bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nrf2 Activation Attenuates Both Orthodontic Tooth Movement and Relapse
Authors: Kanzaki H. , Shinohara F. , Itohiya-Kasuya K. , Ishikawa M. , Nakamura Y.
Published: March 2015

During orthodontic tooth movement, osteoclasts resorb the alveolar bone at the compress side of periodontium. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) works as intracellular signaling molecules of RANKL during osteoclastogenesis, although ROS has cytotoxicity against cells such as lipid oxidation. To deal with oxidative stress, cells have a defense system that is scavenging ROS by augmented antioxidative stress enzymes via transcriptional regulation with nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Previously, we reported that augmented antioxidative stress enzymes by Nrf2-gene transfer inhibited bone destruction. In the present study, we examined the effects of Nrf2 activation on osteoclastogenesis and, thereby, orthodontic tooth movement and orthodontic relapse. Mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells were used as osteoclast progenitor cells and stimulated with recombinant RANKL (100 ng/mL) with or without Nrf2 activator sulforaphane (SFN) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) or ROS scavenger catechin. Osteoclastogenesis, resorption activity, and osteoclast marker gene expression were examined. Intracellular ROS was analyzed by flow cytometry. Maxillary first molars of C57BL6 male mice were moved palatally with 0.012-inch NiTi wire (100-mN force); SFN or EGCG was injected into the palatal gingiva once a week; and phosphate buffered saline was injected on the contralateral side. Tooth movement was monitored using a stone model with precise impression, and the amount of the tooth movement was compared among groups. SFN and EGCG significantly, but catechin weakly, inhibited RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Western blot analysis revealed that SFN and EGCG augmented the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the expression of anti-oxidative stress enzymes such as HO-1, although catechin did not. SFN and EGCG significantly, but catechin weakly, attenuated the intracellular ROS. Finally, animal experiment revealed that both SFN and EGCG successfully inhibited the orthodontic tooth movement. Additionally, SFN inhibited the relapse. These results suggest that Nrf2 activation could be therapeutic target for the anchorage enforcement in orthodontic treatment and pharmacologic retention against relapse.
School Experiences of Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Wiener Judith , Daniels Lesley
Published: March 2015

This article reports on a qualitative study of the school experiences of adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the context of quantitative research on teacher attitudes and practices, adolescent self-appraisals, and social and family relationships. Twelve adolescents with ADHD participated in in-depth, semistructured interviews addressing major aspects of school life. Using a modified grounded theory framework, researchers coded these interviews. Three themes emerged: (a) support for a performance deficit, (b) academic and social engagement, and (c) moving from dependence to independence. What is most striking is the low level of agency students demonstrated; that is, rather than acting with purpose on their environments, they seemed to react to things that happened to them. These findings suggest that teachers of adolescents with ADHD know about the nature of the disorder, understand that students’ difficulties with organization and academic performance are not typically intentional, use evidence-based interventions to support students, and provide the monitoring and scaffolding needed for academic achievement. The students also provide specific suggestions for parents and peers regarding the supports they need to be successful.
Eight Voices of Empowerment
Authors: Horn Brian R.
Published: March 2015

This article explores student empowerment in a restructured urban Title I middle school. The study includes data from eight participants in an action research project that involved a critical inquiry unit in an eighth-grade language arts class that asked students, “How are you empowered and disempowered by school?” Findings reveal that although No Child Left Behind (NCLB) policies are said to empower students, student empowerment is rather a negotiated process that requires teachers to help students develop an eye for fairness, create opportunities for them to express themselves in new ways, and encourage them to learn from one another.
Gentrification as the appropriation of therapeutic ‘diversity’: A model and case study of the multicultural amenity of contemporary urban renewal
Authors: de Oliver Miguel
Published: March 2015

Scholarship on urban renewal readily recognises the conversion of ‘cultural diversity’ from a progressive ethic that once addressed ethnic/racial marginalisation into a trope that services early-stage gentrifiers. Through successive rearticulations of cultural diversity as a middle-class lifestyle amenity by various actors, this paper presents a model and case study of gentrification as an incremental act of cultural displacement of racial/ethnic ‘Otherness’ from the valued social ideal of the immediate post-Civil Rights era. Successive waves of new actors in the inner city can be conceptually linked by their reformulation of the amenity of cultural diversity so as to service their interests.
Open area and road density as land use indicators of young offender residential locations at the small-area level: A case study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Law Jane , Quick Matthew , Chan Ping
Published: March 2015

