bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Meaning & Measurement of Mood
Authors: Stimson James A.
Published: October 2012

Public policy mood, a concept now more than twenty years old, is the measure of left/right preferences over policy choices in American politics. In this essay, I comment on the theoretical need for such a measure and discuss the strategy for estimation. I produce the measure itself for the years from 1952 to 2011. Then I take on the question of how many dimensions of such operational ideology exist. I find two, which is far from novel. But unlike much previous work, my own included, the present analysis utilizes prior theoretical information about the content of the dimensions in order to interpret them. I find the conventional two dimensions, economic and cultural, to be very highly correlated. A final section explores the thermostatic properties of mood.
Long-term stability of acute and transient psychotic disorders
Authors: Castagnini Augusto , Foldager Leslie , Bertelsen Aksel
Published: October 2012

Objective:

To examine the temporal stability of the category ‘acute and transient psychotic disorders’ (ATPDs), ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders, including subtypes characterised by polymorphic, schizophrenic and predominantly delusional features.

Method:

We checked the readmission patterns of all patients aged 15–64 years ( n = 5426), whether admitted to hospital or treated as outpatients, who were enrolled for the first time in the Danish Psychiatric Register with a diagnosis of ATPDs between 1995 and 2008.

Results:

An increasing number of cases with ATPDs changed diagnosis in subsequent admissions after 1, 2 and 5 years, mainly either to schizophrenia and related disorders or affective disorders. In their last admission, on average after 7.3 years, there were 2429 patients listed with ATPDs, accounting for an overall stability of 44.8%. Females were less likely than males to develop another diagnosis. Among the ATPD subtypes, polymorphic psychotic disorder without schizophrenic symptoms had a higher stability than those featuring schizophrenic or predominantly delusional features.

Conclusions:

The low diagnostic stability of ATPDs reflects the lack of clearly defining features and argues against their validity as a distinct category.
Better Instructions for Use to Improve Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) Sterility
Authors: Jolly Jonathan D. , Hildebrand Emily A. , Branaghan Russell J.
Published: October 2012

Objective:

The objective was to evaluate human-factors-based instructional aids on endoscope reprocessing.

Background:

The project stems from recent failures in reprocessing (cleaning) endoscopes, contributing to the spread of harmful bacterial and viral agents between patients. A previous study discovered three themes that represent a majority of problems: (1) lack of visibility (parts and tools were difficult to identify), (2) high memory demands, and (3) insufficient feedback.

Method:

In an effort to improve completion rate and reduce error, the authors designed instructional aids utilizing human factors principles that would replace existing manufacturer-provided visual aids. Then, they conducted a usability test, which compared the endoscope reprocessing performance of novices using the standard manufacturer-provided visual aids and the new instructional aids.

Results:

Participants in the experimental group successfully completed 87.1% of the reprocessing procedure with the use of the instructional aids, compared to 44.7% in the control group using only existing support materials. Of 60 subtasks, 27 showed significant improvement in completion rates.

Conclusion:

When given an instructional aid designed with human factors principles, participants were able to more successfully complete the reprocessing task. This resulted in an endoscope that was more likely to be safe for use on patients.

Application:

The human factors design elements utilized to create the instructional aids could be transferred to a dynamic electronic-based system to improve patient safety.
Findings in Historical Control Harlan RCCHanTM
Authors: Blankenship Brad , Skaggs Hollie
Published: October 2012

Vehicle control Harlan RCCHan™: WIST rats were examined to provide control data for subsequent studies. Sixty male and 60 female rats were sacrificed after 4, 13, and 26 weeks (360 animals total) of daily oral gavage dosing with reverse osmosis water. At necropsy, body weights, organ weights, and macroscopic findings were recorded, and tissues were collected for histopathology. Mean terminal body and organ weight data demonstrated expected age-related trends. Macroscopic findings occurred sporadically, generally at singular or at very low incidence, and with no observable age-related trend. The most frequent observation was discoloration of the stomach mucosa. Neoplastic microscopic findings were uncommon (one endometrial stromal polyp; one hepatocellular adenoma; one C-cell adenoma; and one sarcoma, NOS). The most common and/or notable nonneoplastic microscopic findings included basophilic tubules and mononuclear cell infiltration in the kidney, macrophage infiltration in pulmonary alveoli, and mononuclear infiltration in the liver of males and females, and myocardial degeneration/necrosis and mononuclear cell infiltration in the heart of males. Female reproductive tracts were staged to establish a representative baseline distribution. Diestrus, proestrus, estrus, and metestrus were diagnosed 45.8%, 11.9%, 30.5%, and 11.9%, respectively, at 4 weeks and 27.6%, 13.8%, 50.0%, and 8.6%, respectively, at 13 weeks.
Technique and Artistic Imitation and Invention
Authors: Younés Samir
Published: October 2012

