bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are International Financial Reporting Standards–Based and U.S. GAAP–Based Accounting Amounts Comparable? Evidence From U.S. ADRs
Authors: Eng Li Li , Sun Li , Vichitsarawong Thanyaluk
Published: February 2014

This article examines whether accounting amounts reported under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by firms cross-listed in the United States (American Depositary Receipts [ADRs]) are comparable with those reported under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). We compare the two samples on the basis of explanatory power of price, return, and cash flow models, timeliness in reporting, accrual quality, and predictive power of accounting. Value relevance, timeliness, and accrual quality of accounting numbers under U.S. GAAP are not significantly different than those under IFRS. The two systems are comparable in predictive power after 2007. Overall, the evidence does not indicate significant differences in accounting quality between reporting under U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Our findings provide evidence to support the policy of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in allowing foreign firms listing in the United States to use IFRS for their financial reports without reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.
ICU Professionals’ Experiences of Caring for Conscious Patients Receiving MVT
Authors: Karlsson Veronika , Bergbom Ingegerd
Published: February 2014

Over the last decade, caring for patients who are conscious while receiving mechanical ventilator treatment has become common in Scandinavian intensive care units. Therefore, this study aimed to describe anesthetists’, nurses’, and nursing assistants’ experiences of caring for such patients. Nine persons were interviewed. A hermeneutic method inspired by Gadamer’s philosophy was used to interpret and analyze the interview text. Staff members found it distressing to witness and be unable to alleviate suffering, leading to ethical conflicts, feelings of powerlessness, and betrayal of the promises made to the patient. They were frustrated about their inability to understand what the patients were trying to say and often turned to colleagues for help. When caring for conscious patients, it takes time to get to know them and establish communication and a trusting relationship.
Prophylaxis for acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia after lung resection
Authors: Ito Hiroyuki , Nakayama Haruhiko , Yokose Tomoyuki , Yamada Kouzo
Published: February 2014

Background and purpose

Acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia is a life-threatening complication after lung cancer surgery. Dorsal subpleural fibrotic changes occupying 3 or more segments of both lower lobes on high-resolution computed tomography indicate a very high risk. We conducted a prospective phase II study to assess the efficacy of prophylactic treatment.

Methods

Patients with lung cancer underwent high-resolution computed tomography preoperatively to assess the risk of acute exacerbations of interstitial pneumonia. Before induction of general anesthesia, high-risk patients received 125 mg of methylprednisolone as an intravenous bolus and sivelestat sodium hydrate 300 mg ·day−1 as a continuous intravenous infusion. From January 2010 through August 2011, a total of 327 patients underwent surgery for lung cancer, and 31 (9.5%) were enrolled.

Results

There was no case of acute exacerbation. No adverse events were associated with prophylaxis. Usual interstitial pneumonia was confirmed histopathologically in 25 (80.6%) patients. Four (12.9%) patients had major complications. Usual interstitial pneumonia was diagnosed postoperatively in 4 (1.4%) of 327 patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria, and 1 of these patients died due to acute exacerbation of occult interstitial pneumonia.

Conclusion

Perioperative use of sivelestat sodium hydrate and low-dose methylprednisolone may be useful as prophylaxis for acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia.
“I’m so excited for you!” How an enthusiastic responding intervention enhances close relationships
Authors: Woods Sarah , Lambert Nathaniel , Brown Preston , Fincham Frank , May Ross
Published: February 2014

The positive impact of active–constructive responding (i.e., showing enthusiasm) to the sharing of good news (i.e., capitalization attempts) on relationship well-being is well documented. The objective of this research was to determine whether individuals in a close relationship benefit from training to increase active–constructive responding to partner capitalization attempts and to document its impact on relationship well-being. Compared with a joint activity control group, individuals who received training in providing active–constructive responses perceived a greater amount of gratitude from their study partner and perceived their study partner as having greater relationship satisfaction; however, there were no significant differences in reported relationship satisfaction or gratitude expression. Gratitude receipt from a study partner mediated the relationship between experimental condition and perceived study partner relationship satisfaction. These results are discussed in terms of their potential impact on interventions and future research.
A data-driven statistical framework for post-grasp manipulation
Authors: Paolini Robert , Rodriguez Alberto , Srinivasa Siddhartha S. , Mason Matthew T.
Published: February 2014

