bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive characterization of neutrophil genome topology
Authors: Zhu Yina , Gong Ke , Denholtz Matthew , Chandra Vivek , Kamps Mark P. , Alber Frank , Murre Cornelis
Published: February 2017

Neutrophils are responsible for the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Their nuclei are uniquely structured as multiple lobes that establish a highly constrained nuclear environment. Here we found that neutrophil differentiation was not associated with large-scale changes in the number and sizes of topologically associating domains (TADs). However, neutrophil genomes were enriched for long-range genomic interactions that spanned multiple TADs. Population-based simulation of spherical and toroid genomes revealed declining radii of gyration for neutrophil chromosomes. We found that neutrophil genomes were highly enriched for heterochromatic genomic interactions across vast genomic distances, a process named supercontraction. Supercontraction involved genomic regions located in the heterochromatic compartment in both progenitors and neutrophils or genomic regions that switched from the euchromatic to the heterochromatic compartment during neutrophil differentiation. Supercontraction was accompanied by the repositioning of centromeres, pericentromeres, and long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) to the neutrophil nuclear lamina. We found that Lamin B receptor expression was required to attach centromeric and pericentromeric repeats but not LINE-1 elements to the lamina. Differentiating neutrophils also repositioned ribosomal DNA and mininucleoli to the lamina—a process that was closely associated with sharply reduced ribosomal RNA expression. We propose that large-scale chromatin reorganization involving supercontraction and recruitment of heterochromatin and nucleoli to the nuclear lamina facilitates the folding of the neutrophil genome into a confined geometry imposed by a multilobed nuclear architecture.
A theoretical investigation of orientation relationships and transformation strains in steels
Authors: Koumatos K. , Muehlemann A.
Published: February 2017

The identification of orientation relationships (ORs) plays a crucial role in the understanding of solid phase transformations. In steels, the most common models of ORs are the ones by Nishiyama–Wassermann (NW) and Kurdjumov–Sachs (KS). The defining feature of these and other OR models is the matching of directions and planes in the parent face-centred cubic γ phase to ones in the product body-centred cubic/tetragonal α/α′ phase. In this article a novel method that identifies transformation strains with ORs is introduced and used to develop a new strain-based approach to phase-transformation models in steels. Using this approach, it is shown that the transformation strains that leave a close-packed plane in the γ phase and a close-packed direction within that plane unrotated are precisely those giving rise to the NW and KS ORs when a cubic product phase is considered. Further, it is outlined how, by choosing different pairs of unrotated planes and directions, other common ORs such as the ones by Pitsch and Greninger–Troiano can be derived. One of the advantages of our approach is that it leads to a natural generalization of the NW, KS and other ORs for different ratios of tetragonalityrof the product body-centred tetragonal α′ phase. These generalized ORs predict a sharpening of the transformation textures with increasing tetragonality and are thus in qualitative agreement with experiments on steels with varying alloy concentration.
Numerical analysis of the effects of changing hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers
Authors: Abd-Elaty Ismail , Abd Elhamid Hany Farhat , Javadi Akbar
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a numerical model to study the effect of changing hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical model SEAWAT is validated and applied to a hypothetical case (Henry problem) and a real case study (Biscayne aquifer, Florida, USA) for different values of hydraulic parameters including; hydraulic conductivity, porosity, dispersion, diffusion, fluid density and solute concentration. The dimensional analysis technique is used to correlate these parameters with the intrusion length.

Findings

The results show that the hydraulic parameters have a clear effect on saltwater intrusion as they increase the intrusion in some cases and decrease it in some other cases. The results indicate that changing hydraulic parameters may be used as a control method to protect coastal aquifers from saltwater intrusion.

Practical implications

The results of the application of the model to the Biscayne aquifer in Florida showed that the intrusion can be reduced to 50 percent when the hydraulic conductivity is reduced to 50 percent. Decreasing hydraulic conductivity by injecting some relatively cheap materials such as bentonite can help to reduce the intrusion of saltwater. So the saltwater intrusion can be reduced with relatively low cost through changing some hydraulic parameters.

