bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TAG term weight-based N gram Thesaurus generation for query expansion in information retrieval application
Authors: Shaila S.G. , Vadivel A.
Published: April 2015

Query expansion is an important task in information retrieval applications that improves the user query and helps in retrieving the relevant documents. In this paper, N gram Thesaurus is constructed from the documents for query expansion. The HTML TAGs in web documents are considered and their syntactical context is understood. Based on the nature, properties and significances, the TAGs are assigned a suitable weight. Later, the term weight is calculated using corresponding TAG weight and term frequency and later updated into the inverted index. All the single terms in the inverted index are updated as Unigrams in the Thesaurus. Further, Bigrams are constructed using Unigrams. Likewise, the rest of the (N + 1) grams are generated using N grams and their weights and later updated into the Thesaurus. During the query session, the user query terms are expanded based on the predicted N grams provided by the Thesaurus that are given as suggestions to the user. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated using the Clueweb09B, WT10g and GOV2 benchmark dataset. The improvement gain against baseline is considered as an evaluation parameter and the proposed approach has acheved 7.9% gain on ClueWeb09B, 18.3% on WT10g and 29.4% on GOV2 in terms of Mean Average Precision (MAP). We also compared the performance of the proposed approach with two other query expansion approaches, KLDCo and BoCo. The approach achieved 0.574 (+0.236), 0.519 (+0.209), 0.422 (+0.185) and 0.654 (+0.243) gain in terms P@5, P@10, MAP and MRR against baselines.
Taphonomic analysis of the Folsom bonebed at Lake Theo, Texas
Authors: Buchanan Briggs , Buchanan Susan , Johnson Eileen
Published: April 2015

The Lake Theo site is one of a handful of excavated Folsom-aged bonebeds on the Southern Plains. Despite the importance of this site, only limited research has been conducted on the collection. This limitation is a consequence of most of the bones being housed in sediment blocks removed from the field. This study makes use of recent efforts that have made the collection more accessible for research. Both taphonomic observations on the bone assemblage and statistical analyses that evaluate models of natural and cultural pre- and postdepositional processes now are reported. Taphonomic observations are consistent with the hypothesis that sediments buried the bonebed shortly after the carcasses were deposited. Forward stepwise multiple regression analyses indicate that the total products utility model is the best-fitting model. As such, the analyses suggest that Folsom hunters transported elements of higher utility away from the Lake Theo bison kill for further use. The actions of water flow and other natural destructive processes have not significantly influenced the observed skeletal element frequency.
Successful segmental thermal ablation of varicose saphenous veins in a patient with confirmed vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Frank Michael , Says Jerome , Denarié Nicolas , Sapoval Marc , Messas Emmanuel
Published: April 2015

We describe here the successful scheduled treatment of varicose veins by radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation in a 43-year-old patient with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Her venous disease started at the age of 16 years, 1 year prior to her first major Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-related event which led to the diagnosis of her genetic condition. Surgical stripping was contra-indicated because of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome at the age of 18 years. More than 20 years later, her venous disease had become highly symptomatic despite daily compression and pain medication. Venous reassessment evidenced incompetent right and left great saphenous and left small saphenous veins, with increased diameters of both sapheno-femoral and sapheno-popliteal junctions. Radiofrequency endovenous ablation rather than surgery was considered because of its minimally invasive nature and because of standardized energy delivery.

All intended-to-be-treated incompetent saphenous vein segments were occluded successfully, followed by an important improvement of clinical disease severity at day 30, persistent at 1 year post-treatment. Duplex ultrasound confirmed closure and fibrotic retraction of all treated venous segments at 1 year. This report shows that radiofrequency endovenous ablation may be a safe and effective therapy of varicose veins in patients with diagnosed vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
An Efficient, Noniterative Method of Identifying the Cost-Effectiveness Frontier
Authors: Suen Sze-chuan , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D.
Published: April 2015

Cost-effectiveness analysis aims to identify treatments and policies that maximize benefits subject to resource constraints. However, the conventional process of identifying the efficient frontier (i.e., the set of potentially cost-effective options) can be algorithmically inefficient, especially when considering a policy problem with many alternative options or when performing an extensive suite of sensitivity analyses for which the efficient frontier must be found for each. Here, we describe an alternative one-pass algorithm that is conceptually simple, easier to implement, and potentially faster for situations that challenge the conventional approach. Our algorithm accomplishes this by exploiting the relationship between the net monetary benefit and the cost-effectiveness plane. To facilitate further evaluation and use of this approach, we also provide scripts in R and Matlab that implement our method and can be used to identify efficient frontiers for any decision problem.
The experiences of peer leaders in a driving cessation programme
Authors: Liddle Jacki , Liu Xinyu , Aplin Tammy , Gustafsson Louise
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Peer leaders are increasingly involved in health-related programmes due to the perceived benefits that they bring to the group process. This exploratory study examined the experiences of peer leaders in the University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative, an educational support group for older people undergoing driving cessation.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five peer leaders (two men, three women, age range: 67–81 years) regarding their role and involvement as a peer leader in the University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative programme as well as their positive and negative experiences.

