bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exporting Citizens, Importing Remittances: The Developing World's Newest Strategy to Combat Poverty
Authors: Maroshegyi Christopher
Published: January 2016

Today, three percent of the world's population lives and works outside its country of birth. This rise in migration has led to a surge in remittances, which now represent the most important source of income for many developing countries. This paper will focus on the debate surrounding the impact of remittances on poverty among both receiving households and the non-receiving community in the country of origin, concluding that remittances have a higher propensity to be invested in education, health, and entrepreneurship than non-remittance based income. Its findings highlight the potential of a sustainable method of south-to-south development that may very well redefine how policy makers approach migration and development.
The Power of Her Voice: Music and Patriarchal Politics in Frances Burney's Cecilia
Authors: Grandmont Megan
Published: January 2016

Saint Cecilia is, to the Catholic Church, the patron saint of music. But to feminist musicologists Suan Cook and Judy Tsou, she is instead the "patronized" saint of music, a symbol of the limited role to which women have been traditionally confined in Western music. In her novel Cecilia, however, Frances Burney works to reclaim the figure of the female musician from the periphery of artistic relevance. Burney's music-loving protagonist Cecilia serves as a vehicle to explore a number of eighteenth-century concerns, most notably emerging class conflicts and the tension between a women's personal investment in art and the male, public world that devalues that art. Burney situates her heroine paradoxically both inside and apart from patriarchal society; it is Cecilia's music that allows her to stand on the brink. Burney certainly acknowledges the ways in which music functions as a tool of patriarchy, rendering women submissive. However, in re-visioning Saint Cecilia as simply Cecilia,, she also quietly suggests the possibility of change, a suggestion that holds weight for female artists today.
El estudio neurológico de la conciencia: una valoración crítica
Authors: Zumalabe-Makirriain José M.
Published: January 2016

During the predominance, in the cognitive science, of the classic symbolic-computational paradigm hardly was paid attention to the neurobiological study of the consciousness. With the appearance of the connectionist models which start of a more naturalized and less abiologic conception of the psychology, was taken a radical turn in this subject. Since this current the explanation of the mental phenomenons needs to include references to the biological support because is taken like a computational model the running of the nervous system. After describing the works of the neuroscientist about the neuronal correlates on the consciousness, we analyze since a critical perspective, the limitations and the weaknesses of them refered basically to the conceptual troubles of the connectionism, to the objections to the localizacionism, to the limitations of the cerebral image techniques, to the lack of stablishment of the brain-mind causal relations and to the exclusivist and reductionist pretension of the most part of the investigations.
La Escala de Deseabilidad Social de Marlowe-Crowne: baremos para la población general española y desarrollo de una versión breve
Authors: Gutiérrez Sara , Sanz Jesús , Espinosa Regina , Gesteira Clara , García-Vera María Paz
Published: January 2016

The Spanish adaptations of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (M-C SDS) were normed on samples of university students or of adults assessed in personnel selection/promotion settings. Given the influence of age and assessment setting on the M-C SDS, these norms are inadequate for adult volunteers. This is the first study that provides normative and reliability data and a short form of Ávila Espada and Tomé Rodríguez’s Spanish adaptation of the M-C SDS with Spanish adult volunteers (N = 575). Internal consistency estimates for the M-C SDS were adequate (alphas = .72-.80). The standardized differences in M-C SDS scores between the adult volunteer sample and university student or personnel selection/promotion samples reached values of medium size (d = 0.46 and 0.70). This result supports the development of specific norms for adult volunteers. In two independent subsamples of adult volunteers, a short form of 18-items showed internal consistency indices for its items that were higher than those for the 33 items of the complete scale. This short form did not involve a significant loss of reliability (alphas = .72 and .80). Global norms and norms for age groups are provided for the short and complete forms of the M-C SDS.
Cómo vivir con EPOC: percepción de los pacientes.
Authors: Muñoz-Cobos Francisca , Acero-Guasch Nieves , Cuenca-del-Moral Rebeca , Barnestein-Fonseca Pilar , Leiva-Fernández Francisca , García-Ruiz Antonio
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study is to determine the mental model that patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)have about their illness analyzed by the Leventhal´s Common Sense of Self-Regulation Model. An exploratory-descriptive study using qualitative methodology was performed. We included COPD-diagnosed patients attending three urban and a rural primary care centres. We used video-taped group interviews and transcribed them using Atlas.Ti 5.2 program. 22 group interviews (2009 - 2011) and 58 patients were included. There were 3 additional sessions to final inform validation. The results show that patients did not have a defined mental model about COPD: this disease was insufficiently recognized; diagnosis was made in exacerbations and it was confused with other diseases; the cause of illness was related to tobacco consumption and to “something else”: fumes, colds and hard work. Patients tended to minimize their symptoms and limitations. Participants had wrong beliefs about colds, smoking only a few cigarettes effects and damage of inhaled treatment. Emotions as despair, resignation and fear were reported. We conclude that COPD patients showed confusion about many aspects of the disease (causes, symptoms, treatments). It was difficult to identify a mental model of the disease among COPD patients. 
 