Originality/value

A relationship to calculate intrusion length in coastal aquifer is developed and the impact of different hydraulic parameters on saltwater intrusion is highlighted. Control of saltwater intrusion using relatively cheap method is presented.
The relationship between perceived pay equity, productivity, and organizational commitment for US professionals of color
Authors: Buttner E. Holly , Lowe Kevin B.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine: the direct effect of perceived pay equity, the interaction of perceived pay equity and productivity, and the relative effects of perceived internal and external pay equity on organizational commitment (OC) among US scholars of color.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed 160 professionals. Correlation and hierarchical regression were employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Perceived pay equity directly influenced OC and interacted with scholarly productivity to affect commitment. Highly productive participants who perceived pay equity reported the highest commitment. When pay was seen as inequitable, the most productive scholars reported the lowest commitment. Perceived internal pay equity had an effect, over and above perceived external pay equity on commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in one industry in the USA, so the results should be generalized cautiously. While, the data were single-source and cross-sectional, the findings were consistent with previous research.

Practical implications

Findings may be useful for minority scholars’ supervisors since they have knowledge of the productivity and salaries in the department and can provide a detailed explanation for pay differences to enhance pay equity perceptions, particularly for the most productive scholars.

Originality/value

This study adds to the equity and relative deprivation theory research investigating the effect of perceived pay equity on employee outcomes by examining perceived internal and external pay equity perceptions and productivity on OC. Results suggest that highly productive minority professionals in higher education are particularly sensitive to pay equity.
An assessment of OECD sustainable portfolios with a multi-criteria approach under uncertainty
Authors: Cortez Alejandro Klender , Rodríguez García Martha del Pilar
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the differences in financial performance portfolios between sustainable and non-sustainable firms through the use of portfolio theory and OptQuest algorithms from 2007 to 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 1,078 firms from 15 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries. A maximisation weighted ratio is estimated by applying OptQuest algorithms to measure the portfolio performance considering a fuzzy Jensen’s alpha and the percentage of the portfolio’s performance that exceeds the market.

Findings

The results show a similar financial performance in sustainable portfolios (SP) and non-SP, but considering the uncertainty, the performance in sustainable firms was better than that of non-sustainable ones. Uncertainty was reduced, as it passed the beginning of the crisis from 2008-2009 to 2012-2013.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is the different assessments of sustainability indexes in each of the countries.

Practical implications

The results help investors assess their decisions in an uncertain economic environment and allocate their investment in not only financial terms but also social character.

Social implications

Countries with higher financial performances in SP show the efficiency in their legal environmental regulations. On the other hand, the degree of uncertainty is lower in the SP than non-SP, suggesting that sustainable firms in financial crisis could be more responsible in social claims such as good working conditions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to existing research in two ways. First, the paper studies corporate social responsibility by different continents and countries in an uncertain economic timespan. For this, the legal, cultural and socioeconomic divergences and convergences were explored. Second, the research presented an analysis of the financial performance differences between sustainable and non-SP by applying a hybrid methodology with fuzzy regression and OptQuest algorithms.
The basis for establishing one or more Europes
Authors: Gil Aluja Jaime
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This work aims to ask for the possibility to establish one or more Europes in a heterogeneous territory where the main goal is to create a common space. The use of a specific methodology will help us to know whether it is possible to apply general policies in the whole territory or it will be necessary to adapt them to a different group of spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking into account the experts’ opinions, causality relationships, grouping processes and distances techniques can be obtained to get an overall view of different groups of areas where it will be possible to develop the specific policies successfully.

Findings

Theoretically, the proposed model using fuzzy logic in grouping processes presents significant results that contribute to the theory on regional development.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new approach to solve the territorial problem to apply the European policies. Introducing these techniques, one will be able to approach the different positions to the specific areas in Europe to create a peaceful and harmonic space of cohabitation.
Sustainability, blended learning and the undergraduate communication skills classroom: negotiating engineering undergraduates’ expectations and perceptions
Authors: Sivapalan Subarna
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the outcomes of a study conducted to explore the perceptions and expectations of undergraduate engineering learners on the potential of incorporating sustainability within the Professional Communication Skills (PCS) module, via blended learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods case study approach was used, using surveys, learner reflections and interviews.

Findings

Key findings include (a) learners finding a heightened sense of awareness of environmental, social and cultural dimensions of sustainability, (b) development of sustainability literacy and communication skills for the real world, (c) scepticism and apprehension of blended learning teaching and learning methods, (d) development of capacity for self-directed learning resulting from flipped learning and (e) differences in quality of peer and lecturer interaction online and in the traditional classroom set up.

