bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Head and Neck Cancer Tumor Segmentation Using Support Vector Machine in Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Authors: Deng Wei , Luo Liangping , Lin Xiaoyi , Fang Tianqi , Liu Dexiang , Dan Guo , Chen Hanwei
Published: September 2017

Objective. We aimed to propose an automatic method based on Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) to segment the tumor lesions of head and neck cancer (HNC). Materials and Methods. 120 DCE-MRI samples were collected. Five curve features and two principal components of the normalized time-intensity curve (TIC) in 80 samples were calculated as the dataset in training three SVM classifiers. The other 40 samples were used as the testing dataset. The area overlap measure (AOM) and the corresponding ratio (CR) and percent match (PM) were calculated to evaluate the segmentation performance. The training and testing procedure was repeated for 10 times, and the average performance was calculated and compared with similar studies. Results. Our method has achieved higher accuracy compared to the previous results in literature in HNC segmentation. The average AOM with the testing dataset was 0.76 ± 0.08, and the mean CR and PM were 79 ± 9% and 86 ± 8%, respectively. Conclusion. With improved segmentation performance, our proposed method is of potential in clinical practice for HNC.
Impacts of Cloud Cover and Dust on the Performance of Photovoltaic Module in Niamey
Authors: Bonkaney Abdoulatif , Madougou Saïdou , Adamou Rabani
Published: September 2017

The sensitivity of monocrystalline solar module towards dust accumulation and cloud cover is investigated from May to August 2015 for Niamey’s environment. Two solar modules with the same characteristics have been used to assess the impacts of the dust on the solar PV module. One of the modules is being cleaned every morning and the second one was used for monitoring the effect of dust accumulation onto the surface of the unclean module for May and June. Results show that dust accumulation has a great effect on decreasing the daily energy yield of the unclean module. But this effect is a long-term effect. For the cloud cover, the effect is immediate. It was estimated that exposing the module into the environment in 23 days in June 2015 has reduced the daily energy yield by 15.29%. This limitation makes solar PV an unreliable source of power for remote devices and thus strongly suggests the challenges of cleaning the module’s surface regularly.
Bioavailable Concentrations of Delphinidin and Its Metabolite, Gallic Acid, Induce Antioxidant Protection Associated with Increased Intracellular Glutathione in Cultured Endothelial Cells
Authors: Goszcz Katarzyna , Deakin Sherine J. , Duthie Garry G. , Stewart Derek , Megson Ian L.
Published: September 2017

Despite limited bioavailability and rapid degradation, dietary anthocyanins are antioxidants with cardiovascular benefits. This study tested the hypothesis that the antioxidant protection conferred by the anthocyanin, delphinidin, is mediated by modulation of endogenous antioxidant defences, driven by its degradation product, gallic acid. Delphinidin was found to degrade rapidly (t1/2 ~ 30 min), generating gallic acid as a major degradation product. Both delphinidin and gallic acid generated oxygen‐centred radicals at high (100 μM) concentrations in vitro. In a cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cell model of oxidative stress, the antioxidant protective effects of both delphinidin and gallic acid displayed a hormesic profile; 100 μM concentrations of both were cytotoxic, but relatively low concentrations (100 nM–1 μM) protected the cells and were associated with increased intracellular glutathione. We conclude that delphinidin is intrinsically unstable and unlikely to confer any direct antioxidant activity in vivo yet it offered antioxidant protection to cells at low concentrations. This paradox might be explained by the ability of the degradation product, gallic acid, to confer benefit. The findings are important in understanding the mode of protection conferred by anthocyanins and reinforce the necessity to conduct in vitro experiments at biologically relevant concentrations.
Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness in Different Glaucoma Stages Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Zivkovic Maja , Dayanir Volkan , Zlatanovic Marko , Zlatanovic Gordana , Jaksic Vesna , Jovanovic Predrag , Radenkovic Marija , Djordjevic-Jocic Jasmina , Stankovic-Babic Gordana , Jovanovic Svetlana
Published: September 2017

