bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Changes in Multiple Biomarkers Are Associated with Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Doxorubicin, Taxanes, and Trastuzumab
Authors: Putt Mary , Hahn Virginia Shalkey , Januzzi James L , Sawaya Heloisa , Sebag Igal A , Plana Juan Carlos , Picard Michael H , Carver Joseph R , Halpern Elkan F , Kuter Irene , Passeri Jonathan , Cohen Victor , Banchs Jose , Martin Randolph P , Gerszten Robert E , Scherrer-Crosbie Marielle , Ky Bonnie
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers may play an important role in identifying patients at risk for cancer therapy cardiotoxicity. Our objectives were to define the patterns of change in biomarkers with cancer therapy and their associations with cardiotoxicity.

METHODS

In a multicenter cohort of 78 breast cancer patients undergoing doxorubicin and trastuzumab therapy, 8 biomarkers were evaluated at baseline and every 3 months over a maximum follow-up of 15 months. These biomarkers, hypothesized to be mechanistically relevant to cardiotoxicity, included high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), myeloperoxidase (MPO), placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-1 (sFlt-1), and galectin 3 (gal-3). We determined if biomarker increases were associated with cardiotoxicity at the same visit and the subsequent visit over the entire course of therapy. Cardiotoxicity was defined by the Cardiac Review and Evaluation Criteria; alternative definitions were also considered.

RESULTS

Across the entire cohort, all biomarkers except NT-proBNP and gal-3 demonstrated increases by 3 months; these increases persisted for GDF-15, PlGF, and hs-cTnI at 15 months. Increases in MPO, PlGF, and GDF-15 were associated with cardiotoxicity at the same visit [MPO hazard ratio 1.38 (95% CI 1.10–1.71), P = 0.02; PlGF 3.78 (1.30–11.0), P = 0.047; GDF-15 1.71 (1.15–2.55), P = 0.01] and the subsequent visit. MPO was robust to alternative outcome definitions.

CONCLUSIONS

Increases in MPO are associated with cardiotoxicity over the entire course of doxorubicin and trastuzumab therapy. Assessment with PlGF and GDF-15 may also be of value. These findings motivate validation studies in additional cohorts.
The witches of Tokyo: An investigation into the bimajyo trend
Authors: Ota Satoshi
Published: July 2015

Recently, ‘bimajyo’ (美魔女) came into focus in Japan. Bimajyo are women 35 and above who look much younger than their actual ages. They put on nice make-up, their hair is nicely arranged, and they are very fashionable. On top of that they maintain their skin very well, hardly have wrinkles and age spots, and keep their body fit. The term was coined by the Japanese magazine Bi-STORY (美 STORY) in 2009, and became more widely recognized because of a TV variety show that introduced the concept of this female figure. Bimajyo is an extreme example of women who want to stay young, but the author has observed that many Japanese women around 40 years old, regardless of their marital status and occupation, look very young. They try to be young not only in their appearance but also try to make the way they speak and the tone of their voice young. The article also argues that the recent phenomenon of the quest of keeping young-looking among Japanese women could be one of the causes of the postponement of maturity, which is also prevalent in Japanese society and can be related to various social problems.
Through a laugh darkly: Comedy in the films of Ingmar Bergman
Authors: Lunde Arne
Published: July 2015

This article explores comedy and comedic aspects in the Ingmar Bergman canon. Much of the focus is on films made between 1952 and 1964 that can be considered comedic in overall design and execution: the third section of Kvinnors väntan/Waiting Women (1952), En lektion i kärlek/A Lesson in Love (1954), Sommarnattens leende/Smiles of a Summer Night (1955b), Djävulens öga/The Devil's Eye (1960b) and För inte tala om alla dessa kvinnor/Now About These Women (1964). Against the grain of Bergmans international reputation as a dark, brooding and humourless existentialist, these films collectively reveal that he was in fact a master of the sophisticated comedy genre. In addition, comedic elements and devices such as animation, trick effects, parody, pastiche and meta-cinematic play are found in other films, and including some of his most interesting experiments.
Jalla! Jalla! and Import-Export: Two multicultural romantic comedies
Authors: L. Alexander Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Boy meets girl, the couple goes through a series of obstacles, they split, they reunite and there is a happy ending. This formula has reached international success in the genre of romantic comedy. Two immigrant Scandinavian writer-directors of non-western ethnic background, Josef Fares (Lebanese-Swedish) and Khalid Hussain (Pakistani-Norwegian), both employ this romantic comedy formula to engage their audiences with the multicultural issues second-generation Scandinavian ethnics face when falling in love with native Scandinavians. The Swedish film Jalla! Jalla! (Fares, 2000) and the Norwegian Import-eksport/Import-Export (Hussain, 2005), confront and expose stereotypes of immigrant identities in Scandinavia and explore the complexities of inter-ethnic romance. Both films also subversively reverse the hegemonic �insider/outsider� positions common to most Scandinavian film representations of the ethnic/racial outsider. In this article, I discuss how both director-writers approach multiculturalism, a relatively new phenomenon in Scandinavia, by adapting and personalizing the romantic comedy genre to reveal the unique experiences of immigrants in a way that audiences can understand. Additionally, I analyse ways in which the two films satirize the multiple stereotypes of immigrants and native Scandinavians to pose the question of what it means to be an immigrant or a Scandinavian, and sometimes both.
Both external and internal factors as an explanation of depopulation of cities on the area of Poland
Authors: Kantor-Pietraga Iwona
Published: July 2015

