bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boundary management in an ICT‐enabled project‐based organising context
Authors: Yeow Jillian
Published: November 2014

This paper explores the boundaries that emerge and exist within an information and communication technology (ICT)‐enabled project‐based organising context and the ways knowledge workers manage these boundaries through the use of technology. This is done through an exploratory qualitative case study of an early instance of the phenomenon in a knowledge‐intensive professional services organisation. Through the experiences of a group of knowledge workers who started to work in project‐based ways that were highly mediated by ICT, this study aims to understand the boundaries that they faced and the practices they undertook to manage these boundaries. In so doing, this study contributes to the existing literature on new forms of work and organisation, particularly on the issue of boundaries where ICT‐enabled project teams are used. In particular, this study extends our current understanding of boundaries through expanding the lens of investigation beyond a predominant focus on work–home boundaries and considers boundaries within the work sphere.
Amazon Mechanical Turk and the commodification of labour
Authors: Bergvall‐Kåreborn Birgitta , Howcroft Debra
Published: November 2014

Crowd employment platforms enable firms to source labour and expertise by leveraging Internet technology. Rather than offshoring jobs to low‐cost geographies, functions once performed by internal employees can be outsourced to an undefined pool of digital labour using a virtual network. This enables firms to shift costs and offload risk as they access a flexible, scalable workforce that sits outside the traditional boundaries of labour laws and regulations. The micro‐tasks of ‘clickwork’ are tedious, repetitive and poorly paid, with remuneration often well below minimum wage. This article will present an analysis of one of the most popular crowdsourcing sites—Mechanical Turk—to illuminate how Amazon's platform enables an array of companies to access digital labour at low cost and without any of the associated social protection or moral obligation.
Deciphering the early evolution of echinoderms with Cambrian fossils
Authors: Zamora Samuel , Rahman Imran A.
Published: November 2014

Echinoderms are a major group of invertebrate deuterostomes that have been an important component of marine ecosystems throughout the Phanerozoic. Their fossil record extends back to the Cambrian, when several disparate groups appear in different palaeocontinents at about the same time. Many of these early forms exhibit character combinations that differ radically from extant taxa, and thus their anatomy and phylogeny have long been controversial. Deciphering the earliest evolution of echinoderms therefore requires a detailed understanding of the morphology of Cambrian fossils, as well as the selection of an appropriate root and the identification of homologies for use in phylogenetic analysis. Based on the sister‐group relationships and ontogeny of modern species and new fossil discoveries, we now know that the first echinoderms were bilaterally symmetrical, represented in the fossil record by Ctenoimbricata and some early ctenocystoids. The next branch in echinoderm phylogeny is represented by the asymmetrical cinctans and solutes, with an echinoderm‐type ambulacral system originating in the more crownward of these groups (solutes). The first radial echinoderms are the helicoplacoids, which possess a triradial body plan with three ambulacra radiating from a lateral mouth. Helicocystoids represent the first pentaradial echinoderms and have the mouth facing upwards with five radiating recumbent ambulacra. Pentaradial echinoderms diversified rapidly from the beginning of their history, and the most significant differences between groups are recorded in the construction of the oral area and ambulacra, as well as the nature of their feeding appendages. Taken together, this provides a clear narrative of the early evolution of the echinoderm body plan.
Pediatric Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans in Madrid, Spain: Multi‐institutional Outcomes
Authors: Valdivielso‐Ramos Marta , Torrelo Antonio , Campos Minia , Feito Marta , Gamo Reyes , Rodriguez‐Peralto Jose Luis
Published: November 2014

Little is known about the incidence and management of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) in children. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients younger than 18 years of age treated for DFSP over a period of 11 years (2000–2011) in Madrid, Spain. The sample consisted of 13 children. The average annual incidence of DFSP in the pediatric population corresponded to 1.02 cases per million person‐years (95% confidence interval 0.55, 1.73). Sites of involvement were diverse, with 15.3% of tumors found in acral locations. The median tumor size was 3.5 cm × 3 cm and the median time from apparent onset to diagnosis was 36 months. Histopathologic examination revealed conventional (77.0%), pigmented (15.4%), and myxoid (7.6%) variants. The mitotic index was consistently <5 per 10 high‐power fields. All lesions were removed using surgical excision. One patient developed a local recurrence because of initial affected margins; none developed metastases. The median duration of clinical follow‐up was 70.5 months. This study estimated the average annual incidence rate of DFSP in a population of patients younger than 18 years and reviewed the experience of several hospitals in the management of this tumor.
Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia: A Previously Unreported Complication of Ear Piercing
Authors: Okman Jonathan S. , Bhatti Tricia R. , Jackson Oksana A. , Rubin Adam I.
Published: November 2014

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia is a rare, benign vascular lesion characterized by discrete, painful papules. Although the exact etiology is unknown, trauma precedes many cases. We present a case of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia in the earlobes of a 15‐year‐old girl after ear piercing.
Blowing Away the Pain: A Technique for Pediatric Pain Management
Authors: Jacobs Adrian , Price Harper N. , Popenhagen Mark P.
Published: November 2014

