bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in Hospice Services by Location of Care: Nursing Home Versus Assisted Living Facility Versus Home
Authors: Unroe Kathleen T. , Bernard Brittany , Stump Timothy E. , Tu Wanzhu , Callahan Christopher M.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To describe differences in hospice services for patients living at home, in nursing homes or in assisted living facilities, including the overall number and duration of visits by different hospice care providers across varying lengths of stay.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using hospice patient electronic medical record data.

Setting

Large, national hospice provider.

Participants

Data from 32,605 hospice patients who received routine hospice care from 2009 to 2014 were analyzed.

Measurements

Descriptive statistics were calculated for utilization measures for each type of provider and by location of care. Frequency and duration of service contacts were standardized to a 1 week period and pairwise comparisons were used to detect differences in care provided between the three settings.

Results

Minimal differences were found in overall intensity of service contacts across settings, however, the mix of services were different for patients living at home versus nursing home versus assisted living facility. Overall, more nurse care was provided at the beginning and end of the hospice episode; intensity of aide care services was higher in the middle portion of the hospice episode. Nearly 43% of the sample had hospice stays less than 2 weeks and up to 20% had stays greater than 6 months.

Conclusion

There are significant differences between characteristics of hospice patients in different settings, as well as the mix of services they receive. Medicare hospice payment methodology was revised starting in 2016. While the new payment structure is in greater alignment with the U shape distribution of services, it will be important to evaluate the impact of the new payment methodology on length of stay and mix of services by different providers across settings of care.
Green light inhibits GnRH‐I expression by stimulating the melatonin‐GnIH pathway in the chick brain
Authors: Zhang L. , Chen F. , Cao J. , Dong Y. , Wang Z. , Hu M. , Chen Y.
Published: March 2017

To study the mechanism by which monochromatic light affects gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) expression in chicken hypothalamus, a total of 192 newly‐hatched chicks were divided into intact, sham‐operated and pinealectomy groups and exposed to white (WL), red (RL), green (GL) and blue (BL) lights using a light‐emitting diode system for 2 weeks. In the GL intact group, the mRNA and protein levels of GnRH‐I in the hypothalamus, the mean cell area and mean cell optical density (OD) of GnRH‐I‐immunoreactive (‐ir) cells of the nucleus commissurae pallii were decreased by 13.2%‐34.5%, 5.7%‐39.1% and 9.9%‐17.3% compared to those in the chicks exposed to the WL, RL and BL, respectively. GL decreased these factors related to GnRH‐I expression and the effect of GL was not observed in pinealectomised birds. However, the mRNA and protein levels of hypothalamic gonadotrophin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH) and GnIH receptor (GnIHR), the mean cell area and mean cell OD of the GnIH‐ir cells of the paraventricularis magnocellularis, and the plasma melatonin concentration in the chicks exposed to GL were increased by 18.6%‐49.2%, 21.1%‐60.0% and 8.6%‐30.6% compared to the WL, RL and BL intact groups, respectively. The plasma melatonin concentration showed a negative correlation with GnRH‐I protein and a positive correlation with GnIH and GnIHR proteins. Protein expression of both GnRH‐I and GnIHR showed a negative correlation in the hypothalamus. After pinealectomy, GnRH‐I expression increased, whereas plasma melatonin concentration, GnIH and GnIHR expression decreased, and there were no significant differences among the WL, RL, GL and BL groups. Double‐labelled immunofluorescence showed that GnIH axon terminals were near GnRH‐I neurones, some GnRH‐I neurones coexpressed with GnIHR and GnIH neurones coexpressed with melatonin receptor subtype quinone reductase 2. These results demonstrate that green light inhibits GnRH‐I expression by increasing melatonin secretion and stimulating melatonin receptor‐GnIH‐GnIH receptor pathway in the chick brain.
Segmental morphometrics of the olive baboon (Papio anubis): a longitudinal study from birth to adulthood
Authors: Druelle François , Aerts Peter , D'Août Kristiaan , Moulin Valérie , Berillon Gilles
Published: March 2017

