bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Utility of Notch-1 Immunocytochemistry in Endometrial Cytology
Authors: Mori Michihiro , Miyamoto Tomoyuki , Ohno Setsuyo , Miyake Yasuyuki , Sakaguchi Takuya , Ohno Eiji
Published: February 2012

Objective: It was the aim of this study to evaluate the diagnostic utility of Notch-1 immunocytochemistry in distinguishing endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown (EGBD) from endometrial adenocarcinoma in endometrial cytology. Study Design: Samples of normal endometrium, EGBD and endometrial adenocarcinoma were subjected to immunocytochemical staining for Notch-1, and we examined the labeling index (LI) of Notch-1 (the ratio of intranuclear Notch-1-positive cells to total cells). We compared (1) the Notch-1 LI in normal endometrium, (2) the Notch-1 LI between normal endometrium and endometrial adenocarcinoma, and (3) the Notch-1 LI in normal endometrium, EGBD and endometrial adenocarcinoma. Results: In analysis item 1, the LI of Notch-1 was 32.9 ± 8.4, 19.4 ± 8.2 and 12.5 ± 7.5% in proliferative endometrium, secretory endometrium and atrophic endometrium, respectively. In analysis item 2, the LI of Notch-1 in endometrial adenocarcinoma was 45.2 ± 7.4%, which was significantly higher than that in normal endometrium. In analysis item 3, the LI of Notch-1 in EGBD was 31.3 ± 8.3%, which was significantly lower than that in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: In conclusion, Notch-1 immunocytochemistry is a useful method for distinguishing between EGBD and endometrial carcinoma in endometrial cytology.
Bioavailability, Antipsoriatic Efficacy and Tolerability of a New Light Cream with Mometasone Furoate 0.1%
Authors: Korting H.C. , Schöllmann C. , Willers C. , Wigger-Alberti W.
Published: February 2012

Mometasone furoate, a potent glucocorticoid (class III) with a favorable benefit/risk ratio, has emerged as a standard medication for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. The purpose of the investigation presented here was to determine the noninferiority of a topical mometasone formulation, a light cream (O/W 60/40 emulsion) with mometasone furoate 0.1% (water content of 33%) versus marketed comparators. Using the vasoconstrictor assay, a strong blanching effect of the new cream (called Mometasone cream) comparable to that of a mometasone comparator, a fatty cream with mometasone furoate 0.1%, could be demonstrated. Thus, the topical bioavailability of the active ingredient mometasone furoate (0.1%) was regarded to be similar for Mometasone cream and the mometasone comparator. Using the psoriasis plaque test, a strong antipsoriatic effect comparable to that of the mometasone comparator was found for Mometasone cream after 12 days of occlusive treatment. A nearly identical reduction in the mean infiltrate thickness and similar mean AUC values were noted with both formulations confirmed by clinical assessment data. The noninferiority of Mometasone cream to its active comparator with respect to the AUC of change to baseline in infiltrate thickness was demonstrated. Both medications were well tolerated. Overall, Mometasone cream and the mometasone comparator showed similar efficacy and tolerability. Mometasone cream, in addition to its high potency and good tolerability, provides the properties of a light cream, which might make this new medication particularly suitable for application on acutely inflamed and sensitive skin.
Five-Year Follow-Up of 10 Patients Treated with Globus Pallidus Internus Deep Brain Stimulation for Segmental or Multisegmental Dystonia
Authors: Sarubbo S. , Latini F. , Quatrale R. , Sensi M. , Granieri E. , Cavallo M.A.
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) represents a validated, effective, and safe treatment for patients affected by generalized dystonia resistant to conservative treatment. Segmental and multisegmental dystonia have more recently been proposed as further indications for GPi DBS despite the lack of long-term homogenous follow-up. Here we present an original and detailed long-term follow-up (5 years) of a homogeneous population of 11 patients affected by segmental or multisegmental dystonia. Materials and Methods: Ten patients underwent bilateral GPi DBS electrode implantations under a Leksell stereotactic guide, with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. The follow-ups at 1, 3 and 5 years were collected using video-BFMDRS for motor and disability scores. The statistical analysis of the results is provided. Results: We reported a statistically significant improvement in motor and disability overall scores until 5 years after treatment. At the last follow-up, even the single motor subitems were statistically improved. Discussion: We observed a continuous and statistically significant improvement in all of the motor subitems and in the overall disability score until the 3-year follow-up. These results did not improve any further but they appeared steady at the last follow-up. We also report a significant improvement in the cranial-cervical subitems. Conclusions: GPi DBS should definitely be considered a safe and effective treatment also for segmental and multisegmental dystonia even in cases of relevant or prevalent cranial-cervical involvement.
Assessment of Fine Needle Aspiration Specimen Adequacy for High-Risk HPV Detection and Genotyping in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Solomides Charalambos C. , Bibbo Marluce , Wang Zi-Xuan
Published: February 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the adequacy of archived and fresh fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens from metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) for the molecular detection and genotyping of high-risk (HR) HPV. Study Design: Thirty-seven specimens from 26 patients diagnosed by FNA with metastatic SCC were included as retrospective specimens [19 slides stained with Papanicolaou (Pap) and 18 with Diff-Quik® (DQ)]. Twenty fresh FNA specimens from 18 patients were included as prospective specimens. These specimens were analyzed using the standard protocol for ThinPrep® cervical specimens, with a Cervista HR HPV detection kit. The positive specimens were tested for the HPV 16 and 18 genotypes. Results: Forty-four of 57 specimens (77%) had sufficient cells to yield a valid HPV result. The adequacy rate for Pap-stained slides was 15/19 (79%), for DQ-stained slides it was 13/18 (72%), and for fresh needle aspirates it was 16/20 (80%). HR HPV was detected in 23/44 (52%) specimens. Among the 23 HPV-positive specimens, 19 were genotyped as HPV 16 and 1 as HPV 18. Conclusions: HR HPV detection and genotyping can be performed on FNA specimens of head and neck SCC prospectively collected in PreservCyt as well as on archival slides with either Pap or DQ stain.
Neuroendocrine Control of the Transition to Reproductive Senescence: Lessons Learned from the Female Rodent Model
Authors: Kermath Bailey A. , Gore Andrea C.
Published: February 2012

