bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes from nurses occupationally exposed to chemicals
Authors: Santovito A , Cervella P , Delpero M
Published: November 2013

In the present study, we evaluated the induced genome damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes from a sample of nurses occupationally exposed to low doses of different chemicals. A comprehensive multi-biomarker approach using cytogenetic endpoints was employed for analyzing chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay. The study included 20 nurses and 20 control subjects matched in age, gender and smoking habits. Nurses were exposed to different chemicals, such as cytostatic drugs, anaesthetics, formaldehyde and other sterilizing gases. Significant differences were found between exposure group and control group in terms of SCEs frequency ( p < 0.001) but not in terms of replication index value ( p = 0.845) and CAs ( p = 0.236). Regression analyses indicated that the age and the exposure years did not influence the amount of the chromosomal damage among nurses. Vice versa, among controls, a positive correlation was found between the number of SCEs and age. In conclusion, our results suggest that a continuous long-term exposure to low doses of chemicals could result in increased levels of SCEs among nurses. This data emphasize the importance of biomonitoring nurses and other hospital workers handling drugs.
The Role of E-Mentoring in Protégés’ Learning and Satisfaction
Authors: de Janasz Suzanne C. , Godshalk Veronica M.
Published: November 2013

Today’s professionals require a network of mentors to help them navigate complex organizational and individual challenges. Consistent with current trends, a growing number of these mentor relationships will be initiated and carried out electronically, via e-mentoring. We build on existing social network research to investigate the role of e-mentoring in protégé outcomes. On a sample of graduate and undergraduate students, we examine the impact of dyad characteristics (e.g., interaction frequency, pre-existing relationship, perceived similarity, relevant mentor knowledge) on e-mentoring received as well as the impact of e-mentoring on protégés’ learning and satisfaction. Several dyad characteristics and e-mentoring functions received were positively associated with protégés’ learning and satisfaction. Limitations and implications for future research are offered.
Rhabdomyoblastic Differentiation in Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Reilly Daniel J. , Volchek Mila , Ting Jeannette W. C. , Allan Prue , Findlay Michael W.
Published: November 2013

A case of melanoma with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation is presented in the context of the previously reported cases. The emerging literature seeking to identify the molecular basis of rhabdoid and rhabdomyoblastic differentiation, as well as their poor prognosis, is reviewed. The combination of a diverse range of morphology and the potential for spontaneous primary tumor regression, despite metastasis, makes the accurate diagnosis of melanoma challenging. Histopathology review is often recommended in these cases, as is referral to a specialized cancer center for discussion in a multidisciplinary meeting. Improved recognition of this rare pattern of melanoma morphology may provide the means for omics-based techniques to identify novel therapeutic targets to improve the prognostic outlook for these patients.
Risk Factors Affecting Chronic Rupture of the Plantar Fascia
Authors: Lee Ho Seong , Choi Young Rak , Kim Sang Woo , Lee Jin Yong , Seo Jeong Ho , Jeong Jae Jung
Published: November 2013

Background:

Prior to 1994, plantar fascia ruptures were considered as an acute injury that occurred primarily in athletes. However, plantar fascia ruptures have recently been reported in the setting of preexisting plantar fasciitis. We analyzed risk factors causing plantar fascia rupture in the presence of preexisting plantar fasciitis.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 286 patients with plantar fasciitis who were referred from private clinics between March 2004 and February 2008. Patients were divided into those with or without a plantar fascia rupture. There were 35 patients in the rupture group and 251 in the nonrupture group. The clinical characteristics and risk factors for plantar fascia rupture were compared between the 2 groups. We compared age, gender, the affected site, visual analog scale pain score, previous treatment regimen, body mass index, degree of ankle dorsiflexion, the use of steroid injections, the extent of activity, calcaneal pitch angle, the presence of a calcaneal spur, and heel alignment between the 2 groups.

Results:

Of the assessed risk factors, only steroid injection was associated with the occurrence of a plantar fascia rupture. Among the 35 patients with a rupture, 33 had received steroid injections. The odds ratio of steroid injection was 33.

Conclusion:

Steroid injections for plantar fasciitis should be cautiously administered because of the higher risk for plantar fascia rupture.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Safety First . . .
Authors: Shesser Lynn
Published: November 2013

As the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) strives to become the safest children’s hospital by 2015, CHOP Home Care has worked to set the standard for pediatric home care by introducing innovative practices that support patient safety. We have made the culture of safety a core and embodied value among our clinical and nonclinical staff, and challenge ourselves to become the safest pediatric Home Care provider. Through continual quality improvement efforts, we have embedded safe and novel practices into our department-wide Patient Safety Program, our infection prevention programs, our chronic disease management initiatives, a medication reconciliation initiative, and our handoff and transition activities. The success of our quality improvement programs is indicated by improved patient outcomes and professional association recognition.
Lifers Admitted as Juveniles in the Canadian Prison Population
Authors: Ruddell Rick , Gileno Justin
Published: November 2013

