bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging with Color-Coded Images: Towards a Reduction in Reading Time While Keeping a Similar Accuracy
Authors: Campos Kitamura Felipe , de Medeiros Alves Srhael , Antônio Tobaru Tibana Luis , Abdala Nitamar
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to develop a diagnostic tool capable of providing diffusion and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map information in a single color-coded image and to assess the performance of color-coded images compared with their corresponding diffusion and ADC map. The institutional review board approved this retrospective study, which sequentially enrolled 36 head MRI scans. Diffusion-weighted images (DWI) and ADC maps were compared to their corresponding color-coded images. Four raters had their interobserver agreement measured for both conventional (DWI) and color-coded images. Differences between conventional and color-coded images were also estimated for each of the 4 raters. Cohen’s kappa and percent agreement were used. Also, paired-samplest-test was used to compare reading time for rater 1. Conventional and color-coded images had substantial or almost perfect agreement for all raters. Mean reading time of rater 1 was 47.4 seconds for DWI and 27.9 seconds for color-coded images (P=.00007). These findings are important because they support the role of color-coded images as being equivalent to that of the conventional DWI in terms of diagnostic capability. Reduction in reading time (which makes the reading easier) is also demonstrated for one rater in this study.
Plasmablastic Lymphoma Mimicking Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Inayat Faisal , Virk Hafeez Ul Hassan , Cheema Ahmad R. , Saif Muhammad Wasif
Published: March 2016

Background.Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare B-cell neoplasm. It predominantly occurs in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients and exhibits a highly aggressive clinical behavior.Case Presentation.We describe an unusual case of a 37-year-old HIV-positive male who presented with acute pancreatitis secondary to multiple peripancreatic masses compressing the pancreas. Histopathological examination of the lesions showed diffuse and cohesive pattern of large B-cells resembling immunoblasts or plasmablasts. The neoplastic cells were positive for BOB1 and MUM1, partially positive for CD79a, and negative for CD20, CD56, CD138, CD3, CD5, AE1/AE3, and HHV8. Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA in situ hybridization was positive. These features were consistent with PBL. The patient was initiated on cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) chemotherapy, demonstrating a striking response.Conclusion.To our research, this is the first report of PBL with the initial presentation of acute pancreatitis. The findings in this case suggest that PBL should be included in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic and peripancreatic tumors.
Predictors of Erectile Dysfunction in Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Referred to a Tertiary Healthcare Centre
Authors: Ugwu Theophilus , Ezeani Ignatius , Onung Samuel , Kolawole Babatope , Ikem Rosemary
Published: March 2016

Background.The frequency of erectile dysfunction (ED) complicating diabetes mellitus (DM) is reportedly high. However, its risk factors have not been well studied.Methods.This was a cross-sectional study of 160 male type 2 DM adults, aged 30–70 years, attending a tertiary healthcare clinic. Demographic and relevant clinical information was documented. Erectile function was assessed using an abridged version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). All subjects were evaluated for central obesity, glycemic control, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), autonomic neuropathy, dyslipidemia, and testosterone deficiency.Results.152 (95%) patients with a mean age of 60.3 ± 8.8 years completed the study. 71.1% had varying degrees of ED, while 58.3% suffered from a moderate-to-severe form. Independent predictors of ED [presented as adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval)] were longer duration of DM, 1.14 (1.02–1.28), PAD, 3.87 (1.28–11.67), autonomic neuropathy, 3.51 (1.82–6.79), poor glycemic control, 7.12 (2.49–20.37), and testosterone deficiency, 6.63 (2.61–16.83).Conclusion.The prevalence of ED and its severe forms was high in this patient population. Poor glycemic control and testosterone deficiency were the strongest risk factors for ED, making it possibly a preventable condition.
Effect of Preoperative Nerve Block on Postthyroidectomy Headache and Cervical Pain: A Randomized Prospective Study
Authors: Barua Sunil Malla Bujar , Mishra Anjali , Kishore Kamal , Mishra Saroj Kanta , Chand Gyan , Agarwal Gaurav , Agarwal Amit , Verma Ashok Kumar
Published: March 2016

The aim of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of greater occipital nerve (GON) block and bilateral superficial cervical plexuses (BSCP) blocks in alleviating postoperative occipital headache and posterior neck pain after thyroidectomy. This randomized prospective study consisted of 75 women undergoing total thyroidectomy. Patients were randomized into three groups: Group I (n=25): patients receiving GON, Group II (n=25): patients receiving bilateral (BSCP) blocks, and Group III (n=25): patients receiving no block. Assessment of occipital headache, posterior neck, and incision site pains was made at 12 hours and 24 hours after extubation by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In comparison to Group III significantly fewer patients in Groups I and II experienced occipital headache at 12 (p=0.006) and 24 hours (p=0.005) and also posterior neck pain at 24 hours (p=0.003). Mean VAS scores at 12 and 24 hours for occipital headache (p=0.003andp=0.041) and posterior neck pain (p=0.015andp=0.008) were significantly lower in Group I. The differences between Groups II and III were not significant except for the occipital headache at 12 hours. The efficacy of GON block is superior to BSCP blocks in alleviating postthyroidectomy occipital headache and posterior cervical pain.
Periostin Facilitates the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Endometrial Epithelial Cells through ILK-Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zheng Qiao-mei , Lu Jing-jing , Zhao Jing , Wei Xuan , Wang Lu , Liu Pei-shu
Published: March 2016

