bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethiopian Contextualization: The Tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church
Authors: Keon-Sang An
Published: May 2016

Our study of contextualization must be basically descriptive, that is, to observe and describe how the gospel is understood and shapes practices in the context of a people. Especially we have to take into consideration different global church traditions in our discussion of contextualization. The Ethiopian OrthodoxTewahidoChurch (eotc) provides a compelling historical example of contextualization. It has developed its own unique tradition by weaving together elements from different sources of both internal and external traditions through dynamic interaction with other traditions. These include Ethiopian primal, Hebraic-Jewish, apostolic, Syriac and Egyptian Coptic. Ethiopian nationalism has functioned as the guiding principle underlying Ethiopian contextualization. Theeotcwill continue to display how a church with a long history and tradition copes with new challenging situations and establishes its distinctive tradition in a dynamic interaction of its local and global orientations.
The Encounter of the Emblematic Tradition with Optics
Authors: Gómez López Susana
Published: May 2016

In his excellent work Anamorphoses ou perspectives curieuses (1955), Baltrusaitis concluded the chapter on catoptric anamorphosis with an allusion to the small engraving by Hans Tröschel (1585–1628) after Simon Vouet’s drawing Eight satyrs observing an elephant reflected on a cylinder, the first known representation of a cylindrical anamorphosis made in Europe. This paper explores the Baroque intellectual and artistic context in which Vouet made his drawing, attempting to answer two central sets of questions. Firstly, why did Vouet make this image? For what purpose did he ideate such a curious image? Was it commissioned or did Vouet intend to offer it to someone? And if so, to whom? A reconstruction of this story leads me to conclude that the cylindrical anamorphosis was conceived as an emblem for Prince Maurice of Savoy. Secondly, how did what was originally the project for a sophisticated emblem give rise in Paris, after the return of Vouet from Italy in 1627, to the geometrical study of catoptrical anamorphosis? Through the study of this case, I hope to show that in early modern science the emblematic tradition was not only linked to natural history, but that insofar as it was a central feature of Baroque culture, it seeped into other branches of scientific inquiry, in this case the development of catoptrical anamorphosis. Vouet’s image is also a good example of how the visual and artistic poetics of the baroque were closely linked – to the point of being inseparable – with the scientific developments of the period.
Necessary, Not Sufficient
Authors: Hendriksen Marieke M.A.
Published: May 2016

The craft of making stained glass all but disappeared from the northern Netherlands in the long eighteenth century, but craft knowledge continued to circulate in texts and rare attempts at revival. This paper studies the role of artisans, natural historians and apothecaries and their use of texts in attempts to maintain and revive the knowledge of and techniques for the production of stained glass in the northern Netherlands between 1650 and 1821. I argue that their efforts contributed to the preservation of existing stained glass, and raised awareness about the cultural and historical value of stained glass and the knowledge and skills required to produce it. Although much tacit, practical knowledge was lost, basic technical knowledge circulated in a small number of texts. Combined with preserved stained glass, these texts served as the basis for reconstructive experiments that would lead to a revival of the art in the nineteenth century.
The “Abyssal Society”
Authors: Campanella Sara
Published: May 2016

Ichthyological investigations and technological advancements, such as the laying of submarine telegraph cables, promoted new dredging methods in the second half of the 19th century. In contrast to the idea of a lifeless deep ocean (Edward Forbes’ azoic hypothesis), the discovery of deep water fauna and the challenge of defining its systematics opened up new theoretical perspectives. In this frame, which was already marked by the impact of Darwin’s theory, naturalistic surveys in freshwater environments in western Switzerland intertwined with those of oceanographic expeditions. The study of the fauna in the depths of subalpine lakes by the Swiss savant François-Alphonse Forel was one of the most striking examples of this turning point, because the relatively recently evolution of its freshwater fauna allowed him to investigate: (a) the role of isolation, (b) the progressive differentiation of species from a common ancestor, and (c) the constitution of a species-specific category in form transition, from a genealogical viewpoint to an ecological one.
Marble Busts and Fish Fossils
Authors: Canadelli Elena
Published: May 2016

The historical catalogs of the museum collections contain a wealth of information for historians seeking to reconstruct their contents, how they were displayed and the ways in which they were used. This paper will present the complete transcription of a draft catalog that was prepared in 1797 for the Museum of Natural History and Antiquities of the University of Padua. Conserved in the university’s Museum of Geology and Paleontology, the catalog was the first to be compiled of the museum, which was established in 1733 thanks to the donation by Antonio Vallisneri Jr. of his father Antonio Vallisneri Sr.’s collection of antiquities and natural history. The catalog was compiled by the custodian of the museum, the herbalist and amateur naturalist Bartolomeo Fabris. It is of great interest because it provides a record of the number and nature of the pieces conserved in the museum at a time when natural history and archeology collections were still undivided. It also provides indications as to how such collections were arranged for display in the public halls of a university at the end of the eighteenth century. Based on this catalog, with additional information drawn from other manuscript and published sources and museum catalogs from the 1830s conserved in various institutes at the University of Padua, it is possible to reconstruct the contents and layout of a significant late 18th-century natural history collection.
“The Most Improbable Diocese of the Anglican Communion”
Authors: Stuart John
Published: May 2016