The linear dimensions and inertial characteristics of the body are important in locomotion and they change considerably during the ontogeny of animals, including humans. This longitudinal and ontogenetic study has produced the largest dataset to date of segmental morphometrics in a Catarrhini species, the olive baboon. The objectives of the study were to quantify the changes in body linear and inertial dimensions and to explore their (theoretical) mechanical significance for locomotion. We took full‐body measurements of captive individuals at regular intervals. Altogether, 14 females and 16 males were followed over a 7‐year period, i.e. from infancy to adulthood. Our results show that individual patterns of growth are very consistent and follow the general growth pattern previously described in olive baboons. Furthermore, we obtained similar growth curve structures for segment lengths and masses, although the respective time scales were slightly different. The most significant changes in body morphometrics occurred during the first 2 years of life and concerned the distal parts of the body. Females and males were similar in size and shape at birth. The rate and duration of growth produced substantial size‐related differences throughout ontogeny, while body shapes remained very similar between the sexes. We also observed significant age‐related variations in limb composition, with a proximal shift of the centre of mass within the limbs, mainly due to changes in mass distribution and in the length of distal segments. Finally, we observed what we hypothesize to be ‘early biomechanical optimization’ of the limbs for quadrupedal walking. This is due to a high degree of convergence between the limbs’ natural pendular periods in infants, which may facilitate the onset of quadrupedal walking. Furthermore, the mechanical significance of the morphological changes observed in growing baboons may be related to changing functional demands with the onset of autonomous (quadrupedal) locomotion. From a wider perspective, these data provide unique insights into questions surrounding both the processes of locomotor development in primates and how these processes might evolve.
Kisspeptin innervation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus: sexual dimorphism and effect of estrous cycle in female mice
Authors: Marraudino Marilena , Miceli Dèsirèe , Farinetti Alice , Ponti Giovanna , Panzica GianCarlo , Gotti Stefano
Published: March 2017

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is the major autonomic output area of the hypothalamus and a critical regulatory center for energy homeostasis. The organism's energetic balance is very important for both the regular onset of puberty and regulation of fertility. Several studies have suggested a relationship among neural circuits controlling food intake, energy homeostasis and the kisspeptin peptide. The kisspeptin system is clustered in two main groups of cell bodies [the anterior ventral periventricular region (AVPV) and the arcuate nucleus (ARC)] projecting mainly to gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and to a few other locations, including the PVN. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of the kisspeptin fibers within the PVN of adult CD1 mice. We observed a significant sexual dimorphism for AVPV and ARC, as well as for the PVN innervation. Kisspeptin fibers showed a different density within the PVN, being denser in the medial part than in the lateral one; moreover, in female, the density changed, according to different phases of the estrous cycle (the highest density being in estrus phase). The presence of a profound effect of estrous cycle on the kisspeptin immunoreactivity in AVPV (with a higher signal in estrus) and ARC, and the strong co‐localization between kisspeptin and NkB only in ARC and not in PVN suggested that the majority of the kisspeptin fibers found in the PVN might arise directly from AVPV.
Platelet‐rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: Does it work? Evidence from meta analysis
Authors: Giordano Salvatore , Romeo Marco , Lankinen Petteri
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The use of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has increased among different surgical specialities for the treatment of various conditions. Androgenetic alopecia is a common condition, with severe attendant psychosocial implications. PRP injections for hair restoration have become a popular practice among plastic surgeons. We performed a meta‐analysis comparing local injection of platelet‐rich plasma versus control to evaluate this issue in order to investigate the effectiveness of PRP local injections for androgenetic alopecia.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed. Primary outcome was the increase in number of hairs. Secondary outcomes were the increase in hair thickness and the percentage increase in hair number and thickness. We performed random‐effect analysis.

Results

Six studies involving 177 patients were retrieved and included in the present analysis. A significantly locally increased hair number per cm2 was observed after PRP injections versus control (mean difference (MD) 17.90, 95%CI 5.84‐29.95, P=.004). Similarly, a significantly increased hair thickness cross section per 10−4 mm2 (MD 0.22, 95%CI 0.07‐0.38, P=.005) favoring PRP group. The pooled results did not show statistically significant differences in percentage increase in hair number (MD 24.12%, 95%CI −12.76‐60.99, P=.20) and hair thickness (MD 32.63%, 95%CI −16.23‐81.48, P=0.19) among patients treated with PRP.

Conclusions

Local injection of PRP for androgenic alopecia might be associated with an increased number of hairs and some hair thickness improvement in the treated areas with minimal morbidity. The results of this meta‐analysis should be interpreted with caution as it consists of pooling many small studies. Larger randomized studies can verify this perception.
Digital recording as a teaching and learning method in the skills laboratory
Authors: Strand Ingebjørg , Gulbrandsen Lise , Slettebø Åshild , Nåden Dagfinn
Published: March 2017

Aim and objectives

To obtain information on how nursing students react to, think about and learn from digital recording as a learning and teaching method over time.

Background

Based on the teaching and learning philosophy of the university college, we used digital recording as a tool in our daily sessions in skills laboratory. However, most of the studies referred to in the background review had a duration of from only a few hours to a number of days. We found it valuable to design a study with a duration of two academic semesters.

Design

A descriptive and interpretative design was used.

Method

First‐year bachelor‐level students at the department of nursing participated in the study. Data collection was carried out by employing an ‘online questionnaire’. The students answered five written, open‐ended questions after each of three practical skill sessions. Kvale and Brinkmann's three levels of understanding were employed in the analysis.

Results

The students reported that digital recording affected factors such as feeling safe, secure and confident and that video recording was essential in learning and training practical skills. The use of cameras proved to be useful, as an expressive tool for peer learning because video recording enhances self‐assessment, reflection, sensing, psychomotor performance and discovery learning.

