bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PREVALÊNCIA DE DESNUTRIÇÃO EM IDOSOS INSTITUCIONALIZADOS: UMA REVISÃO CRÍTICA SISTEMÁTICA.
Authors: Oliveira Larissa Praça , Cabral Natália Louise Araújo , Vale Diôgo , Lyra Clélia Oliveira , Lima Kenio Costa
Published: September 2014

Introdução: A desnutrição é um importante distúrbio nutricional em idosos institucionalizados por estar associada ao aumento da mortalidade e da susceptibilidade às infecções e redução da qualidade de vida. A avaliação periódica do estado nutricional é fundamental para a promoção ou reabilitação da saúde em idosos. Para tanto, os métodos mais utilizados são os antropométricos, bioquímicos, de consumo alimentar e a Mini Avaliação Nutricional. Esse trabalho visa identificar a prevalência de desnutrição em idosos institucionalizados e os métodos diagnósticos utilizados para determinar essa deficiência nutricional. Metodologia: A revisão foi realizada a partir das bases eletrônicas Lilacs, IBECS, Scielo, Medline, PubMed e SCOPUS. A seleção dos estudos foi feita considerando artigos originais completos disponíveis online, em inglês, espanhol e português e publicados entre 1992 e 2013. Resultados: Todos os estudos foram desenvolvidos em mais de uma instituição asilar. Destes, 71,4% (n=15) consideraram como idosos sujeitos com idade mínima de 65 anos. As prevalências de desnutrição variaram de 6,3% a 81,7% dependendo do método, indicadores e critérios utilizados para o diagnóstico. Todos os estudos utilizaram o Índice de Massa Corporal para diagnóstico do estado nutricional, seja como método isolado, ou associado a outro método, utilizando distintos valores de referência. Conclusões: Existe uma elevada prevalência de desnutrição em idosos institucionalizados, sendo a Mini Avaliação Nutricional o método mais utilizado para o diagnóstico. Mais estudos são necessários para subsidiar o desenvolvimento de instrumentos que permita uma avaliação nutricional mais robusta e que possa ser utilizado tanto para acompanhamento clínico quanto para a investigação epidemiológica.
Novel somatic single nucleotide variants within the RNA binding protein hnRNP A1 in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Levin Michael
Published: September 2014

Some somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) are thought to be pathogenic, leading to neurological disease. We hypothesized that heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein A1 (hnRNP A1), an autoantigen associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) would contain SNVs. MS patients develop antibodies to hnRNP A1293-304, an epitope within the M9 domain (AA268-305) of hnRNP A1. M9 is hnRNP A1’s nucleocytoplasmic transport domain, which binds transportin-1 (TPNO-1) and allows for hnRNP A1’s transport into and out of the nucleus. Genomic DNA sequencing of M9 revealed nine novel SNVs that resulted in an amino acid substitution in MS patients that were not present in controls. SNVs occurred within the TPNO-1 binding domain (hnRNP A1268-289) and the MS IgG epitope (hnRNP A1293-304), within M9.  In contrast to the nuclear localization of wild type (WT) hnRNP A1, mutant hnRNP A1 mis-localized to the cytoplasm, co-localized with stress granules and caused cellular apoptosis. Whilst WT hnRNP A1 bound TPNO-1, mutant hnRNP A1 showed reduced TPNO-1 binding. These data suggest SNVs in hnRNP A1 might contribute to pathogenesis of MS.
Effective Handling of Dynamic Time Windows and Its Application to Solving the Dial-a-Ride Problem
Authors: Gschwind Timo , Irnich Stefan
Published: September 2014

A dynamic time window relates to two operations that must be executed within a given time meaning that the difference between the points in time when the two operations are performed is bounded from above. The most prevalent context of dynamic time windows is when precedence is given for the two operations so that it is a priori specified that one operation must take place before the other. A prominent vehicle routing problem with dynamic time windows and precedence is the dial-a-ride problem (DARP), where user-specified transportation requests from origin to destination points must be serviced. The paper presents a new branch-and-cut-and-price solution approach for the DARP, the prototypical vehicle-routing problem with ordinary and dynamic time windows. For the first time (to our knowledge), both ordinary and dynamic time windows are handled in the column-generation subproblem. For the solution, an effective column-generation pricing procedure is derived that allows fast shortest-path computations due to new dominance rules. The new approach is compared with alternative column-generation algorithms that handle dynamic time windows either as constraints of the master program or with less effective labeling procedures. Computational experiments indicate the superiority of the new approach.
Approvals, Submission, and Important Labeling Changes for US Marketed Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: September 2014

This monthly feature will help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications, dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use.
Life as a Game Warden: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Authors: Eliason Stephen L.
Published: September 2014

Although much research has been carried out on traditional police officers, little has been directed toward the study of game wardens or conservation law enforcement officers. The main responsibility of game wardens is the enforcement of wildlife laws. This research took a qualitative approach to data collection and examined job satisfaction of state game wardens in Montana. Data were obtained on the extent to which game wardens found the job satisfying, what were considered the best and worst parts of the job, if game wardens would choose the occupation again and stress of the job. The findings contribute to our understanding of the game warden occupation.
Workforce Diversity: Assessing the Impact of Minority Integration on Intra-Workgroup Interaction
Authors: Guajardo Salomon Alcocer
Published: September 2014