Although periostin was confirmed to facilitate the pathogenesis of endometriosis by enhancing the migration, invasion, and adhesion of human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), its effect on the endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) is still unknown. The current study aimed to determine whether periostin enhanced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of EECs. EECs were isolated from 12 women with endometriosis. The migration and invasion abilities of EECs were evaluated by transwell assays. Expressions of proteins were detected by western blot. After treatment with periostin, the migration and invasion abilities of EECs were enhanced. Additionally, E-cadherin and keratin were downregulated while N-cadherin and vimentin were upregulated in EECs. Simultaneously, levels of ILK, p-Akt, slug, and Zeb1 were all upregulated in EECs. After silencing the expression of ILK in EECs, levels of p-Akt, slug, Zeb1, N-cadherin, and vimentin were downregulated while E-cadherin and keratin were upregulated. Although periostin weakened the above effects in EECs after silencing the expression of ILK, it failed to induce the EMT of EECs. Thus, periostin enhanced invasion and migration abilities of EECs and facilitated the EMT of EECs through ILK-Akt signaling pathway. Playing a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, periostin may be a new clinical therapy target for endometriosis.
Nuclear Receptor Corepressor 1 Expression and Output Declines with Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Lopez Sandra M. , Agoulnik Alexander I. , Zhang Manqi , Peterson Leif E. , Suarez Egla , Gandarillas Gregory A. , Frolov Anna , Li Rile , Rajapakshe Kimal , Coarfa Christian , Ittmann Michael M. , Weigel Nancy L. , Agoulnik Irina U.
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Castration therapy in advanced prostate cancer eventually fails and leads to the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which has no cure. Characteristic features of CRPC can be increased androgen receptor (AR) expression and altered transcriptional output. We investigated the expression of nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCOR1) in human prostate and prostate cancer and the role of NCOR1 in response to antiandrogens.

Experimental Design: NCOR1 protein levels were compared between matched normal prostate and prostate cancer in 409 patient samples. NCOR1 knockdown was used to investigate its effect on bicalutamide response in androgen-dependent prostate cancer cell lines and transcriptional changes associated with the loss of NCOR1. NCOR1 transcriptional signature was also examined in prostate cancer gene expression datasets.

Results: NCOR1 protein was detected in cytoplasm and nuclei of secretory epithelial cells in normal prostate. Both cytoplasmic and nuclear NCOR1 protein levels were lower in prostate cancer than in normal prostate. Prostate cancer metastases show significant decrease in NCOR1 transcriptional output. Inhibition of LNCaP cellular proliferation by bicalutamide requires NCOR1. NCOR1-regulated genes suppress cellular proliferation and mediate bicalutamide resistance. In the mouse, NCOR1 is required for bicalutamide-dependent regulation of a subset of the AR target genes.

Conclusions: In summary, we demonstrated that NCOR1 function declines with prostate cancer progression. Reduction in NCOR1 levels causes bicalutamide resistance in LNCaP cells and compromises response to bicalutamide in mouse prostate in vivo. Clin Cancer Res; 22(15); 3937–49. ©2016 AACR.
Clinical Applications of Circulating Tumor Cells and Circulating Tumor DNA as Liquid Biopsy
Authors: Alix-Panabières Catherine , Pantel Klaus
Published: March 2016

“Liquid biopsy” focusing on the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTC) and circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood of patients with cancer has received enormous attention because of its obvious clinical implications for personalized medicine. Analyses of CTCs and ctDNA have paved new diagnostic avenues and are, to date, the cornerstones of liquid biopsy diagnostics. The present review focuses on key areas of clinical applications of CTCs and ctDNA, including detection of cancer, prediction of prognosis in patients with curable disease, monitoring systemic therapies, and stratification of patients based on the detection of therapeutic targets or resistance mechanisms.

Significance: The application of CTCs and ctDNA for the early detection of cancer is of high public interest, but it faces serious challenges regarding specificity and sensitivity of the current assays. Prediction of prognosis in patients with curable disease can already be achieved in several tumor entities, particularly in breast cancer. Monitoring the success or failure of systemic therapies (i.e., chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or other targeted therapies) by sequential measurements of CTCs or ctDNA is also feasible. Interventional studies on treatment stratification based on the analysis of CTCs and ctDNA are needed to implement liquid biopsy into personalized medicine. Cancer Discov; 6(5); 479–91. ©2016 AACR.
Intraoperative Defibrillation Testing of Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Systems—A Simple Issue?
Authors: Frommeyer Gerrit , Zumhagen Sven , Dechering Dirk G. , Larbig Robert , Bettin Markus , Löher Andreas , Köbe Julia , Reinke Florian , Eckardt Lars
Published: March 2016

Background

The results of the recently published randomized
SIMPLE
trial question the role of routine intraoperative defibrillation testing. However, testing is still recommended during implantation of the entirely subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐
ICD
) system. To address the question of whether defibrillation testing in S‐
ICD
systems is still necessary, we analyzed the data of a large, standard‐of‐care prospective single‐center S‐
ICD
registry.