Conclusion

Digital recording enhances the student's awareness when acquiring new knowledge because it activates cognitive and emotional learning. The connection between tutoring, feedback and technology was clear.

Relevance to clinical practice

The digital recorder gives students direct and immediate feedback on their performance from the various practical procedures, and may aid in the transition from theory to practice. Students experienced more self‐confidence and a feeling of safety in their performances.
Should we treat severe vasovagal syncope with a pacemaker?
Authors: Sutton R.
Published: March 2017

Cardiac pacing for vasovagal syncope (VVS) addresses the cardioinhibitory component of the reflex but cannot directly affect vasodepression, which occurs in every reflex even when hidden by dominant cardioinhibition. The randomized controlled trials of pacing in VVS have, after almost 2 decades, determined that a small number of patients can benefit because their vasodepressor component is not severe. Early studies compared pacing with no therapy yielding highly significant benefits. Subsequently, all study patients had implanted devices with half being switched off. No benefit was seen. The ISSUE‐3 study found significant benefit (P < 0.039) in prevention of syncope recurrence in older patients. A sub‐study later showed those with negative tilt tests, otherwise indistinguishable from tilt‐positives, had 5% recurrence in 21 months (P < 0.004). There is acceptance that pacing must be dual chamber, but the question of how pacing is delivered remains open. Relying on falling heart rate is insufficient, probably because it occurs too late. Other algorithms which indirectly detect neuroendocrine changes earlier than heart rate fall may have useful application. In clinical terms, the patient to be considered for pacing should not be young and have severe symptoms. Ideally, tilt testing should be negative implying vasodepression of lesser severity and, therefore, yielding fewer syncope recurrences. When selecting pacing, additional concern must be given to regression to the mean of symptoms, severe to less severe. Patients seek help when they are at their worst. Moreover, many years of pacing are unlikely to be free of complications related to implanted hardware.
Can LDL cholesterol be too low? Possible risks of extremely low levels
Authors: Olsson A. G. , Angelin B. , Assmann G. , Binder C. J. , Björkhem I. , Cedazo‐Minguez A. , Cohen J. , von Eckardstein A. , Farinaro E. , Müller‐Wieland D. , Parhofer K. G. , Parini P. , Rosenson R. S. , Starup‐Linde J. , Tikkanen M. J. , Yvan‐Charvet L.
Published: March 2017

Following the continuous accumulation of evidence supporting the beneficial role of reducing low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its complications, therapeutic possibilities now exist to lower LDL‐C to very low levels, similar to or even lower than those seen in newborns and nonhuman species. In addition to the important task of evaluating potential side effects of such treatments, the question arises whether extremely low LDL‐C levels per se may provoke adverse effects in humans. In this review, we summarize information from studies of human cellular and organ physiology, phenotypic characterization of rare genetic diseases of lipid metabolism, and experience from clinical trials. Specifically, we emphasize the importance of the robustness of the regulatory systems that maintain balanced fluxes and levels of cholesterol at both cellular and organismal levels. Even at extremely low LDL‐C levels, critical capacities of steroid hormone and bile acid production are preserved, and the presence of a cholesterol blood–brain barrier protects cells in the central nervous system. Apparent relationships sometimes reported between less pronounced low LDL‐C levels and disease states such as cancer, depression, infectious disease and others can generally be explained as secondary phenomena. Drug‐related side effects including an increased propensity for development of type 2 diabetes occur during statin treatment, whilst further evaluation of more potent LDL‐lowering treatments such as PCSK9 inhibitors is needed. Experience from the recently reported and ongoing large event‐driven trials are of great interest, and further evaluation including careful analysis of cognitive functions will be important.
Primary dental care evaluation in Brazil: an item response theory approach
Authors: Reis Clarice Magalhães Rodrigues dos , Mambrini Juliana Vaz de Melo , da Matta‐Machado Antônio Thomaz Gonzaga , Amaral João Henrique Lara do , Werneck Marcos Azeredo Furquim , Abreu Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães de
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Item response theory (IRT) is a method used to design, analyze, and score tests, questionnaires, and similar instruments measuring abilities, attitudes, or other variables. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of dental care questions in the “Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Básica—PMAQ‐AB,” Brazil, using IRT.

Methods

Dentists in primary health care units in Brazil (n = 12,403) were interviewed face‐to‐face using a structured questionnaire. The questions were primarily dichotomous, with a no answer/do not know option. The items about dental care from a Brazilian national evaluation survey were analyzed using the IRT model (20 items). Oral health teams (OHTs) received scores that varied from the lowest performance level to the highest performance level. Scores for the Brazilian states and the Federal District were calculated to evaluate the regional distribution of OHT performance.

Results

The questions about dental care exhibited higher discrimination power for OHTs with below average performance. In general, the teams, including those with low performance, performed the actions, and procedures included in the questionnaire. Actions such as making prostheses and tracking and monitoring oral cancer cases characterized the high‐performing teams. The performance of the teams distributed throughout the Brazilian states indicated that OHTs in the south and southeast performed better than OHTs in the rest of the country.