Factores de riesgo asociados a la violencia sufrida por la mujer en la pareja: una revisión de meta-análisis y estudios recientes.
Authors: Puente- Martínez Alicia , Ubillos-Landa Silvia , Echeburúa Enrique , Páez-Rovira Darío
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to conduct a complementary to current and recent meta-analysis of risk factors to intimate partner violence literature review. This work confirms that on community-level, low economic development and democracy, lack of social rights, culture of honor and masculine culture – characterized by sexist attitudes and tolerance to violence- are risk factors. On contextual and individual level, being younger, having a low income and low education level, having more than one child, using violence reciprocally against ones partner, depression, fear and alcohol consumption are associated with increased risk of being a victim of intimate violence. Less consistency, are risk factors, situations of war, religious fundamentalism, being in a long term relationship, lower relationship satisfaction, emotions such as guilt, shame and other factors such as pregnancy.
Simple discrimination training and conditional discrimination response
Authors: Pérez Vicente , Polín Eduardo
Published: January 2016

The conditional discrimination is a procedure the use of which is widely extended in the EAB, especially those known as “Matching to Sample”. Although it has been used with a wide variety of species, the behavior of humans with verbal skills in these kinds of tasks may involve other control variables which are different from the scheduled contingencies of four terms. The aim of this work was to verify if conditional discriminations could be acquired, although reinforcement contingencies did not involve the sample. 109 psychology students, who were divided into three conditions, participated in the study. All of them were exposed to two blocks of training (A and B), with one sample and three comparisons, however, the sample did not really function as a conditional stimulus in 75% of the trials in block B. Simultaneity between sample and comparisons, as well as the requirement of a sample observation response, were manipulated resulting in three different conditions. The results showed no differences between acquisition speed in block A and block B in any condition, which suggests that the behavior of the participants was more controlled by the stimuli configuration than by the reinforcement contingencies.
Escala de abnegación en cuidadores familiares de adultos mayores.
Authors: Domínguez-Guedea Miriam Teresa , Díaz-Loving Rolando
Published: January 2016

Literature about family caregivers of the elderly identify abnegation as a main attribute in those who assume the caregiving role. This characteristic comes at the expense of their own physical and/or emotional health; however, no psychometric instruments have been developed that study abnegation within large caregiver samples which can in turn generate evidence that could be integrated into comprehensive models of well-being in caregivers. Aided by the theoretical frame and empirical background of Mexican ethnopsychology, an abnegation scale was designed and applied to two caregivers samples (n1=115; n2=351), using non probabilistic sampling. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two dimensions that explained 60% of test variance: Self-modification to avoid familiar tension and Self-denial to meet family needs. Factor analysis through structural equation modeling confirmed the submitted measure model, in accordance to the following goodness of fit indexes: SRMR = .039, RMSEA = .062, CFI = .971, GFI = .975, NFI = .950. The scale showed adequate validity and reliability properties, indicating culturally relevant and conceptually clear factors.
El cliente en psicoterapia: contribución al resultado terapéutico
Authors: Rodriguez-Morejon Alberto
Published: January 2016

In this paper the empirical evidence pointing that customers are primarily responsible for the results is reviewed. Two types of data are presented: (a) those which demonstrate that people successfully face problems without help: studies on resilience, spontaneous recovery, self-help or placebo effect; and (b) those which show that the users of a psychotherapy are active agents throughout the therapeutic process. Finally, suggestions are made on how to adapt the therapeutic practices to this new vision.
Simultaneous Laparoscopy-Assisted Resection for Synchronous Colorectal and Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lee Seung-Hyun , Ahn Byung-Kwon , Baek Sung-Uhn
Published: January 2016

Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate feasibility and safety of simultaneous laparoscopy-assisted resection for synchronous colorectal and gastric cancer. Methods From January 2001 to December 2013, a total of 29 patients underwent simultaneous resection for synchronous colorectal and gastric cancers. Medical records were reviewed, retrospectively. Results Eight patients (5 male) underwent laparoscopy-assisted resection (LAP group) and twenty one patients (17 male) underwent open surgery (Open group). In the both group, the mean age (65.2 vs. 63.7 years, p =0.481), body mass index (22.6 vs. 22.3, p = 0.896) was comparable, respectively. In LAP group, laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy was performed for all eight patients. In Open group, subtotal gastrectomy with billroth I gastroduodenostomy was most common procedure (66.7%). The operation time, blood loss volume was similar between the two groups. Gas out was earlier (3.0 vs. 4.6 days p = 0.106), postoperative hospital stay was shorter (12.0 vs. 18.3 days, p = 0.245) in LAP group. The postoperative complications were an ileus, a wound seroma and a bile leakage in LAP group, pneumonia (10.0%), wound bleeding (5.0%) and leakage (5.0%) in Open group. Conclusions The simultaneous laparoscopy-assisted resection for synchronous colorectal cancer and gastric cancer is a feasible and safe procedure.
Post-traumatic tricuspid regurgitation with anterior papillary muscle rupture, corrected by papillary muscle reimplantation
Authors: Lee Hae Young , Cho Sung Ho , Kim Jong In
Published: January 2016