Contrary to the general belief that modernist art and architecture reflect the technological society, Jacques Ellul maintains in his L’empire du non-sens that they are justifications for the integration of humankind into what he called the technicist complex. Modernism in art and architecture meant that every product must be qualified by a technological character. This unassailable belief exerted some far-reaching influences on symbolic thought, on artistic expression, on architectural character. If imitation and invention were the two inseparable concepts through which art and architecture were produced and symbolized, it is because they operate on a certain transparency between an exemplar and a work of art. By contrast, in the mentality of technique, artistic production operates based on a certain opacity to meanings outside of itself. Imitation and invention were separated. Thus, one of the principal beliefs in modernism, that art and architecture symbolize the technological society is actually one of its weakest. In considering technology as both the symbol and the product, the artistic idea and its representation collapsed into each other.
Online environment mapping using metric-topological maps
Authors: Lim Jongwoo , Frahm Jan-Michael , Pollefeys Marc
Published: October 2012

In this paper we propose a vision-based online mapping of large-scale environments. Our approach uses a hybrid representation of a fully metric Euclidean environment map and a topological map. This novel hybrid representation facilitates our scalable online hierarchical bundle adjustment approach. The proposed method achieves scalability by solving the local registration through embedding neighboring keyframes and landmarks into a Euclidean space. The global adjustment is performed on a segmentation of the keyframes and posed as the iterative optimization of the arrangement of keyframes in each segment and the arrangement of rigidly moving segments. The iterative global adjustment is performed concurrently with the local registration of the keyframes in a local map. Thus, the map is always locally metric around the current location, and likely to be globally consistent. Loop closures are handled very efficiently benefiting from the topological nature of the map and overcoming the loss of the metric map properties of previous approaches. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated in real-time on various challenging video sequences.
Geography and the visual image
Authors: Roberts Elisabeth
Published: October 2012

This paper forwards a hauntological approach to the study of visual images in human geography, providing a nuanced understanding of what images can do: their power, meanings, and our responses to them. Like ghosts, visual images have an undecidable, ‘in-between’ status, haunting between material and immaterial, real and virtual. Both are theorized as dead and alive, representation and presentation, as deadened, flattened copies of reality or animate, affective, transformative, having a ‘life’ of their own. The hauntological approach haunts persisting textual/ontological divisions, opening up new lines of inquiry.
Relative Importance of Emotional Dysregulation, Hostility, and Impulsiveness in Predicting Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men in Alcohol Treatment
Authors: Tharp Andra Teten , Schumacher Julie A. , Samper Rita E. , McLeish Alison C. , Coffey Scott F.
Published: October 2012

The current study employs dominance analysis to assess the relative importance of three constructs—hostility, impulsiveness, and emotional dysregulation (difficulties managing one’s emotions when experiencing negative emotion or distress)—in explaining psychological, physical, and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration by men seeking alcohol treatment. A sample of 121 predominantly White, heterosexual men (average age 33.28, range = 18–62) enrolled in residential substance abuse treatment completed measures of emotional dysregulation, hostility, and impulsiveness, which are three highly related constructs identified as risk factors for both substance use disorders and IPV. The constructs collectively accounted for 20–25% of the variance in each form of IPV. Because impulsiveness, hostility, and emotional dysregulation are highly correlated, dominance analysis was used to examine which factor most strongly predicted each form of IPV. Dominance analysis findings favored hostility as a predictor of physical IPV perpetration and impulsiveness as a predictor of sexual and psychological IPV perpetration. Differential associations between the constructs and each form of IPV may be used to inform assessment and treatment planning of men who abuse alcohol. Better understanding, preventing, and treating male-to-female IPV will protect women from the far-reaching consequences of this violence.
Parental Competence and Maltreatment
Authors: Strickland Amanda L. , Samp Jennifer A.
Published: October 2012

A parent’s ability to plan for child behavior problems was proposed to influence the relationship between parental competence and attitudes/beliefs about parenting behaviors. One hundred and one parents from three community sites completed questionnaires measuring parental competence, plan complexity, and attitudes/beliefs about parenting. Results indicated that plan complexity significantly influenced the relationship between parental competence and judgments about corporal punishment. The same influence existed between parental competence and power independence. We discuss these results with regard to forwarding theoretical work on planning processes, as well as practical implications for enhancing parent education curricula to better address the constructive management of difficult child behaviors.
Linking Total Compensation to Performance
Authors: Weldon David
Published: October 2012

Employers hope that this is the year that things finally return around, and that includes increases in hiring and compensation. Still, budgets are tight and companies need to get the most productivity possible from their compensation programs. That is fueling an increased interest in total compensation management, in which compensation is used as a carrot to drive desired behavior. The goals are to identify top performers, create more like them, and have employee performance best meet business goals.
Judgments about illegal performance-enhancing substances: Reasoned, reactive, or both?
Authors: Dodge Tonya , Stock Michelle , Litt Dana
Published: October 2012

