bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Y-short tandem repeat specific DNA enhancement strategy to aid the analysis of late reported (≥6 days) sexual assault cases
Authors: Hanson EK , Ballantyne J
Published: February 2014

The ability to obtain an autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) profile of the semen donor from the reproductive tract of a living victim rapidly diminishes as the post-coital interval increases. This is of concern where victims of sexual assault provide vaginal samples several days after the incident. In order to overcome the technological impediments inherent in autosomal DNA typing with extended interval samples, we previously employed the use of Y chromosome STR profiling which, by targeting only male DNA, can eliminate masking of the male profile (by the victim’s alleles) or critical polymerase chain reaction reagent titration (due to excessive female DNA). Thus employing Y-STR profiling and additional enhancement strategies, we reported the ability to recover Y-STR profiles from samples collected 5 to 6 days after intercourse. However, the reproductive biology literature indicates that spermatozoa are found in the human cervix up to 7 to 10 days post coitus. Thus, even with improved extraction and profiling techniques, we failed to routinely recover profiles from samples collected ≥6 days after intercourse. The aim of the present work was to develop additional strategies to permit the recovery of male donor DNA profiles from ≥6 post-coital samples. Using nested polymerase chain reaction and DNA concentration procedures that together maximize the recovery and targeting of male DNA, we demonstrate the ability to obtain semen donor Y-STR profiles in extended interval post-coital samples collected 6 to 9 days after intercourse. This approaches the recognized time limits of sperm residence in the cervico-vaginal canal as described in the clinical literature.
Thermal energy transfer through heat protective clothing during a flame engulfment test
Authors: Rossi Rene M , Schmid Michel , Camenzind Martin A
Published: February 2014

The flame engulfment test according to ISO 13506 assesses the protective performance of ready-made heat and flame protective clothing when exposed to a flash fire condition using an instrumented manikin. It uses a thermal model of the human skin to predict the risk of skin burns. This evaluation method is based on a pass/fail criterion, as either a burn is predicted or not. Therefore, it provides only limited information about the transfer of heat through the protective clothing. In this study, we investigated the use of the total transferred energy as an improved characterization method of the performance of the garments. We defined an energy transmission factor as the quotient between the transferred energy on the clothed manikin divided by the transferred energy registered by the nude manikin during calibration. We analyzed the performance of seven garments and show that the energy transmission factors can be assessed with very high repeatability. When comparing the results of the right and left arms and legs, we found very high correlation coefficients of 0.96 and 0.98, respectively, showing that the thermal insulation of the garments tested was very symmetrical. This new assessment method will be proposed for the revision of ISO 13506.
A simulation from a tactile device to render the touch of textile fabrics: a preliminary study on velvet
Authors: Bueno Marie-Ange , Lemaire-Semail Betty , Amberg Michel , Giraud Frédéric
Published: February 2014

In the field of e-commerce or virtual prototyping of textile fabrics and garments, tactile stimulators could be very pertinent and useful tools for the industry. The challenge is to stimulate the human hand using a tactile device in order to simulate the textile fabric touch. The principle of the tactile device is described. The kinds of fabrics investigated are pile fabrics, such as velvet. In this study, the illusion of pile is given when touching the smooth plate of the tactile device by modulating the coefficient of friction between the plate and the finger during an active movement. The control signal is qualitatively designed from some tribological features identified in this study as velvet fabric characteristics. The influence of each tribological feature on the tactile rendering is studied via psychophysical studies comparing real and simulated fabrics. The best rendering needs a simulation with three specific features: a coefficient of friction, which depends on the finger movement direction; a transition phase for the change of movement direction; and small amplitude variations of the coefficient of friction with about one millimeter wavelength.
Improved accuracy in the determination of flexural rigidity of textile fabrics by the Peirce cantilever test (ASTM D1388)
Authors: Lammens Nicolas , Kersemans Mathias , Luyckx Geert , Van Paepegem Wim , Degrieck Joris
Published: February 2014

Within the field of composite manufacturing simulations, it is well known that the bending behavior of fabrics and prepregs has a significant influence on the drapeability and final geometry of a composite part. Due to sliding between reinforcements within a fabric, the bending properties cannot be determined from in-plane properties and a separate test is required. The Peirce cantilever test represents a popular way of determining the flexural rigidity for these materials, and is the preferred method in the ASTM D1388 standard. This work illustrates the severe inaccuracies (up to 72% error) in the current ASTM D1388 standard as well as the original formulation by Peirce, caused by ignoring higher-order effects. A modified approach accounting for higher-order effects and yielding significantly improved accuracy is presented. The method is validated using finite element simulations and experimental testing. Since no independent tests other than the ASTM D1388 standard are available to determine the bending stiffness of fabric materials, experimental validation is performed on an isotropic, homogeneous Upilex-50S foil for which the flexural rigidity and tensile stiffness are related. The flexural rigidity and elastic modulus are determined through both the cantilever test (ASTM D1388) and tensile testing. The results show that the proposed method measures an elastic modulus close to that determined through tensile testing (within 1%), while both the Peirce formulation (+18%) and ASTM standard (+72%) over-estimate the elastic modulus. The proposed methodology allows for a more accurate determination of flexural rigidity, and enables the more accurate simulation of composite forming processes.
Localizing Cultural Values on Tourism Destination Websites
Authors: Tigre Moura Francisco , Gnoth Juergen , Deans Kenneth R.
Published: February 2014