Conclusions

Although the analyzed items are insufficient to determine the performance of OHTs, the items related to prosthesis and oral cancer tend to discriminate high‐performing OHTs from other OHTs.
Exploring Learner Language Through Corpora: Comparing and Interpreting Corpus Frequency Information
Authors: Gablasova Dana , Brezina Vaclav , McEnery Tony
Published: March 2017

This article contributes to the debate about the appropriate use of corpus data in language learning research. It focuses on frequencies of linguistic features in language use and their comparison across corpora. The majority of corpus‐based second language acquisition studies employ a comparative design in which either one or more second language (L2) corpora are compared to a first language (L1) production corpus or two or more L2 corpora are compared to each other. This article critically examines some of the central tenets of the comparative method related to the interspeaker variation in L1 and L2 use, the representativeness and comparability of corpus data, the interpretation of difference found between corpora and the appropriate use of statistics.  Using and discussing a set of five L1 spoken English corpora and three L2 English corpora (two spoken and one written), we approach these areas empirically exploring different sources of variations and methodological options that corpus‐based SLA studies offer.
Modeling the early evolution of Vesta
Authors: Weisfeiler Marie , Turcotte Donald L. , Kellogg Louise H.
Published: March 2017

The early evolution of the asteroid Vesta has been extensively studied because of the availability of relevant data, especially important new studies of HED meteorites which originated from Vesta and the Dawn mission to Vesta in 2011–2012. These studies have concluded that an early melting episode led to the differentiation of Vesta into crust, mantle, and core. This melting episode is attributed to the decay of 26Al, which has a half‐life of 7.17 × 105 yr. This heating produced a global magma ocean. Surface cooling of this magma ocean will produce a solid crust. In this paper, we propose a convective heat‐transfer mechanism that effectively cools the asteroid when the degree of melting reaches about 50%. We propose that a cool solid surface crust, which is gravitationally unstable, will founder into the solid–liquid mix beneath and will very effectively transfer heat that prevents further melting of the interior. In this paper, we quantify this process. If Vesta had a very early formation, melting would commence at an age of about 1,30,000 yr, and solidification would occur at an age of about 10 Myr. If Vesta formed with a time delay greater than about 2 Myr, no melting would have occurred. An important result of our model is that the early melting episode is restricted to the first 10 Myr. This result is in good agreement with the radiometric ages of the HED meteorites.
Natural variation in life history strategy ofArabidopsis thalianadetermines stress responses to drought and insects of different feeding guilds
Authors: Davila Olivas Nelson H. , Frago Enric , Thoen Manus P. M. , Kloth Karen J. , Becker Frank F. M. , van Loon Joop J. A. , Gort Gerrit , Keurentjes Joost J. B. , van Heerwaarden Joost , Dicke Marcel
Published: March 2017

Plants are sessile organisms and, consequently, are exposed to a plethora of stresses in their local habitat. As a result, different populations of a species are subject to different selection pressures leading to adaptation to local conditions and intraspecific divergence. The annual brassicaceous plantArabidopsis thalianais an attractive model for ecologists and evolutionary biologists due to the availability of a large collection of resequenced natural accessions. Accessions ofA. thalianadisplay one of two different life cycle strategies: summer and winter annuals. We exposed a collection of 308 EuropeanArabidopsisaccessions, that have been genotyped for 250K SNPs, to a range of stresses: one abiotic stress (drought), four biotic stresses (Pieris rapaecaterpillars,Plutella xylostellacaterpillars,Frankliniella occidentalisthrips andMyzus persicaeaphids) and two combined stresses (drought plusP. rapaeandBotrytis cinereafungus plusP. rapae). We identified heritable genetic variation for responses to the different stresses, estimated by narrow‐sense heritability. We found that accessions displaying different life cycle strategies differ in their response to stresses. Winter annuals are more resistant to drought, aphids and thrips and summer annuals are more resistant toP. rapaeandP. xylostellacaterpillars. Summer annuals are also more resistant to the combined stresses of drought plusP. rapaeand infection by the fungusBotryris cinereaplus herbivory byP. rapae. Adaptation to drought displayed a longitudinal gradient. Finally, trade‐offs were recorded between the response to drought and responses to herbivory by caterpillars of the specialist herbivoreP. rapae.
Transcriptional regulation of adhesive properties of Bacillus subtilis to extracellular matrix proteins through the fibronectin‐binding protein YloA
Authors: Rodriguez Ayala Facundo , Bauman Carlos , Bartolini Marco , Saball Ester , Salvarrey Marcela , Leñini Cecilia , Cogliati Sebastián , Strauch Mark , Grau Roberto
Published: March 2017

