bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune Reactivity and Pseudoprogression or Tumor Flare in a Serially Biopsied Neuroendocrine Patient Treated with the Epigenetic Agent RRx-001
Authors: Carter Corey A. , Schmitz Bruno , Peterson P. Gabriel , Quinn Mary , Degesys Aiste , Jenkins John , Oronsky Bryan , Scicinski Jan , Caroen Scott , Reid Tony R. , Cabrales Pedro , Brzezniak Christina
Published: March 2016

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are grouped together as a single class on the basis of histologic appearance, immunoreactivity for the neuroendocrine markers chromogranin A and synaptophysin, and potential secretion of hormones, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and neuropeptides. Nevertheless, despite these common characteristics, NETs differ widely in terms of their natural histories: high-grade NETs are clinically aggressive and, like small cell lung cancer, which they most closely resemble, tend to respond to cisplatin and etoposide. In contrast, low-grade NETs, which as a rule progress and behave indolently, do not. In either case, the treatment strategy, apart from potentially curative surgical resection, is very poorly defined. This report describes the case of a 28-year-old white male with a diagnosis of high-grade NET of undetermined primary site metastatic to the lymph nodes, skin and paraspinal soft tissues, treated with the experimental anticancer agent RRx-001, in the context of a phase II clinical trial called TRIPLE THREAT (NCT02489903); serial sampling of tumor material through repeat biopsies demonstrated an intratumoral inflammatory response, including the amplification of infiltrating T cells, which correlated with clinical and symptomatic benefit. This case suggests that pseudoprogression or RRx-001-induced enlargement of tumor lesions, which has been previously described for several RRx-001-treated patients, is the result of tumoral lymphocyte infiltration.
Trends and Outcomes of Severe Sepsis in Patients on Maintenance Dialysis
Authors: Sakhuja Ankit , Nanchal Rahul S. , Gupta Shipra , Amer Hatem , Kumar Gagan , Albright Robert C. , Kashani Kianoush B.
Published: March 2016

Background: Though the incidence of severe sepsis is rising, there is a lack of contemporary information regarding the epidemiology and outcomes of severe sepsis in those on maintenance dialysis. The objectives of this study were to measure the incidence and outcomes of severe sepsis in those on maintenance dialysis. Methods: Using data from Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2005 to 2010, we included all hospitalizations of adults with severe sepsis based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Those on maintenance dialysis were identified by ICD-9-CM codes. We calculated incidence of severe sepsis and mortality. We used logistic regression to assess independent effect of maintenance dialysis status on mortality. Results: Of the estimated 5,000,152 hospitalizations with severe sepsis, 322,734 (6.4%) were on maintenance dialysis. The unadjusted incidence of severe sepsis was 145.4 per 1,000 in those on maintenance dialysis in comparison to 3.5 per 1,000 in the general population. Mortality was higher in those with severe sepsis (30.3 vs. 26.2%; p < 0.001). Maintenance dialysis is an independent predictor of death in those with severe sepsis (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.23-1.29). Conclusions: Hospitalizations with severe sepsis are more prevalent and associated with poor outcomes in those on maintenance dialysis.
Partial Response to First-Line Crizotinib in an Elderly Male Patient with ROS1 Translocation-Positive Lung Cancer
Authors: Overbeck Tobias R. , Schmitz Katja , Engelke Christoph , Sahlmann Carsten-Oliver , Hugo Sara , Kellner Laura , Trümper Lorenz , Schildhaus Hans-Ulrich
Published: March 2016

We report on a 90-year-old male patient with a ROS1-translocated adenocarcinoma of the lung who was treated with crizotinib as first-line therapy. After 11 months of treatment, we noticed complete metabolic response as measured by 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan and a partial response according to RECIST criteria. This patient indicates that ROS1 translocations are not restricted to young age, female gender and low stage. Furthermore, this case illustrates exemplarily that crizotinib therapy is effective and manageable even as first-line treatment in elderly patients with comorbidities. Based on our findings, we recommend to include elderly patients with advanced pulmonary adenocarcinomas in molecular screening approaches for ROS1 translocations.
Temporal Trends in the Risk Profile of Patients Undergoing Outpatient Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Vora Amit N. , Dai Dadi , Gurm Hitinder , Amin Amit P. , Messenger John C. , Mahmud Ehtisham , Mauri Laura , Wang Tracy Y. , Roe Matthew T. , Curtis Jeptha , Patel Manesh R. , Dauerman Harold L. , Peterson Eric D. , Rao Sunil V.
Published: March 2016

Background—

Because of recent changes in criteria for coverage for inpatient hospital stays, most nonacute percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures are reimbursed on an outpatient basis regardless of underlying patient risk. Downstream effects of these changes on the risk profile of patients undergoing outpatient PCI have not been evaluated.

Methods and Results—

Using the American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data Registry’s CathPCI Registry, we assessed temporal trends in risk profiles and rates of hospital admission among 999 279 patients undergoing PCI qualifying for outpatient reimbursement. We estimated mortality and bleeding risk using validated models from the registry. From 2009 to 2014, the proportion of outpatients not admitted to a hospital after PCI increased from 32.8% to 66.3% (
P
<0.001). Patients who were admitted after PCI were older, had greater comorbidities, and experienced more post-PCI complications (all
P
<0.001). Among those not admitted, the proportion of patients at high risk for predicted mortality increased significantly from 17.0% to 19.8% during the study period (
P
<0.001). In contrast, 16.7% of patients admitted after PCI were at low risk for mortality.

