bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact Neutron Sources for Energy and Security
Authors: Uesaka Mitsuru , Kobayashi Hitoshi
Published: February 2016

We choose nuclear data and nuclear material inspection for energy application, and nondestructive testing of explosive and hidden nuclear materials for security application. Low energy ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]keV) electrostatic accelerators of deuterium are commercially available for nondestructive testing. For nuclear data measurement, electrostatic ion accelerators and L-band (1.428[Formula: see text]GHz) and S-band (2.856[Formula: see text]GHz) electron linear accelerators (linacs) are used for the neutron source. Compact or mobile X-band ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GHz) electron linac neutron sources are under development. A compact proton linac neutron source is used for nondestructive testing, especially water in solids. Several efforts for more neutron intensity using proton and deuteron accelerators are also introduced.
Bruno Touschek: From Betatrons to Electron–Positron Colliders
Authors: Bernardini Carlo , Pancheri Giulia , Pellegrini Claudio
Published: February 2016

Bruno Touschek’s life as a physicist spanned the period from World War II to the 1970s. He was a key figure in the developments of electron–positron colliders and storage rings, and made important contributions to theoretical high energy physics. Storage rings, initially developed for high energy physics, are being widely used in many countries as synchrotron radiation sources and are a tool for research in physics, chemistry, biology, environmental sciences and cultural heritage studies. We describe Touschek’s life in Austria, where he was born, in Germany, where he participated in the construction of a betatron during WWII, and in Italy, where he proposed and led to completion the first electron–positron storage ring in 1960, in Frascati. We highlight how his central European culture influenced his lifestyle and work, and his main contributions to physics, such as the discovery of the Touschek effect and beam instabilities in the larger storage ring ADONE.
Cast Immobilisation versus Wire Fixation in the Management of Middle-aged and Elderly Patients with Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Jordan Robert Warner , Naeem Rahil , Jadoon Saqiba , Parsons Helen , Shyamalan Gunaratnam
Published: February 2016

Background: Distal radius fractures are common and traditionally these injuries are treated non-operatively. Percutaneous wiring has been recommended as simple method to provide extra stability in distal radius fractures but their exact role is uncertain. The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare the radiographic and functional outcomes following cast immobilisation and those following wire fixation in the management of distal radius fractures and investigate which method produced better outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective parallel case series was performed between April 2011 and April 2013 of patients over 50 years treated with either cast immobilisation or wire fixation. Both intra- and extra-articular fractures were included. Radiographic measurements were made pre-operatively and at three months follow up. The QuickDASH was recorded by postal questionnaire at a mean of 2 years.

Results: 159 patients were included; 85 cast immobilisation group and 74 wire fixation group. Improvement in radiological parameters was seen in both groups but this was significantly better after wire fixation ([Formula: see text]). QuickDASH scores were available in 64%; no significant difference in mean scores was seen after (p = 0.147); cast immobilisation 27.1 and wire fixation 26.6.

Conclusions: Cast immobilisation can produce comparable functional results to wire fixation despite worse radiological outcomes.
Macrophage infiltration into obese adipose tissues suppresses the induction of UCP1 level in mice
Authors: Sakamoto Tomoya , Nitta Takahiro , Maruno Koji , Yeh Yu-Sheng , Kuwata Hidetoshi , Tomita Koichi , Goto Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Kawada Teruo
Published: February 2016

Emergence of thermogenic adipocytes such as brown and beige adipocytes is critical for whole body energy metabolism. Promoting the emergence of these adipocytes, which increase energy expenditure, could be a viable strategy in treating obesity and its related diseases. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms that regulate the emergence of these adipocytes in obese adipose tissue. Here, we demonstrated that classically activated macrophages (M1 Mϕ) suppress the induction of thermogenic adipocytes in obese adipose tissues of mice. Cold exposure significantly induced the expression levels of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1), which is a mitochondrial protein unique in thermogenic adipocytes, in C57BL/6 mice fed a normal diet. However, UCP1 induction was significantly suppressed in adipose tissues of C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet, into which M1 Mϕ infiltrated. Depletion of M1 Mϕ using clodronate liposomes eliminated the suppressive effect and markedly reduced the mRNA level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in the adipose tissues. Importantly, consistent with the observed changes in the expression levels of marker genes for thermogenic adipocytes, combination treatment of clodronate liposome and cold exposure resulted in metabolic benefits such as lowered body weight and blood glucose level in obese mice. Moreover, intraperitoneal injection of recombinant TNFα protein suppressed UCP1 induction in lean adipose tissues of mice. Collectively, our data indicate that infiltrated M1 Mϕ suppress the induction of thermogenic adipocytes in obese adipose tissues via TNFα. This report suggests that inflammation induced by infiltrated Mϕ could cause not only insulin resistance but also reduction of energy expenditure in adipose tissues.
Compact Triple-Band Antenna Employing Simplified MTLs for Wireless Applications
Authors: Wang Zhangjing , Peng Yang , Ran Yahua
Published: February 2016