One hundred and twenty-one Canadians were serving sentences of life imprisonment on 9 March 2012 for their involvement in crimes that had occurred prior to their 18th birthdays. Some of them had been sentenced in the 1940s and all will remain under correctional supervision for the rest of their lives. While these individuals represent a very small percentage of the total lifer population, they are of special interest given our knowledge about the culpability of children, including a growing body of neurological and social science research that associates immaturity, risk-taking, impulsivity and poor decision-making with adolescent brain development.
Uneven and Still Insufficient
Authors: Keehn Emily , Stemple Lara , Sanger Cherith , Peacock Dean
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the findings of a quantitative study undertaken at South African Police Service stations across the Western Cape Province, measuring what we term committed intake compliance with sexual offences law. Fifty police stations were surveyed for compliance with the first layer of procedural and service requirements for receiving a victim’s report of a sexual offence. On average, stations complied with only 68% of the measured requirements. The authors analyze patterns in compliance that likely contribute to the drop-out of rape and sexual assault cases from the criminal justice system.
Shopping in a mall: A typology of four shopping trips
Authors: Michaud Trévinal Aurélia
Published: November 2013

Do all shopping mall customers have the same shopping experience? Literature is scarce concerning pedestrian shopping trips and activities that result from interactions with the shopping environment. The present study identifies four types of shopping paths (trajectories): ‘passing through’, ‘pragmatic’, ‘wandering’ and ‘appropriation’. Two hundred and nine ‘shopping trips’ were observed in a mall and analyzed using both a semiotics and a statistical approach (cluster and discriminant analysis). The trips reveal different ways of appropriating the retail environment. They indicate that the shopping experience is a co-creation developed by the shopper and the retail environment.
Political Economy of Epidemic Kidney Disease in Sri Lanka
Authors: Bandarage Asoka
Published: November 2013

The Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), taking the lives of thousands in poor farming communities in Sri Lanka, is commonly seen as a problem peculiar to the island’s north central dry zone agricultural region. The prevailing bio-medical focus is on identifying one or more “environmental nephrotoxins.” While delineating important controversies on the etiology of the disease, this article seeks to broaden the discourse on the hitherto neglected political economy of CKD in Sri Lanka. In so doing, it seeks to bring together the bio-medical debate on the impact of widespread and unregulated use of agrochemicals on public health and kidney disease with broader global interdisciplinary perspectives on the industrialization of agriculture and the consolidation of food production by transnational agribusiness corporations. The article concludes pointing out environmentally sustainable and socially equitable development and organic agriculture as the long-term solutions to CKD in Sri Lanka and elsewhere.
Heme triggers TLR4 signaling leading to endothelial cell activation and vaso-occlusion in murine sickle cell disease
Authors: Belcher John D. , Chen Chunsheng , Nguyen Julia , Milbauer Liming , Abdulla Fuad , Alayash Abdu I. , Smith Ann , Nath Karl A. , Hebbel Robert P. , Vercellotti Gregory M.
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Heme, released from hemoglobin, elicits vaso-occlusion in transgenic sickle mice via endothelial TLR4 signaling. Heme/TLR4 signaling activates NF-κB and triggers vaso-occlusion through Weibel-Palade body degranulation and adhesion molecule expression.
Aggf1 acts at the top of the genetic regulatory hierarchy in specification of hemangioblasts in zebrafish
Authors: Li Lei , Chen Di , Li Jia , Wang Xiaojing , Wang Nan , Xu Chengqi , Wang Qing K.
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Aggf1 is required for both primitive and definitive hematopoiesis. Aggf1 is the earliest known regulator for differentiation of hemangioblasts.
UKALLXII/ECOG2993: addition of imatinib to a standard treatment regimen enhances long-term outcomes in Philadelphia positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Fielding Adele K. , Rowe Jacob M. , Buck Georgina , Foroni Letizia , Gerrard Gareth , Litzow Mark R. , Lazarus Hillard , Luger Selina M. , Marks David I. , McMillan Andrew K. , Moorman Anthony V. , Patel Bella , Paietta Elisabeth , Tallman Martin S. , Goldstone Anthony H.
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Imatinib improves outcomes for adults with Ph+ ALL at least in part by facilitating allogeneic stem cell transplant. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant is not dispensible in Ph+ ALL in the imatinib era.
Injudicious use of laboratory facilities in tertiary care hospitals at rawalpindi, pakistan: a cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: Malik Muhammad Farooq , Khan Dilshad Ahmed , Ansari Wafa Munir , Khan Farooq Ahmad
Published: November 2013

Background

In recent years inappropriate and excessive use of clinical laboratory facilities has become a cause of concern and has led to concurrent rise in the laboratory errors and the health care costs. The aim of the study was to find out the frequency of incomplete laboratory request forms, inappropriate test requests at various professional levels and the financial impact of uncollected reports at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) and Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Laboratory Rawalpindi.