The Anglican presence in Mozambique dates from the late nineteenth century. This article provides a historical overview, with reference to mission, church and diocese. It also examines ecclesiastical and other religious connections between Mozambique and the United Kingdom, South Africa and Portugal. Through focus on the career and writings of the English missionary-priest John Paul and on the episcopacy of the Portuguese-born bishop of Lebombo Daniel de Pina Cabral, the article furthermore examines Anglican affairs in Mozambique during the African struggle for liberation from Portuguese rule.
Revision of the genus Ochterus (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Ochteridae) in Mesoamerica and the United States
Authors: Polhemus Dan A. , Polhemus John T.
Published: May 2016

The genus Ochterus is revised for Mesoamerica and the continental United States. The fauna as currently understood contains ten previously described species, and the following ten new species described herein: O. chiapensis from southeastern Mexico, O. costaricensis from Costa Rica, Panama and El Salvador, O. explanatus from western Mexico, O. mexicanus from central Mexico, O. obscurus from Costa Rica, O. ovatus from southeastern Mexico, O. panamensis from Panama, O. pseudorotundus from northeastern Mexico, O. shepardi from Costa Rica, and O. smaragdinus from southeastern Mexico. Ochterus flaviclavus Barber is shown to represent an intraspecific color morph of O. banksi Barber and is synonymized under the latter species. Color photographs of the dorsal body and frons, as well as line drawings of male genitalic structures, are provided for all species treated, accompanied by distribution maps.
History of Transnational Voluntary Associations
Authors: Davies Thomas R.
Published: May 2016

This review explores the history of transnational voluntary associations, commencing with general patterns before proceeding to cover the history of different sectors in turn, including humanitarianism, science, education, environment, feminism, race, health, human rights, labor, business, standards, professions, culture, peace, religion, and youth. Coverage extends from the late eighteenth century through to the early twenty-first century and spans histories of particular organizations and of particular campaigns in addition to the evolution of broader transnational social movements. Contrasting perspectives on historical evolution are considered, including both linear and cyclical interpretations. The factors underpinning historical changes are explored, including economic, environmental, political, scientific, and social developments. Insights are drawn not only from a transnational historical perspective, but also the many other disciplines that shed light on the subject, such as world sociology. The review also incorporates perspectives from international relations, development studies, peace studies, voluntary sector studies, and women’s studies. It argues that the historical evolution of transnational voluntary associations is longer, less Western in origin and more cyclical than traditionally assumed.
The Impact of Participating in a Peer Assessment Activity on Subsequent Academic Performance
Authors: Jhangiani Rajiv S.
Published: May 2016

The present study investigates the impact of participation in a peer assessment activity on subsequent academic performance. Students in two sections of an introductory psychology course completed a practice quiz 1 week prior to each of three course exams. Students in the experimental group participated in a five-step double-blind peer assessment activity immediately following the practice quiz, whereas those in the control group participated in the identical activity 1 week after the exam. Results show that participation in the peer assessment activity enhanced subsequent exam performance in all three cases, even after accounting for online mastery quiz performance and attendance. A detailed description of the peer assessment activity is provided as a flexible template for instructors.
Augmented intuitive dissimilarity metric for clustering of Web user sessions
Authors: Sisodia Dilip Singh , Verma Shrish , Vyas Om Prakash
Published: May 2016

Clustering is a very useful technique to categorise Web users with common browsing activities, access patterns and navigational behaviour. Web user clustering is used to build Web visitor profiles that make the core of a personalised information recommender system. These systems are used to comprehend Web users surfing activities by offering tailored content to Web users with similar interests. The principle objective of Web user sessions clustering is to maximise the intra-group while minimising the inter-group similarity. Efficient clustering of Web users’ sessions not only depend on the clustering algorithm’s nature but also depend on how well user concerns are captured and accommodated by the dissimilarity measure that are used. Determining the right dissimilarity measure to capture the access behaviour of the Web user is very significant for substantial clustering. In this paper, an intuitive dissimilarity measure is presented to estimate a Web user’s concern from augmented Web user sessions. The proposed usage dissimilarity measure between two Web user sessions is based on the accessing page relevance, the syntactic structure of page URL and hierarchical structure of the website. This proposed intuitive dissimilarity measure was used with K-Medoids Clustering algorithm for experimentation and results were compared with other independent dissimilarity measures. The worth of the generated clusters were evaluated by two unsupervised cluster validity indexes. The experimental results show that intuitive augmented session dissimilarity measure is more realistic and superior as compared to the other independent dissimilarity measures regarding cluster validity indexes.
Phase 3 Trials of Thermosensitive Ciprofloxacin Gel for Middle Ear Effusion in Children with Tubes
Authors: Park Albert H. , White David R. , Moss Jonathan R. , Bear Moraye , LeBel Carl
Published: May 2016

Objective

To investigate the efficacy, safety, and microbiology of a thermosensitive otic suspension of ciprofloxacin (OTO‐201) in children with bilateral middle ear effusion undergoing tympanostomy tube placement.

