bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of optimal valve morphology for MitraClip in patients with mitral regurgitation
Authors: Monteagudo Ruiz Juan Manuel , Fernández‐Golfín Covadonga , Mesa Dolores , González‐Alujas Teresa , Sitges Marta , Carrasco‐Chinchilla Fernando , Li Chi‐Hion , Grande‐Trillo Antonio , Martínez Amparo , Matabuena Javier , Alonso‐Rodríguez David , Aquila Iolanda , Zamorano José Luis
Published: June 2017

Aims

To evaluate how often patients with moderate‐to‐severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) meet the anatomical criteria for MitraClip implant and to examine the role of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for this task.

Methods and Results

From February to June 2015, all patients undergoing a TTE in nine Spanish hospitals were prospectively included. Patients with moderate‐to‐severe and severe mitral regurgitation were selected for analysis. Anatomical eligibility criteria for MitraClip were defined according to the EVEREST trial. A total of 39 855 consecutive TTE were reviewed, and 1403 patients with moderate‐to‐severe and severe MR were finally included. Primary MR was found in 779 patients (56%). Only in 74 patients (16%), all anatomical criteria for MitraClip could be assessed by TTE. Of these, 56% of patients had optimal valve morphology. Secondary MR was described in 361 patients (26%), and at least 249 of these (69%) had a high surgical risk. All five criteria for MitraClip were adequately assessed by TTE in 299 patients (83%). Of them, 118 patients (39%) had optimal valve morphology.

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of patients have optimal mitral valve morphology for MitraClip. Moreover, TTE was particularly useful in determining whether or not the anatomical criteria for MitraClip implant were met in the majority of patients with secondary MR but in only a minority of those with primary MR.
An economic evaluation of a multicomponent self‐management intervention for adults with epilepsy (ZMILE study)
Authors: Wijnen Ben F. M. , Leenen Loes A. M. , de Kinderen Reina J. A. , van Heugten Caroline M. , Majoie Marian H. J. M. , Evers Silvia M. A. A.
Published: June 2017

Objective

The objective of this (trial‐based) economic evaluation was, from a societal perspective, to compare the cost‐effectiveness of a multicomponent self‐management intervention (MCI) with care as usual (CAU) in adult patients with epilepsy over a 12‐month period.

Methods

In a randomized‐controlled trial, participants were randomized into intervention or CAU group. Adherence, self‐efficacy (Epilepsy Self‐Efficacy Scale [ESES]), quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), healthcare costs, production losses, and patient and family costs were assessed at baseline and during the 12‐month study period. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) (i.e., cost per increased adherence, self‐efficacy, or QALY), and cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves were calculated.

Results

In total, 102 patients were included in the study, of whom 52 were in the intervention group. Adherence rates over 6 months were 63.7% for the CAU group and 75.9% for the intervention group. Adherence, ESES, and quality of life did not differ significantly between groups. An ICER of €54 per point increase in ESES score at 6 months and €1,105 per point increase at 12‐month follow‐up was found. The intervention resulted in an ICER of €88 per percentage of adherence increase at 6 months. ICERs of €8,272 and €15,144 per QALY gained were found at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up, respectively.

Significance

Although no statistically significant difference was found after baseline adjustments, cost‐effectiveness estimates for MCI appear promising. As rules of inference are arbitrary, it has been argued that decisions should be based only on the net benefits, irrespective of whether differences are statistically significant. Hence, the MCI may be a cost‐effective addition to the current standard care for adults with epilepsy.
Genetic variation in the developmental regulation of corticalavpr1aamong prairie voles
Authors: Okhovat M. , Chen I. C. , Dehghani Z. , Zheng D. J. , Ikpatt J. E. , Momoh H. , Phelps S. M.
Published: June 2017

Early experiences can have enduring impacts on brain and behavior, but the strength of these effects can be influenced by genetic variation. In principle, polymorphic CpGs (polyCpGs) may contribute to gene‐by‐environment interactions (G × E) by altering DNA methylation. In this study, we investigate the influence of polyCpGs on the development of vasopressin receptor 1a abundance in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC‐V1aR) of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Two alternative alleles (‘HI’/‘LO’) predict RSCavpr1aexpression, V1aR abundance and sexual fidelity in adulthood; these alleles differ in the frequency of CpG sites and in methylation at a putative intron enhancer. We hypothesized that the elevated CpG abundance in the LO allele would make homozygous LO/LO voles more sensitive to developmental perturbations. We found that genotype differences in RSC‐V1aR abundance emerged early in ontogeny and were accompanied by differences in methylation of the putative enhancer. As predicted, postnatal treatment with an oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTA) reduced RSC‐V1aR abundance in LO/LO adults but not their HI/HI siblings. Similarly, methylation inhibition by zebularine increased RSC‐V1aR in LO/LO adults, but not in HI/HI siblings. These data show a gene‐by‐environment interaction in RSC‐V1aR. Surprisingly, however, neither OTA nor zebularine altered adult methylation of the intronic enhancer, suggesting that differences in sensitivity could not be explained by CpG density at the enhancer alone. Methylated DNA immunoprecipiation‐sequencing showed additional differentially methylated regions between HI/HI and LO/LO voles. Future research should examine the role of these regions and other regulatory elements in the ontogeny of RSC‐V1aR and its developmentally induced changes.
Bank Restructuring and Access to Financial Services: The Spanish Case
Authors: Maudos Joaquín
Published: June 2017

