bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematics with the assistance of smartphones: Measuring data via GPS - Visualizing data with Google Earth
Authors: Gabriel Patrik , Backhaus Udo
Published: March 2013

Nearly every smartphone is now GPS capable. The widespread use of GPS navigation has developed alongside less expensive hardware and user-friendly software interfaces, which may help to bring scientific research and teaching closer to real life.
Composition of Atmospheric Particulate Matter from the Eruption of Heimaey, Iceland
Authors: Mroz Eugene J. , Zoller William H.
Published: March 2013

The chemical composition of atmospheric particulate matter and rock samples collected on the island of Heimaey after the January 1973 eruption indicates that volcanic activity is a possible source of global significance for particulate material containing elements such as Br, Se, Sb, and Zn. Atmospheric aerosols from such remote areas as the North Atlantic Ocean and the South Pole are found to be highly enriched in these elements.
Galilean Satellites and Jovian Energetic Particles
Authors: Gross Stanley H.
Published: March 2013

The observed infrared temperatures of the four Galilean satellites, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, are inconsistent with their equilibrium temperatures. Since these satellites appear to have little or no atmosphere, the discrepancies may be explained as due to the heating of their surfaces by energetic particles from Jupiter's radiation belts. The required energy fluxes are not entirely unreasonable and decrease with the distance of the satellite orbit from Jupiter.
Peripatus: Its Affinities and Its Cuticle
Authors: Hackman R. H. , Goldberg Mary
Published: March 2013

The cuticle of
Peripatoides leuckarti
is arthropodan in structure and in chemical composition. The cuticular protein resembles that of other arthropods; it is not a collagen. This peripatus cuticle has no affinities with the annelid cuticles.
Development and validation of a new visa questionnaire (VISA-H) for patients with proximal hamstring tendinopathy
Authors: Cacchio Angelo , De Paulis Fosco , Maffulli Nicola
Published: March 2013

Background

There is a need for a patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaire to evaluate patients with proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT).

Objective

To develop a PRO questionnaire based on VISA questionnaire forms for patients with PHT.

Methods

Item generation, item reduction, item scaling and evaluation of the psychometric properties were used to develop a questionnaire to assess the severity of symptoms, function and ability to play sports in patients with PHT and healthy subjects. The final version, named Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Proximal Hamstring Tendons (VISA-H), consisted of eight questions that measured the domains of pain, function and sporting activity. The psychometric properties of a questionnaire were estimated in a population of non-surgical (n=20) and surgical (n=10) patients, as well as in healthy subjects (n=30).

Results

The VISA-H questionnaire displayed a high degree of internal consistency, with a Cronbach α of 0.84. (The test–retest reliability was high for all groups of participants with an intraclass correlation coefficient ranging from 0.90 to 0.95.) The VISA-H exhibited a high correlation with the Nirschl phase rating scale (r ranging from −0.75 to −0.89) and a generic tendon grading system proposed by Curwin and Stanish (r ranging from −0.70 to −0.88). Also, the responsiveness was higher for the VISA-H questionnaire with an area under the curve of 0.90 and a minimum clinically important difference of 22 points.

Conclusions

The VISA-H is a PRO questionnaire with high psychometric properties for measuring pain, function and sporting activity in patients with PHT.
Evidence-based approach to revising the SCAT2: introducing the SCAT3
Authors: Guskiewicz Kevin M , Register-Mihalik Johna , McCrory Paul , McCrea Michael , Johnston Karen , Makdissi Michael , Dvořák Jiří , Davis Gavin , Meeuwisse Willem
Published: March 2013

The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2), which evolved from the 2008 Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) Consensus meeting, has been widely used internationally for the past 4 years. Although the instrument is considered very practical and moderately effective for use by clinicians who manage concussion, the utility and sensitivity of a 100-point scoring system for the SCAT2 has been questioned. The 2012 CISG Consensus Meeting provided an opportunity for several of the world's leading concussion researchers and clinicians to present data and to share experiences using the SCAT2. The purpose of this report is to consider recommendations by the CISG, and to review the current literature to identify the most sensitive and reliable concussion assessment components for inclusion in a revised version—the SCAT3. Through this process, it was determined that important clinical information can be ascertained in a streamlined manner through the use of a multimodal instrument such as the SCAT3. This test battery should include an initial assessment of injury severity using the Glasgow Coma Scale, immediately followed by observing and documenting concussion signs. Once this is complete, symptom endorsement and symptom severity, neurocognitive function and balance function should be assessed in any athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion. There is no evidence to support the use of a composite/total score; however, there is good evidence to support the use of each component (scored independently) in a revised assessment tool.
A new species of osteostracan from the Lochkovian (Early Devonian) of the Mackenzie Mountains, with comments on body size, growth, and geographic distribution in the genus Machairaspis
Authors: Scott Bradley R. , Wilson Mark V.H.
Published: March 2013