Conclusions—

Among patients undergoing PCI procedures that qualify for outpatient reimbursement, there has been a temporal decrease in postprocedure hospital admission. Concomitantly, the proportion of these outpatients at high risk for mortality has significantly increased over time. These data suggest that current reimbursement classification could be improved by incorporating patient risk to appropriately match the necessary resources to the needed level of care.
Comparison of Immediate With Delayed Stenting Using the Minimalist Immediate Mechanical Intervention Approach in Acute ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Belle Loic , Motreff Pascal , Mangin Lionel , Rangé Grégoire , Marcaggi Xavier , Marie Antoine , Ferrier Nadine , Dubreuil Olivier , Zemour Gilles , Souteyrand Géraud , Caussin Christophe , Amabile Nicolas , Isaaz Karl , Dauphin Raphael , Koning René , Robin Christophe , Faurie Benjamin , Bonello Laurent , Champin Stanislas , Delhaye Cédric , Cuilleret François , Mewton Nathan , Genty Céline , Viallon Magalie , Bosson Jean Luc , Croisille Pierre ,   on behalf of the MIMI Investigators
Published: March 2016

Background—

Delayed stent implantation after restoration of normal epicardial flow by a minimalist immediate mechanical intervention aims to decrease the rate of distal embolization and impaired myocardial reperfusion after percutaneous coronary intervention. We sought to confirm whether a delayed stenting (DS) approach (24–48 hours) improves myocardial reperfusion, versus immediate stenting, in patients with acute ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results—

In the prospective, randomized, open-label minimalist immediate mechanical intervention (MIMI) trial, patients (n=140) with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction ≤12 hours were randomized to immediate stenting (n=73) or DS (n=67) after Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 flow restoration by thrombus aspiration. Patients in the DS group underwent a second coronary arteriography for stent implantation a median of 36 hours (interquartile range 29–46) after randomization. The primary end point was microvascular obstruction (% left ventricular mass) on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging performed 5 days (interquartile range 4–6) after the first procedure. There was a nonsignificant trend toward lower microvascular obstruction in the immediate stenting group compared with DS group (1.88% versus 3.96%;
P
=0.051), which became significant after adjustment for the area at risk (
P
=0.049). Median infarct weight, left ventricular ejection fraction, and infarct size did not differ between groups. No difference in 6-month outcomes was apparent for the rate of major cardiovascular and cerebral events.

Conclusions—

The present findings do not support a strategy of DS versus immediate stenting in patients with ST-segment–elevation infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention and even suggested a deleterious effect of DS on microvascular obstruction size.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01360242.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Is Associated With Subclinical Cerebrovascular Damage
Authors: Wright Clinton B. , Shah Nirav H. , Mendez Armando J. , DeRosa Janet T. , Yoshita Mitsuhiro , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Sacco Ralph L. , DeCarli Charles , Rundek Tatjana , Silverberg Shonni , Dong Chuanhui , Wolf Myles
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose—

Elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) regulates phosphate homeostasis and is linked with mortality, cardiovascular events, and stroke. However, the role of FGF23 as a risk factor for subclinical cerebrovascular damage is unclear.

Methods—

We used multivariable linear and logistic regression to evaluate associations between FGF23, continuously and by quartiles, with white matter hyperintensity volume, expressed as percent intracranial volume (%ICV), and subclinical brain infarction (SBI) in a community-based stroke-free sample.

Results—

There were 1170 stroke-free Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS) participants with FGF23 levels and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging data on white matter hyperintensity volume and SBI. Participants with FGF23 levels in the top quartile (range=85–1425 RU/mL) had greater white matter hyperintensity volume (β=0.19 %ICV; 95% CI, 0.04–0.33 %ICV;
P
=0.01) compared with those in the lowest quartile (range=15–49 RU/mL), adjusted for demographics, vascular risk factors, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. These findings remained significant in those without evidence of chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
). Elevated FGF23 was not associated with SBI overall after adjusting for demographic factors and estimated glomerular filtration rate, but sex modified the effect of FGF23 on odds of SBI (
P
for interaction=0.03). FGF23 was associated with significantly greater odds of SBI only in men (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.7;
P
=0.03) after full adjustment.