Results

Inductive thematic analysis revealed three themes: diversity of peer leaders, drawing on personal strengths and experiences, and taking the middle ground.

Conclusion

This study revealed that peer leaders drew from their diverse range of personal resources and experiences to perform the role of peer leader, using varying approaches to perform the role successfully. The provision of broad guidelines in training allowed individual approaches to be developed and this contributed to a positive experience for peer leaders in the University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative. These findings have implications for the development of future peer-led driving cessation programmes and the selection of their peer leaders.
Litigation settlements, litigation stakes, and financial distress costs
Authors: Narayanamoorthy Ganapathi S , Zhou Hui
Published: April 2015

Several theoretical studies provide predictions on the relation between settlement likelihood and litigation stakes. Although models with generalizable settings argue in favor of a negative relation, certain specialized settings predict the opposite. In contrast to the theoretical literature, there is limited empirical analysis of the relation with only one study reporting evidence of a positive association. In this study, we infer how the stock market forms expectations regarding the relation between settlement likelihood and litigation stakes by analyzing stock returns around settlement announcement dates. We find that the market was more surprised when higher stakes lawsuits were settled, suggesting that higher stakes lawsuits were not expected to settle. We thus provide empirical support in favor of general theoretical models on conflict resolution that predict a positive relation between litigation stakes and settlement likelihood. Our results also have implications for studies of financial distress costs. Although we find evidence of the existence of financial distress costs, our results contradict a conclusion drawn in prior research—that the primary benefit of litigation settlements is the unexpected relief from financial distress costs.
Increased interictal visual network connectivity in patients with migraine with aura
Authors: Tedeschi Gioacchino , Russo Antonio , Conte Francesca , Corbo Daniele , Caiazzo Giuseppina , Giordano Alfonso , Conforti Renata , Esposito Fabrizio , Tessitore Alessandro
Published: April 2015

Objective

To evaluate the resting-state visual network functional connectivity in patients with migraine with aura and migraine without aura during the interictal period.

Population and methods

Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, the resting-state visual network integrity was investigated in 20 patients with migraine with aura, 20 age- and sex-matched patients with migraine without aura and 20 healthy controls. Voxel-based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging were used to assess whether between-groups differences in functional connectivity were dependent on structural or microstructural changes.

Results

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data showed that patients with migraine with aura, compared to both patients with migraine without aura and healthy controls, had a significant increased functional connectivity in the right lingual gyrus within the resting-state visual network ( p < 0.05, cluster-level corrected). This abnormal resting-state visual network functional connectivity was observed in the absence of structural or microstructural abnormalities and was not related to migraine severity.

Conclusions

Our imaging data revealed that patients with migraine with aura exhibit an altered resting-state visual network connectivity. These results support the hypothesis of an extrastriate cortex involvement, centred in the lingual gyrus, a brain region related to mechanisms underlying the initiation and propagation of the migraine aura. This resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging finding may represent a functional biomarker that could differentiate patients experiencing the aura phenomenon from patients with migraine without aura, even between migraine attacks.
Adipose Clocks
Authors: Henriksson Emma , Lamia Katja A.
Published: April 2015

Circadian clocks optimize the timing of physiological processes in synchrony with daily recurring and therefore predictable changes in the environment. Until the late 1990s, circadian clocks were thought to exist only in the central nervous systems of animals; elegant studies in cultured fibroblasts and using genetically encoded reporters in Drosophila melanogaster and in mice showed that clocks are ubiquitous and cell autonomous. These findings inspired investigations of the advantages construed by enabling each organ to independently adjust its function to the time of day. Studies of rhythmic gene expression in several organs suggested that peripheral organ clocks might play an important role in optimizing metabolic physiology by synchronizing tissue-intrinsic metabolic processes to cycles of nutrient availability and energy requirements. The effects of clock disruption in liver, pancreas, muscle, and adipose tissues support that hypothesis. Adipose tissues coordinate energy storage and utilization and modulate behavior and the physiology of other organs by secreting hormones known as “adipokines.” Due to behavior- and environment-driven diurnal variations in supply and demand for chemical and thermal energy, adipose tissues might represent an important peripheral location for coordinating circadian energy balance (intake, storage, and utilization) over the whole organism. Given the complexity of adipose cell types and depots, the sensitivity of adipose tissue biology to age and diet composition, and the plethora of known and yet-to-be-discovered adipokines and lipokines, we have just begun to scratch the surface of understanding the role of circadian clocks in adipose tissues.
The Goals of IPV Survivors Receiving Orders of Protection
Authors: Cattaneo Lauren Bennett , Grossmann Jessica , Chapman Aliya R.
Published: April 2015