This research explores associations between land use types and young offender residential location in the Regional Municipality of York, Ontario, Canada, at a small-area level. Employing a Bayesian spatial modelling approach, we found that after controlling for socio-economic risk factors, proportion of open area land use was positively associated, and road density negatively associated, with residential location of young offenders. Map decomposition, which visualises the contribution of each risk factor to total young offender risk, demonstrated that open area land use contributed more risk in rural areas than urban, and that road density contributed less risk in urban areas than rural. We propose explanations for these results focused on social disorganisation theory and accessibility to structured leisure activities and apply findings to inform law enforcement and land use planning. Results provide a criminological perspective not often considered in planning and urban studies research and contrast land use policies generally motivated by public health and the environment.
Novelty effects and sports facilities in smaller cities: Evidence from Canadian hockey arenas
Authors: Soebbing Brian P , Mason Daniel S , Humphreys Brad R
Published: March 2015

Like their larger counterparts, smaller cities use public funds to build facilities to host local sports franchises. One argument for doing so is the new economic activity and attendance new facilities generate. However, academic research examining both major league stadium/arenas and minor league baseball stadiums finds a novelty effect – a brief period of higher attendance – exists but not a long-term sustainable increase for new facilities. This paper extends the research on small cities and novelty effects of sports facilities by integrating and exploring how city size and proximity influences the novelty effect of new hockey arenas in smaller communities. Results show a novelty effect for new facilities built to host Canadian Hockey League franchises for the first five years. In small cities, the novelty effect occurs only in years three through five after opening.
“You’ve Got to Learn the Rules”
Authors: Cox Rebecca D.
Published: March 2015

Objective:

Given the current concern across the United States with improving community-college student outcomes, particularly in developmental education, understanding what students encounter inside developmental education classrooms is a necessary first step.

Method:

Drawing on data from a study of teaching practices inside developmental math courses at two large, urban-serving community colleges in the Northeast United States, I open up the “black box” of developmental math teaching at the community-college level. Focusing specifically on data gathered through classroom observations, instructor interviews, and curricular artifacts from six sections of developmental math, I explore two distinct curricula as they were enacted in class sessions and through the classroom discourse around solving math problems and analyze the extent to which each approach reflects the recommendations for mathematics instruction advocated by professional mathematics associations.

Results:

I found that differences in pedagogical goals (and related notions of mathematical proficiency) were integrally linked to differences in the what and how of assessing student learning, and that contrasting approaches to assessment maintain critical implications for accounting for failure inside developmental math classrooms.

Contributions:

I conclude with insights regarding future research and reform, for developmental math instruction both to realize robust mathematical learning goals and to facilitate students’ successful completion of developmental math courses.
Effect of curing temperature on properties of semi-efficient vulcanized natural rubber
Authors: Zhang Huan , Li Ye , Shou Jin-Quan , Zhang Zhi-Yi , Zhao Gui-Zhe , Liu Ya-Qing
Published: March 2015

The effects of curing temperature from 140°C to 180°C on the network structure and properties of semi-efficient vulcanized natural rubber were studied. Morphological structure of the tensile section of vulcanizates was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The different networks and mechanical properties of samples before and after the hot oxygen aging were tested. Dynamic property of samples was studied by a rubber process analyzer. The results indicated that reaction temperature greatly affects the structure and properties of samples, and the best curing temperature was 150°C. The samples curing at 150°C had best comprehensive mechanical properties, better dynamic properties, and low heat buildup because of large cross-link density and good dispersibility.
Racial Discrimination Experiences Among Black Youth
Authors: McNeil Smith Shardé , Fincham Frank
Published: March 2015

This study examines whether subgroups of Black youth exist based on the presence or absence of racial discrimination experiences in the school context and whether these groups varied by gender and household income. Latent transition analyses were performed on racial discrimination indicators derived when youth were in the 8th and 11th grades. Three distinct subgroups of youth emerged. Youth in the Teacher-Peer Perceived Racial Discrimination (PRD) group had a high probability of experiencing racial discrimination from both teachers and peers. Those in the Teacher PRD group had high probabilities of experiencing racial discrimination from teachers and a low probability of experiencing racial discrimination from their peers. Finally, youth in the No PRD group had low probabilities across all racial discrimination indicators. Males were more likely to be in the Teacher-Peer and Teacher PRD groups compared with females. Findings demonstrate the heterogeneity of Black youth’s experiences as it relates to race-related stress and several avenues for future research are identified.
Development and Validation of a Preliminary Measure of African American Women’s Gender Role Beliefs
Authors: Belgrave Faye Z. , Abrams Jasmine A. , Hood Kristina B. , Moore Melanie P. , Nguyen Anh B.
Published: March 2015

Gender role beliefs of African American women differ from those of women in other ethnic/racial groups and a culturally valid measure of their gender role beliefs is needed. Three studies were conducted to develop a preliminary measure. In Study 1, focus groups were conducted with a community and college sample of 44 African American women. Transcripts reviewed resulted in an initial pool of 40 items. These items were reviewed by an expert panel and 18 items were retained. In Study 2, an exploratory factor analysis was computed with data from 94 African American female college students. The 18 items were included along with measures to assess convergent and discriminant validity. Nine items were retained. These nine items comprised two subscales labeled Agency and Caretaking. The scales demonstrated good internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validity. In Study 3, a confirmatory factor analysis was computed with a different sample of 184 African American female college students. The confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable fit for the two-factor structure of Agency and Caretaking.
Culture, Racial Socialization, and Positive African American Youth Development
Authors: Grills Cheryl , Cooke Deanna , Douglas Jason , Subica Andrew , Villanueva Sandra , Hudson Brittani
Published: March 2015