A compact triple-band asymmetric coplanar waveguide- (ACPW-) fed antenna based on simplified metamaterial transmission lines (SMTLs) is proposed in this paper. The antenna consists of two SMTL unit cells of the same dimension. Three operating bands, which cover UMTS in the 1.76 GHz band and WLAN in the 5.2 GHz and 5.8 GHz, are achieved when the zeroth-order and first-positive-order modes appear. The characteristics of the proposed transmission line metamaterial structure are studied in detail by circuit analysis and dispersion analysis. The working mechanism and radiation performances of the antenna are examined and illustrated at the three operating bands, respectively. A prototype designed on FR4 substrate with dielectric constant 4.3 occupies an overall size of 12.55 × 22.7 × 1.6 mm3and is constructed and successfully measured.
Retro-Mode Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Planning for Navigated Macular Laser Photocoagulation in Macular Edema
Authors: Boiko Ernest V. , Maltsev Dmitrii S.
Published: February 2016

Purpose. To compare treatment areas and navigated macular laser photocoagulation (MLP) plans suggested by retro-mode scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (RM-SLO) image versus optical coherence tomography (OCT) central retinal thickness map and treatment planning among retina specialists.Methods. Thirty-nine eyes with diabetic or branch retinal vein occlusion-related ME undergoing navigated MLP with navigated photocoagulator had OCT and RM-SLO taken. OCT map and RM-SLO image were imported to the photocoagulator and aligned onto the retina. Two retina specialists placed laser spot marks separately based on OCT and RM-SLO images in a random fashion. The spots placed by each physician were compared between OCT and RM-SLO and among physicians. The areas of retinal edema on OCT and RM-SLO of the same eye were also compared.Results. The average number of laser spots using RM-SLO and OCT template was189.6±77.4and136.6±46.8, respectively,P=0.003. The average area of edema on RM-SLO image was larger than that on OCT map (14.5±3.9 mm2versus10.3±2.8 mm2,P=0.005) because of a larger scanning area. There was narrow variability in treatment planning among retina specialists for both RM-SLO (P=0.13) and OCT (P=0.19).Conclusion. The RM-SLO image superimposed onto the fundus of the same eye can be used to guide MLP with narrow variability in treatment planning among retina specialists. The treatment areas suggested by RM-SLO-guided MLP plans for ME were shown to be larger than those suggested by OCT-guided plans.
Soluble TNF-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis as a New Marker in Preeclampsia: A Pilot Clinical Study
Authors: Yildirim Zeynep Kayaoglu , Sumnu Abdullah , Bademler Neslihan , Kilic Elif , Sumnu Gulay , Karadag Serhat , Gursu Meltem , Ozel Aysegul , Batmaz Gonca , Ates Seda , Dane Banu , Ozturk Savas
Published: February 2016

Introduction. All findings of preeclampsia appear as the clinical consequences of diffuse endothelial dysfunction. Soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) was recently introduced as a TNF related cytokine in various inflammatory and noninflammatory disorders. sTWEAK was found to be related to endothelial dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease. In our study we aimed to compare sTWEAK levels in women with preeclampsia to corresponding levels in a healthy pregnant control group.Materials and Methods. The study was undertaken with 33 patients with preeclampsia and 33 normal pregnant women. The concentration of sTWEAK in serum was calculated with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.Results. Serum creatinine, uric acid, LDH levels, and uPCR were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. sTWEAK levels were significantly lower in preeclamptic patients (332 ± 144 pg/mL) than in control subjects (412 ± 166 pg/mL) (p=0.04).Discussion. Our study demonstrates that sTWEAK is decreased in patients with preeclampsia compared to healthy pregnant women. There is a need for further studies to identify the role of sTWEAK in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and to determine whether it can be regarded as a predictor of the development of preeclampsia.
Smac127 Has Proapoptotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
Authors: Lattuada D. , Gualtierotti R. , Crotta K. , Seneci P. , Ingegnoli F. , Corradini C. , Viganò R. , Marelli O. , Casnici C.
Published: February 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by synovial inflammation and hyperplasia. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are apoptosis-resistant and contribute to the pathogenesis of RA by producing cytokines and proteolytic enzymes, which degrade the extracellular matrix. We evaluated the proapoptotic and anti-inflammatory activity of the small molecule Smac127 on RA-FLSs cultured in synovial fluid (SF), in order to reproduce the physiopathological environmental characteristic of RA joints. In this context, Smac127 induces apoptosis by inhibiting apoptosis proteins (IAPs). This inhibition activates caspase 3 and restores the apoptotic pathway. In addition, Smac127 induces a significant inhibition of the secretion of IL-15 and IL-6, stimulation of pannus formation, and damage of bone and cartilage in RA. Also the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 is dramatically increased in the presence of Smac127. The cartilage destruction in RA patients is partly mediated by metalloproteinases; here we show that the MMP-1 production by fibroblasts cultured in SF is significantly antagonized by Smac127. Conversely, this molecule has no significant effects on RANKL and OPG production. Our observations demonstrate that Smac127 has beneficial regulatory effects on inflammatory state of RA-FLSs and suggest a potential use of Smac127 for the control of inflammation and disease progression in RA.
Longitudinal Motion Control of AUV Based on Fuzzy Sliding Mode Method
Authors: Qi Duo , Feng Jinfu , Yang Jian
Published: February 2016

