bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the minimum salary level increase on the business entities activity in the context of the transition to the sustainable development
Authors: Melnyk Leonid , M. Taraniuk Leonid , Kozmenko Olga , Sineviciene Lina
Published: April 2017

In the context of transition to the sustainable development actually justified and economically balanced managerial decisions are worth to be introduced into activity of the business entities. First of all, it is connected with the formation of the social standards by the Ukrainian government. Establishment of the minimum salary for the employees of the national economic complex of the country is one of the main components of these standards. This indicator influences both the increase of the population’s social welfare provision level and on the economy of the economic entities, including business representatives. Research was conducted in Ukraine. The main trends of the social welfare provision of the business sector entities, including the experience of Hungary and Russia, were analyzed in this article. The main rules of the effective social welfare provision, accounting the necessities of the business environment, were formed. Economical analysis of the retrospective and predictive information about the payroll payment and payment of social contributions was made. The influence of the increase of the minimum salary on the activity of business entities, taking into account raised minimum salary, was analyzed. The regressive model of the payroll budget dependence, accounting minimum salary and social contributions’ level increase, was designed. Obtained calculation results showed high level of tax burden on the business sector entities, so, organization-economic measures of tax burden decrease on the business entities were offered. They took into account minimum salary growth for their employees in the context of the transition to the sustainable development. Recommendations concerning the further scientific researches on the topic of the article were offered.
The place and perspectives of Ukraine in international integration space
Authors: Babenko Vitalina , Pasmor Maryna , Pankova Juliia , Sidorov Mykhailo
Published: April 2017

The resulting indexes for integration processes state development analysis were formed. The integral indexes illustrating integration state were calculated on the basis of member countries of BRICS and Ukraine. It provided the possibility to evaluate socioeconomic state of the countries from the point of view of international integration and create integration processes development scenarios. The strategic directions of integration processes development for Ukraine and member countries of BRICS were formed.
The relevance of relationship marketing model for hair salon’s competitiveness: a theoretical perspective
Authors: O. Amoakoh Edmund , N. Naong Matsidiso
Published: April 2017

Relationship marketing (RM) concept seems to be best understood and embraced more by big business, while amongst myriad of small businesses it seems less prominent. This paper explores the need for RM as a determinant to hair salon’s competitiveness and growth. Hair industry in SA is declared a multi-billion dollar industry, their stagnation prompted this study. This paper contends that relationship building with customers has a profound effect on the inclination of a customer to return to the business. With the key variables of the relationship marketing model as the main determinants are namely service quality, customer satisfaction and customer retention. Increased practice of RM within this industry will enable owners to embrace entrepreneurial activities imperative for competitiveness, value creation and sustainability.
Geophysical and physicochemical characterization of organic waste contamination of hydrolithofacies in the coastal dumpsite of Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria
Authors: Ibuot Johnson C. , Okeke Francisca N. , George Nyakno J. , Obiora Daniel N.
Published: April 2017

Geophysical and physicochemical methods were carried out to examine the effect of leachate on groundwater in a dumpsite location in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This was done to ascertain the level of organic contamination in the wells located in the study area. The analysis of water samples from boreholes close to the dumpsite was done to constrain the interpretation of electrical resistivity data on the reality of the effect imposed by dumpsite leachate on the hydrolithofacies. The resistivity values of the underlying layers were observed to be lower than the overlying layer, an effect which may be associated with the infiltration of leachate into the underlying layers. The geohydrolayer resistivities range from 78.4 to 1,669.8 Ωm. The contour maps generated display the variations of the parameters. The elevation contour map indicates the flow of groundwater in a southwest–northeast direction which also depicts the direction of leachate flow. The physicochemical water samples show differences in concentrations of the physicochemical parameters. The concentrations of the ions in the water samples measured are compared with the WHO standard for drinking water. The sodium absorption ratio and sodium percentage show that the groundwater within the dumpsite has no negative effect on the subsurface.
Sewage sludge and waterworks sludge stabilization in sludge treatment reed bed systems
Authors: Masciandaro Grazia , Peruzzi Eleonora , Nielsen Steen
Published: April 2017

In this study, results about sludge stabilization in sludge treatment reed bed (STRB) systems in two different systems, Hanningfield STRB 1 (England), treating waterworks sludge, and Stenlille STRB 2 (Denmark), treating surplus activated sludge, are presented. The study mainly focused on the effectiveness of the STRBs systems in stabilizing sludge organic matter; in fact, parameters correlated to biochemical and chemico-structural properties of organic sludge matter were determined. Dewatering and sludge stabilization were effective in both STRBs, as highlighted by total and volatile dry solids trend. β-glucosidase, phosphatase, arylsulphatase, leucine amino-peptidase and butyrate esterase activities, enzymes related to C, P, S, N and overall microbial activity, respectively, significantly declined along the profile in both STRBs. The determination of humic carbon highlighted the formation of a stable nucleus of humified organic matter in both STRBs in the deepest layers, thus meaning the successful stabilization of sludge organic matter for both kind of sludges. Similar conclusions can be drawn from pyrolysis gas chromatography analysis (Py-GC), which enables the characterization of soil organic matter quality from a chemical-structural point of view. The pyrolytic indices of mineralization and humification showed that in both STRBs the sludge organic matter is well stabilized.
High-performance magnetic chicken bone-based biochar for efficient removal of rhodamine-B dye and tetracycline: competitive sorption analysis
Authors: Oladipo Akeem Adeyemi , Ifebajo Ayodeji Olugbenga , Nisar Numrah , Ajayi Olusegun Ayoola
Published: April 2017

