bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myeloma multiplex with pulmonary dissemination
Authors: Terzic Brankica , Maksic Djoko , Skuletic Vesna , Pilcevic Dejan , Mijuskovic Mirjana , Cukic Zoran , Obrencevic Katarina , Petrovic Marijana , Tadic-Pilcevic Jelena , Petrovic Milica
Published: June 2014

Introduction. Multiple myeloma is a hemathological malignancy characterized
by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone the marrow.
Extramedullary dissemination of multiple myeloma is uncommon. In several
cases only, the multiple myeloma malignant plasma cells had diseminated to
the lung parenchyma. Case report. We presented a case of multiple myeloma
with lung plasmacytoma, in a 79-year-old patient, hospitalized for febrility
and infiltrative mass in the right lung. Two months before the patient was
admitted, because of developing terminal renal failure, hemodialysis
treatment had started three times a week. Since then, the patient was
oliguric, but because of febrility and hemoptysis that appeared, at first he
was treated with dual antibiotic therapy which resulted in temporary
improvement of his general condition, but pleural effusion remained. After
thoracocentesis, followed by myelogram, the multiple myeloma diagnosis was
established. Conclusion. In patients of middle and older age, with general
weakness, exhaustion, loss of weight, renal failure which progresses to the
end stage rapidly, if symptoms of respiratory tract occur, consider this
uncommon disease - extramedullary dissemination of multiple myeloma.
Terminology, diagnostics and therapy of laryngopharyngeal reflux: A glimpse into the past
Authors: Mitrovic Slobodan
Published: June 2014

nema
Leveraging Random Number Generation for Mastery of Learning in Teaching Quantitative Research Courses via an E-Learning Method
Authors: Boonsathorn Wasita , Charoen Danuvasin , Dryver Arthur L.
Published: June 2014

E-Learning brings access to a powerful but often overlooked teaching tool: random number generation. Using random number generation, a practically infinite number of quantitative problem-solution sets can be created. In addition, within the e-learning context, in the spirit of the mastery of learning, it is possible to assign online quantitative homework with problems where students are required to get ‘X’ number of questions correct before moving onward to the next assignment. The website www.LearnViaWeb.com was created with the latter in mind, to assign online homework related to basic statistics for quantitative research. Students are required to get a problem type correct five times in a row before moving on to the next problem type. This article investigates lessons learned from the implementation of this new teaching pedagogy using an action-based research approach. One of the major findings was a shift in the focus of students from grades to ease of completion. This was seen through a significant number of complaints related to how to solve the online homework as opposed to the common focus on grades from students. This is in part a result of students being graded on timely completion and correct completion being required. Regardless, this attitude change and shift in focus of the students is in itself considered a major positive advance.
Successful Use of CALL Software: An Investigation from the User's Perspective
Authors: Scagnoli Norma , Yontz Ruth , Choo Jinhee
Published: June 2014

This study explores the use and implementation of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) software in graduate professional education. The investigation looked into self-reported information on graduate students' use of ESL (English as a Second Language) software to improve language skills and their competencies in professional English communication. Both qualitative and quantitative data provide findings regarding students' use of and satisfaction with the software and perceived learning outcomes. The results suggest principles for effective use of CALL software in ESL classrooms and a framework for evaluating software from the students' perspectives. The research has implications for using CALL software in language teaching and suggests principles that inform software implementation and development.
Mental Accounting and Disaggregation Based on the Sign and Relative Magnitude of Income Statement Items
Authors: Bonner Sarah E. , Clor-Proell Shana M. , Koonce Lisa
Published: June 2014

Current financial reporting guidance allows managers flexibility as to whether to disaggregate income statement items. Such flexibility is problematic if managers prefer to aggregate in some situations and disaggregate in others because we conjecture that investors' evaluations of firms will predictably differ depending on whether performance information is shown in an aggregated or disaggregated fashion. We conduct a series of related experiments within the context of compound financial instruments to investigate whether managers' preferences follow the predictions of mental accounting theory; specifically, that presentation preferences vary as a function of the sign and relative magnitude of the income statement items. Results reveal that managers' disaggregation preferences reflect mental accounting. Further, the effects of mental accounting are moderated only when managers feel high pressure to report transparently. Finally, and most importantly, the preferred presentations of managers result in the highest firm valuations from investors, indicating that investors also rely on mental accounting. Our study has implications for standard setters, regulators, and researchers.
Does Income Statement Placement Matter to Investors? The Case of Gains/Losses from Early Debt Extinguishment
Authors: Bartov Eli , Mohanram Partha S.
Published: June 2014

Does the placement of a line item in the income statement matter to investors? The passage of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 145 (Financial Accounting Standards Board [FASB] 2002) affords a quasi-experimental setting to answer this question, because pre-SFAS No. 145, gains/losses from early debt extinguishments were reported below the line, while post-SFAS No. 145, they were reported above the line. After controlling for other identified changes that occur during our sample period, we find that, pre-SFAS No. 145, the market does not respond to these gains/losses, whereas post-SFAS No. 145, it does. This suggests that the market response to gains/losses is associated with their placement in the income statement. Our findings contribute to the literature on the importance of income statement presentation by demonstrating that a line-item position in the income statement has important valuation implications.

