bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontogeny of the Major Xenobiotic‐Metabolizing Enzymes Expression and the Dietary Lipids Modulatory Effect in the Rat Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene‐Induced Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Manzanares Miguel Ángel , Solanas Montserrat , Moral Raquel , Escrich Raquel , Vela Elena , Escrich Eduard
Published: August 2014

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Environmental factors such as xenobiotic exposure and lifestyle and nutrition play a key role in its etiology. This study was designed to evaluate the age‐related changes in the expression of major xenobiotic‐metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) in the rat liver and the mammary gland in the dimethylbenz(a)anthracene‐induced breast cancer model. The influence of dietary lipids on the ontogeny of XMEs was also evaluated. mRNA and protein levels of phase I (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1) and phase II (NAD(P)H:quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 and GSTP1) enzymes were analyzed, as well as their regulation by AhR and Nrf2, respectively. Results showed differences in the phase I enzymes expression, whereas little changes were obtained in phase II. High corn oil and olive oil diets differentially influenced the expression of age‐related changes, suggesting that the different susceptibility to xenobiotic exposure depending upon the age may be modulated by dietary factors.
HN1 Negatively Influences the β‐Catenin/E‐Cadherin Interaction, and Contributes to Migration in Prostate Cells
Authors: Varisli Lokman , Ozturk Bilge E. , Akyuz Gencer K. , Korkmaz Kemal S.
Published: August 2014

Previously, it has been reported that HN1 is involved in cytoplasmic retention and degradation of androgen receptor in an AKT dependent manner. As HN1 is a hormone inducible gene, and has been shown that it is upregulated in various cancers, we studied the importance of HN1 function in β‐catenin signaling in prostate cancer cell line, PC‐3 and mammary cancer cell line MDA‐MB231. Here, we demonstrated that HN1 physically associates with GSK3β/β‐catenin destruction complex and abundantly localizes to cytoplasm, especially when the GSK3β is phosphorylated on S9 residue. Further, ectopic HN1 expression results an increase in the β‐catenin degradation leading to loss of E‐cadherin interaction, concurrently contributing to actin re‐organization, colony formation and migration in cancer cell lines. Thus, we report that HN1 is an essential factor for β‐catenin turnover and signaling, augments cell growth and migration in prostate cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 170–178, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thymoquinone Restores Radiation‐Induced TGF‐β Expression and Abrogates EMT in Chemoradiotherapy of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Rajput Shashi , Kumar B. N. Prashanth , Banik Payel , Parida Sheetal , Mandal Mahitosh
Published: August 2014

Radiotherapy remains a prime approach to adjuvant therapies in patients with early and advanced breast cancer. In spite of therapeutic success, metastatic progression in patients undergoing therapy, limits its application. However, effective therapeutic strategies to understand the cellular and molecular machinery in inhibiting radiation‐induced metastatic progression, which is poorly understood so far, need to be strengthened. Ionizing radiation was known to prompt cancer cell's metastatic ability by eliciting Transforming Growth Factor‐beta (TGF‐β), a key regulator in epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation and radio‐resistance. In this viewpoint, we employed thymoquinone as a radiosensitizer to investigate its migration and invasion reversal abilities in irradiated breast cancer cell lines by assessing their respective attributes. The role of metastasis regulatory molecules like TGF‐β, E‐cadherin, and integrin αV and its downstream molecules were determined using RT‐PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and extracellular TGF‐β levels affirmed through ELISA assays. These studies affirmed the TGF‐β restoring ability of thymoquinone in radiation‐driven migration and invasion. Also, results demonstrated that the epithelial markers E‐cadherin and cytokeratin 19 were downregulated whereas mesenchymal markers like integrin αV, MMP9, and MMP2 were upregulated by irradiation treatment; however thymoquinone pre‐sensitization has reverted the expression of these proteins back to control proteins expression. Here, paclitaxel was chosen as an apoptosis inducer in TGF‐β restored cells and confirmed its cytotoxic effects in radiation alone and thymoquinone sensitized irradiated cells. We conclude that this therapeutic modality is effective in preventing radiation‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation and concomitant induction of apoptosis in breast cancer. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 620–629, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Quantitative analysis of human herpesvirus‐6 and human cytomegalovirus in blood and saliva from patients with acute leukemia
Authors: Nefzi Faten , Ben Salem Nabil Abid , Khelif Abderrahim , Feki Salma , Aouni Mahjoub , Gautheret‐Dejean Agnès
Published: August 2014