Magnetic chicken bone-based biochar (MCBB) was successfully prepared and efficiently adsorbed rhodamine-B (RB) dye and tetracycline (TC) in multi-component systems. The magnetisation value, surface area, and pHpzc of the MCBB were found to be 66.5 emu/g, 328 m2/g, and 8.3, respectively. RB has higher saturation capacity (96.5 mg/g) and occupies more active sites on MCBB, thus limiting the sorption of TC with lower saturation capacity (63.3 mg/g). Langmuir isotherm suitably describes the sorption process in a single-component system; however, the multi-component system was well fitted to the Sheindorf–Rebhun–Sheintuch model. The selectivity factor values confirmed that MCBB had higher adsorption affinity toward RB than TC. The intraparticle diffusion model played a significant role in the sorption process. The MCBB can be easily desorbed with base-spiked H2O and reused without loss in stability or structural integrity.
Alcohol Consumption and Age in Thailand from 2006 to 2011: An Exploration of Non-Linear Relationships
Authors: Changpetch Pannapa , Haughton Dominique
Published: April 2017

Background:

In this paper, we investigate how household alcohol consumption in Thailand relates to the age of the head of household.

Methods:

We use datasets drawn from socio-economic surveys of Thai households conducted during the period of 2006–2011, and we use Treenet, a data-mining technique, to investigate nonlinear relationships between response and predictors. Our study shows that households with a head of household aged between 25 and 30 years old were the most likely to consume alcohol at home and that this likelihood decreased after the age of 30.

Results:

Our results also reveal that the proportion of total household expenditure allocated to alcohol decreased over time, but in different ways for different age groups. Moreover, we find that the gaps in alcohol spending across the different age groups tend to become smaller over time. Our results suggest that Thai government policies seem to have been accompanied by a relative decrease in alcohol consumption by younger groups.
The Study on the Awareness, Knowledge and Perception of Malaria among Selected Secondary School Students in Akure Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Oluyemi Omoya F. , Oluyemi Ajayi K.
Published: April 2017

Background:

The negligence of health education and promotion has contributed to increase in morbidity and mortality of malaria among children.

Method:

This study was carried out in selected secondary schools in Akure, South-western Nigeria to assess the level of awareness, knowledge and perceptive of the use of treated mosquito nets among children of age group 9 and 17 years. 200 pieces of questionnaires were distributed randomly to the respondents.

Results and Discussion:

Demographic information of respondents, awareness, knowledge and perception on malaria was obtained. 96% of the respondents know that mosquito transmits malaria parasite. The respondents’ knowledge on the symptoms of malaria as persistence headache was 94% while 6% wrongly said itching and bleeding were among the symptoms of malaria. 74% have experienced mosquito bites while 26% haven't experienced it. Sleeping under treated net by the respondents was poor as only 2% of them always sleep under insecticide treated net and 44% never sleep under it. Although, awareness of malaria among the secondary school students is high, there is a high percentage (%) of the respondents who never sleep under insecticide treated net.

Conclusion:

Therefore, health education on awareness of insecticide-treated net should be emphasised for successful elimination of malaria.
Attitudinal Factors Associated with Prostate Cancer among Adult Males in South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Abamara Nnaemeka C. , Ezeh Leonard N. , Anazodo Nkechi N. , Onyejiaka Cynthia N.
Published: April 2017

Prostate cancer is one of the most common and lethal cancers in the world. The incidence of prostate cancer has been increasing in recent years. Beliefs and awareness towards prostate cancer screening among men is very crucial for early detection and management of the condition. In Nigeria, it is the most common male cancer and maybe as high as that seen in African Americans in the united states. This paper examines the knowledge, belief and attitudes of men in Nigeria towards prostate cancer and prostate cancer screening for the peaceful existence in our society.
The Narrative Technique in Winnie Eads’ Short Story The Grandfather: A Stylistic Approach
Authors: Resen I Wayan
Published: April 2017

