bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of Ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging Compared With Computed Tomography for Endoleak Detection and Aneurysm Diameter Measurement After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Guo Qiang , Zhao Jichun , Huang Bin , Yuan Ding , Yang Yi , Zeng Guojun , Xiong Fei , Du Xiaojiong
Published: August 2016

Purpose: To analyze the literature comparing ultrasound [duplex (DUS) or contrast-enhanced (CEUS)] or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with computed tomography angiography (CTA) for endoleak detection and aneurysm diameter measurement after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods: A systematic review identified 31 studies that included 3853 EVAR patients who had paired scans (DUS or CEUS vs CTA or MRI vs CTA) within a 1-month interval for identification of endoleaks during EVAR surveillance. The primary outcome was the number of patients with an endoleak detected by one test but undetected by another test. Results are presented for all endoleaks and for types I and III endoleaks only. Aneurysm diameter measurements between CTA and ultrasound were examined using meta-analysis. Results: Endoleaks were seen in 25.6% (985/3853) of patients after EVAR. Fifteen studies compared DUS with CTA for the detection of all endoleak types. CTA had a significantly higher proportion of additional endoleaks detected (214/2346 vs 77/2346 for DUS). Of 19 studies comparing CEUS with CTA for the detection of all endoleak types, CEUS was more sensitive (138/1694) vs CTA (51/1694). MRI detected 42 additional endoleaks that were undetected by CTA during the paired scans, whereas CTA detected 2 additional endoleaks that MRI did not show. CTA had a similar proportion of additional types I and III endoleaks undetected by CEUS or MRI. Of 9 studies comparing ultrasound vs CTA for post-EVAR aneurysm diameter measurement, the aneurysm diameter measured by CTA was greater than ultrasound (mean difference −1.70 mm, 95% confidence interval −2.45 to −0.96, p<0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that CEUS and MRI are more accurate than CTA for the detection of post-EVAR endoleaks, but they are no better than CTA for detecting types I and III endoleaks specifically. Aneurysm diameter differences between CTA and ultrasound should be considered when evaluating the change in aneurysm diameter postoperatively.
Initial Poor Function and Primary Nonfunction in Deceased-Donor Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Maintaining Short Cold Ischemic Time
Authors: Das Somak , Swain Sudeepta Kumar , Addala Pavan Kumar , Balasubramaniam Ramakrishnan , Gopakumar C. V. , Zirpe Dinesh , Renganathan Kirubakaran , Kollu Harsha , Patel Darshan , Vibhute Bipin B. , Rao Prashantha S. , Krishnan Elankumaran , Gopasetty Mahesh , Khakhar Anand K. , Vaidya Anil , Ramamurthy Anand
Published: August 2016

Background:

Nations with emerging deceased-donor liver transplantation programs, such as India, face problems associated with poor donor maintenance. Cold ischemic time (CIT) is typically maintained short by matching donor organ recovery and recipient hepatectomy to achieve maximum favorable outcome. We analyzed different extended criteria donor factors including donor acidosis, which may act as a surrogate marker of poor donor maintenance, to quantify the risk of primary nonfunction (PNF) or initial poor function (IPF).

Methods:

A single-center retrospective outcome analysis of prospectively collected data of patients undergoing deceased-donor liver transplantation over 2 years to determine the impact of different extended criteria donor factors on IPF and PNF.

Results:

From March 2013 to February 2015, a total of 84 patients underwent deceased-donor liver transplantation. None developed PNF. Thirteen (15.5%) patients developed IPF. Graft macrosteatosis and donor acidosis were only related to IPF ( P = .002 and P = .032, respectively). Cold ischemic time was maintained short (81 cases ≤8 hours, maximum 11 hours) in all cases.

Conclusion:

Poor donor maintenance as evidenced by donor acidosis and graft macrosteatosis had significant impact in developing IPF when CIT is kept short. Similar study with larger sample size is required to establish extended criteria cutoff values.
Upper Limb Obstacle Avoidance Behavior in Individuals With Stroke
Authors: Baniña Melanie C. , Mullick Aditi A. , McFadyen Bradford J. , Levin Mindy F.
Published: August 2016