The present study contributes to the current localization literature by revealing the effects of localizing cultural values on tourism destination websites on users’ destination image and willingness to travel. Reporting on two tests, the first is an analysis of the depiction of cultural values on 48 New Zealand, 36 Indian, and 46 Chinese destination sites. Results indicate significant differences in the cultural values exposed among the three countries. The second study reports on an experiment requiring 400 New Zealand participants to visit four versions of a fictitious experimental destination website. Commensurate with motivations for holiday tourism, results indicate that the depiction of incongruent cultural values to a target audience on destination websites generates a more positive destination image and greater willingness to travel, contradicting the current localization literature. Finally, managerial implications are also discussed.
A Meta-Analysis Exploring the Relationship Between Psychopathy and Instrumental Versus Reactive Violence
Authors: Blais Julie , Solodukhin Elizabeth , Forth Adelle E.
Published: February 2014

The present meta-analysis explored the relationship between psychopathy and instrumental and reactive violence with a focus on factor and facet scores. A total of 53 studies (reporting on 55 unique samples, N = 8,753) from both published and unpublished sources were included. Results from random-effects analyses indicated moderate and significant relationships between psychopathy and both instrumental and reactive violence. There was some evidence that the Interpersonal facet was more important for instrumental violence, while Factor 2 (social deviance) was more important for reactive violence. The Lifestyle facet appeared important in explaining both violent outcomes. Effect sizes were significantly smaller for clinical rating scales compared with informant and self-report scales. Significant between-study variability was partly explained by mean age of the sample and type of outcome measure. The current findings do not support the conclusion that psychopathy is more related to instrumental violence as opposed to reactive violence.
Dicing with chance, life and death in systematic reviews and meta-analyses: D.I.C.E. 3, a simulation study
Authors: Clarke Mike , Halsey Jim
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To show the effects of chance on meta-analyses, and the potential dangers of being prompted to do a meta-analysis by one favourable trial.

Design

In total, 100,000 trials were simulated and combined into 10,000 meta-analyses, using data from the control group of a cancer trial. Each participant record was randomly coded to simulate allocation to ‘treatment’ or ‘control’.

Setting

Simulated study.

Participants

De-identified records for 578 patients from the control group of a cancer trial, of whom 147 had died.

Main outcome measure

Time to death from any cause.

Results

Of the 100,000 trials, 4897 (4.9%) were statistically significant at 2 p < 0.05 and 123 (1.2%) of the 10,000 meta-analyses were significant at 2 p < 0.01. The most extreme result was a 20% reduction (99% CI: 0.70–0.91; 2 p = 0.00002) in the annual odds of dying in the ‘treatment’ group. If a meta-analysis contained at least one trial with a statistically significant result (at 2 p < 0.05), the likelihood of the meta-analysis being significant (at 2 p < 0.01) increased strikingly. For example, among the 473 meta-analyses in which the first trial in a batch of 10 was statistically significant (at 2 p < 0.05), 18 (3.8%) favoured treatment at 2 p < 0.01.

Conclusions

Chance can influence the results of meta-analyses regardless of how well they are conducted. Researchers should not ignore this when they plan a meta-analysis and when they report their results. People reading their reports should also be wary. Caution is particularly important when the results of one or more included studies influenced the decision to do the meta-analysis.
Trends in hospital admission rates for whooping cough in England across five decades: database studies
Authors: Haslam Nick , Hoang Uy , Goldacre Michael J
Published: February 2014

Objectives

Our aim was to report on trends in hospitalisation rates for pertussis in England from the 1960s to 2011; and to provide context for the recent unexpected activity of Bordetella pertussis in the UK.

Design

A retrospective analysis of English national Hospital Episode Statistics (HES, 1968–2011) and the Oxford Record Linkage Study (ORLS, 1963–2011) for people admitted to hospital with whooping cough.

Setting

England and the Oxford Record Linkage Study area.

Main outcome measures

Age- and gender-specific hospital admission rates, and summary age- and sex-standardised rates, for people aged under 25 years per 100,000 population in each age group.

