bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leadership and Creative Performance Behaviors in R&D Laboratories
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Singh Shailendra
Published: January 2014

The present study examines the direct relationship between leadership and creative performance behaviors as well as the mediating role of justice perceptions for this relationship in a R&D context. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire from 482 scientists working in 11 public-owned Indian R&D laboratories. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships between the study variables. The study found evidence for both direct and indirect relationships between leadership and creative performance behaviors. Justice perceptions partially mediate the relationship between leadership and creative performance behaviors. The study presents a process model of creativity linking leadership to creative performance behaviors through employee justice perceptions. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
A Case Study on Wilson Disease
Authors: Mills Bethany , Baker Anthony L. , Whitney Ella C.
Published: January 2014

Wilson disease, also known as hepatolenticular degeneration, is a disorder in the liver that results in the improper metabolism of copper, which leads to accumulation of excessive amounts of this vital trace element in the liver, brain, eyes, and other organs. Although copper is essential for normal physiologic function, it can become toxic and life-threatening when too much is present within critical organs, especially the liver and the brain. There is no cure for Wilson disease, and patients affected with this disorder face a lifetime of treatment. Fortunately, the disease is very treatable if diagnosed before significant damage to the liver or brain occurs. This article presents a case study on Wilson disease and the role of sonography in helping diagnose and monitor patients with this condition.
Evaluation of Shear Stress in the Popliteal Artery in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Vascular Sonography
Authors: Su Yanxin , Yuan Qiuhong , Wang Dawei , Tian Jiawei
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to use vascular sonography to evaluate the dynamic forces acting on the wall of the popliteal artery in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to a control group without diabetes. Forty patients with T2DM and 20 control subjects were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided according to their measured Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) into two groups, those with evidence of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) based on an ABI < 0.9 (n = 18) and those without peripheral vascular disease (N-PVD, ABI ≥ 0.9, n = 22). The systolic and diastolic internal diameter (IDs, IDd) and the end-diastolic intima media thickness (IMT) of the popliteal artery were measured. Hemodynamic parameters measured were the peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and the mean velocity (Vs, Vd, Vm). The peak systolic and mean shear stress (Ts, Tm) were calculated using the Hagen-Poiseuille formula. The shear stress of the popliteal artery was significantly decreased in patients with diabetes in the PVD group compared to the N-PVD group ( P < .05). Shear stress also was significantly decreased in both the N-PVD and the PVD patients compared to the control group ( P < .05). The shear stress may be a reliable index for the assessment of lower extremity arterial disease status in patients with diabetes mellitus at an early stage when the vascular IMT remains normal.
Bortezomib inhibits STAT5-dependent degradation of LEF-1, inducing granulocytic differentiation in congenital neutropenia CD34+ cells
Authors: Gupta Kshama , Kuznetsova Inna , Klimenkova Olga , Klimiankou Maksim , Meyer Johann , Moore Malcolm A. S. , Zeidler Cornelia , Welte Karl , Skokowa Julia
Published: January 2014

Key Points

Hyperactivated STAT5a binds LEF-1 protein leading to NLK/NARF/ubiquitin-dependent degradation of LEF-1 followed by defective granulopoiesis. In CN patients, elevated levels of phospho-STAT5a resulted in diminished LEF-1 expression, which could be restored by bortezomib treatment.
Maternal obesity and fetal deaths: results from the Brazilian cross-sectional demographic health survey, 2006
Authors: Felisbino-Mendes Mariana Santos , Matozinhos Fernanda Penido , Miranda J Jaime , Villamor Eduardo , Velasquez-Melendez Gustavo
Published: January 2014

Background

Obesity is highly related to negative reproductive health outcomes, but its relationship with spontaneous abortion and stillbirth remains to be understood, especially in transitioning economies. This study aimed to examine the relationship between obesity and spontaneous abortions and stillbirths in a representative sample of the Brazilian population.

Methods

Cross-sectional study using secondary data of Brazilian women of reproductive age (15–45 years old) from the National Demographic and Health Survey in 2006. Obesity was measured by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHR). Logistic regression modeling of the survey data was used to evaluate the relationship between obesity and the study outcomes.

Results

The three obesity markers used were found to be strongly and positively associated with spontaneous abortion and stillbirth occurrence. In the adjusted models, there was strong evidence that for each unit increase in BMI (OR = 1.05; 95%CI: 1.02-1.08) and WHR (OR = 1.32; 95%CI: 1.03-1.69), the odds of having a spontaneous abortion was higher. In addition, compared to those of optimal weight, obese women were more likely to have negative outcomes. Maternal age, parity, skin color, educational level and household income were important covariates for adjustment. A sensitivity analysis among women who had only one pregnancy was also performed and showed similar results.

