bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperglycemia Induced by Glucocorticoids in Nondiabetic Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Xiao-xia , Zhu Xiao-ming , Miao Qing , Ye Hong-ying , Zhang Zhao-yun , Li Yi-ming
Published: November 2014

Background/Aims: Glucocorticoids are associated with a number of side effects including the development of new-onset hyperglycemia or diabetes. The diagnosis and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia are surprisingly undervalued by many health-care professionals, probably due to the lack of quality studies that assess specific reasons for and prevention of hyperglycemia. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the long-term incidence of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia and diabetes in nondiabetic patients who received glucocorticoid treatment. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (Central) until January 2014 for studies in which subjects received systematic glucocorticoid treatment and which evaluated whether subjects developed hyperglycemia or were diagnosed with diabetes following treatment. The primary outcome for this analysis was the incidence of hyperglycemia and the secondary outcome was the frequency of diabetes. Results: We identified 13 studies that met our inclusion criteria; 12 of the studies were retrospective or observational in design. We found that the rate at which patients developed glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia or diabetes was 32.3% (p = 0.003) and 18.6% (p = 0.002), respectively. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicated that glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia occurs fairly frequently and points to the need for the design of prospective, randomized, controlled studies to further investigate and better understand this medical problem.
Hearing Aid Use in Everyday Life: Managing Contextual Variability
Authors: Williger Bettina , Lang Frieder R.
Published: November 2014

Background and Objective: We investigated usage of and satisfaction with hearing aid devices in everyday life among older adults with hearing loss. Our research further advances the role of hearing contexts for hearing aid use and satisfaction. A central assumption was that hearing aid owners adapt the usage of the hearing aid devices to contextual demands of hearing depending on their personal resources. Methods: In a sample of 158 hearing aid owners aged 50-88 years, we examined proactive hearing aid use in everyday life and its association with the usage of, and satisfaction with, hearing aids. The study was administered online. Using an adapted version of the day-reconstruction method, participants reported hearing episodes during the preceding day. Hearing aid use was assessed via the proportion of waking time with hearing aids. Satisfaction with hearing aids was measured via the Satisfaction with Daily Amplification scale. Results: When using the hearing aids more often, and when reporting greater satisfaction, older adults indicated more diverse listening situations and experienced less variability in hearing quality with hearing aids. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that hearing aid owners may proactively use the hearing devices to master situation-specific demands and difficulties in hearing quality. Such findings underline that hearing aid use and satisfaction depend on the extent to which the devices help to manage everyday life successfully.
Self-Disorder and Brain Processing of Proprioception in Schizophrenia Spectrum Patients: A Re-Analysis
Authors: Arnfred Sidse M. , Raballo Andrea , Morup Morten , Parnas Josef
Published: November 2014

Background: Anomalies of self-awareness (self-disorders, SDs) are theorized to be basic to schizophrenia psychopathology. We have previously observed dysfunction of brain processing of proprioception in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SZS). We hypothesized that SDs could be associated with abnormalities of early contralateral proprioceptive evoked oscillatory brain activity. Methods: We investigated the association between proprioceptive evoked potential components and SDs in a re-analysis of data from a subsample (n = 12) of SZS patients who had previously been observed with deviant proprioceptive evoked potentials and interviewed with the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience (EASE) scale. Results: Higher EASE scores (i.e. increased SD) were associated with lower peak parietal gamma frequencies and higher peak beta amplitudes over frontal and parietal electrodes in the left hemisphere following right-hand proprioceptive stimulation. Conclusion: Disorders of self-awareness may be associated with dysfunction of early phases of somatosensory processing. The findings are potentially relevant to our understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, but further studies are needed.
Postconditioning Reduces Enzymatic Infarct Size and Improves Microvascular Reperfusion in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Araszkiewicz Aleksander , Grygier Marek , Pyda Małgorzata , Rajewska Justyna , Michalak Michał , Lesiak Maciej , Grajek Stefan
Published: November 2014

Objectives: Postconditioning has been reported to reduce infarct size in ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, recently, few other studies did not show any effect of postconditioning and suggested that it may be even harmful. We sought to assess whether postconditioning could reduce infarct size and improve myocardial reperfusion in early presenters with STEMI. Methods: 72 STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomly assigned to either the postconditioning (n = 35) or the standard PCI group (control group; n = 37). Blood samples were obtained for creatine kinase (CK) and its MB isoform (CK-MB) within 36 h. The angiographic (myocardial blush grade, MBG) and electrocardiographic (ST-segment resolution, STR) data were evaluated and compared between groups. Results: The areas under the curve of CK and CK-MB release were significantly reduced in the postconditioning group compared with the control group (38,612.91 ± 25,028.42 vs. 60,547.30 ± 25,264.63 for CK and 5,498.23 ± 3,787.91 vs. 7,443.12 ± 3,561.13 for CK-MB, p < 0.0001). MBG was significantly better in the postconditioning group than in the control group (MBG 3: 82.3 vs. 47.1%, p = 0.0023). In the postconditioning group, STR >70% was more often observed (97.1 vs. 64.1%, p = 0.0007). Conclusions: In patients with STEMI, postconditioning could significantly reduce enzymatic infarct size and improve myocardial reperfusion.
The Serum Level of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Increases in Severe Subarachnoid Hemorrhage thereby Reflecting an Increase in Both Cardiac Preload and Afterload
Authors: Yokobori Shoji , Watanabe Akihiro , Igarashi Yutaka , Tagami Takashi , Kuwamoto Kentaro , Ishinokami Saori , Yokota Hiroyuki ,   On Behalf of SAH PiCCO Study Group
Published: November 2014