JEL Classifications: G12; G14; M41.
The Effect of Governance on Specialist Auditor Choice and Audit Fees in U.S. Family Firms
Authors: Srinidhi Bin N. , He Shaohua , Firth Michael
Published: June 2014

Family firms are characterized by less separation between ownership and control (Type 1 agency problem), but greater conflict of interest between controlling insiders and non-controlling outside investors (Type 2 agency problem). Although strong board governance is known to decrease the Type 1 agency problem, its effectiveness in mitigating the adverse consequences of the Type 2 agency problem has not been well documented in the literature. We show that strongly governed family firms are more likely to choose specialist auditors and exhibit higher earnings quality than nonfamily firms. Weakly governed family firms demand lower audit effort and exhibit earnings quality that is no different from that of nonfamily firms. Within family firms, we show that strongly governed family firms choose higher quality audits in the form of a greater use of specialist auditors and higher audit efforts, and exhibit higher earnings quality than other family firms. These findings provide consistent evidence that strong board governance can effectively mitigate the adverse consequences of the Type 2 agency problem on financial reporting and transparency in family firms.

Data Availability: The data used are available from the public sources identified in the study.
Hypothalamic Neurogenesis Is Not Required for the Improved Insulin Sensitivity Following Exercise Training
Authors: Borg Melissa L. , Lemus Moyra , Reichenbach Alex , Selathurai Ahrathy , Oldfield Brian J. , Andrews Zane B. , Watt Matthew J.
Published: June 2014

Neurons within the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) are important regulators of energy balance. Recent studies suggest that neurogenesis in the ARC is an important regulator of body mass in response to pharmacological stressors. Regular exercise training improves insulin action, and is a primary treatment modality for obesity and type 2 diabetes. We examined whether exercise training causes hypothalamic neurogenesis and whether this contributes to exercise-induced improvements in insulin action. Short-term exercise in adult mice induced a proneurogenic transcriptional program involving growth factors, cell proliferation, and neurogenic regulators in the hypothalamus. Daily exercise training for 7 days increased hypothalamic cell proliferation 3.5-fold above that of sedentary mice, and exercise-induced cell proliferation was maintained in diet-induced obese mice. Colocalization studies indicated negligible neurogenesis in the ARC of sedentary or exercise-trained mice. Blocking cell proliferation via administration of the mitotic blocker arabinosylcytosine (AraC) did not affect food intake or body mass in obese mice. While 4 weeks of exercise training improved whole-body insulin sensitivity compared with sedentary mice, insulin action was not affected by AraC administration. These data suggest that regular exercise training induces significant non-neuronal cell proliferation in the hypothalamus of obese mice, but this proliferation is not required for enhanced insulin action.
Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity Predicts All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Diabetes: The Kyushu Prevention Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Maeda Yasutaka , Inoguchi Toyoshi , Etoh Erina , Kodama Yoshimi , Sasaki Shuji , Sonoda Noriyuki , Nawata Hajime , Shimabukuro Michio , Takayanagi Ryoichi
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

Whether brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), a noninvasive marker for arterial stiffness, is a useful predictive maker for cardiovascular events in subjects with diabetes is not established. In the present cohort study, we evaluated the benefit of baPWV for the prediction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in subjects with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 4,272 outpatients with diabetes were enrolled in the Kyushu Prevention Study of Atherosclerosis. Of these, 3,628 subjects, excluding those with an ankle-brachial index of <0.9, were prospectively followed for 3.2 ± 2.2 years. The baPWV at baseline was classified by recursive partitioning (RP) for each end point. We plotted the Kaplan-Meier curves for high- and low-baPWV groups, which were designated based on the cutoff points, and calculated Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

The elevation of baPWV quartiles was significantly correlated to the incidence of coronary artery events, cerebrovascular events, and all-cause mortality. RP revealed baPWVs of 14 and 24 m/s as statistically adequate cutoff points for cardiovascular events and mortality, respectively. High-baPWV classes showed significantly low event-free ratios in Kaplan-Meier curves for all end points and remained independent risks for all-cause mortality and cerebrovascular events, but not for coronary artery events after adjustments for age, sex, BMI, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and hemoglobin A1c by Cox proportional hazards models.