Methods

The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted during a three month period from April to June 2012 at AFIP and CMH Laboratory Rawalpindi. A total of 1000 laboratory request forms were collected and scrutinized for completion from AFIP (n=500) and CMH Rawalpindi laboratory (n=500). 536 request forms of costly/specialized tests from different departments of AFIP were studied to find out the professional level of test request. The total number of tests performed at AFIP during the study period and number of uncollected reports were noted. The financial impact of these uncollected reports was also calculated. Collection of data and sorting were done manually. Patient confidentiality was maintained. Microsoft excel software and SPSS-17 were used for analysis. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Review Committee.

Results

Out of a total of 1000 forms studied none was completely filled with clinical notes being present in only 2.4% and 13% of forms sent to CMH and AFIP respectively. 62% of the expensive investigations were requested by specialists while 38% were ordered by residents and general practitioners but the percentage of avoidable expensive tests ordered by the general practitioners and residents was significantly higher than the specialists(p<0.001). A total of 9026 (40%) and 5046 (22%) diagnostic test reports were not collected from the Chemical pathology and Hematology departments respectively. Financial impact of uncollected reports from all the departments at AFIP collectively amounted to Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 3338201.

Conclusion

Processing incomplete laboratory request forms and injudicious use of laboratory facilities leads to incorrect interpretation of laboratory test results affecting outcome of the overall treatment.
Genetic mutations in influenza H3N2 viruses from a 2012 epidemic in Southern China
Authors: Zhong Jing , Liang Lijun , Huang Ping , Zhu Xiaolan , Zou Lirong , Yu Shouyi , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yonghui , Ni Hanzhong , Yan Jin
Published: November 2013

Background

An influenza H3N2 epidemic occurred throughout Southern China in 2012.

Methods

We analyzed the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of influenza H3N2 strains isolated between 2011–2012 from Guangdong. Mutation sites, evolutionary selection, antigenic sites, and N-glycosylation within these strains were analyzed.

Results

The 2011–2012 Guangdong strains contained the HA-A214S, HA-V239I, HA-N328S, NA-L81P, and NA-D93G mutations, similar to those seen in the A/ Perth/16/2009 influenza strain. The HA-NSS061–063 and NNS160–162 glycosylation sites were prevalent among the 2011–2012 Guangdong strains but the NA-NRS402–404 site was deleted. Antigenically, there was a four-fold difference between A/Perth/16/2009 -like strains and the 2011–2012 Guangdong strains.

Conclusion

Antigenic drift of the H3N2 subtype contributed to the occurrence of the Southern China influenza epidemic of 2012.
Brucellosis seroprevalence in Bali cattle with reproductive failure in South Sulawesi and Brucella abortus biovar 1 genotypes in the Eastern Indonesian archipelago
Authors: Muflihanah Hanah , Hatta Mochammad , Rood Ente , Scheelbeek Pauline , Abdoel Theresia H , Smits Henk L
Published: November 2013

Background

Brucellosis is a major cause of infertility and reproductive failure in livestock. While cattle in the Eastern Indonesian archipelago suffers from reproductive problems information on bovine brucellosis in the region is fragmentary. The control of brucellosis requires a major and prolonged effort and confirmation of the infection by isolation with detailed knowledge of the spread of the infection is essential when planning a control program.

Results

Serological investigation of Brucella infection in beef cattle tended under extensive farming conditions revealed a high seroprevalence (19.3%; 95% CI, 17–22) in the compliment fixation tests. The results of a rapid and simple field test correlated well with the Rose Bengal test (kappa, 0.917) and indicated an acceptable sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (98.1%) compared with the complement fixation test. Reproductive failure was reported for 39.0% of the cows with a loss of calves due to abortion or early death amounting to 19.3%. Past reproductive failure did not, however, correlate with seropositivity in the complement fixation test (RP = 1.21; P = 0.847). B. abortus biovar 1 was freshly isolated from the hygromas of two cows and together with thirty banked isolates collected since 1990 from different parts of Sulawesi and Timor eight related genotypes could be distinguished with one genotype being identical to that of an isolate (BfR91) from Switzerland. The Indonesian genotypes formed together with BfR91 and one African and one North American isolate a distinct branch on the B. abortus biovar 1 dendogram.

Conclusions

Bovine brucellosis appears to be widespread in the Eastern Indonesian archipelago and calls for urgent intervention. The fresh isolation of the pathogen together with the observed high seroprevalence demonstrates the presence and frequent exposure of cattle in the area to the pathogen. The application of a rapid and simple field test for brucellosis could be very useful for the quick screening of cattle at the pen side.
Antioxidant activity of herbaceous plant extracts protect against hydrogenperoxide-induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes
Authors: Lin Kuan-Hung , Yang Yan-Yin , Yang Chi-Ming , Huang Meng-Yuan , Lo Hsiao-Feng , Liu Kuang-Chuan , Lin Hwei-Shen , Chao Pi-Yu
Published: November 2013

Background

Herbaceous plants containing antioxidants can protect against DNA damage. Thepurpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant substances,antioxidant activity, and protection of DNA from oxidative damage in humanlymphocytes induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Ourmethods used acidic methanol and water extractions from six herbaceousplants, including Bidens alba (BA), Lycium chinense (LC),Mentha arvensis (MA), Plantago asiatica (PA),Houttuynia cordata (HC), and Centella asiatica(CA).