The aim of this paper is an attempt of explanation basic factors of depopulation in case of cities in Poland in the 20st and in the beginning of 21st century. Author takes into consideration only large urban centers with population more than 50 thousands inhabitants. Population changes are described according to historical periods: 1900-1946 (including World War II), postwar period (1946-1989) and period socio-economic and political changes in Poland (1990-2010). A key question is basic thesis that different determinants of depopulation have two sources: internal as well as external ones. Some of them arise only in defined periods and social-economic conditions. The most important have been underlined in this paper. It has been highlighted that is visible different between simply depopulation of cities as consequence of military operations, for example and contemporary urban shrinkage as an effect of compound social-economic background. Paper gives some reflections on different possibilities for defense of cities not only against consequences of the second demographic transition but also functional changes, especially in case of larger post-industrial centers. Important question that have been underlined in paper is problem of urban shrinkage as contemporary dimension of depopulation. Presented information clearly shows that in demographic terms process of contemporary shrinkage is comparable with urban demographic decline of the WW2 period.
Environmental aspects of relief transformation (Silesian Upland, Southern Poland)
Authors: Pełka-Gościniak Jolanta
Published: July 2015

The geological structure and the occurrence of mineral resources in the Silesian Upland in a significant way influenced the development of industry and caused transformation of every landscape element, among others changes in relief and therefore the formation of anthropogenic landforms. The paper focuses on environmental aspects of relief transformation in the Silesian Upland. The author described aesthetic, geomorphological, hydrological, climatological, pedological and biological aspects on the base of representatives of two groups of landforms–consciously created by human being and being an unintentional effect of human activity (of secondary character). All analysed landforms are new elements in relief, in majority of cases being in disharmony with their neighbourhood. They are alien to the landscape and disturb the equilibrium in the nature. It was proved that they strongly influence water and climatological conditions and soil cover. But sometimes the anthropogenic landforms can be perceived as advantageous for the nature, especially in case of subsidence depressions because of development of aquatic and hydrophilous species and in case of spoil tips due to spontaneous development of vegetation cover. The nature easily adapts to new environmental conditions (process of natural succession and independent introduction of species for new habitats). In these terrains the increase in biodiversity was observed.
Micromorphological study (ultrastructure of lamina surface, seeds, ultrasculpture of pollen grains) of Gladiolus L. species (Iridaceae Juss.) of Ukrainian flora
Authors: Zhygalova Svitlana L. , Futorna Oksana A. , Levanets Anatoliy
Published: July 2015

Micro-morphological characteristics of the four Gladiolus L. species of the Ukrainian flora (G. imbricatus L., G. italicus Mill., G. palustris Gaudin and G. tenuis M. Bieb.) as regards leaves, seeds and pollens are presented with this investigation in a detailed way. An examination of the surface structure of the leaves, seeds and pollen grains of the Gladiolus species indicates that the characteristics of the ultrastructure of leaves and of pollen grains are not diagnostic for distinguishing species, but they could be important at genus level (leaves: features such as being amphistomatic, having the same quantity of immersed stomata on both surfaces and having a high stomata index, the presence and localisation of papillae, the shape of epidermal cells; pollen grains: monosulcate type with two operculums). However, the type of surface ultrastructure of the seed coat is a diagnostic feature as at genus level so for species. It can be mentioned that propose the use of features such as the shape and position of the cicatricle, the type of cuticle, the shape and boundaries of cells of testa, and the anticlinal cell walls as diagnostic features at genera level. The shape of seeds, the presence and disposition of wing, the level of the periclinal cell walls of the seed coat and types of relief are additional diagnostic features for distinguishing of Gladiolus species.
The influence of atmospheric circulation on the air pollution concentration and temperature inversion in Sosnowiec. Case study
Authors: Widawski Artur
Published: July 2015

Sosnowiec is located in the Katowice Region, which is the most urbanized and industrialized region in Poland. Urban areas of such character favor enhancement of pollution concentration in the atmosphere and the consequent emergence of smog. Local meteorological and circulation conditions significantly influence not only on the air pollution level but also change air temperature considerably in their centers and immediate vicinities. The synoptic situation also plays the major role in dispersal and concentration of air pollutants and changes in temperature profile. One of the most important are the near-ground (100 m) inversions of temperature revealed their highest values on clear winter days and sometimes stay still for the whole day and night. Air temperature inversions in Sosnowiec occur mainly during anticyclone stagnation (Ca-anticyclone centre and Ka-anticyclonic ridge) and in anticyclones with air advection from the south and southwest (Sa and SWa) which cause significantly increase of air pollution values. The detailed evaluation of the influence of circulation types on the appearance of a particular concentration of pollutants carried out in this work has confirmed the predominant influence of individual circulation types on the development of air pollution levels at the Katowice region. This paper presents research case study results of the thermal structure of the near-ground atmospheric layer (100 m) and air pollution parameters (PM10, SO2, NO, NO2) changes in selected days of 2005 year according to regional synoptic circulation types. The changes in urban environment must be taken into account in analyses of multiyear trends of air temperature and air conditions on the regional and global scales.
Medical Anthropology: A New Field of Research in Slovakia
Authors: Bužeková Tatiana
Published: July 2015

