bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visibility and Voice
Authors: Hole Rachelle D. , Evans Mike , Berg Lawrence D. , Bottorff Joan L. , Dingwall Carlene , Alexis Carmella , Nyberg Jessie , Smith Michelle L.
Published: January 2015

In Canada, cultural safety (CS) is emerging as a theoretical and practice lens to orient health care services to meet the needs of Aboriginal people. Evidence suggests Aboriginal peoples’ encounters with health care are commonly negative, and there is concern that these experiences can contribute to further adverse health outcomes. In this article, we report findings based on participatory action research drawing on Indigenous methods. Our project goal was to interrogate practices within one hospital to see whether and how CS for Aboriginal patients could be improved. Interviews with Aboriginal patients who had accessed hospital services were conducted, and responses were collated into narrative summaries. Using interlocking analysis, findings revealed a number of processes operating to produce adverse health outcomes. One significant outcome is the production of structural violence that reproduces experiences of institutional trauma. Positive culturally safe experiences, although less frequently reported, were described as interpersonal interactions with feelings visibility and therefore, treatment as a “human being.”
Lending a hand: Can DASH items help ABILHAND improve manual ability measurement in multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Barrett Louise , Cano Stefan , Zajicek John , Hobart Jeremy
Published: January 2015

Background:

Our examination in multiple sclerosis (MS) of the ABILHAND, a patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument measuring manual ability, identified limited measurement range and precision. These deficiencies could lead to type II errors in clinical trials.

Objectives:

This paper aims to determine if ABILHAND’s measurement performance in MS can be improved by adding relevant items from the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale (DASH).

Methods:

The 23-item ABILHAND and 30-item DASH were administered to 461 people with MS. Data from the ABILHAND were combined with 16 DASH items to create a 39-item scale (AD-39). Using Rasch Measurement Theory methods, we compared the psychometric properties of AD-39 with ABILHAND.

Results:

Data were analysed from 300 people. AD-39 performed robustly as a measure and had greater measurement range, lower floor and ceiling effects, and higher reliability (person separation index 0.97) than ABILHAND. Surprisingly, AD-39 appeared no better than ABILHAND at detecting group differences in self-reported hand function.

Conclusion:

Despite improving some psychometric properties, adding 16 DASH items to the ABILHAND did not improve its measurement performance to the degree expected. Our explanations for this anomaly emphasise the importance of evidence-based, conceptually driven scale modifications guided by hypothesis testing psychometric methods.
The changing face of multiple sclerosis: Prevalence and incidence in an aging population
Authors: Solaro C , Ponzio M , Moran E , Tanganelli P , Pizio R , Ribizzi G , Venturi S , Mancardi GL , Battaglia MA
Published: January 2015

Objective:

To assess multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence from 1998 to 2007, and MS prevalence on 31 December 2007, in the province of Genoa, Italy.

Methods:

We identified MS cases diagnosed before 31 December 2007 by analyzing archives of hospitals with neurological or rehabilitation wards, the local Italian MS society, family doctor records and requests for oligoclonal band analysis on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Results:

A total of 1312 MS patients were residing in the province of Genoa on the prevalence day; 431 (32.85%) were men and 881 (67.15%) were women; mean age was 50.6 (± 13.9). The overall crude MS prevalence rate was 148.5/100,000; 103.1/100,000 in men and 189.1/100,000 in women. The crude mean annual MS incidence rate was 6.6 cases/100,000 (4.4/100,000 men; 8.6/100,000 women). Mean age at diagnosis was 39.5 ± 12.3 (men: 39.9 ± 13.0; women: 39.3 ± 11.9). A mean annual incidence of 4 MS patients ≥ 60 was observed.

Conclusions:

We observed an increased MS prevalence in the province of Genoa, compared to 1997. The mean age at diagnosis was relatively high (39 years old), 18% of our MS patients were over 65, and a notable incidence increase was seen in patients over 60. This has important implications, in terms of the need to organize the health system to better serve elderly MS patients, especially considering comorbidities and different medical needs of elderly MS patients; and to increase awareness within the medical community about the increasing risk of newly-presenting MS in the older population.
Low intensity lympho-ablative regimen followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in severe forms of multiple sclerosis: A MRI-based clinical study
Authors: Curro’ Daniela , Vuolo Luisa , Gualandi Francesca , Bacigalupo Andrea , Roccatagliata Luca , Capello Elisabetta , Uccelli Antonio , Saccardi Riccardo , Sormani Maria Pia , Mancardi Gianluigi
Published: January 2015

Background:

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been successfully used to treat aggressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) that are unresponsive to approved therapies. In the last years, in view of the risk of mortality related to the procedure, the utilization of low-intensity conditioning regimens has been considered.

Objective:

To report magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical data in a small cohort of patients treated with a low-intensity lympho-ablative regimen, followed by AHSCT.

Methods:

Seven patients affected by relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) underwent AHSCT, with cyclophosphamide 120 mg/kg in 2 days as the conditioning regimen; and were then followed with serial MRI evaluations until 36 months, with clinical evaluations until 60 months.

