bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WaveFormRevealer: An analytical framework and predictive tool for the simulation of multi-modal guided wave propagation and interaction with damage
Authors: Shen Yanfeng , Giurgiutiu Victor
Published: May 2014

This article presents the WaveFormRevealer—an analytical framework and predictive tool for the simulation of guided Lamb wave propagation and interaction with damage. The theory of inserting damage effects into the analytical model is addressed, including wave transmission, reflection, mode conversion, and nonlinear higher harmonics. The analytical model is coded into MATLAB, and a graphical user interface (WaveFormRevealer graphical user interface) is developed to obtain real-time predictive waveforms for various combinations of sensors, structural properties, and damage. In this article, the main functions of WaveFormRevealer are introduced. Case studies of selective Lamb mode linear and nonlinear interaction with damage are presented. Experimental verifications are carried out. The article finishes with summary and conclusions followed by recommendations for further work.
Micro-crack detection and assessment with embedded carbon nanotube thread in composite materials
Authors: Hehr Adam , Schulz Mark , Shanov Vesselin , Song Yi
Published: May 2014

Carbon nanotube thread has shown strong promise to be built into or onto composite materials for strain and damage monitoring via the material’s piezoresistive property. It has been found that a distinguishing feature of sensing thread incorporated in these materials is the detection of micro-cracking. This study articulates how embedded carbon nanotube thread in unidirectional glass fiber composites can identify the onset of matrix cracking, track crack growth, and differentiate between crack breathing and closing states. This information is obtained by analyzing the resistance response of the thread with a low-speed data acquisition system and a simple Wheatstone bridge circuit. A digital optical microscope was utilized to verify that a micro-crack was indeed present in the structure at the location of the sensor thread. Additionally, to demonstrate the effectiveness of this crack detection approach compared to past crack detection approaches, a comparison against foil-type strain gauges and piezoelectric accelerometers was made. Finally, a simple crack model is presented for the sensor thread.
Nonparametric predictive inference for system reliability using the survival signature
Authors: Coolen Frank PA , Coolen-Maturi Tahani , Al-nefaiee Abdullah H
Published: May 2014

The survival signature has recently been presented as an attractive concept to aid quantification of system reliability. It has similar characteristics as the system signature, which is well established, but contrary to the latter it is easily applicable to systems with multiple types of components. We present an introductory overview of the survival signature together with new results to aid computation. We develop nonparametric predictive inference for system reliability using the survival signature. The focus is on the failure time of a system, given failure times of tested components of the same types as used in the system.
Variable selection and uncertainty analysis of scale growth rate under pre-salt oil wells conditions using support vector regression
Authors: Droguett Enrique L , Lins Isis D , Moura Márcio C , Zio Enrico , Jacinto Carlos M
Published: May 2014

The formation of inorganic scale, particularly calcium carbonate (CaCO3), is a persistent and one of the most serious and costly problems in the oil and gas industries. This event may cause partial to complete plugging, block valves, tubing and flowlines, and then reduce the production rates. This article proposes the use of support vector regression to build a nonlinear mapping between a set of variables (surface cladding, material, temperature, pressure, brine composition, and fluid velocity) and the scale build-up. The support vector regression is fed with data gathered from laboratory tests carried out on coupons that simulate realistic downhole conditions encountered in oil well bores from the pre-salt fields in Brazil. The proposed failure prediction framework is comprehensive as it entails the stages of hyperparameter tuning, variable selection, and uncertainty analysis, which are addressed by a combination of particle swarm optimization and bootstrap with support vector regression. The obtained results suggest that the bootstrapped particle swarm optimization + support vector regression is a valuable tool that may be used to support condition-based maintenance-related decisions.
Not All Is Lost in Translation: World Varieties of Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Delanty Gerard
Published: May 2014

Of the many challenging issues facing cosmopolitan thought today, a major one is the problem of conceptual and cultural translation, since it is often the case that cosmopolitanism is highly relevant to Indian and Chinese thought, even though the term itself is not used in the sources or in the interpretations. Three problems are addressed, namely universalist versus contextualist positions, Eurocentrism, and the problem of conceptual and cultural translations between western and non-western thought. The central argument is that cosmopolitanism thought needs to expand beyond its western genealogy to include other world traditions. However, the solution is not simply to identify alternative cultural traditions to western ones which might be the carriers of different kinds of cosmopolitan values, but of identifying in these different cultural traditions resources for cosmopolitics. In this way critical cosmopolitanism seeks to find an alternative both to strong contextualist as well as strong universalist positions.
Bleeding disorders
Authors: McCulloch Rory , Smith Mark P
Published: May 2014

Patients presenting to primary care often complain about excessive bleeding. The symptom may represent a significant underlying diagnosis that requires urgent specialist referral and treatment, but more often it is less critical in nature and the challenge is to analyse the symptoms and isolate those that warrant further investigation. Here we explore the components of a good clinical history and examination, offer advice on interpreting laboratory tests, and explore case studies of the most important diagnoses.
Motivated Happiness
Authors: Wojcik Sean P. , Ditto Peter H.
Published: May 2014

