bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Os modelos de modernização da paisagem na zona norte do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Tângari Vera Regina
Published: August 2017

Este trabalho enfoca a paisagem urbana da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e busca estabelecer um corpo analítico sobre um tema central: os processos de reprodução dos padrões de configuração da arquitetura da paisagem carioca das áreas centrais nas áreas periféricas, mais especificamente nos subúrbios ferroviários da zona norte da cidade. Foi realizada a descrição do processo de modelização da paisagem suburbana, estabelecendo um elo de comparação entre os modelos gerais e os tipos específicos dos subúrbios. O trabalho conclui sobre a adequação morfológica e ambiental dos tipos específicos ao contexto tropical do Rio de Janeiro e sugere possíveis reformulações na legislação urbanística, visando melhorar a qualidade ambiental e paisagística da região suburbana
Os parques públicos municipais em São Paulo
Authors: Bartalini Vladimir
Published: August 2017

Os parques públicos municipais de São Paulo possuem características formais, dimensionais e funcionais bastante diversas. Constata-se também que a distribuição espacial e temporal destes equipamentos é muito irregular. Isto nos leva primeiramente à necessidade de pesquisar o que se entende pelo equipamento público denominado "parque" e, em seguida, buscar esclarecer os motivos pelos quais nossos parques foram criados. Este trabalho ainda não traz as respostas para nossa principal indagação (os motivos que levaram à implantação dos parques que temos), mas chama a atenção para o fato de que, embora a maior parte das áreas dos parques tenha-se originado de desapropriações predominam, dos anos 80 em diante, os casos de parques originados de espaços livres de loteamentos. São parques de pequenas dimensões, com raio de atendimento limitado à vizinhança imediata, que ganharam cercamento e uma sede administrativa (condições para uma área verde ser considerada "parque" pelos critérios do Depave - Departamento de Parques e Áreas Verdes do Município de São Paulo) por solicitação dos moradores. A freqüência com que vêm ocorrendo os parques originados de espaços livres de loteamento levanta indagações sobre as possibilidades que a legislação de parcelamento do solo apresenta para o provimento de parques públicos
Quantitative Assessment of Coronary Microvascular Function
Authors: Feher Attila , Sinusas Albert J.
Published: August 2017

A healthy, functional microcirculation in combination with nonobstructed epicardial coronary arteries is the prerequisite of normal myocardial perfusion. Quantitative assessment in myocardial perfusion and determination of absolute myocardial blood flow can be achieved noninvasively using dynamic imaging with multiple imaging modalities. Extensive evidence supports the clinical value of noninvasively assessing indices of coronary flow for diagnosing coronary microvascular dysfunction; in certain diseases, the degree of coronary microvascular impairment carries important prognostic relevance. Although, currently positron emission tomography is the most commonly used tool for the quantification of myocardial blood flow, other modalities, including single-photon emission computed tomography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and myocardial contrast echocardiography, have emerged as techniques with great promise for determination of coronary microvascular dysfunction. The following review will describe basic concepts of coronary and microvascular physiology, review available modalities for dynamic imaging for quantitative assessment of coronary perfusion and myocardial blood flow, and discuss their application in distinct forms of coronary microvascular dysfunction.
Utilization, Characteristics, and In-Hospital Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Pi Yi , Roe Matthew T. , Holmes DaJuanicia N. , Chiswell Karen , Garvey J. Lee , Fonarow Gregg C. , de Lemos James A. , Garratt Kirk N. , Xian Ying
Published: August 2017

Background—

There are limited data on the utilization and outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) among ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients in contemporary practice.

Methods and Results—

Using data from National Cardiovascular Data Registry Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry–Get With The Guidelines between 2007 and 2014, we analyzed trends in CABG utilization and hospital-level variation in CABG rates. Patients undergoing CABG during the index admission were categorized by the most common scenarios: (1) CABG only as the primary reperfusion strategy; (2) CABG after primary percutaneous coronary intervention; and (3) CABG after fibrinolytic therapy. A total of 15 145 patients (6.3% of the STEMI population) underwent CABG during the index hospitalization, with a decrease in utilization from 8.3% in 2007 to 5.4% in 2014 (trend
P
value <0.001). The hospital-level use of CABG in STEMI varied widely from 0.5% to 36.2% (median, 5.3%; interquartile range [IQR], 3.5%–7.8%;
P
value <0.001). Of all patients undergoing CABG, 45.8% underwent CABG only, 38.7% had CABG after percutaneous coronary intervention, and 8.2% CABG after fibrinolytic therapy. The median time intervals from cardiac catheterization/percutaneous coronary intervention to CABG were 23.3 hours (IQR, 3.0–70.3 hours) in CABG only, 49.7 hours (IQR, 3.2–70.3 hours) in CABG after percutaneous coronary intervention, and 56.6 hours (IQR, 22.7–96.0 hours) in CABG after fibrinolytic therapy. The Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network mortality risk scores differed modestly (median, 33; IQR, 28–40 versus median, 32; IQR, 27–38) between CABG and non-CABG patients. Patients undergoing CABG had similar in-hospital mortality rate (5.4% versus 5.1%) as those not treated with CABG.