Results:

The mean number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesions significantly decreased after treatment, but a complete suppression of inflammatory activity was not obtained. No deaths occurred, but every patient developed adverse events, although not severe. After 5 years of follow-up, two patients remained stable, one patient markedly improved and four patients had a mild progression of the disease. Only one patient experienced a relapse after treatment.

Conclusion:

A low-intensity conditioning regimen with AHSCT has a profound effect on MRI inflammation and relapses, but is not able to completely abrogate MRI activity and disease progression of aggressive RRMS.
Twin studies in multiple sclerosis: A meta-estimation of heritability and environmentality
Authors: Fagnani Corrado , Neale Michael C , Nisticò Lorenza , Stazi Maria A , Ricigliano Vito A , Buscarinu Maria C , Salvetti Marco , Ristori Giovanni
Published: January 2015

Background:

Most twin studies of multiple sclerosis (MS) are inconclusive regarding the impact of genes and environment on disease susceptibility. In particular, high uncertainty exists about whether shared environmental factors are aetiologically relevant.

Objective:

To disentangle, with a reasonable degree of confidence, the relative contributions of heritability and of shared and unique environmental components of MS susceptibility.

Methods:

We performed a meta-analysis of previous twin studies. After a MEDLINE search, we selected eight twin studies in France, UK, Canada, Denmark, North America, Italy, Finland and Sweden. We conducted a biometric multi-group analysis under the liability-threshold model, by taking account of the study-specific ascertainment strategies and the population-specific prevalence rates of MS.

Results:

The meta-analytic estimates of tetrachoric correlations were 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–0.74) in monozygotic pairs and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.41–0.50) in dizygotic pairs. The biometric multi-group model provided meta-analytic estimates of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.39–0.61) for heritability, 0.21 (95% CI: 0.11–0.30) for shared environmental component and 0.29 (95% CI: 0.26–0.33) for unique environmental component.

Conclusion:

Our results support the continuing efforts to identify unknown genetic factors that fill the gap of ‘missing heritability’; moreover, a ‘missing environmentality’ deserves future investigations into the role of non-heritable components that act as both shared and individual-specific exposures.
Access to care for children with emotional/behavioral difficulties
Authors: Henning-Smith Carrie , Alang Sirry
Published: January 2015

Emotional/behavioral difficulties (EBDs) are increasingly diagnosed in children, constituting some of the most common chronic childhood conditions. Left untreated, EBDs pose long-term individual and population-level consequences. There is a growing evidence of disparities in EBD prevalence by various demographic characteristics. This article builds on this research by examining disparities in access to medical care for children with EBD. From 2008 to 2011, using data from the US National Health Interview Survey ( N = 31,631) on sample children aged 4–17, we investigate (1) whether having EBD affects access to care (modeled as delayed care due to cost and difficulty making an appointment) and (2) the role demographic characteristics, health insurance coverage, and frequency of service use play in access to care for children with EBD. Results indicate that children with EBD experience issues in accessing care at more than twice the rate of children without EBD, even though they are less likely to be uninsured than their counterparts without EBD. In multivariable models, children with EBD are still more likely to experience delayed care due to cost and difficulty making a timely appointment, even after adjusting for frequency of health service use, insurance coverage, and demographic characteristics.
Initiatives to Enhance Primary Care Delivery
Authors: Losby Jan L. , House Marnie J. , Osuji Thearis , O’Dell Sarah Abood , Mirambeau Alberta M. , Elmi Joanna , Chappelle Eileen , Schlueter Dara F.
Published: January 2015

Objectives:

Increasing demands on primary care providers have created a need for systems-level initiatives to improve primary care delivery. The purpose of this article is to describe and present outcomes for 2 such initiatives: the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians’ Residency Program Collaborative (RPC) and the St Johnsbury Vermont Community Health Team (CHT).

Methods:

Researchers conducted case studies of the initiatives using mixed methods, including secondary analysis of program and electronic health record data, systematic document review, and interviews.

Results:

The RPC is a learning collaborative that teaches quality improvement and patient centeredness to primary care providers, residents, clinical support staff, and administrative staff in residency programs. Results show that participation in a higher number of live learning sessions resulted in a significant increase in patient-centered medical home recognition attainment and significant improvements in performance in diabetic process measures including eye examinations (14.3%, P = .004), eye referrals (13.82%, P = .013), foot examinations (15.73%, P = .003), smoking cessation (15.83%, P = .012), and self-management goals (25.45%, P = .001). As a community-clinical linkages model, CHT involves primary care practices, community health workers (CHWs), and community partners. Results suggest that CHT members successfully work together to coordinate comprehensive care for the individuals they serve. Further, individuals exposed to CHWs experienced increased stability in access to health insurance ( P = .001) and prescription drugs ( P = .000) and the need for health education counseling ( P = .000).

