bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making Cytological Diagnoses on Digital Images Using the iPath Network
Authors: Dalquen Peter , Savic Prince Spasenija , Spieler Peter , Kunze Dietmar , Neumann Heinrich , Eppenberger-Castori Serenella , Adams Heiner , Glatz Katharina , Bubendorf Lukas
Published: November 2014

Background: The iPath telemedicine platform Basel is mainly used for histological and cytological consultations, but also serves as a valuable learning tool. Aim: To study the level of accuracy in making diagnoses based on still images achieved by experienced cytopathologists, to identify limiting factors, and to provide a cytological image series as a learning set. Method: Images from 167 consecutive cytological specimens of different origin were uploaded on the iPath platform and evaluated by four cytopathologists. Only wet-fixed and well-stained specimens were used. The consultants made specific diagnoses and categorized each as benign, suspicious or malignant. Results: For all consultants, specificity and sensitivity regarding categorized diagnoses were 83-92 and 85-93%, respectively; the overall accuracy was 88-90%. The interobserver agreement was substantial (κ = 0.791). The lowest rate of concordance was achieved in urine and bladder washings and in the identification of benign lesions. Conclusion: Using a digital image set for diagnostic purposes implies that even under optimal conditions the accuracy rate will not exceed to 80-90%, mainly because of lacking supportive immunocytochemical or molecular tests. This limitation does not disqualify digital images for teleconsulting or as a learning aid. The series of images used for the study are open to the public at http://pathorama.wordpress.com/extragenital-cytology-2013/.
Unusual Case of Angle Closure Glaucoma in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Mantelli Flavio , Abdolrahimzadeh Solmaz , Mannino Giuseppe , Lambiase Alessandro
Published: November 2014

We report the case of a 29-year-old female patient who presented with an acute onset of anisocoria, blurred vision, nausea and severe left-sided headache. There was no history of trauma, drug abuse, or instillation of topical mydriatic compounds. The ocular history was negative for similar events. On presentation, her visual acuity was 0.2 in the left and 1.0 in the right eye with a +2.5 dpt sph. correction. Slit-lamp examination demonstrated a shallow anterior chamber as well as the presence of iris nodules in both eyes. These nodules were identified as Lisch nodules as the patient referred to the previous diagnosis as being neurofibromatosis type 1. A third nerve palsy was considered, but a brain MRI showed normal results. Her ocular motility was normal, but the left pupil was mydriatic and poorly reacting to light, with an associated raised intraocular pressure (IOP) of 38 mm Hg. An examination of the fellow eye was normal, with the IOP measuring 18 mm Hg. Gonioscopy of the right eye showed a narrow angle. On further anamnestic investigation, the patient revealed that the pain and the blurred vision begun in the morning while she was helping her mother in the garden. Finally, after showing the patient a picture of Datura flowers, which she recognized immediately, we made the unusual diagnosis of angle closure glaucoma by Datura, a well-known toxic plant with mydriatic properties. The patient was successfully treated with systemic acetazolamide and topical pilocarpine.
Thymoma with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Suzuki Kensuke , Inomata Minehiko , Shiraishi Shiori , Hayashi Ryuji , Tobe Kazuyuki
Published: November 2014

A 38-year-old Japanese male was referred to our hospital with abnormal chest X-ray results and severe Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia. He was diagnosed with a stage IV, WHO type A thymoma and was treated with oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) and subsequent chemotherapy. After chemotherapy, the patient underwent surgical resection of the thymoma. Hemolysis rapidly disappeared and did not return after the discontinuation of oral corticosteroids. Corticosteroid therapy may be preferable to chemotherapy or thymoma surgical resection in the management of autoimmune hemolytic anemia with thymoma.
Lung Adenocarcinoma with Pulmonary Miliary Metastases and Complex Somatic Heterozygous EGFR Mutation
Authors: Schaller Alexandre , Beau-Faller Michèle , Mennecier Bertrand , Renaud-Picard Benjamin , Weingertner Noëlle , Massard Gilbert , Quoix Elisabeth
Published: November 2014

The pretreatment detection of an activating mutation of EGFR is now routinely performed in metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The therapeutic impact of such a detection is major, as patients with advanced NSCLC exhibiting a mutation of exon 19 or 21 will benefit from EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). The presence of an EGFR resistance mutation, such as T790M in EGFR-TKI-naïve patients, is seldom looked for and is related either to a germinal mutation or to somatically mutated subclones. It has a negative predictive impact. We present the case of a patient with a lung papillary adenocarcinoma and miliary intrapulmonary metastases whose tumor displays a somatic complex heterozygous EGFR mutation, combining L858R (exon 21) and a primary resistance mutation T790M (exon 20), both detected by direct sequencing.
Association Between Shortened Leukocyte Telomere Length and Cardiometabolic Outcomes
Authors: D’Mello Matthew J.J. , Ross Stephanie A. , Briel Matthias , Anand Sonia S. , Gerstein Hertzel , Paré Guillaume
Published: November 2014

Background—

Telomeres are repetitive, gene-poor regions that cap the ends of DNA and help maintain chromosomal integrity. Their shortening is caused by inflammation and oxidative stress within the cellular environment and ultimately leads to cellular senescence. Shortened leukocyte telomere length is hypothesized to be a novel biomarker for age and age-related diseases, yet reports on its association with cardiometabolic outcomes in the literature are conflicting.