Originality/value

Sivapalan’s (2015) study suggests that Malaysian engineering graduates lack sustainability knowledge, competences and values, and often struggle to cope with professional responsibilities that require them to exercise these literacies. Much of this is attributed to the lack of sustainability integration within the undergraduate engineering curriculum, and within teaching approaches used. To date, there is little research within the Malaysian engineering education context to gauge the extent to which non-technical academic modules such as the PCS module could be used as a platform to incorporate sustainability learning outcomes. Research to gauge learners’ feedback and reflections on the integration of sustainability via non-technical modules and blended learning approaches is also scarce.
Learning for sustainability in the digital world
Authors: Speight Sarah
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this editorial is to provide some context to this special issue and explain how the authors are linking sustainability and digital literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Making reference to relevant literature, the paper explores how the four case studies, all written by practitioners, adopt particular approaches to learning for sustainability.

Findings

Driven by personal commitment to the sustainability agenda, the authors have found their own routes to developing effective learning for their own students or for general audiences via massive open online courses (MOOCs). Their initiatives have limited reach at present, but all signal the growing commitment within higher education to sustainability as a subject of study and pedagogic approach in teaching and learning, and to the development of digital literacy.

Originality/value

Digital pedagogies can support sustainability literacy by facilitating the convenient delivery of content and also by facilitating networked and collaborative learning that can cross the boundaries of culture and context.
Unseeing Chinatown: Universal Zoning, Planning Abstraction and Space of Difference
Authors: Rugkhapan Napong Tao
Published: February 2017

The article investigates the technical rationality behind Bangkok's recent land use zoning plans. It does so through the example of Chinatown. The plans, intended to promote urban sustainability, introduce zoning techniques such as (1) land use subcategorization to hierarchize urban districts, and (2) density zoning to encourage intensive development around transit stations. The case of Chinatown foregrounds the discussion in this article, which then, in turn, explores the two zoning techniques. I argue that both techniques are formulated through a functionalist rationality, and thus omit place‐specific conditions of land, such as local practices, histories and land tenure. Worse yet, the landed elite uses them to justify displacement and eviction. The article theorizes Chinatown as a space of difference, pointing to particularities that are unseen and thus at risk of being unmade by what is often passed off as technical expertise.
Adapting and Applying the Phenice (1969) Adult Morphological Sex Estimation Technique to Subadults
Authors: Klales Alexandra R. , Burns Tesa L.
Published: February 2017

This research evaluated whether adult morphological sex estimation methods of the innominate could be adapted and applied to subadults. The subpubic concavity, described by Phenice (1969) and revised by Klales et al. (2012), was modified for use with subadults. Two observers scored radiographic images from the PATRICIA database of 334 individuals of both sexes aged between 1.19 and 20.47 years. Score frequencies shifted from score 2 (straight) to higher frequencies of score 3 (convexity) in males and score 1 (concavity) in females with increasing age. Using ordinal logistic regression, sex classification was highest for the oldest age cohort at 97.2% and then decreased by age cohort. Interobserver error rendered a high level of agreement (0.806) using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results indicate that the Klales method can be modified and applied to subadults to accurately estimate sex following the onset of puberty with a high degree of reliability and validity.
Signs of Fungal Infection in Dead Mimic the Chronic Torture
Authors: Pathak Akhilesh K. , Shukla Vaishaki Y.
Published: February 2017

The cases of battered woman syndrome (BWS) are very common in India. The majority of the women suffer battering by their family members especially in‐laws. The injuries occurring each time indicate their being battered, but on being questioned about these happenings, a mismatched history being given by them is the major indication of BWS. In many of the cases, the injuries present over the body either in healing stages or in association with skin diseases may mislead the forensic pathologists and investigating agencies. One such rare autopsy was conducted where the healing lesions of the chronic fungal infections were mistaken as the injuries of chronic torture. The case is presented here to remind to the forensic pathologist about the possibility of the signs of chronic fungal infections in dead, which can mimic the torture, and to discuss its medicolegal implications.
The Effect of Varying the Composition of Fingerprint Sweat Deposits on the Corrosion of Brass and Fingerprint Visibility
Authors: Cooper‐Dunn Alice , Jones Owen , Bond John W.
Published: February 2017

