bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is White Matter More Prone to Diffusion Lesion Reversal After Thrombolysis?
Authors: Tisserand Marie , Malherbe Caroline , Turc Guillaume , Legrand Laurence , Edjlali Myriam , Labeyrie Marc-Antoine , Seners Pierre , Mas Jean-Louis , Méder Jean-François , Baron Jean-Claude , Oppenheim Catherine
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

In acute ischemic stroke, white matter (WM) is considered more resistant to infarction than gray matter (GM). To test this hypothesis, we compared the fate of WM and GM voxels belonging to the acute diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion, expecting WM voxels to be more prone to reversal after thrombolysis.

Methods—

Reversible acute DWI (RAD) lesion was defined voxel-wise as an acute lesion on initial DWI (DWI
1
) with no visible lesion on 24-hour DWI (DWI
2
). Only patients with RAD lesions >10 mL and >10% of DWI
1
from our previously reported cohort were eligible. The core was defined as voxels hyperintense on DWI
1
and DWI
2
. Semiautomated segmentation of DWI
1
, core, and RAD lesions, normalization into standard space, and WM/GM segmentation allowed calculations of WM/GM proportions in each region of interest using a voxel-counting algorithm.

Results—

Thirty patients were eligible (RAD lesion median volume [interquartile range], 23.3 mL [19.1–35.0 mL]; onset-to-treatment time, 134 minutes [105–185 minutes]). WM voxels fraction was greater in RAD lesions than in the core (59.4% [52.8%–68.9%] versus 49.6% [43.0%–57.5%];
P
=0.011). The proportion of reversibility was greater for WM than for GM voxels (60.8% [25.5%–88.7%] versus 53.5% [21.1%–77.3%];
P
=0.02). The percentage of RAD lesions increased with the proportion of WM present in the acute DWI lesion (
P
<0.0001;
R
=0.67).

Conclusions—

Acute DWI lesions predominantly involving WM may be more prone to reversal and, hence, to respond to therapy than their GM counterparts.
Description of the final-instar larva of Heliogomphus selysi Fraser (Odonata: Gomphidae)
Authors: BOONSOONG BOONSATIEN , CHAINTHONG DAMRONG
Published: February 2014

The final instar larva of Heliogomphus selysi Fraser, 1925, is described and illustrated for the first time based on specimens collected in Ratchaburi province, Thailand. Antennae, legs and paraprocts are similar morphologically to H. kelantanensis and H. scorpio but with a unique combination of dorsal hooks and lateral spines.
Sensitivity of Intertropical Convergence Zone Movement to the Latitudinal Position of Thermal Forcing
Authors: Seo Jeongbin , Kang Sarah M. , Frierson Dargan M. W.
Published: February 2014

A variety of recent studies have shown that extratropical heating anomalies can be remarkably effective at causing meridional shifts in the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). But what latitudinal location of forcing is most effective at shifting the ITCZ? In a series of aquaplanet simulations with the GFDL Atmospheric Model, version 2 (AM2), coupled to a slab mixed layer ocean, it is shown that high-latitude forcing actually causes a larger shift in the ITCZ than when equivalent surface forcing is applied in the tropics. Equivalent simulations are run with an idealized general circulation model (GCM) without cloud and water vapor feedbacks, also coupled to an aquaplanet slab ocean, where the ITCZ response instead becomes weaker the farther the forcing is from the equator, indicating that radiative feedbacks must be important in AM2.

In the absence of radiative feedbacks, the tendency for anomalies to decrease in importance the farther away they are from the equator is due to the quasi-diffusive nature of energy transports. Cloud shortwave responses in AM2 act to strengthen the ITCZ response to extratropical forcing, amplifying the response as it propagates toward the equator. These results emphasize the great importance of the extratropics in determining the position of the ITCZ.
The Price You Pay
Authors: Ody-Brasier Amandine , Vermeulen Freek
Published: February 2014

Contrary to the general view that markets are shaped by economic forces, bargaining power, and the prior relationships between exchange partners, this paper posits that markets can sometimes also be purely socially constructed, in the sense that prices can vary irrespective of the economic value embedded in the exchange. Building on insights from the literature on categories, we argue that sellers may react to violations of local norms on the part of particular buyers by charging them higher prices. Sellers thus provide economic benefits, in the form of lower prices, to buyers who closely adhere to the category’s norms. We test these ideas using data on the market for Champagne grapes, examining the exchange between grape growers (the sellers) and the 66 houses that make the sparkling wine (the buyers). Interviews and survey data informed us that growers have clear, normative ideas about what a Champagne house should look like and do: houses that are no longer headed by a descendant of the founder, are not located in one of the traditional Champagne villages, are relative newcomers to the industry, are part of a corporate group, supply supermarket brands, operate winemaking subsidiaries abroad, or acquire their own vineyards are all viewed in a negative light. Our models provide strong support for our prediction, showing that the prices different organizations are charged for their purchases depend substantially on whether they meet local expectations for who they are and what they do. Our qualitative evidence confirms that this differential pricing by growers occurs not through collusion but through a spontaneous, bottom-up process.
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a biomarker of acute kidney injury: a critical evaluation of current status
Authors: Haase-Fielitz Anja , Haase Michael , Devarajan Prasad
Published: February 2014

