bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Posttonsillectomy Hemorrhage
Authors: Harounian Jonathan A. , Schaefer Eric , Schubart Jane , Carr Michele M.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To examine variations in management of pediatric posttonsillectomy hemorrhage and associated costs from a national third‐party payer perspective.

Study Design

The MarketScan database was analyzed for claims made for 30 days following tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy between 2008 and 2012 for privately insured children aged 1 to 17 years. Costs for management of postoperative hemorrhage by age, sex, and region were calculated in addition to total costs incurred for 30 days postoperatively.

Setting

MarketScan database.

Subjects and Methods

Database study.

Results

A total of 305,860 children were included. Overall, 0.3% had a postoperative bleed that required treatment but not surgical intervention or admission for hospitalization; 0.2% had one that required hospitalization; and 0.8% had one that required surgical intervention. The mean 30‐day costs were $7660 for postoperative bleed that required surgery or hospitalization, $4580 for outpatient treatment, and $370 for no postoperative bleed. Children between 11 and 17 years old were most likely to have interventions for postoperative bleeding but had the lowest mean costs for them ($7320 for hospital based, $3860 for outpatient). There were regional differences in costs for in‐patient management of bleeds, with highest costs in the West, with a mean of $8850, versus the South, with a mean of $7160.

Conclusions

There are geographic and demographic variations in managing pediatric posttonsillectomy hemorrhage and in the costs associated with management on a national level.
Informed Consent in Pediatric Otolaryngology
Authors: Pianosi Kiersten , Gorodzinsky Ayala Y. , Chorney Jill MacLaren , Corsten Gerard , Johnson Liane B. , Hong Paul
Published: April 2016

Objective

To evaluate parental recall of surgical risks and benefits in pediatric otolaryngology and to assess for factors that may influence recall.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic pediatric otolaryngology clinic.

Subjects and Methods

Eighty‐four parents of children <6 years of age who underwent consultation for adeno/tonsillectomy and/or tympanostomy tube insertion were prospectively enrolled. Consultation visits were video recorded and the benefits and risks of surgery documented. Two weeks following the consultation, parents were contacted for assessment of recall of information discussed during the consultation.

Results

Overall, parents recalled only one‐third of the risks of surgery mentioned by the surgeons. Parents were significantly more likely to recall the benefits of surgery as opposed to the risks (P <. 001). Nine parents (10.7%) reported that no benefits were discussed during the consultation, and 10 (11.9%) reported no mention of any risks. Inconsistencies were present in which risks and benefits were mentioned by the providers. Parents who decided to proceed with surgery (58.3%) were significantly less likely to recall the surgical risks than those who did not (P <. 001). The specific surgeon involved, the number of caregivers present, parental education level, and prior surgical history did not influence recall.

Conclusion

Parental recall of benefits and risks associated with common pediatric otolaryngology procedures was poor. This information is important because a low rate of recall may influence parents’ perspectives of the procedure and could alter their decision‐making processes or expectations. Methods to improve parental recall should be further studied.
Good cop, bad cop, both? Examining the implications of risk based allocation on the desistance narratives of intensive probationers
Authors: Kay Christopher
Published: April 2016

The following paper shall discuss the implementation of the Coalition Governments Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) reforms in 2014 by focusing on the impact of these reforms on the desistance narratives of high risk intensive probationers, paying particular attention to the division of probation work between the National Probation Service (NPS) and the Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC). It is argued that the reallocation of offenders between the NPS and CRC altered high risk probationers’ perceptions of self, caused probationers to question the occupational competence of CRC offender managers and saw probationers evidence the emergence of an attitudinal dissonance between the two services.
Language use and style matching in supportive conversations between strangers and friends
Authors: Cannava Kaitlin , Bodie Graham D.
Published: April 2016

Using data from individuals disclosing a personally relevant and problematic event to either a stranger ( N = 151) or friend ( N = 119), this study explored whether emotion and cognitive mechanism words produced by the discloser and the language style matching (LSM) of interlocutors influenced the reappraisal process necessary to feel better. Results showed that positive emotion words and LSM influenced reported emotional improvement through the mechanism of cognitive reappraisal (CR). This model was supported for friends and strangers who also did not appreciably differ with respect to language use or style matching. The discussion highlights the role of CR as well as the potential for other emotion regulation strategies in the conversational coping process.
Governing through Failure and Denial: The New Resilience Agenda
Authors: Joseph Jonathan
Published: April 2016