This study applied aspects of the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Prototype/Willingness model to understand cognitions associated with the use of illegal performance-enhancing substances. There were two study objectives. One was to investigate whether the illegal-is-effective heuristic (i.e. belief that illegal performance-enhancing substances are more effective than legal performance-enhancing substances) affects willingness to use illegal performance-enhancing substances. The second was to examine whether attitudes, norms, and prototypes influence the willingness and intentions to use illegal performance-enhancing substances. The illegal-is-effective heuristic was a significant predictor of willingness but was not a significant predictor of intentions. Implications for future research and prevention efforts are discussed.
Politics, elections and online campaigning: Past, present . . . and a peek into the future
Authors: Vergeer Maurice
Published: October 2012

This introduction provides a brief overview of developments in research on political campaigning on the Internet. It presents state-of-the-art research in the field of political communication and the Internet, after which summaries of the studies in this special issue are provided. Finally, the article suggests a number of future research concerns.
From echo chamber to persuasive device? Rethinking the role of the Internet in campaigns
Authors: Vaccari Cristian
Published: October 2012

Most of the e-campaigning literature claims that the Internet can reinforce political attitudes, but not change them. In this article, I analyze the issue through the receive−accept−sample (RAS) theory, which postulates that messages can change attitudes if they are both received and accepted by audiences. Based on qualitative elite interviews with 31 consultants and operatives involved in the 2008 United States presidential election, I argue that campaigns are finding new avenues to improve both reception and acceptance of their messages, and the implications merit close empirical scrutiny. The probability of message reception can be increased by citizens’ propensity to seek out issue positions online and by diffusion through low-threshold activities by supporters; the probability of message acceptance can be augmented by video and the targeting of content; finally, indirect persuasion through interpersonal communication can increase the probability of both reception and acceptance.
Health of ageing people with intellectual disability and the role of the nurse in Ireland
Authors: Doody Catriona , Markey Kathleen , Doody Owen
Published: October 2012

The number of people with intellectual disability living into old age continues to increase. As one ages, generally, functional ability decreases and health issues increase, with recognising and responding to the health needs of the person with intellectual disability of great importance and the responsibility of the intellectual disability nurse. The nurse must review and adjust the way they deliver care to ageing people with intellectual disability, not only in terms of responding to their health needs but also through collaborative working within teams and other services. As Ireland has specifically trained nurses in intellectual disability, it has a prime opportunity to address the health needs and concerns of people with intdisability and actively advocate for how services develop and responds to the changing health needs of ageing people with intellectual disability.
Long-term aesthetic outcome of fingertip reconstruction in complete syndactyly release
Authors: Bulic K.
Published: October 2012

An aesthetically pleasing fingertip is an important but often under evaluated goal in syndactyly release. We assessed the aesthetic fingertip outcome in 26 patients with complete syndactylies, with a total of 84 separated digits, using a four-grade scale based on the quality of the lateral nail fold, nail plate definition, symmetry and pulp fullness. Fingertips with complete simple syndactylies released with the use of full-thickness skin grafts achieved a significantly better aesthetic result then fingertips with complete complex syndactylies released with the use of Buck-Gramcko pulp flaps. Fingertips involved in complex syndactylies achieved significantly better aesthetic results when reconstructed using Buck-Gramcko flaps in comparison with those reconstructed with full-thickness skin grafts. We recommend the use of Buck-Gramcko flaps in complete complex syndactylies, while reserve the traditional zig-zag and full-thickness skin graft closure for cases of complete simple syndactylies. We also propose a grading system for the aesthetic outcome of the fingertip following syndactyly release.
Correspondence between clinical presentation and electrophysiological testing for potential carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Makanji H. S. , Zhao M. , Mudgal C. S. , Jupiter J. B. , Ring D.
Published: October 2012

The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is often applied in the absence of objectively verifiable pathophysiology (i.e. electrophysiologically normal carpal tunnel syndrome). The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether depressive symptoms, heightened illness concern, and pain catastrophizing are associated with an absence of electrophysiological abnormalities. The secondary purpose was to examine the correspondence between the Levine scale, the CTS-6, and electrophysiological abnormalities. Ninety-eight participants completed validated questionnaires assessing psychosocial factors at the initial visit, and surgeons recorded clinical data and their confidence that the diagnosis was carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms and signs that are characteristic of carpal tunnel syndrome (e.g. the CTS-6 and Levine scale) significantly, but incompletely coincided with electrophysiological testing. Psychological factors did not help distinguish patients with normal and abnormal objective testing and it remains unclear if symptoms that do not coincide with abnormal tests represent very mild, immeasurable median nerve dysfunction or a different illness altogether. Future studies should address whether outcomes are superior and resource utilization is optimized when surgery is offered based on symptoms and signs (e.g. the CTS-6) or when surgery is offered on the basis of measurable pathophysiology.
Management of the Complex Trauma Patient With Limited Resources
Authors: Codner Panna A. , Brasel Karen J.
Published: October 2012