Background. Upper limb (UL) poststroke hemiparesis commonly leads to chronic disability. Despite moderate-to-good clinical recovery, many patients with UL hemiparesis still do not fully use their arm in daily tasks. Decreased arm use may be related to deficits in performance of more complex movement than what is usually assessed clinically. Objective. To identify differences between poststroke and nondisabled control subjects in making complex corrective movements to avoid an obstacle in the reaching path. Methods. Subjects rapidly reached for a juice bottle on a refrigerator shelf with their hemiparetic or dominant (controls) arm viewed in a large-screen projected 3D virtual environment. In random trials, a sliding door partially obstructed the reaching path. A successful trial was one in which subjects touched the bottle without their arm or hand hitting the door. Results. Fewer participants with stroke (12%) were successful at a 65% success rate in avoiding the door compared to controls (42%). Subjects with stroke also initiated corrections later (further) in the reaching path (100.7 ± 77.6 mm) compared to controls (51.6 ± 31.0 mm) resulting in a reduced margin of error. While both groups used similar endpoint movement strategies for obstructed reaching, subjects with stroke used less elbow and more trunk movement. Participants who reported being more confident using their hemiparetic arm had higher success rates. Conclusion. Arm movement deficits can be identified when complex tasks are evaluated. Deficits in higher-order motor function such as obstacle avoidance behavior may decrease actual arm use in individuals with mild-to-moderate hemiparesis and should be evaluated in routine clinical practice.
The Relationship Between Tenacity and Knowledge Exchange in a Mexican Organization
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Belausteguigoitia Imanol
Published: August 2016

This study considers how employees’ tenacity might enhance their propensity to engage in knowledge exchange with organizational peers, as well as how the positive tenacity–knowledge exchange relationship is invigorated by two types of role conflict: within-work and between work and family. Using data from a large Mexican organization in the logistics sector, this study shows that tenacity increases knowledge exchange, and this effect is stronger at higher levels of within-work and work–family role conflict. The invigorating role of within-work role conflict is particularly salient when work–family role conflict is high. These findings inform organizations that the application of personal energy to knowledge-enhancing activities is particularly useful when employees encounter severe workplace adversity because of conflicting role demands.
On energy-balanced backpressure routing mechanisms for stochastic energy harvesting wireless sensor networks
Authors: Liu Zheng , Yang Xinyu , Zhao Peng , Yu Wei
Published: August 2016

In energy harvesting wireless sensor networks, energy imbalance among sensor nodes is detrimental to network performance and battery life. Particularly, nodes that are closer to a data sink or have less energy replenishment tend to exhaust the energy earlier, leading to some sub-regions of the environment being left unmonitored. Existing research efforts focus on the energy management based on the assumption that the energy harvesting process is predictable. Unfortunately, such an assumption is not practicable in real-world energy harvesting systems. With the consideration of the unpredictability of the harvestable energy, in this article, we adopt the stochastic Lyapunov optimization framework to jointly manage energy and make routing decision, which could help mitigate the energy imbalance problem. We develop two online policies: (1) Energy-balanced Backpressure Routing Algorithm for lossless networks and (2) Enhanced Energy-balanced Backpressure Routing Algorithm for time varying wireless networks with lossy links. Both Energy-balanced Backpressure Routing Algorithm and Enhanced Energy-balanced Backpressure Routing Algorithm are distributed, queuing stable, and do not require the explicit knowledge of the statistics of the energy harvesting. The simulation data show that our developed algorithms can achieve significantly higher performance in terms of energy balance than existing schemes such as Original Backpressure Algorithm and the Backpressure Collection Protocol.
A multi-layer Internet of things database schema for online-to-offline systems
Authors: Cai Hongming , Luan Shuai , Jiang Lihong , Shah Nazaraf , Farmer Ray , Chao Kuo-Ming , Xu Boyi
Published: August 2016

Due to the widespread usage of Internet of things devices in online-to-offline businesses, a huge volume of data from heterogeneous data sources are collected and transferred to the data processing components in online-to-offline systems. This leads to increased complexity in data storage and querying, especially for spatial–temporal data processing in online-to-offline systems. In this article, first, we design a multi-layer Internet of things database schema to meet the diverse requirements through fusing spatial data with texts, images, and videos transferred from the sensors of the Internet of things networks. The proposed multi-layer Internet of things database schema includes logical nodes, geography nodes, storage nodes, and application nodes. These data nodes cooperate with each other to facilitate the data storing, indexing, and querying. Second, a searching algorithm is designed based on pruning strategy. The complexity of the algorithm is also analyzed. Finally, the multi-layer Internet of things database schema and its application are illustrated in a smart city construction project in Shanghai, China, recommending available charging points to the customers who need to charge their electric energy–driven cars.
Visual Replay Methodology: A Mixed Methods Approach for Group Discussion Analysis
Authors: Alexander Elitsa , Eppler Martin J. , Bresciani Sabrina
Published: August 2016

In this article, we propose an innovative mixed methods research (MMR) technique and discuss its theory and applications. The visual replay methodology (VRM) is a new graphic way to investigate the discourse patterns during software-aided small group discussions. A visually supported conversation is recorded through screen capturing and replayed to reconstruct how the discussion has unfolded. The VRM responds to the “integration challenge” that the MMR community is facing—by employing the power of visualization, data integration is leveraged to a new level, where visual synergy gains enable a “value-added” research outcome. By employing multigenre integration and a moderately pragmatic approach, the VRM reduces the researcher–subject power-relation gap and contributes to some long-standing MMR debates regarding reflexivity and participation.
Effect of fiber loading on the mechanical properties of bagasse fiber–reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Subramonian Sivarao , Ali Aidy , Amran Mohammad , Sivakumar LD , Salleh Shukor , Rajaizam A
Published: August 2016