The natural transition to reproductive senescence is an important physiological process that occurs with aging, resulting in menopause in women and diminished or lost fertility in most mammalian species. This review focuses on how rodent models have informed our knowledge of age-related changes in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurosecretory function and the subsequent loss of reproductive capacity. Studies in rats and mice have shown molecular, morphological and functional changes in GnRH cells. Furthermore, during reproductive aging altered sex steroid feedback to the hypothalamus contributes to a decrease of stimulatory signaling and increase in inhibitory tone onto GnRH neurons. At the site of the GnRH terminals where the peptide is released into the portal vasculature, the cytoarchitecture of the median eminence becomes disorganized with aging, and mechanisms of glial-GnRH neuronal communication may be disrupted. These changes can result in the dysregulation of GnRH secretion with reproductive decline. Interestingly, reproductive aging effects on the GnRH circuitry are observed in middle age even prior to any obvious physiological changes in cyclicity. We speculate that the hypothalamus may play a critical role in this mid-life transition. Because there are substantial species differences in these aging processes, we also compare and contrast rodent aging to that in primates. Work discussed herein shows that in order to understand neuroendocrine mechanisms of reproductive senescence, further research needs to be conducted in ovarian-intact models.
Discriminant Analysis of Malignant Mesothelioma and Reactive Mesothelium Using Three-Dimensional Nuclear Estimation
Authors: Washiya Kiyotada , Narumi Kenta , Noro Tsukasa , Hamakawa Shinji , Furuta Noriyuki , Yoshioka Haruhiko , Watanabe Jun
Published: February 2012

Objective: The cytological diagnosis of coelomic fluid is essential for examining malignant mesothelioma (MM). However, reactive mesothelium (RM), caused by various factors, is morphologically similar to MM and thus often complicates the differential diagnosis. Here, nuclear luminance and steric alterations were assessed for the discriminant analysis of MM and RM. Study Design: Thirteen epithelial MM and 11 RM cases were included. One hundred alterations in the numbers of nuclear pixels and focus layers and the coefficient of variation of nuclear luminance among layers were determined for each case to conduct discriminant analysis using the Mahalanobis distance. Results: A cutoff value of 0.072 allowed highly accurate discrimination of MM (89.5%) and RM (89.6%). Fifteen cells appeared in 6 agglomerates of indiscriminable MM cases. The 6 agglomerates were individually examined. Malignant cells were dominant in 3 agglomerates (50%), allowing the discrimination of malignant cases. Conclusion: Discrimination using nuclear luminance and steric alterations is useful for morphologically indiscriminable MM cases. Three-dimensional analysis of agglomerates will be further investigated to improve the diagnostic accuracy.
Evaluation of Patient and Proxy Responses on the Activity Measure for Postacute Care
Authors: Jette Alan M. , Ni Pengsheng , Rasch Elizabeth K. , Appelman Jed , Sandel M. Elizabeth , Terdiman Joseph , Chan Leighton
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—

Our objective was to examine the agreement between adult patients with stroke and family member or clinician proxies in activity measure for postacute care (AM-PAC) summary scores for daily activity, basic mobility, and applied cognitive function.

Methods—

This study involved 67 patients with stroke admitted to a hospital within the Kaiser Permanente of Northern California system and were participants in a parent study on stroke outcomes. Each participant and proxy respondent completed the AM-PAC by personal or telephone interview at the point of hospital discharge or during ≥1 transitions to different postacute care settings.

Results—

The results suggest that for patients with a stroke proxy, AM-PAC data are robust for family or clinician proxy assessment of basic mobility function and clinician proxy assessment of daily activity function, but less robust for family proxy assessment of daily activity function and for all proxy groups' assessments of applied cognitive function. The pattern of disagreement between patient and proxy was, on average, relatively small and random. There was little evidence of systematic bias between proxy and patient reports of their functional status. The degree of concordance between patient and proxy was similar for those with moderate to severe strokes compared with mild strokes.