Conclusion

Obesity is potentially associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion and stillbirth in a representative sample of the Brazilian population. These findings are in accordance with previous studies and thus reinforce the need for obstetric care providers to counsel obese reproductive-age women regarding the risks, complications and importance of weight loss and weight control prior to pregnancy.
Healthcare managers in negative media focus: a qualitative study of personification processes and their personal consequences
Authors: Wramsten Wilmar Maria , Ahlborg Gunnar , Jacobsson Christian , Dellve Lotta
Published: January 2014

Background

Over the last decade healthcare management and managers have increasingly been in focus in public debate. The purpose of the present study was to gain a deeper understanding of how prolonged, unfavorable media focus can influence both the individual as a person and his or her managerial practice in the healthcare organization.

Methods

In-depth interviews (n = 49) with 24 managers and their superiors, or subordinate human resources/information professionals, and partners were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Results

The conceptual model explains how perceived uncertainties related to the managerial role influence personification and its negative consequences. The role ambiguities comprised challenges regarding the separation of individual identity from the professional function, the interaction with intra-organizational support and political play, and the understanding and acceptance of roles in society. A higher degree of uncertainty in role ambiguity increased both personification and the personal reaction to intense media pressure. Three types of reactions were related to the feeling of being infringed: avoidance and narrow-mindedness; being hard on self, on subordinates, and/or family members; and resignation and dejection. The results are discussed so as to elucidate the importance of support from others within the organization when under media scrutiny.

Conclusions

The degree of personification seems to determine the personal consequences as well as the consequences for their managerial practice. Organizational support for managers appearing in the media would probably be beneficial for both the manager and the organization.
On Caputo modification of the Hadamard fractional derivatives
Authors: Gambo Yusuf Y. , Jarad Fahd , Baleanu Dumitru , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: January 2014

This paper is devoted to the study of Caputo modification of the Hadamard fractional derivatives. From here and after, by Caputo-Hadamard derivative, we refer to this modified fractional derivative (Jarad et al. in Adv. Differ. Equ. 2012:142, 2012, p.7). We present the generalization of the fundamental theorem of fractional calculus (FTFC) in the Caputo-Hadamard setting. Also, several new related results are presented.
Unilateral pedal lymphangiography with non-contrast computerized tomography is valuable in the location and treatment decision of idiopathic chylothorax
Authors: Liu Ding-Yi , Shao Yuan , Shi Jian-Xin
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To identify the value of unilateral pedal lymphangiography (LAG) with non-contrast CT in the location and treatment decision of idiopathic chylothorax after failure of thoracic duct ligation.

Materials and Methods

Twenty four patients aged 9–84 year old (median 44 yr) who had idiopathic chylothorax were involved, and unilateral pedal LAG with non-contrast CT was performed in every patient. All patients failed to previous right supra-diaphragmatic thoracic duct ligation.

Results

The amount of iodized oil used was 6–14 ml with no related complications. LAG demonstrated 8 patients with thoracic duct leaks and 10 patients with leaks elsewhere, but no visible chylous leak in 6 patients. Ligation of thoracic duct was performed as the primary treatment in all 8 cases as having thoracic duct leakage and cured 7(87.5%) patients. For 8 patients not having thoracic duct lesion under LAG, the successful rate of thoracic duct ligation was 25% (2 out of 8 patients), which was significantly lower than patients due to thoracic duct lesions (P = 0.02). Meanwhile, non-operative therapy had significantly higher successful rate (87.5% vs 25%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Unilateral pedal LAG with non-contrast CT could identify the causes and locate the leaks of idiopathic chylothorax in 75% of patients after failure of thoracic duct ligation. Two thirds of patients were found not to have thoracic duct leakage and would be better managed by non-operative treatment.
Evaluation of the lower protein limit in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae using TIPI-gTOW
Authors: Sasabe Masataka , Shintani Sayumi , Kintaka Reiko , Kaizu Kazunari , makanae Koji , Moriya Hisao
Published: January 2014

Background

Identifying permissible limits of intracellular parameters such as protein expression provides important information for examining robustness. In this study, we used the TEV protease-mediated induction of protein instability (TIPI) in combination with the genetic Tug-of-War (gTOW) to develop a method to measure the lower limit of protein level. We first tested the feasibility of this method using ADE2 as a marker and then analyzed some cell cycle regulators to reveal genetic interactions.

Results

Using TIPI-gTOW, we successfully constructed a strain in which GFP-TDegFAde2 was expressed at the lower limit, just sufficient to support cellular growth under the -Ade condition by accelerating degradation by TEV protease. We also succeeded in constructing a strain in which the minimal level of GFP-TDegFCdc20 was expressed by TIPI-gTOW. Using this strain, we studied genetic interactions between cell cycle regulators and CDC20, and the result was highly consistent with the previously identified interactions. Comparison of the experimental data with predictions of a mathematical model revealed some interactions that were not implemented into the current model.