The paper offers a brief review of ethnological studies conducted in Slovakia in relation to the main theoretical directions in medical anthropology. This sub-discipline of social/cultural anthropology has not yet been established in Slovakia owing to local scientific traditions. The author covers ethnographic studies conducted in Slovakia that might be considered relevant to this field and places them in the context of developments in anthropology in central and eastern Europe. Ethnological work and empirical findings obtained in related social disciplines may motivate future inquiry. Recent ethnological studies have followed a new direction in research and suggest the beginnings of medical anthropology in Slovakia.
No Prejudice-Free Society Means no Prejudice-Free Teachers, but Better Times Are Coming: Teachers and Cultural Diversity
Authors: Leix Alicja
Published: July 2015

Multicultural education tends to be automatically associated with pupils but in practice it places demands on all those involved in the teaching process. Of these the most predominant role is allocated to the teacher who mediates multicultural competence. Pupil attitudes towards foreigners and cultural diversity are not only influenced by multicultural education but also by teachers’ beliefs-and teachers’ beliefs are largely influenced by personal opinions and attitudes. The author presents the results of qualitative analysis performed on the unrestricted responses of 86 Czech teacher trainees and teachers on the topic of their experiences of foreigners. The analysis indicates their personal attitudes to foreigners, foreign cultures and diversity generally, the level of reflection in relation to cultural diversity, and discusses the results in relation to the wider sociocultural context.
El murmurador y la murmuración en la obra de Cervantes
Authors: Gelz Andreas
Published: July 2015

La murmuración constituye en el siglo XVI e inicios del XVII español un escándalo, un “pecado de boca” o “pecado de lengua”, cuya codificación se inició por los casuistas y moralistas de la escolástica en los siglos XII y XIII y continuó en el contexto de la Contrarreforma. A lo largo del siglo XVII esa reserva religiosa constituye asimismo una normativa religiosa y comunicativa en cuanto a la producción oral y textual en el ámbito literario y extra-literario. El concepto de murmuración pone en tela de juicio la legitimidad y la función social del texto, el cómo mediático, estilístico y retórico de su manera de comunicar y el asunto que trata o tematiza, pero también el espacio público o la esfera pública obedeciendo a prescripciones morales o éticas comunicativas cuya infracción se condena con el término de murmuración como una forma de “maldicencia”. ¿Cómo reacciona el texto literario a tal normativa, cómo la puede convertir en un recurso literario o tal vez en uno de una crítica literaria avant la lettre? Estas cuestiones se analizan a partir de algunos ejemplos de la obra de Miguel de Cervantes.
Plagio y práctica intertextual. A propósito de la novela El conquistador (2006), de Federico AndahaziEl artículo retoma y profundiza ideas defendidas en mi tesis doctoral Un ladrón de literatura: el plagio a partir de la transtextualidad (Universidad de Bergen, 2011).
Authors: Vaca Wladimir Chávez
Published: July 2015

Este trabajo discute la relación transtextual entre El Conquistador (2006), de Federico Andahazi, y Los indios estaban cabreros (1958), de Agustín Cuzzani. Los herederos de Cuzzani acusaron a Andahazi de plagio: ambas obras explotan la idea de un mexica que descubre Europa años antes del viaje de Colón. Pocas consideraciones estrictamente literarias se han publicado en la prensa de Hispanoamérica, al mismo tiempo que se nota la ausencia de un marco teórico de discusión. El presente estudio se enfoca en un cotejo textual de las obras a partir de la propuesta de Gérard Genette.
Hypertension and its association with anthropometric indexes among pre-university students
Authors: Cheah Whye Lian , Hazmi Helmy , Chia Hui Qi , Tindin Empiang , Ahmad Zafri Nur Adilah , Mohd Shah Syarul Haziq
Published: July 2015

Hypertension has become increasingly common among adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hypertension and its association with anthropometric indexes among pre-university students. This was a cross-sectional study carried out among pre-university students of a public university. Anthropometric measurements were conducted using mobile stadiometers, digital body fat scales and measuring tapes. Body fat percentage was measured with a body composition analyzer, and blood pressure was determined using digital blood pressure monitors. Statistical analyses were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics 20. A total of 218 respondents participated in the study. The prevalence of hypertension at risk was 7.3%, which was higher among males (16.7%). About 22% of the respondents were overweight and obese. The majority of males had a normal waist circumference (WC) (75.9%), but almost half of females had a WC value in the unhealthy category (47.0%). Females had higher conicity indexes and body fat compared to males. Respondents who were found to have hypertension at risk had a higher prevalence of being overweight and having unhealthy WC and waist-to-height ratio and had high conicity indexes and a high percentage of fat. Risk factors independently associated with hypertension at risk included male gender (odds ratio=4.213, 95% CI, 1.238–14.342) and body mass index (odds ratio=7.865, 95% CI, 1.165–53.099). Regular screening of hypertension at risk among adolescents and initiation of early treatment for those affected should be conducted to avoid further complication in later life.
Process Intensification for Production of Ethyl Lactate from Fermentation-Derived Magnesium Lactate: A Preliminary Design
Authors: Daengpradab Boonpradab , Rattanaphanee Panarat
Published: July 2015