Human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNAs were quantified by real‐time PCR assays in blood and saliva obtained from 50 patients with acute leukemia at the time of diagnosis (50 of each matrix), aplasia (65 of each matrix), remission (55 of each matrix), and relapse (20 of each matrix) to evaluate which biological matrix was more suitable to identify a viral reactivation, search for a possible link between HHV‐6 and HCMV reactivations, and evaluate the relations between viral loads and count of different leukocyte types in blood. The median HHV‐6 loads were 136; 219; 226, and 75 copies/million cells in blood at diagnosis, aplasia, remission and relapse, respectively. The HCMV loads were 193 and 317 copies/million cells in blood at diagnosis and remission. In the saliva samples, the HHV‐6 loads were 22,165; 15,238; 30,214, and 17,454 copies/million cells at diagnosis, aplasia, remission, and relapse, respectively. The HCMV loads were 8,991; 1,461; 2,980, and 4,283 copies/million cells at diagnosis, aplasia, remission, and relapse, respectively. The HHV‐6 load in the blood was correlated to the counts of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (R2 = 0.5; P < 0.0001) and lymphocytes (R2 = 0.4; P = 0.001) and was not correlated to the monocyte counts (R2 = 0.07; P = 0.7). Saliva appears to be a more sensitive biological matrix than whole blood in the detection of HHV‐6 or HCMV reactivations. The HHV‐6 and HCMV reactivations were linked only in saliva. J. Med. Virol. 87:451–460, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of autostereoscopic two‐view 3D that uses the spherical concave surface and the parallax barrier
Authors: Hong Hyungki
Published: August 2014

Autostereoscopic display where circular concave display was used was investigated in case of the parallax barrier and two‐view 3D. Equation of the barrier pitch of the parallax barrier was derived that depended on the radius of the curved display. Trajectories of the rays coming from the curved display through the parallax barrier were calculated. Calculated distribution of ray trajectories for the autostereoscopic display using curved display showed trends similar to those for the flat display.
Quality measurement in breast cancer
Authors: Edge Stephen B.
Published: August 2014

Variation in the quality of breast care affects outcomes. Objective measurement tools are central to this effort. Most quality measures are process measures. Application of these improves quality. Many national organizations are promoting them for purposes ranging from feedback to providers to public reporting and directing payment. Surgeons should evaluate their own practices and should be involved in local, regional and national efforts to assess and improve breast care. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:509–517. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication and electrochemical characterization of erbium modified Mg–Al intermetallic coating
Authors: Li Y.‐G. , Wei Y.‐H. , Hou L.‐F. , Guo C.‐L. , Han P.‐J.
Published: August 2014

An erbium‐modified Mg17Al12 based coating was fabricated via hot‐pressing sintering method on as‐extruded AZ61 magnesium alloy. The results show that the coating is composed of Mg17Al12 matrix and Al3Er phase. The erbium addition made the hardness of the coating improved by 50 HV than single phase Mg17Al12. According to electrochemical results, the coating has lower corrosion current density and higher charge transfer resistance compared with Mg17Al12, which indicates the intermetallic coating exhibits good corrosion resistance.
Examination of the influence of heat treatment on the corrosion resistance of martensitic stainless steels
Authors: Müller T. , Heyn A. , Babutzka M. , Rosemann P.
Published: August 2014

Martensitic stainless steels are commonly used in cutlery fabrication requiring high hardness and sufficient corrosion resistance. The heat treatment process affects the mechanical and electrochemical behavior of martensitic stainless steels due to the precipitation of chromium carbides. Depending on the heat treatment the corrosion resistance of these steels can vary strongly, and improper heat treatment parameters can lead to a weak pitting corrosion resistance. The aim of this work is to identify heat treatment parameters influencing the corrosion resistance of martensitic stainless steels by using three different electrochemical testing methods. To this purpose, five different heat treatments were applied to the alloys 1.4116 and 1.4034. In addition to the determination of the critical pitting potentials and the modified double‐loop electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation tests (DL‐EPR) a new KorroPad indicator test was used assessing the pitting corrosion behavior. The results showed that all methods used were in good agreement for verifying the influence of the various heat treatment parameters on the corrosion behavior and to identify the effect of heat treatment conditions on the pitting corrosion resistance.
Improvement in Power Conversion Efficiency and Performance of P3HT/PCBM Solar Cells Using Dithiafulvalene‐Based π‐Conjugated Oligomers
Authors: Yang Po‐Chih , Wen Hua‐Wen , Huang Cheng‐Chieh , Yang Zheng‐Huie , Liao Hung‐Lun
Published: August 2014

The improvement in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and performance of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) solar cells are reported by using dithiafulvalene (DTF)‐based conjugated oligomers ((poly[2‐(9H‐fluoren‐9‐ylidene)‐4,5‐bis(hexylthio)‐1,3‐dithiole‐ran‐(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)] (PTBT) and poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexyl­fluorene)‐ran‐(2‐(9H‐fluoren‐9‐ylidene)‐4,5‐bis(hexylthio)‐1,3dithiole]‐ran‐(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)] (PFTBT)) that contain a DTF unit, which serves as an electron‐rich donor, and a benzothiadiazole group, which serves as an electron‐deficient acceptor in the main chain. A P3HT/PCBM device with 5 wt% PTBT exhibits an efficiency of up to 1.78%, which is higher than that of a device composed only of a P3HT/PCBM blend (1.01%). Introducing 2 wt% PTBT into the P3HT/PCBM blend substantially increases the charge‐carrier mobility from 2.01 × 10−4 to 4.59 × 10−4 cm2 V−1s−1. The improvement of the PCE is attributed to improved charge transport in the device and an increased open‐circuit voltage, suggesting that blending PTBT increases the intermolecular interaction of the molecules. In addition, doping the oligomer in ambient atmospheric conditions enhances the stability of these devices.