Conclusions

TIPI-gTOW is useful for estimating changes in the lower limit of a protein under different conditions, such as different genetic backgrounds and environments. TIPI-gTOW is also useful for analyzing genetic interactions of essential genes whose deletion mutants cannot be obtained.
Hand grip strength and associated factors in non-institutionalised men and women 50 years and older in South Africa
Authors: Ramlagan Shandir , Peltzer Karl , Phaswana-Mafuya Nancy
Published: January 2014

Background

Little is known about the prevalence, predictors and gender differences in hand grip strength of older adults in Africa. This study aims to investigate social and health differences in hand grip strength among older adults in a national probability sample of older South Africans who participated in the Study of Global Ageing and Adults Health (SAGE wave 1) in 2008.

Methods

We conducted a national population-based cross-sectional study with a sample of 3840 men and women aged 50 years or older in South Africa. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, health variables, and anthropometric measurements. Linear multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the association of social factors, health variables and grip strength.

Results

The mean overall hand grip strength was 37.9 kgs for men (mean age 61.1 years, SD = 9.1) and 31.5 kgs for women (mean age 62.0 years, SD = 9.7). In multivariate analysis among men, greater height, not being underweight and lower functional disability was associated with greater grip strength, and among women, greater height, better cognitive functioning, and lower functional disability were associated with greater grip strength.

Conclusions

Greater height and lower functional disability were found for both older South African men and women to be significantly associated with grip strength.
Prehospital risk factors of mortality and impaired consciousness after severe traumatic brain injury: an epidemiological study
Authors: Tohme Sophia , Delhumeau Cecile , Zuercher Mathias , Haller Guy , Walder Bernhard
Published: January 2014

Background

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant health concern and a major burden for society. The period between trauma event and hospital admission in an emergency department (ED) could be a determinant for secondary brain injury and early survival. The aim was to investigate the relationship between prehospital factors associated with secondary brain injury (arterial hypotension, hypoxemia, hypothermia) and the outcomes of mortality and impaired consciousness of survivors at 14 days.

Methods

A multicenter, prospective cohort study was performed in dedicated trauma centres of Switzerland. Adults with severe TBI (Abbreviated Injury Scale score of head region (HAIS) >3) were included. Main outcome measures were death and impaired consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤13) at 14 days. The associations between risk factors and outcome were assessed with univariate and multivariate regression models.

Results

589 patients were included, median age was 55 years (IQR 33, 70). The median GCS in ED was 4 (IQR 3-14), with abnormal pupil reaction in 167 patients (29.2%). Median ISS was 25 (IQR 21, 34). Three hundred seven patients sustained their TBI from falls (52.1%) and 190 from a road traffic accidents (32.3%). Median time from Out-of-hospital Emergency Medical Service (OHEMS) departure on scene to arrival in ED was 50 minutes (IQR 37-72); 451 patients had a direct admission (76.6%). Prehospital hypotension was observed in 24 (4.1%) patients, hypoxemia in 73 (12.6%) patients and hypothermia in 146 (24.8%). Prehospital hypotension and hypothermia (apart of age and trauma severity) was associated with mortality. Prehospital hypoxemia (apart of trauma severity) was associated with impaired consciousness; indirect admission was a protective factor.

Conclusion

Mortality and impaired consciousness at 14 days do not have the same prehospital risk factors; prehospital hypotension and hypothermia is associated with mortality, and prehospital hypoxemia with impaired consciousness.
Effect of lung flooding and high-intensity focused ultrasound on lung tumours: an experimental study in an ex vivo human cancer model and simulated in vivo tumours in pigs
Authors: Wolfram Frank , Boltze Carsten , Schubert Harald , Bischoff Sabine , Lesser Thomas Günther
Published: January 2014

Background

High-intensity focused ultrasound is a valuable tool for minimally invasive tumour ablation. However, due to the air content in ventilated lungs, lung tumours have never been treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound. Lung flooding enables efficient lung sonography and tumour imaging in ex vivo human and in vivo porcine lung cancer models. The current study evaluates the effectiveness of lung flooding and sonography-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound for lung tumour ablation in ex vivo human and in vivo animal models.

Methods

Lung flooding was performed in four human lung lobes which were resected from non-small cell lung cancers. B-mode imaging and temperature measurements were simultaneously obtained during high-intensity focused ultrasonography of centrally located lung cancers. The tumour was removed immediately following insonation and processed for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase and H&E staining. In addition, the left lungs of three pigs were flooded. Purified BSA in glutaraldehyde was injected centrally into the left lower lung lobe to simulate a lung tumour. The ultrasound was focused transthoracically through the flooded lung into the simulated tumour with the guidance of sonography. The temperature of the tumour was simultaneously measured. The vital signs of the animal were monitored during the procedure.

Results

A well-demarcated lesion of coagulation necrosis was produced in four of four human lung tumours. There did not appear to be any damage to the surrounding lung parenchyma. After high-intensity focused ultrasound insonation, the mean temperature increase was 7.5-fold higher in the ex vivo human tumour than in the flooded lung tissue (52.1 K ± 8.77 K versus 7.1 K ± 2.5 K). The transthoracic high-intensity focused ultrasound of simulated tumours in the in vivo model resulted in a mean peak temperature increase up to 53.7°C (±4.5). All of the animals survived the procedure without haemodynamic complications.