CONCLUSIONS

This large-scale cohort study provided evidence that high baPWV is a useful independent predictor of mortality and cardiovascular morbidity in subjects with diabetes.
Advancing Basal Insulin Replacement in Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled With Insulin Glargine Plus Oral Agents: A Comparison of Adding Albiglutide, a Weekly GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, Versus Thrice-Daily Prandial Insulin Lispro
Authors: Rosenstock Julio , Fonseca Vivian A. , Gross Jorge L. , Ratner Robert E. , Ahrén Bo , Chow Francis C.C. , Yang Fred , Miller Diane , Johnson Susan L. , Stewart Murray W. , Leiter Lawrence A.
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

GLP-1 receptor agonists may provide an alternative to prandial insulin for advancing basal insulin therapy. Harmony 6 was a randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial testing once-weekly albiglutide vs. thrice-daily prandial insulin lispro as an add-on to titrated once-daily insulin glargine.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients taking basal insulin (with or without oral agents) with HbA1c 7–10.5% (53–91 mmol/mol) entered a glargine standardization period, followed by randomization to albiglutide, 30 mg weekly (n = 282), subsequently uptitrated to 50 mg, if necessary, or thrice-daily prandial lispro (n = 281) while continuing metformin and/or pioglitazone. Glargine was titrated to fasting plasma glucose of <5.6 mmol/L, and lispro was adjusted based on glucose monitoring. The primary end point was the difference in the HbA1c change from baseline at week 26.

RESULTS

At week 26, HbA1c decreased from baseline by −0.82 ± SE 0.06% (9.0 mmol/mol) with albiglutide and −0.66 ± 0.06% (7.2 mmol/mol) with lispro; treatment difference, −0.16% (95% CI −0.32 to 0.00; 1.8 mmol/mol; P < 0.0001), meeting the noninferiority end point (margin, 0.4%). Weight decreased with albiglutide but increased with lispro (−0.73 ± 0.19 kg vs. +0.81 ± 0.19 kg). The mean glargine dose increased from 47 to 53 IU (albiglutide) and from 44 to 51 IU (lispro). Adverse events for albiglutide versus lispro included severe hypoglycemia (0 vs. 2 events), documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (15.8% vs. 29.9%), nausea (11.2% vs. 1.4%), vomiting (6.7% vs. 1.4%), and injection site reactions (9.5% vs. 5.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Weekly albiglutide is a simpler therapeutic option than thrice-daily lispro for advancing basal insulin glargine therapy, resulting in comparable HbA1c reduction with weight loss and lower hypoglycemia risk.
Metformin Does Not Affect Cancer Risk: A Cohort Study in the U.K. Clinical Practice Research Datalink Analyzed Like an Intention-to-Treat Trial
Authors: Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Capothanassi Despoina , Allen Naomi E. , Rizos Evangelos C. , Lopez David S. , van Veldhoven Karin , Sacerdote Carlotta , Ashby Deborah , Vineis Paolo , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Ioannidis John P.A.
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

Meta-analyses of epidemiologic studies have suggested that metformin may reduce cancer incidence, but randomized controlled trials did not support this hypothesis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study, Clinical Practice Research Datalink, was designed to investigate the association between use of metformin compared with other antidiabetes medications and cancer risk by emulating an intention-to-treat analysis as in a trial. A total of 95,820 participants with type 2 diabetes who started taking metformin and other oral antidiabetes medications within 12 months of their diagnosis (initiators) were followed up for first incident cancer diagnosis without regard to any subsequent changes in pharmacotherapy. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI.

RESULTS

A total of 51,484 individuals (54%) were metformin initiators and 18,264 (19%) were sulfonylurea initiators, and 3,805 first incident cancers were diagnosed during a median follow-up time of 5.1 years. Compared with initiators of sulfonylurea, initiators of metformin had a similar incidence of total cancer (HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.89–1.04) and colorectal (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.76–1.13), prostate (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.83–1.25), lung (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.68–1.07), or postmenopausal breast (HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.82–1.31) cancer or any other cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large study, individuals with diabetes who used metformin had a similar risk of developing cancer compared with those who used sulfonylureas.
Nitrogen as a carrier gas for regime control in focused electron beam induced deposition
Authors: Wachter Stefan , Gavagnin Marco , Wanzenboeck Heinz D. , Shawrav Mostafa M. , Belić Domagoj , Bertagnolli Emmerich
Published: June 2014

This work reports on focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) using a custom built gas injection system (GIS) equipped with nitrogen as a gas carrier. We have deposited cobalt from Co2(CO)8, which is usually achieved by a heated GIS. In contrast to a heated GIS, our strategy allows avoiding problems caused by eventual temperature gradients along the GIS. Moreover, the use of the gas carrier enables a high control over process conditions and consequently the properties of the synthesized nanostructures. Chemical composition and growth rate are investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. We demonstrate that the N2 flux is strongly affecting the deposit growth rate without the need of heating the precursor in order to increase its vapour pressure. Particularly, AFM volume estimation of the deposited structures showed that increasing the nitrogen resulted in an enhanced deposition rate. The wide range of achievable precursor fluxes allowed to clearly distinguish between precursor- and electron-limited regime. With the carrier-based GIS an optimized deposition procedure with regards to the desired deposition regime has been enabled
Translating Knowledge in Rehabilitation: Systematic Review
Authors: Jones C. Allyson , Roop Sanjesh C. , Pohar Sheri L. , Albrecht Lauren , Scott Shannon D.
Published: June 2014

Background

Clinicians are faced with using the current best evidence to make treatment decisions, yet synthesis of knowledge translation (KT) strategies that influence professional practice behaviors in rehabilitation disciplines remains largely unknown.

