bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Systems for Management Decision Support in Portuguese Public Hospital
Authors: Esteves Francisco Madeira , Lagartinho Luís Manuel de Macedo Gomes , Fernandes da Anunciação Pedro
Published: June 2013

The information systems have assumed a central role in the health sector. Particularly in the public domain, health institutions have traditionally been marked by management practices based on contextual contingencies without much concern of the accurate results and their assessment. The traditional concern about the low efficiency and effectiveness in managing public resources has been replaced by the emerging and urgent need for rational management instruments and methods. This need presents the opportunity for a new management paradigm that should not be restricted to the financial aspects of health institutions, but it should include all dimensions of core and non-core activities. The budget slippages and ruptures cannot continue being used as the excuse for the need of systematic and permanent increase of financial resources spent on provision of public health services, often justified by an increasing of the population or the average life expectancy. The budget problems and difficulties of the Portuguese State, particularly the urgent need of the expenditure growth control, show the need of a new management paradigm. This demand has caused, on the one hand, a heavy investment in information technologies to support management decisions, and on the other hand, it has shown other problems, such as the difficulty experienced in the architectural integration of information and technologies as well as problems of a significant complexity and high resource consumption. This chapter discusses the current information systems for management decision support in Portuguese public hospitals based on the analysis of a district hospital in Portugal.
Innovation Contests
Authors: Bullinger Angelika C. , Moeslein Kathrin
Published: June 2013

The ability to generate innovative products and services is a critical success factor for organizations. The trend of open innovation has brought about many-faceted, IT-based tools (e.g., lead user method or online tool kits), among these, the innovation contest seems particularly promising and continuously gains in importance as a corporate practice. However, a deep understanding of this online innovation practice is still lacking. Contrary to other methods used to realize open innovation, research in the field of online innovation contests displays a growing, but only rudimentarily intertwined body of publications. This paper provides the quintessential systematization of the field by integration of academic knowledge and business deployment. Juxtaposing 33 relevant journal and conference publications with empirical basis and an analysis of 57 real-world innovation contests, interesting disruptions are pointed to and six pathways for future research are described. These cover the optimal degree of elaboration, the interplay of competition and community, the importance of community applications, the trajectory toward open evaluation, and the identification of additional design elements.
Use of UGC-Infonet Digital Library Consortium among Distance Education Faculty Members of Annamalai University
Authors: Kumar S. Kishore
Published: June 2013

This chapter presents a questionnaire-based survey finding that 85.96% of the science faculty members are aware of the UGC-Infonet Digital Library Consortium, but only 71.42% of arts faculty. The study reveals that most of the respondents (84.03%) use the UGC-Infonet resources for the purpose of research work followed by 55.86% for writing papers.
Understanding Security in Consumer Adoption of Internet Banking
Authors: M. K. Normalini , Ramayah T.
Published: June 2013

As a continually growing financial service of electronic commerce, Internet banking requires the development and implementation of a sound security procedure. The existing literature highlights security as the primary factor which determines the adoption of Internet banking technology. The secondary information on Internet banking development in Malaysia shows a very slow growth rate. Much literature states that Malaysian consumers strongly agree that they are slow to adopt Internet banking because of a lack of security and reliability of transactions over the internet. The major factors affecting the adoption of Internet banking in Malaysia involve security, risk, and trust. Since biometrics technology has also been implemented in certain government departments, the issues such as new and impossible to implement in other areas should not occur and technology is growing to enhance the security level of the authentication system. Clearly, in order to grow consumer Internet banking demands, banks must make key improvements that address these consumer concerns.
Enterprise Integration
Authors: Shuster Leo
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the current state and associated challenges of Enterprise Integration (EI). The chapter will explore EI’s past, present and future, examine its path towards the current practices, and contemplate its future evolution. Synergies between Service-driven and other modern architectural approaches will be investigated. Major challenges associated with EI strategy and execution will be explored in depth. This will include organizational, technology, process, methodology, and governance challenges. In addition to the current state concerns, future trends and directions will be investigated and specific challenges outlined. A major part of this chapter will be devoted to defining and discussing modern solution architectures associated with EI. This will include current architectural best practices, technology constructs employed, design patterns, governance mechanisms, and implementation considerations.
Gait Transition Control of a Biped Robot from Quadrupedal to Bipedal Locomotion Based on Central Pattern Generator, Phase Resetting, and Kinematic Synergy
Authors: Aoi Shinya
Published: June 2013

Recently, interest in the study of legged robots has increased, and various gait patterns of the robots have been established. However, unlike humans and animals, these robots still have difficulties in achieving adaptive locomotion, and a huge gap remains between them. This chapter deals with the gait transition of a biped robot from quadrupedal to bipedal locomotion. This gait transition requires drastic changes in the robot posture and the reduction of the number of supporting limbs, so the stability greatly changes during the transition. A locomotion control system is designed to achieve the gait transition based on the physiological concepts of central pattern generator, phase resetting, and kinematic synergy, and the usefulness of this control system is verified by the robot experiment.
Robotic, Grippers, Grasping, and Grasp Planning
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Javad , Masehian Ellips
Published: June 2013