Machairaspis, a genus of the Osteostraci, an extinct clade of jawless vertebrates, has been reported from localities in Spitsbergen, Norway, Podolia (Ukraine), and Prince of Wales Island (Nunavut, Canada). A new species of Machairaspis, described here from the Delorme Formation at the MOTH locality, extends the geographic range of this genus to the Mackenzie Mountains. Machairaspis serrata sp. nov. is known from a very small headshield and a fragment of an even smaller individual. The two specimens share distinctive, dorsally pointed serrations on the posterior margin of the exceptionally tall dorsal spine of the headshield. The new species can also be differentiated from other species of Machairaspis by characteristic rows of denticles along the margin of the headshield and is represented by much smaller individuals than are known for previously described species in the genus. Differences in the proportions of the cephalic spine illustrate allometric increase in relative spine height during growth, as previously documented for the related genus Superciliaspis. Machairaspis is here included with Scolenaspis in the subfamily Scolenaspidinae, sister to the subfamily Zenaspidinae in the family Zenaspididae. The presence of Machairaspis at MOTH is an additional similarity with Early Devonian fauna of Spitsbergen and is consistent with the Lochkovian (Early Devonian) age that has been proposed previously for the MOTH locality and with the suggestion that Spitsbergen represents part of the Laurentia terrane.
Homing behaviour of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during final phase of marine migration and river entry
Authors: Davidsen Jan Grimsrud , Rikardsen Audun Håvard , Thorstad Eva Bonsak , Halttunen Elina , Mitamura Hiromichi , Præbel Kim , Skarðhamar Jofrid , Næsje Tor Fredrik
Published: March 2013

Little is known about Atlantic salmon behaviour during the last phase of the marine homing migration and subsequent river entry. In this study, 56 adult Atlantic salmon in the Alta Fjord in northern Norway were equipped with acoustic transmitters. Salmon generally followed the coastline, but their horizontal distribution was also affected by wind-induced spreading of river water across the fjord. Mean swimming depth was shallow (2.5–0.5 m), but with dives down to 30 m depth. Timing of river entry was not affected by river flow, diel periodicity, or tidal cycles. Movements during the last part of the marine migration and river entry were unidirectional and relatively fast (mean 9.7 km·day−1). However, migratory speed slowed as salmon approached the estuary, with a significantly lower speed in the innermost part of the estuary than in the open fjord. Migration behaviour seemed not to be affected by handling and tagging, as there were no behavioural differences between newly tagged fish and those captured and tagged 1 year before their homing migration.
INFLUENCE OF PRETREATMENT ON THE STRUCTURAL AND CATALYTIC PROPERTIES OF SUPPORTED Pd CATALYSTS FOR CO OXIDATION
Authors: WEN CUN , LIU YI , GUO YUN , WANG YANQIN , LU GUANZHONG
Published: March 2013

The effects of pretreating atmospheres ( H2 , O2 and Ar ) on the activity for CO oxidation and Pd dispersion of Pd/Pr6O11 catalyst were investigated. The result shows after the Pd/Pr6O11 catalyst was pretreated by hydrogen or oxygen at 550°C, its catalytic activity for CO oxidation can obviously increase, and the activity of H2 -pretreated catalyst is superior to that of O2 -pretreated catalyst, which is attributed to an increase of Pd dispersion. The catalyst pretreated by Ar behaves the worst catalytic activity for CO oxidation. The results of CO pulse, CO chemisorption and in situ DRIFT testing indicate that the surface species (hydroxyl species or active oxygen species) generated during pretreating processes can prevent Pd particles from immigrating and sintering, resulting in an increase of the Pd dispersion on the surface of support.
GROWTH OF HIGHLY (0002) ORIENTED InN FILMS ON AlInN/AlN BILAYER
Authors: DONG C. J. , XU M. , LU W. , HUANG Q. Z.
Published: March 2013

InN film with an AlInN/AlN bilayer buffer was deposited on Si(111) substrate by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy measurements reveal that the InN film is of hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with highly (0002) preferred orientation. An Al0.24In0.76N interface layer of about ~50 nm was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and further analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The quality of this film is remarkably better than InN films grown directly on Si substrate or with only an AlN buffer, due to the effective accommodation of mismatch between the film and substrate. Our results will be very useful in the fabrication of applicable nitride microelectronic materials.
MECHANO-CHEMICAL PREPARATION OF POWDER QUARTZ/TiO2 COMPOSITE PARTICLES
Authors: DU GAO-XIANG , HE HAO , LIAO LI-BING , WANG LI-JUAN
Published: March 2013

Titanium dioxide pigment is a white pigment of high performance. However, its production could cause severe environmental and resource problems. In this paper, powder quartz/ TiO2 composite particles (PQ/TCP), a type of core (powder quartz)–shell( TiO2 ) composite powder, were prepared by a mechano-chemical method. The pigment properties of PQ/TCP and the mechanism of the mechano-chemical reaction between quartz and TiO2 were investigated. Orthogonal analyses of experimental vairables showed optimal pigment characteristics of PQ/TCP under the following conditions: 4 h of activation for powder quartz, mixing/grinding at 1000 rpm for 1 h, with a mixing slurry made of 50% powder quartz and 0.4% dispersant. Powder quartz was evenly coated by TiO2 and the Si–O–Ti bond was formed between powder quartz and TiO2 in PQ/TCP as revealed by FTIR analyses and confirmed by surface thermodynamic calculation.
ROBUSTNESS OF GUIDED SELF-ORGANIZATION AGAINST SENSORIMOTOR DISRUPTIONS
Authors: MARTIUS GEORG
Published: March 2013