Results

Admission rates declined from the 1960s to the early 1970s. For example, the standardised rates were 12.8 (95% confidence interval 11.2–14.5) per 100,000 in England in 1968 and 4.0 (3.0–4.9) per 100,000 in 1973. They then increased to reach 45.0 (41.4–48.6) per 100,000 in 1978 and 47.4 (43.7–51.1) in 1982. From the late 1980s, admission rates continued to decline, falling to between 1 and 4 per 100,000 in each of the years between 2003 and 2011. While the trend in hospital admissions closely followed that in notifications, the annual ratio between these two measures was not consistent ranging from 1.07 (95% confidence interval 1.00–1.14) to 4.03 (3.79–4.27) notifications per admission over the last 10 years.

Conclusions

Epidemics of whooping cough in the late 1970s and early 1980s were associated with a significant rise in hospital admission rates. Current admission rates are low, by historical comparison. Vaccine programmes must continue to be fully implemented in order to improve control of pertussis activity.
Risk of self-harm and suicide in people with specific psychiatric and physical disorders: comparisons between disorders using English national record linkage
Authors: Singhal Arvind , Ross Jack , Seminog Olena , Hawton Keith , Goldacre Michael J
Published: February 2014

Background

Psychiatric illnesses are known risk factors for self-harm but associations between self-harm and physical illnesses are less well established. We aimed to stratify selected chronic physical and psychiatric illnesses according to their relative risk of self-harm.

Design

Retrospective cohort studies using a linked dataset of Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) for 1999–2011.

Participants

Individuals with selected psychiatric or physical conditions were compared with a reference cohort constructed from patients admitted for a variety of other conditions and procedures.

Setting

All admissions and day cases in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England.

Main outcome measures

Hospital episodes of self-harm. Rate ratios (RRs) were derived by comparing admission for self-harm between cohorts.

Results

The psychiatric illnesses studied (depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol abuse, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia and substance abuse) all had very high RRs (> 5) for self-harm. Of the physical illnesses studied, an increased risk of self-harm was associated with epilepsy (RR = 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8–2.9), asthma (1.8, 1.8–1.9), migraine (1.8, 1.7–1.8), psoriasis (1.6, 1.5–1.7), diabetes mellitus (1.6, 1.5–1.6), eczema (1.4, 1.3–1.5) and inflammatory polyarthropathies (1.4, 1.3–1.4). RRs were significantly low for cancers (0.95, 0.93–0.97), congenital heart disease (0.9, 0.8–0.9), ulcerative colitis (0.8, 0.7–0.8), sickle cell anaemia (0.7, 0.6–0.8) and Down's syndrome (0.1, 0.1–0.2).

Conclusions

Psychiatric illnesses carry a greatly increased risk of self-harm as well as of suicide. Many chronic physical illnesses are also associated with an increased risk of both self-harm and suicide. Identifying those at risk will allow provision of appropriate monitoring and support.
Hypoglycemia in Insulin-Treated Adults on Established Nasogastric Feeding in the General Ward
Authors: Vindedzis Sally A. , Sherriff Jill L. , Stanton Kim G.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

This study aimed to address 2 questions: First, what are the existing summary statistics of frequency of hypoglycemia in insulin-treated adults on established nasogastric feeding in the general ward? Second, to what extent does lack of homogeneity in defining, identifying, and reporting hypoglycemia affect these statistics?

Methods

A systematic review of the literature documenting hypoglycemia in insulin-treated adults on nasogastric feeding for ≥ 3 days in the general ward was carried out. Data sources were PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, Cochrane, Directory of Open Access Journals, and PLoS. Search period was 1999 onward, postdating introduction of analog insulin.

Results

Initially, 231 studies were identified, with 9 judged suitable for inclusion, according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. All included studies had as their primary objective the assessment of efficacy of insulin/feed regimens in the target population. Studies exhibited major heterogeneity. Definitions of hypoglycemia varied from < 60 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L) to < 80 mg/dL (4.4 mmol/L), and 5 methods of reporting frequency of hypoglycemia were utilized, precluding pooled analysis. A descriptive synthesis of results was generated with some comparable results presented on a modified forest plot, showing 2.1% to 10.2% of patients with a hypoglycemic event and 1.1% to 5.4% blood glucose level < 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L).