Corrosion of α‐phase brass by sebaceous sweat fingerprint deposits produced identifiable impressions in a majority of samples (n = 40) 4 days after deposition. Combining sebaceous with eccrine sweat yielded a greater percentage of identifiable fingerprint deposits, although this increase was not statistically significant. Production of identifiable fingerprints from eccrine sweat deposits was dependent on the sampling time of year with deposits taken during summer months giving similar percentages of identifiable fingerprints to sebaceous deposits. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between elapsed days after deposition and identifiable eccrine (ρ = 0.787, p < 0.05), sebaceous (ρ = 0.724, p < 0.05), and eccrine/sebaceous mixture (ρ = 0.908, p < 0.01) fingerprints deposited during summer months. The summer increase in the percentage of identifiable eccrine sweat deposits was statistically significant compared to winter eccrine deposits (p < 0.0001). Observations were consistent with results obtained from artificial sebaceous and eccrine sweat.
Alteration of the Death Scene After Self‐stabbing: A Case of Sharp Force Suicide Disguised by the Victim as a Homicide?
Authors: Pelletti Guido , Visentin Sindi , Rago Claudio , Cecchetto Giovanni , Montisci Massimo
Published: February 2017

This paper reports a case of a 72‐year‐old woman who was found dead in her bedroom with a 4 cm vertical stab wound in the abdomen. A bloodstained knife was found in the top drawer of her bedside table. The clothes worn by the victim showed no damage. A bloodstained vest and a sweater with frontal incisions were found far from the victim, in the bathroom and in the bedroom respectively. Several bloodstains were found in every room of the apartment. The evidence found during the forensic examination and, in particular, the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, led the investigators to determine the manner of death, being consistent with a suicide with a long‐lasting physical activity after self‐stabbing. This report describes an unusual case of “disguised suicide,” in which the victim tried to cover‐up the suicide by changing her clothes and concealing the weapon, in the last minutes of her life.
Review of axillary lesions, emphasising some distinctive imaging and pathology findings
Authors: Gupta Amber , Metcalf Cecily , Taylor Donna
Published: February 2017

The axilla is often included on mammography, ultrasound (US), CT and MRI. Axillary masses can arise from any of the tissue components present in this region including breast parenchyma. Aetiologies include: lymphadenopathy due to inflammation, malignancy and degenerative causes; soft tissue tumours such as haemangioma, lymphangioma, peripheral nerve sheath tumours and lipomas; post‐surgical complications such as seroma, lymphocoele and haematoma; lesions arising in accessory breast tissue such as fibroadenoma and carcinoma. Some of these entities have distinctive imaging appearances knowledge of which can be helpful in suggesting the correct diagnosis.
Transcaval core biopsy in malignant superior vena cava obstruction: Potential for single stage diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Maingard Julian , Brooks Mark
Published: February 2017

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is secondary to obstruction of venous flow from the superior vena cava to the right atrium. Endovascular stenting is particularly useful when severe or rapidly progressive disease requires urgent treatment. In suspected mediastinal malignancy, transcaval biopsy can be combined with endovenous stenting to provide diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure. Three patients were referred for investigation and treatment of SVCS over a 20 month period. Under fluoroscopic guidance Cook Medical transjugular biopsy sets (with 20‐gauge QuickCore biopsy needles) were used and two or three core biopsy samples were obtained. Stents were utilised to treat SVC obstructions in two of three patients. Obtained samples were adequate for histological diagnosis. Diagnoses included small cell and small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung. No procedural complications were encountered. Importantly, no further invasive diagnostic procedures were required. This is a safe and effective alternative to obtain a histological diagnosis in malignant SVCS and in the appropriate clinical setting biopsy can be combined with SVC stenting in a single procedure.
Collusion and heterogeneity of firms
Authors: Obara Ichiro , Zincenko Federico
Published: February 2017

We examine the impact of heterogeneous discounting on collusion in dynamic Bertrand competition. We show exactly when collusion can be sustained and how collusion would be organized efficiently with heterogeneous discounting. First, we show that collusion is possible if and only if the average discount factor exceeds a certain threshold, with or without capacity constraints. Next, we identify a dynamic pattern of market share that characterizes efficient collusion and obtain the unique long‐run prediction despite the presence of multiple equilibria. In the long run, the most patient firm and the most impatient firm tend to dominate the market.
Risk factors in the development of behaviour difficulties among students with special educational needs and disabilities: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Oldfield Jeremy , Humphrey Neil , Hebron Judith
Published: February 2017

Background

Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are more likely to exhibit behaviour difficulties than their typically developing peers.

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify specific risk factors that influence variability in behaviour difficulties among individuals with SEND.

Sample

The study sample comprised 4,228 students with SEND, aged 5–15, drawn from 305 primary and secondary schools across England.

Method

Explanatory variables were measured at the individual and school levels at baseline, along with a teacher‐reported measure of behaviour difficulties (assessed at baseline and at 18‐month follow‐up).

