bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The YOU CALL–WE CALL Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rochette Annie , Korner-Bitensky Nicol , Bishop Duane , Teasell Robert , White Carole L. , Bravo Gina , Côté Robert , Green Teri , Lebrun Louise-Hélène , Lanthier Sylvain , Kapral Moira , Bayley Mark
Published: November 2013

Background—

Comparison of a multimodal intervention WE CALL (study initiated phone support/information provision) versus a passive intervention YOU CALL (participant can contact a resource person) in individuals with first mild stroke.

Methods and Results—

This study is a single-blinded randomized clinical trial. Primary outcome includes unplanned use of health services (participant diaries) for adverse events and quality of life (Euroquol-5D, Quality of Life Index). Secondary outcomes include planned use of health services (diaries), mood (Beck Depression Inventory II), and participation (Assessment of Life Habits [LIFE-H]). Blind assessments were done at baseline, 6, and 12 months. A mixed model approach for statistical analysis on an intention-to-treat basis was used where the group factor was intervention type and occasion factor time, with a significance level of 0.01. We enrolled 186 patients (WE=92; YOU=94) with a mean age of 62.5±12.5 years, and 42.5% were women. No significant differences were seen between groups at 6 months for any outcomes with both groups improving from baseline on all measures (effect sizes ranged from 0.25 to 0.7). The only significant change for both groups from 6 months to 1 year (n=139) was in the social domains of the LIFE-H (increment in score, 0.4/9±1.3 [95% confidence interval, 0.1–0.7]; effect size, 0.3). Qualitatively, the WE CALL intervention was perceived as reassuring, increased insight, and problem solving while decreasing anxiety. Only 6 of 94 (6.4%) YOU CALL participants availed themselves of the intervention.

Conclusions—

Although the 2 groups improved equally over time, WE CALL intervention was perceived as helpful, whereas YOU CALL intervention was not used.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.controlled-trials.com
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN95662526.
Association Between Perceived Life Chaos and Medication Adherence in a Postmyocardial Infarction Population
Authors: Zullig Leah L. , Shaw Ryan J. , Crowley Matthew J. , Lindquist Jennifer , Grambow Steven C. , Peterson Eric , Shah Bimal R. , Bosworth Hayden B.
Published: November 2013

Background—

The benefits of medication adherence to control cardiovascular disease (CVD) are well defined, yet multiple studies have identified poor adherence. The influence of life chaos on medication adherence is unknown. Because this is a novel application of an instrument, our preliminary objective was to understand patient factors associated with chaos. The main objective was to evaluate the extent to which an instrument designed to measure life chaos is associated with CVD-medication nonadherence.

Methods and Results—

Using baseline data from an ongoing randomized trial to improve postmyocardial infarction (MI) management, multivariable logistic regression identified the association between life chaos and CVD-medication nonadherence. Patients had hypertension and a myocardial infarction in the past 3 years (n=406). Nearly 43% reported CVD-medication nonadherence in the past month. In simple linear regression, the following were associated with higher life chaos: medication nonadherence (β=1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96–2.76), female sex (β=1.22; 95% CI [0.22–2.24]), minority race (β=1.72; 95% CI [0.78–2.66]), having less than high school education (β=2.05; 95% CI [0.71–3.39]), low health literacy (β=2.06; 95% CI [0.86–3.26]), and inadequate financial status (β=1.93; 95% CI [0.87–3.00]). Being married (β=−2.09, 95% CI [−3.03 to −1.15]) was associated with lower life chaos. As chaos quartile increased, patients exhibited more nonadherence. In logistic regression, adjusting for sex, race, marital status, employment, education, health literacy, and financial status, a 1-unit life chaos increase was associated with a 7% increase (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI [1.02–1.12]) in odds of reporting medication nonadherence.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that life chaos may be an important determinant of medication adherence. Life chaos screenings could identify those at risk for nonadherence.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT000901277
The China Patient-Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events (China PEACE) Retrospective Study of Acute Myocardial Infarction: Study Design
Authors: Dharmarajan Kumar , Li Jing , Li Xi , Lin Zhenqiu , Krumholz Harlan M. , Jiang Lixin
Published: November 2013

Background—

Cardiovascular diseases are rising as a cause of death and disability in China. To improve outcomes for patients with these conditions, the Chinese government, academic researchers, clinicians, and >200 hospitals have created China Patient-Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events (China PEACE), a national network for research and performance improvement. The first study from China PEACE, the Retrospective Study of Acute Myocardial Infarction (China PEACE-Retrospective AMI Study), is designed to promote improvements in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) quality of care by generating knowledge about the characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of patients hospitalized with AMI across a representative sample of Chinese hospitals during the past decade.