Protection orders (POs) are a widely recommended and commonly used intervention for intimate partner violence (IPV), but evidence for their effectiveness is mixed. This mixed methods study used the framework of empowerment to explore the goals of petitioners who seek POs, and the extent to which one group of experts considers these goals to be a good fit with the court’s intent. We collected data in three phases: (a) We conducted a qualitative study to generate a list of goals ( n = 10); (b) we administered the list to a sample of IPV survivors ( n = 157); and (c) we surveyed a group of attorneys ( n = 10). Results showed that petitioners endorse many goals for seeking POs and that while their highest priority goals relate to safety, other nearly universally endorsed goals are more psychological in nature, such as moving on with one’s life. Petitioners also use the orders to navigate complex relationships, helping themselves to set boundaries in addition to sending a clear message to respondents. Our group of lawyers viewed petitioners’ highest priority goals as a relatively good fit with the system, but was fairly pessimistic about the likelihood of success. Petitioners’ ratings of progress toward their goals, at the time of the PO hearing, differed markedly from lawyers’ perceptions. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Family Violence and Other Potentially Traumatic Interpersonal Events Among 9- to 17-Year-Old Children Attending an Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic
Authors: Hultmann Ole , Broberg Anders G.
Published: April 2015

Among children visiting child and adolescent mental health care (CAM), the prevalence of exposure to family violence (FV) is reported to exceed prevalence in community samples, as are potentially traumatic interpersonal events (IPE) outside the family. The aim of the study was to relate CAM patients’ self-reported experiences of violence exposure to their current psychiatric symptoms and to compare patients exposed to violence with patients who reported no exposure. We asked 305 consecutive 9- to 17-year-old patients in CAM about their current and previous exposure to violence in and outside of the family. Prevalence of exposure to any kind of violence was 67%. Reported exposures were 19% to IPE, 21% to FV, and 27% to both. Children exposed to both FV and IPE were more negatively affected by the events than children exposed to FV or IPE only. Children in the FV + IPE group reported more mental health symptoms than those in the no violence (33%) group. In general, IPE was related to the outcome measures only in combination with FV. Degree of violence exposure seemed to have a dose–response relationship with the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Impact of FDA Black Box Warning on Psychotropic Drug Use in Noninstitutionalized Elderly Patients Diagnosed With Dementia
Authors: Singh Rakesh R. , Nayak Rajesh
Published: April 2015

Background:

The study seeks to investigate the impact of Food and Drug Administration's black box warning (BBW) on the use of atypical antipsychotics (AAP) and nonantipsychotic psychotropic alternatives in noninstitutionalized elderly population diagnosed with dementia.

Method:

The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2004 through 2007) was utilized as the data source. Medication use in elderly patients (≥65 years) was defined as taking at least 1 medication for dementia. We performed a statistical comparison of prewarning (2004-2005) and postwarning (2006-2007) periods with respect to AAP and nonantipsychotic psychotropic use to examine the impact of labeling changes.

Results:

A bivariate analysis did not yield statistically significant change in either the AAP or nonantipsychotic psychotropic use, pre- versus postwarning. However, multivariate logistic-regression analyses revealed greater odds for antidementia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.976, P = .0195) and benzodiazepine (OR = 3.046, P = .0227) medication use in postwarning period compared to the prewarning period.

Conclusion:

The regulatory warnings and labeling changes regarding off-label use of AAPs in dementia treatment showed minimal impact on their actual use in noninstitutionalized populations. A corresponding increase in the use of nonantipsychotic psychotropics explains that BBW might have resulted in a compensatory shift in favor of benzodiazepines and antidementia medications. Additional research should be conducted to examine the long-term impact of BBW on antipsychotic prescribing changes.
What Can a Urine Drug Screening Immunoassay Really Tell Us?
Authors: Nelson Zachary J. , Stellpflug Samuel J. , Engebretsen Kristin M.
Published: April 2015

Urine drug screening has become standard of care in many medical practice settings to assess compliance, detect misuse, and/or to provide basis for medical or legal action. The antibody-based enzymatic immunoassays used for qualitative analysis of urine have significant drawbacks that clinicians are often not aware of. Recent literature suggests that there is a lack of understanding of the shortcomings of these assays by clinicians who are ordering and/or interpreting them. This article addresses the state of each of the individual immunoassays that are most commonly used today in order to help the reader become proficient in the interpretation and application of the results. Some literature already exists regarding sources of “false positives” and “false negatives,” but none seem to present the material with the practicing clinician in mind. This review aims to avoid overwhelming the reader with structures and analytical chemistry. The reader will be presented relevant clinical knowledge that will facilitate appropriate interpretation of immunoassays regardless of practice settings. Using this review as a learning tool and a reference, clinicians will be able to interpret the results of commonly used immunoassays in an evidence-based, informed manner and minimize the negative impact that misinterpretation has on patient care.
Dual-Hormone Changes Are Related to Bargaining Performance
Authors: Mehta Pranjal H. , Mor Shira , Yap Andy J. , Prasad Smrithi
Published: April 2015