The Spanish bank sector has restructured extensively since the crisis erupted in 2008 in an attempt to correct the imbalances accumulated during the preceding boom years. Thanks to this restructuring effort, Spain's branch network has been pared back by 32 percent, prompting questions about potential ramifications for the population's access to financial services. Against this backdrop, this paper quantifies, at the municipal level, the segment of the population without access to a bank branch in their home town between 2008 and 2015, paving the way for analysis of the impact of the restructuring effort. It also analyses the role played by the three kinds of deposit institutions in Spain in providing access to financial services via their branch networks. The results show that although the percentage of the Spanish population without access to a branch in their home town has risen, the increase has been small, albeit marked by significant differences from one province to the next. The savings banks (including the former cajas that have converted to banks) are still the most important financial institutions in terms of facilitating branch access to financial services.
Living in Ambiguity: Mission Formation as Living among Counter‐communities
Authors: Cruchley Peter
Published: June 2017

This article has been developed from a short response given to Prof Néstor Míguez's paper, “Mission Formation for Transforming Discipleship” (featured in this issue of IRM) at the Commission for World Mission and Evangelism's Consultation on Mission Formation, held in Matanzas, Cuba, from 10 to 15 September 2016. The article sets out to explore Míguez's concept of living in ambiguity as a call to mission formation to create transformative counter‐communities, which can equip people to live with the struggle of justice promised and justice denied. The paper explores this through a number of lenses. The letter of Jeremiah to the exiles in Jeremiah 29 offers a biblical context for creating communities which are counter to dominant and imperial values. The work of French philosopher Michel Foucault on heterotopias offers a philosophical framework for such communities.
Together towards Life, Missional Formation, and Transforming Discipleship
Authors: Ross Kenneth R.
Published: June 2017

Adoption of Together towards Life as a new mission statement of the World Council of Churches was a moment pregnant with possibility. Will this ground‐breaking document have a transformative impact on individual lives, on community life, on national life, on international life? The answer, to a great extent, will depend on how far it comes to be used as a resource in education and formation. For it to be used in a relevant and effective way, it will need to be considered contextually. A project has been under way to create a pedagogical guidebook to support the deployment of Together towards Life in missional education and formation. This will promote academic rigour, but will also go further to engage the spiritual level and the challenge of discipleship.
Exploring collaborative learning effect in blended learning environments
Authors: Sun Z. , Liu R. , Luo L. , Wu M. , Shi C.
Published: June 2017

The use of new technology encouraged exploration of the effectiveness and difference of collaborative learning in blended learning environments. This study investigated the social interactive network of students, level of knowledge building and perception level on usefulness in online and mobile collaborative learning environments in higher education. WeChat, which is a mobile synchronous communication tool, and modular object‐oriented dynamic learning environment (Moodle) were used as mobile and online collaborative learning settings. Seventy‐eight college students majoring in information engineering participated in the experiment. The following findings were revealed by combining methods of social network analysis, content analysis and questionnaire survey: (1) the collaborative social networks generated in this study showed that students had tighter interaction relationships in Moodle than in WeChat; (2) deeper level of knowledge building in collaboration and interaction through Moodle than WeChat was observed; and (3) Moodle got higher perception level than WeChat because of its usefulness for collaboration.
ASSESSING THE OLYMPIC GAMES: THE ECONOMIC IMPACT AND BEYOND
Authors: Scandizzo Pasquale Lucio , Pierleoni Maria Rita
Published: June 2017

This study reviews the literature on the evaluation of the Olympic Games, within the broader framework of their significance as cultural assets and opportunities for endogenous growth and sustainable development of the host city. The study reviews the main approaches to the economic assessment of the Games, from the point of view of the underlying economic concepts and methodologies, as well as of the empirical results obtained. It focuses on the effects that are measured and on those, which even though important, are generally neglected. The methodologies utilized for the quantitative assessments of the Games are reviewed with special emphasis on impact and cost–benefit analysis, both onex anteandex postbasis. The studies surveyed are analysed from the point of view of different sets of effects on the host city, and for a limited number of cases, on the host country. While the major focus is on hosting the Summer Olympics, some attention is also paid to the bidding cities, the Winter Olympics and the Paralympics. The general findings appear to be controversial with some hints of positive overall effects, but also with a well‐documented tendency to exaggerate the benefits and underestimate the costs of holding the Games in theex anteversus theex poststudies. The survey finally suggests thatex postcross‐country econometric studies tend to catch sizable differential and persistent benefits ignored by individual studies, especially on macroeconomic and trade variables.
Child‐Care Instability and Behavior Problems: Does Parenting Stress Mediate the Relationship?
Authors: Pilarz Alejandra Ros , Hill Heather D.
Published: June 2017