Bacterial adherence to extracellular matrix proteins (ECMp) plays important roles during host–pathogen interaction, however its genetic regulation remains poorly understood. yloA of the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis shows high homology to genes encoding fibronectin‐binding proteins of Gram‐positive pathogens. Here, we characterized the regulatory network of YloA‐dependent adhesive properties of the probiotic B. subtilis natto (Bsn). YloA‐proficient, but not YloA‐deficient, Bsn specifically bound to ECMp in a concentration‐dependent manner and were proficient in biofilm formation. yloA expression showed a continuous increase in activity during the growth phase and decreased during the stationary phase. The transcription factors AbrB and DegU downregulated yloA expression during the logarithmic and stationary growth phases respectively. Analysis of the yloA promoter region revealed the presence of AT‐rich direct and inverted repeats previously reported to function as DegU‐recognized binding sites. In spo0A cells, yloA expression was completely turned off because of upregulation of AbrB throughout growth. Accordingly, DNase I footprinting analysis confirmed that AbrB bound to the promoter region of yloA. Interestingly, Bsn bound fibronectin with higher affinity, lower Kd, than several bacterial pathogens and competitively excluded them from binding to immobilized‐fibronectin, a finding that might be important for the anti‐infective properties of B. subtilis and its relatives.
Knowing God Beyond Imagining: A Critical Appraisal of the Relation between Systematic Theology and Concrete Reality in John Milbank's Thought
Authors: Alpers Christiane
Published: March 2017

John Milbank's work repeatedly invites two fundamental criticisms: he supposedly prioritises abstract thought over concrete reality, and he claims for himself a God's eye perspective on reality that is forgetful of any epistemological limits concerning a truthful human vision of the whole. Contrary to the first criticism, this article appreciates the way in which Milbank follows twentieth‐century Ressourcement theologies in relating concrete reality and abstract systematic thought. The second criticism does not disqualify Milbank's ontology, but encourages a more consequent application of this ontology in his assessment of concrete reality. As a corrective, Edward Schillebeeckx's contribution to Ressourcement theologies is revisited, as his work bears the promise of attaining an ever more limitless vision of God, via the path of contemplating concrete reality.
Diverse mechanisms of resistance to Pseudomonas syringae in a thousand natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Velásquez André C. , Oney Matthew , Huot Bethany , Xu Shu , He Sheng Yang
Published: March 2017

Plants are continuously threatened by pathogen attack and, as such, they have evolved mechanisms to evade, escape and defend themselves against pathogens. However, it is not known what types of defense mechanisms a plant would already possess to defend against a potential pathogen that has not co‐evolved with the plant. We addressed this important question in a comprehensive manner by studying the responses of 1041 accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana to the foliar pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000.

We characterized the interaction using a variety of established methods, including different inoculation techniques, bacterial mutant strains, and assays for the hypersensitive response, salicylic acid (SA) accumulation and reactive oxygen species production .

Fourteen accessions showed resistance to infection by Pst DC3000. Of these, two accessions had a surface‐based mechanism of resistance, six showed a hypersensitive‐like response while three had elevated SA levels. Interestingly, A. thaliana was discovered to have a recognition system for the effector AvrPto, and HopAM1 was found to modulate Pst DC3000 resistance in two accessions.

Our comprehensive study has significant implications for the understanding of natural disease resistance mechanisms at the species level and for the ecology and evolution of plant–pathogen interactions.
Population structure and genetic basis of the agronomic traits of upland cotton in China revealed by a genome‐wide association study using high‐density SNPs
Authors: Huang Cong , Nie Xinhui , Shen Chao , You Chunyuan , Li Wu , Zhao Wenxia , Zhang Xianlong , Lin Zhongxu
Published: March 2017

Gossypium hirsutum L. represents the largest source of textile fibre, and China is one of the largest cotton‐producing and cotton‐consuming countries in the world. To investigate the genetic architecture of the agronomic traits of upland cotton in China, a diverse and nationwide population containing 503 G. hirsutum accessions was collected for a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on 16 agronomic traits. The accessions were planted in four places from 2012 to 2013 for phenotyping. The CottonSNP63K array and a published high‐density map based on this array were used for genotyping. The 503 G. hirsutum accessions were divided into three subpopulations based on 11 975 quantified polymorphic single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). By comparing the genetic structure and phenotypic variation among three genetic subpopulations, seven geographic distributions and four breeding periods, we found that geographic distribution and breeding period were not the determinants of genetic structure. In addition, no obvious phenotypic differentiations were found among the three subpopulations, even though they had different genetic backgrounds. A total of 324 SNPs and 160 candidate quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions were identified as significantly associated with the 16 agronomic traits. A network was established for multieffects in QTLs and interassociations among traits. Thirty‐eight associated regions had pleiotropic effects controlling more than one trait. One candidate gene, Gh_D08G2376, was speculated to control the lint percentage (LP). This GWAS is the first report using high‐resolution SNPs in upland cotton in China to comprehensively investigate agronomic traits, and it provides a fundamental resource for cotton genetic research and breeding.
Long‐term outcomes of living‐related small intestinal transplantation in children: A single‐center experience
Authors: Garcia Aroz Sandra , Tzvetanov Ivo , Hetterman Elizabeth Anne , Jeon Hoonbae , Oberholzer Jose , Testa Giuliano , John Eunice , Benedetti Enrico
Published: March 2017