According to the characteristics of AUV movement, a fuzzy sliding mode controller was designed, in which fuzzy rules were adopted to estimate the switching gain to eliminate disturbance terms and reduce chattering. The six-degree-of-freedom model of AUV was simplified and longitudinal motion equations were established on the basis of previous research. The influences of first-order wave force and torque were taken into consideration. The REMUS was selected to simulate the control effects of conventional sliding mode controller and fuzzy sliding mode controller. Simulation results show that the fuzzy sliding mode controller can meet the requirements and has higher precision and stronger antijamming performances compared with conventional sliding mode controller.
Treatment of a Refractory Skin Ulcer Using Punch Graft and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Carducci Mauro , Bozzetti Marcella , Spezia Marco , Ripamonti Giorgio , Saglietti Giuseppe
Published: February 2016

Background. Chronic ulceration of the lower legs is a relatively common condition amongst adults: one that causes pain and social distress and results in considerable healthcare and personal costs. The technique of punch grafting offers an alternative approach to the treatment of ulcers of the lower limbs.Objective. Combining platelet-rich plasma and skin graft enhances the efficacy of treating chronic diabetic wounds by enhancing healing rate and decreasing recurrence rate. Platelet-rich plasma could, by stimulating dermal regeneration, increase the take rate after skin grafting or speed up reepithelialization.Methods and Materials. The ulcer was prepared by removing fibrin with a curette and the edges of the ulcer were freshened. The platelet-rich plasma has been infiltrated on the bottom and edges of the ulcer. The punch grafts were placed in 5 mm holes arranged. The ulcer was medicated with hydrogel and a pressure dressing was removed after 8 days.Results. After a few days the patient did not report more pain. Granulation tissue appeared quickly between implants. Most of the grafts were viable in 2-3 weeks. The grafts gradually came together to close the ulcer and were completed in four months.
Wound Integrity of 2.0 mm Transconjunctival Single-Plane Sclerocorneal Incision: A Comparison between a Motorized Injector with/without Pause Time and a Manual Injector
Authors: Imai Hisanori , Fujii Ayaka , Tani Emiko , Azumi Atsushi
Published: February 2016

Purpose. To compare the final incision size and wound structure after the intraocular lens implantation from 2.0 mm transconjunctival single-plane sclerocorneal incision (TSSI) between the use of a motorized injector at first speed and the use of a manual injector.Methods. Patients were divided into three groups as follows: Group A, a manual injector, Group B, a motorized injector with 0.5 s pause time, and Group C, a motorized injector without pause time. The change in incision size and anterior segment optical coherence tomography findings of the wound structure were analyzed.Results. 110 eyes were enrolled (Group A: 40, Group B: 30, and Group C: 40). The averaged change in incision size (mm) was 0.08, 0.01, and 0.03 in Groups A, B, and C, respectively (p<0.001). The incision enlargement in Group A was statistically larger compared with other groups (p<0.01). Descemet’s membrane detachments were seen in 26, 9, and 27 eyes one day after the surgery in Groups A, B, and C, respectively (p=0.001). The rate of Descemet’s membrane detachment in Group B was significantly lower than other groups (p<0.01).Conclusions. The use of a motorized injector by fastest setting with 0.5 s pause time is the best for less wound damage in 2.0 mm TSSI.
Mifepristone Improves Octreotide Efficacy in Resistant Ectopic Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Moraitis Andreas G. , Auchus Richard J.
Published: February 2016

A 30-year-old Caucasian man presented with severe Cushing’s syndrome (CS) resulting from ectopic adrenocorticotropin syndrome (EAS) from a metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. The patient remained hypercortisolemic despite treatment with steroidogenesis inhibitors, chemotherapy, and octreotide long-acting release (LAR) and was enrolled in a 24-week, phase 3 clinical trial of mifepristone for inoperable hypercortisolemia. After mifepristone was added to ongoing octreotide LAR treatment, EAS symptoms essentially resolved. Cortisol decreased dramatically, despite mifepristone’s competitive glucocorticoid receptor antagonist effects. The clinical and biochemical effects reversed upon mifepristone discontinuation despite the continued use of octreotide LAR therapy. Substantial improvement in octreotide LAR efficacy with mifepristone use was noted in this patient with ectopic CS, consistent with upregulation of somatostatin receptors previously downregulated by hypercortisolemia.
Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthase 1 Induces Salt-Sensitive Hypertension in Nitric Oxide Synthase 1α Knockout and Wild-Type Mice
Authors: Wang Ximing , Chandrashekar Kiran , Wang Lei , Lai En Yin , Wei Jin , Zhang Gensheng , Wang Shaohui , Zhang Jie , Juncos Luis A. , Liu Ruisheng
Published: February 2016

