bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐sectional and longitudinal multimodal structural imaging in prodromal Huntington's disease
Authors: Harrington Deborah L. , Long Jeffrey D. , Durgerian Sally , Mourany Lyla , Koenig Katherine , Bonner‐Jackson Aaron , Paulsen Jane S. ,   for the PREDICT‐HD Investigators of the Huntington Study Group, Rao Stephen M.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Diffusivity in white‐matter tracts is abnormal throughout the brain in cross‐sectional studies of prodromal Huntington's disease. To date, longitudinal changes have not been observed. The present study investigated cross‐sectional and longitudinal changes in white‐matter diffusivity in relationship to the phase of prodromal Huntington's progression, and compared them with changes in brain volumes and clinical variables that track disease progression.

Methods

Diffusion MRI profiles were studied for 2 years in 37 gene‐negative controls and 64 prodromal Huntington's disease participants in varied phases of disease progression. To estimate the relative importance of diffusivity metrics in the prodromal phase, group effects were rank ordered relative to those obtained from analyses of brain volumes, motor, cognitive, and sensory variables.

Results

First, at baseline diffusivity was abnormal throughout all tracts, especially as individuals approached a manifest Huntington's disease diagnosis. Baseline diffusivity metrics in 6 tracts and basal ganglia volumes best distinguished among the groups. Second, group differences in longitudinal change in diffusivity were localized to the superior fronto‐occipital fasciculus, most prominently in individuals closer to a diagnosis. Group differences were also observed in longitudinal changes of most brain volumes, but not clinical variables. Last, increases in motor symptoms across time were associated with greater changes in the superior fronto‐occipital fasciculus diffusivity and corpus callosum, cerebrospinal fluid, and lateral ventricle volumes.

Conclusions

These novel findings provide new insights into changes within 2 years in different facets of brain structure and their clinical relevance to changes in symptomatology that is decisive for a manifest Huntington's diagnosis. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
How computational models contribute to our understanding of the germ line
Authors: Atwell Kathryn , Dunn Sara‐Jane , Osborne James M. , Kugler Hillel , Hubbard E. Jane Albert
Published: September 2016

Computational models are an invaluable tool in modern biology. They provide a framework within which to summarize existing knowledge, enable competing hypotheses to be compared qualitatively and quantitatively, and to facilitate the interpretation of complex data. Moreover, models allow questions to be investigated that are difficult to approach experimentally. Theories can be tested in context, identifying the gaps in our understanding and potentially leading to new hypotheses. Models can be developed on a variety of scales and with different levels of mechanistic detail, depending on the available data, the biological questions of interest, and the available mathematical and computational tools. The goal of this review is to provide a broad picture of how modeling has been applied to reproductive biology. Specifically, we look at four uses of modeling: (i) comparing hypotheses; (ii) interpreting data; (iii) exploring experimentally challenging questions; and (iv) hypothesis evaluation and generation. We present examples of each of these applications in reproductive biology, drawing from a range of organisms—including Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans, mouse, and humans. We aim to describe the data and techniques used to construct each model, and to highlight the benefits of modeling to the field, as complementary to experimental work. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 944–957, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Every word counts: How to write content that gets read
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: September 2016

If you write it, they will read. Right? Not so fast.
Know how to shift gears to boost productivity, improve leadership
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2016

DALLAS — Successful leadership doesn't depend on what or how much you know, or even your IQ.
Xanthoangelol and 4‐hydroxyderrcin suppress obesity‐induced inflammatory responses
Authors: Li Yongjia , Goto Tsuyoshi , Ikutani Ryuma , Lin Shan , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Takahashi Haruya , Jheng Huei‐Fen , Yu Rina , Taniguchi Masahiko , Baba Kimiye , Murakami Shigeru , Kawada Teruo
Published: September 2016

Objective

Obesity‐induced inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Xanthoangelol (XA) and 4‐hydroxyderrcin (4‐HD), phytochemicals extracted from Angelica keiskei, have been reported to possess various biological properties. Whether XA and 4‐HD alleviate obesity‐induced inflammation and inflammation‐induced adipocyte dysfunction was investigated.

Methods

For the in vitro study, a co‐culture system composed of macrophages and adipocytes and macrophages stimulated with conditioned medium derived from fully differentiated adipocytes was conducted. For the in vivo study, mice were fed a high‐fat diet supplemented with XA for 14 weeks.

Results

XA and 4‐HD suppressed inflammatory factors in co‐culture system. Moreover, treatment of RAW macrophages with XA and 4‐HD moderated the suppression of uncoupling protein 1 promoter activity and gene expression in C3H10T1/2 adipocytes, which was induced by conditioned medium derived from LPS‐stimulated RAW macrophages. Also, XA and 4‐HD inhibited c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase phosphorylation, nuclear factor‐κB, and activator protein 1, the last two being transcription activators in activated macrophages. Furthermore, in mice fed the high‐fat diet, XA reduced inflammatory factors within the white adipose tissue.