Child‐care instability is associated with more behavior problems in young children, but the mechanisms of this relationship are not well understood. Theoretically, this relationship is likely to emerge, at least in part, because care instability leads to increased parenting stress. Moreover, low socioeconomic status and single‐mother families may be more vulnerable to the effects of instability. This study tested these hypotheses using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study (N = 1,675) and structural equation modeling. Three types of child‐care instability were examined: long‐term instability, multiplicity, and needing to use back‐up arrangements. Overall, findings showed little evidence that parenting stress mediated the associations between care instability and child behavior problems among the full sample. Among single‐mother and low‐income families, however, needing to use back‐up arrangements had small positive associations with parenting stress, which partially mediated the relationship between that type of care instability and child externalizing behavior problems.
Party Strategies, Constituency Links, and Legislative Speech
Authors: Alemán Eduardo , Ramírez Margarita M. , Slapin Jonathan B.
Published: June 2017

This article examines how parties organize legislative speech. Electoral incentives and legislative institutions affect speech participation. When electoral systems create personal vote‐seeking incentives, parties are less concerned with screening speeches and more supportive of members seeking to garner name recognition. But in many countries, legislative rules and norms constrain opportunities for individual position taking during the lawmaking debates. We argue that parties resolve this dilemma by organizing speech participation into nonlegislative speeches and lawmaking debates. In each instance, different types of legislators are more likely to speak. We examine the case of Chile and test the implications of our theory with data on congressional speeches.
Association of microalbuminuria with diabetes is stronger in people with prehypertension compared to those with ideal blood pressure
Authors: Wang Qing , Huang Jingjing , Sun Yuemin , Zhang Wenjuan , Gao Yuxia , Yao Wei , Bian Bo , Li Yongle , Wu Xianming , Niu Kaijun
Published: June 2017

Aim

Microalbuminuria (MA) has been demonstrated as a biomarker for microvascular dysfunction. This study is aimed to evaluate the association of glycaemic status with MA in prehypertensive and ideal BP subjects and to evaluate the interaction between glycaemic and blood pressure status as risk factors for MA prevalence.

Methods

1059 subjects aged 40–70 with non‐hypertension who were recruited from six districts of Tianjin were divided into a prehypertensive group (622 cases) and an ideal blood BP group (437 cases). Subjects of the prehypertensive group and the ideal BP group were divided respectively into three subgroups: normoglycaemia subgroup, prediabetes subgroup and diabetes subgroup. The prevalence of MA in the above three subgroups of subjects with prehypertension and ideal BP were assessed. We performed a statistical analysis for interaction test between glycaemia and BP status on microalbuminuria in the overall study sample by a multivariate logistic regression model. The association of glycaemic status (defined as normoglycaemia, prediabetes, and diabetes) with MA was evaluated separately in prehypertensive and ideal BP subjects.

Results

Results showed that the prevalence of MA in both prehypertensive and ideal BP groups rose with the increasing of classification of glycaemic level of subgroups (32.6%, 18.3%, 14.8% vs. 23.1%, 16.2%, 13.4%), the differences in prehypertensive group were statistically significant (Pearson χ2 = 15.24, P < 0.001). The ORs (95% CI) of MA were 1.25 (0.86–1.83) for prediabetes and 2.56 (1.62–4.03) for diabetes in the fully adjusted model. There was no interaction between prediabetes and BP status regarding MA (P = 0.237) but we found a significant interaction between diabetes and BP status (P < 0.001). In the prehypertensive group, multivariate logistic regression models showed that the diabetes subgroup had a significant association with MA, and the adjusted odds ratio of the diabetes subgroup to the normoglycaemia subgroup was 2.68 (95%CI 1.54–4.67) (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant association of glycaemic status with MA in the ideal BP group. Stratified analysis by a multivariate logistic regression model in the whole study population showed that people with both prehypertension and diabetes had the highest risk of MA (adjusted OR = 2.50, 95%CI 1.16–5.36; P = 0.019), compared with those with ideal BP and normoglycaemia (reference group).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that there was a statistically significant association between diabetes and microalbuminuria only in prehypertensive subjects. In addition, our study highlights the interaction between prehypertension and diabetes as a risk factor for MA.
Clinical assessment of gastric emptying and sensory function utilizing gamma scintigraphy: Establishment of reference intervals for the liquid and solid components of the Nottingham test meal in healthy subjects
Authors: Parker H. L. , Tucker E. , Blackshaw E. , Hoad C. L. , Marciani L. , Perkins A. , Menne D. , Fox M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Current investigations of stomach function are based on small test meals that do not reliably induce symptoms and analysis techniques that rarely detect clinically relevant dysfunction. This study presents the reference intervals of the modular “Nottingham test meal” (NTM) for assessment of gastric function by gamma scintigraphy (GSc) in a representative population of healthy volunteers (HVs) stratified for age and sex.