This study on “The Narrative Technique in Winnie Eads’ Short Story The Grandfather: A Stylistic Approach” takes as its focus the narrative technique which generates the aesthetic effects of the story. The narrative technique designed to be adopted for the narration of the story in the first person and merely by a kid narrator necessarily integrates into itself the language style which is constituted by such specific use of language (English) to suit the aesthetic need of the narration. The aesthetic effect achieved through the fusion of the child first-person narration and the specific language style in the story is one in the form of aesthetics of realism, particularly realism in the characterization of the grandfather as the main character and of Pete as the child narrator, which constitutes the attractiveness of the story. Using a stylistic approach in the analysis of the narration, this article is aimed at revealing how the specific language use in the short story The Grandfather constitutes a quite effective device for aesthetic achievement.
Promoting Healthy Family Behaviors in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Weirauch Katrina , Phillips Julie
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Pediatric obesity is an increasingly prevalent problem. Several studies have examined prevention and treatment strategies. The majority of effective studies involved school or community interventions. With health care becoming more collaborative, we hypothesized that a behavioral health specialist may be effective in executing multifaceted interventions with families of at-risk patients.
Methods: This is a prospective randomized study, evaluating impact of intervention with a behavioral specialist on lifestyle risk factors for pediatric obesity in children. At-risk behaviors were identified with a screening tool from the Healthy Kids, Healthy Michigan Clinical Decision Tools, based on the 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines on pediatric obesity. An intervention group received ongoing care from the behavioral specialist over three months, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. Participants were compared with a control group receiving usual care.
Results: There was no significant difference between the intervention and control group regarding change in number of risk factors. However, both groups had a reduced number of risk factors at follow-up. The control group had a significant change in number of risk factors after the intervention.
Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, it is notable that both groups saw significant decreases in total number of risk factors. The only addition to usual care provided to the control group was use of the screening tool. Our results indicate that the use of a screening tool and brief physician intervention may be an effective means for improving healthy behaviors within families.
Patients With Diabetes and Chronic Liver Disease Are at Increased Risk for Overall Mortality: A Population Study From the United States
Authors: Stepanova Maria , Clement Stephen , Wong Robert , Saab Sammy , Ahmed Aijaz , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: April 2017

IN BRIEF Chronic liver disease (CLD) and type 2 diabetes have both been linked to increased morbidity and mortality. In this study, the impact of CLD and diabetes on all-cause mortality was quantified at the population level using U.S. population data. Both type 2 diabetes and CLD were found to be independently associated with increased mortality (age-adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.98 and 1.37 for diabetes and CLD, respectively), and having both diabetes and CLD substantially increased the risk of mortality (aHR 2.41).
Call for Submissions: New Clinical Diabetes Department Focuses on Quality Improvement and Practice Transformation Initiatives
Authors: Schneider Doron
Published: April 2017

EDITOR’S NOTE: Quality Improvement Success Stories, a new Clinical Diabetes department developed in collaboration with the American College of Physicians, Inc., and the National Diabetes Education Program, will feature articles and a searchable online collection of information about quality improvement and practice transformation initiatives in the area of diabetes care. This article provides the rationale and article submission process for this new offering.
Neurturin and a GLP-1 Analogue Act Synergistically to Alleviate Diabetes in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats
Authors: Trevaskis James L. , Sacramento Chester Bittencourt , Jouihan Hani , Ali Safina , Le Lay John , Oldham Stephanie , Bhagroo Nicholas , Boland Brandon B. , Cann Jennifer , Chang Yuan , O’Day Terrence , Howard Victor , Reers Christina , Winzell Maria Sorhede , Smith David M. , Feigh Michael , Barkholt Pernille , Schreiter Kay , Austen Matthias , Andag Uwe , Thompson Simon , Jermutus Lutz , Coghlan Matthew P. , Grimsby Joseph , Dohrmann Cord , Rhodes Christopher J. , Rondinone Cristina M. , Sharma Arun
Published: April 2017

Neurturin (NRTN), a member of the glial-derived neurotrophic factor family, was identified from an embryonic chicken pancreatic cDNA library in a screen for secreted factors. In this study, we assessed the potential antidiabetic activities of NRTN relative to liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Subcutaneous administration of NRTN to 8-week-old male ZDF rats prevented the development of hyperglycemia and improved metabolic parameters similar to liraglutide. NRTN treatment increased pancreatic insulin content and β-cell mass and prevented deterioration of islet organization. However, unlike liraglutide-treated rats, NRTN-mediated improvements were not associated with reduced body weight or food intake. Acute NRTN treatment did not activate c-Fos expression in key feeding behavior and metabolic centers in ZDF rat brain or directly enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Treating 10-week-old ZDF rats with sustained hyperglycemia with liraglutide resulted in some alleviation of hyperglycemia, whereas NRTN was not as effective despite improving plasma lipids and fasting glucose levels. Interestingly, coadministration of NRTN and liraglutide normalized hyperglycemia and other metabolic parameters, demonstrating that combining therapies with distinct mechanism(s) can alleviate advanced diabetes. This emphasizes that therapeutic combinations can be more effective to manage diabetes in individuals with uncontrolled hyperglycemia.
Renal and Vascular Effects of Uric Acid Lowering in Normouricemic Patients With Uncomplicated Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Lytvyn Yuliya , Har Ronnie , Locke Amy , Lai Vesta , Fong Derek , Advani Andrew , Perkins Bruce A. , Cherney David Z.I.
Published: April 2017