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Discovery of a Katablepharis sp. in the Columbia River estuary that is abundant during the spring and bears a unique large ribosomal subunit sequence element
Authors: Kahn Peter , Herfort Lydie , Peterson Tawnya D. , Zuber Peter
Published: August 2014

Heterotrophic protists play significant roles in pelagic food webs as bacterivorous and herbivorous consumers. However, heterotrophic protists—unlike autotrophic ones—are often difficult to track since they tend to lack features such as photosynthetic pigments that allow for remote sensing or for bulk characterization. Difficulty in the identification of heterotrophic protists has often resulted in lumping them into broad groups, but there is a strong need to develop methods that increase the spatial and temporal resolution of observations applied to particular organisms in order to discover the drivers of population structure and ecological function. In surveys of small subunit rRNA, gene (SSU) sequences of microbial eukaryotes from the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean, the heterotrophic flagellate Katablepharis sp. were found to dominate protist assemblages (including autotrophic and heterotrophic fractions) in the spring, prior to the freshet. We discovered a 332 base pair unique sequence element (USE) insertion in the large subunit rRNA gene (28S) that is not present in other katablepharids or in any other eukaryote. Using this USE, we were able to detect Katablepharis within mixed assemblages in river, estuarine, and oceanic samples and determine spatial and temporal patterns in absolute abundance through quantitative PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Given their high abundance and repeatable temporal patterns of occurrence, we hypothesize that the Columbia River Estuary Katablepharis (Katablepharis CRE) plays an important role in estuarine biogeochemical and ecosystem function.
Peripheral nerve stimulation‐optimal gradient waveform design
Authors: Schulte Rolf F. , Noeske Ralph
Published: August 2014

Purpose

Modern magnetic resonance imaging scanners with high‐performance gradient systems have high maximum gradient strength (Gmax) and slew rate (Smax). Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is often a more limiting factor for gradient waveform design than Gmax and Smax. Traditionally, the slew rate is derated globally to adhere to PNS limitations.

Methods

In this work, the PNS limitation is already included in the gradient waveform design in the form of a time‐varying slew rate, hence shortening the overall gradient duration.

Results

Spiral and echo‐planar imaging trajectories were designed with a multitude of parameters, and it was demonstrated that trajectory durations from conventional to PNS‐optimal design can be shortened by 8 and 3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Including PNS‐limits in the gradient waveform design can shorten the duration of gradient trajectories, thereby reducing associated artifacts. Magn Reson Med 74:518–522, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oscillating gradient diffusion MRI reveals unique microstructural information in normal and hypoxia‐ischemia injured mouse brains
Authors: Wu Dan , Martin Lee J. , Northington Frances J. , Zhang Jiangyang
Published: August 2014

Purpose

We investigated whether oscillating gradient diffusion MRI (dMRI) can provide information on brain microstructural changes after formaldehyde fixation and after hypoxic‐ischemic (HI) injury beyond that provided by conventional dMRI.

Methods

Pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE) and oscillating gradient spin echo (OGSE) dMRI of the adult mouse brain was performed in vivo (50–200 Hz, b = 600 mm2/s), and a similar protocol was applied to neonatal mouse brains at 24 h after unilateral hypoxia‐ischemia. Animals were perfusion fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde for ex vivo dMRI and histology.

Results

Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) measured in the live adult mouse brain presented tissue‐dependent frequency‐dependence. In vivo OGSE‐ADC maps at high oscillating frequencies (>100 Hz) showed clear contrast between the molecular layer and granule cell layer in the adult mouse cerebellum. Formaldehyde fixation significantly altered the temporal diffusion spectra in several brain regions. In neonatal mouse brains with HI injury, in vivo ADC measurements from edema regions showed diminished edema contrasts at 200 Hz compared with the PGSE results. Histology showed severe tissue swelling and necrosis in the edema regions.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the unique ability of OGSE‐dMRI in delineating tissue microstructures at different spatial scales. Magn Reson Med 72:1366–1374, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of tandem organic solar cells comprising subcells of identical absorber material
Authors: Timmreck R. , Leo K. , Riede M.
Published: August 2014

Recently organic tandem solar cells with record efficiency had been shown comprising identical absorber materials in both subcells. Such structures pose new challenges for characterization. The standard test methods for measuring spectral response of tandem solar cells can not be applied. The standard procedures demand for different bias illumination during measuring spectral response allowing to select the subcell being current limiting. With subcells comprising identical absorber materials, thus having identical absorption spectra, such a selection is not trivial. In this paper, we show that with the help of detailed optical simulations of such tandem organic solar cells, their characterization is possible, and we apply the proposed method to a sample structure. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FURTHER EVIDENCE ON THE “COSTS OF PRIVILEGE”: PERFECTIONISM IN HIGH‐ACHIEVING YOUTH AT SOCIOECONOMIC EXTREMES
Authors: Lyman Emily L. , Luthar Suniya S.
Published: August 2014

