bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insurance Status Is Related to Receipt of Therapy and Survival in Patients with Early-Stage Pancreatic Exocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Boevers Emily , McDowell Bradley D. , Mott Sarah L. , Button Anna M. , Lynch Charles F.
Published: April 2017

Objectives. The study objective was to determine how insurance status relates to treatment receipt and overall survival for patients with early-stage pancreatic exocrine carcinoma. Methods. SEER data were evaluated for 17,234 patients diagnosed with Stage I/II pancreatic exocrine carcinoma. Multivariate regression models controlled for personal characteristics to determine whether insurance status was independently associated with overall survival and receipt of radiation/surgery. Results. Odds of receiving radiation were 1.50 and 1.75 times higher for insured patients compared to Medicaid and uninsured patients, respectively (p<0.01). Insured patients had 1.68 and 1.57 times increased odds of receiving surgery compared to Medicaid and uninsured patients (p<0.01). Risk of death was 1.33 times greater (p<0.01) in Medicaid patients compared to insured patients; when further adjusted for treatment, the risk of death was attenuated but remained significant (HR = 1.16, p<0.01). Risk of death was 1.16 times higher for uninsured patients compared to insured patients (p=0.02); when further adjusted for treatment, the risk of death was no longer significant (HR = 1.01, p=0.83). Conclusions. Uninsured and Medicaid-insured patients experience lower treatment rates compared to patients who have other insurances. The increased likelihood of treatment appears to explain the insured group’s survival advantage.
A Combined Bony and Soft Tissue, Thoracic Chance Fracture: Late Displacement following Conservative Treatment
Authors: Bourne James Thomas , Baker Alexander David Laing , Khatri Manoj
Published: April 2017

We report the first case of a combined bony and soft tissue Chance fracture in the thoracic spine, with late presenting displacement following conservative management. Chance fractures are flexion-distraction injuries to the spine. They consist of disruption and longitudinal separation of the posterior elements of the vertebra, with the fracture extending through the pedicles and into the vertebral body. Both bony and soft tissue Chance fractures of the lumbar spine have been reported, as well as bony Chance fractures in the thoracic spine. This case suggests that this type of fracture is unstable and is an indication for operative management. It is also important to note that the displacement of the fracture occurred at more than eight weeks after injury, suggesting that instability may not present immediately.
Rückenschmerzen bei Hidradenitis suppurativa: Auf die Ursache kommt es an
Authors: Weisenseel Peter
Published: April 2017

Hintergrund: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) ist eine chronische entzündliche Erkrankung, die zur Fistelbildung in der intertriginösen Haut im axillären, genitofemoralen und perianalen Bereich führt. Ziel: Da andere chronische entzündliche Erkrankungen (z.B. Psoriasis) häufig mit Spondylarthropathien (SpA) einhergehen, war das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie, die Prävalenz von Rückenschmerzen und SpA bei HS-Patienten zu quantifizieren. Methoden: Es wurden eine prospektive Fragebogenerhebung bei 100 HS-Patienten sowie eine retrospektive Beurteilung von magnetresonanztomographischen (MRT) Aufnahmen der Beckenregion bei 46 HS-Patienten durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: 71% der HS-Patienten litten an Rückenschmerzen. Zwischen den HS-Patienten mit oder ohne Rückenschmerzen zeigte sich kein Unterschied hinsichtlich des Alters beim ersten Auftreten von HS, der Dauer der Erkrankung, des Body-Mass-Index (BMI) oder des Schweregrades. Bei der Beurteilung der MRT-Aufnahmen der Beckenregion wurden bei 32,6% der HS-Patienten Anzeichen chronischer SpA und bei 39,1% Anzeichen aktiver SpA festgestellt. Auch zwischen Patienten mit bzw. ohne SpA ergaben sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede bezüglich des Alters bei der MRT, des Alters beim ersten Auftreten von HS, der Dauer der Erkrankung, des Raucherstatus und des BMI. Ferner bestand auch keine Korrelation zwischen diesen Parametern und dem Ausmaß der SpA. Einschränkungen: Nur Patienten mit mittelschwerer bis schwerer HS (Hurley-Stadium II und III) im genitofemoralen oder perianalen Bereich wurden mittels MRTuntersucht. Schlussfolgerung: Rückenschmerzen und SpA sind bei Patienten mit mittelschwerer bis schwerer HS sehr häufig. Weder Anamnese noch klinische Parameter liefern Hinweise auf das Vorliegen von SpA.
Utility of Glissonean Pedicle Transection for Surgical Treatment of Severe Liver Trauma
Authors: Koizumi Satoshi , Katsumata Kenta , Ono Tatsunori , Segami Kouhei , Hoshino Hiroyuki , Katayama Masafumi , Kobayashi Shinjiro , Matsumoto Junichi , Fujitani Shigeki , Taira Yasuhiko , Otsubo Takehito
Published: April 2017