Aim: To compare ganglion cell (GCL) and inner plexiform layer (IPL) thickness in patients at different stages of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), determine their sensitivity and specificity values, and correlate thickness values with mean deviations (MD). Methods: This prospective, cross- sectional study was conducted in a group of patients with confirmed POAG who were compared to an age- and gender-matched control group. Glaucomatous damage was classified according to the Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson scale: glaucoma stage 1 (early), glaucoma stage 2 (moderate), and glaucoma stage 3 (severe). The average, minimum, and all 6 sectoral (superotemporal, superior, superonasal, inferonasal, inferior, and inferotemporal) GCL + IPL thicknesses were measured and compared between groups. Results: The average GCL + IPL thickness of 154 eyes of 93 patients in glaucoma stages 1, 2, 3, and 94 eyes of 47 persons in the control group were 76.79 ± 8.05, 65.90 ± 7.92, 57.38 ± 10.00, and 86.01 ± 3.68 μm, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the average, minimum, and all 6 sectoral GCL + IPL values among the groups. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for average and minimum GCL + IPL thickness values were 0.93 and 0.94, respectively, sensitivity 91.5 and 88.3%, and specificity 98.9 and 100%, respectively. Both thickness values showed significant correlations with MD. Each micrometer decrease in the average GCL + IPL thickness was associated with a 0.54-dB loss in MD. Conclusion: GCL + IPL layer thickness is a highly specific and sensitive parameter in differentiating glaucomatous from healthy eyes showing progressive damage as glaucoma worsens. Loss of this layer is highly correlated with overall loss of visual field sensitivity.
Spondyloepimetaphysial Dysplasia with Joint Laxity in Three Siblings with B3GALT6 Mutations
Authors: Trejo Pamela , Rauch Frank , Glorieux Francis H. , Ouellet Jean , Benaroch Thierry , Campeau Philippe M.
Published: September 2017

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity type 1 (SEMDJL1) is a rare entity with a recessive inheritance. In this report, we describe 3 affected members of the same family who present with short stature, hyperlaxity with secondary spinal malalignment, ulnar subluxation, developmental dysplasia of the hips, and craniofacial alterations; one member also had learning difficulties. DNA analysis showed compound heterozygous variants in the B3GALT6 gene (c.901_921dup, c.511C>T) in all 3 patients, inherited from the parents. This family demonstrates the clinical variability of SEMDJL1.
Cross-language Neighborhood Effects in Learners Indicative of an Integrated Lexicon
Authors: Meade Gabriela , Midgley Katherine J. , Dijkstra Ton , Holcomb Phillip J.
Published: September 2017

This study examined how acquisition of novel words from an unknown language (L2) is influenced by their orthographic similarity with existing native language (L1) words in beginning adult learners. Participants were tested in a two-alternative forced-choice recognition task and a typing production task as they learned to associate 80 L2 (pseudo)words with pictures depicting their meanings. There was no effect of L1 orthographic neighborhood density on accuracy in the two-alternative forced-choice task, but typing accuracy was higher for L2 words with many L1 neighbors in the earliest stages of learning. ERPs recorded during a language decision task before and after learning also showed differences as a function of L1 neighborhood density. Across sessions, L2 words with many L1 neighbors elicited slower responses and larger N400s than words with fewer L1 neighbors, suggesting that L1 neighbors continued to influence processing of the L2 words after learning (though to a lesser extent). Finally, ERPs recorded during a typing task after learning also revealed an effect of L1 neighborhood that began about 700 msec after picture onset, suggesting that the cross-language neighborhood effects cannot solely be attributed to bottom–up activation of L1 neighbors. Together, these results demonstrate that strategic associations between novel L2 words and existing L1 neighbors scaffold learning and result in interactions among cross-language neighbors, suggestive of an integrated L1–L2 lexicon.
Executive–Legislative Relations, Party Defections, and Lower Level Administrative Unit Proliferation: Evidence From Kenya
Authors: Hassan Mai , Sheely Ryan
Published: September 2017

Over the past 25 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of subnational administrative units within developing countries. Existing literature argues that presidents create new units to deliver patronage to citizens. But proliferation at lower tiers of the state, that are too administratively distant from the president to credibly serve as patronage, does not follow this logic. We build from the premise that the creation of a new lower level unit comes with the appointment of a local administrator who develops a neopatrimonial relationship with the legislator whose constituency subsumes their jurisdiction. Presidents leverage this neopatrimonial relationship and create lower level units for copartisan legislators to ensure legislative support and prevent party defections. We find evidence supporting this argument using new data from Kenya. These findings illuminate how leaders can use administrative reform to undermine legislative checks against executive power.
Hamilton and Hardy: Mentoring and Friendship in the Service of Occupational Health
Authors: Sullivan Marianne
Published: September 2017

This article explores the mentoring relationship between Alice Hamilton and Harriet Hardy, two female physician-researchers who had a tremendous impact on the development of the field of occupational health in the United States during the 20th century. The article relies on letters the women wrote to each other. Hamilton, the elder, supported and furthered Hardy’s career by asking her to coauthor the second edition of a seminal occupational health text. After beginning this intellectual collaboration, Hamilton remained a mentor to Hardy, and a decades-long friendship ensued. The article explores their relationship within the historical, political, and social context in which the women worked and made remarkable contributions to public health.
Roots and fields: excursions through place, space, and local in hyperlocal media
Authors: Rodgers Scott
Published: September 2017