Higher plasma uric acid (PUA) levels are associated with lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and higher blood pressure (BP) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Our aim was to determine the impact of PUA lowering on renal and vascular function in patients with uncomplicated T1D. T1D patients (n = 49) were studied under euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions at baseline and after PUA lowering with febuxostat (FBX) for 8 weeks. Healthy control subjects were studied under normoglycemic conditions (n = 24). PUA, GFR (inulin), effective renal plasma flow (para-aminohippurate), BP, and hemodynamic responses to an infusion of angiotensin II (assessment of intrarenal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system [RAAS]) were measured before and after FBX treatment. Arterial stiffness, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (GMD), urinary nitric oxide (NO), and inflammatory markers were measured before and after FBX treatment. Gomez equations were used to estimate arteriolar afferent resistance, efferent resistance (RE), and glomerular hydrostatic pressure (PGLO). FBX had a modest systolic BP–lowering effect in T1D patients (112 ± 10 to 109 ± 9 mmHg, P = 0.049) without impacting arterial stiffness, FMD, GMD, or NO. FBX enhanced the filtration fraction response to hyperglycemia in T1D patients through larger increases in RE, PGLO, and interleukin-18 but without impacting the RAAS. FBX lowered systolic BP and modulated the renal RE responses to hyperglycemia but without impacting the RAAS or NO levels, suggesting that PUA may augment other hemodynamic or inflammatory mechanisms that control the renal response to hyperglycemia at the efferent arteriole. Ongoing outcome trials will determine cardiorenal outcomes of PUA lowering in patients with T1D.
Postmortem Analysis and the Role of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
Authors: Craven Robin R. , Hamilton Lanette R. , Deetz Carl O. , Dunne W. Michael
Published: April 2017

The clinical microbiology laboratory frequently receives specimens for culture collected at autopsy. The results generated from these culture requests can either provide valuable information or produce confusion, depending largely on the selection of sites to sample, collection technique, and interpretation of results in the context of data available from patient history and histology. This mini-review is intended to provide guidance to the pathologist in the best use of microbiology testing at autopsy.
Forensic Pathologists who Train Forensic Pathologists in the United States
Authors: Hanzlick Randy
Published: April 2017

This article documents the forensic pathologists who train and teach forensic pathology fellows in the 37 currently existing training programs in the United States. In addition to the 37 training Program Directors, there are currently 213 forensic pathologists who supervise and train the forensic pathology fellows across the United States. The overall ratio of instructors to fellows is approximately 5:1 with a range of 1:1 to 8:1 in specific programs. The programs, training directors, staff forensic pathologists, places of training, and typical annual number of fellows in each program are shown in Table 1 . 81% of current Program Directors and faculty are board certified in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology. The actual percentage may be slightly higher because some faculty are recent program graduates and their board certification status is not yet known. The director and all faculty are board certified in forensic pathology in 9 of the 37 programs. A Table of all programs, Program Directors, and forensic pathologist staff is included in the article. Without the efforts of such dedicated forensic pathologists, the various training programs would not exist, and we owe a debt of gratitude to all of them.
A Concise Summary of Approved/Accredited Forensic Pathology Fellowship Training Programs in the United States: 1961-2011
Authors: Hanzlick Randy
Published: April 2017

After the American Board of Pathology first offered board certification in forensic pathology in 1959, approved/accredited forensic pathology fellowship training programs began to emerge in the United States in 1961. Initially, such programs were “approved” by the AMA Council on Medical Education in conjunction with the American Board of Pathology, and in the years after 1981, programs were “accredited” by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This article is a concise summary of forensic pathology fellowship programs which have been approved/accredited in the United States in the years 1961 to 2011, and data includes the location of the program, sponsoring institutions, years the program was in operation, and the names of successive training program directors. During the 50 year period there have been 66 approved/accredited forensic pathology training programs in various cities in the United States. The number of programs existing at the start of each decade grew continually until the year 2000, at which time there were more than 40 programs, then declined slightly to the 37 programs which exist today. More than 200 different persons have served as program directors during the 50 year period.
What is Sudden Cardiac Death?
Authors: Gill James R. , Lange Rachel A. , Azar Omar P.
Published: April 2017

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a rapid, unexpected death due to cardiac causes. The differential diagnosis includes diseases from all four structural divisions of the heart: the blood vessels, myocardium, valves, and conduction system. Although ischemic heart disease is a common cause of SCD, acute myocardial infarcts and/or coronary thromboses are not always detected and are not required to make the diagnosis of death due to atherosclerotic coronary disease. Some people die suddenly from heart disease with a grossly and microscopically normal heart. Molecular analysis of some of these autopsy-negative, sudden unexplained deaths (SUD) may detect putative cardiac channel mutations.