Three studies support the contention that self-enhancement motivation distorts self-reports of subjective well-being (SWB). Both individual differences in self-enhancement (Studies 1 and 2) and experimental manipulations of self-enhancement motivation (Study 2) predicted an increased likelihood of reporting SWB at unrealistically favorable levels relative to others—a “happier-than-average effect.” Study 3a and 3b showed that both trait self-enhancement and experimentally manipulated differences in self-enhancement motivation also affected self-reports on established measures of SWB. Specifically, individuals prone to self-enhancement were more affected than low self-enhancers by the desirability of happiness when reporting SWB. The current studies suggest that reports of SWB are susceptible to the same self-enhancement biases that influence self-reports of other positively valued traits. Implications and recommendations for the measurement of SWB and the use of well-being data in policy decision-making are discussed.
Early Processing of Gendered Facial Cues Predicts the Electoral Success of Female Politicians
Authors: Hehman Eric , Carpinella Colleen M. , Johnson Kerri L. , Leitner Jordan B. , Freeman Jonathan B.
Published: May 2014

This research examined how the typicality of gender cues in politicians’ faces related to their electoral success. Previous research has shown that faces with subtle gender-atypical cues elicit cognitive competition between male and female categories, which perceivers resolve during face perception. To assess whether this competition adversely impacted politicians’ electoral success, participants categorized the gender of politicians’ faces in a hand-tracking paradigm. Gender-category competition was indexed by the hand’s attraction to the incorrect gender response. Greater gender-category competition predicted a decreased likelihood of votes, but only for female politicians. Time-course analyses revealed that this outcome was evident as early as 380 ms following face presentation (Study 1). Results were replicated with a national sample, and effects became more pronounced as the conservatism of the constituency increased (Study 2). Thus, gender categorization dynamics during the initial milliseconds after viewing a female politician’s face are predictive of her electoral success, especially in more conservative areas.
The novel use of clozapine in an adolescent with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Argent Sarah Elizabeth , Hill Simon Alastair
Published: May 2014

Background:

Clozapine has been used to good effect in the treatment of adults with borderline personality disorder, but there is scant evidence of it being used in an adolescent population with these difficulties.

Methods:

Clozapine was trialled in an adolescent with a clinical presentation consistent with an emerging borderline personality disorder.

Results:

There was a large reduction in the number of incidents involving abuse to staff, or harm to self, in the 8 weeks after commencing clozapine therapy, compared with the 8 weeks prior, and also a large reduction in the number of episodes of the use of seclusion in the 13 weeks after commencing clozapine therapy, compared with the 13 weeks prior. The young person was also able to be reintegrated in to the ward environment once established on clozapine therapy, which had not been possible full-time, for a whole year prior.

Conclusions:

Although limited by involving just one adolescent, this very preliminary data does nonetheless suggest that clozapine may have a role in treating adolescents with emerging borderline personality disorder when other treatment options have been exhausted.
Perceptions and Use of Antimicrobials Among Staff of a University Community in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Asekun-Olarinmoye Esther O. , Akinwusi Patience O. , Adebimpe Wasiu O. , Omisore Akinlolu G. , Isawumi Michaeline A. , Hassan Mustapha B. , Olowe Olugbenga A. , Makanjuola Olufunmi B. , Abiodun Omoniyi M. , Olaitan Janet O. , Olaitan Peter B. , Alebiosu Christopher O. , Adewole Taiwo A.
Published: May 2014

Public attitude and knowledge of antibiotics are determinants of rational use of antibiotics and prevention of antimicrobial drug resistance. This study assessed perception and use of antimicrobials among staff members of a University in Southwestern Nigeria. Descriptive cross-sectional study among 450 staff members of Osun State University in Southwestern Nigeria using multistage sampling method was carried out. Semi-structured self-administered and pre-tested questionnaires were used in data collection. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software Version 17.0. Binary logistic regression models for the outcome variable of composite knowledge and attitude scores toward antimicrobials and their possible predictors were done and level of significance was set at p values ≤ .05 and confidence interval of 95% for all inferential analyses. Mean age of respondents was 26.8 (±11.1) years, and 331 (73.6%) had up to tertiary-level education. One hundred eighty-three (40.7%) and 267 (59.3%) had good and poor knowledge scores, respectively; 175 (38.9%) had positive attitude whereas 275 (61.1%) had negative attitude toward the use of antibiotics. About 279 (62.0%) were informed about judicious use of antibiotics, 398 (88.4%) had ever used antibiotics in the past 1 year with the Ampicillin and Cloxacillin combinations being the most commonly used. Eighty-eight (22.1%) used antibiotics for more than 10 days as at the last use. Predictors for having good knowledge and attitude include age, educational status, and ever having used antibiotics. Inadequate knowledge and attitude toward antibiotics were observed, and this necessitates sustained health education campaign to stakeholders on rational use of antibiotics, especially toward prevention of antimicrobial resistance.
Drama, Performance Ethnography, and Self-Esteem
Authors: Antonelli Liam , Bilocca Sasha , Borg Dario , Borg Shane , Boxall Mark , Briffa Luke , Debono Charlene , Falzon Ruth , Farrugia Valentina , Gatt Leah , Formosa Mike , Mifsud Dione , Mizzi Kurt , Scurfield Lena , Scurfield Matthew , Vella Gary Lee
Published: May 2014