Background

The early prediction of acute kidney injury (AKI) by current clinical and laboratory methods remains inadequate. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a promising non-invasive biomarker of kidney injury. We systematically reviewed the utility of plasma and urine NGAL measurements for the prediction of AKI in humans.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE for human biomarker studies that included NGAL (January 2005 to October 2013). Studies reporting on the use of NGAL for the early prediction and prognosis of AKI were analysed in three common clinical settings: cardiac surgery, critical illness and kidney transplantation.

Results

We identified 58 manuscripts that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria, reporting on more than 16,500 patients. Following cardiac surgery, NGAL measurement in over 7000 patients was predictive of AKI and its severity, with an overall area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.82–0.83. Similar results were obtained in over 8500 critically ill patients. In over 1000 patients undergoing kidney transplantation, NGAL measurements predicted delayed graft function with an overall AUC of 0.87. In all three settings, NGAL significantly improved the prediction of AKI risk over the clinical model alone.

Conclusions

We identified several studies that collectively strongly support the use of NGAL as a biomarker for the prediction of AKI. However, we noted some limitations, including lack of published studies that adhere to diagnostic study guidelines, heterogeneity in AKI definition, the lack of uniformly applicable cut-off values and variability in the performance of commercially available NGAL assays.
Optimum design of the injection nozzle system of a three-drive jigger dyeing machine
Authors: Juraeva Makhsuda , Ryu Kyung Jin , Song Dong
Published: February 2014

A jigger dyeing machine is used to dye fabric across the width, which enables the fabric to be passed back and forth in a perfect dyeing bath. A three-drive jigger dyeing machine contains an injection nozzle system. The flowfield inside the injection nozzle system was computed using ANSYS CFX software and was evaluated by mass flow rate, velocity, and pressure. The injection nozzle system was observed by installing two different division plates and by changing the diameter and distance of the outlet holes to improve dyeing efficiency. The division plates have slits and holes help to distribute the dye liquid evenly over all the holes. The standard deviations of the mass flow rate of the division plates with slits and holes were 0.000551 and 0.000368, respectively. The effects of distance and diameter of the outlet holes were analyzed and evaluated by mass flow rate and standard deviation. The developed injection nozzle system of the jigger machine has more uniform mass flow rate. A diameter of 5 mm for the outlet holes and a distance of 50 mm between them were selected to manufacture a prototype. The prototype of the injection nozzle system of the three-drive jigger machine was manufactured and tested. The test results were compared with the computational results from the developed three-drive jigger dyeing machine, the original three-drive jigger dyeing machine, and a classic jigger dyeing machine.
Training needs assessment in the Botswana public service
Authors: Balisi Shadreck
Published: February 2014

Using qualitative methods, this study analysed the process of training needs assessment in the Botswana public service, with special focus on five state sector ministries. It is evident from the research findings that there is little and an unsystematic approach to the needs assessment prior to training. The research further revealed that the seniority principle is a major determination of training needs in the public service which seemingly gives little regard to the manpower training needs. The study has also revealed that public service training is not strategic. Thus, public service training is not directed towards the realization of the public service strategic goals, mission, vision and development plans. This inadvertently compromises the relevance of training and fails to inculcate and nurture those skills that could help enhance performance and productivity. In an attempt to solve the problems identified in public service training needs assessment, the study recommends that a thorough needs assessment should be conducted at organizational, task and individual levels. The seniority principle does not justify training needs and need to be done away with. Finally, the combined use of different needs assessment methods and data sources is crucial to ensure proper needs identification.
Public Administration
Authors: Fenwick John , McMillan Janice
Published: February 2014

What is understood by “public administration” in the contemporary UK higher education setting? Is it still being taught and, if so, why? These questions initially appear to be fairly straightforward but any review of the topic quickly poses some rather more tricky areas of enquiry. This article will focus upon three central questions. First, some persistent issues surrounding public administration as a field of research and enquiry provide a problematic start for any discussion: what is meant academically by public administration and does it retain any scholarly meaning, or any disciplinary base(s) that warrants its location in university departments? Is it distinct from public policy and public management or can it now be wholly subsumed within these more readily understood (and more marketable) categories? Second, there are difficult issues around public administration as a field of practice in a highly turbulent public sector world. Public administration (especially in its received meaning from the continental European tradition) was predicated upon stability, structure and law. Contemporary UK public administration is built upon flux and uncertainty. Third, the pedagogic aspects of teaching this elusive area raise significant additional issues, compounded by the differences between teaching a practitioner audience of public administrators (perhaps allied to work-based learning delivery) alongside, or in place of, an academic social or political science audience. Business schools have grown as the main site for such teaching. Differentiated modes of teaching have proliferated while the focus of what is taught has grown more elusive. Teaching public administration starts to look like quite a rich and contested area of academic activity.
When the R Word Ain't Enough
Authors: DeFreece Alfred W.
Published: February 2014