Methods and Results

In the present study, 102 consecutive patients received an S‐
ICD
for primary (n=50) or secondary prevention (n=52). Defibrillation testing was performed in all except 4 patients. In 74 (75%; 95%
CI
0.66–0.83) of 98 patients, ventricular fibrillation was effectively terminated by the first programmed internal shock. In 24 (25%; 95%
CI
0.22–0.44) of 98 patients, the first internal shock was ineffective and further internal or external shock deliveries were required. In these patients, programming to reversed shock polarity (n=14) or repositioning of the sensing lead (n=1) or the pulse generator (n=5) led to successful defibrillation. In 4 patients, a safety margin of <10 J was not attained. Nevertheless, in these 4 patients, ventricular arrhythmias were effectively terminated with an internal 80‐J shock.

Conclusions

Although it has been shown that defibrillation testing is not necessary in transvenous
ICD
systems, it seems particular important for S‐
ICD
systems, because in nearly 25% of the cases the primary intraoperative test was not successful. In most cases, a successful defibrillation could be achieved by changing shock polarity or by optimizing the shock vector caused by the pulse generator or lead repositioning.
Density and loss on ignition as indicators of the fossilization of silicified wood
Authors: Mustoe George E.
Published: March 2016

Measuring density of silicified wood and determining weight loss after 450°C heating provides useful data for interpreting the process of permineralization. These simple gravimetric methods do not replace X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and other specialized techniques for studying fossil wood, but they can be performed rapidly, and require minimal laboratory facilities. Woods mineralized with opal have densities of 1.9–2.1 g/cm3, compared to 2.3–2.6 g/cm3 for wood mineralized with chalcedony or quartz. Weight loss after 450°C heating, commonly described as “loss on ignition” can be used to roughly estimate the % of original organic matter that remains in chalcedony or quartz-mineralized wood, using the density of extant taxa for comparison. For opalized wood, 450°C weight loss mostly represents dehydration of the hydrous silica. Data from specimens from 20 localities reveal two characteristics: 1) silicified woods typically consist either of opal or chalcedony/quartz, not an intermediate mixture of the two silica polymorphs; 2) the percentage of organic matter that remains after petrifaction is usually very small.
DNA-assisted identification of Caulerpa (Caulerpaceae, Chlorophyta) reduces species richness estimates for the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA CINDY , WYSOR BRIAN , RIOSMENA-RODRÍGUEZ RAFAEL , PEÑA-SALAMANCA ENRIQUE , VERBRUGGEN HEROEN
Published: March 2016

Taxonomy and species richness estimates for the genus Caulerpa have proven challenging due to the difficulty of assessing morphological species limits. In the present study we evaluate the taxonomy of the genus and assess species distributions in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP), based on morphology and tufA sequence data. Molecular analyses revealed  six species-level clades: C. verticillata, C. sertularioides, C. cupressoides, C. serrulata, C. racemosa and C. chemnitzia (part of C. racemosa-peltata complex). Our results reduce species richness estimates throughout the ETP by over 54% (from 13 to 6). In accordance with recent studies, our morphological and DNA results warrant the recognition of C. chemnitzia to comprise the morphological entities C. laetevirens, C. peltata and C. vanbossea complex. We continue the use of ecads as a practical identification tool for morphological diversity below the species level present in the ETP. In addition we formally recognize the synonymy of C. racemosa var. macrophysa with the lineage of C. racemosa proposed in recent studies. The six species of Caulerpa found in this study are of pantropical in distribution. Within the ETP region, four species have restricted distributions (C. verticillata, C. cupressoides, C. serrulata, C. racemosa), while two show a wide latitudinal distribution (C. chemnitzia and C. sertularioides).
A new species of the genus Astragalus (Leguminosae) from Northwest Iran
Authors: BIDARLORD MAHMOUD , GHAHREMANINEJAD FARROKH , MAASSOUMI ALI ASGHAR
Published: March 2016

A new species Astragalus taleshensis (Astragaleae; Leguminosae) is described and illustrated here as a new species from the Talesh Mountains in northwestern Iran. This species belongs to section Malacothrix. Diagnostic morphological characters in discriminating this new species from its close relative A. khajiboulaghensis are tabulated. Some notes are presented on the ecology, distribution, and conservation status of the new taxon. Also, some other species belong to section Malacothrix that occur in the Talesh Mountains are listed.
Brief Client-Centered Motivational and Behavioral Intervention to Promote HPV Vaccination in a Hard-to-Reach Population
Authors: Joseph Natalie Pierre , Bernstein Judith , Pelton Steve , Belizaire Myrdell , Goff Ginette , Horanieh Nour , Freund Karen M.
Published: March 2016