Research on workforce diversity and minority integration in police agencies has focused primarily on the extent to which these agencies have hired men and women of different ethnic and racial backgrounds. Some studies have examined the impact of minority integration on police management and operations. However, the research has neglected to examine whether the integration of ethnic and racial minorities has an impact on intra-workgroup interactions in which White and minority police officers and civilians communicate and interact among each other. This study undertook a casual (or path) analysis of contextual organisational factors and their impact on intra-workgroup interaction. The findings show that contextual organisational factors have direct and indirect effects on the extent to which White and minorities within a workgroup are likely to interact.
Policing in an Information Age: The Prevalence of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Utilising the World Wide Web to Connect with the Community
Authors: Kilburn Michelle , Krieger Laura
Published: September 2014

Recognising the importance of police departments in the USA to create and maintain a positive public perception, the goal of this analysis was to determine whether law enforcement agencies are utilising the internet and/or social media to build or enhance relationships within their respective communities. The literature suggests police departments with easily accessible websites that include a variety of services and information will positively influence public perceptions of police performance. A content analysis of the 50 largest State and local law enforcement agency websites was conducted. Findings and discussion of the content analysis suggest that although it appears larger departments are establishing an online presence, the focus does not always appear to be a two-way communication between the public and the police.
A Liouville comparison principle for solutions of
quasilinear singular parabolic inequalities
Authors: Kurta Vasilii V.
Published: September 2014

We obtain a Liouville comparison principle for entire weak
solutions (u,v) of quasilinear singular parabolic second-order
partial differential inequalities of the form

u
t

-
A

(
u
)

-

|
u
|

q
-
1

u
≥

v
t

-
A

(
v
)

-

|
v
|

q
-
1

v

${ u_t -
A(u)-|u|^{q-1}u \ge v_t - A (v)-|v|^{q-1}v }$

on the set

𝕊
τ

=

(
τ
,
+
∞
)

×

ℝ

n

${{\mathbb {S}}_{\tau }= (\tau , +\infty )\times {\mathbb {R}}^n}$

, where q > 0, n ≥ 1, τ is a real number or

τ
=
-
∞

${\tau =-\infty }$

, and the
differential operator A satisfies the α-monotonicity
condition. Model examples of the operator A in our study are the
well-known p-Laplacian operator defined by the relation

Δ
p

(
w
)

=

div
x

(
|

∇
x

w

|

p
-
2

∇
x

w
)

${\Delta _p
(w)=\operatorname{div}_x(|\nabla _x w|^{p-2}\nabla _x w) }$

and its
well-known modification defined by

Δ
˜

p

(
w
)

=

∑

i
=
1

n

∂

∂

x
i

(
|

∂
w

∂

x
i

|

p
-
2

∂
w

∂

x
i

)

${ \widetilde{\Delta }_p (w) =
\sum _{i=1}^n\frac{\partial }{\partial x_i}( |\frac{\partial w}{\partial x_i}|^{p-2}\frac{\partial w}{\partial x_i})}$

.
Mechanical stability of superhydrophobic epoxy/silica coating for better water resistance of wood
Authors: Liu Feng , Gao Zhengxin , Zang Deli , Wang Chengyu , Li Jian
Published: September 2014

A three-step procedure has been developed for superhydrophobic coating on wood based on epoxy/silica materials in combination with hydrophobization. First, the epoxy resin is adhered to wood by immersing the samples into an epoxy resin acetone solution, then amino-functionalized silica particles are anchored by the epoxide groups, and finally, the created surface is modified by octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS). The superhydrophobic surface not only is water repellent, as shown by the contact angle (CA) tests, but also decreases essentially the wood’s water absorption as determined by a 120-day water immersion test. The good mechanical stability of the coating was confirmed by a sand collision method.
Mammal use of Raphia taedigera palm stands in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula
Authors: Yaap Betsy , Watson Haley , Laurance William F.
Published: September 2014

is a wetland palm species that occurs in monospecific stands in Central and South America, Africa, and Madagascar. Use of this ecosystem by wildlife is largely unknown. We surveyed
Preparation of anionic clathrate-II K24-x
Ge136 by filling of Ge(cF136)
Authors: Böhme Bodo , Reibold Marianne , Auffermann Gudrun , Lichte Hannes , Baitinger Michael , Grin Yuri
Published: September 2014

Metastable Ge(cF136) with empty clathrate-II crystal structure was successfully used for the preparation of otherwise hardly accessible germanium clathrate phases. On reaction of Ge(cF136) with potassium vapour at 280 °C for 6 days, the new clathrate-II phase K24Ge136 was formed, in which the cages of the germanium framework are completely filled by potassium atoms. The crystal structure of K
x
Ge136 is discussed for different potassium contents (x=0, 8.6, 24).
20 YEARS OF LEPTIN: Human disorders of leptin action
Authors: Farooqi I Sadaf , O'Rahilly Stephen
Published: September 2014