Purpose

The purposes of this study were: (1) to examine the state of science for KT strategies used in the rehabilitation professions (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology), (2) to identify the methodological approaches utilized in studies exploring KT strategies, and (3) to report the extent that KT interventions are described.

Data Sources

Eight electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, PASCAL, EMBASE, IPA, Scopus, and CENTRAL) were searched from January 1985 to May 2013 using language (English) restriction.

Study Selection

Eligibility criteria specified articles evaluating interventions or strategies with a primary purpose of translating research or enhancing research uptake into clinical practice.

Data Extraction

Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts, reviewed full-text articles, performed data extraction, and performed quality assessment. The published descriptions of the KT interventions were compared with the Workgroup for Intervention Development and Evaluation Research's (WIDER) Recommendations to Improve the Reporting of the Content of Behaviour Change Interventions.

Data Synthesis

Of a total of 2,793 articles located and titles and abstracts screened, 26 studies were included in the systematic review. Eighteen articles reported interventions that used a multicomponent KT strategy. Education-related components were the predominant KT intervention regardless of whether it was a single or multicomponent intervention. Few studies used reminders or audit and feedback intervention (n=3). Only one study's primary outcome measure was an economic evaluation. No clear delineation of the effect on KT strategies was seen.

Limitations

Diverse studies were included; however, the heterogeneity of the studies was not conducive to pooling the data.

Conclusions

The modest-to-low methodological quality assessed in the studies underscores the gaps in KT strategies used in rehabilitation and highlights the need for rigorously designed studies that are well reported.
Conditional Optimal Design in Three- and Four-Level Experiments
Authors: Hedges Larry V. , Borenstein Michael
Published: June 2014

The precision of estimates of treatment effects in multilevel experiments depends on the sample sizes chosen at each level. It is often desirable to choose sample sizes at each level to obtain the smallest variance for a fixed total cost, that is, to obtain optimal sample allocation. This article extends previous results on optimal allocation to four-level cluster randomized designs and randomized block designs. It also introduces the idea of constrained optimal allocation, where the sample size at one or more levels is fixed by considerations other than cost or sampling variation. Explicit formulas are given for constrained optimal allocation in three- and four-level designs.
Eagle's Syndrome- A case report
Authors: Kumar KV Arun , Mowar Apoorva , Gupta Rajat , Gulati Deepanshu
Published: June 2014

Eagle’s syndrome represents a group of symptoms that includes recurrent throat pain, globus hystericus, dysphagia, reffered otalgia, and neck pain possibly caused by elongation of the styloid process or ossification of stylohyoid or stylomandibular ligament. We present a case of 21 yrs old female having chief complaint of bilateral preauricular tenderness since one year. Her clinical signs resembled the presentation of Eagle’s Syndrome, which were radiologically confirmed by Orthopantomogram and Computed Tomography. Patient underwent surgical excision of caudal part of the elongated styloid process (styloidectomy). Postoperatively 10 months later, the patient had significant reduction of pain.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i3.10228 International Journal of Life Sciences Vol.8(3): 2014: 1-4
A study of help seeking behavior of psychiatric patients
Authors: Pradhan SN , Sharma SC , Malla DP , Sharma R
Published: June 2014

Background: A large number of mentally ill patients prefer to visit non-medical practitioners such as faith healers becauseof the stigma attached to mental illness and/or belief that mental illness are caused by supernatural powers. Faith healersare more convenient to be approached fi rst because of ease of availability and prevalent cultural belief and persuasion.Objective: The current study aims to fi nd the help seeking behavior of patients suffering from mental illness and whomthey approach fi rst once affected, either psychiatrists or faith healers.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among patients admitted in the psychiatric ward of Kathmandu MedicalCollege Teaching Hospital during 1st January to 30th July 2012. All patients admitted in the ward during that period wereinformed about the purpose of the study and a written informed consent was taken. In case of psychotic patients, theconsent was obtained from nearby relatives.Results: Among 54 patients enrolled in the study, signifi cant number of psychotic patients (n=15) visited faith healersin comparison to only 4 non-psychotic patients. Number of females (n=12) visiting faith healers in comparison to males(n=7) was higher. Patients having belief in black magic were more likely to visit faith healers than those who were nonbelievers.In contrary to the popular belief, patients approaching the faith healers spent more money (>$20) in the treatment thanwho approached psychiatrists (<$20).Conclusion: The study shows that most of the patients suffering from mental illness prefer to approach faith healers fi rstbecause of the prevailing trust on faith healers, because they are locally available and because of a prevailing belief insupernatural causation of mental illness.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i1.10538 Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 1, Issue 3, Jan.-Mar., 2013: 21-24
Measurement of length and weight on non-articulated adult humerus in Nepalese corpses
Authors: Niraj P , Dangol PMS , Ranjit N
Published: June 2014