A 60-year-old male patient with blunt chest trauma was transferred to our facility because of unstable vital signs and pericardial effusion. These conditions occurred after orthopedic surgery to repair multiple left finger fractures at a local medical center. Trans-thoracic echocardiography showed severe tricuspid regurgitation and he underwent papillary muscle reimplantation and tricuspid annuloplasty open heart surgery for post-traumatic tricuspid regurgitation with anterior papillary muscle rupture. We report early surgical traumatic valve disease correction without complications.
Meningoencephalitis associated with Parvovirus B19 Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Lee Dae-Seung , Lee Jin-Hyung , Huh So-Young , Kim Min Jeong , Kim Meyung-Kug , Yoo Bong-Goo
Published: January 2016

Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) infection is a rare cause of meningoencephalitis. A 53-year-old previously healthy woman presented with fever, headache, and multiple erythema on the both legs. Cerebrospinal fluid study revealed pleocytosis and elevated opening pressure and protein level. Brain MRI showed multiple, asymmetric, hyperintensity in the brain stem, basal ganglia, white matter, and gray matter. Anti-B19 IgM antibody and PCR for PVB19 were positive in serum. Clinician should consider PVB19 infection in any case of acute febrile illness with erythema and meningoencephalitis
Comprendre l’hétérogénéité sociale pour faire valoir la diversité1
Authors: Pietrantonio Linda , Bouthillier Geneviève
Published: January 2016

Alors que le vocable « diversité » gagne en popularité et que l’on dénonce avec lui la « norme mythique » d’un sujet social universel, on observe une confusion et un glissement sémantique entre les termes « diversité » et « hétérogénéité sociale intragroupe ». Les auteures proposent une comparaison différenciée de ces deux syntagmes et de leur valeur heuristique pour penser l’émancipation. Elles présentent une série de propositions analytiques conduisant à la nécessaire distinction entre la nature normative de la notion de diversité et le fait social que constitue l’hétérogénéité intragroupe – pour tout groupe social. Ce faisant, elles se penchent sur la complexité du concept de résistance et rappellent la part ternaire de tout rapport de domination.
Quelle conceptualisation de l’exploitation pour quelle critique intersectionnelle?
Authors: Galerand Elsa
Published: January 2016

Cet article s’appuie sur une recherche centrée sur les conditions de vie, de travail et de lutte des travailleuses domestiques philippines soumises au Programme canadien d’immigration intitulé « Programme des aides familiaux » (PAF) pour mettre en évidence l’insuffisance des critiques intersectionnelles et conceptions de l’émancipation qui – loin de repartir des acquis du féminisme matérialiste (des redéfinitions extensives du travail et de l’exploitation) – contournent le problème du travail « non libre », soit celui des modes d’exploitation irréductibles au capitalisme. En contrepoint, l’auteure défend l’actualité du féminisme matérialiste, de la théorisation de Colette Guillaumin en particulier, pour l’analyse desformes transitionnelles d’exploitation, telles qu’elles se (re)déploient dans le secteur de la domesticité. L’auteure soutient, finalement, l’hypothèse d’une recomposition du « sexage » qui participe pleinement de la dynamique par laquelle Sexe, Classe, Race se réorganisent aujourd’hui.
Les féminismes au coeur de l’anarchisme contemporain au Québec : des pratiques intersectionnelles sur le terrain1
Authors: Breton Émilie , Jeppesen Sandra , Kruzynski Anna , Sarrasin Rachel
Published: January 2016

Composés de collectifs, de groupes et de réseaux mobilisés autour d’enjeux de lutte divers, le mouvement antiautoritaire qui s’est consolidé au Québec dans la foulée des mobilisations altermondialistes est guidé par des valeurs qui s’inspirent d’une « boussole éthique » commune. Cette dernière est fondée sur une vision de l’anarchisme en tant que processus qui se réalise par la préfiguration, ici et maintenant, d’une société fondée sur l’autonomie collective. Trois microcohortes de militantes et de militants (pro)féministes ont alimenté le développement de pratiques en ce sens, par la promotion de l’autoorganisation et de l’autodétermination. Les microcohortes des féministes radicales et (pro)féministes, des radical queers et, enfin, des féministes et des (pro)féministes qui s’engagent dans la lutte anticoloniale et antiraciste ont contribué à l’atteinte de cet objectif par l’entremise d’une démarche de pollinisation qui permet la diffusion de ces pratiques dans différents espaces du mouvement et à l’extérieur de celui-ci. L’analyse présentée dans cet article est le fruit d’un travail de recherche-action participative réalisé au sein du Collectif de recherche sur l’autonomie collective (CRAC), groupe d’affinité (pro)féministe et antiautoritaire dont l’objectif était de documenter les initiatives de son propre mouvement.
Étude de validation du programme Funambule : pour une gestion équilibrée du stress des adolescents
Authors: Dumont Michelle , Leclerc Danielle , Massé Line , McKinnon Suzie
Published: January 2016