Self-esteem affects learning, performance, self-worth, and quality of life, particularly in persons with dyslexia, or rather how students with dyslexia are mis/understood and supported. Dyslexia does not only affect literacy but also affects emotional well-being. Webb concludes that for children to feel successful, they need to become aware of their unique learning strengths to apply them effectively to strengthen weaknesses. Drama and Performance Ethnography (PE) can be support strategies. Workshops were carried out with a group of adolescent youngsters with dyslexia. The aim was to provide a safe environment where they could find their voice and gain self-confidence through drama and PE to provide opportunities to address self-esteem and to provide insights for policies and practice. This article intends to listen to these youngsters’, also co-authors, and their parents’ narratives of this experience.
Bias in Area Under the Curve for Longitudinal Clinical Trials With Missing Patient Reported Outcome Data
Authors: Bell Melanie L. , King Madeleine T. , Fairclough Diane L.
Published: May 2014

A common approach to the analysis of longitudinal patient reported outcomes (PROs) is the use of summary measures such as area under the time curve (AUC). However, it is not clear how missing data affects the validity of AUC analysis. This study aimed to compare the use of AUC summary measures (in individuals) with AUC summary statistics (on groups, calculated from the estimated parameters of a mixed model) when data are complete, missing at random, and missing not at random. A simulation experiment based on a two-armed randomized trial was carried out to investigate the precision and bias of AUC in longitudinal analysis where missingness, trajectory, and missingness allocation were varied. Summary measures AUC with ad hoc approaches to missing data were compared with mixed model AUC summary statistics. AUC summary statistics were consistently superior to AUC summary measures in terms of precision and bias. The bias of AUC summary statistic approach was very small, even when data were missing not at random and when differential attrition between groups existed. AUC summary measures on individuals should not be used to analyze longitudinal PRO data in the presence of missing data.
A Meta-Analysis of Empirically Tested School-Based Dating Violence Prevention Programs
Authors: Edwards Sarah R. , Hinsz Verlin B.
Published: May 2014

Teen dating violence prevention programs implemented in schools and empirically tested were subjected to meta-analysis. Eight studies met criteria for inclusion, consisting of both within and between designs. Overall, the weighted mean effect size (ES) across studies was significant, ES r = .11; 95% confidence interval (CI) = [.08, .15], p < .0001, showing an overall positive effect of the studied prevention programs. However, 25% of the studies showed an effect in the negative direction, meaning students appeared to be more supportive of dating violence after participating in a dating violence prevention program. This heightens the need for thorough program evaluation as well as the need for decision makers to have access to data about the effectiveness of programs they are considering implementing. Further implications of the results and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Omental implantation of BOECs in hemophilia dogs results in circulating FVIII antigen and a complex immune response
Authors: Ozelo Margareth C. , Vidal Barbara , Brown Christine , Notley Colleen , Hegadorn Carol , Webster Sandra , Harpell Lori , Ahlin James , Winterborn Andrew , Handforth Janine , Arruda Valder R. , Hough Christine , Lillicrap David
Published: May 2014

Key Points

Implanting autologous FVIII-expressing BOECs results in sustained FVIII antigen in hemophilia dogs. Anti-FVIII immunoglobulin G2 antibodies develop.
6MP adherence in a multiracial cohort of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Children's Oncology Group study
Authors: Bhatia Smita , Landier Wendy , Hageman Lindsey , Kim Heeyoung , Chen Yanjun , Crews Kristine R. , Evans William E. , Bostrom Bruce , Casillas Jacqueline , Dickens David S. , Maloney Kelly W. , Neglia Joseph P. , Ravindranath Yaddanapudi , Ritchey A. Kim , Wong F. Lennie , Relling Mary V.
Published: May 2014

Key Points

Adherence rates were significantly lower in African Americans (87%) and Asian Americans (90%), as compared with non-Hispanic whites (95%). Adherence to 6MP at <90% was associated with a 3.9-fold increased risk of relapse in a multiracial cohort of children with ALL.
TP53 mutations occur in 15.7% of ALL and are associated with MYC-rearrangement, low hypodiploidy, and a poor prognosis
Authors: Stengel Anna , Schnittger Susanne , Weissmann Sandra , Kuznia Sabrina , Kern Wolfgang , Kohlmann Alexander , Haferlach Torsten , Haferlach Claudia
Published: May 2014

Key Points

TP53 mutations are detected in 15.7% of patients with ALL and are correlated to a low hypodiploid karyotype and to MYC-translocations. Disruption of both TP53 alleles is associated with adverse prognosis in ALL.
Consistent melting behavior induced by Joule heating between Ag microwire and nanowire meshes
Authors: Tsuchiya Kaoru , Li Yuan , Saka Masumi
Published: May 2014

