bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alteration of Stress Distribution Patterns in Symptomatic Valgus Instability of the Elbow in Baseball Players
Authors: Funakoshi Tadanao , Furushima Kozo , Momma Daisuke , Endo Kaori , Abe Yuichiro , Itoh Yoshiyasu , Fujisaki Kazuhiro , Tadano Shigeru , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: February 2016

Background:

Repetitive valgus stress applied during a throwing motion can lead to various elbow disturbances, including ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury. Subchondral bone density reportedly reflects the cumulative force on a joint surface under actual loading conditions.

Purpose:

(1) To evaluate the distribution of subchondral bone density across the elbow joint in asymptomatic baseball pitchers and symptomatic valgus instability pitchers and (2) to clarify the alterations in stress distribution pattern associated with symptomatic UCL insufficiency pitching activities.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Computed tomography (CT) imaging data were collected from the dominant-side elbow of 7 nonathletic volunteers (controls), 12 asymptomatic pitchers (asymptomatic group), and 12 symptomatic valgus instability pitchers with UCL insufficiency (symptomatic group). Bone mineral density across the elbow joint was measured with CT osteoabsorptiometry. A 2-dimensional mapping model was divided into 4 areas of the distal end of the humerus and 5 areas of the ulna with the radial head. The locations and percentages of high-density areas on the articular surface were quantitatively analyzed.

Results:

High-density areas in the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups were found in the anterolateral and posteromedial parts of the humerus and in the radial head, posteromedial to the ulna. The high-density areas in the anterior and posteromedial of the humerus, the radial head, and the posteromedial part of the ulna in the controls were smaller than those in the baseball group. In the symptomatic group, the percentages of high-density areas in the anterolateral part of the humerus (mean, 36.3%; 95% CI, 31.9%-40.7%) and the anterolateral part of the ulna (mean, 31.7%; 95% CI, 24.3%-39.1) were significantly greater than those in the asymptomatic group ( P = .047 and P < .0001, respectively).

Conclusion:

Symptomatic UCL insufficiency was associated with characteristic high-stress distribution patterns on the anterolateral part of the capitellum and the anterolateral part of the ulna. The current results indicate that symptomatic UCL insufficiency produces excessive and cumulative stress in the elbow joint.

Clinical Relevance:

The information obtained from the CT images can useful for early detection of overstress conditions of the elbow joint.
Development and Preliminary Technical Adequacy of the Schoolwide Integrated Framework for Transformation Fidelity of Implementation Tool
Authors: Algozzine Bob , Morsbach Sweeney Holly , Choi Jeong Hoon , Horner Rob , Sailor Wayne , McCart Amy B. , Satter Allyson , Lane Kathleen Lynne
Published: February 2016

U.S. public education systems are required to provide free appropriate public education to students with disabilities in least restrictive environments that are appropriate to meet their individual needs. The practice of educating students with disabilities in neighborhood schools in age-appropriate general education classrooms and other school settings to meet this requirement has come to be known as “inclusive education.” The long-standing interest in keeping students with disabilities in the same classrooms with their neighbors and peers has created a need for reform to establish equity in America’s schools. Schoolwide Integrated Framework for Transformation (SWIFT) is a whole-system school reform model provided through a national technical assistance center that addresses core features of inclusive education support for elementary and middle schools, particularly those that are chronically low performing and those serving students with the most extensive needs. We describe the development and preliminary technical adequacy of SWIFT Fidelity of Implementation Tool (SWIFT-FIT) as a means to document the extent to which schools are implementing inclusive education. Findings provide preliminary support for trained assessors using SWIFT-FIT as a valid and reliable instrument to produce evidence that describes the extent to which schools install, implement, and sustain these evidence-based practices. Researchers and other school personnel can use these data to evaluate the impact of implementation on progress as well as important student and other outcomes.
Evaluation of a Motion-Based Platform for Practicing Phonological Awareness of Preschool Children
Authors: Goffredo Michela , Bernabucci Ivan , Lucarelli Cristiana , Conforto Silvia , Schmid Maurizio , Nera Maria Matilde , Lopez Luisa , D’Alessio Tommaso , Grasselli Bruna
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study is to introduce a new platform, called En Plein, for the kinesthetic practice of phonological skills by preschool children and to examine its feasibility in combination with more traditional teaching methods. The rationale is that the manipulation of structural phonological units is important to train the necessary prerequisites for writing and reading and to help the identification of early learning disability precursors. The system includes a large number of phonological activities for children and allows interaction with a playful virtual environment via a cartoon-avatar controlled by a gesture-based natural user interface. En Plein relies on the Microsoft Kinect™ motion sensor. In the pilot study, the system has been placed in a classroom of an Italian kindergarten for 5 weeks of training. A test for assessing the phonological skills in Italian language for kindergarten (Valutazione delle Competenze Metafonologiche [CMF]) has been administered before and after training. Children who worked with the platform showed improvements in their phonological awareness (mean increase of CMF scores of 9%), while their peers who received only the traditional education had a mean increase of CMF scores of 1%. Results from this preliminary study show that children who used the system were more confident in manipulating structural phonological units, increased their awareness of words sound structures and generalized these skills by applying them to different tasks. The performance of En Plein is particularly encouraging for future large-scale applications in kindergartens and possible tests with children at risk of developing specific learning disabilities.
We Are Family: Specifying the Unique Contribution of Abuse and Neglect of Siblings on the Prevalence, Severity, and Chronicity of Maltreatment in the Household
Authors: Spano Richard
Published: February 2016