This article sets out a new way of understanding how resilience works as a form of governmentality with specific focus on international interventions. It argues that resilience governs though failure and denial, suggesting that it builds on both failures to govern complex systems and past failures of intervention, in order to promote a new governance through denial that further shifts responsibility onto the governed. It suggests that resilience, rather than being a radical new approach, fits with existing discourse and practices, but offers something new in terms of its approach to knowledge, the social, and the human. Running this through the themes of failure and denial, the article suggests that resilience offers certain possibilities for human action, but that its emancipatory potential is largely constrained by the way it limits how we understand the bigger picture. This is explored in relation to international interventions and the way that resilience contributes to global governmentality.
Correlates of Attempted Suicide from the Emergency Room of 2 General Hospitals in Montreal, Canada
Authors: Rahme Elham , Low Nancy C. P. , Lamarre Suzanne , Daneau Diane , Habel Youssef , Turecki Gustavo , Bonin Jean-Pierre , Morin Suzanne , Szkrumelak Nadia , Singh Santokh , Lesage Alain
Published: April 2016

Introduction:

The epidemiology of attempted suicide has not been well characterized because of lack of national data or an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code for suicide attempts. We conducted a retrospective chart review in 2 adult general hospitals (tertiary and community) in Montreal, Canada, in 2009-2010 to 1) describe the characteristics of men and women who presented to the emergency department (ED) and/or were hospitalized following a suicide attempt, 2) identify factors associated with attempts requiring hospitalizations, and 3) validate the use of International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes for “intentional self-harm” as a method to detect suicide attempts from hospital abstract summary records.

Method:

All potential suicide attempts were identified from hospital abstract summary records and ED nursing triage file using ICD-10 codes and keywords suggestive of suicide attempts. All identified charts were examined, and those with confirmed suicide attempts were fully reviewed.

Results:

Of the 5746 identified charts, 369 were fully reviewed. Of these, 176 were for suicide attempters treated in the ED and 193 for hospitalized attempters, of whom 46% had an ICD-10 code for intentional self-harm. Poisoning (46%) was the most frequent method of suicide used. Half of attempters were younger than 34 years, 53% were female, and 75% had a history of mental disorders.

Conclusion:

About half of individuals who seek medical care for attempted suicide are admitted to hospital. About half of attempters use poisoning as a method of suicide, and a quarter do not have a history of mental disorders. Intentional self-harm codes capture only about half of hospitalized attempters.
Dynamic behaviors of multi-span viscoelastic functionally graded material pipe conveying fluid
Authors: Deng Jiaquan , Liu Yongshou , Zhang Zijun , Liu Wei
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the dynamic behaviors of a multi-span viscoelastic functionally graded material pipe conveying fluid are investigated by dynamic stiffness method. The material properties of the functionally graded material pipe are considered as graded distribution along the thickness direction according to a power-law. Several numerical examples are performed to study the effects of volume fraction exponent, fluid velocity, internal pressure, and internal damping on the stability and frequency response of the fluid-conveying functionally graded material pipe. It’s found that the viscoelastic functionally graded material pipe exhibits some special dynamic behaviors and it could increase the stability significantly when compared with the aluminum and steel pipes. The numerical results also demonstrate that by the introduction of the functionally graded material, the stiffness of the piping system could be modulated easily by designing the volume fraction function. Therefore, if the dominant frequency contents of the external loads are known, a preferable design of the functionally graded material pipe to reduce the vibration is possible.
Numerical simulation of the slipstream and aeroacoustic field around a high-speed train
Authors: Zhu Chunli , Hemida Hassan , Flynn Dominic , Baker Chris , Liang Xifeng , Zhou Dan
Published: April 2016

The flow field and sound propagation around a three-coach 1/8th scale high-speed passenger train were obtained using a detached-eddy simulation and the Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings acoustic analogy. The Reynolds number of flow based on the train height and speed was 2,000,000. The numerical results of the flow and aeroacoustic fields were validated using wind tunnel experiments and full-scale data, respectively. Features of overall sound pressure level, sound pressure level and A-weighted sound pressure level of typical measuring points are discussed. The sound propagated by a high-speed train is shown as a broadband noise spectrum including tonal component, where high sound pressure levels are concentrated on the low-frequency range from 10 Hz to 300 Hz. The inter-carriage gap is found to cause distinct tonal noise in contrast to the other parts of the train that cause a broadband noise. The negative log law has been used to study the influence of distance from the centre of track on the sound pressure level, where a good fit is shown at low-frequency ranges. The peak values of A-weighted sound pressure level from both full-scale experiment and simulation results occur at approximately 1 kHz, where simulation results show almost the same range as the experiment. The surface of each component of the train as well as the whole train are chosen as the integral surface for the Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings computation of the far-field noise characteristics. It was found that the sound source generated by a high-speed train is mainly dipole, and the largest noise was obtained from the leading bogie. The results of this paper provide, for the first time, a better understanding of the aeroacoustic field around a three-coach train model, and the paper has the potential to assist engineers to design high-speed trains with aeroacoustic noise reduction in a better manner.
A mechanistic model of lateral rail head deflection based on fastening system parameters
Authors: Chen Zhe , Andrawes Bassem
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a mechanistic model of the rail head lateral deflection with the aim of quantifying the distribution of the lateral wheel load in a concrete sleeper rail track. The model is developed based on observations of the field experimentation and the results of a three-dimensional validated finite element model. The input parameters of the model are primarily based on the design of the fastening system and the track structure. In the developed model, the rail head lateral deflection is divided into two components which are computed separately: rail base lateral deflection and rail head rotational deflection. The model considers the possible gap between the field-side shoulder and insulator, and assumes Coulomb Law of friction for the rail base interfaces. Based on an experimental design approach, the prediction of the mechanistic model is compared with that of finite element model as well as with field data.
An experimental study of vibration reduction of a ballasted ladder track
Authors: Ma Meng , Liu Weining , Li Yulu , Liu Weifeng
Published: April 2016