The most common initial strategy for treatment of severe liver trauma is damage control in which hemostasis is achieved by perihepatic gauze packing and/or vascular embolization. However, we encounter patients in whom this strategy alone is not adequate. We have applied the principles of Glissonean pedicle transection, a technique that was originally devised to ensure safe and quick performance of planned hepatectomy for liver cancer, to 3 cases of severe liver trauma. We performed Glissonean pedicle ligation during damage control surgery in 2 patients and Glissonean pedicle transection during the definitive surgery in 1 patient. We describe the approaches and our experience with them, including operation times and outcomes. From our experience thus far, it seems that 8–12 h after the damage control procedure is appropriate for performing the definitive surgery. Although there are some problems posed by this strategy and cases to which it will not be applicable, the method seems to be particularly useful for cases of severe liver trauma in which the damage is extensive and involves the Glissonean pedicles near the hepatic hilus. We describe our 3 cases in detail and review our experience in light of the available literature.
Treatment of Persistent Gross Hematuria with Tranexamic Acid in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Yao Qing , Wu Ming , Zhou Jie , Zhou Meiyang , Chen Dongping , Fu Lili , Bian Rongrong , Xing Xiaohong , Sun Lijun , Hu Xiaohong , Li Lin , Dai Bing , Wüthrich Rudolf P. , Ma Yiyi , Mei Chang-Lin
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: In this retrospective study we aimed to compare the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) vs etamsylate, two hemostatic agents, on hematuria duration in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients with persistent gross hematuria. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 40 patients with ADPKD and macroscopic hematuria. 20 patients receiving TXA and snake venom blood clotting enzyme injection were compared with 20 matched patients receiving etamsylate and snake venom blood clotting enzyme injection. The primary outcome was hematuria duration and the secondary outcomes were blood transfusion requirements and adverse events. Results: The hematuria duration was shorter in the TXA group compared with the etamsylate group (4[3-5] d vs 7[6-10] d, P<0.001). The volume of blood transfusion tended to be less in the TXA group than in the etamsylate group (300±115 ml vs 486±195 ml, P=0.12), and the number of patients needing a blood transfusion also tended to be lower [20% (4/20) vs 35% (7/20), P=0.29]. TXA and etamsylate were equally well tolerated and no serious adverse events were observed in both groups. Conclusions: Our study indicates that TXA treatment was more effective than etamsylate in stopping bleeding in ADPKD patients with persistent gross hematuria.
Permanent Leadless Cardiac Pacemaker Therapy
Authors: Tjong Fleur V.Y. , Reddy Vivek Y.
Published: April 2017

A new technology, leadless pacemaker therapy, was recently introduced clinically to address lead- and pocket-related complications in conventional transvenous pacemaker therapy. These leadless devices are self-contained right ventricular single-chamber pacemakers implanted by using a femoral percutaneous approach. In this review of available clinical data on leadless pacemakers, early results with leadless devices are compared with historical results with conventional single-chamber pacing. Both presently manufactured leadless pacemakers show similar complications, which are mostly related to the implant procedure: cardiac perforation, device dislocation, and femoral vascular access site complications. In comparison with conventional transvenous single-chamber pacemakers, slightly higher short-term complication rates have been observed: 4.8% for leadless pacemakers versus 4.1% for conventional pacemakers. The complication rate of the leadless pacemakers is influenced by the implanter learning curve for this new procedure. No long-term outcome data are yet available for the leadless pacemakers. Larger leadless pacing trials, with long-term follow-up and direct randomized comparison with conventional pacing systems, will be required to define the proper clinical role of these leadless systems. Although current leadless pacemakers are limited to right ventricular pacing, future advanced, communicating, multicomponent systems are expected to expand the potential benefits of leadless therapy to a larger patient population.
Assessment of the ERA-Interim Winds Using High-Altitude Stratospheric Balloons
Authors: Duruisseau Fabrice , Huret Nathalie , Andral Alice , Camy-Peyret Claude
Published: April 2017

This study focuses on the ability of ERA-Interim to represent wind variability in the middle atmosphere. The originality of the proposed approach is that wind measurements are deduced from the trajectories of zero-pressure balloons that can reach high-stratospheric altitudes. These balloons are mainly used to carry large scientific payloads. The trajectories of balloons launched above Esrange, Sweden, and Teresina, Brazil, from 2000 to 2011 were used to deduce zonal and meridional wind components (by considering the balloon as a perfect tracer at high altitude). Collected data cover several dynamical conditions associated with the winter and summer polar seasons and west and east phases of the quasi-biennial oscillation at the equator. Systematic comparisons between measurements and ERA-Interim data were performed for the two horizontal wind components, as well as wind speed and wind direction in the [100, 2]-hPa pressure range to deduce biases between the model and balloon measurements as a function of altitude.