Study Design

Two randomized, double‐blind, sham‐controlled phase 3 trials. Patients were randomized to intratympanic OTO‐201 or sham.

Setting

Children with bilateral middle ear effusion undergoing tympanostomy tube placement.

Subjects/Methods

Studies evaluated 532 patients (6 months to 17 years old) in a combined analysis of efficacy (treatment failure: presence of otorrhea, otic or systemic antibiotic use, lost to follow‐up, missed visits), safety (audiometry, otoscopy, tympanometry), and microbiology.

Results

There was a lower cumulative proportion of treatment failures in patients receiving OTO‐201 vs tympanostomy tubes alone (1) on days 4, 8, 15, and 29; (2) on day 15, primary end point (23.0% vs 45.1%; age‐adjusted odds ratio, 0.341; P <. 001; reduction in relative risk, 49%); and (3) on day 15, blinded‐assessor otorrhea treatment failure (7.0% vs 19.4%; age‐adjusted odds ratio, 0.303; P <. 001; reduction in relative risk, 64%). Per‐protocol and subgroup analyses (baseline demographics, pathogen type, culture status, effusion type, microbiologic response) supported these findings. There were no drug‐related serious adverse events; the most frequent treatment‐emergent adverse events in both groups were pyrexia, postoperative pain, nasopharyngitis, cough, and upper respiratory tract infection. OTO‐201 administration had no evidence of increased tube occlusion and no negative effect on audiometry, tympanometry, or otoscopy.

Conclusions

Combined analysis of 2 phase 3 trials demonstrated a lower cumulative proportion of treatment failures through day 15 compared with TT alone when OTO‐201 was administered intratympanically for otitis media with bilateral middle ear effusion at time of tympanostomy tube placement.
Dystonia‐Causing Mutations as a Contribution to the Etiology of Spasmodic Dysphonia
Authors: de Gusmão Claudio M. , Fuchs Tania , Moses Andrew , Multhaupt‐Buell Trisha , Song Phillip C. , Ozelius Laurie J. , Franco Ramon A. , Sharma Nutan
Published: May 2016

Objective

Spasmodic dysphonia is a focal dystonia of the larynx with heterogeneous manifestations and association with familial risk factors. There are scarce data to allow precise understanding of etiology and pathophysiology. Screening for dystonia‐causing genetic mutations has the potential to allow accurate diagnosis, inform about genotype‐phenotype correlations, and allow a better understanding of mechanisms of disease.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

We enrolled patients presenting with spasmodic dysphonia to the voice clinic of our academic medical center. Data included demographics, clinical features, family history, and treatments administered. The following genes with disease‐causing mutations previously associated with spasmodic dysphonia were screened: TOR1A (DYT1), TUBB4 (DYT4), and THAP1 (DYT6).

Results

Eighty‐six patients were recruited, comprising 77% females and 23% males. A definite family history of neurologic disorder was present in 15% (13 of 86). Average age (± standard deviation) of symptom onset was 42.1 ± 15.7 years. Most (99%; 85 of 86) were treated with botulinum toxin, and 12% (11 of 86) received oral medications. Genetic screening was negative in all patients for the GAG deletion in TOR1A (DYT1) and in the 5 exons currently associated with disease‐causing mutations in TUBB4 (DYT4). Two patients tested positive for novel/rare variants in THAP1 (DYT6).

Conclusion

Genetic screening targeted at currently known disease‐causing mutations in TOR1A, THAP1, and TUBB4 appears to have low diagnostic yield in sporadic spasmodic dysphonia. In our cohort, only 2 patients tested positive for novel/rare variants in THAP1. Clinicians should make use of genetic testing judiciously and in cost‐effective ways.
Same‐Day Evaluation and Surgery for Otitis Media and Tympanostomy Tube Placement
Authors: Billings Kathleen R. , Hajduk John , Rose Allison , De Oliveira Gildasio S. , Suresh Suresh S. , Thompson Dana M.
Published: May 2016

Objective

To determine the feasibility of providing streamlined same‐day evaluation and surgical management of children with recurrent otitis media or chronic serous otitis media who meet criteria for tympanostomy tube (TT) placement.

Study Design

Retrospective matched case series.

Setting

Tertiary care children’s hospital.

Methods

A comparison group (age, sex, insurance product) was utilized to determine if the same‐day process decreased facility time and surgical time for the care episode. A parent satisfaction survey was administered.

Results

Thirty children, with a median age of 16 months (range, 12‐22 months), participated in the same‐day surgery process for TT. Twenty‐one patients (70.0%) were male, and these patients were matched to a comparison group (similar age, sex, and insurance product) having non‐same‐day (routine) TT placement. The same‐day patients spent significantly less time in clinic for the preoperative physician visit (average, 15 minutes) when compared with the non‐same‐day patients (average, 51.5 minutes; P <. 001). The operative experience for the same‐day patients was similar to the non‐same‐day patients (average, 145 vs 137 minutes, respectively; P =. 35), but the overall experience was significantly shorter for the same‐day patients (average, 151 vs 196 minutes for comparisons; P <. 001). All parents surveyed in the same‐day group were satisfied with the efficiency of the experience.