The ballasted ladder track is a new type of longitudinal track. In this paper, to investigate its vibration reduction effect, both a laboratory test and in situ experiment were conducted. As the vibration sources, a newly designed drop weight impulse setup was employed in the laboratory test, and moving metro trains were employed in the in situ measurement. The vibration reduction effects of the ballasted track with ladder sleepers and regular concrete sleepers were compared. The results show that the ballasted ladder track can effectively decrease the peak value in the time domain and has the potential effect to control the environmental vibration in low frequencies. The shape of the sleeper can induce changes in the vibration field of the ballast.
This isn’t going to end well: Fictional representations of medical research in television and film
Authors: Fisher Jill A. , Cottingham Marci D.
Published: April 2016

Fictional television shows and films convey cultural assumptions about scientists and the research enterprise. But how do these forms of entertainment portray medical research participants? We sampled 65 television shows and films released between 2004 and 2014 to determine the ways in which medical research and human participants are represented in popular media. We found that research participants are largely represented as White, male, and lower or working class and that 40% of the participants depicted in these fictional accounts were seeking financial compensation, 34% were hoping for a therapeutic benefit, and 15% were coerced into participation. Regardless of participant motivation, media representations tended to portray a negative outcome of medical research. Interpreting the themes in these media, we argue that these fictional portrayals might provide the public with valuable representations of medical research, especially in terms of risks to research participants, scientific failure, and researchers’ conflicts of interest.
Executive-Control Processes in High-Calorie Food Consumption
Authors: Hall Peter A.
Published: April 2016

Human beings have reliable preferences for energy-rich foods; these preferences are present at birth and possibly innate. Relatively recent changes in our day-to-day living context have rendered such foods commonly encountered, nearly effortless to procure, and frequently brought to mind. Theoretical, conceptual, and empirical perspectives from the field of social neuroscience support the hypothesis that the increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in first- and second-world countries may be a function of these dynamics coupled with our highly evolved but ultimately imperfect capacities for self-control. This review describes the significance of executive-control systems for explaining the occurrence of nonhomeostatic forms of dietary behavior—that is, those aspects of calorie ingestion that are not for the purpose of replacing calories burned. I focus specifically on experimental findings—including those from cortical-stimulation studies—that collectively support a causal role for executive-control systems in modulating cravings for and consumption of high-calorie foods.
A Post-Racial Society in Which Ethnic-Racial Discrimination Still Exists and Has Significant Consequences for Youths’ Adjustment
Authors: Umaña-Taylor Adriana J.
Published: April 2016

Ethnic and racial minority youths in the United States are at risk for experiencing unfair treatment and other forms of marginalization based on their ethnic-racial background. The current article discusses the prevalence of perceived ethnic-racial discrimination among ethnic-racial minority children and adolescents in the United States, provides an overview of the potentially negative consequences of such experiences for youth, and explains how youths’ ethnic-racial identity may protect against the negative effects of ethnic-racial discrimination.
(Mis)Understanding Our Influence Over Others
Authors: Bohns Vanessa K.
Published: April 2016

I review a burgeoning program of research examining people’s perceptions of their influence over others. This research demonstrates that people are overly pessimistic about their ability to get others to comply with their requests. Participants in our studies have asked more than 14,000 strangers a variety of requests. We find that participants underestimate the likelihood that the people they approach will comply with their requests. This error is robust (it persists across various samples and requests) and substantial (on average, requesters underestimate compliance by 48%). We find that this error results from requesters’ failure to appreciate the awkwardness of saying “no” to a request. In addition to reviewing evidence for the underestimation-of-compliance effect and its underlying mechanism, I discuss some factors that have been found to strengthen, attenuate, and reverse the effect. This research offers a starting point for examining a neglected perspective in influence research: the psychological perspective of the influence source.
Determinants of Health Expenditures in ASEAN Region: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Sagarik Danuvas
Published: April 2016

