bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Structure-Based Sparse Representation for Face Recognition
Authors: Liu Fan , Tang Jinhui , Song Yan , Zhang Liyan , Tang Zhenmin
Published: October 2015

This article presents a simple yet effective face recognition method, called local structure-based sparse representation classification (LS_SRC). Motivated by the “divide-and-conquer” strategy, we first divide the face into local blocks and classify each local block, then integrate all the classification results to make the final decision. To classify each local block, we further divide each block into several overlapped local patches and assume that these local patches lie in a linear subspace. This subspace assumption reflects the local structure relationship of the overlapped patches, making sparse representation-based classification (SRC) feasible even when encountering the single-sample-per-person (SSPP) problem. To lighten the computing burden of LS_SRC, we further propose the local structure-based collaborative representation classification (LS_CRC). Moreover, the performance of LS_SRC and LS_CRC can be further improved by using the confusion matrix of the classifier. Experimental results on four public face databases show that our methods not only generalize well to SSPP problem but also have strong robustness to occlusion; little pose variation; and the variations of expression, illumination, and time.
SMT-Based Synthesis of Distributed Self-Stabilizing Systems
Authors: Faghih Fathiyeh , Bonakdarpour Borzoo
Published: October 2015

A
self-stabilizing
system is one that guarantees reaching a set of
legitimate states
from any arbitrary initial state. Designing distributed self-stabilizing protocols is often a complex task and developing their proof of correctness is known to be significantly more tedious. In this article, we propose an SMT-based method that automatically synthesizes a self-stabilizing protocol, given the network topology of distributed processes and description of the set of legitimate states. Our method can synthesize synchronous, asynchronous, symmetric, and asymmetric protocols for two types of stabilization, namely
weak
and
strong
. We also report on successful automated synthesis of a set of well-known distributed stabilizing protocols such as Dijkstra’s token ring, distributed maximal matching, graph coloring, and mutual exclusion in anonymous networks.
Evolving ambiguous images
Authors: Machado Penousal , Vinhas Adriano , Correia João , Ekárt Anikó
Published: October 2015

This article describes the use of evolutionary methods to generate ambiguous images---images that the brain or a computer may interpret in multiple ways. Object detectors often falsely identify the presence of objects in these images, even when they are not visible to human observers.
Nonmuscle Tissues Contribution to Cancer Cachexia
Authors: Argilés Josep M. , Stemmler Britta , López-Soriano Francisco J. , Busquets Silvia
Published: October 2015

Cachexia is a syndrome associated with cancer, characterized by body weight loss, muscle and adipose tissue wasting, and inflammation, being often associated with anorexia. In spite of the fact that muscle tissue represents more than 40% of body weight and seems to be the main tissue involved in the wasting that occurs during cachexia, recent developments suggest that tissues/organs such as adipose (both brown and white), brain, liver, gut, and heart are directly involved in the cachectic process and may be responsible for muscle wasting. This suggests that cachexia is indeed a multiorgan syndrome. Bearing all this in mind, the aim of the present review is to examine the impact of nonmuscle tissues in cancer cachexia.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide for Diagnosing Exacerbation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Mandal Jyotshna , Roth Michael , Costa Luigi , Boeck Lucas , Rakic Janko , Scherr Andreas , Tamm Michael , Stolz Daiana
Published: October 2015

Background: Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is the most abundant neuropeptide in the lung. VIP has been linked to pulmonary arterial hypertension and hypoxia. Objectives: We aimed to assess circulating VIP levels at exacerbation and at stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to evaluate the diagnostic performance in a well-characterized cohort of COPD patients. Methods: The nested cohort study included patients with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage II-IV. Patients were examined at stable state and at acute exacerbation of COPD (AE-COPD), and dedicated serum was collected at both conditions. Serum VIP levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Diagnostic accuracy was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC). Results: Patients with acute exacerbation (n = 120) and stable COPD (n = 163) had similar characteristics at baseline. Serum VIP levels did not correlate with oxygen saturation at rest (p = 0.722) or at exercise (p = 0.168). Serum VIP levels were significantly higher at AE-COPD (130.25 pg/ml, 95% CI 112.19-151.83) as compared to stable COPD (40.07 pg/ml, 95% CI 37.13-43.96, p < 0.001). The association of increased serum VIP with AE-COPD remained significant after propensity score matching (p < 0.001). Analysis of the Youden index indicated the optimal serum VIP cutoff value as 56.6 pg/ml. The probability of AE-COPD was very low if serum VIP was ≤35 pg/ml (sensitivity >90%) and very high if serum VIP was ≥88 pg/ml (specificity >90%). Serum VIP levels presented a robust performance to diagnose AE-COPD (AUC 0.849, 95% CI 0.779-0.899). Conclusions: Increased serum VIP levels are associated with AE-COPD.
Retrospective Multicentric Study of 25 Kimura Disease Patients: Emphasis on Therapeutics and Shared Features with Cutaneous IgG4-Related Disease
Authors: Kottler Diane , Barète Stéphane , Quéreux Gaelle , Ingen-Housz-Oro Saskia , Fraitag Sylvie , Ortonne Nicolas , Deschamps Lydia , Rybojad Michel , Flageul Béatrice , Crickx Béatrice , Janin Anne , Bagot Martine , Battistella Maxime
Published: October 2015

