bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of anti-1-amino-3-18F-fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrent prostate carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ren Jingyun , Yuan Leilei , Wen Guanghua , Yang Jigang
Published: April 2015

Background

Anti-1-amino-3-[18F]fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (anti-3-18F-FACBC) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), 11 C-choline PET/CT, 111In–capromab pendetide, and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used for detecting prostate carcinoma relapse.

Purpose

To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of published data regarding the performance of 18F-FACBC PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrent prostate carcinoma.

Material and Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature regarding the role of 18F-FACBC PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrent prostate carcinoma was performed. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver-operating characteristic of 18F-FACBC PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrent prostate carcinoma were calculated based on the included studies.

Results

Six studies comprising 251 patients, suspicious of prostate carcinoma recurrence, were included in this meta-analysis. 18F-FACBC PET/CT had an 87% pooled sensitivity, 66% pooled specificity, 0.93 the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve on a per patient-based analysis in detecting prostate carcinoma recurrence.

Conclusion

18F-FACBC PET/CT was a non-invasive, metabolic imaging technique in the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma relapse.
Radiological features of metastases to the thyroid
Authors: Surov Alexey , Machens Andreas , Holzhausen Hans-Jürgen , Spielmann Rolf Peter , Dralle Henning
Published: April 2015

Background

Thyroid metastases (TM) are uncommon. Dependent on study design, the reported frequency of TM is in the range of 0.1–6% in different analyses. While clinical and histopathological features of TM were well described in the literature, radiological publications consist predominantly of isolated case reports or small series.

Purpose

To estimate the prevalence, clinical signs, and radiological appearances of TM.

Material and Methods

From 1997 to 2013, a total of 8849 patients with various disorders of the thyroid gland were treated in our institution. In 33 patients TM were diagnosed. Ultrasound (US) images were available in all patients, computed tomography (CT) of the neck in 16 patients, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in nine patients.

Results

Clinically, most patients (85%) presented with a painless neck mass. Primary tumors were renal cell carcinoma (79%), colorectal cancer (12%), lung cancer (3%), rhabdomyosarcoma (3%), and breast carcinoma (3%). On US, most lesions were irregular in shape with inhomogenous texture. On CT, all TM were hypodense. On T1-weighted images, most TM were inhomogenously iso-to-hyperintense in comparison to the normal thyroid tissue, and slightly hyperintense on T2-weighted images with an inhomogenous contrast enhancement.

Conclusion

The prevalence of TM was 0.4%. Most of the TM originated from renal cell carcinoma. The identified radiological features of TM should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of thyroid lesions.
Dual-energy computed tomography for evaluation of pulmonary nodules with emphasis on metastatic lesions
Authors: Altenbernd Jens , Wetter Axel , Umutlu Lale , Hahn Steffen , Ringelstein Adrian , Forsting Michael , Lauenstein Thomas
Published: April 2015

Background

The contrast enhancement of pulmonary nodules is a differential diagnostic criterion which can be helpful in staging investigations.

Purpose

To investigate the impact of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) with regards to the evaluation of pulmonary nodules with emphasis on metastatic lesions.

Material and Methods

DECT scans of the thorax were performed in 70 consecutive patients. Data of the lung were acquired in the arterial and in delayed venous phase. The virtual native and overlay image data based on arterial and delayed venous phase of these lesions were compared using CT density values (HU) within the nodule tested for statistical significance.

Results

A total of 156 pulmonary lesions ≥5 mm were identified on 70 DECT scans. There were no significant differences between the CT-value measurements in the virtual native images based on the arterial and delayed venous phase (27.9+/–3.9 HU vs.28.1+/–4.2 HU, P = 0.89) and between the CT-value measurements in the overlay images based on the arterial und delayed venous phase (35.5+/–6.8 HU vs. 36.6+/–5.0 HU, P = 0.75). Metastases of colorectal carcinoma (51.4+/–9.4 HU vs. 32.5+/–8.9 HU, P = 0.0001), malignant melanoma (56.1+/–6.4 HU vs. 34.2+/–1.6 HU, P = 0.0045), and thyroid cancer (53.5+/–15.5 HU vs. 15.7+/–4.2 HU, P = 0.001) showed a distinct wash-out, whereas metastases of lung cancer (23.1+/–6.3 HU vs. 58.6+/–4.8 HU, P = 0.001), salivary gland cancer (41.4+/–20.3 HU vs. 65.7+/–15.7 HU, P = 0.023), and sarcoma (56.2+/–7.4 HU vs. 90.2+/–3.4 HU, P = 0.001) had an increased enhancement in the delayed venous phase.