The study of the nature of public welfare expenditure in healthcare has gained more attention recently. Many studies suggest that as countries are growing economically, becoming more urbanized and industrialized; their welfare expenditure has also increased. Others suggest that countries with higher proportion of older population tend to have larger welfare expenditure. This article uses data on Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to examine the factors that are claimed to have effect on public welfare expenditure, particularly on healthcare. It is conducted from a public policy’s perspective. Using the two-stage least squares regression, this study finds that health expenditures as percentage of GDP are not significantly determined by the number of elderly. They increase significantly with industrialization and foreign direct investment. This study also finds that economy and urbanization grow faster than health expenditures.
Culturally Diverse Teams and Social Interaction Influence on Team Effectiveness in Small and Medium Enterprises in the ICT Sector in Malaysia
Authors: Selvadurai Sivapalan , Dasgupta Anindita
Published: April 2016

This research seeks to establish a conceptual understanding of the extent to which group interactions of cross-cultural workforces affect organizational performance in Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Drawing on qualitative case study experiences of ICT SME workforce comprising owners and managers, team leaders, employees and clients, it attempts to understand if culturally diverse teams, through social interaction, exert a positive or a negative effect on team effectiveness. Three separate groups of stakeholders were interviewed over a period of one year who provided divergent perspectives on diversity and team effectiveness. Simultaneously, participant observation techniques were extensively used to gather insights from team-building sessions, annual dinners, new staff induction and other informal events organized by the SMEs under study. The study concluded that though homogeneous sub-groups within cross-cultural workforces teams performed well in delivering technical solutions in the ICT sector, cultural differences created social interaction barriers, particularly communication obstacles, with clients as well as within the team which often hampered work effectiveness. Additionally, the dialectical and ambivalent nature of the technical and social needs of team composition comprising both expatriates and Malaysians provides an interesting arena for further investigation in a wider quantitative survey study to validate the negative outcomes of social interaction on cultural diversity and to contest these theories with positive outcomes as postulated by new organization theories such as informational diversity theory.
Book Review: E. E. Sajor, B. P. Resurreccion and S. K. Rakshit (Eds). 2014. Bio-innovation and Poverty Alleviation: Case Studies from Asia
Authors: Singh Sukhpal
Published: April 2016

E. E. Sajor, B. P. Resurreccion and S. K. Rakshit (Eds). 2014. Bio-innovation and Poverty Alleviation: Case Studies from Asia. New Delhi: SAGE Publications Pvt. Ltd, pp. xli + 396, ₹1,100. ISBN: 978-81-321-1972-2 (HB).
Can we consider changes in sports participation as institutional change? A conceptual framework
Authors: Borgers Julie , Pilgaard Maja , Vanreusel Bart , Scheerder Jeroen
Published: April 2016

The aim of this paper is to gain conceptual understanding of changes in leisure-time sports participation (LTSP) as an issue of institutional change. The study is elaborated in the LTSP research context of Flanders (Belgium) and Denmark. Data originate from the Flemish Household Study on Sports Participation (1969, 1979, 1989, 1999, 2009), Danish National Surveys on Sports Participation (1964, 1975, 1993, 1998, 2007, 2011) and the Flemish Participation Survey on Culture, Youth, Sports and Media (2009). A theoretical framework on institutional change is outlined to frame developments in the organisation of LTSP. Next, empirical evidence on changes in LTSP is presented based on time-trend observations and an in-depth analysis of profiles of participants in different organisational settings. The developments seem to reflect post-modern and post-materialist values that are linked to the theory of institutional change. The final part of the paper links changes in leisure-time sports participation to institutional theory in a conceptual framework of ‘greedy’ and ‘light’ institutions. The dynamic character of the framework suggests that both processes of deinstitutionalisation and reinstitutionalisation occur in the field of LTSP. The interpretation of institutional logics related to processes of change may inspire LTSP research from different perspectives.
Online communication in Spanish destination marketing organizations
Authors: Fernández-Cavia José , Marchiori Elena , Haven-Tang Claire , Cantoni Lorenzo
Published: April 2016

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have had a significant impact on both the travel and tourism experience and industry. In particular, destination marketing organizations (DMOs) have found ICT a powerful ally to harmonize and coordinate the activities of local stakeholders as well as to reach travellers. The aim of this research is to analyse destination brand communication strategies, especially those applied to online communication (official websites, social media and mobile applications). Data were collected from Spanish destinations – regions, provinces and cities – via an online survey addressed to destination brand and communication managers. Results show that destination brand communication is not fully standardized or professionalized yet; online tools (websites, social media and mobile applications) are used tactically and not strategically and the usefulness of social media and official websites is clearly more appreciated by DMO managers than the usefulness of mobile applications.
Contextualization and authenticity in TBLT: Voices from Chinese classrooms
Authors: Chen Qi , Wright Clare
Published: April 2016