In the present research, we found that endogenous testosterone and cortisol changes were jointly related to bargaining outcomes. In a face-to-face competitive negotiation (Study 1) and a laboratory-based bargaining game (Study 2), testosterone rises were associated with high earnings and high relationship quality, but only if cortisol dropped. If cortisol rose, testosterone rises were associated with low earnings and poor relationship quality. Conflict between financial and social goals was related to the financially costly dual-hormone profile (testosterone increase and cortisol increase), whereas the absence of such conflict was related to the financially adaptive dual-hormone profile (testosterone increase and cortisol decrease). The findings suggest that when cortisol decreases, rising testosterone is implicated in adaptive bargaining behavior that maximizes earnings and relationship quality. But when cortisol increases, rising testosterone is related to conflict between social and financial motives, weak earnings, and poor relationship quality. These results imply that there are both bright and dark sides to rising testosterone in economic social interactions that depend on fluctuations in cortisol.
Vitamin D levels and cytokine profiles in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Schneider L , Colar da Silva A C , Werres Junior L C , Alegretti A P , dos Santos A S Pereira , Santos M , Sassi R , Heemann B , Pfaffenseller B , Tavares Brenol J C , Monticielo O A
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the expression of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and verify the association between serum cytokine levels and vitamin D concentration.

Methods

The sample consisted of 172 patients with SLE. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured by chemiluminescence and 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/mL were considered to reflect vitamin D deficiency. Serum cytokine levels were measured in once-thawed samples, using a Th1/Th2/Th17 CBA (cytometric beads array) kit.

Results

One hundred and sixty-one (93.6%) patients were women and 128 (74.4%) were of European descent. Mean patient age was 40.5 ± 13.8 years, and mean age at diagnosis was 31.5 ± 13.4 years. At the time of study entry, patients had a median (IQR) SLEDAI of 2 (1–4) and SLICC of 0 (0–1). Mean 25(OH)D concentration was 25.4 ± 11.04 ng/mL. Fifty-nine (34.3%) patients had a vitamin D deficiency. No statistically significant associations were identified between cytokine and vitamin D levels. The most significant finding was a positive correlation between INF-α levels and SLEDAI ( rs = 0.22, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Although vitamin D deficiencies are highly prevalent in patients with SLE, vitamin D levels were not significantly associated with patient cytokine profiles. The positive correlation between IFN-α levels and SLEDAI showed in this study corroborates other findings in the literature. The present results did not replicate those of in vitro studies of the effect of vitamin D levels on cytokine profiles. Placebo-controlled intervention trials of the effect of vitamin D on cytokine profiles are still required before any definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the association between these variables.
What is the public’s role in ‘space’ policymaking? Images of the public by practitioners of ‘space’ communication in the United Kingdom
Authors: Entradas Marta
Published: April 2015

Studies on experts’ understanding of the public have mainly focused on the views of scientists. We add to the literature on constructions of the public by analyzing the views of decision-makers, professional science communicators and scientists involved in ‘space’ communication on the public and public participation in policy. Findings show that contextual situations and roles determine the way the public is conceptualised: the public is sophisticated and knowledgeable to participate in space activities/citizen science, but in matters of policy, a gullible image of the public is brought up. Despite the democratic talk on participation, practitioners delimited public involvement in policy in some way or other to protect their own power and decision-making capabilities. This conception of the public competes with the stated aims of scientific and political institutions for public engagement and the substantive value of public participation, leaving a limited role for the public in space policymaking.
Longevity and Diet in Okinawa, Japan: The Past, Present and Future
Authors: Miyagi S , Iwama N , Kawabata T , Hasegawa K
Published: April 2015

Japan has the longest life expectancy at birth (LEB) in the world. Okinawa, Japan's poorest prefecture, previously had the highest longevity indices in the country. However, the latest LEB for men in Okinawa is no higher than the national average. The purpose of this study is to examine why the longevity indices in Okinawa were once the highest in Japan, and to examine the reasons for their recent decline. In 1990, in Okinawa, the age-adjusted death rates (ADR) of the three leading causes of death were lower than their national averages. By 2000, the standard mortality ratios (SMR, Japan=100) of heart disease and cerebrovascular disease for both sexes in Okinawa had increased, compared to their 1990 levels. Both of the ADR of ischemic heart disease and the ADR of cerebrovascular disease for men increased to 45.5 and 63.5 in 2000, up from 42.9 and 59.1 in 1990, respectively, and the SMR of ischemic heart disease for men in Okinawa reached 101 in 2000. Consequently, the national ranking of Okinawa prefecture for LEB of men has dropped. As of 1988, in Okinawa, daily intake of meat and daily intake of pulses were both approximately 90 grams, which is about 20% and 30% higher than the national average, respectively. Also, as of 1988, daily intake of green and yellow vegetables in Okinawa was about 50% higher than the national average. However, by 1998, daily meat intake and fat energy ratio had surpassed 100 grams and 30%, respectively, and daily intake of pulses and green and yellow vegetables had declined to the level of the national average. Recently, young Japanese, particularly young men in Okinawa, have shown a tendency to avoid the traditional dishes of stewed meat and champuru.
Is There a Role for Monounsaturated Fat in the Dietary Management of Obesity?
Authors: Soares MJ , Piers LS , Walker KZ , O'Dea K
Published: April 2015