Positive youth development is critical for African American youth as they negotiate a social, political, and historical landscape grounded in systemic inequities and racism. One possible, yet understudied, approach to promote positive youth development is to increase African American youth consciousness and connection to their Africentric values and culture. The primary purpose of this article was to investigate the degree to which cultural and group consciousness factors (i.e., cultural orientation, Africentric values, and racial socialization) predicted positive youth development (i.e., future orientation, prosocial behavior, political/community, and social justice/equality civic mindedness) and how these might differ by gender. This article utilized survey data from 1,930 African American youth participants of the Pen or Pencil™ mentoring program. Results generally indicated that cultural orientation, Africentric values and, to a lesser degree, racial socialization, predicted positive youth development variables, with these effects varying by gender. These findings suggest that enhancing cultural consciousness may support the positive development of African American youth, although male and female youth may respond to these efforts in different ways.
Enriching information science research through chronic disposition and situational priming: A short note for future research
Authors: Lim Weng Marc
Published: March 2015

This article aims to encourage information specialists to consider chronic disposition and situational priming as avenues to enrich information science research. The author makes a case for conducting such investigations by articulating the potential contributions of advancing theoretical and practical understanding of information science in both physical and technological environments using these approaches. The author also offers a theoretical toolbox of conceptual underpinnings relevant to chronic disposition and situational priming to provide a general overview on how such investigations can be performed. It is hoped that the arguments and theoretical lenses put forth will inspire further research in the area.
The potential relationship discovery model based on result fusion for biomedical medicine research
Authors: She Yingying , Zhang Xiaoxia , Wang Qian , Wu Qingqiang
Published: March 2015

With the amount of biomedical data growing explosively, medical scientists use many datasets in research for new medicine. However, the amount of biomedical data is growing too fast to abstract hidden information. At the same time, with the development of data storage diversification, scientists prefer to have data fusion based on heterogeneous data sources as opposed to a single data source, and ultimately to achieve knowledge and discovery across heterogeneous databases. Our study focuses on extending the application of latent semantic analysis methodologies into the area of biomedical research. Our purpose is to develop a model for discovering potential relationships between medicines and diseases based on biomedical latent semantic analysis. This model could be used in constructing link maps for biomedical entities, and provide a theoretical basis and practical support for biomedical scientists in their study of the disease–medicine relationship. In detail, we discuss the study of the integration of the latent semantic analysis model and data fusion methodologies. Our result fusion solution combines scientific literature repositories and a biomedical database based on context and the ABC model, and is supervised by a semi-supervised learning algorithm and data fusion algorithms. The expectation is that fused data could represent multilevel potential relationships between biological entities and related emotional relationship expression. The model is validated by experience and proven to be feasible and effective.
Understanding Shared Decision Making in Pediatric Otolaryngology
Authors: Chorney Jill , Haworth Rebecca , Graham M. Elise , Ritchie Krista , Curran Janet A. , Hong Paul
Published: March 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the level of decisional conflict experienced by parents considering surgery for their children and to determine if decisional conflict and perceptions of shared decision making are related.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic pediatric otolaryngology clinic.

Subjects and methods

Sixty‐five consecutive parents of children who underwent surgical consultation for elective otolaryngological procedures were prospectively enrolled. Participants completed the Shared Decision Making Questionnaire and the Decisional Conflict Scale. Surgeons completed the Shared Decision Making Questionnaire–Physician version.

Results

Eleven participants (16.9%) scored over 25 on the Decisional Conflict Scale, a previously defined clinical cutoff indicating significant decisional conflict. Parent years of education and parent ratings of shared decision making were significantly correlated with decisional conflict (positively and negatively correlated, respectively). A logistic regression indicated that shared decision making but not education predicted the presence of significant decisional conflict. Parent and physician ratings of shared decision making were not related, and there was no correlation between physician ratings of shared decision making and parental decisional conflict.

