson lognormal (MVPLN) models were developed to estimate weather-related crashes counts by crash type and severity simultaneously (four MVPLN models were estimated in total). To verify the model prediction ability, univariate Poisson lognormal (UPLN) models were estimated and compared with the MVPLN models. The results show that the effects of factors contributing to crashes, including median width, horizontal curve, lane width, and shoulder width, vary not only among different adverse weather conditions, but also among different crash types and severities. The crash types and severities are shown to be highly correlated and the model comparison verifies that the MVPLN models significantly improve the model prediction accuracy compared with the UPLN models. Therefore, the MVPLN model is recommended to provide more unbiased parameter estimates when estimating weather-related crashes by crash type and severity.
Bridge Substructure Repairs with Self-Consolidating Concrete and Galvanic Anodes
Authors: Ozyildirim H. Celik , Sharp Stephen R.
Published: June 2018

Historically, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has repaired chloride-contaminated reinforced concrete bridge substructure elements that contain vertical and overhead sections with either shotcrete or a conventional A3 (3,000 psi) or A4 (4,000 psi) concrete. This study investigated using self-consolidating concrete (SCC), which has a high flow rate, bonds well, has low permeability, and provides smooth surfaces, as another option. The study also explored the use of galvanic anodes to control corrosion activity in SCC repairs. In VDOT’s Lynchburg and Staunton Districts, SCC repairs were made with and without the use of galvanic anodes. This provided a means for determining the benefit of using the anodes. The needed repair areas were determined by visual observation and sounding. After 7 years of service, SCC repair areas with and without anodes did not exhibit corrosion activity; small vertical cracks were evident in the SCC but did not affect performance. The anodes can provide protection to the steel immediately adjacent to the repair areas. However, unrepaired concrete areas away from the patched area with anodes now require additional repairs. SCC can be successfully placed; however, attention should be paid to form pressure and slump loss. Selection of repair areas should be based on corrosion-related measurements such as half-cell or chloride content, rather than sounding. Progression of corrosion demonstrates the necessity of removing all chloride-contaminated concrete not just adjacent to, but also away from the reinforcement, as anodes in the repair area will provide protection only in a narrow area around the patch.
Traffic Congestion Detection from Camera Images using Deep Convolution Neural Networks
Authors: Chakraborty Pranamesh , Adu-Gyamfi Yaw Okyere , Poddar Subhadipto , Ahsani Vesal , Sharma Anuj , Sarkar Soumik
Published: June 2018

Recent improvements in machine vision algorithms have led to closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras emerging as an important data source for determining of the state of traffic congestion. In this study we used two different deep learning techniques, you only look once (YOLO) and deep convolution neural network (DCNN), to detect traffic congestion from camera images. The support vector machine (SVM), a shallow algorithm, was also used as a comparison to determine the improvements obtained using deep learning algorithms. Occupancy data from nearby radar sensors were used to label congested images in the dataset and for training the models. YOLO and DCCN achieved 91.5% and 90.2% accuracy, respectively, whereas SVM’s accuracy was 85.2%. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the sensitivity of the models with regard to different camera configurations, light conditions, and so forth. Although poor camera conditions at night affected the accuracy of the models, the areas under the curve from the deep models were found to be greater than 0.9 for all conditions. This shows that the models can perform well in challenging conditions as well.
Implementation of a Nurse-Driven Protocol for Catheter Removal to Decrease Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Rate in a Surgical Trauma ICU
Authors: Tyson Anna F. , Campbell Eileen F. , Spangler Lacey R. , Ross Samuel W. , Reinke Caroline E. , Passaretti Catherine L. , Sing Ronald F.
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

Early removal of urinary catheters is an effective strategy for catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention. We hypothesized that a nurse-directed catheter removal protocol would result in decreased catheter utilization and CAUTI rates in a surgical trauma intensive care unit (STICU).

Methods:

We performed a retrospective, cohort study following implementation of a multimodal CAUTI prevention bundle in the STICU of a large tertiary care center. Data from a 19-month historical control were compared to data from a 15-month intervention period. Pre- and postintervention indwelling catheter utilization and CAUTI rates were compared.

Results:

Catheter utilization decreased significantly with implementation of the nurse-driven protocol from 0.78 in the preintervention period to 0.70 in the postintervention period ( P < .05). As a result of the bundle, the CAUTI rate declined significantly, from 5.1 to 2.0 infections per 1000 catheter-days in the pre- vs postimplementation period (Incident Rate Ratio [IRR]: 0.38, 95% confidence interval: 0.21-0.65).

