bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Money Topples Borders
Authors: Ertl Thomas
Published: March 2014

In the late Middle Ages and in the early modern period, the European continent was characterised by a vast mobility of skilled and unskilled labour: Italian merchants established themselves in Bruges and in other commercial centres, German soldiers and craftsmen intermittently lived in Italy, merchants from many different nations met at trade fairs which regularly took place in Frankfurt am Main and in other cities and countless journeymen went on the road before they established themselves as master craftsmen somewhere. This migration was accompanied by an exchange of commodities, technologies and ideas across all political borders. One may think that these different exchange processes would have led to an economic convergence on the European continent. Why this was not, or was only to a certain extent the case, will be discussed in the second section of this essay.
Memorisation in piano students: A study in the Mexican context
Authors: Herrera Miriam , Cremades Roberto
Published: March 2014

The present study analyses the different types of skills and abilities that piano students use to memorise pieces. During students’ education process, it is important to implement different study strategies for the proper learning and improvement of memorisation. Mastering this task is essential to the professional future of students, who must play musical scores by memory in exams, public concerts, recitals, public examinations, and other performances (Bernal, 2009a; Hallam, 1997; Lim & Lippman, 1991). In the Mexican context, a defined methodology for memorisation strategies for piano students has not been identified. Thus, to gather the necessary information for the development of this research, piano students ( N = 88; 44 men and 44 women) answered a questionnaire formulated by Mishra (2007) and adapted to our context. This measurement instrument provided information about the type of memorisation strategies used most often by the participants of this research. Most results point towards the use of analytic memory study strategies, followed by aural, kinaesthetic, and visual memorisation. Furthermore, the personal strategy the students used most frequently while memorising was practising their instrument daily. This activity generates greater fluency and confidence when playing a piece from memory.
Children Undergoing Cancer Treatment Describe Their Experiences of Comfort in Interviews and Drawings
Authors: Ångström-Brännström Charlotte , Norberg Astrid
Published: March 2014

Children with cancer often undergo a long course of treatment, described as painful, and associated with feelings of discomfort and need of comfort. The aim of this descriptive interview study was to investigate how children, aged 3 to 9 years, undergoing cancer treatment describe their experience of comfort. The children were interviewed and asked to make drawings. Data were content analyzed and four themes were constructed—enduring discomfort, expressing discomfort, finding comfort, and comforting others. The findings show that the children endured discomfort during treatment, and were sometimes able to express it. They found comfort especially from their family and from hospital staff. The children also described that they comforted family members. The findings are in accordance with previous research about children’s and adults’ accounts of comfort. An incidental finding is that parents were surprised when they listened to the children’s accounts of their experience of discomfort and comfort and achieved a better understanding of their children.
Prevalence of Depression and Antidepressant Therapy Use in a Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Population
Authors: Ploessl Cady , Pettit Rebecca S. , Donaldson Jennifer
Published: March 2014

Background: Depression is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In recent years reports of depression in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients of all ages have increased. As awareness of depression in CF increases, there remains limited data regarding the prevalence and management of depression in the pediatric CF population. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of depression, describe depression treatment regimens, and identify risk factors for depression in the pediatric CF population at a single care center. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 190 patients at 1 accredited CF center. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics were collected and compared between patients with depression and patients without depression. In addition, the treatment strategies of patients with depression were recorded. Results: The number of patients with a documented diagnosis of depression was found to be 9%, and 50% of these patients were prescribed antidepressant therapy. The most common class of medication prescribed for depression in these patients was the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, where fluoxetine was the most common medication. Patients with depression had a lower mean absolute forced expiratory volume in 1 s (1.88 vs 2.48 L; P = .042), more than 5 total hospitalizations per year (4 vs 1; P = .012), and more outpatient CF exacerbations requiring treatment (1.5 vs 0; P = .023) per year than patients without depression. Conclusion: Identified risk factors may be used to increase depression screening of CF pediatric patients, allowing for early detection and screening in this potentially high-risk patient population. More studies are needed to determine efficacious treatment for depression in pediatric CF patients.
Comparison of Serious Adverse Events Between the Original and a Generic Docetaxel in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Poirier Éric , Desbiens Christine , Poirier Brigitte , Hogue Jean-Charles , Lemieux Julie , Doyle Catherine , Leblond Anne-France , Côté Isabelle , Cantin Guy , Provencher Louise
Published: March 2014