The discovery of leptin has provided a robust framework upon which our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in energy homeostasis has been built. In this review, we describe how the identification of humans with mutations in the genes encoding leptin and the leptin receptor and the characterisation of the associated clinical phenotypes have provided insights into the role of leptin-responsive pathways in the regulation of eating behaviour, intermediary metabolism and the onset of puberty. Importantly, administration of recombinant human leptin in leptin deficiency represents the first mechanistically based targeted therapy for obesity and has provided immense clinical benefits for the patients concerned. In subsequent years, we and others have shown that human obesity can result from a multiplicity of defects in the pathways downstream of leptin signalling within the brain.
Whole-Genome Analysis of Multienvironment or Multitrait QTL in MAGIC
Authors: Verbyla Arūnas P , Cavanagh Colin R , Verbyla Klara L
Published: September 2014

Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) populations are now being utilized to more accurately identify the underlying genetic basis of quantitative traits through quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses and subsequent gene discovery. The expanded genetic diversity present in such populations and the amplified number of recombination events mean that QTL can be identified at a higher resolution. Most QTL analyses are conducted separately for each trait within a single environment. Separate analysis does not take advantage of the underlying correlation structure found in multienvironment or multitrait data. By using this information in a joint analysis—be it multienvironment or multitrait — it is possible to gain a greater understanding of genotype- or QTL-by-environment interactions or of pleiotropic effects across traits. Furthermore, this can result in improvements in accuracy for a range of traits or in a specific target environment and can influence selection decisions. Data derived from MAGIC populations allow for founder probabilities of all founder alleles to be calculated for each individual within the population. This presents an additional layer of complexity and information that can be utilized to identify QTL. A whole-genome approach is proposed for multienvironment and multitrait QTL analysis in MAGIC. The whole-genome approach simultaneously incorporates all founder probabilities at each marker for all individuals in the analysis, rather than using a genome scan. A dimension reduction technique is implemented, which allows for high-dimensional genetic data. For each QTL identified, sizes of effects for each founder allele, the percentage of genetic variance explained, and a score to reflect the strength of the QTL are found. The approach was demonstrated to perform well in a small simulation study and for two experiments, using a wheat MAGIC population.
Usefulness of Multiparental Populations of Maize (Zea mays L.) for Genome-Based Prediction
Authors: Lehermeier Christina , Krämer Nicole , Bauer Eva , Bauland Cyril , Camisan Christian , Campo Laura , Flament Pascal , Melchinger Albrecht E , Menz Monica , Meyer Nina , Moreau Laurence , Moreno-González Jesús , Ouzunova Milena , Pausch Hubert , Ranc Nicolas , Schipprack Wolfgang , Schönleben Manfred , Walter Hildrun , Charcosset Alain , Schön Chris-Carolin
Published: September 2014

The efficiency of marker-assisted prediction of phenotypes has been studied intensively for different types of plant breeding populations. However, one remaining question is how to incorporate and counterbalance information from biparental and multiparental populations into model training for genome-wide prediction. To address this question, we evaluated testcross performance of 1652 doubled-haploid maize (Zea mays L.) lines that were genotyped with 56,110 single nucleotide polymorphism markers and phenotyped for five agronomic traits in four to six European environments. The lines are arranged in two diverse half-sib panels representing two major European heterotic germplasm pools. The data set contains 10 related biparental dent families and 11 related biparental flint families generated from crosses of maize lines important for European maize breeding. With this new data set we analyzed genome-based best linear unbiased prediction in different validation schemes and compositions of estimation and test sets. Further, we theoretically and empirically investigated marker linkage phases across multiparental populations. In general, predictive abilities similar to or higher than those within biparental families could be achieved by combining several half-sib families in the estimation set. For the majority of families, 375 half-sib lines in the estimation set were sufficient to reach the same predictive performance of biomass yield as an estimation set of 50 full-sib lines. In contrast, prediction across heterotic pools was not possible for most cases. Our findings are important for experimental design in genome-based prediction as they provide guidelines for the genetic structure and required sample size of data sets used for model training.
Identification of a Novel Gene for Diabetic Traits in Rats, Mice, and Humans
Authors: Tsaih Shirng-Wern , Holl Katie , Jia Shuang , Kaldunski Mary , Tschannen Michael , He Hong , Andrae Jaime Wendt , Li Shun-Hua , Stoddard Alex , Wiederhold Andrew , Parrington John , Ruas da Silva Margarida , Galione Antony , Meigs James ,   Meta-Analyses of Glucose and Insulin-Related Traits Consortium (MAGIC) Investigators, Hoffmann Raymond G , Simpson Pippa , Jacob Howard , Hessner Martin , Solberg Woods Leah C
Published: September 2014

