bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of silver/silver bromide/titanium dioxide/graphene oxide nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of 4-chlorophenol
Authors: Xu Zhixiang , Zhang Jianyuan , Liu Haiqin , Kuang Pengpeng , Wang Shuang , Fu Xiaoqi
Published: August 2017

A ultaviolet–visible light responded photocatalytic nanocomposite, silver/silver bromide/titanium dioxide, supported on graphene oxide (GO; silver/silver bromide/titanium dioxide/GO) was fabricated via a layer intercalation method using n-butylamine, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, titanium dioxide and silver/silver bromide-intercalated GO successively. The resultant silver/silver bromide/titanium dioxide/GO exhibited much stronger visible light absorption and enhanced photocatalytic efficiency than titanium dioxide/GO and titanium dioxide. Furthermore, the degradation efficiency of silver/silver bromide/titanium dioxide/GO was improved when irradiated under light without the ultaviolet cut filter. The apparent degradation rate constants, k, for silver/silver bromide/titanium dioxide/GO, titanium dioxide/GO and titanium dioxide are 0.5192, 0.2273 and 0.0627 h−1. A possible photocatalytic degradation mechanism for degradation of 4-chlorophenol by silver/silver bromide/titanium dioxide/GO under irradiation with/without the ultaviolet cut filter was proposed. The factors including the visible light response from silver bromide, surface plasmon ‘hot’ electron effect from silver nanoparticles and efficient electron transfer among silver, silver bromide, titanium dioxide and GO are contributed to enhance the photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation, while the additional factor of ultaviolet light response from titanium dioxide plays an important role under light irradiation without the ultaviolet cut filter. The resultant silver/silver bromide/titanium dioxide/GO possessed a good photochemical stability and reusability.
Private Rooms in Low Acuity Settings: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Voigt Jeffrey , Mosier Michael , Darouiche Rabih
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

Determine if the peer-reviewed evidence supports single-patient ward bedrooms in low-acuity care settings within a hospital.

Background:

New evidence exists since the 2006 Facility Guideline Institute guideline recommended single-bedded rooms (SBRs) in low-acuity care settings. Additionally, prior studies evaluated high-acuity care settings (e.g., critical care) in their recommendations on SBRs. There is a need to reevaluate the evidence.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was completed including electronic and hand searches of references. A data extraction form was utilized. Two reviewers evaluated the studies independently. Studies that were included examined the effect of single-patient rooms on medical surgical ward beds only. Each study was graded using accepted clinical evidence grading instruments.

Results:

Over 1,400 records were identified. After excluding studies, a total of 49 records were graded. The highest quality evidence identified (Center for Evidence-Based Medicine [CEBM]: 2a, 2b, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation [GRADE] C) did not support the use of single-patient rooms for reducing infections, for minimizing patient falls, for reducing medication errors, or for patient satisfaction. Operational efficiencies were improved with SBRs but only addressed the maternity ward. The lowest quality evidence (CEBM: 4/5 and GRADE D) supported the use of single-patient rooms.

Conclusions:

Based on CEBM and GRADE assessments, there is a lack of high-quality data supporting the use of low-acuity SBRs throughout the entire hospital. Furthermore, it is recommended that more research be conducted on the effect of SBRs, so higher quality evidence is developed.
The application of expanded polystyrene cushion layer in oblique flexible net systems for rockfall protection: A new attempt
Authors: Wang Wenkang , Shi Shaoqing , Liu Yingfeng , Wang Gaosheng
Published: August 2017

An expanded polystyrene cushion layer is usually not applied in flexible net systems for rockfall protection. This study presents a new attempt by conducting serial free-fall tests of blocks impacting oblique flexible net systems with and without expanded polystyrene cushion layers. Thus, axial forces of support ropes and the video of impact process were obtained. Additionally, finite element method numerical simulations were carried out based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The “self-cleaning” effect of oblique flexible net systems was depicted in detail. Furthermore, the attenuation effect of expanded polystyrene cushion layers was illustrated due to a decrease in axial forces, which can correspond to a maximum of 22.1%. A comparison of axial forces between tests and finite element method numerical simulations was made, and this validated the efficiency of the finite element method numerical simulations.
The impact of medial cuneiform bone variant measures on the severity of hallux valgus: A radiological study
Authors: Erduran Mehmet , Acar Nihat , Demirkiran Nihat D , Atalay Kaan
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

The aetiology of hallux valgus (HV) is multifactorial in nature. The first metatarsocuneiform joint obliquity is a well-known factor in the development of the deformity. The purpose of this study is to assess the correlation of different medial cuneiform radiological measures on the severity of HV.

Methods:

Full weight-bearing anteroposterior views of 152 feet with different clinical severity are divided into four groups: without deformity and with mild, moderate and severe deformities. Three medial cuneiform angles were assessed, namely, the first metatarsocuneiform angle (MCA), the first metatarsocuneiform slope angle (MCSA) and the medial cuneiform lateral tilt angle (MCLTA).