Conclusions

High-intensity focused ultrasound with lung flooding produced a thermal effect in an ex vivo human lung carcinoma and in vivo simulated lung tumours in a porcine model. High-intensity focused ultrasound is a potential new strategy for treating lung cancer.
Crystallographic texture evolution in 1008 steel sheet during multi-axial tensile strain paths
Authors: Creuziger Adam , Hu Lin , Gnäupel-Herold Thomas , Rollett Anthony D
Published: January 2014

This paper considers the crystallographic texture evolution in a 1008 low carbon steel. The texture evolution along uniaxial, plane strain and balanced biaxial strain states were measured. For uniaxial testing, grains tend to rotate such that the

{
111
}
〈
1

1

̄

0
〉

slip directions are aligned with the loading axis. For plane strain and balanced biaxial strain states, the majority of grains are distributed with the {111} plane parallel to the sample normal direction. Accompanying visco-plastic self consistent (VPSC) predictions of the texture evolution were made along same strain paths and strain increments. Comparing between the measured texture evolution and computational texture evolution indicate that the VPSC model qualitatively predicts the measured texture evolution, but the rate at which the texture evolution occurs is over predicted.
Global regulation of mRNA translation and stability in the early Drosophilaembryo by the Smaug RNA-binding protein
Authors: Chen Linan , Dumelie Jason G , Li Xiao , Cheng Matthew HK , Yang Zhiyong , Laver John D , Siddiqui Najeeb U , Westwood J Timothy , Morris Quaid , Lipshitz Howard D , Smibert Craig A
Published: January 2014

Background

Smaug is an RNA-binding protein that induces the degradation and represses the translation of mRNAs in the early Drosophila embryo. Smaug has two identified direct target mRNAs that it differentially regulates: nanos and Hsp83. Smaug represses the translation of nanos mRNA but has only a modest effect on its stability, whereas it destabilizes Hsp83 mRNA but has no detectable effect on Hsp83 translation. Smaug is required to destabilize more than one thousand mRNAs in the early embryo, but whether these transcripts represent direct targets of Smaug is unclear and the extent of Smaug-mediated translational repression is unknown.

Results

To gain a panoramic view of Smaug function in the early embryo, we identified mRNAs that are bound to Smaug using RNA co-immunoprecipitation followed by hybridization to DNA microarrays. We also identified mRNAs that are translationally repressed by Smaug using polysome gradients and microarrays. Comparison of the bound mRNAs to those that are translationally repressed by Smaug and those that require Smaug for their degradation suggests that a large fraction of Smaug’s target mRNAs are both translationally repressed and degraded by Smaug. Smaug directly regulates components of the TRiC/CCT chaperonin, the proteasome regulatory particle and lipid droplets, as well as many metabolic enzymes, including several glycolytic enzymes.

Conclusions

Smaug plays a direct and global role in regulating the translation and stability of a large fraction of the mRNAs in the early Drosophila embryo, and has unanticipated functions in control of protein folding and degradation, lipid droplet function and metabolism.
Identification of distinct miRNA target regulation between breast cancer molecular subtypes using AGO2-PAR-CLIP and patient datasets
Authors: Farazi Thalia A , ten Hoeve Jelle J , Brown Miguel , Mihailovic Aleksandra , Horlings Hugo M , van de Vijver Marc J , Tuschl Thomas , Wessels Lodewyk FA
Published: January 2014

Background

Various microRNAs (miRNAs) are up- or downregulated in tumors. However, the repression of cognate miRNA targets responsible for the phenotypic effects of this dysregulation in patients remains largely unexplored. To define miRNA targets and associated pathways, together with their relationship to outcome in breast cancer, we integrated patient-paired miRNA-mRNA expression data with a set of validated miRNA targets and pathway inference.

Results

To generate a biochemically-validated set of miRNA-binding sites, we performed argonaute-2 photoactivatable-ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (AGO2-PAR-CLIP) in MCF7 cells. We then defined putative miRNA-target interactions using a computational model, which ranked and selected additional TargetScan-predicted interactions based on features of our AGO2-PAR-CLIP binding-site data. We subselected modeled interactions according to the abundance of their constituent miRNA and mRNA transcripts in tumors, and we took advantage of the variability of miRNA expression within molecular subtypes to detect miRNA repression. Interestingly, our data suggest that miRNA families control subtype-specific pathways; for example, miR-17, miR-19a, miR-25, and miR-200b show high miRNA regulatory activity in the triple-negative, basal-like subtype, whereas miR-22 and miR-24 do so in the HER2 subtype. An independent dataset validated our findings for miR-17 and miR-25, and showed a correlation between the expression levels of miR-182 targets and overall patient survival. Pathway analysis associated miR-17, miR-19a, and miR-200b with leukocyte transendothelial migration.