Background: The increase of serum brain natriuretic peptide (sBNP) is well known in patients with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the pathophysiology between the clinical severity of SAH and the sBNP secretion is still not clear. The aim of this study is thus to clarify the cardiovascular pathophysiological mechanisms of sBNP secretion in severe SAH patients. Methods: From the database of multicenter prospective study (SAH PiCCO study), sBNP level was compared among initial Hunt and Kosnik (H-K) gradings on the first day. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was applied to decide the threshold existing between severe (H-K grade 4-5) and non-severe (H-K grade 2-3) patients. Cardiopulmonary parameters were also measured with thermodilution techniques and compared between low and high sBNP groups. Results: sBNP level was significantly higher in severe patients than in non-severe patients (566.5 ± 204.2 vs. 155.7 ± 32.8 pg/ml, p = 0.034). Based on ROC analysis, the threshold value that divides severe and non-severe was 78.6 pg/ml (AUC = 0.79). In the higher sBNP group (≥78.6 pg/ml), global end-diastolic volume index (GEDI) and intrathoracic blood volume index (ITVI), which indicate the cardiac preload, were significantly higher than in the low sBNP group. The systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), the indicator for sympathetic activation and cardiac afterload, was also higher in the high BNP group. Conclusions: In severe SAH patients, sBNP elevation was significantly associated with the increase of both cardiac preload and afterload. sBNP may be a good severity biomarker in SAH patients, reflecting the systemic impact it makes on cardiovascular preload and afterload.
Temporal Bone Malignancies Involving the Jugular Foramen: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Ting , Dai Chunfu
Published: November 2014

Purpose: To describe the diagnosis, management and outcomes of temporal bone malignancies involving the jugular foramen. Materials and Methods: The charts of 12 patients with temporal bone malignancies involving the jugular foramen were reviewed and analyzed. Results: The most frequent symptoms of temporal bone malignancies involving the jugular foramen were hearing loss (75%), otorrhea (66.67%) and otalgia (66.67%). In addition to the jugular foramen, the most invaded structure was the external auditory canal (91.67%), followed by the middle ear (75%) and facial nerve (58.33%). Four cases (33.33%) were misdiagnosed either with glomus jugulare tumor, Bell's palsy or chronic otitis media. Two patients underwent lateral temporal bone resection, whereas 10 patients underwent subtotal temporal bone resection. The mean follow-up time was 23.83 months (range, 2-85 months). The 2-year disease-free survival rate was 42.3%. Conclusions: Temporal bone malignancies involving the jugular foramen had a poor prognosis, especially in patients with squamous cell carcinoma. Misdiagnoses including glomus jugulare tumor, Bell's palsy and chronic otitis media were frequently encountered. Temporal bone malignancies involving the jugular foramen can be resected, and the choice of the surgical approach should be individualized.
The Possible Role of Contact Sensitization to Fragrances and Preservatives in Poikiloderma of Civatte
Authors: Khunkhet Saranya , Wattanakrai Penpun
Published: November 2014

Numerous mechanisms have been postulated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of poikiloderma of Civatte (PC), including chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation, menopause-related hormonal changes, contact hypersensitivity and genetic predisposition. Herein, we report a case of contact sensitization to fragrances and commonly used preservatives, methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, also widely known as Kathon CG, in a post-menopausal woman with PC, who denied excessive sun exposure and a family history. After abstaining from the use of her personal care products containing the documented allergens, not only the itching and burning symptoms, but also the cutaneous changes appeared to improve partially. This report underlines the possible influence of contact hypersensitivity in the pathogenesis of PC.
Leukocyte Cathepsin C Deficiency Attenuates Atherosclerotic Lesion Progression by Selective Tuning of Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses
Authors: Herías Veronica , Biessen Erik A.L. , Beckers Cora , Delsing Dianne , Liao Mengyang , Daemen Mat J. , Pham Christine C.T.N. , Heeneman Sylvia
Published: November 2014

Objective—

The protein degrading activity of cathepsin C (CatC), combined with its role in leukocyte granule activation, suggests a contribution of this cystein protease in atherosclerosis. However, no experimental data are available to validate this concept.