Objective. To evaluate the impact of a client-centered behavioral intervention (Brief Negotiated Interviewing) on mothers’ human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine knowledge and vaccination initiation for their adolescent daughters. Methods. We randomized mothers to intervention (n = 100) and control (n = 100) groups, and followed them over 12 months. Electronic medical records were reviewed to determine vaccination status. The primary outcome was receipt of the first vaccine. The secondary outcome was HPV vaccine knowledge among mothers. Results. Brief Negotiated Interviewing intervention mothers demonstrated increased knowledge about HPV (pre/post mean score of 5 to 10 out of a possible 11; P < .001) and significantly higher mean knowledge scores (10 vs 6, P < .001) than control mothers. However, initiation and completion rates of the vaccine were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions. Increasing HPV vaccine knowledge did not translate into increased vaccine uptake or completion of vaccination series. Future intervention must explore vaccine reminders to increase HPV vaccination rates.
Mascolinità e cinema italiano: ieri e oggi
Authors: Pecchioli Emanuela
Published: March 2016

Gli studi sulla mascolinità nella cultura italiana sono un’area di ricerca che non si è ancora pienamente sviluppata. Per questa ragione, risulta essere di particolare importanza la pubblicazione, nel 2014, di due volumi dedicati alle rappresentazioni delle figure maschili nel cinema italiano. I due testi, Masculinity and Italian Cinema: Sexual Politics, Social Conflict and Male Crisis in the 1970s di Sergio Rigoletto e Stars and Masculinities in Contemporary Italian Cinema di Catherine O’Rawe, analizzano i modi in cui la mascolinità è stata raffigurata nei film italiani rispettivamente degli anni Settanta e dell’epoca contemporanea. Oltre ad occuparsi di temi simili, i due studi presentano ulteriori punti di contatto e offrono nuove e stimolanti letture di film appartenenti a generi diversi.
Health Effects of Unemployment in Denmark, Norway and Sweden 2007–2010
Authors: Heggebø Kristian
Published: March 2016

This article investigates short-term health effects of unemployment for individuals in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden during an economic downturn (2007–2010) that hit the Scandinavian countries with diverging strength. The longitudinal part of the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) data material is analyzed, and results from generalized least squares estimation indicate that Denmark is the only Scandinavian country in which health status deteriorated among the unemployed. The individual-level (and calendar year) fixed-effect results confirm the negative relationship between unemployment and health status in Denmark. This result is robust across different subsamples, model specifications, and changes in both the dependent and independent variable. Health status deteriorated especially among women and people in prime working age (30–59 years). There is, however, only scant evidence of short-term health effects among the recently unemployed in Norway and Sweden. The empirical findings are discussed in light of: (1) the adequacy of the unemployment insurance system, (2) the likelihood of re-employment for the displaced worker, and (3) selection patterns into and out of employment in the years preceding and during the economic downturn.
A “Before and After” in the Use of Emergency Services in Spain?
Authors: Pereira Patricia López , Casanova Ana Pagá , Sanz-Barbero Belén
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study was to analyse whether variables associated with emergency services (ES) use in Spain have changed in the period 2006–2011 using a comparative analysis of the 2006 and 2011 Spanish National Health Surveys. The measure of association was the prevalence ratio with its 95% confidence interval, obtained by Poisson regression with robust variance. We studied interactions between the explanatory variables for ES use and year and subsequently performed a stratified analysis by year. ES use declined by 2.1% in 2011. Most emergency care (approximately 60% in both surveys) was provided in public hospitals. Between 2006 and 2011, ES use increased by 9% in women (p for interaction = 0.008) [ref. men], 3% in persons with poor mental health (p for interaction = 0.072) [ref. good mental health], and 8% in individuals with limitations on activities of daily living (p for interaction = 0.006) [ref. no limitations]. The change in the effect of the variables sex, mental health, and limitations on activities of daily living on use of ES (2006 and 2011) is not explained by either demographic characteristics or individual socioeconomic indicators. These results could be associated with macroeconomic and structural changes occurring during the period 2006–2011.
Jesus as Teacher: Boundary Breaking in Mark’s Gospel and Today’s Church
Authors: Blount Brian K.
Published: March 2016

Mark 4:35–41 provides an interpretive lens for Jesus as Teacher in the earliest Gospel. It is a lens of inclusive politics. Jesus teaches the Reign of God by how he lives his ministry. That teaching focuses on breaking down the boundaries that separate humans from each other.
The “Good News” of God’s Coming Reign: Occupation at a Crossroads
Authors: Henderson Suzanne Watts
Published: March 2016

This essay suggests that Mark’s “good news” tells the story of Jesus as the launching ground for the insurgency of God’s coming kingdom. By treating the Gospel as a witness to the nature of God’s reign, we detect a mysterious, paradoxical portrait that eclipses distinctions of time and space and that posits a subversive notion of power predicated on solidarity with those under the sway of evil. In the end, Mark’s “good news” about God’s coming kingdom registers a first-century call that retains relevance today—a robust, counter-cultural call to trust that the end of evil’s occupation is at hand.
A Randomized Trial of the Effects of Schema-Based Instruction on Proportional Problem-Solving for Students With Mathematics Problem-Solving Difficulties
Authors: Jitendra Asha K. , Harwell Michael R. , Dupuis Danielle N. , Karl Stacy R.
Published: March 2016