Results

Hierarchical linear modelling of data revealed that differences between schools accounted for between 13% (secondary) and 15.4% (primary) of the total variance in the development of students’ behaviour difficulties, with the remainder attributable to individual differences. Statistically significant risk markers for these problems across both phases of education were being male, eligibility for free school meals, being identified as a bully, and lower academic achievement. Additional risk markers specific to each phase of education at the individual and school levels are also acknowledged.

Conclusion

Behaviour difficulties are affected by risks across multiple ecological levels. Addressing any one of these potential influences is therefore likely to contribute to the reduction in the problems displayed.
Progenitor genotyping reveals a complex clonal architecture in a subset of CALR‐mutated myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Martin Sarah , Wright Casey M. , Scott Linda M.
Published: February 2017

The identification of acquired CALR mutations in patients with essential thrombocythaemia (ET) or myelofibrosis (MF) has meant that disease‐initiating mutations can now be detected in about 90% of all patients with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Here, we show that only those CALR mutations that cause a +1 frameshift, thereby altering the carboxy‐terminus of calreticulin, promote cytokine independence in vitro; in‐frame deletions were not functional, and are unlikely to be the pathogenetic mutation underlying some MPN cases. Expression of the thrombopoietin receptor, MPL, was also necessary for factor‐independence. Although the CALR mutations are considered to occur only in JAK2 V617F‐negative cases and in a heterozygous state, progenitor genotyping revealed that this is not always true. Notably, CALR mutation‐positive MPNs can be polyclonal: in one case, two distinct CALR mutation‐positive subpopulations could be identified; in another, separate populations of JAK2 V617F‐positive and CALR‐mutated cells were present. Mitotic recombination involving chromosome 19 in a third instance resulted in the emergence of a CALR mutation‐homozygous subclone. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that occasional patients with CALR mutation‐positive ET or MF carry other MPN‐initiating genetic mutations (including JAK2 V617F), acquire “secondary mutations” before or after the CALR mutation, or evolve over time to being CALR mutation‐homozygous.
Phase II study of bendamustine, bortezomib and dexamethasone (BBD) in the first‐line treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who are not candidates for high dose chemotherapy
Authors: Berdeja Jesus G. , Bauer Todd , Arrowsmith Edward , Essell James , Murphy Patrick , Reeves James A. , Boccia Ralph V. , Donnellan William , Flinn Ian
Published: February 2017

The combination of bendamustine, bortezomib and dexamethasone (BBD) was evaluated as a first‐line therapy for multiple myeloma. The original treatment regimen of bendamustine 80 mg/m2, days 1, 4; bortezomib 1·3 mg/m2, days 1, 4, 8, 11; dexamethasone 40 mg, days 1, 2, 3, 4 on a 28‐day cycle (up to 8 cycles) was efficacious but determined relatively toxic in an interim analysis. The regimen was amended to bendamustine 80 mg/m2, days 1, 2; bortezomib 1·3 mg/m2, days 1, 8, 15; dexamethasone 20 mg, days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 every 28 days (up to 8 cycles), then maintenance 1·3 mg/m2 IV bortezomib every 2 weeks. Fifty‐nine patients were enrolled. Primary endpoint was complete response (CR) rate. The original schema was given for a median of 7 cycles (range 1–8); modified schema was given for a median of 8 cycles (range 1‐8) plus maintenance. Overall response was 91%, CR was 9%. Median follow‐up was 19·1 months; median progression‐free survival was 11·1 months and 18·9 months on the original and modified regimens, respectively. The most common Grade 3/4 adverse events were fatigue and neuropathy. The combination of BBD is tolerable and efficacious in this patient population. Modifications to decrease intensity but increase duration translated to better outcomes.
Biological screening of cucurbitacin inspired estrone analogs targeting mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway
Authors: Ahmed Mahmoud S. , El‐Senduny Fardous , Taylor Jessica , Halaweish Fathi T.
Published: February 2017

Assembly of cucurbitacin inspired estrone analogs has been previously synthesized and screened against melanoma cell lines. Further synthetic optimization was executed via installation of Azide polar functional moiety across 23, 24 α, β‐unsaturated ketone side chain using Michael addition reaction. This was followed by biological screening against melanoma cell lines employing MTT assay, in‐cell‐based ELISA assay, and Western blot analysis to monitor the potential of the synthesized analogs to inhibit the phosphorylated ERK levels. This resulted in evolution of MH‐4 possessing IC50 of 3.59 μm with significant decrease in the p‐ERK and targeting MAPK pathway.
Circulating NK cells and their subsets in Behçet's disease
Authors: Hasan M S , Ryan P L , Bergmeier L A , Fortune F
Published: February 2017