Painful medical procedures in childhood may have long‐term negative effects on development and future tolerance of pain. We describe a distraction technique for pediatric pain management that involves “blowing away the pain.” This technique may be used for acute pediatric procedures as well as for patients with chronic pain.
Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma in the Axilla of an 18‐Year‐Old Woman
Authors: Green Margaret , Mitchum Marsha , Marquart Jason , Bowden Lynden P. , Bingham Jonathan
Published: November 2014

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is an uncommon adnexal neoplasm with a predilection for the head and neck. The tumor rarely metastasizes but is locally aggressive and commonly demonstrates perineural invasion. MAC occurs most often in older adults. This report describes a young woman with a MAC in her left axilla who required two stages of Mohs micrographic surgery followed by a wide local excision because of persistent perineural invasion in close proximity to the brachial plexus. Other cases presenting in the pediatric age group are discussed.
Agreement Between Dermatologic and Pediatric Researchers in Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis in Children
Authors: Borzutzky Arturo , Hoyos‐Bachiloglu Rodrigo , Navarrete‐Dechent Cristián , Vera‐Kellet Cristián , Silva‐Valenzuela Sergio , Cifuentes Lorena , Iturriaga Carolina , Cristi Francisca
Published: November 2014

The Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index is a widely applied instrument for measuring the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD), but few studies have evaluated the interobserver agreement between different disciplines. A cross‐sectional study of 21 children with AD evaluated by dermatology and pediatric researchers found excellent agreement between the SCORAD, the objective SCORAD, and the Three Item Severity score, confirming the applicability of these scores by nondermatologists.
Nonsyndromic Whorled Eyebrows in a Healthy 6‐Year‐Old Girl
Authors: Jalaj Sanjai , Turegano Mamina M. , Norton Scott A.
Published: November 2014

Whorled eyebrows are an unusual and rarely described finding of unknown clinical significance. We present such a case in a 6‐year‐old healthy girl.
Transient Lingual Papillitis Associated with Confirmed Herpes Simplex Virus 1 in a Patient with Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Krakowski Andrew C. , Kim Silvia S. , Burns Jane C.
Published: November 2014

We present a case of transient lingual papillitis associated with confirmed herpes simplex virus 1 that developed after a child received intravenous immunoglobulin and infliximab for acute Kawasaki disease.
Mycoplasma‐Associated Stevens–Johnson Syndrome in Children: Retrospective Review of Patients Managed With or Without Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Systemic Corticosteroids, or a Combination of Therapies
Authors: Ahluwalia Jusleen , Wan Joy , Lee Diana H. , Treat James , Yan Albert C.
Published: November 2014

Administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to patients with Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) has been controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of IVIG, systemic corticosteroids, or both in treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae–associated SJS (mpSJS). Retrospective series of 10 pediatric mpSJS cases were stratified into four treatment groups: IVIG alone, IVIG and systemic corticosteroids together, systemic corticosteroids alone, and supportive care. The efficacy of therapy was evaluated on the basis of several proxies of disease severity, including hospital length of stay (LOSt) and number of febrile days (Febt) after initiation of therapy. Patients treated with IVIG alone had a longer LOSt and more Febt, despite different baseline characteristics, than patients treated with supportive therapy. Of patients who received IVIG, 50% were treated with corticosteroids concurrently and had similar characteristics of disease severity but showed a non–statistically significant trend toward shorter LOSt and fewer Febt than those who received IVIG alone. A patient treated with corticosteroids alone had the shortest LOSt in this series. Therefore treatment with IVIG alone was associated with a more severe disease course than supportive therapy, although causality cannot be inferred given possible confounding by indication. When systemic corticosteroids were used alone or in conjunction with IVIG, hospital LOSt and Febt trended lower than with the use of IVIG alone, although disease severity at baseline was similar between those treated with IVIG and corticosteroids concurrently and those treated with IVIG alone. It was thus concluded that treatment with systemic corticosteroids as monotherapy or in combination with IVIG may be preferable to IVIG alone. Further large‐scale studies are warranted to evaluate this hypothesis.
Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy types IV and V in Japan
Authors: Haga Nobuhiko , Kubota Masaya , Miwa Zenzo ,   Japanese Research Group on Congenital Insensitivity to Pain
Published: November 2014

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) is a group of genetic disorders involving varying sensory and autonomic dysfunction. HSAN types IV and V are characterized by congenital generalized loss of pain and thermal sensation. HSAN type IV is additionally accompanied by decreased sweating and intellectual disability. From 2010 to 2013, we (members of the Japanese Research Group on Congenital Insensitivity to Pain) carried out research on HSAN types IV and V. Research by this group included epidemiological data, examination of clinical findings, solutions of disease etiology, investigation of complications and development of their management. Complications were categorized into musculoskeletal complications, oral/dental complications, dermal complications, ocular complications, complications resulting from impaired thermal control, anesthetic considerations, other complications possibly related to autonomic dysfunction, and abnormal mental development and behavior. Treatment and care for patients with HSAN types IV and V require a wide range of knowledge and experience, and a multidisciplinary team approach. Therefore, we produced the “Guideline of Total Management and Care for Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (Ver.1)” in 2012, to provide information for medical specialists based on our knowledge and experience. This guideline includes medical issues, as well as descriptions of social participation and welfare. This review outlines the situation of HSAN types IV and V in Japan, and the recommendations of treatment and care for patients, mostly based on research conducted by the Japanese Research Group.
Uncovering the Nuances of Referral Hiring: How Referrer Characteristics Affect Referral Hires’ Performance and Likelihood of Voluntary Turnover
Authors: Pieper Jenna R.
Published: November 2014