Results show that whatever the location and the geophysical conditions considered, biases between ERA-Interim and balloon wind measurements increase as a function of altitude. The standard deviation of the model–observation wind differences can attain more than 5 m s−1 at high altitude (pressure P < 20 hPa). A systematic ERA-Interim underestimation of the wind speed is observed and large biases are highlighted, especially for equatorial flights.
Multicentury Evaluation of Recovery from Strong Precipitation Deficits in California
Authors: Wahl Eugene. R. , Diaz Henry F. , Vose Russell S. , Gross Wendy S.
Published: April 2017

The recent dryness in California was unprecedented in the instrumental record. This article employs spatially explicit precipitation reconstructions for California in combination with instrumental data to provide perspective on this event since 1571. The period 2012–15 stands out as particularly extreme in the southern Central Valley and south coast regions. which likely experienced unprecedented precipitation deficits over this time, apart from considerations of increasing temperatures and drought metrics that combine temperature and moisture information. Some areas lost more than two years’ average moisture delivery during these four years, and full recovery to long-term average moisture delivery could typically take up to several decades in the hardest-hit areas. These results highlight the value of the additional centuries of information provided by the paleo record, which indicates the shorter instrumental record may underestimate the statewide recovery time by over 30%. The extreme El Niño that occurred in 2015/16 ameliorated recovery in much of the northern half of the state, and since 1571 very-strong-to-extreme El Niños during the first year after a 2012–15-type event reduce statewide recovery times by approximately half. The southern part of California did not experience the high precipitation anticipated, and the multicentury analysis suggests the north-wet–south-dry pattern for such an El Niño was a low-likelihood anomaly. Recent wetness in California motivated evaluation of recovery times when the first two years are relatively wet, suggesting the state is benefiting from a one-in-five (or lower) likelihood situation: the likelihood of full recovery within two years is ~1% in the instrumental data and even lower in the reconstruction data.
A Midlatitude Influence on Australian Monsoon Bursts
Authors: Narsey Sugata , Reeder Michael J. , Ackerley Duncan , Jakob Christian
Published: April 2017

The initiation of northern Australian monsoon rainfall bursts is accompanied by an increase in cyclonic circulation in the monsoon region. This study shows that the change in circulation at the start of the composite rainfall burst is predominantly influenced by midlatitude frontlike features. By exploiting the relationship between circulation tendency and the convergence of absolute vorticity flux, the circulation changes accompanying the initiation of Australian monsoon bursts is investigated. Moisture flux convergence is found to be proportional to the circulation changes in the monsoon region. Using a composite analysis it is shown that absolute vorticity fluxes through the southern boundary are by far the most important influence on monsoon burst circulation changes, with only one-third of events more closely related to other influences including the Madden–Julian oscillation. This is shown to be true throughout the wet season.
Impact of a Front–Dryline Merger on Convection Initiation near a Mountain Ridge in Beijing
Authors: Qin Rui , Chen Mingxuan
Published: April 2017

A case study is presented of convection initiation (CI) resulting from the merger of a cold front with a dryline in southwestern Beijing, China, on the afternoon of 11 June 2011. This process is analyzed with S-band Doppler radar data, surface automatic weather station data, and mesoscale numerical simulation results. The formation of this dryline is analogous to that on the Great Plains of the United States, and it is conducive to CI with mesoscale updrafts generated from the baroclinic frontogenesis, and with favorable instability immediately on the moist side. Prior to the front–dryline merger, as the cold front approached the observed boundary layer convergence line, or the simulated meso- γ-scale secondary dryline, CI occurred ahead of the cold front with little contribution from frontogenetic baroclinity of the dryline. The cold front then merged with the dryline, and the baroclinity of the dryline was enhanced by the associated convergence, to a degree comparable to that caused by frontogenesis of the dryline itself, thus leading to more CI. During the front–dryline merger, meso- γ-scale discrete cold pools associated with the cold front led to a diverse distribution of CI.
Social exclusion in families affected by paternal imprisonment
Authors: Besemer Kirsten L , Dennison Susan M
Published: April 2017

Although social exclusion is often described as an outcome of paternal imprisonment, few studies have directly measured the extent of social exclusion in prisoners’ families or benchmarked it against the general population. This paper compares social exclusion among caregivers of children affected by paternal incarceration with overall estimates of social exclusion across the Australian population and with estimates of social exclusion among a matched subset. Caregivers of children with imprisoned fathers were much more heavily excluded than adults in the general population. Compared to a matched sample, differences were smaller and mostly related to inadequate financial resources. We propose that single parent status and financial hardship are key mediators of the relationship between paternal incarceration and social exclusion.
Motherhood, sexuality and beauty in Gabriele D’Annunzio’s trilogy I romanzi della Rosa
Authors: Barisonzi Michela
Published: April 2017

This article focuses on the themes of motherhood, beauty and desire in Gabriele D’Annunzio’s trilogy, I romanzi della Rosa, showing how these novels reflect upon 19th-century female sexuality and its portrayal through female beauty. These texts reveal the exhaustion of the Italian bourgeois stereotype of the fin-de-siècle woman as a devoted mother and a loyal wife, deprived of her sexual component. I examine how D’Annunzio’s trilogy explores the idea of female desire through common female stereotypes, especially the progressive negation of the figure of the devoted mother. In Il piacere, female desire surfaces through the theme of adultery and is critiqued through the changes in the physical portrayal of the female protagonist and in her relationship with her daughter. In L’innocente, female sexuality is depicted instead through the medicalization of the body of the adulterous mother, physically distorted by her pregnancy. Finally, Il trionfo della morte shows female sexuality through the death of the bourgeois mother, as the female protagonist is now physically sterile and her beauty rests in her imperfect and lifeless body.
The impact of decentralization on participation in formal organizations in Albania: Lessons for community-based interventions
Authors: Dauti Marsela
Published: April 2017