Utilizing robotic hands for manipulating objects and assembly requires one to deal with problems like immobility, grasp planning, and regrasp planning. This chapter integrates some essential subjects on robotic grasping: the first section presents a concise taxonomy of robotic grippers and hands. Then the basic concepts of grasping are provided, including immobility, form-closure, and force-closure, 2D and 3D grasping, and Coulomb friction. Next, the principles of grasp planning, measures of grasping quality, pre-grasp, stable grasps, and regrasp planning are presented. The chapter presents comparisons for robotic grippers, a new classification of measures of grasp quality, and a new categorization of regrasp planning approaches.
Supporting Sustainability Education and Leadership
Authors: Cassidy Alice , Sipos Yona , Nyrose Sarah
Published: June 2013

The authors describe a workshop, called the Sustainability Education Intensive (SEI), and related programs at a major research university in Canada that served to support educators to introduce or enhance aspects of sustainability into their courses, programs, and initiatives. They present their pilot work in the context of sustainability education and leadership, both in terms of degree programs and programs for educators worldwide. The authors present the key components, steps, and associated timelines of their planning and delivery. They give examples of participant feedback and how the workshop has “stayed alive,” thus representing the sustainability of this form of educational development. They provide templates that can be used or adapted at any post-secondary institution. The authors conclude with a checklist to help practitioners get started in supporting educators and leaders in the important area of sustainability education.
Developing and Supporting the Internationalisation of Research Capacity
Authors: Hill Christopher
Published: June 2013

The internationalisation of education is a common and perhaps overused term that is still little understood. Developments have been made in the areas of recruitment, overseas delivery, and branch campus creation, but the extent to which our institutions are truly “international” is debatable, especially in light of the fact that few can agree on what is meant by the term itself. The need to collaborate, discuss, reflect, and learn from others is vital for developing nations and developed nations alike. It is in the process of sharing best practice that best practice can itself be developed and further enhanced. Engagement, on a glocal scale, can support integrated learning, contextual understanding, and the internationalisation of research capacity and as such, is an area for further review and reflection.
The Writing on My Wall
Authors: Renner Jasmine , Click Ivy
Published: June 2013

College professors and students are increasingly relying on social networking sites to make connections. With this new technology, questions about the lines of what is private and what is public have become blurry and misunderstood. Faculty find themselves involved in situations that are less than desirable and pose First Amendment concerns. A review of literature was conducted using a basic framework for analyzing free speech rights of college professors. A sampling of recent administrative decisions where college professors were reprimanded for online postings considered inappropriate by university authorities was also discussed. A content analysis of information posted to 85 faculty members’ Facebook walls was conducted. Results indicate that faculty members’ posts were a combination of private and public concern. Implications of privacy rights for college professors on social networking sites and whether they fit within the purview of the freedom of speech First Amendment constitutional rights are considered.
An Innovative Approach to Training International Students in Workplace Written Communication Skills
Authors: Verezub Elena , Wang Hua , Glover Jeremy
Published: June 2013

According to the “Employability Skills for the Future” report (DEST, 2002), communication skills are one of the essential employability skills, which contribute to a productive and harmonious relationship between employees and customers. This chapter discusses an innovative approach to the design, delivery, and evaluation of the “Workplace Written Communication Skills for the Hospitality Industry” program. The delivery of the program is based on blending traditional approaches with incorporating a custom-built e-learning program in teaching how to read e-texts effectively while applying metacognitive reading strategies. The results of the program demonstrate both qualitatively and quantitatively that students improve their written communication skills required for the workplace and their success in the university study, as well as increase their motivation and self-confidence. This, in turn, has implications not only for the development and teaching of the program; it suggests new ways for the overall development of communication skills programs and training international students.
Split-leg percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A safe and versatile technique
Authors: Di Grazia Eugenio , La Rosa Pasquale
Published: June 2013