Background: Generic formulations are not necessarily identical to the original in terms of efficacy and adverse events. Generic docetaxel has been available in Canada since 2011. Objective: To compare the occurrence of grade III to IV adverse events between original docetaxel and a generic formulation in breast cancer patients. Methods: A consecutive series of 400 patients were assessed retrospectively: 200 who received the original docetaxel and 200 who received a generic formulation. Patients who received both formulations or received their chemotherapy outside our center were excluded. The primary outcome was the occurrence of grade III to IV adverse events related to docetaxel (febrile neutropenia, hand and foot syndrome, intestinal perforation, thrombotic event, and death). Results: Three hundred-sixty-four patients were available for analysis (182/group). The use of a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was more frequent in the generic group (44.5% vs 28.8%), as well as treatment discontinuation (26.4% vs 14.8%). The occurrence of grade III to IV febrile neutropenia, hand and foot syndrome, intestinal perforation, thrombotic event, and docetaxel-related deaths were similar between the 2 formulations. However, grade IV febrile neutropenia was more frequent with the generic formulation (78.8% vs 56.3%). Limitations were the retrospective nature of the study and the variety of chemotherapy regimens. Conclusion: Adverse events occurrence was similar between the 2 formulations. However, febrile neutropenia was more serious with generic docetaxel, despite increased G-CSF use. Results suggest that the studied generic formulation may be safe, but more caution during treatments might be warranted, especially concerning febrile neutropenia events.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Bundeff Andrew W. , Woodis C. Brock
Published: March 2014

Objective: To evaluate the evidence investigating the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Data Sources: A literature search was performed using PubMed (1950 through February 2014) for the MeSH terms serotonin reuptake inhibitor and irritable bowel syndrome; subterms of identified MeSH terms (ie, explosion) were also evaluated. EMBASE (1947 to February 2014) was searched using similar search terms. References from identified articles were checked and an updated Cochrane Database review was performed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All identified English-language peer-reviewed publications were evaluated. Articles (excluding meeting abstracts) specifically addressing SSRIs for the treatment of IBS were reviewed. The literature review was limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in human subjects. Data Synthesis: Fluoxetine, citalopram, and paroxetine have been studied for the treatment of IBS symptoms. Fluoxetine significantly improves abdominal pain, bloating, and stool consistency after 12 weeks of therapy, but these data contradict the findings of another 6-week study. Citalopram decreases abdominal discomfort after 6 to 12 weeks of treatment, but multiple studies have not shown an improvement in adequate relief of most IBS symptoms. Overall well-being was improved after 12 weeks of paroxetine use; however, IBS-related symptoms and social/work functioning were not improved. Conclusions: Available data evaluating the use of SSRIs in the treatment of IBS-related symptoms are conflicting. Additional larger RCTs lasting more than 12 weeks are needed to determine the place in therapy for SSRIs in the treatment of IBS-related symptoms.
Rifampicin as Adjunct to Colistin Therapy in the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Al-Shaer Mohammad , Nazer Lama H. , Kherallah Mazen
Published: March 2014

Objective: To evaluate the available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of rifampicin, as adjunct to colistin, in the treatment of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB). Data Sources: We searched MEDLINE (1966 to January 2014) using the following search terms: A baumannii, drug resistance, treatment, colistin, and rifampicin and combinations. In addition, the bibliographies of relevant articles were searched for additional citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The search was limited to English-language references and adults. Studies in which colistin was not administered intravenously were excluded. In addition, we excluded meeting abstracts and single case reports. Data Synthesis: The search strategy identified 5 observational studies and 2 randomized controlled trials that evaluated the combination of intravenous colistin and rifampicin for the treatment of MDR-AB. All observational studies included a small sample size, and the microbiological clearance associated with the combination therapy ranged from 60% to 100%. The randomized controlled trials reported reduced time to microbiological clearance and higher microbiological eradication rate in the colistin/rifampicin group compared with colistin alone. However, there was no difference between both groups in the overall mortality, infection-related mortality, and the length of stay. Furthermore, rifampicin was associated with a higher incidence of hepatotoxicity. Conclusions: Studies evaluating the combination of rifampicin and colistin in the treatment of MDR-AB are limited. The currently available evidence does not support the addition of rifampicin to colistin because of the lack of improved clinical outcomes with the combination therapy and the risk of rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity.
Endothelial Insulin Resistance Protects the Heart Against Prolonged Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury But Does Not Prevent Insulin Transport Across the Endothelium in a Mouse Langendorff Model
Authors: Sharma Vikram , Kearney Mark T. , Davidson Sean M. , Yellon Derek M.
Published: March 2014

Aim:

The endothelium plays an important role in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis in healthy individuals. Insulin resistance can lead to the development of endothelial dysfunction, which is an important step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We investigated specifically whether the presence of vascular insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction has any influence on the myocardial tolerance to ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury, using Endothelial Specific Mutant Insulin Receptor Over-expressing (ESMIRO) mice, which exhibit vascular insulin resistance and vascular dysfunction.

Methods:

ESMIRO or wild-type (WT) littermate mouse hearts were isolated and perfused on a Langendorff apparatus. These were subjected to either 35-minute or 45-minute ischemia followed by reperfusion, after which infarct size was determined. The ability of insulin to activate its target kinase pathway, that is, phosphoinositide 3 (PI3) kinase/protein kinase B (AKT) in ESMIRO hearts was also assessed by Western blot analysis.