Conclusions

Hypoglycemia is not uncommon in this population, but further research is needed for quantification. Standardized documentation and reporting methods incorporating sample size and study duration, such as hypoglycemic events per patient-days, would facilitate interstudy comparisons, as would documentation of hypoglycemia at the 2 most commonly defined levels: < 63 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L) and < 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L).
Fathers’ Changing Contributions to Child Care and Domestic Work in Very Low–Fertility Countries
Authors: Sullivan Oriel , Billari Francesco C. , Altintas Evrim
Published: February 2014

Comparing a cluster of European countries that have recently experienced very low fertility with other industrialized countries, we hypothesize a connection between fertility behavior and fathers’ increasing participation in unpaid work. Using cross-national time use data we find significant evidence of recent increases in the contribution of younger, more highly educated fathers to child care and core domestic work in very low–fertility countries that have recently experienced upturns in fertility. The pace of these increases exceeds that found in the comparison group of other industrialized countries. We interpret these findings as suggestive evidence for a process of cross-national social diffusion of more egalitarian domestic gender relations, in particular among more highly educated fathers, acting to facilitate a turnaround in the pattern of postponed and foregone fertility which has characterized lowest low– and very low–fertility countries.
Equality Is Bliss? Relationship Quality and the Gender Division of Household Labor
Authors: Barstad Anders
Published: February 2014

How does gender equality in the division of household labor correlate with relationship quality? Earlier research has pointed to the division of routine housework as a “zero-sum game”: Women gain in terms of relationship quality when housework is shared equally, while men lose. I find weak support for a “zero-sum game” logic in the case of Norway, possibly related to the strong influence of gender egalitarian norms in Norwegian society. For men, equality in the sharing of routine housework is associated with less dissatisfaction with the division of household labor than all other sharing arrangements. Compared with taking no or little part in such housework, men who do as much routine housework as their partner score equally well on an index for relationship quality. While women’s relationship quality deteriorates the larger their share of intermittent work (doing small repairs) is, there is no clear pattern among men.
Nasal Morphology of the Chinese: Three‐Dimensional Reference Values for Rhinoplasty
Authors: Jayaratne Yasas S. N. , Deutsch Curtis K. , Zwahlen Roger A.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To determine normative nasal measurements for Chinese young adults, conditioned on demographics.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Setting

A university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Three‐dimensional (3D) photographs were captured from 103 Chinese subjects between 18 and 35 years of age using a commercial stereophotographic system. Anthropometric landmarks were identified on these 3D surface images, and measurements suitable for nasal analysis were performed and contrasted against established Caucasian norms. Gender differences in anthropometric dimensions were also analyzed.

Results

Normative data for these measurements are made available. Linear nasal measurements, except those for mid‐columella length, were significantly larger in men than in women; further, the nasal tip angle and nasofrontal angle were significantly larger in Chinese women. Contrasts of these new data against published Caucasian norms revealed dimensions that differ for these 2 groups. The Chinese normative mean values for morphological nose width, nasal tip angle, nasofrontal angle, and alar slope angle exceeded those reported for North American Caucasians.

Conclusions

Gender‐specific normative data for the Chinese nose were established in this study to provide a useful tool for surgeons in dealing with rhinoplasty. Moreover, the Chinese nasal anthropometric measurements in this study are broader and flatter than those reported for North American Caucasians.
Perceived influence of close friends, well-liked peers, and popular peers
Authors: Kwon Kyongboon , Lease A. Michele
Published: February 2014

This study examined two types of influence (reputational and personal) children perceive from different sources (i.e., close friends, well-liked peers, and popular peers). Participants included 455 third through fifth grade students. A quadratic assignment procedure was used wherein children’s peer nominations of the source of influence were correlated with their nominations of the type of influence. Findings suggested that children perceive personal influence more so than reputational influence from close friends and well-liked peers. In contrast, children perceive reputational influence more so than personal influence from popular peers. The degree to which children perceive personal influence from the three sources differed by behavioral domains (i.e., academic and trend-following behaviors). Implications for peer influence research and intervention are discussed.
Researching workplace relationships
Authors: Fritz Janie Harden
Published: February 2014

The study of workplace relationships is now well established. Although initially conducted with quantitative methods, when the qualitative turn in organizational communication intersected with increased recognition of the value of qualitative/interpretive methods for understanding interpersonal relationships, research on work relationships began to move in a similar direction, resulting in an increasingly rich knowledge base. This article traces the rise of qualitative research on workplace relationships, highlighting exemplary studies and identifying resources that can guide continued qualitative research on workplace relationships.
Innovative sampling and participant recruitment in sexuality research
Authors: McCormack Mark
Published: February 2014

Although making significant contributions to empirical and theoretical understanding of sexuality in society, qualitative research on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals encounters problems in participant recruitment and sampling. Participants for research on LGBT individuals are often recruited through counseling services and snowball sampling with the result that samples tend not to be representative of the general population—a significant problem given that it is a common practice for scholars to generalize from multiple sets of qualitative research. In this essay, I draw on a research project that used innovative recruitment procedures to argue for a plurality of recruitment procedures in future research on sexualities and personal relationships.
Investigating correspondence between language proficiency standards and academic content standards: A generalizability theory study
Authors: Lin Chih-Kai , Zhang Jinming
Published: February 2014