Conclusion

The same‐day surgery process for management of children who meet the criteria for TT placement is a model of improved efficiency of care for children who suffer from otitis media.
Beyond a deficit model of strengths training in schools
Authors: Bates-Krakoff Justine , McGrath Robert E , Graves Karen , Ochs Lynn
Published: May 2016

Prior literature on the use of character strengths suggests that both deficiencies and excesses in the use of strengths can be problematic. While most school-based training in character strengths tends to focus on the former issue, an example is provided of a school-based program offered by the Mayerson Academy in partnership with the VIA Institute on Character that does not focus on deficiency but rather celebrates enhancing one’s own personal key strengths. This program, entitled Thriving Learning Communities, will be implemented in 42 Cincinnati public schools this year. It aims to motivate students, as well as educators, to perform at their highest levels through encouraging increased use of character strengths. We provide an overview of the program and discuss how it may be modified by the teacher to offer a more nuanced perspective on character strengths within a gifted student population. Specifically, within a gifted classroom setting, we discuss ways in which educators can encourage gifted students to understand the importance of balancing their strengths and effectively matching their use of strengths to the situation. In addition to focusing on the use of signature or top strengths, we suggest a program that would aid gifted students in deciphering when it is most and least appropriate to use top strengths, through a dial-up/dial-down framework for targeted strength use.
Serotonin synthesis rate and the tryptophan hydroxylase-2: G-703T polymorphism in social anxiety disorder
Authors: Furmark Tomas , Marteinsdottir Ina , Frick Andreas , Heurling Kerstin , Tillfors Maria , Appel Lieuwe , Antoni Gunnar , Hartvig Per , Fischer Håkan , Långström Bengt , Eriksson Elias , Fredrikson Mats
Published: May 2016

It is disputed whether anxiety disorders, like social anxiety disorder, are characterized by serotonin over- or underactivity. Here, we evaluated whether our recent finding of elevated neural serotonin synthesis rate in patients with social anxiety disorder could be reproduced in a separate cohort, and whether allelic variation in the tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) G-703T polymorphism relates to differences in serotonin synthesis assessed with positron emission tomography. Eighteen social anxiety disorder patients and six healthy controls were scanned during 60 minutes in a resting state using positron emission tomography and 5-hydroxy-L-[β -11C]tryptophan, [11C]5-HTP, a substrate of the second enzymatic step in serotonin synthesis. Parametric images were generated, using the reference Patlak method, and analysed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM8). Blood samples for genotyping of the TPH2 G-703T polymorphism were obtained from 16 social anxiety disorder patients (T carriers: n=5, GG carriers: n=11). A significantly elevated [11C]5-HTP accumulation rate, indicative of enhanced decarboxylase activity and thereby serotonin synthesis capacity, was detected in social anxiety disorder patients compared with controls in the hippocampus and basal ganglia nuclei and, at a more lenient (uncorrected) statistical threshold, in the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex. In patients, the serotonin synthesis rate in the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex was significantly elevated in TPH2 T carriers in comparison with GG homozygotes. Our results support that social anxiety disorder entails an overactive presynaptic serotonergic system that, in turn, seems functionally influenced by the TPH2 G-703T polymorphism in emotionally relevant brain regions.
Changes in Parenteral Nutrition During the First Week of Life Influence Early but Not Late Postnatal Growth in Very Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants
Authors: Izquierdo Montserrat , Martínez‐Monseny Antonio Federico , Pociello Neus , Gonzalez Paloma , del Rio Ruth , Iriondo Martin , Iglesias‐Platas Isabel
Published: May 2016

Background and aims: Postnatal growth restriction remains a serious problem in very low‐birth‐weight infants. Enhanced parenteral supply of nutrients as soon as possible after birth is one of the strategies addressed to avoid extrauterine growth restriction. We aimed to analyze changes in growth patterns and in clinical outcomes in our unit after a change in our parenteral nutrition (PN) protocol. Methods: We collected data from 2 time periods, comprising the 2 years before (period I) and the 2 years after (period II) the change of protocol. We included 142 very low‐birth‐weight infants ≤32 weeks of gestation with a birth weight ≤1500 g. Data regarding nutrition intakes (parenteral and enteral) in the first week of life, growth during admission, and clinical outcomes were retrieved from clinical charts. Results: Babies in period II received a higher nutrition supply during the first week of life, but no further differences were found after this period. Weight at 14 days of life was significantly higher in period II but not at day 28 of life or discharge. Conclusions: In our population, an enhanced PN regimen for very low‐birth‐weight infants led to a better growth at 14 days of life. However, this positive effect had disappeared at day 28 of life. Strategies to improve nutrient supply once the preterm baby is stable and on full enteral feeds should be implemented and analyzed.
Triethyl orthoformate covalently cross-linked chitosan-(poly vinyl) alcohol based biodegradable scaffolds with heparin-binding ability for promoting neovascularisation
Authors: Shahzadi Lubna , Yar Muhammad , Jamal Arshad , Siddiqi Saadat Anwar , Chaudhry Aqif Anwar , Zahid Saba , Tariq Muhammad , Rehman Ihtesham ur , MacNeil Sheila
Published: May 2016

There is a need to develop pro-angiogenic biomaterials to promote wound healing and to assist in regenerative medicine. To this end, various growth factors have been exploited which have the potential to promote angiogenesis. However, these are generally expensive and labile which limits their effectiveness. An alternative approach is to immobilize heparin onto biocompatible degradable hydrogels. The heparin in turn will then bind endogenous proangiogenic growth factors to induce formation of new blood vessels.