This study examined the impact of decentralization on community participation in formal organizations in post-communist Albania. Do community members take advantage of the new forms of local governance introduced with decentralization? What barriers to participation do they face? The study did not find any support for the theoretical expectation that decentralization promotes greater community engagement with formal organizations. Findings provide insights into how communist legacies and post-communist developments affect perceptions and attitudes toward formal organizations. We discuss several lessons on how to strengthen community participation in formal organizations and inform community-based interventions.
Fissure Seal or Fluoride Varnish? A Randomized Trial of Relative Effectiveness
Authors: Chestnutt I.G. , Playle R. , Hutchings S. , Morgan-Trimmer S. , Fitzsimmons D. , Aawar N. , Angel L. , Derrick S. , Drew C. , Hoddell C. , Hood K. , Humphreys I. , Kirby N. , Lau T.M.M. , Lisles C. , Morgan M.Z. , Murphy S. , Nuttall J. , Onishchenko K. , Phillips C. , Pickles T. , Scoble C. , Townson J. , Withers B. , Chadwick B.L.
Published: April 2017

Fissure sealant (FS) and fluoride varnish (FV) are effective in preventing dental caries when compared with a no-treatment control. However, the relative clinical effectiveness of these interventions is uncertain. The objective of the study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of FS and FV in preventing dental caries in first permanent molars (FPMs) in 6- to 7-y-olds. The study design was a randomized clinical trial, with 2 parallel arms. The setting was a targeted-population program that used mobile dental clinics in schools located within areas of high social and economic deprivation in South Wales. A total of 1,016 children were randomized 1:1 to receive either FS or FV. Resin-based FS was applied to caries-free FPMs and maintained at 6-mo intervals. FV was applied at baseline and at 6-mo intervals for 3 y. The main outcome measures were the proportion of children developing caries into dentine (D4-6MFT) on any 1 of up to 4 treated FPMs after 36 mo. At 36 mo, 835 (82%) children remained: 417 in the FS arm and 418 in the FV arm. A smaller proportion of children who received FV ( n = 73, 17.5%) versus FS ( n = 82, 19.6%) developed caries into dentine on at least 1 FPM (odds ratio [OR] = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.21; P = 0.35), a nonstatistically significant difference between FS and FV treatments. The results were similar when the number of newly decayed teeth (OR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.22) and tooth surfaces (OR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.21) were examined. In a community oral health program, semiannual application of FV resulted in caries prevention that was not significantly different from that obtained by applying and maintaining FS after 36 mo (EudraCT: 2010-023476-23; ISRCTN: ISRCTN17029222).
The use of human samples obtained during medicolegal autopsies in research: An introduction to current conditions and initiatives in Japan
Authors: Tsujimura-Ito Takako , Inoue Yusuke , Muto Kaori , Yoshida Ken-ichi
Published: April 2017

Background

Leftover samples obtained during autopsies are extremely important basic materials for forensic research. However, there are no established practices for research-related use of obtained samples.

Objective

This study discusses good practice for the secondary use of samples collected during medicolegal autopsies.

Methods

A questionnaire was posted to all 76 departments of forensic medicine performing medicolegal autopsies in Japan, and 48 responses were received (response rate: 63.2%). As a secondary analysis, we surveyed information provided on department websites.

Results

Ethical reviews conducted when samples were to be used for research varied greatly among departments, with 21 (43.8%) departments reporting ‘fundamentally, all cases are subject to review’, eight (16.7%) reporting ‘only some are subject to review’ and 17 (39.6%) reporting ‘none are subject to review’. Information made available on websites indicated that 11 departments had a statement of some type to bereaved families about the potential research use of human samples obtained during autopsies. Nine of these included a notice stating that bereaved families may revoke their consent for use. Several departments used an opt-out system.

Conclusion

There is no common practice in the field of legal medicine on the ethical use for medical research of leftover samples from medicolegal autopsies. The trust of not only bereaved families but also society in general is required for the scientific validity and social benefits of medical studies using leftover samples from medicolegal autopsies through the use of opt-out consenting and offline and online dissemination and public-relations activities.
Legionnaires' Disease and Associated Comorbid Conditions as Causes of Death in the U.S., 2000–2010
Authors: Wickramasekaran Ranjana N. , Sorvillo Frank , Kuo Tony
Published: April 2017

Objective.

Recent U.S. outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease (LD) underscore the virulent nature of this infectious pneumonia. To date, only a paucity of literature has described the mortality burden of LD. This study updates LD mortality using U.S. multiple-cause-of-death data from 2000–2010.

Methods.

We calculated crude and age-adjusted rates for LD mortality for age, sex, race, state, Census region, and year. We conducted Poisson regression to assess seasonal and temporal trends. We generated matched odds ratios (MORs) to describe the association between LD-related deaths and other comorbid conditions listed on the death certificates.