Research on the relationship between English language proficiency standards and academic content standards serves to provide information about the extent to which English language learners (ELLs) are expected to encounter academic language use that facilitates their content learning, such as in mathematics and science. Standards-to-standards correspondence thus contributes to validity evidence regarding ELL achievements in a standard-based assessment system. The current study aims to examine the reliability of reviewer judgments about language performance indicators associated with academic disciplines in standards-to-standards correspondence studies in the US K–12 settings. Ratings of cognitive complexity germane to the language performance indicators were collected from 20 correspondence studies with over 500 reviewers, consisting of content experts and ESL specialists. Using generalizability theory, we evaluate reviewer reliability and standard errors of measurement in their ratings with respect to the number of reviewers. Results show that depending on the particular grades and subject areas, 3–6 reviewers are needed to achieve acceptable reliability and to control for reasonable measurement errors in their judgments.
Pre-pulse inhibition and striatal dopamine in subjects at an ultra-high risk for psychosis
Authors: De Koning Mariken B , Bloemen Oswald JN , Van Duin Esther DA , Booij Jan , Abel Kathryn M , De Haan Lieuwe , Linszen Don H , Van Amelsvoort Thérèse AMJ
Published: February 2014

Reduced prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response is thought to represent a robust biomarker in schizophrenia. Reduced PPI has been demonstrated in subjects at ultra high risk (UHR) for developing psychosis. Imaging studies report disruption of striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission in patients with schizophrenia. First, we compared the PPI of the acoustic startle response in UHR subjects versus healthy controls, to see if we could replicate previous findings of reduced PPI; secondly, we investigated our hypothesis that PPI would be negatively correlated with striatal synaptic dopamine (DA) concentration. We measured the startle reactivity and PPI of the acoustic startle response in 14 UHR subjects, and 14 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Imaging of 11 UHR subjects and 11 healthy controls was completed by an [123I]-IBZM (radiotracer for dopamine D2/3 receptors) SPECT, at baseline and again after DA depletion with alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (AMPT). The percentage change in striatal [123I]-IBZM radiotracer binding potential is a proxy of striatal synaptic DA concentration. UHR subjects showed reduced PPI, compared to control subjects. In both UHR and control subjects, there were no significant correlations between striatal synaptic DA concentration and PPI. We provide further evidence for the hypothesis that these two biomarkers are measuring different aspects of pathophysiology.
Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Update on recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology
Authors: Bolea-Alamañac Blanca , Nutt David J , Adamou Marios , Asherson Phillip , Bazire Stephen , Coghill David , Heal David , Müller Ulrich , Nash John , Santosh Paramala , Sayal Kapil , Sonuga-Barke Edmund , Young Susan J ,   for the Consensus Group
Published: February 2014

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition with a high societal burden. The present guidelines summarise current literature, generating expert consensus recommendations for the treatment of ADHD in children and adults. These guidelines also provide a review of recent research in the fields of neuroimaging, neuropsychology and genetics of ADHD. Novel discoveries in these areas have informed physiological models for the disease. Since the publication of the previous British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines in 2008, new drugs have been licensed and further compounds are being investigated. The publication of randomised controlled trials of psychological interventions has contributed to the range of treatment options for ADHD. As the disorder has been diagnosed more frequently there has been greater focus on comorbid conditions and how they impact treatment. Services have continued to develop for the treatment of ADHD in adults and care agreements have been introduced to facilitate access to treatment.
Direct Public Engagement in Local Government
Authors: Nabatchi Tina , Amsler Lisa Blomgren
Published: February 2014

Public engagement is an umbrella term that encompasses numerous methods for bringing people together to address issues of public importance. In this article, we focus on direct public engagement in local government, exploring what we know and proposing areas where more research is needed. We first define direct public engagement and distinguish it from related concepts and terms. We then introduce a simple framework for exploring variations in direct public engagement at the local level. Next, we use this framework to examine the extant literature on why, how, and to what effect direct public engagement in local government is used. Finally, we identify gaps in the literature and propose a research agenda for the future.
Magnetic resonance imaging of breast cancer: factors affecting the accuracy of preoperative lesion sizing
Authors: Mennella Simone , Garlaschi Alessandro , Paparo Francesco , Perillo Marco , Celenza Matteo , Massa Tiberio , Rollandi Gian Andrea , Garlaschi Giacomo
Published: February 2014

Background

Accurate preoperative sizing of breast cancer with imaging modalities has a great importance in the surgical planning.

Purpose

To assess the influence of tumor size and histology on the accuracy of measurement of cancer local extension by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Material and Methods

One hundred and eighty-six patients with primary breast cancer, for a total of 221 lesions, were included in this retrospective study. Tumors were divided into five histological groups: invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), IDC with extensive intraductal component (EIC), invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and “other histology” (mucinous, papillary, medullary, tubular, and apocrine breast cancer). Microscopic measurement of the largest diameter of tumors at pathology was chosen as reference standard and compared with MRI measurement. Concordance was defined as a difference ≤ 5 mm between MRI and pathology.

