bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CFH polymorphisms in a Northern Spanish population with neovascular and dry forms of age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: García Montserrat , Álvarez Lydia , Nogacka Alicja M. , González‐Iglesias Héctor , Escribano Julio , Fernández‐Vega Beatriz , Fernández‐Vega Álvaro , Fernández‐Vega Luis , Coca‐Prados Miguel
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To elucidate the potential role of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in complement factor H (CFH) gene in Northern Spanish patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

A case–control study of 130 unrelated native Northern Spanish diagnosed with AMD (46 dry, 35 neovascular and 49 mixed) and 96 healthy controls matched by age and ethnicity were enrolled. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood and genotyped for AMD‐associated SNPs (rs3753394, rs529825, rs800292, rs3766404, rs203674, rs10671170, rs3753396 and rs1065489) using TaqMan probes and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The association study was performed using the HaploView 4.0 software.

Results

The allelic frequency analysis revealed that rs529825, rs800292, rs203674 and rs10671170 were significantly associated with an increased risk for AMD. The haplotypes CGG (rs3753394, rs529825 and rs800292) and GCAG (rs203674, rs1061170, rs3753396 and rs1065489) were significantly associated with AMD while the haplotypes CAA (rs3753394, rs529825 and rs800292) and TTAG (rs203674, rs1061170, rs3753396 and rs1065489) were found to be protective. Small differ‐ences in allelic frequencies were found between dry and neovascular cases; however, these differences were not significant and did not distinguish one form the other.

Conclusions

This study found significant association of SNPs rs529825, rs800292, rs203674 and rs1061170 in the CFH gene with susceptibility to AMD. We identified haplotypes that confer protection or increased risk of AMD but not specific genetic variants in CFH capable to distinguish the different clinical forms of AMD in this cohort. Collectively, our results confirmed that CFH represents a strong genetic risk factor for this disease in the Northern Spanish population.
A DIRECTIONAL DISTANCE APPROACH APPLIED TO HIGHER EDUCATION: AN ANALYSIS OF TEACHING‐RELATED OUTPUT EFFICIENCY
Authors: BARRA Cristian , ZOTTI Roberto
Published: July 2015

This paper applies a data envelopment analysis (DEA) method to assess technical efficiency of both private and public universities in Italy. A directional distance function approach has been applied in order to handle both desirable (i.e. number of graduates) and undesirable (i.e. number of dropouts) outputs. The findings based on a panel from academic year 2003/2004 to 2007/2008 reveal the presence of interesting geographical (both by macro areas and regions) and ownership (private, public) effects. Several quality and quantity proxies have also been used in order to check whether the estimates depend on the output specification. Finally, the possible evidence of variation in the universities’ performances by subject of study has been taken into account in order to check whether the results are still consistent comparing universities within subject rather than across subjects.
Clinicopathological features of plasmablastic multiple myeloma: a population‐based cohort
Authors: Møller Hanne E. H. , Preiss Birgitte S. , Pedersen Per , Kristensen Ida B. , Hansen Charlotte T. , Frederiksen Mikael , Abildgaard Niels , Møller Michael B.
Published: July 2015

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common malignant hematological disease displaying considerable heterogeneity. Historical data indicate a prognostic significance of plasmablastic morphology, proliferation, and adverse cytogenetics, but there is little knowledge on the degree of interdependency of these parameters. The aim of this study was to study the degree of overlap between these variables. In a consecutive population‐based cohort of 194 untreated MM patients, morphology, and proliferation index, using immunohistochemical double staining for Ki‐67 and CD138, was analyzed. In addition, cytogenetic changes were studied by karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Plasmablastic morphology correlated with unfavorable clinical features, high proliferation index, high percentage of plasma cell infiltration in the bone marrow, abnormal karyotype, and del(13q) detected by karyotyping, which indicates that plasmablastic morphology reflects advanced and highly proliferative disease. However, plasmablastic morphology did not correlate with established adverse prognostic cytogenetics identified by FISH, for example, t(4;14), t(14;16) and del(17p).
Identification of Toxoplasma gondii protein fractions induce immune response against melanoma in mice
Authors: Boghozian Roobina , Saei Azad , Mirzaei Reza , Jamali Arezoo , Vaziri Behrooz , Razavi Alireza , Hadjati Jamshid
Published: July 2015

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in the initiation of adaptive immune responses against tumor cells. We recently found that protein components of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) could mature DCs efficiently. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to find the most effective protein components of T. gondii which are able to mature DCs and consequently instruct immune responses in tumor‐bearing mice. Soluble tachyzoite antigens (STAgs) were fractionated by ammonium sulfate precipitation and subsequently by anion‐exchange HPLC. Immature DCs (iDCs) were treated by these protein fractions and were monitored for IL‐12p70 and IL‐10 production. Moreover, the capacity of mature DCs (mDCs) to induce lymphocyte proliferation was investigated. Ultimately, we analyzed the ability of mDCs in instructing immune responses in tumor‐bearing mice. We found that ammonium sulfate fraction one (A1) matured‐DCs produced higher IL‐12 level and IL‐12/IL‐10 ratio; therefore, this fraction was selected for further fractionation by anion‐exchange HPLC. The results showed that anion‐exchange HPLC fraction 14 (C14) matured‐DCs secrete higher levels of IL‐12p70 and IL‐12p70/IL‐10 ratio. Survival of the mice matured by A1 fraction increased significantly compared to other groups. Moreover, SDS‐PAGE electrophoresis showed that different obtained fractions have distinct proteins based on their size. These results demonstrate that two protein fractions of T. gondii are able to mature DCs more efficient.
Comparison effects of dietary iron dextran and bacterial‐iron supplementation on growth performance, fecal microbial flora, and blood profiles in sows and their litters
Authors: Zhao Pinyao , Upadhaya Santi Devi , Li Jian , Kim Inho
Published: July 2015