Background: Kimura disease (KD) is a rare lymphoproliferative inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Data regarding therapeutic modalities and pathophysiology are scarce. Objectives: Analyze therapeutic and follow-up data and compare KD with cutaneous IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Methods: Multicentric retrospective study of 25 KD patients with analysis of treatment, follow-up and IgG4 immunostaining. Comparison with published cases of cutaneous IgG4-RD. Results: Patients were mostly male (84%), median-aged 42 years with lymph node, lacrimal/salivary gland and kidney involvements in 45, 24 and 12%, respectively. Surgical excision had 100% complete response and 60% relapse. Oral corticosteroids had 100% response with 50% relapse. Thalidomide, cyclosporine or interferon-α had 100% response, but 100, 20 and 50% relapse, respectively. KD showed clinicopathological similarities with 27 published cases of cutaneous IgG4-RD. Conclusion: Surgery may be used in resectable KD cases, whereas cyclosporine or thalidomide may represent interesting alternatives to oral corticosteroids in other cases. KD shares features with cutaneous IgG4-RD.
Sarcoidosis in Patients Treated with Vemurafenib for Metastatic Melanoma: A Paradoxical Autoimmune Activation
Authors: Lheure Coralie , Kramkimel Nora , Franck Nathalie , Laurent-Roussel Sara , Carlotti Agnès , Queant Astrid , Goldwasser François , Avril Marie-Françoise , Dupin Nicolas
Published: October 2015

Background: Vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, is a first-line treatment for inoperable melanoma. Sarcoidosis has never been reported in patients on vemurafenib. Objectives: We describe 5 cases of sarcoidosis in patients treated with vemurafenib. Methods: Seventy patients receiving vemurafenib for a BRAF-mutated inoperable stage III or IV melanoma were treated in our centre. Results: Five patients (7.1%) developed sarcoidosis or a sarcoid-like reaction on vemurafenib; 4 patients had cutaneous signs and 3 had extracutaneous disorders (bilateral hilar lymph nodes, uveitis). Histological analysis of skin lesions revealed epithelioid granulomas without necrosis, consistent with sarcoidosis. Angiotensin-converting enzyme levels were high in 2 patients. Cutaneous and ophthalmological lesions rapidly disappeared on topical corticosteroid treatment without the cessation of vemurafenib treatment. Complete remission of melanoma was observed in 3 patients and partial remission was observed in another. Conclusion: BRAF inhibitors probably have immune system-enhancing effects and should therefore be recognized as potential inducers of sarcoidosis.
La sémiotique greimassienne et la sémiotique peircienne : Visées, principes et théories du signe
Authors: Broden Thomas F.
Published: October 2015

De algumas décadas a esta parte, Peirce vem despontando como referência para vários semioticistas (pós-)greimasianos. Poderiam a teoria de A. J. Greimas e a doutrina dos signos de C. S. Peirce ser vistas como variantes de uma mesma concepção designável como “semiótica” ? Buscaremos certas convergências entre ambos os projetos que poderiam justificar tal pretensão. A partir daí, identificaremos importantes divergências em sua disposição disciplinar e no modo como um e outro administram as tensões entre a teoria e a prática, a dedução e a indução e, por fim, entre a abertura e a completude de sua arquitetura conceitual, levantando a questão de saber se suas diferenças fazem deles métodos incompatíveis ou complementares. Para tentar responder a essa questão, esboçaremos um resumo da fenomenologia de Peirce, a qual, situada nos alicerces de sua semiótica, conjuga-se em três modos, a saber : Primeiridade, Secundidade e Terceiridade. Examinaremos, em seguida, sua concepção do signo, analisando a definição precisa e original por ele formulada, a fim de depreender-lhe o sentido, bem como a orientação e o alcance de seus elementos, tanto no contexto de seu projeto particular como no da semiótica do espaço românico. O modelo peirciano do signo define o enunciado e a enunciação, a temporalidade, e aponta para o significante e o significado, embora pretenda questionar esta última distinção. Na conclusão, indagamo-nos sobre a utilidade, eventual ou efetiva, de determinados componentes da teoria de Peirce para a semiótica procedente do projeto greimasiano.
Sobre a categorização social na imagem científica
Authors: Harkot-de-La-Taille Elizabeth
Published: October 2015