Conclusions

We combined PAR-CLIP data with patient expression data to predict regulatory miRNAs, revealing potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers in breast cancer.
Practical Implementation of Generalized Force Vectors for the Multimodal Pushover Analysis of Building Structures
Authors: Alıcı F. Soner , Sucuoğlu HalÛk
Published: January 2014

A practical implementation of generalized multimodal pushover analysis is presented in this study, where the number of pushovers is reduced significantly in view of the number of modes contributing to seismic response. It has been demonstrated in two case studies that the reduced procedure for generalized push-over analysis is equally successful in estimating the maximum member deformations and forces under a ground excitation with reference to nonlinear response history analysis. It is further shown that the results obtained by using the mean spectrum of a set of ground motions are almost identical to the mean of the results obtained from separate generalized pushover analyses. These results are also very close to the mean results of the nonlinear response history analyses, hence motivating the implementation of generalized pushover analysis with design spectrum.
Surveillance After Initial Surgery for Pediatric and Adolescent Girls With Stage I Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors: Report From the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Billmire Deborah F. , Cullen John W. , Rescorla Frederick J. , Davis Mary , Schlatter Marc G. , Olson Thomas A. , Malogolowkin Marcio H. , Pashankar Farzana , Villaluna Doojduen , Krailo Mark , Egler Rachel A. , Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , Frazier A. Lindsay
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To determine whether overall survival (OS) can be preserved for patients with stage I pediatric malignant ovarian germ cell tumor (MOGCT) with an initial strategy of surveillance after surgical resection.

Patients and Methods

Between November 2003 and July 2011, girls age 0 to 16 years with stage I MOGCT were enrolled onto Children's Oncology Group study AGCT0132. Required histology included yolk sac, embryonal carcinoma, or choriocarcinoma. Surveillance included measurement of serum tumor markers and radiologic imaging at defined intervals. In those with residual or recurrent disease, chemotherapy with compressed PEB (cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin) was initiated every 3 weeks for three cycles (cisplatin 33 mg/m2 on days 1 to 3, etoposide 167 mg/m2 on days 1 to 3, bleomycin 15 U/m2 on day 1). Survivor functions for event-free survival (EFS) and OS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Twenty-five girls (median age, 12 years) with stage I MOGCT were enrolled onto AGCT0132. Twenty-three patients had elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) at diagnosis. Predominant histology was yolk sac. After a median follow-up of 42 months, 12 patients had evidence of persistent or recurrent disease (4-year EFS, 52%; 95% CI, 31% to 69%). Median time to recurrence was 2 months. All patients had elevated AFP at recurrence; six had localized disease, two had metastatic disease, and four had tumor marker elevation only. Eleven of 12 patients experiencing relapse received successful salvage chemotherapy (4-year OS, 96%; 95% CI, 74% to 99%).

Conclusion

Fifty percent of patients with stage I pediatric MOGCT can be spared chemotherapy; treatment for those who experience recurrence preserves OS. Further study is needed to identify the factors that predict recurrence and whether this strategy can be extended successfully to older adolescents and young adults.
An Individual Person Data Meta-Analysis of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Breast Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Houssami Nehmat , Turner Robin , Macaskill Petra , Turnbull Lindsay W. , McCready David R. , Tuttle Todd M. , Vapiwala Neha , Solin Lawrence J.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

There is little consensus regarding preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in breast cancer (BC). We examined the association between preoperative MRI and local recurrence (LR) as primary outcome, as well as distant recurrence (DR), in patients with BC.

Methods

An individual person data (IPD) meta-analysis, based on preoperative MRI studies that met predefined eligibility criteria, was performed. Survival analysis (Cox proportional hazards modeling) was used to investigate time to recurrence and to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for MRI. We modeled the univariable association between LR (or DR) and MRI, and covariates, and fitted multivariable models to estimate adjusted HRs. Sensitivity analysis was based on women who had breast conservation with radiotherapy.

Results

Four eligible studies contributed IPD on 3,180 affected breasts in 3,169 subjects (median age, 56.2 years). Eight-year LR-free survival did not differ between the MRI (97%) and no-MRI (95%) goups (P = .87), and the multivariable model showed no significant effect of MRI on LR-free survival: HR for MRI (versus no-MRI) was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.52 to 1.51; P = .65); age, margin status, and tumor grade were associated with LR-free survival (all P < .05). HR for MRI was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.52 to 1.77; P = .90) in sensitivity analysis. Eight-year DR-free survival did not differ between the MRI (89%) and no-MRI (93%) groups (P = .37), and the multivariable model showed no significant effect of MRI on DR-free survival: HR for MRI (v no-MRI) was 1.18 (95% CI, 0.76 to 2.27; P = .48) or 1.31 (95% CI, 0.76 to 2.27; P = .34) in sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

Preoperative MRI for staging the cancerous breast does not reduce the risk of LR or DR.
Universal Credit: the impact of monthly payments on low income households
Authors: Hartfree Yvette
Published: January 2014

