bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Comparison of Angiographic Scoring Systems With the Predictors of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kalkan Kamuran , Hamur Hikmet , Yildirim Erkan , Ipek Emrah , Ermis Emrah , Ozturk Mustafa , Karal Huseyin , Korkmaz Ali Fuat , Bayantemur Murat , Demirelli Selami
Published: June 2017

Syntax score (SS) and Gensini score (GS) are used to determine the complexity and severity of coronary artery disease. Although there are some studies indicating the individual relationship of these scoring systems with the carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) and epicardial fat tissue (EFT), there was no previous study that compared the SS and GS in that respect. We aimed to assess the relationship of SS and GS with predictors of atherosclerosis. We enrolled 522 patients. There were positive correlations between GS and SS tertiles with cIMT and EFT. According to multivariate linear regression analysis for GS, EFT (β: 0.035, t: 2.63, and P = .49) and cIMT (β: 0.339, t: 2.97, and P = .053) were not independently associated. For SS, EFT (β: 0.009, t: 6.5, and P = .006) and cIMT (β: 1.2, t: 10.1, and P = .001) were independently and significantly associated. We showed that the SS is significantly associated more with surrogate markers of atherosclerosis such as EFT and cIMT than the GS.
A Sensitive Photometric Procedure for Cobalt Determination in Water Employing a Compact Multicommuted Flow Analysis System
Authors: da Silva Magalhães Ticiane , Reis Boaventura F.
Published: June 2017

In this work, a multicommuted flow analysis procedure is proposed for the spectrophotometric determination of cobalt in fresh water, employing an instrument setup of downsized dimension and improved cost-effectiveness. The method is based on the catalytic effect of Co(II) on the Tiron oxidation by hydrogen peroxide in alkaline medium, forming a complex that absorbs radiation at 425 nm. The photometric detection was accomplished using a homemade light-emitting-diode (LED)-based photometer designed to use a flow cell with an optical path-length of 100 mm to improve sensitivity. After selecting adequate values for the flow system variables, adherence to the Beer–Lambert–Bouguer law was observed for standard solution concentrations in the range of 0.13–1.5 µg L−1 Co(II). Other useful features including a relative standard deviation of 2.0% (n = 11) for a sample with 0.49 µg L−1 Co(II), a detection limit of 0.06 µg L−1 Co(II) (n = 20), an analytical frequency of 42 sample determinations per hour, and waste generation of 1.5 mL per determination were achieved.
Nanocomposite of polypropylene/octadecylamine lamellar-zirconium phosphate: Influence of nanofiller and screw speed
Authors: Mariano Danielle M , Freitas Daniela FS , Mendes Luis C
Published: June 2017

Nanocomposite based on polypropylene and octadecylamine-modified lamellar-zirconium phosphate (PP/nano-ZrPOct) was prepared by melt processing. The action of the nanofiller and screw speed on the properties were evaluated. SEM images revealed that at highest screw speed, the higher nano-ZrPOct dispersion was achieved. In WAXD diffractrograms, some nanofiller diffraction peaks disappeared and a new peak was observed at low angle. There was evidence of increase of thermal stability although only discrete increasing in initial degradation temperature has been noticed. Melting and crystallization temperatures were invariable but crystallinity degree was influenced with a decreasing behavior at highest screw speed. The results strongly evidenced that the intercalation of the PP chains inside the nano-ZrPOct galleries and some degree of delamination of the nanofiller platelets have been achieved.
Self-Regulated Learning: The Continuous-Change Conceptual Framework and a Vision of New Paradigm, Technology System, and Pedagogical Support
Authors: Huh Yeol , Reigeluth Charles M.
Published: June 2017

A modified conceptual framework called the Continuous-Change Framework for self-regulated learning (SRL) is presented. Common elements and limitations among the past frameworks are discussed in relation to the modified conceptual framework. The iterative nature of the goal setting process and overarching presence of self-efficacy and motivational beliefs are emphasized as an improvement in the modified framework. Also, the limitations of current SRL frameworks in terms of full SRL are identified. On the basis of these limitations, we discuss the potential of SRL for the information-age paradigm of education as well as implications for pedagogical thinking for teaching students to be more self-regulated.
Beyond the “Revolving Door?”: Incentives and Criminal Recidivism in a Mental Health Court
Authors: Snedker Karen A. , Beach Lindsey R. , Corcoran Katie E.
Published: June 2017

