bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonographic Features of Cervical Lymph Nodes in Patients With Hashimoto Thyroiditis and the Impacts From the Levothyroxine With Prednisone Therapy
Authors: Lyu Guo-Rong , Zheng Wei-Kun , Lin Wan-Ling , Zheng Li-Ping , Guo Hai-Xin , Li Li-Ya 
Published: November 2017

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the ultrasonographic pattern of cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) and whether levothyroxine with prednisone therapy is effective for lymphadenopathy in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT).

Methods
This retrospective study was looking at patients with confirmed diagnosis of HT who underwent comprehensive neck ultrasound examination. We reviewed sonographic findings in 127 patients with HT, 234 euthyroid patients with goiter, and 122 healthy subjects. In addition, 30 untreated HT patients with cervical lymphadenopathy were recruited for the levothyroxine with prednisone therapy. We rescanned the patients 9 months after treatment with levothyroxine and prednisone.

Results
Patients with HT had a higher rate of CLN detection on ultrasound than euthyroid patients with goiter and healthy subjects at cervical levels III, IV, and VI (P < 0.01). In addition, patients with HT had a higher rate of detection of CLNs with abnormal sonographic features than the other 2 groups, most notably at cervical levels III, IV, and VI (P < 0.01). After the treatment, the mean thyroid volume, thyroid nodule volume, CLN volume, symptom score, and cosmetic grade of 30 HT patients were remarkably decreased (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Hashimoto thyroiditis seems to be associated with an increased rate of detection of CLNs with abnormal sonographic features, particularly at cervical levels III, IV, and VI. Therapy with levothyroxine with prednisone is effective for cervical lymphadenopathy in patients with HT.
Baroreflex Sensitivity and Blood Pressure Variability can Help in Understanding the Different Response to Therapy During Acute Phase of Septic Shock
Authors: Carrara Marta , Bollen Pinto Bernardo , Baselli Giuseppe , Bendjelid Karim , Ferrario Manuela 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Background:
Mean values of hemodynamic variables are poorly effective in evaluating an actual recovery of the short-term autonomic mechanisms for blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) regulation. The aim of this work is to analyze the response to therapy in the early phase of septic shock to verify possible associations between BP recovery and BP autonomic control.

Methods:
This is an ancillary study from the multicenter prospective observational trial Shockomics (NCT02141607). A total of 21 septic shock patients were studied at two time points during the acute phase of shock and were classified according to changes in SOFA score. Time series of BP components and HR were analyzed in time and frequency domain. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was assessed, and a mathematical model for the decomposition of diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) oscillations was used to understand the different contributions of BRS and HR on peripheral vascular resistance control.

Results:
Only those patients, who significantly improved organ function (responders, R), showed an increase of mean value and low frequency (LF) power in BP time series. Fluid accumulation was higher in the non-responders (NR). BRS increased in NR and the model of DAP variability showed that the contribution of HR was highly reduced in NR.

Conclusions:
Although patients reached the mean BP target of 65 mmHg, our analyses highlighted important differences in terms of autonomic nervous system control. BP variability, HR variability and baroreflex trends can add information to individual vital sign measure such as mean BP, and can help in understanding the responsiveness to the combination of symphatomimetic drugs and fluid therapy.
Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Lactate Clearance in Patients With Septic Shock: A Subanalysis of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Miyamoto Kyohei , Nakashima Tsuyoshi , Shima Nozomu , Kato Seiya , Ueda Kentaro , Kawazoe Yu , Ohta Yoshinori , Morimoto Takeshi , Yamamura Hitoshi 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
Lactate clearance is useful to guide initial resuscitation of patients with septic shock. We conducted this study to evaluate whether dexmedetomidine increases lactate clearance in patients with septic shock. This was a randomized controlled trial that involved a post hoc subgroup analysis. Adult patients with septic shock under ventilation were randomized to receive sedation strategy with or without dexmedetomidine (60 in the dexmedetomidine and 51 in the nondexmedetomidine groups). The primary outcome was the lactate clearance at 6 h, defined as the percent decrease in lactate from randomization to 6 h after. The median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 25 (interquartile range 19–31). The median serum lactate value at randomization was lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the nondexmedetomidine group (4.0 mmol/L vs. 4.8 mmol/L; P = 0.053). The lactate clearance at 6 h was higher in the dexmedetomidine group, although this was not statistically significant (23.3 ± 29.8 vs. 11.1 ± 54.4, mean difference 12.2, 95% confidence interval (CI), –4.4 to 28.8). After adjusting for the lactate level at randomization, lactate clearance at 6 h was significantly higher in the dexmedetomidine group (adjusted mean difference 18.5, 95% CI, 2.2–34.9). There was no statistically significant difference in the 28-day mortality between the dexmedetomidine and the nondexmedetomidine groups (13 [22%] vs. 18 [35%] patients, P = 0.11). In conclusion, among mechanically ventilated patients with septic shock, sedation with dexmedetomidine resulted in increased lactate clearance compared with sedation without dexmedetomidine.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Perineal Lacerations in a Diverse Urban Healthcare System
Authors: Williams Amanda , Gonzalez Beverly , Fitzgerald Colleen , Brincat Cynthia 
Published: November 2017