C’est dans une optique de prévention primaire de l’influence potentiellement néfaste du stress sur les tâches développementales des adolescents qu’un programme de type universel,Funambule : pour une gestion équilibrée du stress, a été créé puis évalué selon un devis quasi expérimental (Dumont, en collaboration avec Massé, Potvin et Leclerc, 2012). Au total, 138 adolescents québécois âgés de 14 à 19 ans ont été appariés, dans les groupes expérimentaux et témoins, selon le genre et le niveau de stress ressenti (Problèmes dans divers secteurs de vie; Seiffge-Krenke, 2005). Les effets du programme ont été évalués au moyen duQuestionnaire des stratégies de gestion du stress(Dumont, Massé, Leclerc et Potvin, 2007), de l’Inventaire de résolution de problèmes sociaux(Maydeu-Olivares et D’Zurilla, 1996) et de l’Échelle d’anxiété en contexte de performance(Cassady et Johnson, 2002). Comme prévu, des effets bénéfiques ont été observés entre le prétest et le post-test dans le groupe expérimental, ce qui n’a pas été le cas dans le groupe témoin. Les résultats indiquent une amélioration significative de la gestion du stress pour trois des quatre volets de Funambule, à savoir le travail sur la perception du stress, le corps et les pensées. Une amélioration significative de la capacité rationnelle à résoudre des problèmes ainsi qu’une diminution significative de l’anxiété aux évaluations pour les élèves du groupe expérimental ont également été observées.
Stress des enseignants envers l’intégration des élèves présentant des troubles du comportement
Authors: Massé Line , Bégin Jean-Yves , Couture Caroline , Plouffe-Leboeuf Thomas , Beaulieu-Lessard Myriam , Tremblay Jonathan
Published: January 2016

Si plusieurs études rapportent que les problèmes de comportements constituent une source importante de stress, peu d’entre elles portent sur le stress spécifiquement lié à la présence en classe ordinaire d’élèves présentant des troubles du comportement (PTC). Cet article expose les résultats d’une étude exploratoire sur le stress des enseignants du secondaire à l’égard de l’intégration des élèves PTC dans leurs classes. L’échantillon se compose de 231 enseignants d’écoles secondaires du Québec. Les enseignants ont rempli un questionnaire de renseignements sociodémographiques ainsi que la partie B de l’Index of Teaching Stress (ITS) (Greene, Abidin et Kmetz, 1997). L’impact des élèves sur le processus d’enseignement ainsi que la perte de satisfaction par rapport à l’enseignement constituent les sources les plus importantes de stress. Le stress vécu semble être influencé par les cours reçus sur les troubles du comportement au moment de la formation initiale, par l’expérience relative aux troubles du comportement, par le niveau scolaire où enseignent principalement les enseignants et par le milieu où se situe l’école. Aucune différence n’est observée selon le genre des enseignants ni selon leur niveau de scolarité. Plus de 70 % des enseignants jugent qu’une formation additionnelle sur les troubles du comportement serait absolument nécessaire.
Against Facts
Authors: Betti Arianna
Published: January 2016

An argument that the major metaphysical theories of facts give us no good reason to accept facts in our catalog of the world.

In this book Arianna Betti argues that we have no good reason to accept facts in our catalog of the world, at least as they are described by the two major metaphysical theories of facts. She claims that neither of these theories is tenable—neither the theory according to which facts are special structured building blocks of reality nor the theory according to which facts are whatever is named by certain expressions of the form “the fact that such and such.” There is reality, and there are entities in reality that we are able to name, but, Betti contends, among these entities there are no facts.

Drawing on metaphysics, the philosophy of language, and linguistics, Betti examines the main arguments in favor of and against facts of the two major sorts, which she distinguishes as compositional and propositional, giving special attention to methodological presuppositions. She criticizes compositional facts (facts as special structured building blocks of reality) and the central argument for them, Armstrong's truthmaker argument. She then criticizes propositional facts (facts as whatever is named in “the fact that” statements) and what she calls the argument from nominal reference, which draws on Quine's criterion of ontological commitment. Betti argues that metaphysicians should stop worrying about facts, and philosophers in general should stop arguing for or against entities on the basis of how we use language.
Correlation between crystallinity and oxygen vacancy formation in In–Ga–Zn oxide
Authors: Hiramatsu Tomoki , Nakashima Motoki , Kikuchi Erumu , Ishihara Noritaka , Tsubuku Masashi , Dairiki Koji , Yamazaki Shunpei
Published: January 2016

We study the effect of indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) crystallinity on oxygen vacancies that play an important role in the characteristics of IGZO-based devices. Optical and electrical measurements revealed that deep defect levels due to oxygen vacancies are largely eliminated in c-axis-aligned crystal IGZO (CAAC-IGZO), which has increased crystallinity without clear grain boundaries. In this study, the correlation between crystallinity and oxygen vacancy formation has been examined by first-principles calculations to investigate the effect of oxygen vacancies in IGZO. Furthermore, the likelihood of oxygen vacancy formation at an edge portion of single-crystal IGZO has been verified by observations of oxygen atoms at the edge region of the IGZO film by annular bright-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ABF-STEM). Experimental and calculation results show that the high crystallinity of IGZO is important for the inhibition of oxygen vacancies.
Microscopical and elemental FESEM and Phenom ProX-SEM-EDS analysis of osteocyte- and blood vessel-like microstructures obtained from fossil vertebrates of the Eocene Messel Pit, Germany
Authors: Cadena Edwin
Published: January 2016