This article reports results from a study investigating the efficacy of a proportional problem-solving intervention, schema-based instruction (SBI), in seventh grade. Participants included 806 students with mathematical difficulties in problem solving (MD-PS) from an initial pool of 1,999 seventh grade students in a larger study. Teachers and their students in the larger study were randomly assigned to an SBI or control condition and teachers in both conditions then provided instruction on the topics of ratio, proportion, and percent. We found that students with MD-PS in SBI classrooms scored on average higher than their counterparts in control classrooms on a posttest and delayed posttest administered 9 weeks later. Given students’ difficulties with proportional problem-solving and the consequences of these difficulties, an important contribution of this research is the finding that when provided with appropriate instruction, students with MD-PS are capable of enhanced proportional problem-solving performance.
Eliciting Frontstage and Backstage Talk with the Iterated Questioning Approach
Authors: Robinson Laura , Schulz Jeremy
Published: March 2016

This article advances interviewing methods by introducing the authors’ original contribution: the iterated questioning approach (IQA). This interviewing technique augments the interviewer’s methodological arsenal by exploiting insights from symbolic interactionism, particularly Goffman’s concepts of frontstage and backstage. IQA consists of sequenced iterations of a baseline question designed to elicit multiple forms of talk. The approach consists of four distinct steps: (1) establishing the baseline iterated question, (2) eliciting frontstage talk, (3) going backstage, and (4) eliciting backstage talk. To illuminate IQA’s versatility, transcript excerpts are reproduced from interviews with two very different populations: disadvantaged high school students and business professionals. IQA promises to invigorate future interview-based inquiry by offering significant advantages compared with conventional interviewing procedures. IQA’s theoretically informed question design offers a more formalized and structured approach to gather interview data on identity-relevant themes. Capitalizing on Goffman’s dramaturgical framework, IQA produces readily classifiable forms of talk that correspond to frontstage and backstage self-presentations. As a result, IQA ensures replicability and allows interviewers to systematically analyze comparable talk within the same interview as well as across multiple respondents. For these reasons, IQA promises to be an innovative interviewing technique that pushes forward the methodological frontier.
Bringing in the Work of Nature
Authors: Battistoni Alyssa
Published: March 2016

Ecological concern has recently prompted efforts to assess the economic value of ecological functions: the “work of nature” must no longer be taken for granted as a free amenity, but priced and accounted for as “natural capital.” Critiques of this approach tend to defend nature’s intrinsic value against intrusions of economic logic, but fail to articulate a compelling politics in response. I here argue that nature ought indeed to be brought in to the realm of political economy, but question the category of natural capital: instead, extending the insights of feminist theorists regarding undervalued forms of production, I articulate an expanded idea of hybrid labor that understands the “work of nature” as a collective, distributed undertaking of humans and nonhumans acting to reproduce, regenerate, and renew a common world. This approach poses the value of nature as inherently political and suggests the potential for new forms of more-than-human politics.
The reference phantoms: voxel vs polygon
Authors: Kim C.H. , Yeom Y.S. , Nguyen T.T. , Wang Z.J. , Kim H.S. , Han M.C. , Lee J.K. , Zankl M. , Petoussi-Henss N. , Bolch W.E. , Lee C. , Chung B.S.
Published: March 2016

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) reference male and female adult phantoms, described in Publication 110, are voxel phantoms based on whole-body computed tomography scans of a male and a female patient, respectively. The voxel in-plane resolution and the slice thickness, of the order of a few millimetres, are insufficient for proper segmentation of smaller tissues such as the lens of the eye, the skin, and the walls of some organs. The calculated doses for these tissues therefore present some limitations, particularly for weakly penetrating radiation. Similarly, the Publication 110 phantoms cannot represent 8–40-µm-thick target regions in respiratory or alimentary tract organs. Separate stylised models have been used to represent these tissues for calculation of the ICRP reference dose coefficients (DCs). ICRP Committee 2 recently initiated a research project, the ultimate goal of which is to convert the Publication 110 phantoms to a high-quality polygon-mesh (PM) format, including all source and target regions, even those of the 8–40-µm-thick alimentary and respiratory tract organs. It is expected that the converted phantoms would lead to the same or very similar DCs as the Publication 110 reference phantoms for penetrating radiation and, at the same time, provide more accurate DCs for weakly penetrating radiation and small tissues. Additionally, the reference phantoms in the PM format would be easily deformable and, as such, could serve as a starting point to create phantoms of various postures for use, for example, in accidental dose calculations. This paper will discuss the current progress of the phantom conversion project and its significance for ICRP DC calculations.
“He’s Had Enough Fathers”: Mothers’ and Children’s Approaches to Mothers’ Romantic Relationships Following the Dissolution of Previous Partnerships
Authors: Hadfield Kristin , Nixon Elizabeth
Published: March 2016