Results:

The first MCA average values of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were (25.16 ± 5.74°, 27.38 ± 6.14°, 30.27 ± 5.62° and 34.28 ± 6.81°), respectively. Statistical differences were detected between groups (1, 3) and (1, 4) with p values of 0.034 and 0.001, respectively. The average values of the first MCSA of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 19.26 ± 4.97°, 22.54 ± 5.62°, 26.13 ± 6.36° and 32.17 ± 5.85°, respectively. Significant differences were detected between groups (1, 3) and (1, 4) with p values of 0.04 and 0.023, respectively. Average values of the MCLTA of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 80.85 ± 4.49°, 74.56 ± 5.28°, 62.38 ± 6.34° and 58.78 ± 6.25°, respectively. Statistical significances were detected between groups (1, 2), (1, 3) and (1, 4) with p values of 0.026, 0.018 and 0.001, respectively.

Conclusions:

Increasing the medial cuneiform lateral tilt increases the first metatarsocuneiform articulation obliquity demonstrated by the increase in the first MCSA which in term enhances the progression of varus deformity of the first metatarsal bone explained by the increase in the first MCA.
The Effects of Medical Well Baby Visits in Promoting Earlier First Dental Visits for Children
Authors: Park S. , Momany E.T. , Jones M.P. , Kuthy R.A. , Askelson N.M. , Wehby G.L. , Damiano P.C. , Chi D.L.
Published: August 2017

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of medical well baby visits in promoting earlier first dental visits. We analyzed Iowa Medicaid claims data (2000–2013). The sample included 4 cohorts of children born in 2000, 2003, 2007, or 2010 and enrolled in Medicaid from birth ( N = 38,211). Children were followed for 3 y. The independent variables were cohort year and medical well baby visit frequency during 3 time periods (birth to age 10 mo, ages 11–19 mo, ages 20–36 mo). We used survival analyses to estimate first dental visit rates. First dental visit rates improved significantly from 2000 to 2013, with children in latter cohorts having significantly earlier first dental visits. Children with more medical well baby visits before age 11 mo had significantly delayed first dental visit rates than children with fewer medical well baby visits. The opposite was observed for children with more medical well baby visits between ages 11 to 19 mo and ages 20 to 36 mo. First dental visit rates for Medicaid-enrolled children have improved, but there continues to be a need for early interventions to improve age 1 dental visits and other preventive oral health behaviors.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study can be used by policy makers when developing strategies to improve access to dental care for young children in Medicaid. With consideration to promoting earlier preventive dental visits for publicly insured children, this study could lead to early interventions and improved health outcomes.
Funduscopic and Angiographic Characteristics in Early and Late Macular Telangiectasia Type 2
Authors: Jaisankar Durgasri , Gondhale Harshal , Chhablani Jay , Agarwal Manisha , Raman Rajiv
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To report the morphological and vascular characteristics using funduscopic and angiographic features in different cohort as stratified by stages of macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel 2).

Methods:

A cross-sectional, multicentered study of 149 eyes (75 patients) with MacTel 2 was done. The eyes were divided into 2 groups: early group which includes eyes with stages 1 (40 eyes), 2 (41 eyes), and 3 (32 eyes) of MacTel 2 and late group which includes eyes with stages 4 (13 eyes) and 5 (23 eyes) of MacTel 2. The morphological and vascular characteristics on fundus examination and fluorescein angiography (FA) were studied in both groups and their association was found.

Results:

The gender (female: odds ratio [OR] = 4.98, P = .040), presence of dilated parafoveal capillaries (OR = 2.668, P = .026), retinal pigment plaques (OR = 27.067, P = .0001), patchy choroidal filling in FA (OR = 3.536, P = .004), and presence of prominent arteriole (OR = 3.434, P = .002) were associated with late stages of MacTel 2.

Conclusion:

Presence of retinal pigment plaques, dilated parafoveal capillaries, patchy choroidal filling, and female gender are more likely to be associated with late-stage disease.
Molecular synergy underlies the co-occurrence patterns and phenotype of NPM1-mutant acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Dovey Oliver M. , Cooper Jonathan L. , Mupo Annalisa , Grove Carolyn S. , Lynn Claire , Conte Nathalie , Andrews Robert M. , Pacharne Suruchi , Tzelepis Konstantinos , Vijayabaskar M. S. , Green Paul , Rad Roland , Arends Mark , Wright Penny , Yusa Kosuke , Bradley Allan , Varela Ignacio , Vassiliou George S.
Published: August 2017

Key Points

Npm1c and Nras-G12D co-mutation in mice leads to AML with a longer latency and a more mature phenotype than the Npm1c/Flt3-ITD combination. Mutant Flt3 or Nras allele amplification is the dominant mode of progression in both Npm1c/Flt3-ITD and Npm1c/Nras-G12D murine AML.
CLEC-2 contributes to hemostasis independently of classical hemITAM signaling in mice
Authors: Haining Elizabeth J. , Cherpokova Deya , Wolf Karen , Becker Isabelle C. , Beck Sarah , Eble Johannes A. , Stegner David , Watson Steve P. , Nieswandt Bernhard
Published: August 2017

