bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaving an Abusive Dating Relationship
Authors: Edwards Katie M. , Gidycz Christine A. , Murphy Megan J.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of the current study was to build on the existing literature to better understand young women’s leaving processes in abusive dating relationships using a prospective design. Two social psychological models—the investment model and theory of planned behavior—were tested. According to the investment model, relationship continuation is predicted by commitment, which is a function of investment, satisfaction, and low quality of alternatives. The theory of planned behavior asserts that a specific behavior is predicted by an individual’s intention to use a behavior, which is a function of the individual’s attitudes toward the behavior, the subjective norms toward the behavior, and the individual’s perceived behavioral control over the behavior. College women ( N = 169 young women in abusive relatinships) completed surveys at two time points, approximately 4 months apart, to assess initially for the presence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in a current relationship and investment model and theory of planned behavior variables; the purpose of the 4-month follow-up session was to determine if women had remained in or terminated their abusive relationship. Path analytic results demonstrated that both the theory of planned behavior and investment models were good fits to the data in prospectively predicting abused women’s stay/leave decisions. However, the theory of planned behavior was a better fit to the data than the investment model. Implications for future research and intervention are discussed.
Health Trajectories of Family Caregivers
Authors: Liu Yin , Kim Kyungmin , Zarit Steven H.
Published: October 2014

Objective: The study examines family caregivers’ health changes over 1 year on four health dimensions and explores the association of differential health trajectories with adult day service (ADS) use and caregiving transitions. Method: The participants were 153 primary caregivers of individuals with dementia (IWDs) who provided information on care situations and their own health at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month interviews. Results: Caregivers showed increasing functional limitations and decreasing bodily pain over time, whereas role limitation and general health perception remained stable. Furthermore, caregivers’ trajectories of functional limitation were associated with their extent of ADS use at baseline and their relatives’ placement. Discussion: Health is multidimensional; all dimensions of caregiver health do not change in a uniform manner. The findings underscore the importance of the association of caregiving transitions and caregiver health and the potential health benefits of ADS use for family caregivers.
Differentiated Instruction for Students With Disabilities
Authors: Darrow Alice-Ann
Published: October 2014

Students come to the music classroom with different educational readiness, learning styles, abilities, and preferences. In addition to these learner differences, classrooms in the United States are becoming more linguistically and culturally diverse each year. Differentiated instruction is an approach to teaching and learning that allows for these individual differences. Differentiated instruction involves working with groups of students and individualizing the curriculum for those within the group. It shares many of the Universal Design for Learning goals for teaching and promoting student learning, with both initiatives established to embrace student differences and ensure that students have every opportunity to learn in ways that best suit their individual needs.
A polyconvex anisotropic free energy function for electro- and magneto-rheological elastomers
Authors: Itskov Mikhail , Khiêm Vu Ngoc
Published: October 2014

Polyconvexity is an important mathematical condition imposed on a strain energy function. In particular, it is sufficient for the ellipticity of the constitutive equation and for the material stability and becomes especially crucial in the context of nonlinear elasticity. In combination with another condition referred to as coercivity, polyconvexity ensures existence of the global minimizer of the total elastic energy which implies a solution of a boundary value problem. While a great variety of polyconvex energies are known for isotropic and have recently been proposed for anisotropic elastic solids, there are, to the best of our knowledge, no results on polyconvexity for electro- and magneto-elastic materials. In the present paper, we extend the notion of polyconvexity to the coupled electro- and magneto-elastic response and formulate polyconvex free energy functions for electro- and magneto-sensitive elastomers. In analogy to the purely elastic response, these free energy functions will ensure the positive features of the constitutive equations mentioned above, although a strict mathematical proof of this fact should be supplied later. The proposed model is able to describe the electro- and magnetostriction and demonstrates good agreement with the corresponding experimental data.
Which post-Westphalia? International organizations between constitutionalism and authoritarianism
Authors: Kreuder-Sonnen Christian , Zangl Bernhard
Published: October 2014

The most recent transformation of world order is often depicted as a shift from a Westphalian to a post-Westphalian era in which international organizations are becoming increasingly independent sites of authority. This internationalization of authority is often considered as an indication of the constitutionalization of the global legal order. However, this article highlights that international organizations can also exercise authority in an authoritarian fashion that violates the same constitutionalist principles of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law that international organizations are usually expected to promote. It is thus an open question which post-Westphalia we are in fact heading to: a constitutionalized order, an authoritarian order, or a combination of both? Based on a conceptualization of post-Westphalian orders as a two-dimensional continuum linking the ideal-typical end points of constitutionalism and authoritarianism, we analyze the United Nations security system and the European Union economic system as two post-Westphalian orders. While we find a remarkable level of constitutionalization in the European Union and incipient constitutionalist tendencies in the United Nations, we also find authoritarian sub-orders in both institutions. Most visibly, the latter can be discerned in the United Nations Security Council’s counter-terrorism policy after 9/11 and European emergency governance during the sovereign debt crisis. The article thus argues that the emerging post-Westphalian order is characterized by a plurality of fundamentally contradictory (sub-)orders coexisting in parallel.
Analysis of cyclic variations during mode switching between spark ignition and controlled auto-ignition combustion operations
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhao Hua , Xie Hui , He Bangquan
Published: October 2014