Conclusion:

Findings from this study indicate that these 2 system-level strategies have the promise to improve primary care delivery. Additional research can determine the extent to which these strategies can improve other health outcomes.
Performance and Perceptions
Authors: Skoy Elizabeth T. , Eukel Heidi N. , Frenzel Jeanne E. , Schmitz Tara M.
Published: January 2015

Background: Pharmacy education standards highlight the importance of effective communication skills and the use of technology to provide patient care. As technology evolves, pharmacists have opportunities to communicate in different and broader ways. Objective: The objectives of this study were 3-fold: to evaluate student ability to counsel via telepharmacy, to determine if there is a difference in students’ abilities to counsel face-to-face or via telepharmacy, and to determine students’ perceptions regarding patient consultation via telepharmacy. Methods: Professional pharmacy students completed a pharmaceutical care laboratory activity focused on communication via telepharmacy. Comparisons were made between students’ ability to provide patient consultation via telepharmacy and face-to-face utilizing a faculty-developed rubric. Students also completed a questionnaire on their perception of utilizing telepharmacy technology to provide patient consultation. Results: Eighty-two second-year professional pharmacy students participated in the study. Results showed students are able to successfully provide patient consultation via telepharmacy without prior practice; however, there was a statistically significant difference between students’ ability to counsel face-to-face and via telepharmacy ( P < .001). Overall, students were more successful at providing face-to-face consultation than via telepharmacy, and students who were first assessed on their ability to counsel face-to-face perceived a greater difference between telepharmacy and face-to-face consultation ( P < .05). Conclusion: Student-perceived differences between the 2 means of consultation and demonstrated a difference in their ability to counsel via telepharmacy and face-to-face. It appears that, when evaluating the need to teach professional pharmacy students how to provide patient consultation via telepharmacy, additional exposure to telepharmacy technology could be beneficial by enhancing student comfort and proficiency.
Treatment Selection and Outcomes in Early-Stage Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: Analysis of the National Cancer Data Base
Authors: Olszewski Adam J. , Shrestha Rajesh , Castillo Jorge J.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

The choice between combined-modality therapy (CMT) and chemotherapy alone for early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) remains controversial. Our objective was to define factors affecting treatment selection and resulting survival outcomes in the United States.

Patients and Methods

We identified 20,600 patients treated with CMT or chemotherapy between 2003 and 2011 from the National Cancer Data Base. Factors affecting treatment selection were studied in a mixed-effects logistic model. Survival outcomes were compared using a propensity score analysis to account for indication bias.

Results

Only 49.5% of patients received CMT, and this proportion steadily declined between 2003 (59.4%) and 2011 (45.2%), particularly in younger patients. Apart from classical prognostic factors (age, stage, tumor location, histology, comorbidities), treatment selection was significantly influenced by sex, black race, distance to facility, and type of insurance. Uninsured patients had the lowest odds of receiving CMT. A significant random effect related to facility-specific treatment preference was also evident. Estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) was 89.6%, and relative survival (RS) was 94.3%. After adjustment for guarantee-time and indication biases, CMT was associated with better OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.70) and RS (excess HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.54) than chemotherapy alone. This effect was without significant heterogeneity in subset analysis and was not sensitive to unobserved confounding.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic factors affect selection of curative treatments in HL. Widespread abandonment of CMT beyond circumstances sanctioned by guidelines may affect survival. Further research should focus on developing strategies that minimize toxicity and access disparities without compromising survival.
Business Analytics Curriculum for Undergraduate Majors
Authors: Wilder Coleen R. , Ozgur Ceyhun O.
Published: January 2015

Analytics has become a new source of competitive advantage for many corporations. Today’s work force therefore must be cognizant of its power and value to effectively perform their jobs. In this paper, we define the appropriate skill level and breadth of knowledge required for business school graduates to be successful. An undergraduate course of study in analytics is proposed for students with average to above-average analytical skills. Implementation guidelines are also addressed to ensure a successful program.
Panton-Valentine leukocidin osteomyelitis in children: a growing threat
Authors: Sheikh Hassaan Q , Aqil Adeel , Kirby Andrew , Hossain Fahad S
Published: January 2015

Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis is associated with multiple complications including multiple abscesses, deep vein thrombosis and fulminant sepsis. This article reviews the literature concerning this emerging threat which is currently under-recognized.
Old tool, new tricks? A new adaptation of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale
Authors: Harding Katherine , Robinson Dianne , Grant Michelle , Hale Leigh
Published: January 2015

Aim:

Measuring outcomes is important in community rehabilitation programs (CRPs), both at the individual and service level. Identifying global outcome measures that can be used for all patients is challenging given the diversity of this client group.

Method:

This observational study explored measurement properties of the Modified Efficacy Scale (MES), which is an adaptation of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale. The MES was used to assess patient confidence in performing activities without reference to falls and was trialled with 221 CRP patients. Floor and ceiling effects, responsiveness to change and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) scores were measured and compared with scores for the same sample of patients using the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale.

Results:

The MES showed evidence of convergent validity and was responsive to change. Both scales showed ceiling effects on discharge, although this was more pronounced with the Lawton IADL scale (40%) than the MES (21%). Both scales had small values for MCID relative to scale width.

