bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plants Consumption and Liver Health
Authors: Guan Yong-Song , He Qing
Published: June 2015

The liver is a very important organ with a lot of functions for the host to survive. Dietary components are essential for and can be beneficial or detrimental to the healthy or diseased liver. Plants food is an essential part of the human diet and comprises various compounds which are closely related to liver health. Selected food plants can provide nutritional and medicinal support for liver disease. At the present, the knowledge of the effects of plants on the liver is still incomplete. The most urgent task at the present time is to find the best dietary and medicinal plants for liver health in an endless list of candidates. This review article updates the knowledge about the effects of plants consumption on the health of the liver, putting particular emphasis on the potential beneficial and harmful impact of dietary and medicinal plants on liver function.
An Optimized Approach for Time-Constrained and Reliable Bursty Data Acquisition in WMSNs
Authors: Vinh Phan Van , Oh Hoon
Published: June 2015

In real-time multimedia application that is used to monitor the safety of workers and working environment in industrial fields, a burst of multimedia data, such as still images and audio or video streams, generated by multimedia nodes equipped with cameras or microphones on demand, is required to be collected at a server within a specified time bound in a reliable manner. However, due to the limited resources in sensor devices, such as process capability, bandwidth, and energy, it is challengeable to satisfy the time constraints of various real-time multimedia applications. Therefore, we introduce an optimized approach in order to shorten the acquisition period of bursty traffic so that it can satisfy more applications with tighter time constraints. For this purpose, we devise a path reservation scheme for an energy-efficient and time-constrained data transmission and a frame-slot scheduling scheme using two channels that enables the concurrent data transmission. Simulation results show that our proposed approach reduces the bursty data acquisition time and enhances network throughput significantly compared to other ones.
Localized Ambient Solidity Separation Algorithm Based Computer User Segmentation
Authors: Sun Xiao , Zhang Tongda , Chai Yueting , Liu Yi
Published: June 2015

Most of popular clustering methods typically have some strong assumptions of the dataset. For example, thek-means implicitly assumes that all clusters come from spherical Gaussian distributions which have different means but the same covariance. However, when dealing with datasets that have diverse distribution shapes or high dimensionality, these assumptions might not be valid anymore. In order to overcome this weakness, we proposed a new clustering algorithm named localized ambient solidity separation (LASS) algorithm, using a new isolation criterion called centroid distance. Compared with other density based isolation criteria, our proposed centroid distance isolation criterion addresses the problem caused by high dimensionality and varying density. The experiment on a designed two-dimensional benchmark dataset shows that our proposed LASS algorithm not only inherits the advantage of the original dissimilarity increments clustering method to separate naturally isolated clusters but also can identify the clusters which are adjacent, overlapping, and under background noise. Finally, we compared our LASS algorithm with the dissimilarity increments clustering method on a massive computer user dataset with over two million records that contains demographic and behaviors information. The results show that LASS algorithm works extremely well on this computer user dataset and can gain more knowledge from it.
MicroRNAs: Novel Players in Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Fu Xian-ming , Zhou Yang-zhao , Cheng Zhao , Liao Xiao-bo , Zhou Xin-min
Published: June 2015

An aortic aneurysm (AA) is a common disease with potentially life-threatening complications. Despite significant improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of AA, the associated morbidity and mortality remain high. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miR) are small noncoding ribonucleic acids that negatively regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by inhibiting mRNA translation or promoting mRNA degradation. miRNAs are recently reported to be critical modulators for vascular cell functions such as cell migration, contraction, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Increasing evidences suggest crucial roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arterial hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmias. Recently, some miRNAs, such as miR-24, miR-155, miR-205, miR-712, miR-21, miR-26a, miR-143/145, miR-29, and miR-195, have been demonstrated to be differentially expressed in the diseased aortic tissues and strongly associated with the development of AA. In the present paper, we reviewed the recent available literature regarding the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of AA. Moreover, we discuss the potential use of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and novel targets for development of effective therapeutic strategies for AA.
DC-Based Immunotherapy Combined with Low-Dose Methotrexate Effective in the Treatment of Advanced CIA in Mice
Authors: Park Jun-Eui , Jang Jinah , Choi Ji-Hye , Kang Mi-sun , Woo Yun-Ju , Seong Young-Rim , Choi Chan-Bum , Lee Hye-Soon , Bae Sang-Cheol , Bae Yong-Soo
Published: June 2015

