bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Clinical Translation of the Article Titled “Development and Testing of the Combined Assessment of Psychiatric Environments (CAPE)
Authors: Corte Colleen
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND: There is a need for an easy-to-use measure of meaningful and important inpatient psychiatric treatment. METHOD: This is a clinical translation of a research article by Delaney and colleagues (this issue of JAPNA) that describes the development and testing of a new measure called the Combined Assessment of Psychiatric Environments (CAPE). The measure was tested with patients and staff on six different inpatient psychiatric units. RESULTS: The staff and patient versions of the CAPE were shown to be valid (accurate measure of safe, patient-centered care) and reliable (precise measure that shows stability over time). CONCLUSION: The CAPE is a new measure that can be used to examine staff and patient experiences of nursing practice on inpatient psychiatric units.
How are they doing? Listening as fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder compare themselves to fathers of children who are typically developing
Authors: Cheuk Samantha , Lashewicz Bonnie
Published: May 2015

The growing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is accompanied by ongoing efforts to understand and support parents in the face of challenges related to their child’s autism spectrum disorder. Although fathers are increasingly hands-on in raising children, research focus on parenting children with autism spectrum disorder continues to be skewed toward experiences of mothers. Our purpose in this article is to contribute understandings of how fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder perceive themselves to be managing, and we undertake this by examining comparisons fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder make between their parenting experiences and experiences of fathers of typically developing children. A purposive sample of 28 fathers of children (aged 2–13 years) with autism spectrum disorder living in an urban center in Western Canada participated in in-depth interviews about their parenting successes and challenges. We found fathers speak of universal fathering experiences yet articulate their own sense of loss and efforts to come to terms with unanticipated demands associated with autism spectrum disorder. Fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder feel “pangs of jealousy” toward fathers of typically developing children, yet they are keenly attentive to their own child’s development and convey a sense of gratitude for their child’s capabilities and personality amidst an appreciation for trials and triumphs of fathering in general and fathering a child with autism spectrum disorder in particular.
Offending profiles of individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A study of all individuals with autism spectrum disorder examined by the forensic psychiatric service in Norway between 2000 and 2010
Authors: Helverschou Sissel Berge , Rasmussen Kirsten , Steindal Kari , Søndanaa Erik , Nilsson Britta , Nøttestad Jim Aage
Published: May 2015

This study examined the characteristics of adults with autism spectrum disorder who have undergone a forensic examination and explored any relationships between the diagnosis and the offence. The reports described 41 men and 7 women. The autism spectrum disorder was diagnosed late (mean age: 25.3 years), and 22 of the 48 cases were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder for the first time by the forensic experts. The education level and employment status were low. Family networks were close, but social networks outside the family were limited. Co-morbid diagnoses were common, and more than half of the group knew their victims. The examined individuals constitute a vulnerable and heterogeneous group, as do offenders within other diagnostic categories. Unlike most others who commit criminal acts, the majority of the individuals with autism spectrum disorder in this study showed no evidence of substance abuse, had a close relationship to their victims and were willing to confess to the accused crime. No clear association between the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder and the criminal act were identified, but in most cases, autism spectrum disorder characteristics, such as idiosyncratic comprehensions and obsessions appeared to be related to the motive for the offence.
Mobile platform for treatment of stroke: A case study of tele-assistance
Authors: Torres Zenteno Arturo Henry , Fernández Francisco , Palomino-García Alfredo , Moniche Francisco , Escudero Irene , Jiménez-Hernández M Dolores , Caballero Auxiliadora , Escobar-Rodriguez Germán , Parra Carlos
Published: May 2015

This article presents the technological solution of a tele-assistance process for stroke patients in acute phase in the Seville metropolitan area. The main objective of this process is to reduce time from symptom onset to treatment of acute phase stroke patients by means of telemedicine, regarding mobility between an intensive care unit ambulance and an expert center and activating the pre-hospital care phase. The technological platform covering the process has been defined following an interoperability model based on standards and with a focus on service-oriented architecture focus. Messaging definition has been designed according to the reference model of the CEN/ISO 13606, messages content follows the structure of archetypes. An XDS-b (Cross-Enterprise Document Sharing-b) transaction messaging has been designed according to Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise profile for archetype notifications and update enquiries.This research has been performed by a multidisciplinary group. The Virgen del Rocío University Hospital acts as Reference Hospital and the Public Company for Healthcare as mobility surroundings.
Effect of oxide layer formation on deformation of aluminum alloys under fire conditions
Authors: Yilmaz Nadir , Vigil Francisco M , Tolendino Greg , Gill Walt , Donaldson A Burl
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the structural behavior of aluminum alloys used in the aerospace industry when exposed to conditions similar to those of an accident scenario, such as a fuel fire. This study focuses on the role that the aluminum oxide layer plays in the deformation and the strength of the alloy above melting temperature. To replicate some of the thermal and atmospheric conditions that the alloys might experience in an accident scenario, aluminum rod specimens were subjected to temperatures near to or above their melting temperature in air, nitrogen, and vacuum environments. The characteristics of their deformation, such as geometry and rate of deformation, were observed. Tests were conducted by suspending aluminum rods vertically from an enclosure. This type of experiment was performed in two different environments: air and nitrogen. The change in environments allowed the effects of the oxide layer on the material strength to be analyzed by inhibiting the growth of the oxide layer. Observations were reported from imaging taken during the experiment showing creep behavior of aluminum alloys at elevated temperatures and time to failure. In addition, an example of tensile load–displacement data obtained in air and vacuum was reported to understand the effect of oxide layer on aluminum deformation and strength.
The advocacy continuum: Towards a theory of advocacy in journalism
Authors: Fisher Caroline
Published: May 2015