Controlled auto-ignition, also known as homogeneous charge compression ignition, has been the subject of extensive research because of their ability to provide simultaneous reductions in fuel consumption and NOx emissions from a gasoline engine. However, due to its limited operation range, switching between controlled auto-ignition and spark ignition combustion is needed to cover the complete operating range of a gasoline engine for passenger car applications. Previous research has shown that the spark ignition –controlled auto-ignition hybrid combustion (SCHC) has the potential to control the ignition timing and heat release process during the mode transition operations. However, it was found that the SCHC is often characterized with large cycle-to-cycle variations. The cyclic variations in the in-cylinder pressure are particularly noticeable in terms of both their peak values and timings while the coefficient of variation in the indicated mean effective pressure is much less. In this work, the cyclic variations in SCHC operations were analyzed by means of in-cylinder pressure and heat release analysis in a single-cylinder gasoline engine equipped with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) systems. First, characteristics of the in-cylinder pressure traces during the spark ignition–controlled auto-ignition hybrid combustion operation are presented and their heat release processes analyzed. In order to clarify the contribution to heat release and cyclic variation in SCHC, a new method is introduced to identify the occurrence of auto-ignition combustion and its subsequent heat release process. Based on the new method developed, the characteristics of cyclic variations in the maximum rate of pressure rise and different stages of heat release process have been analyzed and discussed.
LRT symposium ‘Better metrics for better lighting’ – a summary
Authors: Boyce PR , Smet KAG
Published: October 2014

A metric is a well-defined measure that a designer can use to evaluate a design. For many years, the most widely used metrics in general lighting practice have been the average illuminance, the associated illuminance uniformity, the daylight factor, the correlated colour temperature and the CIE General Colour Rendering Index of the light source, the Unified Glare Rating and the power density of the installation. All these metrics have limitations with the result that there are now many proposals for replacing them with metrics more suited to delivering better lighting. This paper, which is based on the presentations given at the LRT symposium held in London on the 15 July 2014, considers the desirable attributes of a metric, summarises the proposed new metrics and considers how likely they are to be adopted and, if they are, whether or not they are likely to lead to better lighting.
Decreased platelet aggregation by shear stress-stimulated endothelial cells in vitro: Description of a method and first results in diabetes
Authors: De Franceschi Maria S , Palange Anna L , Mancuso Anna , Grande Laura , Muccari Domenico , Scavelli Faustina B , Irace Concetta , Gnasso Agostino , Carallo Claudio
Published: October 2014

The interaction between platelets and endothelium in vivo is a complex phenomenon. Our aim was to develop an in vitro system that mimics the in vivo environment and investigate platelet function in a common pathological condition. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used and platelets from 28 type 2 diabetes patients were studied under shear stress conditions. Mean coefficient of variation of platelet aggregation was 10% in dynamic conditions in the presence of endothelium. Endothelial cells increased the concentration of inductor needed to achieve 50% platelet aggregation to adenosine diphosphate from 2.6 ± 1.3 in static conditions to 3.7 ± 1.3 µM in dynamic conditions. A similar pattern was observed when collagen was used for platelet activation. Incubation of endothelium with a nitric oxide inhibitor abolished this effect, indicating platelet inhibitory effect of endothelial cells is nitric oxide mediated. Platelet reactivity of healthy controls was less influenced by the presence of endothelial cells and displayed reduced basal platelet reactivity compared with platelets from diabetes patients. We show that platelet aggregation in diabetes as commonly reported in vitro may not fully reflect the in vivo pathophysiological process. Future studies are warranted to investigate other pathological conditions and analyse the effects of antiplatelet agents using this system.
Curcumin inhibits hypoxia-induced migration in K1 papillary thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Tan Cheng , Zhang Li , Cheng Xian , Lin Xiu-Feng , Lu Rong-Rong , Bao Jian-Dong , Yu Hui-Xin
Published: October 2014

Curcumin, traditionally used as food and medicinal purposes, has recently been reported to have protective efficacy against hypoxia. Hypoxia is one of the important reactive factors in tumor metastasis, which is a key problem in clinical thyroid cancer therapy. In present study, we investigate the anti-metastatic effect of curcumin on the K1 papillary thyroid cancer cells as well as its potential mechanisms. The results show that curcumin effectively inhibits hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) upregulation and significantly decreases the mRNA and protein expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in K1 cells. Curcumin also decreases the DNA binding ability of HIF-1α to hypoxia response element (HRE). Furthermore, curcumin enhances E-cadherin expression, inhibits metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) enzyme activity, and weakens K1 cells migration under hypoxic conditions. In summary, these results indicate that curcumin possesses a potent anti-metastatic effect and might be an effective tumoristatic agent for the treatment of aggressive papillary thyroid cancers.
Regulatory status of drug master file in Taiwan 2009–2011
Authors: Sun I-Chen , Lu Fu-Chieh , Lu Ke-Jhen , Liao Tzu-Ya , Gau Churn-Shiouh
Published: October 2014