Methods and Results—

The China PEACE-Retrospective AMI Study will examine >18 000 patient records from 162 hospitals identified using a 2-stage cluster sampling design within economic–geographic regions. Records were chosen from 2001, 2006, and 2011 to identify temporal trends. Data quality will be monitored by a central coordinating center and will, in particular, address case ascertainment, data abstraction, and data management. Analyses will examine patient characteristics, diagnostic testing patterns, in-hospital treatments, in-hospital outcomes, and variation in results by time and site of care. In addition to publications, data will be shared with participating hospitals and the Chinese government to develop strategies to promote quality improvement.

Conclusions—

The China PEACE-Retrospective AMI Study is the first to leverage the China PEACE platform to better understand AMI across representative sites of care and during the past decade in China. The China PEACE collaboration among government, academicians, clinicians, and hospitals is poised to translate research about trends and patterns of AMI practices and outcomes into improved care for patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01624883.
Formation and Function of Acute Stroke–Ready Hospitals Within a Stroke System of Care Recommendations From the Brain Attack Coalition
Authors: Alberts Mark J. , Wechsler Lawrence R. , Jensen Mary E. Lee , Latchaw Richard E. , Crocco Todd J. , George Mary G. , Baranski James , Bass Robert R. , Ruff Robert L. , Huang Judy , Mancini Barbara , Gregory Tammy , Gress Daryl , Emr Marian , Warren Margo , Walker Michael D.
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose—

Many patients with an acute stroke live in areas without ready access to a Primary or Comprehensive Stroke Center. The formation of care facilities that meet the needs of these patients might improve their care and outcomes and guide them and emergency responders to such centers within a stroke system of care.

Methods—

The Brain Attack Coalition conducted an electronic search of the English medical literature from January 2000 to December 2012 to identify care elements and processes shown to be beneficial for acute stroke care. We used evidence grading and consensus paradigms to synthesize recommendations for Acute Stroke–Ready Hospitals (ASRHs).

Results—

Several key elements for an ASRH were identified, including acute stroke teams, written care protocols, involvement of emergency medical services and emergency department, and rapid laboratory and neuroimaging testing. Unique aspects include the use of telemedicine, hospital transfer protocols, and drip and ship therapies. Emergent therapies include the use of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator and the reversal of coagulopathies. Although many of the care elements are similar to those of a Primary Stroke Center, compliance rates of ≥67% are suggested in recognition of the staffing, logistical, and financial challenges faced by rural facilities.

Conclusions—

ASRHs will form the foundation for acute stroke care in many settings. Recommended elements of an ASRH build on those proven to improve care and outcomes at Primary Stroke Centers. The ASRH will be a key component for patient care within an evolving stroke system of care.
Loss of Mural Cells Leads to Wall Degeneration, Aneurysm Growth, and Eventual Rupture in a Rat Aneurysm Model
Authors: Marbacher Serge , Marjamaa Johan , Bradacova Katerina , von Gunten Michael , Honkanen Petri , Abo-Ramadan Usama , Hernesniemi Juha , Niemelä Mika , Frösen Juhana
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose—

The biological mechanisms predisposing intracranial saccular aneurysms to growth and rupture are not yet fully understood. Mural cell loss is a histological hallmark of ruptured cerebral aneurysms. It remains unclear whether mural cell loss predisposes to aneurysm growth and eventual rupture.

Methods—

Sodium dodecyl sulfate decellularized and nondecellularized saccular aneurysm from syngeneic thoracic aortas were transplanted to the abdominal aorta of Wistar rats. Aneurysm patency and growth was followed up for 1 month with contrast-enhanced serial magnetic resonance angiographies. Endoscopy and histology of the aneurysms were used to assess the role of periadventitial environment, aneurysm wall, and thrombus remodeling.

Results—

Nondecellularized aneurysms (n=12) showed a linear course of thrombosis and remained stable. Decellularized aneurysms (n=12) exhibited a heterogeneous pattern of thrombosis, thrombus recanalization, and growth. Three of the growing aneurysms (n=5) ruptured during the observation period. Growing and ruptured aneurysms demonstrated marked adventitial fibrosis and inflammation, complete wall disruption, and increased neutrophil accumulation in unorganized intraluminal thrombus.

Conclusions—

In the presented experimental setting, complete loss of mural cells acts as a driving force for aneurysm growth and rupture. The findings suggest that aneurysms missing mural cells are incapable to organize a luminal thrombus, leading to recanalization, increased inflammatory reaction, severe wall degeneration, and eventual rupture.
Integral Constraints for Momentum and Energy in Zonal Flows with Parameterized Potential Vorticity Fluxes: Governing Parameters
Authors: Ivchenko V. O. , Danilov S. , Sinha B. , Schröter J.
Published: November 2013