The Eocene (∾48 Ma) Messel Pit in Germany is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its exceptionally preserved fossils, including vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. Messel fossil vertebrates are typically characterized by their articulated state, and in some cases the skin, hair, feathers, scales and stomach contents are also preserved. Despite the exceptional macroscopic preservation of Messel fossil vertebrates, the microstructural aspect of these fossils has been poorly explored. In particular, soft tissue structures such as hair or feathers have not been chemically analyzed, nor have bone microstructures. I report here the preservation and recovery of osteocyte-like and blood vessel-like microstructures from the bone of Messel Pit specimens, including the turtlesAllaeochelys crassesculptaandNeochelys franzeni, the crocodileDiplocynodon darwini, and the pangolinEomanis krebsi. I used a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and a Phenom ProX desktop scanning electron microscope (LOT-QuantumDesign) equipped with a thermionic CeB6 source and a high sensitivity multi-mode backscatter electron (BSE) for microscopical and elemental characterization of these bone microstructures. Osteocyte-like and blood vessel-like microstructures are constituted by a thin layer (∾50 nm thickness), external and internal mottled texture with slightly marked striations. Circular to linear marks are common on the external surface of the osteocyte-like microstructures and are interpreted as microbial troughs. Iron (Fe) is the most abundant element found in the osteocyte-like and blood vessel-like microstructures, but not in the bone matrix or collagen fibril-like microstructures. The occurrence of well-preserved soft-tissue elements (at least their physical form) establishes a promising background for future studies on preservation of biomolecules (proteins or DNA) in Messel Pit fossils.
Comparison of Outside Versus Inside Brachial Plexus Sheath Injection for Ultrasound‐Guided Interscalene Nerve Blocks
Authors: Maga Joni , Missair Andres , Visan Alex , Kaplan Lee , Gutierrez Juan F. , Jain Annika R. , Gebhard Ralf E.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Ultrasound‐guided interscalene brachial plexus blocks are commonly used to provide anesthesia for the shoulder and proximal upper extremity. Some reviews identify a sheath that envelops the brachial plexus as a potential tissue plane target, and current editorials in the literature highlight the need to establish precise and reproducible injection targets under ultrasound guidance. We hypothesize that an injection of a local anesthetic inside the brachial plexus sheath during ultrasound‐guided interscalene nerve blocks will result in enhanced procedure success and provide a consistent tissue plane target for this approach with a reproducible and characteristic local anesthetic spread pattern.

Methods

Sixty patients scheduled for shoulder surgery with a preoperative interscalene block for postoperative pain management were enrolled in this prospective randomized observer‐blinded study. Each patient was randomly assigned to receive a single‐shot interscalene block either inside or outside the brachial plexus sheath.

Results

The rate of complete motor and sensory blocks of the axillary nerve territory 10 minutes after local anesthetic injection for the inside group was 70% versus 37% for the outside group (P < .05). At all measurement intervals beyond 10 minutes, however, neither group showed a statistically significant difference in complete sensory blockade. The incidence rates of transient paresthesia during needle passage were 6.7% for the outside group and 96.7% for the inside group (P < .05).

Conclusions

Except for faster onset, this prospective randomized trial did not find any advantages to performing an interscalene block inside the brachial plexus sheath. There was a higher incidence of transient paresthesia when injections were performed inside compared to outside the sheath.
Performance of 2‐Dimensional Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography in Liver Fibrosis Detection Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography as the Reference Standard
Authors: Song Pengfei , Mellema Daniel C. , Sheedy Shannon P. , Meixner Duane D. , Karshen Ryan M. , Urban Matthew W. , Manduca Armando , Sanchez William , Callstrom Matthew R. , Greenleaf James F. , Chen Shigao
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To investigate the correlation between 2‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in liver stiffness measurement and the diagnostic performance of 2D SWE for liver fibrosis when imaging from different intercostal spaces and using MRE as the reference standard.

Methods

Two‐dimensional SWE was performed on 47 patients. One patient was excluded from the study. Each of the remaining 46 patients underwent same‐day MRE for clinical purposes. The study was compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and approved by the Institutional Review Board. Informed consent was obtained from each patient. Two‐dimensional SWE measurements were acquired from the ninth, eighth, and seventh intercostal spaces. The correlation with MRE was calculated at each intercostal space and multiple intercostal spaces combined. The performance of 2D SWE in diagnosing liver fibrosis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using MRE as the standard.

Results

The 47 patients who initially underwent 2D SWE included 22 female and 25 male patients (age range, 19–77 years). The highest correlation between 2D SWE and MRE was from the eighth and seventh intercostal spaces (r = 0.68–0.76). The ranges of the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for separating normal or inflamed livers from fibrotic livers using MRE as the clinical reference were 0.84 to 0.92 when using the eighth and seventh intercostal spaces individually and 0.89 to 0.90 when combined.