This study was conducted to compare effects of dietary administration of iron dextran and bacterial‐iron on growth performance, fecal microbial flora, and blood profiles in sows and their litters. A total of 20 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allotted into two treatments: (i) ID (basal diet, piglets were injected with iron dextran); (ii) BR (basal diet + bacterial‐iron; bacterial‐iron was given to sows, piglets were not injected with iron dextran). There were five replicates per treatment with two sows per replicate. No differences were observed on sow and piglet growth performance, fecal microbial flora as well as sow blood profiles between ID and BR treatments. In piglets, blood iron, red blood cell and hemoglobin concentrations in ID treatment were higher (P < 0.05) on days 12 and 24. Furthermore, concentration of white blood cells in BR treatment was lower (P < 0.05) on day 12. However, the percentage of lymphocytes on day 12 was increased (P < 0.05) in BR treatment. In conclusion, effect of iron dextran and bacterial‐iron has no difference on growth performance in lactating sows and piglets, but iron dextran injection has higher blood iron, white blood cell, red blood cell and hemoglobin concentrations in piglets.
Influence of weaning age on the villous height and disaccharidase activities in the porcine small intestine
Authors: Tsukahara Takamitsu , Inoue Ryo , Nakatani Masako , Fukuta Kikuto , Kishino Eriko , Ito Tetsuya , Ushida Kazunari
Published: July 2015

Body weight gain after weaning is correlated with villous height and disaccharidase activity. This evidence suggests that the maintenance of the small intestinal structure and function after weaning is important for the growth of piglets. We demonstrated that the influence of weaning age was obtained by disaccharidase activities and villous height in eight sections of the porcine small intestine. Therefore, we designed three weaning ages (weaned at the ages of 14, 21 or 28 days) and the piglets were slaughtered after 7 or 14 days post‐weaning. The remaining suckling piglets were slaughtered at the age of 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Four piglets were slaughtered at each event; therefore, 44 piglets were used in this study. Villous height and disaccharidase activities were measured in each section of the small intestine. Early weaning such as that at 14 days had severe influence on villous and disaccharidase activities. In particular, weaning of 14‐day‐olds did not result in maltase activity at least 2 weeks post‐weaning. Accordingly, the weaning age of crossbred piglets is recommended to be at least 21 days or more on the basis of villous height and disaccharidase activity analyses.
Students' approaches to the evaluation of digital information: Insights from their trust judgments
Authors: Johnson Frances , Sbaffi Laura , Rowley Jennifer
Published: July 2015

This study contributes to an understanding of the role of experience in the evaluation phase of the information search process. A questionnaire‐based survey collected data from 1st and 3rd‐year undergraduate students regarding the factors that influence their judgment of the trustworthiness of online health information. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. First‐year students identified four factors: ease of use, content, recommendation and brand. Third‐year students identified seven factors, in order of importance: content, credibility, recommendation, ease of use, usefulness, style and brand. They also were much clearer about their evaluation processes than 1st‐year students; for 3rd‐year students, the factor structure was clearer, and items generally loaded onto the expected factors. The significance of these findings is discussed and recommendations for practice and further research are offered.
Game‐based learning engagement: A theory‐ and data‐driven exploration
Authors: Ke Fengfeng , Xie Kui , Xie Ying
Published: July 2015

The promise of using games for learning is that play‐ and learning‐engagement would occur cohesively as a whole to compose a highly motivated learning experience. Yet the conceptualization of such an integrative process in the development of play‐based learning engagement is lacking. In this analytical paper, we explored and conceptualized the nature and development of game‐based learning engagement via an iterative, two‐stage analytical process. The first stage was theory driven. The literatures on motives of play, game and cognitive engagement, and game‐based learning were reviewed and analyzed. Theoretical discussions on how learning engagement is activated and sustained during gameplay were distilled. The second stage was data driven. An in situ, multiple‐case study was conducted to further examine affective and cognitive facets of learning engagement in gaming. The finding suggested that game‐based learning engagement is an integrated and continuing process that advances from affective engagement driven by optimal challenge, cognitive engagement situated in playfulness, to potentially game‐action‐based content engagement.
Time trends, improvements and national auditing of rectal cancer management over an 18‐year period
Authors: Kodeda K. , Johansson R. , Zar N. , Birgisson H. , Dahlberg M. , Skullman S. , Lindmark G. , Glimelius B. , Påhlman L. , Martling A.
Published: July 2015

Aim

The main aims were to explore time trends in the management and outcome of patients with rectal cancer in a national cohort and to evaluate the possible impact of national auditing on overall outcomes. A secondary aim was to provide population‐based data for appraisal of external validity in selected patient series.