Integral constraints for momentum and energy impose restrictions on parameterizations of eddy potential vorticity (PV) fluxes. The impact of these constraints is studied for a wind-forced quasigeostrophic two-layer zonal channel model with variable bottom topography. The presence of a small parameter, given by the ratio of Rossby radius to the width of the channel, makes it possible to find an analytical/asymptotic solution for the zonally and time-averaged flow, given diffusive parameterizations for the eddy PV fluxes. This solution, when substituted in the constraints, leads to nontrivial explicit restrictions on diffusivities. The system is characterized by four dimensionless governing parameters with a clear physical interpretation. The bottom form stress, the major term balancing the external force of wind stress, depends on the governing parameters and fundamentally modifies the restrictions compared to the flat bottom case. While the analytical solution bears an illustrative character, it helps to see certain nontrivial connections in the system that will be useful in the analysis of more complicated models of ocean circulation. A numerical solution supports the analytical study and confirms that the presence of topography strongly modifies the eddy fluxes.
Summer Precipitation Events over the Western Slope of the Subtropical Andes
Authors: Viale Maximiliano , Garreaud René
Published: November 2013

Summertime [December–February (DJF)] precipitation over the western slopes of the subtropical Andes (32°–36°S) accounts for less than 10% of the annual accumulation, but it mostly occurs as rain and may trigger landslides leading to serious damages. Based on 13 year of reanalysis, in situ observations, and satellite imagery, a synoptic climatology and physical diagnosis reveal two main weather types lead to distinct precipitation systems. The most frequent type (~80% of the cases) occurs when a short-wave midlevel trough with weak winds and thermally driven mountain winds favor the development of convective precipitation during the daytime. The trough progresses northwest of a long-lasting warm ridge, which produces low-level easterly airflow that enhances its buoyancy as it moves over the arid land of western Argentina toward the Andes. The weak winds aloft facilitate the penetration of the moist easterly flow into the Andes. Midlevel flow coming from the west side of the Andes is decoupled from the low-level maritime air by a temperature inversion, and thus provides little moisture to support precipitation. The less frequent type (~20% of the cases) occurs when a deep midlevel trough and strong westerly flow produces stratiform precipitation. This type has a baroclinic nature akin to winter storms, except that they are rare in summer and there is no evidence of a frontal passage at low levels. The lifting and cooling ahead of the trough erode the typical temperature inversion over the Pacific coast, and thus allows upslope transport of low-level marine air by the strong westerlies forming a precipitating cloud cap on the western slope of the Andes.
Building Home–School Relationships to Enhance Reading Achievement for Students From Families With Limited Financial Resources
Authors: Pemberton Kimberly D. , Miller Samuel
Published: November 2013

In Phase I, expectations for parental involvement were evaluated in a Title I school with a history of low reading achievement. Interviews were conducted with the principal, parent liaison, two first-grade teachers, and four families with limited financial resources whose children struggled in reading. Administrators and teachers believed parents’ lack of involvement at school events conveyed the wrong values to their children and served as a primary reason for continued poor academic performances. In Phase II, parents and teachers partnered to tutor students. For those families who participated in tutoring, their children’s reading progress after 2 months of tutoring matched or exceeded their growth during the previous 7 months of receiving only classroom instruction. Teachers’ initial skepticism regarding parents’ ability to tutor was replaced by a new appreciation for their efforts. Discussion focuses on both the quantity and the quality of parental involvement using a framework by Pomerantz and Moorman.
Federalism in South Sudan—Options for Power Sharing in the Permanent Constitution
Authors: de Villiers Bertus
Published: November 2013

The young nation of South Sudan is currently engaged in a review of its Transitional Constitution with the aim of finalizing a Permanent Constitution by 2015. One of the key issues the subject of negotiations is whether the Permanent Constitution should contain power-sharing features and if so, whether those features should be formal or informal. While it is widely accepted that the Permanent Constitution will contain federal elements, this article gives consideration to the way in which formal and informal power-sharing arrangements that are found in federations such as Nigeria, South Africa and Ethiopia, could be employed by South Sudan.
Transnational Migration, Customary Governance, and the Future of Community
Authors: Robson James P. , Wiest Raymond
Published: November 2013

Common-property regimes owned and governed by predominantly indigenous communities are widespread in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The traditional governance systems of these communities are under strain because of transnational migration, which reduces the number of resident adults available to assume public offices and contribute labor to community projects. A study of responses to this situation in two such communities identified adaptations including the establishment of hometown associations in migrant communities in the United States and the requirement that migrants hire substitutes to fulfill their obligations in the home community. Given shifts in migration patterns and migrant profiles, however, these adaptations have so far been insufficient to relieve the stress on governance institutions, and this has implications for community identity and governance in the future.