In this study, we continue our development of hydrogels for wound healing purposes by exploring covalently cross-linking chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels using triethyl orthoformate. Two concentrations of triethyl orthoformate (4 and 16%) were compared for their effects on the structure of hydrogels – their swelling, pore size, and rate of degradation and for their ability to support the growth of cells and for their heparin-binding capacity and their effects on angiogenesis in a chick chorioallantoic membrane assay.

Hydrogels formed with 4 or 16% both triethyl orthoformate cross-linker were equally cyto-compatible. Hydrogels formed with 4% triethyl orthoformate absorbed slightly more water than those made with 16% triethyl orthoformate and broke down slightly faster than non-cross-linked hydrogels. When soaked in heparin the hydrogel formed with 16% triethyl orthoformate showed more blood vessel formation in the CAM assay than that formed with 4% triethyl orthoformate.
Adhering failure and optimization of cemented carbide inserts for the heavy-duty cutting of high-strength steel forgings
Authors: Liu Li , Cheng Yao-Nan , Wang Tong , He Geng-Huang
Published: May 2016

In this study, the adhering failure of cemented carbide inserts during the heavy-duty cutting of large-scale, high-strength steel forgings is investigated. First, the heavy-duty cutting of high-strength steel forgings is simulated. According to the results, the maximum cutting temperature and force were approximately 950 ℃ and 42 KN, respectively. Next, the effects of these thermal-mechanical loading conditions on the material performance of the inserts are discussed. In addition, the adhering failure of the inserts is analyzed. Then, an insert-chip adhering model and the high-temperature strength of the insert material are used to illustrate the critical condition of the insert-chip adhering process via MATLAB simulations. Furthermore, the anti-adhering performance of the inserts is improved and an optimized insert design for the heavy-duty cutting process is constructed from the aspects of insert material, structure and coating. According to the results, the service lift of the heavy-duty cutting inserts XF8 was two times greater than that of conventional welded cemented carbide inserts. The cutting parameters of the large-scale forging process are also optimized using the orthogonal experimental method. The results of this study could be used to improve the anti-adhering performance, service life, and production efficiency of cemented carbide inserts intended for the cutting of large-scale forgings.
Experimental and simulation study of wave motion upon railway overhead wire systems
Authors: Zou Dong , Zhou Ning , Rui Ping Li , Mei Gui Ming , Zhang Wei Hua
Published: May 2016

To study the railway overhead wire's flexural wave motion that significantly affects the quality of current collection between pantograph and catenary, dynamic responses of a real catenary excited by different excitations are measured and analyzed by using a set of noncontact photogrammetric devices together with the finite-element simulation. Based on the measured and simulated results, the wave motion along the contact wire is investigated and some findings have been obtained. First, it is the first two dominant modal components in the catenary displacement responses that induce a beat phenomenon, and this beat phenomenon is increasingly obvious near the registration arm. Moreover, with the simulated displacement contour, catenary local vibration characteristics affected by the travelling wave can be clearly interpreted. Furthermore, the wave group velocity of contact wire in catenary is determined and verified to be approximately 139.18 m/s; in addition, treating the contact wire in the overhead wire system as an ideal string or a tensioned Euler beam will overestimate the corresponding group velocity with a relative error by about 13.21%.
Utilization of Patient Electronic Messaging to Promote Advance Care Planning in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Tieu Christina , Chaudhry Rajeev , Schroeder Darrell R. , Bock Frank A. , Hanson Gregory J. , Tung Ericka E.
Published: May 2016

Background:

Advance care planning (ACP) is an instrumental mechanism aimed at preserving patient autonomy. Numerous interventions have been proposed to facilitate the implementation of ACP; however, rates of completed advance directives (ADs) are universally low. Patient electronic portal messaging is a newer tool in patient–provider communication which has not been studied as a method to promote ACP. In this study, we hypothesized that the use of ACP-specific patient electronic messages would increase rates of AD completion in patients aged 65 years and older in an academic primary care practice.

Methods:

All primary care patients, aged 65+, who had previously enrolled in a patient electronic messaging system, within an academic primary care practice, were included for randomization. Two hundred patients were randomized to receive an electronic message. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients in each group who completed an AD, 3 months after intervention. Secondary outcomes included clinical utility of the completed ADs and proportion of patients who viewed their electronic messages.