Prior research typically focuses on a single child (“index” victim) when measuring child abuse and neglect (CAN) using Child Protective Services (CPS) records. However, excluding siblings has the potential to underestimate estimates of the prevalence, severity, and chronicity of CAN in the household, which includes all children in the family. CPS maltreatment records were searched in 2005 for 366 “index” victims who were surveyed for 5 consecutive years (from 1998 to 2002) for the Mobile Youth Survey (MYS) as well as other siblings in the household. The estimate of prevalence of CAN in the household increased by 10% when sibling(s) in the household were included in the CPS search. In addition, prevalence of sexual abuse in the household increased by 38% when siblings were included in the broader search of CPS records. More importantly, including sibling victims of CAN uncovered incidents of maltreatment that occurred before the birth of the targeted MYS “index” victim. In short, the inclusion of abuse and neglect of siblings is a straightforward and intuitive way to improve estimates of abuse and neglect in the household. More importantly, the age of onset of CAN of sibling victims provides a wider window of opportunity to identify at-risk families for targeted interventions and may represent a critical stepping stone toward the primary prevention of CAN in the household.
Parties, Ideology, and News Media in Central-Eastern and Western Europe
Authors: Castro-Herrero Laia , Hopmann David Nicolas , Engesser Sven
Published: February 2016

This study assesses the degree and direction of media bias towards political parties in Central-Eastern and Western European democracies. Previous research has argued that despite policy efforts to detach the media from the political domain, journalism in former Eastern Bloc countries is still characterized by a more partisan style than in Western Europe. Our analysis employs data from the European Parliament Election Study 2009 (EES) and the European Media Systems Survey 2010 (EMSS), covering 187 parties and more than 120 media outlets in fifteen Western and ten Central and Eastern media systems across the European Union. To analyze partisan media bias, we look at (1) how well audience patterns correlate with partisan preferences of media users and (2) the extent to which media outlets favour specific parties according to experts. Contrary to our hypotheses, the results show that levels of media bias in Central and Eastern Europe are similar to those in Western Europe. We also find that left–right party ideology predicts media bias in the latter, but not in the former. Our findings question the general assumption that partisan media bias is higher in “the East” and challenge the widespread belief that a long tradition of media commercialization, as found in “the West,” leads to less political media bias.
Pressure-assisted forming of non-concentric tubular cross sections with solid medium
Authors: Alves Luis M , Silva Carlos MA , Nielsen Chris V , Martins Paulo AF
Published: February 2016

Pressure-assisted forming of tubes allows producing a wide variety of tubular components that are difficult or impossible to fabricate by means of conventional tube forming. In contrast to previous investigations in the field that were almost exclusively focused on the utilization of fluids (tube hydroforming) or elastomers (tube rubber forming) as pressuring medium, the subject matter of this article is centred in the utilization of low melting point, recyclable, metallic alloys as solid pressurizing medium. The aims and scope of the article are centred on the feasibility of forming straight carbon steel tubes into complex gooseneck geometries with non-concentric cross sections using lead as a solid pressuring medium and employing a double-action cam-driven tool system. The presentation is focused on the tool system, on its adequacy to produce customized tubular components, on the required forming forces and on the typical modes of deformation that result from the different movements provided by the vertical and horizontal actuators of the double-action tool system. Results and observations confirm that the utilization of a double-action tool system with a solid pressurizing medium to assist plastic deformation and prevent collapse can be successfully and effectively employed to fabricate non-concentric tubular cross sections for prototypes and small batches of lightweight components.
A dual scheduling model for optimizing robustness and energy consumption in manufacturing systems
Authors: Escamilla Joan , Salido Miguel A
Published: February 2016