Regímenes de propiedad comunitaria en donde los propietarios y gobernantes son las comunidades indígenas son comunes en el estado mexicano de Oaxaca. En la actualidad las estructuras tradicionales de gobernación de estas comunidades sufren bajo la tensión causada por la migración trasnacional, la cual reduce el número de residentes adultos disponibles para asumir cargos públicos y prestar mano de obra para proyectos de la comunidad. Un estudio de las respuestas a esta situación en dos de esas comunidades identificó adaptaciones que incluyen el establecimiento de asociaciones de tierra de origen en las comunidades de migrantes en los Estados Unidos y el requerimiento de contratar a suplentes que cumplan las obligaciones de los migrantes en sus comunidades de origen. Sin embargo, dados los cambios en el modelo migratorio y el perfil del migrante, estas adaptaciones han sido hasta el momento insuficientes para aliviar la tensión en las instituciones de gobierno, lo cual tiene implicaciones para el futuro de la identidad y gobernación comunitarias.
A Multilevel Investigation of Individual- and Unit-Level Human Capital Complementarities
Authors: Crocker Alia , Eckardt Rory
Published: November 2013

Human capital theory has recently expanded to include multilevel analysis by conceptualizing the unit-level human capital resource. At the same time, the value of complementary resources has been theorized to provide competitive advantages for firms. Thus, human capital at one level in the firm may impact the performance of human capital at another level in the firm if the resources are complementary. Through a multilevel analysis performed using hierarchical linear modeling of Major League Baseball data, we show that the relationship between individual human capital and individual performance is impacted by complementary functional and managerial unit-level human capital resources. As such, this paper contributes to the understanding of how complementary multilevel human capital resources relate to performance outcomes. Implications of our findings include support for the notion that more is not always better when it comes to high-quality human capital and that unit-level human capital plays an important role in performance of individual-level human capital.
Esophageal perforation after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Manouchehri Namdar , Turner Simon R , Lockwood Evan , Sterns Laurence D , Bédard Eric LR
Published: November 2013

A 69-year-old man underwent left atrial radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. After 10 minutes, the procedure was terminated due to pericardial tamponade secondary to perforation during mapping. Pericardiocentesis resolved the tamponade. Ablation was completed one week later, and the patient was discharged. Two days later, he presented with odynophagia. Computed tomography demonstrated small bilateral pleural effusions. He was judged to be stable and was discharged again, but returned 2 days later with chest pain. He was found to have esophageal perforation with empyema, which was repaired using a muscle patch and esophageal stenting, successfully treating the lesion with minimal morbidity.
The differences between novice and expert group-piano teaching strategies: A case study and comparison of beginning group piano classes
Authors: Pike Pamela D.
Published: November 2013

This case study compares the teaching strategies employed by a novice and an expert instructor of two beginning children’s group-piano classes. In the United States, there is a century-long tradition of teaching piano to children in groups, and group teaching is championed in pedagogy texts and at professional educator conferences throughout the world. However, there are few meaningful formal opportunities for professional development of group-teaching skills or for observation of successful group-piano instruction available to teachers who wish to develop group-teaching skills. This exploratory study seeks to provide some initial data about group-teaching practices of novice and expert teachers. Curricular considerations, teaching techniques, and student engagement and learning emerged as common themes. Analysis highlights how the components of these themes manifested themselves in these novice and expert teachers’ classes and describes how these teaching techniques affected students. It is hoped that future research will include testing new paradigms for training teachers to work effectively with groups of beginning piano students.
Spiraling Into or Out of Stereotypes? NBC’s Primetime Coverage of Male Figure Skaters at the 2010 Olympic Games
Authors: Angelini James R. , MacArthur Paul J. , Billings Andrew C.
Published: November 2013

Perhaps the most feminized sport in all modern athletics, figure skating receives primacy within any American Winter Olympic telecast—with all of the gendered language that comes with that featured status. This study revealed 13 significantly different dialogue trends between male figure skaters and the aggregate of other male Winter Olympians. Such a high number of differences highlight the convoluted role of perceived masculinity in sport, with male figure skaters as mediated outliers within the overall composite of Olympic dialogue.
Permission to be Authentic
Authors: Dubus Nicole
Published: November 2013

This is a qualitative study of postpartum women recipients of a home-visitation social support program. Recipients of the program have been identified by a health care professional as at risk for moderate postpartum mood disorder. Relational–cultural theory and social support theories provided a conceptual framework. Results indicated (a) new mothers feel isolated and guilt at not feeling happier and (b) that a relational component this study termed “permission to be authentic” appeared to be important. New mothers experience motherhood in a profoundly different context than mothers of other times. These findings may improve the training of providers and program development for postpartum women.
Un Grito
Authors: Chandler Susan , Aguirre Beatriz , Salazar Ricardo
Published: November 2013

In this article, we describe Latino experience within the current, essentially Eurocentric social work curriculum and call for significantly increased Latino content in schools of social work.
Investigation of the active electromagnetic suspension system considering hybrid control strategy
Authors: Montazeri-Gh M , Kavianipour O
Published: November 2013