The drug master file submission in Taiwan commenced on 1 October 2009 and is driven by the health reimbursed pricing system. To clarify the consequences of this policy, we focused on the applications for the initiation of the policy from overseas active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers, which were the majority of the total applications. Indian manufacturers filed the most drug master files, representing 44% of total overseas drug master files and accounting for the largest number of multiple drug master files with the same molecules. Antibacterial, cardiovascular, and psychiatric drugs were the main therapeutic categories for the submitted molecules. The acceptance rates in the original submission and the appeal/resubmission applications for Indian drug master files were 32 and 38%, respectively, comparable with the average of overall drug master file acceptance rates (30%, 38%) under corresponding conditions. The nonaccepted applications included 12% of drug master files that failed to provide the restricted part and 24% of drug master files that did not respond to deficiencies. The main deficiencies were associated with the manufacturing process, active pharmaceutical ingredient specification, starting material, material/intermediate, and analytical method/validation.
Psychiatric Diagnoses among an HIV-Infected Outpatient Clinic Population
Authors: Shacham Enbal , Önen Nur F. , Donovan Michael F. , Rosenburg Neal , Overton E. Turner
Published: October 2014

As individuals with HIV infection are living longer, the management of psychiatric disorders has increasingly been incorporated into comprehensive care. Individuals were recruited from an outpatient HIV clinic to assess the prevalence and related associations of current psychiatric disorders and biomarkers. Of the 201 participants who completed the interviews, the median age was 43.5 years, and the majority was male and African American. Most were receiving HIV therapy and 78% of those had achieved virologic suppression. Prevalent psychiatric diagnoses included major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and agoraphobia. Alcohol and cocaine/crack abuse and dependence were common substance use disorders. Current receipt of HIV therapy was less common among those diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Agoraphobia was the only disorder associated with unsuppressed viral load. Psychiatric and substance use disorders are highly prevalent among an urban HIV clinic population, although we identified few associations between psychiatric diagnoses and HIV diseases status.
Caspase-9 is required for normal hematopoietic development and protection from alkylator-induced DNA damage in mice
Authors: Lu Elise Peterson , McLellan Michael , Ding Li , Fulton Robert , Mardis Elaine R. , Wilson Richard K. , Miller Christopher A. , Westervelt Peter , DiPersio John F. , Link Daniel C. , Walter Matthew J. , Ley Timothy J. , Graubert Timothy A.
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Caspase-9 is required for normal development of myeloid, lymphoid, and erythroid cells in mice. Loss of caspase-9 results in increased DNA damage and mutation burden after exposure to alkylating agents.
Advanced Cu chemical displacement technique for SiO2-based electrochemical metallization ReRAM application
Authors: Chin Fun-Tat , Lin Yu-Hsien , You Hsin-Chiang , Yang Wen-Luh , Lin Li-Min , Hsiao Yu-Ping , Ko Chum-Min , Chao Tien-Sheng
Published: October 2014

This study investigates an advanced copper (Cu) chemical displacement technique (CDT) with varying the chemical displacement time for fabricating Cu/SiO2-stacked resistive random-access memory (ReRAM). Compared with other Cu deposition methods, this CDT easily controls the interface of the Cu-insulator, the switching layer thickness, and the immunity of the Cu etching process, assisting the 1-transistor-1-ReRAM (1T-1R) structure and system-on-chip integration. The modulated shape of the Cu-SiO2 interface and the thickness of the SiO2 layer obtained by CDT-based Cu deposition on SiO2 were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The CDT-fabricated Cu/SiO2-stacked ReRAM exhibited lower operation voltages and more stable data retention characteristics than the control Cu/SiO2-stacked sample. As the Cu CDT processing time increased, the forming and set voltages of the CDT-fabricated Cu/SiO2-stacked ReRAM decreased. Conversely, decreasing the processing time reduced the on-state current and reset voltage while increasing the endurance switching cycle time. Therefore, the switching characteristics were easily modulated by Cu CDT, yielding a high performance electrochemical metallization (ECM)-type ReRAM.
The metastasis promoting protein S100A4 levels associate with disease activity rather than cancer development in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Pleštilová Lenka , Mann Heřman , Andrés Cerezo Lucie , Pecha Ondřej , Vencovský Jiří , Šenolt Ladislav
Published: October 2014

Introduction

The aim was to evaluate S100A4 protein as a biomarker of disease activity and potential cancer development in patients with myositis.

Methods

Serum levels of S100A4 were determined in 43 dermatomyositis (DM), 39 polymyositis (PM) and 22 cancer associated myositis (CAM) patients as well as in 77 healthy controls. The associations between S100A4 levels, inflammation, disease activity, muscle strength and cancer development were evaluated.