Self-organizing processes are crucial for the development of living beings. Practical applications in robots may benefit from the self-organization of behavior, e.g., to increase fault tolerance and enhance flexibility, provided that external goals can also be achieved. We present results on the guidance of self-organizing control by visual target stimuli and show a remarkable robustness to sensorimotor disruptions. In a proof of concept study an autonomous wheeled robot is learning an object finding and ball-pushing task from scratch within a few minutes in continuous domains. The robustness is demonstrated by the rapid recovery of the performance after severe changes of the sensor configuration.
FULLY TORSION-BASED FORMULATION FOR CURVED MANIFOLDS
Authors: CARTAS-FUENTEVILLA R.
Published: March 2013

We develop a new description of curved manifolds that represent a topological phase for the usual Levi-Civita connection and a dynamical phase for the torsion, being the only part of the connection that generates curvature. The holonomy group structure of such manifolds is studied, and different expressions of the torsion in terms of gauge fields are considered with the purpose to describe different dynamical scenarios. Additionally some models of torsion interacting with fermions are constructed; specifically a four-dimensional model that mimics an usual fermion-gauge fields system is considered; this model undergoes parity symmetry breaking with a dynamical background. Since these manifolds represent new gravitational backgrounds, we speculate on possible applications in the study of qualitative and quantitative aspects of the gauge/gravity duality.
DAILY ARTIFICIAL DISPATCHER LONG-TERM VISION
Authors: STEFANOV S. Z.
Published: March 2013

Long-term vision of an electrical power system (EPS) "Daily Artificial Dispatcher" is expressed as intentions for secure and effective leading for a day ahead, transferred into modes via memory and adaptation. This long-term vision is interpreted as a story for a nine or ten-year-old child for his efforts not to disperse his friends.
Science and the spectrum of belief
Authors: Denning Peter J.
Published: March 2013

In 1965 Leonard Ornstein wrote a long and thoughtful essay on information and meaning. Shannon's idea that communication systems could transmit and process information without regard to its meaning just did not seem right to him. He was particularly interested in how scientists use and interpret information as part of science. Forty-eight years later, he is sharing how he sees science, discovery, information, and meaning with
Ubiquity Magazine
.
Two-layer model of coronary artery vasoactivity
Authors: Huo Yunlong , Zhao Xuefeng , Cheng Yana , Lu Xiao , Kassab Ghassan S.
Published: March 2013

Since vascular tone is regulated by smooth muscle cells in the media layer, a multilayer mechanical model is required for blood vessels. Here, we performed biaxial mechanical tests in the intima-media layer of right coronary artery to determine the passive and active properties in conjunction with the passive properties of adventitia for a full vessel wall model. A two-layer (intima-media and adventitia) model was developed to determine the transmural stress and stretch across the vessel wall. The mean ± SE values of the outer diameters of intima-media layers at transmural pressure of 60 mmHg in active state were 3.17 ± 0.16 and 3.07 ± 0.18 mm at axial stretch ratio of 1.2 and 1.3, respectively, which were significantly smaller than those in passive state (i.e., 3.62 ± 0.19 and 3.49 ± 0.22 mm, respectively, P < 0.05). The inner and outer diameters in no-load state of intima-media layers were 1.17 ± 0.09 and 2.08 ± 0.09 mm, respectively. The opening angles in zero-stress state had values of 159 ± 21° for intima-media layers and 98 ± 15° for adventitia layers, which suggests a residual strain between the two layers. There were slightly decreased active circumferential stresses (<10%), but significantly decreased active axial stresses (>25%) in the intima-media layer compared with those in the intact vessel. This suggests that the adventitia layer affects vascular contraction. The two-layer analysis showed that the intima-media layer bears the majority of circumferential tensions, in contrast to the adventitia layer, while contraction results in decreased stress and stretch in both layers.
A Pilot Study of Anti-CTLA4 Antibody Ipilimumab in Patients with Synovial Sarcoma
Authors: Maki Robert G. , Jungbluth Achim A. , Gnjatic Sacha , Schwartz Gary K. , D’Adamo David R. , Keohan Mary Louise , Wagner Michael J. , Scheu Kelly , Chiu Rita , Ritter Erika , Kachel Jennifer , Lowy Israel , Old Lloyd J. , Ritter Gerd
Published: March 2013

Background. Patients with recurrent synovial sarcomas have few options for systemic therapy. Since they express large amounts of endogenous CT (cancer testis) antigens such as NY-ESO-1, we investigated the clinical activity of single agent anti-CTLA4 antibody ipilimumab in patients with advanced or metastatic synovial sarcoma.Methods. A Simon two-stage phase II design was used to determine if there was sufficient activity to pursue further. The primary endpoint was tumor response rate by RECIST 1.0. Patients were treated with ipilimumab 3 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks for three cycles and then restaged. Retreatment was possible for patients receiving an extra three-week break from therapy. Sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected before and during therapy to assess NY-ESO-1-specific immunity.Results. Six patients were enrolled and received 1–3 cycles of ipilimumab. All patients showed clinical or radiological evidence of disease progression after no more than three cycles of therapy, for a RECIST response rate of 0%. The study was stopped for slow accrual, lack of activity, and lack of immune response. There was no evidence of clinically significant either serologic or delayed type hypersensitivity responses to NY-ESO-1 before or after therapy.Conclusion. Despite high expression of CT antigens by synovial sarcomas of patients treated in this study, there was neither clinical benefit nor evidence of anti-CT antigen serological responses. Assessment of the ability of synovial sarcoma cell lines to present cancer-germ cell antigens may be useful in determining the reason for the observed lack of immunological or clinical activity.
Benign Hepatocellular Tumors in Children: Focal Nodular Hyperplasia and Hepatocellular Adenoma
Authors: Franchi-Abella Stéphanie , Branchereau Sophie
Published: March 2013