Conclusions—

Patient and proxy ratings on the AM-PAC achieved adequate agreement for use in stroke research when using proxy respondents could reduce sample selection bias. The AM-PAC data can be implemented across institutional as well as community care settings while achieving precision and reducing respondent burden.
Cerebellar and Cerebral Autoregulation in Migraine
Authors: Reinhard Matthias , Schork Joscha , Allignol Arthur , Weiller Cornelius , Kaube Holger
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—

Silent ischemic brain lesions frequently occur in migraine with aura and are most often located in cerebellar border zones. This may imply an impairment of cerebellar blood flow autoregulation. This study investigated the characteristics of interictal cerebellar autoregulation in migraine with and without aura.

Methods—

Thirty-four patients (n=17, migraine without aura; n=17, migraine with aura) and 35 age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Triple simultaneous transcranial Doppler monitoring of one posterior inferior cerebellar artery, right posterior cerebral artery, and left middle cerebral artery was performed. Autoregulation dynamics were assessed from spontaneous blood pressure fluctuations (correlation coefficient index Dx) and from respiratory-induced 0.1-Hz blood pressure oscillations (phase and gain).

Results—

Compared with controls, the autoregulatory index Dx was higher (indicating less autoregulation) in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (
P
=0.0062) and middle cerebral artery (
P
=0.0078) in migraine with aura, but not in migraine without aura. Phase and gain did not significantly differ between migraine patients and controls. No significant associations of autoregulation with clinical factors were found, including frequency of migraine attacks and orthostatic intolerance.

Conclusions—

This first-time analysis of cerebellar autoregulation in migraine did not show a specific cerebellar dysautoregulation in the interictal period. More static autoregulatory properties (index Dx) are, however, impaired in persons with migraine with aura both in the cerebellar and anterior circulation. The cerebellar predilection of ischemic lesions in migraine with aura might be a combination of altered autoregulation and additional factors, such as the end artery cerebellar angioarchitecture.
Fibrin Clot Properties in Acute Stroke
Authors: Pera Joanna , Undas Anetta , Topor-Madry Roman , Jagiella Jeremiasz , Klimkowicz-Mrowiec Aleksandra , Slowik Agnieszka
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—

Fibrin clot formation is important in acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We investigated plasma fibrin clot characteristics in acute ICH compared with acute ischemic stroke (IS) and nonstroke conditions.

Methods—

In the 3 studied groups, we analyzed plasma fibrin clot phenotype and its association with clinical stroke presentation.

Results—

Compared with controls, in patients with acute strokes, fibrin clots presented with lower clot permeability, longer lysis time, and higher maximum clot absorbance (for all,
P
<0.001). In ICH patients compared with IS patients, only lysis time was shorter by 13% (
P
<0.001). In the ICH group, neurological deficit correlated significantly (
P
<0.05) with clot compaction, and the rate of increase in
d
-dimers released from clots, whereas initial hematoma volume correlated with lag phase of fibrin formation on turbidimetry and compaction (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

In both types of acute strokes, fibrin clot properties are altered: denser fibrin clots are relatively resistant to lysis. In acute ICH, fibrin clots are more susceptible to tissue plasminogen activator–mediated lysis compared with in IS, which might affect ICH pathogenesis.
The One-Year Attributable Cost of Poststroke Aphasia
Authors: Ellis Charles , Simpson Annie N. , Bonilha Heather , Mauldin Patrick D. , Simpson Kit N.
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—

Little is known about the contribution of aphasia to the cost of care for patients who experience stroke.

Methods—

We retrospectively examined a cohort of South Carolina Medicare beneficiaries who experienced ischemic stroke in 2004 to determine the attributable cost of aphasia. Univariate analyses were used to compare demographic, comorbidity, and severity differences between individuals with poststroke aphasia and those without aphasia. Differences in payments by Medicare because of stroke were examined using a gamma-distributed generalized linear multivariate model.

Results—

Three thousand, two hundred Medicare beneficiaries experienced ischemic stroke in South Carolina in 2004, and 398 beneficiaries had poststroke aphasia. Patients with aphasia experienced longer length of stays, greater morbidity, and greater mortality than did those without aphasia. In adjusted models that controlled for relevant covariates, the attributable 1-year cost of aphasia was estimated at $1703.

Conclusions—

Aphasia adds to the cost of stroke-related care, above the cost of stroke alone.
Brain Lactate Metabolism in Humans With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Oddo Mauro , Levine Joshua M. , Frangos Suzanne , Maloney-Wilensky Eileen , Carrera Emmanuel , Daniel Roy T. , Levivier Marc , Magistretti Pierre J. , LeRoux Peter D.
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—

Lactate is central for the regulation of brain metabolism and is an alternative substrate to glucose after injury. Brain lactate metabolism in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage has not been fully elucidated.