Conclusions:

The MES demonstrated evidence of validity and has a less pronounced ceiling effect compared with the Lawton IADL scale. The implications of a ceiling effect should be considered in the context of the assessment purpose.
Refugiados colombianos en Venezuela: Quince años en búsqueda de protección
Authors: Carreño Malaver Ángela María
Published: January 2015

Este artículo busca comprender la situación de los refugiados colombianos en Venezuela. A este país han llegado cerca de 200.000 refugiados durante los últimos 15 años, de los cuales más del 95% son colombianos . De acuerdo con su Constitución la República Bolivariana de Venezuela de 1999 se "reconoce y garantiza el derecho de asilo y refugio", sin embargo solo el 3% (5.210) de las personas con necesidad de protección internacional son reconocidas como refugiados. Este artículo explora las causas de este fenómeno y plantea recomendaciones a los gobiernos involucrados para mejorar las condiciones de vida de los refugiados. La metodología implementada es cualitativa y se realizó a partir de fuentes documentales por medio de una revisión de las políticas públicas enfocadas en atender a esta población e investigaciones de caracterización de la misma. El estudio aborda el contexto colombiano, la historia de la movilidad de colombianos a Venezuela, las condiciones de refugio en este país, la situación jurídica, el proceso de refugio, la alternativa de la naturalización, la discriminación y el acceso de los refugiados a servicios básicos.
TERT promoter mutations are associated with distant metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Gandolfi Greta , Ragazzi Moira , Frasoldati Andrea , Piana Simonetta , Ciarrocchi Alessia , Sancisi Valentina
Published: January 2015

Objective

Transcriptional activating mutations in the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene were reported at high frequency in aggressive poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers. By contrast, the relevance of these mutations in the metastatic behavior of well-differentiated thyroid cancer is still to be defined. The aim of this work was to investigate the frequency ofTERTpromoter mutations in a remarkable cohort of well-differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma that developed distant metastases (DM-PTCs) and to establish whether these mutations may be predictive of metastatic behavior.

Design

We analyzed the frequency ofTERTpromoter mutations in a group of 43 highly aggressive DM-PTCs. As controls, we analyzed these mutations in a group of 78 PTCs without distant metastases (control-PTCs). The possible correlation betweenTERTpromoter mutations and BRAF V600E mutation was also investigated.

Methods

TERTpromoter mutational status was evaluated by direct sequencing of the hotspot harboring the C228T and the C250T mutations.

Results

In the overall cohort of 121 PTCs analyzed, 17% of cases (21/121) carried a mutation in theTERTpromoter. Noticeably, 33% of DM-PTCs were mutated in theTERTpromoter while only 9% of the control-PTCs showed a mutation in this locus. We also observed a positive association between BRAF V600E andTERTC228T mutations in the cohort of DM-PTCs.

Conclusions

These results indicate thatTERTpromoter mutations are associated with the development of distant metastases in PTCs and may help in predicting aggressive behavior in this type of tumor.
Adolescents’ Perceptions of Light and Intermittent Smoking in the United States
Authors: Amrock Stephen M. , Weitzman Michael
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND:

Light smoking, consuming a few cigarettes daily, and intermittent, or nondaily, smoking patterns are increasingly common but carry health risks comparable to heavier smoking patterns. Nearly all smokers begin smoking as adolescents, who are at risk for developing these smoking patterns. Previous research suggests that smokers underestimate the risks associated with smoking. The extent to which adolescents perceive light and intermittent smoking as harmful has not been previously assessed.

METHODS:

Data from 24 658 US adolescents sampled by the 2012 National Youth Tobacco Survey, a national, school-based, cross-sectional survey, were examined. Cross-tabulations and multivariate ordered probit regression models were constructed to describe correlates of US adolescents’ perception of light and intermittent smoking.

RESULTS:

Although most adolescents (88.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 87.2% to 88.8%) reported beliefs that a heavier smoking pattern is very harmful, only 64.3% (95% CI; 63.2% to 65.3%) and 33.3% (95% CI; 32.0% to 34.6%) reported that light and intermittent smoking, respectively, are very harmful. Conversely, nearly one-quarter of US adolescents believed intermittent smoking causes little or no harm. Males, younger adolescents, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic blacks were more likely than their peers to view light and intermittent smoking patterns as less harmful. Those who were already light or intermittent smokers, those who used other tobacco products, and those who had a family member who used tobacco were also less likely to view their smoking patterns as harmful.

CONCLUSIONS:

Misconceptions about the safety of light and intermittent smoking are widespread among US adolescents. Significant public health attention is needed to redress these misperceptions.
MEA Gas Treating Sulphur Production System in the Wildcat Hills Complex
Authors: Petrunic Alexander
Published: January 2015

In the operation of the Wildcat Hills field and plant, modifications have been carried out to increase the maximum throughput, increase the efficiency of the sulphur recovery, decrease the chemical consumption, and decrease downtime and operational and maintenance costs, while maintaining or increasing the safety throughout the operation.