Conclusions—

These cross-sectional community-based data from a diverse urban sample show an association between elevated FGF23 and small vessel disease and magnetic resonance imaging–defined brain infarction in men, independent of chronic kidney disease. Data on elevated FGF23 and subclinical cerebrovascular damage progression are needed.
Cult Statuary in the Judean Temple at Yeb
Authors: Cornell Collin
Published: March 2016

A revisitation of the Yeb archives with an eye to the question of cult statuary. The present article inventories the state of the question and makes several constructive suggestions. Its primary contributions are: to address the Yeb evidence, even preliminarily, to the debate over Yhwh statuary in the Jerusalem temple; to make a fresh interpretation of tad A4.7/8; and to reread other key textual data for information about statuary.
Listening with the Body, Seeing through the Ears: Contextualizing Philo’s Lecture Event in On the Contemplative Life
Authors: Larsen Matthew David
Published: March 2016

This article compares Philo’s portrayal of the lecture event among the Therapeutae with other reading and philosophical communities throughout the high Roman Empire. It shows how learning to listen properly plays an important role in constructing and defending one’s masculinity in certain elite communities of that time. Philo constructs a portrayal of the Therapeutae that places them well within the social codes of lecture listening and proper masculine virtues of the time, describing the Therapeutae, especially their ideal masculinity vis-à-vis their lecture event, with imperial mimicry and resistance. Situating Philo’s portrayal of the Therapeutae’s lecture event within its historical context enhances our understanding Philo within the Roman Empire as well as his portrayal of the ethos of the Therapeutae.
International Trade Disputes Related to Fishery Products: Time to Engage A Chinese Perspective?
Authors: He Juan
Published: March 2016

The recent dynamism shown in China’s participation in trade-related fishery disputes implies key policy shifts in Chinese fisheries and fish trade policy, which attempt to integrate environmental protection responsibilities more seriously into the overall search for a sustainable marine economy. Presence in the World Trade Organization’s tuna and seal products cases, which do not involve tangible trade interests for China, suggests a tentative departure from the trade dominance ideology. It is no coincidence that domestic reform initiatives, such as green and organic fishery labelling schemes, have steadily developed in China. China thus tends to show growing self-motivation, aside from external pressures, to realize sustainable marine development goals. It remains to be seen when it will rightly view universal sustainability obligations from an internationally cooperative and even humanitarian perspective.
Multisensory Integration in Self Motion Perception
Authors: Greenlee Mark W. , Frank Sebastian M. , Kaliuzhna Mariia , Blanke Olaf , Bremmer Frank , Churan Jan , Cuturi Luigi F. , MacNeilage Paul R. , Smith Andrew T.
Published: March 2016

Self motion perception involves the integration of visual, vestibular, somatosensory and motor signals. This article reviews the findings from single unit electrophysiology, functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging and psychophysics to present an update on how the human and non-human primate brain integrates multisensory information to estimate one’s position and motion in space. The results indicate that there is a network of regions in the non-human primate and human brain that processes self motion cues from the different sense modalities.
Back to the Wall: Myths and Mistakes that Once Again Divide Europe
Authors: Sakwa Richard
Published: March 2016

Europe is once again subject to an epidemic of wall and barrier building. The war in Ukraine is accompanied by the fortification of its border with Russia, while the Baltic republics are creating the foundations for what is an embryonic new ‘iron curtain’ dividing the Atlantic community from Eurasia. Elsewhere fences are being built to halt the flow of refugees and migrants. These new barriers symbolize the failure to build a Europe ‘whole and free’ in the post-Cold War era, and the failure of the era of globalization to create the conditions for security and development in Europe’s neighborhood. The spate of ‘walling’ reflects not the strength of national sovereignty but its weakness, and not the power of the Atlantic community to spread prosperity, peace and security but the opposite. The era of globalization is accompanied by deepening disjuncture and contradictions, and European leaders have no coherent response. The roots of the crisis lie in the patterns established at the close of the original Cold War in the late perestroika years, with a power shift rather than the transcending politics espoused by Mikhail Gorbachev. The Malta summit of 1989 only partially repudiated the politics of Yalta. The asymmetrical end of the Cold War and the 25 years’ crisis represented by the subsequent cold peace contained within itself the violence and the new divisions that now predominate. The myths and mistakes of the cold peace era need to be challenged and a new transformative politics envisaged.
Putin’s Russia: The State-Building Strategy
Authors: Busygina Irina
Published: March 2016

Today state-building processes go on in many parts of the world. In this article I look at Russia’s political development through the prism of state-building, with a focus on Putin’s state-building strategy and the factors that have made its realization possible. I argue that throughout the duration of his reign Putin distinguished himself as a vigorous and effective state-builder with a clearly defined state-building strategy. The paper examines his three-staged strategy: the weakening of Yeltsin’s “ruling coalition” and the accumulation of resources; administrative reforms and policy changes; nation-building.
Limonium albuferae (Plumbaginaceae), a new polyploid species from the Eastern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO PEDRO PABLO , ROSELLÓ ROBERTO , ROSATO MARCELA , ROSSELLÓ JOSEP ANTONI , LAGUNA EMILIO
Published: March 2016

A new species from Limonium (Plumbaginaceae), L. albuferae sp. nov., is described from the saline-sandy soils in the saltmarshes of the Eastern Iberian Peninsula (Devesa Albufera, Valencia province, Spain). The new species is triploid (2n = 26) and is closely related to the Western Mediterranean L. girardianum from which it morphologically differs by the major robustness, and overall dimensions of leaves, inflorescences, spikes and spikelets, and by the comparative smaller size of the outer and middle bracts.
Typification of the junos names (Iridaceae) published by A.I. Vvedensky
Authors: BOLTENKOV EUGENY V.
Published: March 2016