Conclusions

Many parents experienced considerable decisional conflict when making decisions about their child’s surgical treatment. Parents who perceived themselves as being more involved in the decision‐making process reported less decisional conflict. Parents and physicians had different perceptions of shared decision making. Future research should develop and assess interventions to increase parents’ involvement in decision making and explore the impact of significant decisional conflict on health outcomes.
Bronchopleural fistula closed with cellulose patch and fibrin glue
Authors: Fiorelli Alfonso , Frongillo Elisabetta , Santini Mario
Published: March 2015

We describe a bronchoscopic technique for closing small postoperative bronchopleural fistulas, using an oxidized regenerated cellulose patch and fibrin glue. The patch is mounted on the end of endoscopic forceps and introduced into the fistula to cover it. Intracavitary and submucosal injections of fibrin glue fill the bronchial stump and achieve apposition of the fistula edges. Closure was obtained in 3 of 4 patients; the 4th had complete bronchial dehiscence and empyema.
Managing extremist offenders
Authors: Jones Christopher
Published: March 2015

Working with people convicted of extremist offences who have either offended, or are perceived to have offended, for ideological reasons − whether supportive of a political or religious identity or for the rights of animals − presents challenges to the supervising probation officer. Despite it being impossible for a service user to prove categorically that they are no longer supportive of ideological views that advocate harmful behaviour, there can still be an expectation from offender managers, MAPPAs, Parole Boards and offenders themselves, that evaluating enduring sympathies with harmful groups forms the main part of risk and offender management. How then can service users and probation staff work productively together, without an offender manager being excessively naive or collusive, or the offender receiving supervision reliant on disproportionate, and possibly counter-productive, levels of control?
Polygraphs and sex offenders
Authors: Marshall Daniel , Thomas Terry
Published: March 2015

Polygraphs (or lie detectors) have been introduced into the UK for the first time despite continuing concerns about their reliability and the ways in which they will be deployed. The police are enabled to use them on a ‘voluntary’ basis and the probation service on a ‘mandatory’ basis if their use has been made a condition of post-custodial supervision. This article seeks to bring the polygraph story up to date and pose the questions that are still unanswered as the use of the polygraph begins.
Then and now
Authors: Collins Stewart
Published: March 2015

Developments in probation work in the 1970s are considered: the theories, skills, organizational context, policies and practices of probation workers. Relevant literature is examined and the author’s perceptions and experiences as a male probation worker in a northern city are presented. Positive and negative aspects of probation work at that time are considered, along with some similarities to, and contrasts with, the present day. The movement from a court-based social work service to one more oriented towards punishment and the penal system is noted, as is the move away from the more autonomous, independent worker to a more restricted accountable role. In turn, probation agencies developed into larger, more centralized and more complex hierarchies, but with teams more locally based. The use of an eclectic theory base is analysed, linked to psychosocial and systems approaches, with an important focus on relationships, but also on practical resource finding focused on other agencies, the probation organization and influencing policy. The serious limitations of 1970s probation work are analysed, including the lack of openness with users, the neglect of offending behaviour, risk and victims.
Predictors and incidence of access site complications in transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the use of new delivery systems
Authors: Sari C , Ayhan H , Aslan AN , Durmaz T , Keleş T , Baştuğ S , Bayram N Akar , Bilen E , Kasapkara HA , Bozkurt E
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

The aim of this single-center study was to assess the incidence and predictors of in-hospital access site complications related to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) performed with new delivery systems in our hospital which has the largest case series in Turkey.

Materials and method:

We performed successful TAVI with the Edwards Sapien XT valve to 127 (46 male) patients via a transfemoral (121), trans-subclavian (5) and transapical (1) approach. Access site complications were defined according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) end-point definitions.

Results:

Vascular complications occurred in 10.1% of patients. There was negative correlation between vascular complications and diameter of the common femoral artery (r = − 0.301, p=0.004), external iliac artery (r = − 0.327, p=0.004) and common iliac artery (r = − 0.324, p=0.004), but positive correlation between diabetes (r =0.240, p=0.008), sheath to femoral artery ratio (SFAR), sheath to external iliac artery ratio (SEIAR), procedure time, discharge time and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score (respectively; r=0.339, 0.001, 0.527, 0.361, 0.289, p=0.003, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.002). The incidence of vascular complications was significantly higher in patients with diabetes and a high STS score. VARC bleeding complications occurred in 11.7 % of patients. The learning curve pointing out the importance of experience was significantly important in decreasing both bleeding and vascular complications.

Conclusions:

In this study, we demonstrated that major vascular complications related to TAVI decrease with the use of smaller delivery systems and experience and increase with high-risk scores (STS) and the presence of diabetes. In addition, VARC major vascular complications, observed mostly in patients with diabete mellitus (DM) and high STS scores, were associated with vascular diameters. These results further underline the importance of experience and a multidisciplinary team in patient selection and management for TAVI.
The circular economy, design thinking and education for sustainability
Authors: Andrews Deborah
Published: March 2015

The origins of the Linear Economy – the ‘take-make-use-dispose’ model of consumption – date from the Industrial Revolution and the global economy developed around this model. Various social, economic and environmental factors mean that it is no longer sustainable. A radical new model – the Circular Economy – is being advocated but as yet it is not widely practiced. This paper proposes that designers are crucial to the development of this new economic model; furthermore, this model facilitates education for sustainability and enhances employability.
Driving education for sustainable development potential within professional curricula: Built environment sustainability training and training development for professionals in Wales
Authors: Hopkinson Lara L , Gwilliam Julie A
Published: March 2015