We recently showed that α, β, and γ splice variants of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) expressed in the macula densa and NOS1β accounts for most of the NO generation. We have also demonstrated that the mice with deletion of NOS1 specifically from the macula densa developed salt-sensitive hypertension. However, the global NOS1 knockout (NOS1KO) strain is neither hypertensive nor salt sensitive. This global NOS1KO strain is actually an NOS1αKO model. Consequently, we hypothesized that inhibition of NOS1β in NOS1αKO mice induces salt-sensitive hypertension. NOS1αKO and C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice were implanted with telemetry transmitters and divided into 7-nitroindazole (10 mg/kg/d)–treated and nontreated groups. All of the mice were fed a normal salt (0.4% NaCl) diet for 5 days, followed by a high-salt diet (4% NaCl). NO generation by the macula densa was inhibited by >90% in WT and NOS1αKO mice treated with 7-nitroindazole. Glomerular filtration rate in conscious mice was increased by ≈40% after a high-salt diet in both NOS1αKO and WT mice. In response to acute volume expansion, glomerular filtration rate, diuretic and natriuretic response were significantly blunted in the WT and knockout mice treated with 7-nitroindazole. Mean arterial pressure had no significant changes in mice fed a high-salt diet, but increased ≈15 mm Hg similarly in NOS1αKO and WT mice treated with 7-nitroindazole. We conclude that NOS1β, but not NOS1α, plays an important role in control of sodium excretion and hemodynamics in response to either an acute or a chronic salt loading.
Rabbi Max Joseph: Between Reform and Zionism
Authors: Kohler George Y.
Published: February 2016

The essay analyses the exceptional life and thought of the German Rabbi Max Joseph (1868–1950), who was at the same time an ardent Zionist and the follower of a non-orthodox, academic approach to Judaism. It shows that Joseph anticipated most formative elements of Jewish thought during the twentieth century and that his claim about the Jewish religion, depending on Zionism for its very survival in modernity, is a powerful and original statement until this day. Joseph was convinced that striving for Jewish national interests would actually create religiosity and not suppress it, and that, reversely, modern secular culture is absolutely essential for a Jewish national renaissance.
Reward Contrast Effects on Impulsive Choice and Timing in Rats
Authors: Smith Aaron P. , Peterson Jennifer R. , Kirkpatrick Kimberly
Published: February 2016

Despite considerable interest in impulsive choice as a predictor of a variety of maladaptive behaviors, the mechanisms that drive choice behavior are still poorly understood. The present study sought to examine the influence of one understudied variable, reward magnitude contrast, on choice and timing behavior as changes in magnitude commonly occur within choice procedures. In addition, assessments of indirect effects on choice behavior through magnitude-timing interactions were assessed by measuring timing within the choice task. Rats were exposed to choice procedures composed of different pairs of magnitudes of rewards for either the smaller-sooner (SS) or larger-later (LL) option. In Phase 2, the magnitude of reward either increased or decreased by one pellet in different groups (LL increase = 1v1 → 1v2; SS decrease = 2v2 → 1v2; SS increase = 1v2 → 2v2), followed by a return to baseline in Phase 3. Choice behavior was affected by the initial magnitudes experienced in the task, an anchor effect. The nature of the change in magnitude affected choice behavior as well. Timing behavior was also affected by the reward contrast manipulation albeit to a lesser degree and the timing and choice effects were correlated. The results suggest that models of choice behavior should incorporate reinforcement history, reward contrast elements, and magnitude-timing interactions, but that direct effects of reward contrast on choice should be given more weight than the indirect reward-timing interactions. A better understanding of the factors that contribute to choice behavior could supply key insights into this important individual differences variable.
Contribution of Cutoff Lows to Precipitation across the United States
Authors: Abatzoglou John T.
Published: February 2016

A chronology of cutoff lows (COL) from 1979 to 2014 alongside daily precipitation observations across the conterminous United States was used to examine the contribution of COL to seasonal precipitation, extreme-precipitation events, and interannual precipitation variability. COL accounted for between 2% and 32% of annual precipitation at stations across the United States, with distinct geographic and seasonal variability. The largest fractional contribution of COL to precipitation totals and precipitation extremes was found across the Great Plains and the interior western United States, particularly during the transition seasons of spring and autumn. Widespread significant correlations between seasonal COL precipitation and total precipitation on interannual time scales were found across parts of the United States, most notably to explain spring precipitation variability in the interior western United States and Great Plains and summer precipitation variability in the northwestern United States. In addition to regional differences, a distinct gradient in the contributions of COL to precipitation was found in the lee of large mountain ranges in the western United States. Differences in orographic precipitation enhancement associated with slow-moving COL resulted in relatively more precipitation at lower elevations and, in particular, east of north–south-oriented mountain ranges that experience a strong rain shadow with progressive disturbances.
Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Payne Sakeena J. , Mitzner Ron , Kunchala Sudhir , Roland Lauren , McGinn Johnathan D.
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To describe a 15‐year single‐institution experience of 41 cases of acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFRS), identify clinical indicators predictive of AIFRS, and discuss our approach to these high‐acuity patients.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center; The Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective review was performed for AIFRS consultations between September 1999 and March 2014. Variables reviewed included underlying condition, presenting symptoms, absolute neutrophil count, disease extent on examination, radiographic findings, medical treatment, biopsy results, surgical treatment, and outcomes. Univariate analysis was performed to determine variables significantly associated with AIFRS. Outcome measures were assessed and patient assessment algorithm developed.

Results

Of 131 patients evaluated, 41 were diagnosed with AIFRS; 92.7% had an underlying hematologic malignancy. Disease predictive variables included absolute neutrophil count <500/μL (P <. 0001; sensitivity = 78%), mucosal abnormalities of middle turbinate (P <. 0001; specificity = 88%) and septum (P <. 0001; specificity = 97%), and specifically, necrosis of the middle turbinate (P <. 0001; specificity = 97%). Twenty‐five AIFRS patients (61%) survived until discharge; 25% (n = 10) expired secondary to AIFRS infection explicitly.