Key Points

An inactivating point mutation in the hemITAM motif of murine CLEC-2 reproduces the lymphatic defects seen in CLEC-2–deficient mice. CLEC-2 contributes to thrombus stability in vivo independently of hemITAM signaling.
Pharmacotherapeutical strategies in the prevention of acute, vaso-occlusive pain in sickle cell disease: a systematic review
Authors: Sins Joep W. R. , Mager David J. , Davis Shyrin C. A. T. , Biemond Bart J. , Fijnvandraat Karin
Published: August 2017

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is characterized by frequent and painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). Various treatments have been evaluated over the years. However, a clear overview is lacking. The objective of this study was to systematically review all pharmacotherapeutical strategies in the prevention of VOCs beyond hydroxyurea. We performed a systematic literature search (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL). Eligible studies were controlled clinical trials evaluating pharmacotherapeutical interventions targeting the reduction of VOCs in patients with SCD. Primary outcomes were the number or duration of SCD-related pain days, VOCs, or hospital admissions for VOCs. Secondary outcomes included time to first VOC or hospital admission for a VOC. A standardized data extraction sheet was used. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using Cochrane’s risk-of-bias tool. A total of 36 studies were included in this review, covering 26 different prophylactic interventions. The most promising interventions for reducing the frequency of either VOCs or hospitalizations were the oral antioxidants l-glutamine and ω-3 fatty acids and the IV antiadhesive agent crizanlizumab. Twenty-three studies did not show any beneficial effect of the intervention under investigation, and 6 studies were either too small or methodologically inadequate to draw conclusions. Because of the heterogeneity of interventions, no meta-analysis was performed. In conclusion, this review identified 3 promising pharmacotherapeutical strategies in the prevention of VOCs in SCD. Importantly, this study highlights the discrepancy between the significant burden of SCD worldwide and the low number of adequate trials performed. This review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42015025250).
Patient-centered care coordination in hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Khera Nandita , Martin Patricia , Edsall Kristen , Bonagura Anthony , Burns Linda J. , Juckett Mark , King Olivia , LeMaistre C. Frederick , Majhail Navneet S.
Published: August 2017

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an expensive, resource-intensive, and medically complicated modality for treatment of many hematologic disorders. A well-defined care coordination model through the continuum can help improve health care delivery for this high-cost, high-risk medical technology. In addition to the patients and their families, key stakeholders include not only the transplantation physicians and care teams (including subspecialists), but also hematologists/oncologists in private and academic-affiliated practices. Initial diagnosis and care, education regarding treatment options including HCT, timely referral to the transplantation center, and management of relapse and late medical or psychosocial complications after HCT are areas where the referring hematologists/oncologists play a significant role. Payers and advocacy and community organizations are additional stakeholders in this complex care continuum. In this article, we describe a care coordination framework for patients treated with HCT within the context of coordination issues in care delivery and stakeholders involved. We outline the challenges in implementing such a model and describe a simplified approach at the level of the individual practice or center. This article also highlights ongoing efforts from physicians, medical directors, payer representatives, and patient advocates to help raise awareness of and develop access to adequate tools and resources for the oncology community to deliver well-coordinated care to patients treated with HCT. Lastly, we set the stage for policy changes around appropriate reimbursement to cover all aspects of care coordination and generate successful buy-in from all stakeholders.
Model checking in multiple imputation: an overview and case study
Authors: Nguyen Cattram D. , Carlin John B. , Lee Katherine J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Multiple imputation has become very popular as a general-purpose method for handling missing data. The validity of multiple-imputation-based analyses relies on the use of an appropriate model to impute the missing values. Despite the widespread use of multiple imputation, there are few guidelines available for checking imputation models.

Analysis

In this paper, we provide an overview of currently available methods for checking imputation models. These include graphical checks and numerical summaries, as well as simulation-based methods such as posterior predictive checking. These model checking techniques are illustrated using an analysis affected by missing data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.

Conclusions

As multiple imputation becomes further established as a standard approach for handling missing data, it will become increasingly important that researchers employ appropriate model checking approaches to ensure that reliable results are obtained when using this method.
Iterative metal artefact reduction (MAR) in postsurgical chest CT: comparison of three iMAR-algorithms
Authors: Aissa Joel , Boos Johannes , Sawicki Lino Morris , Heinzler Niklas , Krzymyk Karl , Sedlmair Martin , Kröpil Patric , Antoch Gerald , Thomas Christoph
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of three novel iterative metal artefact (iMAR) algorithms on image quality and artefact degree in chest CT of patients with a variety of thoracic metallic implants.

Methods:

27 postsurgical patients with thoracic implants who underwent clinical chest CT between March and May 2015 in clinical routine were retrospectively included. Images were retrospectively reconstructed with standard weighted filtered back projection (WFBP) and with three iMAR algorithms (iMAR-Algo1 = Cardiac algorithm, iMAR-Algo2 = Pacemaker algorithm and iMAR-Algo3 = ThoracicCoils algorithm). The subjective and objective image quality was assessed.