The Built Environment sector is responsible for 47% of all CO2 emissions, 90% of all surface mineral extraction and over 25% of all waste sent to landfill. In Wales, 30% of the carbon footprint comes from the built environment sector, a fact exacerbated also by having the highest proportion of pre-1919 building stock in the UK. None of these problems can be dealt with without having an appropriately skilled workforce, able to consider new technologies, applications and processes to deal with the problems of a rapidly changing built environment sector. This paper describes the work carried out by the Built Environment Sustainability Training Programme in Wales, designed to develop and deliver sustainability focussed training to Built Environment professionals, using an evidence-based approach. This involved the development of Skills needs analyses which outlined training needs within the sector for the short, medium and long term. Development of the courses is considered the best methods of delivery to attract the sector, including blended learning approaches. Underpinning course delivery is the consideration of the Education for Sustainable Development agenda, enabling recommendations for modification of existing courses offered by training delivery partners. Short-term results of the Built Environment Sustainability Training Programme include the delivery of new training courses that assist driving sustainability within the sector; whilst longer term results are anticipated as a culture shift in the practices used by the sector. The benefits to Wales are discussed in terms of achievement of policy measures, and recommendations are made for wider use of the methodology.
A feasibility randomised controlled trial of pre-operative occupational therapy to optimise recovery for patients undergoing primary total hip replacement for osteoarthritis (PROOF-THR)
Authors: Jepson Paul , Sands Gina , Beswick Andrew D , Davis Edward T , Blom Ashley W , Sackley Catherine M
Published: March 2015

Objective:

To assess the feasibility of a pre-operative occupational therapy intervention for patients undergoing primary total hip replacement.

Design:

Single blinded feasibility randomised controlled trial, with data collection prior to the intervention, and at 4, 12, and 26 weeks following surgery.

Setting:

Recruitment from two NHS orthopaedic outpatient centres in the West Midlands, UK.

Subjects:

Patients awaiting primary total hip replacement due to osteoarthritis were recruited. Following pre-operative assessment, patients were individually randomised to intervention or control by a computer-generated block randomisation algorithm stratified by age and centre.

Interventions:

The intervention group received a pre-surgery home visit by an occupational therapist who discussed expectations, assessed home safety, and provided appropriate adaptive equipment. The control group received treatment as usual.

Outcomes:

The study assessed the feasibility of recruitment procedures, delivery of the intervention, appropriateness of outcome measures and data collection methods. Health related quality of life and resource use were recorded at 4, 12 and 26 weeks.

Results:

Forty-four participants were recruited, 21 were randomised to the occupational therapy intervention and 23 to usual care. Analysis of 26 week data included 18 participants in the intervention group and 21 in the control. The intervention was delivered successfully with no withdrawals or crossovers; 5/44 were lost to follow-up with further missing data for participation and resource use.

Conclusions:

The feasibility study provided the information required to conduct a definitive trial. Burden of assessment would need to be addressed. A total of 219 patients would be required in an efficacy trial.
What Makes Youth Harass Their Immigrant Peers? Understanding the Risk Factors
Authors: Bayram Özdemir Sevgi , Özdemir Metin , Stattin Håkan
Published: March 2015

Immigrant youth are at risk of experiencing harassment in school; however, we have only limited understanding of what makes youth harass their peers on ground of their ethnic origin. To address this major limitation, we examined (a) whether youth’s negative attitudes toward immigrants impact their engagement in ethnic harassment over time and (b) whether youth’s impulsivity, their tendencies to engage in risky behaviors, and a chaotic surrounding school environment moderate the link between their negative attitudes toward immigrants and their involvement in ethnic harassment. The sample included 583 Swedish youth ([Formula: see text] = 13.93, SD = .71). Youth with negative attitudes toward immigrants ethnically were found to harass their immigrant peers when they had high levels of impulsivity and violent tendencies. Contrary to our expectation, youth perceptions of school atmosphere did not act as a moderator. The present study highlights the importance of identifying risk factors to reach a comprehensive understanding of ethnic harassment.
Aggressive flight of fixed-wing and quadrotor aircraft in dense indoor environments
Authors: Bry Adam , Richter Charles , Bachrach Abraham , Roy Nicholas
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we describe trajectory planning and state estimation algorithms for aggressive flight of micro aerial vehicles in known, obstacle-dense environments. Finding aggressive but dynamically feasible and collision-free trajectories in cluttered environments requires trajectory optimization and state estimation in the full state space of the vehicle, which is usually computationally infeasible on realistic timescales for real vehicles and sensors. We first build on previous work of van Nieuwstadt and Murray and Mellinger and Kumar, to show how a search process can be coupled with optimization in the output space of a differentially flat vehicle model to find aggressive trajectories that utilize the full maneuvering capabilities of a quadrotor. We further extend this work to vehicles with complex, Dubins-type dynamics and present a novel trajectory representation called a “Dubins–Polynomial trajectory”, which allows us to optimize trajectories for fixed-wing vehicles. To provide accurate state estimation for aggressive flight, we show how the Gaussian particle filter can be extended to allow laser rangefinder localization to be combined with a Kalman filter. This formulation allows similar estimation accuracy to particle filtering in the full vehicle state but with an order of magnitude more efficiency. We conclude with experiments demonstrating the execution of quadrotor and fixed-wing trajectories in cluttered environments. We show results of aggressive flight at speeds of up to 8 m/s for the quadrotor and 11 m/s for the fixed-wing aircraft.
PET/CT findings for tumors in the base of the skull: comparison of 18 F-FDG with 11 C-methionine
Authors: Tomura Noriaki , Mizuno Yasuaki , Saginoya Toshiyuki
Published: March 2015