A imagem científica é aqui tratada enquanto sistema de significação (Groupe μ 1992, 1998) e, como tal, defendemos que comporta implícitos inerentes impressos pelas categorizações sociais dominantes no espaçotempo de sua proposição. Pensamos a categorização social (Van Dijk, 2008; Marcuschi 2007) como contendo as dimensões praxeológica, cultural e cognitiva. Ela se funda – alimentando-a - na episteme que rege um dado universo socioletal, em que opera uma espécie de “semiose orientada” na leitura dos fenômenos naturais e sociais, produzindo assim explicações compatíveis com os conhecimentos e as limitações – técnicas, tecnológicas, ideológicas – de sua época. Nas ciências, a imagem é empregada desde como recurso de representação pictórica concreta até como propositora de leituras inovadoras de um fenômeno. Por “imagem científica”, consideramos,
portanto, todo esforço de construção visual com o objetivo de compreensão ou de explicação científica. Para discutir o papel da categorização social na imagem científica, duas áreas distantes são abordadas, cada uma a partir de um exemplo: a astronomia, por três modelos do sistema solar propostos por Ptolomeu, Copérnico e Tycho Brahe, respectivamente; e o estatuto da língua inglesa na globalização, por meio da metáfora centromargem e do modelo de círculos concêntricos avançado por Kachru (1992). Tal como a língua, a imagem de um modelo científico não pode evitar a redução do objeto, da ideia ou da teoria que enuncia a variáveis conhecidas,
compreendidas e explicáveis (Klinkenberg 2011 a, b). Assim, um modelo adotado permanecerá aceito até que seu nível de operacionalidade seja colocado em xeque por insatisfações explicativas importantes e que um modelo mais potente, que recusa o anterior exatamente naquilo que lhe é tributário, seja proposto e o substitua.
A dêixis no discurso sobre a responsabilidade social empresarial: o vínculo entre enunciado e enunciação
Authors: Queiroz Laura Daniela Miranda de , Pessoa Fátima Cristina da Costa
Published: October 2015

Este artigo apresenta alguns dos resultados obtidos em uma investigação em torno da relação polêmica que constitui a prática discursiva sobre responsabilidade social empresarial pela análise de traços linguísticos, como a seleção de verbos e sua articulação aos objetos de discurso a eles relacionados e aos adjuntos adverbiais que indicam os parâmetros das ações que referem, identificados nos manuais Responsabilidade
Social Empresarial para Micro e Pequenas Empresas – Passo a Passo (2003) e Indicadores Ethos–Sebrae e de Responsabilidade Social Empresarial para Micro e Pequenas Empresas (2012). Nos documentos, são prescritas ações-modelo atestadas como socialmente responsáveis que se propõem a orientar empresas a se promoverem no mercado competitivo. A materialidade linguística revela a coexistência de dois polos semânticos constituintes da prática discursiva sobre RSE, o da solidariedade e o da competitividade, numa relação em que ações solidárias
serviriam, segundo os manuais, como meio de as empresas se tornarem mais competitivas. Investiga-se, portanto, a organização interna de um texto em relação com as determinações de uma ordem socio-histórica nos espaços institucionais. A análise da materialidade discursiva fundamenta-se nos postulados da Análise do Discurso de linha francesa sobre Prática Discursiva, Polêmica como interincompreensão, Cena de Enunciação, Semântica Global e Dêixis Discursiva.
Direct Evidence for Microdomain-Specific Localization and Remodeling of Functional L-Type Calcium Channels in Rat and Human Atrial Myocytes
Authors: Glukhov Alexey V. , Balycheva Marina , Sanchez-Alonso Jose L. , Ilkan Zeki , Alvarez-Laviada Anita , Bhogal Navneet , Diakonov Ivan , Schobesberger Sophie , Sikkel Markus B. , Bhargava Anamika , Faggian Giuseppe , Punjabi Prakash P. , Houser Steven R. , Gorelik Julia
Published: October 2015

Background—

Distinct subpopulations of L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) with different functional properties exist in cardiomyocytes. Disruption of cellular structure may affect LTCC in a microdomain-specific manner and contribute to the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases, especially in cells lacking organized transverse tubules (T-tubules) such as atrial myocytes (AMs).

Methods and Results—

Isolated rat and human AMs were characterized by scanning ion conductance, confocal, and electron microscopy. Half of AMs possessed T-tubules and structured topography, proportional to cell width. A bigger proportion of myocytes in the left atrium had organized T-tubules and topography than in the right atrium. Super-resolution scanning patch clamp showed that LTCCs distribute equally in T-tubules and crest areas of the sarcolemma, whereas, in ventricular myocytes, LTCCs primarily cluster in T-tubules. Rat, but not human, T-tubule LTCCs had open probability similar to crest LTCCs, but exhibited ≈40% greater current. Optical mapping of Ca
2+
transients revealed that rat AMs presented ≈3-fold as many spontaneous Ca
2+
release events as ventricular myocytes. Occurrence of crest LTCCs and spontaneous Ca
2+
transients were eliminated by either a caveolae-targeted LTCC antagonist or disrupting caveolae with methyl-β-cyclodextrin, with an associated ≈30% whole-cell
I
Ca,L
reduction. Heart failure (16 weeks post–myocardial infarction) in rats resulted in a T-tubule degradation (by ≈40%) and significant elevation of spontaneous Ca
2+
release events. Although heart failure did not affect LTCC occurrence, it led to ≈25% decrease in T-tubule LTCC amplitude.

Conclusions—

We provide the first direct evidence for the existence of 2 distinct subpopulations of functional LTCCs in rat and human AMs, with their biophysical properties modulated in heart failure in a microdomain-specific manner.
Survival After Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Children
Authors: Jayaram Natalie , McNally Bryan , Tang Fengming , Chan Paul S.
Published: October 2015

Background

Little is known about survival after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (
OHCA
) in children. We examined whether
OHCA
survival in children differs by age, sex, and race, as well as recent survival trends.