In 2012, UK charity Nesta announced Destination Local, a program focused on future developments in ‘hyperlocal media’ based on location-based technologies. The program’s first round funded an experimental portfolio of 10 small projects. In this article, I present vignettes drawn from walking interviews with four of the project leaders, putting these into dialogue with phenomenological and practice-centered media theory, as well as growing interests in the geographies of media. My argument is that practices of so-called hyperlocal media should be understood via a phenomenological duality. On one hand, as activities rooted in place: conducting media work though situated environments. Yet, on the other hand, as inhabitations of field spaces: geographically dispersed social and technical worlds. This analysis suggests we step back in order to consider the conceptualization of place, space, and the local itself in studies of ‘hyperlocal’ as an emergent form of media production.
Reluctant populists: Learning populism in Thailand
Authors: Hewison Kevin
Published: September 2017

Almost all popular and academic assessments of Thaksin Shinawatra label him a populist, with his time in power characterized by populism. Through an assessment of conceptual accounts of populism and a discussion of Thaksin’s political campaigning and his prime ministership, it is argued that this characterization is inaccurate. While electorally popular, Thaksin’s populism was slow to develop. Thaksin’s emergence as a populist reflected a configuration of political circumstances that forced him to rely increasingly on the support of an electoral base made up of the relatively less well-off. In failing to account for the development of Thaksin as a populist, an important element of Thaksin’s politics and of populism as a form of politics is missed. Thaksin was made a populist by elite opposition, military coup and the political demands by the red shirt mass movement wanting social and economic equality underpinned by electoral representation.
Developing effective academic accommodations in higher education: A collaborative decision-making process
Authors: Hsiao Feilin , Zeiser Shelly , Nuss Daniel , Hatschek Keith
Published: September 2017

This case study describes a collaborative decision-making process for developing effective academic accommodations for a music major with a disability, whose prior accommodations suggested by the Disability Support Services (DSS) failed to address her needs. Cross-departmental collaboration between the DSS and the School of Music, as well as dynamic interactions among students with disabilities (SWDs), faculty members, peer tutors, and DSS specialists are emphasized. Multiple sources of information were collected, including in-depth/semi-structured interviews and a review of all relevant documentation such as case reports, weekly logs, email correspondence, results of psychological testing and academic portfolio contents. The themes that emerged from the data include resistance to the unknown, the language of negotiation, the decision-making process, and transformation (with three sub-themes: from fear of stigmatization to self-advocacy, from resentfulness to acceptance and commitment, and from reaction to pro-action). Key elements contributing to the collaborative process consist of effective communication among all members, the promotion of self-advocacy skills for SWDs, and faculty’s recognition of SWDs’ potential to succeed and while engaging flexible methods for delivering course content and assessing outcomes. A framework for delivering viable services for music majors with disabilities is outlined and discussed.
Workplace Emotions: A Study of Frontline Hotel Employees
Authors: Soni Swati
Published: September 2017

The study examines the phenomenon of emotional labour, with a special reference to the frontline hotel employees. Deep acting and surface acting have been discussed as emotion regulation processes. The study hypothesized that emotional labour results in emotional exhaustion and co-worker support acts as a moderator in the relationship between emotional exhaustion and emotional labour. Responses of 140 frontline hotel employees were measured using a self-administered questionnaire to obtain data on emotional labour, consequent emotional exhaustion and moderating role of co-worker support in the proposed relationship. The findings suggest that emotional labour leads to emotional exhaustion, and surface acting was positively related to emotional exhaustion and deep acting was negatively related to emotional exhaustion. Male and female employees, in similar profiles, showed differences in their emotional experiences and emotion regulation processes. Co-worker support was found to have a ‘reverse buffering’ effect suggesting that high level of co-worker support may result in decrease in job satisfaction as emotional labour increases. This was indeed an interesting observation. The article discusses the managerial implications of these findings.
Pathways to Police Contact for Spousal Violence Survivors: The Role of Individual and Neighborhood Factors in Survivors’ Reporting Behaviors
Authors: Barrett Betty Jo , Peirone Amy , Cheung Chi Ho , Habibov Nazim
Published: September 2017

Rational choice theory proposes that spousal violence survivors engage in a cost–benefit analysis when determining whether to contact the police in the aftermath of violence. Feminist intersectional frameworks contend that the perceived costs and benefits of police intervention differ among survivors based on their intersecting social identities. Normative theory further posits that it is not solely individual factors but also social norms derived from one’s neighborhood context that may be related to reporting practices. Consistent with these perspectives, this study assessed the association between spousal violence survivors’ sociodemographic, violence, and neighborhood characteristics and (a) police contact, (b) pathways to police contact, (c) motivations for contacting the police, and (d) motivations for not contacting the police. Data were drawn from the 2009 Canadian General Social Survey–Victimization main file, and included male and female survivors ( N = 890). Survivors most commonly contacted the police to stop the violence (89.4%) and most commonly did not contact the police because they did not believe it was important enough (35.3%). Results of multivariate regression analysis indicate that survivors who were visible minority, those who feared for their lives, and those who were injured were significantly more likely to self-report violence to police. Survivors were more likely to say the violence was not important enough to report if there was a police station in their neighborhood, and were less likely to say that violence was not important enough to report if they had experienced multiple incidents of violence. Implications for policing and criminal justice system engagement with spousal violence survivors are provided.
The Prediction of Repeated Violence Among Individuals With Serious Mental Disorders: Situational Versus Dispositional Factors
Authors: Harris Michelle N. , Teasdale Brent
Published: September 2017