In view of ongoing debates about the future of task-based language teaching (TBLT) in contexts of English as a foreign language (EFL), we present a detailed case study of teacher beliefs and practices regarding TBLT conducted in a secondary school in mainland China with a long history of communicative and task-based teaching approaches. We used a mixed-methods approach to gather a broad range of triangulated data, combining individual interviews, material analysis and observations coded using a novel task-focused version of the scheme ‘Communicative Orientation of Language Teaching’ (COLT). Quantitative and qualitative findings revealed positive beliefs about TBLT principles in general, reflecting strong institutional support for communicative teaching. However, there was marked variability between beliefs and practices in using tasks, especially with beginner-level learners. Most teachers demonstrated an intrinsic lack of confidence in using tasks as more than a communicative ‘add-on’ to standard form-focused teaching. We argue that this demonstrates a need for building teacher autonomy, in implementing TBLT, even in supportive settings, to support successful authentic contextualizing TBLT principles in different EFL contexts.
Laparoscopic versus Open Surgery for Acute Adhesive Small-Bowel Obstruction: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis
Authors: Hackenberg T. , Mentula P. , Leppäniemi A. , Sallinen V.
Published: April 2016

Background and Aims:

The laparoscopic approach has been increasingly used to treat adhesive small-bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of a laparoscopic versus an open approach for adhesive small-bowel obstruction.

Material and Methods:

Data were retrospectively collected on patients who had surgery for adhesive small-bowel obstruction at a single academic center between January 2010 and December 2012. Patients with a contraindication for the laparoscopic approach were excluded. A propensity score was used to match patients in the laparoscopic and open surgery groups based on their preoperative parameters.

Results:

A total of 25 patients underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis and 67 patients open adhesiolysis. The open adhesiolysis group had more suspected bowel strangulations and more previous abdominal surgeries than the laparoscopic adhesiolysis group. Severe complication rate (Clavien–Dindo 3 or higher) was 0% in the laparoscopic adhesiolysis group versus 14% in the open adhesiolysis group ( p = 0.052). Twenty-five propensity score–matched patients from the open adhesiolysis group were similar to laparoscopic adhesiolysis group patients with regard to their preoperative parameters. Length of hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic adhesiolysis group compared to the propensity score–matched open adhesiolysis group (6.0 vs 10.0 days, p = 0.037), but no differences were found in severe complications between the laparoscopic adhesiolysis and propensity score–matched open adhesiolysis groups (0% vs 4%, p = 0.31).

Conclusion:

Patients selected to be operated by the open approach had higher preoperative morbidity than the ones selected for the laparoscopic approach. After matching for this disparity, the laparoscopic approach was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay without differences in complications. The laparoscopic approach may be a preferable approach in selected patients.
Monitoring Student Interaction during Collaborative Learning: Design and Evaluation of a Training Program for Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Kaendler Celia , Wiedmann Michael , Leuders Timo , Rummel Nikol , Spada Hans
Published: April 2016

The monitoring by teachers of collaborative, cognitive, and meta-cognitive student activities in collaborative learning is crucial for fostering beneficial student interaction. In a quasi-experimental study, we trained pre-service teachers ( N = 74) to notice behavioral indicators for these three dimensions of student activities. Video clips of student interactions in collaborative learning settings served as learning opportunities in the training and as test scenarios for measuring monitoring competency in an assessment tool. Participants completed the assessment tool before and immediately after the training program. A control group ( N = 33) completed the assessment tool twice but did not receive training in between. Results show that monitoring competency increased significantly in the training group but not in the control group. This provides initial evidence that a video-based training program can effectively enhance pre-service teachers’ noticing of behavioral indicators of collaborative, cognitive, and meta-cognitive student activities in a relatively short time. Our findings are of practical relevance as evaluating student interactions in a collaborative learning setting is challenging, yet also a skill much needed in teacher practice.
A Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Diabetic Foot
Authors: Scatena Alessia , Zampa Virna , Fanelli Giuseppe , Iacopi Elisabetta , Piaggesi Alberto
Published: April 2016

A 72-year-old male was referred to our hospital for a plantar ulceration that had occurred many years earlier. The lesion, with exuberant granulation and large areas of necrosis and fibrin, had long been treated by plastic surgeons with no positive evolution. At admission in our hospital no ischemia was detected, and foot radiograph was negative for bone involvement. The patient underwent a foot magnetic resonance imaging, which showed high vascularization in the plantar region and early capture of the contrast medium. We then performed multiple biopsies of the ulceration that revealed a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The total body computed tomography exam raised a systemic involvement. A lymph node biopsy and immunohistochemistry assay on the pleural cytological sample proved the presence of a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the foot with systemic dissemination. Although rare, squamous cell carcinoma could be associated with chronic nonhealing ulcers; therefore, when a lesion does not heal, despite adequate standard treatment, its etiopathogenesis should be challenged.
Micro- and nanoparticulates for DNA vaccine delivery
Authors: Farris Eric , Brown Deborah M , Ramer-Tait Amanda E , Pannier Angela K
Published: April 2016