Methods and Results—

MEDLINE (1966 to present) and EMBASE (1980 to present) were last searched on September 9, 2013. Reference lists of retrieved citations were hand searched for relevant studies. No restrictions were placed on sample size, language, or publication type or date. Fifteen cohort and 12 case–control studies reporting the association between leukocyte telomere length and stroke, myocardial infarction, and type 2 diabetes mellitus were independently selected for inclusion by 2 reviewers. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were completed independently by 2 reviewers using predefined criteria. Studies were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and both fixed and random effects models. A 1-SD decrease in leukocyte telomere length was significantly associated with stroke (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.37;
I
2
=61%), myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.47;
I
2
=68%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.72;
I
2
=91%). Stratification by measurement technique, study design, study size, and ethnicity explained heterogeneity in certain cardiometabolic outcomes.

Conclusions—

Shortened leukocyte telomere length demonstrates a significant association with stroke, myocardial infarction, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Larger, well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore sources of heterogeneity.
Pro12Ala Polymorphism of the
PPARγ2
Gene Interacts With a Mediterranean Diet to Prevent Telomere Shortening in the PREDIMED-NAVARRA Randomized Trial
Authors: García-Calzón Sonia , Martínez-González Miguel A. , Razquin Cristina , Corella Dolores , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Martínez J. Alfredo , Zalba Guillermo , Marti Amelia
Published: November 2014

Background—

The gene variant Pro/Ala (rs1801282) in the
PPARγ2
has been associated with lower cardiovascular risk and greater benefit from lifestyle interventions. This polymorphism also seems to be associated with longer lifespan, but no information on telomere length (TL) is available. Our aim was to study the association between the Ala allele and changes in TL in high cardiovascular risk subjects and the potential interaction with a Mediterranean dietary pattern.

Methods and Results—

A total of 521 subjects (55–80 years) participating in the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea randomized trial were genotyped. Changes in TL, measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), were assessed over 5 years of a nutritional intervention, which promoted adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDiet). Interestingly, Ala carriers showed lower telomere shortening after 5 years compared with the Pro/Pro genotype (
P
=0.031). This association was modulated by MeDiet because those Ala carriers who reported better conformity to the MeDiet exhibited increased TL (
P
<0.001). Moreover, a reduction in carbohydrate intake (≤9.5 g/d) resulted in increased TL among Ala carriers. Notably, an apparent gene–diet interaction was found through the observed changes in the MUFA+PUFA/carbohydrates ratio: as this ratio increased, TL lengthening was detected to a greater extent in the Ala carriers compared with the Pro/Pro subjects (
P
for interaction <0.001).

Conclusions—

The Pro12Ala polymorphism is associated with TL homeostasis after 5 years follow-up in subjects at high cardiovascular risk. In addition, a higher adherence to the MeDiet pattern strengthens the prevention of telomere shortening among Ala carriers.

Clinical Trial Registration—

www.controlled-trials.com
; Unique Identifier: ISRCTN35739639.
Targeted Deep Sequencing Reveals No Definitive Evidence for Somatic Mosaicism in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Roberts Jason D. , Longoria James , Poon Annie , Gollob Michael H. , Dewland Thomas A. , Kwok Pui-Yan , Olgin Jeffrey E. , Deo Rahul C. , Marcus Gregory M.
Published: November 2014

Background—

Studies of ≤15 atrial fibrillation (AF) patients have identified atrial-specific mutations within connexin genes, suggesting that somatic mutations may account for sporadic cases of the arrhythmia. We sought to identify atrial somatic mutations among patients with and without AF using targeted deep next-generation sequencing of 560 genes, including genetic culprits implicated in AF, the Mendelian cardiomyopathies and channelopathies, and all ion channels within the genome.

Methods and Results—

Targeted gene capture and next-generation sequencing were performed on DNA from lymphocytes and left atrial appendages of 34 patients (25 with AF). Twenty AF patients had undergone cardiac surgery exclusively for pulmonary vein isolation and 17 had no structural heart disease. Sequence alignment and variant calling were performed for each atrial–lymphocyte pair using the Burrows–Wheeler Aligner, the Genome Analysis Toolkit, and MuTect packages. Next-generation sequencing yielded a median 265-fold coverage depth (interquartile range, 64–369). Comparison of the 3 million base pairs from each atrial–lymphocyte pair revealed a single potential somatic missense mutation in 3 AF patients and 2 in a single control (12 versus 11%;
P
=1). All potential discordant variants had low allelic fractions (range, 2.3%–7.3%) and none were detected with conventional sequencing.