Conclusions

These results suggest that XA and 4‐HD might be promising phytochemicals to suppress obesity‐induced inflammation and inflammation‐induced adipocyte dysfunction.
Overeat today, skip the scale tomorrow: An examination of caloric intake predicting nonadherence to daily self‐weighing
Authors: Tanenbaum Molly L. , Ross Kathryn M. , Wing Rena R.
Published: September 2016

Objective

Daily self‐weighing is an effective weight loss strategy. Little is known about “micro” factors influencing nonadherence to self‐weighing (e.g., daily overeating). It was hypothesized that increased caloric intake on a given day would increase odds of not self‐weighing the following day.

Methods

Daily self‐reports of weight and caloric intake were collected from 74 adults with overweight and obesity (mean BMI = 31.2 ± 4.5 kg/m2, age = 50.6 ± 10 years, 69% female, 87% Caucasian) throughout a 12‐week Internet‐based weight management intervention. Multilevel logistic regression investigated odds of nonadherence to self‐weighing on a given day based on the previous day's caloric intake.

Results

Self‐monitoring adherence was high (weights: 87%; calories: 85%); adherence was associated with greater 12‐week weight loss (weighing: r = −0.24, P = 0.04; calories: r = −0.26, P = 0.04). Increased caloric intake on a given day, relative to the individual's average intake, was associated with increased odds of nonadherence to self‐weighing the next day (F(1,5106) = 12.66, P = 0.0004, β = 0.001). For example, following a day of eating 300 calories more than usual, odds of not self‐weighing increased by 1.33.

Conclusions

Odds of nonadherence to self‐weighing increased following a day with higher‐than‐usual caloric intake. Weight management interventions collecting daily self‐monitoring data could provide support to participants who report increased caloric intake to prevent self‐weighing nonadherence.
Intervention unnecessary: bar associations taking sides in regulatory actions
Authors: Krell Matthew Reid
Published: September 2016

Interest groups participate in the political process in a variety of ways. They can lobby the legislature, interact with elected and administrative executive officials, and participate in litigation either as a litigant or an amicus curiae. But the literature is scarce in exploring how interest groups behave when their stakeholders dissent. This study explores the actions by one interest group, the American Bar Association (ABA), in participating in “notice and comment” rulemaking by the Department of Labor where the ABA did not represent the legal profession. It finds that the ABA engaged in astroturfing, and that their efforts were ignored by the Department. This suggests that astroturfing may not be useful in the notice and comment rulemaking process, because the agency's unitary status allows them to discern the centralized origin of the comments. This finding is confirmed by comparing the ABA's influence on the Supreme Court in Boumediene v. Bush, when it did represent the consensus of the legal profession.
The prognostic impact of SYT‐SSX fusion type and histological grade in pediatric patients with synovial sarcoma treated according to the CWS (Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studie) trials
Authors: Stegmaier Sabine , Leuschner Ivo , Poremba Christopher , Ladenstein Ruth , Kazanowska Bernarda , Ljungman Gustaf , Scheer Monika , Blank Bernd , Bielack Stefan , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa
Published: September 2016

Background

The aim of our analysis was the evaluation of the prognostic impact of SYT‐SSX fusion status and histological grading in synovial sarcoma (SS) of children and adolescents in the context of the consistent multimodal treatment strategy of the CWS (Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studie; Cooperative Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study Group) and in comparison with other risk factors.

Procedure

Between 1986 and 2006, out of 243 patients with SS, tumor samples from 84 patients with localized disease were available for RT‐PCR analysis. Outcome depending on fusion status in the context with known clinical risk factors was analyzed.

Results

No prognostic significance was shown for SYT‐SSX fusion status and for histological grade. Highest significance of negative prognostic impact was found for large tumor size in uni‐ and multivariate analysis (P< 0.01). Furthermore, male gender was shown to be an adverse prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (P= 0.01).

Conclusions

Based on our results, neither histological grading nor SYT‐SSX fusion status seems to be suitable for outcome prediction and risk stratification in localized SS treated according to the CWS. This is in contrast to several other publications concerning more heterogeneous age groups including children and adults, and this indicates that prognostic factors should not be interpreted apart from the particular study population and the therapeutic context.
Cranial epidural hematomas: A case series and literature review of this rare complication associated with sickle cell disease
Authors: Hamm Jennifer , Rathore Nisha , Lee Pearlene , LeBlanc Zachary , Lebensburger Jeffrey , Meier Emily Riehm , Kwiatkowski Janet L.
Published: September 2016

Background

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) may experience many complications of the central nervous system (CNS) including stroke, silent cerebral infarcts, and neuropsychological deficits. Cranial epidural hematoma is a rare but potentially serious complication.

Procedure

Case series of cranial epidural hematomas in children with SCD from three different institutions is considered, along with a literature review of cranial epidural hematomas in this population.

Results

Seven children with SCD with cranial epidural hematomas were identified from three different institutions. All patients were male and the age at presentation ranged from 10 to 18 years. Two patients presented with headache (28.6%), while the rest had no neurologic symptoms at presentation. Four patients required urgent neurosurgical intervention (57.1%) and one patient died (14.3%). A literature review identified 18 additional cases of cranial epidural hematomas in children with SCD. Of these, treatment ranged from supportive care to neurosurgical intervention. Twelve patients completely recovered (66.7%), one patient had long‐term cognitive impairment (5.6%), and four patients died (22.2%). Combined with our data, cranial epidural hematomas have a mortality rate of 20.0%.