Results:

Compared to 35-minute ischemia, the extended 45-minute ischemic protocol significantly exacerbated myocardial infarction in WT mice, (56% ± 4%, n = 6 vs 32% ± 4%, n = 9; P < .01) but not in ESMIRO littermates (34% ± 7%, n = 6 vs 32% ± 3%, n = 9; not significant), suggesting some form of protective phenotype. Insulin treatment was associated with a significant increase in AKT phosphorylation in the myocardium in both the ESMIRO mice and WT littermates, and this was attenuated in both by inhibition of PI3 kinase using LY294002. Thus, insulin was able to directly activate PI3 kinase/AKT in the myocardium despite the absence of functional endothelial insulin receptors in the ESMIRO mice.

Conclusion:

(1) Insulin at pharmacologic concentrations can be transported across the endothelium independent of vascular insulin receptors and (2) vascular insulin resistance and/or endothelial dysfunction are protective against prolonged IR injury in the Langendorff model.
A Comparison Between Recombinant Activated Factor VII (Aryoseven) and Novoseven in Patients With Congenital Factor VII Deficiency
Authors: Faranoush M. , Abolghasemi Hassan , Toogeh Gh. , Karimi M. , Eshghi P. , Managhchi M. , Hoorfar H. , Dehdezi B. Keikhaei , Mehrvar A. , Khoeiny B. , Kamyar K. , Heshmat R. , Baghaeipour M. R. , Mirbehbahani N. B. , Fayazfar R. , Ahmadinejad M. , Naderi M.
Published: March 2014

In order to establish the efficacy and biosimilar nature of AryoSeven to NovoSeven in the treatment of congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency, patients received either agent at 30 μg/kg, intravenously per week for 4 weeks, in a randomized fashion. The primary aim was to compare FVII:coagulation activity (FVII:C), 20 minutes after recombinant activated FVII (rFVIIa) injection, in the 2 groups. A secondary measure was self-reported bleeding. The median interquartile baseline range of the plasma level of activated FVII (FVIIa) activity in the 2 groups was 1.6 (1.1-14.0) IU/dL and 5.0 (1.1-25.5) IU/dL. All patients achieved levels of FVIIa (FVII:C) >30 IU/dL, 20 minutes after the injection of rFVIIa. Bleeding was similar between the 2 groups, with a comparable decrease in severity and frequency compared to the last month prior to treatment. AryoSeven is similar to NovoSeven in increasing postinjection FVIIa activity as well as in clinical safety and efficacy.
Taking Chances and Making Changes
Authors: Voss Kimberly , Speere Lance
Published: March 2014

The stories of three female “firsts” in newspaper management are important in understanding journalism history and the role that gender played. Gloria Biggs, Carol Sutton, and Janet Chusmir were all women who rose through the ranks to lead a publication that their families did not own. While their initial achievements were lauded by the press, there was little explanation about the differences they made and the challenges they faced. Within the stories about their promotions were the questions of gender roles at a time when the women’s liberation movement was gaining attention and later acceptance.
Do Even Journalists Support Media Restrictions? Presumed Political Media Influences and the Consequences
Authors: Bernhard Uli , Dohle Marco
Published: March 2014

How journalists perceive the influence of different types of media and how this perception affects the journalists’ attitude toward supporting censorship was explored by conducting a survey among German journalists ( N = 1,688). As predicted, the stronger journalists perceive the political influence of the media to be on the public, the more they approve of, for example, demands for restricting this influence. At the same time, behavioral intentions regarding censorship depend less on the perception of the media influences directly, and more on attitude toward these restrictions.
Characterizing the interaction design in healthy smart home devices for the elderly
Authors: Cho Myung Eun , Kim Mi Jeong
Published: March 2014

The global trend of increasing longevity has brought an enormous challenge to develop smart technologies to preserve independence and quality of life among the elderly in their own residences. By combining smart devices, occupants’ capabilities can be extended. The concept of ‘healthy smart home’ was introduced and numerous research projects have implemented a variety of prototypes and state-of-the-art of smart systems. However, there is little research on the elderly’s interactions and experiences in smart homes using systematic methods. The interactions of the elderly with digital devices, and further, the smart space, should be intuitive; otherwise the smart space would become an uncomfortable environment, thus displeasing the elderly. The focus of this paper is on user interfaces, especially those targeted to support the elderly’s healthy home life. Through a critical review on representative design principles for the elderly, specific criteria related to usability and user experience were defined and structuralized into a framework of user interfaces. For identifying the features of the ageing-friendly interfaces, the elderly’s reduced capabilities were considered, with a focus on assistive technologies. The proposed framework could be a basis for the perspectives of future research directions on user interfaces for the elderly in smart environments.
Hazardous materials in buildings
Authors: Kim Jeong Tai , Yu Chuck W. F.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this paper is to review the types of building materials that could present a hazardous risk to health of building occupants. The review is necessary as many countries including Korea and the UK have a policy target to make building sustainable and air-tight; therefore a strategy and guide is needed to address the possible hazards that could be found in existing structures of many buildings. For new buildings, the assessment should be at the beginning of building conception, which should be extended to all stages of construction, and the potential hazard should be registered in record to inform the future refurbishment procedures and end-of-life management of the building, for disposal and re-use of materials. The assessment of hazardous materials should be an important aspect of the green building certification such as those being developed in Korea. Various types of hazardous building materials are described. Guidance is provided to encourage precaution and remediation of risks when handling these materials during construction or refurbishment or with materials already in place in existing buildings. The good practice should include a checklist procedure including: survey, assess condition, assess presence, identify and analyse, record, evaluate, and finally develop a plan strategy for prevention and possible remediation.
Power performance of photovoltaic-integrated lightshelf systems
Authors: Hwang Taeyon , Kim Jeong Tai , Chung Yugun
Published: March 2014