Animal and human studies indicate that high saturated fat (SFA) diets can be obesogenic. Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) has acute (meal related) effects that influence energy metabolism. These include increased postprandial fat oxidation and greater diet induced thermogenesis, factors that attenuate weight gain. Chronic (diet related) studies for 12 weeks or more, demonstrate that people following high MUFA diets do not gain excessive weight even when eating ad libitum. In fact, we have observed greater body weight and fat loss in men following an ad libitum MUFA diet, when compared to a SFA diet. High MUFA diets designed for weight loss should also incorporate a high vegetable intake according to traditional Mediterranean patterns. Such diets will promote the utilisation of fat and also have a low energy density. In our experience these diets are well accepted, and offer the prospect of greater long-term adherence to dietary advice.
Breastfeeding and the Prevention of Obesity
Authors: Binns C , Lee MK , Oddy W
Published: April 2015

Obesity will be the greatest challenge for nutrition and is probably the greatest overall challenge to public health facing us in the next few decades. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for many chronic diseases and the impact on wellbeing and mortality is well documented. Breastfeeding exclusively to six months of age is the most appropriate way to feed infants. A review of the international literature and an analysis of Australian data support the hypothesis that breastfeeding reduces the prevalence of obesity. Breastfeeding promotion should become a part of public health programmes for the prevention of obesity.
New Insights into Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Subjects with Visceral Obesity
Authors: James AP , Slivkoff-Clark K , Mamo JCL
Published: April 2015

Obese insulin resistant individuals often present with a dyslipidemic phenotype characterised by hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol levels, essentially normal total- and LDL-cholesterol, but a propensity for smaller, denser LDL particles. We have reported that concentrations of chylomicrons are two to three folds greater than in age-matched lean controls. We have recently observed that in lean free-living subjects the flux of chylomicrons over a 12h period was just 25% greater in these subjects than basal chylomicron production. Constitutive secretion of chylomicrons appears to be of greater relevance to arterial exposure than postprandial fluctuations. Insulin critically regulates the metabolism of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and hence it would be expected that the hormone is also involved in the regulation of chylomicron metabolism. Impaired insulin action may therefore be responsible for the associated hyperchylomicronaemia. In this review we examine the hypothesis that insulin chronically modulates chylomicron metabolism and present evidence suggesting that hyperchylomicronaemia primarily results from impaired chylomicron production.
‘We’re, like, a cute rugby team’: How whiteness and heterosexuality shape women’s sense of belonging in rugby
Authors: Adjepong Anima
Published: April 2015

This article considers how race and sexuality mutually inform the ways women experience their sense of belonging in sport. An examination of how white and heterosexual privilege structure belonging for 15 women rugby players in the sport finds that the ways in which some players assert their belonging runs the risk of reifying oppressive norms associated with heterosexual femininity and white privilege. This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how individual women may rely on certain structures of domination to take up space in sport in ways that rely on and reproduce inequality. Although women rugby players may challenge norms of (white) heterosexual femininity, they experience these norms as mediated through their particular social locations. As a result, how women rugby players take up space in sport may be complicated by their specific relationship to social constructions of gender, sexuality, and race.
Where is the European general strike? Understanding the challenges of trans-European trade union action against austerity
Authors: Dribbusch Heiner
Published: April 2015

The 2011 ETUC Congress in Athens adopted a proposal by two Spanish trade union confederations that called on the ETUC to examine the possibility of undertaking coordinated European strikes, including a European general strike. These strikes never materialized and the ETUC’s European Day of Action on 14 November 2012 was less a powerful expression of pan-European solidarity than a reflection of precisely the social division that it was mounted to combat. This article explores some major determinants of solidarity. It then identifies major constraints on building international solidarity. This is followed by a brief outline of the preconditions of collective action. The transnational campaign of dockworkers against the so-called Port Packages in 2003 and 2006 and the mobilization against the Bolkestein Directive in 2006 are chosen as examples of successful transnational action that illustrate both the challenges met by unions and the factors that favour success. The article concludes with a brief discussion of the more difficult conditions and prospects for transnational action against the current European austerity measures.
“Protect Your Loved Ones From Fataki”
Authors: Kaufman Michelle R. , Tsang Samantha W. , Mooney Alyssa , McCartney-Melstad Anna , Mushi Adiel K. , Kamala Benjamin
Published: April 2015