Method

Data from the Swedish ColoRectal Cancer Registry with virtually complete national coverage were utilized in this cohort study on 29 925 patients with rectal cancer diagnosed between 1995 and 2012. Of eligible patients, nine were excluded.

Results

During the study period, overall, relative and disease‐free survival increased. Postoperative mortality after 30 and 90 days decreased to 1.7% and 2.9%. The 5‐year local recurrence rate dropped to 5.0%. Resection margins improved, as did peri‐operative blood loss despite more multivisceral resections being performed. Fewer patients underwent palliative resection and the proportion of non‐operated patients increased. The proportions of temporary and permanent stoma formation increased. Preoperative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy became more common as did multidisciplinary team conferences. Variability in rectal cancer management between healthcare regions diminished over time when new aspects of patient care were audited.

Conclusion

There have been substantial changes over time in the management of patients with rectal cancer, reflected in improved outcome. Much indirect evidence indicates that auditing matters, but without a control group it is not possible to draw firm conclusions regarding the possible impact of a quality control registry on faster shifts in time trends, decreased variability and improvements. Registry data were made available for reference.
Accommodating Presuppositions Is Inappropriate in Implausible Contexts
Authors: Singh Raj , Fedorenko Evelina , Mahowald Kyle , Gibson Edward
Published: July 2015

According to one view of linguistic information (Karttunen, 1974; Stalnaker, 1974), a speaker can convey contextually new information in one of two ways: (a) byassertingthe content as new information; or (b) bypresupposingthe content as given information which would then have to beaccommodated. This distinction predicts that it is conversationally more appropriate to assert implausible information rather than presuppose it (e.g., von Fintel, 2008; Heim, 1992; Stalnaker, 2002). A second view rejects the assumption that presuppositions are accommodated; instead, presuppositions are assimilated into asserted content and both are correspondingly open to challenge (e.g., Gazdar, 1979; van der Sandt, 1992). Under this view, we should not expect to find a difference in conversational appropriateness between asserting implausible information and presupposing it. To distinguish between these two views of linguistic information, we performed two self‐paced reading experiments with an on‐line stops‐making‐sense judgment. The results of the two experiments—using the presupposition triggerstheandtoo—show that accommodation is inappropriate (makes less sense) relative to non‐presuppositional controls when the presupposed information is implausible but not when it is plausible. These results provide support for the first view of linguistic information: the contrast in implausible contexts can only be explained if there is a presupposition‐assertion distinction and accommodation is a mechanism dedicated to reasoning about presuppositions.
The minimum number of measurements for colour, sparkle, and graininess characterisation in gonio‐apparent panels
Authors: Chorro Elísabet , Perales Esther , Burgos Francisco J , Gómez Omar , Vilaseca Meritxell , Viqueira Valentín , Pujol Jaume , Martínez‐Verdú Francisco M
Published: July 2015

Materials with new visual appearances have emerged over the last few years. In the automotive industry in particular there is a growing interest in materials with new effect finishes, such as metallic, pearlescent, sparkle, and graininess effects. Typically, for solid colours the mean of three measurements with repetitions is sufficient to obtain a representative measurement for colour characterisation. However, gonio‐apparent panels have non‐homogeneous colours, and there are no studies that recommend the minimum number of repetitions for colour, sparkle, and graininess characterisation of this type of panel. We assume that colour panels incorporating special‐effect pigments in their colour recipes will require a higher minimum number of measurements than solid colour panels. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to verify this assumption by using a multiangle BYK‐mac spectrophotometer, given that it is currently the only commercial device that can measure colour, sparkle, and graininess values simultaneously. In addition, a possible methodology is given for establishing the minimum number of measurements when characterising gonio‐apparent materials using a specific instrument, able to be implemented in future instruments when determining multiple appearance attributes (colour, gloss, sparkle, etc.) for many coloration technologies. Thus, we studied the minimum number of measurements needed to characterise the colour, sparkle, and graininess of three types of sample with solid, metallic, and pearlescent coatings respectively. Twenty measurements were made at twenty random positions (different target areas) of 90 samples. The minimum number of measurements for all these variables was determined on the basis of the point at which the cumulative mean value became constant. Thus, applying new statistical tools, it is clearly shown that metallic and pearlescent panels require more colour measurements than solid panels, in particular when geometries are being measured in a specular direction. As regards texture (sparkle and graininess), more measurements are needed for graininess than for sparkle, and more for metallic panels than for pearlescent panels.
Methylene blue adsorption by chemically activated waste pork bones
Authors: Iriarte‐Velasco Unai , Sierra Irene , Cepeda Emilio Atilano , Bravo Raquel , Ayastuy Jose Luis
Published: July 2015