Approach and Results—

CatC gene and protein expression were increased in ruptured versus advanced stable human carotid artery lesions. To assess causal involvement of CatC in plaque progression and stability, we generated LDLr
−/−
//CatC
−/−
chimeras by bone marrow transplantation. CatC
−/−
chimeras presented attenuated plaque burden in carotids, descending aorta, aortic arch and root, at both the early and advanced plaque stage. CatC was abundantly expressed by plaque macrophages and foam cells. CatC expression and activity were dramatically downregulated in plaques of CatC
−/−
chimeras, supporting a hematopoietic origin of plaque CatC. Our studies unveiled an unexpected feedback of CatC deficiency on macrophage activation programs and T helper cell differentiation in as much as that CatC expression was upregulated in M1 macrophages, whereas its deficiency led to combined M2 (in vitro) and Th2 polarization (in vivo).

Conclusions—

Our data implicate CatC has a role in the selective tuning of innate and adaptive immune responses, relevant to a chronic immune disease, such as atherosclerosis.
Smooth Muscle Cell Deletion of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor–Related Protein 1 Augments Angiotensin II–Induced Superior Mesenteric Arterial and Ascending Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Davis Frank M. , Rateri Debra L. , Balakrishnan Anju , Howatt Deborah A. , Strickland Dudley K. , Muratoglu Selen C. , Haggerty Christopher M. , Fornwalt Brandon K. , Cassis Lisa A. , Daugherty Alan
Published: November 2014

Objective—

Low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 1 (LRP1), a multifunctional protein involved in endocytosis and cell signaling pathways, leads to several vascular pathologies when deleted in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether LRP1 deletion in SMCs influenced angiotensin II–induced arterial pathologies.

Approach and Results—

LRP1 protein abundance was equivalent in selected arterial regions, but SMC-specific LRP1 depletion had no effect on abdominal and ascending aortic diameters in young mice. To determine the effects of LRP1 deficiency on angiotensin II vascular responses, SMC-specific LRP1 (smLRP1
+/+
) and smLRP1-deficient (smLRP1
−/−
) mice were infused with saline, angiotensin II, or norepinephrine. Several smLRP
−/−
mice died of superior mesenteric arterial (SMA) rupture during angiotensin II infusion. In surviving mice, angiotensin II profoundly augmented SMA dilation in smLRP1
−/−
mice. SMA dilation was blood pressure dependent as demonstrated by a similar response during norepinephrine infusion. SMA dilation was also associated with profound macrophage accumulation, but minimal elastin fragmentation. Angiotensin II infusion led to no significant differences in abdominal aorta diameters between smLRP1
+/+
and smLRP1
−/−
mice. In contrast, ascending aortic dilation was exacerbated markedly in angiotensin II–infused smLRP1
−/−
mice, but norepinephrine had no significant effect on either aortic region. Ascending aortas of smLRP1
−/−
mice infused with angiotensin II had minimal macrophage accumulation but significantly increased elastin fragmentation and mRNA abundance of several LRP1 ligands including MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2) and uPA (urokinase plasminogen activator).

Conclusions—

smLRP1 deficiency had no effect on angiotensin II–induced abdominal aortic aneurysm formation. Conversely, angiotensin II infusion in smLRP1
−/−
mice exacerbated SMA and ascending aorta dilation. Dilation in these 2 regions had differential association with blood pressure and divergent pathological characteristics.
Mortality From Thoracic Aortic Diseases and Associations With Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Sidloff David , Choke Edward , Stather Philip , Bown Matthew , Thompson John , Sayers Robert
Published: November 2014

Background—

Temporal trends in mortality from thoracic aortic disease are unclear. This study examined trends in mortality from thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and aortic dissection (AD) with the aim of identifying associations with trends in established cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods and Results—

TAA and AD mortality (1994–2010) using
International Classification of Diseases
codes was extracted from the World Health Organization mortality database and age standardized. World Health Organization InfoBase and International Mortality and Smoking Statistics provided risk factor data. Eighteen World Health Organization member states were included (Europe=13, Australasia=2, North America=2, Asia=1). Ecological regression was performed of temporal trends in cardiovascular risk factors (1946–2010) and independent correlations to mortality trends. TAA and AD mortality trends show substantial heterogeneity but are generally declining. TAA mortality has increased in Hungary, Romania, Japan, and Denmark, and AD mortality has increased in Romania and Japan; therefore, the mortality decline is not universal. A linear relationship exists between trends in systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index and mortality from TAA. Body mass index demonstrated a negative linear association with female AD mortality, whereas trends in systolic blood pressure demonstrated a positive linear relationship with male AD mortality. Trends in smoking prevalence were not associated with TAA or AD mortality trends.