Conclusion

The contrast enhancement behavior of pulmonary metastases can be evaluated with DECT and depends on the type of the primary malignant tumor.
Image Analysis-Based Approaches for Scoring Mouse Models of Colitis
Authors: Rogers R. , Eastham-Anderson J. , DeVoss J. , Lesch J. , Yan D. , Xu M. , Solon M. , Hotzel K. , Diehl L. , Webster J. D.
Published: April 2015

Mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease are critical for basic and translational research that is advancing the understanding and treatment of this disease. Assessment of these mouse models frequently relies on histologic endpoints. In recent years, whole slide imaging and digital pathology-based image analysis platforms have become increasingly available for implementation into the pathology workflow. These automated image analysis approaches allow for nonbiased quantitative assessment of histologic endpoints. In this study, the authors sought to develop an image analysis workflow using a commercially available image analysis platform that requires minimal training in image analysis or programming, and this workflow was used to score 2 mouse models of colitis that are primarily characterized by immune cell infiltrates in the lamina propria. Although the software was unable to accurately and consistently segment hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections, automated quantification of CD3 immunolabeling resulted in strong correlations with the pathologist’s score in all studies and allowed for the identification of 8 of the 9 differences among treatment groups that were identified by the pathologist. These results demonstrate not only the ability to incorporate solutions based on image analysis into the pathologist’s workflow but also the importance of immunohistochemical or histochemical surrogates for the incorporation of image analysis in histologic assessments.
Improving Mathematics Performance Among Secondary Students With EBD
Authors: Mulcahy Candace A. , Krezmien Michael P. , Travers Jason
Published: April 2015

In this methodological review, the authors apply special education research quality indicators and standards for single case design to analyze mathematics intervention studies for secondary students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). A systematic methodological review of literature from 1975 to December 2012 yielded 19 articles that met inclusion criteria. Findings revealed eight studies investigated functional relation between mathematics interventions and mathematics performance for secondary students with EBD. The remainder investigated functional relation between behavioral interventions and mathematics performance. The body of research had limitations in methodological rigor that prevented identification of evidence-based practices for mathematics interventions for learners with EBD. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Numerical modeling and high-order scheme for wet steam flow
Authors: Lin Zhirong , Yuan Xin
Published: April 2015

A mathematical model of three-dimensional nonequilibrium condensing wet-steam flow is established in Eulerian form, based on conservation laws for a mixture of steam and water droplets. The method of moments is introduced in modeling the droplet spectrum. To describe the nonequilibrium condensing process, models for classical nucleation and enhanced droplet growth are applied. A special high-order implicit scheme is constructed for this condensing flow model. Tables based on IAPWS-IF97 formulae are used in solving the thermal properties of wet steam. The numerical results for a two-dimensional supersonic nozzle and a low-pressure steam turbine stage are compared with experimental data. The good agreement indicates the effectiveness of the condensation model and numerical scheme.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis for effect of length to diameter ratio of nozzles on performance of pre-swirl systems
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Xinjun , Liao Gaoliang , Li Jun
Published: April 2015

In a direct-transfer pre-swirl system, cooling air expands through stationary pre-swirl nozzles and flows through the cavity to the receiver holes located in the rotating turbine disc for blade cooling. This paper investigates the effect of the length-to-diameter ratios of pre-swirl nozzles on the performance of a direct-transfer pre-swirl system in a rotor-stator cavity. The commercial code CFX 12.1 is used to solve the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations using the SST turbulence model. Computations are performed for seven length-to-diameter ratios, L/ D = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, a range of pre-swirl ratios, 0.5 <  β p<2.0, and varying turbulent flow parameters, 0.12 <  λ T < 0.36. The rotational Reynolds number for each case is 106. The computational fluid dynamics model presented in this paper is validated with the experimental results available in the literature. The nozzle exit flow angle α decreases as length-to-diameter ratio L/ D increases for L/ D < 1/tan θ (θ is pre-swirl nozzle angle). When L/ D > 1/tan θ, α is approximately invariant and below θ. The discharge coefficient C d,b for the receiver holes reaches a peak as the fluid in the rotating core is in synchronous rotation with the receiver holes. For small turbulent flow parameters λ T, a peak of C d,b can be observed as L/ D = 3. For large turbulent flow parameters λ T, the shift of the position for a peak occurs. When L/ D = 3, the synchronous rotation can be achieved with the smallest value for turbulent flow parameters λ T. The adiabatic effectiveness of the system increases with turbulent flow parameters λ T. A peak of Θ b,ad is seen as L/ D = 3 for each case. When L/ D < 1/tan θ, there is a significant increase in Θ b,ad, especially for L/ D < 2, with an increase in L/ D. When L/ D is increased further, a slight decrease occurs. Both performance parameters show that the optimum value for all cases can be achieved as L/ D = 3, which is slightly above 1/tan θ.
‘A pig is a person’ or ‘You can love a fox and hunt it’: Innovation and tradition in the discursive representation of animals
Authors: Cook Guy
Published: April 2015