Conclusions

Although rare, cranial epidural hematoma can be fatal and should be considered in patients with acute neurological symptoms.
Influence of aqueous dispersions in place of organic solvents during the synthesis of shape memory polyurethanes on their structure and properties
Authors: Martins Giuliano S. , Pereira Iaci M. , Hoehne Nicolas M.L. , Oréfice Rodrigo L.
Published: September 2016

In this work, the effect of synthesizing shape memory polyurethanes in aqueous dispersions instead of in organic solvents on the structure and properties of the obtained polymers was investigated. Shape memory polyurethanes based on polycaprolactone diol and isophorone diisocyanate were synthesized by two routes: (1) aqueous dispersion (PU/SMWATER) and (2) dissolution in THF (PU/SMTHF). The samples were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), static light scattering (SLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and mechanical tests. The aqueous dispersion method led to the production of polyurethanes with a higher degree of phase separation and a higher degree of crystallinity. The morphology of the obtained polyurethanes demonstrated that PU/SMWATER displays a structure with better defined phase separated domains. The polyurethanes exhibited similar average molar masses, soft segment glass transitions (Tgs) and mechanical properties. The lower degrees of phase separation and crystallinity of the PU/SMTHF led to lower values for the shape memory properties (shape recovery ratio (Rr)). The observed changes in the structure of the polyurethanes due to the replacement of organic solvent by an aqueous dispersion during their syntheses confirmed the preparation of shape memory polyurethanes with enhanced shape memory properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:432–440, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Experimental investigation of the effect of residual stresses and interfacial adhesion on rapid crack propagation in bilayered polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE100) pipes
Authors: Guevara‐Morales Andrea , Leevers Patrick
Published: September 2016

Rapid crack propagation (RCP) resistance of bilayered pipes consisting of a polyethylene core and a polypropylene skin was investigated using the ISO 13477 Small Scale Steady State “S4” test. It was found that bilayered pipes met all the RCP requirements, but the addition of a thin (0.4–1.5 mm) skin slightly increased the S4 critical temperature. This embrittlement effect is attributed to increased constraint, which is mainly influenced by the elastic moduli of the skin and core and the adhesion between them. Because the elastic moduli of the skins were very similar, the investigation focused on the effect of adhesion and residual stresses. It was found that higher adhesion leads to higher constraint and higher S4 critical temperature. However, when both adhesion and residual stresses were modified during annealing, the effect of residual stress relaxation was more significant on RCP performance than that of increasing adhesion. Annealed pipes in which residual stresses had relaxed by ∼40%, showed better RCP resistance even though adhesion was almost doubled. It was found that in some cases, bilayered pipes may even present better RCP resistance than monolayered ones when the adhesion falls below a threshold at which the skin no longer constrains the pipe. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:458–463, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Copolymers of polyhydroxyalkanoates and polyethylene glycols: recent advancements with biological and medical significance
Authors: Winnacker Malte , Rieger Bernhard
Published: September 2016

Copolymers of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) have gained high significance for biological and medical applications within the past few years. PHAs are natural biopolymers (hydrophobic biopolyesters), which can be produced microbially and also synthetically, and PEGs are biocompatible hydrophilic polyethers, which are frequently used in medicine to enhance the effect of bioactive compounds. Both polymers can be conjugated with a variety of other polymers, and in particular the conjugation with each other affords hydrophobic − hydrophilic PHA‐PEG copolymers with high significance as biomaterials. This paper describes selected recent developments in this field with a focus on synthetic approaches and the suitability of the resulting copolymers for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of targeted‐volume ventilation on pulmonary dynamics in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Alkan Ozdemir Senem , Arun Ozer Esra , Ilhan Ozkan , Sutcuoglu Sumer
Published: September 2016

Background

Mechanical ventilation is an essential therapy in the treatment of respiratory failure in preterm infants. However, optimal ventilation strategy continues to be difficult to define.

Objective

To compare the effects of volume guarantee (VG) combined with intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) and VG combined with pressure support ventilation (PSV) on the pulmonary mechanics and short term prognosis in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods

Infants of <32 weeks gestational age ventilated for respiratory distress syndrome were randomized to receive either SIMV + VG or PSV + VG. The patient characteristics, ventilator variables including PIP, PEEP, MAP, VT, dynamic compliance, resistance, C20/C, and neonatal outcomes (IVH, ROP, oxygen dependency at 28th postnatal day and 36 weeks of PMA), mortality and extubation failure were recorded in each groups.