Conclusions—

Using high-depth next-generation sequencing and state-of-the art somatic mutation calling approaches, no pathogenic atrial somatic mutations could be confirmed among 25 AF patients in a comprehensive cardiac arrhythmia genetic panel. These findings indicate that atrial-specific mutations are rare and that somatic mosaicism is unlikely to exert a prominent role in AF pathogenesis.
Bone Marrow Characteristics Associated With Changes in Infarct Size After STEMI
Authors: Schutt Robert C. , Trachtenberg Barry H. , Cooke John P. , Traverse Jay H. , Henry Timothy D. , Pepine Carl J. , Willerson James T. , Perin Emerson C. , Ellis Stephen G. , Zhao David X.M. , Bhatnagar Aruni , Johnstone Brian H. , Lai Dejian , Resende Micheline , Ebert Ray F. , Wu Joseph C. , Sayre Shelly L. , Orozco Aaron , Zierold Claudia , Simari Robert D. , Moyé Lem , Cogle Christopher R. , Taylor Doris A.
Published: November 2014

Rationale:

Despite significant interest in bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMC) therapy for ischemic heart disease, current techniques have resulted in only modest benefits. However, selected patients have shown improvements after autologous BMC therapy, but the contributing factors are unclear.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to identify BMC characteristics associated with a reduction in infarct size after ST-segment-elevation–myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results:

This prospective study comprised patients consecutively enrolled in the CCTRN TIME (Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network Timing in Myocardial Infarction Evaluation) trial who agreed to have their BMCs stored and analyzed at the CCTRN Biorepository. Change in infarct size between baseline (3 days after percutaneous coronary intervention) and 6-month follow-up was measured by cardiac MRI. Infarct-size measurements and BMC phenotype and function data were obtained for 101 patients (mean age, 56.5 years; mean screening ejection fraction, 37%; mean baseline cardiac MRI ejection fraction, 45%). At 6 months, 75 patients (74.3%) showed a reduction in infarct size (mean change, −21.0±17.6%). Multiple regression analysis indicated that infarct size reduction was greater in patients who had a larger percentage of CD31
+
BMCs (
P
=0.046) and in those with faster BMC growth rates in colony-forming unit Hill and endothelial-colony forming cell functional assays (
P
=0.033 and
P
=0.032, respectively).

Conclusions:

This study identified BMC characteristics associated with a better clinical outcome in patients with segment-elevation–myocardial infarction and highlighted the importance of endothelial precursor activity in regenerating infarcted myocardium. Furthermore, it suggests that for these patients with segment-elevation–myocardial infarction, myocardial repair was more dependent on baseline BMC characteristics than on whether the patient underwent intracoronary BMC transplantation.

Clinical Trial Registration Information:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00684021.
A Randomized Trial of Social Media From
Circulation
Authors: Fox Caroline S. , Bonaca Marc A. , Ryan John J. , Massaro Joseph M. , Barry Karen , Loscalzo Joseph
Published: November 2014

Background—

Medical journals use social media to distribute the findings of published articles. Whether social media exposure to original articles improves article impact metrics is uncertain.

Methods and Results—

Articles were randomized to receive targeted social media exposure from
Circulation
, including postings on the journal’s Facebook and Twitter feeds. The primary end point was 30-day article page views. We conducted an intention-to-treat analysis comparing article page views by the Wilcoxon Rank sum test between articles randomized to social media as compared with those in the control group, which received no social media from
Circulation
. Prespecified subgroups included article type (population/clinical/basic), US versus non-US corresponding author, and whether the article received an editorial. Overall, 243 articles were randomized: 121 in the social media arm and 122 in the control arm. There was no difference in median 30-day page views (409 [social media] versus 392 [control],
P
=0.80). No differences were observed by article type (clinical, population, or basic science;
P
=0.19), whether an article had an editorial (
P
=0.87), or whether the corresponding author was from the United States (
P
=0.73).

Conclusions—

A social media strategy for a cardiovascular journal did not increase the number of times an article was viewed. Further research is necessary to understand and quantify the ways in which social media can increase the impact of published cardiovascular research.
Intraluminal Thrombus, Intraplaque Hemorrhage, Plaque Thickness, and Current Smoking Optimally Predict Carotid Stroke
Authors: McNally J. Scott , McLaughlin Michael S. , Hinckley Peter J. , Treiman Scott M. , Stoddard Gregory J. , Parker Dennis L. , Treiman Gerald S.
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose—

Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is associated with acute and future stroke. IPH is also associated with lumen markers of stroke risk including stenosis, plaque thickness, and ulceration. Whether IPH adds further predictive value to these other variables is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IPH improves carotid-source stroke prediction.

Methods—

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, patients undergoing stroke workup were imaged with MRI and IPH detection. Seven hundred twenty-six carotid-brain image pairs were analyzed after excluding vessels with noncarotid plaque stroke sources (420) and occlusions (7) or near-occlusions (3). Carotid imaging characteristics were recorded, including percent diameter and mm stenosis, plaque thickness, ulceration, intraluminal thrombus, and IPH. Clinical confounders were recorded, and a multivariable logistic regression model was fitted. Backward elimination was used to determine essential carotid-source stroke predictors with a threshold 2-sided
P
<0.10. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine discriminatory value.