Ethyl lactate is widely used as a solvent for several industries and usually produced by esterifaciton of lactic acid with ethanol. In order to lower its production cost, attempt to synthesis this ester directly from lactate salt produced by bacterial fermentation was made. In this work, reactive distillation process for small-scale synthesis of ethyl lactate from esterification of fermentation-derived magnesium lactate with ethanol was designed and simulated using Aspen Plus simulator equipped with RADFRAC module. Non-ideality of the reaction components was represented by UNIQUAC property model. Specification and optimum conditions of reactive distillation and fractional distillation units in the proposed process scheme were obtained. Under the process scheme and operating conditions proposed in this work, approximately 96.13% of lactic acid was converted and 95.76% yield of ethyl lactate was achieved.
In-vitro Allergiediagnostik
Authors: Renz Harald
Published: July 2015

Die allergologische In-vitro-Diagnostik zeigt in den letzten Jahren vielfältige dynamische Entwicklungen und Fortschritte. Dies ist zum einen der Verfügbarkeit von sogenannten molekularen Komponenten der verschiedenen Allergene geschuldet, die heute eine komponentenbasierte Diagnostik erlauben. Diese ist zur Risikoabschätzung und Stratifizierung von Patienten sowie zur Auswahl der geeigneten (spezifischen) Immuntherapie essentiell. Darüber hinaus sind Fortschritte zu verzeichnen in der Differentialdiagnose von Nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeiten und –allergien. Die zelluläre Diagnostik ist ebenfalls auf dem Vormarsch, wie z.B. mit den basophilen Aktivierungstests. Die jüngsten Entwicklungen werden in diesem Artikel diskutiert.
Aktualisierte Anforderungen an die Messqualität und Qualitätssicherung (QS) von Point-of-Care-Testing (POCT)-Blutglukose-Messsystemen mit Unit-use Reagenzien, die für die Erstdiagnostik eines manifesten Diabetes in der Schwangerschaft oder eines Gestationsdiabetes mellitus (GDM) gemäß der GDM-Leitlinie der Deutschen Diabetes-Gesellschaft (DDG) geeignet sind
Authors: Neumaier Michael , Luppa Peter B. , Koschinsky Theodor , Siegel Erhard , Freckmann Guido , Heinemann Lutz
Published: July 2015

Die DDG und die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe haben im Jahr 2011 für den Gestationsdiabetes mellitus eine neue S3-Leitlinie veröffentlicht. In dieser Leitlinie wird erstmals auch der Einsatz von POCT-Glukose-Messsystemen mit Unit-use-Reagenzien bei der Erstdiagnostik des GDM durch den betreuenden Arzt ermöglicht. Da diese Leitlinie keine detaillierten Vorgaben für die geforderten Herstellerempfehlungen enthielt, wurden im Jahr 2012 die Anforderungen an die Messqualität und die Qualitätssicherung von POCT-Glukose-Messsystemen mit Unit-use Reagenzien für die primäre GDM-Diagnostik durch eine gemeinsame Stellungnahme der Deutschen Vereinten Gesellschaft für Klinische Chemie und Laboratoriumsmedizin (DGKL) und der DDG unter Berücksichtigung der zu diesem Zeitpunkt verfügbaren technischen Möglichkeiten konkretisiert und im Jahr 2015 wegen der zwischenzeitlichen technologischen Fortschritte dieser POCT-Systeme aktualisiert. Damit soll den Herstellern, den Zulassungs- und Regulierungsbehörden, den Nutzern bei klinischen Studien und im Praxisalltag, sowie den Kostenträgern eine evidenzbasierte Orientierung gegeben werden.
Mathematics and Peirce’s semiotic
Authors: Sabre Ru Michael
Published: July 2015

It is shown here that Peirce’s ten trichotomies, specifically art as discussed in Sabre (2014), provides a structure for presenting a mathematical conjecture and provide a heuristic for going about attempting a mathematical proof of the conjecture. The mathematics is presented through the work of the mathematical proof theorists George Polya and Daniel Solow. Here a geometric conjecture is shown to be true using a ten trichotomy context for a proof. Thus through the structure of mathematical proof the ten trichotomy structure validates itself.
A molecular crown analogue templated by Keggin polyanions: synthesis, structure, and electrochemical and luminescent properties
Authors: Zhao Chunyan , Ma Huiyuan , Pang Haijun , Yu Yan , Li Shaobin , Yu Tingting , Zhang Zhuanfang
Published: July 2015

A hybrid compound, [CuI
4(bpmb)4][PWVI
11WVO40] (1) (bpmb = 1,4-bis(pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analyses and powder X-ray diffraction. In compound 1 crown-like [Cu4(bpmb)4]4+ macrocycles templated by Keggin-type [PWVI
11WVO40]4− polyanions (abbreviated PW12) exist. Supramolecular layers are formed by intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions of discrete crown-like [Cu4(bpmb)4]4+ macrocycles and [PWVI
11WVO40]4− polyanions. The electrochemical and luminescence properties of compound 1 were investigated.
Positive Parenting Practices, Health Disparities, and Developmental Progress
Authors: Shah Reshma , Sobotka Sarah A. , Chen Yi-Fan , Msall Michael E.
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVE:

To describe interactive activities between parents and young children in a nationally representative sample. We hypothesized that the frequency of participation in interactive activities would be different across economic strata and would be associated with developmental delay.