Specialized mental health courts (MHCs) address the growing problem of defendants with mental illness cycling through the criminal justice system. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this article explores if MHCs can slow the “revolving door” of criminal justice involvement. We use quantitative data to evaluate the effectiveness of one MHC on different measures of criminal recidivism with logistic regression, event history analysis, and negative binomial regression. Modeling strategies report that graduates of MHC, defendants offered a dismissal of criminal charges, and defendants who maintained the same noncrisis mental health treatment while in court as they had prior to court had lower odds of new criminal charges, a longer time to a new criminal charge, and fewer new criminal charges. Qualitative data—court observations and interviews—suggest that providing incentives for program compliance, connecting defendants to planned mental health treatment services, and court completion are central to reducing recidivism.
Predicting the Pursuit and Support of Challenging Life Opportunities
Authors: Feeney Brooke C. , Van Vleet Meredith , Jakubiak Brett K. , Tomlinson Jennifer M.
Published: June 2017

Deciding to embrace challenging opportunities may present one life context through which individuals may thrive, and these decisions may be influenced by one’s significant relationships. Married couples were unobtrusively videotaped as one couple-member was presented with a challenging opportunity and decided whether to accept it. We assessed interpersonal predictors of the decision to accept or forgo the opportunity, predictors of the spouse’s support during decision-making, and follow-up thriving outcomes 6 months later. Results indicated that specific support behaviors enacted by the spouse—relational catalyst (RC) support provision—encouraged decision-makers to accept the challenge and that this decision predicted long-term thriving outcomes for the decision-maker. Results also indicated that the spouse’s support behavior was influenced by both chronic and experimentally manipulated motivations for providing support, and these motives provide pathways by which relationship satisfaction and attachment security predict the provision of RC support. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Science walks on two legs, but social sciences try to hop on one
Authors: Taagepera Rein
Published: June 2017

Science walks on two legs. One leg consists of asking: How things are? This leads to observation, measurement, graphing, and statistical description. The other leg consists of asking: How things should be, on logical grounds? This leads to logical models that should become quantitatively predictive. Science largely consists of such models, tested with data. Developed science establishes not only connections among individual factors but also connections among these connections. As an illustration, I use laws about human activity I have found. But social sciences often take the lazy road of fitting raw data with a straight line or some fashionable format, unaware of the need to think and build models based on logic, as stressed by Karl Deutsch. As expounded in my Making Social Sciences More Scientific (2008) and Logical Models and Basic Numeracy in Social Sciences, www.psych.ut.ee/stk/Beginners_Logical_Models.pdf , I call for a major widening in social science methodology.
Valved patch closure of aortopulmonary window
Authors: Talwar Sachin , Keshri Vikas Kumar , Gupta Saurabh Kumar , Narula Jitin , Choudhary Shiv Kumar , Airan Balram
Published: June 2017

The case of an 8-year-old boy with an aortopulmonary window who underwent unidirectional valved patch closure of the window is described. The advantages of unidirectional valved patch closure in this setting are discussed.
Non-diagnostic thyroid nodules after application of the Bethesda system: a study evaluating the interval for repeat aspiration for non-diagnostic results
Authors: Yoon Jung Hyun , Kim Eun-Kyung , Kwak Jin Young , Moon Hee Jung
Published: June 2017

Background

The non-diagnostic category of the Bethesda system has a low malignancy rate; nevertheless, repeat ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (US-FNA) is recommended with no consensus for follow-up intervals.

Purpose

To investigate whether a six-month time interval for repeat US-FNA is appropriate for non-diagnostic thyroid nodules after applying the Bethesda system.

Material and Methods

From January 2010 to January 2014, 322 thyroid nodules ≥10 mm with non-diagnostic results on initial US-FNA with any follow-up with US or US-FNA were included (mean age = 52.2 years ± 12.4). Clinical and US features were compared according to size change (increase, no change, decrease) and follow-up interval (<6 months and ≥6 months after initial US-FNA), and the minimal time interval observed in nodules with size increase on follow-up. The outcome of non-diagnostic nodules according to follow-up interval and size change were evaluated.

Results

Of the 322 nodules, 13 (4.0%) were malignant and 309 (96.0%) were benign. None of the 82 nodules with decreased size were malignant and 90.2% nodules with decreased size were found after six months. Of 175 nodules with repeat US-FNA, repeat cytology results did not differ significantly between the groups with follow-up US-FNA before and after six months ( P = 0.337). No significant differences were seen in size or extrathyroidal extension among the 13 malignant nodules according to the six-month interval (all P > 0.05), and no lateral lymph node metastasis was present.