It is evident that sugarcane/bagasse is a highly potential natural composite fiber. In this study, the correlation of composition fiber amount to the mechanical strength was presented. Bagasse was treated with alkali and then reinforced in polypropylene by means of hot pressing. Fiber loading was set to be varied from 10 to 20 wt%. Composite samples were subjected to tensile, hardness, and flexural characterization. Composites with 30 wt% of fiber loading registered maximum tensile strength while with 10 wt% fiber loading registered the minimum. Hardness increases with the amount of fiber. Flexural strength and flexural modulus were found to be greater than original polypropylene. Scanning electron microscopy examination revealed the mechanisms of the strength gain in morphological point of view. The findings give manufactures and engineers a sound basis decision whether to apply the use of this composite for weight reduction especially in automotive applications or not.
Building community one child at a time: A grassroots approach to taking young South Africans off the streets
Authors: Polk Denise M
Published: August 2016

Young South Africans face challenges in their attempts to rise out of the poverty and community violence surrounding them. These challenges might affect their sense of well-being. A thematic analysis based on semi-structured interviews from 18 field workers who work for a non-governmental organization focused on helping children in the Western Cape area return to school revealed several themes. These themes illustrate links between the young South Africans, their families, their schools, and their communities—and the struggles they face. Analysis also revealed that interpersonal processes may change perceptions about social support, the ability to enhance well-being, and create a sense of joint responsibility. These may contribute to Prilleltensky’s wellness as fairness and point to the important role that communal coping may serve in helping South Africans rebuild their communities.
Enlarged perivascular spaces and cognitive impairment after stroke and transient ischemic attack
Authors: Arba Francesco , Quinn Terence J , Hankey Graeme J , Lees Kennedy R , Wardlaw Joanna M , Ali Myzoon , Inzitari Domenico ,   on behalf of the VISTA Collaboration
Published: August 2016

Background

Previous studies suggested that enlarged perivascular spaces are neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease. However, it is not clear whether enlarged perivascular spaces are associated with cognitive impairment. We aimed to determine the cross-sectional relationship between enlarged perivascular spaces and small vessel disease, and to investigate the relationship between enlarged perivascular spaces and subsequent cognitive impairment in patients with recent cerebral ischemic event.

Methods

Anonymized data were accessed from the virtual international stroke trial archive. We rated number of lacunes, white matter hyperintensities, brain atrophy, and enlarged perivascular spaces with validated scales on magnetic resonance brain images after the index stroke. We defined cognitive impairment as a mini mental state examination score of ≤26, recorded at one year post stroke. We examined the associations between enlarged perivascular spaces and clinical and imaging markers of small vessel disease at presentation and clinical evidence of cognitive impairment at one year using linear and logistic regression models.

Results

We analyzed data on 430 patients with mean (±SD) age 64.7 (±12.7) years, 276 (64%) males. In linear regression analysis, age (β = 0.24; p < 0.001), hypertension (β = 0.09; p = 0.025), and deep white matter hyperintensities (β = 0.31; p < 0.001) were associated with enlarged perivascular spaces. In logistic regression analysis, basal ganglia enlarged perivascular spaces were independently associated with cognitive impairment at one year after adjusting for clinical confounders (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.22–2.42) and for clinical and imaging confounders (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.03–2.31).

Conclusions

Our data show that in patients with ischemic cerebral events, enlarged perivascular spaces are cross-sectionally associated with age, hypertension, and white matter hyperintensities and suggest that enlarged perivascular spaces in the basal ganglia are associated with cognitive impairment after one year.
Long-term survival in a patient with glioblastoma on antipsychotic therapy for schizophrenia: a case report and literature review
Authors: Faraz Shahdabul , Pannullo Susan , Rosenblum Marc , Smith Andrew , Wernicke A. Gabriella
Published: August 2016

Glioblastoma is not only the most common primary brain tumor, but also the most aggressive. Currently, the most effective treatment of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy allows for a modest median survival of 15 months. Here, we report a case of a 57-year-old male with histologically confirmed glioblastoma with unfavorable prognostic characteristics (poor performance status and persistent neurological symptoms after surgery), whose expected 5-year survival is 0%. Further genetic analysis offered a mixed prognostic picture with positive methylation of 0-6-methylguinine-DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) methyltransferase (MGMT; favorable prognosis) and wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH-1; unfavorable prognosis). Remarkably, the patient showed a progression-free survival of 5.5 years and a total survival of 6.5 years. In the context of recently published literature, the authors hypothesize that the patient’s use of the antipsychotic medication risperidone may have had a potential antitumor effect. Risperidone antagonizes the dopamine-2 receptor and the serotonin-7 receptor, both of which have been individually implicated in the growth and progression of glioblastoma. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first clinical case in the literature to explore this association.
Combination leflunomide and methotrexate in refractory rheumatoid arthritis: a biologic sparing approach
Authors: Hodkinson Bridget , Magomero Kingsley Ross , Tikly Mohammed
Published: August 2016

Background:

In resource-constrained settings where biologic agents are not widely available, there are limited therapeutic options for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to other synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic (DMARD) therapies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of leflunomide (LEF) with methotrexate (MTX) in refractory RA.