This study involved two academically‐gifted samples of 11th and 12th grade youth at the socioeconomic status (SES) extremes; one from an exclusive private, affluent school, and the other from a magnet school with low‐income students. Negative and positive adjustment outcomes were examined in relation to multiple dimensions of perfectionism including perceived parental pressures to be perfect, personal perfectionistic self‐presentation, and envy of peers. The low‐income students showed some areas of relative vulnerability, but when large group differences were found, it was the affluent youth who were at a disadvantage, with substantially higher substance use and peer envy. Affluent girls seemed particularly vulnerable, with pronounced elevations in perfectionistic tendencies, peer envy, as well as body dissatisfaction. Examination of risk and protective processes showed that relationships with mothers were associated with students' distress as well as positive adjustment. Additionally, findings showed links between (a) envy of peers and multiple outcomes (among high SES girls in particular), (b) dimensions of perfectionism in relation to internalizing symptoms, and (c) high extrinsic versus intrinsic values in relation to externalizing symptoms.
Effect of chemical functionalization on the mechanical properties of polypropylene hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Alexander Joseph V. , Neely James W. , Grulke Eric A.
Published: August 2014

Chemical treatment of polymeric hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) is used to prepare their exterior surfaces for coatings. Typical treatments can cleave both CC and CH bonds of polypropylene, leading to lower mechanical strength of the fibers. This study evaluated the yield strength, maximum strain, ultimate tensile strength, and burst strength of HFMs treated with each of three common oxidizing reagents: ozone as a gas phase system, aqueous solutions of potassium persulfate, and ammonium persulfate for liquid phase systems. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of HFMs decreased continuously with increasing ozonation time. Batch treatments with aqueous oxidizing systems showed limiting values of the yield and ultimate tensile strengths with time. Swelling the hollow fibers with methanol prior to oxidation caused less reduction of the mechanical properties after persulfate treatment. Fibers pretreated with methanol showed lower losses of mechanical properties strength with aqueous oxidation systems. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1366–1373
Confidence intervals for the difference between independent binomial proportions: comparison using a graphical approach and moving averages
Authors: Laud Peter J. , Dane Aaron
Published: August 2014

This paper uses graphical methods to illustrate and compare the coverage properties of a number of methods for calculating confidence intervals for the difference between two independent binomial proportions. We investigate both small‐sample and large‐sample properties of both two‐sided and one‐sided coverage, with an emphasis on asymptotic methods. In terms of aligning the smoothed coverage probability surface with the nominal confidence level, we find that the score‐based methods on the whole have the best two‐sided coverage, although they have slight deficiencies for confidence levels of 90% or lower. For an easily taught, hand‐calculated method, the Brown‐Li ‘Jeffreys’ method appears to perform reasonably well, and in most situations, it has better one‐sided coverage than the widely recommended alternatives. In general, we find that the one‐sided properties of many of the available methods are surprisingly poor. In fact, almost none of the existing asymptotic methods achieve equal coverage on both sides of the interval, even with large sample sizes, and consequently if used as a non‐inferiority test, the type I error rate (which is equal to the one‐sided non‐coverage probability) can be inflated. The only exception is the Gart‐Nam ‘skewness‐corrected’ method, which we express using modified notation in order to include a bias correction for improved small‐sample performance, and an optional continuity correction for those seeking more conservative coverage. Using a weighted average of two complementary methods, we also define a new hybrid method that almost matches the performance of the Gart‐Nam interval. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical Tests to Validate Predictive Models
Authors: Hamada M. S. , Abes J. I.
Published: August 2014

This article presents validation tests to check a predictive model over time. These validation tests are like individuals,
and S control charts. The individuals validation test is used when there are no replicates at the checked time points. The
and S validation tests can be used when there are replicates. Their power is evaluated under various scenarios via a simulation study. Based on these results, the
and S validation tests are recommended when there are replicate measurements. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implication of two different regeneration systems in limb regeneration
Authors: Makanae Aki , Mitogawa Kazumasa , Satoh Akira
Published: August 2014

Limb regeneration is a representative phenomenon of organ regeneration in urodele amphibians, such as an axolotl. An amputated limb starts regenerating from a remaining stump (proximal) to lost finger tips (distal). In the present case, proximal−distal (PD) reorganization takes place in a regenerating tissue, called a blastema. It has been a mystery how an induced blastema recognizes its position and restores an exact replica of missing parts. Recently, a new experimental system called the accessory limb model (ALM) has been established. The gained ALM phenotypes are demanding to reconsider the reorganization PD positional values. Based on the ALM phenotype, it is reasonable to hypothesize that reorganization of positional values has a certain discontinuity and that two different regeneration systems cooperatively reorganize the PD axis to restore an original structure. In this review, PD axis reestablishments are focused on limb regeneration. Knowledge from ALM studies in axolotls and Xenopus is providing a novel concept of PD axis reorganization in limb regeneration.
Reversible data hiding exploiting high‐correlation regulation for high‐quality images
Authors: Wang Xing‐Tian , Li Ming‐Chu , Wang Szu‐Ting , Chang Chin‐Chen
Published: August 2014