The goal of advocacy is commonly used to distinguish journalism from public relations practice. At the same time, there is a strong tradition of advocacy reporting in journalism that weakens this point of distinction. In an attempt to reconcile this apparent contradiction, this article draws on the concept of a continuum to explain extremes in journalism practice and ‘contingency theory’ in public relations, which posits a range of variables can influence the degree of advocacy adopted by public relations practitioners when dealing with an organization’s target publics. This article contends that the degree and type of advocacy present in journalism is also dependent on a range of macro, organizational, journalism production, source and personal factors. It argues that each work of journalism falls along a continuum of advocacy, ranging from subtle displays at one end to overt at the other, where some stories might be hard to distinguish from public relations.
Durkheim, ethnography and suicide: Researching young male suicide in the transnational London Alevi-Kurdish community
Authors: Cetin Umit
Published: May 2015

This study of the unusually high incidence of young male suicides in the transnational Alevi-Kurdish community in London demonstrates the benefits of combining a Durkheimian structural approach with a qualitatively driven ethnographic methodology. Examination of the life experiences of those who committed suicide is located within the underlying social organization of the transnational community in which the suicides occurred, enabling us to explore unanticipated events that render certain groups more at risk of committing suicide. Interviews with significant others facilitated a deeper understanding of the personal life paths of those who committed suicide. The suicide cases followed a particular assimilation trajectory that gradually positioned them in a ‘rainbow underclass’, an anomic social position leading to suicide. Despite the sensitivity of the subject, participants appreciated the opportunity to discuss their experience frankly and contribute towards a better understanding of the underlying causes in a desperate attempt to prevent further suicides.
Conducting qualitative interviews by telephone: Lessons learned from a study of alcohol use among sexual minority and heterosexual women
Authors: Drabble Laurie , Trocki Karen F , Salcedo Brenda , Walker Patricia C , Korcha Rachael A
Published: May 2015

This study explored effective interviewer strategies and lessons learned based on collection of narrative data by telephone with a subsample of women from a population-based survey, which included sexual minority women. Qualitative follow-up, in-depth life history interviews were conducted over the telephone with 48 women who had participated in the 2009–2010 National Alcohol Survey. Questions explored the lives and experiences of women, including use of alcohol and drugs, social relationships, identity, and past traumatic experiences. Strategies for success in interviews emerged in three overarching areas: (1) cultivating rapport and maintaining connection; (2) demonstrating responsiveness to interviewee content, concerns; and (3) communicating regard for the interviewee and her contribution. Findings underscore both the viability and value of telephone interviews as a method for collecting rich narrative data on sensitive subjects among women, including women who may be marginalized.
Pedagogy of third space: A multidimensional early childhood curriculum
Authors: Gupta Amita
Published: May 2015

This paper will illustrate how philosophical and pedagogical boundaries that are defined by diverse cultures and ideologies might be navigated in the practical implementation of an early childhood curriculum in postcolonial urban India. Findings from a qualitative naturalistic inquiry indicated that a complex, multifaceted curriculum shaped by diverse socio-cultural-historical elements was being enacted: a highly structured academic curriculum mandated by the government and historically rooted in the colonial policies of the British administrators; the ongoing values-based curriculum is rooted in Ancient Indian beliefs, the practical knowledge of teachers and some curricular ideas central to Euro-American progressive education. This early childhood approach did not fit the definition of any of the commonly known ‘Western' early childhood curricula. Rather, the three-dimensional postcolonial early childhood curriculums seemed to seamlessly combine ideas from diverse educational discourses within what can be conceptualized as the third space of pedagogical hybridity. More recently, changes in the national curriculum policy recommend learner-centred approaches; and an increasing influence of globalization has promoted the adoption of core ideas from the dominant, mostly ‘Western' discourse of early childhood education. A teacher education curriculum developed within a postcolonial framework to prepare early childhood teachers in the pedagogy of third space is recommended and urged.
Small schools in rural India: ‘Exclusion’ and ‘inequity’ in hierarchical school system
Authors: Diwan Rashmi
Published: May 2015