A total of thirteen names of the juno irises (Iridaceae) were published by the Russian botanist Aleksey Ivanovich Vvedensky (1898–1972), and now some of these names are in need of typification. The holotypes for the names Juno capnoides, J. hippolyti, J. inconspicua, J. nicolai, J. tadshikorum, J. vicaria, and J. zenaidae are here indicated; the lectotypes for the names Iris subdecolorata, Juno leptorrhiza, J. maracandica, J. popovii, and the neotype for J. svetlanae are here designated. Furthermore, the name Juno parvula is here validated. The original material was collected from the Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union (especially Uzbekistan) and deposited mainly in the Central Herbarium of Uzbekistan (TASH).
Systematic revision of the marbled velvet geckos (Oedura marmorata species complex, Diplodactylidae) from the Australian arid and semi-arid zones
Authors: OLIVER PAUL M. , DOUGHTY PAUL
Published: March 2016

Lizards restricted to rocky habitats often comprise numerous deeply divergent lineages, reflecting the disjunct nature of their preferred habitat and the capacity of rocky habitats to function as evolutionary refugia. Here we review the systematics and diversity of the predominantly saxicoline Australian marbled velvet geckos (genus Oedura) in the Australian arid and semi-arid zones using newly-gathered morphological data and previously published genetic data. Earlier work showed that four largely allopatric and genetically divergent lineages are present: Western (Pilbara and Gascoyne regions), Gulf (west and south of the Gulf of Carpentaria), Central (central ranges) and Eastern (Cooper and Darling Basins). None of these four populations are conspecific with true O. marmorata, a seperate species complex that is restricted to the Top End region of the Northern Territory. Top End forms share a short, bulbous tail whereas the other four lineages treated here possess a long, tapering tail. Morphological differences among the arid and semi-arid lineages include smaller body size, tapering lamellae and a shorter tail for the Gulf population, and a partially divided rostral scale in the Western population compared to the Central and Eastern populations. Accordingly, we resurrect O. cincta de Vis from synonymy for the Central and Eastern lineages, and regard this species as being comprised of two evolutionary significant units. We also describe the Gulf and Western lineages as new species: Oedura bella sp. nov. and O. fimbria sp. nov., respectively. We note that a predominantly arboreal lineage (the Eastern lineage of O. cincta) is more widely distributed than the other lineages and is phylogenetically nested within a saxicoline clade, but tends to have a deeper head and shorter limbs, consistent with morphological variation observed in other lizard radiations including both saxicoline and arboreal taxa.
Taxonomy of the Proisotoma complex. VI. Mobile forms of Proisotoma s.str. with the description of a new species from East Siberia (Collembola: Isotomidae)
Authors: POTAPOV MIKHAIL , BOGOMOLOV MAXIM
Published: March 2016

Phenotypic dimorphism of four species of the genus Proisotoma s.str. is described. The modified specimens are characterized by protruding corneas of eyes, stronger pigmentation, enlarged and more chitinized furca, and extension of clavate tenent hairs in the distal part of the tibiotarsi. The characteristics of the modified specimens indicate higher mobile activity. Both sexes are affected by the dimorphism, with the "mobile" forms mostly co-occuring during the cold season with normal specimens. Proisotoma dualis sp. nov. is described from Buryat Republic.
Stage description, new combination and new records of Neotropical Brachycercinae (Ephemeroptera: Caenidae)
Authors: ANGELI KAMILA BATISTA , SALLES FREDERICO FALCÃO , PARESQUE ROBERTA , MOLINERI CARLOS , LIMA LUCAS RAMOS COSTA
Published: March 2016

We present taxonomic contributions and new records for Neotropical Brachycercinae based on material from Brazil. We performed a phylogenetic analysis in order to test the relationship between Alloretochus Sun & McCafferty, 2008 and Latineosus Sun & Mc- Cafferty, 2008, and Alloretochus sigillatus was recovered in the Latineosus clade. Therefore, we propose a new combination, Latineosus sigillatus comb. n. The nymph of Latineosus sigillatus is described and is associated with imago through molecular tools. Moreover, Alloretochus peruanicus (Soldán, 1986) is reported for the first time from Brazil.
A new species of Thyreophagus (Acari: Acaridae) from Brazil, with notes on species associated with stored food and human habitats and a key to species of this genus
Authors: BARBOSA MARINA FERRAZ DE CAMARGO , OCONNOR BARRY M. , MORAES GILBERTO JOSÉ DE
Published: March 2016

A new species Thyreophagus cracentiseta n. sp. is described morphologically based on adult females, adult homeomorphic and heteromorphic males collected from chicken feed in Brazil. The Thyreophagus species associated with stored food and human habitats are reviewed, and a key to separate species of this genus is provided.
The Convective Transport of Active Species in the Tropics (CONTRAST) Experiment
Authors: Pan L. L. , Atlas E. L. , Salawitch R. J. , Honomichl S. B. , Bresch J. F. , Randel W. J. , Apel E. C. , Hornbrook R. S. , Weinheimer A. J. , Anderson D. C. , Andrews S. J. , Baidar S. , Beaton S. P. , Campos T. L. , Carpenter L. J. , Chen D. , Dix B. , Donets V. , Hall S. R. , Hanisco T. F. , Homeyer C. R. , Huey L. G. , Jensen J. B. , Kaser L. , Kinnison D. E. , Koenig T. K. , Lamarque J.-F. , Liu C. , Luo J. , Luo Z. J. , Montzka D. D. , Nicely J. M. , Pierce R. B. , Riemer D. D. , Robinson T. , Romashkin P. , Saiz-Lopez A. , Schauffler S. , Shieh O. , Stell M. H. , Ullmann K. , Vaughan G. , Volkamer R. , Wolfe G.
Published: March 2016