METHODS:

Children 4 to 36 months of age were identified by using The National Survey of Children’s Health 2011–2012. Interactive caregiving practices were reported by poverty status. Developmental concerns were derived from caregiver responses and scoring of the Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status. Multivariable logistic regressions with weighting were used to explore the effect of interactive practices on risk for developmental delay across poverty levels. Covariates including age, gender, insurance type, maternal education, parenting stress, and ethnicity were adjusted in the models.

RESULTS:

In our sample (n = 12 642), caregivers with the lowest income versus highest income reported lower participation in reading (33% vs 64%; P < .0001), singing or telling stories (52% vs 77%, P < .0001), and taking their child on an outing (13% vs 22%, P < .0001). Less frequent participation in interactive activities during the week were associated with increased risk of developmental delay among low-income families (Reading odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–2.13; Singing songs/Telling Stories OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.15–2.40; Outings OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.11–1.97).

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite evidence emphasizing the protective effects of supportive parenting practices on early child development, our work demonstrates significant disparities in parenting practices that promote early child development between economically advantaged and disadvantaged parents. Innovative population-level strategies that enrich parenting practices for vulnerable children in early childhood are needed.
Variation in Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease in Infants
Authors: Quartermain Michael D. , Pasquali Sara K. , Hill Kevin D. , Goldberg David J. , Huhta James C. , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Jacobs Marshall L. , Kim Sunghee , Ungerleider Ross M.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Prenatal diagnosis allows improved perioperative outcomes for fetuses with certain forms of congenital heart disease (CHD). Variability in prenatal diagnosis has been demonstrated in other countries, leading to efforts to improve fetal imaging protocols and access to care, but has not been examined across the United States. The objective was to evaluate national variation in prenatal detection across geographic region and defect type in neonates and infants with CHD undergoing heart surgery.

METHODS:

Cardiovascular operations performed in patients ≤6 months of age in the United States and included in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (2006–2012) were eligible for inclusion. Centers with >15% missing prenatal diagnosis data were excluded from the study. Prenatal diagnosis rates were compared across geographic location of residence and defect type using the χ2 test.

RESULTS:

Overall, the study included 31 374 patients from 91 Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database participating centers across the United States. Prenatal detection occurred in 34% and increased every year, from 26% (2006) to 42% (2012). There was significant geographic variation in rates of prenatal diagnosis across states (range 11.8%–53.4%, P < .0001). Significant variability by defect type was also observed, with higher rates for lesions identifiable on 4-chamber view than for those requiring outflow tract visualization (57% vs 32%, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Rates of prenatal CHD detection in the United States remain low for patients undergoing surgical intervention, with significant variability between states and across defect type. Additional studies are needed to identify reasons for this variation and the potential impact on patient outcomes.
A Longitudinal Study of Pediatricians Early in Their Careers: PLACES
Authors: Frintner Mary Pat , Cull William L. , Byrne Bobbi J. , Freed Gary L. , Katakam Shesha K. , Leslie Laurel K. , Miller Ashley A. , Starmer Amy J. , Olson Lynn M.
Published: July 2015

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) launched the Pediatrician Life and Career Experience Study (PLACES), a longitudinal study that tracks the personal and professional experiences of early career pediatricians, in 2012. We used a multipronged approach to develop the study methodology and survey domains and items, including review of existing literature and qualitative research with the target population. We chose to include 2 cohorts of US pediatricians on the basis of residency graduation dates, including 1 group who were several years out of residency (2002–2004 Residency Graduates Cohort) and a second group who recently graduated from residency at study launch (2009–2011 Residency Graduates Cohort). Recruitment into PLACES was a 2-stage process: (1) random sample recruitment from the target population and completion of an initial intake survey and (2) completion of the first Annual Survey by pediatricians who responded positively to stage 1. Overall, 41.2% of pediatricians randomly selected to participate in PLACES indicated positive interest in the study by completing intake surveys; of this group, 1804 (93.7%) completed the first Annual Survey and were considered enrolled in PLACES. Participants were more likely to be female, AAP members, and graduates of US medical schools compared with the target sample; weights were calculated to adjust for these differences. We will survey PLACES pediatricians 2 times per year. PLACES data will allow the AAP to examine career and life choices and transitions experienced by early-career pediatricians.
Validation of a Prediction Tool for Abusive Head Trauma
Authors: Cowley Laura Elizabeth , Morris Charlotte Bethan , Maguire Sabine Ann , Farewell Daniel Mark , Kemp Alison Mary
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Abusive head trauma (AHT) may be missed in the clinical setting. Clinical prediction tools are used to reduce variability in practice and inform decision-making. From a systematic review and individual patient data analysis we derived the Predicting Abusive Head Trauma (PredAHT) tool, using multilevel logistic regression to predict likelihood of AHT. This study aims to externally validate the PredAHT tool.