Results.

We identified a total of 1,171 LD-related deaths during 2000–2010. The age-adjusted mortality rate remained relatively static from 2000 (0.038 per 100,000 population, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.031, 0.046) to 2010 (0.040 per 100,000 population, 95% CI 0.033, 0.047). The absolute number increased from 107 to 135 deaths during this period, with adults ≥45 years of age having the highest caseload. Overall, LD mortality rates were 2.2 times higher in men than in women. White people accounted for nearly 83.3% of all LD-related deaths, but the age-adjusted mortality rates for black and white people were similar. Comorbid conditions such as leukemia (MOR=4.8, 95% CI 3.5, 6.6) and rheumatoid arthritis (MOR=5.6, 95% CI 3.3, 9.4) were associated with LD diagnosis on death certificates.

Conclusion.

Comorbid conditions that could lead to an immunocompromised state were associated with fatal LD on U.S. death certificates. Characterization of LD mortality burden and related comorbidities has practice implications for clinical medicine and public health surveillance.
The Economic Burden of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke for Child and Adult Never Smokers Residing in U.S. Public Housing
Authors: Mason Jacquelyn , Wheeler William , Brown Mary Jean
Published: April 2017

Objective.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nonsmokers experience disease and death due to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in the home. We estimated the total excess burden and costs to society due to SHS exposure in U.S. public housing.

Methods.

We quantified the public health burden for outcomes causally related to SHS exposure for nationally representative never-smoking residents in U.S. public housing using ( 1) WHO-recommended health outcomes and methodology, (2) publicly available and other large databases, and ( 3) published estimates of morbidity and mortality rates. We used published estimates of direct medical and nonmedical care costs and the value of productivity losses to estimate SHS-related societal costs for disease and death. We estimated the public health and economic burden for two serum cotinine limits of detection (LODs): 0.05 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and 0.015 ng/mL.

Results.

In 2011, an estimated 37,791 never-smoking child and adult U.S. public housing residents experienced illness and death due to SHS exposure at home based on an LOD=0.05 ng/mL (50,967 residents at LOD=0.015 ng/mL). Costs incurred by society for these illnesses and deaths totaled $183 million (LOD=0.05 ng/mL) and $267 million (LOD=0.015 ng/mL) annually. Of the total costs, direct costs (medical and nonmedical) accounted for $128 million and $176 million for LOD=0.05 ng/mL and LOD=0.015 ng/mL, respectively. Medical care accounted for the majority of direct costs—$110 million at LOD=0.05 ng/mL and $153 million at LOD=0.015 ng/mL. Adverse respiratory health outcomes accounted for approximately one-half (56% at LOD=0.05 ng/mL and 52% at LOD=0.015 ng/mL) of total societal costs.

Conclusion.

Implementing smoke-free policies in all U.S. public housing could save lives and decrease SHS-related morbidity and mortality in never-smoking residents, resulting in annual societal savings of $183 million at LOD=0.05 ng/mL and $267 million at LOD=0.015 ng/mL.
A Model of Shared Mycobacteriology Testing Services: Lessons Learned
Authors: Mitchell Kara , Halse Tanya , Kohlerschmidt Donna , Bennett Toby , Vanner Cynthia , King Ewa , Musser Kimberlee , Escuyer Vincent
Published: April 2017

Objective.

The need for public health laboratories (PHLs) to prioritize resources has led to increased interest in sharing diagnostic services. To address this concept for tuberculosis (TB) testing, the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center and the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories assessed the feasibility of shared services for the detection and characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC).

Methods.

We assessed multiple aspects of shared services including shipping, testing, reporting, and cost. Rhode Island State Health Laboratories shipped MTBC-positive specimens and isolates to Wadsworth Center. Average turnaround times were calculated and cost analysis was performed.

Results.

Testing turnaround times were similar at both PHLs; however, the availability of conventional drug susceptibility testing (DST) results for Rhode Island primary specimens and isolates were extended by approximately four days of shipping time. An extended molecular testing panel was performed on every specimen submitted from Rhode Island State Health Laboratories to Wadsworth Center, and the total cost per specimen at Wadsworth Center was $177.12 less than at Rhode Island State Health Laboratories, plus shipping. Following a mid-study review, Wadsworth Center provided testing turnaround times for detection (same day), species determination of MTBC (same day), and molecular DST (2.5 days).

Conclusion.