DNA vaccination has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional protein-based vaccines for the induction of protective immune responses. DNA vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccines, including increased stability, rapid and inexpensive production, and flexibility to produce vaccines for a wide variety of infectious diseases. However, the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines delivered as naked plasmid DNA is often weak due to degradation of the DNA by nucleases and inefficient delivery to immune cells. Therefore, biomaterial-based delivery systems based on micro- and nanoparticles that encapsulate plasmid DNA represent the most promising strategy for DNA vaccine delivery. Microparticulate delivery systems allow for passive targeting to antigen presenting cells through size exclusion and can allow for sustained presentation of DNA to cells through degradation and release of encapsulated vaccines. In contrast, nanoparticle encapsulation leads to increased internalization, overall greater transfection efficiency, and the ability to increase uptake across mucosal surfaces. Moreover, selection of the appropriate biomaterial can lead to increased immune stimulation and activation through triggering innate immune response receptors and target DNA to professional antigen presenting cells. Finally, the selection of materials with the appropriate properties to achieve efficient delivery through administration routes conducive to high patient compliance and capable of generating systemic and local (i.e. mucosal) immunity can lead to more effective humoral and cellular protective immune responses. In this review, we discuss the development of novel biomaterial-based delivery systems to enhance the delivery of DNA vaccines through various routes of administration and their implications for generating immune responses.
Treatment of Alzheimer Disease With CT Scans
Authors: Cuttler Jerry M. , Moore Eugene R. , Hosfeld Victor D. , Nadolski David L.
Published: April 2016

Alzheimer disease (AD) primarily affects older adults. This neurodegenerative disorder is the most common cause of dementia and is a leading source of their morbidity and mortality. Patient care costs in the United States are about 200 billion dollars and will more than double by 2040. This case report describes the remarkable improvement in a patient with advanced AD in hospice who received 5 computed tomography scans of the brain, about 40 mGy each, over a period of 3 months. The mechanism appears to be radiation-induced upregulation of the patient’s adaptive protection systems against AD, which partially restored cognition, memory, speech, movement, and appetite.
Acute limb ischaemia
Authors: Forsyth James Michael
Published: April 2016

Acute limb ischaemia (ALI) is a disease that carries with it a high morbidity and mortality. It is a time-critical disease process; the best outcomes are seen when patients are rapidly diagnosed and referred immediately to a vascular surgery unit. Unfortunately, if the diagnosis is missed or delayed, this puts the patient at high risk of irreversible limb loss and amputation. The aim of this article is to cover the aetiology, diagnosis and management of ALI, mainly from a primary care level, along with secondary care management options.
The Effects of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency on the Meniscus and Articular Cartilage
Authors: Arner Justin W. , Irvine James N. , Zheng Liying , Gale Tom , Thorhauer Eric , Hankins Margaret , Abebe Ermias , Tashman Scott , Zhang Xudong , Harner Christopher D.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury increases the risk of meniscus and articular cartilage damage, but the causes are not well understood. Previous in vitro studies were static, required extensive knee dissection, and likely altered meniscal and cartilage contact due to the insertion of pressure sensing devices.

Hypothesis:

ACL deficiency will lead to increased translation of the lateral meniscus and increased deformation of the medial meniscus as well as alter cartilage contact location, strain, and area.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

With minimally invasive techniques, six 1.0-mm tantalum beads were implanted into the medial and lateral menisci of 6 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. Dynamic stereo x-rays (DSXs) were obtained during dynamic knee flexion (from 15° to 60°, simulating a standing squat) with a 46-kg load in intact and ACL-deficient states. Knee kinematics, meniscal movement and deformation, and cartilage contact were compared by novel imaging coregistration.

Results:

During dynamic knee flexion from 15° to 60°, the tibia translated 2.6 mm ( P = .05) more anteriorly, with 2.3° more internal rotation ( P = .04) with ACL deficiency. The medial and lateral menisci, respectively, translated posteriorly an additional 0.7 mm ( P = .05) and 1.0 mm ( P = .03). Medial and lateral compartment cartilage contact location moved posteriorly (2.0 mm [ P = .05] and 2.0 mm [ P = .04], respectively).

Conclusion:

The lateral meniscus showed greater translation with ACL deficiency compared with the medial meniscus, which may explain the greater incidences of acute lateral meniscus tears and chronic medial meniscus tears. Furthermore, cartilage contact location moved further posteriorly than that of the meniscus in both compartments, possibly imparting more meniscal stresses that may lead to early degeneration. This new, minimally invasive, dynamic in vitro model allows the study of meniscus function and cartilage contact and can be applied to evaluate different pathologies and surgical techniques.