In contemporary urban society, animals have been erased in many people’s lives. They are generally encountered only as meat, pets, pests or vicariously in fiction and documentaries; yet the relation of humans to other animals is a matter of pressing environmental, social, economic and philosophical concern, and across the social and natural sciences there is increased interest in human–animal interaction. This situation gives rise to many different and often irreconcilable ways of talking about animals, and current debates about human–animal interaction are frequently polarised and based on incompatible standpoints, such as those of animal rights and human exceptionalism. This article analyses two interviews which exemplify such radically opposed views: one with a spokesperson for the Vegan Society, and one with a spokesperson for the Countryside Alliance, a pro-hunting pressure group. Both are placed against the background of other interviews collected as part of an ongoing larger research project on the discursive representation of animals. Each is shown to use and promote a way of speaking about animals which is at odds with mainstream establishment discourse. It is suggested that they represent two mirror-image reactions to the erasure of animals in contemporary urban life which, despite their differences, reflect a more intimate encounter with actual animals. One actively seeks to preserve and promote a traditional discourse, the other to innovate a new non-speciesist discourse. They thus reflect, in their uses of language, contrasting possible reactions to a major social and environmental change.
Pregnancies in women receiving renal transplant for lupus nephritis: description of nine pregnancies and review of the literature
Authors: Campise M , Giglio E , Trespidi L , Messa P , Moroni G
Published: April 2015

Background

Few data are available on pregnancy in renal transplanted women for lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods

Among 38 women with LN who received a renal transplant in our Unit, three had nine pregnancies. During the pregnancies, patients were followed by a multidisciplinary team including gynecologists and nephrologists.

Results

Two patients received a living related and one a deceased kidney transplant. The immunosuppressive therapy consisted of steroids calcinurin inhibithors and mycophenolate mofetil. The last drug was substituted with azathioprine in prevision of pregnancy. All patients had normal renal function and urinalysis. In two patients some signs of immunological activity persisted after transplantation. Five pregnancies ended in miscarriage and four in live births. Two pregnancies were uneventful. Pre-eclampsia occurred in a hypertensive patient in two pregnancies that ended in preterm delivery in one case and in a small for gestation age in both cases. And finally, follow-up graft function and urinalysis continued to be normal in all patients.

Conclusions

After renal transplantation our LN women continue to have frequent miscarriages. The other pregnancies ended in live births and, with the exception of pre-eclampsia in a hypertensive patient, no renal or extra-renal complications occurred during or after pregnancy, even in cases with active immunological tests.
‘Imagining ourselves’ as participating publics: An example from biodiversity conservation
Authors: Castro Paula , Mouro Carla
Published: April 2015

This article examines how residents in Natura 2000 sites in Southern Portugal ‘imagine themselves’ as publics participating in biodiversity conservation. Through nine focus groups ( n = 49) it seeks to understand whether and how these self-imaginations reproduce and/or resist experts’ highly shared, hegemonic, representations across two dimensions: the epistemic and the normative. Analysis of the groups’ discussions shows that (1) reproduction is clearer in the normative dimension, conveyed through discursive formats that place ‘people’ as its actor and exempt the Ego from it; (2) resistance is clearer in the epistemic dimension, relying on vibrant claims of local knowledge, yet it can be maintained as hidden discourse; (3) the forms of reproduction or resistance that emerged were hybrid ones; and (4) self-imaginations are more fragmented and negative in normative matters and more unified and positive in epistemic matters. We discuss how these findings help understand how hegemonic representations are maintained/resisted in enduring public–expert relations.
Nurse moral disengagement
Authors: Fida Roberta , Tramontano Carlo , Paciello Marinella , Kangasniemi Mari , Sili Alessandro , Bobbio Andrea , Barbaranelli Claudio
Published: April 2015

Background:

Ethics is a founding component of the nursing profession; however, nurses sometimes find it difficult to constantly adhere to the required ethical standards. There is limited knowledge about the factors that cause a committed nurse to violate standards; moral disengagement, originally developed by Bandura, is an essential variable to consider.

Research objectives:

This study aimed at developing and validating a nursing moral disengagement scale and investigated how moral disengagement is associated with counterproductive and citizenship behaviour at work.

Research design:

The research comprised a qualitative study and a quantitative study, combining a cross-validation approach and a structural equation model.

Participants and research context:

A total of 60 Italian nurses (63% female) involved in clinical work and enrolled as students in a postgraduate master’s programme took part in the qualitative study. In 2012, the researchers recruited 434 nurses (76% female) from different Italian hospitals using a convenience sampling method to take part in the quantitative study.

Ethical considerations:

All the organisations involved and the university gave ethical approval; all respondents participated on a voluntary basis and did not receive any form of compensation.

Findings:

The nursing moral disengagement scale comprised a total of 22 items. Results attested the mono-dimensionality of the scale and its good psychometric properties. In addition, results highlighted a significant association between moral disengagement and both counterproductive and citizenship behaviours.