Conclusion

Repeat US-FNA for initially non-diagnostic thyroid nodules can be performed at a six-month interval after initial procedure without tumor progression.
Wind turbine control in computational fluid dynamics with OpenFOAM
Authors: Daniele Elia
Published: June 2017

In this article, the implementation of the pitch-control option is described within the OpenFOAM computational fluid dynamics library supported by the preliminary results for a few representative test cases. The proposed pitch-control logic represents a simplified version of the typically model available for the load simulation based on blade element momentum theory codes. The control variable for the blade pitch regulation is the rotor rotational speed, for which an additional torque-speed controller determining the equilibrium between the aerodynamic and the electrical torque is required. The simulations are performed on the 80-m-diameter turbine used as a reference design within the SmartBlades project. The unsteady test cases are based on the assumption of rigid, not pre-bend blade, and refer to an emergency stop and an extreme operating gust. Results verified the correctness of the implemented control logic and its sensitivity to the control parameters, that is, the key factors for a successful regulation of power production and load mitigation in wind turbine design. The implemented simulation methodology constitutes the first step toward the reproduction of very complex operating conditions for wind turbines by means of accurate computations.
Mechanical and flame retardant properties of isotactic polypropylene/magnesium oxysulfate whisker composite
Authors: Dang Li , Nai Xueying , Liu Xin , Zhu Donghai , Dong Yaping , Li Wu
Published: June 2017

Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composites containing magnesium oxysulfate whisker (MOSw) or lauric acid-modified MOSw (LA-MOSw) were prepared via melt mixing in a torque rheometer. Scanning electron microscopy pictures showed that the interface between MOSw and iPP matrix was defined, whereas a vague interface was seen in the iPP–LA-MOSw composites. Mechanical properties of these two groups of composites were investigated in terms of tensile, notched impact, and flexural behavior aspects for the purposes of studying toughening effect of MOSw and LA-MOSw. Tensile results showed that yield strength of composites further reduced with the presence of LA, indicating the decrease in interfacial interaction bewteen iPP matrix and MOSw. As such, LA-MOSw performed better than MOSw in toughening of iPP matrix. Flexural strength and modulus of iPP–MOSw composites increased sharply with the increase in MOSw content, while less dependence on the LA-MOSw content indicated that MOSw was deemed beneficial to increase the stiffness. In addition, flammability properties were investigated by cone calorimetry experiment. The results showed that the peak heat release rate apparently reduced with addition of MOSw or LA-MOSw. Besides, iPP–LA-MOSw composites showed higher specific extinction area values than iPP–MOSw composites, which meant the weaker smoke suppression effect of LA-MOSw. It was chiefly because of the incomplete combustion caused by the continuous and complete charred (MgO) shield. The presence of LA was another possible reason.
Effects of degree of compaction and fines content of the subgrade bottom layer on moisture migration in the substructure of high-speed railways
Authors: Chen Ren-Peng , Wang Han-Lin , Hong Peng-Yun , Cui Yu-Jun , Qi Shuai , Cheng Wei
Published: June 2017

Moisture migration and distribution in the substructure are found to be the important reasons for water-related problems in high-speed railways. In this study, a numerical model of a double-line ballastless track-bed consisting of a substructure (subgrade surface layer, subgrade bottom layer and subsoil) and a superstructure (including two concrete bases right above the substructure) was established. The superstructure was considered as an impermeable boundary in this model, while two fissures were set at the joint edges of the left-line concrete base and the surface layer, simulating the infiltration area of rainwater. The effects of degree of compaction and fines content of the bottom layer due to moisture migration in the high-speed railway substructure were investigated on this model by applying and analyzing the 2013 rainfall data of Hangzhou, China, for a three-year period. The results show that the saturation zones develop in the subgrade, after a three-year period, with the size increasing with the increase in the degree of compaction or fines content due to higher water retention capacity and lower permeability of the soil. Furthermore, the variations of volumetric water content at different depths of the left-fissure profile indicate that as the degree of compaction or fines content increases, the arriving time of the wetting front increases, but the fluctuation amplitude of the volumetric water content after the arrival of the wetting front decreases on the whole. The degree of compaction appears to present a more significant impact on these two parameters. In particular, a threshold value of the degree of compaction between 0.90 and 0.93 is observed, prolonging the arriving time of the wetting front remarkably at a certain elevation. Besides, it takes a longer time for the wetting front to pass through the interface between the surface layer and the bottom layer for each case. From a practical point of view, it will be beneficial to employ drainage methods to drain out the water before it reaches the bottom layer.
Early- and middle-Holocene wood exploitation in the Fayum basin, Egypt
Authors: Marston John M , Holdaway Simon J , Wendrich Willeke
Published: June 2017

The early and middle Holocene of North Africa was a time of dramatic climatic and social change, including rapid shifts in vegetation communities and the introduction of domesticated plants and animals. Recent research from the Fayum basin of Egypt, which holds archaeological evidence for early use of domesticates, aims to place inhabitants of that region within their contemporary environmental setting. We present here results of wood charcoal analysis from three early- and middle-Holocene deposits on the north shore of the Fayum and reconstruct both contemporary woodland ecology and patterns of anthropogenic wood use. In total, three woodland communities likely existed in the area, but inhabitants of this region made heavy use of only the local lakeshore woodland, emphasizing tamarisk ( Tamarix sp.) for fuel. While seasonally watered wadi woodlands were not harvested for fuel, more arid locations on the landscape were, evidencing regional mobility between ecological zones. Results indicate that wood was locally abundant and that inhabitants were able to select only preferred species for fuel. This study provides further evidence for low-level food production in the Fayum that preserved critical ecosystem services, rather than dramatic niche construction to promote agriculture as seen elsewhere in middle-Holocene Southwest Asia.
Prehistoric evolution of the dualistic structure mixed rice and millet farming in China
Authors: He Keyang , Lu Houyuan , Zhang Jianping , Wang Can , Huan Xiujia
Published: June 2017