The collaboration between Wadsworth Center and Rhode Island State Health Laboratories to assess shared services of TB testing highlighted a successful model that may serve as a guideline for other PHLs. The provision of additional rapid testing at a lower cost demonstrated in this study could potentially improve patient management and result in significant cost and resource savings if used in similar models across the country.
Gulf Migration and the Flows of Social Remittances: A Study of Barkas in Hyderabad
Authors: Mukherjee Anushyama
Published: April 2017

India is the top remittance receiving nation in the world. Majority of the migration remittances were used for renovation of the houses, buying property, purchasing land and education of the next generation invested with the hope of future economic security. Though remittances have been a constant part of free emigration from India since early 20th century, it is only recently that there has been a greater attention to social remittances. In terms of social remittances, India can be referred to as the world leader in remittances received. Flows of social remittances have explored multiple social and cultural exchanges that happen as a result of continuous to and fro migration between countries socially and culturally. This article looks at economic remittances from the Gulf briefly. The second section of the article will deal with the question as to how people have adopted certain practices in their everyday lives (Weiner, 1982).
Book Review: Mahuya Bandyopadhyay and Ritambhara Hebber (eds), Towards a New Sociology in India
Authors: Nagla B.K.
Published: April 2017

Mahuya Bandyopadhyay and Ritambhara Hebber (eds), Towards a New Sociology in India. Hyderabad: Orient Blackswan, 2016, 266 pp. (hardback), ₹750, ISBN 978-81-250-6274-5.
Maximization Paradox: Result of Believing in an Objective Best
Authors: Luan Mo , Li Hong
Published: April 2017

The results from four studies provide reliable evidence of how beliefs in an objective best influence the decision process and subjective feelings. A belief in an objective best serves as the fundamental mechanism connecting the concept of maximizing and the maximization paradox (i.e., expending great effort but feeling bad when making decisions, Study 1), and randomly chosen decision makers operate similar to maximizers once they are manipulated to believe that the best is objective (Studies 2A, 2B, and 3). In addition, the effect of a belief in an objective best on the maximization paradox is moderated by the presence of a dominant option (Study 3). The findings of this research contribute to the maximization literature by demonstrating that believing in an objective best leads to the maximization paradox. The maximization paradox is indeed the result of believing in an objective best.
Human Rights Duties towards Future Generations and the Potential for Achieving Climate Justice
Authors: Lewis Bridget
Published: April 2017

Human rights-based approaches to climate change promise to address the intergenerational injustices of climate change by incorporating an enhanced consideration of the needs of future generations. Yet, a number of questions arise when one contemplates how international human rights law might accommodate the rights of persons as yet unborn. Among them are the theoretical questions of whether it is possible for future generations to possess human rights and for present generations to owe them corresponding duties. Assuming that such a theoretical conceptualisation is possible, a number of legal issues are present in attempting to protect the rights of future generations within current international human rights law, including the question of how the rights of future generations can be balanced against those of current generations. The paper will examine a number of domestic measures designed to protect the rights of future generations and consider how such mechanisms might contribute to a rights-based approach to resolving intergenerational climate injustice.
Embryonic Stem Cells in an International Human Rights Framework
Authors: Nugraha Ignatius Yordan
Published: April 2017

Recent scientific breakthroughs have revealed an innovative method of regrowing organs from embryological stem cells. This method can be harnessed to treat various life-threatening diseases such as cancer and leukaemia. However, it has spurred controversy since it requires the destruction of the embryo from which the stem cell is derived. On the one hand, various activists argue that the unborn embryo has the right to life. On the other hand, people who need stem cell treatment might argue that they have the right to the highest attainable standard of health, and hence are entitled to stem cell treatment. Therefore, there is a potential conflict between the right to health and the right to life, and thus this paper analyses the current framework of international human rights law in order to conclude which right is applicable in this case. This paper also tackles the important and related issue of whether international human rights law currently prescribes the right to life to unborn embryos, as this is a decisive issue in determining the applicability of both rights. However, this paper will not deal with ethical questions per se.
Trafficking in Human Beings for the Purpose of Labour Exploitation
Authors: Planitzer Julia
Published: April 2017

This article gives an overview of current legal initiatives for enhanced transparency regulations for corporations and the actions they take against trafficking in human beings (THB). The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (CTSCA) has an influence on legal initiatives in Europe, in particular in the United Kingdom. The UK's Modern Slavery Act includes the obligation for corporations to report on actions taken against THB and slavery. In addition, at the European Union level, measures to enhance obligatory reporting on non-fnancial matters, such as human rights matters, are to be implemented in national legislation in the next years. This article compares the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act with the UK's Modern Slavery Act. In order to decrease exploitation along the supply chain, the article concludes that legislation should not only require obligatory reporting but also oblige corporations to implement measures to prevent THB related to their activities.
Pulmonary Deposition: Determinants and Measurement Techniques
Authors: Sweeney Theresa D. , Brain Joseph D.
Published: April 2017

Evaluating the response of animals to a toxic or therapeutic agent requires the knowledge of the dose of the agent in the respiratory tract. Dose is the amount retained in the lungs. It is the difference between the amount deposited and the amount cleared. Many factors influence the amount of and the site of deposition in the respiratory tract. For particles, the characteristics of the aerosol, most importantly size, the physiology of the animal, most importantly breathing pattern, and the geometry of the respiratory tract all play a role in determining local dose. These factors and their relative importance in determining regional deposition are discussed. Finally, ways in which dose can be measured in the respiratory tract are explored. These range from simple estimates of total dose using whole lung digests to the precise localization of dose in well-defined lung compartments using morphometry or in cellular or subcellular compartments using electron energy loss spectroscopy. The techniques utilized by an investigator depend on the amount of resolution desired. Their use and implementation in inhalation studies are the key to fully understanding the response of an animal to an inhaled toxic or therapeutic agent.
Cytokine and Growth Factor Release by Alveolar Macrophages: Potential Biomarkers of Pulmonary Toxicity
Authors: Driscoll Kevin E. , Maurer James K.
Published: April 2017