Manufacturing systems involve a huge number of combinatorial problems that must be optimized in an efficient way. One of these problems is related to task scheduling problems. These problems are NP-hard, so most of the complete techniques are not able to obtain an optimal solution in an efficient way. Furthermore, most of real manufacturing problems are dynamic, so the main objective is not only to obtain an optimized solution in terms of makespan, tardiness, and so on but also to obtain a solution able to absorb minor incidences/disruptions presented in any daily process. Most of these industries are also focused on improving the energy efficiency of their industrial processes. In this article, we propose a knowledge-based model to analyse previous incidences occurred in the machines with the aim of modelling the problem to obtain robust and energy-aware solutions. The resultant model (called dual model) will protect the more dynamic and disrupted tasks by assigning buffer times. These buffers will be used to absorb incidences during execution and to reduce the machine rate to minimize energy consumption. This model is solved by a memetic algorithm which combines a genetic algorithm with a local search to obtain robust and energy-aware solutions able to absorb further disruptions. The proposed dual model has been proven to be efficient in terms of energy consumption, robustness and stability in different and well-known benchmarks.
Comparative study of expert predictive models based on adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system, nonlinear autoregressive exogenous and Hammerstein–Wiener approaches for electrical discharge machining performance: Material removal rate and surface roughness
Authors: Roodgar Amoli Ehsan , Salehinia Saeed , Ghoreishi Majid
Published: February 2016

In this study, material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra) in electrical discharge machining process have been modeled to make the process more efficient and reliable. First, adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system as one of the most used methods has been applied for prediction of material removal rate and Ra. Also a proposed method, that is, nonlinear modeling by system identification, has been applied to predict material removal rate and Ra. A group of electrical discharge machining experiments considering four input variables was conducted to collect dataset for training the predictive models. At the end, the comparison of predicted results from both approaches with experimental data shows that the new method has a much better performance than the adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system approach.
Does Seeing Faces of Young Black Boys Facilitate the Identification of Threatening Stimuli?
Authors: Todd Andrew R. , Thiem Kelsey C. , Neel Rebecca
Published: February 2016

Pervasive stereotypes linking Black men with violence and criminality can lead to implicit cognitive biases, including the misidentification of harmless objects as weapons. In four experiments, we investigated whether these biases extend even to young Black boys (5-year-olds). White participants completed sequential priming tasks in which they categorized threatening and nonthreatening objects and words after brief presentations of faces of various races (Black and White) and ages (children and adults). Results consistently revealed that participants had less difficulty (i.e., faster response times, fewer errors) identifying threatening stimuli and more difficulty identifying nonthreatening stimuli after seeing Black faces than after seeing White faces, and this racial bias was equally strong following adult and child faces. Process-dissociation-procedure analyses further revealed that these effects were driven entirely by automatic (i.e., unintentional) racial biases. The collective findings suggest that the perceived threat commonly associated with Black men may generalize even to young Black boys.
Serge Romoff – témoin inconnu
Authors: Flower John
Published: February 2016

En mai 1921 et à Paris depuis une quinzaine d’années, Serge Romoff est appelé comme témoin au procès fictif de Maurice Barrès monté par les Dadaïstes et les Surréalistes. Bien qu’il soit presque certain qu’il connaissait plusieurs membres des deux groupes, il n’y a aucune trace de sa participation au cours des années précédentes ni à leurs activités ni à leurs publications. Qui donc était Serge Romoff ? La documentation manque, mais il semble qu’à partir de 1920 il joue un rôle de plus en plus important dans le monde culturel et surtout dans celui des artistes émigrés russes dans le quartier de Montparnasse. Il travaille dans l’imprimerie, fait quelques traductions, collabore à plusieurs revues culturelles, organise des expositions et écrit des articles de presse, notamment pour L’Humanité. En 1928 il retourne à Moscou où il continue à faire des conférences, probablement sur la littérature française et l’art. Il est mort en février 1939, une des victimes peut-être des purges staliniennes.
Education for Sustainable Development: Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation Expertise in Developing Countries
Authors: Fahey Shireen , Verstraten Luke , Berry Ashton J.
Published: February 2016

This article presents the results of an innovative education capacity assessment and delivery project to promote sustainable development in large ocean states in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. Science education can help prepare the present and coming generations for stability in an uncertain future. Limited financial, geographical and knowledge-based resources make large ocean states particularly vulnerable to future uncertainties, such as those associated with climate change. With island populations already feeling the impacts of a changing climate, improved adaptive capacity and disaster risk reduction have become increasingly essential. Thus, climate change adaptation forms the basis for a stakeholder-designed curriculum to meet the capacity-building needs of stakeholders. Partnerships between external experts and local stakeholders were formed to build upon human resource capacity and maximize delivery through a programme of ‘train-the-trainer’ activities. In this way, the mentoring of local stakeholders to undertake their own training can advance sustainable development goals beyond traditional non-collaborative educational approaches. This article shows how this aim can be accomplished through the design and delivery of a phased, coherent professional development programme.
Schooling for Sustainable Development in Europe: Concepts, Policies and Educational Experiences at the End of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Datta Ranjan Kumar
Published: February 2016