The question we attempt to answer in this study is why some individuals with serious mental illness engage in repeated violence, while others do not. There appear to be two perspectives that may explain repeated violence: one that emphasizes situational factors and one that emphasizes dispositional factors. Situational factors are those that are constantly changing within one’s life, whereas dispositional factors are those that remain relatively stable over time. Therefore, dispositional factors would theoretically put individuals with serious mental illness at stable risk for repeated violence because these factors remain relatively stable over time. In fact, perhaps individuals with mental illness repeatedly engage in violence because they have a dispositional trait (like impulsivity, for example) that puts them at stable risk for repeated violence. Conversely, situational factors would theoretically explain why individuals do not engage in repeated violence because they are transient and constantly changing. Therefore, perhaps one desists from violence because some situational factors changed in that individual’s life. Using data from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study (i.e., MacRisk), a longitudinal study of people with serious mental illness, repeated violence was evaluated across waves. A multilevel logistic regression model was employed. Results indicate that both situational and dispositional factors are significantly associated with repeated violence. Specifically, situational factors such as marital status, drug use, perceived stress, and time away from the psychiatric hospital and dispositional factors such as personality traits including agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, and extraversion are all significantly associated with repeated violence. These findings have important policy implications regarding criminal justice intervention and clinical practice.
Exploring the Prevalence and Correlates Associated With Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Jahirul , Mazerolle Paul , Broidy Lisa , Baird Kathleen
Published: September 2017

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is known to have multiple detrimental consequences for the woman and potentially for her unborn child. However, little is known about the nature and extent of IPV during pregnancy, particularly in developing countries, which compromises efforts to address the problem. Relying on population-based data, this article examines the extent, patterns, and correlates associated with physical, sexual, and psychological IPV during pregnancy in Bangladesh. Cross-sectional survey data were collected between October 2015 and January 2016 from 426 new mothers, aged 15 to 49 years, who were in the first 6 months postpartum. IPV was assessed with a validated set of survey items. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate correlates associated with different types of IPV. Overall, 66.4% of women experienced any IPV during pregnancy. The prevalence of physical, sexual, and psychological IPV was 35.2%, 18.5%, and 65%, respectively. These forms of IPV often overlap, particularly physical and psychological IPV. Pregnant women who report limited social support and have controlling husbands are at significantly increased risk for all three types of IPV during pregnancy. Women who cling to traditional gender roles and those with low self-esteem exhibit increased risk for physical and psychological IPV during pregnancy. Psychological IPV during pregnancy is also correlated with low decision-making autonomy and childhood exposure to violence. Women whose husband’s demand a dowry at marriage are at increased risk of sexual IPV during pregnancy. Results reinforce the need to conduct routine screening during pregnancy to identify women with a history of IPV and to be able to offer help and support. The findings also reinforce calls for gender equity and women’s equal access to family and social resources thereby increasing women’s social support networks, their self-esteem, and autonomy, and reducing their risk of IPV during pregnancy.
A Case Series of 18 Patients Receiving Ticagrelor After Carotid Stenting
Authors: Olafson Elizabeth M. , DeGrote Jodi R. , Drofa Alexander , Kouznetsov Evgueni , Manchak Michael , Leedahl Nathan D. , Leedahl David D.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor antagonist is often used to prevent thrombotic complications after endovascular stent placement. Most of the published experience surrounding DAPT after carotid stenting is with clopidogrel. Ticagrelor may be a promising alternative, especially in patients who may be considered nonresponders to clopidogrel. However, clinical outcomes utilizing DAPT with ticagrelor in a cohort with carotid stenting is lacking. In this case series, we describe our experience with systematic prescribing of ticagrelor after carotid stent placement in 18 patients.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 18 patients prescribed ticagrelor who underwent carotid stenting between November 2015 and January 2017 was performed. All eligible patients were included in the review. The primary end point of interest was any ischemic stroke or death within 30 days following the procedure. Intracranial hemorrhage was a secondary end point.