The Fataki campaign aired in Tanzania via radio from 2008 to 2011 to address cross-generational sex, a major driver of HIV in the region. The campaign sought to incite social disapproval of men who engage in such relationships, generate dialogue around the issue, and encourage community interventions in these relationships through social learning. Using qualitative methods, we explored campaign reactions, use of the term Fataki to describe men in relationships with much younger women, and the nature of discussions spurred by the campaign. We conducted focus group discussions and individual interviews in Iringa and Pwani regions with young women, older men, and community leaders. Results showed that the Fataki term was widely used and had negative connotations reflecting social disapproval of men who participate in such relationships. Dialogue spurred by the campaign, primarily directed toward young women, focused on reasons for avoiding these relationships. We conclude with suggestions for relevant future interventions.
Interface definitions in literature: A reality check
Authors: Parslov Jakob Filippson , Mortensen Niels Henrik
Published: April 2015

Companies that develop multi-technological products are challenged on their ability to obtain high product quality and short development lead times in today’s highly competitive and globalized markets. One of the main reasons for poor product quality is due to unidentified or poorly defined product interfaces during the design phase leading to unintended product behavior. In an effort to reduce the lead time and increase quality, companies may apply a modular product architecture, thus enabling parallel development and maturing of modules. Achieving a successful integration of the modules at the end of a design phase requires, however, an understanding of how the modules disintegrate from an early stage. This implies having a fundamental understanding of what an interface is. Despite the apparent academic consensus on the importance of product interfaces during design, very little research has been done on the definition and perception of a product interface within engineering design research which is the objective of this article. A structured literature review of interface definitions found within engineering design literature has been carried out. The different definitions were tabulated against four key issues concerning the nature of an interface. These were later discussed with use of a case example in order to reason out the implications to design. The literature review revealed an inconsistency in the perceptions of an interface with regard to how it manifests itself, whether it is a design object, and the use of element types. These key issues were justified using a case example of a solenoid valve. In light of the findings from the literature review, it is argued how interfaces between modules as well as interfaces that reside in the tension field between different engineering disciplines may require great attention since they are subject to negotiation and interpretation between disciplines, which could lead to miscommunication and inefficiency.
Assessment of the Diagnostic Value of Plasma Levels, Activities, and Their Ratios of von Willebrand Factor and ADAMTS13 in Patients with Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Qu Le , Jiang Miao , Qiu Wenjuan , Lu Shiqi , Zhao Yunxiao , Xia Lijun , Ruan Changgeng , Zhao Yiming
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives:

Raised levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and reduced levels of a disintegrin and a metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type I motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) activity are associated with thrombosis. We aimed to investigate the relationships between plasma levels of VWF and ADAMTS13, their ratios, and the occurrence of cerebral infarction and to understand the roles of VWF and ADAMTS13 in cerebral infarction.

Methods:

Ninety-four patients with cerebral infarction and 103 controls were analyzed. Plasma levels of VWF antigen (VWF: Ag), VWF ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF: Rcof), and VWF collagen binding activity (VWF: CB) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13) was measured with FRETS-VWF73. The relationship between plasma levels and ratios of VWF and ADAMTS13 and the occurrence of cerebral infarction were analyzed.

Results:

Patients with cerebral infarction displayed higher VWF: Ag and VWF: Rcof levels and lower ADAMTS13, VWF: CB/VWF: Ag, ADAMTS13/VWF: Ag, and ADAMTS13/VWF: Rcof levels compared to controls ( P < .01). The highest quartiles of VWF: Ag (odds ratio [OR] = 5.11, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-17.50) and VWF: Rcof (OR = 5.04, 95% CI, 1.62-15.66) and the lowest quartiles of VWF: CB/VWF: Ag (OR = 5.91, 95% CI, 1.95-17.93), ADAMTS13/VWF: Ag (OR = 9.11, 95% CI, 2.49-33.33), and ADAMTS13/VWF: Rcof (OR = 3.73, 95% CI, 1.39-10.03) are associated with cerebral infarction.