Methods

Antioxidant compounds such as flavonol and polyphenol were analyzed.Antioxidant activity was determined by the inhibition percentage ofconjugated diene formation in a linoleic acid emulsion system and bytrolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay. Their antioxidativecapacities for protecting human lymphocyte DNA fromH2O2-induced strand breaks was evaluated by cometassay.

Results

The studied plants were found to be rich in flavonols, especially myricetinin BA, morin in MA, quercetin in HC, and kaemperol in CA. In addition,polyphenol abounded in BA and CA. The best conjugated diene formationinhibition percentage was found in the acidic methanolic extract of PA.Regarding TEAC, the best antioxidant activity was generated from the acidicmethanolic extract of HC. Water and acidic methanolic extracts of MA and HCboth had better inhibition percentages of tail DNA% and tail moment ascompared to the rest of the tested extracts, and significantly suppressedoxidative damage to lymphocyte DNA.

Conclusion

Quercetin and morin are important for preventing peroxidation and oxidativedamage to DNA, and the leaves of MA and HC extracts may have excellentpotential as functional ingredients representing potential sources ofnatural antioxidants.
Neurotology symptoms at referral to vestibular evaluation
Authors: Jáuregui-Renaud Kathrine , Gutierrez-Marquez Aralia , Viveros-Rentería Leticia , Ramos-Toledo Verónica , Gómez-Alvarez Fátima
Published: November 2013

Background

Dizziness-vertigo is common in adults, but clinical providers may rarely diagnose vestibular impairment and referral could be delayed. To assess neurotology symptoms (including triggers) reported by patients with peripheral vestibular disease, during the year just before their referral to vestibular evaluation.

Methods

282 patients with peripheral vestibular disease and 282 control subjects accepted to participate. They had no middle ear, retinal, neurological, psychiatric, autoimmune or autonomic disorders. They reported their symptoms by a standardized questionnaire along with their anxiety/depression symptoms.

Results

Patients were referred after months or years from the onset of their symptoms, 24% of them reported frequent falls with a long clinical evolution; 10% of them reported no vertigo but instability related to specific triggers; 86% patients and 12% control subjects reported instability when moving the head rapidly and 79% patients and 6% control subjects reported instability when changing posture. Seven out of the 9 symptoms explored by the questionnaire allowed the correct classification of circa 95% of the participants (Discriminant function analysis, p < 0.001). High blood pressure, dyslipidemia and anxiety/depression symptoms showed a mild correlation with the total score of symptoms (multiple R2 =0.18, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Late referral to vestibular evaluation may underlie a history of frequent falls; some patients may not report vertigo, but instability related to specific triggers, which could be useful to prompt vestibular evaluation. High blood pressure, dyslipidemia and anxiety/depression symptoms may have a mild influence on the report of symptoms of vestibular disease in both, patients and control subjects.
Introducing glycomics data into the Semantic Web
Authors: Aoki-Kinoshita Kiyoko F , Bolleman Jerven , Campbell Matthew P , Kawano Shin , Kim Jin-Dong , Lütteke Thomas , Matsubara Masaaki , Okuda Shujiro , Ranzinger Rene , Sawaki Hiromichi , Shikanai Toshihide , Shinmachi Daisuke , Suzuki Yoshinori , Toukach Philip , Yamada Issaku , Packer Nicolle H , Narimatsu Hisashi
Published: November 2013

Background

Glycoscience is a research field focusing on complex carbohydrates (otherwise known as glycans)a, which can, for example, serve as “switches” that toggle between different functions of a glycoprotein or glycolipid. Due to the advancement of glycomics technologies that are used to characterize glycan structures, many glycomics databases are now publicly available and provide useful information for glycoscience research. However, these databases have almost no link to other life science databases.

Results

In order to implement support for the Semantic Web most efficiently for glycomics research, the developers of major glycomics databases agreed on a minimal standard for representing glycan structure and annotation information using RDF (Resource Description Framework). Moreover, all of the participants implemented this standard prototype and generated preliminary RDF versions of their data. To test the utility of the converted data, all of the data sets were uploaded into a Virtuoso triple store, and several SPARQL queries were tested as “proofs-of-concept” to illustrate the utility of the Semantic Web in querying across databases which were originally difficult to implement.

Conclusions

We were able to successfully retrieve information by linking UniCarbKB, GlycomeDB and JCGGDB in a single SPARQL query to obtain our target information. We also tested queries linking UniProt with GlycoEpitope as well as lectin data with GlycomeDB through PDB. As a result, we have been able to link proteomics data with glycomics data through the implementation of Semantic Web technologies, allowing for more flexible queries across these domains.
The Ontology of Vaccine Adverse Events (OVAE) and its usage in representing and analyzing adverse events associated with US-licensed human vaccines
Authors: Marcos Erica , Zhao Bin , He Yongqun
Published: November 2013

Background

Licensed human vaccines can induce various adverse events (AE) in vaccinated patients. Due to the involvement of the whole immune system and complex immunological reactions after vaccination, it is difficult to identify the relations among vaccines, adverse events, and human populations in different age groups. Many known vaccine adverse events (VAEs) have been recorded in the package inserts of US-licensed commercial vaccine products. To better represent and analyze VAEs, we developed the Ontology of Vaccine Adverse Events (OVAE) as an extension of the Ontology of Adverse Events (OAE) and the Vaccine Ontology (VO).