Pediatric patients with irreversible intestinal failure present a significant challenge to meet the nutritional needs that promote growth. From 2002 to 2013, 13 living‐related small intestinal transplantations were performed in 10 children, with a median age of 18 months. Grafts included isolated living‐related intestinal transplantation (n=7), and living‐related liver and small intestine (n=6). The immunosuppression protocol consisted of induction with thymoglobulin and maintenance therapy with tacrolimus and steroids. Seven of 10 children are currently alive with a functioning graft and good quality of life. Six of the seven children who are alive have a follow‐up longer than 10 years. The average time to initiation of oral diet was 32 days (range, 13‐202 days). The median day for ileostomy takedown was 77 (range, 18‐224 days). Seven children are on an oral diet, and one of them is on supplements at night through a g‐tube. We observed an improvement in growth during the first 3 years post‐transplant and progressive weight gain throughout the first year post‐transplantation. Growth catch‐up and weight gain plateaued after these time periods. We concluded that living donor intestinal transplantation potentially offers a feasible, alternative strategy for long‐term treatment of irreversible intestinal failure in children.
Coalitions and Conservation: Conditional Impacts of Coalitions on Ballot Measures for Open Space
Authors: Lowry William R. , Scott Krummenacher W.
Published: March 2017

Social scientists have long debated the impact of interest group coalitions on public policies. While views on coalition impacts range from dominance to impotence, an emerging perspective suggests that coalitions have impacts under certain conditions. In this paper, we join and expand that perspective by arguing that coalitions have a conditional impact on public policies through ballot measures. Specifically, we argue that coalitions will have greater impact on ballot measure outcomes in non‐presidential election years, when the stakes involved are high, and when the goals of the measure are diverse. We test these hypotheses with analyses of a dataset of over 2,400 ballot measures on spending for open space at the state and local level between 1988 and 2014. We find strong support for our hypotheses. The findings have implications for scholarly debates on interest groups and coalitions, for the role of ballot measures in American public policy, and for assessments of open space and conservation in American society.
Spatial Trends of Towns in Europe: The Performance of Regions with Low Degree of Urbanisation
Authors: Servillo Loris , Paolo Russo Antonio
Published: March 2017

The paper contributes to the understanding of socio‐spatial trends and urban systems in Europe, with a specific focus on smaller settlements. First, a morphological delimitation of urban settlements as geographical base is used to identify the different settlement structures that characterise regions across Europe. Secondly, an analysis of population and GDP performances of NUTS 3 regions for the 29 countries of the European space (growth rates in 2001–2011) provides evidence of the variety of territorial phenomena that characterise smaller‐settlement regions across Europe. Finally, the paper highlights the diversity and complexity of urbanisation structures in Europe and how general trends observed at larger scale are articulated locally according to prevailing structures of urbanisation. It shows the character of ‘embeddedness’ of smaller settlements within urban systems and territorial structures and how the socio‐economic performances of smaller‐settlement regions are defined by a combination of macro trends, national contextualisation, local dynamics and regional path dependency.
Acute hepatitis E virus infection causing acute liver failure requiring living‐donor liver transplantation in a non‐pregnant immunocompetent woman
Authors: Li Iris Wai Sum , Chok Kenneth Siu Ho
Published: March 2017

We report a rare case of acute liver failure from acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) in a non‐pregnant woman without comorbidities who survived after liver transplantation. The source was likely consumption of partially cooked pig liver. HEV genotype 3 is the second most common genotype causing acute hepatitis E in developed countries. Fulminant hepatitis E rarely occurs without a risk factor, as in our patient. Vigilant monitoring for chronic hepatitis E in post‐transplant immunocompromised patients is needed.
Formation of interdependent regional trade agreements and production networks
Authors: Park Innwon , Park Soonchan
Published: March 2017

Production networks (PNs) can be defined as a determinant of trade partnership. Deepening PNs may generate positive welfare effects and lead to a proliferation in the formation of interdependent regional trade agreements (RTAs). This paper theoretically develops the link between PNs and the formation ofRTAs and empirically investigates the link by applying a qualitative choice model estimation methodology (probit) with panel data that covers bilateral country‐pairs among 147 countries between 2000 and 2010. We find that theRTAformation has been strongly driven by deepening PNs between members as well as with third countries. We also find that production network‐drivenRTAinterdependence is member specific.
POOR BEHAVIOR OF BEGGARS IN CIREBON CITY
Authors: Purnomo Halim
Published: March 2017