Small schools have enjoyed rich traditions in the history of education. The Vedic-age gurukula small schools, an abode for children of the privileged few, followed a structured curriculum in the teaching of religion, scriptures, philosophy, literature, warfare, medicine, astrology and history. The rigvedic small schools, which were more egalitarian, opened their doors for admission to all strata of society. In medieval India small schools located in pathshalas, madrasas and informal surroundings of a village, for example, in the teacher’s house, places of worship or under a tree imparted instruction in the three Rs: reading, writing and arithmetic. Peer-group learning, multipoint entry, needs based studies, adaptability to the immediate environment and adjusting school hours to suit local requirements were the chief merits of these schools. By the time the British arrived, India had a fairly widespread village based small primary school education on revenue free land. A major shift came with the East India Company’s policy of maximizing land revenue, where the Indian education system faced starvation in its financial resources, leaving small village schools in shabby dwellings with ill qualified teachers, an absence of primary facilities including a blackboard, furniture and proper seating arrangement, etc. By the 1830s the small village schools no longer stood as the vital centres of learning. Today the modern small schools in rural India are found struggling in the same way, with limited human and physical resources, low enrolment and high a incidence of teacher and student absenteeism. The present paper reviews the current status of small primary schools (grades 1 to 5 in most cases) in rural India by drawing a national picture substantiated with field observations in the villages of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in order to examine the realities on the ground and to develop an understanding of the different contexts in which small schools function. The paper recommends the recognition of the fact that small schools exist in massive numbers and cannot be allowed to struggle further and eventually perish. Sustaining these schools and improving them further has become mandatory. The Right to Education Act 2009 has brought some hope that will look seriously into the provision of minimum facilities as per the entitlements of each school and will ensure regularity of teacher attendance through specified norms.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair With 3-Millimeter Instruments
Authors: Kassir Radwan , Tiffet Olivier , Bourbon Michel , Meyer Alberto , Gugenheim Jean , Debs Tarek , Amor Imed Ben , Blanc Pierre
Published: May 2015

The repair of inguinal hernia has been a controversial issue in surgical practice since its conception. The article demonstrates that use of 3 mm instruments can be incorporated in Laparoscopic hernia repair. The second aim of this article is that use of TAP block (Transverse abdominal plane block) without curare is efficient, safe and reproducible.
Are You Leaving? A Case of Succession in the Willow Tree Charter School
Authors: Gawlik Marytza A.
Published: May 2015

This case study asks readers to contemplate what leadership practices may facilitate leadership succession at charter schools. The case narrative is followed by an activity designed for students in principal preparation programs. In this activity, students develop an exit strategy for the departing leader, a hiring plan for the charter school leadership, and an entry plan for the charter school’s successor, each of which outlines the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate change and maintain the charter school’s ongoing success.
Data System Implementation
Authors: Cho Vincent , Jimerson Jo Beth , Wayman Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2015

Computer data systems have become a lynchpin to supporting school data use. However, successfully implementing such systems is no easy task. In this case, readers explore the ways in which “technology problems” and “people problems” can be intertwined. The case follows Dr. Molly Winters as she encounters social and organizational challenges relating to district vision, tensions around data use, and tensions involving technology implementation. Her exploration of these issues spans both the school and district levels. Her goal is to analyze and provide recommendations regarding how to support data system use and school improvement throughout her district.
Association between HbA1c levels with severity of coronary artery disease and short-term outcomes of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction in nondiabetic patients
Authors: Ghaffari Samad , Niafar Farhad , Separham Ahmad , Niafar Mitra , Pourafkari Leili , Nader Nader D.
Published: May 2015

Background:

The severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is directly related to the quality of glucose control in diabetic patients. Additionally, mortality after an acute coronary syndrome is higher in patients with diabetes and it correlates to the level of glucose control. However, the role of higher gluconated hemoglobin in the process of coronary atherosclerosis and clinical outcome of acute myocardial infarction is unknown.

Objectives:

To evaluate the association of HbA1c level and severity of CAD and short-term outcomes of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in nondiabetics.

Methods:

A total of 290 nondiabetic patients with STEMI were prospectively enrolled following their admission. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on the median percent of HbA1c (⩽5.8% ‘Low’ and >5.8% ‘High’). The severity of CAD based on the Califf scoring system, in-hospital mortality and morbidities of STEMI were compared between groups. Patients were followed for 1 year after discharge to assess readmission and mortality rate.

Results:

The severity score for CAD was significantly higher in the ‘High’ versus ‘Low’ HbA1c group (7.7 ± 2.7 and 5.5 ± 2.6, p = 0.001). A total of 15 patients died in both groups during the follow-up period. While in-hospital mortality was similar between the two groups, 12-month mortality was significantly higher in the ‘High’ group (7.7% versus 2.7%, p = 0.043). In addition, the rehospitalization rate within 1 year was 8.8% in the ‘Low’ group, which was significantly lower than 19.0% in the ‘High’ group ( p = 0.016).

Conclusion:

Among nondiabetic patients presenting with STEMI, the severity of CAD was higher in those with HbA1c level >5.8%; 1-year mortality and hospital readmission rates were also higher in this group of patients.
Percutaneous biopsy for risk stratification of renal masses
Authors: Blute Michael L. , Drewry Anna , Abel Edwin Jason
Published: May 2015

The increased use of abdominal imaging has led to identification of more patients with incidental renal masses, and renal mass biopsy (RMB) has become a popular method to evaluate unknown renal masses prior to definitive treatment. Pathologic data obtained from biopsy may be used to guide decisions for treatment and may include the presence or absence of malignant tumor, renal cell cancer subtype, tumor grade and the presence of other aggressive pathologic features. However, prior to using RMB for risk stratification, it is important to understand whether RMB findings are equivalent to pathologic analysis of surgical specimens and to identify any potential limitations of this approach. This review outlines the advantages and limitations of the current studies that evaluate RMB as a guide for treatment decision in patients with unknown renal masses.