The Convective Transport of Active Species in the Tropics (CONTRAST) experiment was conducted from Guam (13.5°N, 144.8°E) during January–February 2014. Using the NSF/NCAR Gulfstream V research aircraft, the experiment investigated the photochemical environment over the tropical western Pacific (TWP) warm pool, a region of massive deep convection and the major pathway for air to enter the stratosphere during Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter. The new observations provide a wealth of information for quantifying the influence of convection on the vertical distributions of active species. The airborne in situ measurements up to 15-km altitude fill a significant gap by characterizing the abundance and altitude variation of a wide suite of trace gases. These measurements, together with observations of dynamical and microphysical parameters, provide significant new data for constraining and evaluating global chemistry–climate models. Measurements include precursor and product gas species of reactive halogen compounds that impact ozone in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere. High-accuracy, in situ measurements of ozone obtained during CONTRAST quantify ozone concentration profiles in the upper troposphere, where previous observations from balloonborne ozonesondes were often near or below the limit of detection. CONTRAST was one of the three coordinated experiments to observe the TWP during January–February 2014. Together, CONTRAST, Airborne Tropical Tropopause Experiment (ATTREX), and Coordinated Airborne Studies in the Tropics (CAST), using complementary capabilities of the three aircraft platforms as well as ground-based instrumentation, provide a comprehensive quantification of the regional distribution and vertical structure of natural and pollutant trace gases in the TWP during NH winter, from the oceanic boundary to the lower stratosphere.
On the Role of Surface Fluxes and WISHE in Tropical Cyclone Intensification
Authors: Zhang Fuqing , Emanuel Kerry
Published: March 2016

The authors show that the feedback between surface wind and surface enthalpy flux is an important influence on tropical cyclone evolution, even though, as with at least some classical instability mechanisms, such a feedback is not strictly necessary. When the wind speed is artificially capped in idealized numerical experiments, storm development is slowed and storms achieve a smaller final intensity. When it is capped in simulations of an actual storm (Hurricane Edouard of 2014), the quality of the simulations is strongly compromised; for example, little development occurs when the wind speed is capped at 5 m s−1, in contrast to the category-3 hurricane shown by observations and produced by the control experiment.
Improving Radar Refractivity Retrieval by Considering the Change in the Refractivity Profile and the Varying Altitudes of Ground Targets
Authors: Feng Ya-Chien , Fabry Frédéric , Weckwerth Tammy M.
Published: March 2016

Accurate radar refractivity retrievals are critical for quantitative applications, such as assimilating refractivity into numerical models or studying boundary layer and convection processes. However, the technique as originally developed makes some simplistic assumptions about the heights of ground targets () and the vertical gradient of refractivity (). In reality, the field of target phases used for refractivity retrieval is noisy because of varying terrain and introduces estimation biases. To obtain a refractivity map at a constant height above terrain, a 2D horizontal refractivity field at the radar height must be computed and corrected for altitude using an average . This is achieved by theoretically clarifying the interpretation of the measured phase considering the varying and the temporal change of . Evolving causes systematic refractivity biases, as it affects the beam trajectory, the associated target range, and the refractivity field sampled between selected targets of different heights. To determine and changes, a twofold approach is proposed: first, can be reasonably inferred based on terrain height; then, a new method of estimation is devised by using the property of the returned powers of a pointlike target at successive antenna elevations. The obtained shows skill based on in situ tower observation. As a result, the data quality of the retrieved refractivity may be improved with the newly added information of and .
What Do Selectorates Seek? A Comparative Analysis of Belgian Federal and Regional Candidate Selection Processes in 2014
Authors: Vandeleene Audrey , Dodeigne Jérémy , De Winter Lieven
Published: March 2016

The 2014 “mother of all elections” in Belgium offers a unique opportunity to test whether candidate selection for regional and federal elections work alike or differently. The fact that Belgian “statewide” parties do not exist anymore and that Belgium is a quasi-closed list system, giving parties almost unlimited control over candidate selection enhances the uniqueness of the Belgian case. This article verifies whether these “regional” parties select candidates according to different methods for both elections and whether candidates for both elections display different attributes. Our exploratory analysis draws on in-depth interviews with party actors, on the 2014 Belgian Candidate Survey and on an extensive database of regional and federal parliamentary/executive careers since 1991. Our results show that selection procedures strongly differ across parties but hardly within parties regarding regional and federal elections. Besides, regarding candidates’ attributes, only few differences were found between levels. Hence, both levels seem to work alike.
The Negative Side Effects of Vocational Education
Authors: Lancee Bram
Published: March 2016