Results:

The intervention group completed an AD 5.5% of the time when compared to 2% in the control group (odds ratio 3.2 [1.6-6.3]). Up to 74.5% of patients opened their electronic messages.

Conclusion:

Among primary care patients aged 65 years and older, use of AD-specific electronic messaging statistically significantly increased the rate of AD completion, but the absolute number of completed AD remained relatively low. These data suggest that this valuable communication tool holds opportunities for further improvement. Older, frailer adults were more likely to complete an AD, and prompted directives were more likely to include a written expression of the individual’s health-care values and preference.
Parenteral Nutrition in a Patient with Familial Type IV Hypertriglyceridemia: A Dilemma
Authors: Rapp Robert P. , Donaldson Elvis S. , Bivins Brack A.
Published: May 2016

Patients with a Type IV familial hypertriglyceridemia should never receive intravenous fat emulsions. In addition, the amount of carbohydrate that can be given is limited. A 33-year-old white female, with Type IV hypertriglyceridemia, began receiving a parenteral nutrition regimen that included fat. A series of lipid studies was planned, coordinated with fat emulsion and glucose administration. The patient had persistently elevated basal triglyceride levels (> 250 mg/dL), which rose in response to both fat and carbohydrate administration. Serum cholesterol levels remained within the normal range. The disease was once known as “carbohydrate-induced lipemia” because of the dramatic rise in serum triglyceride following high carbohydrate diets. We suggest that serum triglyceride levels be monitored in all patients receiving parenteral nutrition; when such a patient is identified, fat emulsion should not be given and dextrose should be used in the smallest possible amounts to achieve a positive nitrogen balance.
Calpains: Master Regulators of Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Briz Victor , Baudry Michel
Published: May 2016

Although calpain was proposed to participate in synaptic plasticity and learning and memory more than 30 years ago, the mechanisms underlying its activation and the roles of different substrates have remained elusive. Recent findings have provided evidence that the two major calpain isoforms in the brain, calpain-1 and calpain-2, play opposite functions in synaptic plasticity. In particular, while calpain-1 activation is the initial trigger for certain forms of synaptic plasticity, that is, long-term potentiation, calpain-2 activation restricts the extent of plasticity. Moreover, while calpain-1 rapidly cleaves regulatory and cytoskeletal proteins, calpain-2-mediated stimulation of local protein synthesis reestablishes protein homeostasis. These findings have important implications for our understanding of learning and memory and disorders associated with impairment in these processes.
Local Anesthesia Techniques in Hair Restoration Surgery
Authors: Kohn Thomas , Zari Shadi
Published: May 2016

Pain during hair restoration surgery and other dermatologic surgery procedures is one of patients’ main fears. The authors briefly describe local anesthesia techniques they use in their surgical practice that make these procedures more pleasant for patients. The ability to provide a pain-free experience during hair restoration surgery will increase patients’ satisfaction and allow patients to return for subsequent procedures.
Trafficking and Health: A Systematic Review of Research Methods
Authors: Cannon Abby C. , Arcara Jennet , Graham Laurie M. , Macy Rebecca J.
Published: May 2016

Trafficking in persons (TIP) is a human rights violation with serious public health consequences. Unfortunately, assessing TIP and its health sequelae rigorously and reliably is challenging due to TIP’s clandestine nature, variation in definitions of TIP, and the need to use research methods that ensure studies are ethical and feasible. To help guide practice, policy, and research to assess TIP and health, we undertook a systematic literature review of 70 peer-reviewed, published articles to (a) identify TIP and health research methods being used, (b) determine what we can learn about TIP and health from these varied methodologies, and (c) determine the gaps that exist in health-focused TIP research. Results revealed that there are various quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods being used to investigate TIP and health. Furthermore, findings show that the limitations of current methodologies affect what is known about TIP and health. In particular, varying definitions, participant recruitment strategies, ethical standards, and outcome measures all affect what is known about TIP and health. Moreover, findings demonstrate an urgent need for representative and nonpurposive recruitment strategies in future investigations of TIP and health as well as research on risk and protective factors related to TIP and health, intervention effectiveness, long-term health outcomes, and research on trafficked people beyond women trafficked for sex. We offer recommendations for research, policy, and practice based on review results.
The Loop Technique
Authors: Erben Young , Oderich Gustavo S. , Gloviczki Peter
Published: May 2016

Purpose: To describe a bailout technique for use during branched/fenestrated thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair to address celiac artery (CA) dissection. Technique: The technique is demonstrated in a 69-year-old man who underwent fenestrated stent-graft repair of a 6-cm type III TAAA. The main fenestrated stent-graft was positioned without difficulty, and the renal and superior mesenteric arteries were stented. A stent-graft was placed in the CA, but angiography showed the vessel to be occluded by dissection beyond the stent-graft. Wire manipulations to regain access to the true lumen culminated in perforation. At this point, the gastroduodenal artery was catheterized with a 0.035-inch guidewire, which was advanced in retrograde fashion into the CA true lumen and then snared back to the left brachial artery forming a loop. After exchange for a 0.014-inch system, self-expanding stents were deployed into the hepatic artery. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on day 6. At 1-year follow-up, the patient was doing very well. Imaging demonstrated no endoleak, no graft migration, and sac shrinkage to a diameter of 5.1 cm. Conclusion: The “loop technique” can be a very useful and effective bailout maneuver in regaining access to the true lumen of a dissected CA in patients undergoing branched/fenestrated thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
A quantum algorithm for uniform sampling of models of propositional logic based on quantum probability
Authors: Balu Radhakrishnan , Shires Dale , Namburu Raju
Published: May 2016