Methods and Results

Within the prospective Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (
CARES
), we identified children (age <18 years) with an
OHCA
from October 2005 to December 2013. Survival to hospital discharge by age (categorized as infants [0 to 1 year], younger children [2 to 7 years], older children [8 to 12 years], and teenagers [13 to 17 years]), sex, and race was assessed using modified Poisson regression. Additionally, we assessed whether survival has improved over 3 time periods: 2005–2007, 2008–2010, and 2011–2013. Of 1980 children with an
OHCA
, 429 (21.7%) were infants, 952 (48.1%) younger children, 276 (13.9%) older children, and 323 (16.3%) teenagers. Fifty‐nine percent of the study population was male and 31.8% of black race. Overall, 162 (8.2%) children survived to hospital discharge. After multivariable adjustment, infants (rate ratio: 0.56; 95%
CI
: 0.35, 0.90) and younger children (rate ratio: 0.42; 95%
CI
: 0.27, 0.65) were less likely to survive compared with teenagers. In contrast, there were no differences in survival by sex or race. Finally, there were no temporal trends in survival across the study periods (
P
=0.21).

Conclusions

In a large, national registry, we found no evidence for racial or sex differences in survival among children with
OHCA
, but survival was lower in younger age groups. Unlike in adults with
OHCA
, survival rates in children have not improved in recent years.
Infarct Volume Prediction by Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Murine Stroke Model Depends on Ischemia Duration and Time of Imaging
Authors: Leithner Christoph , Füchtemeier Martina , Jorks Devi , Mueller Susanne , Dirnagl Ulrich , Royl Georg
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose—

Despite standardization of experimental stroke models, final infarct sizes after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) vary considerably. This introduces uncertainties in the evaluation of drug effects on stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging may detect variability of surgically induced ischemia before treatment and thus improve treatment effect evaluation.

Methods—

MCAO of 45 and 90 minutes induced brain infarcts in 83 mice. During, and 3 and 6 hours after MCAO, we performed multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated time courses of cerebral blood flow, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), T1, T2, accuracy of infarct prediction strategies, and impact on statistical evaluation of experimental stroke studies.

Results—

ADC decreased during MCAO but recovered completely on reperfusion after 45 and partially after 90-minute MCAO, followed by a secondary decline. ADC lesion volumes during MCAO or at 6 hours after MCAO largely determined final infarct volumes for 90 but not for 45 minutes MCAO. The majority of chance findings of final infarct volume differences in random group allocations of animals were associated with significant differences in early ADC lesion volumes for 90, but not for 45-minute MCAO.

Conclusions—

The prediction accuracy of early magnetic resonance imaging for infarct volumes depends on timing of magnetic resonance imaging and MCAO duration. Variability of the posterior communicating artery in C57Bl6 mice contributes to differences in prediction accuracy between short and long MCAO. Early ADC imaging may be used to reduce errors in the interpretation of post MCAO treatment effects on stroke volumes.
Copeptin and Long-Term Risk of Recurrent Vascular Events After Transient Ischemic Attack and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Greisenegger Stefan , Segal Helen C. , Burgess Annette I. , Poole Debbie L. , Mehta Ziyah , Rothwell Peter M.
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose—

Copeptin, the c-terminal portion of provasopressin, is a useful prognostic marker in patients after myocardial infarction and heart failure. More recently, high levels of copeptin have also been associated with worse functional outcome and increased mortality within the first year after ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, to date, there are no published data on whether copeptin predicts long-term risk of vascular events after TIA and stroke.

Methods—

We measured copeptin levels in consecutive patients with TIA or ischemic stroke in a population-based study (Oxford Vascular Study) recruited from 2002 to 2007 and followed up to 2014. Associations with risk of recurrent vascular events were determined by Cox-regression.

Results—

During ≈6000 patient-years in 1076 patients, there were 357 recurrent vascular events, including 174 ischemic strokes. After adjustment for age, sex, and risk factors, copeptin was predictive of recurrent vascular events (adjusted hazard ratio per SD, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–1.64;
P
=0.0001), vascular death (1.85; 1.60–2.14;
P
<0.0001), all-cause death (1.75; 1.58–1.93;
P
<0.0001), and recurrent ischemic stroke (1.22; 1.04–1.44;
P
=0.017); and improved model-discrimination significantly: net reclassification improvement for recurrent vascular events (32%;
P
<0.0001), vascular death (55%;
P
<0.0001), death (66%;
P
<0.0001), and recurrent stroke (16%;
P
=0.044). The predictive value of copeptin was largest in patients with cardioembolic index events (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.53–2.20 versus 1.31, 1.14–1.50 in noncardioembolic stroke;
P
=0.0025). In patients with cardioembolic stroke, high copeptin levels were associated with a 4-fold increased risk of vascular events within the first year of follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.02; 95% confidence interval, 2.13–7.70).