Background: Anthropometry is the science that deals with the measurement of size, weight and proportion of humanbody. Measurements of long bones play an important role in the estimation of stature of individuals in palaeoanthropologyand forensic investigations.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine length and weight of humerus in Nepalese population and tocompare these with the data from other population for use in forensic and archaeological studies.Methods: This is a descriptive study. A total of 200 (100 right, 100 left) humerus bones were included. The Maximumhumerus length (mm) was measured by osteometric board and weight (g) of the humerus was measured by electronicweighing machine.Results: The mean and standard deviation for humerus length and weight of humerus were found to be 308.580±19.169mm and 122.261 g for right humerus and 307.270±16.1301 mm and 118.473 g for left humerus respectively.Conclusion: In conclusion, our measurements on the humerus have demonstrated that the length and weight ofhumerus in Nepalese population is similar to that of other country population values.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i1.10550Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 1, Issue 3, Jan.-Mar., 2013, page : 25-27
Anaesthesia for a patient with Wilson's Disease: A case report
Authors: Maharjan SK
Published: June 2014

Wilson’s disease (WD), also known as hepatolenticular degeneration, is an autosomal recessive disorder and is due toreduction in the synthesis of copper transporter protein, Ceruloplasmin. Due to ceruloplasmin defi ciency, there is failureof excretion of copper in bile and it accumulates in body tissues leading to major hepatic and neurological involvement.Hepatic involvement after excess copper deposition leads to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, which may altermetabolism and excretion of anaesthetic agents. The neurological effect is a movement disorder, with abnormalitiesof speech, tremor, incontinence (lack of self control) and dystonia being common features. In spite of many knownanaesthetic problems, there are very few reports of General Anaesthesia and Regional Anaesthesia in these patients, sowe report a case of Wilson`s Disease with anaesthetic management.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i1.10552Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 1, Issue 3, Jan.-Mar., 2013, page: 31-32
Testing Subjective Preference and Map Use Performance: Use of Web Maps for Decision Making in the Public Health Sector
Authors: Mendonça André , Delazari Luciene
Published: June 2014

Maps support many planning activities, from general purpose tasks to in-depth spatial analyses. However, preferences and intuitions, which occur in all human interactions, are often disregarded in use and user research in cartography, and there is evidences that analysis of these factors is desirable. It is commonly believed that there is a positive correlation between subjective preference and objective performance, and there is agreement about the main role of media in map comprehension. To investigate this topic, quantitative experiments were performed, based on a real situation in which students need to make decisions about public health care management in a city. Users were asked about their preferences with respect to map type, and performances in carrying out tasks were measured. The results indicate that for simple visual comparison tasks, the proposed Web map framework was adequate. However, this was not the case for reasoning tasks, where weak performances were registered. Also, user preference among visual variables seemed to be unrelated to better performance, and since performances were poor, the important role played by interface usability and attractiveness in map use is verified.
Preventing Genocide and Protecting Human Rights: A Failure of Policy
Authors: Hirsch Herbert
Published: June 2014

This article introduces the renamed journal Genocide Studies International. It notes that the journal’s focus will be on policy designed to prevent genocide and protect human rights. In order to reinforce this perspective, it contains a critique of the contemporary state of genocide studies and calls for a greater emphasis on policy.
The Role of Competitor Pricing in Multiairport Choice
Authors: Hotle Susan L. , Garrow Laurie A.
Published: June 2014

This paper investigates how competitors’ low-fare offerings in multi-airport regions influence the online search behavior of customers at a major carrier's website. Clickstream data from a major U.S. airline are combined with detailed information about competitors’ low-fare offerings for 10 directional markets. The use of a truncated negative binomial model allows the prediction of the number of searches on the carrier's website as a function of low-fare offerings for the same airport pair as well as for competing airport pairs in the region. The study finds that the number of searches decreases as the difference between the carrier's lowest fare and competitors’ lowest fare increases. However, trip characteristics have more impact on search behavior than do the fare variables. Overall search on the carrier's website is limited, with less than 5% of customers searching for fares across multiple airports. The findings provide insight into the role of competitor pricing on multiairport choice as it relates to customers’ online search behavior.
Airport Capacity Enhancement and Flight Predictability
Authors: Woodburn Amber , Ryerson Megan
Published: June 2014

Justifications for enhancements to airport capacity are often framed in relation to flight delay reductions, but improvements to flight predictability also offer substantial benefits to the health of the aviation system. “Predictability” is defined in this paper as block time adherence and is measured as the difference between scheduled and actual block time. This research, using historical data, quantifies the impact on flight predictability of one airport's enhancement of infrastructure capacity. A case study using statistical methodologies, including cluster analysis of national airspace days and quantile regression of flights, identifies how deployment of a fifth runway at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia affected the predictability of flight arrivals. The analysis identifies four scenarios—defined according to the level of national airspace strain and terminal airspace weather disruption—for which inclusion of the fifth runway in the runway configuration is associated with either improvement or degradation in predictability. If broad gains are to be made in improving predictability for the national airspace, then capacity enhancements may offer a limited contribution to what must be a multifaceted solution.
Virtual interactive presence for real-time, long-distance surgical collaboration during complex microsurgical procedures
Authors: Shenai Mahesh B. , Tubbs R. Shane , Guthrie Barton L. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: June 2014