Methods:

A retrospective record review of adult RA patients treated with LEF/MTX. Demographic details, adverse reactions, and the 3-variable 28 joint disease activity score (DAS28-3) were recorded at initiation of LEF/MTX therapy, and after 4 and 12 months of treatment.

Results:

Of 194 patients, most were middle-aged seropositive Black African females, with established disease [mean (standard deviation, SD) disease duration 9.4 (8.2) years] and time on previous DMARDs of 7.0 (5.5) years. Before adding LEF, the mean (SD) dose of MTX was 21.7 (3.5) mg/week, and 87.6% of patients used low dose oral corticosteroids. A good or moderate EULAR response was achieved by 44% and 42% of patients, and the retention rate was 71%. Major infections were seen in 6 patients: comprising 2 deaths, 3 cases of leucopaenia and septicaemia and 1 case of tuberculosis. Hepatotoxicity ( n = 3), intolerable gastrointestinal symptoms ( n = 3), and hypertension ( n = 17) were the most common problems. Predictors of remission or low disease activity at 12 months was a baseline DAS28-3 ⩽ 5.5 [odds ratio (OR) = 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–5.6; p = 0.01].

Conclusions:

LEF/MTX was effective in the majority of patients in this cohort of mainly Black African women who failed other combination synthetic DMARDs, particularly in those with moderate disease activity at the time of addition of LEF. Infections and hypertension were important complications. In a setting where biologic DMARDs are not readily accessible, the combination of LEF/MTX is a cost-effective approach.
Using Excel and Word to Structure Qualitative Data
Authors: Ose Solveig Osborg
Published: August 2016

Applied social science projects that involve many interviews produce a vast amount of data or text that is difficult to structure and analyze systematically. Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software is too advanced and sophisticated when all we want is to sort and structure the text. A new method, using Microsoft Word and Excel, has been developed. The method produces a flexible Word document of interview data separated into logical chapters and subchapters. All text is coded, and the codes correspond with headings in the final document. Systematic manual coding ensures that all the content is coded, not just words or terms that are extracted from the text. After several years of using and refining the method, both in projects with relatively few interviews and in those with more than 100, I believe that the method is efficient when there are four or more interviews. The method is also suitable for coding and structuring answers to open-ended questions in Web-based surveys. The coding may be performed by a supervised research assistant or a multidisciplinary analytical team, depending on the complexity of the problem. The purpose of the method is not to quantify qualitative data but only to sort and structure large amounts of unstructured data. The method consists of 10 steps, screenshots of which are included in the paper.
A Pain in the Psoas
Authors: Moriarty Charlotte M. H. , Baker Robert J.
Published: August 2016

General medical conditions are an important part of the differential diagnosis in athletes presenting with pain or injury. A psoas abscess is a collection of pus in the iliopsoas muscle compartment and is a rare cause of hip, low back, or groin pain. Psoas abscesses may have significant morbidity and mortality, as 20% progress to septic shock. Presenting symptoms are generally nonspecific and the onset may be subacute. Clinical presentation may have features suggestive of other diagnoses, including septic hip arthritis, iliopsoas bursitis, and retrocecal appendicitis. Proper diagnosis and management is critical to prevent complications of septic shock and death. In this unique case, a 19-year-old Division 1 collegiate football player presented to the emergency department 4 days following injury to his right groin during football practice. He complained of severe right groin pain accompanied by fatigue, fevers, nausea, and diarrhea. He later developed septic shock with multisystem organ dysfunction, requiring advanced life support. Imaging revealed an abscess located in the right iliopsoas compartment. After proper treatment, the athlete eventually made a complete recovery, returning to collegiate football 4 months postinjury. A literature review found no described cases of psoas abscess related to athletes with acute hip flexor strain. This athlete had no known risk factors for psoas abscess. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a broad differential in an athlete presenting with pain after injury. Making the diagnosis of psoas abscess often requires a high degree of suspicion and timely acquisition of imaging studies. In this particular case, imaging was key to making a proper diagnosis and tailoring treatment not only to return him to sport but also to save his life.
Arterial spin labeling: Pathologically proven superiority over conventional MRI for detection of high-grade glioma progression after treatment
Authors: Nyberg Eric , Honce Justin , Kleinschmidt-DeMasters Bette K , Shukri Brian , Kreidler Sarah , Nagae Lidia
Published: August 2016

Background

Standard of care for high-grade gliomas (HGGs) includes surgical debulking and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. Patients under treatment require frequent clinical and imaging monitoring for therapy modulation. Differentiating tumor progression from treatment-related changes can be challenging on conventional MRI, resulting in delayed recognition of tumor progression. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) may be more sensitive for tumor progression.