Objectives
The aim of the study was o determine whether variations exist between races/ethnicities in perineal laceration at first vaginal delivery.

Methods
We assessed first vaginal deliveries greater than 35 weeks gestation, for a four-year period, in our diverse urban healthcare system. Predictor variable was race/ethnicity with outcome variable of none, first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree perineal laceration. Race and ethnicity were self-reported and combined into one variable to facilitate analysis. We also collected data on other known risk factors for laceration to adjust our analysis accordingly.

Results
A total of 1179 charts met criteria. When comparing none, first-, or second-degree lacerations versus third or fourth degrees (obstetric anal sphincter injuries) race was not a significant factor. We also compared lacerations among the following three groups: none or first degree versus second degree versus obstetric anal sphincter injuries. In this case, Asian and white women were associated with an increasing trend of perineal lacerations as degree of severity increased (P < 0.0001), whereas black and Latina women were associated with a decreasing trend as severity increased (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for other significant variables, race was still significant (P = 0.02).

Conclusions
With an urban diverse population, our study demonstrates an association between race/ethnicity and perineal lacerations. As degree of laceration increased, Asian and white women were noted to have more lacerations, and black and Latina women were noted to have fewer. Because perineal lacerations pose a significant risk to future pelvic floor health, the associated factors identified in this study may prove useful in counseling patients on future risk or in identifying the actual risk in underrepresented populations.
Learning study is “hard”: case of pre-service biology teachers in British Columbia
Authors: Tan Yuen Sze Michelle 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a pilot learning study (LS) comprising of three biology pre-service teachers (PSTs) in British Columbia, which took place during an initial teacher education (ITE) course and school-based practicum. The study explored PSTs’ learning experiences, and identified conditions that supported and challenged their engagement with the LS discourse.

Design/methodology/approach
Drawing from a variety of methods including teacher semi-structured interviews and reflective entries, the PSTs’ experiences of teaching and reflection were described and themes were constructed; course assignments, classroom materials, meeting notes and fieldnotes served triangulation purposes. Variation theory framed the LS and analysis of this case study.

Findings
Findings highlight how the PSTs developed comfort with the tension of making mistakes that supported their interpretation of classroom pedagogy and refining of instructional strategies. As the study alluded to how LS is “hard,” the PSTs demonstrated how positive experiences in the course-based cycle sustained their pursuit of learning despite challenges faced in the school-based practicum.

Research limitations/implications
This small-scale study has limited generalizability.

Practical implications
Exposing PSTs to a variety of “mistakes” in ITE and to approach them not merely as ontological objects of pedagogical shortcomings are discussed together with factors that promoted teacher learning.

Originality/value
This study contributes to literature exploring the organization of LS within ITE, as situated in educational contexts where LS is unfamiliar and organizational structures are not readily in place to fully support its implementation.
Spreading lesson study in pre-service teacher instruction
Authors: Angelini Maria Laura , Álvarez Neus 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of pre-service teachers (PSTs) who used lesson study on a five-week school-based teaching placement. The paper analyses 12 undergraduate PSTs’ perceptions of the way lesson study affected classroom-based teaching of English as a foreign language to pre-school and primary school.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study is carried out from the responses to a semi-structured interview to the PSTs, and written responses to the open-ended question: What are your perceptions of lesson study?