The literature on employee referral hiring gives little attention to referrers. Synthesizing 2 theories in the literature (the better match and social enrichment accounts), through the lens of social resources theory, I provide a conceptual and empirical breakdown of the effects of referrer quality (referrer performance at hire and referrer tenure at hire) and posthire accessibility (referrer employment and referrer–referral hire job congruence) on referral hire performance and likelihood of voluntary turnover. I tested my hypotheses with longitudinal data from 386 referrer–referral hire pairs at the same job level in a U.S. call center over a 2‐year period. Across analyses of 2 performance criteria (calls/hour and quality) and likelihood of leaving, I found a nuanced mix of benefits and liabilities that illuminate potential boundary conditions of the revised theories. Referral hires from high‐performing referrers performed better but had higher turnover propensities than those from lower performing referrers. Longer‐tenured employees also produced better performing referral hires, up to a point. Referral hires were less likely to leave, provided their referrer remained employed, but they performed less effectively under this condition. Similarly, referral hires performed worse when their job was congruent with their referrer's job. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Feasibility of a Photovoice Study Promoting Respirator Use among Russian Health Care Workers
Authors: Woith Wendy Mann , Bykova Alla , Abdulrehman Munib
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Russian health care workers in tuberculosis hospitals have a high incidence of nosocomial TB. Proper use of respirators in high‐risk settings can lower this threat, but health care workers do not always follow protocols that minimize risk. Our objectives were to: (1) determine feasibility of conducting a larger scale study, and (2) test effectiveness of a photovoice intervention for changing attitudes and behaviors of Russian HCWs with regard to following protocols.

Design and Sample

A convenience sample of 20 HCWs was recruited from a regional TB hospital in Russia to participate in this single‐group experimental‐design feasibility study.

Measures

Participants completed a survey prior to and following the intervention.

Intervention

Participants photographed someone important to them then wrote a short narrative describing why that significant other motivated them to wear and fit‐check respirators.AUTHOR: As per journal style, “Intervention” subheading to be included in the “Abstract” section if this heading appears in the “Methods” section. Therefore, either include this heading in the “Methods” section or delete the subheading “Intervention” along with its text found in the “Abstract” section.

Results

We identified four areas to revise prior to undertaking a larger experimental study. The intervention had a significant effect on intention to wear and fit‐check respirators. Perceived behavioral control predicted intention to wear respirators, F(3,16) = 20.383, p < .001. Subjective norm and perceived behavioral control predicted intention to fit‐check respirators, F(3,16) = 44.571, p < .001.

Conclusions

Results suggest photovoice may be an efficacious intervention and larger scale testing is warranted.
Species composition, toxigenic potential and pathogenicity of Fusarium graminearum species complex isolates from southern Brazilian rice
Authors: Gomes L. B. , Ward T. J. , Badiale‐Furlong E. , Del Ponte E. M.
Published: November 2014

This study aimed to assess the extent and distribution of Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) diversity in rice seeds produced in southern Brazil. Four species and two trichothecene genotypes were detected among 89 FGSC isolates, based on a multilocus genotyping assay: F. asiaticum (69·6%) with the nivalenol (NIV) genotype, F. graminearum (14·6%) with the 15‐acetyldeoxynivalenol (ADON) genotype, and F. cortaderiae (14·6%) and F. meridionale (1·1%), both with the NIV genotype. Seven selected F. asiaticum isolates from rice produced NIV in rice‐based substrate in vitro, at levels ranging from 4·7 to 84·1 μg g−1. Similarly, two F. graminearum isolates from rice produced mainly 15‐ADON (c. 15–41 μg g−1) and a smaller amount of 3‐ADON (c. 6–12 μg g−1). One F. meridionale and two F. cortaderiae isolates did not produce detectable levels of trichothecenes. Two F. asiaticum isolates from rice and two from wheat (from a previous study), and one F. graminearum isolate from wheat, were pathogenic to both crops at various levels of aggressiveness based on measures of disease severity in wheat spikes and rice kernel infection in a greenhouse assay. Fusarium asiaticum and the reference F. graminearum isolate from wheat produced NIV, and deoxynivalenol and acetylates, respectively, in the kernels of inoculated wheat heads. No trichothecene was produced in kernels from inoculated rice panicles by any of the isolates. These findings constitute the first report of FGSC composition in rice outside Asia, and confirm the dominance of F. asiaticum in rice agroecosystems.
Capacity, Guidance, and the Implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Authors: Carley Sanya , Nicholson‐Crotty Sean , Fisher Eric J.
Published: November 2014

Programs administered by the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 were designed to spur investment in clean energy and jump‐start the economy. There was considerable variation, however, in the proportion of obligated funds that states spent during each year. A primary goal of the ARRA was to infuse as much money as possible into the struggling economy; however, there was significant variation in the success with which states implemented these programs. This article draws on and extends the literature on intergovernmental implementation to explain such variation. The authors argue that jurisdictional capacity and federal guidance were important determinants of the rate at which states spent ARRA funds and, more important, that these factors interacted with one another in the implementation process. This assertion is tested using a mixed‐methods approach that includes a regression analysis of state ARRA spending between 2009 and 2012, as well as an evaluation of interviews conducted with 46 state agency representatives responsible for spending ARRA energy funds.
The OECD Better Life Initiative: How's Life? and the Measurement of Well‐Being
Authors: Durand Martine
Published: November 2014