The lightshelf system, a sort of daylighting device, has been applied to improve the visual environment by optimal light distributions and intense illumination levels of an interior. Also, the photovoltaic is one of the most important sustainable technologies applicable to architectures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate basic data to develop the photovoltaic (PV)-integrated lightshelf systems for office buildings. The performance of PV lightshelves was evaluated by using 1/5 scaled model. The scaled office models were made and the field tests were experimented under clear sky according to installation conditions. The results have illustrated that the power performance of the PV lightshelves was excellent on the horizontal plane where the sunlight incidence occurred vertically, and that the larger the installation angle, the more rapid decrease in power performance was recorded. However, if the other performance including daylight and energy of a PV-integrated lightshelf should be considered, complementary research is necessary in any future study.
Delinquent Peers and Offending
Authors: Watts Stephen J. , McNulty Thomas L.
Published: March 2014

Measures of delinquent peers have been found to predict a wide variety of antisocial behaviors, but few studies have examined the role that biological factors may play in moderating the delinquent peers–delinquency relationship. Using a sample of adolescent males drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health ( N = 3,557), we explore whether variants of the dopamine transporter gene ( DAT1) interact with associations with substance-using peers to affect self-reported delinquency. Results of negative binomial regressions reveal that affiliations with delinquent peers interact with the 10R allele of DAT1 to influence offending, net of control variables for self-control, and respondent’s substance use. Most important, a statistically significant effect of affiliations with delinquent peers on delinquency is only evident for males who carry two 10R DAT1 alleles (vs. zero or one). Thus, DAT1 may be implicated in antisocial behavior by rendering some individuals more susceptible to the influences of delinquent peers. Implications for criminological theory are discussed.
Sample size considerations in the design of cluster randomized trials of combination HIV prevention
Authors: Wang Rui , Goyal Ravi , Lei Quanhong , Essex M , De Gruttola Victor
Published: March 2014

Background

Cluster randomized trials have been utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of HIV prevention strategies on reducing incidence. Design of such studies must take into account possible correlation of outcomes within randomized units.

Purpose

To discuss power and sample size considerations for cluster randomized trials of combination HIV prevention, using an HIV prevention study in Botswana as an illustration.

Methods

We introduce a new agent-based model to simulate the community-level impact of a combination prevention strategy and investigate how correlation structure within a community affects the coefficient of variation – an essential parameter in designing a cluster randomized trial.

Results

We construct collections of sexual networks and then propagate HIV on them to simulate the disease epidemic. Increasing level of sexual mixing between intervention and standard-of-care (SOC) communities reduces the difference in cumulative incidence in the two sets of communities. Fifteen clusters per arm and 500 incidence cohort members per community provide 95% power to detect the projected difference in cumulative HIV incidence between SOC and intervention communities (3.93% and 2.34%) at the end of the third study year, using a coefficient of variation 0.25. Although available formulas for calculating sample size for cluster randomized trials can be derived by assuming an exchangeable correlation structure within clusters, we show that deviations from this assumption do not generally affect the validity of such formulas.

Limitations

We construct sexual networks based on data from Likoma Island, Malawi, and base disease progression on longitudinal estimates from an incidence cohort in Botswana and in Durban as well as a household survey in Mochudi, Botswana. Network data from Botswana and larger sample sizes to estimate rates of disease progression would be useful in assessing the robustness of our model results.