METHODS:

Consecutive children aged <36 months admitted with an intracranial injury, confirmed as abusive or nonabusive, to 2 sites used in the original model were ascertained. Details of 6 influential features were recorded (retinal hemorrhage, rib and long -bone fractures, apnea, seizures, and head or neck bruising). We estimated the likelihood of an unrecorded feature being present with multiple imputation; analysis included sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS:

Data included 133 non-AHT cases and 65 AHT cases, 97% of children were <24 months old. Consistent with original predictions, when ≥3 features were present in a child <36 months old with intracranial injury, the estimated probability of AHT was >81.5% (95% CI, 63.3–91.8). The sensitivity of the tool was 72.3% (95% CI, 60.4–81.7), the specificity was 85.7% (95% CI, 78.8–90.7), area under the curve 0.88 (95% CI, 0.823–0.926).

CONCLUSIONS:

When tested on novel data, the PredAHT tool performed well. This tool has the potential to contribute to decision-making in these challenging cases. An implementation study is needed to explore its performance and utility within the child protection process.
Predicting Discharge Dates From the NICU Using Progress Note Data
Authors: Temple Michael W. , Lehmann Christoph U. , Fabbri Daniel
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Discharging patients from the NICU may be delayed for nonmedical reasons including the need for medical equipment, parental education, and children’s services. We describe a method to predict which patients will be medically ready for discharge in the next 2 to 10 days, providing lead time to address nonmedical reasons for delayed discharge.

METHODS:

A retrospective study examined 26 features (17 extracted, 9 engineered) from daily progress notes of 4693 patients (103 206 patient-days) from the NICU of a large, academic children’s hospital. These data were used to develop a supervised machine learning problem to predict days to discharge (DTD). Random forest classifiers were trained by using examined features and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision–based subpopulations to determine the most important features.

RESULTS:

Three of the 4 subpopulations (premature, cardiac, gastrointestinal surgery) and all patients combined performed similarly at 2, 4, 7, and 10 DTD with area under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.854 to 0.865 at 2 DTD and 0.723 to 0.729 at 10 DTD. Patients undergoing neurosurgery performed worse at every DTD measure, scoring 0.749 at 2 DTD and 0.614 at 10 DTD. This model was also able to identify important features and provide “rule-of-thumb” criteria for patients close to discharge. By using DTD equal to 4 and 2 features (oral percentage of feedings and weight), we constructed a model with an AUC of 0.843.

CONCLUSIONS:

Using clinical features from daily progress notes provides an accurate method to predict when patients in the NICU are nearing discharge.
Psychosocial Factors Associated With Adolescent Electronic Cigarette and Cigarette Use
Authors: Barrington-Trimis Jessica L. , Berhane Kiros , Unger Jennifer B. , Cruz Tess Boley , Huh Jimi , Leventhal Adam M. , Urman Robert , Wang Kejia , Howland Steve , Gilreath Tamika D. , Chou Chih-Ping , Pentz Mary Ann , McConnell Rob
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND:

Use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among adolescents has increased since their introduction into the US market in 2007. Little is known about the role of e-cigarette psychosocial factors on risk of e-cigarette or cigarette use in adolescence.

METHODS:

Information on e-cigarette and cigarette psychosocial factors (use and attitudes about use in the home and among friends) was collected from 11th- and 12th-grade participants in the Southern California Children’s Health Study during the spring of 2014.

RESULTS:

Of 2084 participants, 499 (24.0%) had used an e-cigarette, including 200 (9.6%) current users (past 30 days); 390 participants (18.7%) had smoked a combustible cigarette, and 119 (5.7%) were current cigarette smokers. Cigarette and e-cigarette use were correlated. Nevertheless, 40.5% (n = 81) of current e-cigarette users had never smoked a cigarette. Psychosocial factors (home use of each product, friends’ use of and positive attitudes toward e-cigarettes and cigarettes) and participant perception of the harm of e-cigarettes were strongly positively associated both with e-cigarette and cigarette use. Most youth who reported e-cigarette use had friends who used e-cigarettes, and almost half of current users reported that they did not believe there were health risks associated with e-cigarette use.

CONCLUSIONS:

Longitudinal studies of adolescents are needed to determine whether the strong association of e-cigarette psychosocial factors with both e-cigarette and cigarette use will lead to increased cigarette use or dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes, or whether e-cigarettes will serve as a gateway to cigarette use.
Mosaic Tetrasomy 9p: A Mendelian Condition Associated With Pediatric-Onset Overlap Myositis
Authors: Frémond Marie-Louise , Gitiaux Cyril , Bonnet Damien , Guiddir Tamazoust , Crow Yanick J. , de Pontual Loïc , Bader-Meunier Brigitte
Published: July 2015