There are three SCD scenarios that are of particular interest to forensic pathologists: sudden cardiac deaths in young athletes, during criminal altercations (homicide by heart attack), and in other hostile environments. In young athletes, most sudden deaths involve cardiac disease and include cardiomyopathies, congenital coronary artery anomalies, myocarditis, and channelopathies. One must, however, consider other causes in these deaths (e.g., commotio cordis, hyperthermia, sickle cell trait). Homicide-by-heart-attack deaths are those in which the cause of death is an acute exacerbation of underlying cardiac disease, however, the manner is homicide because a criminal act triggered the lethal pathologic cascade. A sudden cardiac arrest may occur in hostile locations with resultant trauma (e.g., while driving a motor vehicle). When the event occurs in the bathtub or other body of water, the question of whether the person died naturally from heart disease or unnaturally from trauma (e.g., drowning) often arises. One should not be mislead by the initial physical surroundings of the death (i.e., in a motor vehicle collision, or swimming pool) and fail to distinguish a natural sudden death from an accidental one.
When is Having a Big Heart a Problem?
Authors: Fishbein Gregory A. , Fishbein Michael C.
Published: April 2017

Cardiac enlargement is a common and important post-mortem finding. The presence of a big heart may provide a basis for determination of the mechanisms of death in an otherwise negative autopsy. In this article we will 1) define terms used to describe the morphology of the heart; 2) describe the ways the heart can enlarge; 3) review the reasons the heart may enlarge and 4) discuss the consequences of that enlargement. In so doing, we hope to assist the pathologist in evaluating cardiomegaly at autopsy and recognizing the significance of the cardiac enlargement.
Molecular Investigations of Sudden Unexplained Deaths
Authors: Tang Yingying , Siegel Donald , Sampson Barbara
Published: April 2017

Sudden unexplained deaths in apparently healthy individuals (newborn through adult) pose a vexing challenge to medical examiners, law enforcement and society as a whole. Recent advances in “molecular autopsies” have begun to uncover the mystery surrounding sudden unexplained deaths by identifying mutations that can result in or predispose an apparently healthy individual to sudden death. Genetic risks of sudden unexplained deaths have been studied from several different perspectives, and categorized generally by systems, including: cardiac, nervous, immune, and metabolic. This article reviews the genetic risks in sudden unexplained deaths, presents the current state and challenges of molecular investigations, and sheds light on future directions in sudden unexplained death investigations.
Neurocutaneous Melanosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Orwat Dennis E. , Welsh Cynthia T. , Batalis Nicholas I.
Published: April 2017

This report concerns a case in which suicide by self-immolation occurred in an adolescent with neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM). A rare neurocutaneous syndrome, NCM has often been reported to occur concomitantly with psychiatric and neurologic disorders. While symptomatic disease is most often encountered in children, symptomatic disease at any age typically results in rapid morbidity and mortality. The gross and microscopic findings of NCM, the potential relevance of NCM to the case scenario, and a literature review of NCM will be presented. NCM may have a large influence on antemortem behavior and determination of cause of death, and for this reason it is important to be aware of its morphology and potential significance when encountered at autopsy.
Legal and Ethical Considerations in Forensic Pathology Research
Authors: Weedn Victor W. , Holdsworth Mark T. , Marie Barron A.
Published: April 2017

A robust legal and ethical framework for biomedical research has developed with regard to living subjects. This framework applies incompletely to research on autopsies, particularly medicolegal autopsies authorized by law rather than the consent of the next-of-kin. Many patient rights extinguish at death. No traditional physician-patient relationship exists with regard to the pathologist and an autopsied body. U.S. federal biomedical research regulation, the “Common Rule”, is specifically limited to living human subjects. Nonetheless, it may be wise to obtain consent of the next-of-kin for research involving tissues, invasive procedures, and family interviews, unless an Institutional Review Board waives the requirement due to “minimal risk” of harm. Similarly, privacy laws and regulations may not apply fully, but maintenance of confidentiality and anonymization of data may be prudent. Compliance with other research concerns, such as avoidance of conflicts of interest, “good laboratory practice”, and adherence to ethical norms are important. We recommend legislation to clarify and facilitate research in forensic pathology.
History of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)
Authors: Hanzlick Randy , Clark Steven , Lothridge Kevin
Published: April 2017