We have previously demonstrated that semimature dendritic cell- (smDC-) based immunotherapy is effective for the treatment of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) prior to disease onset. In the present study, we examined the efficacy of combination therapy with smDCs and methotrexate (MTX) in advanced CIA with a score of 2-3. Combination therapy with low-dose MTX and type II collagen- (CII-) pulsed smDCs (CII-smDCs) was more effective in inhibiting disease progression than high or low-dose MTX alone or a combination of high dose MTX and CII-smDCs. The effect of CII-smDCs alone was also comparable to the combination therapy. CD4+Foxp3+Treg populations and IL-10 secretion markedly increased, and CII-specific autoreactive T cells decreased in mice treated with CII-smDCs alone or in combination with MTX. Combination therapy reduced the secretion of interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and IL-17 with little influence on the IL-4 secretion in the mixed leukocyte reaction. These results imply that the combination therapy with low-dose MTX and smDCs is effective in controlling advanced CIA by enhancing Treg population and suppresses antigen-specific Th1/Th17 immunity, rather than initiating Th1 to Th2 immune deviation. Our findings provide a better understanding of the DC therapy in combination with MTX for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Challenges in Atomistic-to-Continuum Coupling
Authors: Fackeldey Konstantin
Published: June 2015

This paper is concerned with the design, analysis, and implementation of concurrent coupling approaches where different (atomic and continuous) models are used simultaneously within a single simulation process. Thereby, several problems or pitfalls can happen, for example, the reflection of molecular movements at the “boundary” between the atomic and continuum regions which leads to an unphysical increase in energy in the atomic model. We investigate the problems with the aim of giving an introduction into this field and preventing errors for scientists starting their research towards multiscale methods.
Liver Dysfunction Associated with Intravenous Methylprednisolone Pulse Therapy in Patients with Graves’ Orbitopathy
Authors: Eguchi Hiroyuki , Tani Junichi , Hirao Saori , Tsuruta Munehisa , Tokubuchi Ichiro , Yamada Kentaro , Kasaoka Masataka , Teshima Yasuo , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Hiromatsu Yuji
Published: June 2015

Intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) pulse therapy is the first-line treatment for the active phase of moderate to severe Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). However, acute and severe liver damage has been reported during and after IVMP therapy. In this retrospective study, we investigated risk factors for liver dysfunction during and after IVMP therapy based on 175 Japanese patients with moderate to severe GO and treated at our center between 2003 and 2011. The results showed that seven patients developed severe liver dysfunction with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT > 300 U/L). Mild (40–100 U/L) and moderate (100–300 U/L) increases of ALT occurred in 62 patients (35%) and 10 patients (6%), respectively. Liver dysfunction was more frequently observed in males, in patients receiving high-dose methylprednisolone, and patients aged over 50 years. Preexistent viral hepatitis was significantly associated with liver dysfunction (65% in patients positive for hepatitis B core antibody and patients positive for hepatitis C virus antibodies). Our study confirmed the association of liver dysfunction with IVMP during and after treatment. It suggests that, in patients with GO, evaluation of preexisting risk factors—including viral hepatitis—and careful weekly monitoring of liver function during IVMP therapy and monthly thereafter for 12 months are warranted.
Properties of Resveratrol:In VitroandIn VivoStudies about Metabolism, Bioavailability, and Biological Effects in Animal Models and Humans
Authors: Gambini J. , Inglés M. , Olaso G. , Lopez-Grueso R. , Bonet-Costa V. , Gimeno-Mallench L. , Mas-Bargues C. , Abdelaziz K. M. , Gomez-Cabrera M. C. , Vina J. , Borras C.
Published: June 2015

Plants containing resveratrol have been used effectively in traditional medicine for over 2000 years. It can be found in some plants, fruits, and derivatives, such as red wine. Therefore, it can be administered by either consuming these natural products or intaking nutraceutical pills. Resveratrol exhibits a wide range of beneficial properties, and this may be due to its molecular structure, which endow resveratrol with the ability to bind to many biomolecules. Among these properties its activity as an anticancer agent, a platelet antiaggregation agent, and an antioxidant, as well as its antiaging, antifrailty, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, and so forth activities, is worth highlighting. These beneficial biological properties have been extensively studied in humans and animal models, bothin vitroandin vivo. The issue of bioavailability of resveratrol is of paramount importance and is determined by its rapid elimination and the fact that its absorption is highly effective, but the first hepatic step leaves little free resveratrol. Clarifying aspects like stability and pharmacokinetics of resveratrol metabolites would be fundamental to understand and apply the therapeutic properties of resveratrol.
Dynamic Analysis of General Integrated Pest Management Model with Double Impulsive Control
Authors: Li Yingke , Teng Zhidong , Wang Kai , Muhammadhaji Ahmadjan
Published: June 2015

A general predator-prey model with disease in the prey and double impulsive control is proposed and investigated for the purpose of integrated pest management. By using the Floquet theory, the comparison theorem of impulsive differential equations, and the persistence theory of dynamical systems, we obtain that if threshold valueR0<1, then the susceptible pest eradication periodic solution is globally asymptotically stable and ifR0>1, then the model is permanent. The numerical examples not only illustrate the theoretical results, but also show that when the model is permanent, then it may possess a unique globally attractiveT-periodic solution.
Impact Evaluation of Assimilating Surface Sensitive Infrared Radiance Observations over Land and Sea Ice from Observing System Simulation Experiments
Authors: Dutta S. K. , Garand L. , Heilliette S.
Published: June 2015