The genetic basis of type 2 diabetes remains incompletely defined despite the use of multiple genetic strategies. Multiparental populations such as heterogeneous stocks (HS) facilitate gene discovery by allowing fine mapping to only a few megabases, significantly decreasing the number of potential candidate genes compared to traditional mapping strategies. In the present work, we employed expression and sequence analysis in HS rats (Rattus norvegicus) to identify Tpcn2 as a likely causal gene underlying a 3.1-Mb locus for glucose and insulin levels. Global gene expression analysis on liver identified Tpcn2 as the only gene in the region that is differentially expressed between HS rats with glucose intolerance and those with normal glucose regulation. Tpcn2 also maps as a cis-regulating expression QTL and is negatively correlated with fasting glucose levels. We used founder sequence to identify variants within this region and assessed association between 18 variants and diabetic traits by conducting a mixed-model analysis, accounting for the complex family structure of the HS. We found that two variants were significantly associated with fasting glucose levels, including a nonsynonymous coding variant within Tpcn2. Studies in Tpcn2 knockout mice demonstrated a significant decrease in fasting glucose levels and insulin response to a glucose challenge relative to those in wild-type mice. Finally, we identified variants within Tpcn2 that are associated with fasting insulin in humans. These studies indicate that Tpcn2 is a likely causal gene that may play a role in human diabetes and demonstrate the utility of multiparental populations for positionally cloning genes within complex loci.
Bayesian Modeling of Haplotype Effects in Multiparent Populations
Authors: Zhang Zhaojun , Wang Wei , Valdar William
Published: September 2014

A general Bayesian model, Diploffect, is described for estimating the effects of founder haplotypes at quantitative trait loci (QTL) detected in multiparental genetic populations; such populations include the Collaborative Cross (CC), Heterogeneous Socks (HS), and many others for which local genetic variation is well described by an underlying, usually probabilistically inferred, haplotype mosaic. Our aim is to provide a framework for coherent estimation of haplotype and diplotype (haplotype pair) effects that takes into account the following: uncertainty in haplotype composition for each individual; uncertainty arising from small sample sizes and infrequently observed haplotype combinations; possible effects of dominance (for noninbred subjects); genetic background; and that provides a means to incorporate data that may be incomplete or has a hierarchical structure. Using the results of a probabilistic haplotype reconstruction as prior information, we obtain posterior distributions at the QTL for both haplotype effects and haplotype composition. Two alternative computational approaches are supplied: a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler and a procedure based on importance sampling of integrated nested Laplace approximations. Using simulations of QTL in the incipient CC (pre-CC) and Northport HS populations, we compare the accuracy of Diploffect, approximations to it, and more commonly used approaches based on Haley–Knott regression, describing trade-offs between these methods. We also estimate effects for three QTL previously identified in those populations, obtaining posterior intervals that describe how the phenotype might be affected by diplotype substitutions at the modeled locus.
High-Resolution Genetic Mapping of Complex Traits from a Combined Analysis of F2 and Advanced Intercross Mice
Authors: Parker Clarissa C , Carbonetto Peter , Sokoloff Greta , Park Yeonhee J , Abney Mark , Palmer Abraham A
Published: September 2014

Genetic influences on anxiety disorders are well documented; however, the specific genes underlying these disorders remain largely unknown. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for conditioned fear and open field behavior, we used an F2 intercross (n = 490) and a 34th-generation advanced intercross line (AIL) (n = 687) from the LG/J and SM/J inbred mouse strains. The F2 provided strong support for several QTL, but within wide chromosomal regions. The AIL yielded much narrower QTL, but the results were less statistically significant, despite the larger number of mice. Simultaneous analysis of the F2 and AIL provided strong support for QTL and within much narrower regions. We used a linear mixed-model approach, implemented in the program QTLRel, to correct for possible confounding due to familial relatedness. Because we recorded the full pedigree, we were able to empirically compare two ways of accounting for relatedness: using the pedigree to estimate kinship coefficients and using genetic marker estimates of “realized relatedness.” QTL mapping using the marker-based estimates yielded more support for QTL, but only when we excluded the chromosome being scanned from the marker-based relatedness estimates. We used a forward model selection procedure to assess evidence for multiple QTL on the same chromosome. Overall, we identified 12 significant loci for behaviors in the open field and 12 significant loci for conditioned fear behaviors. Our approach implements multiple advances to integrated analysis of F2 and AILs that provide both power and precision, while maintaining the advantages of using only two inbred strains to map QTL.
Characterizing Uncertainty in High-Density Maps from Multiparental Populations
Authors: Ahfock Daniel , Wood Ian , Stephen Stuart , Cavanagh Colin R , Huang B Emma
Published: September 2014

Multiparental populations are of considerable interest in high-density genetic mapping due to their increased levels of polymorphism and recombination relative to biparental populations. However, errors in map construction can have significant impact on QTL discovery in later stages of analysis, and few methods have been developed to quantify the uncertainty attached to the reported order of markers or intermarker distances. Current methods are computationally intensive or limited to assessing uncertainty only for order or distance, but not both simultaneously. We derive the asymptotic joint distribution of maximum composite likelihood estimators for intermarker distances. This approach allows us to construct hypothesis tests and confidence intervals for simultaneously assessing marker-order instability and distance uncertainty. We investigate the effects of marker density, population size, and founder distribution patterns on map confidence in multiparental populations through simulations. Using these data, we provide guidelines on sample sizes necessary to map markers at sub-centimorgan densities with high certainty. We apply these approaches to data from a bread wheat Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) population genotyped using the Illumina 9K SNP chip to assess regions of uncertainty and validate them against the recently released pseudomolecule for the wheat chromosome 3B.
Electrical Properties at Grain Boundaries Influenced by Cr3+Diffusion in SnO2.ZnO.Nb2O5-Films Varistor Prepared by Electrophoresis Deposition
Authors: Lustosa Glauco M. M. M. , Costa João Paulo C. , Perazolli Leinig A. , Zaghete Maria A.
Published: September 2014