Methods—

Thirty-one subarachnoid hemorrhage patients monitored with cerebral microdialysis (CMD) and brain oxygen (PbtO
2
) were studied. Samples with elevated CMD lactate (>4 mmol/L) were matched to PbtO
2
and CMD pyruvate and categorized as hypoxic (PbtO
2
<20 mm Hg) versus nonhypoxic and hyperglycolytic (CMD pyruvate >119 μmol/L) versus nonhyperglycolytic.

Results—

Median per patient samples with elevated CMD lactate was 54% (interquartile range, 11%–80%). Lactate elevations were more often attributable to cerebral hyperglycolysis (78%; interquartile range, 5%–98%) than brain hypoxia (11%; interquartile range, 4%–75%). Mortality was associated with increased percentage of samples with elevated lactate and brain hypoxia (28% [interquartile range 9%–95%] in nonsurvivors versus 9% [interquartile range 3%–17%] in survivors;
P
=0.02) and lower percentage of elevated lactate and cerebral hyperglycolysis (13% [interquartile range, 1%–87%] versus 88% [interquartile range, 27%–99%];
P
=0.07). Cerebral hyperglycolytic lactate production predicted good 6-month outcome (odds ratio for modified Rankin Scale score, 0–3 1.49; CI, 1.08–2.05;
P
=0.016), whereas increased lactate with brain hypoxia was associated with a reduced likelihood of good outcome (OR, 0.78; CI, 0.59–1.03;
P
=0.08).

Conclusions—

Brain lactate is frequently elevated in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients, predominantly because of hyperglycolysis rather than hypoxia. A pattern of increased cerebral hyperglycolytic lactate was associated with good long-term recovery. Our data suggest that lactate may be used as an aerobic substrate by the injured human brain.
Italian Intrigue in the Baltic: Myth, Faith, and Politics in the Age of Baroque
Authors: Baniulytė Aušra
Published: February 2012

Abstract

This article examines the role of myth in Italian cultural politics in the Baltic region during the Baroque era. A special focus for this analysis is the legend about a “kinship” between the Florentine Pazzi family and the Lithuanian noble family of the Pacas (Polish: Pac), known in the sources of the seventeenth century as “the Pazzi in Lithuania.” This legend prevailed particularly in the second half of the Baroque period, having developed under the influence of different political, religious, and social aspects of Baroque culture. It played an important part in the Papacy’s interests in Poland-Lithuania during the Counter-Reformation and in the commercial activity of Italian merchants in the Baltic, which coincided with the expansion of the monastic orders in this region and the cult of St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi, to whom the Pacas family expressed their devotion.
Seasonal changes of energy reserves in Bulimulus tenuissimus (d'Orbigny, 1835) (Mollusca, Bulimulidae)
Authors: Junqueira Flávia Oliveira , Silva Lidiane , Pinheiro Jairo , Bessa Elisabeth Cristina de Almeida , Meireles Liliane
Published: February 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the variation of energy substrates in different seasons in Bulimulus tenuissimus. For this evaluation, substrates were collected from the digestive and albumen glands and foot tissues, which were processed to obtain the concentrations of glucose and galactose. There was seasonal variation in energy reserves in both the digestive gland and the foot of Bulimulus tenuissimus, with a tendency to accumulation from spring to winter. There was greater use of energetic reserves in the spring and summer, being the glycogen stored in the digestive gland the first source consumed. In addition, mobilization of reserves of glycogen in the muscle in summer was observed. The reduction of glycogen coincides with the reproductive cycle of the species, and the expenses generated for the processes of mating and gametogenesis was the cause of this reduction. The concentration of galactogen also varied according to the reproductive period. It was suggested that variations in temperature and photoperiod that occur during the year would act as regulatory mechanisms of energy metabolism of B. tenuissimus.
Diffusion of Regulatory Impact Analysis Among OECD and EU Member States
Authors: Francesco Fabrizio De
Published: February 2012

With the exception of few comparative case studies, the literature on regulatory reform and regulatory impact analysis (RIA) tends to focus on internal political actors, activities, and processes. Furthermore, empirical analyses of new public management have overlooked the dynamics of communications among networks of administrative reformers. This article fills these gaps, presenting results of an event history analysis on the diffusion of RIA. It probes rationales for the origin of RIA and administrative capacity explanations in combination with variables referring to international and transnational communication channels of administrative reforms. A hypothesis based on legal origin is also tested. The findings show that the decision to adopt RIA rests on transnational networks as well as administrative variables such as government expenditure and legal origin.
Balancing Multicultural Competence With Social Justice
Authors: Yoder Janice D. , Snell Andrea F. , Tobias Ann
Published: February 2012