Results

Thirty‐four infants were enrolled in to the study: 19 patients were randomized to the SIMV + VG group, and 15 patients to the PSV + VG group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the birth weight, gestational age, gender, multiple pregnancy, delivery mode, and antenatal steroid treatment. The respiratory and ventilatory parameters were similar in the groups. The need for reintubation were common in SIMV + VG group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Volume guaranteed ventilation combined with PSV may be a convenient method for preterm infants with RDS in terms of reducing postextubation atelectasis and the need for reintubation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:213–216. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxygen and hydroxyl adsorption on MS2 (M = Mo, W, Hf) monolayers: a first‐principles molecular dynamics study
Authors: Iordanidou K. , Houssa M. , Pourtois G. , Afanas'ev V. V. , Stesmans A.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we study the oxygen and hydroxyl adsorption on both pristine and S deficient MS2 (M = Mo, W, Hf) monolayers, using first‐principles molecular dynamics calculations. Our simulations reveal that single‐layer HfS2 suffers severely from oxidation, which results in the formation of strong Hf–O bonds, likely degrading the transport properties of the material. Oxygen adsorption on S deficient monolayers acts as a passivation mechanism, both ”structurally” by saturating the dangling bonds of neighboring metal atoms and ”electronically” by removing the S vacancy induced gap states. Hydroxyl adsorption on pristine monolayers generates spin‐polarized gap states, and for HfS2 in particular, causes the Fermi level pinning close to the conduction band edge.
Antimycobacterial Activity and Low Cytotoxicity of Leaf Extracts of Some African Anacardiaceae Tree Species
Authors: Kabongo‐Kayoka Prudence N. , Eloff Jacobus N. , Obi Chikwelu L. , McGaw Lyndy J.
Published: September 2016

Treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is a challenge because of multidrug‐resistant and extremely drug‐resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Plant species contain antimicrobial compounds that may lead to new anti‐TB drugs. Previous screening of some tree species from the Anacardiaceae family revealed the presence of antimicrobial activity, justifying further investigations. Leaf extracts of 15 Anacardiaceae tree species were screened for antimycobacterial activity using a twofold serial microdilution assay against the pathogenic Mycobacterium bovis and multidrug resistant M. tuberculosis and rapidly growing mycobacteria, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium aurum. The vaccine strain, M. bovis and an avirulent strain, H37Ra M. tuberculosis, were also used. Cytotoxicity was assessed using a colorimetric assay against Vero kidney, human hepatoma and murine macrophage cells. Four out of 15 crude acetone extracts showed significant antimycobacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration varying from 50 to 100 µg/mL. Searsia undulata had the highest activity against most mycobacteria, followed by Protorhus longifolia. M. fortuitum was the strongest predictor of activity against multidrug‐resistant TB (correlation coefficient = 0.65). Bioautography against M. aurum and M. fortuitum worked well as indicators of the Rf values of active compounds yielding strong zones of inhibition. The leaf extracts of S. undulata and P. longifolia had more than ten different antimycobacterial compounds and had low cytotoxicity with LC50 values above 100 µg/mL. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On Reliability of a Multi‐Socket Repairable System
Authors: Krivtsov V. , Frankstein M. , Yevkin O.
Published: September 2016

Consider a set of the so‐called sibling components in a multi‐socket repairable system. In the case of an automobile, for example, these siblings would be spark plugs, light bulbs, tires, that is, identical components that are coded with the same part number. When field data are analyzed, a dilemma arises as to how to interpret a recurrent replacement of a sibling component: as a secondary failure of the component that has already been replaced once, or as the first failure of the component's sibling(s)? From the stand point of root‐cause analysis, the task is to understand whether recurrent failures are related to (i) a particular sibling, which might be operating in inauspicious conditions relative to other siblings, or (ii) to all siblings on the vehicle. One could attribute Scenario 1 to a system‐level (e.g. system interaction) problem, and Scenario 2 to a component‐level (supplier quality) problem. We first review a statistical procedure that solves the above‐mentioned dilemma in the framework of ordinary renewal process (ORP) and then extend the discussion to the non‐homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) and the g‐renewal process (GRP). We also propose advanced Monte Carlo procedure for estimating GRP in this context. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research Driven Diplomacy
Authors: Benlamlih Myriam
Published: September 2016

America's diplomats are using market research to shape their communications to foreign publics
Do we get what we deserve, or do we deserve what we get?
Authors: Raben Finn
Published: September 2016

Last year, in a piece entitled “Opinion‐Sedition or Seduction”, I commented on the rise of the “opinion culture”, and the fact that we now live in an era that legitimises putting opinions into the public domain with little reflection on their veracity, or the implications of offering them.
Harnessing the power of mobile reporting
Authors: Omiyale Wale
Published: September 2016

As business users have grown comfortable using apps to access information and smartphones have become a standard business operating tool, MR organisations have had to rethink how research data can be delivered to their clients.
Growth gathers pace as confidence returns to largest research markets
Authors: Bowman Jo
Published: September 2016

The global market research industry has posted its strongest growth in four years, with ESOMAR’s annual report showing strengthening demand and rising optimism in the world's biggest research markets. This year's Global Market Research report, to be launched at the ESOMAR Congress in New Orleans in late September, shows that research turnover rose 2.2% in 2015 to US$44.349 billion‐a significant jump from just 0.1% growth seen in 2014 and growth of only 0.7% for each of the two previous years.
Functional Silver‐Silicone‐Nanofilament‐Composite Material for Water Disinfection
Authors: Meier Margrith , Suppiger Angela , Eberl Leo , Seeger Stefan
Published: September 2016