Findings
This paper provides empirical insights about the way lesson study reinforced the PSTs’ classroom management and lesson planning skills. The case-pupils’ responses to the PSTs’ questions post-treatment indicated that games and active techniques in the classroom led to high retention of the taught content. Nevertheless, PSTs’ evaluations of pupils’ learning outcomes require further development. These evaluations often resulted in vague perceptions of overall lesson performance.

Research limitations/implications
This study provides hints of how case-pupils better learned and how PSTs did the observations and performed. However, the results cannot be generalized.

Originality/value
The researchers sustain that the teaching degrees should encourage critical thinking in PSTs’ self-evaluations to reduce the focus on standards and expectations. It is believed that if the pressure of designing perfect lessons is removed from the equation, and instead, sensible and realistic lessons are planned, PSTs will be more inclined to learn and respond resourcefully, creatively, and resolutely to classroom situations.
Mathematical modeling of delamination factor on drilling of ARALL composites through RSM
Authors: Jenarthanan M.P. , M. Karthikeyan , Neeli Naresh 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical model for delamination during drilling by using a response surface methodology (RSM) and also to determine how the input parameters (tool diameter, spindle speed and feed rate) influence the output response (delamination) in machining of fiber metal laminates.

Design/methodology/approach
Three factors and a three-level central composite design in RSM are used to carry out the experimental investigation. A video measuring system is used to measure the width of maximum damage of the machined FML composite. The “Design Expert 7.0” is used to analyze the data collected graphically. Analysis of variance is carried out to validate the model and for determining the most significant parameter.

Findings
The response surface model is used to predict the input factors influencing the delamination on the machined surfaces of the ARALL composite at different cutting conditions with the chosen range of 95 percent confidence intervals. Analysis of the influences of entire individual input machining parameters on the delamination has been carried out using RSM.

Originality/value
The effect of delamination on drilling of ARALL composites with solid carbide tools of various diameters has not been analyzed yet using RSM.
Eigen value approach for dual phase lag micropolar porous thermoelastic circular plate with ramp type heating
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Kaushal Priyanka , Sharma Rajni 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate a two dimensional problem of micropolar porous thermoelastic circular plate subjected to ramp type heating.

Design/methodology/approach
Three phase lag theory of thermoelasticity has been used to formulate the problem. A numerical inversion technique is applied to obtain the result in the physical domain. The numerical values of the resulting quantities are presented graphically to show the effect of porosity and dual phase lag model. Some particular cases are also presented.

Findings
The Laplace and Hankel transforms are employed followed by the eigen value approach to obtain the components of displacements, microrotation, volume fraction field, temperature distribution and stresses in the transformed domain.

Originality/value
This paper fulfils the need to study the two-dimensional problem of micropolar porous thermoelastic circular plate subjected to ramp type heating.
Biometric template security: an overview
Authors: Riaz Naveed , Riaz Ayesha , Khan Sajid Ali 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The security of the stored biometric template is itself a challenge. Feature transformation techniques and biometric cryptosystems are used to address the concerns and improve the general acceptance of biometrics. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of different techniques and processes for securing the biometric templates. Furthermore, the paper explores current research trends in this area.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the authors provide an overview and survey of different features transformation techniques and biometric cryptosystems.

Findings
Feature transformation techniques and biometric cryptosystems provide reliable biometric security at a high level. There are many techniques that provide provable security with practical viable recognition rates. However, there remain several issues and challenges that are being faced during the deployment of these technologies.

Originality/value
This paper provides an overview of currently used techniques for securing biometric templates and also outlines the related issues and challenges.
Active migration is associated with specific and consistent changes to gut microbiota in Calidris shorebirds
Authors: Risely Alice , Waite David W. , Ujvari Beata , Hoye Bethany J. , Klaassen Marcel 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Gut microbes are increasingly recognised for their role in regulating an animal's metabolism and immunity. However, identifying repeatable associations between host physiological processes and their gut microbiota has proved challenging, in part because microbial communities often respond stochastically to host physiological stress (e.g. fasting, forced exercise or infection).

Migratory birds provide a valuable system in which to test host–microbe interactions under physiological extremes because these hosts are adapted to predictable metabolic and immunological challenges as they undergo seasonal migrations, including temporary gut atrophy during long‐distance flights. These physiological challenges may either temporarily disrupt gut microbial ecosystems, or, alternatively, promote predictable host–microbe associations during migration.