This paper deals with an electromagnetic damper, which is composed of a permanent-magnet direct current motor, a ball screw, and a nut, as an active actuator. The main objective pursued in the paper is to study the active electromagnetic suspension system (AEMSS) considering hybrid control strategy (the hybrid control strategy is a linear combination of skyhook and groundhook control strategy). For this purpose, the nonlinear equations of the electric circuit of the AEMSS should be developed. Supposing linear conditions, the coefficients determination of the hybrid control strategy is carried out in the frequency domain using the genetic algorithm in order to improve the vehicle performance and energy regeneration simultaneously. Afterwards, the achieved coefficients are used to examine the designed AEMSS in the actual conditions for an actual road profile. The simulation results demonstrate that the designed AEMSS has the desired performance while energy can be regenerated from the road excitation and transformed into electric energy. Furthermore, it has been shown that the designed AEMSS regenerates energy during the ascent and descent of a bump and consumes energy near the top of the bump.
The New Statistics
Authors: Cumming Geoff
Published: November 2013

We need to make substantial changes to how we conduct research. First, in response to heightened concern that our published research literature is incomplete and untrustworthy, we need new requirements to ensure research integrity. These include prespecification of studies whenever possible, avoidance of selection and other inappropriate data-analytic practices, complete reporting, and encouragement of replication. Second, in response to renewed recognition of the severe flaws of null-hypothesis significance testing (NHST), we need to shift from reliance on NHST to estimation and other preferred techniques. The new statistics refers to recommended practices, including estimation based on effect sizes, confidence intervals, and meta-analysis. The techniques are not new, but adopting them widely would be new for many researchers, as well as highly beneficial. This article explains why the new statistics are important and offers guidance for their use. It describes an eight-step new-statistics strategy for research with integrity, which starts with formulation of research questions in estimation terms, has no place for NHST, and is aimed at building a cumulative quantitative discipline.
Mobilization Patterns of Patients After an Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Cortés Olga L. , DiCenso Alba , McKelvie Robert
Published: November 2013

This study was aimed to identify the mobilization patterns of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients during their first three days in the coronary care unit (CCU) by performing a prospective observational pilot study design. The study included 31 diagnosed AMI patients admitted to three CCUs. Mobilization patterns classified as bed rest, semi-fowler, transfer to chair, and standing/walking were documented by CCU nurses for 72 consecutive hours after patient admission to the CCU. Of 2,232 possible mobilization periods (72 hr × 31 patients), 1,385 recorded observations of mobilization (62%) were obtained. Bed rest and semi-fowler positions were the most common mobilization patterns; together they accounted for 70% of the documented positions over the first 72 hr in the CCU. Patients who experience an uncomplicated AMI spend the majority of their first 72 hr in CCU in bed.
Newly Available Antibodies With Practical Applications in Surgical Pathology
Authors: Chan John K. C.
Published: November 2013

Selected antibodies that have become available in recent years and have applications in diagnostic pathology are discussed. They include antibodies that are organ-related, provide information on cellular differentiation or histogenetic type, have predictive value in tumors, and highlight infective agents. PAX8 (paired box gene 8) is a marker expressed in the lower female genital tract, thyroid, and kidney and their tumors. Napsin A is expressed in the lung and kidney and is an alternative marker for pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Arginase A is a sensitive and specific marker for liver tumors. ERG (Ets-related gene) is an excellent marker for endothelium and vascular tumors as well as prostatic cancer (about 50% of cases). SOX10 (SRY-related HMG box) is expressed predominantly in melanocytic and Schwann cells and the corresponding tumors. DOG1 (discovered on GIST 1) is an excellent marker for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and acinic cell carcinoma. OCT3/4 is a pan–germ cell tumor marker, except yolk sac tumor. SALL4 is positive in various types of germ cell tumors, including yolk sac tumor. MUC4 (mucin-related antigen 4) is a sensitive and specific marker for low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma. Langerin is a specific marker for Langerhans cells and their tumors. SOX11 is a sensitive marker for mantle cell lymphoma. New generation antibodies against anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are required to reliably demonstrate ALK gene translocation in pulmonary carcinomas. Lack of expression of succinate dehydrogenase B is seen in paragangliomas of the hereditary form and in the pediatric type of GIST. Antibodies against Trepenoma pallidum can facilitate the diagnosis of syphilis, whereas those against SV40 (simian virus 40) are helpful for diagnosis of BK virus infection and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
Nodal Combined Blue Nevus and Benign Nevus Cells in Multiple Axillary Sentinel Nodes in a Patient With Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Begum S. M. K. Nahar , Lomme Michele , Quddus M. Ruhul
Published: November 2013