The roughness of superhydrophobic silicone nanofilaments (SNFs) is exploited to enlarge the contact area of conventional filter material. As an efficient wetting of the filter material is crucial for water treatment, the wettability of SNFs is readily modified from superhydrophobic to hydrophilic during the functionalization process. SNFs are coated on glass beads and subsequently modified with biocidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The enlarged surface area of SNFs allows a 30 times higher loading of AgNPs in comparison to glass beads without SNF coating. Thus, in column experiments, the AgNP‐SNF‐nanocomposite‐modified glass beads exert superior antibacterial activity towards suspensions of E. coli K12 compared to AgNP functionalized glass beads without SNFs. Additionally, reusing the AgNP‐SNF‐nanocomposite‐coated glass beads with fresh bacteria contaminated medium increases their efficacy and reduces the colony forming units by ≈6 log units. Thereby, the silver loss during percolation is below 0.1 μg mL−1. These results highlight, first, the potential of AgNP‐SNF‐nanocomposite‐modified glass beads as an effective filter substrate for water disinfection, and second, the efficiency of SNF coating in increasing the contact area of conventional filter material.
Maternal cardiac function at 35–37 weeks' gestation: prediction of pre‐eclampsia and gestational hypertension
Authors: Guy G. P. , Ling H. Z. , Garcia P. , Poon L. C. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To investigate the potential value of combining maternal factors with multiples of the normal median values of maternal cardiovascular parameters at 35–37 weeks' gestation in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH).

Methods

In 2764 singleton pregnancies maternal characteristics and medical history were recorded; uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and maternal cardiovascular parameters were measured. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was then used to determine if the maternal factors and maternal cardiovascular parameters made a significant contribution to predicting PE and GH. The performance of screening was determined by the area under receiver–operating characteristics curves.

Results

In pregnancies that subsequently delivered with PE or GH, total peripheral resistance and MAP were higher and maternal cardiac output was lower, mainly owing to a decrease in heart rate in PE and a decrease in stroke volume in GH. The increases in total peripheral resistance and MAP were inversely related to gestational age at delivery. The performance of screening for PE and GH achieved by maternal characteristics and medical history was improved by the inclusion of MAP, but not by UtA‐PI or maternal cardiovascular parameters.

Conclusions

In women developing term PE total peripheral resistance and MAP are increased and maternal cardiac output is reduced. However, assessment of maternal cardiac function at 35–37 weeks' gestation is unlikely to improve the performance of screening for PE provided by maternal factors and MAP alone. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Applications of subset selection procedures and Bayesian ranking methods in analysis of traffic fatality data
Authors: McDonald Gary C.
Published: September 2016

Nonparametric and parametric subset selection procedures are used in the analysis of state motor vehicle traffic fatality rates (MVTFRs), for the years 1994 through 2012, to identify subsets of states that contain the ‘best’ (lowest MVTFR) and ‘worst’ (highest MVTFR) states with a prescribed probability. A new Bayesian model is developed and applied to the traffic fatality data and the results contrasted to those obtained with the subset selection procedures. All analyses are applied within the context of a two‐way block design. WIREs Comput Stat 2016, 8:222‐237. doi: 10.1002/wics.1385

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bayesian Methods and Theory

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods
Determination of lead at physiological level in human biological materials using the total reflection X‐ray fluorescence analysis
Authors: Kubala‐Kukuś A. , Banaś D. , Majewska U. , Stabrawa I. , Wudarczyk‐Moćko J. , Góźdź S.
Published: September 2016

Total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis was applied in determination of low concentration of lead in samples of human biological materials. The determination of lead in human serum and hair samples is presented as an example. In serum samples, lead concentration was in the range from 0.013 to 0.051 μg/g (median 0.024 μg/g). The reference ranges of lead content in hair are from 1.41 to 4.08 μg/g for men and from 1.18 to 3.29 μg/g for women groups, respectively. Because of Pb concentration range close to the detection limit of the TXRF method, the measurement needed evaluation of the best analytical conditions. This paper presents the results of this evaluation, namely internal standard selection, measurement conditions, and quantitative calibration of the spectrometer. Finally, as a result of evaluation, the detection limit was found on the level 0.001 μg/g (water solution) and about 0.005 μg/g for human hair samples and 0.007 μg/g for serum samples. The obtained values reach nearly the physiological lead level. The presented results are of practical importance for lead concentration studies in human biological materials using the TXRF method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of bone calcium and phosphorus content using micro X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ‐EDXRF): effects of long‐term cadmium poisoning
Authors: Cheung Tsz Wing , Law Alan Wing Lun , Ahmed Rafay , Mak Chun Yu , Lau Condon
Published: September 2016

This study assesses whether the concentrations of biologically important elements in bones are altered by long‐term consumption of cadmium (Cd)‐contaminated water. Heavy metal poisoning has significant impact on humans, and pollutants such as Cd are often found at high concentrations in waterways.