Compared with the monistic structure of crop agriculture in Southwest Asia and Mesoamerica, agriculture in ancient China reflects the characteristics of a dualistic structure with millet in the north and rice in the south. It is argued that the rice and millet farming modes were mutually exchanged during their development and formed a vast region of mixed farming. However, the time and place of its origin, the routes of dissemination, and the development patterns and possible influence factors of mixed farming remain unclear. This study systematically collected information from 804 sites with millet and rice records and detailed floatation results from 78 mixed farming sites in prehistoric China. Three north–south communication corridors are identified between the upper, middle and lower Yellow and Yangtze River Valleys that began around 5500 BP, 8400 BP and 4600 BP, respectively. Cultural communication accompanied by human migration and the unique natural environment of loess and East Asia monsoons facilitated the interaction between millet and rice farming through these corridors. As a comprehensive reflection of the interaction between millet and rice farming, the crop structure of the four core mixed farming regions is in a continual process of adjustment, with the selection of foxtail millet in the southward spread of millet agriculture and temperate Oryza japonica in the northern spread of rice agriculture.
Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with articular involvement
Authors: Massaro L , Ceccarelli F , Colasanti T , Pendolino M , Perricone C , Cipriano E , Natalucci F , Capalbo G , Lucchetti R , Pecani A , Vomero M , Mancini R , Spinelli F R , Alessandri C , Valesini G , Conti F
Published: June 2017

Objective

Several studies have evaluated the prevalence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated proteins antibodies (ACPA) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients but no data are available on the anti-carbamylated proteins (anti-CarP), a new biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the anti-CarP prevalence in SLE patients with joint involvement and the associations with different phenotypes.

Methods

Seventy-eight SLE patients with joint involvement were enrolled (F/M 73/5; mean ± SD age 47.6 ± 11.2 years; mean ± SD disease duration 214.3 ± 115.6 months). As control groups, we evaluated SLE patients without joint manifestations ( N = 15), RA ( N = 78) and healthy individuals (HS, N = 98). Anti-CarP were assessed by home-made ELISA in all patients and controls, RF and ACPA in SLE patients with joint involvement (commercial ELISA kit).

Results

The prevalence of anti-CarP in SLE patients with joint involvement was similar to RA ( p = NS) and significantly higher compared with SLE without joint involvement and HS ( p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). Four patients were positive for all three antibodies: seventy-five percent of these showed Jaccoud arthropathy. Fourty-five percent of ACPA-ve/RF-ve patients were anti-CarP + ve.

Conclusions

The evaluation of anti-CarP in SLE joint involvement demonstrated a prevalence of almost 50%, similar to RA and significantly higher than SLE without joint involvement and HS.
Outcomes of organ donation in brain-dead patient's families: Ethical perspective
Authors: Ahmadian Shamsi , Rahimi Abolfazl , Khaleghi Ebrahim
Published: June 2017

Background:

The families of brain-dead patients have a significant role in the process of decision making for organ donation. Organ donation is a traumatic experience. The ethical responsibility of healthcare systems respecting organ donation is far beyond the phase of decision making for donation. The principles of donation-related ethics require healthcare providers and organ procurement organizations to respect donor families and protect them against any probable harm. Given the difficult and traumatic nature of donation-related experience, understanding the outcomes of donation appears crucial.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore the outcomes of organ donation for the families of brain-dead patients.

Methods:

This was a qualitative descriptive study to which a purposeful sample of 19 donor family members were recruited. Data were collected through holding in-depth semi-structured interviews with the participants. Data analysis was performed by following the qualitative content analysis approach developed by Elo and Kyngäs.

Findings:

The main category of the data was “Decision to organ donation: a challenge from conflict to transcendence.” This main category consisted of 10 subcategories and 3 general categories. The general categories were “challenging outcomes,” “reassuring outcomes,” and “transcending outcomes.”

Ethical considerations:

The study was approved by the regional ethical review board. The ethical principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and non-identification were used.