Results and Conclusions:

No patients experienced the primary end point of ischemic stroke or death within 30 days. No intracranial hemorrhages were observed. The use of ticagrelor after carotid stenting may be a reasonable alternative to clopidogrel after carotid stent placement. Randomized trials to support our findings are needed.
Occupations, the Missing Link? A New Theoretical and Methodological Approach to Product Markets, Skill and Pay
Authors: Knox Angela , Warhurst Chris
Published: September 2017

Drawing on research of Australian cafes, this article examines the link between product market strategies, skill and pay. Addressing the methodological problems within existing research, the findings not only suggest a new methodology for future research examining these linkages but also a new theoretical proposition about the linkages based on occupation rather than firm, industry or sector.
Supervising trainees in research: what does it take to be a scholarly project supervisor?
Authors: Cheung Gary , Friedman Susan Hatters , Ng Lillian , Cullum Sarah
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

Scholarly projects (SPs) are a compulsory component of psychiatry training in Australasia. This article outlines the role of a research supervisor in supporting a trainee to complete an SP.

Methods:

A total of 10 old age and forensic psychiatry SPs were reviewed with regard to aims, methodology, supervisor input, trainee tasks and additional resources.

Results:

The main supervisor tasks are described and discussed. They include practical advice on study design, ethics applications, critical appraisal, data analysis, academic writing and publication.

Conclusions:

Supervising SPs can bring significant rewards in awakening a trainee’s interest in research. Key competencies for research supervision are discussed and further recommendations for supervisor support and training are provided.
Targeting the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Almhanna Khaldoun , Meredith Kenneth L. , Hoffe Sarah E. , Shridhar Ravi , Coppola Domenico
Published: September 2017

The importance of human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2) in terms of prognosis and aggressiveness of growth has long been known in breast cancer, and interruption of its growth cascade by agents such as trastuzumab and lapatinib has markedly improved outcomes for these patients with HER2 overexpression.

HER2 overexpression also occurs in many other tumor types, including esophageal cancer. In this disease, a different scoring system for determining overexpression is used. Limited data exist concerning the biological and therapeutic implications of HER2 overexpression in esophageal cancer. One trial, the so-called ToGA trial, included patients with advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) tumors that overexpressed HER2. Patients who received trastuzumab plus cisplatin-based chemotherapy had more responses and longer progression-free and overall survival than those who received the chemotherapy alone. Enthusiasm concerning these results must be tempered by the facts that only 25% of the study group had GEJ tumors and, of these, only 33% had HER2 overexpression. Thus, the role of trastuzumab in the management of HER2-overexpressing esophageal cancers remains to be determined. In addition to presenting data on the HER2 cascade, the authors review clinical trials performed to date and also present the validated standard scoring system for HER2 overexpression in esophageal cancer.
Endoscopic Therapy of Neoplasia Related to Barrett's Esophagus and Endoscopic Palliation of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Vignesh Shivakumar , Hoffe Sarah E. , Meredith Kenneth L. , Shridhar Ravi , Almhanna Khaldoun , Gupta Akshay K.
Published: September 2017

Background

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the most important identifiable risk factor for the progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

This article reviews the current endoscopic therapies for BE with high-grade dysplasia and intramucosal cancer and briefly discusses the endoscopic palliation of advanced esophageal cancer.

Results

The diagnosis of low-grade or high-grade dysplasia (HGD) is based on several cytologic criteria that suggest neoplastic transformation of the columnar epithelium. HGD and carcinoma in situ are regarded as equivalent. The presence of dysplasia, particularly HGD, is also a risk factor for synchronous and metachronous adenocarcinoma. Dysplasia is a marker of adenocarcinoma and also has been shown to be the preinvasive lesion. Esophagectomy has been the conventional treatment for T1 esophageal cancer and, although debated, is an appropriate option in some patients with HGD due to the presence of occult cancer in over one-third of patients.

Conclusions

Endoscopic ablative modalities (eg, photodynamic therapy and cryoablation) and endoscopic resection techniques (eg, endoscopic mucosal resection) have demonstrated promising results. The significant morbidity and mortality of esophagectomy makes endoscopic treatment an attractive potential option.
The Impact of Body Mass Index on Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Wong Joyce Y. , Shridhar Ravi , Almhanna Khaldoun , Hoffe Sarah E. , Karl Richard C. , Meredith Kenneth L.
Published: September 2017

Background

Surgeons are increasingly operating on patients who are overweight or obese. The influence of obesity on surgical and oncologic outcomes has only recently been addressed. We focus this review on obesity and its impact on esophageal cancer.

Methods

Recent literature and our own institutional experience were reviewed to determine the impact of body mass index on the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer.

Results

With few exceptions, no significant differences were seen in perioperative outcomes or survival in patients treated for esophageal cancer when stratified by body mass index.