Conclusion

This series represents one of the largest single‐institution experiences of AIFRS published to date. Timely diagnosis is necessary to improve patient outcomes and limit morbidity. Maintaining a high index of suspicion in at‐risk patient populations, followed by prompt evaluation and management, is crucial in suspected AIFRS. The presence or absence of certain findings appear to correlate with biopsy results and may aid in appropriately gauging clinical suspicion for the presence of AIFRS.
A Pediatric Decannulation Protocol
Authors: Wirtz Nicholas , Tibesar Robert J. , Lander Timothy , Sidman James
Published: February 2016

Objectives

(1) Describe an institutional protocol that focuses on the essential steps for decannulation of pediatric patients with long‐term tracheostomies. (2) Discuss the preliminary observations of the safety of this protocol in regard to decannulation failures and successes in a selected patient population.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

A tertiary pediatric hospital.

Subjects

Subjects were pediatric patients with chronic tracheostomies undergoing decannulation. Ages ranged from 1 to 17 years old. Indications for initial tracheostomy included chronic lung disease, airway obstruction, and trauma.

Methods

Subjects underwent decannulation attempt following a specific protocol. The protocol consisted of operative laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. If the airway was deemed adequate for decannulation at that time, the tracheotomy tube was removed, and the child was monitored overnight; the patient was considered for discharge the following day if no complications arose. No routine capping, downsizing, or polysomnography was performed.

Results

Thirty‐five patients fit the criteria and were decannulated within 24 hours of endoscopy. Successful decannulation served as the primary outcome. Of the 35 decannulated patients, 54% (n = 19) were discharged the day following decannulation and another 37% (n = 13) on postdecannulation day 2. There were no acute failures or readmissions. Average inpatient stay for those decannulated was 1.8 days.

Conclusion

This study describes the preliminary observations of a decannulation protocol in a small subset of patients. The protocol resulted in no acute failures and offers a conservative approach to resource utilization, making it unique when compared with other published protocols.
2015 Equilibrium Committee Amendment to the 1995 AAO‐HNS Guidelines for the Definition of Ménière’s Disease
Authors: Goebel Joel A
Published: February 2016

Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes attacks of vertigo and hearing loss, tinnitus, aural fullness in the involved ear. Over the past 4 decades, the Equilibrium Committee of the AAO‐HNS has issued guidelines for diagnostic criteria, with the latest version being published in 1995. These criteria were reviewed in 2015 by the Equilibrium Committee, and revisions were approved at the recent meeting of the committee at the 2015 AAO‐HNSF Annual Meeting. The following commentary outlines the amended and approved criteria.
Interim Positron Emission Tomography Response–Adapted Therapy in Advanced-Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma: Final Results of the Phase II Part of the HD0801 Study
Authors: Zinzani Pier Luigi , Broccoli Alessandro , Gioia Daniela Maria , Castagnoli Antonio , Ciccone Giovannino , Evangelista Andrea , Santoro Armando , Ricardi Umberto , Bonfichi Maurizio , Brusamolino Ercole , Rossi Giuseppe , Anastasia Antonella , Zaja Francesco , Vitolo Umberto , Pavone Vincenzo , Pulsoni Alessandro , Rigacci Luigi , Gaidano Gianluca , Stelitano Caterina , Salvi Flavia , Rusconi Chiara , Tani Monica , Freilone Roberto , Pregno Patrizia , Borsatti Eugenio , Sacchetti Gian Mauro , Argnani Lisa , Levis Alessandro
Published: February 2016

Purpose

The clinical impact of positron emission tomography (PET) evaluation performed early during first-line therapy in patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma, in terms of providing a rationale to shift patients who respond poorly onto a more intensive regimen (PET response-adapted therapy), remains to be confirmed.

Patients and Methods

The phase II part of the multicenter HD0801 study involved 519 patients with advanced-stage de novo Hodgkin lymphoma who received an initial treatment with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) and who underwent an early ifosfamide-containing salvage treatment followed by stem-cell transplantation if they showed a positive PET evaluation after two cycles of chemotherapy (PET2). The primary end point was 2-year progression-free survival calculated for both PET2-negative patients (who completed a full six cycles of ABVD treatment) and PET2-positive patients. Overall survival was a secondary end point.

Results

In all, 103 of the 512 evaluable patients were PET2 positive. Among them, 81 received the scheduled salvage regimen with transplantation, 15 remained on ABVD (physician’s decision, mostly because of minimally positive PET2), five received an alternative treatment, and two were excluded because of diagnostic error. On intention-to-treat analysis, the 2-year progression-free survival was 76% for PET2-positive patients (regardless of the salvage treatment they received) and 81% for PET2-negative patients.