Grasping an object is usually only an intermediate goal for a robotic manipulator. To finish the task, the robot needs to know where the object is in its hand and what action to execute. This paper presents a general statistical framework to address these problems. Given a novel object, the robot learns a statistical model of grasp state conditioned on sensor values. The robot also builds a statistical model of the requirements for a successful execution of the task in terms of uncertainty in the state of the grasp. Both of these models are constructed by offline experiments. The online process then grasps objects and chooses actions to maximize likelihood of success. This paper describes the framework in detail, and demonstrates its effectiveness experimentally in placing, dropping, and insertion tasks. To construct statistical models, the robot performed over 8,000 grasp trials, and over 1,000 trials each of placing, dropping, and insertion.
Coordination strategies for multi-robot exploration and mapping
Authors: Nieto-Granda Carlos , Rogers John G. , Christensen Henrik I.
Published: February 2014

Situational awareness in rescue operations can be provided by teams of autonomous mobile robots. Human operators are required to teleoperate the current generation of mobile robots for such applications; however, teleoperation is increasingly difficult as the number of robots is expanded. As the number of robots is increased, each robot may also interfere with one another and eventually decrease mapping performance. As presented here, through careful consideration of robot team coordination and exploration strategy, large numbers of mobile robots can be allocated to accomplish the mapping task more quickly and accurately. We present both the coordination and exploration strategies and present results from experiments in simulation as well as with up to nine mobile platforms.
Planning high order trajectories with general initial and final conditions and asymmetric bounds
Authors: Ezair Ben , Tassa Tamir , Shiller Zvi
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a trajectory planning algorithm for linear multi-axis systems. It generates smooth trajectories of any order subject to general initial and final conditions, and constant state and control constraints. The algorithm is recursive, as it constructs a high order trajectory using lower order trajectories. Multi-axis trajectories are computed by synchronizing independent single-axis trajectories to reach their respective targets at the same time.

The algorithm’s efficiency and ability to handle general initial and final conditions make it suitable for reactive real-time applications. Its ability to generate high order trajectories makes it suitable for applications requiring high trajectory smoothness. The algorithm is demonstrated in several examples for single- and dual-axis trajectories of orders 2–6.
Bone Marrow Edema Lesions in the Professional Runner
Authors: Kornaat Peter R. , Van de Velde Samuel K.
Published: February 2014

Background:

The clinical significance of an incidental finding of bone marrow edema (BME) on MRI in professional runners is poorly understood.

Purpose:

To investigate the prevalence and clinical and radiological progression of BME lesions in professional runners who consider themselves to be asymptomatic.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Sixteen athletes (13 men and 3 women; mean age, 22.9 ± 2.7 years) were recruited from the Dutch National Committee middle-distance and long-distance running selection. All athletes had been injury free for the year before the study. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained before the start of the season and at the end of the season. Both pubic bones, hips, knees, and ankles were scanned in a single session. Preseason and postseason Lysholm scores were obtained.

Results:

Fourteen of the 16 athletes had BME lesions before the start of the season (45 BME lesions in total). Most BME lesions (69%; 31/45) were located in the ankle joint and foot. More than half of the lesions (58%; 26/45) fluctuated during the season, with new lesions occurring (20%; 9/45) and old lesions disappearing (22%; 10/45). The few clinical complaints that occurred throughout the season were not related to the presence of BME lesions.

Conclusion:

Almost all asymptomatic athletes showed BME lesions, with more than half of the lesions fluctuating during the season. These data suggest that the incidental finding of a BME lesion on MRI of professional runners should not immediately be related to clinical complaints or lead to an altered training program.
Numerical study of reaction process for preparing PP/TiO2 nanocomposites in an internal batch mixer
Authors: Zhu XZ , Sun DP
Published: February 2014

When the nanosize particles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) are well dispersed into the polypropylene (PP) matrix, the inorganic nanocomposites, PP/TiO2, has more significant material properties than the net PP polymer. Based on the finite element method, the sol–gel reaction process of preparation PP/TiO2 nanocomposites in an internal batch mixer with Haake rotors was simulated with user defined functions (UDFs) of Polyflow software. In order to better understand the effect of chaotic flow strength induced by asymmetric flow field on the reaction rate, the Poincaré maps, the line stretch and stretching mixing efficiency in the batch mixer were calculated under different speed ratios. Moreover, the effects of rotor speed ratio, temperature rise by viscous heating, and precursor concentration on the overall conversion rates in the mixer were discussed, respectively. Especially, the effect of chaotic strength by different speed ratios on the part and overall reaction rate within the mixer were carried out. It is found that the chaotic mixing intensity and average conversion rate increase gradually with the increase of the speed ratios in the mixer. Interestingly, the greater the intensity of the chaotic flow field in the internal mixer, the more sensitive of the average conversion rate to the temperature rise.
Reducing postconflict coup risk: The low windfall coup-proofing hypothesis
Authors: Girod Desha M.
Published: February 2014