Methods

The NTM comprises 400 mL liquid nutrient (0.75 kcal/mL) and an optional solid component (12 solid agar‐beads (0 kcal). Filling and dyspeptic sensations were documented by 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Gamma scintigraphy parameters that describe early and late phase Gastric emptying (GE) were calculated from validated models.

Key Results

Gastric emptying (GE) of the liquid component was measured in 73 HVs (male 34; aged 45±20). The NTM produced normal postprandial fullness (VAS ≥30 in 41/74 subjects). Dyspeptic symptoms were rare (VAS ≥30 in 2/74 subjects). Gastric emptying half‐time with the Liquid‐ and Solid‐component ‐NTM was median 44 (95% reference interval 28‐78) minutes and 162 (144‐193) minutes, respectively. Gastric accommodation was assessed by the ratio of the liquid‐NTM retained in the proximal:total stomach and by Early phase emptying assessed by gastric volume after completing the meal (GCV0). No consistent effect of anthropometric measures on GE parameters was present.

Conclusions and Inferences

Reference intervals are presented for GSc measurements of gastric motor and sensory function assessed by the NTM. Studies involving patients are required to determine whether the reference interval range offers optimal diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.
Comparison of Intramedullary Nail Versus Conventional Ilizarov Method for Lower Limb Lengthening: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Xu Wei‐guo
Published: June 2017

The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to compare the lengthening and then nailing (LATN) technique to the conventional Ilizarov method for limb lengthening. A systemic search of potential relevant literature was performed in databases, including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, and the ISI Web of Knowledge, from their inception to 22 May 2015 using medical subject heading (MeSH) terms “Ilizarov,” “bone lengthening,” or “intramedullary nail.” A total of 89 titles and abstracts were preliminarily reviewed, of which 4 studies eventually satisfied the eligibility criteria, consisting of one randomized controlled trial (RCT), two clinical controlled trials and one retrospective cohort study. A total of 354 limbs were included in the study, among which 183 were lengthened over an intramedullary nail, and 171 limbs were lengthened conventionally. The mean difference (MD) was −50.21 for the external fixation index between the two groups (95% CI, −51.83 to −48.59; P < 0.00001) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99%); no significant difference in length was gained (MD = −0.30, 95% CI = −0.72 to 0.12; P = 0.16) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 80%); and there was high significant difference for the consolidation index (MD = −19.97; 95% CI, −21.59 to −18.35; P < 0.00001) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 100%). The overall rate of complications was relatively low, and differed significantly between the two groups. Through this meta‐analysis, we find that LATN is superior to the conventional method in regards to the external fixation index and the consolidation index, which means that LATN is an effective technique that can decrease the time needed in external fixation.
Fibrotic focus: An important parameter for accurate prediction of a high level of tumor‐associated macrophage infiltration in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Shimada Hiroko , Hasebe Takahiro , Sugiyama Michiko , Shibasaki Satomi , Sugitani Ikuko , Ueda Shigeto , Gotoh Yoshiya , Yasuda Masanori , Arai Eiichi , Osaki Akihiko , Saeki Toshiaki
Published: June 2017

Our group and others have previously reported that a fibrotic focus is a very useful histological factor for the accurate prediction of the outcome of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. We classified 258 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma into those with and those without a fibrotic focus to investigate whether the presence of a fibrotic focus was significantly associated with the degree of tumor‐associated macrophage (CD68, CD163 or CD204‐positive) infiltration or whether the presence of tumor‐associated macrophage infiltration heightened the malignant potential of invasive ductal carcinoma with a fibrotic focus. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that a fibrotic focus was the only factor that was significantly associated with a high level of CD68‐, CD163‐ or CD204‐positive tumor‐associated macrophage infiltration. The combined assessment of the presence or absence of a fibrotic focus and a high or a low level of CD204‐positive tumor‐associated macrophage infiltration clearly demonstrated that CD204‐positive tumor‐associated macrophage infiltration had a significant prognostic power only for patients with invasive ductal carcinoma with a fibrotic focus in multivariate analyses; CD204‐positive tumor‐associated macrophages might only exert a significant effect on tumor progression when a fibrotic focus is present within the invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.
Transparency in Buyer‐Determined Auctions: Should Quality be Private or Public?
Authors: Stoll Sebastian , Zöttl Gregor
Published: June 2017