Conclusions:

Implementation of a nurse-driven protocol for early urinary catheter removal as part of a multimodal CAUTI intervention strategy can result in measurable decreases in both catheter utilization and CAUTI rates.
Maximizing Savings and Efficiencies While Managing an Inpatient Drug Formulary and Inventory
Authors: Clubb Brandon L. , Alvey Jennifer , Reddan Jennifer
Published: June 2018

Continual price increases of pharmaceutical products have taken a great toll on pharmacy expenditures. Cost of prescription drugs for the health-care system increased by an average of 11.7% in 2015. In today’s market with ever-increasing drug costs, it is important to focus on using medications in a manner that optimizes patient care, as well as being fiscally responsible for the health-care system. There are many reports, services, and analytics available that help identify areas for improvement and optimization. However, it is important for pharmacists to be creative and find novel ways to decrease the inventory cost and increase efficiencies. Doing this will improve the bottom line for the organization and allow for a decrease in health-care spending.
Modelling of vibrational processes in systems with piezoelements and external electric circuits on the basis of their electrical analogue
Authors: Matveenko Valerii , Iurlov Maksim , Oshmarin Dmitrii , Sevodina Nataliya , Iurlova Nataliia
Published: June 2018

The dissipative properties of electromechanical systems based on structure with elements made of piezomaterial can be controlled by attaching external electric circuits to the piezoelements. One can change electric circuit parameters in such a way as to ensure the greatest possible energy dissipation on an external electric circuit and, thereby, the best damping of the system’s specified oscillation frequency. Since the external electric circuits are a collection of elements with lumped parameters attached to a system with distributed parameters, the solution for such a system of electro-viscoelasticity problems in the complete formulation by the finite element method leads to a large solving system of algebraic equations. The solution of this system requires considerable time and computational resources. There are known approaches in mechanics that make it possible to represent mechanical systems with distributed parameters in the form of discrete systems with lumped parameters, such as a spring–mass–damper. In this article, it is proposed to model electromechanical systems with external electric circuits based on their electrical analogue in the form of equivalent electric substitution circuits, which are discrete electrical systems with lumped parameters. These discrete systems are analogues of the initial electromechanical systems in terms of frequency characteristics and the electrical processes that take place in them. The equivalent substitution circuit is based on the Van Dyke model and allows one to obtain the required number of complex eigenfrequencies of the electromechanical system under consideration.
Testing a New Tool Assessing Attitude Towards Treatment and Health in Primary Health Care Setting: Senior Patients and Doctors Perspectives
Authors: Lazarewicz Magdalena A. , Wlodarczyk Dorota , Chylinska Joanna , Jaworski Mariusz , Rzadkiewicz Marta , Adamus Miroslawa , Haugan GØrill , Lillefjell Monica , Espnes Geir A.
Published: June 2018

Aims: Patients’ attitude towards treatment and health (ATH) is crucial for compliance at all stages of treatment. This study examined the psychometric properties of the developed PRACTA Attitude Towards Treatment and Health questionnaire, designed to measure ATH as perceived by seniors (PRACTA-ATH) and doctors (PRACTA-ATH-D) in primary health care. Methods: The data were collected in two waves of the Polish–Norwegian PRACTA project. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were conducted on wave 1 data from senior patients ( n = 3392) and their general practitioners ( n = 491). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were conducted on wave 2 data. This was a new sample of senior patients ( n = 2765) and a follow-up sample of doctors ( n = 393). Results: The EFAs showed that the 16-item four-factor solution is the best solution reflecting the structure of both seniors and doctors’ ATH questionnaires. The CFAs conducted to establish the best unified model for PRACTA-ATH and PRACTA-ATH-D indicated three comparatively good solutions: the 16-item four-factor solution, the 12-item four-factor solution and the 12-item five-factor solution. Conclusions: The questionnaire is found appropriate for use among patients and doctors, and can be used as a good tool to monitor older patients’ ATH and concordance between doctors and patients’ perspectives.
Facilitators and barriers to research participation: perspectives of Latinos with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hildebrand Janett A , Billimek John , Olshansky Ellen F , Sorkin Dara H , Lee Jung-Ah , Evangelista Lorraine S
Published: June 2018

Background:

Latinos constitute 17% of the US population and are one of the largest ethnic groups; however, only 7.6% participate in research studies. There is a disproportionately high number of Latinos living with type 2 diabetes mellitus and are at increased risk for cardiovascular events. Research to elicit facilitators and barriers for participation in research and effective recruitment strategies is limited.