Results:

Averaged over all artefacts, artefact degree was significantly lower for the iMAR-Algo1 (58.9 ± 48.5 HU), iMAR-Algo2 (52.7 ± 46.8 HU) and the iMAR-Algo3 (51.9 ± 46.1 HU) compared with WFBP (91.6 ± 81.6 HU, p < 0.01 for all). All iMAR reconstructed images showed significantly lower artefacts (p < 0.01) compared with the WFPB while there was no significant difference between the iMAR algorithms, respectively. iMAR-Algo2 and iMAR-Algo3 reconstructions decreased mild and moderate artefacts compared with WFBP and iMAR-Algo1 (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

All three iMAR algorithms led to a significant reduction of metal artefacts and increase in overall image quality compared with WFBP in chest CT of patients with metallic implants in subjective and objective analysis. The iMARAlgo2 and iMARAlgo3 were best for mild artefacts. IMARAlgo1 was superior for severe artefacts.

Advances in knowledge:

Iterative MAR led to significant artefact reduction and increase image-quality compared with WFBP in CT after implementation of thoracic devices. Adjusting iMAR-algorithms to patients’ metallic implants can help to improve image quality in CT.
Button battery ingestion in children—a potentially catastrophic event of which all radiologists must be aware
Authors: Semple Thomas , Calder Alistair D , Ramaswamy Madhavan , McHugh Kieran
Published: August 2017

Foreign body ingestion is common in infants and young children and can cause numerous complications, mainly if ingested and left in place for prolonged periods. In recent years, particular dangers, specifically from ingested button batteries, have become increasingly recognized as a public health issue. Of particular note is the rapid onset of full thickness burns and oesophageal perforation which may occur within as little as 2 h following the ingestion of button batteries. The aim of this review is twofold: (1) to increase awareness of the need for rapid action from radiologists, emergency care physicians and paediatricians on identifying a button battery impacted within the oesophagus, and (2) to review the imaging appearances that can distinguish button batteries from other similar appearing foreign bodies, most notably coins.
Multimodal image registration for the identification of dominant intraprostatic lesion in high-precision radiotherapy treatments
Authors: Ciardo Delia , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja , Petralia Giuseppe , Timon Giorgia , Zerini Dario , Cambria Raffaella , Rondi Elena , Cattani Federica , Bazani Alessia , Ricotti Rosalinda , Garioni Maria , Maestri Davide , Marvaso Giulia , Romanelli Paola , Riboldi Marco , Baroni Guido , Orecchia Roberto
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

The integration of CT and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is a challenging task in high-precision radiotherapy for prostate cancer. A simple methodology for multimodal deformable image registration (DIR) of prostate cancer patients is presented.

Methods:

CT and mpMRI of 10 patients were considered. Organs at risk and prostate were contoured on both scans. The dominant intraprostatic lesion was additionally delineated on MRI. After a preliminary rigid image registration, the voxel intensity of all the segmented structures in both scans except the prostate was increased by a specific amount (a constant additional value, A), in order to enhance the contrast of the main organs influencing its position and shape. 70 couples of scans were obtained by varying A from 0 to 800 and they were subsequently non-rigidly registered. Quantities derived from image analysis and contour statistics were considered for the tuning of the best performing A.

Results:

A = 200 resulted the minimum enhancement value required to obtain statistically significant superior registration results. Mean centre of mass distance between corresponding structures decreases from 7.4 mm in rigid registration to 5.3 mm in DIR without enhancement (DIR-0) and to 2.7 mm in DIR with A = 200 (DIR-200). Mean contour distance was 2.5, 1.9 and 0.67 mm in rigid registration, DIR-0 and DIR-200, respectively. In DIR-200 mean contours overlap increases of +13 and +24% with respect to DIR-0 and rigid registration, respectively.

Conclusion:

Contour propagation according to the vector field resulting from DIR-200 allows the delineation of dominant intraprostatic lesion on CT scan and its use for high-precision radiotherapy treatment planning.

Advances in knowledge:

We investigated the application of a B-spline, mutual information-based multimodal DIR coupled with a simple, patient-unspecific but efficient contrast enhancement procedure in the pelvic body area, thus obtaining a robust and accurate methodology to transfer the functional information deriving from mpMRI onto a planning CT reference volume.
A robotic C-arm cone beam CT system for image-guided proton therapy: design and performance
Authors: Hua Chiaho , Yao Weiguang , Kidani Takao , Tomida Kazuo , Ozawa Saori , Nishimura Takenori , Fujisawa Tatsuya , Shinagawa Ryousuke , Merchant Thomas E
Published: August 2017

Objective:

A ceiling-mounted robotic C-arm cone beam CT (CBCT) system was developed for use with a 190° proton gantry system and a 6-degree-of-freedom robotic patient positioner. We report on the mechanical design, system accuracy, image quality, image guidance accuracy, imaging dose, workflow, safety and collision-avoidance.

Methods:

The robotic CBCT system couples a rotating C-ring to the C-arm concentrically with a kV X-ray tube and a flat-panel imager mounted to the C-ring. CBCT images are acquired with flex correction and maximally 360° rotation for a 53 cm field of view. The system was designed for clinical use with three imaging locations. Anthropomorphic phantoms were imaged to evaluate the image guidance accuracy.