Bone is an inorganic template containing organic material inside which can be converted into hydroxyapatite‐rich material by pyrolysis. Nowadays, there is a growing research interest in the use of hydroxyapatite, the chemical formula of which is Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2. In the present work, pork bone, an abundant biomass source and food waste, has been converted into structured porous hydroxyapatite by a three‐step process including precharring under mild conditions, chemical activation, and thermal activation. The investigated activating agents were NaOH, KOH, K2CO3, H2SO4, and H3PO4. A thorough investigation of the influence of different activating protocols on the chemical and textural properties of the produced material was carried out by nitrogen adsorption–desorption at 77 K, potentiometric titrations, Fourier transform infrared, and X‐ray diffraction techniques. Chemical activation with NaOH, K2CO3, and H2SO4 increased the specific surface area up to 53%. H3PO4 reduced both surface area and pore volume, and KOH showed little influence on the pore structure. The produced materials were evaluated by methylene blue adsorption tests and showed significant improvement as a result of chemical activation. As a main effect, acid treatment increased methylene blue adsorption kinetics, probably owing to an increase in micropororosity, whereas alkali activation enhanced the adsorption capacity of the resultant biochar.
JAK2‐positive cutaneous myelofibrosis presenting as sclerosing extramedullary hematopoietic tumors on the scalp: case presentation and review of the literature
Authors: LeBlanc Robert E. , Lester Laura , Kwong Bernice , Rieger Kerri E.
Published: July 2015

We report the second case of cutaneous myelofibrosis with a documented JAK2 activating mutation involving the scalp of a 67‐year‐old woman with primary myelofibrosis in her marrow. In contrast to the previous case, the biopsy revealed extensive lesional collagen deposition and closely mimicked a fibrohistiocytic proliferation. Similar rare lesions occurring in the setting of myeloproliferative neoplasms have been called sclerosing extramedullary hematopoietic tumors. These entities appear histomorphologically and etiologically distinct from extramedullary hematopoiesis, and their diagnosis should prompt the workup for a myeloproliferative neoplasm in the absence of an antecedent diagnosis. The presence of the JAK2 mutation in our case confirmed that the lesions represented skin involvement by a neoplastic myeloid proliferation and not compensatory extramedullary hematopoiesis. Our patient died of disease several months following the appearance of her lesions, which is in keeping with other reports that suggest that cutaneous myelofibrosis may serve as an independent poor prognostic sign in otherwise advanced primary myelofibrosis. A review of the literature further emphasizes the importance of distinguishing this entity from mesenchymal neoplasms and acute myeloid leukemia involving the skin.
Eosinophils in lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
Authors: Keith Phillip J. , Wolz Michael M. , Peters Margot S.
Published: July 2015

Background

The classic histopathologic features of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LS) include lymphoplasmacytic inflammation below a zone of dermal edema and sclerosis. The presence of eosinophils in LS has received little attention, but the finding of tissue eosinophils, particularly eosinophilic spongiosis in LS, has been suggested as a marker for the coexistence of autoimmune bullous disease or allergic contact dermatitis (or both). We sought to determine whether the histopathologic presence of dermal eosinophils or eosinophilic spongiosis (or both) in biopsies from patients with LS is associated with autoimmune bullous disease, autoimmune connective tissue disease or allergic contact dermatitis.

Methods

A retrospective review of the histopathology and medical records of 235 patients with LS who were evaluated from June 1992 to June 2012 was performed.

Results

Sixty‐nine patients (29%) had eosinophils on histopathology. Among patients with associated diseases, a statistically significant association between the eosinophil cohort and the cohort without eosinophils was not detected.

Conclusions

The importance of eosinophils is uncertain, but our data suggest that the finding of tissue eosinophils alone is not sufficient to prompt an extensive workup for additional diagnoses.
Natural bone fragmentation in the blind cave‐dwelling fish, Astyanax mexicanus: candidate gene identification through integrative comparative genomics
Authors: Gross Joshua B. , Stahl Bethany A. , Powers Amanda K. , Carlson Brian M.
Published: July 2015

Animals that colonize dark and nutrient‐poor subterranean environments evolve numerous extreme phenotypes. These include dramatic changes to the craniofacial complex, many of which are under genetic control. These phenotypes can demonstrate asymmetric genetic signals wherein a QTL is detected on one side of the face but not the other. The causative gene(s) underlying QTL are difficult to identify with limited genomic resources. We approached this task by searching for candidate genes mediating fragmentation of the third suborbital bone (SO3) directly inferior to the orbit of the eye. We integrated positional genomic information using emerging Astyanax resources, and linked these intervals to homologous (syntenic) regions of the Danio rerio genome. We identified a discrete, approximately 6 Mb, conserved region wherein the gene causing SO3 fragmentation likely resides. We interrogated this interval for genes demonstrating significant differential expression using mRNA‐seq analysis of cave and surface morphs across life history. We then assessed genes with known roles in craniofacial evolution and development based on GO term annotation. Finally, we screened coding sequence alterations in this region, identifying two key genes: transforming growth factor β3 (tgfb3) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (bmp4). Of these candidates, tgfb3 is most promising as it demonstrates significant differential expression across multiple stages of development, maps close (<1 Mb) to the fragmentation critical locus, and is implicated in a variety of other animal systems (including humans) in non‐syndromic clefting and malformations of the cranial sutures. Both abnormalities are analogous to the failure‐to‐fuse phenotype that we observe in SO3 fragmentation. This integrative approach will enable discovery of the causative genetic lesions leading to complex craniofacial features analogous to human craniofacial disorders. This work underscores the value of cave‐dwelling fish as a powerful evolutionary model of craniofacial disease, and demonstrates the power of integrative system‐level studies for informing the genetic basis of craniofacial aberrations in nature.
Lesion of medullary catecholaminergic neurons is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction in rotenone‐induced Parkinson's disease rats
Authors: Zhang Zhaoqiang , Du Xixun , Xu Huamin , Xie Junxia , Jiang Hong
Published: July 2015