In this study, Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) are conducted to analyze the impact of assimilating surface sensitive infrared radiance observations over land and sea ice. This type of assimilation has not yet been successfully implemented at operational weather centers. Infrared radiance from AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder) and IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) is simulated from the Nature Run (NR) provided by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and assimilated in a 3D-Var. analysis system. A control simulation was generated excluding the new data source, but including all data assimilated operationally at the Canadian Meteorological Center. Experiments were conducted allowing surface sensitive channels to be assimilated over all surfaces or excluding Polar Regions. Resulting forecasts were intercompared and validated against NR fields. Results indicate significant positive impacts in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere extratropics and more modest impacts in the Northern Hemisphere extratropics. Some limitations of the OSSE approach are identified, linked to the different forecast systems used for the NR and the assimilation and higher cloud contamination in Polar Regions. This analysis provides useful insight in preparation for the assimilation of real radiance observations.
Results after En Bloc Lateral Wall Decompression Surgery with Orbital Fat Resection in 111 Patients with Graves’ Orbitopathy
Authors: Fichter Nicole , Guthoff Rudolf F.
Published: June 2015

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of en bloc lateral wall decompression with additional orbital fat resection in terms of exophthalmos reduction and complications.Methods. A retrospective, noncomparative case series study from 1999 to 2011 (chart review) in Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) patients. The standardized surgical technique involved removal of the lateral orbital wall including the orbital rim via a lid crease approach combined with additional orbital fat resection. Exophthalmos, diplopia, retrobulbar pressure sensation, and complications were analyzed pre- and postoperatively.Results. A total of 111 patients (164 orbits) with follow-up >3 months were analysed. Mean exophthalmos reduction was 3.05mm and preoperative orbital pressure sensation resolved or improved in all patients. Visual acuity improved significantly in patients undergoing surgery for rehabilitative or vision threatening purposes. Preoperative diplopia improved in 10 patients (9.0%) but worsened in 5 patients (4.5%), necessitating surgical correction in 3 patients. There were no significant complications; however, one patient had slight hollowing of the temporalis muscle around the scar that did not necessitate revision, and another patient with a circumscribed retraction of the scar itself underwent surgical correction.Conclusions. The study confirms the efficiency of en bloc lateral wall decompression in GO in a large series of patients, highlighting the low risk of disturbance of binocular functions and of cosmetic blemish in the temporal midface region.
Pediatric Masked Mastoiditis Associated with Multiple Intracranial Complications
Authors: Voudouris Charalampos , Psarommatis Ioannis , Nikas Ioannis , Kafouris Dimitrios , Chrysouli Konstantina
Published: June 2015

Masked mastoiditis is a distinct form of mastoiditis with little or no symptomatology, characterized by its potential to generate severe otogenic complications. Therefore, suspected masked mastoiditis should be diagnosed and treated without delay. This study reports a rare case of masked mastoiditis, manifested by multiple intracranial complications in an immunocompetent girl. The child exhibited headache and neurological symptomatology. Imaging studies revealed an epidural and a large cerebellar abscess and the patient was immediately treated with a triple antibiotic therapy. Mastoid surgery and drainage of the epidural abscess took place after the stabilization of the patient’s neurologic status, on the 3rd hospitalization day. The cerebellar abscess was treated by craniectomy and ultrasound-guided needle aspiration in the 3rd week of hospitalization. The girl was finally discharged in excellent condition. Two years later, she is still in good health, without otological or neurological sequelae. Masked mastoiditis is an insidious disease which requires increased clinical awareness and adequate imaging. Should clinical and/or radiological findings be positive, mastoidectomy must follow in order to prevent severe otogenic complications that can be triggered by masked mastoiditis.
Definition of an 802.11 Interface Management Process in a Proposed System for Transmission Capacity Enhancement in Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Köbel Christian , Baluja García Walter , Habermann Joachim
Published: June 2015

802.11-based wireless mesh networks (WMNs) as last mile solutions frequently become bottlenecks in the overall Internet communication structure. The lack of end-to-end capacity on routes also affects vertical traffic coming from or flowing towards external networks, such as the Internet. The presented approach aims to increase the overall network performance by exploiting channel diversity and to additionally favor vertical traffic. To achieve this, first we propose a general system that modifies an existing mesh node architecture, in order to prepare a more efficient resource management and to enhance the restricted transmission capacity in standard WMNs. The parallel use of nonoverlapping channels, based on a multiradio node, marks the starting point. The system treats aspects of channel assignment, traffic analysis, and fast layer 2 forwarding. Then, the impact of a novel Multihop Radio Resource Management process is discussed as a relevant component of this new system architecture. The process combines per-hop priority queuing and load balancing in a novel way. It was designed, developed, and evaluated in the presented paper, resulting in the fact that capacity in WMNs was significantly increased, Quality-of-Service parameters were improved, and more efficient use of multiple radios could be reached. The proposed process was validated using a simulation approach.
Cardiac Arrest following a Myocardial Infarction in a Child Treated with Methylphenidate
Authors: Munk Kim , Gormsen Lise , Kim Won Yong , Andersen Niels Holmark
Published: June 2015