Results:

The position accuracy and repeatability of the robotic C-arm was high (<0.5 mm), as measured with a high-accuracy laser tracker. The isocentric accuracy of the C-ring rotation was within 0.7 mm. The coincidence of CBCT imaging and radiation isocentre was better than 1 mm. The average image guidance accuracy was within 1 mm and 1° for the anthropomorphic phantoms tested. Daily volumetric imaging for proton patient positioning was specified for routine clinical practice.

Conclusion:

Our novel gantry-independent robotic CBCT system provides high-accuracy volumetric image guidance for proton therapy.

Advances in knowledge:

Ceiling-mounted robotic CBCT provides a viable option than CT on-rails for partial gantry and fixed-beam proton systems with the added advantage of acquiring images at the treatment isocentre.
Lumbar spine evaluation: accuracy on abdominal CT
Authors: Klein Mitchell A.
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To determine if the lumbar spine can be accurately evaluated on an abdominal CT.

Methods:

The electronic medical records at our institution were searched to find all consecutive patients who had an abdominal CT within 12 months of a lumbar spine MRI obtained between 01 November 2010 and 31 October 2015. The abdominal CT studies were retrospectively reviewed in a blinded fashion for the presence of any significant lumbar spine abnormalities. The prospective lumbar spine MRI reports were used as the standard of reference.

Results:

5,031 patients had lumbar spine MRI studies at our institution during the study period of 01 November 2010 to 31 October 2015. 144 patients met the inclusion criteria of our study. No patients were excluded. 107 patients had 256 abnormal findings on the lumbar spine MRI studies. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of abdominal CT in lumbar spine evaluation on a per patient/per finding basis were 89.7/95.3%, 97.3/100%, 99.0/99.2%, 76.6/99.8% and 91.7/99.8%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Despite several limitations (e.g. spinal cord assessment, bone marrow assessment and quantum mottle) compared with evaluation of the lumbar spine using MRI, evaluation of the lumbar spine on abdominal CT studies can be accurately performed with current state of the art CT scanners. Additional prospective studies are needed for a more definitive analysis.

Advances in knowledge:

With recent advances in CT technology, accurate evaluation of the lumbar spine on abdominal CT studies is feasible, potentially providing significant additional information to patients without additional imaging.
A national UK survey of radiology trainees special interest choices: what and why?
Authors: Parvizi Nassim , Bhuva Shaheel
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

A national survey was designed to better understand factors influencing special interest choices, future aspirations of UK radiology trainees and perceptions of breast radiology.

Methods:

A SurveyMonkey questionnaire was developed and distributed to all radiology trainees in the UK through the British Institute of Radiology, RCR Junior Radiologists Forum and by directly contacting UK training schemes as well as by social media between December 2015 and January 2016.

Results:

From 21 training schemes across the UK, 232 responses were received. Over half entered radiology after foundation training and 62% were ST1-3; one-fifth of trainees intended to leave the NHS. The most popular special interests were musculoskeletal (18%), abdominal imaging (16%) and neuroradiology (13%). Gynaecological and oncological imaging proved to be the least popular. Strong personal interest, a successful rotation during training, a mix of imaging modalities, direct impact on patient care and job prospects were the most popular factors influencing career choice. Research and potential for private income were the least influential factors.

Respondents detailed their perceptions of breast radiology, selecting an awareness of career prospects (41%) and a better trainee experience (36%) as factors that would increase their interest in pursuing it as a career.

Conclusion:

Understanding the factors that influence special interest choice is essential to addressing the alarming staffing shortfalls that will befall certain radiology special interests. Addressing trainee’s preconceptions and improving the trainee experience are key to attracting trainees to breast radiology.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first survey of its kind in the UK literature designed to evaluate special interest career choices and the factors that influence those among radiology trainees.
Radiological predictors of complete cytoreduction in 59 patients with peritoneal mesothelioma treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy at a UK referral centre
Authors: Chandramohan Anuradha , Thrower Andrew , Shah Nehal , Mohamed Faheez
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To assess the imaging features of peritoneal mesothelioma and identify key anatomical sites that aid patient selection for complete cytoreduction.

Methods:

Pre-operative imaging of 59 (32 males, 27 females) patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for histologically proven peritoneal mesothelioma [36 malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, 23 cystic mesothelioma were reviewed. Imaging findings were correlated with surgical outcome. Best imaging predictors of complete cytoreduction, n = 22 and major tumour debulking, n = 12 were assessed.

Results:

Most patients (88.9%) had diffuse peritoneal disease with mean radiological peritoneal cancer index of 18 ± 12 (range 2–39). Disease in the lesser omentum (n = 10), porta hepatis (n = 8), perigastric area (n = 5), mesentery (n = 25), small bowel (n = 17), hydronephrosis (n = 1), concurrent pleural disease (n = 2), lymph nodes (n = 1) and abdominal wall disease (n = 4) was considered unfavourable. While 78.9% of patients who underwent complete cytoreduction had no disease at unfavourable sites, 75% of those who underwent MTD did have disease at these sites. There was significant difference in the radiological peritoneal cancer index, severity of upper abdominal disease, small bowel and mesenteric involvement between patients who underwent complete cytoreduction and MTD for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Complete cytoreduction was not achieved in the presence of a rind of soft tissue around the small bowel (p = 0.016) and was unlikely in the presence of large volume upper abdominal disease (p = 0.06).