Discussion:

Results showed that nurses sometimes resort to moral disengagement in their daily practice, bypassing moral and ethical codes that would normally prevent them from enacting behaviours that violate their norms and protocols.

Conclusion:

The nursing moral disengagement scale can complement personnel monitoring and assessment procedures already in place and provide additional information to nursing management for designing interventions aimed at increasing compliance with ethical codes by improving the quality of the nurses’ work environment.
Vortioxetine: A multimodal antidepressant or another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor?
Authors: Keks Nicholas A , Hope Judy , Culhane Christine
Published: April 2015

Objective:

The treatment of depressive disorders remains unsatisfactory for many patients with regard to efficacy and tolerability. Vortioxetine has been registered by regulatory authorities for the treatment of major depressive disorder. This paper aims to provide clinicians with a brief overview of vortioxetine and its place in treatment.

Conclusions:

Vortioxetine is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor with additional serotonergic receptor effects of uncertain significance; hence, its classification as ‘multimodal’. The half-life is about 2.75 days and steady state requires about 14 days. Metabolism is hepatic and involves cytochromes 2D6 and 3A4/5. Antidepressant efficacy in major depressive disorder has been established in registration studies, but the effectiveness of vortioxetine in ‘real world’ patients and in comparison to other antidepressants needs further investigation. The recommended dose range is 5–20 mg. Nausea, constipation and vomiting are the most common side effects. Sexual dysfunction may occur at higher doses but there appears to be low risk of weight gain and sedation. There is still much to learn about this drug, particularly whether it has unique characteristics in comparison to existing antidepressants. At present, vortioxetine can be considered as an antidepressant option in patients with established major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to other antidepressants.
Clinical update on frontotemporal dementia: diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Mocellin Ramon , Scholes Amelia , Walterfang Mark , Looi Jeffrey CL , Velakoulis Dennis
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

To provide a clinical update for general psychiatrists on frontotemporal dementias (FTDs) using a selective narrative review of recent findings and advances in conceptualising, diagnosing and treating FTD.

Conclusions:

General psychiatrists can apply their skills to support patients, carers, GPs and allied health workers in comprehensive care of persons with FTD.
Informal Caregivers of Palliative Oncohematologic Patients
Authors: Uceda-Torres María Elena , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Juan Nicolás , Alvarado-Gómez Francisco , Sánchez-Ramos José Luis , McGrath Pam
Published: April 2015

Informal caregivers are crucial members of the teams that care for palliative patients with cancer, including those with oncohematological malignancies. Publications concerning specific aspects of this latter group of carers are limited. This literature review indicates that palliative oncohematologic patients’ caregivers do not differ from those of patients with solid tumors in ethical and related problems. However, there are specific problems for the former group with regard to negotiating the curative system, which are experienced as distressing, often without support from the health system and without offers of the possibility of being referred to palliative teams that they would have valued as very positive. Although this tendency seems to be changing, there is still considerable work to be done to improve the role of these carers.
Connecting Evidence-Based Practice With Implementation Opportunities in Special Education Mathematics Preparation
Authors: Powell Sarah R.
Published: April 2015

Over the past two decades, changes in legislation and mathematics standards, along with the increased placement of students with disabilities in general education settings, have resulted in higher expectations for what students with disabilities will be able to know and do related to mathematics. To adequately prepare for the demands of teaching mathematics to students with disabilities, it is incumbent upon special education programs to identify ways to increase the mathematical knowledge and skills of preservice special educators. Effective preparation in mathematics related to special education requires (a) awareness of legislative requirements and guiding standards, (b) understanding the etiology of mathematics difficulty, (c) familiarity with mathematics content, (d) understanding pedagogy related to special education and mathematics education, (e) knowledge of assessment to gauge student progress, (f) familiarity with evidence-based practices, and (g) authentic experiences in the field.
Pharmacist Leadership in ICU Quality Improvement
Authors: Stollings Joanna L. , Foss Julie J. , Ely E. Wesley , Ambrose Anna M. , Rice Todd W. , Girard Timothy D. , Wheeler Arthur P.
Published: April 2015