Results

Like OAE and VO, OVAE is aligned with the Basic Formal Ontology (BFO). The commercial vaccines and adverse events in OVAE are imported from VO and OAE, respectively. A new population term ‘human vaccinee population’ is generated and used to define VAE occurrence. An OVAE design pattern is developed to link vaccine, adverse event, vaccinee population, age range, and VAE occurrence. OVAE has been used to represent and classify the adverse events recorded in package insert documents of commercial vaccines licensed by the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA). OVAE currently includes over 1,300 terms, including 87 distinct types of VAEs associated with 63 human vaccines licensed in the USA. For each vaccine, occurrence rates for every VAE in different age groups have been logically represented in OVAE. SPARQL scripts were developed to query and analyze the OVAE knowledge base data. To demonstrate the usage of OVAE, the top 10 vaccines accompanying with the highest numbers of VAEs and the top 10 VAEs most frequently observed among vaccines were identified and analyzed. Asserted and inferred ontology hierarchies classify VAEs in different levels of AE groups. Different VAE occurrences in different age groups were also analyzed.

Conclusions

The ontology-based data representation and integration using the FDA-approved information from the vaccine package insert documents enables the identification of adverse events from vaccination in relation to predefined parts of the population (age groups) and certain groups of vaccines. The resulting ontology-based VAE knowledge base classifies vaccine-specific VAEs and supports better VAE understanding and future rational AE prevention and treatment.
Strategy for developing a future support system for the Vasawarship and evaluating its mechanical properties
Authors: Lechner Thomas , Bjurhager Ingela , Kliger Robert I
Published: November 2013

To maintain the integrity of the Vasa warship after salvage in 1961, conservation treatment with polyethylene glycol was carried out to prevent the collapse of cell walls. This treatment had negative effects on the strength and stiffness of the oak and the hull structure has been found to slowly deform over time. It is of interest to construct a three-dimensional numerical computer model to model and predict the deformation of the warship. This creates difficulties related to the complexity of measuring the detailed material properties that are required as input. In this context, a non-destructive methodology to predict the stiffness of the Vasa oak in terms of moduli of elasticity in the three principal directions of timber at critical positions in the ship would be useful. The twofold aim of the paper is to propose a strategy for a support system and to conduct an on-site assessment of the warship to predict the mechanical properties of the Vasa oak material. This paper also contains an up-to-date review of all essential mechanical data measured on the Vasa oak. The preliminary investigation using an X-ray technique to investigate the density properties produced promising results for future use in the evaluation of the mechanical performance. Based on these results, a procedure to establish the stiffness properties of the Vasa oak in terms of MOE was suggested, using a combination of data from previous measurements, in combination with extended tests on Vasa oak specimens and an X-ray-based density calibration procedure. The general complexity of the Vasa warship can be mainly attributed to large variations in the properties of Vasa oak due to surface degradation, chemical treatment and the disintegration of the cell-wall structure originating from centuries of waterlogged conditions. That causes difficulties when assessing mechanical and physical properties on a structural level. A combination of visual inspection together with X-ray investigation is of great importance to evaluate those properties and to obtain more accurate estimates. The results from evaluating mechanical properties can serve as input in a numerical model and serve as a foundation for decision-making relating to the modification of the support system.
Performance of Two Geriatric Screening Tools in Older Patients With Cancer
Authors: Kenis Cindy , Decoster Lore , Van Puyvelde Katrien , De Grève Jacques , Conings Godelieve , Milisen Koen , Flamaing Johan , Lobelle Jean-Pierre , Wildiers Hans
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic characteristics of two geriatric screening tools (G8 and Flemish version of the Triage Risk Screening Tool [fTRST]) to identify patients with a geriatric risk profile and to evaluate their prognostic value for functional decline and overall survival (OS).

Patients and Methods

Patients ≥ 70 years old with a malignant tumor were included if a new cancer event occurred requiring treatment decision. Geriatric screening with G8 and fTRST (cutoff ≥ 1 [fTRST (1)] and ≥ 2 [fTRST (2)] evaluated) was performed in all patients, as well as a geriatric assessment (GA) evaluating social situation, functionality (activities of daily living [ADL] + instrumental activities of daily living [IADL]), cognition, depression, and nutrition. Functionality was re-evaluated 2 to 3 months after cancer treatment decision, and death rate was followed. Functional decline and OS were evaluated in relation to normal versus abnormal score on both screening tools.