Conclusions—

In patients with TIA and ischemic stroke, copeptin predicted recurrent vascular events and death, particularly after cardioembolic TIA/stroke. Further validation is required, in particular, in studies using more extensive cardiac evaluation.
The dangers of borrowing in the age of financialization
Authors: Poppe Christian , Lavik Randi , Borgeraas Elling
Published: October 2015

This paper looks at how financial problems may occur among households even under favourable economic conditions. Norway is a good case for studying such processes because of its exceptionally stable economy. Based on data on debt settlements in Oslo in 1999, 2004 and 2011 the composition of debt portfolios is investigated as instances of how risk mechanisms operate and change over time. It is demonstrated that the most dangerous and expensive forms of loans and credit are allocated to the most exposed households. The analysis also suggests that during economic upturns, the potentials for a much larger and deeper problem accumulate as households borrow to invest in asset-based welfare. This raises important questions about the market, and challenges the welfare state.
Live Music Therapy as an Active Focus of Attention for Pain and Behavioral Symptoms of Distress During Pediatric Immunization
Authors: Sundar Sumathy , Ramesh Bhuvaneswari , Dixit Priyanka B. , Venkatesh Soma , Das Prarthana , Gunasekaran Dhandapany
Published: October 2015

A total of 100 children coming for routine immunization to pediatric outpatient department were included and were divided into experiment (n = 50) and control (n = 50) groups. Experiment group received live music therapy during immunization procedure. Control group received no intervention. The Modified Behavior Pain Scale (MBPS), 10-point pain levels, and 10-point distress levels were documented by parents. Duration of crying was recorded by investigators. Pre- and postimmunization blood pressures and heart rates of parents holding the children were also measured and recorded by investigators. Independent and paired t tests were used for analysis. All 3 domains of the Modified Behavior Pain Scale and duration of crying showed significant improvement ( P < .05) in the experiment group. Pain and distress levels also showed statistically nonsignificant improvement in experiment group. Blood pressure and heart rate of parents showed no difference. Music therapy could be helpful to children, parents, and health care providers by reducing discomfort of the child during pediatric immunization.
Parent Perception of Provider Interactions Influences HPV Vaccination Status of Adolescent Females
Authors: Clark Sarah J. , Cowan Anne E. , Filipp Stephanie L. , Fisher Allison M. , Stokley Shannon
Published: October 2015

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage among adolescent females is well below national public health goals. Many known barriers to HPV vaccine receipt can be addressed in parent-physician conversations. This study sought to explore parent experiences and attitudes related to HPV vaccination of adolescent girls, focused on interactions with providers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents using a nationally representative online panel. Among parents with ≥1 daughter aged 11 to 17 years, provider recommendations for HPV vaccine and specified age to begin the HPV vaccine series were associated with HPV vaccine status. Parents who reported their daughters were unlikely to complete the HPV series were more likely to have had no discussion of HPV vaccine with the provider. Efforts to increase HPV vaccination rates among adolescent females should continue to focus on improving provider discussion of HPV vaccine.
Group motivational interviewing in schools: Development of a health promotion intervention
Authors: Hawkins Jemma L , Bravo Paulina , Gobat Nina , Rollnick Stephen , Jerzembek Gabrielle , Whitehead Sarah , Chanon Sue , Kelson Mark , Adams Orla , Murphy Simon
Published: October 2015

Objective:

In the light of the shortcomings of curriculum-based health promotion in secondary schools, group motivational interviewing provides a potential alternative approach. This two-phase study set out to establish the key components, feasibility and acceptability of a group motivational interviewing intervention, focused on alcohol consumption.

Methods:

In phase 1, focus groups with 12 students and 8 teachers explored issues with existing health education in Wales. Phase 2 involved the development of a 1-hour group motivational interviewing session to address the issues raised. The session was delivered to two classes of students aged 13–15 years, facilitated by two motivational interviewing practitioners. Sessions were observed and audio-recorded and coded by two researchers using the Assessment of Motivational Interviewing Groups Observer Scale (AMIGOS). Student acceptability of the session was captured using a satisfaction questionnaire.

Results:

Sessions were consistent with motivational interviewing principles, providing empathic and focused discussion while maximising participants’ autonomy and strengths. The majority of students felt listened to during the session, considered it was helpful and felt that they could learn more from this kind of experience.

Conclusion:

A group motivational interviewing session, developed based on key components identified during focus groups, was shown to be acceptable to students and feasible to deliver in secondary schools. The approach requires further research to establish sustainable delivery mechanisms.
Diet-Induced Obesity and Its Differential Impact on Periodontal Bone Loss
Authors: Muluke M. , Gold T. , Kiefhaber K. , Al-Sahli A. , Celenti R. , Jiang H. , Cremers S. , Van Dyke T. , Schulze-Späte U.
Published: October 2015