SnO2-based varistors are strong candidates to replace the ZnO-based varistors due to ordering fewer additives to improve its electrical behavior as well as by showing similar nonlinear characteristics of ZnO varistors. In this work, SnO2-nanoparticles based-varistors with addition of 1.0 %mol of ZnO and 0.05 %mol of Nb2O5were synthesized by chemical route. SnO2.ZnO.Nb2O5-films with 5 μm of thickness were obtained by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of the nanoparticles on Si/Pt substrate from alcoholic suspension of SnO2-based powder. The sintering step was carried out in a microwave oven at 1000 °C for 40 minutes. Then, Cr3+ions were deposited on the films surface by EPD after the sintering step. Each sample was submitted to different thermal treatments to improve the varistor behavior by diffusion of ions in the samples. The films showed a nonlinear coefficient (α) greater than 9, breakdown voltage (VR) around 60 V, low leakage current (IF≈ 10-6A), height potential barrier above 0.5 eV and grain boundary resistivity upward of 107Ω.cm.
Synthesis and Characterization of NaNbO3 Mesostructure by a Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Teixeira Guilhermina F. , Zaghete Maria Ap. , Varela José A. , Longo Elson
Published: September 2014

In the present work, we report the synthesis and characterization of NaNbO3 particles obtained by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method from Nb2O5 and NaOH. The synthesis was made at different periods at 180 °C and 300W. The crystallization of NaNbO3 structures produced Na2Nb2O6.H2O in the intermediate phase with fiber-like morphology, and this is associated with the synthesis time. Pure orthorhombic NaNbO3 with cube-like morphology originates after synthesizing for 240 minutes. To verify the remnant polarization of particles, films were obtained by electrophoresis process and sintered at 800°C for 10 minutes in a microwave furnace. The films characterization indicated that films of niobate with fiber-like morphology present remaining polarization, and the morphology of cubes did not show remaining polarization. Considering these results, it can be concluded that the morphology implemented ferroelectric property of NaNbO3.
Fabrication of Flexible Photonic Crystal Slabs
Authors: Karrock Torben , Schmalz Julius , Nazirizadeh Yousef , Gerken Martina
Published: September 2014

Two methods for the fabrication of flexible and stretchable photonic crystal slabs are demonstrated and compared. In both cases a periodically nanostructured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane is used as substrate. The first method is based on oblique-angle vapor deposition of SiO as a high refractive index material onto the nanostructured membrane. The deposition is made at an angle of 45° to the surface. The grooves of the nanostructure are aligned such that shading effects cause an inhomogeneous layer thickness distribution on the surface. This supports controlled, periodic cracking of the high index layer upon stretching. In the second approach ZnO nanoparticles are spin-coated on the nanostructured PDMS membrane. Here, the membrane can be stretched and serves as a photonic crystal slab without the need of any further treatment. For both types of flexible photonic crystal slabs a shift of the guided mode resonances to longer wavelengths is observed upon stretching. For a 20% strain perpendicular to the grating grooves a resonance shift of more than 50 nm is obtained.
Gene Expression Profiles of Early Implant Adherent Cells in Smokers and Nonsmokers
Authors: Thalji Ghadeer , Cooper Lyndon F. , Nares Salvador
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of smoking on the early molecular events involved in peri-implant healing at either a micro-roughened or a micro-roughened with superimposed nanofeatures surface implant in humans. Twenty-one subjects, 10 smokers and 11 nonsmokers received 4 mini-implants (2.2 × 5.0 mm; 2 of each surface). After 3 and 7 days, paired mini-implants were retrieved by reverse threading and RNA isolated from implant adherent cells. Whole genome microarrays were used interrogate the gene expression profiles. The study failed to identify differences in the gene expression profiles of implant adherent cells at this early stage of osseointegration (up to day 7) comparing smoker and nonsmoker individuals.
Experience With Afatinib in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Progressing After Clinical Benefit From Gefitinib and Erlotinib
Authors: Schuler Martin , Fischer Jürgen R. , Grohé Christian , Gütz Sylvia , Thomas Michael , Kimmich Martin , Schneider Claus-Peter , Laack Eckart , Märten Angela ,   for the Afatinib Compassionate Use Consortium
Published: September 2014

Background.

Afatinib, an irreversible ErbB family blocker, demonstrated superiority to chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Afatinib is also active in patients progressing on EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). We report the results of a large cohort of NSCLC patients receiving afatinib within a compassionate-use program (CUP).

Patients and Methods.