For many, Barack Obama’s election validated criticisms that black youth in the post-Civil Rights era overemphasize racism and thereby undermine pursuits of opportunity. Research on black youths’ views of the opportunity structure show that they too embrace such motivational factors as explanations of racial disadvantage, even as they maintain an acute awareness of the significance of race in their lives. While the meanings underlying individual-level explanations of the racial hierarchy are clear, there remains a gap in scholarly understandings of structurally based views of racial disadvantage. This article utilizes interview data collected with a sample of black high school seniors residing in low-income neighborhoods in a major Midwestern metropolitan area to explore how they construct meanings of racial disadvantage, black affective bonds, and racial equality. I find that there is a range of meanings underlying “structural” or “systemic” explanations of racial disadvantage and that these variations have patterned relations to constructions of bonds and equality. Still, despite these variations, all of the youth describe depoliticized versions of “diversity” as the means to, and ends of racial equality. These findings suggest that system blame and variants of structural explanations of racial inequality frequently lack a substantive appreciation of the relational nature of oppression and privilege.
Comparison of diachronic thinking and event ordering in 5- to 10-year-old children
Authors: Moore Brandy D. , Brooks Patricia J. , Rabin Laura A.
Published: February 2014

Two main theoretical constructs seek to describe the elaborated sense of time that may be a uniquely human attribute: diachronic thinking (the ability to think about the past and use that information to predict future events) and event ordering (the ability to sequence events in temporal order). Researchers utilize various tasks to measure the emergence and refinement of diachronic thinking and event ordering in children and to document significant development in these skills during middle childhood. The current study investigated the relationship between performance on tasks of diachronic thinking and event ordering in 90 children (5;0–10;10) to determine whether these tasks tap overlapping cognitive processes. Specifically, we examined the extent to which the various measures were inter-correlated and related to measures of language and intelligence. A principal-components analysis yielded two factors. Factor 1 was positively associated with all measures, including age, language, and intelligence. Factor 2 (uncorrelated with age, language, and intelligence) distinguished the synthesis task from spatial and labeling tasks. Overall, results suggest that diachronic thinking and event ordering are not unified constructs. Rather, the multiple measures designed to assess these constructs tap into somewhat different ways of keeping track of time, and are distinguished by the extent to which they rely on knowledge of conventional time patterns and require flexibility in manipulating and synthesizing temporal sequences. Implications for how researchers conceptualize and assess time concepts are discussed and directions for future research are outlined.
Studies of Men’s Involvement in the Family—Part 2
Authors: Goldscheider Frances , Bernhardt Eva , Lappegård Trude
Published: February 2014

This special issue (like the preceding one) is designed to highlight research on men’s increased involvement in their families, focusing both on the antecedents that are linked with their involvement and on the consequences that may follow, and to show that such research is consistent with our theoretical view that the ongoing gender revolution has two parts. The first half, in which the “separate spheres” are broached by women’s increased participation in paid work, strained the family; the second, in which the separation between the spheres is finally being dissolved by men’s taking an active role in their families by contributing to the care of their children and homes, strengthens the family. The previous issue focused on Scandinavia, where both halves of the gender revolution are more advanced than in other industrialized countries; this issue, although not neglecting Scandinavia, includes not only research on the United States but also cross-national studies.
Relations Between Fathers’ and Mothers’ Infant Engagement Patterns in Dual-Earner Families and Toddler Competence
Authors: Lang Sarah N. , Schoppe-Sullivan Sarah J. , Kotila Letitia E. , Feng Xin , Kamp Dush Claire M. , Johnson Susan C.
Published: February 2014

This study examined the trajectories of time new fathers and mothers in dual-earner families ( N = 178) reported spending in developmentally appropriate positive engagement activities over the first 9 months of their child’s life on both work and nonworkdays. We also explored how paternal and maternal engagement patterns in infancy were associated with children’s later social-emotional competence during toddlerhood ( M = 25 months). Using latent growth models, we found that compared with mothers, fathers spent significantly less time engaging with their infants; however, both parents increased their engagement over time at relatively the same rate. Fathers’ rate of increase over time and mothers’ initial starting point of engagement on nonworkdays were associated with toddlers’ attention and mastery motivation. Findings are discussed with regard to what they mean for dual-earner couples and fathers’ investment in their offspring, highlighting what they may imply about the second demographic transition and family functioning.
Continuity of care by cardiothoracic nurse practitioners: Impact on outcome
Authors: Southey Dawn , Mishra Pankaj Kumar , Nevill Alan , Aktuerk Dincer , Luckraz Heyman
Published: February 2014

Objectives

There have been recent reports on increased mortality in British National Health Service hospitals during weekends. This study aimed to assess the impact on patient care following the introduction of nurse practitioner cover for the cardiothoracic ward, including weekends.