Conclusions—

CABG is performed infrequently in STEMI patients during the index hospitalization, with rates declining in contemporary US practice over time. There was marked hospital-level variation in the use of CABG, and CABG was typically performed within 1 to 3 days after angiography. Observed mortality rates appear low, suggesting that CABG might be safely performed in select STEMI patients in a timely fashion.
Trends and Outcomes After Same-Day Discharge After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Agarwal Shikhar , Thakkar Badal , Skelding Kimberly A. , Blankenship James C.
Published: August 2017

Background—

Despite the demonstrated safety of the same-day discharge (SDD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), uptake of this program has been relatively poor in the United States. We evaluated the temporal trends and variations in the utilization of SDD after PCI during the contemporary era. In addition, we evaluated the predictors of SDD (compared with next-day discharge) and the causes of readmission in these 2 patient cohorts.

Methods and Results—

Data were extracted from State Ambulatory Surgical Database and State Inpatient Database from Florida and New York ranging from 2009 to 2013. All adults undergoing PCI in an outpatient setting were included. Data were merged with the directory available from the American Hospital Association to obtain detailed information on hospital-related characteristics. Unplanned readmissions within 7 and 30 days constituted the coprimary outcomes. There was modest increase in the proportion of SDD after PCI from 2.5% in 2009 to 7.4% in 2013 (
P
-trend <0.001). SDD was more frequently used among male and younger patients with fewer comorbidities. There were considerable differences in the discharge practices among the different hospital types. Larger hospitals, teaching hospitals, and high PCI volume hospitals had higher utilization of SDD compared with their respective counterparts. SDD and next-day discharge cohorts had similar rates of unplanned readmissions, in-hospital mortality, and acute myocardial infarction during follow-up. Furthermore, uninsured patients had significantly lower odds of SDD along with higher incidence of unplanned readmission within 30 days after PCI compared with insured patients.

Conclusions—

During 2009 to 2013, there has been a modest increase in SDD after PCI. Several demographic and clinical characteristics play critical role in determination of SDD after PCI. There were significant disparities in discharge practices between different sex, racial, and insurance-based strata.
Cardiovascular Event Prediction by Machine Learning
Authors: Ambale-Venkatesh Bharath , Yang Xiaoying , Wu Colin O. , Liu Kiang , Hundley W. Gregory , McClelland Robyn , Gomes Antoinette S. , Folsom Aaron R. , Shea Steven , Guallar Eliseo , Bluemke David A. , Lima João A.C.
Published: August 2017

Rationale:

Machine learning may be useful to characterize cardiovascular risk, predict outcomes, and identify biomarkers in population studies.

Objective:

To test the ability of random survival forests, a machine learning technique, to predict 6 cardiovascular outcomes in comparison to standard cardiovascular risk scores.

Methods and Results:

We included participants from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). Baseline measurements were used to predict cardiovascular outcomes over 12 years of follow-up. MESA was designed to study progression of subclinical disease to cardiovascular events where participants were initially free of cardiovascular disease. All 6814 participants from MESA, aged 45 to 84 years, from 4 ethnicities, and 6 centers across the United States were included. Seven-hundred thirty-five variables from imaging and noninvasive tests, questionnaires, and biomarker panels were obtained. We used the random survival forests technique to identify the top-20 predictors of each outcome. Imaging, electrocardiography, and serum biomarkers featured heavily on the top-20 lists as opposed to traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Age was the most important predictor for all-cause mortality. Fasting glucose levels and carotid ultrasonography measures were important predictors of stroke. Coronary Artery Calcium score was the most important predictor of coronary heart disease and all atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease combined outcomes. Left ventricular structure and function and cardiac troponin-T were among the top predictors for incident heart failure. Creatinine, age, and ankle-brachial index were among the top predictors of atrial fibrillation. TNF-α (tissue necrosis factor-α) and IL (interleukin)-2 soluble receptors and NT-proBNP (N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) levels were important across all outcomes. The random survival forests technique performed better than established risk scores with increased prediction accuracy (decreased Brier score by 10%–25%).