Conclusions

Although obesity poses increased operative challenges to the surgeon, surgical and oncologic outcomes remain unchanged in obese patients compared with patients who are not obese.
Minimally Invasive Approaches for Surgical Management of Primary Liver Cancers
Authors: Beard Rachel E. , Tsung Allan
Published: September 2017

The benefits of minimally invasive approaches in oncologic surgery are increasingly recognized, and laparoscopic liver surgery has become increasingly widespread. In light of the complexity and technical challenges of hepatobiliary procedures, robotic approaches are also employed. The utility, safety, and oncologic integrity of these methods in the management of primary liver cancers are reported. PubMed was used to search the medical literature for studies and articles pertaining to laparoscopic and robotic liver surgery. Studies that particularly addressed hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma were identified and reviewed. Laparoscopic liver surgery, including for major resections, has been shown to be safe in experienced hands without any compromise of oncologic outcomes for either hepatocellular carcinoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Some studies show improved clinical outcomes including shorter hospital stays and lower complication rates when compared to open surgery, particularly for patients with cirrhosis. Robotic liver surgeries seem to have equally acceptable clinical outcomes; however, there is limited data regarding oncologic integrity and considerable additional expense. Laparoscopic and robotic liver resections are both feasible and safe for the management of primary liver tumors. Future studies should aim to clarify specific indications and optimize applications of these approaches.
Staging and Prognostic Models for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Burkhart Richard A. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: September 2017

There are several important roles that staging systems and prognostic models play in the modern medical care of patients with cancer. First, accurate staging systems can assist clinicians by identifying optimal treatment selection based on the scope of disease at the time of diagnosis. Second, both physicians and patients may infer prognostic information from staging and models that may help decision makers identify appropriate therapies for individual patients. Third, in research, there is benefit to classifying patients with disease into subgroups ensuring greater parity between experimental and control arms. Staging systems in most solid organ malignancies rely heavily on an accurate pathologic assessment of the tumor (size, site, number of tumors, locoregional spread, and distant spread). Another consideration in primary liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), is the fact that the underlying liver function can significantly impact patient survival. In HCC, there are at least a dozen options that have been proposed for staging the disease. Herein, we review the most widely used systems and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. Prognostic models and nomograms are also discussed for a variety of subpopulations with HCC. Interestingly, until 2010, the staging system proposed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer for ICC was identical to HCC. The modern staging system, unique to ICC, is reviewed, and future modifications are identified with the primary supporting literature discussed.
The Role of Diagnosis and Treatment of Underlying Liver Disease for the Prognosis of Primary Liver Cancer
Authors: Shiani Ashok , Narayanan Shreya , Pena Luis , Friedman Mark
Published: September 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Underlying chronic liver disease has been associated with an increased risk of developing HCC. This study is a review of the current literature regarding the diagnosis, prognostic significance, and role of treating underlying liver disease in patients who are at risk of primary liver cancer. Relevant peer review of the English literature between 1980 and 2017 within PubMed and the Cochrane library was conducted for scientific content on current advances in managing chronic liver diseases and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, hereditary hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, α 1-antitrypsin deficiency, and certain drugs lead to an increased risk of developing HCC. Patients with underlying liver disease have an increased incidence of HCC. Hepatitis C virus, HBV, and hemochromatosis can directly lead to HCC without the presence of cirrhosis, while HCC related to other underlying liver diseases occurs in patients with cirrhosis. Treating the underlying liver disease and reducing the progression to cirrhosis should lead to a decreased incidence of HCC.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Venkat Puja S. , Hoffe Sarah E. , Frakes Jessica M.
Published: September 2017

The role of external beam radiation therapy for primary liver malignancies has historically been limited due to the risk of radiation-induced liver disease. However, with the advent of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), we are able to dose escalate while safely sparing critical nearby structures. This review explores the evidence surrounding the use of SBRT for the treatment of primary liver malignancies. A review of the literature was performed. This article discusses the challenges, efficacy, and safety of SBRT for primary liver malignancies in order to conceptualize its role within a multidisciplinary framework. Prospective phase I and II trials show local control rates at 1 to 2 years ranging from 65% to 100%. Overall survival at 1 to 2 years ranged from 48% to 77%. Grade >3 toxicity ranged from 0% to 36%. Total radiotherapy doses ranged from 24 to 60 Gy delivered in 1 to 6 fractions. The SBRT offers a noninvasive therapy for patients with limited treatment options and should be considered in a multidisciplinary setting for the management of unresectable, locally advanced primary liver malignancies. Prospective randomized trials are warranted to determine the efficacy and safety of SBRT compared to and in combination with other treatment modalities.
Levels of Matrix-Degrading Enzymes and Lubricin in Patients With Degenerative Joint Disease Requiring Arthroplasty
Authors: Wanderling Christopher , Liles Jeffrey , Davis Elissa , Schmitt Daniel , Statz Stephen , Guler Nil , Hoppensteadt Debra , Fareed Jawed , Hopkinson William
Published: September 2017