Although research has documented the negative effects of family transitions generally on child and maternal outcomes, transitions into and out of mothers’ relationships with partners who are not the father(s) of their child(ren) are less well understood. Through thematic analysis of semistructured interviews, this study investigated how 21 mothers and their 21 children (aged 9 to 18 years) responded to mothers’ relationship formation following the dissolution of previous relationships. Mothers tried to protect their children from the negative impact of family instability by either limiting contact with partners or maintaining continuity through continued child contact with former partners. When faced with relationship transitions, children endeavored to manage threats to their relationships with their mothers and their mothers’ former partners. When children felt they successfully managed these threats, they were more positive about their mothers’ subsequent partners. The tension between the strategies adopted by mothers and children has implications for family practitioners.
Tumor Biomarkers in Spindle Cell Variant Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Rosko Andrew J. , Birkeland Andrew C. , Wilson Kevin F. , Muenz Daniel G. , Bellile Emily , Bradford Carol R. , McHugh Jonathan B. , Spector Matthew E.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To determine biomarkers of recurrence and survival in patients with spindle cell variant squamous cell carcinoma (SpSCC) of the head and neck.

Study Design

Retrospective case control study.

Setting

Tertiary academic center.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty‐two SpSCC patients (mean age, 68.8) between 1987 and 2009 were identified and reviewed. A tissue microarray (TMA) was constructed from tumor specimens. Tumor biomarkers under study included p16, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p53, EZH2, cyclin D1, CD104, HGFa, p21, and cMET. An additional TMA was constructed from patients with non‐SpSCC oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma for comparative purposes. The main outcomes were overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS).

Results

In the SpSCC cohort, tumors positive for cMet had worse OS (P <. 001). Patients positive for cMet (P =. 007), cyclin D1 (P =. 019), and p16 (P =. 004) had worse DSS. Recurrence‐free survival was also worse in patients with tumors positive for cMet (P =. 037), cyclin D1 (P =. 012), and p16 (P <. 001). Compared with the oral cavity cohort, there was a significantly larger proportion of patients in the SpSCC group with tumors staining positive for cMet and a lower proportion of tumors positive for cyclin D1.

Conclusion

cMet, cyclin D1, and p16 are predictive tumor biomarkers for risk of recurrence and worse DSS in patients with SpSCC.
Defining post-sternotomy mediastinitis for clinical evidence-based studies
Authors: van Wingerden Jan J , de Mol Bas AJM , van der Horst Chantal MAM
Published: March 2016

Background

Considerable advances have already been made in the treatment of deep thoracic wound infections following a median sternotomy for cardiac surgery. Further improvement in diagnosis, treatment, and outcome will require a targeted approach by multidisciplinary teams. Clear communication and synergy between the various clinical and supportive disciplines would assist in removing the last barriers to standardized evidence-based studies and the development of improved evidence-based guidelines.

Methods

An extensive literature search without language restrictions was carried out on PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, and Web of Science, covering the period 1988 to week 16, 2014, and a manual search of the reference lists was performed regarding all possible definitions and classifications of post-sternotomy mediastinitis. Two hundred and eighteen papers describing post-sternotomy infections in a multitude of terms were identified, and the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular definitions and terms relating specifically to post-sternotomy infections were examined.

Results

This study revealed that clinicians use a multitude of terms to describe post-sternotomy infections without defining the condition under treatment. Occasionally, older epidemiological (surveillance) definitions were used. It also shows that supportive disciplines have their own definitions, or interpretations of existing definitions, to describe these infections.

Conclusion

The outcome of this study is that clinicians have adopted no single definition, which is essential for further improvement for evidence-based studies. We suggest that it is possible to adopt a single term for thoracic infection after a sternotomy (and only sternotomy), and propose a clinical definition for this purpose.
New technology-based firms and their survival: The importance of business networks, and entrepreneurial business behaviour and competition
Authors: Löfsten Hans
Published: March 2016

This longitudinal study identifies two core business dimensions important for New Technology-Based Firm (NTBF) survival. These business dimensions are business networks, and entrepreneurial business behaviour and competition. Data was collected from 131 small high-technology firms located in incubators initially in 2005, when most were almost three years old, and again in 2014. A factor analysis was conducted using 17 variables, and a correlation analysis was then performed. Four control variables were also included in the analysis to separate the performance that was due to the firm and the performance that was due to the incubators. Further, three latent variables were developed from the two business dimensions. The findings from this study confirm the importance of business networks and explain how the behaviour and competition of NTBFs during their initial three years may impact firm survival. The latent variables of business and patent advice also had a significant relationship with firm survival.
Sex-, stress-, and sympathetic post-ganglionic-dependent changes in identity and proportions of immune cells in the dura
Authors: McIlvried Lisa A , Cruz J Agustin , Borghesi Lisa A , Gold Michael S
Published: March 2016

Aim of investigation

Due to compelling evidence in support of links between sex, stress, sympathetic post-ganglionic innervation, dural immune cells, and migraine, our aim was to characterize the impacts of these factors on the type and proportion of immune cells in the dura.

Methods

Dural immune cells were obtained from naïve or stressed adult male and female Sprague Dawley rats for flow cytometry. Rats with surgical denervation of sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons of the dura were also studied.