Background: Coordinating efforts across disciplines in the intensive care unit is a key component of quality improvement (QI) efforts. Spontaneous awakening trials (SATs) and spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) are considered key components of guidelines, yet unfortunately are often not done or coordinated properly. Objective: To determine if a pharmacist-driven awakening and breathing coordination (ABC) QI program would improve compliance (ie, process measures) as compared with the previous protocol, which did not involve pharmacists. Methods: The QI program included pharmacist-led education, daily discussion on rounds, and weekly performance reports to staff. Using a pre-QI versus during-QI versus post-QI intervention design, we compared data from 500 control ventilator-days (pre-QI period) versus 580 prospective ventilator-days (during-QI period). We then evaluated the sustainability of the QI program in 216 ventilator-days in the post-QI period. Results: SAT safety screens were performed on only 20% pre-QI patient-days versus 97% of during-QI patient-days ( P < 0.001) and 100% of post-QI patient-days ( P = 0.25). The rates of passing the SAT safety screen in pre-QI and during-QI periods were 63% versus 78% ( P = 0.03) and 81% in the post-QI period ( P = 0.86). The rates of SATs among eligible patients on continuous infusions were only 53% in the pre-QI versus 85% in the during-QI ( P = 0.0001) and 87% in the post-QI ( P = 1) periods. Conclusions: In this QI initiative, a pharmacist-driven, interdisciplinary ABC protocol significantly improved process measures compliance, comparing the pre-QI versus during-QI rates of screening, performing, and coordinating SAT and SBTs, and these results were sustained in the 8-month follow-up period post-QI program.
Chatter alleviation for a class of second-order under-actuated mechanical systems with matched and mismatched disturbances
Authors: Shi Jinjin , Wang Jinxiang , Fu Fangfa
Published: April 2015

The chattering phenomenon and a system with both matched and mismatched disturbances are the major difficulties in sliding mode control design. This paper presents an effective design procedure to alleviate these two difficulties for a class of second-order under-actuated mechanical systems. In the proposed design, new hierarchical sliding surfaces are designed and a modified disturbance observer is utilized to estimate the lumped disturbance which is a linear combination of the matched and mismatched disturbances. The chatter in control input is filtered out by an integrator, which acts as a low-pass filter. The asymptotic stabilities of the entire sliding surfaces are guaranteed. A design study considering lateral control of a vehicle with matched and mismatched disturbances demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed design.
Limit cycle prediction of systems with fractional controllers and backlash
Authors: Barbosa Ramiro S , Machado JA Tenreiro
Published: April 2015

This article investigates the limit cycle (LC) prediction of systems with backlash by means of the describing function (DF) when using discrete fractional-order (FO) algorithms. The DF is an approximate method that gives good estimates of LCs. The implementation of FO controllers requires the use of rational approximations, but such realizations produce distinct dynamic types of behavior. This study analyzes the accuracy in the prediction of LCs, namely their amplitude and frequency, when using several different algorithms. To illustrate this problem we use FO-PID algorithms in the control of systems with backlash.
An in-depth investigation on plane harmonic waves under two-temperature thermoelasticity with two relaxation parameters
Authors: Kumar Anil , Kant Shashi , Mukhopadhyay Santwana
Published: April 2015

The present work is concerned with an in-depth analysis of plane harmonic waves in a thermoelastic medium under two-temperature thermoelasticity with two relaxation parameters. After the mathematical formulation of the present problem, we obtain the dispersion relation solution of harmonic plane waves propagating in the medium. The transverse wave is observed to be not affected by the thermal field and the longitudinal wave is coupled with the thermal field. Hence, special attention is paid on two different modes of longitudinal plane wave. One is predominantly elastic and the other is predominantly thermal in nature. The asymptotic expressions for the phase velocity, specific loss and many other important wave characteristics are derived in the cases of very high- and low-frequency regions for both the elastic and thermal mode longitudinal waves. Numerical results of these wave components are obtained for the intermediate values of frequency and the results are illustrated graphically in order to verify the analytical results. On the basis of analytical and numerical results a thorough analysis of the effects of the thermal relaxation parameters on various wave characteristics is presented. A detailed comparison of the results in the context of the present model with the corresponding results of three other models is also provided and several findings regarding the prediction of the present model as compared to other models are highlighted. The present investigation brought out the effects of the second relaxation parameter and the two-temperature parameter on the propagation of a plane harmonic wave through the medium.
Pilot Study of Droxidopa With Carbidopa in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Adler Lenard A. , Gorny Stephen W.
Published: April 2015

Objective: We conducted a two-period (open-label and double-blind) pilot investigation of droxidopa, with and without carbidopa, for ADHD. Method: Twenty adult ADHD patients received open-label droxidopa titrated from 200 to 600 mg 3 times per day (TID; Weeks 1-3), then open-label droxidopa plus carbidopa titrated from 25 or 50 mg TID (Weeks 4-6). In Weeks 7 to 8, patients were randomized to continued co-treatment or matching placebo substitution. Results: Improvements in mean total Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Report Scale (AISRS) scores were seen at Week 1 ( p < .0001) and Week 3 ( p < .0001). Improvements were maintained but not increased with carbidopa. Thirteen of 20 patients completed open-label treatment. In the double-blind period, mean total AISRS scores were similar between the co-treatment ( n = 6) and placebo ( n = 5) groups. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: These preliminary findings indicate that droxidopa can improve adult ADHD symptoms. Further studies are warranted to examine the efficacy and safety of droxidopa in ADHD.
Anesthetic Management of a Patient With a Giant Right Atrial Myxoma
Authors: Essandoh Michael , Andritsos Michael , Kilic Ahmet , Crestanello Juan
Published: April 2015