Conclusion:

Involvement of key anatomical sites such as small bowel serosa and large volume upper abdominal disease reduced the likelihood of achieving complete cytoreduction in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Advances in knowledge:

Demonstration of small bowel disease and large volume upper abdominal disease on imaging in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma can be used to identify patients who may not benefit from cytoreductive surgery.
Feedback 360 graus nas agências reguladoras federais
Authors: Alves Marcus Vinicius Benfica , Kubo Edson Keyso de Miranda , Marques Gisele Cristina , Capellari Marcia Rodrigues dos Santos , Oliva Eduardo de Camargo
Published: August 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo descrever o processo de avaliação de desempenho de servidores públicos das agências reguladoras federais denominado feedback 360 graus, sob a ótica da adaptação da prática ao contexto do Poder Executivo Federal. Foi utilizado o delineamento documental de pesquisa, em que a coleta de dados primários se deu mediante a utilização do Sistema Eletrônico do Serviço de Informação ao Cidadão (e-SIC). A análise dos dados decorreu do confronto entre a literatura existente e as particularidades da adaptação do instrumento ao objeto de estudo. Os resultados indicam que tal adaptação caracteriza-se pelo foco no monitoramento para o alcance de metas e resultados, em vez da priorização do desenvolvimento das carreiras dos avaliados. Aproxima-se, assim, mais das características dos métodos tradicionais de avaliação de desempenho que dos atributos inovadores do feedback 360 graus.
Eficiência hospitalar no SUS: análise de 10 hospitais do mix público-privado do estado de Mato Grosso
Authors: Souza Paulo Cesar , Gurtler Scatena João Henrique , Kehrig Ruth Terezinha
Published: August 2017

A assistência hospitalar do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) tem diante de si um desafio: aumento da eficiência. Para verificar a situação dos hospitais que compõem o mix público-privado do SUS no estado de Mato Grosso, comparando a eficiência de 10 hospitais distribuídos entre públicos, privados e filantrópicos, este trabalho aplicou a Análise Envoltória de Dados, do inglês Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), metodologia que pode incorporar múltiplas entradas e saídas. A medida de eficiência por esse método considera o mix de entradas e saídas, sendo mais abrangente e confiável do que um conjunto de taxas operacionais ou medidores de lucratividade, e aplicável a diversos tipos de organizações públicas e sem fins lucrativos. Este trabalho caracteriza-se como um estudo multicaso descritivo e exploratório com abordagem quantitativa. Foram selecionados 10 hospitais distribuídos entre públicos, privados e filantrópicos, localizados em três regiões de saúde do estado de Mato Grosso, estratégia que permitiu comparar a eficiência observada entre as três categorias de hospitais. No ano de 2011, os hospitais filantrópicos (1) e privados (0,96) apresentaram scores de eficiência melhores que os públicos (0,84). O mesmo ocorreu no primeiro semestre de 2012, quando os privados (0,95) e filantrópicos (0,92) inverteram sua posição, mas continuaram com melhor desempenho que os públicos (0,81). Em ambos os períodos, os públicos apresentaram o menor nível de eficiência total. Assim, nesse modelo de análise DEA aplicado no conjunto dos hospitais pesquisados, tanto os hospitais privados quanto os filantrópicos apresentaram um patamar de eficiência mais elevado do que os hospitais públicos, o que é discutido.
Ibope e os desafios competitivos
Authors: Leite Yákara Vasconcelos Pereira , Moraes Walter Fernando Araújo de , Machado André Gustavo Carvalho
Published: August 2017

Este caso de ensino tem por objetivo conduzir o leitor para o papel de dirigente, e assim, com base na literatura de administração estratégica e/ou negócios internacionais, refletir sobre a realidade vivenciada pelo IBOPE e decidir sobre ações estratégicas para a empresa. Após anos de monopólio no Brasil, chega ao país a GfK em abril de 2015, uma corporação alemã que entra munida de tecnologia arrojada, experiência e contratos firmados com as principais emissoras nacionais de canal aberto. Devido às características do mercado, dificilmente é possível dividir de forma harmônica o market share com duas grandes corporações. Diante desse cenário, os gestores do IBOPE possuem desafios que precisam ser enfrentados, quais sejam: como manter a empresa brasileira líder de mercado no seu país de origem? Quais estratégias empresariais poderão contribuir no enfrentamento do rival alemão? O caso pode ser utilizado tanto no nível de graduação como de pós-graduação, posterior ou concomitante aos conceitos básicos de Administração Estratégica ou Internacionalização de Empresas. Recomenda-se o uso, especialmente em sessões que estratégias internacionais, competição, estratégias corporativas, vantagem competitiva e modos de entrada estejam sendo discutidos.
Rebobinando o motor: Um caso sobre ambidestria organizacional
Authors: Jansen Aline , Silveira-Martins Elvis
Published: August 2017