Results

Immune cells comprise ∼17% of all cells in the dura. These included: macrophages/granulocytes (“Macs”; 63.2% of immune cells), dendritic cells (0.88%), T-cells (4.51%), natural killer T-cells (0.51%), natural killer cells (3.08%), and B-cells (20.0%). There were significantly more Macs and fewer B- and natural killer T-cells in the dura of females compared with males. Macs and dendritic cells were significantly increased by stress in males, but not females. In contrast, T-cells were significantly increased in females with a 24-hour delay following stress. Lastly, Macs, dendritic cells, and T-cells were significantly higher in sympathectomized-naïve males, but not females.

Conclusions

It may not only be possible, but necessary to use different strategies for the most effective treatment of migraine in men and women.
Study on vibration of mistuned bladed disk with bi-periodic piezoelectric network
Authors: Deng Peng-cheng , Li Lin , Li Chao
Published: March 2016

The paper deals with the vibration suppression of a bladed disk structure with a piezoelectric network. The piezoelectric network without inductors has a different period (so-called bi-period) from that of the bladed disk. The research focuses on reducing amplified response or localized vibration, a phenomenon existing in bladed disks and induced by mistuning. The study is based on an electromechanical and cyclic-periodic lumped parameter model with two degrees of freedom per sector. Both mechanical mistuning and electrical mistuning have been taken into account. The modified modal assurance criterion is adopted to evaluate the ability of bi-periodic piezoelectric networks for suppressing vibration. The Monte Carlo simulation is used to calculate the modified modal assurance criterion of the system with random mistuning. To validate the numerical results, an experiment research is also carried out. In order to perform a comparison between numerical results and experimental results, the method of equivalent blisk model is introduced to identify the lumped parameters of the experimental model. In the experiment, traveling wave excitations are simulated as dynamical loads to excite the resonant vibration of coupling bladed disks in a rotating state. The results show that with a good design, the bi-periodic piezoelectric network can effectively suppress the amplified-forced-response due to the mistuning of the system, even though there are less piezoelectric patches and electric elements in the system compared to the system with piezoelectric shunt circuits.
Factors associated with HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Western Kenya: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shangani Sylvia , Naanyu Violet , Mwangi Ann , Vermandere Heleen , Mereish Ethan , Obala Andrew , Vanden Broeck Davy , Sidle John , Operario Don
Published: March 2016

HIV diagnosis is an important step in the HIV cascade of prevention and treatment. However, men who have sex with men in low- and middle-income countries have limited access to HIV care services. We examined factors associated with prior HIV testing among men who have sex with men in western Kenya. We recruited 95 men who have sex with men aged 18 years and older, and who reported at least one sexual contact with a man in the past 6 months; however, this analysis is restricted to 89 participants who completed questions on HIV testing. Logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with HIV testing in the past one year. Results indicate that 23 (26%) had not been tested in the past 12 months. Bivariate analyses demonstrated that condomless anal sex (odds ratio = 3.29, 95% confidence interval = 1.18–9.17) and comfort with healthcare providers (odds ratio = 1.15, 95 % CI = 1.05–1.26) were associated with higher odds of HIV testing in the past 12 months. Experiencing social stigma was associated with lower odds of HIV testing in the last 12 months (odds ratio = 0.91, 95% confidence interval = 0.84–0.94). In multivariable models, social stigma remained significantly associated with lower odds of HIV testing in the last 12 months odds ratio = 0.90, 95% confidence interval = 0.82–0.99) after inclusion of sexual risk and individual level variables. Development of men who have sex with men–sensitive HIV-testing services, addressing stigma, and training healthcare workers to provide culturally sensitive services may assist in effectively engaging men who have sex with men in the HIV treatment cascade.
Calibrating aquatic microfossil proxies with regression-tree ensembles: Cross-validation with modern chironomid and diatom data
Authors: Salonen J Sakari , Verster Adrian J , Engels Stefan , Soininen Janne , Trachsel Mathias , Luoto Miska
Published: March 2016

We examine the ability of four different regression-tree ensemble techniques (bagging, random forest, rotation forest and boosted tree) in calibration of aquatic microfossil proxies. The methods are tested with six chironomid and diatom datasets, using a variety of cross-validation schemes. We find random forest, rotation forest and the boosted tree to have a similar performance, while bagging performs less well and in several cases has trouble producing continuous predictions. In comparison with commonly used parametric transfer-function approaches (PLS, WA, WA-PLS), we find that in some cases tree-ensemble methods outperform the best-performing transfer-function technique, especially with large datasets characterized by complex taxon responses and abundant noise. However, parametric transfer functions remain competitive with datasets characterized by low number of samples or linear taxon responses. We present an implementation of the rotation forest algorithm in R.
Standards, Frameworks and Practices in Health Management Information and Evaluation Systems (HMIES) in Australia and India
Authors: Tiwari V.K. , Kumar Kuldeep , T.P. Sherin Raj , Kulkarni P.D.
Published: March 2016