We describe a class of quantum algorithms to generate models of propositional logic with equal probability. We consider quantum stochastic flows that are the quantum analogues of classical Markov chains and establish a relation between fixed points on the two flows. We construct chains inspired by von Neumann algorithms using uniform measures as fixed points to construct the corresponding irreversible quantum stochastic flows. We formulate sampling models of propositions in the framework of adiabatic quantum computing and solve the underlying satisfiability instances. Satisfiability formulation is an important and successful technique in modeling the decision theoretic problems in a classical context. We discuss some features of the proposed algorithms tested on an existing quantum annealer D-Wave II extending the simulation of decision theoretic problems to a quantum context.
Early neurological deterioration after thrombolysis: Clinical and imaging predictors
Authors: Simonsen Claus Z , Schmitz Marie L , Madsen Mette H , Mikkelsen Irene K , Chandra Ronil V , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele , Andersen Grethe
Published: May 2016

Background

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale is the most common scale used in stroke patients. An increase of four points or more within 24 h signifies early neurological deterioration. We aimed to establish how often early neurological deterioration occurs in a cohort selected by magnetic resonance imaging and which factors predicted early neurological deterioration.

Methods

In this single-center study, we collected epidemiological, imaging and outcome data on 569 consecutive patients undergoing reperfusion therapy after magnetic resonance imaging selection.

Results

Of these, 33 (5.8%) experienced early neurological deterioration. Seven were due to a symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 23 were caused by extension of ischemia on follow-up imaging and three were due to progression on the basis of small vessel disease. Early neurological deterioration was predicted by a larger perfusion lesion, higher blood glucose and presence of large vessel disease. Penumbra occurred in 34% of patients but only 9% of patients with penumbra experienced early neurological deterioration, thus eroding the value of penumbra as an imaging marker. Early neurological deterioration was a poor prognostic sign. Odds ratio for disability or death was 14.9 (95% confidence interval: 6.5–34.0).

Conclusion

Early neurological deterioration is rare. It originates mainly from ischemic infarct growth rather than from hemorrhage. Concern should be highest in patients with elevated blood glucose, larger perfusion lesions and large vessel disease. Prior aspirin use increases risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.
Out of the Classroom and Into the City
Authors: Djonko-Moore Cara M. , Joseph Nicole M.
Published: May 2016

This article explores the researcher’s use of field trips as an experiential learning tool in a social studies methods course as a pilot study. The researchers analyzed course evaluations and student reflection papers using document analysis to determine (a) the positive and negative aspects of utilizing field trips during the course, and (b) the ways the field trips advanced or limited pre-service teachers’ learning. The findings indicate that students found the field trips to be worthwhile but had concerns about the time and distance. They were able to make important connections to course content but reacted negatively to the inclusion of diversity in the field trips.
Overexpression of the β2AR gene improves function and re-endothelialization capacity of EPCs after arterial injury in nude mice
Authors: Ke Xiao , Shu Xiao-Rong , Wu Fang , Hu Qing-Song , Deng Bing-Qing , Wang Jing-Feng , Nie Ru-Qiong
Published: May 2016

Background

Proliferation and migration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play important roles in restoring vascular injuries. β2 adrenergic receptors (β2ARs) are widely expressed in many tissues and have a beneficial impact on EPCs regulating neoangiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of overexpressing β2ARs in infused peripheral blood (PB)-derived EPCs on the re-endothelialization in injured vessels.

Methods

Induction of endothelial injury was performed in male nude mice that were subjected to wire-mediated injury to the carotid artery. Human PB-derived EPCs were transfected with an adenovirus serotype 5 vector expressing β2AR (Ad5/β2AR-EPCs) and were examined 48 h later. β2AR gene expression in EPCs was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. In vitro, the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and nitric oxide production of Ad5/β2AR-EPCs were measured. Meanwhile, phosphorylated Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which are downstream of β2AR signaling, were also elevated. In an in vivo study, CM-DiI-labeled EPCs were injected intravenously into mice subjected to carotid injury. After 3 days, cells recruited to the injury sites were detected by fluorescent microscopy, and the re-endothelialization was assessed by Evans blue dye.