This paper presents the framework used by the OECD for defining and measuring well‐being, developed as part of the OECD Better Life Initiative launched in 2011. This framework measures well‐being by considering 11 dimensions covering both current material conditions and quality of life, while also recognizing the importance of taking account the sustainability of well‐being in the future. This framework has been populated with indicators for each dimension, whose selection has relied on international standards on measurement and was made in consultation with experts and National Statistical Offices of OECD countries. The paper also discusses the pros and cons of various approaches for presenting and disseminating information on multidimensional well‐being to different audiences—including the OECD Better Life Index, an interactive web tool. The paper concludes by illustrating the progress made in developing measures of well‐being and outlines the statistical agenda ahead to improve existing indicators and develop new ones.
New U–Pb zircon ages of the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary strata in South China
Authors: Chen Daizhao , Zhou Xiqiang , Fu Yong , Wang Jianguo , Yan Detian
Published: November 2014

The Ediacaran–Cambrian transition is a critical interval marking drastic biological, oceanic and geochemical co‐evolutions in geological history, but it is poorly constrained geochronologically in South China. We here present two new sets of SIMS U–Pb zircon ages from Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary strata (Dengying, Liuchapo and Niutitang formations) deposited in the slope–basin environments of carbonate platforms. Two weighted‐mean U–Pb ages of 542.1 ± 5.0 Ma and 542.6 ± 3.7 Ma in the basal and mid‐upper Liuchapo Formation, respectively, in slope and basinal settings provide the first direct age set for the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary in South China. Another two U–Pb ages of 524.2 ± 5.1 Ma and 522.3 ± 3.7 Ma from the base of the overlying Niutitang Formation indicate that this widespread unit in South China was deposited about 20 Ma after the onset of the Cambrian.
Transnational Spaces ‘From Above’ – The Role of Institutions in Promoting Highly Skilled Labour Migration from India to Sweden
Authors: Hedberg Charlotta , Hermelin Brita , Westermark Kristina
Published: November 2014

The global network economy involves intensive interactions and flows between places. In this paper, we define a theoretical framework of labour migration in the global economy in which we propose the importance of transnational spaces ‘from above’ and how formal organisations develop networks for migration processes. This theoretical framework is employed on an empirical study that investigates the increasing flows of highly‐skilled labour migration from India to Sweden within the ICT‐sector. The paper illustrates how transformations and acting in formal institutions in the political and private sectors have a strong impact on the transnational migration of highly‐skilled labour. By integrating theories from migration studies, institutional theory and economic geography the theoretical framework has been able to conceptualise factors that are less visible in migration studies ‘from below’. Thereby this paper contributes to a more multi‐sided understanding of transnational migration processes.
A warm welcome to highly‐skilled migrants: how can municipal administrations play their part?
Authors: Föbker Stefanie , Temme Daniela , Wiegandt Claus‐C.
Published: November 2014

The global competition for highly‐skilled professionals and their knowledge has grown over the past decades. Cities have increasingly become aware of the importance of highly‐skilled labour for their future development. The aim of our paper is to analyse urban policies towards highly‐skilled migrants. Our paper is based on empirical research in three German university cities, Aachen, Bonn and Cologne. Our results emphasize that there is a growing awareness of local policy‐makers concerning this topic. We found that the cities made efforts to create a welcoming culture in order to attract and retain highly‐skilled migrants. However, there are differences between our cities regarding their approaches to attract highly‐skilled migrants.
The relevance of MRI for patient modeling in head and neck hyperthermia treatment planning: A comparison of CT and CT‐MRI based tissue segmentation on simulated temperature
Authors: Verhaart René F. , Fortunati Valerio , Verduijn Gerda M. , van der Lugt Aad , van Walsum Theo , Veenland Jifke F. , Paulides Margarethus M.
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

In current clinical practice, head and neck (H&N) hyperthermia treatment planning (HTP) is solely based on computed tomography (CT) images. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides superior soft‐tissue contrast over CT. The purpose of the authors’ study is to investigate the relevance of using MRI in addition to CT for patient modeling in H&N HTP.

Methods:

CT and MRI scans were acquired for 11 patients in an immobilization mask. Three observers manually segmented on CT, MRI T1 weighted (MRI‐T1w), and MRI T2 weighted (MRI‐T2w) images the following thermo‐sensitive tissues: cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, myelum, sclera, lens, vitreous humor, and the optical nerve. For these tissues that are used for patient modeling in H&N HTP, the interobserver variation of manual tissue segmentation in CT and MRI was quantified with the mean surface distance (MSD). Next, the authors compared the impact of CT and CT and MRI based patient models on the predicted temperatures. For each tissue, the modality was selected that led to the lowest observer variation and inserted this in the combined CT and MRI based patient model (CT and MRI), after a deformable image registration. In addition, a patient model with a detailed segmentation of brain tissues (including white matter, gray matter, and cerebrospinal fluid) was created (CT and MRIdb). To quantify the relevance of MRI based segmentation for H&N HTP, the authors compared the predicted maximum temperatures in the segmented tissues (Tmax) and the corresponding specific absorption rate (SAR) of the patient models based on (1) CT, (2) CT and MRI, and (3) CT and MRIdb.