To identify a multivariate configuration of feminist beliefs best associated with optimal psychological functioning, 215 mostly White college women completed an online survey measuring their feminist beliefs (Feminist Perspectives Scale, Attitudes toward Feminism and the Women’s Movement, sense of common fate, and Feminist Identity Composite) and 13 measures of well-being with liberation, encompassing individual (e.g., well-being), interpersonal (e.g., egalitarianism), and societal (e.g., collective esteem) levels of analysis. A canonical correlation analysis revealed a significant multivariate association and yielded three distinct functions: established feminism (the strongest, most positive predictor) and its opposite (antifeminism), awakening feminism (negatively linked to individual well-being), and nonfeminist but woman-identified traditionalism (with some compromised well-being). The configuration of feminist beliefs that a woman holds, does not hold, and rejects makes a difference for her psychological functioning as well as for the roles counseling psychologists adopt to achieve multicultural competence along with social justice.
In Search of ‘Honorable’ Membership: Parliamentary Primaries and Candidate Selection in Ghana
Authors: Daddieh Cyril K , Bob-Milliar George M
Published: February 2012

With the increasing consolidation of her democracy, Ghana has, once again, become a cause for celebration and a source of pride in Africa. This newfound status as the bellwether state of African democracy makes Ghana ripe for a critical analysis of her democratic institutions. This article places the handling of parliamentary primaries by the two leading political parties in Ghana – the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) – under the microscope for closer scrutiny. The article interrogates the nature of these primaries, the procedures that govern their conduct, the factors that determine whether or not they are held, and the extent to which these parliamentary primaries have satisfied or deviated from democratic norms. It concludes that, while tremendous progress has been made in the candidate selection process by both major parties, there is plenty of room for improvement to ensure that the process is sufficiently empowering of voters in the constituencies and, hence, genuinely democratic.
Urban Governance Policies in Cameroon and the Crisis of Political Exclusion: A Case Study of the City of Kumba
Authors: Mbuagbo Oben Timothy , Egbe Orock Rogers Tabe
Published: February 2012

The democratic impulse that spurred a wave of political and economic reform policies in Cameroon in the 1990s appears to have witnessed a reversal. This is the case with urban governance policies. The imposition of state-appointed city administrators on locally elected mayors and councillors in contradiction to the aspirations of citizens has not augured well for local democratic practices. This interventionist drive by the state in the process of local democratization effectively excludes a considerable segment of urban residents from local governance proceedings. To understand the effects of these politically motivated policies on city politics in Cameroon, this paper draws from broad historical data, local press reports, and close observation of on-going development initiatives in the city of Kumba. This is done against the backdrop of persistent structural and political problems associated with the failure of city councils in Cameroon to provide meaningful and consistent service delivery such as garbage disposal. This paper concludes that sustainable urban development in Cameroon could be based on trust that embraces and cuts across all stakeholders within urban municipalities.
Shared Skills: Occupation Clusters for Poverty Alleviation and Economic Development in the US
Authors: Chrisinger Colleen K. , Fowler Christopher S. , Kleit Rachel Garshick
Published: February 2012

Economic development scholars and practitioners increasingly recognise the importance of both industry and occupational composition as sources of regional strength and specialisation. At the same time, occupational cluster analysis has paid insufficient attention to a main potential constituency of economic development: people in or near poverty. This article addresses this gap by developing 25 occupation clusters using a wide range of attributes, including skills and work styles, available from US Occupational Information Network (O*NET) data. The resulting clusters include many lower-wage occupations and illustrate possible career paths within clusters and across industries, based on similar interests and abilities, among other factors. These occupation clusters can be used to define the labour pools in US regions. Two of these clusters are used to demonstrate the concept that economic development centred on existing labour assets in a particular city or region may lead to stronger growth as well as reduced poverty.
Creating Connectedness Through Being Known
Authors: Chhuon Vichet , Wallace Tanner LeBaron
Published: February 2012

A multidisciplinary body of literature has established that students’ affective relationships with teachers are associated with important academic and developmental outcomes. In this article, we explored late adolescents’ active interpretations of what we call “being known” in high school. Distinct from a generalized perception of the school environment, namely, sense of school belonging, the concept of being known may provide a cohesive and efficient framework for understanding the intersections of developmental tasks, psychosocial perceptions, and effective teaching. Our focus group data with adolescents ( M = 16.65 years old, N = 77) yielded three robust findings (a) moving beyond “just teach” teacher relationships; (b) providing instrumental support; and (c) engaging a benefit-of-the-doubt treatment of students. We examined each of these key themes to probe how connectedness is created or undermined through the moment-by-moment experiencing of relational structures characterized by students’ perceptions of being known by adults in an educational context.
Application of a clustering method on sentiment analysis
Authors: Li Gang , Liu Fei
Published: February 2012

This article introduces a novel approach for sentiment analysis – the clustering-based sentiment analysis approach. By applying a TF-IDF weighting method, a voting mechanism and importing term scores, an acceptable and stable clustering result can be obtained. The methodology has competitive advantages over the two existing types of approaches: symbolic techniques and supervised learning methods. It is a well-performed, efficient and non-human participating approach to solving sentiment analysis problems.
Head and Neck Manifestations of the Immune Reconstitution Syndrome in HIV‐Infected Patients
Authors: Ablanedo‐Terrazas Yuria , Alvarado‐de la Barrera Claudia , Ormsby Christopher E. , Reyes‐Terán Gustavo
Published: February 2012

Objective

To describe head and neck manifestations of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in a cohort of HIV‐infected patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). After initiation of cART, some HIV‐infected patients present a paradoxical worsening and clinical deterioration due to pathological inflammatory reactions to infectious or noninfectious antigens, a condition known as IRIS.