We study buyer‐determined procurement auctions where both price and non‐price characteristics of bidders matter for being awarded a contract. Although, in scoring auctions bidders perfectly know how price and non‐price attributes determine the awarding of the contract, this remains uncertain in buyer‐determined auctions where the buyer is free to choose once all bids have been submitted. We analyze the impact of information bidders have with respect to the buyer's awarding decision. As we show theoretically whether it is in the buyer's interest to conceal the impact of non‐price characteristics depends on how important the quality aspects of the procured good are to the buyer: The more important quality aspects are, the more interesting concealment becomes. In a counterfactual analysis using data from a large European procurement platform, we analyze the reduction of non‐price information available to the bidders. Confirming our hypothesis, for auction categories where bidders’ non‐price characteristics strongly influence buyers’ decisions concealment of non‐price information leads to an increase in buyers’ surplus of up to 15% due to higher competitive pressure and lower bids. Conversely, for categories where bidders’ non‐price characteristics are of little importance concealment of non‐price information leads to a decrease in buyers’ surplus of up to 6%.
Autumn senescence in aspen is not triggered by day length
Authors: Michelson Ingrid H. , Ingvarsson Pär K. , Robinson Kathryn M. , Edlund Erik , Eriksson Maria E , Nilsson Ove , Jansson Stefan
Published: June 2017

Autumn senescence in mature aspens, grown under natural conditions, is initiated at almost the same date every year. The mechanism of such precise timing is not understood but we have previously shown that the signal must be derived from light. We studied variation in bud set and autumn senescence in a collection of 116 natural Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula) genotypes, from 12 populations in Sweden and planted in one northern and one southern common garden, to test the hypothesis that onset of autumn senescence is triggered by day length. We confirmed that, although bud set seemed to be triggered by a critical photoperiod/day length, other factors may influence it. The data on initiation of autumn senescence, on the other hand, were incompatible with the trigger being the day length per se, hence the trigger must be some other light‐dependent factor.
Urinary incontinence and quality of life of women living in nursing homes in the Mediterranean region of Turkey
Authors: Göral Türkcü Sinem , Kukulu Kamile
Published: June 2017

Background

This study was conducted to determine the effect of urinary incontinence (UI) on the quality of life of women living in nursing homes in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.

Methods

The study was conducted on 95 women living in nursing homes in the Mediterranean region. Data were collected from a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, the Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, the Index of Activities of Daily Living, and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form.

Results

The quality of life of women who did not consider UI a health problem was significantly higher than that of those who considered otherwise. Mixed UI was the most common UI type among the women living in nursing homes, with a rate of 31.7%. According to the overall mean scores on the Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, quality of life was the most affected among women who had nocturnal incontinence. Quality of life was affected from most to least by the mixed type, stress type, and urge type of incontinence.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and treatment of UI could be improved if health professionals, who have a unique role in changing the perception of society, offered training to women experiencing incontinence. Identifying this problem and determining and preventing the risk factors are important for enhancing women's quality of life.
SPREAD OR CONCENTRATED: WHERE IS SOUTH KOREAN INBOUND EDUCATION AID AIMED AND WHERE SHOULD IT BE DIRECTED? A COMPARISON WITH THE JAPANESE CASE
Authors: Oh Jinhwan
Published: June 2017

South Korea's official development assistance (ODA) is “spread thinly” to many recipient countries. It's inbound education ODA is no exception. In spite of the growing number of long‐term scholarship recipients, South Korea considers too many countries, regardless of geographical proximity, which reduces the program's effectiveness to manage and sustain aid. This contrasts sharply with the Japanese system in which only a small number of Asian countries are considered. The linking of scholarship allocation to priority partner countries that already lack concentration may be a contributing factor. Based on a gravity model and using a dataset of scholarship recipients funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, this study examines the two ODA programs and recommends the establishment of an agency to focus on scholarship programs to enhance selection and concentration.
Continued decline in blood collection and transfusion in the United States–2015
Authors: Ellingson Katherine D. , Sapiano Mathew R. P. , Haass Kathryn A. , Savinkina Alexandra A. , Baker Misha L. , Chung Koo‐Whang , Henry Richard A. , Berger James J. , Kuehnert Matthew J. , Basavaraju Sridhar V.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

In 2011 and 2013, the National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey (NBCUS) revealed declines in blood collection and transfusion in the United States. The objective of this study was to describe blood services in 2015.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The 2015 NBCUS was distributed to all US blood collection centers, all hospitals performing at least 1000 surgeries annually, and a 40% random sample of hospitals performing 100 to 999 surgeries annually. Weighting and imputation were used to generate national estimates for units of blood and components collected, deferred, distributed, transfused, and outdated.