Conclusions—

This population-level ecological regression provides evidence that mortality secondary to TAA and mortality secondary to AD are both in decline. Differences between countries could be explained by population-level changes in common cardiovascular risk factors. Public health measures could further reduce mortality from TAA and AD.
How to Make Additional Time Matter: Integrating Individualized Tutorials into an Extended Day
Authors: Kraft Matthew A.
Published: November 2014

Evidence on the effect of extending the school day is decidedly mixed because of the stark differences in how schools use additional time. In this paper, I focus narrowly on the effect of additional time used for individualized tutorials. In 2005, MATCH Charter Public High School integrated two hours of tutorials throughout an extended day. The unanticipated implementation of this initiative and the school's admissions lottery allow me to use two complementary quasi-experimental methods to estimate program effects. I find that providing students with daily tutorials that are integrated into the school day and taught by full-time, recent college graduates increased achievement on tenth-grade English language arts exams by 0.15–0.25 standard deviations per year. I find no average effect in mathematics beyond the large gains students were already achieving, although quantile regression estimates suggest the tutorials raised the lowest end of the achievement distribution in mathematics.
Population biology of the crab Goniopsis cruentata: variation in body size, sexual maturity, and population density
Authors: de Lira José Jonathas Pereira Rodrigues , Silva José Roberto Feitosa , Rezende Carla Ferreira , Martins Rogério Parentoni , Ferreira Tiago Osório , Souza Leonardo Peres
Published: November 2014

We studied two key traits in the life of organisms, body size and sexual maturity, and a population attribute, density, of the crabGoniopsis cruentata. Also, we evaluated the role of environmental factors on population density. We caught crabs in two mangrove sites that are under different influence of tidal fluctuation, and obtained pH and salinity of mangrove soil from each site as well as rainfall data for the period of study. Both body size and sexual maturity differed between sites, in which individuals from the small-bodied population matured at smaller sizes than their counterparts from the large-bodied population, which matured at larger sizes. In addition, density of the small-bodied population was lower than that of the large-bodied one. We did not detect any influence of the environmental factors on population density. Our finding indicate that key life history traits and population characteristics can vary on a very small spatial scale which may help to further elucidate the biology of natural populations.
Revision of the Afrotropical Lycorininae (Ichneumonidae; Hymenoptera) II. Three new Lycorina species and additional distribution records
Authors: ROUSSE P. , NOORT S. VAN
Published: November 2014

Three new Afrotropical Lycorina species are described: L. horstmanni sp. nov., L. jacksonfive sp. nov. and L. riftensis sp. nov. The description of L. globiceps is expanded to include the large variability of the colour pattern. New distribution records are provided for L. fici and L. globiceps. An illustrated dichotomous key, and an online interactive matrix key available on www.waspweb.org, are provided for the identification of the seven known Afrotropical Lycorininae species.
Transnasal Endoscopic Treatment of Orbital Complications of Acute Sinusitis
Authors: Teinzer Fabian , Stammberger Heinz , Tomazic Peter Valentin
Published: November 2014

Objective:

Orbital complications of acute sinusitis can be severe. Nowadays, surgical drainage of intraorbital abscess formations is performed endoscopically in the majority of cases. This study aims to illustrate the Graz experience in the endoscopic treatment of orbital complications and to present our treatment algorithm.

Methods:

In a retrospective study, 53 patients were examined who were referred to the Department of General Otorhinolaryngology of the ENT-University Hospital Graz from 2000 to 2011.

Results:

Of 53 patients, men were affected more frequently than women (n = 37, 69.81% vs n = 16, 30.19%). The following diagnoses were obtained: 9 preseptal cellulitis, 7 orbital cellulitis, 14 subperiosteal abscesses, and 23 orbital abscesses. In 16 patients, a conservative therapy was administered; 37 patients underwent surgery, most of them purely endoscopically (n = 31, 83.78%). Two of the patients who underwent conservative treatment and 7 of those who underwent surgery experienced a recurrence (n = 9, 16.98%).

Conclusion:

Based on analysis of our recurrences, we have tried to create the optimal treatment algorithm as a point of reference in the management of orbital complications of acute sinusitis. In this way, 7 of 9 recurrences could have been avoided, equaling a hypothetical recurrence rate of 3.77% instead of 16.98% (hypothetical success rate 96.23%).
Up in Smoke: The Passage of Medical Marijuana Legislation and Enactment of Dispensary Moratoriums in Massachusetts
Authors: Socia Kelly M. , Brown Elizabeth K.
Published: November 2014

In November 2012, Massachusetts’ voters passed a medical marijuana law that was soon followed by municipal moratoriums prohibiting marijuana dispensaries. This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine (a) whether municipal characteristics predict voting outcomes for medical marijuana, (b) whether these same characteristics predict moratorium enactment, and (c) whether voting outcomes mediate the relationships between municipal characteristics and moratorium enactment. Results indicate that municipal characteristics predict voter support and indifference for medical marijuana, and this support and indifferences in turn predicts moratorium passage. However, most municipal characteristics only indirectly affect moratorium passage via voting activity. This suggests moratorium enactment may be an extension of municipal voting activity, in turn reflecting the characteristics of a municipality’s population. Policy implications are discussed.
Influence of molar ratio of Si–H to Si–CH=CH2 on mechanical and optical properties of silicone rubber
Authors: Yin Yingle , Chen Xintai , Lu Jie , Liu Zuifang , Chen Xuhuang
Published: November 2014