Study Design

Prospective study with a follow‐up period of 6 to 24 months.

Setting

Tertiary referral center in Mexico City.

Methods

Our cohort was integrated by 165 patients who had started cART within the past 2 months prior to study entry. Patients underwent a complete ear, nose, and throat examination (ENT). Laboratory tests (hematology and blood chemistry), cultures from body fluids, and biopsies were performed.

Results

Of the 165 patients studied, 21 (12.7%) presented IRIS in the head and neck region. Kaposi sarcoma was the most common presentation, observed in 7 patients. Tuberculosis‐associated IRIS was observed in 6 patients with scrophulas, lymph node enlargement, or retropharyngeal abscess. Other manifestations included herpes simplex I infection and unilateral vocal fold palsy secondary to Mycobacterium avium intracelulare paratracheal abscess and scrophulas, as well as cervical lymph node histoplasmosis and facial palsy.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study describing the different manifestations of IRIS in the head and neck region.
Mesh-based digital image correlation method using higher order isoparametric elements
Authors: Ma Shaopeng , Zhao Zilong , Wang Xian
Published: February 2012

By using the 8-node-quadrangular isoparametric element to discretize the speckle image, a 8-node-quadrangular mesh-based digital image correlation method is proposed. The model of 8-node-quadrangular mesh digital image correlation and its solving scheme based on the Newton–Raphson iteration have been constructed. The method is realized and then verified with speckle images produced by numerical simulations and real experiments. The results show that the 8-node-quadrangular mesh digital image correlation has a similar accuracy on a simple deformation measurement (translation, rotation and constant strain deformation) compared with mesh digital image correlation using the simple 4-node-quadrangular element. But for a heterogeneous deformation field measurement, the 8-node-quadrangular mesh digital image correlation has a higher accuracy because the 8-node isoparametric element used has the second-order interpolation accuracy, which is higher than that in 4-node-quadrangular mesh digital image correlation and in the conventional subset-based digital image correlation. Moreover, the 8-node-quadrangular mesh digital image correlation has the advantage for the measurement of a specimen with circular edges; the 8-node-quadrangular mesh digital image correlation can measure the displacement of all points close, even on, the curve edges because the 8-node-quadrangular isoparametric element is able to be mapped onto an element with second-order curved edges.
Evaluations of Women-Centered U.S. Microenterprise Development Programs
Authors: Kim Seon Mi
Published: February 2012

This article reviews research on women-centered U.S. microenterprise development programs (MDPs) by applying the concepts of conversion factors and capability of Amartya Sen’s capability approach. The article indicates how women-centered U.S. MDPs are appropriate in terms of reflecting women’s unique conversion factors in their programs, such as financial, human, social capital, and other structural gender discriminations, and how effective they are in assisting women to improve their capabilities. It concludes that women-centered U.S. MDPs do not sufficiently address women’s social environmental conversion factors in their programs, such as gender role and power relations.
Socioemotional Wealth in Family Firms
Authors: Berrone Pascual , Cruz Cristina , Gomez-Mejia Luis R.
Published: February 2012

This article makes the case for the socioemotional wealth (SEW) approach as the potential dominant paradigm in the family business field. The authors argue that SEW is the most important differentiator of the family firm as a unique entity and, as such, helps explain why family firms behave distinctively. In doing so, the authors review the concept of SEW, its different dimensions, and its links with other theoretical approaches. The authors also address the issue of how to measure this construct and offer various alternatives for operationalizing it. Finally, they offer a set of topics that can be pursued in future studies using the SEW approach.
Civil society organizations and trade unions: cooperation, conflict, indifference
Authors: Heery Edmund , Williams Steve , Abbott Brian
Published: February 2012

Sociologists of labour have explored the relationship of trade unions to other social movements and the conditions that allow ‘coalitions across the class divide’ to be formed. This article examines this question by presenting evidence on the interaction between trade unions and other civil society organizations in the UK; that is, advocacy, identity and single-issue, campaigning organizations. It finds that there is no single, dominant relationship but rather a complex pattern of cooperation, conflict and indifference.
Financial stress and the long-term outcomes of job loss
Authors: Weller Sally A
Published: February 2012

This article examines the longer-term effects of job loss for middle income households in Australia. Specifically, it analyses the experiences of workers who lost their jobs in the 2001 collapse of an Australian airline, Ansett Airlines. Since Ansett employees’ savings were tied up in the Ansett corporate structure, its workers faced the double jeopardy of losing both their careers and their savings. The article illuminates the role of financial losses in overall outcomes and argues that an adequate understanding of post-redundancy experiences must incorporate employment, wellbeing and financial effects. The article concludes that employment policies pay insufficient attention to the financial risks that accompany job loss. To reduce the adverse impacts of job loss for middle-income households, institutional frameworks need to address the interactions among labour markets, financial markets and housing markets.
Working past 65 in the UK and the USA: segregation into ‘Lopaq’ occupations?
Authors: Lain David
Published: February 2012