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) of the hip or knee (THA and TKA) is the primary surgical intervention for individuals with degenerative joint disease (DJD). Although it is commonly thought that shear force on the joint causes the degradation of articular cartilage, it is possible that there are other factors that contribute to the progression of DJD. It is plausible that specific enzymes that degrade the joint are upregulated, or conversely, there is downregulation of enzymes critical for joint lubrication. The aim of this study is to profile collagenase-1, elastase, heparanase, and lubricin levels in patients undergoing TJA in order to determine potential preexisting dysregulation that contributes to the pathogenesis of DJD. Deidentified blood samples were obtained from patients undergoing TJA 1 day pre- and 1 day postoperatively. Plasma samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits for elastase, collagenase-1, heparanase, and lubricin. In comparison to healthy controls, there were significant increases in circulating collagenase-1, elastase, and lubricin levels in both the preoperative and postoperative samples. There were no significant differences in heparanase levels in the preoperative or postoperative samples. Comparing the preoperative versus postoperative patient samples, only lubricin demonstrated a significant change. The results of this study confirm that patients undergoing TJA have preexisting alterations in the levels of matrix-degrading enzymes and lubricin. The alterations observed in this study may provide insight into the pathogenesis of DJD.
Novel strategies and therapeutic options for the management of primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Khanna Amardeep , Jones David E.
Published: September 2017

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease. It has a varied course of progression ranging from being completely asymptomatic to aggressive disease leading to cirrhosis and resulting in liver transplantation. In addition, symptoms can be debilitating and can have a major impact on quality of life. For decades, there was only one anti-cholestatic agent available to target this disease and that was only effective in around half of patients, with little or no effect on symptoms. With increasing understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of PBC and potential targets for drug treatment, pharmaceutical companies have shown a greater interest in this rare disease. A large number of novel therapeutic molecules have been developed and are currently being evaluated. In this review article all the novel molecules in use and in trials targeting cholestasis and symptoms in PBC are discussed.
Religiosity and Muslim Women’s Employment in the United States
Authors: Abdelhadi Eman
Published: September 2017

Does Muslim women’s religiosity deter them from paid work outside the home? I extend this question to Muslims in the United States, where the Muslim community is both ethnically and socioeconomically diverse and where this question has not yet been answered. I pool data from the 2007 and 2011 Pew Research Center surveys of American Muslims, the only large, nationally representative samples of Muslims in the United States, and use logistic regression models to analyze the relationship between religiosity and Muslim women’s employment. I find that mosque attendance is positively associated with employment, whereas other measures of religiosity have no significant effect. Education, ethnicity, and childbearing, on the other hand, are strong, consistent predictors of Muslim women’s employment. These findings suggest that practicing Islam, in itself, does not deter American Muslim women’s engagement in paid work.
The lung in amyloidosis
Authors: Milani Paolo , Basset Marco , Russo Francesca , Foli Andrea , Palladini Giovanni , Merlini Giampaolo
Published: September 2017

Amyloidosis is a disorder caused by misfolding of autologous protein and its extracellular deposition as fibrils, resulting in vital organ dysfunction and eventually death. Pulmonary amyloidosis may be localised or part of systemic amyloidosis.

Pulmonary interstitial amyloidosis is symptomatic only if the amyloid deposits severely affect gas exchange alveolar structure, thus resulting in serious respiratory impairment. Localised parenchymal involvement may be present as nodular amyloidosis or as amyloid deposits associated with localised lymphomas. Finally, tracheobronchial amyloidosis, which is usually not associated with evident clonal proliferation, may result in airway stenosis.

Because the treatment options for amyloidosis are dependent on the fibril protein type, the workup of all new cases should include accurate determination of the amyloid protein. Most cases are asymptomatic and need only a careful follow-up. Diffuse alveolar-septal amyloidosis is treated according to the underlying systemic amyloidosis. Nodular pulmonary amyloidosis is usually localised, conservative excision is usually curative and the long-term prognosis is excellent. Tracheobronchial amyloidosis is usually treated with bronchoscopic interventions or external beam radiation therapy.
Childhood cognitive development in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: Case–control study
Authors: Chawner Samuel J. R. A. , Doherty Joanne L. , Moss Hayley , Niarchou Maria , Walters James T. R. , Owen Michael J. , van den Bree Marianne B. M.
Published: September 2017

Background

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is associated with a high risk of childhood as well as adult psychiatric disorders, in particular schizophrenia. Childhood cognitive deterioration in 22q11.2DS has previously been reported, but only in studies lacking a control sample.

Aims

To compare cognitive trajectories in children with 22q11.2DS and unaffected control siblings.

Method

A longitudinal study of neurocognitive functioning (IQ, executive function, processing speed and attention) was conducted in children with 22q11.2DS (n = 75, mean age time 1 (T1) 9.9, time 2 (T2) 12.5) and control siblings (n = 33, mean age T1 10.6, T2 134).

Results

Children with 22q11.2DS exhibited deficits in all cognitive domains. However, mean scores did not indicate deterioration. When individual trajectories were examined, some participants showed significant decline over time, but the prevalence was similar for 22q11.2DS and control siblings. Findings are more likely to reflect normal developmental fluctuation than a 22q11.2DS-specific abnormality.