Reducing coup risk is imperative and expensive for postconflict leaders. A theoretical framework is therefore needed to explain the subset of leaders who spend on development following civil war. The low-windfall coup-proofing hypothesis proposed here suggests that only postconflict leaders who lack natural resources and offer no strategic importance to donors choose to reduce coup risk by using nonstrategic aid for development. A nested research design with data on postconflict coups (1970–2009) and a case study based on fieldwork are used to test the hypothesis. The hypothesis is supported across robustness checks, indicating that development from aid reduces coup risk for postconflict leaders with low windfall.
The effect of silicone hydrogel contact lens composition on dexamethasone release
Authors: Guidi Giuliano , Hughes Timothy C , Whinton Marlena , Brook Michael A , Sheardown Heather
Published: February 2014

The relationship between the delivery of dexamethasone and the composition of silicone hydrogel materials was investigated. Two hydrophilic monomers (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or N,N-dimethylacrylamide), a siloxy methacrylate-based monomer (1-(Bis(trimethylsiloxy)methylsilyl)propoxy-3-metacryloxy-2-propanol, a polysiloxane (monomethacryloxypropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane) and a polymerizable silicone surfactant (Silmer ACR A008-UP) were used to synthesize silicone hydrogels of variable composition. The materials properties, such as surface wettability and equilibrium water content, were highly dependent on polymer composition. All dexamethasone-loaded hydrogels showed uptake that was driven primarily by sorption to the polymer phase. Furthermore, a positive correlation between loading mass and equilibrium water content was established. The duration of drug release from the hydrogels ranged from one to greater than two weeks depending on the monomer composition and relative contribution of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers. Higuchi model rate constants for the release showed strong correlation with the equilibrium water content, signifying that the release is likely controlled by aqueous phase diffusion.
Social Science Research and School Diversity Policy
Authors: Williams Sheneka M. , McDermott Kathryn A.
Published: February 2014

For decades, policy makers, advocates, and researchers have been engaged in efforts to make educational opportunity more equal for students from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. A great deal of research has been conducted on their efforts; however, there is some disagreement on the extent to which the research has been influential. To examine the level of influence that social science research has had on school diversity policy, the authors conducted unstructured interviews with eight activists who use such research in arguments about school diversity. Findings from the study indicate that the influence of social science research is ambiguous, and to have influence, activists felt they had to target specific policy goals over a period of time.
Negotiating Language Policy and Practice
Authors: Heineke Amy J.
Published: February 2014

Arizona language policy now requires English learners (ELs) to enroll in English language development (ELD) classrooms for 4 hr of skill-based, English-only instruction. In this article, I describe Arizona teachers’ interpretation and negotiation of language policy and practice during this time of change to more restrictive mandates. I conducted this qualitative case study with a teacher study group comprised of six ELD teachers and one instructional coach from an urban elementary school during the first semester of language policy implementation. Using discourse analysis of individual interviews, study group dialogue, and institutional documentation, I investigated teachers’ talk as they grappled with restrictive policy mandates and effective classroom practice. Findings indicated that teachers negotiated the cultural models inherent in the institutional policy in the study group setting. In the contemporary context of restrictive educational policies, implications for stakeholders center on professional and collaborative support for educators.
Design of a novel adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller and application for vibration control of magnetorheological mount
Authors: Phu Do Xuan , Quoc Nguyen Vien , Park Joon-Hee , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: February 2014

This paper presents vibration control of a mixed-mode magnetorheological fluid-based mount system using a new robust fuzzy sliding mode controller. A novel model of controller is built based on adaptive hybrid control of interval type 2 fuzzy controller incorporating with a new modified sliding mode control. The interval type 2 fuzzy is optimized for computational cost by using enhanced iterative algorithm with stop condition, and a new modified switching surface of sliding mode control is designed for preventing the chattering of the system. The controller is then experimentally implemented under uncertain conditions in order to evaluate robust vibration control performance. In addition, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller, two fuzzy sliding mode control algorithms proposed by Huang and Chan are adopted and modified. The principal control parameters of three controllers are updated online by adaptation laws to meet requirements of magnetorheological mount system which has two operation modes: flow mode and shear mode. It is shown from experimental realization of three controllers that the proposed control strategy performs the best under uncertain conditions compared with two other modified controllers. This merit is verified by presenting vibration control performances in both time and frequency domains.
Effects of radial aerodynamic forces on rotor-bearing dynamics of high-speed turbochargers
Authors: Alsaeed A , Kirk G , Bashmal S
Published: February 2014