The use of psychostimulants labeled to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder increases. Among side effects these drugs raise blood pressure and heart rate, and the safety has been scrutinised in recent years. Data from large epidemiological studies, including over a million person-years, did not report any cases of myocardial infarction in current users of methylphenidate, and the risk of serious adverse cardiac events was not found to be increased. We present a case with an 11-year-old child, treated with methylphenidate, who suffered cardiac arrest and was diagnosed with a remote myocardial infarction. This demonstrates that myocardial infarction can happen due to methylphenidate exposure in a cardiac healthy child, without cardiovascular risk factors.
Minimum Phase Property of Chebyshev-Sharpened Cosine Filters
Authors: Cruz Jiménez Miriam Guadalupe , Troncoso Romero David Ernesto , Jovanovic Dolecek Gordana
Published: June 2015

We prove that the Chebyshev sharpening technique, recently introduced in literature, provides filters with a Minimum Phase (MP) characteristic when it is applied to cosine filters. Additionally, we demonstrate that cascaded expanded Chebyshev-Sharpened Cosine Filters (CSCFs) are also MP filters, and we show that they achieve a lower group delay for similar magnitude characteristics in comparison with traditional cascaded expanded cosine filters. The importance of the characteristics of cascaded expanded CSCFs is also elaborated. The developed examples show improvements in the group delay ranged from 23% to 47% at the cost of a slight increase of usage of hardware resources. For an application of a low-delay decimation filter, the proposed scheme exhibits a 24% lower group delay, with 35% less computational complexity (estimated in Additions per Output Sample) and slightly less usage of hardware elements.
A Balance Privacy-Preserving Data Aggregation Model in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Changlun , Li Chao , Zhao Yi
Published: June 2015

Wireless sensor networks are always deployed in remote and hostile environments to gather sensitive information, in which sensor nodes are apt to encounter some serious leakage of sensitive data. Hence, privacy-preserving is becoming an increasingly important issue in security data aggregation for wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we propose a balance privacy-preserving data aggregation model (BPDA) based on slicing and mixing technology. Compared to fixed or random slicing, BPDA model gives a balance slicing mechanism to ensure that slice can be sent to the nodes which have lower privacy preservation and enhance the privacy-preserving efficacy. Furthermore, according to the influence of the node degree and energy, three different schemes are presented to keep the privacy-preserving data aggregation balance. Theoretical analysis and simulation show that BPDA model demonstrates a good performance in terms of privacy-preserving efficacy and communication overhead and prolongs the lifetime of network.
The Effect of Autologous Platelet-Rich Gel on the Dynamic Changes of the Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 Expression in the Diabetic Chronic Refractory Cutaneous Ulcers
Authors: Li Lan , Chen Dawei , Wang Chun , Liu Guanjian , Ran Xingwu
Published: June 2015

Aim. To investigate the dynamic changes on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the diabetic chronic refractory cutaneous ulcers after the autologous platelet-rich gel (APG) treatment.Methods. The study was developed at the Diabetic Foot Care Centre, West China Hospital. The granulation tissues from the target wounds were taken before and within 15 days after APG application. The expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 as well as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the granulation tissue was detected by q TR-PCR and IHC. The relationship between the expression level of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 and their ratio and that of TGF-β1 was analyzed.Results. The expression of MMP-2 (P< 0.05) was suppressed, and the expression of TIMP-2 (P< 0.05) was promoted, while the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-2 (P< 0.05) was decreased after APG treatments. The expression of TGF-β1 had negative correlation with the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-2 (P< 0.05) and positive correlation with the expression of TIMP-2 (P< 0.05).Conclusions. APG treatment may suppress the expression of MMP-2, promoting that of the TIMP-2 in the diabetic chronic refractory cutaneous wounds. TGF-β1 may be related to these effects.
Use of Probiotics to Control Aflatoxin Production in Peanut Grains
Authors: Silva Juliana Fonseca Moreira da , Peluzio Joenes Mucci , Prado Guilherme , Madeira Jovita Eugênia Gazzinelli Cruz , Silva Marize Oliveira , de Morais Paula Benevides , Rosa Carlos Augusto , Pimenta Raphael Sanzio , Nicoli Jacques Robert
Published: June 2015