Conclusion

Epidemic modeling plays a critical role in planning and evaluating interventions for prevention. Simulation studies allow us to take into consideration available information on sexual network characteristics, such as mixing within and between communities as well as coverage levels for different prevention modalities in the combination prevention package.
The inflammasome adaptor ASC contributes to multiple innate immune processes in the resolution of otitis media
Authors: Kurabi Arwa , Lee Jasmine , Wong Chelsea , Pak Kwang , Hoffman Hal M , Ryan Allen F , Wasserman Stephen I
Published: March 2014

This study was designed to understand the contribution of the inflammasome and IL-1β activation in otitis media (OM). We examined the middle ear (ME) response to non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) in wild type (WT) mice using gene microarrays and a murine model of acute OM. Expression of members of the NOD domain-like receptor family of inflammasome genes was significantly up-regulated early in NTHi infection of the ME, potentially activating specific downstream regulatory cascades that contribute to the proliferative inflammatory response observed during OM. Expression of the pro-forms of the inflammasome targets IL-1β and IL-18 were also up-regulated. To evaluate the role of inflammasome-mediated cytokine maturation, NTHi-induced OM was examined in Asc−/−-deficient mice and compared with that seen in WT mice. Mice lacking the Asc gene showed near absence of IL-1β maturation in the ME and a reduction in leukocyte recruitment and infiltration to the cavity, and their macrophages exhibited reduced phagocytosis of NTHi. These inflammatory defects were linked to an increase in the degree and duration of mucosal epithelial hyperplasia in the ME of Asc−/− mice, as well as a delay in bacterial clearance from their MEs. These data demonstrate an important role for the inflammasome and cytokine processing in the course and resolution of OM.
The effects of the Food Dudes Programme on children’s intake of unhealthy foods at lunchtime
Authors: Upton Penney , Taylor Charlotte , Upton Dominic
Published: March 2014

Aims:

Although previous research has shown the Food Dudes Programme increases children’s lunchtime fruit and vegetable consumption, research has seldom evaluated whether the intervention can decrease the consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods. This study is the first, independent evaluation of the Food Dudes Programme to explore whether the programme could change children’s lunchtime fruit and vegetable consumption and consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods following the intervention and explore any relationship between these variables.

Methods:

The Food Dudes Programme was evaluated in 15 primary schools in the West Midlands, United Kingdom ( n = 2,433) at baseline (pre-intervention), and three months and 12 months post-intervention. Consumption was measured across five consecutive days in each school using weighed intake (school-provided meals) and digital photography (home-provided meals).

Results:

A significant increase in the consumption of lunchtime fruit and vegetables was found at three months for children in the intervention schools, but only for those eating school-supplied lunches. For children consuming school meals, consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods for children in the intervention and control schools increased over time. No relationship was found between increases in fruit and vegetable consumption and decrease in consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods following the Food Dudes intervention.

Conclusions:

The Food Dudes Programme has a limited effect on decreasing consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods at lunchtime. Targeting unhealthy food consumption in addition to increasing fruit and vegetable consumption may facilitate this. Restricted access to high-fat and high-sugar foods may also reduce intake; however, this needs to be part of a multi-faceted approach to changing children’s dietary patterns involving the whole school community.
Gene Effects and G × E Interactions in the Differential Prediction of Three Aspects of Impulsiveness
Authors: Carver Charles S. , LeMoult Joelle , Johnson Sheri L. , Joormann Jutta
Published: March 2014

Several polymorphisms relevant to dopamine and serotonin have been identified as potential contributors to individual differences in impulsivity versus self-control. Because impulsivity is a multifaceted construct, a need remains to examine more closely how various genes relate to different aspects of impulsivity. We examined four dopamine-related polymorphisms and the serotonin transporter as predictors of three aspects of impulsivity, two bearing on impulsive reactions to emotions and one on difficulty in completing intended actions. Early adversity was also examined as a potentiator of genetic effects. Undergraduates completed measures of impulsivity and early adversity and were genotyped. COMT, BDNF, DRD4, and 5HTTLPR (the latter two in interaction with early adversity) made independent contributions to prediction of Pervasive Influence of Feelings. BDNF made a contribution to Lack of Follow-Through. ANKK1 and 5HTTLPR (both in interaction with early adversity) made independent contributions to Feelings Trigger Action. Thus, five polymorphisms contributed to predicting impulsivity, but different polymorphisms related to different aspects.
MicroRNAs and cardiovascular medicine
Authors: Kaur Upinder , Chakrabarti SS , Pandey BL
Published: March 2014

MicroRNAs are non-coding RNA sequences that act as regulators of gene expression. They are aberrantly expressed in many pathological conditions. Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the general population. Various knock-in and knockdown approaches have shown abnormal signature patterns of microRNAs in cardiovascular conditions like cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias and vascular proliferative diseases. Since a single microRNA targets many genes, modulating a single microRNA involved in a disease carries a possible risk of undesirable side effects. The review focuses on current understanding of microRNAs in cardiovascular conditions, the possible underlying mechanisms and various approaches of modulating microRNAs.
Technological Frames
Authors: Olesen Karin
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this article is to identify and explain the barriers that prevented the case study organization, an Australasian university, from implementing a groupware package. This is an insider action research case study, using qualitative semi-structured interviews, group and individual training to look at users’ technological frames around the implementation and use of a groupware product. Technological frames were used to enable a systematic examination of the assumptions, expectations, and knowledge of technology; in particular, the use of technological frames reveals aspects of user resistance. While addressing criticisms of the technological frames genre, this study uses technological frames as a lens to examine the underlying drivers and impediments to information systems (IS) implementation. In this case study, changes to a groupware product failed to be implemented, not because of user resistance to the product, but because of organizational politics. This study demonstrates how the culture of an organization may stifle the implementation of IS.
Cyberbullying in College
Authors: Zalaquett Carlos P. , Chatters SeriaShia J.
Published: March 2014