Pediatric-onset inflammatory myositis (IM) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are rare inflammatory diseases. Both result from the complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. An increasing number of Mendelian conditions predisposing to the development of SLE have been recently identified. These include monogenic conditions, referred to as the type I interferonopathies, associated with a primary upregulation of type I interferon (IFN), a key cytokine in the pathogenesis of SLE and some cases of IM. Here, we report on a pediatric-onset inflammatory overlap phenotype in a 6-year-old girl who was shown to carry mosaic tetrasomy 9p. The patient presented with myositis overlapping with lupuslike features. Myositis was characterized by a proximal muscular weakness and HLA class I antigen myofiber overexpression on muscle biopsy. Lupus-like manifestations consisted of pericarditis, pleuritis, and positive antinuclear and anti-SSA (Sjögren-syndrome A) antibodies. Complete remission was achieved with corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetyl. Analysis of tetrasomy 9p showed mosaic tetrasomy in the 9p24.3q12 region, including the type I IFN cluster, and increased expression of IFN-stimulated genes. These data suggest that mosaic tetrasomy 9p can be associated with an upregulation of type I IFN signaling, predisposing to inflammatory myositis and lupus-like features. Thus, unexplained muscle or other organ involvement in patients carrying mosaic tetrasomy of the type IFN cluster of chromosome 9p should lead to the search for IM and/or lupuslike disease, and karyotype should be performed in patients with SLE or IM with mental retardation.
Nano-boron as an Antibacterial Agent for Functionalized Textiles
Authors: Akbar Wazir , Karagoz Ayse , Basim G.Bahar , Noor Mohamed , Syed Tofail , Lum Jacob , Unluagac Merve
Published: July 2015

The antibacterial properties of boron-containing compounds are well known although there are limited studies available on the pure boron nanoparticles. In this study boron nano-particles were characterized in terms of their particle size, shape, stability and surface charge before and after they are applied to textile surfaces to study their impact on antibacterial activity in addition to cytotoxicity. It was observed that the boron nano-particles are affective in limiting bacteria growth on both gram-negative and gram-positive species without requiring any stimulation to initiate the antibacterial action. It was also found that the application of boron nano-particles on the textile surfaces through mixing them in hydrophobic finishing solutions helped improve the wettability performance of the textiles while showing no change in the physical and colour fastness properties at an optimal concentration of 0.02 % w/v of finishing solution.
"Brainwashing"
Authors: Reichert Jenny , Richardson James T. , Thomas Rebecca
Published: July 2015

The idea that an individual could be manipulated into performing acts “against their will” created a fear of “brainwashing” and, specifically, new religious movements (NRMs). Courts in the United States initially accepted evidence concerning “brainwashing” in cases involving NRMs, and subsequently the term has been applied in situations involving other behaviors labeled as deviant both in the U.S. and other societies. This has generated challenges for legal systems despite the inability of brainwashing-based claims to meet requirements for admissibility as scientific evidence. Brainwashingbased claims have diffused into other areas of the American legal system, including, for example, custody cases involving allegations of Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) as well as in cases involving terrorism. This report presents data on how brainwashing has been treated historically in American legal cases and its current uses within that justice system.
Identification of apsbAMutation (Valine219to Isoleucine) in Powell Amaranth (Amaranthus powellii) Conferring Resistance to Linuron
Authors: Dumont Mélanie , Letarte Jocelyne , Tardif François J.
Published: July 2015

A Powell amaranth population suspected to be resistant (R) to linuron was discovered in a carrot field in Keswick, Ontario, Canada, in 1999. Dose–response analysis with different herbicides and DNA sequencing of thepsbAgene encoding the D1 protein of photosystem II were done to confirm the resistance and identify its basis. A calculated resistance factor indicated a 12-fold increased resistance when linuron was applied to an R population compared with a susceptible (S) population. Moreover, the R population showed 6.4- and 3.1-fold greater resistance to two other phenylurea herbicides (diuron and monolinuron), 1.8- and 1.4-fold greater resistance to two triazine herbicides (metribuzin and prometryn), and 2.6-fold greater resistance to the triazinone metribuzin. R population was also cross-resistant to bentazon and bromoxynil when compared with S population, with a calculated resistance factor of 1.4 and 2.2, respectively. The partial nucleotide sequence of thepsbAgene of R populations differed at two locations when compared with S populations. The first mutation coded for a Val219Ile substitution in the deduced amino acid sequence of the D1 protein, and the second mutation was silent and encoded for a proline at position 279 in both R and S populations. The Val219Ile substitution in thepsbAgene is most likely the cause of this Powell amaranth population resistance to linuron and other PSII inhibitors. This is the first recorded instance of a Val219Ile substitution in anAmaranthusspecies.
A review of quantitative studies of South African youth resilience: Some gaps
Authors: Van Rensburg Angelique , Theron Linda , Rothmann Sebastiaan
Published: July 2015

Resilience (positive adjustment to hardship) relies on a socioecologically facilitated process in which individuals navigate towards, and negotiate for, health-promoting resources, and their social ecology, in return, provides support in culturally aligned ways (Ungar, Trauma Violence & Abuse 2013;14(3):255–266). In the light of international critiques of the conceptualisation and measurement of resilience, the aim of this study was to systematically review quantitative studies of South African youth resilience in order to consider to what extent such studies failed to address documented critique (Luthar et al., Child Development 2000;71(3):543–562). We argue that, for the most part, quantitative studies of South African youth resilience did not mirror international developments of understanding resilience as a complex socioecologically facilitated process. Furthermore, the majority of reviewed studies lacked a culturally or contextually sound measurement and contained conflicting operationalisations of resilience-related constructs. Essentially, the results of this study call for quantitative studies that will statistically explain the complex dynamic resiliencesupporting transactions between South African youth and their contexts and guide mental health practitioners and service providers towards more precise explanations and promotion of resilience in South African youth.
Популярность школьников и образовательная среда школы
Authors: Titkova Vera , Ivaniushina Valeria , Alexandrov Daniil
Published: July 2015