This study investigates the radial aerodynamic forces that may develop inside the centrifugal compressor and the turbine volutes due to pressure variation of the circulating gas. The forces are numerically predicted for magnitudes, directions, and locations. The radial aerodynamic forces are numerically simulated as static forces in the turbocharger finite element model with floating ring bearings and solved for nonlinear time-transient response. The numerical predictions of the radial aerodynamic forces are computed with correlation to earlier experimental results of the same turbocharger. The outcomes of the investigation demonstrate a significant influence of the radial aerodynamic loads on the turbocharger dynamic stability and the bearing reaction forces. The numerical predictions are also compared with experimental results for validation.
Mixed-dimensional coupling modeling for laser forming process
Authors: Shen Hong , Hu Jun , Yao Zhenqiang
Published: February 2014

Efficient laser forming modeling for industrial application is still in the developing stage and many researchers are in the process of modifying it. Conventional three-dimensional finite element models are still expensive on computational time. In this paper, a finite element model adopting a shell-solid coupling technique is developed for the thermomechanical analysis of laser forming process. In the shell-solid coupling method, an additional shell element plane is utilized to transfer heat flux and displacement from the solid elements to the shell elements. The effects of the additional interface shell element thickness on temperature distribution and final distortion are investigated. The presented shell-solid coupling method is evaluated by the results of three-dimensional simulations and experimental data.
An experimental study into the effect of the pilot injection timing on the performance and emissions of a high-speed common-rail dual-fuel engine
Authors: Rimmer John ET , Johnson Stephen L , Clarke Andrew
Published: February 2014

Dual-fuel technology has the potential to offer significant improvements in the emissions of carbon dioxide from light-duty compression ignition engines. In these smaller-capacity high-speed engines, where the combustion event can be temporally shorter, the injection timing can have an important effect on the performance and emissions characteristics of the engine. This paper discusses the use of a 0.51 l single-cylinder high-speed direct-injection diesel engine modified to achieve port directed gas injection. The effect of the pilot diesel injection timing on the dual-fuel engine performance and emissions was investigated at engine speeds of 1500 r/min and 2500 r/min and loads equivalent to gross indicated mean effective pressures of 0.15 MPa, 0.3 MPa, 0.45 MPa and 0.6 MPa, for a fixed gas substitution ratio (on an energy basis) of 50%. Furthermore, the effect of the pilot injection quantity was investigated at a constant engine speed of 1500 r/min by completing a gaseous substitution sweep at the optimised injection timing for each load condition. The results identify the limits of single-injection timing during dual-fuel combustion and the gains in the engine performance and stability that can be achieved through optimisation of the pilot injection timing. Furthermore, the pilot injection timing and quantity were shown to have fundamental effects on the formation and emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and total hydrocarbon. The potential for dual-fuel combustion to achieve significant reductions in the specific carbon dioxide was also highlighted, with reductions of up to 30% being achieved at full load compared with the baseline diesel case.
Drug-induced lupus: Including anti-tumour necrosis factor and interferon induced
Authors: Araújo-Fernández S , Ahijón-Lana M , Isenberg DA
Published: February 2014

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is defined as a syndrome with clinical and serological features similar to systemic lupus erythematosus that is temporally related to continuous drug exposure and which resolves after discontinuation of this drug. More than 90 drugs, including biological modulators such as tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors and interferons, have been identified as likely ‘culprits’. While there are no standard diagnostic criteria for drug-induced lupus erythematosus, guidelines that can help to distinguish drug-induced lupus erythematosus from systemic lupus erythematosus have been proposed and several different patterns of drug-induced lupus erythematosus are emerging. Distinguishing drug-induced lupus erythematosus from systemic lupus erythematosus is important because the prognosis of drug-induced lupus erythematosus is usually good when the drug is withdrawn. This review discusses the differences between drug-induced lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus, the mechanisms of action of drug-induced lupus erythematosus and drugs that are usually associated with drug-induced lupus erythematosus, with particular focus on the biological treatments.
Jane Cooke Wright (1919–2013): Pioneering oncologist, woman and humanitarian
Authors: Crosby Harriet L
Published: February 2014

Jane Wright was a fundamental researcher in cancer chemotherapy in the 1950s–1980s and was one of the first scientists to test anti-cancer drugs on humans rather than solely on mice, discovering the use of the popular antimetabolite drug methotrexate on solid tumours. From her research she was able to conclude which specific anti-cancer agents would have the greatest lethal effect on a patient’s certain cancer type and she invented a method of delivering chemotherapy agents directly to an internal cancer site. During a time when the Civil Rights in the United States of America were undergoing a transformation to reduce the discrimination and segregation imposed on African Americans and the civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr made a speech to call for an end to racism in 1963, Jane Wright became the first African American to hold such a high position at a nationally recognised institution and the first woman to be elected President of the New York Cancer Society. US President Lyndon B Johnson appointed Jane to the President’s Commission of Heart Disease, Cancer and Stroke (serving 1964–1965) and the National Cancer Advisory Board (serving 1966–1970). Jane retired in 1987 by which time she had published more than 75 scientific papers, led delegations of oncologists in China, the former Soviet Union, Africa and Europe and held key positions in various international and national organisations. Jane Wright passed away on 19 February 2013 aged 93 but her legacy lives on in the name of an award from the American Association of Cancer Research.
Christian Albrecht Jensen (1792–1870): An artistic illustration of Foville’s syndrome
Authors: Stenager Egon
Published: February 2014