Results:

In MRI, a similar or reduced interobserver variation was found compared to CT (maximum of median MSD in CT: 0.93 mm, MRI‐T1w: 0.72 mm, MRI‐T2w: 0.66 mm). Only for the optical nerve the interobserver variation is significantly lower in CT compared to MRI (median MSD in CT: 0.58 mm, MRI‐T1w: 1.27 mm, MRI‐T2w: 1.40 mm). Patient models based on CT (Tmax: 38.0 °C) and CT and MRI (Tmax: 38.1 °C) result in similar simulated temperatures, while CT and MRIdb (Tmax: 38.5 °C) resulted in significantly higher temperatures. The SAR corresponding to these temperatures did not differ significantly.

Conclusions:

Although MR imaging reduces the interobserver variation in most tissues, it does not affect simulated local tissue temperatures. However, the improved soft‐tissue contrast provided by MRI allows generating a detailed brain segmentation, which has a strong impact on the predicted local temperatures and hence may improve simulation guided hyperthermia.
Size‐specific, scanner‐independent organ dose estimates in contiguous axial and helical head CT examinations
Authors: McMillan Kyle , Bostani Maryam , Cagnon Chris , Zankl Maria , Sepahdari Ali R. , McNitt‐Gray Michael
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

AAPM Task Group 204 introduced size‐specific dose estimates for pediatric and adult patients undergoing body CT examinations. This investigation extends that work to head CT exams by using Monte Carlo simulations to develop size‐specific, scanner‐independent CTDIvol‐to‐organ‐dose conversion coefficients.

Methods:

Using eight patient models from the GSF family of voxelized phantoms, dose to the brain and lens of the eye was estimated using Monte Carlo simulations of contiguous axial and helical scans for 64‐slice multidetector CT scanners from four major manufacturers. For each patient model and scan mode, scanner‐independent CTDIvol‐to‐organ‐dose conversion coefficients were calculated by normalizing organ dose by scanner‐specific 16 cm CTDIvol values and averaging across all scanners. Head size was measured using both geometric and attenuation‐based size metrics. Head perimeter and effective diameter (ED), both geometric size metrics, were measured directly from the GSF data at the first slice superior to the eyes. Because the GSF models’ pixel data are provided in terms of organ identification numbers instead of CT numbers, an indirect estimate of water equivalent diameter (WED), an attenuation‐based size metric, was determined based on the relationships between WED and both ED and perimeter for a sample of patient data. Correlations between CTDIvol‐to‐organ‐dose conversion coefficients and the various patient size metrics were then explored.

Results:

The analysis of the patient data revealed a best‐fit linear relationship (R2 of 0.87) between ED and WED across a wide variety of patient sizes. Using this relationship along with ED determined from the GSF data, WED was estimated for each GSF model. An exponential relationship between CTDIvol normalized organ dose and WED was observed for both contiguous axial and helical scanning. For head perimeter and ED measured directly from the GSF data, an exponential relationship between CTDIvol normalized organ dose and patient size was also observed for each scan mode. For all patient size metrics and scan modes, R2 of the exponential fits ranged from 0.92 to 0.93 and 0.73 to 0.85 for the brain and lens of the eye, respectively.

Conclusions:

For all scan modes, strong correlation exists between CTDIvol normalized brain dose and both geometric and attenuation‐based patient size metrics. A slightly lower correlation between CTDIvol normalized organ dose and patient size was observed for the lens of the eye. This may be due to the combination of the eye lens being a small peripheral organ and the presence of surface dose variation in both contiguous axial and helical scanning. Results indicate that robust estimates of patient‐specific head CT dose may be provided using the size‐specific, scanner‐independent CTDIvol‐to‐organ‐dose conversion coefficients described in this work.
Gravitational dispersion in a torsional wave machine
Authors: de la Madrid Rafael , Gonzalez Alejandro , Irwin George M.
Published: November 2014

We demonstrate that mechanical waves traveling in a torsional, mechanical wave machine exhibit dispersion due to gravity and the discreteness of the medium. We also show that although the dispersion due to discreteness is negligible, the dispersion due to gravity can be easily measured and can be shown to disappear in a zero-gravity environment.
Standing waves between a microwave transmitter and receiver
Authors: Brody Jed , Villhauer Elena , Espiritu Hugo
Published: November 2014

We investigate standing waves that develop in the space between a microwave transmitter and receiver. Experimental results support a theoretical model of multiple reflections of spherical waves, leading to the standing waves. This experiment, though straightforward, is richly endowed with mathematical challenges and surprises. For example, the distance between adjacent antinodes is only approximately constant for a standing wave.
Characterization of Plasmids in Extensively Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter Strains Isolated in India and Pakistan
Authors: Jones Lim S. , Carvalho Maria J. , Toleman Mark A. , White P. Lewis , Connor Thomas R. , Mushtaq Ammara , Weeks Janis L. , Kumarasamy Karthikeyan K. , Raven Katherine E. , Török M. Estée , Peacock Sharon J. , Howe Robin A. , Walsh Timothy R.
Published: November 2014