Results

All myositis patients had significantly higher serum levels of S100A4 protein compared to healthy controls (median (IQR): 31.5 (17.4 to 59.5) versus 23.8 (14.5 to 33.7) ng/ml, P <0.05). In patients with PM, serum levels of S100A4 protein were significantly higher than in healthy controls (41.6 (24.2 to 123.1) versus 23.8 (14.5 to 33.7) ng/ml; P <0.001) as well as in patients with DM (26.7 (11.3 to 47.5) ng/ml; P <0.05). The levels of S100A4 were comparable between myositis with and without cancer. In all myositis patients, serum S100A4 levels correlated with MYOsitis disease ACTivity assessment (MYOACT) score (r = 0.34; P = 0.001), constitutional (r = 0.30; P = 0.003), pulmonary (r = 0.43; P = 0.0001) and extramuscular disease activity (r = 0.36; P = 0.0001), as well as with creatine phosphokinase (r = 0.27; P = 0.015) and lactate dehydrogenase (r = 0.37; P = 0.002) or c-reactive protein (CRP) levels (r = 0.24; P = 0.038). Multiple regression analysis showed significant association between S100A4 serum levels and extramuscular disease activity (β = 0.552; P = 0.002) in PM patients and with MYOACT (β = 0.557; P = 0.003) and CRP levels (β = 0.391; P = 0.029) in DM patients.

Conclusions

Circulating levels of S100A4 are elevated in patients with myositis and associate with several disease activity parameters, particularly with extramuscular components. No relation between S100A4 levels and presence of cancer associated myositis was found.
Soil Liquefaction during the 20 May 2012 M5.9 Emilia Earthquake, Northern Italy: Field Reconnaissance and Post-Event Assessment
Authors: Lai Carlo G. , Bozzoni Francesca , Mangriotis Maria-Daphne , Martinelli Mario
Published: October 2014

On 20 May 2012, a M5.9 earthquake hit the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. Although it was of moderate magnitude, the quake affected an area up to 17 km from the epicenter, with severe damage and the collapse of several warehouses. Widespread liquefaction phenomena, such as sand boils and ground failures, were observed. Presented herein are the outcomes of a geotechnical post-earthquake reconnaissance survey conducted a week after the main shock in Sant'Agostino, a municipality near Ferrara, which was severely affected by the ground shaking. The presented findings add new liquefaction case records induced by a moderate earthquake in the Italian historical database. Non-invasive, seismic geophysical tests were carried out at four sites in the area of Sant'Agostino during the post-earthquake reconnaissance survey for near-surface geotechnical characterization. Preliminary assessment of liquefaction susceptibility has been carried out using post-earthquake field measurements at the four sites. Predictions based on standard, state of the practice empirical correlations are consistent with the observed liquefaction phenomena.
Increased Risk for Depression After Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study of Associated Factors in Denmark, 1998-2011
Authors: Suppli Nis P. , Johansen Christoffer , Christensen Jane , Kessing Lars V. , Kroman Niels , Dalton Susanne O.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To investigate the risk for first depression, assessed as incident hospital contacts for depression and incident use of antidepressants, among women with breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Danish national registries were used to identify 1,997,669 women with no diagnosis of cancer or a major psychiatric disorder. This cohort was followed from 1998 to 2011 for a diagnosis of breast cancer and for the two outcomes, hospital contact for depression and redeemed prescriptions for antidepressants. Rate ratios for incident hospital contacts for depression and incident use of antidepressants were estimated with Poisson regression models. Multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate factors associated with the two outcomes among patients with breast cancer.

Results

We identified 44,494 women with breast cancer. In the first year after diagnosis, the rate ratio for a hospital contact for depression was 1.70 (95% CI 1.41 to 2.05) and that for use of antidepressants was 3.09 (95% CI 2.95 to 3.22); these rate ratios were significantly increased after 3 and 8 years, respectively. Comorbidity, node-positive disease, older age, basic and vocational educational levels, and living alone were associated with use of antidepressants.

Conclusion

Women with breast cancer are at long-term increased risk for first depression, including both severe episodes leading to hospital contact and use of antidepressants. Clinicians should be aware that the risk is highest in women with comorbid conditions, node-positive disease, and age of 70 years or more. We found no clear association between type of surgery or adjuvant treatment and risk for depression.
Pathologic Complete Response As a Potential Surrogate for the Clinical Outcome in Patients With Breast Cancer After Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Meta-Regression of 29 Randomized Prospective Studies
Authors: Berruti Alfredo , Amoroso Vito , Gallo Fabio , Bertaglia Valentina , Simoncini Edda , Pedersini Rebecca , Ferrari Laura , Bottini Alberto , Bruzzi Paolo , Sormani Maria Pia
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To assess the role of pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy as surrogate end point of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with breast cancer, we performed a trial-based meta-regression of randomized studies comparing different neoadjuvant systemic treatments.

Methods

The systematic literature search included electronic databases and proceedings of oncologic meetings. Endocrine therapy trials were excluded. Treatment effects on DFS and OS were expressed as hazard ratios (HRs), and treatment effects on pCR were expressed as odds ratios (ORs). A weighted regression analysis was performed on log-transformed treatment effect estimates to test the association between treatment effects on the surrogate outcome and treatment effects on the clinical outcome.