Twelve Sprague Dawley rats consumed water with 50 p.p.m. Cd (Cd group), and another 12 consumed normal water (control group). Six subjects from each group were sacrificed after 2 weeks and the others after 4 weeks. Spectra were acquired from the femur by using the EDAX Eagle III micro‐XRF setup, and quantitative calculations were performed by using the fundamental parameter method to determine the concentrations of elements.

A bone calcium/phosphorus concentration ratio (Ca/P) of 2.07 ± 0.001 is observed in the spectra from control subjects after 2 weeks and 2.07 ± 0.001 after 4 weeks. In Cd subjects, Ca/P after 2 weeks is 2.04 ± 0.001 and after 4 weeks is 1.97 ± 0.003. Statistically significant differences are obtained when comparing controls with Cd subjects at both time points and when comparing Cd subjects at both time points.

Cadmium poisoning significantly affects bone Ca and P concentrations, increasing the likelihood of osteoporosis and other bone diseases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Workplace Bullying in Surgery
Authors: Ling Mary , Young Christopher J. , Shepherd Heather L. , Mak Cindy , Saw Robyn P. M.
Published: September 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the extent and nature of workplace bullying among General Surgery trainees and consultants in Australia.

Design, setting and participants

An online questionnaire survey of General Surgery trainees and consultant surgeons in Australia was conducted between March and May 2012. Prevalence of bullying was measured using both a definition of workplace bullying and the revised Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ‐R). Sources of bullying were also examined, as well as the barriers and outcomes of formal reporting of bullying.

Results

The response rate was 34 % (370/1084) with 41 % (n = 152) of respondents being trainees. Overall, 47 % (n = 173) of respondents reported having been bullied to some degree and 68 % (n = 250) reported having witnessed bullying of surgical colleagues in the last 12 months. The prevalence of bullying was significantly higher in trainees and females, with 64 % of trainees and 57 % of females experiencing some degree of bullying. The majority of respondents (83 %) had experienced at least one negative behavior in the last 12 months, but 38 % experienced at least one negative behavior on a weekly or daily basis. The persistent negative behaviors that represent work‐related bullying most commonly experienced were ‘having opinions ignored’ and ‘being exposed to an unmanageable workload.’ Consultant surgeons were the most common source of bullying for both trainees and consultants, with administration the next common source. Of those who reported being bullied, only 18 % (n = 32) made a formal complaint.

Conclusions

Despite increased awareness and interventions, workplace bullying remains a significant problem within General Surgery in Australia. The findings in this study serve as a baseline for future questionnaires to monitor the effectiveness of implemented anti‐bullying interventions.
The frequency of hepatotoxicity and myelotoxicity in leukemic children with different high doses of methotrexate
Authors: Özdemir Zeynep Canan , Turhan Ayşe Bozkurt , Kar Yeter Düzenli , Bör Özcan
Published: September 2016

Background and objectives:

Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent that functions as a folic acid antagonist. The frequency of high dose methotrexate (HDMTX)-associated toxicity is variable. In this study, we investigated the frequency of myelotoxicity and hepatotoxicity 7 days after HDMTX infusion.

Patients and methods:

This study included children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) between January 2010 and April 2015. The patient blood counts and biochemical parameters measured before and after 7 days of HDMTX infusion were retrospectively recorded. We assessed HDMTX infusions for 48 children. The number of patients and drug doses included the following: 17 children receiving 1 g/m2 (68 infusions), 14 children receiving 2 g/m2 (56 infusions), and 17 children receiving 5 g/m2 (68 infusions). The classification of toxicity was made based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) 2010 criteria. Myelotoxicity was defined as a hemoglobin level <10 g/L and absolute neutrophil count <1 × 109/L or platelet count <75 × 109/L. The presence of transaminase levels >5 times the upper limit was considered to be hepatotoxicity grade >3. The MTX levels at 42 h in patients with and without toxicity were compared to evaluate the correlation between MTX levels, hematologic parameters, and transaminase levels.

Results:

Myelotoxicity was observed in 35.2%, 37.5%, and 33.8% of the infusions, and hepatotoxicity grade >3 was detected in 13.2%, 12.5%, and 11.7% of the infusions in patients receiving 1,2 and 5 g/m2 HDMTX after 7 days, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between MTX levels at 42 h in patients with and without toxicity (P > .05, for all). There was no correlation between hematologic parameters and transaminase levels and MTX levels at 42 h.

Conclusion:

Hematologic toxicity was the most common toxicity observed. The data indicate the hematologic toxicity increased after repeated cycles in patients receiving 5 g/m2. However, the hepatic toxicity decreased with additional cycles. Our results show the level of MTX at 42 h is not effective to identify toxicity.
Crohn's disease: risk factor for colorectal cancer
Authors: Santos Sandra Cristina Dias dos , Barbosa Laura Elisabete Ribeiro
Published: September 2016

Background Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease that can reach any part of the gastrointestinal tract. This disease has been associated with an increased neoplastic risk, including colorectal carcinoma.