Reversible data hiding enables the cover image to be restored from the stego image without any loss after the secret message is extracted. In this paper, we proposed a novel reversible data‐hiding scheme for high image quality based on the histogram‐shifting method. In our scheme, we proposed two mechanisms for choosing reference pixels according to the high correlation of adjacent pixels. The differences between reference pixels and their corresponding, neighboring, non‐reference pixels are exploited to hide secret messages according to the difference shifting mechanism. To achieve larger embedding capacity, the reference pixels are designed to further carry secret messages based on the interpolation prediction method. Experimental results showed that our proposed scheme achieved higher embedding payload while maintaining better visual quality of the images than did other schemes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cylindrical vortex wake model: right cylinder
Authors: Branlard E. , Gaunaa M.
Published: August 2014

The vortex system consisting of a bound vortex disk, a root vortex and a vortex cylinder as introduced by Joukowski in 1912 is further studied in this paper. This system can be used for simple modeling of rotors (e.g. wind turbines) with infinite number of blades and finite tip‐speed ratios. For each vortex element, the velocity components in all directions and in the entire domain are computed analytically in a novel approach. In particular, the velocity field from the vortex actuator disk is derived for the first time. The induction from the entire vortex system is studied and is seen to recall results from 1D momentum theory. It is shown that a superposition of concentric cylindrical systems predicts the independence of annuli, which is assumed in blade element theory and stream‐tube analyses. A simple example of application for the estimation of the velocity deficit upstream of a wind turbine is provided. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preventable and Potentially Preventable Deaths in Severely Injured Elderly Patients: A Single‐Center Retrospective Data Analysis of a German Trauma Center
Authors: Schoeneberg Carsten , Schilling Marc , Probst Thomas , Lendemans Sven
Published: August 2014

Background

Due to widespread demographic changes, populations in industrial countries are ageing. A common tool for quality improvement of trauma care is the analysis of deaths in trauma patients. This study focuses on preventable or potentially preventable deaths, and on patterns of errors in severely injured elderly patients, a group that is under‐represented in the literature.

Methods

Data from a level 1 trauma center in Germany were analyzed for this study. A retrospective chart analysis was performed for all deceased patients older than 75 years with an Injury Severity Score greater than 15. Additionally, the data from the Trauma Registry of the German Society for Trauma Surgery were used. According to a Trauma Division Morbidity and Mortality conference, and after a review of all authors, deaths were classified as preventable, potentially preventable, and non‐preventable.

Results

Of the 2,304 patients admitted to the trauma room, 108 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 62 (57.41 %) patients died. Two deaths were declared as preventable deaths (3.23 %) and eight as potentially preventable (12.90 %). The most common preclinical error was associated with airway management. Hemorrhage control was the leading error in the clinical setting. Excessive fluid volume resuscitation was the second most common error detected.

Conclusion

The rate of preventable or potentially preventable deaths in severely injured elderly patients is similar to that reported for other age groups. Thus, most errors were human judgment errors or human treatment errors; therefore, education and training in the treatment of severely injured patients is extremely important.
Using a Hybrid Electronic Medical Record System for the Surveillance of Adverse Surgical Events and Human Error in A Developing World Surgical Service
Authors: Laing Grant , Bruce John , Skinner David , Allorto Nikki , Aldous Colleen , Thomson Sandie , Clarke Damian
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The quantification and analysis of adverse events is essential to benchmark surgical outcomes and establish a foundation for quality improvement interventions. We developed a hybrid electronic medical record (HEMR) system for the accurate collection and integration of data into a structured morbidity and mortality (M&M) meeting.

Methodology

The HEMR system was implemented on January 1, 2013. It included a mechanism to capture and classify adverse events using the ICD‐10 coding system. This was achieved by both prospective reporting by clients and by retrospective sentinel‐event‐trawling performed by administrators.

Results

From January 1, 2013 to March 20, 2014, 6,217 patients were admitted within the tertiary surgical service of Greys Hospital. A total of 1,314 (21.1 %) adverse events and 315 (5.1 %) deaths were recorded. The adverse events were divided into 875 “pathology‐related” morbidities and 439 “error‐related” morbidities. Pathology‐related morbidities included 725 systemic complications and 150 operative complications. Error‐related morbidities included 257 cognitive errors, 158 (2.5 %) iatrogenic injuries, and 24 (1.3 %) missed injuries. Error accounted for 439 (33 %) of the total number of adverse events. A total of 938 (71.4 %) adverse events were captured prospectively, whereas the remaining 376 (28.6 %) were captured retrospectively. The ICD‐10 coding system was found to have some limitations in its classification of adverse events.