In recent years, non‐motor symptoms have been recognised as of vital importance in Parkinson's disease (PD); among these, cardiovascular dysfunctions are commonly seen in PD patients before their motor signs. The role of cardiovascular dysfunction in the progression of PD pathology, and its underlying mechanisms, are largely unknown. In the present study, in rotenone‐induced PD rats, there was a gradual reduction in the number of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive (TH‐ir) neurons after 7, 14 and 21 days treatment. With the 56% reduction in striatal dopamine content and 52% loss of TH‐ir neurons on the 14th day, the rats showed motor dysfunctions. However, from ECG power spectra, reductions in normalised low‐frequency power and in the low‐frequency power : high‐frequency power ratio, as well as in mean blood pressure, were observed as early as the 3rd day. Plasma norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) levels were decreased by 39% and 26% respectively at the same time. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that both plasma NE and plasma E levels were positively correlated with MBP. Our results also showed that the loss of catecholaminergic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), but not in the caudal ventrolateral medulla or the nucleus tractus solitarii, emerged earlier than the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons. This suggests that dysfunction of catecholaminergic neurons in the RVLM might account for the reduced sympathetic activity, MBP and plasma catecholamine levels in the early stages of PD.
What Do We Mean by Performativity in Organizational and Management Theory? The Uses and Abuses of Performativity
Authors: Gond Jean‐Pascal , Cabantous Laure , Harding Nancy , Learmonth Mark
Published: July 2015

John Austin introduced the formulation ‘performative utterance’ in his 1962 bookHow to Do Things with Words. This term and the related concept of performativity have subsequently been interpreted in numerous ways by social scientists and philosophers such as Lyotard, Butler, Callon and Barad, leading to the coexistence of several foundational perspectives on performativity. This paper reviews and evaluates critically how organization and management theory (OMT) scholars have used these perspectives, and how the power of performativity has, or has not, stimulated new theory‐building. In performing a historical and critical review of performativity in OMT, the authors’ analysis reveals the uses, abuses and under‐uses of the concept by OMT scholars. It also reveals the lack of both organizational conceptualizations of performativity and analysis of how performativity is organized. Ultimately, the authors’ aim is to provoke a ‘performative turn’ in OMT by unleashing the power of the performativity concept to generate new and stronger organizational theories.
Role of adjuvant chemotherapy for lymph node‐positive upper tract urothelial carcinoma and the prognostic significance of C‐reactive protein: A multi‐institutional, retrospective study
Authors: Fujita Kazutoshi , Inamoto Teruo , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Tanigawa Go , Nakayama Masashi , Mori Naoki , Tsujihata Masao , Azuma Haruhito , Nonomura Norio , Uemura Motohide
Published: July 2015

Objective

To analyze the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in lymph node‐positive patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing radical nephroureterectomy, and identified the prognostic adjuvant chemotherapy parameters.

Methods

The clinicopathological records of 74 lymph node‐positive upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy at multiple institutions were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 45 patients (60.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy, and 29 (39.2%) underwent radical nephroureterectomy only. Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazard modeling were used to study the association between adjuvant chemotherapy status and both recurrence‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival.

Results

Estimated 5‐year recurrence‐free survival was 33.6% in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy plus adjuvant chemotherapy compared with 13.5% in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy only (hazard ratio 0.52; P = 0.014, log–rank test). Estimated 5‐year cancer‐specific survival was 42.5% in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy plus adjuvant chemotherapy, compared with 12.0% in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy only (hazard ratio 0.36; P = 0.0003, log–rank test). Multivariate analysis showed that adjuvant chemotherapy was a significant prognostic factor for cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.001), but not for recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.076). When patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy plus adjuvant chemotherapy were dichotomized, based on preoperative C‐reactive protein levels above or below the normal value, higher C‐reactive protein levels were significantly associated with poor survival (P = 0.012).