Objectives: Percutaneos nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard for treatment of urinary stones larger than 2 cm and refractory to ESWL. Nowadays most debate about surgical technique is related to the positioning of patients. We report our expe- rience on prone PCNL with split-leg variant (SL-PCNL) Materials and methods: 30 consecutive patients underwent prone SL-PCNL. Preoperative stone size was deter- mined by measuring stones longest diameter on CT scan. In cases with multiple stones, stone size was determined by the sum of each stone diameter on CT scan. Patients evaluated con- sisted of 20 females and 10 males and median age was 55 (20-72). The average BMI was 27 (24-35). 15 patients had multiple stones, 10 pyelocalicial, 10 pelvic larger than 2 cm, 2 in horseshoe kidneys and 3 staghorn stones. Results: Stone free rate was 87% after first look and 97% after second look. In 2 cases, we used a flexible ureteroscopy 7.5 Fr (Flex 2 - Storz) to treat a calculus in ureter or for a contemporary double access (Endoscopic combined Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery ECIRS). In 28 cases we placed a 20 fr nephrostomy while in two cases procedure was tubeless. In 20 cases we placed a double-J catheter. In 2 cases we performed two tract and in 2 horseshoe kidneys access was close to spine. The average surgical time was about 90 minutes (range 30-120 minutes). Hemoglobin drop was about 1.5 mg/dl (range 1-3 .4 mg/dl) and no major complications were reported. Conclusions: In our experience PCNL in prone with spread-legs variant is a versatile technique and allows to match the advantages you have with same technique in supine, providing at the same time benefits in cases of anatomical abnormalities, challenging cases, or when multi-tract accesses are required.
FAO-56 dual approach combined with multi-sensor remote sensing for regional evapotranspiration estimations
Authors: Amri R. , Zribi M. , Lili-Chabaane Z. , Szczypta C. , Calvet J. C. , Boulet G.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to use a dual, modified version of the FAO-56 methodology for the estimation of regional evapotranspiration. The proposed approach combines the FAO-56 technique with remote sensing. Two vegetation classes are considered in the evapotranspiration estimations. In the case of cereals, crop coefficients and cover fractions are estimated using relationships established with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), retrieved from SPOT-VGT data. In order to characterize the soil, a relationship is established between evaporation and the retrieved soil moisture values, based on the ERS/WSC products developed by the University of Vienna. This approach is applied to a semi-arid region in central Tunisia (North Africa) and is validated over 1991–2007 period using simulations from the ISBA-A-gs physical SVAT model. The ISBA soil moisture outputs are validated using remotely sensed ERS/WSC products. Finally, a comparison is made between the ISBA and FAO approaches, for the same studied site.
Comment on "Fractal analysis of ULF electromagnetic emissions in possible association with earthquakes in China" by Ida et al. (2012)
Authors: Masci F. , Thomas J. N.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Ida et al. (2012) identified anomalous decreases in the fractal dimension of the vertical (Z) component of the geomagnetic field, which they interpreted as precursors to the China earthquake of 1 September 2003. According to Ida et al. (2012), short-term earthquake prediction seems to be possible only by using electromagnetic phenomena. Here, it is shown that the decreases of the fractal dimension documented by Ida et al. (2012) are not really anomalous, but they are part of the normal geomagnetic activity driven by solar–terrestrial interactions. As a consequence, these fractal dimension decreases are not related to the 1 September 2003 earthquake.
White‐Emitting Conjugated Polymer/Inorganic Hybrid Spheres: Phenylethynyl and 2,6‐Bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine Copolymer Coordinated to Eu(tta)3
Authors: Narayana Yemineni S. L. V. , Basak Supratim , Baumgarten Martin , Müllen Klaus , Chandrasekar Rajadurai
Published: June 2013

The synthesis of two cyan color (blue and green emission) displaying high molecular weight 2,6‐bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine‐co‐octylated phenylethynyl conjugated polymers (CPs) is presented. The conjugated polymers are solution‐processed to prepare spin coated thin films and self‐assembled nano/microscale spheres, exhibiting cyan color under UV. Additionally, the metal coordinating ability of the 2,6‐bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine available on the surface of the CP films and spheres is exploited to prepare red emitting Eu(III) metal ion containing conjugated polymer (MCCP) layer. The fabricated hybrid (CP/MCCP) films and spheres exhibit bright white‐light under UV exposure. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates are found to be (x = 0.33, y = 0.37) for hybrid films and (x = 0.30, y = 0.35) for hybrid spheres. These values are almost close to the designated CIE coordinates for ideal white‐light color (x = 0.33, y = 0.33). This easy and efficient fabrication technique to generate white‐color displaying films and nano/microspheres signify an important method in bottom‐up nanotechnology of conjugated polymer based hybrid solid state assemblies.
Efficacy and safety of rituximab given at 1,000 mg on days 1 and 15 compared to the standard regimen to treat adult immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Mahévas Matthieu , Ebbo Mikael , Audia Sylvain , Bonnotte Bernard , Schleinitz Nicolas , Durand Jean‐Marc , Chiche Laurent , Khellaf Medhi , Bierling Philippe , Roudot‐Thoraval Françoise , Godeau Bertrand , Michel Marc
Published: June 2013

Rituximab (RTX) is used off‐label to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) but the regimen now commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis has not been evaluated in ITP. The aim of this large French multicenter retrospective study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two RTX regimens in adult's ITP. The efficacy of two (RTX) regimens: standard therapy of 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks vs. a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) regimen of 1,000 mg on days 1 and 15, to treat ITP was compared. We included adults patients with previously primary ITP treated with RTX instead of treated primary ITP. (CR) was defined as a platelet count >100 × 109/L, and a response (R) by a platelet count of >30 × 109/L with a least a doubling of the baseline value. Of the 107 patients included, 61 (57%) received the standard regimen and 46 (43%) the RA regimen. Baseline characteristics and overall response rates at 3 month (M3) and 12 months (M12) were not significantly different between the groups. At M12, 22/61 patients (36%) treated with the standard regimen and 23/46 (50%) with the RA regimen achieved an overall response (R + CR). The initial pattern of response at M3 was associated with a later pattern of response by M12 in both groups. In multivariate analysis, both a younger age and a low number of previous therapies were associated with a higher likelihood of overall response at M12. Tolerance was good and comparable between the two groups. The RA regimen is an effective and safe alternative to the standard regimen to treat adults with ITP. Am. J. Hematol. 88:858–861, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Common polymorphic deletion of glutathione S‐transferase theta predisposes to acquired aplastic anemia: Independent cohort and meta‐analysis of 609 patients
Authors: Babushok Daria V. , Li Yimei , Roth Jacquelyn J. , Perdigones Nieves , Cockroft Joshua D. , Biegel Jaclyn A. , Mason Philip J. , Bessler Monica
Published: June 2013

Acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare life‐threatening bone marrow failure syndrome, caused by autoimmune destruction of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Epidemiologic studies suggest that environmental exposures and metabolic gene polymorphisms contribute to disease pathogenesis. Several case–control studies linked homozygous deletion of the glutathione S‐transferase theta (GSTT1) gene to AA; however, the role ofGSTT1deletion remains controversial as other studies failed to confirm the association. We asked whether a more precise relationship between theGSTT1null polymorphism and aplastic anemia could be defined using a meta‐analysis of 609 aplastic anemia patients, including an independent cohort of 67 patients from our institution. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database for studies evaluating the association betweenGSTT1null genotype and development of AA. Seven studies, involving a total of 609 patients and 3,914 controls, fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Meta‐analysis revealed a significant association ofGSTT1null genotype and AA, with an OR = 1.74 (95% CI 1.31–2.31,P < 0.0001). The effect was not driven by any one individual result, nor was there evidence of significant publication bias. The association between AA andGSTT1deletion suggests a role of glutathione‐conjugation in AA, possibly through protecting the hematopoietic compartment from endogenous metabolites or environmental exposures. We propose a model whereby protein adducts generated by reactive metabolites serve as neo‐epitopes to trigger autoimmunity in aplastic anemia. Am. J. Hematol. 88:862–867, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Everolimus treatment of refractory epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Krueger Darcy A. , Wilfong Angus A. , Holland‐Bouley Katherine , Anderson Anne E. , Agricola Karen , Tudor Cindy , Mays Maxwell , Lopez Christina M. , Kim Mi‐Ok , Franz David Neal
Published: June 2013

Objective

Epilepsy is a major manifestation of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Everolimus is an mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 inhibitor with demonstrated benefit in several aspects of TSC. We report the first prospective human clinical trial to directly assess whether everolimus will also benefit epilepsy in TSC patients.

Methods

The effect of everolimus on seizure control was assessed using a prospective, multicenter, open‐label, phase I/II clinical trial. Patients ≥2 years of age with confirmed diagnosis of TSC and medically refractory epilepsy were treated for a total of 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was percentage of patients with a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency over a 4‐week period before and after treatment. Secondary endpoints assessed impact on electroencephalography (EEG), behavior, and quality of life.

Results

Twenty‐three patients were enrolled, and 20 patients were treated with everolimus. Seizure frequency was reduced by ≥50% in 12 of 20 subjects. Overall, seizures were reduced in 17 of the 20 by a median reduction of 73% (p < 0.001). Seizure frequency was also reduced during 23‐hour EEG monitoring (p = 0.007). Significant reductions in seizure duration and improvement in parent‐reported behavior and quality of life were also observed. There were 83 reported adverse events that were thought to be treatment‐related, all of which were mild or moderate in severity.

Interpretation

Seizure control improved in the majority of TSC patients with medically refractory epilepsy following treatment with everolimus. Everolimus demonstrated additional benefits on behavior and quality of life. Treatment was safe and well tolerated. Everolimus may be a therapeutic option for refractory epilepsy in this population. Ann Neurol 2013;74:679–687
Polyglucosan body myopathy caused by defective ubiquitin ligase RBCK1
Authors: Nilsson Johanna , Schoser Benedikt , Laforet Pascal , Kalev Ognian , Lindberg Christopher , Romero Norma B. , Dávila López Marcela , Akman Hasan O. , Wahbi Karim , Iglseder Stephan , Eggers Christian , Engel Andrew G. , DiMauro Salvatore , Oldfors Anders
Published: June 2013

Glycogen storage diseases are important causes of myopathy and cardiomyopathy. We describe 10 patients from 8 families with childhood or juvenile onset of myopathy, 8 of whom also had rapidly progressive cardiomyopathy, requiring heart transplant in 4. The patients were homozygous or compound heterozygous for missense or truncating mutations in RBCK1, which encodes for a ubiquitin ligase, and had extensive polyglucosan accumulation in skeletal muscle and in the heart in cases of cardiomyopathy. We conclude that RBCK1 deficiency is a frequent cause of polyglucosan storage myopathy associated with progressive muscle weakness and cardiomyopathy. Ann Neurol 2013;74:914–919
Severity of comorbid conditions and early‐stage breast cancer therapy: linked SEER‐medicare data from 1993 to 2005
Authors: Yasmeen Shagufta , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Xing Guibo , Morris Cyllene R. , Romano Patrick S.
Published: June 2013