A prominent business case for employing older people in the 2000s suggests diverse employment opportunities existed for Britons over 65, despite their limited employment rights. However, it is hypothesized that employees over 65 were disproportionately segregated into less desired ‘Lopaq’ occupations: these were low paid, required few qualifications and were often part-time. The UK is contrasted with the USA, a country with long-established age discrimination legislation; the Labour Force Survey and Current Population Survey are analysed. A greater UK concentration in Lopaq occupations suggests employers, working in a context of limited employee rights, selectively retained and recruited people in their 60s to these jobs. An alternative explanation, that Lopaq employment levels reflected the characteristics of those choosing to work, is unsupported by logistic regression analysis. US evidence suggests that the 2011 default retirement age abolition will weaken UK Lopaq occupational segregation after 65 more than voluntaristic commitments to ‘age-diversity’.
An approach in prediction of failure in resistance spot welded aluminum 6061-T6 under quasi-static tensile test
Authors: Afshari Davood , Sedighi Mohammd , Barsoum Zuhier , Peng Ru Lin
Published: February 2012

The aim of this article is to predict the failure load in resistance spot welded aluminum 6061-T6 sheets with 2 mm thickness under quasi-static tensile test. Various welding parameters, e.g. welding current, welding time and electrode force are selected to produce welded joints with different quality. The results show that for all the samples in this study only interfacial failure mode was observed in tensile-shear test and no pull-out mode was observed. According to the failure mode, an empirical equation was used for the prediction of failure load based on nugget size and hardness of failure line. Microstructure study has been carried out to investigate microstructural changes in the welded joints. For determination of the minimum hardness, microhardness tests have been carried out to find hardness profiles. The minimum hardness value was observed for a thin layer around the nugget with large and coarse grains. The results show that by using the presented empirical equation, the failure can be predicted with a good agreement only by measuring nugget size.
Decision logic of an active braking system for powered two wheelers
Authors: Savino Giovanni , Pierini Marco , Baldanzini Niccolò
Published: February 2012

Powered two-wheeler (PTW) users are exposed to a high risk of accidents leading to severe injuries and fatalities. The trend of PTW accidents has pointed out the need for an intervention on PTW safety with new and effective solutions. One of the possible answers came from the EC-funded Powered two wheeler Integrated Safety (PISa) project which identified the autonomous braking of the vehicle as one of the most promising safety functions for PTWs.

The aim of this paper is to report on the design of the decision logic for deploying a PTW autonomous braking system in case of an imminent collision. Rationales and limitations for this pioneering application are given. The feasibility of the autonomous deceleration is demonstrated by an experimental study conducted with the PISa test bike implementing a prototype of the autonomous braking system, named the Active Braking (AB) system.
Prediction of backside micromotion in total knee replacements by finite element simulation
Authors: O’Brien Sean , Luo Yunhua , Wu Christine , Petrak Martin , Bohm Eric , Brandt Jan-M
Published: February 2012

The micromotion at the interface between the polyethylene tibial insert and metal tibial tray, in modular total knee replacements, has been shown to contribute to wear particle-induced osteolysis and cause implant failure. Therefore, studying the design parameters that are involved in the backside wear process is an important task that may lead to improvement in new total knee replacements. In the present study, a finite element model was developed to predict the backside micromotion along the entire modular interface. Both the linear elastic constitutive model and non-linear J2-plasticity constitutive model were considered in the finite element model for polyethylene and were corroborated against published results obtained from displacement controlled knee simulator wear tests. The finite element simulation with the non-linear J2-plasticity constitutive model was able to more accurately predict backside micromotion, while the linear elastic constitutive model was not. The developed finite element model (including the non-linear J2-plasticity constitutive model) was then applied to assess the effects of the tibial tray locking mechanism design (dovetails versus full-peripheral design) and different levels of interference fit on insert micromotion. The developed finite element model, implementing the non-linear J2-plasticity constitutive model, was shown to successfully predict clinical amounts of backside micromotion and could be used for the design and development of total knee replacements for the reduction of backside micromotion and wear.
Lymphocytes from systemic lupus erythematosus patients display increased spreading on VCAM-1, an effect associated with active renal involvement
Authors: Cheng Q , Hoi A , Hickey MJ , Morand EF
Published: February 2012