Methods

Prospectively collected and validated data of patients operated on from January 2005 to October 2011 were analyzed. The patients were grouped according to era: before ( n = 2385) and after ( n = 3910) the introduction of nurse practitioners in October 2007.

Results

There were no significant differences in preoperative patient characteristics such as age, logistic EuroSCORE, sex, smoking, and extracardiac vascular problems. There were more patients from an Asian background ( p < 0.01), more with noninsulin-dependent diabetes ( p < 0.01), and more requiring urgent cardiac surgery ( p < 0.01) in the later era. Following the introduction of nurse practitioner grade, there was a decrease in the rate of cardiac intensive care unit readmission from 2.6% to 1.9% ( p = 0.05) and length of hospital stay from 10 to 8 days ( p < 0.01). There was a significant improvement in overall survival after cardiac surgery from 96.5% to 98.0% ( p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that the presence of nurse practitioners on the ward was the strongest predictor of survival with an odds ratio of 1.9 (95% confidence interval: 1.23–3.01).

Conclusion

The introduction of the nurse practitioner grade to provide continuity in patient care including at weekends has been confirmed to improve patient outcomes including survival after cardiac surgery.
The making of civil society in Russia: A Bourdieuan approach
Authors: Salmenniemi Suvi
Published: February 2014

This article addresses the logic of the civic field in Russia as it unfolded during the 1990s and early 2000s. It engages with Bourdieu’s theory of practice to explain how and why this field came to be symbolically associated with a particular notion of femininity, and how and why educated women came to occupy a particularly seminal position in it. By drawing on extensive fieldwork on civic activism and a rich body of secondary literature the article unpacks the complex interplay between symbolic and material practices that gave shape to this specific classed and gendered logic.
Transnational linguistic capital: Explaining English proficiency in 27 European countries
Authors: Gerhards Jürgen
Published: February 2014

Foreign language proficiency in general and proficiency in the world’s most widely spoken language, English, are central resources to participate in the globalisation process. Drawing on a survey conducted in 27 European countries the article attempts to explain the huge differences in English proficiency that exist between and within countries. The author presents a general explanatory model for foreign language proficiency, creates hypotheses from this model and tests them empirically by using multilevel techniques. The findings show that the prevalence of a respondent’s native language, the linguistic difference between one’s mother tongue and English, and age affect language acquisition negatively, whereas a country’s level of education has a positive influence. Using Bourdieu’s theory of social class, the author shows that besides other factors a respondent’s social class position and the level of education are important micro-level factors that help to increase a person’s transnational linguistic capital.
Low-level laser and local corticosteroid injection in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome: a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kelle Bayram , Kozanoglu Erkan
Published: February 2014

Objective:

To investigate the effectiveness of low-level laser treatment and local corticosteroid injection in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

Design:

Controlled clinical trial.

Setting:

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic.

Subjects:

One hundred thirty-five patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

Intervention:

The patients were allocated to three groups: local corticosteroid injection (group I); sham laser treatment (group II); and low-level laser treatment (group III). Low-level laser treatment was performed three times per week for a total of nine sessions. Local corticosteroid injections were administered twice, with an interval of 10 days between each. The patients were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment and three and six months after the first visit.

Main measures:

The primary outcome of the study was pain intensity (visual analog scale) during activity and at rest. The secondary outcomes were, shoulder functional status and quality of life measured by the University of California at Los Angeles rating score (UCLA) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) scale respectively.

Results:

Significant differences were observed between groups I and II and between groups II and III regarding pain during activity and at rest scores at all of the visits ( p<0.05). Nevertheless, significant improvement was observed between groups I and III regarding pain during activity only at post-treatment ( p=0.013). The UCLA scores were significantly changed in all three study groups at all of the visits ( p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The effectiveness of low-level laser treatment was similar to that of local corticosteroid injection in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. We concluded that both low-level laser treatment and corticosteroid injection were more effective than sham laser treatment.
How to measure fatigue in neurological conditions? A systematic review of psychometric properties and clinical utility of measures used so far
Authors: Tyson Sarah F , Brown Philip
Published: February 2014

Objective:

To systemically review the psychometric properties and clinical utility (feasibility) of tools to measure fatigue in neurological conditions.

Data sources:

AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Science Direct and Web of Knowledge were searched for studies of the psychometric properties of fatigue measures in adults with central nervous system disorders. Search terms were: Fatigue AND assess* OR measure* OR tool OR outcome OR index OR test OR scale AND stroke OR cerebrovascular* OR hemi* OR parkinson* OR sclerosis OR head injury OR brain injury OR motor neurone disease OR neuro*

Review methods:

Articles that addressed validity; reliability and ability to detect change were selected. Two authors independently selected articles and extracted data. Strength of the psychometric properties and clinical utility were assessed against predetermined thresholds.