Conclusion

Patients with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma for whom treatment was at high risk of failing appear to benefit from early treatment intensification with autologous transplantation, as indicated by the possibility of successful salvage treatment in more than 70% of PET2-positive patients through obtaining the same 2-year progression-free survival as the PET2-negative subgroup.
Minor injuries and ailments. 2: Fevers in children
Authors: Tinsley Elizabeth
Published: February 2016

Feverish illnesses in young children are very common, with 20–40% of parents reporting cases each year ( NHS Choices, 2016a ). Most fevers indicate an underlying infection, which can be concerning for parents and carers. As a result, fever is one of the most common reasons for a child to be taken to the doctor. Feverish illness is the second most common reason for a child being admitted to hospital and, despite advances in health care, infections remain the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 years ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2013 ). This article will focus on managing and treating fevers in children at home; when parents should be advised to attend A&E; and when to call an ambulance.
UTIs in older patients: diagnosis, collection and testing
Authors: Yates Ann
Published: February 2016

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common occurrence, especially among the older population. In this article Ann Yates advises care staff how to prevent UTIs, as well as offering information regarding the signs and symptoms and management options
Blackletter logotypes and metal music
Authors: Vestergaard Vitus
Published: February 2016

Text and band logos based on blackletter scripts are a common sight in visual metal music culture such as on album covers. This article develops a framework for analysing the affinity between blackletter script and metal music. The analytical framework includes five themes: genre tradition,
religion, history, geography and shape. The first four themes have to do with connotation whereas the fifth theme has to do with experiential metaphor. Though these themes the article demonstrates how meaning is produced when blackletter scripts are used on visual artefacts such as album covers.
These insights provide an answer to the question why blackletter scripts have become part of the visual repertoire of metal music and why so many famous metal band logotypes are based on blackletter.
‘Hypocritical bullshit performed through gritted teeth’: Authenticity discourses in Nickelback’s album reviews in Finnish media
Authors: Anttonen Salli
Published: February 2016

The Canadian band Nickelback has faced substantial negative feedback in the media. This article examines discourses constructed in the critiques of the band, focusing on the theme of authenticity, by analysing reviews of the band from Finnish media in the time frame of 2000–2014.
Traditional discourses of authenticity are widely present in the critical reception, valuing uncommercialism, subversiveness, correspondence of art and persona, originality and truth in particular.
Popular Religiosity in Indonesia Today: The Next Step after ‘Islam Kultural’?
Authors: Noor Farish A.
Published: February 2016

The phenomenon of popular Islam is seen everywhere in the Muslim world today, and expresses itself via a host of means ranging from fashion to architecture as well as new cultural norms that are deemed Islamic. In the case of Indonesia, the expansive growth of the ‘halal market’--pioneered by Islamic fashion and cosmetics-- has been a powerful variable factor, accounting for the emergence of a new Indonesian Muslim middle-class that has aspirations for upward social mobility as well as social capital. This paper locates the phenomenon of Indonesian pop Islam in the longer and broader history of Indonesia since the time of Suharto to the post-reformasi era of the present, and argues that pop Islam in Indonesia is a serious phenomenon worthy of study; as well as a good indicator of the trajectory of social development in the country. Though not everything that comes under this category may be classified as truly or wholly Islamic, the phenomenon nonetheless points to a growing sense of religious consciousness among the new urban Muslim middle-classes who see themselves as agents of change as well as religio-economic entrepreneurs.
[Fenomena Islam popular terlihat di mana-mana di dunia Islam saat ini, dan itu diekspresikan lewat berbagai media seperti tata busana sampai arsitektur, juga termasuk aturan-aturan yang dianggap Islami. Pada kasus Indonesia, perkembangan trend halal-haram yang dimotori oleh dunia tata busana dan kosmetik menyebabkan munculnya kelas menengah baru yang membawa aspirasi itu ke atas sebagai modal. Makalah ini menempatkan Islam popular di Indonesia pada jangka panjang dan luas sebagai fenomena yang layak dijadikan bahan studi; begitu juga arah perkembangan di negara itu. Namun tidak semua di bawah kategori ini masuk dalam wilayah Islamis, namun tetap saja menunjukkan kesadaran keagamaan baru di perkotaan pada kelas menengah yang menganggap dirinya sebagai agen perubahan dan juga penggiat ekonomi agamis].
A literature review on accounting education in Turkey, etichal values, and occupational ethics
Türkiye’de muhasebe eğitimi, etik değerler ve meslek etiği üzerine literatür taraması
Authors: Peker Ali Aykut , Özdemir Şefik , Polat Yusuf , Karakışla Enver
Published: February 2016