Combined blue nevus and benign nevus cells were identified in the same sentinel lymph node. Blue nevus alone was also present in an additional sentinel lymph node in the same axilla in a patient who underwent needle localization, wide local excision, and sentinel lymph node biopsy for her pT1cN1mi(sn)M(na) invasive duct carcinoma of the breast. Of the 4 sentinel lymph nodes, 1 showed micrometastasis and 2 other lymph nodes showed blue nevus involving the capsule and trabeculae of the nodes. The patient had no significant previous clinical history of any skin tumors and had a negative clinical examination for malignant melanoma or pigmented skin lesions after the diagnosis of nodal blue nevus. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of combined blue nevi involving multiple sentinel lymph nodes in the same axilla. An equally interesting finding is the presence of benign nonpigmented nevus cells in continuation with the blue nevus in the same node.
Flexural vibrations of poroelastic solids in the presence of static stresses
Authors: Gurijala Rajitha , Aleti Srisailam , Perati Malla Reddy
Published: November 2013

Employing Biot’s theory of poroelasticity, three-dimensional vibrations in a poroelastic solid that is subjected to static stresses is investigated. By considering second-order coupling between stress and strain, pertinent governing equations are derived. A frequency equation is obtained in the case of static uniaxial stress or strain. Phase velocity against static uniaxial stress is computed in the case of two poroelastic solids and results are presented graphically.
Vibration and stability of laminated composite plates subjected to a combined electromagnetic and thermal field
Authors: Kim Sung-Kyun , Choi Jongwoon , Park Sangyun , Song Ohseop
Published: November 2013

A first-order shear deformation plate theory model of laminated composite plates subjected to a combined electromagnetic and thermal field is developed. The coupled equations of motion are based on the electromagnetic equations (Faraday, Ampere, Ohm, and Lorentz equations) and thermal equations which are involved in constitutive equations. In order to determine the implications of a number of geometrical and physical features of the model, one special case free vibration of a composite plate immersed in a transversal magnetic field is investigated. Special coupling characteristics between the magnetic, elastic and thermal fields are described in this paper. In addition, the free vibration responses of finite composite rectangular plates immersed in a transversal magnetic field are investigated. The vibration response characteristics of a composite plate are exploited in connection with the magnetic field intensity, thermal load, and electric conductivity of fibrous composite materials. Some pertinent conclusions, which highlight the various effects induced by the electromagnetic-thermo-elastic couplings, are outlined.
Tracking devices: On the reception of a novel security good
Authors: Thumala Angélica , Goold Benjamin , Loader Ian
Published: November 2013

In this article, we describe and make sense of the reception of a novel security good: namely, the personal GPS tracking device. There is nothing new about tracking. Electronic monitoring is an established technology with many taken-for-granted uses. Against this backdrop, we focus on a particular juncture in the ‘social life’ of tracking, the moment at which personal trackers were novel goods in the early stages of being brought to market and promoted as protective devices. Using data generated in a wider study of security consumption, our concern is to understand how this extension of tracking technology into everyday routines and social relations was received by its intended consumers and users. How do potential buyers or users respond to these novel protective devices? What is seductive or repulsive about keeping track of those towards whom one has a duty or relationship of care? How do new tracking technologies intersect with – challenge, reshape or get pushed back by – existing social practices and norms, most obviously around questions of risk, responsibility, trust, autonomy and privacy? This article sets out to answer these questions and to consider what the reception of this novel commodity can tell us about the meaning and future of security.
The public faces of public criminology
Authors: Rock Paul
Published: November 2013

There have recently been a number of calls for a public criminology – although the term is ill-defined – as if such a criminology were quite new. A vigorous public criminology did indeed once exist in England and Wales but it presented problems to the politician, policy-maker and scholar, and it became largely forgotten. If a public criminology is to re-emerge, it must contend with a spate of presentational difficulties which appear to have been too little considered.
Occupational performance and grip function following distal radius fracture: A longitudinal study over a six-month period
Authors: Porter Susann
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Recovery following distal radius fracture (DRF) is generally achieved within six months. However, a minority of patients experience functional impairments over a longer period. Traditional outcome measures are grip strength and range of movement. However, this may not reflect all parameters that are important. This study focuses on grip function as well as occupational performance in these patients over a six-month period.

Method

A longitudinal study with follow-up at three to four weeks ( n = 27) and six months ( n = 22) after plaster removal. Patients with a DRF treated with cast or with closed reduction and cast immobilisation were included. Instruments used were the Sollerman Hand Function Test, Visual Analogue Scale, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation Outcome Questionnaire and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand. Changes over time and correlation between grip function, pain after grip function test and occupational performance were calculated.

Results

Improvements in grip function, experienced pain after grip test and occupational performance were significant. A significant correlation was found between grip function and feeling of capability, confidence and usefulness. Grip function was close to normal after six months with no differences between the two treatment methods. A wide distribution of the result in occupational performance after six months indicates the possibility of multi-dimensional reasons for remaining problems.