Many bottlenecks in plant equipment have been successfully removed with small additional costs, and these, along with operational techniques and methods of control, have increased the capacity and the efficiency of parts of the gas treating system by approximately 30 per cent. Also by proving gas treating and the selection of catalysts, the capacity of the sulphur plant has been increased by approximately 15 per cent.

The purpose of this article is to describe the general operation and discuss some of the ways in which many of the problem areas were studied and improved.
Recent Exploration Developments in Ontario
Authors: Beards R.I. , Sharp D.A.
Published: January 2015

Exploration activity in the province of Ontario showed an oyer-all upswing during 1967. This was most noticeable in two relatively new areas of exploratory interest – offshore Lake Erie and the Hudson and James Bay Lowlands. In southwestern Ontario, where North America's oil industry was born, significant discoveries continued to be made.

Developments in Lake Erie held the spotlight over those on land. By the year's end, virtually all the Canadian portion of the lake, some 3,108,000 acres, was held under exploratory licence by fifteen different operators. Wildcat drilling on this acreage discovered six new gas pools, in both the Clinton-Cataract sands and the Guelph-Lockport carbonates.

On land, attention was again focused on the Keg River-like Silurian pinnacle reefs. One such reef, abandoned some eight years ago as salt-plugged, proved to be productive with the drilling of a successful offset well. In early 1968, another Guelph-Lockport pinnacle reef was discovered using geophysical interpretation, thereby raising hopes that new techniques will now be useful in locating others.

In the Hudson and James Bay region, the federal government mapped two large prospective sedimentary basins. Silurian reefs similar to those found in southwestern Ontario were noted. Leasing of federal offshore and provincial onshore acreage in both Manitoba and Ontario (1,000,000 acres) and geophysical exploration continued on into 1968. The first exploratory test was drilled in the northern basin on the Manitoba side of the provincial boundary. At a symposium on Hudson Bay, held at Ottawa in February, 1968, industry and government reviewed the geophysical and geological work completed to date and discussed the potential occurrences of oil and gas, both onshore and offshore, in the Hudson and James Bay area.

These developments, combined with attractive secondary geological prospects, readily available subsurface information and the absence of prorationing, plus a high wellhead price paid for crude oil and natural gas, certainly suggest that Ontario will continue to maintain and perhaps improve its present status in Canada's total petroleum picture.
Dynamic Reservoir Data: Part II – Interpretation, Averaging and Use of the Basic Geological-Engineering Data
Authors: Havlena D.
Published: January 2015

Abstract and Introduction

This paper is the second half and an integral part of a previous presentation entitled: " Interpretation, Averaging and Use of the Basic Geological-Engineering Data, STATIC RESERVOIR DATA (Part I)," presented at the 17th Annual Technical Meeting of The Petroleum Society of CIM, in Edmonton, Alberta, in May 1966; published in JCPT, October-December, 1966 and republished by SPE of AIME as Paper SPE 1974 (1967).

The purpose of these two complemental papers is to emphasize that taking, assembling and averaging of the basic data for further use in an analysis of a reservoir requires a profound knowledge of many of the specialized disciplines of modern geology and petroleum engineering.

" DYNAMIC RESERVOIR DATA (Part II)," presented in this particular paper, investigates the level of energy, the potential and also the forces contained or induced into the reservoir. These aspects are specifically discussed under the following major subheadings:Pressures to be Used in Analysis of a Reservoir:datum,depth of measurements,original reservoir pressure,bubble point pressure,pressures taken during the production life-averaging,superposition theorem,variable pressures-stepwise curve, and,incremental vs partial pressure drops.PVT Data: (a) sampling, (b) laboratory results, and (e) adjustment to different pb.Resume on Dynamic DataBibliographic References
Identifying common activities in the graphical user interface development process and their integration into the software-system development life cycle
Authors: Rodriguez-Martinez Laura , Duran-Limon Hector , Mendoza-González Ricardo , Muñoz Jaime
Published: January 2015

We identify a suite of activities in the development process of Graphical
User Interfaces (GUI) and include them as part of an approach to a generic
model for the GUI Development Process (GDP). This work contributes with: (1)
the identification of common activities of previous GDPs, (2) the definition
of an approach to a generic GDP limited to its phases and activities, and
(3) the integration of such a generic GDP with any software-system
development life cycle (SDLC), illustrated with the Spiral SDLC. We show
this work is useful by a) highlighting the advantages of our proposal over
other methodologies for GDP in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), b) showing
one example of the integration of the GDP into a SDLC, and c) showing the
usefulness of our approach in a case example.
Examples of medical software and hardware expert systems for dysfunction analysis and treatment
Authors: Napieralski Andrzej , Ciota Zygmunt , Janicki Marcin , Kamiński Marek , Kotas Rafał , Marciniak Paweł , Napieralska Małgorzata , Ritter Robert , Sakowicz Bartosz , Tylman Wojciech , Zubert Mariusz
Published: January 2015