Probiotic microorganisms (Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, S. cerevisiae UFMG 905, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV H2b20) were evaluated as biological control agents to reduce aflatoxin and spore production by Aspergillus parasiticus IMI 242695 in peanut. Suspensions containing the probiotics alone or in combinations were tested by sprinkling on the grains followed by incubation for seven days at 25°C. All probiotic microorganisms, in live and inactivated forms, significantly reduced A. parasiticus sporulation, but the best results were obtained with live cells. The presence of probiotics also altered the color of A. parasiticus colonies but not the spore morphology. Reduction in aflatoxin production of 72.8 and 65.8% was observed for S. boulardii and S. cerevisiae, respectively, when inoculated alone. When inoculated in pairs, all probiotic combinations reduced significantly aflatoxin production, and the best reduction was obtained with S. boulardii plus L. delbrueckii (96.1%) followed by S. boulardii plus S. cerevisiae and L. delbrueckii plus S. cerevisiae (71.1 and 66.7%, resp.). All probiotics remained viable in high numbers on the grains even after 300 days. The results of the present study suggest a different use of probiotics as an alternative treatment to prevent aflatoxin production in peanut grains.
The Emerging Role of miR-223 in Platelet Reactivity: Implications in Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Shi Rui , Zhou Xin , Ji Wen-Jie , Zhang Ying-Ying , Ma Yong-Qiang , Zhang Jian-Qi , Li Yu-Ming
Published: June 2015

Platelets are anuclear cells and are devoid of genomic DNA, but they are capable ofde novoprotein synthesis from mRNA derived from their progenitor cells, megakaryocytes. There is mounting evidence that microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in regulating gene expression in platelets. miR-223 is the most abundant miRNAs in megakaryocytes and platelets. One of the miR-223-regulated genes is ADP P2Y12, a key target for current antiplatelet drug therapy. Recent studies showed that a blunted response to P2Y12 antagonist, that is, high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR), is a strong predictor of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients receiving antiplatelet treatment. Recent clinical cohort study showed that the level of circulating miR-223 is inversely associated with MACE in CHD patients. In addition, our recent data demonstrated that the level of both intraplatelet and circulating miR-223 is an independent predictor for HTPR, thus providing a link between miR-223 and MACE. These lines of evidence indicate that miR-223 may serve as a potential regulatory target for HTPR, as well as a diagnostic tool for identification of HTPR in clinical settings.
Isoflurane Preconditioning Promotes the Survival and Migration of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells
Authors: Sun Yu , Li Qi-fang , Yan Jia , Hu Rong , Jiang Hong
Published: July 2015

Background: Preconditioning with the volatile anesthetic isoflurane exerts protective effects in animal models of ischemia. The cytoprotective effects of isoflurane are dependent on the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a dimeric transcription factor that mediates cellular responses to hypoxia. Methods: We investigated the effect of isoflurane preconditioning on bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) survival and function. Results: Short exposures to low isoflurane concentrations promoted in vitro survival and migration of BMSCs, whereas long exposures and high doses had the opposite effect. At specific doses and times, isoflurane upregulated the expression of HIF-1α and the stromal-derived factor-1 receptor CXCR4, and induced the activation of Akt, similar to hypoxia, and the effect of isoflurane was abrogated by silencing of HIF-1α or inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling. In vivo experiments showed that isoflurane preconditioning increased the engraftment of BMSCs into the ischemic brain and improved functional recovery in a mouse model of stroke. Conclusion: Isoflurane preconditioning at specific doses and times improves the survival and function of BMSCs through the upregulation of CXCR4 via a mechanism involving HIF-1α expression and the PI3K/Akt pathway, suggesting that anesthetic preconditioning could be developed as a strategy to improve the efficiency of cell therapy.
First Nomogram Predicting the Probability of Lymph Node Involvement in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Radioisotope Guided Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection
Authors: Winter Alexander , Kneib Thomas , Rohde Martin , Henke Rolf-Peter , Wawroschek Friedhelm
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Existing nomograms predicting lymph node involvement (LNI) in prostate cancer (PCa) are based on conventional lymphadenectomy. The aim of the study was to develop the first nomogram for predicting LNI in PCa patients undergoing sentinel guided pelvic lymph node dissection (sPLND). Materials and Methods: Analysis was performed on 1,296 patients with PCa who underwent radioisotope guided sPLND and retropubic radical prostatectomy (2005-2010). Median prostate specific antigen (PSA): 7.4 ng/ml (IQR 5.3-11.5 ng/ml). Clinical T-categories: T1: 54.8%, T2: 42.4%, T3: 2.8%. Biopsy Gleason sums: ≤6: 55.1%, 7: 39.5%, ≥8: 5.4%. Multivariate logistic regression models tested the association between all of the above predictors and LNI. Regression-based coefficients were used to develop a nomogram for predicting LNI. Accuracy was quantified using the area under the curve (AUC). Results: The median number of LNs removed was 10 (IQR 7-13). Overall, 17.8% of patients (n = 231) had LNI. The nomogram had a high predictive accuracy (AUC of 82%). All the variables were statistically significant multivariate predictors of LNI (p = 0.001). Univariate predictive accuracy for PSA, Gleason sum and clinical stage was 69, 75 and 69%, respectively. Conclusions: The sentinel nomogram can predict LNI at a sPLND very accurately and, for the first time, aid clinicians and patients in making important decisions on the indication of a sPLND. The high rate of LN+ patients underscores the sensitivity of sPLND.
Nail Alterations in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: A Case Series and Review of Nail Manifestations
Authors: Bishop Brian E. , Wulkan Adam , Kerdel Francisco , El-Shabrawi-Caelen Laila , Tosti Antonella
Published: July 2015