Materials and methods

ASL and associated conventional MR images obtained in patients previously treated for HGGs and before biopsy or re-resection were reviewed by three neuroradiologists who were blinded to the histopathologic results. Regions of interest (ROIs) of greatest perfusion were chosen by consensus, and mirror-image contralateral ROIs were also placed. Sensitivity of ASL for tumor progression was compared with those of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (T1W-CE) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images using McNemar’s test. We tested for an association between cerebral blood flow (CBF) and apparent diffusion correlation (ADC) using a Hotelling–Lawley trace. Finally, we used a Pearson’s analysis to test for a correlation between CBF and percentage of tumor within each resection.

Results

Twenty-two patients were studied. ASL demonstrated hyperperfusion in all cases with mean CBF ratio 3.37 (±1.71). T1W-CE and FLAIR images were positive in 15 ( p = 0.0233) and 16 ( p = 0.0412) cases, respectively. There was no association between ADC and CBF ( p = 0.687). There was a correlation between CBF and percentage of tumor ( p = 0.048).

Conclusion

ASL may be more sensitive than conventional MR sequences for the detection of tumor progression in patients treated for HGGs.
More than book reading: A case study on Liren Rural Library
Authors: Xia Yiping
Published: August 2016

This essay looks at Liren Rural Library, a grassroots educational project, in order to shed light on the current situation of civil society organizations in China. With a detailed description of how Liren Rural Library started, thrived, and struggled and a look into the variable relationship between Liren Rural Library and the state, this case study intends to add new empirical material to the discussion of how civil society evolves and develops under a dominant state. It also aims to show the persistent influence of traditional, offline civil society organizations, despite the penetration of the Internet, at least on people in rural areas of China.
Factors Predicting Meniscal Allograft Transplantation Failure
Authors: Parkinson Ben , Smith Nicholas , Asplin Laura , Thompson Peter , Spalding Tim
Published: August 2016

Background:

Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is performed to improve symptoms and function in patients with a meniscal-deficient compartment of the knee. Numerous studies have shown a consistent improvement in patient-reported outcomes, but high failure rates have been reported by some studies. The typical patients undergoing MAT often have multiple other pathologies that require treatment at the time of surgery. The factors that predict failure of a meniscal allograft within this complex patient group are not clearly defined.

Purpose:

To determine predictors of MAT failure in a large series to refine the indications for surgery and better inform future patients.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All patients undergoing MAT at a single institution between May 2005 and May 2014 with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were prospectively evaluated and included in this study. Failure was defined as removal of the allograft, revision transplantation, or conversion to a joint replacement. Patients were grouped according to the articular cartilage status at the time of the index surgery: group 1, intact or partial-thickness chondral loss; group 2, full-thickness chondral loss 1 condyle; and group 3, full-thickness chondral loss both condyles. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine significant predictors of failure, independently of other factors. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were produced for overall survival and significant predictors of failure in the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results:

There were 125 consecutive MATs performed, with 1 patient lost to follow-up. The median follow-up was 3 years (range, 1-10 years). The 5-year graft survival for the entire cohort was 82% (group 1, 97%; group 2, 82%; group 3, 62%). The probability of failure in group 1 was 85% lower (95% CI, 13%-97%) than in group 3 at any time. The probability of failure with lateral allografts was 76% lower (95% CI, 16%-89%) than medial allografts at any time.

Conclusion:

This study showed that the presence of severe cartilage damage at the time of MAT and medial allografts were significantly predictive of failure. Surgeons and patients should use this information when considering the risks and benefits of surgery.
Speaking through Silence: Racial Discourse and Identity Construction in Mass-mediated Debates on the “War on Drugs”
Authors: Rosino Michael L. , Hughey Matthew W.
Published: August 2016

As a set of criminal justice policies and practices, the “war on drugs” is a contested social issue linked to specific racial meanings and structures and political logics. As the legitimacy and value of the “war on drugs” has increasingly become a topic of public discussion, how such debates are shaped by both media communication and contemporary racial discourses warrants rigorous sociological analysis. In this article, we use a content analysis of newspaper manuscripts and online comments on “war on drugs” news stories to examine (1) the racial discourse within mass media agenda-setting and framing and (2) patterns of discursive identity construction in the context of digital and mass-mediated social commentary. Our findings show how “racial silence,” implicit and explicit racial discourse, and identity construction via racialized subject-positions assist to rationalize and legitimate racial inequality. We also outline the theoretical implications of these findings and avenues of future research.
Trust, Health Care Relationships, and Chronic Illness
Authors: Robinson Carole A.
Published: August 2016