Foville’s syndrome, a neurological brainstem syndrome, was described in France in 1858. By chance, a talented portrait painter, CA Jensen, probably illustrated the syndrome at the same time in Copenhagen. This note illustrates the importance of observation in both neurology and art and the variety in interpretation of the same picture by viewers.
Disseminated histoplasmosis in two juvenile raccoons (Procyon lotor) from a nonendemic region of the United States
Authors: Clothier Kristin A. , Villanueva Michelle , Torain Andrea , Reinl Steve , Barr Bradd
Published: February 2014

Two 6-month-old raccoon kits, which had been rescued and fostered in preparation for return to the wild, became acutely ill and died 3 weeks before scheduled release. At necropsy, the kits had grossly enlarged livers and spleens, diffusely consolidated lungs, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Histologically, extensive infiltrates of macrophages containing yeast organisms were identified in lung, liver, kidney, spleen, lymph nodes, intestinal tissues, brain, adrenal gland, bone marrow, and thymus of both animals. Histiocytic inflammation with accompanying fibrosis was widespread, with necrotic foci evident in lungs, spleen, and intestinal sections. Fungal organisms were observed on sheep blood agar plates; however, repeated subcultures to fungal media designed to induce conidial structures for fungal identification were unsuccessful. Partial DNA sequencing of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene of the blood agar isolate identified 100% homology with Ajellomyces capsulatus (anamorphic name Histoplasma capsulatum). The kits were rescued and fostered in the San Francisco Bay area and it is likely that the exposure to H. capsulatum occurred in this area. Histoplasma sp. infection in wild mammal species is often used as an indication of spore contamination of a geographic region. Northern California is not known to be an endemic region for H. capsulatum, which is not a reportable disease in this state. The presence of severe, disseminated disease and the need for molecular identification associated with the isolate from a nonendemic region identified in the present report may indicate genetic adaptation and altered characteristics of this agent and may warrant further investigation.
Use of the Word “Cure” in the Oncology Literature
Authors: Prasad Vinay
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

“Cure” is an important word in oncology but its use in the published literature has not been examined. I investigated all oncology articles using cure in the title field and published in 2012. The definition of cure was examined, specifically whether or not authors use the word to connote some surviving subset of patients who go on to experience outcomes similar to age-matched, normal controls—a definition favored by researchers and employed in survival function analyses.

Methods:

All articles published between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012, with the word cure in the title field were retrieved from Thompson Reuters’ Web of Science. After exclusions, articles were read in full to examine what definitions of cure was used. Additionally, for each situation (type of cancer, stage/grade) where the word cure was used, a literature search was performed to ascertain whether there existed documented cases of cure.

Results:

Twenty-nine oncology articles used the word cure in their title in 2012. Nearly half, 14 (48%) of 29, used the term in situations (cancer type, stage/grade) currently considered incurable. Approximately one-third (34.5%) of the articles used the word consistent with the definition that, after a set period of time, some surviving subset of patients experience survival similar to normal controls.

Conclusion:

There is heterogeneity in the use of the word cure in the literature.
Warfarin Dosing and Body Mass Index
Authors: Mueller Julia A. , Patel Tulsi , Halawa Ahmad , Dumitrascu Adrian , Dawson Nancy L.
Published: February 2014

Background: Warfarin is still the most commonly used anticoagulant for the treatment of venous thromboembolism and other hypercoagulable states. Warfarin metabolism is affected by multiple factors, including diet, medications, and individual patient characteristics. As both underdosing and overdosing can increase risks to patients, several studies have attempted to develop dosing protocols. However, few have investigated how patient weight and body mass index (BMI) affect warfarin dosing. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the association between BMI and the total weekly dose (TWD) of warfarin. Methods: In this retrospective study, we identified patients taking warfarin who had an international normalized ratio (INR) within the therapeutic range to assess if there was a significant correlation between TWD, that is, maintenance warfarin dosing, and BMI in obese and nonobese patients. Results: A total of 831 patients were studied, with a BMI range between 13.4 and 63.1 kg/m2. We found that BMI is positively correlated with the total weekly warfarin dose. Our study showed that for each 1-point increase in BMI, the weekly warfarin dose increased by 0.69 mg. We found that the average warfarin weekly dose in this population can be estimated using the formula: 12.34 + 0.69 × BMI. Conclusion: There is an association between BMI and the TWD of warfarin. This could have dosing implications for both patients and prescribers, as patients with a high BMI will be expected to require higher doses of warfarin to maintain a therapeutic INR.
Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors and Neurological Gene Therapy
Authors: Ojala David S. , Amara Dominic P. , Schaffer David V.
Published: February 2014