Unemployment rates among immigrant youth are much higher than among the native-born population. Furthermore, youth unemployment rates vary considerably across countries. Yet there is little research that explains cross-national differences in immigrant’s relative unemployment risk. This article seeks to explain cross-national variation in ethnic penalties in youth unemployment with institutional and economic differences. Using data from the European Union Labor Force Survey (2004-2012) and focusing on recent non-Western immigrants of 15 to 24 years, the presented evidence shows that immigrant’s relative unemployment risk is larger in countries where the schooling system is more vocationally oriented because immigrant youth lacks the specific skills and educational signals that employers demand. The findings furthermore show that ethnic penalties are not associated with the strictness of employment protection legislation or with the inclusiveness of integration policies.
Multi-Pulse Excitation for Underwater Analysis of Copper-Based Alloys Using a Novel Remote Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) System
Authors: Guirado Salvador , Fortes Francisco J. , Laserna J. Javier
Published: March 2016

In this work, the use of multi-pulse excitation has been evaluated as an effective solution to mitigate the preferential ablation of the most volatile elements, namely Sn, Pb, and Zn, observed during laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analysis of copper-based alloys. The novel remote LIBS prototype used in this experiments featured both single-pulse (SP-LIBS) and multi-pulse excitation (MP-LIBS). The remote instrument is capable of performing chemical analysis of submersed materials up to a depth of 50 m. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis was performed at air pressure settings simulating the conditions during a real subsea analysis. A set of five certified bronze standards with variable concentration of Cu, As, Sn, Pb, and Zn were used. In SP-LIBS, signal emission is strongly sensitive to ambient pressure. In this case, fractionation effect was observed. Multi-pulse excitation circumvents the effect of pressure over the quantitative analysis, thus avoiding the fractionation phenomena observed in single pulse LIBS. The use of copper as internal standard minimizes matrix effects and discrepancies due to variation in ablated mass.
Values, Coping Strategies, and Psychopathological Symptoms Among Adolescents With Asthma
Authors: Iosifyan Marina , Arina Galina , Flahault Cecile
Published: March 2016

Values are related to coping strategies. However, little is known about the relationship between values and coping strategies among people suffering from chronic illnesses. This study investigates the mediating role of coping strategies specific to asthma on the relationship between the value of health, the value of an exciting life, and anxiety/depression symptoms among Russian and French adolescents with asthma. Adolescents aged 14 to 16 years with moderate and severe asthma ( N = 100, 58 males) were recruited in Russia and France and completed the Rokeach Value Survey, the Asthma-Specific Coping Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Among Russian adolescents, the coping strategy of hiding asthma mediated the relationship between the value of health and depression symptoms. Among French adolescents, the coping strategies of ignoring asthma and adopting a restricted lifestyle mediated the relationship between the value of an exciting life and depression/anxiety symptoms. Among Russian and French girls, the coping strategy of ignoring asthma mediated the relationship between the value of health and anxiety/depression symptoms. Valuing an exciting life, French adolescents used coping strategies that led them to ignore asthma more, and as a result, experienced greater levels of anxiety and depression. Valuing health, Russian adolescents used coping strategies in which they hid their asthma less, but experienced more symptoms of depression. Valuing health, Russian and French girls used coping strategies in which they ignored their asthma less and experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression less.
Public missiology and anxious tribalism
Authors: Hunt Robert
Published: March 2016

It is beginning to appear that modernity and postmodernity have undermined the strength and meaning of a personal identity that participates in and yet is distinct from a universal humanity. Such a shared humanity has been steadily reduced to a barely unique set of biological and social tendencies. The individual, the self, is both accidental and incidental. Trapped between the meaninglessness of the individual biological machine and the fissiparousness of the concept of the human, people are vesting meaning into group identities that promise both endurance and particularity. And just as these groups offer some a more enduring locus for a sense of self, they equally come under threat of dissolution and destruction. We are mercilessly conscious of history, and of all the lost tribes for whom it is the graveyard. The result is a new anxious tribalism. The sense that a tribal identity is crucial for a meaningful life, lived out in the threat of the destruction of the tribe. A public missiology must understand the social and political effects of this emerging anxious tribalism as it enters into a public discourse about the meaning of the gospel in contemporary society.
A Family-Based, Culturally Tailored Diabetes Intervention for Hispanics and Their Family Members
Authors: Hu Jie , Amirehsani Karen A. , Wallace Debra C. , McCoy Thomas P. , Silva Zulema
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to test efficacy of a family-based, culturally tailored intervention for Hispanics with type 2 diabetes and their family members.

Methods

Hispanic patients with type 2 diabetes and their family members recruited from community clinics and ethnic churches were assigned to groups (N = 186). The intervention group received an 8-week culturally tailored diabetes educational program delivered in Spanish while the attention control group received 8 weekly sessions on general health information and 2 sessions on diabetes after completion of the study. Data were collected at baseline, after intervention, and at 1- and 6-month follow-ups for both patients and families. Comparisons of change over time were performed using growth curve analyses after propensity score adjustment.