Studies comparing pulmonary responses to crystalline silica (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (0.3 μm diameter, TiO2-F) demonstrated a positive correlation between alveolar macrophage (AM) release of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and fibronectin and, pulmonary granuloma formation, inflammation and fibrosis, respectively. AM IL-1 release was associated with the development of pulmonary granulomas after SiO2 exposure. AM release of TNF positively correlated with the degree of neutrophil recruitment after SiO2 or TiO2-F exposure. A persistent increase in AM fibronectin release consistently correlated with the development of pulmonary fibrosis after SiO2 or TiO2-F exposure. Studies comparing pulmonary responses to ultrafine TiO2 (TiO2-D; particle diameter, 0.02 μm) with TiO2-F demonstrate that ultrafine particles have a relatively greater toxicity on a mass/lung basis. Exposure to TiO2-D resulted in a persistent increase in AM TNF and fibronectin release which was associated with neutrophil recruitment and fibrosis, respectively. TiO2-D did not stimulate AM IL-1 release and this was consistent with the absence of a granulomatous response to TiO2-D. In light of the known bioactivities of IL-1, TNF and fibronectin, these correlative findings suggest that these mediators play significant roles in pulmonary responses to mineral dust exposure and may serve as potential early biomarkers of pulmonary toxicity.
Vascular territorial segmentation and volumetric blood flow measurement using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the brain
Authors: Geri Oren , Shiran Shelly I , Roth Jonathan , Artzi Moran , Ben-Sira Liat , Ben Bashat Dafna
Published: April 2017

This study proposes a method for territorial segmentation and volumetric flow rate (VFR) distribution measurement of cerebral territories based on time-resolved contrast enhanced magnetic-resonance-angiography (MRA). The method uses an iterative region-growing algorithm based on bolus-arrival-time with increased temporal resolution. Eight territories were segmented: (1) right and (2) left internal carotid arteries, including the middle cerebral artery (ICA+MCA), excluding the anterior cerebral arteries (ACA); (3) right and left ACA (R+L-ACA); (4) right and (5) left external carotid arteries (ECA); (6) right and (7) left posterior cerebral arteries (PCA); and (8) vertebrobasilar territory. VFR percentage, relative to the entire brain (rVFR), was measured based on territorial volume as a function of time. Mean rVFR values of fifteen healthy subjects were: ICA+MCA = 23 ± 2%, R + L-ACA = 17 ± 3%, ECA = 4 ± 2%, PCA = 12 ± 2%, and vertebrobasilar territory = 31 ± 4%. Excluding the ECA-rVFR, which is underestimated, these values are comparable to previously reported values. Six subjects were scanned twice, demonstrating comparable and even higher reproducibility than previously reported using phase-contrast, yet with faster scan time (∼1 min). This method was implemented in one patient with MCA occlusion and one with Moyamoya syndrome scanned before and after bypass surgery, demonstrating its clinical potential for quantitative assessment of the degree of occlusion and the effect of surgery.
Conditioned Sovereignty
Authors: Prinz Janosch , Schetter Conrad
Published: April 2017

We argue that the spatialization of violence in the counterterrorism operations of the War on Terror provides insight for understanding how these operations are legitimized and how they pose a challenge to an international order centered on state sovereignty. Against the background of a discussion of the key markers of statehood and recent normative challenges to state sovereignty, we interpret how discourses about “ungoverned spaces” influence the creation of spaces of violence in counterterrorism operations of the War on Terror. We then offer a conceptualization of these new spaces of violence, comparing “ungoverned spaces” discourse with the logic and justification of recent drone strikes. Finally, we interrogate how the existence of these different spatializations of violence fulfill legitimatory purposes in the War on Terror and what this means for the future of the international order.
Improving Sustainability Performance: Specifying, Implementing and Measuring Key Principles
Authors: Epstein Marc J. , Roy Marie-Josée
Published: April 2017

Nine principles of sustainability performance can be identified. They need to be clarified, explained, monitored and evaluated throughout the organization in order to reap the benefits.
Strategic innovation and organisational identity: A hermeneutic phenomenological investigation
Authors: Heil Dominik
Published: April 2017

This paper makes the case for an appropriate ontological inquiry into strategy and organisational issues in general and issues of organisational reputation, identity and innovation in particular. It does so by first responding to Powell's suggestion that strategy, and by implication all scholarly work on organisations, should do without ontology. While taking his concerns about ontology seriously, his approach is exposed as ontological itself and it is suggested that Heidegger's hermeneutic phenomenology is an appropriate path for an ontological inquiry with regards to strategic and organisational issues.