Obesity is associated with abnormal lipid metabolism and impaired bone homeostasis. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of specific elevated fatty acid (FA) levels on alveolar bone loss in a Porphyromonas gingivalis–induced model of periodontal disease and to analyze underlying cellular mechanisms in bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts in mice. Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided in groups and subjected to a palmitic acid (PA)– or oleic acid (OA)–enriched high-fat diet (HFD) (20% of calories from FA) or a normal caloric diet (C group) (10% of calories from FA) for 16 wk. Starting at week 10, mice were infected orally with P. gingivalis (W50) or placebo to induce alveolar bone loss. Animals were sacrificed, and percentage fat, serum inflammation (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α), and bone metabolism (osteocalcin [OC], carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks [CTX], and N-terminal propeptides of type I procollagen [P1NP]) markers were measured. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts were cultured in the presence of elevated PA or OA levels and exposed to P. gingivalis. Animals on FA-enriched diets weighed significantly more compared with animals on a normal caloric diet ( P < 0.05). Both obese groups had similar percentages of fat ( P = nonsignificant); however, alveolar bone loss was significantly greater in animals that were on the PA-enriched HFD ( P < 0.05). TNF-α levels were highest in the PA group ( P < 0.001) and increased in all groups in response to P. gingivalis inoculation ( P < 0.01), whereas bone remodeling markers OC, CTX, and P1NP were lowest in the PA group ( P < 0.001) and highest in the C group. Bacterial challenge decreased bone metabolism markers in all groups ( P < 0.01). Further, osteoclasts showed an augmented inflammatory response to P. gingivalis in the presence of hyperlipidemic PA levels as opposed to OA cultures, which responded similarly to controls. These findings indicate that the specific FA profile of diet rather than weight gain and obesity alone modulates bone metabolism and can therefore influence alveolar bone loss.
The Mediating Influence of Treatment Participation Rate on Post-Treatment Employment
Authors: Kim Min , Leierer Stephen J. , Atherton W. Leigh , Toriello Paul J. , Sligar Steven R.
Published: October 2015

This study explored treatment participation rate as a mediator between individuals’ baseline alcohol use, drug use, and psychiatric issue levels and post-treatment employment status. The study sample included 106 unemployed or underemployed individuals with substance use disorders who were participants in an intensive drug abuse treatment program. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine relationships between study variables. The results showed that (a) the direct effect of individuals’ baseline alcohol use, drug use, and psychiatric issue severities reduced treatment participation rate; (b) the direct effect of treatment participation rate ameliorated post-treatment employment status; and (c) the indirect effect of individuals’ baseline alcohol use, drug use, and psychiatric issue severities on post-treatment employment status was mediated by treatment participation rate, which reduced the negative influence of baseline issue severity on employment. This significant mediating effect has both practical and theoretical importance in that it indicates the need for increased focus on treatment participation in practice and future research.
The Benefits of Similarity between Tourist and Destination Personality
Authors: Bekk Magdalena , Spörrle Matthias , Kruse Joachim
Published: October 2015

When people choose they often prefer similarity, rather than complementarity. This paper argues that the evaluation of a holiday destination is no exception to this tendency. The study introduces tourist–destination personality similarity (TDPS) as a concept that is distinct from perceived overall fit (POF) between tourist and destination, and examines the effects of these two concepts of congruence on vacationers’ satisfaction and recommendation behavior. Examining a sample of actual vacationers ( N = 308) in a holiday resort, TDPS and POF emerged as two related, but distinct concepts: TDPS was a driver of POF, which in turn increased tourists’ satisfaction and actual recommendations of the destination. Our results confirm TDPS as a valuable tool for tourism brand managers and tourism research.
Drug prescribing pattern in pregnancy in a secondary care hospital in south India: a retrospective study
Authors: Das Saibal , Winston A Blessed , Sukumaran Deepasree , Kumar Aniket , FX Margaret Shanthi , Prasad Jasmin
Published: October 2015

Background

In pregnancy drug treatment presents a special concern due potential teratogenic effects and physiologic alterations in mother. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the drug prescribing pattern in pregnancy among pregnant women in a secondary care hospital in India.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional retrospective study was done for 3 months using pre-formatted forms and patient’s records.

Results

A total of 326 drugs, including 46 different types of drugs, were prescribed to 606 gravid women. Eight different types of medications were started before being seen at the antenatal clinic. Most of these drugs fall under US FDA pregnancy categories B and C and few under categories A, X and N.

Conclusion

This study reflects a good, safe and rational medication practice during pregnancy in various common disorders in a secondary care hospital and can be cited as an example to similar primary and secondary care hospitals.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder symptoms in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Hergüner Sabri , Harmancı Hatice , Toy Harun
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Several studies suggest that androgens are involved in the etiology of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, we investigated the ADHD symptoms in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a complex endocrine, hormonal, and metabolic condition associated with hyperandrogenism.

Methods

Forty women between the ages of 18 and 35 years with PCOS were recruited for the study group. For comparison, 40 healthy women who had regular menses were included. Current and childhood ADHD symptoms were assessed by using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and Wender-Utah Rating Scale, respectively.

Results

Women with PCOS had higher total Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and total Wender-Utah Rating Scale scores than controls. According to the Wender-Utah Rating Scale, the frequency of childhood ADHD was significantly higher in PCOS group than the control. Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale: Hyperactivity–Impulsivity and Wender-Utah Rating Scale: Behavioral Problems/Impulsivity scores were significantly higher in women with PCOS. However, there were no significant differences between groups in both current and childhood inattention scores. We found no correlations between ADHD symptoms and serum hormone levels including testosterone in women with PCOS.