Conclusions:

Machine learning in conjunction with deep phenotyping improves prediction accuracy in cardiovascular event prediction in an initially asymptomatic population. These methods may lead to greater insights on subclinical disease markers without apriori assumptions of causality.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00005487.
Krüppel-Like Factor 4 Regulation of Cholesterol-25-Hydroxylase and Liver X Receptor Mitigates Atherosclerosis Susceptibility
Authors: Li Zhao , Martin Marcy , Zhang Jin , Huang Hsi-Yuan , Bai Liang , Zhang Jiao , Kang Jian , He Ming , Li Jie , Maurya Mano R. , Gupta Shakti , Zhou Guangjin , Sangwung Panjamaporn , Xu Yong-Jiang , Lei Ting , Huang Hsien-Da , Jain Mohit , Jain Mukesh K. , Subramaniam Shankar , Shyy John Y.-J.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Atherosclerosis is a multifaceted inflammatory disease involving cells in the vascular wall (eg, endothelial cells [ECs]), as well as circulating and resident immunogenic cells (eg, monocytes/macrophages). Acting as a ligand for liver X receptor (LXR), but an inhibitor of SREBP2 (sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2), 25-hydroxycholesterol, and its catalyzing enzyme cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (Ch25h) are important in regulating cellular inflammatory status and cholesterol biosynthesis in both ECs and monocytes/macrophages.

Methods:

Bioinformatic analyses were used to investigate RNA-sequencing data to identify cholesterol oxidation and efflux genes regulated by Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). In vitro experiments involving cultured ECs and macrophages and in vivo methods involving mice with Ch25h ablation were then used to explore the atheroprotective role of KLF4-Ch25h/LXR.

Results:

Vasoprotective stimuli increased the expression of Ch25h and LXR via KLF4. The KLF4-Ch25h/LXR homeostatic axis functions through suppressing inflammation, evidenced by the reduction of inflammasome activity in ECs and the promotion of M1 to M2 phenotypic transition in macrophages. The increased atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E
–/–
/Ch25h
–/–
mice further demonstrates the beneficial role of the KLF4-Ch25h/LXR axis in vascular function and disease.

Conclusions:

KLF4 transactivates Ch25h and LXR, thereby promoting the synergistic effects between ECs and macrophages to protect against atherosclerosis susceptibility.
China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Investor-State Dispute Settlement: An Uncertain Experiment
Authors: Villalta Puig Gonzalo , Tsam Tai Sabrina Leung
Published: August 2017

The China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (PFTZ) is the first free trade zone of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It seeks to reform the national economy and open it up to foreign investment. This article argues that the suite of legal instruments that establish the PFTZ – the Framework Plan, the Negative List, the Decision, and the Management Method – are legally uncertain and that their legal uncertainty could cause disputes between PFTZ investors and the PRC. To address the problem of legal uncertainty, the article proposes, first, the adoption of a rational connection to the PFTZ as the test for jurisdiction of the PFTZ Court and the PFTZ Court of Arbitration; secondly, the enactment of the Negative List and the Decision as laws in order to clarify their legal status; and, thirdly, a reform of the PFTZ dispute settlement mechanism under the Management Method into an arbitral system.
A Jesuit Missio Castrensis in France at the End of the Sixteenth Century: Discipline and Violence at War
Authors: Boltanski Ariane
Published: August 2017

France was a crucial testing ground for the Counter-Reformation conduct of war. In 1590–92, the Holy League appeared a receptive field for the model of an ideal “Christian soldier,” and a Jesuit apostolate to an army at war and some examples of missio castrensis were therefore attempted in France, or in close contact with French battlefields. In particular, a Jesuit mission was established for the papal troops sent to support the Duke of Mayenne (1554–1611), and the Holy League. An earlier Jesuit mission to the troops of Alessandro Farnese in the Low Countries served as an inspiration to the Leaguers, the more so as on two occasions he led his soldiers into France to help them. As shown in numerous writings coming from the radical and urban circles of the League, as well as from the clergy engaged alongside the soldiers and urban militias in certain towns, the Christian soldier model was welcomed. However, no formal religious service was introduced within Mayenne’s army, and the Jesuit project ended in failure, largely because the expected discipline and moral reform of soldiers’ behavior failed to materialize. The failure of the mission is equally highlighted by the levels of violence during the war.
A guide to the morphology of bioluminescent signaling Cypridinid Ostracods from the Caribbean Sea, and a tabular key to the genera
Authors: MORIN JAMES G. , COHEN ANNE C.
Published: August 2017

This guide is a convenient graphic description of all the salient features of the bioluminescent ostracods in the family Cypridinidae from the Caribbean Sea that are useful, and essential, for their accurate identification upon microscopic examination of dissected specimens. Over 70 species of courtship-signaling ostracods [with 22 of these formally described] have been discovered in the Caribbean, but nowhere else, and many more await discovery. The guide is also helpful for providing comparative information on the morphology of all myodocopid ostracods in the family Cypridinidae from around the globe. We also include a tabular key to males of the six known genera (3 described) of signaling cypridinid ostracods and one commonly collected non-luminescent congener.
Improved Performance of High-Resolution Atmospheric Models in Simulating the East Asian Summer Monsoon Rain Belt
Authors: Yao Junchen , Zhou Tianjun , Guo Zhun , Chen Xiaolong , Zou Liwei , Sun Yong
Published: August 2017