Results

Twenty-nine trials, 59 arms, and 30 comparisons, for a total of 14,641 patients, were included in the analysis. Using the complete set of data, the regression of either the log(HR) for DFS or the log(HR) for OS on the log(OR) for pCR demonstrated only weak associations (R2 = 0.08; 95% CI, 0 to 0.47; and R2 = 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.41, respectively). Better associations were found in an exploratory analysis assessing a subset of trials comparing intensified/dose-dense chemotherapy versus standard-dose regimens (DFS: R2 = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.95; P = .003; and OS: R2 = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.93; P = .03).

Conclusion

This meta-regression analysis of 29 heterogeneous neoadjuvant trials does not support the use of pCR as a surrogate end point for DFS and OS in patients with breast cancer. However, pCR may potentially meet the criteria of surrogacy with specific systemic therapies.
Phase II Trial of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Combined With Erlotinib for Patients With Limited but Progressive Metastatic Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Iyengar Puneeth , Kavanagh Brian D. , Wardak Zabi , Smith Irma , Ahn Chul , Gerber David E. , Dowell Jonathan , Hughes Randall , Abdulrahman Ramzi , Camidge D. Ross , Gaspar Laurie E. , Doebele Robert C. , Bunn Paul A. , Choy Hak , Timmerman Robert
Published: October 2014

Purpose

Patients with stage IV non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progress through first-line therapy have poor progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), most commonly failing in original sites of gross disease. Cytoreduction with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) may help systemic agents delay relapse.

Patients and Methods

Patients in our single arm phase II study had stage IV NSCLC with no more than six sites of extracranial disease who failed early systemic chemotherapy and were able to receive SBRT and concurrent erlotinib until disease progression. After erlotinib commencement, SBRT with equipotent fractionation was delivered to all sites of disease. PFS, OS, and other end points were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-four patients (13 men and 11 women) with a median age of 67 years (range, 56-86 years) were enrolled with median follow-up of 11.6 months. All patients had progressed through platinum-based chemotherapy. A total of 52 sites were treated with 16 of 24 patients receiving SBRT to more than one site. Lung parenchyma was most often irradiated. Median PFS was 14.7 months, and median OS was 20.4 months. Most patients progressed in new distant sites with only three of 47 measurable lesions recurring within the SBRT field. Two grade 3 toxicities were radiation related. Zero of 13 patients tested were positive for an EGFR mutation.

Conclusion

Use of SBRT with erlotinib for unselected patients with stage IV NSCLC as a second- or subsequent line therapy resulted in dramatic changes in patterns of failure, was well tolerated, and resulted in high PFS and OS, substantially greater than historical values for patients who only received systemic agents.
Resampling the N9741 Trial to Compare Tumor Dynamic Versus Conventional End Points in Randomized Phase II Trials
Authors: Sharma Manish R. , Gray Elizabeth , Goldberg Richard M. , Sargent Daniel J. , Karrison Theodore G.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

The optimal end point for randomized phase II trials of anticancer therapies remains controversial. We simulated phase II trials by resampling patients from N9741, a randomized phase III trial of chemotherapy regimens for metastatic colorectal cancer, and compared the power of various end points to detect the superior therapy (FOLFOX [infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin] had longer overall survival than both IROX [irinotecan plus oxaliplatin] and IFL [irinotecan and bolus fluorouracil plus leucovorin]).

Methods

Tumor measurements and progression-free survival (PFS) data were obtained for 1,471 patients; 1,002 had consistently measured tumors and were resampled (5,000 replicates) to simulate two-arm, randomized phase II trials with α = 0.10 (one sided) and 20 to 80 patients per arm. End points included log ratio of tumor size at 6, 12, and 18 weeks relative to baseline; time to tumor growth (TTG), estimated using a nonlinear mixed-effects model; and PFS. Arms were compared using rank sum tests for log ratio and TTG and a log-rank test for PFS.

Results

For FOLFOX versus IFL, TTG and PFS had similar power, with both exceeding the power of log ratio at 18 weeks; for FOLFOX versus IROX, TTG and log ratio at 18 weeks had similar power, with both exceeding the power of PFS. The best end points exhibited > 80% power with 60 to 80 patients per arm.

Conclusion

TTG is a powerful end point for randomized phase II trials of cytotoxic therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer; it was either comparable or superior to PFS and log ratio at 18 weeks. Additional studies will be needed to clarify the potential of TTG as a phase II end point.
Impact of Reirradiation of Painful Osseous Metastases on Quality of Life and Function: A Secondary Analysis of the NCIC CTG SC.20 Randomized Trial
Authors: Chow Edward , Meyer Ralph M. , Chen Bingshu E. , van der Linden Yvette M. , Roos Daniel , Hartsell William F. , Hoskin Peter , Wu Jackson S.Y. , Nabid Abdenour , Tissing-Tan Caroline J.A. , Oei Bing , Babington Scott , Demas William F. , Wilson Carolyn F. , Wong Rebecca K.S. , Brundage Michael
Published: October 2014

Purpose

We previously demonstrated that 48% of patients with pain at sites of previously irradiated bone metastases benefit from reirradiation. It is unknown whether alleviating pain also improves patient perception of quality of life (QOL).