Gene therapy has strong potential for treating a variety of genetic disorders, as demonstrated in recent clinical trials. There is unfortunately no scarcity of disease targets, and the grand challenge in this field has instead been the development of safe and efficient gene delivery platforms. To date, approximately two thirds of the 1800 gene therapy clinical trials completed worldwide have used viral vectors. Among these, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as particularly promising because of its impressive safety profile and efficiency in transducing a wide range of cell types. Gene delivery to the CNS involves both considerable promise and unique challenges, and better AAV vectors are thus needed to translate CNS gene therapy approaches to the clinic. This review discusses strategies for vector design, potential routes of administration, immune responses, and clinical applications of AAV in the CNS.
Cisplatin-induced bradycardia and the importance of the QT interval
Authors: Schlumbrecht Matthew P , Hehr Kristen
Published: February 2014

Cisplatin is a very common chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies, including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Bradycardia is a rare, though potentially severe, side effect of this medication. Here we present the case of a young woman with ovarian cancer who demonstrated significant short-lived cardiotoxicity associated with cisplatin treatment.
Child Pornography Possessors and Child Contact Sex Offenders
Authors: Faust Erik , Bickart William , Renaud Cheryl , Camp Scott
Published: February 2014

Considerable debate surrounds the topic of whether possessing or distributing online images of child pornography (CP) represents a new type of crime perpetrated by conventional sex offenders (e.g., child contact [CC] sex offenders), or whether individuals who commit these crimes differ from contact sex offenders in meaningful ways. The current study compares groups of Internet (CP) and CC sexual offenders, with each group’s sexual offending history exclusively confined to its offense category. T tests were used to conduct bivariate comparisons of group demographics and criminal histories. Rates of recidivism were examined using survival curves and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results showed significant differences on demographic and criminal history variables, with CP offenders demonstrating a lower frequency of prior criminal offending and substance abuse, and higher rates of pre-incarceration employment and level of education. Rates of recidivism were significantly different between the two groups, with CP offenders showing lower rates of re-offense for most measures of recidivism. When controlling for background characteristics and the timing of the event, CC offenders were at much greater risk for having an arrest for a new crime or a non-sexual violent crime than CP offenders. Treatment and policy implications are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.
Interstitial energy flux and stress-power for second-gradient elasticity
Authors: Morro Angelo , Vianello Maurizio
Published: February 2014

Theories of second-gradient elastic materials have been constructed either through the notion of an interstitial energy flux, an additional term to be included in the balance of energy, or through an appropriate extension of the power of internal stresses via a hyperstress applied to the second-order gradient of velocity. This article provides a critical comparison of such apparently alternative points of view and shows how, in some cases, they can be reconciled with each other through an appropriate choice for the expression of the working of the internal stresses. This is accomplished by allowing the hyperstress to be non-symmetric.
Feline Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bloom Carly Anne , Rand Jacquie
Published: February 2014

Practical relevance:

Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder in feline practice, affecting approximately 1 in 200 cats. The majority of diabetic cats have type 2 diabetes mellitus, which results from a combination of peripheral insulin resistance and a progressive reduction in insulin production.

Clinical challenges:

While usually easy to diagnose, management of diabetes mellitus presents a number of challenges for practitioners and clients alike. Practitioners must decide on diet, insulin type and dose, monitoring method and intensity, and concomitant therapy, which will vary based on individual patient and client needs, and geographic location. Practitioners may also encounter patients with diabetic ketoacidosis or other diabetic complications, and patients with multiple concurrent diseases. Clients may be challenged by the substantial time and financial commitment involved in owning a diabetic cat.

Audience:

Understanding the pathophysiology, optimal treatment protocols and current goals of diabetes management will benefit practitioners managing diabetic cats. This article reviews the most current management plans for feline diabetics. It places particular emphasis on best practice for achieving diabetic remission, which is an attainable goal in the majority of newly diagnosed diabetic cats.