Background: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) encompasses a broad range of lymphoproliferative diseases affecting the skin and can be clinically misleading due to its variable presentation. Nail alterations commonly appear in advanced-stage mycosis fungoides and true Sézary syndrome; however, they may be present in any stage of the disease. Although proper recognition of nail involvement in CTCL has both clinical and therapeutic value, specific nail findings have been infrequently described in the current literature. Observations: We describe 4 patients with CTCL who presented with clinically significant nail alterations. The most common findings were nail discoloration, thickening, crumbling, onycholysis, and onychomadesis. Other notable findings included splinter hemorrhages, subungual hyperkeratosis, and anonychia. Conclusions and Message: The described cases illustrate many of the documented nail findings associated with CTCL and emphasize the variable nature of nail manifestations. The presence of specific nail alterations should increase the clinical suspicion of CTCL - especially in patients with concomitant systemic and/or cutaneous manifestations - and early biopsy specimens should be taken for diagnosis. Nail alterations should also be accurately described and monitored in all patients with biopsy-confirmed CTCL to help identify treatment response and detect disease recurrence.
Lack of consistency in the relationship between asymptomatic DVT detected by venography and symptomatic VTE in thromboprophylaxis trials
Authors: Chan Noel C. , Stehouwer Alexander C. , Hirsh Jack , Ginsberg Jeffrey S. , Alazzoni Ashraf , Coppens Michiel , Guyatt Gordon H. , Eikelboom John W.
Published: July 2015

Asymptomatic deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) detected by mandatory venography, a surrogate outcome, comprises most of the efficacy outcome events in recent thromboprophylaxis trials. The validity of this surrogate to estimate trade-off between thrombotic and bleeding events in these clinical trials requires a consistent relationship between asymptomatic DVT and symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE). In this systematic review of high quality VTE prevention trials, we examined the consistency of the ratios of asymptomatic DVT to symptomatic VTE across a broad range of indications. Studies were identified from citations listed in the chapters on VTE prevention in the antithrombotic guidelines by the American College of Chest Physicians, 2012. A study was eligible if it: 1) was a randomised trial comparing an anticoagulant with standard of care; 2) included at least 500 participants; 3) reported asymptomatic or all DVT rates; and 4) re ported symptomatic VTE rates. Of the 26 eligible trials, 19 trials were conducted in orthopaedic patients, five in general surgery patients and two in general medical patients. The overall median rates (ranges) for asymptomatic DVT and symptomatic VTE were 9.11% (0.75 to 54.87%) and 0.49% (0.00 to 3.10%), respectively. The median ratio was 14.53, with a wide range (2.75 to 103.86). Wide variability in the ratios persisted despite indication- and anticoagulant-specific analyses. In VTE prevention trials of alternative anticoagulants, the wide variability in the ratios of asymptomatic DVT to symptomatic VTE precludes judging the trade-off between thrombotic and bleeding events on the basis of composite outcomes dominated by venographic DVT.
NOVAE GESNERIACEAE NEOTROPICARUM XIX: A third, new species of the elusive Anetanthus found in Guyana
Authors: Skog Laurence E. , Clark John Littner
Published: July 2015

A new species of Anetanthus (Gesneriaceae) is described from Guyana as A. disjuncta.  A discussion of the known species is provided as well as a key to the known taxa.
New species of the Afrotropical spider genus Cheiramiona Lotz & Dippenaar-Schoeman (Araneae: Eutichuridae)
Authors: LOTZ L.N.
Published: July 2015

Twenty-three new species of the Afrotropical sac spider genus Cheiramiona Lotz & Dippenaar-Schoeman, 1999 are described: C. baviaan sp. nov. (♀, South Africa), C. boschrandensis sp. nov. (♀, South Africa), C. debeeri sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), C. haddadi sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), C. hlathikulu sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), C. hogsbackensis sp. nov. (♀, ♂, South Africa), C. ibayaensis sp. nov. (♂, Tanzania), C. jakobsbaaiensis sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), C. kirkspriggsi sp. nov. (♀, ♂, South Africa), C. kivuensis sp. nov. (♀, ♂, Democratic Republic of Congo & Rwanda), C. lamorali sp. nov. (♂, Namibia), C. lindae sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), C. malawiensis sp. nov. (♀, ♂, Malawi), C. mkhambathi sp. nov. (♀, ♂, South Africa), C. mohalensis sp. nov. (♀, Lesotho), C. musosaensis sp. nov. (♀, Democratic Republic of Congo), C. nyungwensis sp. nov. (♂, Rwanda), C. plaatbosensis sp. nov. (♀, ♂, South Africa), C. qachasneki sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), C. robinae sp. nov. (♂, South Africa), C. saniensis sp. nov. (♀, ♂, South Africa), C. tembensis sp. nov. (♂, South Africa) and C. upperbyensis sp. nov. (♀, South Africa). The females of C. lajuma Lotz, 2002 and C. mlawula Lotz, 2002 are described for the first time.
A new species of Velarifictorus (Pseudocoiblemmus) from Thailand (Gryllidae; Gryllinae; Modicogryllini) with key to species
Authors: TAN MING KAI , DAWWRUENG PATTARAWICH , ARTCHAWAKOM TAKSIN
Published: July 2015