In this study, the basic ethical approaches in accounting are discussed by referring the concepts of accounting education, ethics, professional ethics, professional ethics training, accounting ethics education. Also it is devoted to fundamental ethical principles held by various institutions and organizations in Turkey and the World. The literature review are conducted on the studies carried out about the professional ethics in Turkey, accounting ethics, accounting ethics education and ethical principles. The purpose of this work is to try to create a perspective for the future within the scope of accounting ethics education and accounting ethics committees in Turkey. If examining the studies in Turkey within the code of ethics and accounting education, it is seen that the professionals and business owners generally exhibit behaviors consistent with ethical principles, but for exceptions there are reasons of gaps in legislation and pressure from payers. Studies show that people are more prone to the unethical behavior who are men by gender variable, youngs by age variable and low-income people by level of income variable. As examining the education variable, the results demonstrate that the level of education is lower in the parties done unethical behavior, the education received is not effective and efficient and the institutions offering education do not give importance sufficiently to the ethical education. ÖzetBu çalışmada muhasebe eğitimi, etik, meslek etiği, meslek etiği eğitimi, muhasebe etiği eğitimi kavramlarından bahsedilerek muhasebe de yer alan temel etik yaklaşımların bahsedilmiştir. Ayrıca Türkiye’de çeşitli kurum ve kuruluşlar tarafından düzenlenen ve tüm dünyada da benzer şekilde var olan temel etik ilkelerden bahsedilmiştir.  Türkiye’de meslek etiği, muhasebe etiği, muhasebe etik eğitimi ve etik ilkeler üzerine yapılan çalışmalar üzerine literatür taraması yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’de muhasebe etik kurulları ve muhasebe etik eğitimi kapsamında geleceğe ilişkin bir perspektif oluşturmaya çalışmaktır. Muhasebe eğitimi ve etik kodlar kapsamında Türkiye’de yapılan çalışmalar incelendiğinde,  genel itibariyle meslek mensupları ve işletme sahiplerinin etik ilkelere uygun davranışlar sergiledikleri, etik dışı davranışlarda bulunanların ise bunun nedeni olarak mükelleflerin baskısı ve yasal mevzuattaki boşlukları göstermişlerdir. Çalışmalarda cinsiyet değişkenine göre erkeklerin, yaş değişkenine göre gençlerin, gelir düzeyi değişkenine göre ise geliri düşük düzeyde olanların etik dışı davranışlara daha fazla yöneldikleri belirlenmiştir. Eğitim değişkenine bakıldığında ise etik dışı davranışlarda bulunan tarafların eğitim seviyesinin daha düşük olduğu, alınan eğitimlerin etkili ve verimli olamadığı ve bu eğitimi veren kurumların etik eğitimine gerekli önemi vermediği sonuçlarına ulaşılmıştır.
Factors Affecting the Hematological Parameters in Different Goat Breeds from Italy
Authors: Arfuso Francesca , Fazio Francesco , Rizzo Maria , Marafioti Simona , Zanghì Elisa , Piccione Giuseppe
Published: February 2016

Hematological parameters in healthy goats show several variations in relation to breed, age, reproductive status, environmental factors and management conditions. Therefore, there is the need to investigate these factors and how they affect the animal’s hematology. The aims of this study were to establish hematological reference values of five Italian goat breeds at different age classes (1–2, 3–4 and over 5 years) considered in autumn and to evaluate the effects of some factors (breed, age and environmental conditions). Ninety-six dried female Aspromontana goats, 102 Girgentana goats, 99 Messinese goats, 96 Maltese goats and 108 Argentata dell’Etna goats, clinically healthy, were used. Blood samples were collected from each animal and analyzed for Red Blood Cell (RBC), White Blood Cell (WBC), Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), Hematocrit (Hct), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and Platelets (PLT). Statistical analysis showed the effect of breed (P<0.05) on all studied parameters and the effect of age (P<0.05) on: RBC and Hb in Messinese goats; Hct in Girgentana, Maltese and Argentata dell’Etna goats; MCV and MCHC in Argentata dell’Etna goats; WBC in Aspromontana goats; and PLT in Girgentana and Messinese goats. The findings of the present study may serve as reference values for hematology of Italian goat breeds studied in autumn which could help veterinarians to interpret laboratory data appropriately and to monitor animal health status in order to improve the management and conservation of these breeds.
Effects on Productive Performance, Tibia Calcium and Phosphorous Retention, and Liver Enzymes Activity of Acidified and Alkalinized Diets in Broiler Chicken
Authors: Nourmohammadi Rouhollah , Khosravinia Heshmatollah , Afzali Nazar , Manafi Milad
Published: February 2016

A 35-day experiment was carried out to study the effects of acidified and alkalinized diets on zootechnical indices, tibial calcium and phosphorous retention, bone mineralization and liver enzymes activity using 250 Ross 308 male broiler chicks. Five treatments consisting of a control diet (CD), CD acidified using 10, 20 and 30 g/kg citric acid (CA) and CD alkalinized with Ca (OH)2 (8.9 g/kg in growth period and 8.6 g/kg in finisher period) were examined in 5 replicates of 10 birds each from day 7 up to day 42 of age. Inclusion of 30 g/kg CA significantly increased body weight, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed efficiency, tibia ash, tibia Ca content, at day 42 of age (P<0.05). Serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were elevated in the birds fed with the 30 g/kg CA-treated diet at day 42 of age (P<0.05). Alkalinized diet significantly reduced ADFI, tibia ash, tibial P and Ca contents, bone breaking strength and plasma Ca concentration (P<0.05). It was concluded that the diet acidified with 30 g/kg CA promoted productive performance and tibia mineralization in broiler chicken. Alkalinized diet suppressed growth performance of the birds perhaps through disrupted mineral absorption and altered liver enzymes activity.
The Political Economics of the New Silk Road
Authors: Sárvári Balázs , Szeidovitz Anna
Published: February 2016

What has now been coined the term XXI Century Silk Road had evolved from a speech given by Chinese premier Xi Jinping in Kazakhstan in 2013. It was initially a plan aimed at promoting the bilateral relations of China and its neighbors; however, the initiative had since then traversed the region’s borders and become a global project.