Trauma systems provide lifesaving care for complex trauma patients but at a significant cost. With both government and private funding sources becoming scarce, the business principles of process improvement and control have been applied to health care, simultaneously shifting the focus to quality and profit. Expenses are decreased by limiting costs for materials, limiting unnecessary training, and reducing both variability and complications. Training requirements for any particular task or patient care activity are reduced by establishing routine protocols to enable physician assistants and nurse practitioners to perform duties that at one time were performed only by physicians. Routine algorithms for items such as ICU and postoperative management all reduce variability and result in standardized care. This permits analysis and performance improvement within a hospital and across hospitals nationally. To this end, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project is a risk-adjusted outcomes-based program created to provide tools and data to hospitals for quality improvement in surgical care. The analogy for trauma care is the Trauma Quality Improvement Program. Trauma Quality Improvement Program and other quality improvement strategies are increasingly being applied to trauma systems and programs to provide higher quality care, greater standardization, fewer complications for patients, and reduced costs.
Ruxolitinib: a potent and selective Janus kinase 1 and 2 inhibitor in patients with myelofibrosis. An update for clinicians
Authors: Harrison Claire , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: October 2012

Ruxolitinib became the first US Food and Drug Administration approved therapy for myelofibrosis in 2011 and EU approval is anticipated in summer 2012. Two large phase III trials (known as the COMFORT studies) were the basis for this approval and were published recently. In this review article we discuss the challenges in managing myelofibrosis, the information to date about ruxolitinib and speculate as to the future direction with this and similar agents.
Projecting, Exposing, Revealing Self in the Digital World: Usernames as a Social Practice in a Moroccan Chatroom
Authors: Hassa Samira
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis article analyzes the characteristics of 141 usernames in a Moroccan chatroom gathered over sixty days (September 4 2011, through November 3 2011). Analysis of the results of this study identifies eleven categories of usernames, including those using a common Moroccan first name, a first name followed by a last name, a name with a number, usernames referring to Anglo-Saxon and French cultures, and those referring to the Muslim religion. This study offers insights into the construction of Moroccan identity in the virtual world that fluctuates between a traditional local Muslim Moroccan identity and a desire to belong to the global community.
Flame retardancy of wood treated by TiO2/ZnO coating
Authors: Sun Q F , Lu Y , Xia Y Z , Yang D J , Li J , Liu Y X
Published: October 2012

In this work, one-pot hydrothermal method was used for modifying a wood surface by the deposition of TiO2/ZnO coating at a relatively low temperature. The prepared wood samples were characterised using SEM, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and powder X-ray diffraction. Results showed that wood surface was coated by anatase TiO2 and würtzite structured ZnO at 110°C. To explore the flameproof properties of the modified wood, cone calorimetry technique was employed to measure the significant difference in combustion parameters between the untreated and the treated wood. As compared with the untreated wood sample, the time to ignition was 37 s, increasing about four times; the burning duration was around doubled, and smoke production rate and total smoke production were almost zero. As a result, the treated wood had an improved fire resistance, and one-pot hydrothermal method was a feasible method to fabricate non-flammable wood materials.
Convolution operators in the geometric function theory
Authors: Shareef Zahid , Hussain Saqib , Darus Maslina
Published: October 2012

The study of operators plays a vital role in mathematics. To define an operator using the convolution theory, and then study its properties, is one of the hot areas of current ongoing research in the geometric function theory and its related fields. In this survey-type article, we discuss historic development and exploit the strengths and properties of some differential and integral convolution operators introduced and studied in the geometric function theory. It is hoped that this article will be beneficial for the graduate students and researchers who intend to start work in this field.

MSC:30C45, 30C50.
Development of the first oligonucleotide microarray for global gene expression profiling in guinea pigs: defining the transcription signature of infectious diseases
Authors: Jain Ruchi , Dey Bappaditya , Tyagi Anil K
Published: October 2012

Background

The Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is one of the most extensively used animal models to study infectious diseases. However, despite its tremendous contribution towards understanding the establishment, progression and control of a number of diseases in general and tuberculosis in particular, the lack of fully annotated guinea pig genome sequence as well as appropriate molecular reagents has severely hampered detailed genetic and immunological analysis in this animal model.

Results

By employing the cross-species hybridization technique, we have developed an oligonucleotide microarray with 44,000 features assembled from different mammalian species, which to the best of our knowledge is the first attempt to employ microarray to study the global gene expression profile in guinea pigs. To validate and demonstrate the merit of this microarray, we have studied, as an example, the expression profile of guinea pig lungs during the advanced phase of M. tuberculosis infection. A significant upregulation of 1344 genes and a marked down regulation of 1856 genes in the lungs identified a disease signature of pulmonary tuberculosis infection.