Rolf Jucker and Reiner Mathar (Eds), Springer, Zurich, Switzerland, Volume 6 (2015), 380 pages, $99.00 (paperback). ISBN: 978-3-319-09548-6. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-09549-3. http://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319095486
Aeroelastic response of a selectively compliant morphing aerofoil featuring integrated variable stiffness bi-stable laminates
Authors: Kuder Izabela K , Arrieta Andres F , Rist Mathias , Ermanni Paolo
Published: February 2016

Distributed compliance systems with integrated variable stiffness elements show great promise for reconciling the conflicting requirements of morphing. The distinct structural properties of each equilibrium configuration allow bi-stable laminates to provide stiffness variability in a purely elastic, energy-efficient manner. This article presents a novel morphing concept based on a distributed arrangement of embeddable variable stiffness bi-stable composites inside a 500 mm chord NACA 0012 profile (where ‘NACA’ is the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics). The structural response of the aerofoil is assessed numerically and experimentally, with a particular focus on the global stiffness modification potential via the snap-through of the component laminates. Extending the validated finite element models to include a weak static aeroelastic coupling permits evaluation of the aerodynamic adequacy of the final, passively morphed shapes. This concurrent aero-structural methodology is finally employed to develop an improved design. The results allow for assessing the feasibility and potential of the innovative morphing approach exploiting selective compliance provided by the stiffness variability of the integrated bi-stable elements.
Precise deflection analysis of laminated piezoelectric curved beam
Authors: Zhou Yong , Nyberg Timo R , Xiong Gang , Zhou Hongbo , Li Shi
Published: February 2016

The piezoelectric laminated curved beams are currently one of the most popular elements used in nano- or micro-electromechanical systems because of the fact that the piezoelectric driving parts are small, lightweight, and quick response. This article presents an analytical model of the piezoelectric laminated curved beams with variant curvature. And the influence of secondary converse piezoelectric effect on the deflection of the curved beams fully covered with piezoelectric actuators is investigated. Using the radius of curvature and the tangent slope angle of the laminated curved beam as the basic parameters, the quantities of rotation angle, radial, and tangential displacements are decoupled and expressed as harmonic functions. The results of the isotropic curved beams are compared with the existing solutions and the data show the validation of the present method. The presented method can be used to analyze the curved piezoelectric beams being any curve. Some closed-form solutions of circular beams fully covered with piezoelectric layers are presented. Two kinds of ply angle (0/ θ) and ( θ/− θ) are investigated in this article. The effects of aspect ratio, thickness ratio, and stacking sequence on the characters of the piezoelectric laminated circular beams with and without secondary converse piezoelectric effect are explored.
Psychodynamically Oriented Supportive Group Therapy With Psychotic Patients
Authors: Segredou Irini , Christodoulou Christos , Samakouri Maria , Antoniadou Olga , Poulis Evangelos , Therapou Kyriaki , Livaditis Miltos
Published: February 2016

This pilot study investigates the contribution of supportive psychodynamically oriented group psychotherapy to the clinical characteristics and functioning of psychotic patients. After a year of group psychotherapy using an intermediary object, the drawings of a number of psychotic patients were inspected separately so as to ascertain the improvement of psychopathological elements depicted. Two groups of 38 patients each, with similar psychopathology, clinical and demographic data were assessed before and after 1 year. One group participated in group psychotherapy, with or without an intermediary object; the other group received standard care. The study demonstrated improvement in functioning, quality of life, positive/negative symptoms, and relapses of hospitalizations for patients participating in group psychotherapy. Moreover, elements that indicate psychopathology declined in the drawings of the group in therapy with an intermediary object. Psychodynamically oriented group psychotherapy, with or without an intermediary object, could be an additional treatment option for psychotic patients.
A Brief History of Interdisciplinary Cooperation in the Study of Small Groups
Authors: Kettner-Polley Richard
Published: February 2016

This article attempts to answer three questions. First, why has it been so difficult to achieve true interdisciplinary collaboration in the study of small groups? Second, what has been accomplished (and, in some cases, lost) in past attempts? And finally, what has been accomplished recently?
R.E.A.L. Therapy
Authors: Armstrong Laura Lynne
Published: February 2016

R.E.A.L. therapy is a novel approach that merges rational emotive and logotherapy techniques in a creative manner for families. This model teaches skills aimed at enhancing meaning and attachment in the family, building social literacy skills and personal insight through emotion recognition, and addressing negative thinking patterns through evidence testing. As traditional “talk therapy” may exclude young children from participating in family psychotherapy, the hands-on activities presented in this article may serve to engage the whole family in the therapy process.
Preliminary Validation of the Sex Trafficking Attitudes Scale
Authors: Houston-Kolnik Jaclyn D. , Todd Nathan R. , Wilson Midge
Published: February 2016