To determine the relationship between migration and gut microbiota, we compared gut microbiota composition between migrating and non‐migrating (“resident”) conspecific shorebirds sharing a flock. We performed this across two sandpiper species, Calidris ferruginea and Calidris ruficollis, in north‐western Australia, and an additional C. ruficollis population 3,000 km away in southern Australia.

We found that migrants consistently had higher abundances of the bacterial genus Corynebacterium (average 28% abundance) compared to conspecific residents (average <1% abundance), with this effect holding across both species and sites. However, other than this specific association, community structure and diversity was almost identical between migrants and residents, with migration status accounting for only 1% of gut community variation when excluding Corynebacterium.

Our findings suggest a consistent relationship between Corynebacterium and Calidris shorebirds during migration, with further research required to identify causal mechanisms behind the association, and to elucidate functionality to the host. However, outside this specific association, migrating shorebirds broadly maintained gut community structure, which may allow them to quickly recover gut function after a migratory flight. This study provides a rare example of a repeatable and specific response of the gut microbiota to a major physiological challenge across two species and two distant populations.
Size and spacing rules can balance conservation and fishery management objectives for marine protected areas
Authors: Fovargue Rachel , Bode Michael , Armsworth Paul R. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly integrated into fishery management for coastal systems. Size and spacing rules (SSRs) have been proposed as simple MPA design guidelines, especially in regions where population connectivity data are limited.

We assessed whether SSRs allow managers to design effective MPA networks under spatiotemporally varying dispersal patterns using a spatially realistic population model parameterized for a commercially‐exploited fish species on the Great Barrier Reef.

SSRs are used to design MPA networks, and population simulations are used to measure the mean and variance of the resulting population size and fishery catch.

We show that SSR performance is contingent on the extent of the MPA network, and whether species’ connectivity data can be used to target areas for protection. For example, in the absence of connectivity data, a “many small” MPAs rule provides the least variable management outcome.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate that the performance and usefulness of size and spacing rules (SSRs) as guidelines for marine protected areas (MPAs) depend on the level of knowledge about larval dispersal, as well as the level of current exploitation in the fishery. These context‐dependent results offer particularly relevant guidance to future MPA design projects in regions with limited connectivity data.
Woodland resilience to regional drought: Dominant controls on tree regeneration following overstorey mortality
Authors: Redmond Miranda D. , Weisberg Peter J. , Cobb Neil S. , Clifford Michael J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDrought events occurring under warmer temperatures (i.e. “hotter droughts”) have resulted in widespread tree mortality across the globe, and may result in biome‐level vegetation shifts to alternate vegetation types if there is a failure of trees to regenerate. We investigated how overstorey trees, understorey vegetation, and local climatic and edaphic conditions interact to influence tree regeneration, a key prerequisite for resilience, in a region that has experienced severe overstorey tree mortality due to hotter droughts and beetle infestations.We used detailed field observations from 142 sites that spanned a broad range of environmental conditions to evaluate the effects of climate and recent tree mortality on tree regeneration dynamics in the spatially extensive piñon (Pinus edulis)‐juniper (Juniperus osteosperma, Juniperus monosperma)woodland vegetation type of the southwesternUSA. We used a structural equation modelling framework to identify how tree mortality and local climatic and edaphic conditions affect piñon and juniper regeneration and electivity analyses to quantify the species‐specific associations of tree juveniles with overstorey trees and understorey shrubs.Piñon regeneration appears to be strongly dependent upon advanced regeneration, (i.e. the survival of juvenile trees that established prior to the mortality event), the survival of adult seed‐bearing trees (inferred from basal area of surviving trees) and the facilitative effects of overstorey trees for providing favourable microsites for seedling establishment. Model results suggest that local edaphoclimatic conditions directly affected piñon and juniper regeneration, such that stands with hotter, drier local climatic conditions and lower soil available water capacity had limited tree regeneration following large‐scale dieback.Synthesis. We identify four indicators of resilience to hotter drought conditions: (1) abundant advance regeneration of tree seedlings; (2) sufficient canopy cover for survival of emergent seedlings and existing regeneration; (3) sufficient seed source from surviving trees with high reproductive output; (4) areas with cooler and wetter local climates and greater soil available water capacity. In the absence of these conditions, there is greater likelihood of woodlands transitioning to more xeric vegetation types following dieback.