Results

Nine hundred thirty-seven patients were included (October 2009 to July 2011). G8 and fTRST (1) showed high sensitivity (86.5% to 91.3%) and moderate negative predictive value (61.3% to 63.4%) to detect patients with a geriatric risk profile. G8 and fTRST (1) were strongly prognostic for functional decline on ADL and IADL, and G8, fTRST (1), and fTRST (2) were prognostic for OS (all P < .001). G8 had the strongest prognostic value for OS (hazard ratio for G8 normal v abnormal, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.52).

Conclusion

Both geriatric screening tools, G8 and fTRST, are simple and useful instruments in older patients with cancer for identifying patients with a geriatric risk profile and have a strong prognostic value for functional decline and OS.
Nurse Navigators in Early Cancer Care: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Wagner Edward H. , Ludman Evette J. , Aiello Bowles Erin J. , Penfold Robert , Reid Robert J. , Rutter Carolyn M. , Chubak Jessica , McCorkle Ruth
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To determine whether a nurse navigator intervention improves quality of life and patient experience with care for people recently given a diagnosis of breast, colorectal, or lung cancer.

Patients and Methods

Adults with recently diagnosed primary breast, colorectal, or lung cancer (n = 251) received either enhanced usual care (n = 118) or nurse navigator support for 4 months (n = 133) in a two-group cluster randomized, controlled trial with primary care physicians as the units of randomization. Patient-reported measures included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G) Quality of Life scale, three subscales of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC), and selected subscales from a cancer adaptation of the Picker Institute's patient experience survey. Self-report measures were collected at baseline, 4 months, and 12 months. Automated administrative data were used to assess time to treatment and total health care costs.

Results

There were no significant differences between groups in FACT-G scores. Nurse navigator patients reported significantly higher scores on the PACIC and reported significantly fewer problems with care, especially psychosocial care, care coordination, and information, as measured by the Picker instrument. Cumulative costs after diagnosis did not differ significantly between groups, but lung cancer costs were $6,852 less among nurse navigator patients.

Conclusion

Compared with enhanced usual care, nurse navigator support for patients with cancer early in their course improves patient experience and reduces problems in care, but did not differentially affect quality of life.
Visualizing Interiors: The Language of Movement in the 2005 FilmPride & Prejudice
Authors: Hong Mary
Published: November 2013

One of the distinguishing features of the 2005 cinematic adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is its dynamic quality of character and camera movement. The dynamism of movements within doors challenges the dialectic of immobility/mobility and indoor/outdoor that characterizes analysis of movement and space in previous adaptations of Jane Austen. In the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice, activities as simple as walking through the house or circling on the dance floor constitute a kinesthetic language for making interior spaces visible in temporal and spatial terms. Instead of inferring Elizabeth Bennet's desires, we see them actualized in the same way that domestic life is constructed in the Bennet home—through repetitive and circular movements that straddle the divide between the concrete and the abstract. Mining the creative tension between physical movement and narrative movement, the film shows how interiority is a product of the material and relational conditions of everyday life. Hence my examination of movement does not simply bring attention to an everyday reality foregrounded in the film but makes visible the sense of process or becoming that is essential to the notion of the everyday.
Cyclodextrin-Covered Organic Microrods and Microsheets Derived from Supramolecular Self Assembly of 2,4-Dihydroxyazobenzene and 4-Hydroxyazobenzene Inclusion Complexes
Authors: Venkatesh Govindaraj , Saravanan Jayachandran , Rajendiran Narayanasamy
Published: November 2013

The self assembly behavior of 2,4-dihydroxyazobenzene (DHAB) and 4-hydroxyazobenzene (HAB) inclusion complexes were studied by SEM and TEM. Formation of inclusion complexes were characterized by FT-IR, DSC, PXRD, 1H NMR, UV–visible, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and molecular modeling techniques. Micrometer-sized rods were observed in DHAB:α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and DHAB:β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complexes while microsheets were obtained in HAB/α-CD and HAB/β-CD complexes. In DHAB/CD and HAB/CD individual “barrel” type (head to head arrangement) of 2:2 inclusion complexes form microrods and microsheets through intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the neighboring complexes. Molecular modeling calculations suggest that (i) DHAB and HAB form stable complexes with α-CD and β-CD, (ii) intermolecular hydrogen bonds form between the guests and CDs. Investigations of energetic, thermodynamic, and electronic properties by PM3 method confirmed the stability of the inclusion complex.
Euclidean Hub-and-Spoke Networks
Authors: Carlsson John Gunnar , Jia Fan
Published: November 2013

The hub-and-spoke distribution paradigm has been a fundamental principle in geographic network design for more than 40 years. One of the primary advantages that such networks possess is their ability to exploit economies of scale in transportation by aggregating network flows through common sources. In this paper, we consider the problem of designing an optimal hub-and-spoke network in continuous Euclidean space: the “spokes” of the network are distributed uniformly over a service region, and our objective is to determine the optimal number of hub nodes and their locations. We consider seven different backbone network topologies for connecting the hub nodes, namely, the Steiner and minimum spanning trees, a travelling salesman tour, a star network, a capacitated vehicle routing tour, a complete bipartite graph, and a complete graph. We also perform an additional analysis on a multilevel network in which network flows move through multiple levels of transshipment before reaching the service region. We describe the asymptotically optimal (or near-optimal) configurations that minimize the total network costs as the demand in the region becomes large and give an approximation algorithm that solves our problem on a convex planar region for any values of the relevant input parameters.
Determinação de Cu, Pb e Zn no sedimento da Região do Pontal da Barra, Laranjal (Laguna dos Patos, Pelotas – RS, Brasil)
Authors: Caldas Josie Schwartz , Sanches Filho Pedro José
Published: November 2013