Conclusion

We report the development of first comprehensive microarray for studying the global gene expression profile in guinea pigs and validation of its usefulness with tuberculosis as a case study. An important gap in the area of infectious diseases has been addressed and a valuable molecular tool is provided to optimally harness the potential of guinea pig model to develop better vaccines and therapies against human diseases.
A comparative genomics screen identifies a Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 sodM-like gene strongly expressed within host plant nodules
Authors: Queiroux Clothilde , Washburn Brian K , Davis Olivia M , Stewart Jamie , Brewer Tess E , Lyons Michael R , Jones Kathryn M
Published: October 2012

Background

We have used the genomic data in the Integrated Microbial Genomes system of the Department of Energy’s Joint Genome Institute to make predictions about rhizobial open reading frames that play a role in nodulation of host plants. The genomic data was screened by searching for ORFs conserved in α-proteobacterial rhizobia, but not conserved in closely-related non-nitrogen-fixing α-proteobacteria.

Results

Using this approach, we identified many genes known to be involved in nodulation or nitrogen fixation, as well as several new candidate genes. We knocked out selected new genes and assayed for the presence of nodulation phenotypes and/or nodule-specific expression. One of these genes, SMc00911, is strongly expressed by bacterial cells within host plant nodules, but is expressed minimally by free-living bacterial cells. A strain carrying an insertion mutation in SMc00911 is not defective in the symbiosis with host plants, but in contrast to expectations, this mutant strain is able to out-compete the S. meliloti 1021 wild type strain for nodule occupancy in co-inoculation experiments. The SMc00911 ORF is predicted to encode a “SodM-like” (superoxide dismutase-like) protein containing a rhodanese sulfurtransferase domain at the N-terminus and a chromate-resistance superfamily domain at the C-terminus. Several other ORFs (SMb20360, SMc01562, SMc01266, SMc03964, and the SMc01424-22 operon) identified in the screen are expressed at a moderate level by bacteria within nodules, but not by free-living bacteria.

Conclusions

Based on the analysis of ORFs identified in this study, we conclude that this comparative genomics approach can identify rhizobial genes involved in the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with host plants, although none of the newly identified genes were found to be essential for this process.
Migrant workers’ occupation and healthcare-seeking preferences for TB-suspicious symptoms and other health problems: a survey among immigrant workers in Songkhla province, southern Thailand
Authors: Naing Tinzar , Geater Alan , Pungrassami Petchawan
Published: October 2012

Background

Much of the unskilled and semi-skilled workforce in Thailand comprises migrant workers from neighbouring countries. While, in principle, healthcare facilities in the host country are open to those migrants registered with the Ministry of Labour, their actual healthcare-seeking preferences and practices, as well as those of unregistered migrants, are not well documented. This study aimed to describe the patterns of healthcare-seeking behaviours of immigrant workers in Thailand, emphasizing healthcare practices for TB-suspicious symptoms, and to identify the role of occupation and other factors influencing these behaviours.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 614 immigrant factory workers (FW), rubber tappers (RT) and construction workers (CW), in which information was sought on socio-demography, history of illness and related healthcare-seeking behaviour. Mixed effects logistic regression modeling was employed in data analysis.

Results

Among all three occupations, self-medication was the most common way of dealing with illnesses, including the development of TB-suspicious symptoms, for which inappropriate drugs were used. Only for GI symptoms and obstetric problems did migrant workers commonly seek healthcare at modern healthcare facilities. For GI illness, FW preferred to attend the in-factory clinic and RT a private facility over government facilities owing to the quicker service and greater convenience. For RT, who were generally wealthier, the higher cost of private treatment was not a deterrent. CW preferentially chose a government healthcare facility for their GI problems. For obstetric problems, including delivery, government facilities were utilized by RT and CW, but most FW returned to their home country. After adjusting for confounding, having legal status in the country was associated with overall greater use of government facilities and being female and being married with use of both types of modern healthcare facility. One-year estimated period prevalence of TB-suspicious symptoms was around 6% among FW but around 27% and 30% in RT and CW respectively. However, CW were the least likely to visit a modern healthcare facility for these symptoms.

Conclusions

Self medication is the predominant mode of healthcare seeking among these migrant workers. When accessing a modern healthcare facility the choice is influenced by occupation and its attendant lifestyle and socioeconomic conditions. Utilization of modern facilities could be improved by reducing the current barriers by more complete registration coverage and better provision of healthcare information, in which local vendors of the same ethnicity could play a useful role. Active surveillance for TB among migrant workers, especially CW, may lead to better TB control.
Tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis in cervical lymph nodes in oral melanoma-bearing mice
Authors: Ozasa Ryuki , Ohno Jun , Iwahashi Teruaki , Taniguchi Kunihisa
Published: October 2012

Background

Metastasis via the lymphatic system is promoted by lymphangiogenesis. Alterations of the lymphatic channels during the progression of metastasis to regional lymph nodes (LNs) remain unexplored. To examine whether tumor-induced LN lymphangiogenesis controls metastasis to regional LNs, we investigated cervical LN metastasis in a mouse model of oral melanoma.