Comorbidity burden has been suggested as influencing early‐stage breast cancer therapy but previous studies have not considered the severity of these comorbidities. Therefore, we examined the influence of comorbidity severity by age and race/ethnicity on early‐stage breast cancer treatment over time. We used linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare data to determine whether comorbidity severity influences receipt of definitive and preferred early‐stage breast cancer treatment and explains racial/ethnic and age disparities in receiving such therapy. Definitive surgical therapy was defined as any primary surgery other than breast conserving surgery (BCS) without radiation therapy (RT). Preferred surgical therapy was defined as BCS plus RT. Comorbidities were defined as either “unstable” (life threatening or difficult to control) or “stable” (less serious but with potential to influence daily activity). Surgical treatment trends from 1993 to 2005 were analyzed in regression models adjusting for comorbidity burden, age, and race/ethnicity in 93,596 elderly female Medicare beneficiaries with stage 1–2 invasive breast cancer. Receipt of BCS alone (compared with any definitive surgical therapy) was independently associated with neighborhood socioeconomic status, unmarried status (OR [odds ratio] 1.18, 95% CI: 1.12–1.23), tumor size (OR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69–0.87 for tumors ≥4 cm vs. <2 cm), tumor grade (OR = 0.89, 0.88, and 0.81 for grades 2–4 vs. 1, respectively), stable comorbidities (OR = 0.76, 0.71, and 0.72 for 1, 2, and 3 vs. 0 stable comorbidities, respectively), and unstable comorbidities (OR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.14–1.28). Black women were 4–5% more likely to receive suboptimal therapy (BCS alone), even after adjusting for all available patient, tumor, and regional characteristics. Black race/ethnicity was associated with higher probability of receiving suboptimal treatment, independent of comorbidities, although we do not know whether this effect was due to clinicians' failure to offer RT or patients' failure to accept it.
Serial Evaluation of Microcirculatory Dysfunction in Patients With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy by Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography
Authors: Jain Mohit , Upadaya Shrikanth , Zarich Stuart W.
Published: June 2013

Background

Stress cardiomyopathy manifests as reversible left ventricular apical ballooning in the absence of epicardial coronary obstruction. Transient microcirculatory dysfunction has been proposed as a potential putative mechanism. This study aimed to understand the natural history of this dysfunction using readily available noninvasive methods.

Hypothesis

Stress cardiomyopathy presents with profound microvascular dysfunction that improves quickly over a period of 3 to 4 weeks.

Methods

Nine consecutive patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy were followed serially with myocardial perfusion echocardiograms at 24 hours, within 1 week, and 3 to 6 months after index admission.

Results

The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) steadily improved from 38% at baseline to 48% within 1 week to 67% by the end of 3 to 6 months follow‐up. The number of wall segments with reduced or absent perfusion decreased from 4.1 at baseline to 2 at 1 week. By 3 to 6 months, perfusion had returned to normal in all but 1 segment in 1 patient. At 1 week, the relative improvement in mean LVEF was 26%, whereas perfusion had improved by nearly 50%, suggesting a fairly pronounced improvement in microcirculatory function prior to recovery of wall motion.

Conclusions

Patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy present with significant acute microcirculatory dysfunction that recovers quickly prior to the recovery of regional wall motion abnormalities.
Extracapsular spread in head and neck carcinoma: Impact of site and human papillomavirus status
Authors: Maxwell Jessica H. , Ferris Robert L. , Gooding William , Cunningham Diana , Mehta Vikas , Kim Seungwon , Myers Eugene N. , Johnson Jonas , Chiosea Simion
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Extracapsular spread (ECS) in cervical lymph node metastases from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is regarded as an adverse prognostic factor and is often used to select patients who may benefit from adjuvant therapy. The prognostic value of ECS was evaluated for patients with oropharyngeal SCC (OPC; with known p16/human papillomavirus [HPV] status) and for patients with SCC of the oral cavity (OCC).

METHODS

Disease‐specific survival (DSS) was assessed among SCC patients with cervical lymph node metastases (n = 347, including 133 patients with OPC and 214 patients with OCC). All patients were treated surgically between 1983 and 2009. ECS status was determined by pathologists at the time of initial pathologic evaluation and confirmed for this study. HPV status of patients with OPC was determined via immunohistochemistry for p16 and in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

Among OCC patients, ECS was a significant, independent factor influencing DSS. For OCC patients with ECS, 3‐year DSS was 45% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36%‐56%); for those without ECS, 3‐year DSS was 71% (95% CI, 62%‐81%; P = .0018). The effect of ECS was independent of the number of positive lymph nodes as well as other clinical, pathologic, and treatment variables. Of the 133 OPC patients, 76 (57%) were p16‐positive and 57 (43%) were p16‐negative. ECS status did not correlate with DSS among p16‐positive or p16‐negative OPC patients.