Cyberbullying is commonly presented as affecting K-12 populations. Current research suggests cyberbullying continues in college. A diverse sample of 613 university students was surveyed to study their cyberbullying experiences in high school and college. Nineteen percent of the sample reported being a victim of cyberbullying in college and 35% of this subsample reported being cyberbullied in high school. Additional findings and practical implications are presented.
Effect of rotating arc process on molten pool control in horizontal welding
Authors: Guo N. , Wang M. R. , Guo W. , Yu J. B. , Feng J. C.
Published: March 2014

This paper describes the effect of rotating arc process on molten pool control in narrow gap horizontal welding. From energy strategy and force strategy, technical advantages of rotating arc process in molten pool control are explored. On the one hand, because of the decrease of temperature and holding time in weld centre, rotating arc process limits the tendency of molten pool sagging with the arc rotating frequency no more than 10 Hz, which is indicated from the simulation results of heat distribution characteristics. On the other hand, rotating arc process induces the flow of molten metal in the weld width direction by the periodical effect of arc force and droplets impingement, which is observed by the high speed photography system. This oscillation propels the molten metal at lower side against the effect of gravity to flow to the upper side, which is beneficial for the molten pool formation of horizontal welding.
Corepressor Rcor1 is essential for murine erythropoiesis
Authors: Yao Huilan , Goldman Devorah C. , Nechiporuk Tamilla , Kawane Sunita , McWeeney Shannon K. , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Fan Guang , Kerenyi Marc A. , Orkin Stuart H. , Fleming William H. , Mandel Gail
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Rcor1 knockout mice show a block in fetal erythropoiesis at the proerythroblast stage. Rcor1 represses expression of HSCs and myeloid genes during erythropoiesis, including Csf2rb, which is important in myeloid function.
Nordic MCL3 study: 90Y-ibritumomab-tiuxetan added to BEAM/C in non-CR patients before transplant in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Kolstad Arne , Laurell Anna , Jerkeman Mats , Grønbæk Kirsten , Elonen Erkki , Räty Riikka , Pedersen Lone Bredo , Loft Annika , Bogsrud Trond Velde , Kimby Eva , Hansen Per Boye , Fagerli Unn-Merete , Nilsson-Ehle Herman , Lauritzsen Grete Fossum , Lehmann Anne Kristine , Sundstrom Christer , Karjalainen-Lindsberg Marja-Liisa , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth , Ehinger Mats , Delabie Jan , Bentzen Hans , Schildt Jukka , Kostova-Aherdan Kamelia , Frederiksen Henrik , Brown Peter de Nully , Geisler Christian H.
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Z-BEAM/C did not improve outcome for patients in only PR or CRu before transplant. Positive PET before transplant and MRD after transplant predicted inferior PFS and OS.
Outcome of patients with abnl(17p) acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Middeke Jan M. , Fang Min , Cornelissen Jan J. , Mohr Brigitte , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Stadler Michael , Sanz Jaime , Baurmann Herrad , Bug Gesine , Schäfer-Eckart Kerstin , Hegenbart Ute , Bochtler Tilmann , Röllig Christoph , Stölzel Friedrich , Walter Roland B. , Ehninger Gerhard , Bornhäuser Martin , Löwenberg Bob , Schetelig Johannes
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Patients with abnl(17p) AML have a poor outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Major adverse cardiovascular events in adult congenital heart disease: a population-based follow-up study from Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yu-Sheng , Liu Pi-Hua , Wu Lung-Sheng , Chen Yu-Ming , Chang Chee-Jen , Chu Pao-Hsien
Published: March 2014

Background

The aim of the present study was to identify the long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in adult congenital heart disease (ConHD) patients in Taiwan.

Methods

From the National Health Insurance Research Database (1997-2010), adult patients (≥18 years) with ConHD were identified and compared to non-ConHD control patients. The primary end point was the incidence of MACE. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compute hazard ratios as estimates for multivariate adjusted relative risks with or without adjusting for age and sex.

Results

A total of 3,267 adult patients with ConHD were identified between 2000 and 2003 with a median follow-up of 11 years till December 31, 2010. The five most common types of ConHD were atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot, and pulmonary stenosis. Overall, the incidence of MACE was 4.0-fold higher in the ConHD group compared with the controls. After adjustment for age and gender, the patients with ConHD had an increased risk of heart failure, malignant dysrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke. The adult ConHD patients had a decreased life-long risk of MACE if they received surgical correction, especially in the patients with atrial septal defects.