This study presents the Sex Trafficking Attitudes Scale (STAS), assessing cognitive, behavioral, and affective attitudes toward the sex trafficking of women and girls. Across two studies, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed and confirmed six subscales: (a) Knowledge About Sex Trafficking, (b) Awareness of Sex Trafficking, (c) Attitudes Toward Ability to Leave Sex Trafficking, (d) Attitudes Toward Helping Survivors, (e) Empathic Reactions Toward Sex Trafficking, and (f) Efficacy to Reduce Sex Trafficking. Results showed support for convergent validity as the subscales were associated with related measures. The STAS holds promise to expand research and inform efforts to support trafficking survivors.
Incidence of hypocalcemia in patients receiving denosumab for prevention of skeletal-related events in bone metastasis
Authors: Yerram Prakirthi , Kansagra Shraddha , Abdelghany Osama
Published: February 2016

Background

Denosumab therapy is commonly used for the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastasis. However, a common side effect of denosumab is hypocalcemia.

Objective

The aim of the study is to determine the incidence of hypocalcemia in patients receiving denosumab for prevention of skeletal-related events in bone metastasis and evaluate risk factors for developing hypocalcemia.

Methods

This was a retrospective medication use evaluation reviewing the incidence of hypocalcemia in patients receiving outpatient denosumab for prevention of skeletal-related events at Yale–New Haven Hospital. Additionally, various risk factors were reviewed to determine their risk of developing hypocalcemia.

Results

As per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03, of the 106 patients included in the study population, 37 (35%) patients had an incidence of hypocalcemia within 30 days of denosumab administration. Fourteen patients (13.2%) had an incidence of grade 1, 13 patients (12.3%) had an incidence of grade 2 hypocalcemia, and 7 patients (6.6%) had an incidence of grade 3 hypocalcemia. Grade 4 hypocalcemia occurred in three (2.8%) patients. Calcium supplementation did not decrease the risk of developing hypocalcemia. Patients who had one or more episodes of acute kidney insufficiency were at a higher risk of developing hypocalcemia (odds ratio = 7.5 (95% confidence interval = 1.8–36.3), p = 0.001).

Conclusion

This study found that the overall incidence of hypocalcemia and severe hypocalcemia was higher than reported in clinical trials. Additionally, calcium supplementation did not have an effect on incidence of hypocalcemia, while patients who experienced acute kidney insufficiency while on denosumab had a higher likelihood of developing hypocalcemia.
Imagination in narrative medicine
Authors: Barbieri Gian Luca , Bennati Sara , Capretto Stefano , Ghinelli Barbara , Vecchi Corrado
Published: February 2016

This article presents a qualitative study realized in the Children’s University Hospital of Parma, Italy, aimed at observing the effects of the fictional narrative in the emotions of the young patients. The results showed that, especially by means of projection, identification and symbolization, the imagination helps the children to elaborate in a positive way the bad emotions elicited by the experience of the disease and of the stay in hospital. Furthermore, the study was useful to the healthcare professionals in order to understand the emotive, cognitive and relational needs of the patients. We suggest the introduction of creative expression in the narrative medicine in addition to the autobiographical accounts, the questionnaires and the interviews in some particular care contexts.
Multi-damage localization on large complex structures through an extended delay-and-sum based method
Authors: Shan Shengbo , Qiu Jinhao , Zhang Chao , Ji Hongli , Cheng Li
Published: February 2016

In this work, the technique of the delay-and-sum method has been extended to the localization of multi-damage on large complex structures. Through a case study by locating multiple damages on a composite aircraft panel, the exact extensions of the method are clearly presented. A multi-damage detection method is first designed on the basis of the propagating characteristics of Lamb waves as the preprocessing of damage localization. In light of the high signal complexity induced by the structural characteristics, an adaptive valid data extraction strategy is presented, improving the adaptability of the delay-and-sum method for complicated structures in terms of the damage localization accuracy. Since the localization accuracy of the delay-and-sum method can be significantly influenced by the uncertainty of preset velocity, it is further assessed by a quantitative localization accuracy evaluation method, revealing some fundamental features of the method in a comprehensive way. In addition, a boundary processing approach is designed to extend the delay-and-sum method for the multi-damage case. Experimental results in different damage situations verify that multi-damage can be located accurately by the proposed extended method.
Comparing Cognitive Interviewing and Online Probing
Authors: Meitinger Katharina , Behr Dorothée
Published: February 2016