This paper presents the recent research in DMCS. The medical and biometric
research projects are presented. One of the key elements is image acquisition
and processing. The paper presents research of diagnostic application of
voice analysis for stroke patients with speech dysfunction, as well as the
method for diagnosing and monitoring the effectiveness of medical
rehabilitation of patients with dysfunction of the cervical spine. Then the
method for sudden cardiac death risk stratification is elaborated.
Sintering of cordierite in the presence of MoO3 and crystallization analysis
Authors: Djordjevic N. , Obradovic N. , Kosanovic D. , Mitric M. , Pavlovic V.P.
Published: January 2015

Cordierite (MAS) is difficult to sinter because of the very narrow sintering
temperature range (1300-1400?C). Because a low temperature process is
desirable, it is necessary to find functional ads which can allow easier
sintering process at lower temperature. The influence of MoO3 on the
preparation process of cordierite ceramics was investigated.
2MgO-2Al2O3-5SiO2 was researched by sintering followed binary systems:
MgO/MoO3, Al2O3/MoO3 and SiO2/MoO3 (all sintered at 850?C and 1100?C,
sintering time 2h). Composition of these systems was 80 mass% of oxide and 20
mass% MoO3. The effects of sintering, the composition and morphology were
followed by X-ray diffraction and SEM microscopy. It has been found that
MoO3, beside liquid phase, forms intermediary unstable compounds with MgO and
Al2O3, which is the significance information for further research. MAS
ceramics were sintered with 20 mass% MoO3 at 1100?C, 1200?C and 1300?C,
during 2h.
Steelmaking slag beneficiation by magnetic separator and impacts on sinter quality
Authors: Bölükbaşı Ö.S. , Tufan B.
Published: January 2015

Basic oxygen furnaces (BOF) slag is the main problem at all iron and steel
factories. About more than 6 million tons/year of BOF slag has been
accumulated from the waste stockyards in Turkey. Dumps slags can be
revaluated by a processing technology which makes it possible to obtain
products that meet the requirements of sintering and blast furnace
production. The slags with particle size of -10 mm were enriched by the
magnetic separator resulting and increase in Fe grade from 18% to 33%. The
use of BOF slag in sinter blend provided additional Mn, CaO, MgO and
introduced a good solution to environmental problems.
Index of orthodontic treatment need in children from the Nis region
Authors: Janosevic Predrag , Stosic Maja , Janosevic Mirjana , Radojicic Julija , Filipovic Gordana , Cutovic Tatjana
Published: January 2015

Background/Aim. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is a scoring
system for malocclusion that consists of the two independent components:
Denal Health Component (DHC) and Aesthetic Component (AC). IOTNs are usually
used in the countries with dental healthcare financed by the government
through the national healthcare system or healthcare insurance. The aim of
the study was to determine IOTN in primary school children from the town of
Nis and to asses percent of children with any kind of orthodontic treatment.
Methods. The study involved 301 school children, 11-14 (12.4 ? 1.1) years
old. The IOTN was used by the two examiners in order to evaluate the
treatment need. Results. The results of the study showed that 111 (37%) out
of 301 examined children had orthodonic treatment (33.33% boys and 66.67%
girls) and they were excluded from the study. Out of final sample of 190
school children, considering DHC of the IOTN, 27.4% of the children showed
great (grades 4-5), 41.0% moderate (grade 3) and 31.6% slight or no treatment
need (grade 1-2). Considering IOTN AC, 15.3% of the children showed great
(grade 8-10), 24.3 % moderate (grade 5-7) and 60.4% slight or no treatment
need (grade 1-4). Conclusion. The need for orthodontic treatment in school
children in the town of Nis, Serbia, is similar to the need in most European
countries, despite the fact that the number of children orthodontically
treated is much higher compared to most of European countries.
Penile fracture: A rare case of simultaneous rupture of the one corpus cavernosum and complete urethral rupture
Authors: Nale Djordje , Bojanic Nebojsa , Nikic Predrag
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Penile fracture is a traumatic rupture of tunica albuginea and
the tumescent corpora cavernosa due to the nonphysiological bending of the
penile shaft, presenting with or without rupture of corpus spongiosum and
urethra. The incidence of concomitant injury of the urethra is 0-38%.
Complete urethral rupture is rare, but it is almost always associated with
bilateral corporeal injury. Case report. We presented a patient with complete
urethral rupture, and rupture of the right cavernous body. According to the
available literature, this case is extremely rare. Conclusion. Fracture of
the penis is relatively uncommon and is considered a urologic emergency.
Prompt surgical exploration and repair can preserve erectile and voiding
function.
Challenges in treatment of postinfarction ventricular septal defect and heart failure
Authors: Mangovski Ljupco , Kozlik-Feldmann Rainer , Peric Miodrag , Jovovic Ljiljana , Farkic Mihajlo , Dekic Dragica
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Acquired ventricular septal defect (VSD) is uncommon, but
serious mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction with poor
outcome and high mortality rate in surgically or medically treated patients.
Case report. We report a 58-year-old male patient admitted to our hospital
six days following acute inferior myocardial infarction complicated by
ventricular septal rupture with signs of heart failure. Coronary angiography
revealed 3-vessel disease, with proximally occluded dominant right coronary
artery. Transthoracic echo exam revealed aneurysm of a very thin inferior
septum and the basal portion of the inferior left ventricular wall, with
septal wall rupture. One of the VSD dimensions was 15 mm and left- to right
shunt was calculated 2 : 1. Since the patient was at too high risk for
surgical closure, transcatheter closure of VSD was chosen as a better option.
Under short intravenous sedation, 24 mm Amplatzer device was implanted
percutaneously with transesophageal echo guidance. The post-procedural result
revealed a small residual shunt, but it was followed by significant
improvement of the patient?s clinical status. A 24h Holter ECG monitoring did
not show cardiac rhythm or conduction disturbances. Coronary angiography was
repeated ten days following the procedure, after hemodynamic stabilization of
the patient, with direct stenting of the circumflex artery and the
intermediate artery. Ostial left descending artery lesion was left for
further functional significance assessment. Conclusion: Percutaneous closure
with a septal occluder device can be definitive primary treatment for
anatomically suitable patients or it can serve as a bridge to surgical
treatment.
Arsenic Exposure, Arsenic Metabolism, and Incident Diabetes in the Strong Heart Study
Authors: Kuo Chin-Chi , Howard Barbara V. , Umans Jason G. , Gribble Matthew O. , Best Lyle G. , Francesconi Kevin A. , Goessler Walter , Lee Elisa , Guallar Eliseo , Navas-Acien Ana
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about arsenic metabolism in diabetes development. We investigated the prospective associations of low-moderate arsenic exposure and arsenic metabolism with diabetes incidence in the Strong Heart Study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 1,694 diabetes-free participants aged 45–75 years were recruited in 1989–1991 and followed through 1998–1999. We used the proportions of urine inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethylarsonate (MMA), and dimethylarsinate (DMA) over their sum (expressed as iAs%, MMA%, and DMA%) as the biomarkers of arsenic metabolism. Diabetes was defined as fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, 2-h glucose ≥200 mg/dL, self-reported diabetes history, or self-reported use of antidiabetic medications.