Results

In vitro, β2AR overexpression augmented EPC proliferation, migration, and nitric oxide production and enhanced EPC adhesion to endothelial cell monolayers. In vivo, when cell tracking was used, the number of recruited CM-DiI-labeled EPCs was significantly higher in the injured zone in mice transfused with Ad5/β2AR-EPCs compared with non-transfected EPCs. The degree of re-endothelialization was also higher in the mice transfused with Ad5/β2AR-EPCs compared with non-transfected EPCs. We also found that the phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS was increased in Ad5/β2AR-EPCs. Preincubation with β2AR inhibitor (ICI118,551), Akt inhibitor (ly294002), or eNOS inhibitor (L-NAME) significantly attenuated the enhanced in vitro function and in vivo re-endothelialization capacity of EPCs induced by β2AR overexpression.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that β2AR overexpression enhances EPC functions in vitro and enhances the vascular repair abilities of EPCs in vivo via the β2AR/Akt/eNOS pathway. Upregulation of β2AR gene expression through gene transfer may be a novel therapeutic target for endothelial repair.
What is the impact on fish recruitment of anthropogenic physical and structural habitat change in shallow nearshore areas in temperate systems? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Macura Biljana , Lönnstedt Oona M. , Byström Pär , Airoldi Laura , Eriksson Britas Klemens , Rudstam Lars , Støttrup Josianne
Published: May 2016

Background

Shallow nearshore marine ecosystems are changing at an increasing rate due to a range of human activities such as urbanisation and commercial development. The growing numbers of constructions and other physical and structural alterations of the shoreline often take place in nursery and spawning habitats of many fish and other aquatic species. Several coastal fish populations have seen marked declines in abundance and diversity during the past two decades. A systematic review on the topic would clarify if anthropogenic physical and structural changes of near-shore areas have effects on fish recruitment and which these effects are.

Methods

The review will examine how various physical and structural anthropogenic changes of nearshore fish habitats affect fish recruitment. Relevant studies include small- and large-scale field studies in marine and brackish systems or large lakes in temperate regions of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Relevant studies may be based on comparisons between undisturbed and disturbed areas, before and after disturbance, or both. Relevant outcomes include measures of recruitment defined as abundance of juveniles of nearshore fish communities. Searches will be made for peer-reviewed and grey literature in English, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, German, Swedish and Spanish. All fish species and species groups will be considered in this review. Included relevant studies will be subject to a critical appraisal that will assess study validity. From relevant included studies, we will extract information on study characteristics, measured outcomes, exposure, comparators, effect modifiers and critical appraisal. Data synthesis will contain narrative and summary findings of each included study of sufficient quality. Meta-analysis may be possible in cases where studies report similar types of outcomes.
Hemostatic Therapy Using Tranexamic Acid and Coagulation Factor Concentrates in a Model of Traumatic Liver Injury
Authors: Zentai Christian , van der Meijden Paola E. J. , Braunschweig Till , Hueck Nicolai , Honickel Markus , Spronk Henri M. H. , Rossaint Rolf , Grottke Oliver
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND:

The potential clinical benefits of targeted therapy with coagulation factor concentrates (e.g., fibrinogen) and antifibrinolytic agents (e.g., tranexamic acid [TXA]) for the treatment of trauma-induced coagulopathy are increasingly recognized. We hypothesized that human fibrinogen concentrate (FC) and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), administered as combined therapy with TXA, would provide additive effects for reducing blood loss in an animal trauma model.

METHODS:

Thirty-six pigs were subjected to 2 consecutive blunt liver injuries, resulting in severe hemorrhagic shock and coagulopathy. Intervention comprised saline (control group); TXA (15 mg kg−1, TXA group); TXA and FC (90 mg kg−1, TXA–FC); or TXA, FC, and PCC (20 U kg−1, TXA–FC–PCC). Blood loss, thromboelastometry (ROTEM), measures of thrombin generation, platelet activation, and global coagulation variables were monitored for 4 hours. Tissue sections were examined to determine the occurrence of thromboembolic events.

RESULTS:

Total blood loss was similar in the TXA–FC and TXA–FC–PCC groups (mean ± SD: 1012 ± 86 mL and 1037 ± 118 mL, respectively; P = 1.000). These values were both lower (P < 0.001) than the TXA group (1579 ± 306 mL). Blood loss in all 3 intervention groups was lower (P < 0.001) than in the control group (2376 ± 478 mL). After trauma and resuscitation, but before study intervention, plasma fibrinogen levels were severely depleted (median for the whole study population: 66 mg dL−1; interquartile range: 51–108 mg dL−1) and clot strength was decreased (EXTEM whole-blood maximum clot firmness [MCF]: 53 ± 5 mm). Compared with controls, TXA inhibited fibrinolysis and stabilized MCF and clotting time. The addition of FC restored and stabilized hemostasis to a greater extent than TXA alone; the addition of PCC had no statistically significant impact on blood loss, clot strength (MCF), or clotting time, but it increased thrombin generation. There were no significant differences among the study groups regarding platelet activation. No thrombi or microthrombi were observed in any group at necropsy.

CONCLUSIONS:

The early use of TXA and FC reduced blood loss and improved coagulation measurements in a porcine model of blunt liver injury and hemorrhagic shock. FC, administered in addition to TXA, was highly effective in reducing blood loss. The lack of statistically significant reduction in blood loss when PCC was added to TXA and FC may be attributable to the absence of thrombin generation impairment in this model.