Results

The mean size of tumors at pathology was 24.8 ± 19.4 mm, while at MRI it was 29.7 ± 20 mm ( P < 0.05), with a significant overestimation of MRI. MRI–pathology concordance was found in 98/221 cases (44.3%), while MRI overestimated the size of 81/221 tumors (36.7%). The extent of overestimation was significantly different among the five histological groups ( P < 0.05). At multivariate analysis, DCIS histology was the factor more significantly associated with MRI–pathology discordance ( P = 0.0005), while the influence of tumor dimension at pathology was less significant ( P = 0.0073).

Conclusion

DCIS histology is strongly associated with discordance between MRI and pathology sizing of breast cancer. Lesion size can also influence the accuracy of MRI measurements, but to a lesser extent.
Exclusionary Discipline of Students With Disabilities
Authors: Sullivan Amanda L. , Van Norman Ethan R. , Klingbeil David A.
Published: February 2014

Given the negative outcomes associated with suspension, scholars and practitioners are concerned with discipline disparities. This study explored patterns and predictors of suspension in a sample of 2,750 students with disabilities in 39 schools in a Midwestern district. Hierarchical generalized linear modeling demonstrated that disability type, gender, race/ethnicity, and free/reduced lunch status were significant predictors of suspension among students with disabilities. Adjusting for gender and race/ethnicity attenuated suspension risk associated with disability type, and adjusting for student-level socioeconomic variables attenuated risk associated with race/ethnicity, but significant disparities remained. School characteristics were not predictive of suspension risk, but their inclusion in the models was associated with increased risk of suspension among students with emotional disturbance. Results underscore the value of multilevel modeling when identifying predictors of suspension and the need to explore a wider variety of classroom and school factors that may account for inequitable discipline.
Strokelike Episodes and Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita
Authors: Van Schaik Sander M. , Reneman Liesbeth , Engelen Marc , Roos Yvo B. W. E. M. , Poll-The Bwee Tien
Published: February 2014

We report the case of a boy with cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita, strokelike episodes, and a pinpoint stenosis of the left internal carotid artery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a stenosis of an intracranial artery in a patient with cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita.
The negotiation of culture in foster care placements for separated refugee and asylum seeking young people in Ireland and England
Authors: Ní Raghallaigh Muireann , Sirriyeh Ala
Published: February 2014

Little is known about separated asylum seeking young people in foster care. This article addresses this gap by drawing together findings from qualitative research conducted with separated refugee and asylum seeking young people in two studies – one in England and one in Ireland. Focusing on the role of culture, the authors examine similar findings from the two studies on the significance of culture in young people’s experiences of foster care. Culturally ‘matched’ placements are often assumed to provide continuity in relation to cultural identity. This article draws on young people’s accounts of ‘matched’ and ‘non-matched’ placements to examine the extent to which this may be the case for separated young people. It was found that young people regarded it as important to maintain continuity in relation to their cultures of origin, but that cultural ‘matching’ with foster carers according to country of origin and/or religion was not the only means for achieving this. The authors suggest that practitioners need to adopt an individualised approach in determining whether a ‘matched’ or a cross-cultural placement best meets the various needs of separated young people, including their identity development needs.
Motion analysis of a rotor supported by self-acting axial groove gas bearing system with double time delays
Authors: Zhang YF , Zhang S , Liu FX , Zhou C , Lu YJ , Müller N
Published: February 2014

A rotor system with double time delays supported by the high-speed self-acting gas-lubricated bearings with three-axial grooves is modeled to implement active delay control of the system. The differential transformation method is employed to solve the time-dependent compressible gas Reynolds equation due to its rapid convergence rate and minimal calculation error. Based on the precise integration method, a calculation method is proposed to analyze the dynamic responses of a gas bearing-rotor nonlinear system with time delays. The motion analysis of the self-acting gas-lubricated bearing-rotor system with double time delays is implemented by the orbit diagrams, the time series, and the phase diagrams. The influence of time delays and feedback control gains on the dynamic responses of the bearing-rotor nonlinear system is analyzed. The numerical results show that the amplitude of the responses of the system with time delays control is reduced, the motion is more stable and good control effect is achieved when the chosen feedback control gains match the time delays of the bearing-rotor system.
A novel real-time non-linear wavelet-based model predictive controller for a coupled tank system
Authors: Owa Kayode , Sharma Sanjay , Sutton Robert
Published: February 2014