Conclusions

These results suggest that women with PCOS have higher ADHD symptoms. Further studies are needed to investigate the association between PCOS and ADHD.
Parent–Teacher Association, Soup Kitchen, Church, or the Local Civic Club? Life Stage Indicators of Volunteer Domain
Authors: Carr Dawn C. , King Katherine , Matz-Costa Christina
Published: October 2015

Gaps in existing literature hinder our knowledge of how life stage-related identities (e.g., worker, parent, student, etc.) influence individuals’ decisions about whether and how to get involved in community service. Interventions to increase volunteerism throughout the life course require a more nuanced understanding of this relationship. We use multinomial logistic models to analyze how life phase factors relate to involvement in different types of voluntary organizations across the adult life course in the Chicago Community Adult Health Study. Half of the adults did not volunteer. Those who did volunteer were categorized as charitable, youth-oriented, religious, civic, or multidomain volunteers. Age, employment, family structure, demographics, and self-rated health differentially predicted volunteering in specific domains. Findings from this study suggest that recruitment and retention efforts employed by different nonprofit organizations may be more effective if they take into consideration the life phase factors that enhance or detract from likelihood of engagement.
Between Scylla and Charybdis? Twenty-Five Years Administrating the Contested Region of Brussels
Authors: O’Connor Karl , Vaesen Joost
Published: October 2015

Although Belgian politics has experienced numerous political conflicts in the post-war period, the Brussels political system has, since 1989, remained relatively stable. This has led some scholars to suggest that Brussels may be experiencing a depolarization of its traditional linguistic cleavages. In this article, we analyze the possible realignment of these divisions and the possible emergence of an identity based on the urban territory. We trace the development of the public administrations at sub-state level in Brussels post 1989 and add new data on the often neglected elite-level bureaucrats and their individual attachment perceptions. This topic is most relevant as the organization and functioning of the public administrations have proven to be one of the major politically and socially divisive issues of the power-sharing agreement. The article draws on published and unpublished documents and interviews with 20 elite-level bureaucrats from four distinct public administrations operating in Brussels. The findings suggest that a regional urban attachment is emerging among the bureaucratic elite; however, this attachment would not prove robust if either community were to feel threatened. The likelihood of unintended policy making, which would have unintended consequences, is quite high given that the bureaucratic elite do not have confidence in the administrative structures of the city. The findings should be of interest to those interested in identification perceptions and to those studying other more fragile environments in and around Europe’s borders that may one day consider adopting the Brussels approach to conflict management.
Possibilities for evaluating cost-effectiveness of family system nursing: An example based on Family Health Conversations with families in which a middle-aged family member had suffered stroke
Authors: Lämås Kristina , Sundin Karin , Jacobsson Catrine , Saveman Britt-Inger , Östlund Ulrika
Published: October 2015

Family Health Conversations (FamHC) increase health and well-being, but knowledge about their cost-effectiveness, and how to best calculate this, is lacking. In this feasibility study we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of using FamHC with families in which a middle-aged family member had suffered stroke. Seven families participated in a FamHC intervention and seven families received ordinary care. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was estimated with SF-6D and EQ-5D over a six-month period. The cost-effectiveness of the intervention was calculated. Families receiving FamHC intervention had significantly increased HRQoL at follow up. Cost per quality adjusted life year differed depending on the instrument and analysis method used in the calculation. However, all calculations showed that FamHC were cost-effective. We conclude that FamHC significantly increase HRQoL and suggest that they are cost-effective. Both instruments seemed to be able to capture changes. Considering the participants’ experience of answering the two instruments, we advocate the use of EQ-5D.
The effect of additional core stability exercises on improving dynamic sitting balance and trunk control for subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cabanas-Valdés Rosa , Bagur-Calafat Caritat , Girabent-Farrés Montserrat , Caballero-Gómez Fernanda Mª , Hernández-Valiño Montserrat , Urrútia Cuchí Gerard
Published: October 2015

Objective:

To examine the effect of core stability exercises on trunk control, dynamic sitting and standing balance, gait, and activities of daily living in subacute stroke patients.

Design:

A randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Inpatient rehabilitation hospital in two centres.

Subjects:

Eighty patients (mean of 23.25 (±16.7) days post-stroke) were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group.

Interventions:

Both groups underwent conventional therapy for five days/week for five weeks and the experimental group performed core stability exercises for 15 min/day. The patients were assessed before and after intervention.

Main measures:

The Trunk Impairment Scale (Spanish-Version) and Function in Sitting Test were used to measure the primary outcome of dynamic sitting balance. Secondary outcome measures were standing balance and gait as evaluated via Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti Test, Brunel Balance Assessment, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (Spanish-Version), and activities of daily living using Barthel Index.

Results:

The experimental group showed statistically significant differences for all of the total scale scores ( P<0.05), except for the sitting section of the Brunel Balance Assessment. The mean (SD) difference between groups in Trunk Impairment Scale total score was 3.40 (±4.12) points, and its subscale dynamic sitting balance was 2.28 (±3.29). The Berg Balance Scale was 14.54 (±18.19) points, and the Barthel Index was 13.17 (±25.27) points. Collectively, these results were in favour of the experimental group.