Patients and Methods

We used the database of a randomized trial comparing radiation treatment dose fractionation schedules to evaluate whether response, determined using the International Consensus Endpoint (ICE) and Brief Pain Inventory pain score (BPI-PS), is associated with patient perception of benefit, as measured using the European Organisation for Resesarch and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and functional interference scale of the BPI (BPI-FI). Evaluable patients completed baseline and 2-month follow-up assessments.

Results

Among 850 randomly assigned patients, 528 were evaluable for response using the ICE and 605 using the BPI-PS. Using the ICE, 253 patients experienced a response and 275 did not. Responding patients had superior scores on all items of the BPI-FI (ie, general activity, mood, walking ability, normal work, relations with other people, sleep, and enjoyment of life) and improved QOL, as determined by scores on the EORTC QLQ-C30 scales of physical, role, emotional and social functioning, global QOL, fatigue, pain, and appetite. Similar results were obtained using the BPI-PS; observed improvements were typically of lesser magnitude.

Conclusion

Patients responding to reirradiation of painful bone metastases experience superior QOL scores and less functional interference associated with pain. Patients should be offered re-treatment for painful bone metastases in the hope of reducing pain severity as well as improving QOL and pain interference.
Extra patient movement during mammographic imaging: an experimental study
Authors: Ma W K , Brettle D , Howard D , Kelly J , Millington S , Hogg P
Published: October 2014

Objective:

To determine if movement external to the patient occurring during mammography may be a source of image blur.

Methods:

Four mammography machines with eight flexible and eight fixed paddles were evaluated. In the first stage, movement at the paddle was measured mechanically using two calibrated linear potentiometers. A deformable breast phantom was used to mimic a female breast. For each paddle, the movement in millimetres and change in compression force in Newton was recorded at 0.5- and 1-s intervals, respectively, for 40 s with the phantom in an initially compressed state under a load of 80 N. In the second stage, clinical audit on 28 females was conducted on one mammography machine with the 18 × 24- and 24 × 29-cm flexible paddles.

Results:

Movement at the paddle followed an exponential decay with a settling period of approximately 40 s. The compression force readings for both fixed and flexible paddles decreased exponentially with time, while fixed paddles had a larger drop in compression force than did flexible paddles. There is a linear relationship between movement at the paddle and change in compression force.

Conclusion:

Movement measured at the paddle during an exposure can be represented by a second order system. The amount of extra patient movement during the actual exposure can be estimated using the linear relationship between movement at the paddle and the change in compression force.

Advances in knowledge:

This research provides a possible explanation to mammography image blurring caused by extra patient movement and proposes a theoretical model to analyse the movement.
CT enteroclysis/enterography findings in drug-induced small-bowel damage
Authors: Kishi T , Shimizu K , Hashimoto S , Onoda H , Washida Y , Sakaida I , Matsunaga N
Published: October 2014

Objective:

To evaluate the CT enteroclysis (CTE)/enterography findings of patients with small-bowel mucosal damage induced by aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and to compare these findings with the duration of drug use and endoscopic findings.

Methods:

CTE findings of 11 patients (22 lesions) with drug-induced small-bowel damage were reviewed, including 8 NSAID users and 3 aspirin users. Three patients were short-term users (6 months or shorter) and eight were long-term users (3 years or longer). Nine patients also underwent videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) or double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE).

Results:

Small-bowel abnormalities were visible in 8 of 11 patients (73%) on CTE. Multiple lesions were seen in five patients, including all short-term users. Lesions were classified into three types. Type 1 (mucosal patchy enhancement) was found in four of eight patients (50%, 12 lesions) all were short-term users. Small erosions with mild oedema/redness were shown by DBE. Type 2 (homogeneous hyperenhancement) was found in two of eight patients (25%, four lesions) who were long-term users. Large ulcers with marked oedema/redness were shown by DBE. Type 3 (stratification enhancement) was found in four of eight patients (50%, six lesions), both short-term and long-term users. Annular or large ulcers with strictures were shown by VCE or DBE.

Conclusion:

On CTE, Type 1 lesions in patients with mostly short-term aspirin or NSAID use, Type 2 lesions in patients with long-term use and Type 3 lesions in both types of patients were detected. CTE may have usefulness for the detection of mild damage.

Advances in knowledge:

Small-bowel abnormalities owing to aspirin or NSAID present with three different patterns on CTE.
Cytoscape tools for the web age: D3.js and Cytoscape.js exporters
Authors: Ono Keiichiro , Demchak Barry , Ideker Trey
Published: October 2014

In this paper we present new data export modules for Cytoscape 3 that can generate network files for Cytoscape.js and D3.js. Cytoscape.js exporter is implemented as a core feature of Cytoscape 3, and D3.js exporter is available as a Cytoscape 3 app. These modules enable users to seamlessly export network and table data sets generated in Cytoscape to popular JavaScript library readable formats. In addition, we implemented template web applications for browser-based interactive network visualization that can be used as basis for complex data visualization applications for bioinformatics research. Example web applications created with these tools demonstrate how Cytoscape works in modern data visualization workflows built with traditional desktop tools and emerging web-based technologies. This interactivity enables researchers more flexibility than with static images, thereby greatly improving the quality of insights researchers can gain from them.
Sleepless nights: When you can't find anything to use but molecules to describe new taxa
Authors: Tripp Erin A. , Lendemer James C.
Published: October 2014