Conclusions:

An association was found between reduced levels of VWF: CB/VWF: Ag, ADAMTS13/VWF: Ag, and ADAMTS13/VWF: Rcof ratios and cerebral infarction. Our data suggest that increased levels of VWF and reduced levels of ADAMTS13 activity may contribute to the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction.
Psychological Consequences Associated With Positive and Negative Responses to Disclosure of Sexual Assault Among College Women
Authors: Orchowski Lindsay M. , Gidycz Christine A.
Published: April 2015

A prospective design was utilized to explore the impact of social reactions to sexual assault disclosure among college women who experienced sexual victimization over a 4-month academic quarter. Women completed baseline, 4- and 7-month assessments of symptomatology, beliefs about why sexual assault occurs, victimization, and social reactions to sexual assault disclosure. Accounting for symptomatology or beliefs reported prior to the assault, positive social reactions were not associated with victims’ subsequent symptomatology or beliefs. However, accounting for symptomatology or beliefs reported prior to the assault, higher negative social reactions were associated with victims’ post-assault reports of hostility, fear, and beliefs about why sexual assault occurs.
Overview and Evaluation of a Mentorship Program for University Students With ASD
Authors: Ames Megan E. , McMorris Carly A. , Alli Lisa N. , Bebko James M.
Published: April 2015

The number of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pursuing postsecondary education is increasing. A mentorship program was developed to help students with ASD navigate the social and academic framework of postsecondary campus life. The present study (a) provides information about a sample of university students with ASD and (b) evaluates satisfaction with the support provided. This is the first study in Canada to report on the experience of students with ASD and to evaluate this novel approach. Students ( N = 23) provided demographic information in the fall and completed surveys evaluating their satisfaction at the end of each academic year. Since beginning the program, the number of students has increased by 200%. High levels of satisfaction were reported. The majority of students reported success in achieving personal goals in part due to their participation in the program. Results better inform the development of supports for students with ASD.
School-Based Social Skills Training for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Radley Keith C. , McHugh Melissa B. , Taber Traci , Battaglia Allison A. , Ford W. Blake
Published: April 2015

The present study evaluated the effects of the Superheroes Social Skills program, a social skills curriculum for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous research has found the curriculum to improve social engagements of children with ASD during unstructured recess periods but has been limited in research design and lack of maintenance data. Five elementary-age participants with current placements in inclusive public school settings were included in the study. A multiple baseline design across participants was used to determine the effects of the intervention on social engagement during unstructured recess periods, as well as teacher ratings of social functioning and sociometric status. Visual and statistical analyses of data indicate increased social engagement of participants during recess periods following introduction of social skills training. Improvements were also observed in teacher ratings of social functioning and sociometric status. Limitations of the current study are also discussed.
NIH Peer Review
Authors: Lindner Mark D. , Vancea Adrian , Chen Mei-Ching , Chacko George
Published: April 2015

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest source of funding for biomedical research in the world. Funding decisions are made largely based on the outcome of a peer review process that is intended to provide a fair, equitable, timely, and unbiased review of the quality, scientific merit, and potential impact of the research. There have been concerns about the criteria reviewers are using, and recent changes in review procedures at the NIH now make it possible to conduct an analysis of how reviewers evaluate applications for funding. This study examined the criteria and overall impact scores recorded by assigned reviewers for R01 grant applications. The results suggest that all the scored review criteria, including innovation, are related to the overall impact score. Further, good scores are necessary on all five scored review criteria, not just the score for research methodology, in order to achieve a good overall impact score.
Feline intestinal mast cell tumours: clinicopathological characterisation and KIT mutation analysis
Authors: Sabattini Silvia , Giantin Mery , Barbanera Adele , Zorro Shahidian Lara , Dacasto Mauro , Zancanella Vanessa , Prata Daniela , Trivigno Eleonora , Bettini Giuliano
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Feline intestinal mast cell tumours (FIMCTs) are rare and reportedly characterised by poor differentiation, aggressive biological behaviour and lack of reliable therapeutic aids. KIT proto-oncogene-activating mutations have never been investigated in these tumours. This study describes the main clinicopathological and microscopic features observed in 17 FIMCTs.

Methods

Tumour degree of differentiation, proliferative activity, Kit protein expression and KIT mutations were evaluated and correlated with survival to assess their prognostic relevance.

Results

Ten tumours were located in the small intestine, two in the ileocaecocolic junction, and five in the large intestine. Survival times ranged from 3–538 days. Fifteen tumours were evaluated histologically, and there were six well-differentiated, six moderately differentiated and three poorly differentiated FIMCTs. The last showed a medium-to-large deposition of collagen tissue ( P <0.001), and significantly higher mitotic and Ki67 indexes compared with more differentiated tumours ( P = 0.011). On survival analysis, tumour degree of differentiation ( P <0.001) and a mitotic index >2 ( P = 0.022) were significantly associated with decreased survival times. Twelve cases showed Kit protein immunoexpression. The Kit pattern was membranous in five cases (33.3%), focal paranuclear in five (33.3%) and diffuse cytoplasmic in two (13.3%). Cytoplasmic Kit patterns were associated with a lesser differentiation ( P = 0.015). Mutation analysis was successfully performed on 12 primary tumours and four lymph node metastases; however, no encoding mutation was detected.