This article presents the design, simulation and real-time implementation of a constrained non-linear model predictive controller for a coupled tank system. A novel wavelet-based function neural network model and a genetic algorithm online non-linear real-time optimisation approach were used in the non-linear model predictive controller strategy. A coupled tank system, which resembles operations in many chemical processes, is complex and has inherent non-linearity, and hence, controlling such system is a challenging task. Particularly important is low-level control where often instability and oscillatory responses are observed. This article designs a wavelet neural network with high predicting precision and time–frequency localisation characteristics for an online prediction model in the non-linear model predictive controller to show the effectiveness of this approach in controlling the liquid at low level. To speed up the training process, a fast global search stochastic non-linear conjugate wavelet gradient algorithm is initially used to train the wavelet neural network structure before the genetic algorithm optimisation technique is utilised to tune adaptively the wavelet neural network parameters. The non-linear model predictive controller algorithm is tested for both approaches: first, in a simulation using identified models, and second, in a real-time practical application to a single-input single-output system coupled tank system. The results show an excellent control performance with respect to mean square error and average control energy values obtained.
Prediction of subclinical atherosclerosis by serum osteoprotegerin in premenopausal women with systemic lupus erythematous: correlation of osteoprotegerin with monocyte chemotactic protein-1
Authors: Park Y-J , Shin Y-J , Kim W-U , Cho C-S
Published: February 2014

Objective

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Previous studies disclosed the association of serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) with the presence of symptomatic atherosclerosis in the general population and several disease conditions. We thus investigated the association between serum OPG levels and subclinical atherosclerosis in premenopausal SLE patients.

Methods

Serum OPG levels and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured in 181 premenopausal SLE patients and age-matched 85 control subjects. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and SLE-related factors were analyzed.

Results

Patients with SLE had significantly increased serum OPG levels (1086 versus 517 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and carotid IMT (0.63 versus 0.45 mm, p < 0.001) compared with control subjects. Carotid IMT significantly increased across the quartiles of OPG. Logistic regression analysis revealed that compared to the lowest OPG quartile, the odds ratio (OR, 95% confidence interval) for increased carotid IMT in quartile 2, 3, and 4 was 1.126 (1.013–1.801), 1.562 (1.268–2.799), and 4.460 (1.126–7.128), respectively, after multiple adjustments ( p for trend across quartiles < 0.001). These associations remained significant after further adjustment for inflammatory parameters. Interestingly, serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels were positively correlated with serum OPG levels (γ = 0.332, p < 0.001). Parallel analysis showed that serum MCP-1 was also an independent predictor of carotid IMT incrassation, but this association was lost when serum OPG was included in the model.

Conclusion

Serum OPG levels were increased and correlated with serum MCP-1 levels in premenopausal SLE patients. Increased serum OPG was independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in these patients.
Severe multiorganic flare of systemic lupus erythematosus successfully treated with rituximab and cyclophosphamide avoiding high doses of prednisone
Authors: Gonzalez-Echavarri C , Pernas B , Ugarte A , Ruiz-Irastorza G
Published: February 2014

Both acute pancreatitis and diffuse alveolar haemorrhage are rare conditions associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this case report, a 23-year-old female with SLE was diagnosed with lupus-associated pancreatitis and, within a few days and despite initial therapy with pulse methyl-prednisolone, subsequently suffered an acute respiratory failure due to a diffuse alveolar haemorrhage. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and treatment was intensified with cyclophosphamide and rituximab, which shortly induced the complete remission of SLE with resolution of both clinical conditions. She completed treatment with six pulses of cyclophosphamide followed by azathioprine, hydroxychloroquine and prednisone at initial doses of 20 mg/d with rapid tapering to 5 mg/d, without relapse of the disease during the following year. This case can illustrate that, even in severe, life-threatening SLE flares, it is possible to avoid high-dose prednisone, which has been associated with severe side effects, including infections. Acute pancreatitis and diffuse alveolar haemorrhage are rare conditions caused by SLE. DAH can be a life-threatening complication, with an early mortality of at least 50%. When facing such severe SLE activity, there is a general tendency to use high doses of prednisone as the initial therapy, maintaining such high doses for long periods of time, even after the clinical situation has subsided. We report a case of a young woman with SLE, suffering from acute pancreatitis and diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, who was successfully treated with pulse methyl-prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab, combined with medium doses of prednisone.
Evaluating treatment effectiveness under model misspecification: A comparison of targeted maximum likelihood estimation with bias-corrected matching
Authors: Kreif Noémi , Gruber Susan , Radice Rosalba , Grieve Richard , Sekhon Jasjeet S
Published: February 2014