Benign liver tumors are very rare in children. Most focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) remain sporadic, but predisposing factors exist, as follows: long-term cancer survivor (with an increasing incidence), portal deprivation in congenital or surgical portosystemic shunt. The aspect is atypical on imaging in two-thirds of cases. Biopsy of the tumor and the nontumoral liver is then required. Surgical resection will be discussed in the case of large tumors with or without symptoms. In the case of associated vascular disorder with portal deprivation, restoration of the portal flow will be discussed in the hope of seeing the involution of FNH. HepatoCellular Adenoma (HCA) is frequently associated with predisposing factors such as GSD type I and III, Fanconi anemia especially if androgen therapy is administered, CPSS, and SPSS. Adenomatosis has been reported in germline mutation of HNF1-α. Management will depend on the presence of a predisposing factor and may include metabolic control, androgen therapy withdrawn, or closure of the shunt when appropriate. Surgery is usually performed on large lesions. In the case of adenomatosis or multiple lesions, surgery will be adapted. Close followup is required in all cases.
Characterization of the OmyY1 Region on the Rainbow Trout Y Chromosome
Authors: Phillips Ruth B. , DeKoning Jenefer J. , Brunelli Joseph P. , Faber-Hammond Joshua J. , Hansen John D. , Christensen Kris A. , Renn Suzy C. P. , Thorgaard Gary H.
Published: March 2013

We characterized the male-specific region on the Y chromosome of rainbow trout, which contains both sdY (the sex-determining gene) and the male-specific genetic marker, OmyY1. Several clones containing the OmyY1 marker were screened from a BAC library from a YY clonal line and found to be part of an 800 kb BAC contig. Using fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH), these clones were localized to the end of the short arm of the Y chromosome in rainbow trout, with an additional signal on the end of the X chromosome in many cells. We sequenced a minimum tiling path of these clones using Illumina and 454 pyrosequencing. The region is rich in transposons and rDNA, but also appears to contain several single-copy protein-coding genes. Most of these genes are also found on the X chromosome; and in several cases sex-specific SNPs in these genes were identified between the male (YY) and female (XX) homozygous clonal lines. Additional genes were identified by hybridization of the BACs to the cGRASP salmonid 4x44K oligo microarray. By BLASTn evaluations using hypothetical transcripts of OmyY1-linked candidate genes as query against several EST databases, we conclude at least 12 of these candidate genes are likely functional, and expressed.
Using the Contingent Grouping Method to Value Forest Attributes
Authors: Riera Pere , Mogas Joan , Brey Raul
Published: March 2013

This paper presents the first application of a recently proposed stated preference valuation method called contingent grouping. The method is an alternative to other choice modeling methods such as contingent choice or contingent ranking. It was applied to an afforestation program in the northeast of Spain. The attributes included (and the marginal values estimated per individual) were allowing picnicking in the new forests (€2.47), sequestering 1000 tons of CO2(€0.04), delaying the loss of land productivity by 100 years, due to erosion in the new forests area (€0.783), and allowing four-wheel driving (€6.5), which is perceived as a welfare loss.
The Multicomponent Anthropometric Model for Assessing Body Composition in a Male Pediatric Population: A Simultaneous Prediction of Fat Mass, Bone Mineral Content, and Lean Soft Tissue
Authors: Machado Dalmo , Oikawa Sérgio , Barbanti Valdir
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to propose and cross-validate an anthropometric model for the simultaneous estimation of fat mass (FM), bone mineral content (BMC), and lean soft tissue (LST) using DXA as the reference method. A total of 408 boys (8–18 years) were included in this sample. Whole-body FM, BMC, and LST were measured by DXA and considered as dependent variables. Independent variables included thirty-two anthropometrics measurements and maturity offset determined by the Mirwald equation. From a multivariate regression model , a matrix analysis was performed resulting in a multicomponent anthropometric model. The cross-validation was executed through the sum of squares of residuals (PRESS) method. Five anthropometric variables predicted simultaneously FM, BMC, and LST. Cross-validation parameters indicated that the new model is accurate with high values ranging from 0.94 to 0.98 and standard error of estimate ranging from 0.01 to 0.09. The newly proposed model represents an alternative to accurately assess the body composition in male pediatric ages.
Electrochemical Fabrication of Niobium Silicon Alloys from Oxide Powder Mixtures
Authors: Meng Fanke , Lu Huimin
Published: March 2013

NbSi alloys were prepared by direct electrochemically reducing four mixed Nb2O5 and SiO2 powders (Nb-10Si, Nb-20Si, Nb-30Si, and Nb-37.5Si) in molten CaCl2 electrolyte at 900°C. The samples were characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). No oxidized phases were remained by XRD tests. Under SEM, Nb phase was scattered in Nb5Si3 phase for the samples of Nb-10Si, Nb-20Si, and Nb-30Si. For the sample of Nb-37.5Si, only Nb5Si3 was obtained after electrolysis.
Inequalities for Discrete Möbius Groups in Infinite Dimension
Authors: Fu Xi
Published: March 2013