Clinical Relevance:

This novel model illustrates that ACL injury may lead to significant meniscus and cartilage abnormalities acutely, and these parameters are dynamically measurable while maintaining native anatomy.
Minority Status Distortion and Preference for In-group Ties
Authors: Hipp John R. , Wickes Rebecca
Published: April 2016

To assess residents’ perceptions of social capital (social cohesion, place attachment, and neighboring), the authors create innovative measures of residents’ assessments of neighborhood ethnic minorities and the extent of social ties between members of the same ethnic group compared with chance. The authors use a sample of nearly 10,000 residents nested in 297 neighborhoods in two Australian cities. Residents who perceive more minorities in their neighborhood, who have more or fewer ties with members of the other ethnic group than expected by chance, or who live in neighborhoods with more intergroup ties than would be expected report lower levels of social capital.
Examining the Effects of Intellectual Capital on Dynamic Capabilities in Emerging Economy Context: Knowledge Management Processes as a Mediator
Authors: Singh Bindu , Rao M.K.
Published: April 2016

This study aims to examine the effects of intellectual capital on dynamic capabilities and the mediating role of knowledge management processes. Based on the review of literature, a research model was proposed to examine this quantitative relationship. The model was empirically tested using 679 responses from the banking industry in India and applying Structural equation modeling analysis. It was found that intellectual capital with its three dimensions has significant effect on dynamic capabilities. Concerning to mediating role of knowledge management process, two patterns of association was found: Knowledge management process partially mediates the effect of organizational capital on dynamic capabilities and fully mediates the effect of human capital and social capital on dynamic capabilities. Based on these empirical insights, inferences and future avenues are further discussed in detail.
Analysis and visualization of large networks with program package Pajek
Authors: Mrvar Andrej , Batagelj Vladimir
Published: April 2016

Pajek is a program package for analysis and visualization of large networks (networks containing up to one billion of vertices, there is no limit—except the memory size—on the number of lines). It has been available for 20 years. The program, documentation and supporting material can be downloaded and used for free for noncommercial use from its web page:http://mrvar.fdv.uni-lj.si/pajek/
Stromal fibroblasts support dendritic cells to maintain IL-23/Th17 responses after exposure to ionizing radiation
Authors: Malecka Anna , Wang Qunwei , Shah Sabaria , Sutavani Ruhcha V , Spendlove Ian , Ramage Judith M , Greensmith Julie , Franks Hester A , Gough Michael J , Saalbach Anja , Patel Poulam M , Jackson Andrew M
Published: April 2016

Dendritic cell function is modulated by stromal cells, including fibroblasts. Although poorly understood, the signals delivered through this crosstalk substantially alter dendritic cell biology. This is well illustrated with release of TNF-α/IL-1β from activated dendritic cells, promoting PGE2 secretion from stromal fibroblasts. This instructs dendritic cells to up-regulate IL-23, a key Th17-polarizing cytokine. We previously showed that ionizing radiation inhibited IL-23 production by human dendritic cells in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the hypothesis that dendritic cell-fibroblast crosstalk overcomes the suppressive effect of ionizing radiation to support appropriately polarized Th17 responses. Radiation (1–6 Gy) markedly suppressed IL-23 secretion by activated dendritic cells (P < 0.0001) without adversely impacting their viability and consequently, inhibited the generation of Th17 responses. Cytokine suppression by ionizing radiation was selective, as there was no effect on IL-1β, -6, -10, and -27 or TNF-α and only a modest (11%) decrease in IL-12p70 secretion. Coculture with fibroblasts augmented IL-23 secretion by irradiated dendritic cells and increased Th17 responses. Importantly, in contrast to dendritic cells, irradiated fibroblasts maintained their capacity to respond to TNF-α/IL-1β and produce PGE2, thus providing the key intermediary signals for successful dendritic cell-fibroblasts crosstalk. In summary, stromal fibroblasts support Th17-polarizing cytokine production by dendritic cells that would otherwise be suppressed in an irradiated microenvironment. This has potential ramifications for understanding the immune response to local radiotherapy. These findings underscore the need to account for the impact of microenvironmental factors, including stromal cells, in understanding the control of immunity.
Integrated microseismic and geomechanical study in the Barnett Shale Formation
Authors: Williams Michael John , Le Calvez Joel Herve , Conners Sandy , Xu Wenyue
Published: April 2016

We have developed a careful chronological review of multistage stimulation treatments, in which microseismic interpretation was supported by fracture simulation and finite-element geomechanical simulation. The interpretation of a zipper frac stimulation treatment conducted in the Barnett Shale Formation in 2011 progressed from microseismic interpretation, from well-site observation, to a self-consistent understanding across multiple stages and multiple wells. Through this process, we have developed a tutorial on practical interpretation of microseismic data in the context of the hydraulic fracture treatment information (pump data) and regional structural information from interpretation of 3D seismic sections. Analysis of microseismic data included summarizing groups of events in the form of [Formula: see text]-value, [Formula: see text]-value, and extracted planar geometries. We advocate the development of a chronological interpretation, the consistency of which is tested using forward modeling. The process is iterative and relies on the forward modeling of complex fracturing and finite-element geomechanical models to inform iterations of the interpretation. Although extended case studies of this type are unsuitable for well-site analysis, we recommend their use for planning stimulation treatments for future nearby wells and to inform strategies for refracturing later in the well’s life.
Analytic calculation of phase and group velocities of P-waves in orthorhombic media
Authors: Hao Qi , Stovas Alexey
Published: April 2016