Conclusion

Adjuvant chemotherapy seems to improve cancer‐specific survival in lymph node‐positive patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Preoperative C‐reactive protein levels could carry a prognostic value in this setting, and lymph node‐positive patients with low preoperative CRP values should be considered for adjuvant chemotherapy. Further studies are necessary to validate these observations.
Phase Diagram of the Li4GeS4–Li3PS4 Quasi‐Binary System Containing the Superionic Conductor Li10GeP2S12
Authors: Hori Satoshi , Kato Masahiko , Suzuki Kota , Hirayama Masaaki , Kato Yuki , Kanno Ryoji
Published: July 2015

A phase diagram is constructed for the quasi‐binary Li4GeS4–Li3PS4 system containing the lithium superionic conductor Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS), having an LGPS‐type structure, and the β‐Li3PS4‐type phase, having a thio‐LISICON structure. The LGPS and thio‐LISICON intermediate compounds are found to exhibit solid solution ranges and show incongruent melting at 650°C and 560°C, respectively. The end‐member Li4GeS4 has a compositional range of 0 < k < 0.3 in [(1−k) Li4GeS4 + k Li3PS4], while the other end‐member γ‐Li3PS4 has no solid solution range. The crystal structures appearing in the binary systems are the α‐, β‐, and γ‐type Li3PS4 structures and the LGPS‐type structure, and these are formed by PS4 tetrahedra with different arrangements in each structure. The phase and structural relationships between the compounds appearing in the Li4GeS4–Li3PS4 system are thus clarified.
Temperature‐Dependent Scaling Behavior of Dynamic Hysteresis in Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Chen Xuefeng , Zhou Zhiyong , Cao Fei , Nie Hengchang , Dong Xianlin , Wang Genshui
Published: July 2015

The dynamic hysteresis scaling behaviors of Nb‐doped Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 ceramics have been investigated as a function of electric field amplitude (E0) and frequency (f) at different temperatures (T). The loop area  of saturated loops is found to follow various power laws as  ∝ E00.3065 at fixed f and  ∝ f 0.0120 at fixed E0. Furthermore, the linear scaling relation  = k3 fαE0β + b3 is estimated under various temperatures. The exponents α (=0.01) and β (=0.10) are T‐independent, whereas the slopes k3 and y‐intercepts b3 are T‐dependent because the increasing temperature in the same phase range only decreases the threshold field of the reversal rather than change the dynamic reversal process.
Enhanced Ferroelectric Phase Stability and High Temperature Piezoelectricity in PN Ceramics via Multisite Co‐Doping
Authors: Cai Kai , Jiang Feng , Deng Pingye , Ma Jingtao , Guo Dong
Published: July 2015

The tungsten bronze‐type lead metaniobate (PbNb2O6, PN) is a promising material for high‐temperature piezoelectric devices, while its application is limited by the difficulty in fabrication. In this study, the microstructure and electrical properties of Ca‐doped PN and Ca, Mn‐co‐doped PN ceramics sintered at different temperatures were investigated. Doping promoted the formation of the originally metastable ferroelectric orthorhombic phase. This might be partly attributed to the increased lattice distortion of the orthorhombic phase in the doped samples compared to that reported for pure PN. However, in single A‐site Ca‐doped PN the ferroelectric orthorhombic structure showed a low stability and started to transform to paraelectric phase far below 300°C, resulting in unstable high temperature piezoelectric properties. Interestingly, such a phase transition was completely depressed by A‐site Ca and multisite Mn‐co‐doping, which also improved the piezoelectric performance (d33 = 71 pC/N) and thermal stability in both structure and piezoelectricity. The better stability and performance of the co‐doped samples were explained by the improved sintering behavior and poling efficiency as well as its ability to occupy different sites in the TTB lattice.
Efficient Energy Transfer and Enhanced Near‐IR Emission in Cu+/Nd3+‐Activated Aluminophosphate Glass
Authors: Jiménez José A. , Sendova Mariana , Zhao Chunqing
Published: July 2015

The development of photonic materials for efficient energy conversion and high‐power solid‐state lasers is currently pursued given the wide range of applicable technologies and the possibility to help meet global energy demands in laser fusion power plants. In this work, Cu+ ions successfully incorporated in aluminophosphate glass are recognized as near‐ultraviolet (UV) sensitizers of Nd3+ ions resulting in remarkable near‐infrared (IR) 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 emission at 1.06 μm. Optical absorption, solid‐state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman, and photoluminescence spectroscopies characterizations are employed and assessment methods for material optical and structural properties are proposed. The spectroscopic data indicates an efficient (>50%) nonradiative energy transfer where the Cu+ ions first absorb photons broadly around 360 nm, and subsequently transfer the energy from the Stokes‐shifted emitting states to resonant Nd3+ energy levels. Then, the Nd3+ electronic excited states decay and the upper lasing state 4F3/2 is populated, leading to enhanced near‐IR emission. It is suggested that the physico‐chemically robust Cu+/Nd3+ codoped aluminophosphate glass is a suitable candidate as solid‐state laser material with enhanced pump range in the near‐UV part of the spectrum and for solar spectral conversion in photovoltaic cells.
Direct Observation of Thickness Dependence of Ferroelectricity in Freestanding BaTiO3 Thin Film
Authors: Li Yueliang , Yu Rong , Zhou Huihua , Cheng Zhiying , Wang Xiaohui , Li Longtu , Zhu Jing
Published: July 2015