Conclusions:

Core stability exercises in addition to conventional therapy improves trunk control, dynamic sitting balance, standing balance, gait and activities of daily living in subacute post-stroke patients.
Statistical Modeling of Disease Progression for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using Data from the ECLIPSE Study
Authors: Exuzides Alex , Colby Chris , Briggs Andrew H. , Lomas David A. , Rutten-van Mölken Maureen P. M. H. , Tabberer Maggie , Chambers Mike , Muellerova Hana , Locantore Nicholas , Risebrough Nancy A. , Ismaila Afisi S. , Gonzalez-McQuire Sebastian
Published: October 2015

Background. To develop statistical models predicting disease progression and outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), using data from ECLIPSE, a large, observational study of current and former smokers with COPD. Methods. Based on a conceptual model of COPD disease progression and data from 2164 patients, associations were made between baseline characteristics, COPD disease progression attributes (exacerbations, lung function, exercise capacity, and symptoms), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and survival. Linear and nonlinear functional forms of random intercept models were used to characterize these relationships. Endogeneity was addressed by time-lagging variables in the regression models. Results. At the 5% significance level, an exacerbation history in the year before baseline was associated with increased risk of future exacerbations (moderate: +125.8%; severe: +89.2%) and decline in lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]) (–94.20 mL per year). Each 1% increase in FEV1 % predicted was associated with decreased risk of exacerbations (moderate: –1.1%; severe: –3.0%) and increased 6-minute walk test distance (6MWD) (+1.5 m). Increases in baseline exercise capacity (6MWD, per meter) were associated with slightly increased risk of moderate exacerbations (+0.04%) and increased FEV1 (+0.62 mL). Symptoms (dyspnea, cough, and/or sputum) were associated with an increased risk of moderate exacerbations (+13.4% to +31.1%), and baseline dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council score ≥2 v. <2) was associated with lower FEV1 (–112.3 mL). Conclusions. A series of linked statistical regression equations have been developed to express associations between indicators of COPD disease severity and HRQoL and survival. These can be used to represent disease progression, for example, in new economic models of COPD.
CT and MRI imaging features and long-term follow-up of adult Wilms’ tumor
Authors: Wu Jingtao , Zhu Qingqiang , Zhu Wenrong , Chen Wenxin
Published: October 2015

Background

Only few previous case reports have been found focusing on the imaging findings of adult Wilms’ tumor (WT).

Purpose

To characterize multislice computed tomography (MSCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, and follow-up results of adult WT.

Material and Methods

Sixteen patients with WT were studied retrospectively. MSCT and MRI were undertaken to investigate the tumor characteristics.

Results

Tumors (mean diameter, 13.1 ± 4.5 cm) exhibited an expansible appearance and disrupted the reniform contour (16/16), cystic components (16/16), curvilinear calcification (1/16), poorly marginated (2/16), hemorrhage (16/16), displacement of renal pelvis or calyx (13/16), and had lymph node or distal metastases (5/16). Attenuation of WT was less or equal compared to renal parenchyma on unenhanced CT ( P > 0.05), while tumor enhancement after administration of a contrast agent was lower than that of normal renal parenchyma ( P < 0.05). WT was isointense on T1-weighted (T1W) imaging, isointense or hypointense on T2-weighted (T2W) imaging. Tumor enhancement was less than normal renal cortex in all phases ( P < 0.05). The number of tumor stages (grades I, II, III, and IV) was two, three, six, and five cases, respectively. Follow-up time was in the range of 19–123 months; six patients died within 3 years, six patients died within 5 years after the initial diagnosis, with the remaining patients still alive.

Conclusion

Adult WT tends to be a large tumor, isointense or hypointense on T2W imaging with enhancement less than normal renal parenchyma in all phases. The long-term follow-up results demonstrated the poor prognosis of the tumor.
Brief Report: Associations Between Self-Reported Paternal Relationships, Anger, Alcohol, and Intimate Partner Violence in a Prison Sample
Authors: Bernardi Jessica , Day Andrew , Bowen Erica
Published: October 2015

This study investigates the association between family relationships, anger, alcohol use, and self-reported intimate partner violence (IPV). Participants were 55 male prisoners who completed a survey about their family relationships, anger, alcohol use, and aggression. Exposure to parental IPV predicted rates of self-reported perpetration of IPV, suggesting the importance of understanding more about the developmental pathways to IPV if effective prevention, intervention, and assessment strategies are to be developed for use with this high-risk population.
The geographies of urban density
Authors: McFarlane Colin
Published: October 2015

As the world increasingly urbanizes, the imaginaries, conceptions and politics of urban density will become increasingly urgent for research, policy, practice and activism. Density is a keyword in the history of how the city has been conceived and understood, and is firmly back on the global urban agenda. However, we lack sustained studies of how the geographies of density have been defined, lived, and contested. This paper develops a topological approach to urban density, considers key ways in which density has been politicized, and examines an emerging research area that understands the life and politics of density as ‘intensive heterogeneities’.
Ethnic newspaper producers face archiving challenges
Authors: Gustafson Kristin L.
Published: October 2015

In-depth interviews with 19 news producers at 22 ethnic newspapers in three Pacific Northwest states reveal barriers to physical and digital preservation of back issues that include inadequate physical and digital space, limited personnel and financial resources and a lack of technological know-how for archiving the newspapers.
Newspaper archives reveal major gaps in digital age
Authors: Hansen Kathleen A. , Paul Nora
Published: October 2015

In-depth interviews about the archiving practices at nine legacy newspapers and one born-digital publication reveal that legacy newspapers maintain archives of their print editions in paper, microfilm and PDF versions. Archiving of Web-only content and multimedia elements, however, is spotty or nonexistent. The public has limited or no access to digital photo and graphic archives at most newspapers.