Objective The objective of this work is to describe the mechanisms present in two diseases, and that are responsible for the increased risk in Crohn's disease.

Methods A bibliographic research was conducted in PubMed database. In addition to the articles obtained with an inserted query in Pubmed, other references relevant to the topic in question were included.

Results Colorectal cancer risk varies according to the presence of certain factors, and an example of this is Crohn's disease. Chronic inflammation seems to be an important contribution to carcinogenesis, since it creates a microenvironment suitable for the onset and progression of the disease. There are molecular changes that are common to two conditions, thus justifying the fact of Crohn's disease being a risk factor for colorectal carcinoma. The disease control with an appropriate therapy and with surveillance are two ways to control this risk.

Conclusions A proinflammatory state is the cornerstone in the association between Crohn's disease and colorectal carcinoma. The implementation of surveillance strategies allowed a decrease in morbidity and mortality associated with this cancer.
Significance of preoperative neutrophil–lymphocyte count ratio on predicting postoperative sepsis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Sen Volkan , Bozkurt Ibrahim Halil , Aydogdu Ozgu , Yonguc Tarik , Yarimoglu Serkan , Sen Pinar , Koras Omer , Degirmenci Tansu
Published: September 2016

We evaluated the usefulness of preoperative neutrophil–lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR) in predicting postoperative sepsis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). In total, 487 patients who underwent PCNL for renal stones were included in the present retrospective study. The stone burden, number of tracts and location, operation time, fluoroscopy time, presence of residual stones, and blood transfusion rates were postoperatively recorded in all patients. All patients were followed up for signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis. The association of sepsis/SIRS with the risk factors of infectious complications, including NLCR, was evaluated. SIRS was detected in 91 (18.7%) patients, 25 (5.1%) of whom were diagnosed with sepsis. Stone burden, operation time, irrigation rate, previous surgery, nephrostomy time, access number, blood transfusion, residual stone, postoperative urinary culture, renal pelvis urinary culture, and stone culture were found to be predictive factors for SIRS and sepsis development. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed an NLCR cutoff of 2.50 for predicting the occurrence of SIRS/sepsis. We found that the incidence of sepsis was significantly higher in patients with NLCR ≥ 2.50 than in patients with NLCR < 2.50 (p = 0.006). Preoperative and postoperative urine culture positivity were associated with high NLCR (p = 0.039 and p = 0.003, respectively). We believe that preoperative NLCR may be a promising additive predictor of bacteremia and postoperative sepsis in patients who undergo PCNL for renal stones. This marker is simple, easily measured, and easy to use in daily practice without extra costs.
Reliability and Repetition Effect of the Center of Pressure and Kinematics Parameters That Characterize Trunk Postural Control During Unstable Sitting Test
Authors: Barbado David , Moreside Janice , Vera‐Garcia Francisco J.
Published: September 2016

Background

Although unstable seat methodology has been used to assess trunk postural control, the reliability of the variables that characterize it remains unclear.

Objective

To analyze reliability and learning effect of center of pressure (COP) and kinematic parameters that characterize trunk postural control performance in unstable seating. The relationships between kinematic and COP parameters also were explored.

Design

Test‐retest reliability design.

Settings

Biomechanics laboratory setting.

Participants

Twenty‐three healthy male subjects.

Methods

Participants volunteered to perform 3 sessions at 1‐week intervals, each consisting of five 70‐second balancing trials. A force platform and a motion capture system were used to measure COP and pelvis, thorax, and spine displacements. Reliability was assessed through standard error of measurement (SEM) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) using 3 methods: (1) comparing the last trial score of each day; (2) comparing the best trial score of each day; and (3) calculating the average of the three last trial scores of each day.

Main Outcome Measurements

Standard deviation and mean velocity were calculated to assess balance performance.

Results

Although analyses of variance showed some differences in balance performance between days, these differences were not significant between days 2 and 3. Best result and average methods showed the greatest reliability. Mean velocity of the COP showed high reliability (0.71 < ICC < 0.86; 10.3 < SEM < 13.0), whereas standard deviation only showed a low to moderate reliability (0.37 < ICC < 0.61; 14.5 < SEM < 23.0). Regarding the kinematic variables, only pelvis displacement mean velocity achieved a high reliability using the average method (0.62 < ICC < 0.83; 18.8 < SEM < 23.1). Correlations between COP and kinematics were high only for mean velocity (0.45 < r < 0.89).

Conclusions

A familiarization session should be performed to overcome learning effect. COP parameters showed a better reliability than kinematics ones. Specifically, mean velocity of COP showed the highest test‐retest reliability, especially for the average and best methods. Although correlations between COP and mean joint angular velocity were high, the few relationships between COP and kinematic standard deviation suggest different postural behavior can lead to a similar balance performance during an unstable sitting protocol.