Evidence base:

The information in this article is drawn from the recent human and veterinary literature, including prospective and retrospective studies. The body of prospective clinical data on the use of newer, long-acting insulins (glargine and especially detemir) in cats is limited, but growing.
Understanding white etching cracks in rolling element bearings: The effect of hydrogen charging on the formation mechanisms
Authors: Ruellan Arnaud , Ville Fabrice , Kleber Xavier , Arnaudon Aurélien , Girodin Daniel
Published: February 2014

Among prevalent tribological failures, notably in rolling element bearings for wind turbines, an unusual rolling/sliding contact fatigue failure mode has been identified as white etching cracks. White etching cracks are broad subsurface three-dimensional branching crack networks bordered by white etching microstructure, eventually leading to flaking. Reproduction of the failure mode on standard rolling element bearings test rigs has not been mastered yet except with artificial hydrogen charging. Even though these failures have been reported for several decades, there is no evident common denominator in different occurrences. Hence, initiation and propagation mechanisms are not yet fully understood in application. Analyses of the contact conditions of a standard rolling element bearings test rig reproducing white etching cracks on standard and hydrogen precharged inner rings reveal that hydrogen charging seems to modify the white etching cracks initiation mechanism. Based on fractographs, serial sectioning, and scanning electron microscopic analyses, surface initiation and propagation mechanisms are proposed, including influent drivers and possible preventive techniques.
Meningoencephalitis-like onset of post-infectious AQP4-IgG-positive optic neuritis complicated by GM1-IgG-positive acute polyneuropathy
Authors: Benedetti Luana , Franciotta Diego , Beronio Alessandro , Delucchi Stefano , Capellini Cesare , Sette Massimo Del
Published: February 2014

Fifteen days after a respiratory infection, a 45-year-old woman presented with paresthesias in the hands and feet, bilateral loss of vision, fever, headache, and impairment of consciousness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed predominant lesions in the optic tracts, optic chiasm, and hypothalamus. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed elevated protein level, and lymphocytic pleocytosis. Neurophysiological studies disclosed a demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Serum anti- Mycoplasma pneumoniae immunoglobulin (Ig)M, anti-GM1 IgG, and anti-AQP4 IgG were positive. This case, which is remarkable for post-infectious meningoencephalitis-like onset, MRI picture, and dysimmunity to central and peripheral nervous system autoantigens, underpins the pivotal diagnostic role of anti-AQP4-IgG, and expands the list of clinico-pathological findings that can associate with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
Telomere shortening and increased oxidative stress are restricted to venous tissue in patients with varicose veins: A merely local disease?
Authors: Palmieri Daniela , Cafueri Giuseppe , Mongelli Francesco , Pezzolo Annalisa , Pistoia Vito , Palombo Domenico
Published: February 2014

Shortened telomere length (TL) and oxidative stress have been described in several vascular disorders at both the tissue and circulating level. However, to our knowledge, there are no reports about TL associated with varicose vein (VV) disease. This paper aimed to evaluate, at the tissue and circulating level, TL and oxidative stress in VV disease, compared to the corresponding counterparts from abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients and control healthy subjects. TL was measured using quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (Q-FISH). Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance/s (TBARS) assay. At the vascular tissue level, VV patients had shortened TL and a high MDA concentration, similarly to AAA patients. Conversely, blood lymphocytes and epidermal cells from VV patients had a TL similar to healthy controls and significantly longer than the same cells from AAA patients. Moreover, the MDA concentration in plasma from VV patients was significantly lower than from the AAA group. Linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant inverse correlation between the blood lymphocyte TL and plasma MDA level. Our results suggest that, unlike AAA, telomere attrition in VV tissue is not a systemic phenomenon but it may be attributable to tissue microenvironment conditions and possibly to high local oxidative stress.
Intermodal terminal cargo handling simulation using Petri nets with predicates
Authors: Silva CA , Guedes Soares C , Signoret JP
Published: February 2014

This article describes the modelling of a container terminal using Petri nets with predicates. It starts by describing this extension of the basic Petri net theory and demonstrates its applicability and adequacy to solving complex logistic processes and reliability problems more intuitively and easily than the basic Petri net theory. The developed computational model allows the evaluation of different configurations and combinations of transport equipment, providing a very complete port system’s simulation. Such simulation, based on an estimated container flow, allows the calculation of several waiting times, time in port, attendant time, queuing time, equipment and resource occupation and so on. Changing the internal configuration of the terminal or the external conditions will result in different costs and profits to the terminal, making it possible to perform a terminal optimization based on the study of long-term performance indicators under different conditions. This systematic approach is implemented in a specific case study related to the operational cargo handling procedures of a container terminal. The study will be made considering verified operation performance over some months where the mean values of the variables considered are representative of the ‘typical’ operation of that particular terminal, which allows a validation of the model.
Ecological Displays, Information Integration, and Display Format
Authors: Mazaeva Natalia , Bisantz Ann M.
Published: February 2014