RESULTS

Response rates for the 2015 NBCUS were 78.4% for blood collection centers and 73.9% for transfusing hospitals. In 2015, 12,591,000 units of red blood cells (RBCs) (95% confidence interval [CI], 11,985,000‐13,197,000 units of RBCs) were collected, and 11,349,000 (95% CI, 10,592,000‐11,747,000) were transfused, representing declines since 2013 of 11.6% and 13.9%, respectively. Total platelet units distributed (2,436,000; 95% CI, 2,230,000‐2,642,000) and transfused (1,983,000; 95% CI, 1,816,000 = 2,151,000) declined by 0.5% and 13.1%, respectively, since 2013. Plasma distributions (3,714,000; 95% CI, 3,306,000‐4,121,000) and transfusions (2,727,000; 95% CI, 2,594,000‐2,859,000) in 2015 declined since 2013. The median price paid per unit in 2015—$211 for leukocyte‐reduced RBCs, $524 for apheresis platelets, and $54 for fresh frozen plasma—was less for all components than in 2013.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2015 NBCUS findings suggest that continued declines in demand for blood products resulted in fewer units collected and distributed Maintaining a blood inventory sufficient to meet routine and emergent demands will require further monitoring and understanding of these trends.
In vitro and in vivo effect of flutamide on steroid hormone secretion in canine and human inflammatory breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Caceres S. , Monsalve B. , Peña L. , de Andres P. J. , Alonso‐Diez A. , Illera M. J. , Woodward W. A. , Reuben J. M. , Silvan G. , Illera J. C.
Published: June 2017

The aim was to study the effects of flutamide on cell proliferation, in vivo tumour growth and steroid production in canine and humanIBCcell lines.IPC‐366 andSUM149cell cultures were exposed to flutamide concentrations for 72 hours. Additionally,IPC‐366 andSUM149xenotransplanted mice were treated subcutaneously with flutamide 3 times a week for 2 weeks. Steroid hormones determination in culture media, serum and tumour homogenates (pregnenolone, progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 17β‐oestradiol and oestrone sulphate) were assayed byEIA. in vitro cell proliferation percentages showed a decrease in all flutamide dosages inIPC‐366 andSUM149. in vivo flutamide reduced tumour size by 55% to 65%, and metastasis rates decreased. In treated groups, androgen levels in culture media, serum and tumour homogenates were increased as oestrogen levels decreased. These results suggest that flutamide treatment inhibits cell proliferation and promotes tumour reduction by increasing androgen levels and also support future therapy approaches.
Study on Microgratings Using Imaging, Spectroscopic, and Fourier Lens Scatterometry
Authors: Madsen Jonas Skovlund , Hansen Poul Erik , Boher Pierre , Dwarakanath Deepak , Jørgensen Jan Friis , Bilenberg Brian , Nygård Jesper , Madsen Morten Hannibal
Published: June 2017

With new fabrication methods for mass production of nanotextured samples, there is an increasing demand for new characterization methods. Conventional microscopes are either too slow and/or too sensitive to vibrations. Scatterometry is a good candidate for in-line measuring in an industrial environment as it is insensitive to vibrations and very fast. However, as common scatterometry techniques are nonimaging, it can be challenging for the operator to find the area of interest on a sample and to detect defects. We have therefore developed the technique imaging scatterometry, in which the user first has to select the area of interest after the data have been acquired. In addition, one is no longer limited to analyze areas equal to the spot size, and areas down to 3 μm × 3 μm can be analyzed. The special method Fourier lens scatterometry is capable of performing measurements on misaligned samples and is therefore suitable in a production line. We demonstrate characterization of one-dimensional and two-dimensional gratings from a single measurement using a Fourier lens scatterometer. In this paper, we present a comparison between spectroscopic scatterometry, the newly developed imaging scatterometry, and some state-of-the-art conventional characterization techniques, atomic force microscopy and confocal microscopy.
Coaching in the United States: High School Coaches’ Knowledge and Confidence Regarding Athlete Safety and Injury Management
Authors: Strand Bradford , David Shannon , Lyman Katie J. , Albrecht Jay M.
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this original research was to survey high school coaches in four states in the Midwest region of the United States regarding their knowledge of first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as well as confidence in managing/treating emergency situations. Responses to general knowledge inquiries revealed that coaches were able to accurately answer questions related to return to play, level of consciousness, external bleeding, and cardiac arrest. However, coaches were unable to correctly answer questions specific to rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) and also misidentified information related to pediatric AED use. Because sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of death and has been linked to lack of bystander intervention, the results of this project should be considered by coaches and administrators to implement certification and continuing education for high school coaches. Finally, coaches who were certified in first aid, CPR, and AED were more confident in treating an individual who required care compared with coaches not certified. Therefore, individuals who coach at all levels of sport and recreational activities should consider formal training and certification.
Barriers in Implementing Coach Education in Grassroots Youth Football in Norway
Authors: Søvik Margaret L. , Larsen Torill , Tjomsland Hege Eikeland , Samdal Oddrun , Wold Bente
Published: June 2017