The melting behavior of an Ag microwire mesh induced by Joule heating was numerically investigated and compared with that of the corresponding Ag nanowire mesh with the same structure but different geometrical and physical properties of the wire itself. According to the relationship of melting current and melting voltage during the melting process, a similar repetitive zigzag pattern in melting behavior was discovered in both meshes. On this basis, a dimensionless parameter defined as figure of merit was proposed to characterize the current-carrying ability of the mesh. The consistent feature of figure of merit in both meshes indicates that the melting behavior of the Ag nanowire mesh can be predicted from the present results of the corresponding Ag microwire mesh with the same structure but made from a different wire (e.g., different size, different material) through simple conversion. The present findings can provide fundamental insight into the reliability analysis on the metallic nanowire mesh-based transparent conductive electrode.
Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal for patients with acute respiratory failure secondary to the acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Fitzgerald Marianne , Millar Jonathan , Blackwood Bronagh , Davies Andrew , Brett Stephen J , McAuley Daniel F , McNamee James J
Published: May 2014

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) continues to have significant mortality and morbidity. The only intervention proven to reduce mortality is the use of lung-protective mechanical ventilation strategies, although such a strategy may lead to problematic hypercapnia. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) devices allow uncoupling of ventilation from oxygenation, thereby removing carbon dioxide and facilitating lower tidal volume ventilation. We performed a systematic review to assess efficacy, complication rates, and utility of ECCO2R devices. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), case–control studies and case series with 10 or more patients. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS (Literatura Latino Americana em Ciências da Saúde), and ISI Web of Science, in addition to grey literature and clinical trials registries. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers against predefined criteria and agreement was reached by consensus. Outcomes of interest included mortality, intensive care and hospital lengths of stay, respiratory parameters and complications. The review included 14 studies with 495 patients (two RCTs and 12 observational studies). Arteriovenous ECCO2R was used in seven studies, and venovenous ECCO2R in seven studies. Available evidence suggests no mortality benefit to ECCO2R, although post hoc analysis of data from the most recent RCT showed an improvement in ventilator-free days in more severe ARDS. Organ failure-free days or ICU stay have not been shown to decrease with ECCO2R. Carbon dioxide removal was widely demonstrated as feasible, facilitating the use of lower tidal volume ventilation. Complication rates varied greatly across the included studies, representing technological advances. There was a general paucity of high-quality data and significant variation in both practice and technology used among studies, which confounded analysis. ECCO2R is a rapidly evolving technology and is an efficacious treatment to enable protective lung ventilation. Evidence for a positive effect on mortality and other important clinical outcomes is lacking. Rapid technological advances have led to major changes in these devices and together with variation in study design have limited applicability of analysis. Further well-designed adequately powered RCTs are needed.
Subcellular mRNA localisation at a glance
Authors: Parton Richard M. , Davidson Alexander , Davis Ilan , Weil Timothy T.
Published: May 2014

mRNA localisation coupled to translational regulation provides an important means of dictating when and where proteins function in a variety of model systems. This mechanism is particularly relevant in polarised or migrating cells. Although many of the models for how this is achieved were first proposed over 20 years ago, some of the molecular details are still poorly understood. Nevertheless, advanced imaging, biochemical and computational approaches have started to shed light on the cis-acting localisation signals and trans-acting factors that dictate the final destination of localised transcripts. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we provide an overview of mRNA localisation, from transcription to degradation, focusing on the microtubule-dependent active transport and anchoring mechanism, which we will use to explain the general paradigm. However, it is clear that there are diverse ways in which mRNAs become localised and target protein expression, and we highlight some of the similarities and differences between these mechanisms.
S5a binds death receptor-6 to induce THP-1 monocytes differentiation via NF-κB pathway
Authors: Wang Zheng , Fan Chen , Zhou Hong-Fei , Lu Jian-Sheng , Sun Ming-Juan , Song Jing-Wen , Le Yuan , Jiang Hong-Die , Wang Liang-Hua , Jiao Bing-Hua
Published: May 2014

Analyses of apoptotic cell supernatants have helped identify many signals that modulate the states of activation and differentiation in the congeneric or other cells. However, the current knowledge about these soluble factors that are released during apoptosis is rather limited. Previous studies have shown that S5a/Angiocidin induced human acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1 cells) to differentiation into macrophages, but the cell surface receptor of S5a has not been identified. In this study we show that apoptotic THP-1 cells released endogenous S5a, and S5a bound with death receptor-6, which was identified as an orphan receptor, to induce THP-1 cells differentiation. Furthermore, we found NF-κB pathway was activated and the transcription factor WT1 and c-myb mediated THP-1 differentiation induced by S5a. And we also show that the differentiation was blocked after anti-DR6 antibody, DR6 siRNA, DR6-Fc, NF-κB inhibitor, or WT1 siRNA treatment. Our finding indicated that the interaction between cells can determine their destination. And we provided evidence for a functional interaction between S5a and DR6, which provides a novel target that can induce the differentiation of cancer cells especially for biotherapy of leukemia.
The metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, modulates β-Catenin phosphorylation and nuclear translocation by mechanisms involving FRAT1 and PAK4
Authors: Jin Runsen , Liu Wensheng , Menezes Sharleen , Yue Fei , Zheng Minhua , Kovacevic Zaklina , Richardson Des R.
Published: May 2014