This paper examines the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative in light of Chinese-EU relations. It reviews the initiation of the Silk Road Project and focuses on its political economic analysis through investigating the potential routes the Belt can take, the EU-Chinese trade and investment standings as well as the global political context that the increased cooperation and connection is likely to influence.

The paper uses the Modern Silk Road concept as an example of China’s foreign policy in the wake of globalization and the emergence of a new multipolar world order. To set the stage we will begin with a political-economic approach of the New Silk Road. Highlighting the possibilities of Chinese high culture, which accommodate global governance, we state that the Modern Silk Road project is one of its materialized forms. The concept of the New Silk Road (together with the Eurasian Union) denies the previous era of corruption and personality cult and indicates a milestone in the development of China, proving that it is already a globally responsible power (Värk, 2015).

Even if transport by land is significantly more expensive than transportation by sea, the New Silk Road may have significant advantages: It may take only two weeks, saving potentially a week in shipping time, and diversify China’s dependence on sea transport that could reduce the importance of its regional diplomatic conflicts. Already these aspects show that the purpose of the Modern Silk Road is basically not to explore cost-efficiency but to contribute to the establishment of a new, multipolar world order. The fact that the Modern Silk Road is a supply-driven concept in spite of the historical one underlines this argument. Even if politics dominate, henceforward directing the economic activities, we will nonetheless examine the China-Eastern European relations through the lenses of trade and investment as well.

After the initial analysis and description of the Silk Road Economic Belt as a tool of Chinese foreign policy, the paper goes on to examine the potential routes the railway takes from China to Europe. It reviews the trade and investment ties that the two entities share and assesses how this initiative contributes to the rise of Europe and China beside the USA. Lastly, it outlines how various regional and global powers are affected by the renewal of the Silk Road.
Derivation of level-specific reference change values (RCV) from a health screening database and optimization of their thresholds based on clinical utility
Authors: Kawano Reo , Ichihara Kiyoshi , Wada Takashi
Published: February 2016

Background:Reference change values (RCV) are used for judging the significance of changes between any two measurements. Based on the within-individual CV (CVI), RCV is conventionally computed as the 95% confidence limit (CL) of the changes:$RCV = 1.96 \times \sqrt 2 C{V_I}.$However, the appropriateness of assuming a constantCVIand using the 95% CL for RCV remains controversial.

Methods:

The level-specificCVIand RCV were estimated for 20 screening tests using a database composed of results from 13,545 health-screening attendees over a 17-year period, after preliminary exclusion of individuals taking medications or having unusual changes in body mass index (BMI). A rational CL for RCV was explored in reference to a clinical score for the metabolic syndrome, sMS, which was derived based on a logistic regression model consisting of tests related to metabolic syndrome. The effect of adjusting CL for the RCV on diagnostic efficacies of detecting between-year change in sMS was evaluated.

Results:

Test level dependency ofCVIwas apparent for some screening tests which have distributions with prominent skewing. The use of level-specific RCV was thus essential for them. The sensitivity for detecting a critical change in sMS based on the RCV set at 95%CL was extremely low in the majority of tests. However, by lowering CL stepwise from 95 to 75%, the sensitivity improved greatly without much change in specificity and positive predictive value. Loss-and-gain analysis showed that CL for RCV set around 80% gave the lowest loss, assuming a policy of reducing false negative judgment.

Conclusions:

Level specificCVIand RCV were necessary in tests with skewed distributions. RCV using 80%–90% CL is suitable in health screening for diseases that require early intervention for changes.
A technical and clinical evaluation of a new assay for inhibin A and its use in second trimester Down syndrome screening
Authors: Wilson Georgina , Liitti Päivi , Pölönen Tuukka , Sairanen Mikko , Spencer Kevin
Published: February 2016

Background:

The objective of the study was to compare a new AutoDELFIA®Inhibin A kit (B064-102) with the Access Inhibin A kit (A36097) using clinical specimens and to evaluate the AutoDELFIA®Inhibin A assay performance in screening for Down syndrome in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Methods:

Using clinical samples, we performed a method comparison between new and existing inhibin A kits and assessed AutoDELFIA®Inhibin A kit precision performance. Normal median values for the second trimester of pregnancy were also determined. Finally, we evaluated the screening performance of the AutoDELFIA®Inhibin A kit together with other second trimester biomarkers for the detection of Down syndrome.

Results:

The two methods showed a high degree of correlation (r=0.99, Pearson and Spearman correlation), and the average relative level difference between the methods at a concentration range of 41.7–1925 pg/mL was 19.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) from 17.6% to 21.5%]. The acceptable precision of the AutoDELFIA®Inhibin A kit was demonstrated: the within-lot CV% varied from 1.9% to 3.9%. The screening performance results show that AutoDELFIA®Inhibin A when added to a combination of other second trimester serum markers [human alpha foetoprotein (hAFP), free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free hCGβ) and unconjugated estriol (uE3) or hAFP and free hCGβ] improves the detection rate of screening in both combinations.

Conclusions:

The performance of the AutoDELFIA®Inhibin A assay is highly acceptable for routine laboratory use for screening Down syndrome in the second trimester of pregnancy.