Level of Evidence

III
CONSUMER PREFERENCE FOR ALTERNATIVE MILK PACKAGING: THE CASE OF AN INFERRED ENVIRONMENTAL ATTRIBUTE
Authors: NEILL CLINTON L. , WILLIAMS RYAN B.
Published: September 2016

Ecolabeling allows firms to segment a market by informing consumers about unobservable attributes of a product. Previous studies evaluate consumer preferences for products explicitly labeled as possessing positive environmental attributes. This research evaluates consumers’ willingness to pay for a product that is perceived by the consumer as having environmentally friendly attributes. We explore glass packaging for fluid milk as a case study. Data were collected through a contingent valuation survey, and a bound-and-a-half logit model was employed. The estimated premium is 59.78 cents with a premium between $0.73 and $0.92 for consumers more likely to prefer the glass alternative.
Hopes and Prospects for the Sustainability Cross-Curriculum Priority: Provocations From a State-Wide Case Study
Authors: Hill Allen , Dyment Janet E.
Published: September 2016

This article draws on research data from a state-wide case study, intertwined with three key moments that occurred in late 2014, to critically engage with the hopes and prospects of the Sustainability Cross-Curriculum Priority (CCP) in Australian schools. These key moments — theIPCC 5th Assessment Synthesis Report(Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2014), the conclusion of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, 2005–2014 (UNDESD), and the release of the Australian Government'sReview of the Australian Curriculum: Final Report(Donnelly & Wiltshire, 2014) — illuminate both the imperative of societal change towards sustainability and the difficulty associated with integrating sustainability learning into Australian schools. The research findings presented in this article suggest that while there is reasonable support for the Sustainability CCP in some Tasmanian schools, there are many concerns that may be preventing effective integration of sustainability into curriculum. Most notably, there is a limited level of teacher understanding or capability in relation to the Sustainability CCP, which is probably compounded by a distinct lack of professional learning and development. As the spotlight is increasingly focused on the CCPs, we argue for structural change to the curriculum, alongside increased support for schools and teachers, in order to see sustainability learning effectively weaved into Australian schooling.
A prospective evaluation of the availability and utility of the Ambulance Call Record in the emergency department
Authors: Cram Natalie , McLeod Shelley , Lewell Michael , Davis Matthew
Published: September 2016

Objective

To determine how often the Ambulance Call Record (ACR) was available to emergency department (ED) physicians and whether it contained information that changed the ED management of patients.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of adult patients transported to one of two tertiary care centre EDs. Physicians completed a data collection form for each patient regarding ACR availability and the perceived value of the ACR. This study began shortly after the implementation of a new electronic ACR (eACR) handover process (Round 1). To control for any confounding factors related to this new eACR handover process, the study was repeated 6 months after its implementation (Round 2).

Results

Total of 869 forms were collected: 545 in Round 1, and 324 in Round 2. The ACR was available at first physician assessment for 82 (15.7%) patients in Round 1, and 76 (24.4%) patients in Round 2 (Δ8.7%, 95% CI: 3.1%, 14.5%). The ACR was available at some point during patients’ ED stay for 154 (28.9%) patients in Round 1, compared to 111 (34.5%) patients in Round 2 (Δ5.6%, 95% CI: 0.0%, 12.1%). When the ACR was available for a patient (n=265), physicians believed that information in the ACR changed their treatment plan in 76 (28.8%) cases.

Conclusion

Physicians who review the ACR believe that the ACR contains relevant information that may influence patient management; however, physicians commonly manage patients without reviewing the ACR.
Kazemiou l’inhumaine immunité de l’État tortionnaire en droit canadien
Authors: LAROCQUE FRANÇOIS , BOSSÉ CHRISTIANE
Published: September 2016

Cet article offre une critique de la jurisprudence canadienne et internationale qui octroie malaisément l’immunité juridictionnelle aux États tortionnaires et à leurs fonctionnaires. Le portrait illustre qu’une inertie s’est développée dans la jurisprudence, ce qui vient freiner l’élaboration d’une exception à l’immunité des États pour les violations aux normes dejus cogenslorsqu’il n’y a pas d’autres recours possibles. Nous avançons que le Parlement canadien devrait modifier laLoi sur l’immunité des Étatspour y ajouter une telle exception. Ce changement pourrait contribuer à la progression du droit international de sorte que l’immunité des États ne puisse être invoquée pour refuser aux victimes de torture leur droit d’obtenir justice.
A HARMONIZED DATASET ON GLOBAL EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT BETWEEN 1970 AND 2060 – AN ANALYTICAL WINDOW INTO RECENT TRENDS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS IN HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Goujon Anne , K.C. Samir , Speringer Markus , Barakat Bilal , Potancoková Michaela , Eder Jakob , Striessnig Erich , Bauer Ramon , Lutz Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

We hereby present a dataset produced at the Wittgenstein Centre (WIC) containing comprehensive time series on educational attainment and mean years of schooling (MYS). The dataset is split by 5-year age groups and sex for 171 countries and covers the period between 1970 and 2010. It also contains projections of educational attainment to 2060 based on several scenarios of demographic and educational development. The dataset is constructed around collected and harmonized empirical census and survey data sets for the projection base year. The paper presents the principles and methodology associated with the reconstruction and the projection, and how it differs from several previous exercises. It also proposes a closer look at the diffusion of education in world regions and how the existing gaps in terms of generation, gender, and geography have been evolving in the last 40 years.