Trust in health care relationships is a key ingredient of effective, high-quality care. Although the indirect influence of trust on health outcomes has long been recognized, recent research has shown that trust has a direct effect on outcomes of care. Trust is important. However, the research on trust is disparate, organized around differing definitions, and primarily focused on patients’ trust in physicians. Morse’s method of theoretical coalescence was used to further develop and elaborate a grounded theory of the evolution of trust in health care relationships, in the context of chronic illness. This middle-range theory offers a clear conceptual framework for organizing and relating disparate studies, explaining the findings of different studies at a higher conceptual level, and identifying gaps in research and understanding. In addition, the grounded theory is relevant to practice.
Scaling Up
Authors: Magliozzi Devon , Saperstein Aliya , Westbrook Laurel
Published: August 2016

Survey measures of gender have been critiqued for failing to reflect the diversity of the population. Conventionally, respondents to national surveys are categorized as female or male. Calls for improvement have centered on adding additional categories, such as transgender. We propose that in addition to revising categorical gender measures, national surveys should incorporate gradational measures of femininity and masculinity to better reflect gender diversity and sharpen models of gender inequality. Our results from two national pilot studies show that conventional measures mask significant variation within the categories of female and male. For example, less than a quarter of respondents reported that they are very feminine or masculine, respectively, and not at all the other. We also demonstrate that scale responses can be treated as independent variables in studies of inequality or as dependent variables that allow gender identification to be an outcome of social processes.
Youth Arts, Media, and Critical Literacies as Forms of Public Engagement in the Local/Global Interface
Authors: Rogers Theresa
Published: August 2016

This article provides a reanalysis of a multisited case study of youth arts, media, and critical literacy to theorize the role of networked and physical “publics” within which youth engage with issues they care about, making claims about their lived experiences. An understanding of the nature and role of publics is crucial to productive formulations of literacy research and pedagogies in schools, communities, and nations. The theorizations offered here, related to ethical and aesthetic public engagement, spatiality, and mobilities, focus on those moments when youth come together in community and educational sites to create counternarratives in relation to their lives and futures. Three examples of situated counternarratives are analyzed to illustrate how youth exhibit powerful engagements with discursive resources across spatial and material locations and with various publics, producing critical social and political analyses in the local/global interface that often go unrecognized or unrealized in educational contexts.
Equity in Assistance? Usability of a U.S. Government Food Assistance Application
Authors: Saal Leah Katherine
Published: August 2016

This article focuses on the quantitative phase of a multiphase mixed methods study investigating adults’ and families’ access to government food assistance. The research evaluates participants’ comprehension of, and ability to, adequately complete authentic complex texts—national food assistance application documents. Summative usability testing of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program application was conducted with 12 adult participants in divergent literacy learning subgroups: 6 adults enrolled in adult literacy classes and 6 adults enrolled in a doctoral program in education. Protocol analysis and extended think alouds were used to evaluate the materials. Individual sessions were audio/video recorded and types, kinds, and rates of error metrics were compared by subgroup. The completion rate without critical errors for doctoral and adult literacy students was 66.6% and 0%, respectively. Results indicate significant concerns with the usability and comprehensibility of food assistance applications and point to the importance of including educationally/linguistically diverse participants in the usability/evaluation process for government assistance applications to prevent further marginalization.
Intron retention resulting from a silent mutation in the VWF gene that structurally influences the 5′ splice site
Authors: Yadegari Hamideh , Biswas Arijit , Akhter Mohammad Suhail , Driesen Julia , Ivaskevicius Vytautas , Marquardt Natascha , Oldenburg Johannes
Published: August 2016

Key Points

This study demonstrates allosteric RNA structure alteration resulting from an exonic variation, thereby interfering with splicing. This study details a novel mechanism by which silent mutation distant to the 5′ splice site could still result in intron retention.
The macrophage contribution to stress erythropoiesis: when less is enough
Authors: Ulyanova Tatiana , Phelps Susan R. , Papayannopoulou Thalia
Published: August 2016

Key Points

Significant expansion only of native splenic macrophages that are F4/80+/Cd11blo occurs in both post-Epo and post–hemolysis-induced stress. VCAM-1−/− mice, like Spi-C−/−, mice have significantly decreased macrophages but did not have a compromised E-stress response.
Improving feature selection performance using pairwise pre-evaluation
Authors: Li Songlu , Oh Sejong
Published: August 2016

Background

Biological data such as microarrays contain a huge number of features. Thus, it is necessary to select a small number of novel features to characterize the entire dataset. All combinations of the features subset must be evaluated to produce an ideal feature subset, but this is impossible using currently available computing power. Feature selection or feature subset selection provides a sub-optimal solution within a reasonable amount of time.

Results

In this study, we propose an improved feature selection method that uses information based on all the pairwise evaluations for a given dataset. We modify the original feature selection algorithms to use pre-evaluation information. The pre-evaluation captures the quality and interactions between two features. The feature subset should be improved by using the top ranking pairs for two features in the selection process.