India has a long history of the Health Management Information and Evaluation System (HMIES). Though it has well served its purpose of administrative reporting, however, it has failed to provide relevant and sufficient information to users of health services, planners and policy makers as available information is fragmented, incomplete and sometimes inconsistent. The National Health Policies of 1983 and 2002 and the National Statistical Commission of India 2005 have laid down clear benchmarks for HMIES. In spite of several efforts in the past, the national HMIES does not fully conform to ‘International Data Quality Frameworks, Systems and Standard Practices’. In this article, efforts are made to compare information collection and governance system, its standardization and extent of utilization for decision-making in Australia and India and give recommendations to transform our national HMIES to be compatible with international standards, frameworks and practices.
Estimating Suicide Rates in Developing Nations
Authors: Harris Keith M. , Thandrayen Joanne , Samphoas Chien , Se Pros , Lewchalermwongse Boontriga , Ratanashevorn Rattanakorn , Perry Megan L. , Britts Choloe
Published: March 2016

This study tested a low-cost method for estimating suicide rates in developing nations that lack adequate statistics. Data comprised reported suicides from Cambodia’s 2 largest newspapers. Capture-recapture modeling estimated a suicide rate of 3.8/100 000 (95% CI = 2.5-6.7) for 2012. That compares to World Health Organization estimates of 1.3 to 9.4/100 000 and a Cambodian government estimate of 3.5/100 000. Suicide rates of males were twice that of females, and rates of those <40 years were twice that of those ≥40 years. Capture-recapture modeling with newspaper reports proved a reasonable method for estimating suicide rates for countries with inadequate official data. These methods are low-cost and can be applied to regions with at least 2 newspapers with overlapping reports. Means to further improve this approach are discussed. These methods are applicable to both recent and historical data, which can benefit epidemiological work, and may also be applicable to homicides and other statistics.
Posting, subcontracting and low-wage employment in the German meat industry
Authors: Wagner Bettina , Hassel Anke
Published: March 2016

During the last few decades, the German meat industry has experienced an incomparable economic expansion, becoming one of the largest European producers and exporters in the sector. At the same time, Germany, traditionally characterized as a coordinated market economy with strong social partners and labour market institutions, has been nationally as well as internationally criticized for establishing a system of institutional exploitation of mobile and migrant labour in the industry. The aim of this article is to analyse how it was possible to create and maintain such a system under the eyes of social partners and to identify the defining factors for this development.
“It Was Worse than My Son Passing Away.” The Experience of Grief in Recovering Crack Cocaine-Addicted Mothers Who Lose Custody of Their Children
Authors: Janzen Katherine J. , Melrose Sherri
Published: March 2016

Grief could be considered to be the universal experience notwithstanding the cause. For addicted mothers, grief is a constant companion after losing custody of their children often leading them to attempt suicide and engage in self-destructive behaviors. Little is known about the processes and symptoms of grief in these mothers. This hermeneutic study explores the grief of four crack cocaine recovering mothers who lost custody of their children. Thematically, three nonlinear stages were identified that the mothers passed through in an iterative manner: betrayal, soul-ache, and reclamation. Posttraumatic growth was identified as an outcome once the mothers entered recovery. It is imperative that clinicians from all disciplines recognize and respond to the grief that addicted mothers who lose custody of their children experience, through the offering of grief support and grief counseling.
Experimental and theoretical analysis of in-plane cohesive testing of paperboard
Authors: Tryding Johan , Marin Gustav , Nygårds Mikael , Mäkelä Petri , Ferrari Giulio
Published: March 2016

In-plane cohesive failure of paperboard was characterized by short-span uniaxial tension tests. Six paperboards' qualities were experimentally investigated, from which cohesive stress–widening curves were extracted. A fracture energy was defined, expressed in the tensile strength and maximum slope of the cohesive stress–widening relation. Analytical cohesive relations were derived based on the tensile strength and maximum slope, utilizing the Morse potential for diatomic molecules. It was experimentally found that the maximum slope and fracture energy depend on the tensile strength. The ratio of the maximum slope to the elastic modulus (stable length) was shown to be independent of the tensile strength.
Test-piece design for experimental and numerical evaluation of damage in relation to spatial triaxial stress inversion
Authors: Kaye MC , Balint D , Lin J , Farrugia D
Published: March 2016

This work examines the effect of stress state on the nucleation and growth of damage during hot deformation of free cutting steel. A test-piece was designed to emulate stress states similar to those found in hot rolling. The novelty of the new design is its ability to maintain a constant spatial stress state during deformation, allowing a true correlation of the damage mechanism to the stress triaxiality; previous sample geometries had a large variation in stress during plastic deformation, which made it impossible to relate an observed damage mechanism to a particular stress state using a single sample. Continuum damage equations were calibrated using uniaxial tensile tests and implemented into finite element models of compressive test-pieces. The stress distributions in each test-piece geometry were compared and a single test-piece design was chosen with an optimised triaxial stress distribution. The test-piece was deformed at elevated temperatures, sectioned and the microstructure was evaluated. The combination of stress state and strain computed via finite element analysis was compared to the damage produced across the test-piece section. The predictions of the damage equations were compared to the results of physical tests and used to identify appropriate damage models. The effect of stress state on damage was evaluated, which can be used to update and improve existing material models. The stress triaxiality was found to be the dominant factor for damage around inclusions, with a minimum stress triaxiality required for damage growth to occur.