Conclusions

After a median of 11 years of follow-up, the Taiwanese patients with ConHD were at an increased risk of life-long cardiovascular MACE, including heart failure, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and malignant dysrhythmia. Surgical correction may help to decrease long-term MACE in ConHD patients, especially those with ASD.
Treatment of hemolymphangioma of the spleen by laparoscopic partial splenectomy: a case report
Authors: Zhang Yue , Chen Xue-Min , Sun Dong-Lin , Yang Chun
Published: March 2014

Hemolymphangioma is a malformation of both lymphatic and blood vessels. The incidence of splenic hemolymphangioma is extremely rare. Laparoscopic partial splenectomy is feasible, reproducible, and safe in children with focal splenic tumors. We report on the case of a 12-year-old male with a large splenic hemolymphangioma successfully managed by laparoscopic partial splenectomy. The patient recovered well after operation. Laparoscopic partial splenectomy is a safe and minimally invasive technique for treatment of splenic hemolymphangioma located in the pole of the spleen.
Electrical and optical properties of binary CN
x
nanocone arrays synthesized by plasma-assisted reaction deposition
Authors: Liu Xujun , Guan Leilei , Fu Xiaoniu , Zhao Yu , Wu Jiada , Xu Ning
Published: March 2014

Light-absorbing and electrically conductive binary CN
x
nanocone (CNNC) arrays have been fabricated using a glow discharge plasma-assisted reaction deposition method. The intact CNNCs with amorphous structure and central nickel-filled pipelines could be vertically and neatly grown on nickel-covered substrates according to the catalyst-leading mode. The morphologies and composition of the as-grown CNNC arrays can be well controlled by regulating the methane/nitrogen mixture inlet ratio, and their optical absorption and resistivity strongly depend on their morphologies and composition. Beside large specific surface area, the as-grown CNNC arrays demonstrate high wideband absorption, good conduction, and nice wettability to polymer absorbers.
A novel lithium/sulfur battery based on sulfur/graphene nanosheet composite cathode and gel polymer electrolyte
Authors: Zhang Yongguang , Zhao Yan , Bakenov Zhumabay
Published: March 2014

A novel sulfur/graphene nanosheet (S/GNS) composite was prepared via a simple ball milling of sulfur with commercial multi-layer graphene nanosheet, followed by a heat treatment. High-resolution transmission and scanning electronic microscopy observations showed the formation of irregularly interlaced nanosheet-like structure consisting of graphene with uniform sulfur coating on its surface. The electrochemical properties of the resulting composite cathode were investigated in a lithium cell with a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) prepared by trapping 1 mol dm−3 solution of lithium bistrifluoromethanesulfonamide in tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether in a polymer matrix composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)/poly(methylmethacrylate)/silicon dioxide (PVDF-HFP/PMMA/SiO2). The GPE battery delivered reversible discharge capacities of 809 and 413 mAh g−1 at the 1st and 50th cycles at 0.2C, respectively, along with a high coulombic efficiency over 50 cycles. This performance enhancement of the cell was attributed to the suppression of the polysulfide shuttle effect by a collective effect of S/GNS composite cathode and GPE, providing a higher sulfur utilization.
High levels of anxiety and depression in diabetic patients with Charcot foot
Authors: Chapman Zahra , Shuttleworth Charles Matthew James , Huber Jörg Wolfgang
Published: March 2014

Background/aims

Charcot foot is a rare but devastating complication of diabetes. Little research is available on the mental health impact of Charcot foot. Aim of the study is to assess mental health in diabetes patients with Charcot foot and to investigate the moderating effects of socio‐demographic factors. The severity of the problem will be statistically evaluated with the help of a reference data set.

Methods

Cross‐sectional questionnaire data using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and demographic background were collected from 50 patients with diabetes and Charcot complications (males 62%; mean age 62.2 ± 8.5 years). Statistical comparisons with a large data set of general diabetes patients acting as a point of reference were carried out.

Results

Anxiety and depression levels were high, (anxiety and depression scores 6.4 ± 4 and 6.3 ± 3.6 respectively). Females reported more severe anxiety and depression. Ethnic minorities and patients out of work reported more severe anxiety. Comparisons with published HADS data indicate that diabetes patients with Charcot foot experience more serious levels of anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

The high levels of mental health problems which were found in this study in diabetes patients with Charcot foot require recognition by researchers and clinicians. The findings imply the need to screen for mental health problems in diabetes patients with Charcot foot.
Biopsy confirmation of metastatic sites in breast cancer patients: clinical impact and future perspectives
Authors: Criscitiello Carmen , André Fabrice , Thompson Alastair M , De Laurentiis Michele , Esposito Angela , Gelao Lucia , Fumagalli Luca , Locatelli Marzia , Minchella Ida , Orsi Franco , Goldhirsch Aron , Curigliano Giuseppe
Published: March 2014