In multiple series, RMB has demonstrated low morbidity and a theoretical reduction in cost, if patients with benign tumors are identified from biopsy and can avoid subsequent treatment. However, when considering the routine use of RMB for risk stratification, it is important to note that biopsy may underestimate risk in some patients by undergrading, understaging or failing to identify aggressive tumor features. Future studies should focus on developing treatment algorithms that integrate RMB to identify the optimal use in risk stratification of patients with unknown renal masses.
Characterization of Biochemical Cartilage Change After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Using T1ρ Mapping Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Osaki Kanji , Okazaki Ken , Takayama Yukihisa , Matsubara Hirokazu , Kuwashima Umito , Murakami Koji , Doi Toshio , Matsuo Yoshio , Honda Hiroshi , Iwamoto Yukihide
Published: May 2015

Background:

Patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–injured knees are at an increased risk of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA). OA changes secondary to ACL injuries have many variations, and when and where early cartilage degenerative change begins has not yet been established.

Purpose:

To characterize the location of cartilage degeneration after ACL injury associated with time since injury using T1rho (T1ρ) mapping.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

In this study, 49 knees with ACL injuries and 14 normal knees from uninjured volunteers were imaged with a 3.0-T magnetic resonance scanner. Three regions of interest (ROIs) were defined in the cartilage at the weightbearing area of the femoral condyles (anterior, middle, and posterior zones). Two ROIs were defined in the tibial plateau (anterior and posterior zones). The T1ρ values within the ROIs were measured. Patients were allocated into 3 groups based on time since injury: <12 weeks (group A; 28 patients), 12 weeks to 2 years (group B; 14 patients), and >2 years to 5 years (group C; 7 patients).

Results:

Mean T1ρ values were significantly greater in the anterior and middle ROIs of the medial femoral condyle in group C compared with those in other groups ( P < .05). Patients with medial meniscus injury, for whom the time since injury was ≥12 weeks, exhibited significantly greater T1ρ values in the middle areas of the medial femoral condyle versus normal knees and ACL-injured knees without medial meniscus injury.

Conclusion:

The risk of cartilage degeneration in the area of the femoral condyle that contacts the tibia during small degrees of flexion increased when the time since injury was longer than 2 years. In addition, medial meniscus injury was associated with cartilage degeneration at the medial femoral condyle in the chronic phase.

Clinical Relevance:

Cartilage degeneration occurs more than 2 years after ACL injury and increases with medial meniscus injury. Early intervention may be desirable for meniscus injury.
Improving Outcome Measures Other Than Achievement
Authors: Moore Kristin Anderson , Lippman Laura H. , Ryberg Renee
Published: May 2015

Research indicates that educational, economic, and life success reflect children’s nonacademic as well as academic competencies. Therefore, longitudinal surveys that assess educational progress and success need to incorporate nonacademic measures to avoid omitted variable bias, inform development of new intervention strategies, and support mediating and moderating analyses. Based on a life course model and a whole child perspective, this article suggests constructs in the domains of child health, emotional/psychological development, educational achievement/attainment, social behavior, and social relationships. Four critical constructs are highlighted: self-regulation, agency/motivation, persistence/diligence, and executive functioning. Other constructs that are currently measured need to be retained, including social skills, positive relationships, activities, positive behaviors, academic self-efficacy, educational engagement, and internalizing/emotional well-being. Examples of measures that are substantively and psychometrically robust are provided.
Inducible caspase-9 suicide gene controls adverse effects from alloreplete T cells after haploidentical stem cell transplantation
Authors: Zhou Xiaoou , Dotti Gianpietro , Krance Robert A. , Martinez Caridad A. , Naik Swati , Kamble Rammurti T. , Durett April G. , Dakhova Olga , Savoldo Barbara , Di Stasi Antonio , Spencer David M. , Lin Yu-Feng , Liu Hao , Grilley Bambi J. , Gee Adrian P. , Rooney Cliona M. , Heslop Helen E. , Brenner Malcolm K.
Published: May 2015

Key Points

Alloreplete iC9-T cells can promote immune recovery posttransplant and protect patients against viral infections. iC9-T cells can be eliminated from both peripheral blood and CNS by administration of AP1903 leading to a rapid resolution of GVHD.
A quality-of-life measure for adults with primary ciliary dyskinesia: QOL–PCD
Authors: Lucas Jane S. , Behan Laura , Dunn Galvin Audrey , Alpern Adrianne , Morris Anjana M. , Carroll Mary P. , Knowles Michael R. , Leigh Margaret W. , Quittner Alexandra L.
Published: May 2015

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is characterised by chronic suppurative lung disease, rhino-sinusitis, hearing impairment and sub-fertility. We have developed the first multidimensional measure to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with PCD (QOL–PCD).