Simulating the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) rain belt has been proven challenging for climate models. In this study, the impacts of high resolution to the simulation of spatial distributions and rainfall intensity of the EASM rain belt are revealed based on Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) simulations from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) models. A set of sensitivity experiments is further performed to eliminate the potential influences of differences among CMIP5 models. The results show that the high-resolution models improve the intensity and the spatial pattern of the EASM rainfall compared to the low-resolution models, further valid in the sensitivity experiments. The diagnosis of moist static energy (MSE) balance and moisture budgets is further performed to understand the mechanisms underlying the enhancements. Both analyses indicate that the improved EASM rainfall benefits from the intensified meridional convergence along the EASM rain belt simulated by the high-resolution models. In addition, such convergence is mainly contributed by intensified stationary meridional eddy northerly flows over the central northern areas of China and southerly flows over the south of Japan due to increased model resolution, which is robust in the sensitivity experiments. Further analysis indicates that the stationary meridional eddy flow changes in high-resolution simulations are related to the barotropic Rossby wave downstream of the Tibetan Plateau resulting from increased resolution.
Effect of Indian Ocean SST on Tibetan Plateau Precipitation in the Early Rainy Season
Authors: Chen Xiaoyang , You Qinglong
Published: August 2017

The onset of the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) indicates the beginning of the rainy season in the South Asia region. It is not only critical for the local agriculture and animal husbandry but also important for water and life security. Precipitation in the early rainy season (May) increases rapidly and has a large interannual variability, especially in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) region. One of the starting mechanisms of the monsoon system is the land–sea thermal contrast (LSTC) between the Indian Ocean (IO) and South Asia region. Therefore, the IO can be considered as a crucial factor for the intensity of the monsoon system, as well as the TP precipitation. In this study, the relationships between IO sea surface temperature (SST) and TP precipitation on the interannual time scale are investigated. Correlation maps show that IO SST variability contains a portion that is independent from the tropical Pacific Ocean SST and is negatively correlated with the TP precipitation. Here the authors define an LSTC index to determine the thermal condition over the IO and South Asia region. The SASM reveals an out-of-phase relationship with LSTC between land and ocean, which means it would be suppressed by the enhanced LSTC. The daily data are used to further analyze the relationship between the SASM and TP precipitation in detail. Results show that the anomalous TP precipitation in May is mainly caused by the Bay of Bengal monsoon and that the Indian monsoon is responsible for the TP precipitation in June. More specifically, warmer SST enlarges the LSTC between the IO and South Asia region. The SASM is weaker than the mean state, resulting in less precipitation over the TP. In negative years the opposite occurs.
Exploring the Usability of Probabilistic Weather Forecasts for Water Resources Decision-Making in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lopez Ana , Haines Sophie
Published: August 2017

Over the last two decades, probabilistic weather forecasts have been developed to quantify the uncertainties inherent in modeling the climate system. The skill of these forecasts has steadily increased, but the question of whether they are usable for water resources management remains open. The interdisciplinary study described in this paper combined a modeling approach with qualitative methods to identify technical and nontechnical factors that enhance or constrain the usability of probabilistic weather forecasts for reservoir management, using a case study of drought management decision-making by a water supply company in northwestern England.

The modeling approach calibrated and applied probabilistic medium- and extended-range precipitation forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to a simplified water resources system to study the technical quality of the forecasts that, in principle, could have informed management decisions during a drought event in 2010. The qualitative approach comprised initial semistructured interviews with water managers and regulators and follow-up discussions using the model experiment results to elicit further insights into the potential for incorporating probabilistic forecast information into decision-making processes.

The technical analysis showed that even these postprocessed forecasts did not have skill beyond the medium range; this constrains the type of management decisions the forecasts can inform. Regulatory frameworks and attitudes to risk in the water sector also inhibit the take-up of probabilistic forecasts for drought management decisions owing to the high stakes of such decisions and considerations spanning entire water resource zones.
Athletic identity and psychiatric symptoms following retirement from varsity sports
Authors: Giannone Zarina A , Haney Colleen J , Kealy David , Ogrodniczuk John S
Published: August 2017

Background:

Despite evidence identifying adjustment difficulties among retiring athletes, research investigating factors that contribute to post-retirement complications is limited. Athletic identity may be an important determinant of adverse adaptation to sport retirement.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to address the influence of athletic identity on post-retirement depression and anxiety symptoms among varsity athletes.

Method:

An anonymous, online survey regarding athletic identity and psychiatric symptoms was completed by 72 self-identified varsity athletes during their final season of competition and 3 months after retiring from sport.