The
bla
NDM-1
gene is associated with extensive drug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. This probably spread to
Enterobacteriaceae
from
Acinetobacter
spp., and we characterized plasmids associated with
bla
NDM-1
in
Acinetobacter
spp. to gain insight into their role in this dissemination. Four clinical NDM-1-producing
Acinetobacter
species strains from India and Pakistan were investigated. A plasmid harboring
bla
NDM-1
, pNDM-40-1, was characterized by whole-genome sequencing of
Acinetobacter bereziniae
CHI-40-1 and comparison with related plasmids. The presence of similar plasmids in strains from Pakistan was sought by PCR and sequencing of amplicons. Conjugation frequency was tested and stability of pNDM-40-1 investigated by real-time PCR of isolates passaged with and without antimicrobial selection pressure.
A. bereziniae
and
Acinetobacter haemolyticus
strains contained plasmids similar to the pNDM-BJ01-like plasmids identified in
Acinetobacter
spp. in China. The backbone of pNDM-40-1 was almost identical to that of pNDM-BJ01-like plasmids, but the transposon harboring
bla
NDM-1
, Tn
125
, contained two short deletions.
Escherichia coli
and
Acinetobacter
pittii
transconjugants were readily obtained. Transconjugants retained pNDM-40-1 after a 14-day passage experiment, although stability was greater with meropenem selection. Fragments of pNDM-BJ01-like plasmid backbones are found near
bla
NDM-1
in some genetic contexts from
Enterobacteriaceae
, suggesting that cross-genus transfer has occurred. pNDM-BJ01-like plasmids have been described in isolates originating from a wide geographical region in southern Asia.
In vitro
data on plasmid transfer and stability suggest that these plasmids could have contributed to the spread of
bla
NDM-1
into
Enterobacteriaceae
.
Frequent Use of Chlorhexidine-Based Body Wash Associated with a Reduction in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization among Military Trainees
Authors: Millar Eugene V. , Chen Wei-Ju , Schlett Carey D. , Cui Tianyuan , Crawford Katrina B. , Lanier Jeffrey B. , Tribble David R. , Ellis Michael W.
Published: November 2014

In a field-based trial among military trainees, personal hygiene measures, including chlorhexidine (CHG) body wash, did not prevent overall and methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTI). We conducted a secondary analysis of anterior nares cultures obtained during the trial to evaluate the impact of hygiene measures on
Staphylococcus aureus
colonization. A cluster-randomized trial for SSTI prevention was conducted among U.S. Army infantry trainees from May 2010 to January 2012. There were three study groups with incrementally increasing education- and hygiene-based components: standard (S), enhanced standard (ES), and CHG. Anterior nares cultures were obtained from participants to determine the prevalence of
S. aureus
colonization. A total of 1,706 participants (469 S, 597 ES, and 640 CHG) without SSTI were included in the colonization analysis. Of those randomized to the CHG group, 360 (56.3%) reported frequent use of body wash. Frequent use of body wash had no effect on overall
S. aureus
colonization (53.3% versus 56.8% among infrequent/nonusers;
P
= 0.25). MRSA colonization prevalence was marginally lower among frequent users (2.5% versus 4.7%;
P
= 0.07). In multivariable analysis, the odds of MRSA colonization were lower among frequent users (odds ratio [OR], 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16 to 0.77). This CHG-associated reduction was not observed when comparing colonization with USA300 to that with non-USA300 types (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.06 to 5.76). Frequent use of CHG body wash was associated with a reduction in MRSA nasal colonization among high-risk military trainees. Topical chlorhexidine may contribute to MRSA SSTI prevention by reducing colonization. However, further studies evaluating the pathogenesis of SSTI are needed. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01105767).
Tenofovir Monotherapy versus Tenofovir plus Lamivudine or Telbivudine Combination Therapy in Treatment of Lamivudine-Resistant Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Lee Yun Bin , Jung Eun Uk , Kim Bo Hyun , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Cho Hyeki , Ahn Hongkeun , Choi Won-Mook , Cho Young Youn , Lee Minjong , Yoo Jeong-Ju , Cho Yuri , Lee Dong Hyeon , Cho Eun Ju , Yu Su Jong , Park Sung Jae , Kim Yoon Jun , Park Joong-Won , Lee Youn Jae , Kim Chang-Min , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Kim Chung Yong , Lee Hyo-Suk
Published: November 2014