This article describes the development of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, commonly referred to as NamUs. The NamUs database is the outcome of a pilot project called the Unidentified Decedent Reporting System (UDRS) which first emerged in 2005. We discuss the reasons for the formation of NamUs, the sequence of events during its evolution, and the organizations and agencies which have supported or participated in the development of NamUs. NamUs now includes databases for missing persons (NamUs MP) and unidentified decedents (NamUs UP), and programming allows for automated potential matches between missing persons and unidentified decedents, along with extensive search capability using a wide variety of search criteria as selected by the users including the public. As of August 2011, of the over 8,000 cases cumulatively entered into NamUs UP as “unidentified,” 437 have been identified. Most importantly, NamUs aided in the identification of 55 (12.5%) of these cases. On the missing persons side (NamUs MP), of the 8,806 cases cumulatively entered as missing, 2123 (24%) are now marked as found, with 120 (6%) marked as NamUs-aided. NamUs has gained continued federal support and Regional NamUs Training Academies have been held in several locations across the country. In brief, NamUs has evolved from a relatively simple registry with a core set of searchable, critical data items to a much more complex system with a considerably larger database structure and search capability, which has led to identification of unidentified decedents and the location of missing persons.
Death Certification - Revisiting the Primary CDC and Name Literature
Authors: Nashelsky Marcus
Published: April 2017

Death certification is performed by clinical physicians, physician medical examiners, and coroners. Some states also permit certification by nurses and physician assistants. The certifier enters specific disease and/or injury information on the death certificate to summarize the medical process(es) that culminated in death. These data condense a decedent's significant medical history and, in aggregate, present a year-to-year (or longer) view of disease and injury prevalence in the United States. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the umbrella organization that collects and processes all death certificate data. CDC publications are considered the primary guiding literature for completion of the medical portion of a death certificate; an expanded discussion of manner of death is provided by a National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) publication.

All certifiers should be familiar with the CDC death certification concepts; a subset of certifiers (medical examiners and coroners) will also have a working knowledge of the NAME death certification concepts. Inevitably, there will be incremental drift in an individual's practice over time. This work intends to succinctly restate the current rules of death certification as defined by the CDC and, to a lesser degree, as interpreted by NAME. Gaps are also identified. This work is not a comprehensive review of the many nuances or special circumstances of death certification.
Intent in Manner Determination
Authors: Oliver William R.
Published: April 2017

Manner of death determination is a basic and traditional task for medical examiners. Though it has a history spanning centuries, many facets of manner determination continue to be problematic. Few issues are more vexing than the difficulties in determining intent. A survey of members of the National Association of Medical Examiners was performed to determine current practice and attitudes about the use of intent in manner determination. There were 168 completed responses, representing an approximately 20% response rate. The results reveal significant variation. While the concept of “volition” as distinct from “intent” has been common for over a decade, less than 60% of respondents made the distinction in their practice. There was also wide variation in the degree of certainty practitioners noted they used when determining manner with peaks at between 51-60% and 95-99%. Some of this represents real uncertainty in manner determination and some represents cultural and regional differences in practice. The variation and uncertainty in these determinations has led some to suggest that this role be abandoned. However, the statistical, policy, and cultural need for these determinations dictate that the function will be performed even if abandoned by the medical examiner community. Medical examiners are uniquely positioned and trained to fill this need, and should continue to do so.
Backcountry Medicolegal Death Investigation
Authors: Haslam Jill A. , Christensen Erik D.
Published: April 2017

Backcountry medicolegal death investigation is defined as the investigation of a death of a person or persons in an outdoor setting not easily accessible by conventional means. Deaths in the backcountry reflect many of the common causes and manners of death encountered in routine death investigations. However, there are many issues unique to such investigations including scene access, conditions and hazards, jurisdiction, decomposition and animal predation, and body recovery/extrication. This paper will review the unique features of such investigations and illustrative cases will be presented.
Toxicology Analysis for Pathologists: A Review of the Available Techniques and Technologies, Including Recommendations for Best Practice
Authors: Chatterton Craig , Osselton M. David
Published: April 2017

The success of the forensic postmortem investigation that is suspected to involve drugs or poisons depends on the toxicologist and pathologist/medical examiner working closely together as a team. The pathologist relies on the experience and analytical skills of the toxicology laboratory to provide answers concerning the possible presence of drugs in autopsy specimens; however, in order that this may be successful, the toxicologist relies on the pathologist to provide appropriate specimens for analysis. The role of the forensic toxicologist is to then identify drugs or toxins in the human body tissues and to offer an interpretation as to whether or not their presence may be a contributory factor to the death.

This review will consider the scope of toxicology analysis in relation to forensic investigations, outline the processes undertaken in the forensic laboratory and offer guidance to assist the medical examiner who may wish to employ near-body drug screening. The review will also demonstrate the importance of specimen collection at autopsy and relate this to the techniques available in the forensic toxicology laboratory; recommendations for appropriate specimen preservation and storage will also be discussed. The pathologist and toxicologist must work closely as a team to ensure that poisoning is not missed.
Drug-Induced Long QT Syndrome - Clinical and Analytical Aspects for Medical Examiners
Authors: Morley Stephen R.
Published: April 2017