This study wants to prove that the higher the spiritualists among beggars, can control the behavior of poor. Conversely, the lower the spiritualist, the higher the poor behavior. Research shows that most of the beggars claim that they are doing maghdhah obligation was limited to abort an obligation. Scores of worship are not applied at all in life is evidenced with no effort and creativity to break out of the circle begging. Rather, they use it to meet all the needs of his family. Begging activities they run has been planned from the start to dress in such a way that completely seedy carrying children there is even a temple temples disabilities. Some beggars who have experienced demolition of the Civil Service Police Unit and the fostering of Social Services and Man Power Cirebon was not influenced by the existence of them run the routine on the streets. Conclusion and this research is begging activity has been used as a new profession. This has been recognized by their income that they get from the requesting this allows them to get out of any economic slump family and reluctant to get out of this habit. Keywords: poor behavior, beggars, Cirebon City.
Coarse flow spaces for relatively hyperbolic groups
Authors: Bartels A.
Published: March 2017

We introduce coarse flow spaces for relatively hyperbolic groups and use them to verify a regularity condition for the action of relatively hyperbolic groups on their boundaries. As an application the Farrell–Jones conjecture for relatively hyperbolic groups can be reduced to the peripheral subgroups (up to index-2 overgroups in the $L$-theory case).
Tautological rings for high-dimensional manifolds
Authors: Galatius Søren , Grigoriev Ilya , Randal-Williams Oscar
Published: March 2017

We study tautological rings for high-dimensional manifolds, that is, for each smooth manifold$M$the ring$R^{\ast }(M)$of those characteristic classes of smooth fibre bundles with fibre$M$which is generated by generalised Miller–Morita–Mumford classes. We completely describe these rings modulo nilpotent elements, when$M$is a connected sum of copies of$S^{n}\times S^{n}$for$n$odd.
Effects of Process Parameters on Friction Stir Spot Welding of Aluminum Alloy to Advanced High-Strength Steel
Authors: Chen Kai , Liu Xun , Ni Jun
Published: March 2017

This paper studies a friction stir spot welding (FSSW) process that has been successfully applied to join aluminum alloy 6061-T6 to transformation-induced plasticity steel (TRIP) 780/800 steel. Cross sections of weld specimens show the formation of a hook with a swirling structure. A higher magnified scanning electron microscope (SEM) view of the swirling structure with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis reveals that it is composed of alternating thin layers of steel and Al–Fe intermetallic compounds (IMCs). To check the effect of different process parameters on the weld strength, the effects of tool plunge speed and dwell time were studied through the design of experiments (DOE) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) method. It shows that dwell time is a more dominant parameter in affecting the weld strength than plunge speed. Furthermore, investigation of failure using a lap shear tests reveals that cross nugget failure is the only failure mode. It also shows that cracks are initiated in the swirling structure at the tensile side of the weld nugget. After failure, a cleavage feature can be observed on the fractured surface.
Characterization of benign thyroid nodules with HyperSPACE (Hyper Spectral Analysis for Characterization in Echography) before and after percutaneous laser ablation: a pilot study
Authors: Granchi Simona , Vannacci Enrico , Biagi Elena
Published: March 2017

Aims: To evaluate the capability of the HyperSPACE (Hyper SPectral Analysis for Characterization in Echography) method in tissue characterization, in order to provide information for the laser treatment of benign thyroid nodules in respect of conventional B-mode images and elastography.Material and methods: The method, based on the spectral analysis of the raw radiofrequency ultrasonic signal, was applied to characterize the nodule before and after laser treatment. Thirty patients (25 females and 5 males, age between 37 and 81 years) with thyroid benign nodule at cytology (Thyr 2) were evaluated by conventional ultrasonography, elastography, and HyperSPACE, before and after laser ablation.Results: The images processed by HyperSPACE exhibit different color distributions that are referred to different tissue features. By calculating the percentages of the color coverages, the analysed nodules were subdivided into 3 groups. Each nodule belonging to the same group experienced, on average, similar necrosis extension. The nodules exhibit different Configurations (colors) distributions that could be indicative of the response of nodular tissue to the laser treatmentConclusions: HyperSPACEcan characterize benign nodules by providing additional information in respect of conventional ultrasound and elastography which is useful for support in the laser treatment of nodules in order to increase the probability of success.
Imaging of intrahepatic progression of hepatocellular carcinoma post transarterial chemoembolization. A long-term, prospective evaluation of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS)
Authors: Moschouris Hippocrates , Kalokairinou-Motogna Mariana , Vrakas Spyros , Papadatou Aggeliki , Karagiannis Eyaggelos , Kiltenis Michail , Kladis-Kalentzis Konstantinos , Marmaridou Kyriaki , Papadogeorgopoulos Nikolaos , Malagari Katerina
Published: March 2017