In using this type of ontological inquiry, the paper develops an avenue to propose such an ontological understanding, and then suggests a means of comprehending the very nature of organisations. It proceeds to use this insight to develop an understanding of the concepts, reputation, organisational identity and strategic innovation in line with the hermeneutic phenomenology of Heidegger. This understanding demonstrates the intricate, profound and strategic relationship between these phenomena. Fundamental steps for assessing strategic innovation in relation to organisational identity are developed.
The Influence of Brand Levels and Associations on Purchase Intent
Authors: Hopkins Christopher D. , Jones Scott A. , Pickett Gregory , Raymond Mary Anne
Published: April 2017

This study considers the influence of attitudes toward an institution of higher education, the influence of attitudes toward a specific branded product offered by many universities and the influence of attitudes toward a product category on purchase intent. The results suggest attitudes toward the university and product category positively influence purchase intentions but not attitudes toward a branded product. Furthermore, involvement is found to moderate these relationships. The findings have implications for branding decisions and strategies made by universities, including how a university brands and markets its offerings.
Strategic Decision-Making: Models and Methods in the Face of Complexity and Time Pressure
Authors: Rahman Noushi , De Feis George L.
Published: April 2017

The aim of this paper is to organise decision-making models and methods into one coherent matrix, using complexity (high to low) and time pressure (high to low) dimensions as relevant axes. Eight case vignettes are used to demonstrate the fit of four decision-making models and four decision making methods within high-low complexity and high-low time pressure. The arguments and the vignettes suggest that a particular decision-making model or method becomes an appropriate tool for strategic decision-makers under varying complexity and time pressure. The appropriate model or method would change when the characteristics of the environment change. Decision-making models and methods can be systematically assessed with the proposed framework.
Selecting R&D Projects for Technology-Based Innovation
Authors: Cheung Michael Tow , Greenfield Paul F. , Liao Ziqi
Published: April 2017

A vital question incorporated under the fundamental corporate strategy of technology-based innovation is that of ensuring that R&D would most effectively exploit technological change in the development of new or enhanced products and services. The literature contains a profusion of models, methods and techniques which guide R&D project selection. Three approaches are particularly important: one based on mathematical programming, one where project selection is understood as a process rationally embedded in the corporate behavioural, organisational, and informational structure, and one which requires projects to be strategically consistent-and-Integrated. To assist the bounded-rational manager faced with this embarras de choix, the authors propose a heuristic framework which respects both the constraint imposed by decision costs and the principle that to optimise the use of knowledge as many as possible of the results from the literature should enter into the firm's decision-information shortlist. Exploiting this framework, the manager can readily compare the different approaches under the normative methodology of testing the empirical relevance of their assumptions against a core model description of the firm's ‘real world' constructed according to the methodology of scientific realism. Once an approach which is methodologically best (most realistic) is found, the decision process can be refined upon further considerations of bounded rationality to determine a model, method, or technique under this approach which is simultaneously knowledge-optimal and operationally-satisficed.
Learning from Fiasco: What Causes Decision Error and how to Avoid it
Authors: Hodgson Julia , Drummond Helga
Published: April 2017

All decisions involving uncertainty run the risk of failure. Whilst chance almost invariably influences outcomes, the authors suggest that many costly decision errors made by organisations could be avoided if decision-makers understood more about how and why their ability to exercise rational judgement can become undermined. This paper explains the main non-rational forces likely to impinge upon decision-making, with reference to extant theory and research. The authors discuss how, contrary to terminating faltering projects, organisations can end up investing more resources in them – a phenomenon known as escalation of commitment. The authors then consider how organisations can improve decision-making. Controversially, it is suggested that risk-management techniques may not always reduce danger but actually add to it.
Consumers' Intention to Buy Private Label Brands Revisited
Authors: Walsh Gianfranco , Mitchell Vincent-Wayne
Published: April 2017

In many countries retailers use private label brands (i.e., brands sold under retailers' own labels) to differentiate assortment and price. As private label brands enjoy growing popularity and are increasing in both their quantity and quality, they continue to attract the attention of scholars and practitioners. One shortcoming of previous research is that it focuses on price as the dominant driver of buying intentions; this paper proposes a new model that explains intention to purchase private label brands. The hypothesised model relationships are tested against empirical data from two surveys. The findings reveal that the predictive power of the consumer perceived value is greater than other independent variables previously examined and that contrary to previous work, brand consciousness and attitude toward private labels have little effect. The article demonstrates managerial and research implications.
A Model of Supplier Dissidence in Flexible Vertical Partnerships
Authors: Donada Carole , Dostaler Isabelle
Published: April 2017

In the age of outsourcing, flexibility becomes a watchword for competitiveness. OEMs operating in a build-to-order environment face considerable external fluctuations that they pass down their supply chains. Consequently, lower-tier suppliers who contribute to a manufacturer's efficiency and success face a difficult situation. This study explores the supplier's viewpoint. Its focus is on the premise that being highly flexible is not always in the supplier's interest: a supplier must know when to refuse certain relational demands imposed on him by all-powerful buyers and know when to become a dissident. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to propose a conceptual model identifying the sources of supplier dissidence with regard to customer's requirements for increased levels of flexibility.