Object

The shortage of surgeons compels the development of novel technologies that geographically extend the capabilities of individual surgeons and enhance surgical skills. The authors have developed “Virtual Interactive Presence” (VIP), a platform that allows remote participants to simultaneously view each other's visual field, creating a shared field of view for real-time surgical telecollaboration.

Methods

The authors demonstrate the capability of VIP to facilitate long-distance telecollaboration during cadaveric dissection. Virtual Interactive Presence consists of local and remote workstations with integrated video capture devices and video displays. Each workstation mutually connects via commercial teleconferencing devices, allowing worldwide point-to-point communication. Software composites the local and remote video feeds, displaying a hybrid perspective to each participant. For demonstration, local and remote VIP stations were situated in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Birmingham, Alabama, respectively. A suboccipital craniotomy and microsurgical dissection of the pineal region was performed in a cadaveric specimen using VIP. Task and system performance were subjectively evaluated, while additional video analysis was used for objective assessment of delay and resolution.

Results

Participants at both stations were able to visually and verbally interact while identifying anatomical structures, guiding surgical maneuvers, and discussing overall surgical strategy. Video analysis of 3 separate video clips yielded a mean compositing delay of 760 ± 606 msec (when compared with the audio signal). Image resolution was adequate to visualize complex intracranial anatomy and provide interactive guidance.

Conclusions

Virtual Interactive Presence is a feasible paradigm for real-time, long-distance surgical telecollaboration. Delay, resolution, scaling, and registration are parameters that require further optimization, but are within the realm of current technology. The paradigm potentially enables remotely located experts to mentor less experienced personnel located at the surgical site with applications in surgical training programs, remote proctoring for proficiency, and expert support for rural settings and across different counties.
Emergent surgical embolectomy for middle cerebral artery occlusion due to carotid plaque rupture followed by elective carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Kiyofuji Satoshi , Inoue Tomohiro , Hasegawa Hirotaka , Tamura Akira , Saito Isamu
Published: June 2014

Embolic intracranial large artery occlusion with severe neurological deficit is associated with an extremely poor prognosis. The safest and most effective treatment strategy has not yet been determined when such emboli are associated with unstable proximal carotid plaque. The authors performed emergent surgical embolectomy for left middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, and the patient experienced marked neurological recovery without focal deficit and regained premorbid activity. Postoperative investigation revealed “vulnerable plaque” of the left internal carotid artery without apparent evidence of cardiac embolism, such as would be seen with atrial fibrillation. Specimens from subsequent elective carotid endarterectomy (CEA) showed ruptured vulnerable plaque that was histologically consistent as a source of the intracranial embolic specimen. Surgical embolectomy for MCA occlusion due to carotid plaque rupture followed by CEA could be a safer and more effective alternative to endovascular treatment from the standpoint of obviating the risk of secondary embolism that could otherwise occur as a result of the manipulation of devices through an extremely unstable portion of plaque. Further, this strategy is associated with a high probability of complete recanalization with direct removal of hard and large, though fragile, emboli.
Special Issue on “MEMS/NEMS Fabricated Tissue Scaffolding Devices”
Authors: Wang Gou-Jen
Published: June 2014

Over the past decade, tissue engineering in the field of medicine has proven to provide alternative therapies for tissue or organ implants, especially providing a functional implantation and avoiding immune rejection of tissues and organs. [...]
Quantum Flows for Secret Key Distribution in the Presence of the Photon Number Splitting Attack
Authors: Lizama-Pérez Luis , López J. , De Carlos-López Eduardo , Venegas-Andraca Salvador
Published: June 2014

Physical implementations of quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols, like the Bennett-Brassard (BB84), are forced to use attenuated coherent quantum states, because the sources of single photon states are not functional yet for QKD applications. However, when using attenuated coherent states, the relatively high rate of multi-photonic pulses introduces vulnerabilities that can be exploited by the photon number splitting (PNS) attack to brake the quantum key. Some QKD protocols have been developed to be resistant to the PNS attack, like the decoy method, but those define a single photonic gain in the quantum channel. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a new QKD protocol, called ack-QKD, which is resistant to the PNS attack. Even more, it uses attenuated quantum states, but defines two interleaved photonic quantum flows to detect the eavesdropper activity by means of the quantum photonic error gain (QPEG) or the quantum bit error rate (QBER). The physical implementation of the ack-QKD is similar to the well-known BB84 protocol.
Review of Evidence of Environmental Impacts of Animal Research and Testing
Authors: Groff Katherine , Bachli Eric , Lansdowne Molly , Capaldo Theodora
Published: June 2014