Following a literature review and expert panel meeting, open-ended interviews with patients investigated the impact of PCD on HRQoL in the UK and North America (n=21). Transcripts were content analysed to derive saturation matrices. Items were rated for relevance by patients (n=49). Saturation matrices, relevance scores, literature review, evaluation of existing measures, and expert opinion contributed to development of a preliminary questionnaire. The questionnaire was refined following cognitive interviews (n=18).

Open-ended interviews identified a spectrum of issues unique to adults with PCD. Saturation matrices confirmed comprehensive coverage of content. QOL–PCD includes 48 items covering the following seven domains: Physical Functioning, Emotional Functioning, Treatment Burden, Respiratory and Sinus Symptoms, Ears and Hearing, Social Functioning, and Vitality and Health Perceptions. Cognitive testing confirmed that content was comprehensive and the items were well-understood by respondents.

Content validity and cognitive testing supported the items and structure. QOL–PCD has been translated into other languages and is awaiting psychometric testing.
Quantitative modeling of dose–response and drug combination based on pathway network
Authors: Gu Jiangyong , Zhang Xinzhuang , Ma Yimin , Li Na , Luo Fang , Cao Liang , Wang Zhenzhong , Yuan Gu , Chen Lirong , Xiao Wei , Xu Xiaojie
Published: May 2015

Background

Quantitative description of dose–response of a drug for complex systems is essential for treatment of diseases and drug discovery. Given the growth of large-scale biological data obtained by multi-level assays, computational modeling has become an important approach to understand the mechanism of drug action. However, due to complicated interactions between drugs and cellular targets, the prediction of drug efficacy is a challenge, especially for complex systems. And the biological systems can be regarded as networks, where nodes represent molecular entities (DNA, RNA, protein and small compound) and processes, edges represent the relationships between nodes. Thus we combine biological pathway-based network modeling and molecular docking to evaluate drug efficacy.

Results

Network efficiency (NE) and network flux (NF) are both global measures of the network connectivity. In this work, we used NE and NF to quantitatively evaluate the inhibitory effects of compounds against the lipopolysaccharide-induced production of prostaglandin E2. The edge values of the pathway network of this biological process were reset according to the Michaelis-Menten equation, which used the binding constant and drug concentration to determine the degree of inhibition of the target protein in the pathway. The combination of NE and NF was adopted to evaluate the inhibitory effects. The dose–response curve was sigmoid and the EC50 values of 5 compounds were in good agreement with experimental results (R2 = 0.93). Moreover, we found that 2 drugs produced maximal synergism when they were combined according to the ratio between each EC50.

Conclusions

This quantitative model has the ability to predict the dose–response relationships of single drug and drug combination in the context of the pathway network of biological process. These findings are valuable for the evaluation of drug efficacy and thus provide an effective approach for pathway network-based drug discovery.
Usefulness of open mixed nut challenges to exclude tree nut allergy in children
Authors: Van Erp Francine C. , Knulst André C. , Kok Irene L. , van Velzen Maartje F. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , Meijer Yolanda
Published: May 2015

Background

To minimize the risk of accidental reactions, atopic children with multiple sensitizations to tree nuts are advised to avoid all nuts. Multiple food challenges would be needed to confirm the clinical relevance, but are too burdensome to be practical.

The usefulness of open mixed nut challenges in terms of safety, reactions during challenge, tolerance of the challenge material, effect on the elimination diet and satisfaction of the parents was evaluated.

Findings

Open mixed nut challenges were performed in 19 children with a previous negative hazelnut challenge and long term elimination diet for tree nuts. Challenges were negative in 13 (68 %) children, in four (21 %) children (non‐severe) allergic symptoms were observed. The challenges were well accepted, safe and efficient. We were able to avoid multiple nut challenges in 15 (79 %) children.

Conclusions

Open mixed nut challenge can efficiently exclude multiple tree nut allergies in children with a lifelong nut free diet and low suspicion of clinical allergy.
Ash fall impact on vegetation: a remote sensing approach of the Oldoinyo Lengai 2007–08 eruption
Authors: De Schutter Ann , Kervyn Matthieu , Canters Frank , Bosshard-Stadlin Sonja A , Songo Majura A M , Mattsson Hannes B
Published: May 2015