We establish some inequalities for discrete Möbius groups in infinite dimension, which are generalizations of the corresponding results of Coa, 1996 and Gehring and Martin, 1991 in finite dimension.
A Scalable and Privacy-Aware Location-Sensing Model for Ephemeral Social Network Service
Authors: Lyu Yongqiang , Hong Dezhi , Wang Ying , Hou Yinghong , Yang Zhengwen , Chen Yu , Shi Yuanchun , Chin Alvin
Published: March 2013

Social network services (SNSs) are developing at an explosive speed, which makes it easy for people to be closely connected. As a result, a new SNS type, ephemeral social network (ESN), is emerging to capture the ephemeral interactions and meetings that occur in environments such as conferences and workplaces. Most ESNs require the positioning for capturing the physical proximity between people, which impacts much the scalability, privacy protection, and the cost of the system. In this paper, we propose a scalable location-sensing model based on RFID-sensing architecture for ESN in consideration of four aspects of requirements, that is, the usability, QoS, scalability, and privacy. The model includes the perspectives of the privacy, architecture, deployment, and positioning algorithms, which can meet the four key requirements. A prototyping conference-type ESN system was also developed in this paper and was tested in the ACM UbiComp 2011 conference, which verified that the model works well with good scalability, low cost, and customized privacy protection.
“Critical” Cosmology in Higher Order Gravity
Authors: Kan Nahomi , Kobayashi Koichiro , Shiraishi Kiyoshi
Published: March 2013

We construct the higher order terms of curvatures in Lagrangians of the scale factor in the D-dimensional Robertson-Walker metric, which are linear in the second derivative of the scale factor with respect to cosmic time. It is shown that they are composed of the Lovelock tensors at the first step; iterative construction yields arbitrarily high order terms. The relation to the former work on higher order gravity is discussed. Despite the absence of scalar degrees of freedom in cosmological models which come from our Lagrangian, it is shown that an inflationary behavior of the scale factor can be found. The application to the thick brane solutions is also studied.
On Certain New Subclass of Meromorphic Close-to-Convex Functions
Authors: Yi Jing-Ping , Wang Zhi-Gang , Zeng Ming-Hua
Published: March 2013

We introduce a certain new subclass of meromorphic close-to-convex functions. Such results as inclusion relationship, coefficient inequalities, distortion, and growth theorems for this class of functions are derived.
Pinworm Infestation Mimicking Crohns’ Disease
Authors: Johansson Joel , Ignatova Simone , Ekstedt Mattias
Published: March 2013

We here report a case of a young man who presented to his general practitioner with diarrhea. Inflammatory bowel disease was suspected and a colonoscopy showed aphthous lesions suggestive of Crohns’ disease but biopsies revealed eggs ofEnterobius vermicularis.When treated for this parasite, his symptoms were alleviated and a followup colonoscopy revealed a normal colon and distal ileum. Enterobius vermicularis is the most common parasite worldwide and has been attributed with many different presentations and pathologies. It is therefore necessary to maintain vigilance, even in high-income countries, in order to diagnose patients with one of the many atypical presentations of pinworms.
Overuse of Pap Testing Among Older Women and Women with a Hysterectomy
Authors: D Kepka , N Breen , J King , H Meissner , V Benard , K Roland , M Saraiya
Published: March 2013

Background: As of 2012, leading national organizations have agreed on evidence-based recommendations for Pap testing. They recommended against Pap testing for women over age 65 years who have had adequate prior screening and are not at high risk and for women without a cervix following a hysterectomy who do not have a history of high-grade precancerous lesion or cervical cancer. Few studies have investigated overuse of Pap testing among US women. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). NHIS is a nationally-representative survey of the civilian non-institutionalized population of the United States that employs a random, stratified, multi-stage cluster sampling design. The survey is conducted annually using computer-assisted in-person interviewing. It includes sections on self-reported participant demographic characteristics, health status, and use of healthcare services. In 2010, the NHIS administered a Cancer Control Supplement with questions on cervical cancer screening, hysterectomy status, and timing of hysterectomy (n = 12,320). All analyses account for the complex survey design of NHIS. Results Approximately 3/5 of women over age 65 years reported a Pap test in the past three years and nearly 2/3 of women reporting a hysterectomy also reported a recent Pap test since their hysterectomy. Adjusted proportions calculated using multivariate logistic regression models showed that among women over age 70 years, higher level of education (p < .05) and no hysterectomy (p < .001) were associated with receipt of a recent Pap test (received within past 3 years after age 65 years). Among women who have undergone a hysterectomy, younger age (p < .001), Hispanic and Black race/ethnicity (p < .001), higher income (p < .001), and private healthcare coverage (p < .01) were associated with receipt of a recent Pap test since hysterectomy. Conclusion: Pap testing in average-risk women over age 65 years and in women who have undergone a hysterectomy is high despite past recommendations. Now that all leading national organizations have released new guidelines in 2012, improved efforts are needed to significantly reduce overuse of Pap testing in the future.
Elevated Serum Calcium as a Biological Marker For Ovarian Cancer
Authors: HG Skinner , GG Schwartz
Published: March 2013