Com a intensificação da competição, as organizações sentem a necessidade de utilizar estratégias com eficácia comprovada e contemporânea. Neste sentido, observa-se a ambidestria, explorando as novas possibilidades e explotando as antigas certezas. Assim, por acreditar-se que a ampliação dos debates sobre a ambidestria é contributivo ao desenvolvimento da temática, este caso para ensino visa apresentar os conceitos ligados à mesma, ilustrando-os através da descrição do percurso por qual passou o personagem principal da história. O caso inicia na trajetória acadêmica/pessoal de José, narrando também as suas experiências profissionais. Na sequencia, relata-se o processo de abertura do negócio especializado em uma marca multinacional de ferramentas elétricas e apontam-se os desafios que o personagem precisou enfrentar na formulação de suas estratégias, além de trazer alguns dilemas para reflexão e debate sobre a ambidestria e as dimensões exploração/explotação à luz do contexto gerencial.
Optimal Group Size in Joint Liability Contracts
Authors: Rezaei Bahar , Dasu Sriram , Ahmadi Reza
Published: August 2017

We develop a model of repeated microcredit lending to study how group size affects optimal group-lending contracts with joint liability. In the setting being studied, a benevolent lender provides microcredit to a group of borrowers to invest in projects. The outcome of each risky project is not observable by the lender; therefore, if some of the borrowers default on their loan repayments, the lender cannot identify strategic default. The group will be entitled to a subsequent loan if total loan obligation is met. We characterize the optimal contract and determine the optimal size of the borrowers’ group endogenously. We find that although joint liability contracts are feasible under a smaller set of parameter values than individual liability contracts, joint liability has positive effects on the borrowers’ repayment amount and welfare. Our analysis also suggests that group size should increase with project risk. Furthermore, we analyze the effects of partial joint liability, less severe punishment, and project correlation on the feasibility and characteristics of joint liability contracts. Our results show that, first, although partial joint liability has a negative effect on the borrowers’ repayment amount and welfare, it can increase the loan ceiling of joint liability when collusion is not as likely, or when borrowers have high discount factors. Second, less severe punishment does not affect the borrowers’ repayment amount or welfare, but decreases the loan ceiling of joint liability. However, these negative effects created by partial joint liability and less severe punishment on the borrowers’ repayment amount, borrowers’ welfare, and loan ceiling can be offset by forming larger groups. Third, we also found that project correlation allows a higher loan ceiling in larger groups.
Optimal Dividend Strategies of Two Collaborating Businesses in the Diffusion Approximation Model
Authors: Gu Jia-Wen , Steffensen Mogens , Zheng Harry
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we consider the optimal dividend payment strategy for an insurance company that has two collaborating business lines. The surpluses of the business lines are modeled by diffusion processes. The collaboration between the two business lines permits that money can be transferred from one line to another with or without proportional transaction costs, while money must be transferred from one line to another to help both business lines keep running before simultaneous ruin of the two lines eventually occurs.
Blurring the Boundaries: The Interplay of Gender and Local Communities in the Commercialization of Social Ventures
Authors: Dimitriadis Stefan , Lee Matthew , Ramarajan Lakshmi , Battilana Julie
Published: August 2017

This paper examines the critical role of gender in the commercialization of social ventures. We argue that cultural beliefs about what is perceived to be appropriate work for each gender influence how founders of social ventures incorporate commercial activity into their ventures. Specifically, we argue and show that although cultural beliefs that disassociate women from commercial activity may result in female social venture founders being less likely to use commercial activity than their male counterparts, these effects are moderated by cultural beliefs about gender and commercial activity within founders’ local communities. The presence of female business owners in the same community mitigates the role of founders’ gender on the use of commercial activity. We examine these issues through a novel sample of 584 social ventures in the United States. We constructively replicate and extend these findings with a supplemental analysis of a second sample, the full population of new nonprofit organizations founded during a two-year period in the United States (n = 31,160). By highlighting how gendered aspects of both the social and commercial sectors interact to shape the use of commercial activity by social venture founders, our findings contribute to research on hybrid organizations in the social sector, communities as a context for the enactment of gender, and the enactment of gender in entrepreneurship.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2017.1144 .
An Estimator for Traffic Breakdown Probability Based on Classification of Transitional Breakdown Events
Authors: Arnesen Petter , Hjelkrem Odd A.
Published: August 2017

In this paper we propose a new estimator for calculating the probability of traffic breakdown as a function of traffic demand. Traffic breakdown is a well-studied phenomena within previous literature and is of great importance to traffic planners and controllers. The proposed estimator has an appealing intuition and is able to overcome several of the problems associated with previously proposed methodology. The input to the estimator is a set of aggregated (typically five minute) traffic observations classified to either a breakdown or nonbreakdown state, and a customized and fast algorithm for this purpose is proposed. Last, we apply the classification algorithm and breakdown probability estimator to a large data set consisting of several observation sites on the Norwegian road network, and we compare our estimator to a previously defined estimator.
‘Ideal for children to create their first personal record’
Authors: McKeown Sal
Published: August 2017