CONCLUSION

ECS was not associated with worse DSS in p16‐positive or p16‐negative OPC patients. Adverse prognostic value of ECS in OCC patients was confirmed. Cancer 2013;119:3302–8. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Risk and outcome of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma among classical Hodgkin lymphoma survivors
Authors: Xavier Ana C. , Armeson Kent E. , Hill Elizabeth G. , Costa Luciano J.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Survivors of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) are at an increased risk of developing secondary non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (sNHLs). To the authors' knowledge, the outcome of patients with sNHL compared with their de novo counterparts (dnNHL) is unknown.

METHODS

Data from 26,826 cases of HL from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program that were diagnosed between 1992 and 2009 were used to obtain the risk of further development of different subtypes of sNHL. The survival of patients with sNHL was compared with that of matched patients with dnNHL.

RESULTS

The estimated cumulative incidence of sNHL was 2.50% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.10‐2.89) at 15 years from the diagnosis of cHL. The standardized incidence ratio was 10.5 (95% CI, 8.9‐12.4) for aggressive B‐cell NHL, 4.0 (95% CI, 3.1‐5.1) for indolent B‐cell NHL, and 14.6 (95% CI, 10.3‐20.1) for T‐cell NHL. Patients with indolent B‐cell sNHL had a worse overall survival compared with their dnNHL counterparts (hazards ratio [HR] of death, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3‐5.7). Survival was not significantly different between patients with sNHL and those with dnNHL with regard to aggressive B‐cell NHL (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.6‐2.7) or T‐cell NHL (HR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.3‐1.8).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of developing sNHL after cHL is substantial. Although patients with indolent B‐cell sNHL have inferior survival, patients with aggressive B‐cell sNHL and T‐cell sNHL have survival comparable to that of their de novo counterparts. Cancer 2013;119:3385–92. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
A phase 2 trial of intravenous and intraperitoneal paclitaxel combined with S‐1 for treatment of gastric cancer with macroscopic peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Yamaguchi Hironori , Kitayama Joji , Ishigami Hironori , Emoto Shigenobu , Yamashita Hiroharu , Watanabe Toshiaki
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis is extremely poor. This phase 2 study evaluated the benefits and tolerability of weekly intravenous and intraperitoneal paclitaxel (PTX) treatment combined with oral S‐1 in patients with gastric cancer who had macroscopic peritoneal metastasis.

METHODS

Patients with gastric cancer who had primary tumors with macroscopic peritoneal metastasis were enrolled. PTX was administered intravenously at 50 mg/m2 and intraperitoneally at 20 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, respectively. S‐1 was administered at 80 mg/m2 per day for 14 consecutive days, followed by 7 days of rest. The primary endpoint was the 1‐year overall survival (OS) rate. The secondary endpoints were the response rate, efficacy against malignant ascites, and safety.

RESULTS

Thirty‐five patients were enrolled. The median number of treatment courses was 11 (range, 2‐35). The 1‐year OS rate was 77.1% (95% confidence interval, 60.5‐88.1). The overall response rate was 71% in 7 patients with target lesions. Malignant ascites disappeared or decreased in 15 of 22 (68%) patients. The frequent grade 3/4 toxic effects were neutropenia (34%), leukopenia (23%), and anemia (9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Combination chemotherapy consisting of intravenous and intraperitoneal PTX with S‐1 is well‐tolerated and effective in patients with gastric cancer who have macroscopic peritoneal metastasis. Cancer 2013;119:3354–8. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Hollow α‐MnS Spheres and Their Hybrids with Reduced Graphene Oxide: Synthesis, Microwave Absorption, and Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Chen Dezhi , Quan Hongying , Wang Guang‐Sheng , Guo Lin
Published: June 2013

Novel α‐MnS hollow spheres (MHSs) have been fabricated successfully by a one‐pot template‐free solvothermal method. The as‐synthesized α‐MnS spheres have diameters of about 3–5 μm and porous shells of thickness about 0.5 μm composed of numerous nanocrystals. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption. Time‐dependent morphology evolution suggested that transformation of chemical components and Ostwald ripening play vital roles for these hollow structures with a porous shell. The possible formation mechanism for the fabrication of MHSs is proposed. Meanwhile, MHS–reduced graphene oxide (RGO) hybrids have been prepared in the presence of graphene oxide (GO) by using the same procedure. The amount of GO can affect the morphology of α‐MnS crystals in hybrids. The microwave absorption and lithium storage properties of the pure MHSs and MHS–RGO hybrids were studied in detail. Compared with pristine MHSs, the MHS–RGO hybrids possess remarkably enhanced microwave absorption and lithium storage properties. The enhanced microwave absorbing and electrochemical properties are also explained.
Privacy‐preserving authentication protocols with efficient verification in VANETs
Authors: Zhang Jianhong , Xu Yuwei
Published: June 2013