High-strength and optically transparent silicone rubber was prepared using vinyl-MQ silicone resin as base gum. Influence of molar ratio of Si–H to Si–Vi (A value) on curing process as well as mechanical and optical properties were studied. The results show that the curing time and curing temperature decreases, while storage modulus after curing increases, as the A value increases. The optimal mechanical and optical properties can be obtained when the A value is 1.8, leading to the formation of an ultraviolet (UV) transparent silicone rubber with tensile strength of 8.03 MPa and UV transmittance up to 95.8% at 350 nm.
Characterization of poly(lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite prepared by a solvent-blending technique
Authors: Kaavessina Mujtahid , Chafidz Achmad , Ali Ilias , Al-Zahrani Saeed M.
Published: November 2014

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was solvent blended in a chloroform solution using multiple weight fractions of hydroxyapatite (HAp) (5, 10, and 20 wt%). A miniature laboratory mixing extruder equipped with a ribbon die was used to produce thin ribbons of PLA/HAp biocomposites. The dynamic mechanical parameters (storage modulus ( G′), loss modulus ( G′′), complex viscosity ( η*), and degree of crystallinity) increased with increasing HAp loading. In vitro hydrolytic degradation of the PLA biocomposites was conducted in a 0.01-M phosphate-buffered saline solution at 37°C. The presence of HAp tended to increase both the hydrolytic degradability of the PLA and the crystallinity, possibly resulting from the hydrophilicity of the HAp. The thermal stability of the PLA was slightly higher in the composites with HAp. Following hydrolytic degradation, several microholes and cracks appeared on the surface of these biocomposites, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. The Coats–Redfern method was used to evaluate the thermal degradation kinetics of the biocomposites with support from a chemical reaction model. From this evaluation, the activation energies of the biocomposites were found to exceed that of the neat PLA. These energies were observed to decrease after the hydrolytic degradation process.
Individual Risk Preference and Sector Choice: Are Risk-Averse Individuals More Likely to Choose Careers in the Public Sector?
Authors: Dong Hsiang-Kai Dennis
Published: November 2014

Prior research indicates that public employees are more risk averse than private employees. Little is known, however, about the causes of such differences. This study tries to examine the effects of the “self-select mechanism” and asks the following question: Do workers choose their sectors based on their risk preferences? Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey, this study finds that higher levels of risk aversion are predictive of a greater propensity to pursue careers in the public sector. Findings indicate that an individual’s risk preference is the key to his or her career choices. Managerial implications and suggestions are discussed.
Challenges of the administrative consultation wiki research project as a learning and competences development method for MPA students
Authors: Kovač Polonca , Stare Janez
Published: November 2014

Administrative Consultation Wiki (ACW) is a project run under the auspices of the Faculty of Administration and the Ministry of Public Administration in Slovenia since 2009. A crucial component thereof is the involvement of students of Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree programs to offer them an opportunity to develop competences in relation to problem-based learning. ACW has been established as a research project to resolve complex problems in real administrative procedures’ practice. This article explores the results, hitherto missed opportunities and further challenges of MPA students’ integration in ACW as a learning method for MPA graduates, based on the analysis of their expectations and achievements in 2013 and with special regard to the development of Tuning generic competences. According to the results of the study, the ACW project can be considered a role model in terms of both content and methodology, necessary for work in PA practice, learning and research.
Predicting Depression and Quality of Life among Long‐term Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
Authors: Moubayed Sami P. , Sampalis John S. , Ayad Tareck , Guertin Louis , Bissada Eric , Gologan Olguta E. , Soulières Denis , Lambert Louise , Filion Edith , Nguyen‐Tan Phuc Felix , Christopoulos Apostolos
Published: November 2014

Objective

The aim of this study is to identify clinical factors that are predictive of depression and quality of life (QOL) among long‐term survivors of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and to develop predictive scores using these factors.

Study Design

Cohort study

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 209 posttreatment (median follow‐up, 38.7 months) head and neck cancer patients were prospectively evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30, and the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Head and Neck 35, and pretreatment patient‐related, tumor‐related, and treatment‐related predictors were identified using chart review. Bivariate (χ2 and t test) and multivariate (linear regression) analyses were used to construct predictive models.

Results

Significant pretreatment predictors of depression were identified on multivariate analysis as smoking at diagnosis, >14 alcoholic drinks per week, T3 or T4 status, and >3 medications (P <. 001). Two or more of these factors yielded an 82.3% sensitivity in detecting significant depressive symptoms (defined as a HADS cutoff score of 5). Significant predictors of fatigue, global health/QOL, social contact, speech, pain, swallowing, and xerostomia were also identified.