Universal Credit will radically change the UK's system of welfare benefits and tax credits for people of working age. Universal Credit will be paid on a monthly, rather than a fortnightly, basis. This article examines the evidence for the widespread concern that moving to a monthly payment system will be detrimental for low income households and reviews the government's proposals for providing claimants with budgeting support. The conclusion is drawn that, for some claimants, monthly payment of Universal Credit is likely to make money management easier, but for low income households whose current preferences and habits are to budget on a weekly or fortnightly basis, monthly payment of Universal Credit risks undermining the money management strategies which they find effective.
Bioimaging of Fluorescence-Labeled Mitochondria in Subcutaneously Grafted Murine Melanoma Cells by the “In Vivo Cryotechnique”
Authors: Lei Ting , Huang Zheng , Ohno Nobuhiko , Wu Bao , Sakoh Takashi , Saitoh Yurika , Saiki Ikuo , Ohno Shinichi
Published: January 2014

The microenvironments of organs with blood flow affect the metabolic profiles of cancer cells, which are influenced by mitochondrial functions. However, histopathological analyses of these aspects have been hampered by technical artifacts of conventional fixation and dehydration, including ischemia/anoxia. The purpose of this study was to combine the in vivo cryotechnique (IVCT) with fluorescent protein expression, and examine fluorescently labeled mitochondria in grafted melanoma tumors. The intensity of fluorescent proteins was maintained well in cultured B16-BL6 cells after cryotechniques followed by freeze-substitution (FS). In the subcutaneous tumors of mitochondria-targeted DsRed2 (mitoDsRed)-expressing cells, a higher number of cancer cells were found surrounding the widely opened blood vessels that contained numerous erythrocytes. Such blood vessels were immunostained positively for immunoglobulin M and ensheathed by basement membranes. MitoDsRed fluorescence was detected in scattering melanoma cells using the IVCT-FS method, and the total mitoDsRed volume in individual cancer cells was significantly decreased with the expression of markers of hypoxia. MitoDsRed was frequently distributed throughout the cytoplasm and in processes extending along basement membranes. IVCT combined with fluorescent protein expression is a useful tool to examine the behavior of fluorescently labeled cells and organelles. We propose that the mitochondrial volume is dynamically regulated in the hypoxic microenvironment and that mitochondrial distribution is modulated by cancer cell interactions with basement membranes.
Georg Simmel as unrecognized media ecologist
Authors: Anton Corey
Published: January 2014

This article considers Georg Simmel’s contributions to media ecology. By examining various dialectics of subjectivity and cultural form (especially how valuation relates to money) and also by delineating how humanity takes its structure from resistances and boundaries which in their turn need to be transcended, Simmel’s work outlines both the basic dynamics of cultural process and the tragedy of culture itself: people can grow themselves only by fashioning and cultivating the world, and yet, as civilization grows, people increasingly shape themselves by beginning their worldly pursuits in the trails that others have left behind. An unfortunate consequence is that many cultural forms and practices quite easily become understood as wholly ends in themselves rather than as they were originally understood, means to an end.
Gregory Bateson and Paul Watzlawick: From the ecology of mind to the pragmatics of media ecology
Authors: Strate Lance
Published: January 2014

Gregory Bateson and Paul Watzlawick provide an important contribution to the field of media ecology through their application of a systems view to the study of communication. Bateson emphasizes the concept of difference, and information as a difference that makes a difference. He also stresses the importance of negative feedback, and patterns that connect in regard to the systems view. Watzlawick explains the systems view via group theory and the theory of logical types, posits as his first axiom that one cannot not communicate, and distinguishes between different levels of communication and metacommunication, content and relationship, first and second order knowledge and reality, digital and analogical modes of communication, and symmetrical and complementary interaction, along with key concepts of confirmation, disconfirmation, and the double bind.
Things come in fours: Comparing Marshall McLuhan’s Tetrad and Claude Lévi-Strauss’s Canonical Formula
Authors: Blechman Robert K.
Published: January 2014

The figure-ground structure of a four part approach to analysing media, merging McLuhan’s Laws of the Media (1988) with the Claude Lévi-Strauss’s Canonical Formula, allows us to focus our enquiry on the ways a new technology transforms society rather than technology content alone. The hidden biases of a new technology can change our assumptions about what is valuable and what is not, what is true and what is false, and who are the winners and the losers in the new Media Ecology. Ultimately, as Lévi-Strauss suggested in his study of myths, we may be able to go beyond traditional media content analysis to understand how technological transformations operate in men’s minds without their being aware of the fact.
Silvan Tomkins as media ecologist
Authors: Rose Phil
Published: January 2014

Taking as its starting point Christine Nystrom’s definition of media ecology as the study of the interactions between communications media, technologies, techniques and processes, and human thought, feeling, value and behaviour, this article argues that media ecologists have inadequately developed the field’s consideration of the phenomenon we understand as ‘feeling’. With this in mind, I maintain that the affect-script theory of the personality theorist Silvan Tomkins has much to contribute to the media ecology perspective, not only in bringing to bear a nuanced understanding of emotional phenomena, but in what Tomkins’ ideas might contribute to our understanding of focal areas of media ecological concern, such as literacy, the accelerated rate of technological change and forms of violence.
Foucault and Heidegger on mediation and subjectivity
Authors: Seidenshaw Blake
Published: January 2014