Background

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has been used to characterize various malignancies. There are few reports regarding the use of 11 C-methionine (MET)-PET/CT to characterize tumors in the skull base.

Purpose

To compare MET-PET/CT with FDG-PET/CT in cases of tumors of the skull base.

Material and Methods

Both MET-PET/CT and FDG-PET/CT were performed in 27 patients with tumors of the skull base. In all cases, pathology was determined by surgery or biopsy. The images were visually and independently reviewed by two reviewers. For qualitative analysis, the inter-rater agreement between two reviewers was measured. For semi-quantitative evaluation, the tumor-to-normal brain uptake ratios (T/N ratios) were calculated by dividing the maximum of standardized uptake value (SUVmax) for the tumor by the SUVmax of the normal contra-lateral cerebellar hemisphere. Difference in T/N ratios between FDG-PET/CT and MET-PET/CT was analyzed for statistical significance.

Results

On qualitative evaluation, the inter-rater agreement of MET-PET/CT was superior than that of FDG-PET/CT. MET uptake was interpreted as positive in every tumor by both reviewers. MET-PET/CT had a significantly higher T/N ratio than FDG-PET/CT (2.96 ± 1.25 vs. 1.02 ± 0.54, respectively; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

MET-PET/CT showed superior inter-rater agreement and had higher uptake for tumors at the skull base than FDG-PET/CT. The present study suggests that MET-PET/CT has superior potential for imaging of tumors of the skull base.
CT findings after lipiodol marking performed before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for small pulmonary nodules
Authors: Miura Hiroshi , Yamagami Takuji , Tanaka Osamu , Yoshimatsu Rika , Ichijo Yusuke , Kato Daishiro , Shimada Junichi
Published: March 2015

Background

In preoperative lipiodol marking for small pulmonary nodules, lipiodol has a potential risk of distribution in the surrounding lung structure. There are no reports about the detailed accumulation and distribution of lipiodol.

Purpose

To evaluate computed tomography (CT) findings after lipiodol marking before thoracoscopic surgery for pulmonary nodules.

Material and Methods

Sixty-four consecutive CT-guided lipiodol markings for 103 nodules were performed in 55 patients. Lipiodol (0.2–0.4 mL) was injected using a 21-gauge needle near the nodule. The appearance of lipiodol spots was classified into the following three types on CT: type 1, dense; type 2, punctate; and type 3, unclear. The distribution of lipiodol was also investigated. Statistical analyses were performed on the accumulation and distribution related to nodule factors. Incidences of complications were also investigated.

Results

A total of 110 markings were performed because of seven additional procedures due to insufficient marking. All nodules were successfully resected on the same day. The appearances of the lipiodol spots were type 1 (82%), type 2 (11%), and type 3 (7.3%). The areas of distribution were lung parenchyma (54%), central bronchus (39%), peripheral bronchovascular bundle (24%), needle tract (20%), pleural space (19%), another segment of ipsilateral lung (5.5%), and contralateral lung (0.9%). Distribution into pleural space and central bronchus was frequently seen in the shallow nodules ( P < 0.05). Complications were pneumothorax (61%) and pulmonary hemorrhage (35%). There were no serious symptoms.