Results—

Significant predictors of carotid-source stroke included intraluminal thrombus (odds ratio=103.6;
P
<0.001), IPH (odds ratio=25.2;
P
<0.001), current smoking (odds ratio=2.78;
P
=0.004), and thickness (odds ratio=1.24;
P
=0.020). The final model discriminatory value was excellent (area under the curve=0.862). This was significantly higher than the final model without IPH (area under the curve=0.814), or models using only stenosis as a continuous variable (area under the curve=0.770) or cutoffs of 50% and 70% (area under the curve=0.669),
P
<0.001.

Conclusions—

After excluding patients with noncarotid plaque stroke sources, optimal discrimination of carotid-source stroke was obtained with intraluminal thrombus, IPH, plaque thickness, and smoking history but not ulceration and stenosis.
Ischemic Stroke and Intracranial Hemorrhage With Aspirin, Dabigatran, and Warfarin
Authors: Ho Chi-Wai , Ho Mei-Han , Chan Pak-Hei , Hai Jo-Jo , Cheung Emmanuel , Yeung Chun-Yip , Lau Kui-Kai , Chan Koon-Ho , Lau Chu-Pak , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Leung Gilberto Ka-Kit , Tse Hung-Fat , Siu Chung-Wah
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose—

Little is known about the impact of quality of anticoagulation control, as reflected by time in therapeutic range (TTR), on the effectiveness and safety of warfarin therapy in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation. We investigated the risks of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in relation to warfarin at various TTRs in a real-world cohort of Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation receiving warfarin and compared with those on dabigatran, aspirin, and no therapy.

Methods—

This is an observational study.

Results—

Of 8754 Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation and CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc ≥1 (79.5±9.2 years; CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc, 4.1±1.5; and Hypertension, Abnormal Renal/Liver Function, Stroke, Bleeding History or Predisposition, Labile International Normalized Ratio, Elderly (>65 years), Drugs/Alcohol Concomitantly [HAS-BLED], 2.2±0.9), 16.3% received warfarin, 41.1% aspirin, 4.5% dabigatran, and 38.1% received no therapy. The incidence of ischemic stroke was highest in patients with no therapy (10.38%/y), followed by patients on aspirin (7.95%/y). The incidence of stroke decreased progressively with increasing TTR quartiles (<17.9%, 17.9%–38.8%, 38.8%–56.2%, and >56.2%) from 7.34%/y (first quartile) to 3.10%/y (fourth quartile). Patients on dabigatran had the lowest incidence of stroke among all groups (2.24%/y). The incidence of ICH was lowest in patients on dabigatran (0.32%/y) compared with those on warfarin (0.90%/y), aspirin (0.80%/y), and no therapy (0.53%/y). ICH incidence decreased with increasing TTR from 1.37%/y (first quartile) to 0.74%/y (fourth quartile).

Conclusions—

In Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation, the benefits of warfarin therapy for stroke prevention and ICH risk are closely dependent on the quality of anticoagulation, as reflected by TTR. Even at the top TTR quartile, warfarin was associated with a higher stroke and ICH risk than dabigatran.
Emerging Technologies for Real-Time Diffusion Performance
Authors: Johnson Bridget
Published: November 2014

With the ascendance of the field of new interfaces for musical expression, a new phase of sound diffusion has emerged. Rapid development is taking place across the field, with a focus on gestural interaction and the development of custom performance interfaces. This article discusses how composers and performers embracing technology have broadened the boundaries of spatial performance. A particular focus is placed on performance interfaces built by the author that afford the artist more control over performative gestures. These new works serve as examples of the burgeoning field of diffusion performance interface design.
Ritualized Performance in the Networked Era: Alternative Models for New Artistic Media
Authors: Rubio R. Juan David
Published: November 2014

The author presents a concept of ritualized performance as an ideal way to approach the telematic medium, arguing that many longstanding performance rituals share characteristics that can be exploited in networked performance. The author situates these ideas in relation to his project Spatia, seeking to illustrate how the model of ritualized performance can be applied to the networked medium.
Album Apps: A New Musical Album Format and the Influence of Open Works
Authors: Sa Dias Fernanda
Published: November 2014

Since 2011, the term “album app” has been used more frequently by journalists in the music and technology fields. It refers to a new album format that at first seemed an invitation to improvisation; one could re-create a musical piece while listening to it. The result is that the roles of composing, performing and listening become nearly indiscernible in the album app context. The author also discusses the album app’s relationship to “open works,” a term that was coined and investigated by Eco in 1959, a period that disposed of different technologies to apply very similar statements.
Dataffect: Numerical Epistemology and the Art of Data Sonification
Authors: Akiyama Mitchell
Published: November 2014