If we take as a central maxim of media-ecological thought the proposition – central to the work of Marshall McLuhan – that our technological prostheses comprise spaces that we come to inhabit, then we can indeed call Michel Foucault a media-ecological thinker. In the following, we will undertake a brief exploration of the sense in which Foucault’s work explicates this fundamental media-ecological proposition, by way of some necessary clarifications regarding its provenance and milieu. This will not only provide us with a way of reading Foucault that highlights an important thread of continuity intrinsic to his corpus, but will also allow us to begin weaving this thread into the broad tapestry of twentieth century thinking on the formative properties of technics and media; a site where extraordinarily rich patterns have begun to emerge. If we can only begin to sketch out this way of reading Foucault, it is because of the caution that is required in dealing with his work, which represents a high point of twentieth century scholarship, deserving of a careful and sustained attention, for which I can only hope, within the constraints of this short article, to provide some small encouragement.
Media ecology and techno-ethics in Paul Virilio
Authors: Zhang Peter
Published: January 2014

This article places Paul Virilio in the company of McLuhan, Foucault and Deleuze. After sketching out his intellectual personality, the article presents a few speed-induced media ecological and ethical problematics as Virilio sees them. It ends with two of Virilio’s signature notions – antiform and divergence – with the addition of a few tetrads. Finally, it points to further explorations that need to be made to fully capture the significance of Virilio’s work for the media ecology community, and for the good life.
Opening the media-ecological black box of Latour
Authors: Van Den Eede Yoni
Published: January 2014

Sociologist and anthropologist Bruno Latour’s work is almost never mentioned in media-ecological contexts, but considering the aim, style and scope of his work he can definitely be seen as a media ecologist pur sang. Moreover, he shares some essential premises with Marshall McLuhan. His notions of ‘actant’ or ‘hybrid’, ‘black box’, and ‘translation’, for instance, all find counterparts in ‘common’ media-ecological vocabulary. His advice to ‘follow the actors’, detective style, can be likened to McLuhan’s sleuth-like probing ‘method’. And they both make a similar cultural critique. Yet above and beyond these correspondences, some crucial divergences remain, more precisely with regard to the concept of agency. In this article I endeavour to outline the similarities and differences, which eventually lead me to a brief reflection on the ‘uniqueness’ of the discipline of media ecology.
Media ecology, the biology of Stuart Kauffman and Terrence Deacon’s Incomplete Nature: Much Ado About Nothing
Authors: Logan Robert K.
Published: January 2014

A review is made of the systems biology work of Stuart Kauffman and Terrence Deacon. A parallel between their work and media ecology is developed. An argument is made that Media Ecology is about the application of systems thinking to understanding media, communications and the impact of technology.
Political sex scandal as an outgrowth of television culture: Moving the phenomenon beyond its sensational roots
Authors: Mandell Hinda
Published: January 2014

Media outlets enthusiastically cover news of political sex scandals in the United States when a politician is caught breaking sexual norms. While the content of scandals, by definition, is sensational and highly titillating, it is important not to view these events merely as filler, soft news. Rather, this article argues that while scandal is an outgrowth of television culture, indicative of the premium society places on its scintillating content, analysis of mediated scandals can also reveal fundamental elements of our social fabric that make the subject necessary for analysis.
Hyper-capitalism, not the medium, is the message: Communication technologies and culture
Authors: Keshishian Flora
Published: January 2014

This article inverts Marshall McLuhan’s aphorism, ‘the medium is the message’, coined more than half a century ago, to make the argument that it is the message – in this case hyper-capitalism – that shapes the medium and governs the context in which media are introduced and operate. Harsh life conditions under hyper-capitalism make communication technologies, such as mobile phones and their numerous devices including text-messaging, a necessity. Hyper-capitalism cashes in on such communication devices without weighing their negative impact on culture. It is time that the system put people (and culture) before profit.
Book Reviews
Authors: Hunt III Arthur W. , Dance Frank , Burkey Brant
Published: January 2014

Understanding Jacques Ellul, Jeffrey P. Greeman, Read Mercer Schuchardt and Noah J. Toly (2012) Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 174 pp., ISBN: 978-1610974318, p/bk, $21.00

Oral Tradition and the Internet: Pathways of the Mind, John Foley Miles (2012) Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 312 pp., ISBN:-13: 978-0252078699, p/bk, $27.00

On Media Memory: Collective Memory in a New Media Age, Oren Meyers, Motti Neiger and Eyal Zandberg (eds) (2011) New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 296 pp., ISBN: 978-0230275683, h/bk, $95.00
Understanding evidence-based diagnosis
Authors: Kohn Michael A.
Published: January 2014