Cardiac myxomas account for 50% of all benign primary cardiac tumors. Rarely, these tumors occur in the right atrium (RA; 10% to 20%), with a stalk frequently attached to the interatrial septum. Right atrial myxomas can lead to RA enlargement, arrhythmias, functional tricuspid stenosis, right heart failure, and catastophic pulmonary embolization resulting in sudden cardiac death. Anesthetic management of patients with RA myxomas can be complicated by the mass effect of the myxoma, preload limitations, and the potential for cardiovascular collapse. Multimodal cardiac imaging inclusive of echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging helps with the diagnosis, preoperative optimization, and formulation of anesthetic and surgical plans. We present a case report highlighting the importance of multimodal imaging, adequate preoperative patient optimization, and the anesthetic considerations in the successful management of a patient with a giant 8.3 × 4.7 cm RA myxoma.
Data Sparseness and Variance in Accounting Profitability
Authors: Stavropoulos Spyridon , Burger Martijn J. , Skuras Dimitris
Published: April 2015

A central question in strategic management is why some firms perform better than others. One approach to addressing this question empirically is to decompose the variance in firm-level profitability into firm, industry, location, and year components. Although it is well established that data sparseness in variance decomposition studies can lead to overestimating particular variance components, little attention has been paid to sample size requirements in strategic management studies that have examined the nature of differences in firm profitability. We conduct a meta-regression and variance decomposition study and conclude that the variation in the results from previous studies is driven—to a considerable extent—by the number of observations per group within a component. Based on these findings, we draw conclusions regarding the validity and reliability of previous variance decomposition studies and provide implications for current debates in the strategic management literature.
Experimentation and simulation of moisture diffusion in foam-cored polyurethane sandwich structure
Authors: Huo Z , Mohamed M , Nicholas J R , Wang X , Chandrashekhara K
Published: April 2015

The moisture diffusion behavior of two-part thermoset polyurethane neat resin, woven E-glass fiber-reinforced polyurethane face sheet, closed-cell rigid polyurethane foam core and their corresponding sandwich specimens was investigated in this study. The vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process was used to manufacture the polyurethane sandwich panels. Open-edge moisture diffusion experiment was conducted for sandwich panel and its constituents by immersing each type of samples in distilled water at room temperature for nearly seven months. Moisture diffusivities and solubility for neat resin, face sheet and foam core specimens were characterized according to the experimental analysis. The moisture diffusion behavior for closed-cell polyurethane foam was found to deviate significantly from classical Fick’s law, and a multi-stage diffusion model was thus proposed to explain this deviation using a time-dependent diffusivity scheme. A user-defined subroutine was developed to implement this scheme into the commercial finite element analysis code ABAQUS. A three-dimensional dynamic finite element model was developed to predict the moisture diffusion behavior in neat resin, face sheet, foam core and sandwich specimens. This finite element model was then validated by comparing simulation results with experimental findings.
The Cultural Significance of a Smile
Authors: Broch Trygve B.
Published: April 2015

This article explores meaning-making in Norwegian youth sport. More specifically, how sport media becomes a tool in the instruction of youth athletes. Throughout the 2011–12 season I observed how coaches used portrayals of elite women handballers to educate their 13-year-old girl athletes. Depictions of smiling women were used in contextual attempts to convey the pragmatic benefits of smiling girls. I apply cultural sociology to investigate the processes where coaches mobilize and mould media depictions to inform youth’s sport praxis. The account shows why and how the smile’s pragmatics is shaped by and shape broad conceptions of youth, sport and gender. Analysis reveals that the smile encourages what the coaches perceive as appropriate strategies towards success. The cultural significance of the smile resides within its capacities to better the performance, to resolve tensions in team hierarchies and allow appropriate displays of aggression in girl handball.
Media Consumption and the Identity Projects of the Young
Authors: Sihvonen Jenniina
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this research is to discern the different roles of media in the identity projects of the young. Building on the idea of social identification, the analysis is focused on defining the different ways and criteria in which their own media consumption is accounted for by the young when making sense of themselves and others. Empirical data for the study included 53 Finnish university students’ essays on their relationships with different media vehicles and contents. The findings indicate that media consumption attaches to the identity projects of the young by relating to their taste preferences, everyday concerns, lifestyles and life themes, thereby addressing the basic states of human existence, namely having, doing and being. The findings demonstrate that media consumption connects with five different identity projects: (a) being a global citizen, (b) being a student, (c) being young, (d) being a devotee and (e) being healthy.
Young People, Consumer Citizenship and Protest
Authors: Miles Steven
Published: April 2015

This article critically interrogates the assumption that young people operate at the ‘cutting edge’ of social change. Arguing that the ideological impact of consumption on young people’s everyday lives is such that young people are almost obliged to reinforce the status quo rather than to undermine it, the article considers the impact of young people’s status as consumer citizens. Using the London riots of 2011 riots as a means of briefly reflecting upon the degree to which young people are in opposition to the consumer society, the argument is made that youth researchers have tended to romanticize young people’s relationship to social change and that this is the result of their own sense of political disillusionment in what is essentially a consumer society.
EFL teachers’ attempts at feedback innovation in the writing classroom
Authors: Lee Icy , Mak Pauline , Burns Anne
Published: April 2015