Sal McKeown finds out how the Tuff-Cam 2 Camera can bring out creativity in children by providing a practical ‘hands on’ experience, which helps them to plan activities, make choices and discuss what they have done.
When the plot thickens
Authors: McKeown Sal
Published: August 2017

Story telling is an art. It is an even finer art when educators draw out and capture children's stories without adapting, reinterpreting or putting an adult spin on them. Sal McKeown discovers how to do it.
Terrific tuff trays
Authors: Chapman Ailsa
Published: August 2017

Ailsa Chapman describes how she has used these durable, versatile containers to create imaginative displays.
All set for school
Authors: White Hilary
Published: August 2017

Help children to prepare for the big adventure of moving into reception by discussing what is similar and different to nursery. Engage them with vocabulary around new routines and making new friends.
Go with the flow
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: August 2017

Ribbons, scarves and balloons are flexible resources which encourage children to be creative in the way they move. Use them to practise negotiating space, avoiding obstacles, balancing, throwing and catching.
Discover triangles
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: August 2017

Claire Hewson continues her focus on exploring shapes with twos, this time using literacy to introduce the idea of the triangle, and provide opportunities for children to identify them in different contexts.
Engagement for Students With Severe Intellectual Disability: The Need for a Common Definition in Inclusive Education
Authors: Hollingshead Aleksandra , Carnahan Christina R. , Lowrey K. Alisa , Snyder Kathleen
Published: August 2017

Classroom engagement is an area of frequent discussion and study in the field of education, though engagement is defined differently for various student populations. The purpose of this article is to examine how engagement is defined for students without disability, at risk, or with mild disability as compared to those with severe intellectual disability. We discuss engagement for both populations of students and the resulting implications for inclusive practice. Finally, we emphasize the importance of utilizing a universal definition within the framework of the Universal Design for Learning to enhance learning outcomes for all students, including those with severe intellectual disability.
Exploring the Impact of Community Service on Career Exploration, Self-Determination, and Social Skills for Transition-Age Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Timmons Jaimie , Zalewska Agnieszka , Hall Allison Cohen , Fesko Sheila
Published: August 2017

Bleak transition outcomes for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), coupled with the surge in incidence, has led to the need for focused and innovative transition strategies. While structured community service reveals promise, documentation of how community service experiences contribute to building employment skills for youth with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), including those with ASD, is underresearched. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of a community service experience on employment skill-building for youth with ASD. Findings from 23 qualitative interviews with a range of stakeholders showed positive perceptions in the areas of career exploration, self-determination, and social skill building. Implications emphasize the likely benefits of structured community service and the potential to maximize the connection to employment, and thus community inclusion, for transition-age youth with ASD.
Constructing the singing voice: Vocal style, aesthetics and the body in Okinawan music
Authors: Gillan Matt
Published: August 2017

Japan’s southernmost prefecture of Okinawa has a thriving traditional music culture that has become popular throughout the country, and has also become the basis for a more modern Okinawan pop music scene. Most Okinawan musical genres strongly emphasize vocal technique – vocal timbre, inflection and ornamentation are all singled out as being cultural markers that differentiate Okinawan genres from each other and from the vocal music of the Japanese mainland. Vocal techniques have long been theorized and mediated through both written and verbal aesthetic discourses, and the voice continues to be a way that regional identities, lineage affiliations and other aspects of Okinawan society are negotiated. In this article I draw on fifteen years as a researcher and performer of Okinawan folk and classical vocal traditions, as well as recent recorded interviews with performers and music producers, to analyse how these discourses function, and how they have interacted with changes in performance practice since the early twentieth century.
Singing the nation: Contemporary Greek rebetiko performance as carnivalesque
Authors: Stamatis Yona
Published: August 2017

Significant ethnomusicological research examines the use of traditional song to embody, perform and promote nationalist sentiment in the contemporary globalizing world. Traditional song as a mechanism for national critique has received less scholarly attention. This is a particularly prominent phenomenon within the contemporary European Union, where the utopian ideal of an increasingly borderless and multicultural region conflicts with conventional structures and ideologies of national belonging. This article examines the popular Rebetiki Istoria club in Athens, Greece, as carnivalesque resistance to state-sanctioned Europeanization projects. Engaging the four categories of a ‘carnivalistic sense of the world’, as outlined by Mikhail Bakhtin, this study examines this rebetiko culture as structurally coherent resistance to crypto-colonialist attitudes towards Greece. Emphasizing the role of heteroglossic dialogue in shaping carnivalesque music culture, the article examines how voice and singing in the music culture of this particular club level social hierarchies, and challenge dominant ideologies of national identity. Primary consideration is given to vocal style in the framing of rebetika as carnivalesque, suggesting that a particular politics of voice within the club frames rebetika as strategic commentary on narratives of self and other. In this study, the voice is understood as phonosonic nexus – both an embodied physical presence and a metaphor for intention and authority – that shapes the interpretive frame and signals a particular metanarrative of resistance and subversion guiding the carnivalesque nature of the music culture in the club.