Conclusion:

Donor families experience different challenges which range from conflict and doubtfulness to confidence, satisfaction, and transcendence. Healthcare providers and organ procurers should not discontinue care and support provision to donor families after obtaining their consent to donate because the post-decision phase is also associated with different complexities and difficulties with which donor families may not be able to cope effectively. In order to help donor families achieve positive outcomes from the tragedy of significant loss, healthcare professionals need to facilitate the process of achieving confidence and transcendence by them.
Modeling and parametric studies of magnetic shape memory alloy–based energy harvester
Authors: Sayyaadi Hassan , Rostami Najafabadi Hossein , Askari Farsangi Mohammad Amin
Published: June 2017

This article presents a model to simulate the behavior of a magnetic shape memory alloy while harvesting vibratory energy. In this type of energy harvester, magnetic shape memory alloy element is placed in the air gap of a ferromagnetic core which conducts the magnetic flux. Two apparent coils are wound around a ferromagnetic core: one to produce bias magnetic field by passing a rectified electric current and the other to serve as an energy pickup coil. Applying compressive time-variant strain field to magnetic shape memory alloy element changes its dimensions and magnetic properties as well. Presence of the bias magnetic field returns magnetic shape memory alloy element to its initial state while removing the load. Changes in magnetic properties of magnetic shape memory alloy will change the magnetic flux passing through the pickup coil and will produce an alternative voltage in that coil based on the Faraday’s law of induction consequently. In the modeling strategy, magnetic behavior of magnetic shape memory alloy element during operation is obtained by solving the thermodynamic-based constitutive equation numerically and the energy harvesting process modeled with equivalent magnetic and electric circuits. By varying the system parameters in the model, output voltage and power changes are reported accordingly.
Stealth Democracy Revisited: Reconsidering Preferences for Less Visible Government
Authors: VanderMolen Kathryn
Published: June 2017

Understanding public preferences for governing processes is an understudied area of research. In this paper, I evaluate a set of critical assumptions relating to process preferences that the literature has thus far not addressed. I specifically address the claims made by John Hibbing and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse in their seminal book, Stealth Democracy, which suggests that people prefer political decisions to be made via expert-based governing arrangements to promote a level of efficiency and effectiveness within the government that elected officials cannot provide. Using original questions from the 2014 Cooperative Congressional Election Study, I find concurring evidence that citizens are not strongly attached to standard participatory processes found in democracy. However, upon using more precise measurements and placing expert processes into contemporary context, preferences weaken and appear to be shallow in nature. In an era where process preferences are receiving more attention as trust in government wanes, it is important to understand the depth of these preferences and their potential to change politics. These results suggest it is imperative for future scholars to approach the study of process preferences with care.
Application of a dynamic antiresonant vibration isolator to minimize the vibration transmission in underwater vehicles
Authors: Liu Niuniu , Li Chenyang , Yin Caiyu , Dong Xingjian , Hua Hongxing
Published: June 2017

Harmonic axial force resulting from a propeller’s first vibration mode is a major cause of tonal sound radiation of an underwater vehicle. To reduce the harmonic force, we employ a dynamic antiresonant vibration isolator (DAVI) in parallel with thrust bearing of the shafting system to attenuate vibration transmitted to the hull. The methods of transfer matrices and substructure synthesis are used to create a semi-analytical dynamic model of the propeller–shaft–hull system with DAVI. In this model, the elastic properties of the propeller and foundation are taken into consideration. The force transmissibility and power flow are then used to evaluate the isolation performance of the DAVI. For the purpose of comparison, a resonance changer (RC) proposed in the published literature is also used to reduce the axial vibration transmission. It is demonstrated numerically that by using DAVI, the vibration and power flow of the underwater vehicle are greatly attenuated at the designed frequency without obviously changing the axial fundamental resonance frequency of the shafting system, which is superior to the RC isolator.
Taking back control? Investigating the role of immigration in the 2016 vote for Brexit
Authors: Goodwin Matthew , Milazzo Caitlin
Published: June 2017

The 2016 referendum marked a watershed moment in the history of the United Kingdom. The public vote to leave the European Union (EU)—for a ‘Brexit’—brought an end to the country’s membership of the EU and set it on a fundamentally different course. Recent academic research on the vote for Brexit points to the importance of immigration as a key driver, although how immigration influenced the vote remains unclear. In this article, we draw on aggregate-level data and individual-level survey data from the British Election Study (BES) to explore how immigration shaped public support for Brexit. Our findings suggest that, specifically, increases in the rate of immigration at the local level and sentiments regarding control over immigration were key predictors of the vote for Brexit, even after accounting for factors stressed by established theories of Eurosceptic voting. Our findings suggest that a large reservoir of support for leaving the EU, and perhaps anti-immigration populism more widely, will remain in Britain, so long as immigration remains a salient issue.
Against the flow in data collection: How data triangulation combined with a ‘slow’ interview technique enriches data
Authors: Jentoft Nina , Olsen Torunn S
Published: June 2017