Background: Biological markers useful for detecting ovarian cancer at early stages are urgently needed. Because a subset of ovarian cancers is associated with hypercalcemia (serum calcium greater than the normal reference range), we hypothesized that high-normal serum calcium levels might be associated with ovarian cancer in general. Methods: We examined associations between total and ionized serum calcium and ovarian cancer mortality in the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES III) using Cox proportional hazard models. We then examined associations of serum calcium with incident ovarian cancer in a second prospective cohort, the NHANES Epidemiological Follow-up Study (NHEFS). Results: In NHANES III, eleven deaths from ovarian cancer occurred over 95,556 person-years of follow-up. After adjustment for age, height, body mass index, and cigarette smoking, the risk for fatal ovarian cancer increased 52% for each 0.1 mmol/L increase in total serum calcium (RH = 1.52, 95% CI 1.06–2.19) and 144% per each 0.1 mmol/L increase in ionized serum calcium (RH = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.45–4.09). Significant associations persisted after adjustment for established ovarian cancer risk factors including nulliparity and the never use of oral contraceptives. In the NHEFS, 8 incident ovarian cancers occurred over 31,089 person-years of follow-up. After adjusting for covariates, there was a 63% increase in the risk for ovarian cancer for each 0.1 mmol/L increase in total serum calcium (95% CI 1.14–2.34). Similar results were observed for albumin-adjusted serum calcium. Conclusions: These findings suggest that higher serum calcium may be a biomarker of ovarian cancer. This is the first report of prospective positive associations between indices of calcium in serum and ovarian cancer. These findings require confirmation in other cohorts.
The Impact of Colonoscopy Screening Guidelines that Incorporate Precursors in the Serrated Pathway: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: A Burnett-Hartman , P Newcomb , D Veenstra
Published: March 2013

Background: In 2012, the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on CRC published guidelines that include sessile serrated polyps (SSPs) as important new precursors to target during a screening colonoscopy. Previously, adenomas were the only polyp precursor targets of colonoscopy. Objective: The purpose of this study is to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for colonoscopy comparing the new guidelines to the former guidelines. Methods: We developed a Markov model for CRC that included three pathways: 1) de novo from colonic epithelium without a polyp precursor, 2) through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, and 3) through an SSP precursor. Then, we simulated the effect of screening colonoscopy on CRC incidence and mortality applying the new guidelines vs. the old guidelines in a hypothetical US cohort of 100,000 adults who began screening at age 50 and ended screening at age 75. Adults progressed through the model for 50 one-year cycles until death or age 100. Costs for CRC detection and treatment were estimated from a limited societal perspective using Medicare reimbursement data. We calculated the cost per life-year (LY) gained for the new CRC screening guidelines and the old guidelines compared to no intervention. Then we compared the two sets of guidelines to one another. Preliminary Results: CRC screening via colonoscopy in this hypothetical cohort of 100,000 adults using the old guidelines prevented 4,161 new CRC cases and 1,901 deaths. Implementing the new guidelines avoided an additional 452 CRC cases and 178 deaths. The old guidelines resulted in 0.064 LY-gained and an $800 increase in costs per person compared to the natural history of CRC with no intervention, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $12,500/LY. The new guidelines resulted in 0.068 LY-gained and a $405 increase in costs per person compared to no intervention, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $5,956/LY. Comparing the new guidelines to the old guidelines, the difference in LY-gained was 0.004, and the difference in costs was -$395 per person. Conclusion: CRC screening that includes evaluation of SSPs may be cost-effective, and potentially cost-saving, compared to prior guidelines.
Empathie: neurowissenschaftliche Grundlagen, klinische Implikationen und offene Fragestellungen
Authors: Ruckmann Judith , Rief Winfried
Published: March 2013

Empathie ist als Therapeutenvariable wichtiger Untersuchungsgegenstand der Psychotherapieforschung. Zugleich ist das Empathievermögen jedoch auch eine Patientenvariable, die den Behandlungserfolg beeinflussen kann. Als Bestandteil klinischer Symptomatik ist ein verändertes Empathieerleben bisher wenig im Fokus klinisch-psychologischer Forschung. Meist werden Konzepte wie Perspektivenübernahme / «Theory of Mind», Emotionsregulation und Alexithymie untersucht, nicht aber Empathie selbst. Der vorliegende Übersichtsartikel hat zum Ziel, Erkenntnisse der Neurowissenschaften in Bezug auf Empathie zusammenzufassen und störungsspezifisch verändertes Empathieerleben aufzuzeigen. Weiterhin sollen diese für die Psychotherapie nutzbar gemacht werden, um neue Ansatzpunkte für psychotherapeutische Interventionen zu generieren.
Spezielle Aspekte der Ernährung bei Patienten mit abdomineller Sepsis
Authors: Kuppinger David , Hartl Wolfgang H.
Published: March 2013