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) monotherapy is a therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants resistant to lamivudine (LAM). We evaluated the antiviral efficacy and safety of TDF alone compared to those of TDF plus LAM or telbivudine (LdT) combination in patients harboring HBV variants with genotypic resistance to LAM. This multicenter retrospective study included consecutive patients who had LAM-resistant HBV variants and were treated with TDF alone (monotherapy group) or TDF combined with LAM or LdT (combination therapy group) for at least 6 months. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) for the entire cohort was applied to control for treatment selection bias. Overall, 153 patients (33 in the monotherapy group and 120 in the combination therapy group) were analyzed. The overall probability of achieving complete virologic suppression at month 12 was 91.6%: 88.6% in the monotherapy group and 92.6% in the combination therapy group. Combination therapy was not superior to monotherapy in viral suppression before and after IPTW (P= 0.562 andP= 0.194, respectively). Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss, biochemical response, and virologic breakthrough did not differ between treatment groups. The probabilities of complete virologic suppression were comparable between treatment groups in the subsets according to HBeAg status and HBV DNA levels at baseline. No patient experienced any significant renal dysfunction during the treatment period. In conclusion, TDF monotherapy has antiviral efficacy comparable to that of TDF plus LAM or LdT combination therapy, with a favorable safety profile in CHB patients with LAM-resistant HBV variants.
Isolation of VIM-2-Producing Pseudomonas monteilii Clinical Strains Disseminated in a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Spain
Authors: Ocampo-Sosa Alain A. , Guzmán-Gómez Laura P. , Fernández-Martínez Marta , Román Elena , Rodríguez Cristina , Marco Francesc , Vila Jordi , Martínez-Martínez Luis
Published: November 2014

We describe here the occurrence ofblaVIM-2in 10 carbapenem-resistantPseudomonas monteiliistrains isolated from different clinical samples from patients at the University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla in northern Spain. All theblaVIM-2-harboringP. monteiliiisolates possessed a class 1 integron, with the cassette array [intI1_blaVIM-2_aac(6′)-Ib_qacEΔ1_sul1]. Our results show the emergence of VIM-2-producing multidrug-resistant species other thanPseudomonas aeruginosaorPseudomonas putidain a Spanish hospital.P. monteilii, although sporadically isolated, should also be considered an important metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) reservoir.
Dectin-2 Deficiency Promotes Th2 Response and Mucin Production in the Lungs after Pulmonary Infection with Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Nakamura Yuri , Sato Ko , Yamamoto Hideki , Matsumura Kana , Matsumoto Ikumi , Nomura Toshiki , Miyasaka Tomomitsu , Ishii Keiko , Kanno Emi , Tachi Masahiro , Yamasaki Sho , Saijo Shinobu , Iwakura Yoichiro , Kawakami Kazuyoshi
Published: November 2014

Dectin-2 is a C-type lectin receptor that recognizes high mannose polysaccharides.Cryptococcus neoformans, a yeast-form fungal pathogen, is rich in polysaccharides in its cell wall and capsule. In the present study, we analyzed the role of Dectin-2 in the host defense againstC. neoformansinfection. In Dectin-2 gene-disrupted (knockout) (Dectin-2KO) mice, the clearance of this fungus and the inflammatory response, as shown by histological analysis and accumulation of leukocytes in infected lungs, were comparable to those in wild-type (WT) mice. The production of type 2 helper T (Th2) cytokines in lungs was higher in Dectin-2KO mice than in WT mice after infection, whereas there was no difference in the levels of production of Th1, Th17, and proinflammatory cytokines between these mice. Mucin production was significantly increased in Dectin-2KO mice, and this increase was reversed by administration of anti-interleukin 4 (IL-4) monoclonal antibody (MAb). The levels of expression of β1-defensin, cathelicidin, surfactant protein A (Sp-A), and Sp-D in infected lungs were comparable between these mice. Inin vitroexperiments, IL-12p40 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production and expression of CD86 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and alveolar macrophages were completely abrogated in Dectin-2KO mice. Finally, the disrupted lysates ofC. neoformans, but not of whole yeast cells, activated Dectin-2-triggered signaling in an assay with nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter cells expressing this receptor. These results suggest that Dectin-2 may oppose the Th2 response and IL-4-dependent mucin production in the lungs after infection withC. neoformans, and it may not be required for the production of Th1, Th17, and proinflammatory cytokines or for clearance of this fungal pathogen.
Carbohydrate-Dependent Binding of Langerin to SodC, a Cell Wall Glycoprotein of Mycobacterium leprae
Authors: Kim Hee Jin , Brennan Patrick J. , Heaslip Darragh , Udey Mark C. , Modlin Robert L. , Belisle John T.
Published: November 2014

Langerhans cells participate in the immune response in leprosy by their ability to activate T cells that recognize the pathogen,Mycobacterium leprae, in a langerin-dependent manner. We hypothesized that langerin, the distinguishing C-type lectin of Langerhans cells, would recognize the highly mannosylated structures in pathogenicMycobacteriumspp. The coding region for the extracellular and neck domain of human langerin was cloned and expressed to produce a recombinant active trimeric form of human langerin (r-langerin). Binding assays performed in microtiter plates, by two-dimensional (2D) Western blotting, and by surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that r-langerin possessed carbohydrate-dependent affinity to glycoproteins in the cell wall ofM. leprae. This lectin, however, yielded less binding to mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM) and even lower levels of binding to phosphatidylinositol mannosides. However, the superoxide dismutase C (SodC) protein of theM. lepraecell wall was identified as a langerin-reactive ligand. Tandem mass spectrometry verified the glycosylation of a recombinant form ofM. lepraeSodC (rSodC) produced inMycobacterium smegmatis. Analysis of r-langerin affinity by surface plasmon resonance revealed a carbohydrate-dependent affinity of rSodC (equilibrium dissociation constant [KD] = 0.862 μM) that was 20-fold greater than forM. lepraeManLAM (KD= 18.69 μM). These data strongly suggest that a subset of the presumptively mannosylatedM. lepraeglycoproteins act as ligands for langerin and may facilitate the interaction ofM. lepraewith Langerhans cells.
Bordetella parapertussis PagP Mediates the Addition of Two Palmitates to the Lipopolysaccharide Lipid A
Authors: Hittle L. E. , Jones J. W. , Hajjar A. M. , Ernst R. K. , Preston A.
Published: November 2014