Patients with advanced NSCLC progressing after one line or more of chemotherapy and one line or more of EGFR-TKI treatment with either an EGFR mutation or documented clinical benefit were enrolled. Data collection was not monitored or verified by central review. The intention of this CUP was to provide controlled preregistration access to afatinib for patients with life-threatening diseases and no other treatment option.

Results.

From May 2010 to October 2013, 573 patients (65% female; median age: 64 years [range: 28–89 years]) were enrolled, with strong participation of community oncologists. Comorbidities were allowed, including second malignancies in 11% of patients. EGFR mutation status was available in 391 patients (72%), and 83% tested mutation positive. Median time to treatment failure (TTF) of 541 patients treated with afatinib was 3.7 months (range: 0.0 to >29.0 months). Median TTF was 4.0 and 2.7 months in patients with adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, respectively, and 4.6 months in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Adverse events were generally manageable.

Conclusion.

Afatinib was able to be given in a real-world setting to heavily pretreated patients with EGFR-mutated or EGFR-TKI-sensitive NSCLC. Acknowledging the constraints of data collection in a CUP, afatinib appears to be safe and to confer some clinical benefit in this population.
Damage evaluation of single-layer cable net façade
Authors: Shi Gang , Fan Hao , Bai Yu , Zheng Jingjie
Published: September 2014

Damage such as cable pre-stress loss and anchorage failure may occur in a glass curtain wall structure supported by single-layer plane cable net but the influence on overall structural responses has not yet been identified. A finite-element model considering the stiffness contribution from glass panels is established to study the effects of two forms of damage: pre-stress loss and anchorage failure. The accuracy and reliability of the numerical model are validated experimentally, and the effects of stiffness of the glass panel on stress distributions are discussed. Compared to experimental results, the finite-element model has sufficient accuracy to quantify the damage effects. The contribution from bending stiffness of glass panels to overall structural stiffness is identified as about 10·6% and that from the glass panel membrane effect is about 12·2%. The modelling approach is extended to describe a realistic 15 m × 15 m glass curtain wall structure. The corresponding parametric analysis demonstrates that the stiffness contribution from glass panels depends on certain design parameters (e.g. number of glass grids and overall span), but can be ignored for structures with more than ten grids. In the investigated structures with 6∼15 grids, almost no difference was found between the effects of damage on the glass curtain wall structure and on the pure supporting cable net structure.
Concrete deterioration detection using distributed sensors
Authors: Regier Ryan , Hoult Neil A.
Published: September 2014

The potential for using a distributed fibre optic strain sensor system to detect and quantify localised reinforcement deterioration and explore the failure mechanism of reinforced concrete beams is investigated. The objective is to discover whether distributed fibre optic strain sensors installed either internally or externally can detect pitting corrosion in reinforced concrete beams, and be used to better understand structural behaviour. These sensors enable strain to be measured along the full length of the fibre optic cable, whereas conventional electrical resistance strain gauges offer discrete measurements that may not capture localised strain changes. Axial tension tests on reinforcement bars demonstrate that deterioration detection is possible, but that quantification of deterioration is not necessarily straightforward, depending on the extent of deterioration. Four-point bending tests on reinforced concrete beams illustrate that localised deterioration can be detected and quantified with embedded sensing fibres and that cracks can be detected using externally bonded fibres. The top and bottom reinforcement strain profiles are used to demonstrate that the unexpected ultimate failure loads of the beams are the result of specimens behaving as tied arches at failure. Overall the distributed fibre optic sensor system proves to be effective for detection and quantification of localised deterioration and provides the necessary data to assess the beam failure mechanism.
Urbanisation, urban planning and paradigms: new theories, China's practices and discussion
Authors: Zhang Beibei , Zhou Jiangping
Published: September 2014

The paper builds a new framework by applying the idea of ‘paradigms’ to urbanisation and urban planning. Under this framework, new theories are summarised from recent influential literature reviewing and criticising western developed countries' history of urbanisation and urban planning; also China's newest related practices are examined. It is found that the literature can generate new areas of concern and guidelines for China; some of China's practices are shown to have transcended those in the western developed world and are in the process of producing new paradigms. Thus increased dialogue between the influential literature and related practices in China would bring about new paradigms for China and even for the world. The new paradigms would help China and the world in general to realise improved urbanisation and urban planning.
Urban residential area transitions in China: patterns, trends and determinations
Authors: Feng Lei
Published: September 2014

Profound social and physical changes have taken place in urban China since the economic reform in 1978. This study investigates the patterns and trends of urban residential area transitions and analyses the driving factors behind them. Through a detailed field survey and historical satellite imagery analysis in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, it was found that the basic urban residential unit went through a social and physical succession: from pre-1949 residential areas and work-unit compounds to commodity housing estates, then to city complexes during the last three decades. As the various kinds of residential areas coexisted during the transition period, the overall urban form appears as a mosaic-like pattern, with reduced regularity along a rural–urban gradient. The transitions were achieved at the expense of a huge loss of natural ecology and arable land and also led to overheating in the residential market. Concern is also raised about the vulnerability of living conditions in current urban China.
Quantifying canopy complexity and effects on productivity and resilience in late‐successional hemlock–hardwood forests
Authors: Fahey Robert T. , Fotis Alexander T. , Woods Kerry D.
Published: September 2014