Results:

After controlling for the effects of pre-retirement anxiety symptoms, endorsement of an athletic identity significantly predicted anxiety symptoms in the post-retirement period. A similar, but non-significant, pattern was observed for depressive symptoms.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study suggest that athletes’ degree of athletic identity may be a risk factor for the emergence of psychiatric distress in the months following their retirement from sport. Identity-focused screening or intervention during athletes’ sport careers could potentially mitigate some of the psychological difficulties associated with sport retirement.
Analytical and experimental investigation of the delamination during drilling of composite structures with core drill made of diamond grits: X-ray tomography analysis
Authors: Saoudi Jamel , Zitoune Redouane , Gururaja Suhasini , Salem Mehdi , Mezleni Salah
Published: August 2017

Among the various forms of material damage, exit-ply delamination has been identified as one of the most deleterious damage processes associated with drilling fibre-reinforced plastics. The thrust force has been cited as the primary cause for drilling-induced exit-ply delamination. Only one analytical model for the prediction of the critical thrust force responsible for delamination using core drills can be found in the literature. In this study, a realistic model to predict critical thrust force responsible for drilling-induced exit-ply delamination in a multi-directional carbon fibre-reinforced plastic laminate with core drill has been proposed. A comparison between the proposed model, literature model as well as the experimental tests conducted during punching tests is presented. The proposed model is found to correlate well with experimental punching tests. In fact, the maximum relative errors recorded between the experimental values of the critical thrust force and the measured values are around 15%. Micro-tomography experiments have also been conducted that capture the drilling-induced damage in multi-directional carbon fibre-reinforced plastics in great detail. The X-ray images highlight the difficulty in controlling the thickness of the uncut plies located under the core drill during punching tests that can be attributed to some deviations in predictions of critical thrust force. Postmortem examination of the blind holes after punching tests also confirms the presence of a net delamination near the vicinity of the nominal diameter of the core drill, which correlates well to the hypothesis of the analytical model.
Advanced Statistical Analyses to Reduce Inconsistency of Bond Strength Data
Authors: Minamino T. , Mine A. , Shintani A. , Higashi M. , Kawaguchi-Uemura A. , Kabetani T. , Hagino R. , Imai D. , Tajiri Y. , Matsumoto M. , Yatani H.
Published: August 2017

This study was designed to clarify the interrelationship of factors that affect the value of microtensile bond strength (µTBS), focusing on nondestructive testing by which information of the specimens can be stored and quantified. µTBS test specimens were prepared from 10 noncarious human molars. Six factors of µTBS test specimens were evaluated: presence of voids at the interface, X-ray absorption coefficient of resin, X-ray absorption coefficient of dentin, length of dentin part, size of adhesion area, and individual differences of teeth. All specimens were observed nondestructively by optical coherence tomography and micro–computed tomography before µTBS testing. After µTBS testing, the effect of these factors on µTBS data was analyzed by the general linear model, linear mixed effects regression model, and nonlinear regression model with 95% confidence intervals. By the general linear model, a significant difference in individual differences of teeth was observed ( P < 0.001). A significantly positive correlation was shown between µTBS and length of dentin part ( P < 0.001); however, there was no significant nonlinearity ( P = 0.157). Moreover, a significantly negative correlation was observed between µTBS and size of adhesion area ( P = 0.001), with significant nonlinearity ( P = 0.014). No correlation was observed between µTBS and X-ray absorption coefficient of resin ( P = 0.147), and there was no significant nonlinearity ( P = 0.089). Additionally, a significantly positive correlation was observed between µTBS and X-ray absorption coefficient of dentin ( P = 0.022), with significant nonlinearity ( P = 0.036). A significant difference was also observed between the presence and absence of voids by linear mixed effects regression analysis. Our results showed correlations between various parameters of tooth specimens and µTBS data. To evaluate the performance of the adhesive more precisely, the effect of tooth variability and a method to reduce variation in bond strength values should also be considered.
Cashmere/wool identification based on bag-of-words and spatial pyramid match
Authors: Lu Kai , Zhong Yueqi , Li Duan , Chai Xinyu , Xie Haoyang , Yu Zhicai , Naveed Tayyab
Published: August 2017

Due to the similarities between cashmere and wool, the automatic identification of these two animal fibers continues to be a huge challenge in textile society. In this paper, for the identification of micrographs of cashmere and wool, bag-of-words and spatial pyramid matching are used. Each fiber image was regarded as a collection of feature vectors in our logic. The vectors, extracted from the original dataset, were fed into a support vector machine for supervised classification. The codebook size and the resolution level were completely investigated. The experimental results indicated that the image segmentation delivered a positive contribution in enhancing the accuracy of classification. The overall performance of the model was robust under various blend ratios. It verifies that the bag-of-words with spatial pyramid match is an effective approach to the identification of cashmere and wool fibers.
A new technique to measure pressure in medical compression stockings
Authors: Oner Eren , Durur Gungor , Cansunar Huseyin Ender
Published: August 2017