Behçet's disease (BD) is an autoinflammatory, chronic relapsing/remitting disease of unknown aetiology with both innate and acquired immune cells implicated in disease pathogenesis. Peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells and their CD56Dim/CD56Bright subsets were surface phenotyped using CD27 and CD16 surface markers in 60 BD patients compared to 60 healthy controls (HCs). Functional potential was assessed by production of interferon (IFN)-γ, granzyme B, perforin and the expression of degranulation marker CD107a. The effects of disease activity (BDActive  versus BDQuiet) and BD medication on NK cells were also investigated. Peripheral blood NK cells (P < 0·0001) and their constituent CD56Dim (P < 0·0001) and CD56Bright (P = 0·0015) subsets were depleted significantly in BD patients compared to HCs, and especially in those with active disease (BDActive) (P < 0·0001). BD patients taking azathioprine also had significantly depleted NK cells compared to HCs (P < 0·0001). A stepwise multivariate linear regression model confirmed BD activity and azathioprine therapy as significant independent predictor variables of peripheral blood NK percentage (P < 0·001). In general, CD56Dim cells produced more perforin (P < 0·0001) and granzyme B (P < 0·01) expressed higher CD16 levels (P < 0·0001) compared to CD56Bright cells, confirming their increased cytotoxic potential with overall higher NK cell CD107a expression in BD compared to HCs (P < 0·01). Interestingly, IFN-γ production and CD27 expression were not significantly different between CD56Dim/CD56Bright subsets. In conclusion, both BD activity and azathioprine therapy have significant independent depletive effects on the peripheral blood NK cell compartment.
Optimising the anionisation of cotton with 3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐propanesulphonic acid sodium salt for dyeing with basic dyes
Authors: Fu Sha , Farrell Matthew J. , Hauser Peter J.
Published: February 2017

To enable the dyeing of cotton with basic dyes, cotton fabrics were anionised using 3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐propanesulphonic acid sodium salt (CHPSAS). The anionisation efficiency of three typical textile processing application methods has been investigated, including cold pad‐batch, pad‐dry‐cure, and pad‐steam. To obtain the highest CHPSAS anionisation efficiency and dye uptake with basic dyes, the influence of CHPSAS concentration as well as molar ratio between CHPSAS and NaOH was evaluated. Additionally, various kinds of basic dye were applied to examine further the dyeability of the anionised cotton.
Circumferential strain by velocity vector imaging and speckle‐tracking echocardiography: validation against sonomicrometry in an aortic phantom
Authors: Petrini Johan , Eriksson Maria J. , Caidahl Kenneth , Larsson Matilda
Published: February 2017

Background

Evaluation of arterial deformation and mechanics using strain analysis on ultrasound greyscale images has gained increasing scientific interest. The aim of this study was to validate in vitro measurements of circumferential strain by velocity vector imaging (VVI) and speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE) against sonomicrometry as a reference method.

Method

Two polyvinyl alcohol phantoms sized to mimic the descending aorta were constructed and connected to a pulsatile flow pump to obtain high‐resistance flow profiles. The ultrasound images of the phantom used for strain analyses were acquired with a transesophageal probe. Global and regional circumferential strains were estimated using VVI and STE and were compared with the strain acquired by sonomicrometry.

Results

Global circumferential peak strain estimated by VVI and STE correlated well to sonomicrometry (r = 0·90, P≤0·001; and r = 0·97, P≤0·01) with a systematic bias of −0·78% and +0·63%, respectively. The reference strain levels were 1·07–2·54%. Circumferential strain values obtained by VVI were significantly lower than those obtained by STE (bias −1·41%, P≤0·001).

Conclusion

Global circumferential strain measured by VVI and STE correlates well with sonomicrometry. However, strain values obtained by VVI and STE differ significantly, which should be taken into consideration when comparing results from studies using different software for aortic strain measurements.
Radiation‐associated angiosarcoma in the setting of breast cancer mimicking radiation dermatitis: A diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Daniels Brianne H. , Ko Jennifer S. , Rowe J. Jordi , Downs‐Kelly Erinn , Billings Steven D.
Published: February 2017

Background

We have encountered cases of post‐radiation angiosarcoma (PRAS) histologically mimicking radiation dermatitis.