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a potent metastasis suppressor that has been demonstrated to inhibit the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) by maintaining E-cadherin and β-catenin at the cell membrane in prostate and colon cancer cells. However, the precise molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this investigation, we demonstrated that NDRG1 inhibited the phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser33/37, Thr41 and increased non-phosphorylated β-catenin levels on the plasma membrane in DU145 prostate cancer cells and HT29 colon cancer cells. The mechanism of inhibiting β-catenin phosphorylation involved the NDRG1-mediated up-regulation of the GSK3β-binding protein, FRAT1, which prevents the association of GSK3β with the Axin1/APC/CK1 destruction complex and subsequent phosphorylation of β-catenin. Additionally, NDRG1 was shown to modulate the WNT/β-catenin pathway by inhibiting β-catenin nuclear translocation. This was mediated through its effect of reducing the nuclear localization of p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4), which is known to act as a transporter for β-catenin nuclear translocation. The current study is the first to elucidate a unique molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of β-catenin phosphorylation and distribution by NDRG1.
Formation of Gold Clusters on La–Ni Mixed Oxides and Its Catalytic Performance for Isomerization of Allylic Alcohols to Saturated Aldehydes
Authors: Ishida Tamao , Aimoto Jun , Hamasaki Akiyuki , Ohashi Hironori , Honma Tetsuo , Yokoyama Takushi , Sakata Kohei , Okumura Mitsutaka , Tokunaga Makoto
Published: May 2014

Au/NiO catalyzed the isomerization of allylic alcohols to afford saturated aldehydes. La–Ni mixed oxide could stabilize Au(III) and afford gold clusters smaller than 1 nm by H2 reduction. The resulting Au clusters on La–Ni–O exhibited superior catalytic performance to Au/NiO for the isomerization of internal allylic alcohol, 2-octen-1-ol to octanal.
Simple Manual Grinding Synthesis of Highly Luminescent Mononuclear Cu(I)–Iodide Complexes
Authors: Ohara Hiroki , Kobayashi Atsushi , Kato Masako
Published: May 2014

Highly luminescent mononuclear copper(I)–iodide complexes [CuI(PPh3)2(L)] have been synthesized by simple manual grinding of copper(I) iodide, PPh3, and N-heteroaromatic ligands (L = isoquinoline, 1,6-naphthyridine, and pyridine). They exhibit different colors of luminescence depending on L affording very high quantum yields (0.63–0.99).
Strategic Resource Allocation: Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and the Value of Strategic Buckets
Authors: Hutchison-Krupat Jeremy , Kavadias Stylianos
Published: May 2014

When senior managers make the critical decision of whether to assign resources to a strategic initiative, they have less precise initiative-specific information than project managers who execute such initiatives. Senior management chooses between a decision process that dictates the resource level (top-down) and one that delegates the resource decision and gives up control in favor of more precise information (bottom-up). We investigate this choice and vary the amount of information asymmetry between stakeholders, the “penalty for failure” imposed upon project managers, and how challenging the initiative is for the firm. We find that no single decision process is the “best.” Bottom-up processes are beneficial for more challenging initiatives. Increased organizational penalties may prompt the firm to choose a narrower scope and deter the approval of profitable initiatives. Such penalties, however, enable an effective decision process known as “strategic buckets” that holds the potential to achieve first-best resource allocation levels.

This paper was accepted by Kamalini Ramdas, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Prioritization via Stochastic Optimization
Authors: Koç Ali , Morton David P.
Published: May 2014

We take a novel approach to decision problems involving binary activity-selection decisions competing for scarce resources. The literature approaches such problems by forming an optimal portfolio of activities. However, often practitioners instead form a rank-ordered list of activities and select those with the highest priority. We account for both viewpoints. We rank activities considering both the uncertainty in the problem parameters and the optimal portfolio that will be obtained once the uncertainty is revealed. We use stochastic integer programming as a modeling framework, and we apply our approach to a facility location problem and a multidimensional knapsack problem. We develop two sets of cutting planes to improve computation.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1865 .