Venous insufficiency is one of the most common diseases in adults, a condition in which venous blood escapes from its normal ante grade way of flow and the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart. It can be caused by several different vein disorders, but generally arises from either blood clots or varicose veins. Medical compression stockings are widely used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. From this perspective, the measurement of the effects of compression stockings and understanding the operating principle of them are very important. This paper introduces a novel testing instrument composed of a computer-controlled artificial leg, and investigates the accuracy of the pressure measurement of the dynamic leg by comparing it with the standard method. For this purpose the compression properties of standard medical stockings were measured by the new testing device and pressure readings were validated against the Kikuhime device. The results revealed that there were significant correlation coefficients, and the calibration and validation data proved that the results of the new device were consistent and repeatable.
Effects of pressure-free steam ironing on cotton fabric surfaces and wrinkle recovery
Authors: Liang Shuaitong , Pan Ning , Wu Xiongying , Ding Xuemei
Published: August 2017

In this study, a thorough investigation of a pressure-free vertical cloth ironing process on cotton fabric was conducted for the first time, using the data from a sensory evaluation and the test results on a custom-built platform. The importance of such process factors as temperature, steam amount, cooling wind and ironing time are examined, so as to fit them into an empirical equation. Verification of the fitted equation is then conducted by comparing the sensory and predicted data. Finally, explanations and analysis are provided focusing on the physical mechanisms involved to probe the wrinkle recovery phenomenon during the fabric ironing process.
Acquisition of codas in Spanish as a first language: The role of accuracy, markedness and frequency
Authors: Polo Nuria
Published: August 2017

Studies on the acquisition of Spanish as a first language do not agree on the patterns and factors relevant for coda development. In order to shed light on the questions involved, a longitudinal study of coda development in Northern European Spanish was carried out to explore the relationship between accuracy, markedness and frequency. The study analysed 8517 intended codas produced by two children from age 1;7 to 2;7. The main contribution of this study comes from the analysis of substitutions. The children produced more codas and more accurate codas in stressed syllables, particularly in word-final position before the age of 2, but after 2 years old their coda production was target-like in stressed medial position. They substituted phones in unstressed and in word-final position. It is argued that the most salient and frequent characteristics of Spanish syllable structure enhance coda development in the early years. Only after the establishment of the syllable structure do children focus on segmental quality, which results in target-like acquisition of Spanish codas following markedness predictions. Substitution patterns are independent of syllable structure: sonorant codas are substituted with a sonorant, and obstruents with an obstruent regardless of stress and position.
Exploring the Role of Animal Technologists in Implementing the 3Rs
Authors: Greenhough Beth , Roe Emma
Published: August 2017

The biomedical industry relies on the skills of animal technologists (ATs) to put laboratory animal welfare into practice. This is the first study to explore how this is achieved in relation to their participation in implementing refinement and reduction, two of the three key guiding ethical principles––the “3Rs”––of what is deemed to be humane animal experimentation. The interpretative approach contributes to emerging work within the social sciences and humanities exploring care and ethics in practice. Based on qualitative analysis of participant observation within animal research facilities in UK universities, in-depth interviews with ATs, facility managers, and other stakeholders, and analysis of regulatory guidelines, we draw a contrast between the minimum required of ATs by law and how their care work not only meets but often exceeds these requirements. We outline how ATs constitute a key source of innovation and insight into the refinement of animal care and the reduction of animal use, hitherto not formally acknowledged. Exploring AT care work as an example of ethics in practice makes an original contribution to broader debates within health care and animal welfare about how technology, regulation, and behavior can foster and sustain a “culture of care”.
International survey on the perioperative management of pulmonary endarterectomy: the perfusion perspective
Authors: Stanzel Roger D.P. , Gehron Johannes , Wolff Matthias , Striegl Natalie , Roth Peter , Boedeker Rolf-Hasso , Scheibelhut Christine , Herrmann Johannes , Welters Ingeborg , Mayer Eckhard , Scheffler Matthias
Published: August 2017

Introduction:

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the most effective treatment available for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Patient selection, surgical technique and perioperative management have improved patient outcomes, which are traditionally linked to surgical and center experience. However, optimal perfusion care has not been well defined. The goal of the international survey was to better characterize the contemporary perfusion management of PEA and highlight similarities and controversies.