This article examines the history of sonification in sound art, focusing on the role that data play in influencing artistic creation and aesthetic experience. The author discusses sonified data artworks that go beyond the simple representation of information and that offer critiques of what Horkheimer and Adorno described as the dehumanizing notion of equivalence at the heart of the bureaucratic, capitalist economy. Concluding with a discussion of his installation Seismology as Metaphor for Empathy (2012), the author suggests that representing data through sound can engender powerful affective responses to the cold abstraction of information.
A Closing Remark: On Several Technologies inside the Concertos Series
Authors: Festa Kay , Barnacle Jay , Nakai You
Published: November 2014

An account of the use of technology in the first two works from No Collective’s Concertos series to overlay a multiplicity of networks (piconets) onto the apparently singular space and time of the performance, so that various modes of “solo” audience may be foregrounded.
I Have No Mouth (pts. 1–6): Introducing Postdigital Spectralism
Authors: Fleming Ian
Published: November 2014

The author discusses the development of the work I Have No Mouth (pts. 1–6), an electronic piece composed within the schools of spectral music and postdigital “glitch” music, to show how composers can harness technological advancements to their own compositional and aesthetic ends. The author posits the compelling nature of a fundamental tension evident in combining these two approaches, which, he argues, results in satisfying and interesting compositions.
An Elegy for the City: Composing the Urban Character
Authors: Chattopadhyay Budhaditya
Published: November 2014

Does a city project a certain inner character within the subjective auditory perception of the listener’s experience of its complex sound environment? This paper examines the artistic processes involved in the author’s recent composition elegy for Bangalore, which sheds light on the methodologies of listening to and field recording in an emerging and transfiguring Indian city toward composing its urban character.
Engaging the Audience: A Primer for Sound Art in Public Spaces
Authors: Seay Jesse
Published: November 2014

The author proposes and explains four “rules” for students creating sound art installations.
Holden Caulfield: Sort of a Christian
Authors: Taylor Bryce A.
Published: November 2014

Many critics have remarked on the deeply religious character of J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye; the novel has been discussed, for example, in terms of Zen Buddhism and Gnosticism. Catcher’s treatment of Christianity, however, has received little attention. This omission is regrettable given the characteristic acuity with which its narrator, Holden Caulfield, addresses Christian sources and themes. The aim of this article, therefore, is to consider in detail Holden’s conflicted attitude toward Christianity. It contends that despite Holden’s biting complaints against Christians (e.g., that many are hypocritical, cliquish, or ostentatious), he manifests an affinity for Christ and an attraction to Christian forms of religious life. This approach to the novel makes much of Holden’s allusion to the story, found in the Synoptic Gospels, of Legion, the Gerasene demoniac. Holden, like Legion, seems ostracized, masochistic, and obsessed by death, but in the novel’s climactic scene at the carousel, he finds healing. Furthermore, in the carousel scene especially, one can detect parallels between Catcher and the Divine Comedy. Just as Dante is guided from hell, through purgatory, to the beatific vision, so Holden is led (principally by his deceased brother Allie and his sister Phoebe) from misery, through purgation, to a moment of ineffable joy. The novel therefore may be read, this article contends, as a religious quest in which Holden comes to perceive the fundamental goodness of the world and its Creator.
Grids: A Kraussian Perspective on New Windows for the Church
Authors: Koestlé-Cate Jonathan
Published: November 2014

Rosalind Krauss’s landmark essay of 1979 on the grid form in art characterized the grid in equivocal terms as centrifugal and centripetal, as structure and framework, and most significantly for this discussion, as a vehicle for the conjunction of art and spirit. The grid provided artists with a means to surreptitiously reintroduce the spiritual into an art form that appeared, on the surface, to be wholly material. Taking her essay as its basis, this article looks at the work of two contemporary artists known for their adoption of the grid as a guiding motif. In recent years James Hugonin and Gerhard Richter have each produced a stained-glass window for the church using a grid system, here discussed in the terms set out in Krauss’s foundational text. Writing on the grid, it is said, has produced “reams and reams of artspeak” yet little in the way of sustained reflection on this visual tendency in art for the church. This article seeks to redress this oversight with reference to two particularly striking examples.
Professionalism and Moral Behavior
Authors: Kouchaki Maryam
Published: November 2014

The dissertation abstract and reflection commentary present the work of Dr. Maryam Kouchaki. The abstract provides an overview of research examining the role of professional identities on ethical behavior. Across a number of studies, this work demonstrates that professionalism, either measured or manipulated, can increase individuals’ unethical behaviors. This dissertation extends prior work on professionalism by examining its psychology and shedding new light on importance of its meanings in driving individuals’ behaviors. Below, the author discusses the reasons for why professionals may engage in unethical behaviors. Finally, the reflection commentary provides insights about the author’s journey as a PhD student.
Tool wear in turning ceramic reinforced aluminum matrix composites—A review
Authors: Kanta Das Dipti , Mishra Purna Chandra , Singh Saranjit , Thakur Ratish Kumar
Published: November 2014