We investigated factors in the design of small displays designed using the ecological interface design (EID) methodology. Method of information integration and level of consistency of object visual form were varied across displays, which were designed to allow control of a manual single-lens reflex camera. Novice camera users performed real photography tasks of variable difficulty using displays in which information was either separated (i.e., shown on different screens), integrated on the basis of a system function and process-oriented work domain model (the abstraction hierarchy), or integrated on the basis of a control task model (the decision ladder). The visual form of the objects used for camera control was also varied: Objects were designed either using similar graphical codes or incorporating multiple graphical codes. Results show improved performance with integrated displays compared with separated displays. Importantly, integration was advantageous for complex tasks. Results also revealed that system integrated displays supported overall performance better than task integrated displays. Additionally, using consistent graphical codes to create the objects provided performance advantages, especially for more difficult tasks. Recommendations for the design of EID display objects as well as methods for integrating information across multiple EID displays are provided.
Pharmacotherapy for obesity: novel agents and paradigms
Authors: Manning Sean , Pucci Andrea , Finer Nicholas
Published: February 2014

Public health initiatives focused on obesity prevention and lifestyle intervention programmes for patients with obesity have struggled to contain the obesity epidemic to date. In recent years, antiobesity drug therapies have had a limited role in clinical treatment algorithms for patients with obesity. Indeed, a number of high-profile antiobesity drug suspensions have markedly impacted upon the landscape of obesity pharmacotherapy. In this review, we discuss the advent of an increasing array of pharmacotherapeutic agents, which are effective both in inducing weight loss and in maintaining weight loss achieved by lifestyle measures. The development of these drugs as antiobesity agents has followed varying paths, ranging from lorcaserin, a selective serotonin agent, exploiting the beneficial central actions of fenfluramine but without the associated systemic side effects, to liraglutide, a gut hormone already used as a glucose-lowering drug but with appetite-suppressant properties, or the novel drug combination of phentermine/topiramate, two ‘old’ drugs used in lower doses than with previous therapeutic uses, resulting in an additive effect on weight loss and fewer side effects. We summarize the key findings from recent randomized controlled trials of these three drugs. Although these agents lead to clinically important weight loss when used as monotherapy, the use of antiobesity drugs as adjunctive therapy post intensive lifestyle intervention could prove to be the most successful strategy. Moreover, a progressive approach to obesity pharmacotherapy perhaps offers the best opportunity to finally address the obesity crisis on a mass scale.
Update on the therapy of Behçet disease
Authors: Saleh Zeinab , Arayssi Thurayya
Published: February 2014

Behçet disease is a chronic inflammatory systemic disorder, characterized by a relapsing and remitting course. It manifests with oral and genital ulcerations, skin lesions, uveitis, and vascular, central nervous system and gastrointestinal involvement. The main histopathological finding is a widespread vasculitis of the arteries and veins of any size. The cause of this disease is presumed to be multifactorial involving infectious triggers, genetic predisposition, and dysregulation of the immune system. As the clinical expression of Behçet disease is heterogeneous, pharmacological therapy is variable and depends largely on the severity of the disease and organ involvement. Treatment of Behçet disease continues to be based largely on anecdotal case reports, case series, and a few randomized clinical trials.
Is repeat prostatic biopsy in active surveillance a justifiable increase in workload for a district general hospital?
Authors: Pai Aakash , Jones Adam
Published: February 2014

Objectives:

In February 2008 the National Institute for Clinical Excellence introduced guidelines for active surveillance of prostate cancer, with close monitoring including at least one set of repeat biopsies 12 months after diagnosis. We aim to establish the impact on workload caused by repeat biopsy rate in active surveillance and whether they impacted on management.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed all transrectal (TRUS) ultrasound biopsies ( n=1105) in our institution from 2009 to 2010 to determine which were repeat biopsies for active surveillance ( n=107). We reviewed the histology and case notes of these active surveillance patients to determine whether there was histological progression and change of management.

Results:

Some 9.7% ( n=107) of TRUS biopsies were for active surveillance. Histological disease progression (Gleason score 6 to ≥7) was seen in 32% ( n=23) cases. One patient (1%) developed locally advanced prostate cancer on restaging and was started on hormone therapy; 35% patients ( n=25) were changed from active surveillance to radical treatment post repeat biopsy.

Conclusions:

Repeat prostatic biopsy in active surveillance, although a considerable workload, has a justifiable outcome on treatment. One patient, who initially had intermediate-risk prostate cancer (Gleason 7) and had been preferentially offered radical treatment, developed incurable disease.
Giving in consumer research and marketing: A state of the art
Authors: Le Gall-Ely Marine
Published: February 2014

Following on from traditional research in Social Sciences and Humanities, studies on giving in the fields of consumer behaviour and marketing are as abundant as they are diverse. This article offers a structured summary built around five themes: the marketing analytical frameworks of giving, the approaches that focus on context and those that focus on the point of view of individuals, and the measuring and modelling attempts. Research perspectives are also suggested with a view to expanding on previous work.