In this work, we focus on the thickness dependence of the electric polarization in a freestanding BaTiO3 thin film. The locations of titanium and oxygen ions as well as their relative displacements were directly observed and measured by using aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy (AC‐TEM). It is found that the freestanding BaTiO3 thin film keeps the tetragonal distortion when its thickness is thicker than 4.8 nm, while completely loses its ferroelectricity when thinner than 4.4 nm. The method of combining high‐resolution AC‐TEM imaging with the multiparameter simulation unit cell by unit cell was developed to accurately determine each local thickness of the sample. This method is powerful for quantitative analysis in AC‐TEM images.
Effect of Environmental Risk and Externalizing Comorbidity on Internalizing Problems Among Economically Disadvantaged African American Youth
Authors: Liu Jingwen , Bolland John M. , Dick Danielle , Mustanski Brian , Kertes Darlene A.
Published: July 2015

This study examined the effects of racial discrimination, community violence, and stressful life events on internalizing problems among African American youth from high‐poverty neighborhoods (N = 607; 293 boys; Mage = 16.0 years, SD = 1.44 years). Mediated effects via externalizing problems on these relations were also examined, given the high comorbidity rate between internalizing and externalizing problems. Externalizing problems partially mediated the effect of stressful life events on internalizing problems and fully mediated the effect of racial discrimination for boys but not for girls. Exposure to violence had a significant indirect effect on internalizing problems via externalizing problems. The findings call for greater attention to internalizing problems among African American youth and pathways to internalizing problems via externalizing problems.
Epidemiology of biopsy‐proven glomerulonephritis in Queensland adults
Authors: Jegatheesan Dev , Nath Karthik , Reyaldeen Reza , Sivasuthan Goutham , John George T , Francis Leo , Rajmokan Mohana , Ranganathan Dwarakanathan
Published: July 2015

Aim

There is a paucity of data pertaining to the incidence of biopsy‐proven glomerulonephritis (GN) in Australia. This retrospective study aims to review the data from all adult native renal biopsies performed in the state of Queensland from 2002 to 2011 – comparing results with centres from across the world.

Methods

Pathology reports of 3697 adult native kidney biopsies were reviewed, of which 2048 had GN diagnoses. Age, gender, clinical indication and histopathology findings were compared.

Results

The average age at biopsy was 48 ± 17 years. Male preponderance was noted overall (∼60%), with lupus nephritis being the only individual GN with female predilection. The average rate of biopsy was 12.04 per hundred thousand people per year (php/yr). Nephrotic and nephritic syndromes comprised approximately 75% of all clinical indications that lead to GN diagnoses. IgA nephropathy (1.41 php/yr) was the most common primary GN followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (1.02 php/yr) and crescentic GN (0.73 php/yr). Diabetic nephropathy (0.84 php/yr), lupus nephritis (0.69 php/yr) and amyloidosis (0.19 php/yr) were the most commonly identified secondary GN.

Conclusion

IgA nephropathy is the predominant primary GN in Queensland, and nephrotic syndrome the most common indication for a renal biopsy. While crescentic GN incidence has significantly increased with time, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis incidence has not shown any trend. Incidence of GN overall appears to increase with age. The annual rate of biopsy in this study appears lower than previously published in an Australian population.
Examinations of ascites from prophylactic drains can predict intra‐abdominal infections after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Sanada Yukihiro , Kawano Youichi , Urahashi Taizen , Ihara Yoshiyuki , Wakiya Taiichi , Okada Noriki , Yamada Naoya , Hirata Yuta , Tashiro Masahisa , Mizuta Koichi
Published: July 2015

Studies suggest that prophylactic intra‐abdominal drains are unnecessary for cadaveric liver transplantation using whole liver grafts because there is no benefit from drainage. However, no studies have investigated on the necessity of prophylactic drains after LDLT using split‐liver grafts or reduced‐liver grafts, which may present a high risk of post‐transplant intra‐abdominal infections. This retrospective study investigated whether the ascitic data on POD 5 after LDLT can predict intra‐abdominal infections and on the post‐transplant management of prophylactic drains. Between March 2008 and March 2013, 90 LDLTs were performed. We assessed the number of ascitic cells, biochemical examinations, and cultivation tests at POD1 and POD5. The incidence rates of post‐transplant intra‐abdominal infections were 24.4%. The multivariate analysis showed that left lobe and S2 monosegment grafts were a significant risk factor for intra‐abdominal infections (p = 0.006). The patients with intra‐abdominal infections had significantly higher acsitic LDH levels and the positive rate of ascitic culture at POD5 in comparison with patients without infections (p < 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). LDLT using left lobe and S2 monosegment grafts yields a high risk for post‐transplant intra‐abdominal infections, and ascitic LDH and cultivation tests at POD5 via prophylactic drains can predict intra‐abdominal infections.
Sequential Selection Procedures and False Discovery Rate Control
Authors: G'Sell Max Grazier , Wager Stefan , Chouldechova Alexandra , Tibshirani Robert
Published: July 2015