We have developed an approximate method to calculate the P-wave phase and group velocities for orthorhombic media. Two forms of analytic approximations for P-wave velocities in orthorhombic media were built by analogy with the five-parameter moveout approximation and the four-parameter velocity approximation for transversely isotropic media, respectively. They are called the generalized moveout approximation (GMA)-type approximation and the Fomel approximation, respectively. We have developed approximations for elastic and acoustic orthorhombic media. We have characterized the elastic orthorhombic media in Voigt notation, and we can describe the acoustic orthorhombic media by introducing the modified Alkhalifah’s notation. Our numerical evaluations indicate that the GMA-type and Fomel approximations are accurate for elastic and acoustic orthorhombic media with strong anisotropy, and the GMA-type approximation is comparable with the approximation recently proposed by Sripanich and Fomel. Potential applications of the proposed approximations include forward modeling and migration based on the dispersion relation and the forward traveltime calculation for seismic tomography.
Identification of a regulatory domain controlling the Nppa-Nppb gene cluster during heart development and stress
Authors: Sergeeva Irina A. , Hooijkaas Ingeborg B. , Ruijter Jan M. , van der Made Ingeborg , de Groot Nina E. , van de Werken Harmen J. G. , Creemers Esther E. , Christoffels Vincent M.
Published: April 2016

The paralogous genes Nppa and Nppb are organized in an evolutionary conserved cluster and are a valuable model to study coregulation and regulatory landscape organization during heart development and disease. Here, we analyzed the chromatin conformation, epigenetic status and enhancer potential of sequences of the Nppa-Nppb cluster in vivo. Our data indicate that the regulatory landscape of the cluster is present within a 60 kbp domain centered around Nppb. Both promoters and several potential regulatory elements interact with each other in a similar manner in different tissues and developmental stages. The distribution of H3K27ac and the association of Pol2 across the locus changed during cardiac hypertrophy, revealing their potential involvement in stress-mediated gene regulation. Functional analysis of double reporter transgenic mice revealed that Nppa and Nppb share developmental, but not stress-response enhancers, responsible for their co-regulation. Moreover, the Nppb promoter was required, but not sufficient, for hypertrophy-induced Nppa expression. In summary, the developmental regulation and stress-response of the Nppa-Nppb cluster involve the concerted action of multiple enhancers and epigenetic changes distributed across a structurally rigid regulatory domain.
Using Drosophila to discover mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes
Authors: Alfa Ronald W. , Kim Seung K.
Published: April 2016

Mechanisms of glucose homeostasis are remarkably well conserved between the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and mammals. From the initial characterization of insulin signaling in the fly came the identification of downstream metabolic pathways for nutrient storage and utilization. Defects in these pathways lead to phenotypes that are analogous to diabetic states in mammals. These discoveries have stimulated interest in leveraging the fly to better understand the genetics of type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin insufficiency in the context of ongoing insulin resistance. Although genetic susceptibility is thought to govern the propensity of individuals to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus under appropriate environmental conditions, many of the human genes associated with the disease in genome-wide association studies have not been functionally studied. Recent advances in the phenotyping of metabolic defects have positioned Drosophila as an excellent model for the functional characterization of large numbers of genes associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here, we examine results from studies modeling metabolic disease in the fruit fly and compare findings to proposed mechanisms for diabetic phenotypes in mammals. We provide a systematic framework for assessing the contribution of gene candidates to insulin-secretion or insulin-resistance pathways relevant to diabetes pathogenesis.
Semi-automated Modular Program Constructor for physiological modeling: Building cell and organ models
Authors: Jardine Bartholomew , Raymond Gary M. , Bassingthwaighte James B.
Published: April 2016

The Modular Program Constructor (MPC) is an open-source Java based modeling utility, built upon JSim's Mathematical Modeling Language (MML) (http://www.physiome.org/jsim/) that uses directives embedded in model code to construct larger, more complicated models quickly and with less error than manually combining models. A major obstacle in writing complex models for physiological processes is the large amount of time it takes to model the myriad processes taking place simultaneously in cells, tissues, and organs. MPC replaces this task with code-generating algorithms that take model code from several different existing models and produce model code for a new JSim model. This is particularly useful during multi-scale model development where many variants are to be configured and tested against data. MPC encodes and preserves information about how a model is built from its simpler model modules, allowing the researcher to quickly substitute or update modules for hypothesis testing. MPC is implemented in Java and requires JSim to use its output. MPC source code and documentation are available athttp://www.physiome.org/software/MPC/.