As an important component of intelligent transportation systems, vehicular ad hoc networks can provide safer and more comfortable driving circumstance for the drivers. However, communication security and privacy issues present practical concerns to the deployment of vehicular ad hoc networks. Although recent related studies have already addressed most of these issues, most of them have only considered a posteriori countermeasures or a priori countermeasures to prevent the attacks of an adversary. To the best of our knowledge, up to now, only two privacy‐preserving authentication schemes can provide a posteriori countermeasures and a priori countermeasures. But, the computational cost of verifying a signature is relatively high or security proof of the scheme is loose in the two schemes. In this paper, we propose two novel privacy‐preserving authentication schemes. The first one cannot only provide a posteriori and a priori countermeasures, but also has low computational cost in the verification phase and tight security proof. The second one can achieve batch verification on multiple messages. Comparison with Wu et al.'s scheme and Chen et al's scheme, our scheme shows higher efficiency in terms of the computational cost of verifying signature.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simplified gateway selection scheme for multihop relay in vehicular ad hoc network
Authors: Alawi Mahmoud A. , Saeed Rashid. A. , Hassan Aisha A. , Alsaqour Raed A.
Published: June 2013

Integrating vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) and universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) could be a promising architecture for future machine‐to‐machine applications. This integration can help vehicles have steady Internet connection through the UMTS network and in communicating with other vehicles. However, dead spot areas and unsuccessful handoff processes caused by the high speed of vehicles can disrupt the implementation of this kind of architecture. In this paper, a new simplified gateway selection (SGS) scheme for multihop relay in a VANET‐UMTS integration network is proposed. The proposed scheme extends the coverage or/and calming of the frequent handoff process and allows vehicles to continue to be connected to the UMTS infrastructure network. An integrated simulation environment that combines VanetMobiSim and NS2 is used to simulate and evaluate the proposed scheme. The simulation results show that the SGS scheme performed better when it was implemented with ad hoc on a demand distance vector routing and destination‐sequenced distance vector routing protocols. Furthermore, the SGS scheme is compared with other cluster‐based gateway selections used in the previous works. The results show that our SGS scheme outperforms other cluster‐based gateway selections scheme in terms of selection delay, control packet overhead, packet delivery ratio, and overall throughput. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cryptanalysis and improvement of ‘a robust smart‐card‐based remote user password authentication scheme’
Authors: Kumari Saru , Khan Muhammad Khurram
Published: June 2013

With the use of smart card in user authentication mechanisms, the concept of two‐factor authentication came into existence. This was a forward move towards more secure and reliable user authentication systems. It elevated the security level by requiring a user to possess something in addition to know something. In 2010, Sood et al. and Song independently examined a smart‐card‐based authentication scheme proposed by Xu et al. They showed that in the scheme of Xu et al., an internal user of the system can turn hostile to impersonate other users of the system. Both of them also proposed schemes to improve the scheme of Xu et al. Recently, Chen et al. identified some security problems in the improved schemes proposed by Sood et al. and Song. To fix these problems, Chen et al. presented another scheme, which they claimed to provide mutual authentication and withstand lost smart card attack. Undoubtedly, in their scheme, a user can also verify the legitimacy of server, but we find that the scheme fails to resist impersonation attacks and privileged insider attack. We also show that the scheme does not provide important features such as user anonymity, confidentiality to air messages, and revocation of lost/stolen smart card. Besides, the scheme defies the very purpose of two‐factor security. Furthermore, an attacker can guess a user's password from his or her lost/stolen smart card. To meet these challenges, we propose a user authentication method with user anonymity. We show through analysis and comparison that the proposed scheme exhibits enhanced efficiency in contrast to related schemes, including the scheme of Chen et al. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peroxisome biogenesis disorders: Biological, clinical and pathophysiological perspectives
Authors: Braverman Nancy E. , D'Agostino Maria Daniela , MacLean Gillian E.
Published: June 2013

The peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBD) are a heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive disorders in which peroxisome assembly is impaired, leading to multiple peroxisome enzyme deficiencies, complex developmental sequelae and progressive disabilities. Mammalian peroxisome assembly involves the protein products of 16 PEX genes; defects in 14 of these have been shown to cause PBD. Three broad phenotypic groups are described on a spectrum of severity: Zellweger syndrome is the most severe, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy is intermediate and infantile Refsum disease is less severe. Another group is Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata spectrum. Recently, atypical phenotypes have been described, indicating that the full spectrum of these disorders remains to be identified. For most patients, there is a correlation between clinical severity and effect of the mutation on PEX protein function. Diagnosis relies on biochemical measurements of peroxisome functions and PEX gene sequencing. There are no targeted therapies, although management protocols have been suggested and research endeavors continue. In this review we will discuss peroxisome biology and PBD, and research contributions to pathophysiology and treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2013;17:187–196.
Congenital disorders of glycosylation and intellectual disability
Authors: Wolfe Lynne A. , Krasnewich Donna
Published: June 2013

The congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a rapidly growing group of inborn errors of metabolism that result from defects in the synthesis of glycans. Glycosylation is a major post‐translational protein modification and an estimated 2% of the human genome encodes proteins for glycosylation. The molecular bases for the current 60 disorders, affecting approximately 800 individuals, have been identified, many in the last 5 years. CDG should be considered in any multi‐system syndrome or single tissue disorder not explained by the identification of another disorder. The initial clinical presentation varies significantly among individuals, even between affected siblings. However, two thirds of the known CDGs are associated with intellectual disabilities and most affected individuals need support services throughout their lives. Additional disorders of glycosylation are likely to be characterized over time. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2013;17:211–225.
Neuronopathic lysosomal storage diseases: Clinical and pathologic findings
Authors: Prada Carlos E. , Grabowski Gregory A.
Published: June 2013

Background: The lysosomal–autophagocytic system diseases (LASDs) affect multiple body systems including the central nervous system (CNS). The progressive CNS pathology has its onset at different ages, leading to neurodegeneration and early death. Methods: Literature review provided insight into the current clinical neurological findings, phenotypic spectrum, and pathogenic mechanisms of LASDs with primary neurological involvement. Conclusions: CNS signs and symptoms are variable and related to the disease‐specific underlying pathogenesis. LAS dysfunction leads to diverse global cellular consequences in the CNS ranging from specific axonal and dendritic abnormalities to neuronal death. Pathogenic mechanisms for disease progression vary from impaired autophagy, massive storage, regional involvement, to end‐stage inflammation. Some of these features are also found in adult neurodegenerative disorders, for example, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Lack of effective therapies is a significant unmet medical need. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2013;17:226–246.
Newborn screening for lysosomal storage disorders and other neuronopathic conditions
Authors: Matern Dietrich , Oglesbee Devin , Tortorelli Silvia
Published: June 2013

Newborn screening (NBS) is a public health program aimed at identifying treatable conditions in presymptomatic newborns to avoid premature mortality, morbidity, and disabilities. Currently, every newborn in the Unites States is screened for at least 29 conditions where evidence suggests that early detection is possible and beneficial. With new or improved treatment options and development of high‐throughput screening tests, additional conditions have been proposed for inclusion into NBS programs. Among those are several conditions with a strong neuronopathic component. Some of these conditions have already been added to a few national and international screening programs, whereas others are undergoing pilot studies to determine the test performance metrics. Here, we review the current state of NBS for 13 lysosomal storage disorders, X‐adrenoleukodystrophy, Wilson disease, and Friedreich ataxia. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2013;17:247–253.
The neuronal ceroid‐lipofuscinoses
Authors: Bennett Michael J. , Rakheja Dinesh
Published: June 2013

The neuronal ceroid‐lipofuscinoses (NCL's, Batten disease) represent a group of severe neurodegenerative diseases, which mostly present in childhood. The phenotypes are similar and include visual loss, seizures, loss of motor and cognitive function, and early death. At autopsy, there is massive neuronal loss with characteristic storage in remaining neurons. Neurons appear to die because of increased rates of apoptosis and altered autophagy. Ten genes have been identified so far that result in an NCL (CLN1‐10). The most common forms are CLN1, CLN2, and CLN3, which were previously known as Infantile, Late‐Infantile, and Juvenile NCL's, respectively. CLN1 and CLN2 result from mutations in soluble lysosomal enzymes palmitoyl‐protein thioesterase (PPT) and tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1), which can be measured in white blood cells for clinical diagnosis. Molecular diagnostic testing is routinely available for CLN1, CLN2, and CLN3. Sequencing of other NCL genes may be required to establish a diagnosis when the common forms are ruled out. The pathogenesis of NCL neuronal loss resulting from loss of function of any of the NCL gene products remains unknown and no treatment options are presently available. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2013;17:254–259.
Stress induces plant somatic cells to acquire some features of stem cells accompanied by selective chromatin reorganization
Authors: Florentin Assa , Damri Meytal , Grafi Gideon
Published: June 2013

Background: Previous data suggested that senescing cells or cells exposed to acute stress may acquire stem cell properties characterized by open chromatin conformation and by promiscuous expression of transcription factor genes. To further explore the link between stress response and dedifferentiation, we generated transgenic plants in which a reporter AtMBD6‐GFP is controlled by a meristem‐specific promoter derived from the ANAC2 gene together with the analysis of chromatin conformation. Results: We found that ANAC2 promoter is essentially active in the shoot and the root apical meristems including leaf primordia. ANAC2 was activated in mature leaves following exposure to various stress conditions including protoplasting and dark. This activity was associated with decondensation of pericentric but not of centromeric chromatin. Using epigenetic mutants, ddm1 and kyp/suvh4, we found that compaction at centromeric chromatin persists despite a significant reduction in DNA and histone methylation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that extreme environmental signals trigger plant somatic cells to acquire stem cell properties before assuming a new cell fate. Results also pointed to distinct mechanisms involved in controlling chromatin compaction at chromocenter and that compaction of centromeric chromatin may not be dependent on epigenetic means driven by DDM1 and KYP/SUVH4 chromatin modifier proteins. Developmental Dynamics, 242:1121–1133, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.