Millions of animals are used in research and toxicity testing, including in drug, medical device, chemical, cosmetic, personal care, household, and other product sectors, but the environmental consequences are yet to be adequately addressed. Evidence suggests that their use and disposal, and the associated use of chemicals and supplies, contribute to pollution as well as adverse impacts on biodiversity and public health. The objective of this review is to examine such evidence. The review includes examinations of (1) resources used in animal research; (2) waste production in laboratories; (3) sources of pollution; (4) impacts on laboratory workers’ health; and (5) biodiversity impacts. The clear conclusion from the review is that the environmental implications of animal testing must be acknowledged, reported, and taken into account as another factor in addition to ethical and scientific reasons weighing heavily in favor of moving away from allowing and requiring animal use in research and testing.
A Qualitative Process Evaluation of Classroom-Based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Reduce Adolescent Depression
Authors: Taylor John , Phillips Rhiannon , Cook Ellen , Georgiou Lucy , Stallard Paul , Sayal Kapil
Published: June 2014

Small scale trials indicate that classroom-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for adolescents has good reach and can help prevent depression. However, under more diverse everyday conditions, such programmes tend not to show such positive effects. This study examined the process of implementing a classroom-based CBT depression prevention programme as part of a large (n = 5,030) randomised controlled trial across eight UK secondary schools which was not found to be effective (PROMISE, ISRCTN19083628). The views of young people (n = 42), teachers (n = 12) and facilitators (n = 16) involved in the Resourceful Adolescent Programme (RAP) were obtained via focus groups and interviews which were thematically analysed. The programme was considered to be well structured and contain useful content, particularly for younger pupils. However, challenges associated with implementation were its age appropriateness for all year groups, its perceived lack of flexibility, the consistency of quality of delivery, the competing demands for teacher time and a culture where academic targets were prioritised over personal, social and health education. Whilst schools are convenient locations for introducing such programmes and allow good reach, the culture around improving well-being of young people in schools, increasing engagement with teachers and young people and sustaining such programmes are issues that need addressing.
Higher Urinary Heavy Metal, Phthalate, and Arsenic but Not Parabens Concentrations in People with High Blood Pressure, U.S. NHANES, 2011–2012
Authors: Shiue Ivy
Published: June 2014

Link between environmental chemicals and human health has emerged but not been completely examined in risk factors. Therefore, it was aimed to study the relationships of different sets of urinary environmental chemical concentrations and risk of high blood pressure (BP) in a national, population-based study. Data were retrieved from United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2011–2012 including demographics, BP readings, and urinary environmental chemical concentrations. Analyses included chi-square test, t-test and survey-weighted logistic regression modeling. After full adjustment (adjusting for urinary creatinine, age, sex, ethnicity, and body mass index), urinary cesium (OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.11–2.20, P = 0.014), molybden (OR 1.46, 95%CI 1.06–2.01, P = 0.023), manganese (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.09–1.86, P = 0.012), lead (OR 1.58, 95%CI 1.28–1.96, P < 0.001), tin (OR 1.44, 95%CI 1.25–1.66, P < 0.001), antimony (OR 1.39, 95%CI 1.10–1.77, P = 0.010), and tungsten (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.25–1.77, P < 0.001) concentrations were observed to be associated with high BP. People with higher urinary mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate (OR 1.33, 95%CI 1.00–1.62, P = 0.006), mono-n-butyl phthalate (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.13–1.62, P = 0.002), mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl (OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.05–1.49, P = 0.014), mono-n-methyl phthalate (OR 1.26, 95%CI 1.07–1.48, P = 0.007), mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl (OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.07–1.48, P = 0.009), and monobenzyl phthalate (OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.15–1.69, P = 0.002) tended to have high BP as well. However, there are no clear associations between environmental parabens and high BP, nor between pesticides and high BP. In addition, trimethylarsine oxide (OR 2.47, 95%CI 1.27–4.81, P = 0.011) and dimethylarsonic acid concentrations (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.12–1.79, P = 0.006) were seen to be associated with high BP. In sum, urinary heavy metal, phthalate, and arsenic concentrations were associated with high BP, although the causal effect cannot be established from the current study design. Elimination of environmental chemicals in humans would still need to be continued.
Genetic Variation of the Endangered Gentiana lutea L. var. aurantiaca (Gentianaceae) in Populations from the Northwest Iberian Peninsula
Authors: González-López Oscar , Polanco Carlos , György Zsuzsanna , Pedryc Andrzej , Casquero Pedro
Published: June 2014