Conclusions

Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method improved the quality of the feature subset produced by modified feature selection algorithms. The proposed method can be applied to microarray and other high-dimensional data.
Broadening Participation in the Life Sciences with Social–Psychological Interventions
Authors: Tibbetts Yoi , Harackiewicz Judith M. , Priniski Stacy J. , Canning Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2016

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have recently documented the positive effects of social–psychological interventions on the performance and retention of underrepresented students in the life sciences. We review two types of social–psychological interventions that address either students’ well-being in college science courses or students’ engagement in science content. Interventions that have proven effective in RCTs in science courses (namely, utility-value [UV] and values-affirmation [VA] interventions) emphasize different types of student values—students’ perceptions of the value of curricular content and students’ personal values that shape their educational experiences. Both types of value can be leveraged to promote positive academic outcomes for underrepresented students. For example, recent work shows that brief writing interventions embedded in the curriculum can increase students’ perceptions of UV (the perceived importance or usefulness of a task for future goals) and dramatically improve the performance of first-generation (FG) underrepresented minority students in college biology. Other work has emphasized students’ personal values in brief essays written early in the semester. This VA intervention has been shown to close achievement gaps for women in physics classes and for FG students in college biology. By reviewing recent research, considering which interventions are most effective for different groups, and examining the causal mechanisms driving these positive effects, we hope to inform life sciences educators about the potential of social–psychological interventions for broadening participation in the life sciences.
Improving Underrepresented Minority Student Persistence in STEM
Authors: Estrada Mica , Burnett Myra , Campbell Andrew G. , Campbell Patricia B. , Denetclaw Wilfred F. , Gutiérrez Carlos G. , Hurtado Sylvia , John Gilbert H. , Matsui John , McGee Richard , Okpodu Camellia Moses , Robinson T. Joan , Summers Michael F. , Werner-Washburne Maggie , Zavala MariaElena
Published: August 2016

Members of the Joint Working Group on Improving Underrepresented Minorities (URMs) Persistence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)—convened by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute—review current data and propose deliberation about why the academic “pathways” leak more for URM than white or Asian STEM students. They suggest expanding to include a stronger focus on the institutional barriers that need to be removed and the types of interventions that “lift” students’ interests, commitment, and ability to persist in STEM fields. Using Kurt Lewin’s planned approach to change, the committee describes five recommendations to increase URM persistence in STEM at the undergraduate level. These recommendations capitalize on known successes, recognize the need for accountability, and are framed to facilitate greater progress in the future. The impact of these recommendations rests upon enacting the first recommendation: to track successes and failures at the institutional level and collect data that help explain the existing trends.
Beyond Academic and Social Integration: Understanding the Impact of a STEM Enrichment Program on the Retention and Degree Attainment of Underrepresented Students
Authors: Lane Tonisha B.
Published: August 2016

The current study used a case study methodological approach, including document analysis, semistructured interviews, and participant observations, to investigate how a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) enrichment program supported retention and degree attainment of underrepresented students at a large, public, predominantly white institution. From this study, a model emerged that encompassed four components: proactive care, holistic support, community building, and catalysts for STEM identity development. These components encompassed a number of strategies and practices that were instrumental in the outcomes of program participants. This paper concludes with implications for practice, such as using models to inform program planning, assessment, and evaluation.
Coming Out in Class: Challenges and Benefits of Active Learning in a Biology Classroom for LGBTQIA Students
Authors: Cooper Katelyn M. , Brownell Sara E.
Published: August 2016

As we transition our undergraduate biology classrooms from traditional lectures to active learning, the dynamics among students become more important. These dynamics can be influenced by student social identities. One social identity that has been unexamined in the context of undergraduate biology is the spectrum of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) identities. In this exploratory interview study, we probed the experiences and perceptions of seven students who identify as part of the LGBTQIA community. We found that students do not always experience the undergraduate biology classroom to be a welcoming or accepting place for their identities. In contrast to traditional lectures, active-learning classes increase the relevance of their LGBTQIA identities due to the increased interactions among students during group work. Finally, working with other students in active-learning classrooms can present challenges and opportunities for students considering their LGBTQIA identity. These findings indicate that these students’ LGBTQIA identities are affecting their experience in the classroom and that there may be specific instructional practices that can mitigate some of the possible obstacles. We hope that this work can stimulate discussions about how to broadly make our active-learning biology classes more inclusive of this specific population of students.
PI(3)P-p40phoxbinding regulates NADPH oxidase activation in mouse macrophages and magnitude of inflammatory responses in vivo
Authors: Bagaitkar Juhi , Barbu Emilia A , Perez-Zapata Lizet J , Austin Anthony , Huang Guangming , Pallat Sabine , Dinauer Mary C
Published: August 2016