Methods

Injection of B16F10 melanoma cells into mouse tongues replicated spontaneous cervical LN metastasis. We performed histological, immunofluorescent, and histomorphometric analyses of tumor-reactive lymphadenopathy and lymphangiogenesis in tumor-associated LNs. We investigated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and its receptor, VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3), in tumor cells and tissues, and LNs by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence.

Results

Tumor-associated LNs comprised sentinel LNs (SLNs) before and after tumor cell invasion (tumor-bearing SLNs), and LNs adjacent or contralateral to tumor-bearing SLNs. Extensive lymphangiogenesis appeared in SLNs before evidence of metastasis. After metastasis was established in SLNs, both LNs adjacent and contralateral to tumor-bearing SLNs demonstrated lymphangiogenesis. Interaction between VEGF-C-positive melanoma cells and VEGFR-3-positive lymphatic vessels was evident in tumor-associated LNs.

Conclusions

LN lymphangiogenesis contributes a progression of tumor metastasis from SLNs to other regional LNs.
Glycemic variability and glucose complexity in critically ill patients: a retrospective analysis of continuous glucose monitoring data
Authors: Brunner Richard , Adelsmayr Gabriel , Herkner Harald , Madl Christian , Holzinger Ulrike
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Glycemic variability as a marker of endogenous and exogenous factors, and glucose complexity as a marker of endogenous glucose regulation are independent predictors of mortality in critically ill patients. We evaluated the impact of real time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on glycemic variability in critically ill patients on intensive insulin therapy (IIT), and investigated glucose complexity - calculated using detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) - in ICU survivors and non-survivors.

Methods

Retrospective analysis were conducted of two prospective, randomized, controlled trials in which 174 critically ill patients either received IIT according to a real-time CGM system (n = 63) or according to an algorithm (n = 111) guided by selective arterial blood glucose measurements with simultaneously blinded CGM for 72 hours. Standard deviation, glucose lability index and mean daily delta glucose as markers of glycemic variability, as well as glucose complexity and mean glucose were calculated.

Results

Glycemic variability measures were comparable between the real time CGM group (n = 63) and the controls (n = 111). Glucose complexity was significantly lower (higher DFA) in ICU non-survivors (n = 36) compared to survivors (n = 138) (DFA: 1.61 (1.46 to 1.68) versus 1.52 (1.44 to 1.58); P = 0.003). Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with a loss of complexity (diabetic (n = 33) versus non-diabetic patients (n = 141) (DFA: 1.58 (1.48 to 1.65) versus 1.53 (1.44 to 1.59); P = 0.01).

Conclusions

IIT guided by real time CGM did not result in significantly reduced glycemic variability. Loss of glucose complexity was significantly associated with mortality and with the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Predictors of Locoregional Recurrence After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Results From Combined Analysis of National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-18 and B-27
Authors: Mamounas Eleftherios P. , Anderson Stewart J. , Dignam James J. , Bear Harry D. , Julian Thomas B. , Geyer Charles E. , Taghian Alphonse , Wickerham D. Lawrence , Wolmark Norman
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The limited information on predictors of locoregional recurrence (LRR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) has resulted in controversy about the optimal use of adjuvant radiotherapy and the timing of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Patients and Methods

We examined patterns and predictors of LRR as first event in combined analysis of two National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) neoadjuvant trials. NC was either doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (AC) alone or AC followed by neoadjuvant/adjuvant docetaxel. Lumpectomy patients received breast radiotherapy alone; mastectomy patients received no radiotherapy. Pathologic complete response was defined as the absence of invasive tumor in the breast. Multivariate analyses were used to identify independent predictors of LRR. The primary end point was time to LRR as first event.

Results

In 3,088 patients, 335 LRR events had occurred after 10 years of follow-up. The 10-year cumulative incidence of LRR was 12.3% for mastectomy patients (8.9% local; 3.4% regional) and 10.3% for lumpectomy plus breast radiotherapy patients (8.1% local; 2.2% regional). Independent predictors of LRR in lumpectomy patients were age, clinical nodal status (before NC), and pathologic nodal status/breast tumor response; in mastectomy patients, they were clinical tumor size (before NC), clinical nodal status (before NC), and pathologic nodal status/breast tumor response. By using these independent predictors, groups at low, intermediate, and high risk of LRR could be identified. Nomograms that incorporate these independent predictors were created.