Conclusions

The results suggest that 2D SWE and MRE are well correlated when SWE is performed at the eighth and seventh intercostal spaces. The ninth intercostal space is less reliable for diagnosing fibrosis with 2D SWE. Combining measurements from multiple intercostal spaces does not significantly improve the performance of 2D SWE for detection of fibrosis.
Changes in Sonographically Measured Inferior Vena Caval Diameter in Response to Fluid Loading in Term Pregnancy
Authors: Hernandez Celso A. , Reed Kathryn L. , Juneman Elizabeth B. , Cohen Wayne R.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the inferior vena caval (IVC) diameter is influenced by intravascular volume changes in pregnancy.

Methods

A prospective observational study was done on 2 groups of normal term gravidas. In 24 patients, we measured the IVC diameter, blood pressure, and heart rate (HR) before and after a 1‐L fluid infusion in preparation for regional anesthesia, after initiation of an epidural block, and within 24 hours postpartum. In a second group of 15 women, we measured the IVC diameter sequentially during a 1‐L crystalloid infusion.

Results

In the first group, the mean baseline IVC diameter ± SD at end‐inspiration was 1.45 ± 0.32 cm, which was 19% smaller than at end‐expiration (1.73 ± 0.31 cm; P= .003). This respiratory cycle variation remained significant at each measurement epoch. The mean caval diameter at end‐inspiration increased by 23% after the fluid bolus (P = .012). Hydration was not, however, accompanied by any significant change in the HR, mean arterial pressure, or collapsibility index of the inferior vena cava. With epidural anesthesia, the mean arterial pressure decreased from 88 ± 9 to 80 ± 7 mm Hg (P= .018), but the HR and collapsibility index remained unchanged. Postpartum values were not significantly different from their baseline measurements, except for the mean arterial pressure, which was lower by about 6 mm Hg (P = .042). In the second group, the IVC diameter at end‐inspiration increased by 31% after the 1‐L infusion, and there was a positive correlation between the volume infused and the IVC diameter (r= 0.67; P< .0001).

Conclusions

Measurable variations in the IVC diameter occur in response to volume changes in normal term pregnancy and postpartum.
Integration of Ultrasound in Medical Education at United States Medical Schools
Authors: Dinh Vi Am , Fu Jasmine Y. , Lu Samantha , Chiem Alan , Fox J. Christian , Blaivas Michael
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Despite the rise of ultrasound in medical education (USMED), multiple barriers impede the implementation of such curricula in medical schools. No studies to date have surveyed individuals who are successfully championing USMED programs. This study aimed to investigate the experiences with ultrasound integration as perceived by active USMED directors across the United States.

Methods

In 2014, all allopathic and osteopathic medical schools in the United States were contacted regarding their status with ultrasound education. For schools with required point‐of‐care ultrasound curricula, we identified the USMED directors in charge of the ultrasound programs and sent them a 27‐question survey. The survey included background information about the directors, ultrasound program details, the barriers directors faced toward implementation, and the directors' attitudes toward ultrasound education.

Results

One‐hundred seventy‐three medical schools were contacted, and 48 (27.7%) reported having a formal USMED curriculum. Thirty‐six USMED directors responded to the survey. The average number of years of USMED curriculum integration was 2.8 years (SD, 2.9). Mandatory ultrasound curricula had most commonly been implemented into years 1 and 2 of medical school (71.4% and 62.9%, respectively). The most common barriers faced by these directors when implementing their ultrasound programs were the lack of funding for faculty/ equipment (52.9%) and lack of time in current medical curricula (50.0%).

Conclusions

Financial commitments and the full schedules of medical schools are the current prevailing roadblocks to implementation of ultrasound education. Experiences drawn from current USMED directors in this study may be used to help programs starting their own curricula.
A novel l‐arabinose‐responsive regulator discovered in the rice‐blast fungus Pyricularia oryzae (Magnaporthe oryzae)
Authors: Klaubauf Sylvia , Zhou Miaomiao , Lebrun Marc‐Henri , de Vries Ronald P. , Battaglia Evy
Published: January 2016

In this study we identified the l‐arabinose‐responsive regulator of Pyricularia oryzae that regulates l‐arabinose release and catabolism. Previously we identified the Zn2Cys6 transcription factor (TF), AraR, that has this role in the Trichocomaceae family (Eurotiales), but is absent in other fungi. Candidate Zn2Cys6 TF genes were selected according to their transcript profiles on l‐arabinose. Deletion mutants of these genes were screened for their growth phenotype on l‐arabinose. One mutant, named Δara1, was further analyzed. Our analysis demonstrated that Ara1 from P. oryzae is the functional analog of AraR from A. niger, while there is no significant sequence similarity between them.
F‐box protein FBXL2 inhibits gastric cancer proliferation by ubiquitin‐mediated degradation of forkhead box M1
Authors: Li Liang‐qing , Pan Dun , Chen Hui , Zhang Lin , Xie Wen‐jun
Published: January 2016