Methods

Cases of PRAS from institutional/consultation archives from 2006 to 2016 were reviewed. For inclusion, tumors had to have inapparent/subtle tumor at low magnification and scattered individual tumor cells resembling radiation fibroblasts. Prior ancillary studies were reviewed, with additional immunostains performed as needed.

Results

10 cases met criteria. All occurred in women treated for breast cancer (mean age 71 years). All had similar findings: in particular, scattered single atypical cells with pleomorphic nuclei associated with microscopic hemorrhage. They also had narrow, slightly wavy “worm‐like” vascular channels lined by atypical endothelial cells that lacked architectural complexity. Four cases showed focal areas of more conventional angiosarcoma. One case was an excision of a large mass that showed the “radiation dermatitis‐like” pattern radiating out from the central mass. All were positive for vascular markers (CD31, CD34, and/or ERG) and MYC. MYC amplification was demonstrated by FISH in both cases tested. In 3 of 3 cases with available re‐excision specimens, more obvious angiosarcoma was seen.

Conclusions

PRAS can be very subtle and histologically mimic radiation dermatitis. Careful attention to histologic features and ancillary tests allow accurate diagnosis in subtle PRAS.
Hyperglycaemia‐related complications at the time of diagnosis can cause permanent neurological disability in children with neonatal diabetes
Authors: Day J. O. , Flanagan S. E. , Shepherd M. H. , Patrick A. W. , Abid N. , Torrens L. , Zeman A. J. , Patel K. A. , Hattersley A. T.
Published: February 2017

Background

Children with neonatal diabetes often present with diabetic ketoacidosis and hence are at risk of cerebral oedema and subsequent long‐term neurological deficits. These complications are difficult to identify because neurological features can also occur as a result of the specific genetic aetiology causing neonatal diabetes.

Case reports

We report two cases of neonatal diabetes where ketoacidosis‐related cerebral oedema was the major cause of their permanent neurological disability. Case 1 (male, 18 years, compound heterozygous ABCC8 mutation) and case 2 (female, 29 years, heterozygous KCNJ11 mutation) presented with severe diabetic ketoacidosis at 6 and 16 weeks of age. Both had reduced consciousness, seizures and required intensive care for cerebral oedema. They subsequently developed spastic tetraplegia. Neurological examination in adulthood confirmed spastic tetraplegia and severe disability. Case 1 is wheelchair‐bound and needs assistance for transfers, washing and dressing, whereas case 2 requires institutional care for all activities of daily living. Both cases have first‐degree relatives with the same mutation with diabetes, who did not have ketoacidosis at diagnosis and do not have neurological disability.

Discussion

Ketoacidosis‐related cerebral oedema at diagnosis in neonatal diabetes can cause long‐term severe neurological disability. This will give additional neurological features to those directly caused by the genetic aetiology of the neonatal diabetes. Our cases highlight the need for increased awareness of neonatal diabetes and earlier and better initial treatment of the severe hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis often seen at diagnosis of these children.
Prevalence, glucose control and relative survival of people with Type 2 diabetes in the UK from 1991 to 2013
Authors: Holden S. E. , Jenkins‐Jones S. , Morgan C. Ll. , Peters J. R. , Schernthaner G. , Currie C. J.
Published: February 2017

Aims

To characterize the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes between 1991 and 2013 in the UK and to determine whether corresponding glucose control and survival had changed in the diabetic population during this period.

Methods

For this retrospective cohort study, people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes between 1991 and 2013 were identified from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and the annual point prevalence calculated. Mean HbA1c by year was estimated. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the risk of all‐cause mortality by year for incident cases of Type 2 diabetes treated with glucose‐lowering therapy.

Results

Crude prevalence of diagnosed Type 2 diabetes increased from 1.32% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.30% to 1.34%] in 1991 to 4.54% (4.52% to 4.56%) in 2013. Mean HbA1c for people with diagnosed Type 2 diabetes was 71 mmol/mol (8.6%) in 1991, 59 mmol/mol (7.5%) in 2003 and 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) in 2013. For diagnosed Type 2 diabetes treated with glucose‐lowering therapy, when compared with 1991, the hazard ratio for all‐cause mortality was 0.33 (0.27–0.41) in 2013.