Determination of hormone receptor (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status in the primary tumor is clinically relevant to define breast cancer subtypes, clinical outcome, and the choice of therapy. Retrospective and prospective studies suggest that there is substantial discordance in receptor status between primary and recurrent breast cancer. Despite this evidence and current recommendations, the acquisition of tissue from metastatic deposits is not routine practice. As a consequence, therapeutic decisions for treatment in the metastatic setting are based on the features of the primary tumor. Reasons for this attitude include the invasiveness of the procedure and the unreliable outcome of biopsy, in particular for biopsies of lesions at complex visceral sites. Improvements in interventional radiology techniques mean that most metastatic sites are now accessible by minimally invasive methods, including surgery. In our opinion, since biopsies are diagnostic and changes in biological features between the primary and secondary tumors can occur, the routine biopsy of metastatic disease needs to be performed. In this review, we discuss the rationale for biopsy of suspected breast cancer metastases, review issues and caveats surrounding discordance of biomarker status between primary and metastatic tumors, and provide insights for deciding when to perform biopsy of suspected metastases and which one (s) to biopsy. We also speculate on the future translational implications for biopsy of suspected metastatic lesions in the context of clinical trials and the establishment of bio-banks of biopsy material taken from metastatic sites. We believe that such bio-banks will be important for exploring mechanisms of metastasis. In the future, advances in targeted therapy will depend on the availability of metastatic tissue.
Mapping the depth to magnetic basement using inversion of pseudogravity: Application to the Bishop model and the Stord Basin, northern North Sea
Authors: Salem Ahmed , Green Chris , Cheyney Samuel , Fairhead J. Derek , Aboud Essam , Campbell Simon
Published: March 2014

Magnetic depth estimation methods are routinely used to map the depth of sedimentary basins by assuming that the sediments are nonmagnetic and underlain by magnetic basement rocks. Most of these methods generate basement depth estimates at discrete points. Converting these depth estimates into a grid or map form often requires the application of qualitative methods. The reason for this is twofold: first, in deeper parts of basins, there is generally a scarcity of depth estimates and those that have been determined tend to be biased toward the shallower basement structures close to the basin edge; and second, depth estimates intrinsically relate to magnetic anomalies that emanate from the top edges of basement faults/contacts resulting in a shallow depth bias. Thus, simple grid interpolation of these depth estimates often forms a shallower and structurally unrepresentative map when evaluated in detail. To overcome these problems of qualitative and/or simple grid interpolation of these point-depth estimates into a regular grid, we use the pseudogravity field transform response of the magnetic field to constrain this interpolation using inversion methods together with the relationship between the point-depth estimates and their pseudogravity values. The pseudogravity transformation converts a grid of magnetic data such that the resulting grid has the same simple relationship to magnetic susceptibility that a gravity grid has to density. The pseudogravity map is thus straightforward to visualize in terms of basement structure, but it only maps the magnetic properties of the subsurface and is not related to the gravity anomaly or the density. We describe a practical approach to invert pseudogravity grids using gravity inversion software to produce a 3D basin model assuming a constant susceptibility basement. The approach is initially tested on the Bishop 3D model and then applied to an example from the northern North Sea. This approach can be considered complementary to 3D gravity inversion and has the advantage that the pseudogravity response is not affected by structure within the sediments or effects such as sediment compaction, inversion, or isostatic compensation, all of which often complicate the gravity response of sedimentary basins.
Absence of strong strain effects in behavioral analyses ofShank3-deficient mice
Authors: Drapeau Elodie , Dorr Nate P. , Elder Gregory A. , Buxbaum Joseph D.
Published: March 2014

Haploinsufficiency of SHANK3, caused by chromosomal abnormalities or mutations that disrupt one copy of the gene, leads to a neurodevelopmental syndrome called Phelan-McDermid Syndrome that can include absent or delayed speech, intellectual disability, neurological changes, and autism spectrum disorders. The SHANK3 protein forms a key structural part of the post-synaptic density. We previously generated and characterized mice with a targeted disruption of Shank3 in which exons coding for the ankyrin repeat domain were deleted and expression of full-length Shank3 was disrupted. We documented specific deficits in synaptic function and plasticity, along with reduced reciprocal social interactions in Shank3 heterozygous mice. Changes in phenotype due to a mutation at a single locus are quite frequently modulated by other loci, most dramatically when the entire genetic background is changed. In mice, each strain of laboratory mouse represents a distinct genetic background and alterations in phenotype due to gene knockout or transgenesis are frequently different across strains, which can lead to the identification of important modifier loci. We have investigated the effect of genetic background on phenotypes of Shank3-heterozygous, knock-out and wild-type mice, using C57BL/6, 129SVE, and FVB/Ntac strain backgrounds. We focused on observable behaviors with the goal of carrying out subsequent analyses to identify modifier loci. Surprisingly, there were very modest strain effects over a large battery of analyses. These results indicate that behavioral phenotypes associated with Shank3 haploinsufficiency are largely strain independent.