Capturing the voices of the ‘disadvantaged’ in society may often be difficult to achieve. In this article, we argue that the combination of data triangulation and a ‘slow’ interview technique may be a good method when the target group is vulnerable people who may find the interview challenging. Data triangulation can reveal a social phenomenon’s complexity by providing a fuller picture, while in-depth interviews and a ‘slow’ interview technique can enhance data quality. We present an alternative to what we perceive as being dominant and tacit support for use of voice recordings in interview-based studies, thus our research approach goes against the current flow in the research community. In the absence of a voice recording, the quality of the interview can be assured through cooperation between the researcher and the informant. We also discuss the importance of establishing trust when meeting the informant in order to ensure rich data.
The what and the where of vision lighting research
Authors: Rea MS
Published: June 2017

Vision neuroscience research and vision lighting research have historically run on parallel paths. The former discipline is primarily interested in understanding the basic neurophysiological and biophysical characteristics of the visual system, while the latter is primarily interested in understanding the best means for designing and engineering perceptions of architectural spaces and for improving safety and productivity of indoor and outdoor applications. This review frames vision lighting research conducted over the past century in terms of current vision neuroscience research, illustrating the similarities in the two research paths. It is also argued that visual lighting research could be more impactful on society at large if the basic framework established by vision neuroscience were considered in planning and conducting applications research. Specifically, studies aimed at understanding the luminous environment in terms of the what and the where of visual subsystems would provide the foundation for developing unique and highly valuable lighting applications and standards.
Association of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Polymorphism With Renal Cell Carcinoma Risk
Authors: Zhou Jia-Quan , Kang Xin-Li , Wang Yang , Xu Cong-Jie
Published: June 2017

The conclusion of the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphism and renal cell carcinoma risk was inconsistent. This study was performed to assess the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphism and renal cell carcinoma risk using meta-analysis. The association studies were identified from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, and eligible studies were included and calculated. Ten studies were included for this meta-analysis. vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) +405G > CC allele and GG genotype were associated with renal cell carcinoma risk for overall populations in this meta-analysis (C allele: odds ratio = 1.18, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.33, P = .004; CC genotype: odds ratio = 1.20, 95% confidence interval: 0.96-1.50, P = .12; GG genotype: odds ratio = 0.79, 95% confidence interval: 0.67-0.93, P = .004). Furthermore, VEGF +936C>T gene polymorphism and VEGF −2578 C>A gene polymorphism were associated with renal cell carcinoma risk for overall populations (+936C>T: T allele: odds ratio = 1.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.29, P = .004; TT genotype: odds ratio = 1.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.52, P = .03; CC genotype: odds ratio = 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.75-0.98, P = .03; −2578 C>A: A allele: odds ratio = 1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.15-1.38, P < .00001; AA genotype: odds ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.67, P = .0004; CC genotype: odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.61-0.92, P = .006). However, VEGF −634G>C, VEGF −460T>C, VEGF −1154 G>A, and VEGF +1612 G>A gene polymorphisms were not associated with renal cell carcinoma risk. In conclusion, VEGF +405G>CC allele and GG genotype, VEGF +936C>T gene polymorphism, and VEGF −2578 C>A gene polymorphism were associated with renal cell carcinoma risk for overall populations. However, more studies should be performed to assess this relationship in the future.
First-line use of contact aspiration for thrombectomy versus a stent retriever for recanalization in acute cerebral infarction: The randomized ASTER study protocol
Authors: Lapergue Bertrand , Labreuche Julien , Blanc Raphael , Barreau Xavier , Berge Jérome , Consoli Arturo , Rodesch Georges , Saleme Susanna , Costalat Vincent , Bracard Serge , Desal Hubert , Duhamel Alain , Baffert Sandrine , Mazighi Mikael , Gory Benjamin , Turjman Francis , Piotin Michel
Published: June 2017

Rationale

Mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever is now the standard of care in anterior circulation ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. New techniques for mechanical thrombectomy, such as contact aspiration, appear promising to increase reperfusion status and improve clinical outcome.

Aim

We aim at ascertaining whether contact aspiration is more efficient than the stent retriever as a first-line endovascular procedure.

Sample size estimates

With a two-sided test (alpha = 5%, power = 90%) and an anticipated rate of spontaneous recanalization and catheterization failures of 15%, we estimate that a sample size of 380 patients will be necessary to detect an absolute difference of 15% in primary outcome (superiority design).

Methods and design

The ASTER trial is a prospective, randomized, multicenter, controlled, open-label, blinded end-point clinical trial. Patients admitted with suspected ischemic anterior circulation stroke secondary to large vessel occlusion, with onset of symptoms <6 h, will be randomly assigned to contact aspiration or stent retriever in a 1:1 ratio; stratified by center and prior IV thrombolysis. If the assigned treatment technique is not successful after three attempts, another technique will be applied, at the operator’s discretion.

Study outcomes

The primary outcome will be successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b–3) at the end of the endovascular procedures. Secondary outcome will include successful recanalization after the assigned first-line treatment technique alone, procedural times, the need for a rescue technique, complications and modified Rankin Scale at three months.