RESULTS

Over 11,263.2 person-years of follow-up, 396 participants developed diabetes. Using the leave-one-out approach to model the dynamics of arsenic metabolism, we found that lower MMA% was associated with higher diabetes incidence. The hazard ratios (95% CI) of diabetes incidence for a 5% increase in MMA% were 0.77 (0.63–0.93) and 0.82 (0.73–0.92) when iAs% and DMA%, respectively, were left out of the model. DMA% was associated with higher diabetes incidence only when MMA% decreased (left out of the model) but not when iAs% decreased. iAs% was also associated with higher diabetes incidence when MMA% decreased. The association between MMA% and diabetes incidence was similar by age, sex, study site, obesity, and urine iAs concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Arsenic metabolism, particularly lower MMA%, was prospectively associated with increased incidence of diabetes. Research is needed to evaluate whether arsenic metabolism is related to diabetes incidence per se or through its close connections with one-carbon metabolism.
Developing a Quality Assessment Index System for Scenic Forest Management: A Case Study from Xishan Mountain, Suburban Beijing
Authors: Gong Lan , Zhang Zhidu , Xu Chengyang
Published: January 2015

The public’s demand for more and better forest landscapes is increasing as scenic forest tours flourish in China, especially in the capital, Beijing. How to improve the quality of scenic forests has become one of the greatest concerns of urban foresters. Although numerous studies have focused on scenic forest management, to date, no reports have been found on developing a quality assessment index system for scenic forest assessment. In this study, a simple and scientific index system was established using an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to quantitatively assess scenic forest quality. The index system is composed of four scales: individual tree landscape quality, in-forest landscape quality, near-view forest landscape quality and far-view landscape quality. The in-forest landscape quality was determined by horizontal and vertical stand structures, species composition and under-canopy landscape traits. Near-view forest landscape quality was mainly determined by patch characteristics, seasonal change, visibility, color change of patches and stand age class. To test the validity of our quality assessment index system, scenic forests in Xishan were used as a case study. The results show that near-view forest landscape was the most important scale for the overall quality of the scenic forest, according to the priorities of the criterion layer, and the second most important scale was far-view forest landscape. Seasonal change, patch color contrast, patch distribution and patch shape accounted for 52.2% of the total of 13 indices in the near-view forest landscape. The integrated quality of scenic forests in Xishan was at an average level, and the in-forest landscape, near-view landscape and far-view landscape had below average quality.
Mechanisms and Implications of Dual-Acting Methotrexate in Folate-Targeted Nanotherapeutic Delivery
Authors: Wong Pamela , Choi Seok
Published: January 2015