Cutting tool wear during turning of ceramic reinforced aluminum matrix composites was reviewed. Though tools of different materials, such as tungsten carbide, coated tungsten carbide, ceramics, cubic boron nitride, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, chemical vapor deposition diamond coated tungsten carbide, and polycrystalline diamond were used for turning the aluminum matrix composites, better performance of polycrystalline diamond tools was observed in terms of tool life. The results obtained by many researchers indicated that dominant tool wear mechanism was abrasion, and tool life was mainly affected by flank wear during turning of these composites. The flank wear increased on increasing particulate size or weight fraction of reinforcement. Flank wear of the cutting tool also increased with increasing cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut; however, cutting speed was the most significant parameter affecting flank wear, followed by feed. Influence of depth of cut on flank wear was limited or insignificant.
Development of new biomass-based furan/glass composites manufactured by the double-vacuum-bag technique
Authors: Domínguez JC , Madsen B
Published: November 2014

The present study addresses the development of new biomass-based furan resin/glass fibre composites manufactured by the double-vacuum-bag technique using a two-stage cure cycle to allow removal of water from the resin. The volumetric composition and mechanical properties of the composites are measured and analysed with focus on the porosity content. The so-called matrix correlated porosity factor is determined to be 0.096, meaning that the furan matrix itself contains 8.8% porosity. In the optimal case of no matrix porosity, stiffness of the composites compares well with the stiffness of conventional thermosetting/glass composites, but with lower strength. The findings of the present study show that a more efficient water removal during manufacturing, a lower porosity content and a less brittle stress–strain behaviour of the furan matrix are to be addressed to further improve the properties of the composites.
The Pathology of Bone Tissue during Peri-Implantitis
Authors: Schminke B. , vom Orde F. , Gruber R. , Schliephake H. , Bürgers R. , Miosge N.
Published: November 2014

Dental implants are one of the most frequently used treatment options for tooth replacement. Approximately 30% of patients with dental implants develop peri-implantitis, which is an oral inflammatory disease that leads to loss of the supporting tissues, predominately the bone. For the development of future therapeutic strategies, it is essential to understand the molecular pathophysiology of human dental peri-implant infections. Here, we describe the gene and protein expression patterns of peri-implantitis bone tissue compared with healthy peri-implant bone tissue. Furthermore, cells from the osteoblastic lineage derived from peri-implantitis samples were immortalized and characterized. We applied microarray, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and Western blot analyses. The levels of typical bone matrix molecules, including SPP1, BGLAP, and COL9A1, in patients with peri-implantitis were reduced, while the inflammation marker interleukin 8 (IL8) was highly expressed. RUNX2, one of the transcription factors of mature osteoblasts, was also decreased in peri-implantitis. Finally, the human telomerase reverse transcriptase immortalized cell line from peri-implantitis exhibited a more fibro-osteoblastic character than did the healthy control.
Manufacturing a ‘Muted Public Reaction’: Pakistani political discourse in the wake of 9/11
Authors: Fiaz Nazya
Published: November 2014

This article argues that in the wake of 9/11, Pakistan engaged in two policy moves that were highly problematic and controversial from a domestic perspective: the alliance with the United States, and the simultaneous disengagement with the Taliban regime. While realist accounts largely posit these moves as a consequence of US diktat, this article is more interested in exploring how the actions were enabled by a domestic political narrative. Scholarly accounts in the post 9/11 era tend to marginalise the role of indigenous agency and ‘voice’, and overwhelmingly work within frameworks that emphasise the consequential effects of US hegemony. Conversely, in examining official Pakistani political discourses, the article argues that a number of identifiable rhetorical strategies played a performative role in enabling specific Pakistani policy outcomes in the wake of 9/11. In important ways, the analysis moves away from unproblematically assuming Pakistan as simply a passive recipient of American ‘empire’.
Kimura’s disease presenting with inguinal lymphadenopathy in an 11-year old girl: A case report
Authors: Nag Vimal Kumar , Nandan Devki , Bhardwaj Minakshi
Published: November 2014

Kimura’s disease (KD), mostly seen in young Asian boys, typically manifests with subcutaneous lesions and cervical lymphadenopathy. It has a good prognosis and has no risk of malignancy. Inguinal lymphadenopathy is rarely reported as a presenting feature of KD. Here we report such a case of KD in an 11-year old girl. The diagnosis of KD was confirmed in this case by characteristic histopathological findings of the excised lymph node.
Examining Potential Boundary Bias Effects in Kernel Smoothing on Equating
Authors: Cid Jaime A. , von Davier Alina A.
Published: November 2014