Discussion

No previous head to head randomized trials have directly compared contact aspiration versus stent retriever reperfusion techniques. This prospective trial aims to provide further evidence of benefit of contact aspiration versus stent retriever techniques among patients with ischemic stroke.
Comparison of performance at the 2007 and 2015 Cricket World Cups
Authors: Petersen Carl J
Published: June 2017

To assess tactical changes, we compared team performance indicators between the 2015 and 2007 Cricket World Cup Tournaments. Specifically, we determined magnitudes of differences between winning and losing teams and compared round robin and the knockout or Super 8 phases. Magnitude of difference between teams was established with a standardised (Cohen's) effect size with 90% confidence limits. Taking wickets and having a high batting run rate consistently had large to very large effect sizes across both rounds of both tournaments. A higher percentage of runs in singles had a small to moderate negative correlation with winning across both tournaments (ranging from effect size = −0.28 ± 0.07 to −1.18 ± 0.79 90% CL). The main contribution of this paper is that across eight years and across different geographical locations, key performance indicators had similar magnitudes in 50-over World Cup Cricket. Coaches can be confident in the relevant importance of different performance indicators.
Wa’allah, the woman she should go direct to Paradise: Perceptions of motherhood in Qatar
Authors: Viruru Radhika , Nasser Ramzi
Published: June 2017

Recent scholarship on motherhood has tried to trouble the idea that mothering is a set of instinctive “natural” behaviors that all women are born knowing, positing it rather as a set of fundamentally cultural practices, enacted within social and political contexts and intimately related to thinking about citizenship, responsibility, and human development. In this article, the authors draw from a yearlong study of motherhood in the Arabian Gulf nation of Qatar to support those efforts. Approximately, 280 women completed a survey regarding their perceptions of motherhood and follow-up in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 participants. A large number of respondents indicated that they employed domestic helpers to help with their children. Although domestic help was common, most of the “intimate” tasks involved in raising children, such as bathing, toileting, and putting children to bed were carried out by the mothers themselves. As many participants had large families (about half of the women surveyed had at least four children living with them), mothers often expressed a strong sense of being overwhelmed, but at the same time, welcoming their responsibilities as God-given. The authors suggest that as the nation of Qatar reconstructs itself, notions of families are also being reconstructed; however, women are being disproportionately being charged with the responsibility to create the “perfect” family.
Using mHealth technologies to improve the identification of behavioral health problems in urban primary care settings
Authors: Staeheli Martha , Aseltine Robert H , Schilling Elizabeth , Anderson Daren , Gould Bruce
Published: June 2017

Introduction:

Behavioral health disorders remain under recognized and under diagnosed among urban primary care patients. Screening patients for such problems is widely recommended, yet is challenging to do in a brief primary care encounter, particularly for this socially and medically complex patient population.

Methods:

In 2013, intervention patients at an urban Connecticut primary clinic were screened for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and risky drinking (n = 146) using an electronic tablet-based screening tool. Screening data were compared to electronic health record data from control patients (n = 129) to assess differences in the prevalence of behavioral health problems, rates of follow-up care, and the rate of newly identified cases in the intervention group.

Results:

Results from logistic regressions indicated that both groups had similar rates of disorder at baseline. Patients in the intervention group were five times more likely to be identified with depression (p < 0.05). Post-traumatic stress disorder was virtually unrecognized among controls but was observed in 23% of the intervention group (p < 0.001). The vast majority of behavioral health problems identified in the intervention group were new cases. Follow-up rates were significantly higher in the intervention group relative to controls, but were low overall.

Conclusion:

This tablet-based electronic screening tool identified significantly higher rates of behavioral health disorders than have been previously reported for this patient population. Electronic risk screening using patient-reported outcome measures offers an efficient approach to improving the identification of behavioral health problems and improving rates of follow-up care.
Improvement of walking ability during postoperative rehabilitation with the hybrid assistive limb after total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Tanaka Yohei , Oka Hiroyuki , Nakayama Shuichi , Ueno Takaaki , Matsudaira Ko , Miura Toshiki , Tanaka Kiyokazu , Tanaka Sakae
Published: June 2017

Objective:

We aimed to compare the efficacies of rehabilitation with the hybrid assistive limb and conventional rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.

Materials and methods:

A total of 37 consecutive patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis were enrolled. Seven patients withdrew from the study after randomization, and 30 patients (hybrid assistive limb group: n = 16; conventional group: n = 14) completed the randomized controlled trial. Patients in the hybrid assistive limb group underwent ten 20-min rehabilitation sessions with the hybrid assistive limb as well as 20-min conventional sessions over the course of 2 weeks, whereas patients in the conventional group received ten 40-min conventional sessions during the same period. The primary outcome measure was walking speed, whereas the secondary outcome measures included quadriceps strength and knee pain assessed using a numerical rating scale. The outcome measures were evaluated prior to surgery and on postoperative weeks 1, 2, and 3.