Conclusions

The HEMR system has provided the necessary platform within our service to benchmark the incidence of adverse events. The use of the international ICD‐10 coding system has identified some limitations in its ability to classify and categorise adverse events in surgery.
Exposure to community violence and social maladjustment among urban African American youth
Authors: Carey Devin C. , Richards Maryse H.
Published: August 2014

Objective

Because of the evidence that children living in inner city communities are chronically exposed to violence, the goal of the present study was to longitudinally explore the reciprocal and perpetuating relationship between exposure to violence and child social maladjustment.

Method

Participants were 268 African American students (M age = 11.65 years, 40% males and 60% females) from six inner city Chicago public schools in high crime neighborhoods. Data was collected longitudinally over three years on measures of demographic information, exposure to community violence, and social adjustment. It was hypothesized that high levels of exposure to community violence, would be related to higher reports of social maladjustment (both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally) and these variables would interact transactionally, leading to a greater risk of exposure to violence.

Results

These hypotheses were tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and results revealed that exposure to community violence was not consistently linked to social maladjustment. Transactional results revealed that there are certain periods in development in which being more socially maladjusted may put a youth in risk for more exposure to violence.

Conclusions

Results of the present study have important implications for interventions for inner‐city youth exposed to violence.
Case-Mix System as a Boundary Object: The Case of Home Care Services
Authors: Sajtos Laszlo , Rouse Paul , Harrison Julie , Parsons Matthew
Published: August 2014

Governments worldwide face the challenges of an ageing population. New models of health services are being established to support older people to continue living in their homes with timely access to quality health services. Health care provision for older people, however, involves multiple stakeholders, who represent different views on health care, while working towards a common goal. This study presents an action-oriented collaborative process between funders, service providers and clinicians that showcases the development of a client classification (case-mix) system for home-based support service provision in New Zealand. In doing so, this study draws on the concept of boundary objects and develops a unique framework that explicitly showcases the process of aligning diverse stakeholder interests to reach a consensus. This study demonstrates how different manifestations of a single boundary concept-object can effectively bridge all knowledge boundaries and thus develops a new way of using boundary objects for creating effective collaborations.
Empowered and Knowledgeable Health Consumers: The Impact of Online Support Groups on the Doctor–Patient Relationship
Authors: Stewart Loane Susan , D'Alessandro Steven
Published: August 2014

Increased longevity means that many people live into their 70s, 80s and beyond, with increasing numbers living with chronic disease. The role of the Internet in the care of chronic disease has been explored within the health literature and, to a lesser extent, within the marketing literature, with recent research suggesting that around 60% of patients source internet-based information about medical conditions and treatment. This mixed-methods study explores the impact of online support groups on the doctor–patient relationship finding that participants in an online support group for inflammatory bowel disease share lay advice, empower each other and act as a credible channel for word-of-mouth referrals. The traditional asymmetric relationship between patient and doctor is challenged by this new form of educated, empowered health consumer who is able to work in partnership with medical service providers in the ongoing management of chronic illness.
Empresas de internacionalización acelerada: estudio de casos en Venezuela
Authors: Graterol López Hortencia , Sigala Paparella Luis Eduardo
Published: August 2014

Este trabajo estudia la internacionalización acelerada de empresas venezolanas del tipo International New Ventures con el objetivo de describir sus características y capacidades para luego clasificarlas y valorar las cualidades de sus fundadores. Se utilizó como metodología el estudio de 6 casos de empresas de produc- ción y servicios. Como conclusiones, las International New Ventures de Venezuela exhiben características similares a aquellas de la literatura, pero las distingue el hecho de que buscan permanecer en el anoni- mato y pasar desapercibidas tanto como sea posible. La complejidad y la incertidumbre del entorno del país, producto de la cambiante normativa del gobierno y de los numerosos controles que existen para comercializar con otros países, surgen como razones para este comportamiento.
Influencia de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación en el rendimiento de las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas colombianas
Authors: Gálvez Albarracín Edgar Julián , Riascos Erazo Sandra Cristina , Contreras Palacios Fred
Published: August 2014

El objeto de este trabajo es verificar empíricamente la influencia que sobre el rendimiento de las empre- sas tienen las tecnologías de información y comunicación (TIC); para esto se estudiaron 1.201 micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas (Mipymes) de Colombia a las que se consultó sobre la disponibilidad y utilización de 8 herramientas TIC en ambiente web y sobre su rendimiento tanto a nivel global, como específicamente en su rentabilidad, participación en el mercado, procesos internos, relaciones humanas y relaciones con el entorno. Los resultados obtenidos mediante regresiones lineales muestran que las TIC influyen positivamente sobre los diferentes factores de rendimiento observados. Estos hallazgos son de utilidad para empresarios y entidades que promueven el conocimiento y el desarrollo de las Mipymes.
Chlorophyll f and chlorophyll d are produced in the cyanobacterium Chlorogloeopsis fritschii when cultured under natural light and near‐infrared radiation
Authors: Airs R.L. , Temperton B. , Sambles C. , Farnham G. , Skill S.C. , Llewellyn C.A.
Published: August 2014