This study compares the application of probing techniques in cognitive interviewing (CI) and online probing (OP). Even though the probing is similar, the methods differ regarding typical mode setting, sample size, level of interactivity, and goals. We analyzed probing answers to the International Social Survey Programme item battery on specific national pride. While probing answers in CI show indications for a higher response quality, OP can compensate through a larger sample size. Therefore, both methods have complementary strengths with regard to error detection and themes.
Individualized Radiation Dose Escalation Based on the Decrease in Tumor FDG Uptake and Normal Tissue Constraints Improve Survival in Patients With Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Ma Jinbo , Wang Zhaoyang , Wang Chengde , Chen Ercheng , Dong Yaozong , Song Yipeng , Wang Wei , You Dong , Jiang Wei , Zang Rukun
Published: February 2016

Background:

To determine whether individualized radiation dose escalation after planned chemoradiation based on the decrease in tumor and normal tissue constraints can improve survival in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Methods:

From August 2005 to December 2010, 112 patients with squamous esophageal carcinoma were treated with radical concurrent chemoradiation. Patients received positron emission tomography-computer tomography scan twice, before radiation and after radiation dose of 50.4 Gy. All patients were noncomplete metabolic response groups according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in solid tumors. Only 52 patients with noncomplete metabolic response received individualized dose escalation based on tumor and normal tissue constraints. Survival and treatment failure were observed and analyzed using SPSS (13.0).

Results:

The rate of complete metabolic response for patients with noncomplete metabolic response after dose escalation reached 17.3% (9 of 52). The 2-year overall survival rates for patients with noncomplete metabolic response in the conventional and dose-escalation groups were 20.5% and 42.8%, respectively( P = .001). The 2-year local control rates for patients were 35.7% and 76.2%, respectively ( P = .002). When patients were classified into partial metabolic response and no metabolic response, 2-year overall survival rates for patients with partial metabolic response were significantly different in conventional and dose-escalation groups (33.8% vs 78.4%; P = .000). The 2-year overall survival rates for patients with no metabolic response in two groups (8.6% vs 15.1%) did not significantly differ ( P = .917).

Conclusion:

Individualized radiation dose escalation has the potential to improve survival in patients with esophageal carcinoma according to increased rate of complete metabolic response. However, further trials are needed to confirm this and to identify patients who may benefit from dose escalation.
Effects of intralipid and caffeic acid phenyl esther (CAPE) against hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by glyphosate isopropylamine (GI)
Authors: Alp Harun , Pinar Neslihan , Dokuyucu Recep , Kaplan Ibrahim , Sahan Mustafa , Senol Serkan , Karakus Ali , Yaldiz Mehmet
Published: February 2016

This study was aimed to investigate the protective effects of caffeic acid phenyl esther (CAPE) and Intralipid (IL) against hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by acute intoxication of glyphosate (N-phosphonomethyl)glycine) (GI) in rats. Forty-nine Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into seven groups as: I, Control; II, Intralipid (IL) (18.6 mL/kg, orally); III, CAPE (10 µmol/kg, intraperitoneally); IV, GI (4 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally); V, GI + IL; VI, GI+CAPE; and VII, GI + IL + CAPE. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were measured in serum samples. Tissues were analyzed with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining protocol. Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 were evaluated by immunohistochemical method. The results revealed that, in hepatic tissues, the TAS levels were lower and the TOS levels were higher in the GI group compared to other groups. In renal tissues, the TAS levels were significantly lower in the GI group than in the control, IL, CAPE, and GI + IL + CAPE groups. The TOS levels were significantly higher in the GI group than in the control group. Moreover, histopathological analysis revealed severe hepatotoxicity in the GI group. In the GI + CAPE + IL group, hepatotoxicity recovered significantly. Nephrotoxicity was also observed in the GI group and moderately reduced in the GI + CAPE group. Biochemical results were confirmed by histopathologic examination. The results also revealed that CAPE and IL, due to their antioxidant effects, have a decreasing effect against both hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by GI. Therefore, CAPE and IL may function as potential agents for supportive therapy since they decrease organ damage, or may facilitate the therapeutic effects of the routine treatment of patients with GI poisoning.
The influence of obesity on perinatal outcomes in pregnancies achieved with assisted reproductive technology: A population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Valent Amy M , Hall Eric S , DeFranco Emily A
Published: February 2016

Objective

To determine the influence of obesity on neonatal outcomes of pregnancies resulting from assisted reproductive technology.

Methods

Population-based retrospective cohort study of all non-anomalous, live births in Ohio from 2007 to 2011, comparing differences in the frequency of adverse neonatal outcomes of women who conceived with assisted reproductive technology versus spontaneously conceived pregnancies and stratified by obesity status. Primary outcome was a composite of neonatal morbidities defined as ≥1 of the following: neonatal death, Apgar score of <7 at 5 min, assisted ventilation, neonatal intensive care unit admission, or transport to a tertiary care facility.