Aims:

This article reports the qualitative findings of a mixed-methods study examining perceived facilitators and barriers for research participation, and explores decision-making processes and ascertains ethnic values that influenced their decisions among Spanish-speaking Latinos with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants (mean age 50.8 ± 9.4 years, 76% women and 28% employed). Participants were asked to elaborate on perceived facilitators and barriers to research participation. All interviews were conducted in Spanish. Transcribed interviews were analyzed through conventional content analysis.

Results:

Three themes emerged from transcribed interviews: (a) lowering barriers to access health-related expertise; (b) language concordance; and (c) trusting relationships. Perceived barriers to research participation included work schedule, childcare, transportation and ethnic beliefs.

Conclusion:

Strategies to support learning, language concordance and establishing trusting relationships among Spanish-speaking Latinos may be key to increasing Latinos in research studies.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Experience Among Mexican American Women
Authors: Bowles John R. , McEwen Marylyn M. , Rosenfeld Anne G.
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

Health disparities in cardiovascular disease risk factors affect a burgeoning segment of the U.S. population—Mexican American (MA) women. MAs experience disparities in the prevalence of heart disease risk factors. However, there are no studies describing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptoms unique to this Hispanic subgroup. The aim of the study was to describe MA women’s AMI symptom experience.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive design guided the study. Data were collected in semistructured interviews with eight MA women who reported having an AMI within the past 18 months. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results:

The overall theme was “The nature of my AMI experience.” This theme, composed of four categories, described their prodromal and AMI symptom experience: my perception of AMI, having a heart attack, AMI symptoms, and actions taken. No participants recognized prodromal or symptoms of AMI. Asphyxiatia (asphyxiating) and menos fuerza (less strength) were commonly described symptoms.

Conclusion:

Participants attributed both prodromal and AMI symptoms to noncardiac causes, self-managed symptoms, and delay in seeking health care. Findings suggest that community engagement through culturally tailored family-focused heart health education for MA women and their family members may improve recognition of prodromal symptoms.
Prognostic value of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Wenji , Liu Lihui , He Haixia , Yang Kaixuan
Published: June 2018

Background:

Over the past 5 years, many studies have reported the prognostic value of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, the results have not reached a consensus until now. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to investigate the influence of HIF-1α expression on the prognosis and clinical characteristics in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase (via Ovid interface), Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure electronic databases from their establishment to 6 December 2017. We calculated the hazard ratio (HR) and the odds ratio (OR) to assess the prognostic and clinicopathological values of HIF-1α, respectively. Q test and I2 statistic were applied to evaluate heterogeneity. We also conducted publication bias and sensitivity analyses.

Results:

A total of 18 studies with 1476 patients were included in our meta-analysis. We found HIF-1α expression was associated with poor overall survival (HR=1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35, 2.32; P<0.001), poor progression-free survival (HR=1.72; 95% CI 1.22, 2.44; P=0.002), a higher rate of lymph node metastasis (OR=3.81; 95% CI 2.60, 5.58, P<0.001), and more advanced tumor stage (OR=2.98; 95% CI 1.79, 4.97; P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated that HIF-1α could be an appropriate prognostic biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.
The changing shape of youth justice: Models of practice
Authors: Smith Roger , Gray Patricia
Published: June 2018

This article reports on a two-year investigation, which maps out contemporary approaches to the delivery of youth justice in England, in light of substantial recent changes in this area of practice. The findings are derived from a detailed examination of youth offending plans and a series of corroborative semi-structured interviews with managers and practitioners from selected youth offending services. Our inquiry has enabled us to develop a detailed three-fold typology of youth justice agencies’ orientations towards practice, represented as ‘offender management’, ‘targeted intervention’ and ‘children and young people first’; as well as a small number of ‘outliers’ where priorities are articulated rather differently. Our findings enable us to reflect on this evidence to suggest that there are a number of ‘models’ of youth justice practice operating in parallel; and that there does not appear at present to be the kind of ‘orthodoxy’ in place which has sometimes prevailed in this field. We also raise doubts about previous representations of unified models of youth justice presumed to be operative at national or jurisdictional levels. We conclude with a number of further observations about the combined effect of current influences on the organization and realization of youth justice, including the growing emphasis on localized responsibility for delivery and increasingly complex expectations of the service context.
Measurement of Normative Foveal Avascular Zone Parameters in Healthy Adults Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Alshareef Rayan A. , Al-khersan Hasenin , Darwich Rami , Jabeen Ayesha , Jabeen Asiya , Kim David Ta , Chhablani Jay
Published: June 2018

Background and Objective:

The purpose of this study was to quantify the geometric dimension of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and its index measurement of morphology as a circle (acircularity index) in healthy participants according to age and sex, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Study Design/Materials and Method:

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at LV Prasad Eye Institute, India. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before the study. Deep range imaging-optical coherence tomography (DRI-OCT; Topcon) was performed on right eyes of all participants in this study. The OCTA scans were analyzed and processed; FAZ dimensions and the acircularity index were calculated for both superficial retinal capillary plexus (SCP) and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP).