A set of guidelines is proposed as a standard for authors who describe new taxa and affect other taxonomic revisions based solely on molecular characters.
Phylogeny, classification and species delimitation in the liverwort genus Odontoschisma (Cephaloziaceae)
Authors: Aranda Silvia C. , Gradstein S. Robbert , Patiño Jairo , Laenen Benjamin , Désamoré Aurélie , Vanderpoorten Alain
Published: October 2014

A species‐level phylogeny of Odontoschisma (Jungermanniidae: Cephaloziaceae) was produced to revisit the infrageneric classification and delimit the species within the genus. New methods of species delimitation have been used to explicitly contrast taxonomic hypotheses and test the relevance of the morphological traits traditionally used in this group. The results confirm previous evidence suggesting that the circumscription of Odontoschisma needs to be enlarged to include Iwatsukia and Cladopodiella, and further indicate that a third genus, Anomoclada, is nested within it. Twenty‐three molecular entities were recognized based the results of generalized mixed Yule‐coalescent (GMYC) analyses. These entities partly conflicted with traditionally defined species that were shown to belong to different, not necessarily closely related entities, adding to the growing body of evidence calling for an extensive revision of species delimitations in taxa with reduced morphologies like leafy liverworts, using an integrative taxonomic approach. A fully revised classification of Odontoschisma into five sections, twenty species, and three subspecies is presented. While the species reported from Europe, Asia and North America were of polyphyletic origins, all Neotropical species were resolved as monophyletic, which could result from a combination of fast speciation rates and reduced dispersal in the Neotropics, and potential extinction in other areas, especially sub‐Saharan Africa.
Phylogenetic relationships in the Didiereaceae with special reference to subfamily Portulacarioideae
Authors: Bruyns Peter V. , Oliveira-Neto Mario , Melo-de-Pinna Gladys Flavia , Klak Cornelia
Published: October 2014

The Didiereaceae of the Caryophyllales contains 20 species in three subfamilies: Calyptrothecoideae (2 species from the dry parts of tropical north‐east Africa), Didiereoideae (11 species from semi‐arid areas in Madagascar) and Portulacarioideae (7 species, mainly from the arid south‐western Africa). We performed Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses on data from six plastid DNA regions, trnL‐trnF, trnT‐trnL, trnS‐trnG, trnQUUGrps16, rps16 and rpl16, for 19 species of the Didiereaceae. Our analyses corroborated the monophyly of the Didiereaceae and of its three subfamilies with high statistical support and also elucidated the relationships within the Portulacarioideae. The family has a very disjunct distribution in Madagascar, East Africa and southern Africa. After the divergence of Portulacaria afra, the Portulacarioideae mainly diversified around the margins of the hyper‐arid Namib Desert and its greatest diversity of four species is found on the southern edge of the Namib. We show that the two genera of the Portulacarioideae, Ceraria and Portulacaria, are not monophyletic and we transfer the five accepted species of Ceraria to Portulacaria.
Applying a healthcare model to Huntington's disease: the key worker approach
Authors: Wilson Eleanor , Aubeeluck Aimee , Pollock Kristian
Published: October 2014

This paper follows on from an overview of the literature and current policy for Huntington's disease (HD) published by the BJNN ( Wilson et al, 2014 ). The previous paper highlighted a paucity of knowledge in terms of best practice available for those commissioning services to draw upon when planning care of those with HD. This paper suggests a model of care, which may provide some guidance.
Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Lafarge Caroline , Talsania Krishna , Townshend Julia M , Fox Pauline
Published: October 2014

Aim:

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is one of the most common types of inherited nerve disorders. This study's objective was to gain insight into people's experiences of CMT.

Methods:

An online cross-sectional survey was used to elicit qualitative data as part of a study examining the health beliefs of people living with CMT. Participants were recruited through support organisations (n=285) and, of these, 194 provided qualitative comments. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Five themes were identified; the toll on the body, the invisible disease, emotional difficulties, social implications and resilience.

Conclusions:

Living with CMT can have significant physical, emotional and social consequences, but it is also an illustration of people's resilience. The findings highlight a perceived lack of awareness and understanding about CMT and its psychosocial impact among health professionals and the public. Neuroscience nurses, as part of a multidisciplinary team, can play a role in raising awareness of CMT to inform optimal support for people with CMT.
Speaking to the deceased child: Australian health professional perspectives in paediatric end-of-life care
Authors: Forster Elizabeth M , Windsor Carol
Published: October 2014

Supporting a dying child and family surrounding the child's death is one of the most significant and challenging roles undertaken by health professionals in paediatric end-of-life care. An Australian study of parent and health-professional constructions of meanings around post-mortem care and communication revealed the practice of health professionals speaking to a child after death. This practice conveyed respect for the personhood of the deceased child, recognised the presence of the deceased child, and assisted in involving parents in their child's post-mortem care. Such findings illuminate an area of end-of-life-care practice that is not often addressed. Talking to a deceased child appeared to be a socially symbolic practice that may promote a continued bond between parent and child.
Death and caring for dying patients: exploring first-year nursing students' descriptive experiences
Authors: Ek Kristina , Westin Lars , Prahl Charlotte , Österlind Jane , Strang Susann , Bergh Ingrid , Henoch Ingela , Hammarlund Kina
Published: October 2014

Aim:

To describe first-year nursing students' experiences of witnessing death and providing end-of-life care.