Conclusions and relevance

Contrary to reports in the literature, FIMCTs seem to have an extremely variable biological behaviour. We propose a classification based on tumour degree of differentiation and proliferative activity. These findings need to be confirmed in larger series, and exploration of further genomic regions of KIT is warranted to clarify its role in the development and progression of these neoplasms.
Audiogenic reflex seizures in cats
Authors: Lowrie Mark , Bessant Claire , Harvey Robert J , Sparkes Andrew , Garosi Laurent
Published: April 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to characterise feline audiogenic reflex seizures (FARS).

Methods

An online questionnaire was developed to capture information from owners with cats suffering from FARS. This was collated with the medical records from the primary veterinarian. Ninety-six cats were included.

Results

Myoclonic seizures were one of the cardinal signs of this syndrome (90/96), frequently occurring prior to generalised tonic–clonic seizures (GTCSs) in this population. Other features include a late onset (median 15 years) and absence seizures (6/96), with most seizures triggered by high-frequency sounds amid occasional spontaneous seizures (up to 20%). Half the population (48/96) had hearing impairment or were deaf. One-third of cats (35/96) had concurrent diseases, most likely reflecting the age distribution. Birmans were strongly represented (30/96). Levetiracetam gave good seizure control. The course of the epilepsy was non-progressive in the majority (68/96), with an improvement over time in some (23/96). Only 33/96 and 11/90 owners, respectively, felt the GTCSs and myoclonic seizures affected their cat’s quality of life (QoL). Despite this, many owners (50/96) reported a slow decline in their cat’s health, becoming less responsive (43/50), not jumping (41/50), becoming uncoordinated or weak in the pelvic limbs (24/50) and exhibiting dramatic weight loss (39/50). These signs were exclusively reported in cats experiencing seizures for >2 years, with 42/50 owners stating these signs affected their cat’s QoL.

Conclusions and relevance

In gathering data on audiogenic seizures in cats, we have identified a new epilepsy syndrome named FARS with a geriatric onset. Further studies are warranted to investigate potential genetic predispositions to this condition.
Probabilistic fatigue life of balsa cored sandwich composites subjected to transverse shear
Authors: Dimitrov Nikolay , Berggreen Christian
Published: April 2015

A probabilistic fatigue life model for end-grain balsa cored sandwich composites subjected to transverse shear is proposed. The model is calibrated to measured three-point bending constant-amplitude fatigue test data using the maximum likelihood method. Some possible applications of the probabilistic model are obtaining characteristic S–N curves corresponding to a given survival probability, and calibrating partial safety factors for material fatigue. The latter is demonstrated by a calibration performed using reliability analysis with the first-order reliability method. The measured variance in balsa shear properties, for both static strength and fatigue failure, is higher than the variance normally observed in the properties for fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates. This could be attributed to the fact that end-grain balsa wood is the product of a naturally occurring growth process, which cannot be controlled to the same extent as an industrial manufacturing processes. The large variance in the probabilistic model for fatigue life is reflected in the corresponding calibrated partial safety factors, which are higher than the factors usually associated with synthetic materials such as fiber-reinforced laminates.
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Dermatology Outpatients
Authors: AlGhamdi Khalid M. , Khurrum Huma , Al-Natour Sahar H. , Alghamdi Waleed , Mubki Thamer , Alzolibani Abdulatif , Hafez Dhafer Mohammed Y. , AlDraibi Mohammed
Published: April 2015

Background:

Little is known about the prevalence and practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among dermatology patients in the Arab world. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitudes about CAM, prevalence of its use, reasons for its use, and types of CAM used in dermatology patients in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This was a national survey of various regions of Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, dermatology outpatients were interviewed using a questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics, acceptability, utilization pattern, and reasons for CAM use were elicited. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was obtained.

Results:

Overall, 1901 patients returned complete questionnaires out of 2500 distributed (76% response rate). Of these, 808 (40%) were CAM users, and the majority were woman (55.1%), with a mean age of 31.6 ± 12 years. Most were literate (71.2%) and just over half were married (51.9%). Patients with acute skin diseases were found to be more likely to use CAM ( P = .027). The mean DLQI score was higher (worse quality of life) among CAM users than among nonusers ( P = .002). The results showed that 315 of 801 (40%) and 250 of 601 (30%) CAM users agreed that CAM methods are safer and more effective than modern medicine, respectively, and 83% will continue to use CAM in future. The most commonly used CAM modalities were vitamins, prayers, natural products, and herbs. Responses indicated that 379 of 803 (47.2%) CAM users did not consult their doctor before using CAM, and 219 of 743 (30%) did not obtain sufficient answers regarding CAM use from their dermatologists.

Conclusions:

There is a significant use of CAM among dermatology outpatients in Saudi Arabia. In view of the common belief that CAM has fewer side effects than conventional medicine, dermatologists need to increase their awareness of CAM.