Conclusion

In patients treated with NC, age, clinical tumor characteristics before NC, and pathologic nodal status/breast tumor response after NC can be used to predict risk for LRR and to optimize the use of adjuvant radiotherapy.
Correlation of HIV/AIDS prevalence with social, economic and demographic measures in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Kandwal R , Garg P K , Garg R D
Published: October 2012

In this study, the spatial distribution of HIV/AIDS is investigated with several socioeconomic variables. Results of exploratory analysis of correlations have been reported between the prevalence of HIV/AIDS as it is the dependent variable against a range of socioeconomic and demographic measures in Andhra Pradesh, India. The state ranks among the top six states for HIV prevalence in the country. This study offers an insight to the distribution of HIV prevalence and the potential impacts of the epidemic on the high-, medium- and low-risk groups determined through cluster analyses of population and cumulative HIV infections. The impacts have been addressed through selective social and economic measures as HIV/AIDS is considered more of a social epidemic. These results help in identifying factors that are contributing more towards the spread of HIV and so guide policies to counteract dominant factors in order to control the disease. Future investigations are necessary to elucidate characterization of the rates of infection according to gender, age groups and regions.
Human papillomavirus genotype distribution and risk factors for infection in women from a small municipality in north east Brazil
Authors: Oliveira F A , Ehrig V , Lang K , Heukelbach J , Stoffler-Meilicke M , Ignatius R , Hengge U R , Feldmeier H
Published: October 2012

In order to assess the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the HPV genotypes and factors associated with infection, we conducted a population-based survey in a small municipality in north east Brazil among women aged between 12 and 49 years. A questionnaire regarding socioeconomic variables, reproductive life and sexual behaviour was used, and women were examined gynaecologically, followed by collection of vaginal lavage with saline solution for HPV DNA determination. HPV DNA was detected by the Digene® SHARP SignalTM-System, and further genotyped by INNO-LiPA Genotyping System®. Of 579 women, HPV infection was present in 68 (prevalence: 11.7%; 95% CI: 9.3–14.7). The most common HPV types were 16, 31 and 74, each accounting for 14.7% of infections. Of all HPV-positive women, 35.3% showed multiple HPV genotypes. Variables independently associated with HPV infection were: ≥3 partners in life (adjusted OR [aOR]: 3.06; 95% CI: 1.68–5.60) and the use of oral contraception in the last 12 months (aOR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.33–4.30). Previous participation in a cervical cancer screening programme was protective (aOR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.13–0.60). HPV infection is common among women from rural Brazil, and HPV genotypes identified indicate that immunization could be an important preventive measure in this population.
European guideline for the organization of a consultation for sexually transmitted infections, 2012
Authors: Radcliffe K W , Flew S , Poder A , Cusini M
Published: October 2012

This guideline is intended to serve as a framework for those working in any location where sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are managed. It offers recommendations which will need to be adapted depending on local facilities and policies, and is not intended to be all encompassing. This guideline should be read in conjunction with other European guidelines on the management of specific infections (see http://www.iusti.org/ ).
Delay in diagnosis of Churg–Strauss syndrome: a case report
Authors: Rana A Q , Adlul A
Published: October 2012

Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a well established disorder of the blood vessels. However, it is still sometimes not diagnosed early enough to avoid serious complications. It is the later stage that carries the more serious complications. Therefore, we emphasize the ways in which the diagnosis can be made early enough to avoid this stage of the disease. We report a case of CSS that was not diagnosed early and so the patient went on to develop severe cardiac and neurological manifestations. In this report we discuss the techniques and the methods to diagnose CSS and discuss their effectiveness in establishing the diagnosis. We also explore late cardiac and neurological complications because these are particularly serious complications later in the disease. We conclude that the criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology for CSS is the best tool available for early diagnosis and that late stage manifestations of CSS carry high rates of morbidity and mortality.
The Possibilities of Applying QCM Method in Pulsed Mode for Investigating the Adsorption Dynamics of Volatile Compounds on Finely Dispersed Sorbents
Authors: Filippov Aleksei P.
Published: October 2012

In this study, the possibilities of applying quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method in pulsed mode for investigating the adsorption dynamics of volatile compounds on finely dispersed sorbents is shown. The use of piezoelectric quartz resonator (PQR) sensors with chemical coverings on the base of metal stearates or thiolates, as well as other low-inertia sensors is proposed to evaluate the concentration of gas-phase sorbate current in the flow cell of electronic nose–type sensors. These sensors are placed in the cell in parallel to the PQR with a sorbent under investigation.
Second-Order Analysis and Experiments of Semi-Rigid and Imperfect Domes
Authors: Fong M. , Liu Y.P. , Chan S.L.
Published: October 2012