Impacts from ash fallout on the environment can be widespread and long lasting, even from moderate-size eruptions. Assessing ash impact on vegetation and the indirect impacts for people is often difficult in the field. Here it is assessed how satellite data can help to map vegetation affected by ash and how temporal analysis enables characterization of vegetation recovery rate. The 2007–08 eruption of Oldoinyo Lengai, north Tanzania, is here used as a case study. An 8 year-long (2005–2012) time series of half-monthly average of the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) is constructed at 250 m spatial resolution from the Moderate Resolution Image Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) sensor. Interpolated rainfall data is used to isolate NDVI values departing from the normal seasonal cycles. Month-to-month NDVI comparison, linear temporal trend analysis and Principal Component Analysis enable to identify a 11 × 4 km area over which ash fallout significantly affected the state of the vegetation. After the eruption’s end, time series of various recovery indices highlight a circumferential pattern in vegetation recovery. The estimated recovery time varies from more than 5 years to less than 6 months with increasing distance from the volcano. A non-linear moderate, but statistically significant, relationship is found between the recovery indices and the spatial variation of ash thicknesses measured in the field. Combining field and remote sensing constraints enable to re-assess the volume of the eruption to ~2 × 107 m3. The spatial pattern of the ash-affected area matches with the spatial contrast in the impact experienced by the local communities. The method applied here opens the scope to document impact and intensity of ash fallout in areas where systematic field work is not possible and to support recovery plans for populations affected by ash fallout.
Reich’s iterated function systems and well-posedness via fixed point theory
Authors: Xu Shaoyuan , Cheng Suyu , Zhou Zuoling
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we prove the existence of the attractors for Reich’s iterated function systems by virtue of a Banach-like fixed point theorem. As a result, under the condition that the Reich contractions discussed are continuous, we give an affirmative answer to an open question posed by Singh et al. in 2009. In addition, we formulate a collage theorem for Reich’s iterated function systems.
An enduring lens for a continuing problem: Close analysis of conceptually scored cloze items
Authors: O’Toole John M , Cheng Junyu , O’Toole Gjyn
Published: May 2015

This paper provides an example of close analysis of student attempts to fill the gaps that comprise a cloze test. Such analysis may assist diagnosis of the difficulties that groups of students experience with specific text in particular contexts and illustrate the impact of those difficulties.

The paper briefly touches on the international, academic role of English, outlines its contemporary role in universities in the People’s Republic of China and then describes a small quantitative study of student difficulty with specialist English that illustrates the impact of those difficulties on text accessibility.

One hundred and fourteen Chinese undergraduate students completed a 50 item cloze test which was conceptually scored before close analysis of patterns in clear student error.

The impact of the pattern of difficulty that emerged from the Chinese results is illustrated in a number of ways. The rank and proportional difficulty of the identified language features is presented in numerical form and compared with that emerging from previous use of the test in secondary school contexts. The proportional difficulty is then used to guide insertion of words from an unfamiliar language into the base text to provide an indication of the difficulty being experienced by the ‘average’ Chinese undergraduate in reading this passage prepared for a mid-level secondary school audience.

The present case provides the opportunity of ‘proof of concept’ for extension of cloze techniques from holistic estimation of readability to identification of specific features of specialist writing styles that may cause difficulty for particular groups of readers.

The results of this study suggest that such close analysis of error patterns may provide an illuminative lens on student difficulty with specific language styles within English and that, in this particular case, focus on general academic English may not be sufficient preparation for upper level discipline courses that make use of more specific styles.
Ficus (Moraceae) and fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) in Taiwan
Authors: Bain Anthony , Tzeng Hsy-Yu , Wu Wen-Jer , Chou Lien-Siang
Published: May 2015

AlthoughFicus-associated wasp fauna have been extensively researched in Australasia, information on these fauna in Taiwan is not well accessible to scientists worldwide. In this study, we compiled records on theFicusflora of Taiwan and its associated wasp fauna. Initial agronomic research reports onFicuswere published in Japanese in 1917, followed by reports on applied biochemistry, taxonomy, and phenology in Chinese. On the basis of the phenological knowledge of 15 species of theFicusflora of Taiwan, recent research has examined the pollinating and nonpollinating agaonid and chalcid wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Updating records according to the current nomenclature revealed that there are 30 taxa (27 species) of native or naturalizedFicuswith an unusually high proportion of dioecious species (78%). Four species were observed to exhibit mutualism with more than one pollinating wasp species, and 18 of the 27Ficusspecies were reported with nonpollinating wasp species. The number of nonpollinating wasp species associated with specificFicusspecies ranges from zero (F. pumila) to 24 (F. microcarpa). Approximately half of the Taiwanese fig tree species have been studied with basic information on phenology and biology described in peer-reviewed journals or theses. This review provides a solid basis for future in-depth comparative studies. This summary of knowledge will encourage and facilitate continuing research on the pollination dynamics ofFicusand the associated insect fauna in Taiwan.
An increased expression of PI-PLCβ1 is associated with myeloid differentiation and a longer response to azacitidine in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Cocco Lucio , Finelli Carlo , Mongiorgi Sara , Clissa Cristina , Russo Domenico , Bosi Costanza , Quaranta Marilisa , Malagola Michele , Parisi Sarah , Stanzani Marta , Ramazzotti Giulia , Mariani Giulia A , Billi Anna Maria , Manzoli Lucia , Follo Matilde Y
Published: May 2015