Conclusion

The appearance of the lipiodol spot was dense in most cases, despite frequent distribution in the surrounding lung structures without serious complications.
Growth Factors and COX2 Expression in Canine Perivascular Wall Tumors
Authors: Avallone G. , Stefanello D. , Boracchi P. , Ferrari R. , Gelain M. E. , Turin L. , Tresoldi E. , Roccabianca P.
Published: March 2015

Canine perivascular wall tumors (PWTs) are a group of subcutaneous soft tissue sarcomas developing from vascular mural cells. Mural cells are involved in angiogenesis through a complex crosstalk with endothelial cells mediated by several growth factors and their receptors. The evaluation of their expression may have relevance since they may represent a therapeutic target in the control of canine PWTs. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and receptors VEGFR-I/II, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and receptor Flg, platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB) and receptor PDGFRβ, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and receptors TGFβR-I/II, and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) was evaluated on frozen sections of 40 PWTs by immunohistochemistry and semiquantitatively scored to identify their potential role in PWT development. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze possible correlations between Ki67 labeling index and the expression of each molecule. Proteins of the VEGF-, PDGFB-, and bFGF-mediated pathways were highly expressed in 27 (67.5%), 30 (75%), and 19 (47.5%) of 40 PWTs, respectively. Proteins of the TGFβ1- and COX2-mediated pathways were highly expressed in 4 (10%) and 14 (35%) of 40 cases. Statistical analysis identified an association between VEGF and VEGFR-I/II ( P = .015 and .003, respectively), bFGF and Flg ( P = .038), bFGF and PDGFRβ ( P = .003), and between TGFβ1 and COX2 ( P = .006). These findings were consistent with the mechanisms that have been reported to play a role in angiogenesis and in tumor development. No association with Ki67 labeling index was found. VEGF-, PDGFB-, and bFGF-mediated pathways seem to have a key role in PWT development and growth. Blockade of tyrosine kinase receptors after surgery could represent a promising therapy with the aim to reduce the PWT relapse rate and prolong the time to relapse.
White matter microstructure abnormalities in pediatric migraine patients
Authors: Messina Roberta , Rocca Maria A , Colombo Bruno , Pagani Elisabetta , Falini Andrea , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo
Published: March 2015

Background

Diffusion tensor (DT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides several quantities with the potential to disclose white matter (WM) microstructural abnormalities. We explored alterations of WM architecture in pediatric migraine patients using DT MRI and two different methods of analysis.

Methods

Dual-echo and DT MRI scans were acquired from 15 pediatric migraine patients and 15 age-matched controls. Whole-brain voxel-wise comparisons of WM DT MRI abnormalities were performed using tract-based-spatial-statistics (TBSS). A DT probabilistic tractography analysis was also run.

Results

Both TBSS and DT tractography analysis showed that, compared to controls, pediatric migraine patients had significant lower mean (MD), axial (AD) and radial (RD) diffusivity of WM tracts located in the brainstem, thalamus and fronto-temporo-occipital lobes, bilaterally. Patients also experienced increased fractional anisotropy (FA) of the optic radiations. No correlation was found between WM tract abnormalities and disease duration and attack frequency.

Conclusions

Pediatric migraine patients harbor diffuse brain WM microstructural abnormalities. High FA and low MD, AD and RD in these patients might be explained by repeated neuronal activation, which may lead to cell swelling and stimulate activity-dependent myelin-modulation, or by increased fiber and dendritic densities. Both these mechanisms might reflect a hyperexcitability of the brain in migraineurs.
The Preventive Effect of the Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Hamstring Injuries in Amateur Soccer Players
Authors: van der Horst Nick , Smits Dirk-Wouter , Petersen Jesper , Goedhart Edwin A. , Backx Frank J.G.
Published: March 2015

Background:

Hamstring injuries are the most common muscle injuries in soccer, and they have a high rate of recurrence. Eccentric hamstrings strength is recognized as an important modifiable risk factor. This led to the development of prevention exercises such as the nordic hamstring exercise (NHE). The effectiveness of the NHE on hamstring injury prevention has never been investigated in amateur soccer.

Purpose:

To investigate the preventive effect of the NHE on the incidence and severity of hamstring injuries in male amateur soccer players.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Male amateur soccer players (age, mean ± SD, 24.5 ± 3.8 years) from 40 teams were randomly allocated to an intervention (n = 20 teams, 292 players) or control group (n = 20 teams, 287 players). The intervention group was instructed to perform 25 sessions of NHE in a 13-week period. Both the intervention and control groups performed regular soccer training and were followed for hamstring injury incidence and severity during the 2013 calendar year. At baseline, personal characteristics (eg, age, injury history, field position) were gathered from all participants via a questionnaire. Primary outcome was injury incidence. Secondary outcomes were injury severity and compliance with the intervention protocol.

Results:

A total of 38 hamstring injuries were recorded, affecting 36 of 579 players (6.2%). The overall injury incidence rate was 0.7 (95% CI, 0.6-0.8) per 1000 player hours, 0.33 (95% CI, 0.25-0.46) in training, and 1.2 (95% CI, 0.82-1.94) in matches. Injury incidence rates were significantly different between the intervention (0.25; 95% CI, 0.19-0.35) and control groups (0.8; 95% CI, 0.61-1.15), χ2(1, n = 579) = 7.865; P = .005. The risk for hamstring injuries was reduced in the intervention group compared with the control group (odds ratio, 0.282; 95% CI, 0.110-0.721) and was statistically significant ( P = .005). No statistically significant differences were identified between the intervention and control groups regarding injury severity. Compliance with the intervention protocol was 91%.