Results

Rates of adverse neonatal outcomes were significantly higher for assisted reproductive technology pregnancies than spontaneously conceived neonates; non-obese 25% versus 8% and obese 27% versus 10%, p < 0.001. Assisted reproductive technology was associated with a similar increased risk for adverse outcomes in both obese (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.59) and non-obese women (aOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.18–1.51) even after adjustment for coexisting risk factors. This increased risk was driven by higher preterm births in assisted reproductive technology pregnancies; obese (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.86–1.31) and non-obese (aOR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.00–1.32).

Discussion

Assisted reproductive technology is associated with a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Obesity does not appear to adversely modify perinatal risks associated with assisted reproductive technology.
The effect of rotational stiffness on ankle tibiocalcaneal motion and ligament strain during external rotation
Authors: Button Keith D , Thornton Paige , Braman Jerrod E , Wei Feng , Haut Roger C
Published: February 2016

The rotational stiffness of footwear has been previously shown to have an effect on ankle kinematics and injury risk, but this relationship has not yet been modeled. The aim of this study was to derive equations from experimental data that were able to predict ankle kinematics under various torsional stiffness constraints and use these equations to estimate ligament strains. Three athletic tapes were tested for their ability to constrain the ankle during external rotation. Six subjects then performed a voluntary external foot rotation using the selected tape designs to constrain the ankle, as well as with no constraints. The motion of the calcaneus with respect to the tibia (tibiocalcaneal motion) from 0° to 15° of tibia rotation and predictive equations were determined to establish tibiocalcaneal rotation, eversion, and flexion as a function of gross tibia motion and tape stiffness. These predictive equations were then used to drive a computational model in which ankle ligament strains were determined at 15° of tibia rotation and for ankle constraint stiffness ranging from 0 to 30 N m/deg. The three tapes provided significantly different constraint stiffnesses during external foot rotation. There was no statistical effect of ankle constraint on the dorsiflexion response of the ankle (p = 0.461). In contrast, there was an effect of constraint stiffness on tibiocalcaneal external rotation (p < 0.001) and tibiocalcaneal eversion (p < 0.001). Results of the model simulation revealed the highest ligament strains in the anterior tibiotalar ligament and anterior tibiofibular ligament. Anterior tibiotalar ligament strain increased with increasing constraint stiffness, while there was little effect of constraint stiffness on anterior tibiofibular ligament strain. Results from this study could aid in the design of footwear, as well as the analysis of clinical injuries.
A reaction-force-validated soccer ball finite element model
Authors: Taha Zahari , Hassan Mohd Hasnun Arif
Published: February 2016

The soccer ball is one of the important pieces of equipment in the game of soccer. It undergoes various forms of impact during the game. In order to numerically investigate the occasions of ball impact such as soccer heading, a validated finite element model of a soccer ball is required. Therefore, a model was developed incorporating material properties obtained from literature. To ensure the accuracy of the model, it was validated against an established soccer ball model and experimental data of the coefficient of restitution, contact time, longitudinal deformation and reaction force. In addition, a parametric study of the mesh density was also performed to determine the optimal number of elements. The developed soccer ball model was found to be in a good agreement with the literature and experimental data. This suggests that, the soccer ball model is capable of replicating the impacts of interest. This article details the development of the model and the validation processes.
The Evolution of Teleophthalmology Programs in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sim Dawn A. , Mitry Danny , Alexander Philip , Mapani Adam , Goverdhan Srini , Aslam Tariq , Tufail Adnan , Egan Catherine A. , Keane Pearse A.
Published: February 2016

Modern ophthalmic practice in the United Kingdom is faced by the challenges of an aging population, increasing prevalence of systemic pathologies with ophthalmic manifestations, and emergent treatments that are revolutionary but dependent on timely monitoring and diagnosis. This represents a huge strain not only on diagnostic services but also outpatient management and surveillance capacity. There is an urgent need for newer means of managing this surge in demand and the socioeconomic burden it places on the health care system. Concurrently, there have been exponential increases in computing power, expansions in the strength and ubiquity of communications technologies, and developments in imaging capabilities. Advances in imaging have been not only in terms of resolution, but also in terms of anatomical coverage, allowing new inferences to be made. In spite of this, image analysis techniques are still currently superseded by expert ophthalmologist interpretation. Teleophthalmology is therefore currently perfectly placed to face this urgent and immediate challenge of provision of optimal and expert care to remote and multiple patients over widespread geographical areas. This article reviews teleophthalmology programs currently deployed in the United Kingdom, focusing on diabetic eye care but also discussing glaucoma, emergency eye care, and other retinal diseases. We examined current programs and levels of evidence for their utility, and explored the relationships between screening, teleophthalmology, disease detection, and monitoring before discussing aspects of health economics pertinent to diabetic eye care. The use of teleophthalmology presents an immense opportunity to manage the steadily increasing demand for eye care, but challenges remain in the delivery of practical, viable, and clinically proven solutions.
A New Method to Assess Asymmetry in Fingerprints Could Be Used as an Early Indicator of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Morris Molly R. , Ludwar Bjoern Ch. , Swingle Evan , Mamo Mahelet N. , Shubrook Jay H.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Inexpensive screening tools are needed to identify individuals predisposed to developing diabetes mellitus (DM). Such early identification coupled with an effective intervention could help many people avoid the substantial health costs of this disease. We investigated the hypothesis that fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in fingerprints is an indicator of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:

Participants with T2DM, with T1DM, and without any indication or known family history of diabetes were fingerprinted with a Crossmatch Verifier 320 LC scanner. Asymmetry scores for each finger pair were assessed using both pattern analysis (ridge counts), and a wavelet-based analysis.

Results:

Both methods for scoring asymmetry predicted risk of T2DM for finger pair IV, controlling for gender and age. AUC scores were significantly greater than the null for pattern asymmetry scores (finger IV AUC = 0.74), and wavelet asymmetry scores for finger pair IV (AUC = 0.73) and finger pair V (AUC = 0.73), for predicting T2DM. In addition, wavelet asymmetry scores for finger pair IV (AUC = 0.80) and finger pair V (AUC = 0.85) significantly predicted risk of T1DM.

Conclusions:

A diagnostic tool based on FA in the fingerprints of finger pair IV, measured using a wavelet analysis could be developed for predicting risk prior to associated health problems for both T2DM and T1DM. In addition, given that that the prints for fingers IV and V develop during the 14-17 weeks of gestation, we predict that interventions during this time period of pregnancy will be most successful.
The Effects of Violence and Aggression From Parents on Child Protection Workers’ Personal, Family, and Professional Lives
Authors: Littlechild Brian , Hunt Susan , Goddard Chris , Cooper Judy , Raynes Barry , Wild James
Published: February 2016

This article presents findings from a survey of the experiences of child protection workers in England when working with parents who exhibit aggression and violence. This work explores the effects on workers in their professional lives, and on themselves and their families in their private lives. The article examines workers’ thoughts and experiences about the effects of parental hostility on workers’ ability to protect children. The article also details workers’ experiences of the nature and effectiveness of training and support in this area. These findings are then examined in the light of the results of an analysis of the literature, including the findings from serious case review (SCR) reports in England (official inquiries into the causes of child deaths where the children are known to social and health services). The majority of the 590 respondents in the survey were social workers ( n = 402; 68%), reflecting the fact that case management of child protection cases in the United Kingdom is the responsibility of social workers working in statutory agencies. This article addresses, from a consideration of the secondary analysis and the original research findings from the survey, how individual workers, managers, and agencies can best understand and then respond effectively to aggressive parental behaviors.
Factors Influencing Adoption of New Technologies into Dental Practice
Authors: Matthews D.C. , McNeil K. , Brillant M. , Tax C. , Maillet P. , McCulloch C.A. , Glogauer M.
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study was to explore factors affecting decisions to adopt new technologies into dental practice using a colorimetric rinse test for detection of periodontal disease as a model. Focus groups with key informants in Canadian dentistry and dental hygiene were conducted. A deductive approach used Rogers’s diffusion of innovation theory as a framework for organizing codes and subcodes. Two members of the research team independently reviewed and analyzed the data using NVivo 10. The attributes of the technology itself emerged as primary influencers. Perceived relative advantages of the diagnostic mouth rinse over existing methods were potential time efficiency, low implementation cost, and utility of the tool. Low complexity, compatibility with existing routines/beliefs, and the potential for reinvention—the use of a technology for other than its intended purpose (i.e., patient education, monitoring of disease, screening tool in nondental settings)—were other important features enhancing adoption. An overarching concern was that any new technology benefit the patient. Contextual factors also play a role. Numerous communication channels, including opinion leaders, patients, marketing, continuing education courses, and strength of evidence, influenced clinicians, with peer interaction being a stronger influence than marketing. Similar themes arose from specialist, general dentist, and dental hygienist focus groups. Adopter characteristics also came into play: participants ranged in their self-reported innovativeness with many considering themselves “early adopters” of new technology. Findings of this study suggest that the innovation adoption process is not straightforward, but attributes of the innovation, contextual factors, and adopter characteristics play important roles in the process.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: Various factors affect the adoption of new tools into clinical dental practice. These include attributes of the test or tool itself, the context of the settings in which the tool is introduced to practitioners, and the characteristics of the clinicians themselves. A qualitative study of dentists and dental hygienists investigated these factors. Situations in which dentists and hygienists interact with their peers and colleagues—through social networks, continuing education courses, conventions, or personal contact—were a major driver in the decision to adopt new technologies. However, even among “early adopters,” most were reluctant to use new tests or tools unless they perceived a benefit to their patients or practice.