One new species of Velarifictorus (Pseudocoiblemmus) is described from Thailand: Velarifictorus (Pseudocoiblemmus) bilobus sp. n. A key to all known species of Velarifictorus (Pseudocoiblemmus) is provided.
Using CERES SYN Surface Irradiance Data as Forcing for Snowmelt Simulation in Complex Terrain*
Authors: Hinkelman Laura M. , Lapo Karl E. , Cristea Nicoleta C. , Lundquist Jessica D.
Published: July 2015

The benefit of using solar and longwave surface irradiance data from NASA’s Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) synoptic (SYN) satellite product in simulations of snowmelt has been examined. The accuracy of the SYN downwelling solar and longwave irradiances was first assessed by comparison to measurements at NOAA’s Surface Radiation Network (SURFRAD) reference stations and to remote mountain observations. Typical shortwave (longwave) biases had magnitudes less than 30 (10) W m−2, with most standard deviations below 140 (30) W m−2. The performance of a range of snow models of varying complexity when using SYN irradiances as forcing data was then evaluated. Simulated snow water equivalent and runoff from cases using SYN data fell in the range of those from simulations forced with irradiances from well-maintained surface observation sites as well as empirical methods that have been shown to perform well in mountainous terrain. The SYN irradiances are therefore judged to be suitable for use in snowmelt modeling. It is also noted that the SYN upwelling shortwave irradiances, and hence albedos derived from them, are frequently not representative of individual monitoring stations because of the high spatial variability of snow cover and other surface properties in mountainous regions. In addition, adjusting the SYN downwelling longwave irradiances to reflect the exact elevation of the point of interest relative to the mean altitude of the satellite grid box is recommended.
Narratives of Lincoln High School African American Graduates in Kansas City, Missouri
Authors: Caruthers Loyce , Poos Bradley
Published: July 2015

Our purpose was to explore the voices of five African American graduates of Kansas City’s Lincoln High School between 1955 and 1985. It has been suggested that an ethic of care supporting institutional caring was maintained within segregated schools and broader communities of the old South and existed in all-Black Northern schools as well. This finding led to an inquiry about race and schooling in Kansas City, Missouri. Using oral history, the following question guided the study: What were the schooling experiences like for African American graduates in this segregated setting? Findings suggested themes of exemplary teachers and principals as disciplinarians, interpersonal caring, institutional structures of teacher, parent and community supports, unequal resources, a curriculum of high academic standards, and legacy and tradition. The Lincoln graduates provided insight into what it takes to provide academic and social success for students in historically underserved communities.
The Loss of Control Defence—Fit for Purpose?
Authors: Parsons Simon
Published: July 2015

This article examines the case law on the loss of control defence and considers whether the interpretation of the defence has been too conservative so that the defence is barely available as a defence to murder.
The Effects of Modeling Contingencies in the Treatment of Food Selectivity in Children With Autism
Authors: Fu Sherrene B. , Penrod Becky , Fernand Jonathan K. , Whelan Colleen M. , Griffith Kristin , Medved Shannon
Published: July 2015

The current study investigated the effectiveness of stating and modeling contingencies in increasing food consumption for two children with food selectivity. Results suggested that stating and modeling a differential reinforcement (DR) contingency for food consumption was effective in increasing consumption of two target foods for one child, and stating and modeling a DR plus nonremoval of the spoon contingency was effective in increasing consumption of the remaining food for the first child and all target foods for the second child.
Comparing Prospective Twice-Exceptional Students With High-Performing Peers on High-Stakes Tests of Achievement
Authors: Bell Sherry Mee , Taylor Emily P. , McCallum R. Steve , Coles Jeremy T. , Hays Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

From a sample of 1,242 third graders, prospective twice-exceptional students were selected using reading and math curriculum-based measures (CBMs), routinely used in Response to Intervention (RtI). These prospective twice-exceptional students were compared with non-twice-exceptional peers with similar strengths in either math or reading on CBMs and an end-of-year high-stakes achievement test. Students (both potentially twice-exceptional and not) who are potentially gifted in reading based on CBM performance did not differ significantly on the end-of-year outcomes in reading ( p < .05); rather, students in both groups performed equally high. However, twice-exceptional students who are potentially gifted in math performed significantly lower on both end-of-year math and reading outcomes than non-twice-exceptional peers. Most of the end-of-year math subtest scores were negatively affected by the prospective twice-exceptional students’ deficits in reading, even though their math CBM scores placed them into a category representing giftedness in math. Implications for screening for twice-exceptionality are discussed.
Novel implementations of relaxation methods for measuring residual stresses at the micron scale
Authors: Winiarski Bartłomiej , Withers Philip J
Published: July 2015