We report production of chlorophyll f and chlorophyll d in the cyanobacterium Chlorogloeopsis fritschii cultured under near‐infrared and natural light conditions. C. fritschii produced chlorophyll f and chlorophyll d when cultured under natural light to a high culture density in a 20 L bubble column photobioreactor. In the laboratory, the ratio of chlorophyll f to chlorophyll a changed from 1:15 under near‐infrared, to an undetectable level of chlorophyll f under artificial white light. The results provide support that chlorophylls f and d are both red‐light inducible chlorophylls in C. fritschii.
FANCD2 is a target for caspase 3 during DNA damage‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Sakai Wataru , Sugasawa Kaoru
Published: August 2014

The Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway, of which the FANCD2 protein is a key component, plays crucial roles in the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells and suppression of carcinogenesis. However, the function of FANCD2 remains unclear. Here, we report that FANCD2 is a novel and specific substrate of caspase 3. Cleavage of FANCD2 by caspase 3 did not require either the FA core complex or mono‐ubiquitylation of FANCD2, and was stimulated by p53. In addition, we identified the cleavage sites and generated cell lines that stably express a caspase‐resistant FANCD2 mutant. Our data suggest that FANCD2 is regulated by caspase‐mediated degradation during apoptosis induced by DNA damage.
Perceived voluntary code legitimacy: Towards a theoretical framework and research agenda
Authors: Helms Wesley , Webb Kernaghan
Published: August 2014

Increasingly within industries voluntary codes (standards) are being developed and subsequently used by firms to address social and environmental issues. On any particular issue multiple competing codes may be available for adoption by firms. Given a choice of codes, which ones will firms adopt? Building on existing institutional and economic research pertaining to voluntary codes this paper proposes a theoretical model as to why some codes are perceived as legitimate by firms and hence are widely adopted while others are not. This model proposes that, in addition to the role of the code's content, the characteristics of the adopting firm, and environmental factors, the origins of a voluntary code, including the characteristics of the developer creating it, the development process, and the opportunity for firms to engage in formalized ‘normative conversations’ regarding the code subsequent to its adoption, will influence whether potential firm adopters perceive the code as legitimating and hence decide to adopt it. Rather than code adoption simply reflecting institutional mimicry or a rational transaction by adopting firms this model suggests that both the creation and the maintenance processes surrounding codes play important roles in the perceptions of legitimacy and subsequent adoption of codes by firms.
To sell or not to sell; that is the question? Stakeholders’ supremacy in the New Zealand electricity industry
Authors: Ahmed Hafsa , Balzarova Michaela , Cohen David A
Published: August 2014

The New Zealand electricity industry is not new to change. However, decision of the New Zealand government to implement a Mixed Ownership Model have resulted in commotion. Stakeholders have reacted and one powerful stakeholder group had the potential to stop the sale of state assets. In this case study we examine how different stakeholders have responded as the future of the New Zealand electricity industry remains uncertain.
Endoscopy findings affect subjective smell rehabilitation in post-laryngectomy patients using the nasal airflow-inducing manoeuvre
Authors: Saedi B , Razmpa E , Nikjo A , Ghalandarabadi M , Ghadimi H , Saidabadi G
Published: August 2014

Objective:

To evaluate the characteristics of post-laryngectomy patients, including nasal endoscopy findings, that affect subjective smell improvement in the post-surgical period.

Methods:

Thirty patients who had undergone total laryngectomy participated in at least three sessions of a smell rehabilitation programme involving the nasal airflow-inducing manoeuvre, under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist. Patient characteristics and nasal endoscopy findings were evaluated.

Results:

Participants experienced a mean improvement in sense of smell of 61 per cent (p < 0.001) and a significant improvement in appetite (p = 0.002). Male patients and patients with a nasal discharge had a significantly better outcome.

Conclusion:

The nasal airflow-inducing manoeuvre is an effective method for improving smell perception and appetite in laryngectomy patients. There was no relationship between nasal endoscopy findings and outcome of the nasal airflow-inducing manoeuvre rehabilitation programme in our case series.
Large amplitude ion-acoustic double layers in warm dusty plasma
Authors: Jain S. L. , Tiwari R. S. , Mishra M. K.
Published: August 2014