Discussion

The results highlight the importance of a combination of functional assessment and questionnaires addressing complexity in order to acquire a more complete picture of limitations following a DRF.
Increase of the Ejaculatory Potency by the Systemic Administration of Aqueous Crude Extracts of Cihuapatli (Montanoa Genus) Plants in Spinal Male Rats
Authors: Carro-Juárez Miguel , Franco Miguel Ángel , Rodríguez-Peña María de Lourdes
Published: November 2013

In the present study, evidence on the aphrodisiac activity of Montanoa frutescens and Montanoa grandiflora and a comparison with the aphrodisiac activity of Montanoa tomentosa is presented. By using the fictive ejaculation model in spinal male rats, electromyographic recordings of the genital motor pattern of ejaculation were obtained in the bulbospongiosus muscles and analyzed after the intravenous injection of aqueous crude extracts of Montanoa tomentosa, Montanoa frutescens, and Montanoa grandiflora. Results showed that the systemic administration of the aqueous crude extracts of Montanoa plants elicits a significant increase in the ejaculatory capacity of spinal male rats with very robust ejaculatory motor patterns that included the expression of tonic penile erections and penile movements and the potent expulsion of urethral contents. In conclusion, Montanoa frutescens and Montanoa grandiflora increase the ejaculatory potency with aphrodisiac activity similar to Montanoa tomentosa.
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and risk of lymphoid and myeloid malignancies: 728 cases followed up to 30 years in Sweden
Authors: Turesson Ingemar , Kovalchik Stephanie A. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y. , Goldin Lynn R. , Drayson Mark T. , Landgren Ola
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Free light chain ratio, M-protein concentration, and immunosuppression predict progression of MGUS to lymphoid malignancies.
Fetal hemoglobin in sickle cell anemia: a glass half full?
Authors: Steinberg Martin H. , Chui David H. K. , Dover George J. , Sebastiani Paola , Alsultan Abdulrahman
Published: November 2013

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) modulates the phenotype of sickle cell anemia by inhibiting deoxy sickle hemoglobin (HbS) polymerization. The blood concentration of HbF, or the number of cells with detectable HbF (F-cells), does not measure the amount of HbF/F-cell. Even patients with high HbF can have severe disease because HbF is unevenly distributed among F-cells, and some cells might have insufficient concentrations to inhibit HbS polymerization. With mean HbF levels of 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%, the distribution of HbF/F-cell can greatly vary, even if the mean is constant. For example, with 20% HbF, as few as 1% and as many as 24% of cells can have polymer-inhibiting, or protective, levels of HbF of ∼10 pg; with lower HbF, few or no protected cells can be present. Only when the total HbF concentration is near 30% is it possible for the number of protected cells to approach 70%. Rather than the total number of F-cells or the concentration of HbF in the hemolysate, HbF/F-cell and the proportion of F-cells that have enough HbF to thwart HbS polymerization is the most critical predictor of the likelihood of severe sickle cell disease.
Crenolanib is a potent inhibitor of FLT3 with activity against resistance-conferring point mutants
Authors: Galanis Allison , Ma Hayley , Rajkhowa Trivikram , Ramachandran Abhijit , Small Donald , Cortes Jorge , Levis Mark
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Crenolanib displays activity against several of the important kinase domain mutations (at position D835) found in FLT3. Patients receiving crenolanib achieve FLT3-inhibitory plasma levels.
Functional characterization of spectral tuning mechanisms in the great bowerbird short-wavelength sensitive visual pigment (SWS1), and the origins of UV/violet vision in passerines and parrots
Authors: van Hazel Ilke , Sabouhanian Amir , Day Lainy , Endler John A , Chang Belinda SW
Published: November 2013

Background

One of the most striking features of avian vision is the variation in spectral sensitivity of the short wavelength sensitive (SWS1) opsins, which can be divided into two sub-types: violet- and UV- sensitive (VS & UVS). In birds, UVS has been found in both passerines and parrots, groups that were recently shown to be sister orders. While all parrots are thought to be UVS, recent evidence suggests some passerine lineages may also be VS. The great bowerbird (Chlamydera nuchalis) is a passerine notable for its courtship behaviours in which males build and decorate elaborate bower structures.

Results

The great bowerbird SWS1 sequence possesses an unusual residue combination at known spectral tuning sites that has not been previously investigated in mutagenesis experiments. In this study, the SWS1 opsin of C. nuchalis was expressed along with a series of spectral tuning mutants and ancestral passerine SWS1 pigments, allowing us to investigate spectral tuning mechanisms and explore the evolution of UV/violet sensitivity in early passerines and parrots. The expressed C. nuchalis SWS1 opsin was found to be a VS pigment, with a λmax of 403 nm. Bowerbird SWS1 mutants C86F, S90C, and C86S/S90C all shifted λmax into the UV, whereas C86S had no effect. Experimentally recreated ancestral passerine and parrot/passerine SWS1 pigments were both found to be VS, indicating that UV sensitivity evolved independently in passerines and parrots from a VS ancestor.