Method:

The combined caseload of 15 participating centers was 5,066 cases. Topics queried included materials and types of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) equipment, choice of prime, fluid management, deep hypothermia strategy, temperature management, treatment of acid-base abnormalities and intraoperative hematocrit as well as anticoagulation management for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion:

Our assessment could provide a base for further advancement and may help design future studies to elucidate the impact of perfusion in this challenging field.
Reliability analysis for a spar-supported floating offshore wind turbine
Authors: Sultania Abhinav , Manuel Lance
Published: August 2017

The reliability analysis of a spar-supported floating offshore 5-MW wind turbine is the subject of this study. Environmental data from a selected site are employed in the numerical studies. Using time-domain simulations, the dynamic behavior of a coupled platform-turbine system is studied; statistics of tower and rotor loads as well as platform motions are estimated and critical combinations of wind speed and wave height identified. Long-term loads associated with a 50-year return period are estimated using statistical extrapolation based on loads derived from simulations. Inverse reliability procedures that seek appropriate fractile levels for underlying variables consistent with the target load return period are employed; these include use of (1) two-dimensional inverse first-order reliability method where extreme loads, conditional on wind speed and wave height random variables, are selected at median levels and (2) three-dimensional inverse first-order reliability method where variability in the environmental and load random variables is fully represented.
On Reverie: Using Clinical Facts while Conducting My Group
Authors: Levin Uri
Published: August 2017

Reverie, like love, is difficult to define yet easy to acknowledge when present. Like the container and the contained—reverie refers more to a state of mind, to a process, than to a concrete, momentary entity. Bion centralized this concept in the heart of the psychoanalytic discourse, and Ogden gave the term a more practical application. Foulkes had no explicit reference to the concept, yet we might suppose that his ‘free floating discussion’ is one example of his implicit interest with the idea of reverie experiences in the group. This article will introduce the concept of reverie and its implementations in both individual and group settings. A detailed clinical vignette of my group-analytic group will be presented and discussed, demonstrating how I (sometimes manage to) work with clinical facts in my room.
Being Mindful as a Phenomenological Attitude
Authors: Gustin Lena Wiklund
Published: August 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to reflect on being mindful as a phenomenological attitude rather than on describing mindfulness as a therapeutic intervention. I will also explore the possibilities that being mindful might open up in relation to nursing research and holistic nursing. Design and Method: I will describe and interpret mindfulness as a state of being by means of van Manen’s phenomenological method, using the language of phenomenology rather than the language of reductionist science. Thus, this article can be considered a reflective narrative, describing both the process of orienting to the phenomenon, making preunderstandings—including own experiences of mindfulness—visible, and a thematic analysis of nine scientific articles describing the phenomenon. Findings: Being mindful as a phenomenological attitude can be described as a deliberate intentionality, where the person is present in the moment and open to what is going on, bridling personal values and accepting the unfamiliar, thus achieving a sense of being peacefully situated in the world, and able to apprehend one’s being-in-the-world. Conclusions: Being mindful as a phenomenological attitude can contribute not only to phenomenological nursing research but also support nurses’ presence and awareness.
Association between circulating leptin levels and systemic lupus erythematosus: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Y H , Song G G
Published: August 2017

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between circulating leptin levels and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were searched. Meta-analyses were performed comparing serum/plasma leptin levels in patients with SLE and healthy controls, and on patients with SLE in subgroups based on ethnicity, sample size, data type, and matched variables (age, sex, and/or body mass index (BMI)).

Results

Eighteen studies including 1333 patients with SLE and 1048 controls were ultimately selected, which showed that leptin levels were significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group (SMD = 0.611, 95% CI = 0.275–0.947, p < 0.001). When we excluded two outlier studies because of high heterogeneity, leptin levels were also significantly higher in the SLE group than in the control group (SMD = 0.619, 95% CI = 0.431–0.807, p < 0.001). Stratification by ethnicity showed significantly elevated leptin levels in the SLE group in European, Asian, Arab, Latin American, and mixed populations. Subgroup analysis by sample size showed significantly higher leptin levels in the SLE group by small ( n ≤ 100) and large sample numbers ( n > 100) (SMD = 0.780, 95% CI = 0.445–1.115, p < 0.001; SMD = 0.495, 95% CI = 0.275–0.715, p < 0.001). Stratification by data type revealed significantly higher leptin levels in the original data and imputed data groups. Subgroup analysis adjustment revealed significantly higher leptin levels in the SLE group, regardless of adjustment for variables.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that leptin levels were significantly higher in patients with SLE, regardless of ethnicity, sample size, data type, and matched variables.
Anticipating health innovations in 2030–2040: Where does responsibility lie for the publics?
Authors: Lehoux Pascale , Miller Fiona A. , Grimard Dominique , Gauthier Philippe
Published: August 2017