This study explores grassroots coaches’ (GCs’) perceptions of the content of a one-day coach education workshop, the programme’s applicability, their use of the content, and the perceived barriers to implementing the programme in their coaching practice. One hundred and thirteen GCs completed follow-up questionnaires, while 12 of them were also interviewed. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analyses were conducted. The quantitative results indicate that the GCs were mainly positive about the programme content and found it easy to apply and adapt to. However, few GCs seemed to apply the programme principles to a great extent. The qualitative results illustrate that the GCs reported barriers that seem to relate to programme characteristics, in particular a lack of follow-up; individual factors, such as a lack of time; and organizational factors, like the lack of a shared understanding of the programme with their co-coaches, and lack of support from club officials. Thus, the findings imply that there is a need for an extended focus on organisational factors, especially support by club officials, when implementing coach education content in youth sports. Future recommendations for implementation of coach education workshops for youth grassroots coaches have been suggested, where support for the coaches is a key issue.
A Guide to Conducting Systematic Reviews of Coaching Science Research
Authors: Bennie Andrew , Apoifis Nicholas , Caron Jeffrey , Falcão William , Marlin Demelza , Bengoechea Enrique García , Koh Koon Teck , Macmillan Freya , George Emma
Published: June 2017

Research in coaching science continues to grow and as such, there is a need for rigorous tools to help make sense of the rapidly expanding literature. The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed description of a systematic review methodology that can be used to summarise literature in coaching science. To do so, we present a test case of a systematic review we conducted on the sport coaching experiences of global Indigenous populations. More precisely, we conducted a systematic review of English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Portuguese peer-reviewed journal articles, spanning twelve databases (e.g., Sport Discus, ERIC, and Scopus) from 1970 to 2014. ENTREQ and COREQ guidelines were followed to report the results of the systematic review, and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory was used as a theoretical framework to extract and synthesise relevant findings from the included articles. In sum, this paper presents a robust methodology for systematically reviewing research in coaching science and provides practical insights for those who endeavour to conduct rigorous literature searches in this domain.
Enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
Adherence Fimbriae Drive Inflammatory Cell Recruitment via Interactions with Epithelial MUC1
Authors: Boll Erik J. , Ayala-Lujan Jorge , Szabady Rose L. , Louissaint Christopher , Smith Rachel Z. , Krogfelt Karen A. , Nataro James P. , Ruiz-Perez Fernando , McCormick Beth A.
Published: June 2017

Enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
(EAEC) causes diarrhea and intestinal inflammation worldwide. EAEC strains are characterized by the presence of aggregative adherence fimbriae (AAF), which play a key role in pathogenesis by mediating attachment to the intestinal mucosa and by triggering host inflammatory responses. Here, we identify the epithelial transmembrane mucin MUC1 as an intestinal host cell receptor for EAEC, demonstrating that AAF-mediated interactions between EAEC and MUC1 facilitate enhanced bacterial adhesion. We further demonstrate that EAEC infection also causes elevated expression of MUC1 in inflamed human intestinal tissues. Moreover, we find that MUC1 facilitates AAF-dependent migration of neutrophils across the epithelium in response to EAEC infection. Thus, we show for the first time a proinflammatory role for MUC1 in the host response to an intestinal pathogen.

IMPORTANCE
EAEC is a clinically important intestinal pathogen that triggers intestinal inflammation and diarrheal illness via mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Our findings provide new insight into how EAEC triggers host inflammation and underscores the pivotal role of AAFs—the principal adhesins of EAEC—in driving EAEC-associated disease. Most importantly, our findings add a new dimension to the signaling properties of the transmembrane mucin MUC1. Mostly studied for its role in various forms of cancer, MUC1 is widely regarded as playing an anti-inflammatory role in response to infection with bacterial pathogens in various tissues. However, the role of MUC1 during intestinal infections has not been previously explored, and our results describe the first report of MUC1 as a proinflammatory factor following intestinal infection.
Interpregnancy weight changes and impact on pregnancy outcome in a cohort of women with a macrosomic first delivery: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Crosby David A , Walsh Jennifer M , Segurado Ricardo , McAuliffe Fionnuala M
Published: June 2017

Objective

To determine the median interpregnancy maternal weight change between first and second pregnancies, and second and third pregnancies and to assess the impact of this weight change on pregnancy outcome in a cohort of women with a macrosomic first delivery.

Study design

Prospective longitudinal study conducted over three pregnancies from 2007 to 2015.

Setting

Tertiary referral maternity hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Participants

Women were recruited if their first baby weighed >4.0 kg.

Methods

The pregnancy outcomes in the second and third pregnancies were analysed separately. Data were also analysed for both interpregnancy intervals comparing outcomes for those who gained any weight, or more weight than the median, with those who did not.