Bordetella bronchisepticaPagP (PagPBB) is a lipid A palmitoyl transferase that is required for resistance to antibody-dependent complement-mediated killing in a murine model of infection.B. parapertussiscontains a putativepagPhomolog (encodingB. parapertussisPagP [PagPBPa]), but its role in the biosynthesis of lipid A, the membrane anchor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), has not been investigated. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that wild-typeB. parapertussislipid A consists of a heterogeneous mixture of lipid A structures, with penta- and hexa-acylated structures containing one and two palmitates, respectively. Through mutational analysis, we demonstrate that PagPBPais required for the modification of lipid A with palmitate. While PagPBBtransfers a single palmitate to the lipid A C-3′ position, PagPBPatransfers palmitates to the lipid A C-2 and C-3′ positions. The addition of two palmitate acyl chains is unique toB. parapertussis. Mutation ofpagPBParesulted in a mutant strain with increased sensitivity to antimicrobial peptide killing and decreased endotoxicity, as evidenced by reduced proinflammatory responses via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to the hypoacylated LPS. Therefore, PagP-mediated modification of lipid A regulates outer membrane function and may be a means to modify interactions between the bacterium and its human host during infection.
The RapP-PhrP Quorum-Sensing System of Bacillus subtilis Strain NCIB3610 Affects Biofilm Formation through Multiple Targets, Due to an Atypical Signal-Insensitive Allele of RapP
Authors: Omer Bendori Shira , Pollak Shaul , Hizi Dorit , Eldar Avigdor
Published: November 2014

The genome ofBacillus subtilis168 encodes eightrap-phrquorum-sensing pairs. Rap proteins of all characterized Rap-Phr pairs inhibit the function of one or several important response regulators: ComA, Spo0F, or DegU. This inhibition is relieved upon binding of the peptide encoded by the cognatephrgene.Bacillus subtilisstrain NCIB3610, the biofilm-proficient ancestor of strain 168, encodes, in addition, therapP-phrPpair on the plasmid pBS32. RapP was shown to dephosphorylate Spo0F and to regulate biofilm formation, but unlike other Rap-Phr pairs, RapP does not interact with PhrP. In this work we extend the analysis of the RapP pathway by reexamining its transcriptional regulation, its effect on downstream targets, and its interaction with PhrP. At the transcriptional level, we show thatrapPandphrPregulation is similar to that of otherrap-phrpairs. We further find that RapP has an Spo0F-independent negative effect on biofilm-related genes, which is mediated by the response regulator ComA. Finally, we find that the insensitivity of RapP to PhrP is due to a substitution of a highly conserved residue in the peptide binding domain of therapPallele of strain NCIB3610. Reversing this substitution to the consensus amino acid restores the PhrP dependence of RapP activity and eliminates the effects of therapP-phrPlocus on ComA activity and biofilm formation. Taken together, our results suggest that RapP strongly represses biofilm formation through multiple targets and that PhrP does not counteract RapP due to a rare mutation inrapP.
Management of severe acute malnutrition in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Trehan Indi , Manary Mark J
Published: November 2014

Kwashiorkor and marasmus, collectively termed severe acute malnutrition (SAM), account for at least 10% of all deaths among children under 5 years of age worldwide, virtually all of them in low-income and middle-income countries. A number of risk factors, including seasonal food insecurity, environmental enteropathy, poor complementary feeding practices, and chronic and acute infections, contribute to the development of SAM. Careful anthropometry is key to making an accurate diagnosis of SAM and can be performed by village health workers or even laypeople in rural areas. The majority of children can be treated at home with ready-to-use therapeutic food under the community-based management of acute malnutrition model with recovery rates of approximately 90% under optimal conditions. A small percentage of children, often those with HIV, tuberculosis or other comorbidities, will still require inpatient therapy using fortified milk-based foods.
Life-threatening haemoperitoneum secondary to rupture of simple ovarian cyst
Authors: Nyhsen Christiane , Mahmood Syed Umair
Published: November 2014

A 30-year-old woman with no significant medical or family history presented with epigastric pain radiating to the right shoulder tip. She had an acute drop of haemoglobin within 6 h of admission. She was found to be actively bleeding from a ruptured simple ovarian cyst with no other pathology found. Bleeding was stopped by diathermy.
Aortic dissection as a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Giri Smith , Dhakal Prajwal , Hwang Inyong , Alsafwah Shadwan
Published: November 2014

Aortic dissection is a rare but life-threatening complication that can occur during percutaneous coronary intervention procedures. We present a case of a 55-year-old woman who underwent a right coronary angioplasty that was complicated by a proximal dissection of the ascending aorta. Urgent surgical repair of the aorta was performed and the patient was discharged in stable clinical condition.