To date, research on feedback in second language (L2) writing has primarily focused on feedback per se, with little attention paid to the teachers’ professional development with regard to feedback in writing. This study aims to explore the ways in which two secondary teachers in Hong Kong attempted to implement feedback innovation in their writing classrooms after receiving some professional development input, as well as the factors that influenced their attempts at feedback innovation. The findings indicate that the teachers were unable to fully translate into practice the feedback principles acquired from teacher education and reveal a string of factors that influenced their attempts at feedback innovation. The study has implications for teacher education and teacher professional development, shedding light on how teachers can be supported to bring innovation to conventional feedback approaches in the writing classroom.
Dementia informal caregiver obtaining and engaging in food-related information and support services
Authors: Papachristou Iliatha , Hickey Gary , Iliffe Steve
Published: April 2015

As dementia progresses, caregivers increasingly have to manage the decline of food-related abilities with little outside information or input from support services The provision of food coping skills and knowledge can lessen the burden on caregivers. However, there is little research on caregivers’ perspectives on food-related services. This paper reports on a qualitative study to investigate informal caregivers’ experiences of, and views on, food-related information and support services in dementia. Twenty informal caregivers were interviewed and the transcripts from these interviews were analysed using both deductive and inductive thematic analysis. Four categories emerged. ‘Direct food-related Information’, covers written material, training, ‘Direct food-related informal support’: lunch clubs, ‘Indirect non-food related formal support services’ covers respite services and domestic help at home. Finally ‘no services required’ covers those who did not feel they needed any form of intervention due to confidence in managing food-related processes or having no change in dementia progression and food responsibility. Most caregivers will need different levels of information and support at different stages of dementia. It is necessary therefore to undertake ongoing individual assessment of food information and support needs.
Effect of therapeutic massage on pain in patients with dementia
Authors: Kapoor Yamini , Orr Robin
Published: April 2015

Introduction

The aim was to investigate whether therapeutic massage was effective in relieving pain in elderly residents with dementia.

Methods

A randomized controlled study was conducted in an aged care facility. Ten participants with dementia or advanced dementia were allocated to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received 10 min of massage (effleurage, kneading, and trigger point therapy) four times per week for 4 weeks. The Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale was used as the outcome measure.

Results

No significant changes in mean outcome measure scores were found post intervention (Intervention mean = 5.0 ± 3.49; Control mean = 5.2 ± 3.49: t(8) = 0.09, p = 0.93). However, the Intervention Group had a greater magnitude of change (1.200 ± 1.78) when compared to the control group (0.800 ± 2.16).

Conclusion

Therapeutic massage may provide a useful adjunct to the current pain management plan of patients with dementia.
Reverse modeling of complicated folded fabric
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Long Jiang , Liang Ke , Hou Jiadong , Chen Zhichao , Cheng Han
Published: April 2015

In order to model complicated folded fabric, this paper proposed a new reverse modeling method. Two kinds of concrete implementation were investigated, which were based on graphical deformation and nonlinear dynamics, respectively. The first method learned from Free-Form Deformation technology is used to form the regular folds, while the element distortion rises. The second method adopts a fluid structure interaction algorithm to form the irregular folds. Both methods can transform the finite element model from expanded state to initial folded state without changing the mesh topology. Therefore, the mapping relationship between the finite element models of expanded state and folded state can be naturally obtained. Then, the initial stress used to modify the model can be calculated according to the mapping relationship, and the modifying can ensure the accordance of inflated flexible fabric’s geometry and the original design. At last, the finite element model of an inflatable fabric, which cannot be modeled by exiting method, was established by the new reverse modeling method with its feasibility and accuracy verified by comparing the calculation results. The results of this study could provide a reference for modeling complicated folded fabric.
Single-Session Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Dental Anxiety
Authors: Potter Carrie M. , Jensen Dane , Kinner Dina G. , Tellez Marisol , Ismail Amid , Heimberg Richard G.
Published: April 2015

Therapy interventions for dental anxiety that can be easily implemented in dental health care settings are needed. A series of six case studies is presented to demonstrate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a single-session computerized cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for dental anxiety. Six patients at a community dental clinic (five females, Mage = 49.50, SD = 10.48) who were identified as having high dental anxiety on the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) participated in this uncontrolled pilot trial. All patients completed pre-treatment assessments of dental anxiety and the computerized therapy during the hour before a scheduled dental appointment, and five of six patients completed a 1-month follow-up assessment. All six of the patients were able to complete the intervention with minimal assistance and reported that they were very satisfied with the therapy. Three of the five patients available for follow-up assessment demonstrated clinically significant reductions in their dental anxiety, with MDAS scores dropping from the high range to the low range. Findings provide preliminary support for the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of this computerized dental anxiety intervention. Implications for the dissemination of this intervention within dental health care settings and improvement of anxious patients’ access to dental care are discussed.
Insights into the regulation of neuronal viability by nucleophosmin/B23
Authors: Pfister Jason A , D’Mello Santosh R
Published: April 2015