Test equating is a method of making the test scores from different test forms of the same assessment comparable. In the equating process, an important step involves continuizing the discrete score distributions. In traditional observed-score equating, this step is achieved using linear interpolation (or an unscaled uniform kernel). In the kernel equating (KE) process, this continuization process involves Gaussian kernel smoothing. It has been suggested that the choice of bandwidth in kernel smoothing controls the trade-off between variance and bias. In the literature on estimating density functions using kernels, it has also been suggested that the weight of the kernel depends on the sample size, and therefore, the resulting continuous distribution exhibits bias at the endpoints, where the samples are usually smaller. The purpose of this article is (a) to explore the potential effects of atypical scores (spikes) at the extreme ends (high and low) on the KE method in distributions with different degrees of asymmetry using the randomly equivalent groups equating design (Study I), and (b) to introduce the Epanechnikov and adaptive kernels as potential alternative approaches to reducing boundary bias in smoothing (Study II). The beta-binomial model is used to simulate observed scores reflecting a range of different skewed shapes.
Retrograde type A dissection after thoracic endovascular repair due to the barb
Authors: Tanaka Koyu , Saito Masahito , Ohata Toshihiro
Published: November 2014

We present a case of retrograde ascending aortic dissection in a 65-year-old man 8 months after emergency thoracic endovascular repair of an atherosclerotic aneurysm. Intraoperative findings identified a retrograde ascending aortic dissection due to the barb of the stent-graft. Retrograde type A dissection is a rare but fatal complication after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. There are some reports of retrograde ascending aortic dissection, but the etiology remains unclear. The subtle back-and-forth motion of the barb during the cardiac cycle may cause aortic injuries that result in retrograde ascending aortic dissection.
Mediastinal follicular dendritic cell sarcoma with paraneoplastic pemphigus
Authors: Chow Simon CY , Yeung Eugene CL , Ng Calvin SH , Wong Randolph HL , Fai To Ka , Wan Innes YP
Published: November 2014

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma is a rare neoplasm of immune accessory cells. It occurs primarily in lymph nodes. Occurrences in the mediastinum are rarely reported. Diagnosis and management of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma remain unclear, and it is an under-recognized clinical entity. Only a few cases of paraneoplastic pemphigus as the first presentation of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma have been reported. We report an unusual case of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the anterior mediastinum, presenting as paraneoplastic pemphigus in a 62-year-old man. Typical histological features confirmed the diagnosis of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, and surgical resection was successfully performed.
How much mediation in dynamic assessment for gifted students? Up to critical thinking please!
Authors: Sahragard Rahman , Heidari Kamal
Published: November 2014

Reviewing the assessment literature, dynamic assessment is the most recently advocated type of assessment in that it not only argues for integration between assessment and instruction, but also takes into consideration the testees' past, present, and future potentials. However, as far as dynamic assessment is concerned, a key question is: How much assistance, or mediation, should be provided by the assessor? Most studies are at the level of theory, and putting the theory into practice is not that easy. The same question is more salient for gifted students. Should they be provided with the same degree of mediation as is provided for other students? The current paper makes an attempt to provide a more practical and understandable answer to this question. To achieve the goal, the authors refer to the concept of critical thinking and, after clarifying it, responds to the above-mentioned question by maintaining that helping gifted students reach the threshold level of critical thinking should be the final point of assisting learners in an assessment session.
Producer Organisations in Indian Agriculture
Authors: Cherukuri Radhika Rani , Reddy A. Amarender
Published: November 2014

This article examines the role of producer organisations in improving service delivery to producers/farmers. It observes that access to technology and other farm advisory services for producers within a producer organisation or partner arrangement is much more effective than for non-partners. Perceptible changes occurred in terms of increase in net incomes for partners compared to non-partners, even though increases in yield were not always observed. Benefits arose mainly because of increase in market access, marketable surplus and bargaining power for producer organisations. Such encouraging findings support arguments for greater policy support to leverage the functioning of producer organisations for their sustenance and replication.
Job Search Processes for Tribal People From Jharkhand and West Bengal
Authors: Dhar Rajib Lochan
Published: November 2014

Millions of job seekers in South Asia, including many tribals, are forced by lack of local employment opportunities to migrate towards urban areas. This fieldwork-based study aims to understand specifically which factors influence job search processes among tribals from two states in India—Jharkhand and West Bengal. It examines their reasons for moving and factors on which job search depends, methods adopted in job search, the extent of different options and limitations because of the nature of jobs available and the skills levels of the people concerned. Based on these ethnographic findings, some policy concerns are raised in terms of monitoring of migration and protection of food security for tribal communities and other structurally disadvantaged rural people in South Asia.
On the compatibility of benevolence and self-interest: Philanthropy and entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Mickiewicz Tomasz , Sauka Arnis , Stephan Ute
Published: November 2014