Methods:

This study is part of a larger longitudinal project. Interviews (n=17) were conducted with nursing students at the end of their first year of education. To analyse the interviews (lived-experience descriptions), a thematic analysis, ‘a search for meaning’ ( Van Manen, 1997 ) was applied.

Results:

The results are presented within the framework of four separate themes: (1) The thought of death is more frightening than the actual experience, (2) Daring to approach the dying patient and offering something of oneself, (3) The experience of not sufficing in the face of death and (4) Being confronted with one's own feelings.

Conclusion:

Nursing students require continuous support and opportunity to reflect and discuss their experiences about caring for dying patients and confronting death throughout the entirety of their education. In addition, teachers and clinical supervisors need to give support using reflective practice to help students to develop confidence in their capacity for caring for dying patients.
Research roundup
Authors: da Mata Aysha Mendes
Published: October 2014

Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.
Politics and palliative care: Honduras
Authors: Smyth Dion
Published: October 2014

Dion Smyth's review of the internet for palliative nursing
Poverty in Britain, 1999 and 2012: some emerging findings
Authors: Fahmy Eldin
Published: October 2014

This introductory article outlines emerging findings on deprivation of socially perceived necessities over the 1999–2012 period in Britain. By drawing on comparable surveys conducted in 1999 and 2012 it is possible to examine trends over this period in public attitudes to the necessities of life and the extent of deprivation. These data suggest that public perceptions of what constitute minimally adequate living standards have become less generous over this period. At the same time, comparing the same items in 1999 and 2012 suggests that deprivation of necessities has become more widespread among adults in Britain.
Setting the stage for self-attunement: Drama therapy as a guide for neural integration in the treatment of eating disorders
Authors: Wood Laura L. , Schneider Christine
Published: October 2014

This article explores the potential of drama therapy, with its ability to engage cognitive and affective systems through embodiment, to promote neural integration with adults with eating disorders. Case material is presented along with a discussion of how role-based techniques in drama therapy might facilitate greater flexibility, responsiveness and emotional regulation. This study adds to a growing literature on the relationship between embodied therapeutic techniques and optimal neural integration.
Self-revelatory performance: A form of drama therapy and theatre
Authors: Emunah Renée
Published: October 2014

Self-Revelatory performance is defined as a form in which a performer originates a theatre piece drawn from current life issues in need of healing. The author articulates the similarities and differences between ‘Self-Rev’ and autobiographical theatre as well as other related forms, and describes drama therapeutic methods of grappling with personal struggles, all the while focusing on creating a work of art worthy of presentation before an audience. The contention that Self-Rev is both a form of drama therapy – offering healing and transformation, and a unique genre of theatre – with elements that lend themselves toward compelling and poignant performance – is explicated.
Staging dramatic enactments to resolve conflicts in couples
Authors: Wiener Daniel J.
Published: October 2014

Re-enacting an event that has triggered conflict from each partner’s perspective during couples therapy, while employing one’s actual partner as an auxiliary, is a distinctive, theatrical application of psychodrama that develops perspective, promotes empathy, lowers resistance to being invalidated by disagreement and points the way to novel resolutions. Each client’s enactment is followed by a role-reversed encounter between the auxiliary and the character assigned the auxiliary by the partner. Post-enactment processing of video feedback facilitates collaboration and reflection by the couple. A case example illustrates the application of this method.
Adaptação da Escala de Inteligência Emocional de Wong e Law (WLEIS) e análise da sua estrutura factorial e fiabilidade numa amostra portuguesa
Authors: Rodrigues Nuno , Rebelo Teresa , Coelho João Vasco
Published: October 2014

O constructo inteligência emocional tem movido importantes esforços de investigação no domínio da Psicologia das Organizações e do Trabalho nos últimos anos. Diversas abordagens a este constructo têm sido propostas e, em consequência, diversas medidas têm sido desenvolvidas. A Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) representa um instrumento que tem estado na base de diversos estudos neste domínio, tendo-se revelado uma medida de inteligência emocional com adequadas propriedades psicométricas. Este estudo visou adaptar esta escala para o contexto português e proceder ao estudo da sua estrutura factorial numa amostra de engenheiros informáticos portugueses. Os resultados de da análise factorial confirmatória suportam o ajuste dos dados a uma estrutura tetra-factorial, equivalente à estrutura da escala original e as estimativas de fiabilidade obtidas corroboram a adequação das propriedades psicométricas desta medida.