Gentiana lutea L. (G. lutea L.) is an endangered plant, patchily distributed along the mountains of Central and Southern Europe. In this study, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to investigate the genetic variation in this species within and among populations of G. lutea L. var. aurantiaca of the Cantabrian Mountains (Northwest Iberian Peninsula). Samples of G. lutea L. collected at different locations of the Pyrenees and samples of G. lutea L. subsp. vardjanii of the Dolomites Alps were also analyzed for comparison. Using nine ISSR primers, 106 bands were generated, and 89.6% of those were polymorphic. The populations from the Northwest Iberian Peninsula were clustered in three different groups, with a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances. Gentiana lutea L. var. aurantiaca showed 19.8% private loci and demonstrated a remarkable level of genetic variation, both among populations and within populations; those populations with the highest level of isolation show the lowest genetic variation within populations. The low number of individuals, as well as the observed genetic structure of the analyzed populations makes it necessary to protect them to ensure their survival before they are too small to persist naturally.
Differential Transcriptome Profile of Peripheral White Cells to Identify Biomarkers Involved in Oxaliplatin Induced Neuropathy
Authors: Morales Manuel , Ávila Julio , González-Fernández Rebeca , Boronat Laia , Soriano María , Martín-Vasallo Pablo
Published: June 2014

Anticancer chemotherapy (CT) produces non-desirable effects on normal healthy cells and tissues. Oxaliplatin is widely used in the treatment of colorectal cancer and responsible for the development of sensory neuropathy in varying degrees, from complete tolerance to chronic neuropathic symptoms. We studied the differential gene expression of peripheral leukocytes in patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy to find genes and pathways involved in oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. Circulating white cells were obtained prior and after three cycles of FOLFOX or CAPOX chemotherapy from two groups of patients: with or without neuropathy. RNA was purified, and transcriptomes were analyzed. Differential transcriptomics revealed a total of 502 genes, which were significantly up- or down-regulated as a result of chemotherapy treatment. Nine of those genes were expressed in only one of two situations: CSHL1, GH1, KCMF1, IL36G and EFCAB8 turned off after CT, and CSRP2, IQGAP1, GNRH2, SMIM1 and C5orf17 turned on after CT. These genes are likely to be associated with the onset of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. The quantification of their expression in peripheral white cells may help to predict non-desirable side effects and, consequently, allow a better, more personalized chemotherapy.
Should Postponing Motherhood via “Social Freezing” Be Legally Banned? An Ethical Analysis
Authors: Bernstein Stephanie , Wiesemann Claudia
Published: June 2014

In industrial societies, women increasingly postpone motherhood. While men do not fear a loss of fertility with age, women face the biological boundary of menopause. The freezing of unfertilized eggs can overcome this biological barrier. Due to technical improvements in vitrification, so-called “social freezing” (SF) for healthy women is likely to develop into clinical routine. Controversial ethical debates focus on the risks of the technique for mother and child, the scope of reproductive autonomy, and the medicalization of reproduction. Some criticize the use of the technique in healthy women in general, while others support a legally defined maximum age for women at the time of an embryo transfer after oocyte cryopreservation. Since this represents a serious encroachment on the reproductive autonomy of the affected women, the reasons for and against must be carefully examined. We analyze arguments for and against SF from a gendered ethical perspective. We show that the risk of the cryopreservation of oocytes for mother and future child is minimal and that the autonomy of the women involved is not compromised. The negative ethical evaluation of postponed motherhood is partly due to a biased approach highlighting only the medical risks for the female body without recognizing the potential positive effects for the women involved. In critical accounts, age is associated in an undifferentiated way with morbidity and psychological instability and is thus used in a discriminatory way. We come to the conclusion that age as a predictor of risk in the debate about SF is, from an ethical point of view, an empty concept based on gender stereotypes and discriminatory connotations of aging. A ban on postponing motherhood via SF is not justified.
Characterization of a Novel Conus bandanus Conopeptide Belonging to the M-Superfamily Containing Bromotryptophan
Authors: Nguyen Bao , Caer Jean-Pierre , Mourier Gilles , Thai Robert , Lamthanh Hung , Servent Denis , Benoit Evelyne , Molgó Jordi
Published: June 2014

A novel conotoxin (conopeptide) was biochemically characterized from the crude venom of the molluscivorous marine snail, Conus bandanus (Hwass in Bruguière, 1792), collected in the south-central coast of Vietnam. The peptide was identified by screening bromotryptophan from chromatographic fractions of the crude venom. Tandem mass spectrometry techniques were used to detect and localize different post-translational modifications (PTMs) present in the BnIIID conopeptide. The sequence was confirmed by Edman’s degradation and mass spectrometry revealing that the purified BnIIID conopeptide had 15 amino acid residues, with six cysteines at positions 1, 2, 7, 11, 13, and 14, and three PTMs: bromotryptophan, γ-carboxy glutamate, and amidated aspartic acid, at positions “4”, “5”, and “15”, respectively. The BnIIID peptide was synthesized for comparison with the native peptide. Homology comparison with conopeptides having the III-cysteine framework (–CCx1x2x3x4Cx1x2x3Cx1CC–) revealed that BnIIID belongs to the M-1 family of conotoxins. This is the first report of a member of the M-superfamily containing bromotryptophan as PTM.