The long QT syndrome may occur due to genetic aberrations of cardiac transcellular ionic transporters, but also occurs secondary to a wide range of therapeutic and illicit drugs. This review will outline how the interaction of the blockade of the cardiac ion channels with drugs may lead to death from the long QT syndrome. Toxicology laboratories have a role, although somewhat limited, in supporting the investigation of sudden adult death and the contribution to the etiology of the long QT syndrome.
The “Bath Salt” Mephedrone - A New(ish) Kid on the Block
Authors: Milroy Chris
Published: April 2017

There have been increasing reports in the popular and scientific media of the use of drugs called “Bath Salts”. These drugs have nothing to do with ordinary bath salts but are synthetic ring substituted cathinones. The main drugs encountered are mephedrone, methylone and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Most reports involve the drug mephedrone, which has been popular in Europe but “Bath Salt” cases are also seen in North America. These drugs have sympathomimetic effects and the reported deaths have had similar histories to other stimulant drugs. This review examines the use of “Bath Salts”, particularly mephedrone and its clinical effects and toxicology, along with reported autopsy findings.
Possible Strategies for the Diagnosis of Fatal Excited Delirium Syndrome
Authors: Karch Steven B.
Published: April 2017

Excited Delirium Syndrome (ExDS) is a term traditionally used in forensic literature to describe the symptoms and signs seen in a subgroup of patients with delirium who die in an agitated state. Components of this syndrome are altered mental status, combativeness and/or aggressiveness, increased tolerance to significant pain, tachypnea, profuse sweating, severe agitation, elevated temperature, delirium, and noncompliance with law enforcement and medical personnel. The individual may display “superhuman” strength and wear clothing inappropriate for the environment. Patients with this presentation are almost guaranteed to cause difficulties for law enforcement officers and medical staff. This review is written in hopes of minimizing some of these difficulties by 1) increasing general awareness and specific knowledge about this condition, 2) explaining the neurochemical and neuroanatomical alterations that have been shown to cause those symptoms, and 3) by suggesting new lines of research that might identify easily measured biomarkers for the disease. If the disease mechanism can be deciphered, then it should be possible to devise effective strategies for treatment. It would also be of enormous value to the legal system. When defending a diagnosis before the court, physical evidence always trumps knowledge and experience. It would be far better to be able to present physical proof than to opine that the decedent's behavior was typical for the disease. In this aspect, ExDS is analogous to myocardial infarction: if a man dies suddenly, it is much easier to prove the cardiac origin of the event if an occlusive thrombus is found in a major coronary artery.
Pediatric Forensic Pathology in Evolution
Authors: Byard Roger W.
Published: April 2017

Pediatric forensic pathology has been under considerable scrutiny in recent years with a number of significant issues being raised concerning the quality and application of this subspecialized area. Considering the relatively small numbers of pediatric cases that are seen in medicolegal practice, the area unfortunately attracts more than its share of public and professional attention and criticism. Although easy to define (it is the study of injury and disease in children and its application to the law), problems have arisen in determining how pediatric forensic pathology should be taught, certified, and practiced. Despite a number of positive developments occurring, with formal inquiries into practices and the formulation of recommendations and protocols, it is still unclear what constitutes a pediatric forensic pathologist; for example; is it an adult forensic pathologist who has an interest in pediatric cases, or should the term be restricted to a board certified pediatric pathologist who undertakes forensic work? Alternatively, should pediatric forensic pathology be a separate subspeciality with its own examinations and standards?
Aortic Dissection in the Young: A Case Report and Review of the Differential Diagnostic Considerations
Authors: Lynch David , Hughes Rhome
Published: April 2017

Aortic dissection is a rare cause of death in young adults, which may be caused by acquired or congenital factors. We present the case of a 21-year-old man who died as a result of spontaneous aortic dissection and cardiac tamponade. At autopsy, signs of Marfan syndrome were evident both grossly and microscopically. Hodgkin lymphoma was also discovered, though was noncontributory to death. We review the causes of aortic dissection in young individuals, with a focus on the key differentiating features of predisposing inheritable connective tissue disorders. Given the implications for surviving family members, it is the obligation of the diligent forensic pathologist to be aware of these conditions, such that families may be alerted to the need for genetic counseling.
Pengaruh Metode Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah ( problem based learning ) Terhadap Peningkatan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Siswa Pada Mata Peajaran Ekonomi
Authors: Hayati Annur Fitri , Murdy Khairi
Published: April 2017