This article explores the philanthropy of owner–managers of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) investigating whether and why more entrepreneurially oriented SMEs are also more likely to engage in philanthropic activities. We find support for a positive link between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and philanthropy in a representative sample of 270 Lithuanian SMEs controlling for alternative explanations. We highlight that philanthropy is relatively common among SME owner–managers and thus complement existing research which views philanthropy as sequentially following wealth generation. In line with our theorizing, further qualitative findings point to drivers of philanthropy beyond those considered in the dominant strategic-instrumental perspective. Building on social-psychological theories of motivation, we argue and confirm that philanthropy can also be an expression of owner–managers’ altruistic values; these values can be compatible and even mutually reinforcing with entrepreneurship. Our study is set in a transition economy, Lithuania, facilitating the analysis of heterogeneity in attitudes toward philanthropy.
Corporate social responsibility of the media
Authors: Lee Chan Goo , Sung Jiyeon , Kim Jin Ki , Jung In Sook , Kim Kook Jin
Published: November 2014

In the media industry, in which public interest has been discussed, the importance of corporate social responsibility is magnified again. There is less literature on how to measure corporate social responsibility in the media industry. This study aims to develop an instrument to measure corporate social responsibility in the media industry. Using data from 253 experts in the communication area, this study verifies the proposed instrument. Results show that corporate social responsibility in the media consists of three major constructs, namely credibility, usefulness and fairness.
Evasion paths in mobile sensor networks
Authors: Adams Henry , Carlsson Gunnar
Published: November 2014

Suppose that ball-shaped sensors wander in a bounded domain. A sensor does not know its location but does know when it overlaps a nearby sensor. We say that an evasion path exists in this sensor network if a moving intruder can avoid detection. In ‘ Coordinate-free coverage in sensor networks with controlled boundaries via homology', Vin de Silva and Robert Ghrist give a necessary condition, depending only on the time-varying connectivity data of the sensors, for an evasion path to exist. Using zigzag persistent homology, we provide an equivalent condition that moreover can be computed in a streaming fashion. However, no method with time-varying connectivity data as input can give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of an evasion path. Indeed, we show that the existence of an evasion path depends not only on the fibrewise homotopy type of the region covered by sensors but also on its embedding in spacetime. For planar sensors that also measure weak rotation and distance information, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of an evasion path.
Factors affecting recompression of augmented vertebrae after successful percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Niu Junjie , Zhou Haifei , Meng Qian , Shi Jinhui , Meng Bin , Yang Huilin
Published: November 2014

Background

The instantaneously recovered stability and strength following vertebral augmentation prevent continuous micro-motion and further collapse of fractured vertebrae. Despite this, during follow-up of our patients, we observed recompression of augmented vertebrae with significant vertebral height loss and aggravation of local kyphotic deformity.

Purpose

To identify the risk factors related to recompression and to evaluate the clinical significance of recompression.

Material and Methods

One hundred and twenty-one patients who underwent single-level kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures were retrospectively analyzed and classified into the following two groups: group 1 with recompression and group 2 without recompression. Characteristics of patients and fractured vertebrae were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for recompression. We evaluated the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores in both groups to elucidate the clinical impact.

Results

During an average of 20.75 ± 4.43 months of follow-up, 17 augmented vertebrae developed recompression. In the recompression group, vertebral height loss was accompanied by significantly aggravated local kyphotic deformity. The local kyphotic angle differed significantly between the two groups at final follow-up ( P = 0.011). However, the VAS and ODI scores were maintained at final follow-up in both groups although the values were slightly higher in group 1. Solid lump distribution pattern (OR = 8.718; P = 0.003) and the degree of vertebral height restoration (OR = 1.260; P < 0.001) were identified as the most important risk factors for recompression.

Conclusion

Fractured vertebrae containing solid lump cement and those with more vertebral height restoration are at higher risk of recompression. More attention should be given to these patients considering the aggravated local kyphotic deformity.
CT triage for lung malignancy: coronal multiplanar reformation versus images in three orthogonal planes
Authors: Kusk Martin Weber , Karstoft Jens , Mussmann Bo Redder
Published: November 2014

Background

Generation of multiplanar reformation (MPR) images has become automatic on most modern computed tomography (CT) scanners, potentially increasing the workload of the reporting radiologists. It is not always clear if this increases diagnostic performance in all clinical tasks.

Purpose

To assess detection performance using only coronal multiplanar reformations (MPR) when triaging patients for lung malignancies with CT compared to images in three orthogonal planes, and to evaluate performance comparison of novice and experienced readers.

Material and Methods

Retrospective study of 63 patients with suspicion of lung cancer, scanned on 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with images reconstructed in three planes. Coronal images were presented to four readers, two novice and two experienced. Readers decided whether the patients were suspicious for malignant disease, and indicated their confidence on a five-point scale. Sensitivity and specificity on per-patient basis was calculated with regards to a reference standard of histological diagnosis, and compared with the original report using McNemar’s test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to compare the performance of the four readers, using the area under the curve (AUC) as figure of merit.

Results

No statistically significant difference of sensitivity and specificity was found for any of the readers when compared to the original reports. ROC analysis yielded AUCs in the range of 0.92–0.93 for all readers with no significant difference. Inter-rater agreement was substantial (kappa = 0.72).

Conclusion

Sensitivity and specificity were comparable to diagnosis using images in three planes. No significant difference was found between experienced and novice readers.