A região do Pontal da Barra é referida pela Base de Dados Tropicais (BDT) como uma área prioritária para preservação. Neste contexto, desenvolveu-se um estudo com o objetivo de determinar os teores de metais pesados como Cu, Pb, Zn e Cd no sedimento desta região, de estuário da Laguna dos Patos, localizada no encontro do Canal São Gonçalo com a Laguna. A amostragem percorreu 4 pontos e foi desenvolvida em maio de 2010. As amostras passaram pela extração dos metais a partir de ácidos fortes e foram analisadas através de espectrofotometria de absorção atômica em chama. Os resultados apresentam baixos índices de contaminação em comparativo com o Guia de Qualidade para Sedimentos Estuarinos Canadense.
Humor and laughter in Japanese groups: The kuuki of negotiations
Authors: Maemura Yu
Published: November 2013

The following article examines concrete examples of naturally occurring humor and laughter taken from simulated Japanese negotiations. Task-oriented negotiations were held in group settings, and participants were assigned conflicting interests to observe the occurrence of laughter in conflict situations. In-depth analyses of several negotiations are conducted in an attempt to reveal how humor and laughter are used to affect the negotiation process, and to shed light on how Japanese negotiators perceive and manage conflict situations. The current study reveals that Japanese conversations are governed by a concept known as
Adjuvant Therapy for a 3.9-cm Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Heist Rebecca , Azzoli Christopher G.
Published: November 2013

This case examines whether adjuvant therapy for an adenocarcinoma of the lung is advisable, given low survivability rates and toxic side effects of the treatment.
Coefficient of thermal expansion–based MEMS infrared detector
Authors: Kaufman Peter N. , Jamieson Brian , Ravindra Nuggehalli M.
Published: November 2013

The design and performance simulation of a novel coefficient of thermal expansion–based MEMS infrared detector is discussed. The detector design uses thermal expansion coefficient materials physically interfaced with piezoelectric resonators constructed using the MEMS process. The optics, in front of the detector, consists of an infrared lens and a band-pass filter operating in the wavelength range of 8–14 µm. By using the extended blackbody calculator and thermally induced stress in the thermal expansion coefficient material – copper, the detector and resonator performance is characterized in terms of the resonator frequency as a function of scene temperature. The detector has performance comparable with common infrared (IR) imaging systems currently available in the mid-wavelength IR and long-wavelength IR spectral ranges.
Effects of polymer and bentonite support fluids on concrete–sand interface shear strength
Authors: LAM C. , JEFFERIS S.A. , MARTIN C.M.
Published: November 2013

Support fluids are widely used for the construction of deep bored piles and diaphragm walls. Specifications for the use of these fluids vary, and a thorough understanding of their effect on pile shaft resistance has not yet been developed. This paper presents the results of a set of concrete–sand interface shear tests carried out using both polymer and bentonite support fluids, with water as a reference fluid. It was found that polymer fluids had little effect on the interface shear strength when compared with water. Furthermore, in contrast to the results of earlier studies, concrete curing time was found to have little effect on the results. However, when bentonite slurry was used, the interface shear strength was found to decrease approximately linearly with the square root of the filtration time, until the strength of the pure filter cake was reached. This was due to the development of a bentonite filter cake at the interface so that only aggregate protruding through the filter cake made contact with the sand. It was found that the full concrete–sand shearing resistance could be mobilised when the concrete–sand contact area was greater than about 50% of the total area.
A depth refugium from catastrophic coral bleaching prevents regional extinction
Authors: Smith Tyler B. , Glynn Peter W. , Maté Juan L. , Toth Lauren T. , Gyory Joanna
Published: November 2013

Species intolerant of changing climate might avoid extinction within refugia buffered from extreme conditions. Refugia have been observed in the fossil record but are not well documented or understood on ecological time scales. Using a 37‐year record from the eastern Pacific across the two most severe El Niño events on record (1982–1983 and 1997–1998) we show how an exceptionally thermally sensitive reef‐building hydrocoral,Millepora intricata, twice survived catastrophic bleaching in a deeper‐water refuge (>11 m depth). During both events,M. intricatawas extirpated across its range in shallow water, but showed recovery within several years, while two other hydrocorals without deep‐water populations were driven to regional extinction. Evidence from the subfossil record in the same area showed shallow‐water persistence of abundantM. intricatapopulations from 5000 years ago, through severe El Niño–Southern Oscillation cycles, suggesting a potential depth refugium on a millennial timescale. Our data confirm the deep refuge hypothesis for corals under thermal stress.
Utilization of Coal Deposits of Thar Colliers with Underground Coal Gasification, Opportunities and Challenges in Syngas Generation
Authors: Khurshid Ilyas , Baig Mirza Abdul , Choe Jonggeun
Published: November 2013

Pakistan owns about 180 billion tons of coal buried under its surface. However, the share of the coal for power generation is just 2.25%, while oil has 58.5%. This conflicting policy of relying on imported and expensive oil is increasing budget deficit and disturbing the country economy. We studied different energy resources in detail and found that the coal deposits of Thar, approximate reserves of 175 billion tons can be an excellent energy source for the country to meet and fulfill the energy demand.