The rational design of a nanoplatform in drug delivery plays a crucial role in determining its targeting specificity and efficacy in vivo. A conventional approach relies on the surface conjugation of a nanometer-sized particle with two functionally distinct types of molecules, one as a targeting ligand, and the other as a therapeutic agent to be delivered to the diseased cell. However, an alternative simplified approach can be used, in which a single type of molecule displaying dual function as both a targeting ligand and therapeutic agent is conjugated to the nanoparticle. In this review, we evaluate the validity of this new strategy by using methotrexate, which displays multifunctional mechanisms of action. Methotrexate binds to the folate receptor, a surface biomarker frequently overexpressed in tumor cells, and also inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme critical for cell survival and division. Thus we describe a series of fifth generation poly(amido amine) dendrimers conjugated with methotrexate, and discuss several lines of evidence supporting the efficacy of this new platform strategy based on surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, enzyme activity assays, and cell-based studies with folate receptor (+) KB cancer cells.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity in Different Tissues of Brassica Vegetables
Authors: Bhandari Shiva , Kwak Jung-Ho
Published: January 2015

This research was conducted to evaluate glucosinolate profiles, vitamin C, total phenol, total flavonoid, and free sugar (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) content, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant activity in floret and leaf of six cauliflower and broccoli cultivars. The level of chemical constituents as well as antioxidants significantly varied among crop types, cultivars, and their different parts, in that phytochemicals such as glucosinolate were statistically higher in florets compared with leaves in both broccoli and cauliflower cultivars. In contrast, total flavonoid and free sugar were found at higher levels in the leaf parts. The Asia purple cultivar exhibited statistically higher vitamin C (649.7 mg·100 g−1), total phenol (1345.2 mg·GAE 100 g−1), and total flavonoid (632.7 mg·CE 100 g−1) contents and consequently had the highest antioxidant activity (1.12 mg·mL−1) in its florets, while Baeridom and Bridal had the highest total glucosinolate (9.66 µmol·g−1) and free sugar (318.6 mg·g−1) contents, respectively compared with other cultivars. Likewise, the major fatty acids were palmitic (23.52%–38.42%), linoleic (13.09%–18.97%), and linolenic (26.32%–51.80%) acids, which comprised the highest compositional ratio (more than 50%) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in most cultivars. Among the antioxidants, total phenol exhibited the most significant positive correlation (r = 0.698 **) with antioxidant activity, followed by vitamin C (r = 0.522 **) and total flavonoid (r = 0.494 **), indicating their significant contributions to total antioxidant activity.
Accurate, explicit formulae for higher harmonic force spectroscopy by frequency modulation-AFM
Authors: Kuchuk Kfir , Sivan Uri
Published: January 2015

The nonlinear interaction between an AFM tip and a sample gives rise to oscillations of the cantilever at integral multiples (harmonics) of the fundamental resonance frequency. The higher order harmonics have long been recognized to hold invaluable information on short range interactions but their utilization has thus far been relatively limited due to theoretical and experimental complexities. In particular, existing approximations of the interaction force in terms of higher harmonic amplitudes generally require simultaneous measurements of multiple harmonics to achieve satisfactory accuracy. In the present letter we address the mathematical challenge and derive accurate, explicit formulae for both conservative and dissipative forces in terms of an arbitrary single harmonic. Additionally, we show that in frequency modulation-AFM (FM-AFM) each harmonic carries complete information on the force, obviating the need for multi-harmonic analysis. Finally, we show that higher harmonics may indeed be used to reconstruct short range forces more accurately than the fundamental harmonic when the oscillation amplitude is small compared with the interaction range.
Test-Retest Reliability of the Vestibular Sensory-Evoked Potential (VsEP) in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Honaker Julie A. , Lee Choongheon , Criter Robin E. , Jones Timothy A.
Published: January 2015

Background:The vestibular sensory-evoked potential (VsEP) is an electrical potential that provides a direct test of vestibular function in animals. VsEP recordings are carried out using subcutaneous stainless steel electrodes placed over the nuchal crest (noninverting), behind
either the left or right pinna (inverting), and at the hip (ground). A noninvasive head clip is used to secure the head to a mechanical shaker for delivery of a linear vestibular stimulus measured in units of jerk (g/msec). Frequent repositioning of the noninvasive head clip and skin electrodes
may be necessary during recording for particular protocols; however, the test-retest reliability of the VsEP response (latency, amplitude, and threshold) has not been determined.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to determine the possible effects of frequent repositioning of the
noninvasive head clip and skin electrodes on VsEP response parameters (latencies, amplitudes, and thresholds). We hypothesize that the VsEP response will remain stable and reliable with such repeated measurements in a given animal across time.Research Design:Linear VsEP responses were
recorded from ten C57 mice (ages: 2.45 mo ±0.20; weights: 17.94 g ±1.51). Two standard threshold protocols and four repeated VsEP measurements at +6 dB re: 1.0 g/msec were performed, with four selected time points of head clip repositioning. In addition, three novice investigators
performed measurements of noninverting electrode placement and head clip positioning.Results:VsEP response latency, amplitude, and threshold means did not significantly change with frequent repositioning of the head clip and skin electrodes; however, increased variability was observed.Conclusions:The
findings demonstrate that repositioning does not introduce significant changes in mean parameter values of the recorded VsEP response waveform; however, mean absolute difference calculations demonstrated that frequent repositioning increased response variance. For VsEP protocols requiring
frequent repositioning, standardized electrode montage, optimal placement of the noninverting electrode at the nuchal crest, and increased sample size are suggested.