Results:

A total of 88 normal right eyes from 88 participants were included (48 males, 40 females; mean 42 ± 13 years of age). Mean FAZ area for SCP and DCP was 3.37 ± 1.28 mm2 and 2.31 ± 1.12 mm2, respectively. Mean acircularity index for SCP and DCP was 1.76 ± 1.58 and 1.60 ± 0.90, respectively. In the SCP, male sex was correlated with lower FAZ values; however, there was no correlation with age or refractive error. For the DCP, male sex and increasing age correlated with lower FAZ values, but there was no correlation with refractive error. Foveal avascular zone areas decreased 0.0225 mm2 per year in the DCP. The acircularity index of both the SCP and DCP was not correlated with sex, age, or refractive error.

Conclusions:

Male sex and increasing age were correlated with lower FAZ values in the DCP, while only male sex was correlated with lower FAZ values in the SCP. There was no correlation between sex, age, or refractive error with the acircularity index for both the SCP and DCP.
Embedding MBA Students in Local Incubators and Accelerators
Authors: Savoie Matthew L. , Bendickson Joshua S. , Edwards Chase J.
Published: June 2018

This article presents an innovative method of engaging MBA students in a capstone course by offering a customizable project with businesses that are currently progressing through a regional, independent incubator, or accelerator program. We include various project options but focus on customizable capstone project alternatives to traditional business strategy simulations and case study methods. Namely, our innovative learning solution is a mock consulting project which drives innovation and fosters strategic collaboration between small business owners, university faculty, and MBA students while providing business strategy experience and generating positive exposure for both the university and the small businesses involved. Our method includes pairing MBA students with participating startup businesses and allowing the soon-to-be MBAs an opportunity to garner consulting experience while simultaneously serving the needs of the businesses in the accelerator. Accordingly, MBA students act as consultants to business owners and prepare detailed weekly briefings to inform stakeholders within the university and the constituent businesses. By breaching the typical capstone project parameters, the mock consulting option provides for experiential and applied learning experiences for MBA students and develops higher order strategic thinking by challenging them to work hand-in-hand with real startups.
Aged murine hematopoietic stem cells drive aging-associated immune remodeling
Authors: Leins Hanna , Mulaw Medhanie , Eiwen Karina , Sakk Vadim , Liang Ying , Denkinger Michael , Geiger Hartmut , Schirmbeck Reinhold
Published: June 2018

Key Points

Phenotypic and functional changes in T and B cells of old mice are primarily driven by aging of HSCs. CASIN-treated aged HSCs reconstitute an immune system with a function similar to that in young animals.
Quaternion-based anisotropic inversion for flexural waves in horizontal transverse isotropic formations with unmatched sources: A synthetic example
Authors: Zeng Fuqiang , Yue Wenzheng , Li Chao
Published: June 2018

The anisotropy of elastic waves has been widely used to obtain structural information on formations in geosciences research. Flexural wave splitting is generally applied to evaluate anisotropy with geophysical inversion methods. Cross-dipole sonic logging has been widely used for anisotropic inversions in horizontal transverse isotropic formations. Traditional methods assume that fast and slow flexural waves are similar in shape and are not dispersive and that the radiation characteristics of the two orthogonal dipole sources are identical. The two above assumptions cannot be satisfied in field conditions. Therefore, the methods used in anisotropy inversion based on these assumptions will lead to inaccurate results. The introduction of the amplitude ratio (AR), the ratio of slow to fast flexural waves, which is not dependent on the source type, can eliminate the wave-shape assumption. Two data sets from orthogonally oriented receivers can be constructed as a quaternion array. Fast and slow flexural waves are the two main incident waves, and other arrivals such as P-waves can be taken as noise. The AR and a quaternion multiple signal classification algorithm are used to demonstrate how to improve the anisotropic inversion and avoid these assumptions. Compared with the traditional method, the new method presents better inversion results for the synthetic example with two different sources. We have determined that the inversion residual from the new objective function can be used to indicate the inversion quality.