Main outcome measures

Recurrent fetal macrosomia ≥4.0 kg and gestational diabetes mellitus.

Results

There were 280 women who delivered a third baby between 2011 and 2015. There were no differences in pregnancy outcomes for the second pregnancy in women who gained interpregnancy weight compared with those who did not and those who gained more interpregnancy weight than the median compared with those who did not. There was a statistically significant increase in birth weight ≥4.0 kg (54.0% vs 39.6% p=0.03) in those women who gained any weight between the second and third pregnancies. In those women who gained more interpregnancy weight than the median (1.70 kg) between a second and third pregnancy, there was a significant increase in the rate of gestational diabetes (6.5% vs 1.4%, p=0.03).

Conclusions

This longitudinal study demonstrates that within this cohort maternal interpregnancy weight change between a second and third pregnancy is associated with an increase in birth weight ≥4.0 kg. Additionally, a gain of more weight than the median (1.70 kg) is associated with a higher rate of gestational diabetes.
Correlation between the porosity and ultrasonic pulse velocity of recycled aggregate concrete at different saturation levels
Authors: Haddad Kahina , Haddad Ourdia , Aggoun Salima , Kaci Salah
Published: June 2017

In this work, an ultrasonic technique was developed to study the porosity and pore connectivity of recycled aggregate concretes (RACs) and to elucidate the correlations between the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) content, and water-accessible porosity of the resulting concrete. To estimate the changes in the degree of connectivity of the concrete pores with the amount of RCA substituted, the concrete specimens were examined at different saturation levels. The correlations between the amounts of RCA used, the UPV, and the saturation state could be determined. It was observed that the pore connectivity of the concretes increased with the amount of RCA substituted, which, in turn, increased their open porosity. These findings may facilitate the use of UPV for the estimation of open porosities of RACs at different saturation levels.
REBALANCING IN CHINA: FISCAL POLICIES FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Authors: AHMAD EHTISHAM
Published: June 2017

The 1993/1994 reforms in China created the fiscal space for public investment and rapid growth, based on modern tax instruments (VAT) and administration by offsetting local gainers and losers though the transfer system — and allocation of funds for investment in coastal hubs. Current challenges of congestion, pollution, and growing inequality require the design and financing for new sustainable growth hubs. This will involve an interface between local, national and cross border investments in connectivity under the One Belt One Road Initiative, together with new options for subnational (local) own-taxes, transfers, service delivery and strengthened governance mechanisms to monitor and manage liabilities, including PPPs.
Supersymmetric U(1)Y′⊗ U(1)B−L extension of the Standard Model
Authors: Montero J. C. , Pleitez V. , Sánchez-Vega B. L. , Rodriguez M. C.
Published: June 2017

We build a supersymmetric version with [Formula: see text] gauge symmetry, where [Formula: see text] is a new charge and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the usual baryonic and leptonic numbers. The model has three right-handed neutrinos with identical [Formula: see text] charges, and can accommodate all fermion masses at the tree level. In particular, the type I seesaw mechanism is implemented for the generation of the active neutrino masses. We obtain the mass spectra of all sectors and for the scalar one we also give the flat directions allowed by the model.
Large deviation principle for semilinear stochastic evolution equations with Poisson noise
Authors: Dadashi Hassan
Published: June 2017

We demonstrate the large deviation principle in the small noise limit for the mild solution of semilinear stochastic evolution equations with monotone nonlinearity and multiplicative Poisson noise. A recently developed method in studying the large deviation principle, weak convergent method, is employed. We apply the result obtained by Budhiraja et al.,7that reveals the variational representation of exponential integrals w.r.t. the Poisson random measure. Our framework covers a wide range of parabolic, hyperbolic and functional differential equations. We give some examples to illustrate the applications of our results.
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION CAPABILITY AND INTERACTION EFFECT IN A SCANDINAVIAN INDUSTRY CLUSTER
Authors: STRAND ØIVIND , WIIG MICHELLE , TORHEIM TOBIAS , SOLLI-SÆTHER HANS , NESSET ERIK
Published: June 2017

How do innovation ecosystems affect the technological innovation capabilities (TICs), as defined by Yam et al. (2004), and company performance? Empirical data was acquired through a survey of 75 maritime equipment suppliers in an industry cluster in Norway. Regression analysis was supplemented with partial least square methods in order to compensate for the low number of respondents. Significant effects were found for manufacturing and marketing capabilities on company performance. The results for organisational capability were method dependent. Learning, R&D, resource allocation and strategic capabilities were identified as insignificant. These results conflict with other studies that identified manufacturing capabilities as the only insignificant TIC construct. However, the findings are partially in line with studies that have questioned learning, organising, and resource capabilities as drivers for competitive advantages. The moderating effect of cluster interaction and manufacturing capability on performance is coherent with prior research, but further research is needed for a deeper understanding of these interaction effects.