Results:

A total of 25 articles were selected and 17 measurement tools identified including six versions of the Fatigue Severity Scale and five versions of the Fatigue Impact Scale. All were clinically feasible but none met all the criteria. Most were valid. Reliability and ability to detect change were infrequently evaluated, but were adequate when reported. The most thoroughly developed and psychometrically robust measures were the Neurological Fatigue Indices.

Conclusion:

Although many measures of fatigue in neurological conditions have published, none met all of the criteria for psychometric robustness and clinical utility but the Neurological Fatigue Indices are the best and can be used with caution
Transarterial chemoembolization as first-line therapy for hepatocellular carcinomas infeasible for ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation: a retrospective cohort study of 116 patients
Authors: Song Yun Gyu , Shin Sung Wook , Cho Sung Ki , Choi Dongil , Rhim Hyunchul , Lee Min Woo , Kim Young-sun , Park Kwang Bo , Park Hong Suk , Choo Sung Wook , Do Young Soo , Choo In-wook , Hyun Dongho
Published: February 2014

Background

Ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is frequently infeasible even for very early or early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to various reasons such as inconspicuous tumors or absence of a safe electrode path and the infeasibility rate is reportedly as high as 45%. In such cases, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a commonly practiced alternative.

Purpose

To analyze long-term outcomes including tumor progression patterns and factors contributing to survival of patients who received TACE as the first line of therapy for very early or early stage HCC infeasible for US-guided RFA.

Material and Methods

From October 2006 through October 2009, 116 patients with very early or early stage HCCs underwent the first-line therapy TACE after their tumors were deemed infeasible for RFA. Long-term survival rates were calculated and prognostic factors were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. The patterns and rates of tumor progression or recurrence were also evaluated.

Results

The 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates of the whole cohort were 94.7%, 68.4%, and 47.2% with a mean overall survival of 53.1 months (95% CI: 48.2–58.0). Preserved liver function with Child-Pugh class A was the only independent factor associated with longer survival. The most common first tumor progression pattern was intrahepatic distant recurrence. The cumulative rates of local tumor progression and intrahepatic distant recurrence at 1, 3, and 5 years were 33% and 22%, 52% and 49%, and 73% and 75%, respectively.

Conclusion

TACE is a viable first-line treatment of HCC infeasible for RFA, especially when liver function was preserved.
Percutaneous biliary covered stent insertion in patients with malignant duodenobiliary obstruction
Authors: Lee Eunsol , Gwon Dong Il , Ko Gi-Young , Sung Kyu-Bo , Yoon Hyun-Ki , Shin Ji Hoon , Kim Jin Hyoung , Ko Heung Kyu , Song Ho-Young
Published: February 2014

Background

Although the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered biliary stents has proven to be feasible for the treatment of benign and malignant biliary disease, less is known regarding the outcomes of percutaneous placement of a covered stent in patients with malignant duodenobiliary obstruction.

Purpose

To investigate the technical and clinical efficacy of the percutaneous placement of a PTFE-covered biliary stent in patients with malignant duodenobiliary obstruction.

Material and Methods

From April 2007 to September 2012, the medical records of 45 consecutive patients with malignant duodenobiliary obstruction were retrospectively reviewed. All percutaneous biliary stent deployment was performed using PTFE-covered stents, whereas duodenal stent insertion was performed either fluoroscopically or endoscopically using covered or uncovered stents.

Results

Biliary stent deployment was technically successful in all patients. None of the stents migrated after deployment. Procedure-related minor complications, including self-limiting hemobilia, occurred in three (7%) patients. Successful internal drainage was achieved in 39 (87%) of the 45 patients. The median survival time after biliary stent placement was 62 days (95% confidence interval, 8–116 days), and the cumulative stent patency rates at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 96%, 92%, 75%, and 38%, respectively. The causes of biliary stent dysfunction included stent occlusion caused by a subsequently inserted duodenal stent ( n = 7), food impaction ( n = 3), and sludge incrustation ( n = 1). One patient developed acute cholecystitis 131 days after biliary stent placement and underwent percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage.

Conclusion

Percutaneous insertion of a PTFE-covered stent is a safe and effective method for palliative treatment of patients with malignant duodenobiliary obstruction. If possible, subsequent biliary stent insertion is preferable in order to prevent possible biliary stent dysfunction caused by subsequent insertion of a duodenal stent.
Comparison of utility of tumor size and apparent diffusion coefficient for differentiation of low- and high-grade clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Maruyama Mitsunari , Yoshizako Takeshi , Uchida Koji , Araki Hisayoshi , Tamaki Yukihisa , Ishikawa Noriyuki , Shiina Hiroaki , Kitagaki Hajime
Published: February 2014

Background:

There is a significant correlation between tumor size and tumor grade for clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in pathology. Thus, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of clear-cell RCC might be influenced by tumor size.