F‐box/LRR‐repeat protein 2 (FBXL2), a component of Skp‐Cullin‐F box (SCF) ubiquitin E3 ligase, has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis by targeting and ubiquitinating several oncoproteins. However, its role in gastric cancer remains poorly understood. Here, by tandem mass spectrometry, we show that FBXL2 interacts with forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) transcription factor. As a result, FBXL2 promotes ubiquitination and degradation of FoxM1 in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, overexpression of FBXL2 inhibits, while its deficiency promotes cell proliferation and invasion. Expression levels of cell‐cycle regulators (Cdc25B and p27), which are down‐stream target effectors of FoxM1, are also regulated by FBXL2. Therefore, our results uncover a previous unknown network involving FBXL2 and FoxM1 in the regulation of gastric cancer growth.
Testing competing forms of the Milankovitch hypothesis: A multivariate approach
Authors: Kaufmann Robert K. , Juselius Katarina
Published: January 2016

We test competing forms of the Milankovitch hypothesis by estimating the coefficients and diagnostic statistics for a cointegrated vector autoregressive model that includes 10 climate variables and four exogenous variables for solar insolation. The estimates are consistent with the physical mechanisms postulated to drive glacial cycles. They show that the climate variables are driven partly by solar insolation, determining the timing and magnitude of glaciations and terminations, and partly by internal feedback dynamics, pushing the climate variables away from equilibrium. We argue that the latter is consistent with a weak form of the Milankovitch hypothesis and that it should be restated as follows: internal climate dynamics impose perturbations on glacial cycles that are driven by solar insolation. Our results show that these perturbations are likely caused by slow adjustment between land ice volume and solar insolation. The estimated adjustment dynamics show that solar insolation affects an array of climate variables other than ice volume, each at a unique rate. This implies that previous efforts to test the strong form of the Milankovitch hypothesis by examining the relationship between solar insolation and a single climate variable are likely to suffer from omitted variable bias.
The role of a mantle plume in the formation of Yellowstone volcanism
Authors: Leonard Tiffany , Liu Lijun
Published: January 2016

The origin of the Yellowstone volcanic province remains debated. Proposed hypotheses involve either a mantle plume or not. Recent tomographic images allow a quantitative evaluation of the plume hypothesis and its interaction with the Farallon slabs. Using 4‐D geodynamic models with data assimilation, we find that the slab is always in the way of the initially rising plume and that the plume could reach the surface only through the broken slab hinge at ~15 Ma. For most of the time, the sinking slabs dominate the mantle flow and prohibit upwelling. We find that a plume that satisfies the present mantle image beneath Yellowstone fails to predict both voluminous hot materials at shallow depths beneath the western U.S. and the age migration of the hot spot tracks. We suggest that a plume is likely to have much less influence on the Yellowstone volcanism than previously thought.
Substrate‐Induced and Thin‐Film Phases: Polymorphism of Organic Materials on Surfaces
Authors: Jones Andrew O. F. , Chattopadhyay Basab , Geerts Yves H. , Resel Roland
Published: January 2016

An increase or modification of structural order in the vicinity of a solid substrate is known for a wide range of materials. For molecular materials crystallizing on a solid surface it has been observed that new polymorphic forms may exist near the interface with the substrate, which have structures different to those observed in the bulk. Such phases are termed as substrate‐induced phases (SIPs). The presence of an SIP in a compound or a class of materials can be of crucial significance in terms of their physical properties. However, the factors that drive such a process are not clearly understood or studied in depth. In this feature article, we review the current state of understanding concerning SIPs, giving examples of systems where SIPs have been observed, discussing their origins, and which questions remain to be answered. The role of the substrate in controlling the growth and subsequent structural order has been discussed in detail and the impact of polymorphism on organic electronic device properties has been addressed. Finally, the origin of SIPs has been correlated with their crystal structures and the differences with respect to the bulk structure are highlighted.
Recent Developments in Graphene‐Based Membranes: Structure, Mass‐Transport Mechanism and Potential Applications
Authors: Sun Pengzhan , Wang Kunlin , Zhu Hongwei
Published: January 2016

Significant achievements have been made on the development of next‐generation filtration and separation membranes using graphene materials, as graphene‐based membranes can afford numerous novel mass‐transport properties that are not possible in state‐of‐art commercial membranes, making them promising in areas such as membrane separation, water desalination, proton conductors, energy storage and conversion, etc. The latest developments on understanding mass transport through graphene‐based membranes, including perfect graphene lattice, nanoporous graphene and graphene oxide membranes are reviewed here in relation to their potential applications. A summary and outlook is further provided on the opportunities and challenges in this arising field. The aspects discussed may enable researchers to better understand the mass‐transport mechanism and to optimize the synthesis of graphene‐based membranes toward large‐scale production for a wide range of applications.
Hot Electron‐Based Solid State TiO2|Ag Solar Cells
Authors: Barad Hannah‐Noa , Ginsburg Adam , Cohen Hagai , Rietwyk Kevin J. , Keller David A. , Tirosh Shay , Bouhadana Yaniv , Anderson Assaf Y. , Zaban Arie
Published: January 2016