Conclusion

Pretreatment predictors of long‐term depression and QOL have been defined using multivariate models, and an easily applicable predictive score of long‐term depression is proposed. Potential eventual clinical applications include prophylactic intervention in at‐risk patients.
The urgent need for career preview: Student expectations and graduate realities in music and dance
Authors: Bennett Dawn , Bridgstock Ruth
Published: November 2014

Unlike the work available in many creative disciplines, musicians and dancers have the possibility of company-based employment; however, participants outweigh the number of positions. As a result, many graduates become “enforced entrepreneurs” as they shape their work to meet personal and professional needs. The similarities between initial music and dance careers offer opportunities for research across both. This article explores the career projections of 58 music and dance students who were surveyed in their first week of post-secondary study. It contrasts these findings with the reality of graduate careers as reported by five of that cohort four years later. In contrast with the students’ focus on performance roles, the graduate cohort reported a prevalence of portfolio careers incorporating both creative and non-creative roles. The paper characterizes the notion of a performing arts “career” as a messy concept fraught with misunderstanding. Implications include the need to heighten students’ career awareness and position intrinsic satisfaction as a valued career concept.
Wearable soft sensing suit for human gait measurement
Authors: Mengüç Yiğit , Park Yong-Lae , Pei Hao , Vogt Daniel , Aubin Patrick M. , Winchell Ethan , Fluke Lowell , Stirling Leia , Wood Robert J. , Walsh Conor J.
Published: November 2014

Wearable robots based on soft materials will augment mobility and performance of the host without restricting natural kinematics. Such wearable robots will need soft sensors to monitor the movement of the wearer and robot outside the lab. Until now wearable soft sensors have not demonstrated significant mechanical robustness nor been systematically characterized for human motion studies of walking and running. Here, we present the design and systematic characterization of a soft sensing suit for monitoring hip, knee, and ankle sagittal plane joint angles. We used hyper-elastic strain sensors based on microchannels of liquid metal embedded within elastomer, but refined their design with the use of discretized stiffness gradients to improve mechanical durability. We found that these robust sensors could stretch up to 396% of their original lengths, would restrict the wearer by less than 0.17% of any given joint’s torque, had gauge factor sensitivities of greater than 2.2, and exhibited less than 2% change in electromechanical specifications through 1500 cycles of loading–unloading. We also evaluated the accuracy and variability of the soft sensing suit by comparing it with joint angle data obtained through optical motion capture. The sensing suit had root mean square (RMS) errors of less than 5° for a walking speed of 0.89 m/s and reached a maximum RMS error of 15° for a running speed of 2.7 m/s. Despite the deviation of absolute measure, the relative repeatability of the sensing suit’s joint angle measurements were statistically equivalent to that of optical motion capture at all speeds. We anticipate that wearable soft sensing will also have applications beyond wearable robotics, such as in medical diagnostics and in human–computer interaction.
Myocardial performance is impaired in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Kaderli Berkant , Kaderli Aysel Aydin , Gullulu Sumeyye , Inan Umit Ubeyt , Senturk Tunay , Aydinlar Ali , Yucel Ahmet Ali , Avci Remzi
Published: November 2014

Objective

To investigate whether the Tei index, which is an indicator of global myocardial function and an independent predictor of cardiac death, is increased in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods

The Tei index was used to evaluate myocardial performance, in addition to conventional echocardiographic evaluation of myocardial structural and functional changes, in patients with BRVO, patients with hypertension and healthy controls.

Results

Out of 36 patients with BRVO (18 female, 18 male; 17 hypertensive, 19 normotensive), 29 patients with hypertension (15 female, 14 male) and 28 healthy controls (15 female, 13 male), there were no significant between-group differences in age and sex. The mitral A wave was higher and mitral E/A ratio, mitral E wave and ejection time were lower, in patients with BRVO than in healthy controls. Mean Tei index was significantly higher in the BRVO group than in patients with hypertension or healthy controls. Compared with healthy controls, the Tei index was significantly higher in hypertensive and normotensive patients with BRVO.

Conclusion

Myocardial performance is decreased in patients with BRVO, independent of whether or not they have hypertension.
Eliciting Responsivity
Authors: Neller Daniel J. , Vitacco Michael J. , Magaletta Philip R. , Phillips-Boyles A. Brooke
Published: November 2014

Research supports the effectiveness of the Risk-Needs-Responsivity model for reducing criminal recidivism. Yet programming interests of inmates—one facet of responsivity—remain an understudied phenomenon. In the present study, we explored the programming interests of 753 federal inmates housed across three levels of security. Results suggest that inmates, as a group, prefer specific programs over others, and that some of their interests may differ by security level. We discuss possible implications of these findings.
Semantic text analysis and the measurement of ideological developments within fledgling democracies
Authors: Popping Roel , Roberts Carl W.
Published: November 2014

This methodological article presents an introduction to the field of clause-based semantic text analysis. The method is introduced and elaborated with regard to the study of ideological developments within fledgling democracies. In such studies modality plays an important role. Democratic societies are maintained in accordance with either a modality of achievement or one of necessity. This is illustrated using editorial texts from Hungary, one of the countries in Central and Eastern Europe where people had to find their democratic way after communism disappeared in 1989.
Effects of substrate induced respiration on the stability of bottom ash in landfill cover environment
Authors: Ilyas A , Lovat E , Persson KM
Published: November 2014

The municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash is being increasingly used to construct landfill covers in Sweden. In post-closure, owing to increased cover infiltration, the percolating water can add external organic matter to bottom ash. The addition and subsequent degradation of this external organic matter can affect metal mobility through complexation and change in redox conditions. However, the impacts of such external organic matter addition on bottom ash stability have not been fully evaluated yet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of external organic matter on bottom ash respiration and metal leaching. The samples of weathered bottom ash were mixed with oven dried and digested wastewater sludge (1%–5% by weight). The aerobic respiration activity (AT4), as well as the leaching of metals, was tested with the help of respiration and batch leaching tests. The respiration and heavy metal leaching increased linearly with the external organic matter addition. Based on the results, it was concluded that the external organic matter addition would negatively affect the quality of landfill cover drainage.
Cell growth on pore-graded biomimetic TiO2 bone scaffolds
Authors: Müller Benjamin , Reseland Janne Elin , Haugen Håvard Jostein , Tiainen Hanna
Published: November 2014

In order to prevent soft tissue down-growth into osseous defect areas, membranes are used when placing bone graft materials. These membranes still show shortcomings in their performance and applications. In the current study, we choose an approach to integrate micro-porous surface structures into a macro-porous scaffold. Low porous surfaces were fabricated by dip-coatings. Four different material compositions (titanium dioxide, polycaprolactone, polycaprolactone/water, polycaprolactone/β-tricalcium phosphate) were characterised in terms of their appearance, architecture, topographical features and cell response. Titanium dioxide surfaces exhibited rougher and more complex textures, resulting in the highest number of osteosarcoma cells and distinct morphologies in terms of cell spreading. Polycaprolactone-based surfaces showed a smoother topography and enhanced microporosity, but the effect on secretion of the bone markers sclerostin and interleukin-6 from human osteoblasts was lower compared to secretion from cells cultured on titanium dioxide. β-Tricalcium phosphate modification of polycaprolactone did not show any significant improvement regarding cell-material interaction. Nevertheless, surfaces show potential in the mechanical blockage of epithelial and soft tissue cells and may still permit sufficient nutrient transport.
The Relationship Between Sexual Victimization and Year in School in U.S. Colleges
Authors: Cranney Stephen
Published: November 2014

It is the conventional wisdom among some universities that the highest risk of sexual assault is in the first or possibly second year in school. While initially belief in this pattern was primarily based on anecdote, recently some attempts have been made to more systematically and quantitatively test the existence of a “red zone,” a time of heightened risk of sexual assault sometime near the beginning of a female student’s time at the college. However, most of these studies have been conducted with relatively small convenience samples from single schools and have had conflicting results. Here, I test the red zone hypothesis using self-reported sexual victimization data with a large sample (~16,000) drawn from 22 schools as part of the Online College Social Life Survey. To investigate the specific mechanisms responsible for the red zone, I separately test for the existence of a red zone for four different types of sexual victimizations: physically forced intercourse, attempted forced intercourse, unwanted intercourse when incapacitated, and unwanted intercourse due to verbal pressure. Within these categories, I separately address sexual victimization that occurred while hanging out and sexual victimization during a party. Prior literature has emphasized the role of parties in the increased risk of assault for freshman. While I find some evidence for this in the higher estimates for sexual victimization at a party, the freshman effect remains for other types of sexual victimizations, suggesting that the red zone is not easily attributable to a single mechanistic cause, but to more generalizable factors. With one exception, I find that the red zone does not extend into the sophomore year.
Dating Violence and Substance Use
Authors: Baker Charlene K.
Published: November 2014

The connection between adolescent dating violence (ADV) and substance use is important to consider because of the serious consequences for teens who engage in these behaviors. Although prior research shows that these two health problems are related, the context in which they occur is missing, including when (i.e., the timeline) in the relationship these events occur. To fill this gap, eight sex-specific focus groups were conducted with 39 high school–aged teens, all of whom had experienced prior relationship violence. Adolescents discussed using alcohol and/or drugs at the start of the dating relationship and after the relationship ended as a way to cope with the break-up. Alcohol and drugs were also used throughout to cope with being in an abusive relationship. The intersection of ADV and substance use occurred during instances when both partners were using alcohol and/or drugs, as well as when only one partner was using. These findings provide support for prevention and intervention programs that consider the intersection of ADV and substance use.
Child Maltreatment History and Response to CBT Treatment in Depressed Mothers Participating in Home Visiting
Authors: Ammerman Robert T. , Peugh James L. , Teeters Angelique R. , Putnam Frank W. , Van Ginkel Judith B.
Published: November 2014