Penelitian dilakukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaan metode pembelajaran berbasis masalah (problem based learning) terhadap Peningkatan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Siswa kelas XI pada mata pelajaran ekonomi SMAN 1 Lembang Bandung. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuasi eksperimen dengan bentuk nonequivalent pretest-post test control group design. Analisis data untuk menguji hipotesis penelitian menggunakan SPSS versi21 dengan statistik parametik, uji perbedaan rata-rata (paired samples t-test dan independent samples t-test), gain score dan perhitungan effect size. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan peningkatan kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa antara kelas eksperimen yang menggunakan metode pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah (problem based learning) lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan kelas kontrol yang menggunakan metode konvensional (ceramah). Penggunaan metode pembelajaran berbasis masalah (problem based learning) dapat meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa lebih baik dibanding metode Konvensional.
STUDI KOMPARATIF PENGGUNAAN METODE PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS MASALAH (PROBLEM BASED LEARNING) DAN METODE PEMBELAJARAN PENYELESAIAN MASALAH (PROBLEM SOLVING) DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KREATIF SISWA
Authors: Solihat Ai Nur
Published: April 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa yang mendapatkan perlakuan metode pembelajaran berbasis masalah (problem based learning) dan metode pembelajaran pemecahan masalah (problem solving) pada mata pelajaran ekonomi.

Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kuasi eksperimen, dengan subyek penelitian terdiri dari tiga kelas yaitu kelas X.4 (kelas problem solving), X.5 (kelas PBL) dan X.6 (kelas kontrol). Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan tes tertulis, observasi, dan kuesioner yang diberikan guru kepada siswa. Pengolahan data dilakukan dengan uji t (paired-sample t-test) dan independent sample t-test menggunakan aplikasi program SPSS. 21.

Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa pada kelas yang menggunakan metode pembelajaran berbasis masalah (problem based learning/PBL) sebelum dan sesudah perlakuan. Terdapat perbedaan kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa pada kelas yang menggunakan metode pemecahan masalah (problem solving)  sebelum dan sesudah perlakuan. Terdapat perbedaan kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa yang menggunakan metode pembelajaran berbasis masalah (Problem based learning/PBL) dan metode pembelajaran konvensional sesudah perlakuan (treatment). Terdapat perbedaan peningkatan kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa yang menggunakan metode pembelajaran penyelesaian masalah (problem solving) dan metode pembelajaran konvensional sesudah perlakuan (treatment). Akan tetapi, tidak terdapat perbedaan peningkatan kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa yang menggunakan metode pembelajaran berbasis masalah (Problem based learning) dan metode pembelajaran penyelesaian masalah (problem solving) sesudah perlakuan (treatment).
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF LEARNING TIPE STAD (STUDENT TEAMS ACHIEVEMENT DIVISION) TERHADAP PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP SISWA (Studi Kuasi Eksperimen pada Mata Pelajaran Ekonomi kelas X di SMA Negeri 27 Bandung)
Authors: Ramafrizal Yudho
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to determine the differences in concept comprehension ability of student who received expository method with cooperative learning model type STAD (student Teams Achievment Division) on the subject of economy.

            The method used is a quasi-experimental method, the study subjects consisted of two classes of class X1 (control Group) and X2 (experiment group). Data was collected through observation and written test given to the student. Data processing is performed by t-test (paired-sample t-test) and the independent sample t-test using SPSS 21 application.

            Based on the result of the study showed that the model of cooperative learning type STAD can improve students’ ability to comprehension concept. Increased ability to comprehension concept student using cooperative learning type STAD model is higher than the increase in comprehension concept ability of student using expository teaching methods.
Quantitative magnetic resonance angiography as a potential predictor for cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome: a preliminary study
Authors: Andereggen Lukas , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , El-Koussy Marwan , Verma Rajeev K. , Yuki Kenya , Schoeni Daniel , Hsieh Kety , Gralla Jan , Schroth Gerhard , Beck Juergen , Raabe Andreas , Arnold Marcel , Reinert Michael , Andres Robert H.
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is a rare but devastating complication of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). This study sought to determine whether quantitative hemodynamic assessment using MR angiography can stratify CHS risk.

METHODS

In this prospective trial, patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis were randomly selected for pre- and postoperative quantitative phase-contrast MR angiography (QMRA). Assessment was standardized according to a protocol and included Doppler/duplex sonography, MRI, and/or CT angiography and QMRA of the intra- and extracranial supplying arteries of the brain. Clinical and radiological data were analyzed to identify CHS risk factors.

RESULTS

Twenty-five of 153 patients who underwent CEA for ICA stenosis were randomly selected for pre- and postoperative QMRA. QMRA data showed a 2.2-fold postoperative increase in blood flow in the operated ICA (p < 0.001) and a 1.3-fold increase in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) (p = 0.01). Four patients had clinically manifested CHS. The mean flow increases in the patients with CHS were significantly higher than in the patients without CHS, both in the ICA and MCA (p < 0.001). Female sex and a low preoperative diastolic blood pressure were the clearest clinical risk factors for CHS, whereas the flow differences and absolute postoperative flow values in the ipsilateral ICA and MCA were identified as potential radiological predictors for CHS.

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebral blood flow in the ipsilateral ICA and MCA as assessed by QMRA significantly increased after CEA. Higher mean flow differences in ICA and MCA were associated with the development of CHS. QMRA might have the potential to become a noninvasive, operator-independent screening tool for identifying patients at risk for CHS.