Purpose:

To compare the utility of tumor size and ADC for distinguishing low-grade from high-grade clear-cell RCC.

Material and Methods:

Forty-nine patients undergoing preoperative magnetic resonance imaging were retrospectively assessed. ADC values were calculated using b-value combinations of 0 and 800 s/mm2 at 1.5 T. Two radiologists in consensus measured ADC values via small region of interest (ROI) (mean ROI area, 88.8 mm2; range, 80–108 mm2) placement on an area of solid tumor on a single slice. Maximum tumor diameter was measured at the maximum tumor area. A single pathologist reviewed all pathological slides to determine the nuclear grade according to the Fuhrman classification. The utility of ADC, tumor size, and ADC/size ratio for distinguishing low-grade from high-grade tumors was assessed. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and regression analysis of the each index were performed. The correlation between ADC and tumor size was also investigated.

Results:

The 49 clear-cell RCC included 34 low-grade and 15 high-grade tumors. The differences of ADC, tumor size, and ADC/size ratio between high-grade and low-grade tumors were statistically significant ( P <0.05). The area under the ROC curve of ADC, tumor size, and ADC/size ratio were 0.802, 0.763, and 0.804 respectively. However, using regression analysis, only ADC ( P <0.05) was statistically significant index as independent risk factors for high-grade clear-cell RCC. Moreover, weak significant correlation was observed between tumor size and ADC (R2 = 0.3865, P <0.01).

Conclusion:

There was a weak significant correlation between tumor size and ADC value of clear-cell RCC. Using ROC and regression analysis, ADC was statistically significant index for distinguishing low-grade from high-grade clear-cell RCC more than tumor size and ADC/size ratio.
Anatomic and Nonanatomic Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Zaffagnini Stefano , Marcheggiani Muccioli Giulio Maria , Signorelli Cecilia , Lopomo Nicola , Grassi Alberto , Bonanzinga Tommaso , Nitri Marco , Marcacci Maurilio
Published: February 2014

Background:

There have been no direct in vivo biomechanical comparisons performed between an anatomic double-bundle (ADB) and a nonanatomic double-bundle (NADB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Hypothesis:

There are differences in kinematic outcomes between ADB and NADB ACL reconstruction techniques.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty-six consecutive patients (mean age, 30 years; range, 18-32 years; 23 men, 3 women; 17 right knees, 9 left knees) with an isolated ACL injury were included in the study. The first 13 consecutive patients underwent NADB reconstruction (combination of a single-bundle and an over-the-top reconstruction), and the following 13 consecutive patients were treated with an ADB approach (using 2 tibial tunnels and 2 femoral tunnels placed in the center of the native femoral and tibial insertion sites). Grafts were pretensioned at 80 N and secured with cortical fixation systems under manual maximum force tension. Standard clinical laxity and pivot-shift tests were quantified at time zero before and after ACL reconstruction by means of a surgical navigation system dedicated to kinematic assessment; displacement of the medial and lateral compartments during the tests was also analyzed.

Results:

The ADB-reconstructed knees showed a larger preoperative-to-postoperative difference in anterior-posterior tibial plateau displacement of the medial and lateral compartments when compared with the NADB-reconstructed knees during the internal-external rotation test at 30° of flexion ( P < .050). No other significant differences in laxity or pivot-shift values were noted. The mean surgical time for ADB reconstruction was significantly higher than that for NABD reconstruction (62 ± 13 and 43 ± 10 minutes, respectively; P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Results showed a greater anterior-posterior translation of both compartments during the rotational passive laxity test in the ADB reconstruction group or overconstraint caused by the NADB technique. The 2 analyzed double-bundle ACL reconstructions did not show any significant quantitative difference in isolated anterior-posterior laxity and pivot-shift phenomenon at time zero.

Clinical Relevance:

Nonanatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction can control anterior-posterior laxity and the pivot-shift phenomenon as well as ABD ACL reconstruction.
Investment decisions and the signalling effects of financial information flows: Vickers shipyard 1913–1924
Authors: Arnold Anthony J
Published: February 2014

Businesses that operate in acutely cyclical industries like shipbuilding are more dependent than most on the quality of the information flows that report the outcomes of their various decisions. This article, an extended version of the twenty-first Peter Davies Lecture in Maritime Business History, examines the relationship between decisions to invest in fixed assets and long-term contract work in the shipbuilding industry and cost allocation practices on the way that operational success or failure is signalled, using internal data from the Vickers shipyard archive across the ‘trans-war’ period 1913–1924.
The establishment of the Danish International Ship Register (DIS) and its connections to the maritime cluster
Authors: Sornn-Friese Henrik , Iversen Martin Jes
Published: February 2014