Statistical approaches for estimating treatment effectiveness commonly model the endpoint, or the propensity score, using parametric regressions such as generalised linear models. Misspecification of these models can lead to biased parameter estimates. We compare two approaches that combine the propensity score and the endpoint regression, and can make weaker modelling assumptions, by using machine learning approaches to estimate the regression function and the propensity score. Targeted maximum likelihood estimation is a double-robust method designed to reduce bias in the estimate of the parameter of interest. Bias-corrected matching reduces bias due to covariate imbalance between matched pairs by using regression predictions. We illustrate the methods in an evaluation of different types of hip prosthesis on the health-related quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis. We undertake a simulation study, grounded in the case study, to compare the relative bias, efficiency and confidence interval coverage of the methods. We consider data generating processes with non-linear functional form relationships, normal and non-normal endpoints. We find that across the circumstances considered, bias-corrected matching generally reported less bias, but higher variance than targeted maximum likelihood estimation. When either targeted maximum likelihood estimation or bias-corrected matching incorporated machine learning, bias was much reduced, compared to using misspecified parametric models.
Multiple imputation of covariates by fully conditional specification: Accommodating the substantive model
Authors: Bartlett Jonathan W , Seaman Shaun R , White Ian R , Carpenter James R ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative*
Published: February 2014

Missing covariate data commonly occur in epidemiological and clinical research, and are often dealt with using multiple imputation. Imputation of partially observed covariates is complicated if the substantive model is non-linear (e.g. Cox proportional hazards model), or contains non-linear (e.g. squared) or interaction terms, and standard software implementations of multiple imputation may impute covariates from models that are incompatible with such substantive models. We show how imputation by fully conditional specification, a popular approach for performing multiple imputation, can be modified so that covariates are imputed from models which are compatible with the substantive model. We investigate through simulation the performance of this proposal, and compare it with existing approaches. Simulation results suggest our proposal gives consistent estimates for a range of common substantive models, including models which contain non-linear covariate effects or interactions, provided data are missing at random and the assumed imputation models are correctly specified and mutually compatible. Stata software implementing the approach is freely available.
An old boys’ club on the threshold to becoming a professional association: The emergence and development of the association of German controllers from 1975 to 1989
Authors: Schäffer Utz , Schmidt Alexander , Strauss Erik
Published: February 2014

This article chronicles the history of the Controller Verein, the professional association of German-speaking controllers, from 1975 to 1989. The association was founded by alumni and trainers of the Controller Akademie, the first institute for advanced studies of controlling in Germany. The article connects the development of the association to the concept of professionalisation of accounting, thereby analysing the path of an association that differs from its Anglo-American counterparts. We used data from the archives of the association, personal archives and conducted more than 20 interviews with protagonists from the association and its institutional context. The article shows how the association has experienced the tension between being an informal club and becoming the primary professional association for controllers in German-speaking countries. However, the results of this study indicate that, due to external circumstances and individual preferences, the original club character dominated the association in the period under investigation.
Globalisation of knowledge but not opportunity: Closure strategies in the making of the South African accounting market, 1890s to 1958
Authors: Verhoef Grietjie
Published: February 2014

The global expansion of knowledge is one manifestation of the multi-dimensional phenomenon called globalisation. The “globalisation paradox” was recently used in an analysis of the impact of globalisation on the transfer of professional qualifications (Annisette and Trivedi, 2013). Here it is argued that earlier manifestations could be observed in the accounting realm. The globalisation of accounting knowledge led to intra-professional rivalry and the implementation of closure strategies in the periphery of the British Empire. Earlier literature explains such professionalisation activities in South Africa as the responses by non-British inhabitants. Further literature on post-independence states alludes to local challenges to the settlement and control of the accountancy market by British accountants. This article shows how, in the emerging “South African” market for accounting knowledge, rivalry between accountants from different British accounting bodies shaped the professionalization project in the local context. New archival material is used to reveal how the global expansion of accounting knowledge generated strategies to monopolise market access.
Reflections on training in psychiatry
Authors: Fletcher Scott , MacDonald Joanna , Halley Elaine
Published: February 2014

Objective:

There is limited information as to whether graduates from postgraduate specialist medical training programmes in Australia and New Zealand feel prepared for practice, and none regarding the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ (RANZCP) training programme. The aims of this study were: to assess the effectiveness of the RANZCP training programme in producing psychiatrists who feel prepared for their roles; and to obtain Fellowship applicants’ perceptions of the training programme.

Methods:

Applicants for Fellowship (i.e. trainees who had successfully completed RANZCP training) were invited to complete an anonymous online survey that assessed their preparedness for practice and their impressions of the training programme, supervision, training specialties and course content.

Results:

The response rate was 66% from 101 applicants. Fellowship applicants largely felt prepared for practice and had positive perceptions of the training programme. The majority stated that most of their learning goals were met, but continued training and ongoing learning was required. Areas for improvement included assessments, administration, the balance between service delivery and training, and ongoing training.

Conclusions:

Fellowship applicants largely felt confident in their ability to deliver psychiatric services and that the training programme was meeting their needs.