Conclusions

Childhood cognitive deterioration is not associated with 22q11.2DS. Contrary to previous suggestions, we believe it is premature to recommend repeated monitoring of cognitive function to identifying individual children with 22q11.2DS at high risk of developing schizophrenia.
THE MOLECULAR MECHANISM OF LACTOFERRIN INFLUENCE ON BONE FORMATION
Authors: Sadchikov P E , Goldman I L , Razin S V , Chernousov A D , Alekseeva L I , Sadchikova E R
Published: September 2017

In present critical review of systematized materials on the breakthrough achievements of the last decade - the discovery of the effect of protein lactoferrin (LF) on bone formation. It is shownthat LF increases the number of osteoblasts, stimulate their proliferation and differentiation, and prevents their destruction. Action of LF exceeds that of many other previously established bone-forming factors. LF increases the ability of osteoblasts to synthesize and mineralize bone matrix. Apparently, the effect of LF on bone anabolism ensured by the presence of specific receptors on osteoblasts. It was found that LF also inhibits the formation of osteoclasts. Experimental studies have demonstrated that LF prevents the destruction of bone tissue in ovariectomizedanimals and, thus, developing the type of postmenstrual osteoporosis in women. We get the first clinical studies demonstrating an increase in the period of healing of bone injuries while reducing the level of endogenous LF. Since molecular research establishes that the expression of the LF gene is regulated by estrogen, which reduces the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) in women, there is a need to further investigate the relationship of these processes, which will help to create a basis for the management of bone formation.
Revisiting the stop-and-stare algorithms for influence maximization
Authors: Huang Keke , Wang Sibo , Bevilacqua Glenn , Xiao Xiaokui , Lakshmanan Laks V. S.
Published: September 2017

Influence maximization is a combinatorial optimization problem that finds important applications in viral marketing, feed recommendation, etc. Recent research has led to a number of scalable approximation algorithms for influence maximization, such as

TIM
+

and
IMM
, and more recently,
SSA
and
D-SSA
. The goal of this paper is to conduct a rigorous theoretical and experimental analysis of
SSA
and
D-SSA
and compare them against the preceding algorithms. In doing so, we uncover inaccuracies in previously reported technical results on the accuracy and efficiency of
SSA
and
D-SSA
, which we set right. We also attempt to reproduce the original experiments on
SSA
and
D-SSA
, based on which we provide interesting empirical insights. Our evaluation confirms some results reported from the original experiments, but it also reveals anomalies in some other results and sheds light on the behavior of
SSA
and
D-SSA
in some important settings not considered previously. We also report on the performance of
SSA-Fix
, our modification to
SSA
in order to restore the approximation guarantee that was claimed for but not enjoyed by
SSA
. Overall, our study suggests that there exist opportunities for further scaling up influence maximization with approximation guarantees.
Scalable asynchronous gradient descent optimization for out-of-core models
Authors: Qin Chengjie , Torres Martin , Rusu Florin
Published: September 2017

Existing data analytics systems have approached predictive model training exclusively from a data-parallel perspective. Data examples are partitioned to multiple workers and training is executed concurrently over different partitions, under various synchronization policies that emphasize speedup or convergence. Since models with millions and even billions of features become increasingly common nowadays, model management becomes an equally important task for effective training. In this paper, we present a general framework for parallelizing stochastic optimization algorithms over massive models that cannot fit in memory. We extend the lock-free HOGWILD!-family of algorithms to disk-resident models by vertically partitioning the model offline and asynchronously updating the resulting partitions online. Unlike HOGWILD!, concurrent requests to the common model are minimized by a preemptive push-based sharing mechanism that reduces the number of disk accesses. Experimental results on real and synthetic datasets show that the proposed framework achieves improved convergence over HOGWILD! and is the only solution scalable to massive models.
When engagement meets similarity
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Ying , Qin Lu , Zhang Wenjie , Lin Xuemin
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we investigate the problem of (
k,r
)-core which intends to find cohesive subgraphs on social networks considering both user engagement and similarity perspectives. In particular, we adopt the popular concept of
k
-core to guarantee the engagement of the users (vertices) in a group (subgraph) where each vertex in a (
k,r
)-core connects to at least
k
other vertices. Meanwhile, we consider the pairwise similarity among users based on their attributes. Efficient algorithms are proposed to enumerate all
maximal
(
k,r
)-cores and find the
maximum
(
k,r
)-core, where both problems are shown to be NP-hard. Effective pruning techniques substantially reduce the search space of two algorithms. A novel (
k,k'
)-core based (
k,r
)-core size upper bound enhances performance of the maximum (
k,r
)-core computation. We also devise effective search orders for two mining algorithms where search priorities for vertices are different. Comprehensive experiments on real-life data demonstrate that the maximal/maximum (
k,r
)-cores enable us to find interesting cohesive subgraphs, and performance of two mining algorithms is effectively improved by proposed techniques.