Since the recent introduction of second-order analysis in codes, engineers begin to realize the advantages of the second-order analysis in enhancing the safety and economy of the design output. The method is especially useful for design of complex structures like the shallow dome where failure is commonly due to snap-through buckling with the collapse load difficult to be assessed by the effective length method. In this paper, the second-order analysis is used to study the behavior and to determine the snap-through buckling load of the shallow domes. A comparison on the failure loads of a shallow dome between the laboratory test and second-order analysis is carried out to demonstrate the application of the second-order analysis. Further, the importance for inclusion of global imperfection in the analysis is demonstrated because the snap-through buckling load can be greatly reduced if the practically unavoidable and unfavorable global imperfection is included.
Behaviour of Headed Shear Stud in Composite Beams with Profiled Metal Decking
Authors: Qureshi Jawed , Lam Dennis
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a numerical investigation into the behaviour of headed shear stud in composite beams with profiled metal decking. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed using general purpose finite element program ABAQUS to study the behaviour of through-deck welded shear stud in the composite slabs with trapezoidal deck ribs oriented perpendicular to the beam. Both static and dynamic procedures were investigated using Drucker Prager model and Concrete Damaged Plasticity model respectively. In the dynamic procedure using ABAQUS/Explicit, the push test specimens were loaded slowly to eliminate significant inertia effects to obtain a static solution. The capacity of shear connector, load-slip behaviour and failure modes were predicted and validated against experimental results. The delamination of the profiled decking from concrete slab was captured in the numerical analysis which was observed in the experiments. ABAQUS/Explicit was found to be particularly suitable for modelling post-failure behaviour and the contact interaction between profiled decking and concrete slabs. It is concluded that this model represents the true behaviour of the headed shear stud in composite beams with profiled decking in terms of the shear connection capacity, load-slip behaviour and failure modes.
Recent Developments on High Performance Steel for Buildings
Authors: Shi Yongjiu
Published: October 2012

With structural steel becoming the main construction material in China, more high performance steel (HPS) is going to be applied in landmark building projects. Innovative structural systems and structural members need to be envisaged to take the advantages of HPS. The excellent properties of HPS with higher strength, moderate ductility, higher fracture toughness, better weldability, efficient machinability, can improve the structural performance significantly. The Q460 grade of structural steel has been successfully applied in the National Stadium and CCTV tower in China. It is demonstrated that the fabrication and construction efficiency of steel buildings can be improved remarkably, and economical solutions are provided by using HPS. This paper reviewed the availability of HPS in China and summarized the recent development to promote HPS in tall and large span buildings. The requirements on research to support the application of HPS in buildings are discussed.
Tracking of Bubble Trajectories in Vertical Pipes in Bubbly Flow Regime by Coupling Lagrangian, Eulerian and 3D Random Walks Models: Validation with Experimental Data
Authors: Muñoz-Cobo José L. , Chiva Sergio , Essa Mohamed Ali Abd El Aziz , Mendes Santos
Published: October 2012

A set of air-water experiments has been performed under isothermal upward concurrent flow conditions, in a vertical column. The interfacial velocity, the bubble interfacial area and the void fraction distributions have been measured. Numerical simulation of these experiments were performed by coupling a Lagrangian code which tracks the 3D motion of the individual bubbles, with an Eulerian one. In the Eulerian solver the velocity and turbulence fields of the liquid phase were computed by solving the time dependent conservation equations in its Reynolds Averaged Transport Equation form (RANS). The turbulent kinetic energy k, and the dissipation rate transport equations were simultaneously solved by using the k, epsilon model in a (r,z) grid by the finite volume method and the SIMPLER algorithm. Both Lagrangian and Eulerian calculations were performed in parallel and an iterative self-consistent method was developed. The turbulence induced by the bubbles is an important issue considered in this paper, in order to obtain good predictions of the void fraction distribution and the interfacial velocity at different gas and liquid flow conditions. The Eulerian Code was upgraded from an axisymmetric 2D code to a 3D code in order to improve the turbulence solution. The results of the 3D CFD code have been tested and show a good agreement with the experimental results. In this paper special attention is given to the coupling between the different models.
Multi-Directional Illumination: A Novel 3D and BRDF Approach in Integrated Heritage Digitization
Authors: Krzesłowski J. F. , Sitnik R. , Maączkowski G.
Published: October 2012

In the proposed solution a unified data structure is acquired during measurement of a 3D object. It consists of geometrical data in the form of point clouds with additional spectral and angular reflectance information. High spatial correspondence can be achieved by the use of a single matrix detector to collect all measurement modalities. Resulting from previous works, the full processing path for multimodal measurement datasets of cultural heritage objects has been described in literature. We present the current advances in an integrated digitization approach by means of the described system with one additional step toward overall hardware integration. We introduce a technique requiring only a single illuminating component for both angular and spectral reflectance estimation, which brings us closer to a universal tool for multimodal digital documentation. We demonstrate 3D models created with multi-directional data merging algorithms which increase the overall quality of models based on high data density and partial redundancy. Two system configurations are presented and used for comparison of possible applications, yielding different measurement strategies in data acquisition process. Also described is a method of calibration for the directional illumination array along with a description of shadow mapping algorithms which can facilitate from this method.