This paper was accepted by Dimitris Bertsimas, optimization.
Nurse Absenteeism and Staffing Strategies for Hospital Inpatient Units
Authors: Wang Wen-Ya , Gupta Diwakar
Published: May 2014

Inpatient staffing costs are significantly affected by nurse absenteeism, which is typically high in U.S. hospitals. We use data from multiple inpatient units of two hospitals to study which factors, including unit culture, short-term workload, and shift type, explain nurse absenteeism. The analysis highlights the importance of paying attention to heterogeneous absentee rates among individual nurses. We then develop models to investigate the impact of demand and absentee rate variability on the performance of staffing plans and obtain some structural results. Utilizing these results, we propose and test three easy-to-use heuristics to identify near-optimal staffing strategies. Such strategies could be useful to hospitals that periodically reassign nurses with similar qualifications to inpatient units in order to balance workload and accommodate changes in patient flow. Although motivated by staffing of hospital inpatient units, the approach developed in this paper is also applicable to other team-based and labor-intensive service environments.
Efficiency of the Polyethylene-Glycol (PEG) Embedding Medium for Plant Histochemistry
Authors: Ferreira Bruno G. , Teixeira Cristiane T. , Isaias Rosy M. S.
Published: May 2014

Histochemical analyses in plants are commonly performed on hand-made sections of fresh materials. The disadvantages of embedding in historesin, paraffin or paraplast® are the alterations to cellular contents, the high costs and few evident results, depending on the test. Polyethylene-glycol (PEG), as a low cost, hydrophilic medium that maintains most of the cellular features similar to fresh conditions, may be useful for obtaining good histochemical results in thinner and homogeneous sections. The current study aimed to compare the efficiency of PEG as an embedding medium for histochemical analyses of primary and secondary metabolites accumulation. Using hand-made sections of fresh samples (T1) as a comparison, we tested the influence of the use of Karnovsky’s solution as a fixative (T2) versus embedding in PEG (T3). The samples herein analyzed comprise leaves, stems, seeds and insect galls of different plant species. Neither the Karnovsky’s fixative nor the embedding in PEG altered the histochemical results for starch, lipids, terpenoids, proteins and reducing sugars in T1, T2, and T3. However, PEG binds to phenols, such as tannins, flavonoids and lignins, thereby presenting false negatives in T3.
Validation of DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Chatterton Zac , Burke Daniel , Emslie Kerry R , Craig Jeffery M , Ng Jane , Ashley David M , Mechinaud Francoise , Saffery Richard , Wong Nicholas C
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

DNA methylation biomarkers capable of diagnosis and subtyping have been found for many cancers. Fifteen such markers have previously been identified for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Validation of these markers is necessary to assess their clinical utility for molecular diagnostics. Substantial efficiencies could be achieved with these DNA methylation markers for disease tracking with potential to replace patient-specific genetic testing.

METHODS

We evaluated DNA methylation of promoter regions of TLX3 (T-cell leukemia homeobox) and FOXE3 (forkhead box E3) in bone marrow biopsies from 197 patients classified as leukemic (n = 95) or clear of the disease (n = 102) by MALDI-TOF. Using a single nucleotide extension assay (methylSABER), we tested 10 bone marrow biopsies collected throughout the course of patient chemotherapy. Using reference materials, diagnostic thresholds and limits of detection were characterized for both methods.

RESULTS

Reliable detection of DNA methylation of TLX3 and FOXE3 segregated ALL from those clear of disease with minimal false-negative and false-positive results. The limit of detection with MALDI-TOF was 1000–5000 copies of methylated allele. For methylSABER, the limit of detection was 10 copies of methylated TLX3, which enabled monitoring of minimal residual disease in ALL patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Mass spectrometry procedures can be used to regionally multiplex and detect rare DNA methylation events, establish DNA methylation loci as clinically applicable biomarkers for disease diagnosis, and track pediatric ALL.
Apocalypse Now, Vietnam, and the Rhetoric of Influence
Authors: Childs Jeffrey
Published: May 2014

Readings of Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now (1979) often confront the difficulty of having to privilege either its aesthetic context (considering, for instance, its relation to Conrad's Heart of Darkness [1899] or to the history of cinema) or its value as a representation of the Vietnam War. In this paper, I will argue that viewing the film as a meditation on the nature and rhetoric of influence allows us to bridge this gap and provides us with valuable insights into both the film's aesthetic precursors and the circumstances of its historical setting.ResumoAs leituras do filme Apocalypse Now (1979) de Francis Ford Coppola são muitas vezes marcadas pelo imperativo de escolher entre uma abordagem ao seu contexto estético (referindo, por exemplo, a relação do filme com a obra Heart of Darkness [1899], de Conrad, ou com a história do cinema) e uma análise do seu valor enquanto representação da Guerra do Vietname. Neste ensaio, irei defender que uma aproximação ao filme enquanto meditação sobre a natureza e a retórica da influência permite preencher esta lacuna e realçar aspectos fundamentais quer acerca dos precursores estéticos da obra, quer sobre as circunstâncias específicas do seu contexto histórico. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_1
Cinema e Literatura em Linha
Authors: Brito Matheus De , Silvestre Osvaldo Manuel
Published: May 2014

Apresentação sumária de oito publicações em linha (blogues, revistas e sítios web) sobre cinema e literatura: David Bordwell, Girish Shambu, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Film Studies for Free, La Furia Umana, Revista Cinética, Letraceluloide, Adaptaciones de la Literatura española.
Um Trágico Final Feliz
Authors: Melo Maria Joana
Published: May 2014