This research shows detail analyses; chemical processes, reactions, and well linking techniques used for underground coal gasification. This study also demonstrates different operational problems and their solutions mainly water flux and weak strata along the coals seams. At block-V Thar Coal, one gasifier with 36 wells has been successfully completed and a test burn was carried. To link the wells for underground coal gasification, we investigated different techniques such as directional drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and reverse combustion linking. Thus we used reverse combustion linking because of its low cost and effectiveness to link the wells. So the syngas was successfully produced from the coal reserves of Thar by underground coal gasification. This produced low cost syngas after processing can be used for fertilizer industry, gas supply, power generation, diesel production, chemicals manufacturing, and in paint industry.
Environmental Approach of Micro-Hole Drilling Technique for Hydrocarbon Recovery using Micro-Instrumentation
Authors: Ansari Ubedullah , Tunio A. H. , Ali Channa Asad , Memon H. U.
Published: November 2013

Mostly the wildcat wells are dry and extravagant, hence requires an ultimate solution during exploration. In order to overcome this issue, micro-hole drilling technology is highly result oriented technique these days. In this technique, the drilling holes with diameter ranges between 1.36" to 2.00" inches achieve the depth of 700ft using coiled tubing, drilling rig unit and micro-hole instruments.

This paper covers the definitive elucidation to make the whole process leaving less environmental foot prints and hit the depth upto 5000ft economically. This could be achieved by introducing micro sized casings by means of micro instrumentation and coiled tubing unit along with the provision of low cost, exploratory wells in reducing material, intensive labor and supporting equipments.

An integrated digital model of well bore has been developed using drilling calculator using the parameters of Sindh province lithology. The results were analyzed to investigate the influence of this technology, by comparing cost and depth graphs. It is elucidated that this technique is more environmental friendly and promising in terms of minimum cost of exploration.
Evaluating Hydraulic Fracture Properties Using Well Test Analysis on Multi Fractured Horizontal Wells
Authors: Imam Kamran
Published: November 2013

Drilling horizontal wells is a standard practice in the oil industry. Placing hydraulic fractures along the horizontal section of the well, to increase hydrocarbon production, is also rapidly gaining popularity, especially as more tight formations, even shale, are targeted. Understanding the behaviour of each individual fracture requires production logging. This results in additional cost and also puts the well under "operational risks".

It is desirable to use pressure data to understand the well behaviour, as this is readily available due to modern completions usually having permanent pressure gauges installed. Also, pressure data can be obtained without putting well at any "operational risks". In the region around fractured horizontal well, multiple flow regimes occur simultaneously. In pressure transient data usually a combination of all the flow regimes is observed making characterisation of the reservoir difficult.

In this paper, a comparison of the existing analytical approaches is made to analyse pressure transient data for a horizontal well intercepted by multiple fractures. Using the analytical solutions of the diffusivity equation presented by different authors for a multiply fractured horizontal well, the dimensions of Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV) are calculated. Also, the number of active fractures and the flow rate from each fracture are determined using the pressure data. The time for the start of interference is calculated and the time dependence of individual fracture flow rates is also estimated. An observation about the inability to find the orientation of fractures is also made.
Sustaining participation in irrigation systems of Ethiopia: what have we learned about water user associations?
Authors: Yami Mastewal
Published: November 2013

Community participation, defined as engaging users of schemes in the decision-making processes for the planning and implementation of irrigation projects, is critical for the sustainability of irrigation schemes. This study was carried out in three regional states of Ethiopia to investigate the contribution of water user associations (WUAs) to sustaining participation in irrigation projects. The paper demonstrates that the poor understanding of community participation and institutional development by project staff in donor-supported irrigation projects results in the poor performance of WUAs in enhancing participation in irrigation systems. The interventions of external bodies in setting up the WUA by-laws and in determining the responsibilities of users and WUA committees contributed to the low level of participation. The transfer of schemes to WUAs without building WUA committees' abilities in operation and maintenance constrained their ability to sustainably manage irrigation schemes. The WUA committees are male-dominated and the views of women are hardly represented in the decision making. Therefore, establishing WUA committees that reflect the interests and inputs of scheme users is crucial to achieve fair decision making. Local authorities and non-governmental organizations could do more to change perceptions and behaviour to reflect the importance of gender equity in sustaining the positive outcomes of irrigation at household and community levels.