The real meaning of the word “diagnosis” is naming the disease that is causing a patient’s illness. The cognitive process of assigning this name is a mysterious combination of pattern recognition and the hypothetico-deductive approach that is only remotely related to the mathematical process of using test results to update the probability of a disease. What I refer to as “evidence-based diagnosis” is really evidence-based use of medical tests to guide treatment decisions. Understanding how to use test results to update the probability of disease can help us interpret test results more rationally. Also, evidence-based diagnosis reminds us to consider the costs and risks of testing and the dangers of over-diagnosis and over-treatment, in addition to the costs and risks of missing serious disease.
Medical diagnosis – the promise
Authors: Graber Mark L.
Published: January 2014

The field of diagnosis is hardly static. Taking a step back, advances in diagnosis have been dramatic over the past few decades, and promise to accelerate going forward. Progress will be created through three main drivers: Continuing advances in the tools we use for diagnosis, adoption and use of electronic resources, and applying quality improvement strategies to reduce diagnostic error and variability.
Let patients help with diagnosis
Authors: Graedon Teresa , Graedon Joe
Published: January 2014

Diagnostic errors are common and have seemed intractable for decades. Although time pressure is often cited as a contributor to this problem, overconfidence on the part of the diagnostician may also play a role. Successful strategies for reducing error in the diagnostic process should include patients and families in innovative ways. Changing the existing paradigm of patients responding passively to one of patients participating actively has the potential to assist in achieving greater diagnostic accuracy. Providers should welcome patients’ online research into their symptoms, succinct summaries of their course of illness and questions about the differential diagnoses that might be applicable. Systematic methods for following up after the initial diagnosis are essential for verifying accuracy as well as providing excellent patient care.
Errors in clinical laboratory test selection and result interpretation: commonly unrecognized mistakes as a cause of poor patient outcome
Authors: Laposata Michael
Published: January 2014

Over the past decade, the test menu in the clinical laboratory has increased dramatically in size, cost, and complexity. Most practicing physicians would agree that it is a challenge to select the appropriate tests, and only the appropriate tests, with a clinical laboratory test menu of thousands of assays, many of which are genetic tests. This results in delayed diagnoses or incorrect diagnoses from errors in test selection and a failure to interpret tests correctly. Teams of diagnostic experts in a variety of specialty areas in laboratory medicine to aid treating physicians in test selection and result interpretation are being implemented to address this growing problem which frequently leads to significant diagnostic errors and the associated financial consequences.
Learning sciences principles that can inform the construction of new approaches to diagnostic training
Authors: Papa Frank J.
Published: January 2014

The author suggests that the ill-defined nature of human diseases is a little appreciated, nonetheless important contributor to persistent and high levels of diagnostic error. Furthermore, medical education’s continued use of traditional, non-evidence based approaches to diagnostic training represents a systematic flaw likely perpetuating sub-optimal diagnostic performance in patients suffering from ill-defined diseases. This manuscript briefly describes how Learning Sciences findings elucidating how humans reason in the face of the uncertainty and complexity posed by ill-defined diseases might serve as guiding principles in the formulation of first steps towards a codified, 21st century approach to training and assessing the diagnostic capabilities of future health care providers.
What can be done to increase the use of diagnostic decision support systems?
Authors: Berner Eta S.
Published: January 2014

This essay explores the reasons why diagnostic decision support systems are underutilized despite growing concern about diagnostic errors. Factors related to the motivation to use the systems, clinician cognition, system design and implementation, as well as the absence of feedback in routine clinical care are discussed. Suggestions for design and implementation strategies for diagnostic decision support systems that can increase appropriate utilization are discussed.
Diagnostic conversations: Clinical Decision Making in surgery – Part 1
Authors: Watters David Allan , Beasley Spencer Wynyard , Crebbin Wendy
Published: January 2014

Sound and efficient decision making are hallmarks of an expert surgeon. Unfortunately, those experts are often unable to explain their thinking processes, or to teach their trainees and colleagues how they do it. Surgeons and staff of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons worked together to develop a model to explain the processes around clinical decision making and used this understanding and knowledge to devise a Clinical Decision Making (CDM) training course. The surgical faculty ensure the model is applicable to specific surgical cases, as well as presenting a framework of how clinical decisions are made. Wendy targets the specific decision making processes that are occurring with each clinical scenario, and highlights some of the learning opportunities that they provide. The conversation in this paper models the kinds of case-based interactions which occur in the development and teaching of the CDM course.
Minimizing premature closure and diagnostic error in the Operating Room
Authors: Hughes Cliff
Published: January 2014

The Operating Room does not leave time for scholarly reflection before action. Old ways of managing the risk of Premature Closure under stress need re-appraisal and perhaps a new paradigm. Is it time to say farewell to the autonomous surgeon?
Perspectives from a pediatrician about diagnostic errors
Authors: Singhal Geeta
Published: January 2014

This opinion paper provides perspectives from a pediatrician about diagnostic challenges in caring for children. This essay shares personal experiences and lessons learned from a pediatric hospitalist about caring for children and making errors in diagnosis. This piece offers guidance about how to teach medical learners key concepts about error in diagnosis with underscoring the importance of developing critical thinking skills. Finally, the author offers tips from the literature about how physicians and other care providers can reorganize their own thinking (metacognition) to address their clinical practice.