Mutations in the leukocyte NADPH oxidase that abrogate superoxide production result in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an inherited immunodeficiency associated with recurrent infections and inflammatory complications. The cytosolic regulatory subunit p40phox plays a specialized role in stimulating NADPH oxidase activity on intracellular membranes via its phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate [PI(3)P]-binding domain, as revealed by studies largely focused on neutrophils. Whether PI(3)P-p40phox-regulated superoxide production contributes to regulating inflammatory responses is not well understood. Here, we report that mice expressing p40phox R58A, which lacks PI(3)P binding, had impaired macrophage NADPH oxidase activity and increased sterile inflammation. p40phoxR58A/R58A macrophages exhibited diminished phagosome reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to certain particulate and soluble ligands, including IgG-opsonized particles and a TLR2 agonist, along with unexpected defects in plasma membrane oxidase activity. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, p40phoxR58A/R58A mice had elevated numbers of newly recruited neutrophils and monocytes in peritoneal inflammation elicited by zymosan, monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, or sodium periodate. At later time points, higher numbers of inflammatory macrophages in p40phoxR58A/R58A mice were consistent with delayed resolution. Our studies demonstrate a critical role of PI(3)P-p40phox binding for optimal activation of the NADPH oxidase in macrophages. Furthermore, selective loss of PI(3)P-regulated NADPH oxidase activity was sufficient to enhance significantly responses to inflammation and delay resolution.
Target-oriented linear least squares and nonlinear, trust-region Newton inversions of plane waves using AVA and PVA data for elastic model parameters
Authors: Gong Ting , McMechan George A.
Published: August 2016

Variations in elastic properties directly impact observed seismic amplitude and phase, as a function of incident angle (amplitude variation with angle [AVA] and with phase [PVA]). Conventional simultaneous prestack inversion uses precritical PP reflections, or joint PP and PS reflections, data to invert for elastic properties via linearized least-squares (LS) methods. Incorporating measured phase information as additional constraints for joint PP-PS and joint AVA-PVA inversions helps to stabilize the convergence path and improves the accuracy of the inverted parameters. Combining these dual joint constraints in a nonlinear trust-region reflective Newton (TRN) solver produces a robust inversion with improved convergence rates. Partial derivatives for the Jacobian and Hessian matrices are computed numerically. Two weighting functions, one for PP/PS and one for AVA/PVA data, are developed for minimizing the global objective function during inversion. Numerical results for data from a salt interface reflection in the SMAART JV Pluto model reveals a marked improvement in convergence when using the weighted nonlinear TRN method compared with a traditional linearized LS method, for clean and noisy data.
Theory of interval traveltime parameter estimation in layered anisotropic media
Authors: Sripanich Yanadet , Fomel Sergey
Published: August 2016

Moveout approximations for reflection traveltimes are typically based on a truncated Taylor expansion of traveltime squared around the zero offset. The fourth-order Taylor expansion involves normal moveout velocities and quartic coefficients. We have derived general expressions for layer-stripping second- and fourth-order parameters in horizontally layered anisotropic strata and specified them for two important cases: horizontally stacked aligned orthorhombic layers and azimuthally rotated orthorhombic layers. In the first of these cases, the formula involving the out-of-symmetry-plane quartic coefficients has a simple functional form and possesses some similarity to the previously known formulas corresponding to the 2D in-symmetry-plane counterparts in vertically transversely isotropic (VTI) media. The error of approximating effective parameters by using approximate VTI formulas can be significant in comparison with the exact formulas that we have derived. We have proposed a framework for deriving Dix-type inversion formulas for interval parameter estimation from traveltime expansion coefficients in the general case and in the specific case of aligned orthorhombic layers. The averaging formulas for calculation of effective parameters and the layer-stripping formulas for interval parameter estimation are readily applicable to 3D seismic reflection processing in layered anisotropic media.
Changes in fatty acid composition in the giant clamTridacna maximain response to thermal stress
Authors: Dubousquet Vaimiti , Gros Emmanuelle , Berteaux-Lecellier Véronique , Viguier Bruno , Raharivelomanana Phila , Bertrand Cédric , Lecellier Gaël J.
Published: August 2016

Temperature can modify membrane fluidity and thus affects cellular functions and physiological activities. This study examines lipid remodelling in the marine symbiotic organism, Tridacna maxima, during a time series of induced thermal stress, with an emphasis on the morphology of their symbiont Symbiodinium. First, we show that the French Polynesian giant clams harbour an important proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA), which reflects their tropical location. Second, in contrast to most marine organisms, the total lipid content in giant clams remained constant under stress, though some changes in their composition were shown. Third, the stress-induced changes in fatty acid (FA) diversity were accompanied by an upregulation of genes involved in lipids and ROS pathways. Finally, our microscopic analysis revealed that for the giant clam's symbiont, Symbiodinium, thermal stress led to two sequential cell death processes. Our data suggests that the degradation of Symbiodinium cells could provide an additional source of energy to T. maxima in response to heat stress.