The advent of dual-beam focused ion beam - field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) imaging and milling systems in combination with digital image correlation (DIC) analysis has made it possible to make very fine excisions and to record the resulting displacements with nanometre precision. This has led to novel implementations of macroscale residual stress measurement methods to the microscale, for example, micro-slotting, micro-hole drilling and so on. This review article outlines the different methods for residual stress mapping at the micron scale highlighting their relative merits and limitations with the aim of guiding the user towards the most appropriate techniques for a given application. These open new possibilities for residual stress measurement not just at the continuum scale but even for mapping stresses within grains. In addition, recent advances in milling throughput promised by new dual-beam plasma focused ion beam systems promise to help bridge the gap between the conventional macroscale methods and their micron-scale counterparts.
Social Support and Attachment to Teachers
Authors: Murray Christopher , Kosty Derek , Hauser-McLean Kristin
Published: July 2015

A growing number of researchers are examining how teacher–student relationships contribute to child and adolescent development. Much of this work is based on two distinct theoretical perspectives: social support and attachment. The current study investigates the importance of teacher–student relationships from each of these perspectives among low-income children and youth in a large urban environment. Study 1 focused on 157 children in kindergarten, and Study 2 focused on 171 early adolescents. Findings indicated that teacher social support and teacher–student relationships contributed to indicators of school adjustment among both samples, and to the emotional and behavioral adjustment of early adolescents. Analyses of specific dimensions of relationships suggested that attachment-based constructs were more consistently and strongly associated with adjustment indicators than were teacher social support constructs. Preliminary implications of these findings for future research and practice are discussed.
Enhancing patient experience through personalization of health services
Authors: Snowdon Anne W. , Alessi Charles , Bassi Harpreet , DeForge Ryan T. , Schnarr Karin
Published: July 2015

Patient engagement is a challenge many leaders are facing, as consumer expectations of health services demand a more personalized approach to care. This article examines consumer trends that are influencing patient engagement and empowerment relative to the use of digital technologies. Informed by consumer and population health trends that can personalize health services, three strategies leaders can engage to strengthen patient experience include placing greater focus on personal health and wellness, shifting towards personalized rather than standardized healthcare, and facilitating the democratization of healthcare information.
Code orange
Authors: Caro Denis H. J.
Published: July 2015

The 21st century calls upon health leaders to recognize and respond to emerging threats and systemic emergency management challenges through transformative processes inherent in the LEADS in a caring environment framework. Using a grounded theory approach, this qualitative study explores key informant perspectives of leaders in emergency management across Canada on pressing needs for relevant systemic transformation. The emerging model points to eight specific attributes of transformational leadership central to emergency management and suggests that contextualization of health leadership is of particular import.
Embodied Motherhood
Authors: Fox Bonnie , Neiterman Elena
Published: July 2015

Based on in-depth interviews, this article examines a sample of 48 Canadian women’s feelings about their changed postpartum bodies, their sense of self, and the factors that affect both. Our findings suggest that understanding women’s postpartum feelings requires contextualizing them in the work of infant care and women’s life circumstances, as well as ideologies about mothering and feminine appearance. Motherhood afforded the women in this study a new appreciation of their bodies, and a positive embodied sense of themselves, but only if they felt their bodies performed maternal functions well. Concerns about appearance persisted and became especially salient when women faced the return to paid work. Moreover, varied life circumstances influenced women’s overall feelings about their changed bodies as insecurities were displaced onto women’s body images.
Beyond culture: source country female labour force participation and the earnings of immigrant women
Authors: Frank Kristyn , Hou Feng
Published: July 2015

Previous studies find a strong association between source country female labour force participation level and immigrant women’s labour market activity in the host country. This relationship is interpreted as the continued influence of source country gender role attitudes on women’s labour market behaviour. This article argues that the effect of source country female labour force participation rates extends beyond gender role attitudes by also contributing to labour market skills which help immigrant women navigate the host country labour market. When gender role attitudes are accounted for, source country female labour force participation rate is a strong predictor of immigrant women’s earnings in Canada. This is largely explained by differential occupational allocation in the host country.
Modeling the tool wear rate in powder mixed electro-discharge machining of titanium alloys using dimensional analysis of cryogenically treated electrodes and workpiece
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Singh Rupinder , Batish Ajay , Singh TP
Published: June 2015

Three grades of titanium alloy TITAN 15, TITAN 21, and TITAN 31 were machined using powder mixed electric discharge machining to study the effect of cryogenic treatment and its effect on tool wear rate (TWR). Thereafter, an attempt has been made to develop a mathematical model for predicting TWR using dimensional analysis using the outcome of the Taguchi model and thermo-physical properties of tool materials. The model shows the significant role of thermal conductivity on TWR in electric discharge machining of titanium alloys. The predicted values from the developed mathematical model were validated and were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Microscopic investigations on selected tool samples were performed using scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction. The results showed transfer of material on the tool surface from the workpiece, dielectric, and the powder.