This study tested the hypothesis that PI-PLCβ1 is associated with myeloid differentiation and that its expression could be useful for predicting the response of MDS patients to azacitidine, as the clinical effect of epigenetic treatments is often detectable only after several cycles of therapy. To this end, PI-PLCβ1 was quantified on 70 MDS patients (IPSS risk: 13 Low, 20 Int-1, 31 Int-2, 6 High) at baseline and during the first 3 cycles of azacitidine. Results were then compared with the hematologic response, as assessed after the sixth cycle of azacitidine therapy. Overall, 60 patients completed 6 cycles of azacitidine, and for them, a clinical and molecular evaluation was possible: 37 of these patients (62%) showed a specific increase of PI-PLCβ1 mRNA within the first 3 cycles, which was associated with a longer duration of response and with an increased myeloid differentiation, as evidenced by PI-PLCγ2 induction and the recruitment of specific myeloid-associated transcription factors to the PI-PLCβ1 promoter during azacitidine response. Moreover, the increase of cyclin D3 gene expression throughout all of the therapy showed that PI-PLCβ1-dependent signaling is indeed activated in azacitidine responder patients. Taken together, our results show that PI-PLCβ1 quantification in MDS predicts the response to azacitidine and is associated with an increased myeloid differentiation.
The role of EMMPRIN in T cell biology and immunological diseases
Authors: Hahn Jennifer Nancy , Kaushik Deepak Kumar , Yong V Wee
Published: May 2015

EMMPRIN (CD147), originally described as an inducer of the expression of MMPs, has gained attention in its involvement in various immunologic diseases, such that anti-EMMPRIN antibodies are considered as potential therapeutic medications. Given that MMPs are involved in the pathogenesis of various disease states, it is relevant that targeting an upstream inducer would make for an effective therapeutic strategy. Additionally, EMMPRIN is now appreciated to have multiple roles apart from MMP induction, including in cellular functions, such as migration, adhesion, invasion, energy metabolism, as well as T cell activation and proliferation. Here, we review what is known about EMMPRIN in numerous immunologic/inflammatory disease conditions with a particular focus on its complex roles in T cell biology.
Oncology Pharmaceutical Funding in New Zealand: A Different Approach and a Proposal
Authors: Beatty Peter A. , Laking George R.
Published: May 2015

New Zealand devised an independent value-based system for funding oncology therapeutics run through the agency known as PHARMAC. Here the authors apply the approach to the US market as a solution to oncology therapeutics acquisition and funding.
HemOnc.org: A Collaborative Online Knowledge Platform for Oncology Professionals
Authors: Warner Jeremy L. , Cowan Andrew J. , Hall Aric C. , Yang Peter C.
Published: May 2015

Future enhancements, including more metadata about drugs and increasingly detailed efficacy and toxicity information, will continue to improve the value of this free source of chemotherapy drug and regimen information.
Cancer Treatment in Patients With HIV Infection and Non–AIDS-Defining Cancers: A Survey of US Oncologists
Authors: Suneja Gita , Boyer Matthew , Yehia Baligh R. , Shiels Meredith S. , Engels Eric A. , Bekelman Justin E. , Long Judith A.
Published: May 2015

Provider-level factors are associated with delivery of nonstandard cancer treatment to HIV-infected patients. Policy change, provider education, and multidisciplinary collaboration are needed to improve access to cancer treatment.
Supporting Commission on Cancer–Mandated Psychosocial Distress Screening With Implementation Strategies
Authors: Lazenby Mark , Ercolano Elizabeth , Grant Marcia , Holland Jimmie C. , Jacobsen Paul B. , McCorkle Ruth
Published: May 2015

Several months before the compliance deadline, fewer than half of applicant institutions had begun distress screening. Adding implementation strategies to mandated quality care standards may reduce uncertainty on how to comply.
Priorities for Quality Care in Pediatric Oncology Supportive Care
Authors: Sung Lillian
Published: May 2015

To maximize the quality of pediatric cancer care delivered, the creation and implementation of supportive care clinical practice guidelines are needed.
Hospital Academic Status and Value of Care for Nonmetastatic Colon Cancer
Authors: Veenstra Christine M. , Epstein Andrew J. , Liao Kaijun , Griggs Jennifer J. , Pollack Craig E. , Armstrong Katrina
Published: May 2015

The authors found no survival differences for elderly patients with stage II or III colon cancer, treated by a medical oncologist, between academic and nonacademic hospitals.
Collaboration Between Surgeons and Medical Oncologists and Outcomes for Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer
Authors: Hussain Tanvir , Chang Hsien-Yen , Veenstra Christine M. , Pollack Craig E.
Published: May 2015

Specialist collaboration is associated with lower mortality without increased cost for patients with stage III colon cancer.
Reviewing Cancer Care Team Effectiveness
Authors: Taplin Stephen H. , Weaver Sallie , Salas Eduardo , Chollette Veronica , Edwards Heather M. , Bruinooge Suanna S. , Kosty Michael P.
Published: May 2015

The authors did not see evidence that multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) affect patient survival or cost of care, or studies of how or which MDT processes and structures were associated with success.
Teams and Teamwork During a Cancer Diagnosis: Interdependency Within and Between Teams
Authors: Taplin Stephen H. , Weaver Sallie , Chollette Veronica , Marks Lawrence B. , Jacobs Andrew , Schiff Gordon , Stricker Carrie T. , Bruinooge Suanna S. , Salas Eduardo
Published: May 2015

This is the first in a series of articles exploring principles and topics relevant to teams guiding clinicians involved in cancer care.
Morbidity and Mortality Revisited: Applying a New Quality Improvement Paradigm in Oncology
Authors: Stover Daniel G. , Zerillo Jessica A.
Published: May 2015