The present work reports a simple and direct sputtering deposition to form solid state TiO2|Ag independent plasmonic solar cells. The independent plasmonic solar cells are based on a Schottky barrier between two materials, TiO2 and Ag. The Ag functions as the absorber generating “hot” electrons, as well as the contact for the solar cell. The Ag sputtering is performed for different durations, to form Ag nanoparticles with a wide size distribution on the surface of rough spray pyrolysis deposited TiO2. Incident photon to current efficiency (IPCE) measurements show photovoltaic activity below the TiO2 bandgap, which is caused by the silver nanoparticles that have a wide plasmonic band, leading to the generation of “hot” electrons. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis supports the “hot” electron injection mechanism by following the Ag plasmon band and detecting local photovoltages. The measurements show that electrons are formed in the Ag upon illumination and are injected into the TiO2, producing photovoltaic activity. J–V measurements show photocurrents up to 1.18 mA cm−2 and photovoltages up to 430 mV are achieved, with overall efficiencies of 0.2%. This is, to our knowledge, the highest performance reported for such independent plasmonic solar cells.
Soft Color Composites with Tunable Optical Transmittance
Authors: López Jiménez Francisco , Kumar Shanmugam , Reis Pedro Miguel
Published: January 2016

A class of soft color composites whose light transmittance can be actively tuned and controlled through mechanical actuation is studied. The design comprises thin sheets of polydimethylsiloxane, an optically clear silicone‐based rubber, that is mixed with a colloidal suspension of black micrometer‐sized dye particles to provide tunable opacity to the specimens. The thickness of the samples can be reduced by mechanical loading (e.g., pneumatically), which modulates the thickness and, in turn, the transmittance by as much as 40%. The mechanism is independent of the specific method of actuation chosen for loading. Scaling analysis and finite element modeling are combined to predictively describe and rationalize the evolution of the transmittance of our samples as a function of the applied mechanical loading and validate the predictions against biaxial tensile experiments. Compared to existing solutions, the main advantages of this mechanism are that it is remarkably simple and robust, as well as fast and fully reversible. Making use of this framework, pneumatic bulging is then chosen as a representative loading strategy, for which a series of design guidelines is presented, which may be implemented in practical applications, such as smart windows and other visually active materials.
Advances in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zuo Chuantian , Bolink Henk J. , Han Hongwei , Huang Jinsong , Cahen David , Ding Liming
Published: January 2016

Organolead halide perovskite materials possess a combination of remarkable optoelectronic properties, such as steep optical absorption edge and high absorption coefficients, long charge carrier diffusion lengths and lifetimes. Taken together with the ability for low temperature preparation, also from solution, perovskite‐based devices, especially photovoltaic (PV) cells have been studied intensively, with remarkable progress in performance, over the past few years. The combination of high efficiency, low cost and additional (non‐PV) applications provides great potential for commercialization. Performance and applications of perovskite solar cells often correlate with their device structures. Many innovative device structures were developed, aiming at large‐scale fabrication, reducing fabrication cost, enhancing the power conversion efficiency and thus broadening potential future applications. This review summarizes typical structures of perovskite solar cells and comments on novel device structures. The applications of perovskite solar cells are discussed.
A Layer‐Structured Electrode Material Reformed by a PO4‐O2 Hybrid Framework toward Enhanced Lithium Storage and Stability
Authors: Min Sul Hee , Jo Mi Ru , Choi Si‐Young , Kim Yong‐Il , Kang Yong‐Mook
Published: January 2016

The surface framework of LiCoO2 is modified through a surface treatment called phosphidation, which suppressed the unwanted phase transition occurring above 4.2 V. The surface instability of LiCoO2 toward organic electrolytes is simultaneously improved by changing its surface structure from an O2‐based framework to a PO4‐based framework that can protect against HF attack during cycling. Phosphidated LiCoO2 is successfully synthesized that showed greater stability in its bulk and surface structures. The phosphidated form enables faster Li+ diffusion and prevents irreversible phase transitions, especially when charged above 4.2 V, and consequently demonstrates excellent cycling performance and rate capabilities. The improved kinetics and stability resulting from phosphidation make LiCoO2 highly suitable as a high‐voltage cathode material for use in lithium ion batteries.
An analysis of permanent work disability among construction sheet metal workers
Authors: West Gavin H. , Dawson Jaime , Teitelbaum Claire , Novello Rebecca , Hunting Katherine , Welch Laura S.
Published: January 2016

Background

Causes of permanent work disability in the sheet metal industry are not well characterized.

Methods

Pension records were used to compare causes of disability among sheet metal workers and the U.S. working population. Subgroup analysis examined the major causes of sheet metal worker disability.

Results

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), circulatory disease, and injuries were leading causes of sheet metal worker disability (47.2%, 13.7%, 10.9% of awards, respectively). Award distribution differed from the U.S. working population (P < 0.0001); MSDs and injuries accounted for higher proportions of sheet metal worker awards, particularly at spine, shoulder, and knee.

Conclusions

Higher proportions of awards caused by MSD or injury among sheet metal workers may reflect higher rates of work‐related injuries and MSDs, a high likelihood of disability with construction work given the same impairment, or higher prevalence of other conditions in the general population. Prevention requires task‐specific ergonomic innovations and proven participatory interventions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:186–195, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.