Este artigo trata a questão do final feliz na primeira manifestação cultural audiovisual que foi a tragédia grega, relacionando características típicas da tragédia e do melodrama, tais como as soluções ex-machina e o alogon aristotélico, o pathos, as lágrimas e os lamentos, principais motivos da crítica de Platão àquela arte. Seguindo a Poética de Aristóteles, incidi na contradição entre os capítulos 13 e 14, em que se prescreve respetivamente um final infeliz e feliz. Concluí que a tragédia grega não difere do melodrama no que são as características apontadas como exclusivas da primeira, diferindo noutras, muito estanques, definidas por Aristóteles e que, até hoje, não permitem permeabilidade entre formas altas e baixas da cultura de massas, indicando, ao contrário do que a bibliografia afirma, que não se deve a Aristóteles o desvio da tragédia grega para o melodrama.Abstract This paper addresses the happy ending in Greek tragedy – viewed as the first audiovisual mass-culture manifestation –, connecting features specifically assigned to tragedy and melodrama, such as ex-machina endings and the Aristotelian alogon, pathos, tears and moans, which gave Plato the main reason to oppose that form of art.  Following Aristotle’s precepts in the Poetics, I will focus on the contradiction between chapters 13 and 14, in which he prescribes a happy and an unhappy ending. I have concluded that there is little difference between tragedy and melodrama as pertains to the exclusive features of Greek tragedy, but that there is a great difference when focusing on the features proposed by Aristotle, who therefore can not be held responsible for the shifting of tragedy towards melodrama. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-2_7
Estimating the Modulus of Elasticity of Pervious Concrete Based on Porosity
Authors: Alam Ashraful , Haselbach Liv
Published: May 2014

The modulus of elasticity is an important property for evaluating the mechanistic response of any material under load, and porosity influences the rheological, mechanical, and hydraulic properties of pervious concrete. The relationship between porosity and modulus of elasticity of pervious concrete has not been well researched. In this study, pervious concrete cylinder specimens were prepared for a range of porosities and compression tests were performed to determine the moduli of elasticity. Secant moduli of elasticity at five different stress levels (i.e., 2.2, 2.8, 3.3, 3.9, and 4.4 MPa) were calculated from the load-deformation data of the compression tests. Three performance zones were proposed for estimating the modulus of elasticity based on porosity at the stress levels of 2.2 and 2.8 MPa, i.e., lower, average, and upper. These performance zones provide designers with more information based on the variability and heterogeneous distribution of porosity in a pervious concrete section for risk-based assessments. While more research is required for comprehensive characterization of pervious concrete, the modulus of elasticity equation in the lower performance zone might provide an initial performance assessment of pervious concrete until its components can be better characterized.
Safety and Occupational Footwear
Authors: Ells William
Published: May 2014

Description

This new, one-of-a kind ASTM reference guide provides the latest information on safety and occupational footwear. Topics cover:

The book was written to help safety directors better understand the science and complexity of footwear and slip resistance (Chapter 5). Safety is the number one cause of concern across all industries as related to slip resistance. The book refers to many ASTM standards developed by Committee F13 on Pedestrian/Walkway Safety and Footwear, including F2913, Standard Test Method for Measuring the Coefficient of Friction for Evaluation of Slip Performance of Footwear and Test Surfaces/Flooring Using a Whole Shoe Tester.
Application of Automation Methods for Nonlinear Fracture Test Analysis
Authors: Allen Phillip A. , Wells Douglas N.
Published: May 2014

As fracture mechanics material testing evolves, the governing test standards continue to be refined to better reflect the latest understanding of the physics of the fracture processes involved. The traditional format of ASTM fracture testing standards, utilizing equations expressed directly in the text of the standard to assess the experimental result, is self-limiting in the complexity that can be reasonably captured. The use of automated analysis techniques to draw upon a rich, detailed solution database for assessing fracture mechanics tests provides a foundation for a new approach to testing standards that enables routine users to obtain highly reliable assessments of tests involving complex, non-linear fracture behavior. Herein, the case for automating the analysis of tests of surface cracks in tension in the elastic-plastic regime is utilized as an example of how such a database can be generated and implemented for use in the ASTM standards framework. The presented approach forms a bridge between the equation-based fracture testing standards of today and the next generation of standards solving complex problems through analysis automation.
Two patients with a neuroendocrine tumour of the small intestine and paraneoplastic myasthenia gravis
Authors: Hermans M A W , Stelten B M L , Haak H R , de Herder W W , Dercksen M W
Published: May 2014

This paper reports on two patients with a long-standing diagnosis of an ENETS stage IV neuroendocrine tumour (NET) of the small intestine who developed neurological symptoms. The first patient only had bulbar symptoms and tested positive for acetylcholine receptor antibodies. The second patient had more classical symptoms of fatigable diplopia and muscle weakness of the legs, but no detectable antibodies. The diagnosis of paraneoplastical myasthenia gravis (MG) was postulated. Both patients were treated with pyridostigmine for MG and octreotide for the NETs. Interestingly, treatment of the NETs resulted in improvement of myasthenic symptoms. Paraneoplastic MG has been described to occur with certain malignancies, mainly thymoma. Herein, we prove that the association with gastrointestinal NETs, however, rare, is also one to be considered by clinicians dealing with either of these diseases. The pathogenesis has yet to be elucidated.