This article discusses the development of second ship registers and their interconnections to the policy idea of maritime clusters. Through a narrative of the contemporary history of Danish maritime policy, the article shows how these apparently different policy measures were closely related and together constitute a coherent framework based upon specific values, views of cause–effect relationships, and perceptions of major challenges and their context. Danish maritime policy provides an excellent case for the study of the contemporary history of maritime policy-making. Denmark was among the first of the traditional shipping nations to set up a second register, and the concept of maritime clusters became part of Danish maritime policy before it emerged as a construct in European Union maritime policy. We provide detail on the unfolding of some of the most important recent events in Danish maritime policy and highlight its development as a process of learning that involves the prolonged drafting and fine-tuning of statements and ideas, and the borrowing and adjustment of policy ideas developed elsewhere.
Couple Interaction and Predicting Vulnerability to Domestic Violence in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Brijesh P. , Singh Kaushalendra K. , Singh Neha
Published: February 2014

Domestic violence, when conducted against women, is a type of gender-based violence that negatively impacts a woman’s physical and psychological health, causing insecurity, lack of safety, and loss of health and self-worth. Domestic violence is an important consideration for sexual, reproductive, and child health, as it can affect contraceptive behaviors of couples as well as levels of infant mortality. In the present analysis, an attempt has been made to study the relationship between women’s experience of domestic violence and couple interaction after controlling for certain socioeconomic and demographic variables using logistic regression. This study looks at data from the National Family Health Survey–III conducted from 2005 to 2006 in Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state of India. Findings reveal that 43% of women suffer from domestic violence in the society as a whole; however, if a couple makes joint decisions in household matters, the prevalence of domestic violence is observed to be 24% less. Education and occupation of women, standard of living, media exposure, and partner’s alcoholic behaviors are also found to be possible predictors of domestic violence.
A planar reconfigurable linear rigid-body motion linkage with two operation modes
Authors: Hao Guangbo , Kong Xianwen , He Xiuyun
Published: February 2014

A planar reconfigurable linear (also rectilinear) rigid-body motion linkage (RLRBML) with two operation modes, that is, linear rigid-body motion mode and lockup mode, is presented using only R (revolute) joints. The RLRBML does not require disassembly and external intervention to implement multi-task requirements. It is created via combining a Robert’s linkage and a double parallelogram linkage (with equal lengths of rocker links) arranged in parallel, which can convert a limited circular motion to a linear rigid-body motion without any reference guide way. This linear rigid-body motion is achieved since the double parallelogram linkage can guarantee the translation of the motion stage, and Robert’s linkage ensures the approximate straight line motion of its pivot joint connecting to the double parallelogram linkage. This novel RLRBML is under the linear rigid-body motion mode if the four rocker links in the double parallelogram linkage are not parallel. The motion stage is in the lockup mode if all of the four rocker links in the double parallelogram linkage are kept parallel in a tilted position (but the inner/outer two rocker links are still parallel). In the lockup mode, the motion stage of the RLRBML is prohibited from moving even under power off, but the double parallelogram linkage is still moveable for its own rotation application. It is noted that further RLRBMLs can be obtained from the above RLRBML by replacing Robert’s linkage with any other straight line motion linkage (such as Watt’s linkage). Additionally, a compact RLRBML and two single-mode linear rigid-body motion linkages are presented.
Numerical study of hot launch of missile inside a tube
Authors: Sinha PK , Chakraborty Debasis
Published: February 2014

The impingement of hot rocket motor plume inside a canister is simulated numerically by solving three-dimensional Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations using commercial software. The computed methodology is first validated for cold flow jet impingement in a circular tube for different chamber pressure and the simulations captured all the finer aspects of blow-by flow conditions as reported in the literature. A very good comparison is obtained between experimental and numerical surface pressure distribution. The validated methodology is applied to simulate the hot launch of a missile from a canister. It is observed that for low annular gap between missile body and canister the motor plume interaction became intense and gave rise to a very significant base drag which may constrain the motion of the missile inside the canister.
Development and validation of a gas chromatography–flame ionization detection method for quantifying sucrose in equine serum
Authors: Hewetson Michael , Aaltonen Kaisa , Tulamo Riitta-Mari , Sankari Satu
Published: February 2014

A simple and accurate method for quantifying sucrose in equine serum that can be applied to sucrose permeability testing in the horse was developed and validated using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The assay provided an acceptable degree of linearity, accuracy, and precision at concentrations of sucrose as low as 2.34 μmol/l and as high as 20.45 μmol/l. Percentage recovery of sucrose from serum ranged from 89% to 102%; repeatability and intermediate precision (relative standard deviation) ranged from 3.6% to 6.7% and 4.1% to 9.3%, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.73 μmol/l. No interfering peaks were observed except lactose, which gave 2 peaks, one of which overlapped partially with sucrose. To evaluate the suitability of the method for quantifying sucrose in serum samples from horses with naturally occurring gastric ulceration, 10 horses with and without naturally occurring gastric ulceration were subjected to sucrose permeability testing. All horses demonstrated an increase in serum sucrose concentration over time following oral administration of sucrose; however, the increase from baseline was significant for horses with gastric ulceration at 45 min ( P = 0.0082) and 90 min ( P = 0.0082) when compared with healthy horses. It was concluded that gas chromatography with flame ionization detection is a valid method for quantifying sucrose in equine serum and can be applied directly to the analysis of sucrose in equine serum as part of a larger validation study aimed at developing a blood test for the diagnosis of gastric ulcers in horses.
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) bioassay for visceral toxicosis of catfish and botulinum neurotoxin serotype E
Authors: Chatla Kamalakar , Gaunt Patricia , Petrie-Hanson Lora , Hohn Claudia , Ford Lorelei , Hanson Larry
Published: February 2014