Conclusion:

Incorporating the NHE protocol in regular amateur training significantly reduces hamstring injury incidence, but it does not reduce hamstring injury severity. Compliance with the intervention was excellent.
Captivating Lifelong Learners in the Third Age
Authors: Talmage Craig A. , Lacher R. Geoffrey , Pstross Mikulas , Knopf Richard C. , Burkhart Karla A.
Published: March 2015

The prevalence of learning providers for third agers continues to expand alongside the growth of the older adult population, yet there remains little empirical evidence on what types of learning experiences are most desired by lifelong learners. This article examines the effects that different learning topics have on attendance at classes hosted by a university-based lifelong learning institute, asking, Which learning topics draw enrollment in a lifelong learning program? Registration data were collected from 7,332 attendees of 290 learning experiences held over four semesters; class topics were coded and analyzed using a multivariate regression procedure. Results indicate that lifelong learners are more interested in classes concerning global issues, religion/philosophy, and social issues focusing on particular groups and individuals. The results remain significant after accounting for structural arrangements such as class time, day of the week, number of sessions, and location. Implications for enhancing lifelong learning experiences and programs are discussed.
Targeting the Epidemic
Authors: Choe M. C. , Valino H. , Fischer J. , Zeiger M. , Breault J. , McArthur D. L. , Leung M. , Madikians A. , Yudovin S. , Lerner J. T. , Giza C. C.
Published: March 2015

Traumatic brain injury is a major public health problem in the pediatric population. Previously, management was acute emergency department/primary care evaluation with follow-up by primary care. However, persistent symptoms after traumatic brain injury are common, and many do not have access to a specialized traumatic brain injury clinic to manage chronic issues. The goal of this study was to determine the factors related to outcomes, and identify the interventions provided in this subspecialty clinic. Data were extracted from medical records of 151 retrospective and 403 prospective patients. Relationships between sequelae, injury characteristics, and clinical interventions were analyzed. Most patients returning to clinic were not fully recovered from their injury. Headaches were more common after milder injuries, and seizures were more common after severe. The majority of patients received clinical intervention. The presence of persistent sequelae for traumatic brain injury patients can be evaluated and managed by a specialty concussion/traumatic brain injury clinic ensuring that medical needs are met.
Latinas’ Perceptions of Law Enforcement
Authors: Messing Jill Theresa , Becerra David , Ward-Lasher Allison , Androff David K.
Published: March 2015

Latinas may be unlikely to report violent crime, particularly when undocumented. This research examines the impact of fear of deportation and trust in the procedural fairness of the justice system on willingness to report violent crime victimization among a sample of Latinas ( N = 1,049) in the United States. Fear of deportation was a significant predictor of Latinas’ perceptions of the procedural fairness of the criminal justice system. However, trust in the police is more important than fear of deportation in Latinas’ willingness to report violent crime victimization. Social workers can provide rights-based education and encourage relationship building between police and Latino communities.
Special Education Law
Authors: Zirkel Perry A.
Published: March 2015

Intended as professional development for both new and experienced special educators, this article provides both the basic requirements and nuanced issues for foundational, successive, and overlapping key components under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): (a) child find, (b) eligibility, and (c) free appropriate public education (FAPE). The introductory section identifies ensuing IDEA components along with relatively recent references for each of them. Next, the section for each component includes the pertinent IDEA statutory provisions or regulations, the basic criteria, one or more nuanced issues, and illustrative court decisions of recent vintage. This treatment shows that the key components are not mutually exclusive, scientifically or professionally precise, or clearly uniform in their case law interpretations and applications. The concluding section offers suggestions for teacher educators for improving the relevant and useful legal knowledge of future special educators. It also provides the culminating message that maintaining current legal literacy is challenging but useful within the larger context and primary purpose of achieving effective results for students with disabilities via communication and collaboration with parents.
Because We Can Doesn’t Mean We Should and if We Do
Authors: Harris Kirk E.
Published: March 2015

One powerful expression of the neoliberal orthodoxy within economic development practice in the United States has been local governments’ use of economic-development-driven eminent domain. However, the presumed benefits but not the actual harm of the eminent domain actions typically eludes the working-class and low-income segments of the community that often shoulder the greatest consequences of the action. Municipal governments must be much more exacting, deliberative, and strategic in ensuring there is an obvious and direct connection between the potential economic development opportunities leveraged by eminent domain practices and the benefits, opportunities, and resources that the community derives from those transactions of local government. Thoughtfully and strategically designed and executed Community Benefit Agreements have tremendous potential to afford working-class and low-income residents, as well other city residents, a chance for more equitable and democratic results than they frequently experience under existing economic-development-driven eminent domain practice.