Results

Intervention patients improved in diabetes knowledge and diabetes self-efficacy over time (but did not sustain at 6-month follow-up). A1C was lower at 1-month follow-up. Family members had improvements in diabetes knowledge and physical health–related quality of life.

Conclusions

Including families in the interventions may improve glycemic control, diabetes knowledge, self-efficacy, and physical health–related quality of life. However, strategies for sustaining improvements are needed.
Evidence for variation in human radiosensitivity and its potential impact on radiological protection
Authors: Bouffler S.D.
Published: March 2016

Radiological protection standards generally assume that all members of the population are equally sensitive to the adverse health effects associated with radiation exposure, recognising the age- and sex-related differences in sensitivity to radiation-induced cancer. It has become very clear over recent years that genetic and lifestyle factors can play important roles in the susceptibility of individuals to a range of diseases; as such, the same may apply to radiation-associated diseases. Evidence is accumulating from studies at many levels of biological organisation – cells, experimental organisms, and humans – that a range of radiosensitivity exists between individuals in the population. Consideration of improvements in radiological protection practices to take account of such differences will require the availability of robust and accurate ways to assess the sensitivity of an individual or population subgroup. In addition, there will need to be careful consideration of the ethical aspects relating to use of individual sensitivity information. These ethical considerations are very likely to be exposure context dependent, and require careful risk–benefit balance consideration before practical application.
Radiation-related risks of non-cancer outcomes in the atomic bomb survivors
Authors: Ozasa K. , Takahashi I. , Grant E.J.
Published: March 2016

Risks of non-cancer outcomes after exposure to atomic bomb (A-bomb) radiation have been evaluated among the Life Span Study (LSS) cohort and its subcohort, the Adult Health Study (AHS). Information regarding non-cancer outcomes in the LSS is obtained from death certificates. In the AHS, members undergo clinical examinations biennially to determine their health status. Many AHS studies have been limited to participants attending the clinic over a limited period, and therefore have varying degrees of inferential utility; as such, care is required for comparison with the LSS results. Disease structure of non-cancer diseases in Japan has changed over the long follow-up period since the end of World War II. The health status of the A-bomb survivors may be associated with the hardships of living in a devastated city and impoverished country following the prolonged war effort, in addition to the direct effects of radiation exposure. Radiation-related risk of cardiovascular disease may have increased due to radiation-related increased risk of hypertension and other secondary associations, and the risk of atherosclerotic disorders has also been reported recently. These results should be interpreted with caution because of changes in disease definitions over the follow-up period. The radiation-related risk of non-cancer respiratory diseases also appears to have increased over the follow-up period, but the shapes of the dose–response curves have shown little consistency.
State celebrity, institutional charisma and the public sphere: managing scandal at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Authors: Cormack Patricia Colleen , Cosgrave James F
Published: March 2016

This article investigates the rise and scandalous fall of celebrity host Jian Ghomeshi within the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). We draw upon Althusser’s conception of the Ideological State Apparatus to analyse how the CBC made use of Jian Ghomeshi as a state celebrity to ‘hail’ the audience/citizen and contribute to the CBC’s ‘institutional charisma’. The discussion also demonstrates the dependence of the CBC on types of legitimate authority in its efforts to manage the scandal and invoke its cultural and moral authority in the Canadian national–cultural context. We demonstrate that the CBC made use of its status as a rational–legal employer and as a moral guardian of the public sphere to compartmentalize itself against scandal and retrench as a public institution.
Knowledge Assimilation at Foreign Subsidiaries of Japanese MNCs through Political Sensegiving and Sensemaking
Authors: Hong Jacky F. L. , Snell Robin Stanley , Mak Carry
Published: March 2016

We analyse political sensegiving and sensemaking by expatriates and host country employees through exportive, contestative and integrative stages of knowledge assimilation at two China-based subsidiaries of different Japanese MNCs. Comparative case study analysis indicated that efforts by expatriates and HQ-based experts to convey, routinize and standardize home country practices during the exportive and contestative stages, while involving traditional ‘one way’ knowledge transfer, can provide a foundation for a subsequent integrative stage, during which host country employees’ locally embedded knowledge is assimilated despite geopolitical asymmetry between home and host countries. Without this foundation, knowledge assimilation can remain ‘frozen’ at the contestative stage, with host country employees resisting importation of good practices from the HQ, and expatriates marginalizing host country employees’ contributions unless these are exceptionally compelling.
Making war safe for women? National Action Plans and the militarisation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda
Authors: Shepherd Laura J
Published: March 2016

Cora Weiss, co-drafter of what became UN Security Council Resolution 1325, noted in 2011 that the purpose of eliminating conflict-related sexualised violence must not be to ‘make war safe for women’. UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions should not legitimise or normalise war, but rather the agenda should support the demilitarisation of society and facilitate the development of anti-militarist politics of peace. This article explores the translation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 into National Action Plans in a number of countries actively involved in contemporary conflict to investigate how these National Action Plans produce particular gendered logics of peace and security. This article finds, first, that ‘outward-facing’ National Action Plans, such as those produced by the USA, the UK and Australia, tend to focus on making ‘war safe for women’ rather than demilitarisation strategies; and, second, that this limited interpretation of Women Peace and Security principles is reinforced by the representation of war and insecurity ‘overseas’ rather than within the national context.
Tissue‐Engineered Vocal Fold Mucosa Implantation in Rabbits
Authors: Shiba Travis L. , Hardy Jordan , Luegmair Georg , Zhang Zhaoyan , Long Jennifer L.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To assess phonatory function and wound healing of a tissue‐engineered vocal fold mucosa (TE‐VFM) in rabbits. An “artificial” vocal fold would be valuable for reconstructing refractory scars and resection defects, particularly one that uses readily available autologous cells and scaffold. This work implants a candidate TE‐VFM after resecting native epithelium and lamina propria in rabbits.