Visceral toxicosis of catfish (VTC), a sporadic disease of cultured channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) often with high mortality, is caused by botulinum neurotoxin serotype E (BoNT/E). Presumptive diagnosis of VTC is based on characteristic clinical signs and lesions, and the production of these signs and mortality after sera from affected fish is administered to sentinel catfish. The diagnosis is confirmed if the toxicity is neutralized with BoNT/E antitoxin. Because small catfish are often unavailable, the utility of adult zebrafish ( Danio rerio) was evaluated in BoNT/E and VTC bioassays. Channel catfish and zebrafish susceptibilities were compared using trypsin-activated BoNT/E in a 96-hr trial by intracoelomically administering 0, 1.87, 3.7, 7.5, 15, or 30 pg of toxin per gram of body weight (g-bw) of fish. All of the zebrafish died at the 7.5 pg/g-bw and higher, while the catfish died at the 15 pg/g-bw dose and higher. To test the bioassay, sera from VTC-affected fish or control sera were intracoelomically injected at a dose of 10 µl per zebrafish and 20 µl/g-bw for channel catfish. At 96 hr post-injection, 78% of the zebrafish and 50% of the catfish receiving VTC sera died, while no control fish died. When the VTC sera were preincubated with BoNT/E antitoxin, they became nontoxic to zebrafish. Histology of zebrafish injected with either VTC serum or BoNT/E demonstrated renal necrosis. Normal catfish serum was toxic to larval zebrafish in immersion exposures, abrogating their utility in VTC bioassays. The results demonstrate bioassays using adult zebrafish for detecting BoNT/E and VTC are sensitive and practical.
Mortality of live export cattle on long-haul voyages: pathologic changes and pathogens
Authors: Moore S. Jo , O’Dea Mark A. , Perkins Nigel , Barnes Anne , O’Hara Amanda J.
Published: February 2014

The cause of death in 215 cattle on 20 long-haul live export voyages from Australia to the Middle East, Russia, and China was investigated between 2010 and 2012 using gross, histologic, and/or molecular pathology techniques. A quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was used to detect nucleic acids from viruses and bacteria known to be associated with respiratory disease in cattle: Bovine coronavirus ( Betacoronavirus 1), Bovine herpesvirus 1, Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 and 2, Bovine respiratory syncytial virus, Bovine parainfluenza virus 3, Histophilus somni, Mycoplasma bovis, Mannheimia haemolytica, and Pasteurella multocida. The most commonly diagnosed cause of death was respiratory disease (107/180, 59.4%), followed by lameness ( n = 22, 12.2%), ketosis ( n = 12, 6.7%), septicemia ( n = 11, 6.1%), and enteric disease ( n = 10, 5.6%). Two thirds (130/195) of animals from which lung samples were collected had histologic changes and/or positive qRT-PCR results indicative of infectious lung disease: 93 out of 130 (72%) had evidence of bacterial infection, 4 (3%) had viral infection, and 29 (22%) had mixed bacterial and viral infections, and for 4 (3%) the causative organism could not be identified. Bovine coronavirus was detected in up to 13% of cattle tested, and this finding is likely to have important implications for the management and treatment of respiratory disease in live export cattle. Results from the current study indicate that although overall mortality during live export voyages is low, further research into risk factors for developing respiratory disease is required.
Modelling and numerical simulation of thick sheet double slitting process using continuum damage mechanics
Authors: Ghozzi Yosr , Labergere Carl , Saanouni Khemais , Parrico Anthony
Published: February 2014

This work concerns the modelling and numerical simulation of specific thick sheet cutting process using advanced constitutive equations accounting for elasto-plasticity with mixed hardening fully coupled with isotropic ductile damage. First, the complex kinematics of the different tools is modelled with specific boundary conditions. Second, the fully and strongly coupled constitutive equations are summarized and the associated numerical aspects are shortly presented. An inverse material identification procedure is used to determine the convenient values of the material parameters. Finally, the double slitting process is numerically simulated and the influence of the main technological parameters studied focusing on the cutting forces.
The Deep Biology of Politics
Authors: Ferguson Kennan
Published: February 2014

Although Connolly appears to be introducing Darwin and biological history into political science, he has instead returned to the roots of the discipline, working and reworking the foundations of politics as a disciplinary locus. Biological thought underpins the history of political science, a fact too easily forgotten by contemporary practitioners.