The vastness of the neuronal network that constitutes the human brain proves challenging when trying to understand its complexity. Furthermore, due to the senescent state they enter into upon maturation, neurons lack the ability to regenerate in the face of insult, injury or death. Consequently, their excessive death can be detrimental to the proper functioning of the brain. Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms regulating neuronal survival is, while challenging, of great importance as the incidence of neurological disease is becoming more prevalent in today’s society. Nucleophosmin/B23 (NPM) is an abundant and ubiquitously expressed protein that regulates vital cellular processes such as ribosome biogenesis, cell proliferation and genomic stability. As a result, it is necessary for proper embryonic development, but has also been implicated in many cancers. While highly studied in the context of proliferative cells, there is a lack of understanding NPM’s role in post-mitotic neurons. By exploring its role in healthy neurons as well as its function in the regulation of cell death and neurodegeneration, there can be a better understanding of how these diseases initiate and progress. Owing to what is thus far known about its function in the cell, NPM could be an attractive therapeutic target in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Reviewing the self-assessment of governing body performance in colleges and schools in England
Authors: Hill Ron , James Ian
Published: April 2015

This study considers the rhetoric and practice of self-assessment by governing bodies of schools and colleges. The context expects governing bodies to reflect on their performance and this is supported by theoretical approaches to self-assessment of ‘boards’. However, there are both general notes of caution and interview evidence of the complexities and limitations of self-assessment by governing bodies. The article includes advice on the basic conditions necessary for undertaking self-assessment by school and college governing bodies. In the light of the evidence and case presented, the authors urge care and sophistication when practising or considering the outcome of self-assessment by school and college governing bodies.
A Tale of Two Stories from “Below the Line”
Authors: Graham Todd , Wright Scott
Published: April 2015

This article analyzes the nature of debate on “below the line” comment fields at the United Kingdom’s Guardian, and how, if at all, such debates are impacting journalism practice. The article combines a content analysis of 3,792 comments across eighty-five articles that focused on the UN Climate Change Summit, with ten interviews with journalists, two with affiliated commentators, plus the community manager. The results suggest a more positive picture than has been found by many existing studies: Debates were often deliberative in nature, and journalists reported that it was positively impacting their practice in several ways, including providing new story leads and enhanced critical reflection. However, citizen–journalist debate was limited. The results are attributed to the normalization of comment fields into everyday journalism practice, extensive support and encouragement from senior management, and a realization that comment fields can actually make the journalists’ life a little easier.
Predictors of systolic blood pressure in post-menopausal euthyroid women: A study of the NHANES continuous survey data 2007–2012
Authors: Khitan Zeid , Dial Larry , Santhanam Prasanna
Published: April 2015

There is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and higher rate of hypertension in post-menopausal (compared to pre-menopausal women). We analysed the cross-sectional National Health and Nutritional Examination and Survey 2007–2012 to look at the factors that affect systolic blood pressure in post-menopausal women. We also performed a linear regression with systolic blood pressure as the dependent variable and age, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, A1C and serum creatinine as independent variables. In the regression model, only body mass index was a significant predictor of systolic blood pressure (adjusted r2 of 0. 100, F(6, 740) = 14.74, standard error β = 0.08, standardized coefficient B = 0.31, p < 0.01).
The Competency Pivot
Authors: Lucas Kristen , Rawlins Jacob D.
Published: April 2015

In this article, we outline a competency-based approach to teaching business communication. At the heart of this approach, classroom instruction, assignments, and evaluation center on a goals-oriented and receiver-centric understanding of communication in which students are taught strategies for meeting five core competencies of business communication: professional, clear, concise, evidence driven, and persuasive. This is not a reinvention of the curriculum but instead a pivot that positions existing disciplinary knowledge and best practices into a clear, memorable, and professionally oriented framework to help students build critical communication skills that can be applied strategically across a range of business situations.
Podoplanin and CLEC-2 drive cerebrovascular patterning and integrity during development
Authors: Lowe Kate L. , Finney Brenda A. , Deppermann Carsten , Hägerling René , Gazit Salomé L. , Frampton Jon , Buckley Christopher , Camerer Eric , Nieswandt Bernhard , Kiefer Friedemann , Watson Steve P.
Published: April 2015

Key Points

Podoplanin and CLEC-2 critically drive the formation and integrity of developing cerebral blood vessels. Loss of cerebrovascular integrity is influenced by the loss of αIIb-mediated platelet aggregation and platelet secretion.