Using a quality improvement (QI) paradigm, the authors conducted 11 multidisciplinary conferences throughout 2013-2014 at two tertiary academic cancer centers and a satellite community-based oncology practice. They present their approach including key components and an example case.
Tumor Board Participation Among Physicians Caring for Patients With Lung or Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kehl Kenneth L. , Landrum Mary Beth , Kahn Katherine L. , Gray Stacy W. , Chen Aileen B. , Keating Nancy L.
Published: May 2015

Among patients with lung or colorectal cancer, frequent physician tumor board engagement was associated with patient clinical trial participation and higher rates of curative-intent surgery for stage I to II NSCLC but not with overall survival.
Patient Centeredness and Engagement in Quality-of-Care Oncology Research
Authors: Clauser Steven B. , Gayer Christopher , Murphy Elizabeth , Majhail Navneet S. , Baker K. Scott
Published: May 2015

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute seeks to partner with diverse interdisciplinary research teams who demonstrate a commitment to the inclusion and engagement of patients and stakeholders as they work to develop high-quality cancer care delivery systems.
Cost-Related Health Literacy: A Key Component of High-Quality Cancer Care
Authors: Zafar S. Yousuf , Ubel Peter A. , Tulsky James A. , Pollak Kathryn I.
Published: May 2015

Because cancer treatment can result in both short- and long-term financial harm known as financial toxicity; the Institute of Medicine has issued a challenge to improve patients' understanding of cost of cancer care.
Oncology Payment Reform to Achieve Real Health Care Reform
Authors: McClellan Mark B. , Thoumi Andrea I.
Published: May 2015

The authors describe features of quality and cost measures needed to support accountable care payment reforms in oncology and propose policy recommendations to move to payment systems that support higher-value care in oncology.
Locally conformally Kähler metrics on Kato surfaces
Authors: Brunella Marco
Published: May 2015

We show that every Kato surface admits a locally conformally Kähler metric.
Harmonic morphisms applied to classical potential theory
Authors: Fuglede Bent
Published: May 2015

It is shown that ifϕdenotes a harmonic morphism of type Bl between suitable Brelot harmonic spacesXandY, then a functionf, defined on an open setV ⊂ Y, is superharmonic if and only iff ∘ ϕis superharmonic onϕ–1(V) ⊂ X. The “only if” part is due to Constantinescu and Cornea, withϕdenoting any harmonic morphism between two Brelot spaces. A similar result is obtained for finely superharmonic functions defined on finely open sets. These results apply, for example, to the case whereϕis the projection from ℝNto ℝn(N > n ≥1) or whereϕis the radial projection from ℝN\ {0} to the unit sphere in ℝN(N≥ 2).
Geometry of G2 orbits and isoparametric hypersurfaces
Authors: Miyaoka Reiko
Published: May 2015

We characterize the adjoint G2 orbits in the Lie algebra g of G2 as fibered spaces over S6 with fibers given by the complex Cartan hypersurfaces. This combines the isoparametric hypersurfaces of case (g,m) = (6,2) with case (3,2). The fibrations on two singular orbits turn out to be diffeomorphic to the twistor fibrations of S6 and G2/SO(4). From the symplectic point of view, we show that there exists a 2-parameter family of Lagrangian submanifolds on every orbit.
Isoparametric hypersurfaces with four principal curvatures, II
Authors: Chi Quo-Shin
Published: May 2015

In this sequel to an earlier article, employing more commutative algebra than previously, we show that an isoparametric hypersurface with four principal curvatures and multiplicities (3,4) in S15 is one constructed by Ozeki and Takeuchi and Ferus, Karcher, and Münzner, referred to collectively as of OT-FKM type. In fact, this new approach also gives a considerably simpler proof, both structurally and technically, that an isoparametric hypersurface with four principal curvatures in spheres with the multiplicity constraint m2≥ 2m1 -1 is of OT-FKM type, which left unsettled exactly the four anomalous multiplicity pairs (4,5),(3,4),(7,8), and (6, 9), where the last three are closely tied, respectively, with the quaternion algebra, the octonion algebra, and the complexified octonion algebra, whereas the first stands alone in that it cannot be of OT-FKM type. A by-product of this new approach is that we see that Condition B, introduced by Ozeki and Takeuchi in their construction of inhomogeneous isoparametric hypersurfaces, naturally arises. The cases for the multiplicity pairs (4,5), (6, 9), and (7,8) remain open now.
Quantum (sln, ∧V n) link invariant and matrix factorizations
Authors: Yonezawa Yasuyoshi
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we give a generalization of Khovanov-Rozansky homology. We define a homology associated to the quantum (sln, ∧Vn) link invariant, where ∧Vn is the set of fundamental representations of Uq(sln). In the case of an oriented link diagram composed of [k, 1]-crossings, we define a homology and prove that the homology is invariant under Reidemeister II and III moves. In the case of an oriented link diagram composed of general [i,j]-crossings, we define a normalized Poincaré polynomial of homology and prove that the normalized Poincaré polynomial is a link invariant.