Conclusions

Our mutagenesis studies indicate that spectral tuning in C. nuchalis is mediated by mechanisms similar to those of other birds. Interestingly, our ancestral sequence reconstructions of SWS1 in landbird evolution suggest multiple transitions from VS to UVS, but no instances of the reverse. Our results not only provide a more precise prediction of where these spectral sensitivity shifts occurred, but also confirm the hypothesis that birds are an unusual exception among vertebrates where some descendants re-evolved UVS from a violet type ancestor. The re-evolution of UVS from a VS type pigment has not previously been predicted elsewhere in the vertebrate phylogeny.
Measurement error in time-series analysis: a simulation study comparing modelled and monitored data
Authors: Butland Barbara K , Armstrong Ben , Atkinson Richard W , Wilkinson Paul , Heal Mathew R , Doherty Ruth M , Vieno Massimo
Published: November 2013

Background

Assessing health effects from background exposure to air pollution is often hampered by the sparseness of pollution monitoring networks. However, regional atmospheric chemistry-transport models (CTMs) can provide pollution data with national coverage at fine geographical and temporal resolution. We used statistical simulation to compare the impact on epidemiological time-series analysis of additive measurement error in sparse monitor data as opposed to geographically and temporally complete model data.

Methods

Statistical simulations were based on a theoretical area of 4 regions each consisting of twenty-five 5 km × 5 km grid-squares. In the context of a 3-year Poisson regression time-series analysis of the association between mortality and a single pollutant, we compared the error impact of using daily grid-specific model data as opposed to daily regional average monitor data. We investigated how this comparison was affected if we changed the number of grids per region containing a monitor. To inform simulations, estimates (e.g. of pollutant means) were obtained from observed monitor data for 2003–2006 for national network sites across the UK and corresponding model data that were generated by the EMEP-WRF CTM. Average within-site correlations between observed monitor and model data were 0.73 and 0.76 for rural and urban daily maximum 8-hour ozone respectively, and 0.67 and 0.61 for rural and urban loge(daily 1-hour maximum NO2).

Results

When regional averages were based on 5 or 10 monitors per region, health effect estimates exhibited little bias. However, with only 1 monitor per region, the regression coefficient in our time-series analysis was attenuated by an estimated 6% for urban background ozone, 13% for rural ozone, 29% for urban background loge(NO2) and 38% for rural loge(NO2). For grid-specific model data the corresponding figures were 19%, 22%, 54% and 44% respectively, i.e. similar for rural loge(NO2) but more marked for urban loge(NO2).

Conclusion

Even if correlations between model and monitor data appear reasonably strong, additive classical measurement error in model data may lead to appreciable bias in health effect estimates. As process-based air pollution models become more widely used in epidemiological time-series analysis, assessments of error impact that include statistical simulation may be useful.
Community perceptions of health insurance and their preferred design features: implications for the design of universal health coverage reforms in Kenya
Authors: Mulupi Stephen , Kirigia Doris , Chuma Jane
Published: November 2013

Background

Health insurance is currently being considered as a mechanism for promoting progress to universal health coverage (UHC) in many African countries. The concept of health insurance is relatively new in Africa, it is hardly well understood and remains unclear how it will function in countries where the majority of the population work outside the formal sector. Kenya has been considering introducing a national health insurance scheme (NHIS) since 2004. Progress has been slow, but commitment to achieve UHC through a NHIS remains. This study contributes to this process by exploring communities’ understanding and perceptions of health insurance and their preferred designs features. Communities are the major beneficiaries of UHC reforms. Kenyans should understand the implications of health financing reforms and their preferred design features considered to ensure acceptability and sustainability.

Methods

Data presented in this paper are part of a study that explored feasibility of health insurance in Kenya. Data collection methods included a cross-sectional household survey (n = 594 households) and focus group discussions (n = 16).

Results

About half of the household survey respondents had at least one member in a health insurance scheme. There was high awareness of health insurance schemes but limited knowledge of how health insurance functions as well as understanding of key concepts related to income and risk cross-subsidization. Wide dissatisfaction with the public health system was reported. However, the government was the most preferred and trusted agency for collecting revenue as part of a NHIS. People preferred a comprehensive benefit package that included inpatient and outpatient care with no co-payments. Affordability of premiums, timing of contributions and the extent to which population needs would be met under a contributory scheme were major issues of concern for a NHIS design. Possibilities of funding health care through tax instead of NHIS were raised and preferred by the majority.

Conclusion

This study provides important information on community understanding and perceptions of health insurance. As Kenya continues to prepare for UHC, it is important that communities are educated and engaged to ensure that the NHIS is acceptable to the population it serves.