Hintergrund: Patienten mit schwerer abdomineller Sepsis stellen eine besondere ernährungsmedizinische Herausforderung dar. Methode: MEDLINE-, EMBASE- und Cochrane-Datenbanken wurden anhand der Stichwörter «peritonitis», «severe sepsis», «nutrition», «practice parameter» und «guideline» nichtsystematisch nach Publikationen durchsucht, die zwischen 2002 und 2012 erschienen waren. Wir berücksichtigten auch unser persönliches Literaturarchiv. Ergebnisse: Patienten mit abdomineller Sepsis besitzen ein hohes Risiko hinsichtlich einer schweren Hyperglykämie und Insulinresistenz. Aufgrund der gleichzeitig ausgeprägten und therapeutisch nur schwer zu beeinflussenden Eiweißkatabolie gelten diese Patienten als mangelernährt und benötigen eine besonders intensive Ernährungstherapie. Letztere orientiert sich nicht am tatsächlichen Energieumsatz (der vor allem in der Akutphase stark erhöht ist), sondern am Ausmaß der zu erwartenden Substratverwertungsstörungen. Ein zentraler Punkt ist dabei die Zufuhr von ausreichend Eiweiß oder Aminosäuren. Idealerweise sollte die Ernährung enteral erfolgen, wobei dies durch moderne Sonden- und Kathetertechniken bzw. operative Strategien auch bei schweren abdominellen Komplikationen (Anastomoseninsuffizienz) möglich ist. Allerdings zeigen Patienten mit abdomineller Sepsis oft eine verzögerte gastrointestinale Passage (Magen-/OberbauchAtonie, paralytischer Dünndarmileus, Pseudoobstruktion des Kolons), die durch engmaschige Überwachungsmaßnahmen erkannt werden muss und die die enterale Ernährung limitiert. Bei gastraler Ernährung stellt - neben dem klinischen Befund am Abdomen - die Messung des gastralen Residualvolumens den besten Kontrollparameter dar. Paralytische Passagestörungen sollten so aggressiv wie möglich therapiert werden. Im Vordergrund steht dabei die Sanierung des abdominellen Fokus, gefolgt von der Vermeidung antiperistaltisch wirksamer Medikamente und der Applikation properistaltisch wirksamer Substanzen bzw. physikalischer Maßnahmen. Schlussfolgerung: Die effiziente Ernährung von Patienten mit abdomineller Sepsis erfordert einen individuellen, patientenbezogenen Ansatz, der neben ernährungsmedizinischen auch besondere gastroenterologische Kenntnisse voraussetzt.
Impact of the ‘Repositioning Test' on Postoperative Outcome of Retroluminar Transobturator Male Sling Implantation
Authors: Bauer Ricarda M. , Gozzi Christian , Roosen Alexander , Khoder Wael , Trottmann Matthias , Waidelich Raphaela , Stief Christian G. , Soljanik Irina
Published: March 2013

Objective: To evaluate prospectively the value of the ‘repositioning test' (RT) in preoperative patient selection for the efficacy of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treatment using a retroluminar transobturator male sling (AdVance sling). Patients and Methods: 65 consecutive patients with SUI after radical prostatectomy were included in this single-center prospective study. Preoperatively, patients were classified into those with ‘positive' and ‘negative' RT. Postoperative results were analyzed and the association between the result of the RT and postoperative outcome was evaluated. Results: 53 patients (81.5%) showed preoperatively a positive RT and 12 patients (18.5%) a negative RT. After a follow-up of 12 months, patients with positive RT showed a cure rate (0 pads/day) of 83% and patients with a negative RT showed only a cure rate of 25%. A positive RT significantly correlated with cure in outcome (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with positive RT have a significantly better chance for successful AdVance sling implantation. The RT is minimally invasive, easy to learn and easy to perform. Therefore, the RT is a very useful tool for preoperative patient selection.
Grenzen des laparoskopischen Operierens bei abdomineller Sepsis
Authors: Keck Tobias , Wellner Ulrich , Tittelbach-Helmrich Dietlind , Bausch Dirk , Karcz Konrad
Published: March 2013

Hintergrund: Zahlreiche präklinische Daten weisen auf Vorteile des laparoskopischen Operierens auch bei abdomineller Sepsisquelle und septischem Patienten hin. Methode und Ergebnisse: Anhand derzeit verfügbarer Literatur betrachten wir die Möglichkeiten und Limitierungen laparoskopischen Operierens beim septischen Patienten mit abdominellem Fokus. Neben generellen Überlegungen werden im Speziellen das Vorgehen bei Appendizitis, Cholezystitis, perforiertem Ulkus, Sigmadivertikulitis und akuter Pankreatitis erörtert. Schlussfolgerungen: Erfahrene laparoskopische Chirurgen können die Sanierung der abdominellen Sepsisquelle bei Appendizitis, Cholezystitis, perforiertem Ulkus oder auch Sigmadivertikulitis sicher durchführen. Kombinationen aus interventionellen Techniken und minimal invasiven Operationen bieten insbesondere bei der perforierten Sigmadivertikulitis und bei infizierten Pankreasnekrosen innovative Ansätze, die derzeit in multizentrischen prospektiven Studien untersucht werden.
Polymorphic Variants of Neurotransmitter Receptor Genes May Affect Sexual Function in Aging Males: Data from the HALS Study
Authors: Jóźków Paweł , Słowińska-Lisowska Małgorzata , Łaczmański Łukasz , Mędraś Marek
Published: March 2013