We consider a multiple-hypothesis testing setting where the hypotheses are ordered and one is only permitted to reject an initial contiguous block H1,…,Hk of hypotheses. A rejection rule in this setting amounts to a procedure for choosing the stopping point k. This setting is inspired by the sequential nature of many model selection problems, where choosing a stopping point or a model is equivalent to rejecting all hypotheses up to that point and none thereafter. We propose two new testing procedures and prove that they control the false discovery rate in the ordered testing setting. We also show how the methods can be applied to model selection by using recent results on p-values in sequential model selection settings.
LG(BT) Families and Counting
Authors: Compton D'Lane R.
Published: July 2015

Counting and understanding lesbian and gay families have gained attention over the last decade in popular culture, policy, and academic research. Contentious debates on family values and same‐sex marriage, increasing rates of social tolerance for homosexuality, and a greater general academic attention on issues of sexual orientation have partially spurred this attention in demographic analysis of lesbian and gay families. It is becoming increasingly clear that sexual orientation and gender identity have an effect on demographic processes and life outcomes. Although not perfect, practically speaking, drawing on nationally representative survey data has allowed us to illuminate the presence of same‐sex families and their children. These findings have an iterative relationship with social change, public policy, and increasing tolerance for diversity. This article reviews the recent demographic contributions related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) families. Due to research concentrations, the content of this article not only mostly addresses what is known about gay and lesbian families but also offers future directions to fill research voids including a call for greater attention to and visibility for families with bisexual and transgender members.
Teaching & Learning Guide for ‘The Conflictual Model of Analysis in Studies on the Media Representation of Islam and Muslims: A Critical Review’
Authors: Faimau Gabriel
Published: July 2015

‘The Conflictual Model of Analysis in Studies on the Media Representation of Islam and Muslims: A Critical Review’ was published in Sociology Compass 9/5 (2015) pp. 321–335, DOI: 10.1111/soc4.12264. This Teaching and Learning Guide is designed to accompany this article. In brief, the article examined the extent to which various studies on the media representation of Islam and Muslims use the conflictual model analysis that underpins theoretical frameworks, such as Orientalism, Clash of Civilisations, Cultural Racism and Islamophobia. It argued that in the context of a complex multicultural society, conflictual model of analysis is inadequate because it simply employs a binary way of thinking as clearly indicated in ‘the West versus Islam’ paradigm. In response to the inadequacy of this model of analysis, the article proposed an adoption of an alternative dialogical model of analysis in the light of the political theory of recognition. This guide provides useful information regarding the use of this article for teaching and learning purposes. It includes recommendation of readings, online resources, sample syllabus, focus questions and project idea.
Sex Work in a Digital Era
Authors: Jones Angela
Published: July 2015

In recent years, scholars have begun to investigate the role of digital technologies, namely the Internet, in facilitating growth in sexual commerce. Recent studies investigate the ways the Internet shapes the experiences of sex workers and how sex workers use the Internet to maximize profits and reduce risk exposure. Overall, scholars strategically frame sex work in a digital era in terms of affordances. In doing so, they can note the positive changes in the work experiences of these workers. However, I argue that this literature is altogether too optimistic, and in focusing primarily on the affordances of Internet‐based sex work, these scholars neglect the new dangers that emerge online. In addition, by focusing only on the online practices of escorts, these scholars paint a homogenized portrait of digital sex work and neglect the diversity of labor performed by sex workers. This literature also neglects the diversity among sex workers themselves (e.g., race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, and ability). In order to address these limitations, I make nine specific suggestions for future lines of inquiry.
STRAIN ELASTOGRAPHY USING DOBUTAMINE‐INDUCED CAROTID ARTERY PULSATION IN CANINE THYROID GLAND
Authors: Lee Gahyun , Jeon Sunghoon , Lee Sang‐Kwon , Kim Hyunwoo , Yu Dohyeon , Choi Jihye
Published: July 2015

Thyroid disease is common in dogs and conventional ultrasonography is a standard diagnostic test for diagnosis and treatment planning. Strain elastography can provide additional information about tissue stiffness noninvasively after applying external or internal compression. However, natural carotid artery pulsations in the canine thyroid gland are too weak to maintain sufficient internal compression force. The objective of the present study was to describe the feasibility of strain elastography for evaluating the canine thyroid gland and the repeatability of dobutamine‐induced carotid artery pulsation as an internal compression method. In seven healthy Beagle dogs, strain on each thyroid lobe was induced by external compression using the ultrasound probe and internal compression using carotid artery pulsation after dobutamine infusion. The thyroid appeared homogeneously green and the subcutaneous fat superficial to the thyroid lobe appeared blue. Strain values and strain ratios did not differ among dogs or between the left and right lobes. Interobserver repeatability was excellent for both compression methods. Intraobserver repeatability of the strain ratio measured using the carotid artery pulsation method (intraclass coefficient correlation = 0.933) was higher than that measured using the external compression method (0.760). Mean strain values of thyroid lobes for the external compression method (142.93 ± 6.67) differed from the internal method (147.31 ± 8.24; P < 0.05). Strain ratios between the two methods did not differ. Strain elastography was feasible for estimating thyroid stiffness in dogs. Carotid artery pulsation induced by dobutamine infusion can be used for canine thyroid strain elastography with excellent repeatability.