The mechanisms underlying leukocyte recruitment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are unclear. Leukocytes from SLE patients display increased integrin expression, but whether this results in an increased capacity to undergo adhesive interactions has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify alterations in the capacity of leukocytes from SLE patients to undergo interactions with various substrates under flow conditions. Blood from SLE patients was examined in a flow chamber assay, and rolling, adhesion and post-adhesion spreading assessed on platelet monolayers or VCAM-1. P-selectin-dependent neutrophil rolling on platelet monolayers did not differ between SLE patients and healthy controls. Similarly, lymphocyte adhesion on VCAM-1 did not differ between patients and controls. However, post-adhesion spreading on VCAM-1 was significantly increased in lymphocytes from SLE patients. These parameters were unaffected by overall disease activity, presence of organ damage or prednisolone usage. However, leukocyte spreading on VCAM-1 was elevated in patients with evidence of active renal disease. These findings indicate that lymphocytes from SLE patients have an increased propensity to undergo post-adhesion spreading, a key preliminary step in leukocyte transmigration. This behavior may contribute to lymphocyte infiltration in SLE patients and may represent a novel biomarker of lupus nephritis.
Professional dignity in nursing in clinical and community workplaces
Authors: Stievano Alessandro , Marinis Maria Grazia De , Russo Maria Teresa , Rocco Gennaro , Alvaro Rosaria
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this qualitative study was to analyse nurses’ professional dignity in their everyday working lives. We explored the factors that affect nursing professional dignity in practice that emerge in relationships with health professionals, among clinical nurses working in hospitals and in community settings in central Italy. The main themes identified were: (i) nursing professional dignity perceived as an achievement; (ii) recognition of dignity beyond professional roles. These two concepts are interconnected. This study provides insights into professional dignity in nursing being perceived as an achievement linked to the intrinsic dignity of every human being. The ‘nursing professional dignity perceived as an achievement’ was perceived as having declined in different social factors. Some factors of nursing professional dignity perceived as an achievement were attained more easily in community settings. ‘Recognition of dignity beyond professional roles’ underpins the intrinsic dignity as an expression of humanity, embedded in persons regardless of any profession, and values, such as: respect, moral integrity, humility, working conscientiously and kindness.
Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Physical Fitness of Male Adolescents in Oman
Authors: Khoo Selina , Al-Shamli Ali Khalifa
Published: February 2012

This study investigated the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and physical fitness (cardiovascular fitness, body fat percentage, flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance) of 10th-grade male students in Oman. Data were collected from 330 students. All participants completed a descriptive questionnaire, a 1 mile walk/run test; a skinfold analysis of the chest, abdomen, and thigh; a sit and reach test; a hand grip test; and a 1-minute sit-up test. Students spent an average of 19.20 ± 6.77 hours on sedentary activities, 3.46 ± 2.11 hours on sports activities, and 11.22 ± 9.24 hours working per week. The students had an average body fat percentage of 6.38% ± 4.67%, muscle strength 38.04 ± 7.55 kg, flexibility 38.01 ± 7.41 cm, abdominal muscle endurance 38.85 ± 8.15 times/min, and cardiovascular endurance 8.10 ± 1.65 minutes.
Effects of a Tailored Health Promotion Program to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Middle-Aged and Advanced-Age Bus Drivers
Authors: Hwang Gyu-Seok , Choi Jae-Wook , Choi Seoung-Hyung , Lee Seoung-Gil , Kim Kyung-Hee , Cho Yong-Min , Yoon Chungsik
Published: February 2012

A tailored health promotion program was developed and applied to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors among middle-aged and advanced-age bus drivers. The participants were 248 bus drivers from 2 transportation companies, in whom the authors surveyed health behaviors (physical activity, diet, smoking habit, and alcohol consumption), health status (body mass index, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein), and job stress. The tailored health promotion program consisted of exercise, diet, temperance, and smoking cessation education; the program was developed to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors and was administered for 6 months. After the program, health behaviors, such as physical activity, dietary habits, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption, and health status indicators, such as blood pressure, had significantly improved ( P < .05). The authors did not find an association between job stress and health behavior and status. This suggests that a tailored health promotion program for middle-aged and advanced-age bus drivers was effective.
Predictors of Contraceptive Use Among Married Youths and Their Husbands in a Rural Area of Myanmar
Authors: Mon Myo-Myo , Liabsuetrakul Tippawan
Published: February 2012

This study aimed to determine the predictors of contraceptive use among married female youths and their husbands using the behavioral theory of the Health Belief Model (HBM). A community-based survey was conducted in a rural area of Myanmar in 2008. A total of 444 respondents (222 couples) were interviewed separately using a pretested, structured questionnaire. Significant predictors of contraceptive use were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis. Wife’s HBM perception was a highly significant predictor of contraceptive use in married youths (adjusted odds ratio = 10; 95% confidence interval = 2.7, 37.6). Wives aged 20 to 24 years and having their own income, experience of spousal communication, and shorter distance from home to health center were also significant predictors of contraceptive use. A poor agreement on HBM perception between wife and husband was noted. This study highlights the importance of HBM perceptions, wife’s income, spousal communication, and geographic barriers in contraceptive use among married youths in rural Myanmar.
Streams of Bereavement
Authors: Owton Helen
Published: February 2012

This article offers “streams of bereavement” narratives across time. The author seeks to present a multilayered voiced account through vignettes and poems about the loss of her father who died 20 years ago. This aims to address the complex and traumatizing nature of living with grief and the shifting and multifaceted ways a young bereaved daughter might try and make sense of such a loss. This article is in response to reading “Fathers and Sons: Bits and Pieces” and the call for more in-depth qualitative inquiries into parentally bereaved young people. These narratives are offered in the hope that humane connections are discovered that facilitate others to make sense of a similar life event.