Large amplitude ion-acoustic double layer (IADL) is studied using Sagdeev's pseudo-potential technique in collisionless unmagnetized plasma comprising hot and cold Maxwellian population of electrons, warm adiabatic ions, and dust grains. Variation of both Mach number (M) and amplitude |φm| of large amplitude IADL with charge, concentration, and mass of heavily charged massive dust grains is investigated for both positive and negative dust in plasma. Our numerical analysis shows that system supports only rarefactive large amplitude IADL for the selected set of plasma parameters. Our investigations for both negative and positive dust grains reveal that ion temperature increases the mobility of ions, resulting in increase in the Mach number of IADL. The larger mobility of ions causes leakage of ions from localized region, resulting into decrease in the amplitude of IADL. Other parameters, e.g. temperature ratio of hot to cold electrons, charge, concentration, mass of heavily charged massive dust grains also play significant role in the properties and existence of double layers. Since it is well established that both positive and negative dust are found in space as well as laboratory plasma, and double layers have a tremendous role to play in astrophysics, we have included both positive and negative dust in our numerical analysis for the study of large amplitude IADL. Further data used for negative dust are close to experimentally observed data. Hence, it is anticipated that our parametric studies for heavily charged (both positive and negative) dust may be useful in understanding laboratory plasma experiments, identifying nonlinear structures in upper part of ionosphere and lower part of magnetosphere structures, and in theoretical research for the study of properties of nonlinear structures.
Proton temperature-anisotropy-driven instabilities in weakly collisional plasmas: Hybrid simulations
Authors: Hellinger Petr , Trávníček Pavel M.
Published: August 2014

Kinetic instabilities in weakly collisional, high beta plasmas are investigated using two-dimensional hybrid expanding box simulations with Coulomb collisions modeled through the Langevin equation (corresponding to the Fokker-Planck one). The expansion drives a parallel or perpendicular temperature anisotropy (depending on the orientation of the ambient magnetic field). For the chosen parameters the Coulomb collisions are important with respect to the driver but are not strong enough to keep the system stable with respect to instabilities driven by the proton temperature anisotropy. In the case of the parallel temperature anisotropy the dominant oblique fire hose instability efficiently reduces the anisotropy in a quasilinear manner. In the case of the perpendicular temperature anisotropy the dominant mirror instability generates coherent compressive structures which scatter protons and reduce the temperature anisotropy. For both the cases the instabilities generate temporarily enough wave energy so that the corresponding (anomalous) transport coefficients dominate over the collisional ones and their properties are similar to those in collisionless plasmas.
Curating popular music: authority and history, aesthetics and technology
Authors: Atton Chris
Published: August 2014

The practice of curation in popular music may be seen as a form of historical enquiry that works in a similar way to the critical projects of the ‘new museology’. Self-curation can be employed by musicians to re-present their work as a historiographical project of popular music and as an intervention in dominant critical accounts of the musicians' creative practices. The challenge to conventional historiography can be understood as a project of archaeology in the Foucauldian sense, where discourses surrounding objects and their histories may be contested and reinvigorated through a process of recollecting/re-collecting that also recalls Walter Benjamin's challenge to historicism. Using the work of Robert Fripp and King Crimson as an example of musician-curated recordings, I argue that legal and economic control may become a basis for aesthetic control, through which histories of creativity may be rewritten. The act of recollection/re-collection becomes a route through which musicians are able to engage with critical contexts and genre formations, and to contribute actively to the material culture of their own history.
Rhythm, rhyme and reason: hip hop expressivity as political discourse
Authors: Nærland Torgeir Uberg
Published: August 2014

Using Norwegian hip hop as an example, this article argues that public sphere theory offers a fruitful theoretical framework in which to understand the political significance of music. Based on a musical and lyrical analysis of Lars Vaular's ‘Kem Skjøt Siv Jensen’ (Who Shot Siv Jensen) – a song that recently became the subject of extensive public political discourse in Norway – this article first highlights how the aesthetic language specific to hip hop music constitutes a form of political discourse that may be particularly effective in addressing and engaging publics. Further, the analysis brings attention to how hip hop music is characterised by phatic, rhetoric, affective and dramatic modes of communication that may be of value to democratic public discourse. Lastly, this article examines the expressive output of ‘Kem Skjøt Siv Jensen’ in light of Habermas' concept of communicative rationality. In conclusion, the article contends that the dichotomy between (‘rational’) verbal argument and (‘irrational’) musical expressivity constructed within public sphere theory is contrived and, moreover, that hip hop expressivity under certain conditions does conform to the standards of communicative rationality.
Porno Para Ricardo: rock music and the ‘obsession with identity’ in contemporary Cuba
Authors: Astley Tom
Published: August 2014

The desire to construct and define a sense of national identity has often been regarded as something of an ‘obsession’ in Cuban political and cultural discourse. Throughout the Revolution, rock music has consistently played some part in the making of a Cuban soundscape. Yet rock has often been seen as something of a threat to an ‘autochthonous’ construction of Cuban culture, and has often been denied legitimacy as part of the Cuban soundworld. Despite the rather liminal position it occupied throughout the revolutionary period, rock music in contemporary Cuba is as ‘obsessed’ with constructing, defining and reflecting a sense of Cubanness as more ‘recognisably Cuban’ musical forms. In this paper I explore some of the negotiations and conflicts in the music of the controversial rock band, Porno Para Ricardo: negotiations between traditional musics, the state and rock music in the perennial quest to defineCubanía.