Study Design

Prospective animal study.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Rabbit adipose‐derived stem cells were isolated and cultured in three‐dimensional fibrin scaffolds to form TE‐VFM. Eight rabbits underwent laryngofissure, unilateral European Laryngologic Society type 2 cordectomy, and immediate reconstruction with TE‐VFM. After 4 weeks, larynges were excised, phonated, and examined by histology.

Results

Uniform TE‐VFM implants were created, with rabbit mesenchymal cells populated throughout fibrin hydrogels. Rabbits recovered uneventfully after implantation. Phonation was achieved in all, with mucosal waves evident at the implant site. Histology after 4 weeks showed resorbed fibrin matrix, continuous epithelium, and mildly increased collagen relative to contralateral unoperated vocal folds. Elastic fiber appearance was highly variable. Inflammatory cell infiltrate was limited to animals receiving sex‐mismatched implants.

Conclusion

TE‐VFMs were successfully implanted into 8 rabbits, with minor evidence of scar formation and immune reaction. Vibration was preserved 4 weeks after resecting and reconstructing the complete vocal fold cover layer. Further studies will investigate the mechanism and durability of improvement. TE‐VFM with autologous cells is a promising new approach for vocal fold reconstruction.
Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Radiation‐Induced and De Novo Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Tay Gerald Ci‐An , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna , Ong Whee‐Sze , Tai David , Ang Mei‐Kim , Ha Tam Cam , Soo Khee‐Chee , Tan Hiang Khoon
Published: March 2016

Objective

We sought to compare clinical outcomes, pathological features, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes between radiation‐induced squamous cell carcinoma (RISCC) and de novo SCC (DNSCC) of the head and neck, as well as identify prognostic factors in these patients.

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Retrospective case‐control analysis of 34 RISCCs and 136 DNSCCs matched by age at diagnosis, sex, smoking status, and primary tumor site.

Results

Median latency of RISCC development was 13 years. Radiation‐induced squamous cell carcinomas were more likely to present with node‐negative disease than DNSCCs (70.6% vs 42.9%; P =. 024). A greater proportion of DNSCCs was treated with curative intent (92.6% vs 79.4%; P =. 048) and achieved no residual disease posttreatment (82.2% vs 41.2%; P <. 001) compared with RISCCs. Patients with RISCC had poorer overall survival (OS) (median, 1.67 vs 5.03 years; P =. 018) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) (median, 1.67 vs 8.65 years; P =. 001) than those with DNSCC. Among patients who underwent curative treatment with no residual disease after treatment, there were, however, no survival differences between RISCC and DNSCC.

Conclusion

In our cohort, RISCCs have a poorer prognosis than DNSCCs. However, those able to undergo curative treatment and have no residual disease after treatment have comparable survival outcomes. Locoregional control of these tumors appears paramount in achieving the best outcomes for patients with RISCC.
Utility of Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy in the Evaluation of Pediatric Head and Neck Masses
Authors: Huyett Phillip , Monaco Sara E. , Choi Sukgi S. , Simons Jeffrey P.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has a well‐established role in the evaluation of an adult head and neck mass (HNM) but remains underused in children. The objectives of this study were to assess the diagnostic accuracy, safety profile, use of anesthesia, and influence on surgical decision making of FNAB of HNM in the pediatric population.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care children’s hospital.

Subjects and Methods

In total, 257 consecutive patients with HNM who underwent 338 FNABs from July 2007 to July 2014 were reviewed. Patients ranged in age from 0 to 21 years (mean, 9.3 years); lesions ranged in size from 0.3 to 12.5 cm (mean, 2.4cm). Fine‐needle aspiration biopsies were performed in the interventional radiology suite, operating room, clinic, or ward.

Results

The most common patient final diagnoses included reactive lymphadenopathy (n = 99, 38.5%), benign thyroid colloid nodule (n = 31, 12.1%), malignancies (n = 21, 8.2%), and atypical mycobacterial infection (n = 15, 5.8%). On surgical histopathologic and clinical follow‐up, overall sensitivity of FNAB was 94.6% and specificity was 97.7%. The complication rate was 2.1%, and general anesthesia or sedation was used for 73% of FNAB. Surgery occurred only 9 times following the 191 patients with negative FNAB results, indicating that 95.3% of unnecessary surgeries were avoided with the assistance of the FNAB result.

Conclusions

Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy is an accurate and safe diagnostic tool for guiding management of persistent lymphadenopathy, thyroid nodules, and other HNM in pediatric patients. Negative FNABs can often obviate the need for surgical intervention.