Aims: To assess the diagnostic efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the context of intrahepatic progression (IHP) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).Material and methods:Sixty HCC patients were prospectively included in the study. They were treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)with doxorubicin-eluting microspheres (231 sessions). Imaging follow-up was performed 1 month after each session and at 3-6 month intervals after the last session of TACE and included CEUS and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (reference modality). The diagnosis of IHP was based on mRECIST criteria and the respective findings of MR and CEUS were recorded, categorized and correlated.Results: A total of 441 CEUS studies were compared with the corresponding MR studies. During a follow-up period of 5-82 months (mean: 22 months), MR diagnosed 51 cases of IHP in 34/60 (56.6%) patients. CEUS correctly diagnosed 12/14 (85.7%) cases of IHP of target tumors, 2/5 (40%) cases of IHP of non-target tumors, 13/18 (72.2%) cases of distal and 6/9 (66.6%) cases of proximal new lesions, and 5/5 (100%) cases of major vessel involvement. On a per-lesion basis, CEUS was significantly inferior to MR in the detection of new lesions (p=0.002). No false positive CEUS diagnoses of IHP were observed. 54% of the diagnostic failures of CEUS were considered clinically significant.Conclusion: In the long term evaluation of HCC post TACE, CEUS appears to have limitations in the detection of IHP, which are more prominent in the case of new lesions and of progressive non-target tumors.
Rolling Uphill
Authors: Cross Rod
Published: March 2017

In a recent letter to this journal, Mungan noted that translational energy can be converted into gravitational potential energy when an object is projected vertically, but rotational energy is not usually converted in this manner. As an exception, he gave an example where “a ball initially rolling without slipping will travel higher up a rough ramp than it will up a frictionless ramp.” However, such a result is unlikely to be observed in practice. A better example would be a ball spinning rapidly forwards as it slides up the ramp, since the friction force on the ball then acts in a direction up the ramp.
A wide-angle high Mach number modal expansion for infrasound propagation
Authors: Assink Jelle , Waxler Roger , Velea Doru
Published: March 2017

The use of modal expansions to solve the problem of atmospheric infrasound propagation is revisited. A different form of the associated modal equation is introduced, valid for wide-angle propagation in atmospheres with high Mach number flow. The modal equation can be formulated as a quadratic eigenvalue problem for which there are simple and efficient numerical implementations. A perturbation expansion for the treatment of attenuation, valid for stratified media with background flow, is derived as well. Comparisons are carried out between the proposed algorithm and a modal algorithm assuming an effective sound speed, including a real data case study. The comparisons show that the effective sound speed approximation overestimates the effect of horizontal wind on sound propagation, leading to errors in traveltime, propagation path, trace velocity, and absorption. The error is found to be dependent on propagation angle and Mach number.
Experimental validation of spatial Fourier transform-based multiple sound zone generation with a linear loudspeaker array
Authors: Okamoto Takuma , Sakaguchi Atsushi
Published: March 2017

Generating acoustically bright and dark zones using loudspeakers is gaining attention as one of the most important acoustic communication techniques for such uses as personal sound systems and multilingual guide services. Although most conventional methods are based on numerical solutions, an analytical approach based on the spatial Fourier transform with a linear loudspeaker array has been proposed, and its effectiveness has been compared with conventional acoustic energy difference maximization and presented by computer simulations. To describe the effectiveness of the proposal in actual environments, this paper investigates the experimental validation of the proposed approach with rectangular and Hann windows and compared it with three conventional methods: simple delay-and-sum beamforming, contrast maximization, and least squares-based pressure matching using an actually implemented linear array of 64 loudspeakers in an anechoic chamber. The results of both the computer simulations and the actual experiments show that the proposed approach with a Hann window more accurately controlled the bright and dark zones than the conventional methods.
Assessments of Mechanical Stiffness and Relationships to Performance Determinants in Middle-Distance Runners
Authors: Rogers Simon A. , Whatman Chris S. , Pearson Simon N. , Kilding Andrew E.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To examine relationships between methods of lower-limb stiffness and their associations with running economy (RE) and maximal velocity (vmax) in middle-distance (MD) runners. Methods: Eleven highly trained male MD runners performed a series of mechanical and physiological tests to determine maximal overground sprint speed, RE, and . Achilles tendon stiffness (kT) was estimated using ultrasonography during maximal isometric ankle plantar flexion. Global stiffness qualities were evaluated using a spring-mass model, providing measures of leg (kleg) and vertical stiffness (kvert) during running and jumping, respectively. Results: Very large (r = −.70) and large (r = −.60) negative relationships existed between RE and kT and kvert, during plantar flexion and unilateral jumps, respectively. There were large (r = .63) and extremely large (r = −.92) associations between kvert and kT and kleg during sprinting, respectively. Runners’ vmax had large positive associations between kT (r = .52) and kleg (r = .59) during sprinting. Conclusions: In well-trained MD athletes, greater stiffness appears linked to faster and more economical running. Although kT had the strongest relationship with RE, kleg while sprinting and kvert in maximal unilateral jumps may be more practical measures of stiffness. Agreement between global stiffness assessments and kT highlights the energy contribution of the Achilles tendon to running efficiency and velocity. Further research incorporating these assessment tools could help establish more comprehensive mechanical and metabolic athlete profiles and further our understanding of training adaptations, especially stiffness modification, longitudinally.