The regrowing forests of eastern North America have been an important global C sink over the past 100+ years, but many are now transitioning into late succession. The consequences of this transition are unclear due to uncertainty around the C dynamics of old‐growth forests. Canopy structural complexity (CSC) has been shown to be an important source of variability in C dynamics in younger forests (e.g., in productivity and resilience to disturbance), but its role in late‐successional forests has not been widely addressed. We investigated patterns of CSC in two old‐growth forest landscapes in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA, to assess factors associated with CSC and its influence on productivity and disturbance resilience (to moderate‐severity windstorm). CSC was quantified using a portable below‐canopy LiDAR (PCL) system in 65 plots that also had long‐term (50–70+ years) inventory data, which were used to quantify aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP), disturbance history, and stand characteristics. We found high and variable CSC relative to younger forests across a suite of PCL‐derived metrics. Variation in CSC was driven by species composition and size structure, rather than disturbance history or site characteristics. Recent moderate severity wind disturbance decreased plot‐scale CSC, but increased stand‐scale variation in CSC. The strong positive correlation between CSC and productivity illustrated in younger forests was not present in undisturbed portions of these late‐successional ecosystems. Moderate severity disturbance appeared to reestablish the positive link between CSC and productivity, but this relationship was scale and severity dependent. A positive CSC–productivity relationship was evident at the plot scale with low‐severity, dispersed disturbance, but only at a patch scale in more severely disturbed areas. CSC does not appear to strongly correlate with variation in productivity in undisturbed old‐growth forests, but may play a very important (and scale/severity‐dependent) role in their response to disturbance. Understanding potential drivers and consequences of CSC in late‐successional forests will inform management focused on promoting complexity and old‐growth conditions, and illustrate potential impacts of such treatments on regional C dynamics.
Implementing Evidence-Based Mental Health Care in Low-Resource Settings: A Focus on Safety Planning Procedures
Authors: Murray Laura K. , Skavenski Stephanie , Bass Judith , Wilcox Holly , Bolton Paul , Imasiku Mwiya , Mayeya John
Published: September 2014

Despite advances in global mental health evidence and policy recommendations, the uptake of evidence-based practices (EBP) in low- and middle-income countries has been slow. Lower resource settings have several challenges, such as limited trained personnel, lack of government resources set aside for mental health, poorly developed mental health systems, and inadequate child protection services. Given these inherent challenges, a possible barrier to implementation of EBP is how to handle safety risks such as suicide, intimate partner violence (IPV), and/or abuse. Safety issues are prevalent in populations with mental health problems and often overlooked and/or underreported. This article briefly reviews common safety issues such as suicide, IPV, and child abuse and proposes the use of certain implementation strategies which could be helpful in creating locally appropriate safety protocols. This article lays out steps and examples of how to create a safety protocol and describes and presents data on safety cases from three different studies. Discussion includes specific challenges and future directions, focusing on implementation.
Taking the Right Action in the Right Way: A Comparison of Frameworks for Assessing the Health and Quality of Life of a Postsecondary Student Campus Community
Authors: Racher Frances E. , Hyndman Kathyrn , Anonson June , Arries Ebin , Foster Cathy
Published: September 2014

The focus of campus health research, historically, has been on population health at the individual or aggregate level with little effort to examine the health of the students at a community level with a focus on the broader determinants of health and community-level intervention. The purpose of this article is to critique three models or frameworks of campus health, articulate the World Health Organization (WHO) vision of a health-promoting university, and demonstrate the efficacy of adapting the Community Health Action model for use in university and college settings. Foundational within this proposed model is taking the right action using the right process, an inclusive participatory process. Adaptation of the model requires careful attention to student engagement in community, a healthy campus infrastructure and processes, and relationships beyond the campus. Effective student community assessment and improvement of student community health, ultimately, will serve to generate knowledge and build skills at various levels to benefit the health and quality of life of the students, their student community, the educational institution, and the broader community.
Abjection in Nursing: Silently Reading the Body
Authors: Montgomery Sheila Ray
Published: September 2014

Aim: Throughout their careers, nurses must deal with patients that may invoke feelings of dejection, repulsion, or distress. This abjection of the patient is a real issue already established within the literature. This article seeks to enlighten what continues to be silenced in nursing practice. Approach: This article will present a paradigm of the nurse, patient’s body, and professional caring through the lens of abjection as theoretically defined by Julia Kristeva, using body hair in women as a forum for discussion. Conclusion: Abjection is linked, by its very nature, to the definitions of professional caring. The ability to read a body through the abjection of one’s own self is a rite of passage for most nurses.
Work Stress and Emotional Exhaustion in Nurses: The Mediating Role of Internal Locus of Control
Authors: Günüşen Neslihan Partlak , Üstün Besti , Erdem Sabri
Published: September 2014