Background/Aims: Human behavior is influenced by a number of brain neurotransmitters. Central dopamine, serotonin and melanocortin systems have special importance for male sexual function. We searched for associations between male aging symptoms and polymorphic sites of serotonin (5-HTR1B), melanocortin (MC4R) and dopamine (DRD2, DRD4) receptors. Methods: In a population-based sample, genotyping of 5-HTR1B (polymorphism: G861C), MC4R (polymorphisms: C-2745T, Val103Ile), DRD2 (polymorphism: C313T) and DRD4 (polymorphism: 48-bp VNTR) was performed in 387 healthy men. The Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale was used to evaluate specific ailments of aging men. We analyzed answers to questions from the AMS scale. Five points of the questionnaire addressed sexual symptoms of the aging male: feeling of passing one's peak, decrease in beard growth, decrease in ability/frequency to perform sexually, decrease in the number of morning erections, and decrease in sexual desire/libido (lacking pleasure in sex, lacking desire for sexual intercourse). Relations between reported symptoms and variants of the polymorphic sites of the studied genes were assessed. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors (education, arterial hypertension, physical activity, weight, waist circumference) an association between the sexual dimension of AMS and genetic variants of 5-HTR1B G861C (p = 0.04) was observed. Conclusions: Variability of neurotransmitter receptor genes may be associated with sexual symptoms of aging in men.
Modeling the Downwelling Longwave Radiation over a Groomed Ski Run under Clear Skies
Authors: Howard Rosie , Stull Roland
Published: March 2013

The surface radiation budget of a groomed ski run is important to ski racing. Variables such as snow-surface temperature and liquid water content depend upon the surface radiation budget and are crucial to preparing fast skis. This case study focuses on downwelling longwave radiation, measurements of which were made at a point on a ski run on Whistler Mountain, British Columbia, Canada, throughout a 5-day clear-sky intensive observation period. Tall trees often dominate the horizon of a point on a ski run, and so contributions to total downwelling longwave radiation from trees and sky were treated separately. The “LWRAD” longwave radiative flux model estimated the total downwelling longwave radiation by first calculating thermal contributions from the trees, incorporating regressions for tree temperature that use routine meteorological measurements. Contributions from each azimuth direction were determined with horizon-elevation angles from a theodolite survey. Thermal emissions were weighted accordingly and summed. Sky contributions were estimated using the “libRadtran” radiative transfer model with input of local atmospheric profiles of temperature and humidity and were added to tree emissions. Two clear-sky emissivity parameterizations using screen-height measurements were tested for comparison. LWRAD total downwelling longwave radiation varies between 235 and 265 W m−2 and compares well to measurements, with correlation coefficient squared (r2) of 0.96. These results can be used to improve estimates of downwelling longwave radiation for a groomed ski run.
Complements or Substitutes? Taxation, Social Welfare and Labour Market Regulation: An Industrial Relations Perspective on the ‘Five Economists’ Plan
Authors: Barbara Julien , Gahan Peter
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this paper is to critically appraise the assumptions and proposals put forward in the Five Economists’ plan to change the balance between social welfare, taxation and labour market regulation. The core theme developed here is that the proposal is based on questionable assumptions about the nature of employment relationships and labour market processes. An alternative framework is advanced. Using the Dutch case, it is argued that a more appropriate balance between these policy instruments, which requires an account of the distribution of risk between workers, firms and the state, provides a better theoretical basis on which linkages between taxation, social welfare and labour market regulation can be recast.

‘Let me say, at the outset, that you should be sceptical of anyone who suggests that there are any easy solutions. Solutions which most economists would agree could enable a return to “full employment” or very low unemployment, are either socially or politically unacceptable, or we do not know how to Implement them. The best solution is to achieve a large increase in the rate of economic growth.’

(Dawkins 1996: 16)
Mature Age Unemployment: A Long-Term Cost to Society
Authors: Encel S.
Published: March 2013

The issue of mature-age unemployment has now received comprehensive scrutiny by a parliamentary committee, which confirms in detail that mature-age workers (45 plus) are disproportionately represented among the long-term and very-long-term unemployed. So far, the Commonwealth Government has taken no action to deal specifically with these age groups, but programs now exist in three states, NSW, South Australia and Western Australia. The principal difficulty experienced by older workers is the attitude of employers, who consistently give preference to younger people. Although there is growing awareness of the problem, the situation is unlikely to change significantly until the demographic pressure of an ageing workforce becomes inescapable.
The Third Way, Employment and the Workplace in Australia
Authors: Waring Peter , Ostenfeld Shane , Lewer John , Burgess John
Published: March 2013

The Third Way program for work, industrial relations and employment is examined. The discussion considers the publications of major third way proponents in the UK and Australia. It then considers what policies have been instituted under New Labour in the UK. The discussion then moves to the possibilities for Australia. Overall the Third Way program is either underdeveloped in some areas (eg the workplace) or largely following orthodox supply side policies in other areas (eg unemployment). The article concludes with a list of some of the important work and workplace issues that could be addressed by a new policy program.
The Rise and Rise of Market Relations in the British Public Sector: Implications for Industrial Relations
Authors: Carter Bob , Davies Steven , Fairbrother Peter
Published: March 2013

Having outlined a traditional model of British public sector industrial relations, this article focuses on developments from the 1980s to 2001. It argues that there has been a reorganisation of the state through privatisation and an historical shift in employment relations, from the state as a ‘model’, administrative employer to an increasingly managerial employer. In effect, a depoliticisation of employment relations has taken place, with the withdrawal of central government from direct control over operational and organisational activity in the public services. As part of these processes, the public services in Britain have been marketised, with the creation of a public service sector, no longer defined by ownership but by the service provided. These developments are reflected in the changing patterns of industrial relations activity in the public services, with profound implications for trade unionism.