Child maltreatment contributes to depression in adults. Evidence indicates that such experiences are associated with poorer outcomes in treatment. Mothers in home visiting programs display high rates of depression and child maltreatment histories. In-Home Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (IH-CBT) was developed to treat maternal depression in home visiting. The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effects of child maltreatment history on depression, social functioning, and parenting in mothers participating in a clinical trial of IH-CBT. Ninety-three depressed mothers in home visiting between 2 and 10 months postpartum were randomly assigned to IH-CBT ( n = 47) plus home visiting or standard home visiting (SHV; n = 46). Mothers were identified via screening and then confirmation of major depressive disorder diagnosis. Measures of child maltreatment history, depression, social functioning, and parenting were administered at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Results indicated high rates of maltreatment in both conditions relative to the general population. Mixed model analyses found a number of main effects in which experiences of different types of trauma were associated with poorer functioning regardless of treatment condition. Evidence of a moderating effect of maltreatment on treatment outcomes was found for physical abuse and parenting and emotional abuse and social network size. Future research should focus on increasing the effectiveness of IH-CBT with depressed mothers who have experienced child maltreatment.
Terminal impact angle constrained guidance laws using state-dependent Riccati equation approach
Authors: Zhao Yao , Chen Jiabin , Sheng Yongzhi
Published: November 2014

The guidance problem of intercepting ground targets by air-launched missiles is considered in this paper. In addition to achieving a minimal miss distance, the proposed guidance law can also lead to desired terminal impact angles in both azimuth as well as elevation simultaneously. The guidance law is developed on the basic principle of state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) approach by considering nonlinear engagement dynamics of the missile. The proposed SDRE-based guidance law is first conducted in a vertical plane, followed by its extension to three-dimensional engagement scenario. High terminal accuracy is ensured by employing a state weighting matrix defined by functions of altitude-to-go. To enlarge the available impact angle region, the guidance law is further modified to achieve interceptions in the case where impact angle in the pitch plane is too large or too small. Third-order autopilot lag is also synthesized in the implementation of the guidance law. Numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed guidance method in both planar and three-dimensional engagement scenarios.
The combination of agomelatine and ritanserin exerts a synergistic interaction in passive avoidance task
Authors: İlkaya F , Yüce M , Ağrı AE , Güzel H , Balcı H , Uçar F , Babadağı Z , Müjdeci M , Mutlu E
Published: November 2014

Agomelatine is a potent agonist at melatonergic 1 and 2 (MT1 and MT2) receptors and an antagonist at serotonin-2C (5HT-2C) receptors. It was suggested that psychotropic effects of agomelatine is associated with its melatonergic and serotonergic effects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of agomelatine alone or in combination with ritanserin (5HT-2A/2C antagonist) on memory and learning. Male Balb-C mice (25–30 g) were used, and all drugs and saline were administrated by intraperitoneal (i.p.) route 30 min prior to evaluating retention time. Whilst agomelatine was administered at the doses of 1, 10 and 30 mg/kg, ritanserin was administered at the doses of 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg. To evaluate memory function, passive avoidance test was used. On the first day, acquisition time and on the second day (after 24h), retention time of mice were recorded. To evaluate the synergistic activity, only the least doses of agomelatine and ritanserine were used, that is, 1 and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. Scopolamine (1 mg/kg) was used as a reference drug, so it was combined with drug groups. Our results show that 5HT-2A/2C receptor antagonist ritanserin (1 and 4 mg/kg, i.p.) and agomelatine (10 and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) improve memory deficit induced by scopolamine, whilst a synergistic interaction is observed between ritanserin and agomelatine (0.1 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, i.p., respectively) when they were administered at their ineffective doses. According to our findings, we concluded that agomelatine improves memory deficit and thus improves the effect of agomelatine arises from its 5HT-2C receptor antagonist activity.
Academic Incivility Among Health Sciences Faculty
Authors: Wright Melissa , Hill Lilian H.
Published: November 2014

Academic health centers are under pressure to graduate more health professionals and, therefore, must retain talented faculty members who can educate students in respective disciplines. Faculty-to-faculty incivility is especially relevant to academic medical centers because faculty in the health professions must not only meet university tenure and promotion requirements but also, in many cases, maintain their professional licenses. This article describes faculty-to-faculty incivility, how it manifests itself, the consequences of uncivil behaviors, and strategies to combat incivility among faculty. Grounded in a theoretical framework of empowerment, the article concludes with suggested strategies for addressing faculty-to-faculty incivility and implications for practice.
News Consumers, Opinion Leaders, and Citizen Consumers
Authors: Cho Jaeho , Keum Heejo , Shah Dhavan V.
Published: November 2014

The intersection of consumer culture and civic life has long been a topic of academic discussion. This study revisits the relationship between consumption and civic engagement and investigates the moderators of this relationship. Specifically, we focus on news consumption and opinion leadership as intervening factors that condition the way consumption and civic life are interconnected. Our data reveal that both socially conscious consumption and status-oriented consumption are positively related with civic participation. The positive relationships become stronger when news consumption increases or when one’s opinion leadership is strong. Implications for research on consumer culture and civic engagement are discussed.