Considering that public engagement is pivotal to the mission of Responsible Research and Innovation, this article’s aim is to examine how members of the public conceive of the relationship between responsibility and prospective health technologies. We organized four face-to-face deliberative workshops and an online forum wherein participants were invited to comment on scenarios involving three fictional technologies in 2030 and 2040. Our analyses describe how participants anticipated these technologies’ impacts and formulated two conditions for their use: they should (1) be embedded within professional care and services and (2) include social protection of individual freedom and privacy. By clarifying what technological direction shall be avoided and who shall act responsibly, these conditions emphasize our participants’ understanding of society as much as their understanding of science. For new technologies to be deployed in socially responsible ways, public engagement methods should be developed alongside public governance and regulatory strategies.
Violence and violence control in karate: Has there been a sportization process?
Authors: Van Gestel Joannes
Published: August 2017

Sport-related violence is a critical issue in the sociology of sport. This paper draws upon Elias’s concept of sportization to examine changes in patterns of violence and violence control in karate in Belgium. By employing a new and unique quantitative approach to the issue of violence, more accurate data has been gathered on the changing patterns of rewards and sanctions associated with different techniques, from full impact (violent) to no-touch (non-violent) techniques. Results show that over several decades, and with the exception of some early developments, sports karate has witnessed a reduction in the value and scoring of violence and, from the 1980s, an increase in the scoring of no-touch and light-impact techniques. This is indicative of a sportization trend, one aspect of which involves the greater control of violence. The results are explained primarily with reference to intensifying and equalizing interdependencies between, on the one hand, the national and regional karate federations and, on the other, governmental institutions and international sports organizations.
Experimental fabrication and nondestructive testing of carbon fiber beams for delaminations using embedded Terfenol-D particles
Authors: Rudd Jonathan , Myers Oliver
Published: August 2017

The experimental results for damage sensing using embedded magnetostrictive particles as sensors in carbon fiber–reinforced polymer laminates are presented. Laminates constructed of varying counts of pre-impregnated plies (Hexcel AS4/3501-6) are embedded with Terfenol-D particles and a delamination to observe changes in the sensing signal in and around the damage region. The testing apparatus consists of a primary circuit to generate a magnetic flux excitation and a secondary circuit to sense voltage induced into a pickup coil. In addition, three groups of test results were generated to observe the effect of fabrication on sensing. The experimental results from the three groups reveal that the particle distribution has a significant effect on the sensing signal. The sensing signal is dominated by changes in local particle distribution, and the effect of the delamination and ply variation did not have a discernible effect on the sensing signal for this setup.
The Role of Leadership in Organizational Implementation and Sustainment in Service Agencies
Authors: Moullin Joanna C. , Ehrhart Mark G. , Aarons Gregory A.
Published: August 2017

Implementation is posited as a multiphasic process, influenced by a range of factors, within a multilevel context. While there appears to be a general consensus that every implementation initiative will have a unique combination of influences that vary in importance across the implementation phases, leadership is an essential tenant throughout implementation frameworks, models, and theories. The exploration, preparation, implementation, sustainment framework is used to explore leadership, at both the inner organizational level and the outer system level, and to guide a discussion regarding three critical issues involved in implementation (organizational climate/culture, collaborative relationships, and contracting). Finally, three implementation strategies focused on improving leadership are described in order to provide examples of these issues.
Factors Associated With Preterm Infants’ Circadian Sleep/Wake Patterns at the Hospital
Authors: Lan Hsiang-Yun , Yin Ti , Chen Jyu-Lin , Chang Yue-Cune , Liaw Jen-Jiuan
Published: August 2017

This prospective repeated-measures study explored potential factors (postmenstrual age, body weight, gender, chronological age, illness severity, and circadian rhythm) related to preterm infants’ circadian sleep/wake patterns. Circadian sleep/wake patterns were measured using an Actiwatch for 3 continuous days in preterm infants (gestational age of 28-36.4 weeks) in a neonatal intensive care unit and hospital nursery. Potential factors associated with circadian sleep/wake patterns were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation. For our sample of 30 preterm infants, better sleep/wake patterns were associated with male gender, younger postmenstrual and chronological age, lower body weight, and less illness severity. Preterm infants’ total sleep time ( B = 41.828, p < .01) and percentage of sleep time ( B = 3.711, p < .01) were significantly longer at night than during the day. These findings can help clinicians recognize preterm infants’ sleep problems, signaling the need to provide individualized support to maintain these infants’ sleep quality during their early life.
Warthin Tumor–Like Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Authors: Heatley Nicholas , Harrington Kevin J. , Thway Khin
Published: August 2017

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) shows a wide morphologic spectrum, including epithelium with oncocytic or squamous metaplastic changes overlying a prominent cystic architecture, as well as tumor-associated lymphoid tissue. We illustrate a case of MEC of the parotid in a 17-year-old female, in which all these features occurred extensively, such that they accounted for almost the entire neoplasm, and closely mimicked Warthin tumor histologically. This highlights the need for diagnostic awareness of this particular morphologic variant of MEC, as patients could potentially be inappropriately discharged from follow-up if diagnosed with a benign neoplasm.