Background: Burnout is a major problem for nursing. There is a strong relationship between work stress and emotional exhaustion. Although studies report a negative correlation between the internal locus of control and emotional exhaustion and work stress, the number of studies available on the subject is limited. Purpose: This study intends to examine the extent to which the relationship between work stress and emotional exhaustion is mediated by nurses’ internal locus of control. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques. The study sample consisted of 347 nurses who worked in a university hospital in Izmir, Turkey and who agreed to participate in the study. The Work-Related Strain Inventory was used to evaluate the nurses’ work stress level, Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to evaluate their emotional exhaustion levels, and the Locus of Control Scale was used to evaluate the internal locus of control. The variables of the study were based on the Neuman Systems Model. Results: Work stress was positively related to internal locus of control (β = .21, p < .001), which was, in turn, negatively associated with emotional exhaustion (β = −.03, p > 0.1). Internal locus of control was negatively related to emotional exhaustion (β = −.14, p < .001). Work stress is directly (β = .87, p < .001) and indirectly related to emotional exhaustion (mediated by internal locus of control β = .84, p < .001). Work stress is directly (β = .87, p < .001) and indirectly related to emotional exhaustion (mediated by internal locus of control, β = .84, p < .001). Conclusion: Although the relationship between emotional exhaustion and work stress was mediated, the impact of internal locus of control was limited. It is recommended that different variables be included in future studies so that they can mediate the relationship between work stress and emotional exhaustion.
Serum Adenosine Deaminase Level is High But Not Related with Disease Activity Parameters in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Demir Gülseren , Borman Pınar , Ayhan Figen , Özgün Tuba , Kaygısız Ferda , Yilmez Gulsen
Published: September 2014

Serum adenosine deaminase (ADA) has been previously proposed to predict disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the level of serum ADA, and the relationship between ADA and disease activity markers, in a group of patients with RA.

A hundred and 10 patients with a diagnosis of RA were recruited from outpatient clinic of Rheumatology Unit. Demographic properties comprising age, gender, disease duration and drugs were recorded. Disease activity based on disease activity score (DAS)28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and DAS28- C reactive protein (CRP,) ESR, CRP levels, as well as pain by visual analog scale and rheumatoid factor (RF) were recorded. Serum ADA levels (IU/L) were determined in all RA patients and in 55 age and sex similar healthy control subjects.

Ninety-six female and 14 male RA patients with a mean age of 54.32±11.51, and with a mean disease duration of 11.5±9.13 years were included to the study. The control group comprised of 48 female and 7 male healthy subjects. 35.5% of the patients were on methotrexate (MTX) and 64.5% of patients were on combined DMARDs or combined MTX and anti-TNF therapies. The mean serum ADA level was statistically higher in RA patients than in control subjects (27.01±10.6 IU/Lvs21.8 ±9.9 IU/L). The mean values of ESR (23.2±14.8 mm/h), CRP (1.71±1.11mg/dL), pain by VAS (37.2±27.1), DAS28-ESR (2.72±0.77), DAS28 CRP (1.37±0.5) were not correlated with ADA levels (p>0.05).

Our results have shown that serum ADA levels are higher in RA patients than in controls but were not related with any of the disease activity markers. We conclude that ADA in the serum may not be a reliable biochemical marker to predict disease activity in patients with RA.
Incidence of Remission in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes & Aging Study
Authors: Karter Andrew J. , Nundy Shantanu , Parker Melissa M. , Moffet Howard H. , Huang Elbert S.
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence of remission in adults with type 2 diabetes not treated with bariatric surgery and to identify variables associated with remission.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We quantified the incidence of diabetes remission and examined its correlates among 122,781 adults with type 2 diabetes in an integrated healthcare delivery system. Remission required the absence of ongoing drug therapy and was defined as follows: 1) partial: at least 1 year of subdiabetic hyperglycemia (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] level 5.7–6.4% [39–46 mmol/mol]); 2) complete: at least 1 year of normoglycemia (HbA1c level <5.7% [<39 mmol/mol]); and 3) prolonged: complete remission for at least 5 years.

RESULTS

The incidence density (remissions per 1,000 person-years; 95% CI) of partial, complete, or prolonged remission was 2.8 (2.6–2.9), 0.24 (0.20–0.28), and 0.04 (0.01–0.06), respectively. The 7-year cumulative incidence of partial, complete, or prolonged remission was 1.47% (1.40–1.54%), 0.14% (0.12–0.16%), and 0.007% (0.003–0.020%), respectively. The 7-year cumulative incidence of achieving any remission was 1.60% in the whole cohort (1.53–1.68%) and 4.6% in the subgroup with new-onset diabetes (<2 years since diagnosis) (4.3–4.9%). After adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics, correlates of remission included age >65 years, African American race, <2 years since diagnosis, baseline HbA1c level <5.7% (<39 mmol/mol), and no diabetes medication at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

In community settings, remission of type 2 diabetes does occur without bariatric surgery, but it is very rare.
Permanence of Values as an Important Element of Family Life
Authors: Cudak Henryk
Published: September 2014

In contemporary family the roles of parents have changed. The methods of passing values and their hierarchy to children are also changed. Therefore it is important for nowadays families to have an aware educational and upbringing program, as it is the only way, through the consequent teaching of the system of values, set in new social role context it is possible for a child to achieve the coherent system of values