Титкова Вера Викторовна - младший научный сотрудник Лаборатории социологии образования и науки НИУ ВШЭ — СПб. E-mail: tvera.vgmail.comИванюшина Валерия Александровна - кандидат биологических наук, ведущий научный сотрудник Лаборатории социологии образования и наукиНИУ ВШЭ — СПб. E-mail: v.ivaniushina@gmail.comАлександров Даниил Александрович - кандидат биологических наук, про-фессор, руководитель Лаборатории социологии образования и науки НИУВШЭ — СПб, заместитель директора НИУ ВШЭ — СПб.  E-mail: da1581@gmail.comИсследуется связь между успеваемостью ученика и его популярностью среди одноклассников в классах с разным уровнем академической мотивации. Выборка состоит из 5906 учащихся 8–10?х классов в возрасте 14–16 лет (309 классов, 101 школа). Данные анализировались с применением многоуровневого регрессионного анализа (HLM7). Надежность полученных результатов была подтверждена применением специального диадного анализа для сетевых данных (р2). Обнаружены разные эффекты для мальчиков и девочек, свидетельствующие о гендерной специфике факторов популярности. Хорошая успеваемость важнее для популярности девочек, чем для популярности мальчиков. Популярность девочек положительно связана со средним баллом независимо от контекста класса. Связь между оценками мальчиков и их популярностью зависит от контекста: в классах с высокой академической мотивацией эта связь положительна, в классах с низкой мотивацией — отрицательна.
Исследование процесса присвоения учебного содержания
Authors: Nezhnov Petr , Kardanova Elena , Ryabinina Lyubov'
Published: July 2015

Нежнов Петр Геннадьевич - кандидат психологических наук. E-mail: nejnoff@gmail.comКарданова Елена Юрьевна - кандидат физико-математическихнаук, доцент, старший научный со-трудник Центра мониторинга каче-ства образования Института образова-ния НИУ ВШЭ. Адрес: 101000, Москва,ул. Мясницкая, д. 20. E-mail: ekardanova@hse.ruРябинина Любовь Анатольевна - заместитель директора Центра оценкикачества образования (г. Красноярск).Адрес: 660049, Красноярск, просп.Мира, д. 76. E-mail: ryabinina@kipk.ruВ рамках теории культурного развития с помощью уровневых педагогических тестов по математике и русскому языку исследуется процесс присвоения учащимися содержания программы начальной школы. Установлено, что процесс присвоения программного материала выходит за временные рамки начальной школы, а именно: полное присвоение учебного содержания начальной школы происходит примерно к концу основной школы.
Институциональные тупики российской системы подготовки учителей
Authors: Kasprzhak Anatoly
Published: July 2015

Каспржак Анатолий Георгиевич - кандидат педагогических наук, профессор, директор Центра развития лидерства в образовании НИУ ВШЭ. E-mail: agkasprzhak@hse.ruРассматриваются реформы систем подготовки учителей в 12 странах Азии, Европы и Северной Америки, которые были осуществлены в последние десятилетия XX в.: причины реформ, основные изменения, их узловые элементы, которые, по мнению автора статьи, необходимо учесть в ходе проектирования реформы педагогического образования в России. Обсуждаются такие показатели престижности профессии, как размеры заработной платы учителей в разных странах, качество абитуриентов педагогических вузов. Во многих странах разработаны хорошо зарекомендовавшие себя системы мер для привлечения молодых людей в профессию: предоставление ежемесячных пособий учащимся выпускных классов школ с условием, что они после окончания вуза не менее трех лет отработают в школе; особый порядок зачисления абитуриентов на учительские образовательные программы, при котором наряду с централизованным тестированием проводятся собеседования на пригодность к учительской профессии, творческие конкурсы, запрашиваются рекомендации; предоставление возможности получить педагогическое образование несколькими путями; создание карьерных перспектив. Показано, что в России отсутствуют институциональные механизмы, обеспечивающие закрепление молодых людей в профессии, а изменения, в том числе весьма позитивные, чрезвычайно трудно оформляются нормативно.
Анализ состояния сферы дополнительного профессионального образования
Authors: Ozerova Olga , Borodina Dinara
Published: July 2015

Материал подготовлен заведующей отделом статистики образования Института статистических исследований и экономики знаний НИУ ВШЭ  О. К. Озеровой  и старшим научным сотрудником Центра статистики и мониторинга образования Института статистических исследований и экономики знаний НИУ ВШЭ кандидатом экономических наук  Д. Р. Бородиной.Представлен анализ статистических показателей, характеризующих один из сегментов рынка образовательных услуг — дополнительное профессиональное образование, а также финансовые стратегии руководителей образовательных организаций. На базе данных федерального статистического наблюдения по форме № 1-кадры «Сведения о дополнительном профессиональном образовании работников в организациях» (последние отчетные данные за 2010 г.) приводятся сведения о численности прошедших обучение, о возрастной и половой структуре данного контингента, а также о численности обучающихся среди работников разных категорий, о предпочитаемых формах обучения (с отрывом или без отрыва от производства) и длительности обучения. По данным комплексного наблюдения условий жизни населения, проведенного Росстатом в сентябре 2011 г., проанализировано участие населения в дополнительном образовании.