Results:

In the early postoperative period, rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty with the hybrid assistive limb resulted in a significantly greater improvement in walking speed (weeks 1 and 2: p = 0.045), quadriceps strength (weeks 1 and 2; weeks 1 and 3: p < 0.0001), and numerical rating scale scores (week 1: p = 0.03) than conventional rehabilitation.

Conclusion:

Rehabilitation with the hybrid assistive limb after total knee arthroplasty led to greater improvements in walking speed, quadriceps strength, and pain scores than conventional rehabilitation.
Strategic Orientation and Performance of SMEs in Malaysia
Authors: Nasir Wan Mohd Nazdrol bin Wan Mohd , Al Mamun Abdullah , Breen John
Published: June 2017

The primary objective of this study is to critically examine the effect of strategic orientation on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Three most comprehensive constructs, namely, entrepreneurial orientation, market orientation, and interaction orientation were adopted to present a holistic picture of the effect of strategic orientation on firm performance. This study adopts a cross-sectional design and uses the stratified random sampling method to select the potential respondents. The complete data were collected from 473 entrepreneurs who operate in the service sector in Malaysia. Findings of this study show that entrepreneurial and market orientations have a positive effect on superior firm performance. As entrepreneurial orientation is shown to be the construct sharing a positive relationship with all the other constructs in the model, it has been identified as the most significant strategic orientation. SMEs in Malaysia should therefore focus on adopting strategies in market orientation by appropriate marketing efforts, and in entrepreneurial orientation where the entrepreneur needs to adopt a proactive stance to counter challenges in the market of new products and changing customer preferences.
Breastfeeding Patterns Among Employees at a Land Grant University
Authors: Paddock Joan D.
Published: June 2017

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life, and up to 1 year with complementary food. Breastfeeding rates have improved over the last 20 years, but exclusive breastfeeding, and breastfeeding to 6 months have not yet met Healthy People 2020 goals. Given that the majority of women return to work shortly after delivery, workplace support for breastfeeding could facilitate breastfeeding continuance. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was the first federal legislation to address breastfeeding in the workplace. This article examines employee breastfeeding behavior before and after implementation of workplace breastfeeding support policies and practices. Breastfeeding behavior change over time was assessed by comparing employees’ responses by age of their youngest children. Results indicated that breastfeeding among employees and breastfeeding after returning to work improved after initiation of breastfeeding support policies in this university setting.
Comparison of Pegged and Keeled Glenoid Components for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Khazzam Michael , Argo Madison , Landrum Matthew , Box Hayden
Published: June 2017

Background

Limited evidence exists regarding the relative rates of glenoid loosening after total shoulder arthroplasty utilizing pegged or keeled cemented all-polyethylene glenoid components.

Methods

A systematic review of level I, II, and III studies comparing the development of radiolucent lines and glenoid failure after total shoulder arthroplasty with pegged or keeled glenoid components was conducted. Four articles were included in the final analysis with a total of 203 total shoulder arthroplasties comprising 107 pegged and 96 keeled glenoid components.

Results

Development of radiolucent lines was less likely with pegged glenoid components with a risk difference of −0.32 (95% CI −0.62, −0.03) favoring the pegged design. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of radiographically at-risk glenoids, clinical glenoid failure, or the composite endpoint.

Conclusions

Although the development of radiolucent lines was less likely around pegged glenoid components, there was no significant difference in the rate of radiographic or clinical glenoid failure between pegged and keeled components. More high-quality studies are needed to determine the relative rates of glenoid loosening with pegged and keeled glenoid components.
In vitro ion adsorption and cytocompatibility of dicalcium phosphate ceramics
Authors: Schamel Martha , Barralet Jake E. , Groll Jürgen , Gbureck Uwe
Published: June 2017

Background

In vitro
cell testing of degradable bioceramics such as brushite or monetite is often challenging due to the ion release into or adsorption from the culture medium. These ionic changes are then mostly responsible for cell proliferation and activity, which prohibits the investigation of effects originating from surface topography or further material modifications.

Methods

Here, we aimed to solve this problem by developing a pre-conditioning regime following the repeated immersion of brushite and monetite samples in various Ca
2+
, Mg
2+
and PO
4
3−
containing electrolytes, followed by studying ion adsorption / release as well as changes in phase composition and in vitro cytocompatibility with MG63 cells.

Results

The results demonstrated that by using DMEM cell culture medium in a ratio of 10 ml/sample was sufficient to minimize changes of ionic composition after 7 d with a daily change of the medium. This leads to changes of the surface composition with dissolution of the brushite phase. In turn, this also positively influences the
in vitro
cytocompatibility with a 2–3 fold higher cell number and cell activity on the DMEM pretreated surfaces.

Conclusions

Controlled sample washing prior to cell testing using DMEM medium seems to be a valuable procedure not only to stabilize the pH during cell culture but also to maintain ion concentrations within a cell friendly range.