Learning points

NETs are rare malignancies with a wide variety of symptoms.

Paraneoplastic MG can occur with various types of malignancies.

Herein, we provide evidence of paraneoplastic MG in association with a grade IV NET of the small intestine.

Treatment of the NETs resulted in remission of myasthenic symptoms in one patient.
Parasitic thyroid nodules: cancer or not?
Authors: Baker Lauren J , Gill Anthony J , Chan Charles , Lin Betty P C , Crawford Bronwyn A
Published: May 2014

In 2006, a 58-year-old woman presented with thyrotoxicosis. She had undergone left hemithyroidectomy 14 years before for a benign follicular adenoma. Ultrasound imaging demonstrated bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy with enhanced tracer uptake in the left lateral neck on a Technetium-99m uptake scan. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of a left lateral neck node was insufficient for a cytological diagnosis; however, thyroglobulin (Tg) washings were strongly positive. The clinical suspicion was of functionally active metastatic thyroid cancer in cervical lymph nodes. A completion thyroidectomy and bilateral cervical lymph node dissection were performed. Histology demonstrated benign multinodularity in the right hemithyroid, with bilateral reactive lymphadenopathy and 24 benign hyperplastic thyroid nodules in the left lateral neck that were classified as parasitic thyroid nodules. As there had been a clinical suspicion of thyroid cancer, and the hyperplastic/parasitic thyroid tissue in the neck was extensive, the patient was given ablative radioactive iodine (3.7 GBq). After 2 years, a diagnostic radioactive iodine scan was clear and the serum Tg was undetectable. The patient has now been followed for 7 years with no evidence of recurrence. Archived tissue from a left lateral neck thyroid nodule has recently been analysed for BRAF V600E mutation, which was negative.

Learning points

Thyrotoxicosis due to functional thyroid tissue in the lateral neck is very rare and may be due to metastatic thyroid cancer or benign parasitic thyroid tissue.

Parasitic thyroid nodules should be considered as a differential diagnosis of lateral neck thyroid deposits, particularly where there is a history of prior thyroid surgery.

Parasitic thyroid nodules may occur as a result of traumatic rupture or implantation from a follicular adenoma at the time of surgery.

The use of ablative radioactive iodine may be appropriate, as resection of all parasitic thyroid tissue can prove difficult.

BRAF mutational analysis of parasitic thyroid tissue may provide extra reassurance in the exclusion of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Androgen biosynthesis in castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Penning Trevor M
Published: May 2014

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in adult males in the USA. Recent advances have revealed that the fatal form of this cancer, known as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), remains hormonally driven despite castrate levels of circulating androgens. CRPC arises as the tumor undergoes adaptation to low levels of androgens by either synthesizing its own androgens (intratumoral androgens) or altering the androgen receptor (AR). This article reviews the major routes to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone synthesis in CRPC cells and examines the enzyme targets and progress in the development of isoform-specific inhibitors that could block intratumoral androgen biosynthesis. Because redundancy exists in these pathways, it is likely that inhibition of a single pathway will lead to upregulation of another so that drug resistance would be anticipated. Drugs that target multiple pathways or bifunctional agents that block intratumoral androgen biosynthesis and antagonize the AR offer the most promise. Optimal use of enzyme inhibitors or AR antagonists to ensure maximal benefits to CRPC patients will also require application of precision molecular medicine to determine whether a tumor in a particular patient will be responsive to these treatments either alone or in combination.
NOD1 expression is increased in the adipose tissue of women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Lappas Martha
Published: May 2014

Maternal peripheral insulin resistance and increased inflammation are two features of pregnancies, complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD) intracellular molecules recognise a wide range of microbial products, as well as other intracellular danger signals, thereby initiating inflammation through activation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB). The aim of this study was to determine whether levels of NOD1 and NOD2 are increased in adipose tissue of women with GDM. The effect of NOD1 and NOD2 activation on inflammation and the insulin signalling pathway was also assessed. NOD1, but not NOD2, expression was higher in omental and subcutaneous adipose tissues obtained from women with GDM when compared with those from women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). In both omental and subcutaneous adipose tissues from NGT and GDM women, the NOD1 ligand g-d-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP) significantly induced the expression and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL6) and chemokine IL8;COX2(PTGS2) gene expression and subsequent prostaglandin production; the expression and secretion of the extracellular matrix remodelling enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and the gene expression and secretion of the adhesion moleculesICAM1andVCAM1. There was no effect of the NOD2 ligand muramyl dipeptide on any of the endpoints tested. The effects of the NOD1 ligand iE-DAP were mediated via NFκB, as the NFκB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 significantly attenuated iE-DAP-induced expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines,COX2gene expression and subsequent prostaglandin production,MMP9expression and secretion andICAM1andVCAM1gene expression and secretion. In conclusion, the present findings describe an important role for NOD1 in the development of insulin resistance and inflammation in pregnancies complicated by GDM.