Conclusion

The prevalence of diagnosed Type 2 diabetes trebled in the UK between 1991 and 2013. Improved survival in people with diagnosed Type 2 diabetes is likely to account, at least in part, for the increase in prevalence observed.
Do shocks affect men's and women's assets differently? Evidence from Bangladesh and Uganda
Authors: Quisumbing Agnes R. , Kumar Neha , Behrman Julia A.
Published: February 2017

Using panel data, this article tests whether shocks affect men's and women's assets differently in Bangladesh and Uganda. Across countries, covariate and idiosyncratic shocks have different effects on men's, women's and jointly owned assets. Jointly held land and assets were better insured against food price increases in Bangladesh, unlike jointly held assets and wives’ assets in Uganda. Weather shocks affect husbands’ and wives’ assets differently in both countries. Reflecting contextual differences, illness shocks negatively affected wives’ land in Bangladesh, while death reduced husbands’ non‐land assets. In Uganda, fuel price increases eroded husbands’ landholdings, while drought shocks reduced wives’ assets. Ugandan husbands’ assets were better protected against covariate shocks than wives’ assets.
Easily measurable, noninvasive, and novel finding for pulmonary hypertension: Hypertrophy of the basal segment of septomarginal trabeculation of right ventricle
Authors: Karakus Gultekin , Zencirci Ertugrul , Degirmencioglu Aleks , Güvenc Tolga Sinan , Unal Aksu Hale , Yildirim Aydin
Published: February 2017

Background

Effect of pulmonary hypertension (PH) on right ventricular (RV) geometry constitutes an ideal target to assess both pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and its physiological importance. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic power of the basal segment of septomarginal trabeculation (SMT) in predicting the PH and RV hypertrophy by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and Eisenmenger's syndrome (ES).

Methods

Eleven patients with IPAH, seven patients with ES, and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. CMR was used to measure the area and the thickness of the basal segment of SMT and right ventricular free wall (RVFW). Pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PASPs) were estimated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with continuous‐wave Doppler analysis measuring maximal tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) findings of CMR and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were also obtained in all patients and control group.

Results

The area and the thickness of the basal segment of SMT were higher in patients with IPAH and ES than control group (P<.001). Pulmonary artery dimension, end‐diastolic diameter of RV, RVFW thickness, and BNP levels were found to be significantly correlated with PAP (P<.001). LGE was present at the insertion point of RV only in patients group (P<.001).

Conclusions

Increased area and thickness of the basal segment of SMT are easily measurable noninvasive markers of PH in patients with IPAH and ES.
Among School Teachers: Bearing Witness as an Orientation in Educational Inquiry
Authors: Hansen David T.
Published: February 2017

In this writing, David Hansen illuminates the aesthetic, moral, and epistemic meaning of bearing witness to teaching and teachers by drawing upon a recently completed field‐based endeavor that included extensive school visits. Hansen shows how bearing witness can bring the inquirer close to the truth of teaching. However, the witness must undertake ethical work to ready her‐ or himself for the task. Even such readiness, which must be continuously re‐won on each occasion, guarantees nothing. The witness in the classroom must work with faith, hope, and a deep sense of the worthwhileness of teaching. Hansen suggests that the witness's practice as well as testimony regarding the work can have a valuable influence on the consciousness, and conscience, of all who concern themselves with teaching and teachers.
Publication and outcome reporting of homeopathy trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth T , Clark Justin , Glasziou Paul
Published: February 2017

Background

Homeopathy is gaining popularity globally, despite a lack of convincing evidence of its efficacy. For example, a 2015 review by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) found no discernible convincing effects beyond placebo. However, a concern was that publication bias and outcome reporting bias could have influenced the results of the included systematic reviews.

Objectives

To study (i) the rates of non‐publication and (ii) rates and types of alteration of planned outcomes of homeopathy studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov.

Methods

We searched ClinicalTrials.gov for all homeopathy trials completed more than 2 years ago. We then checked the trial's publication status by examining the publication field in ClinicalTrials.gov, searching PubMed and finally Google Scholar. We also checked whether the registered primary outcome matched the published primary outcome.

Results

We found 35 registered homeopathy trials, from 11 countries, completed at least 2 years ago. Of these 35, we found 16 (46%) publications in MEDLINE and Google Scholar. In four (of 16), the primary outcome measures had been switched or modified.

Conclusions

Of all homeopathy trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, only 46% appear to have published within 2 years of completion, of which a quarter altered their primary endpoint. Further research is warranted on the nature and reasons for non‐publication.
Optimal allocation of Red List assessments to guide conservation of biodiversity in a rapidly changing world
Authors: Hermoso Virgilio , Januchowski‐Hartley Stephanie Renee , Linke Simon , Dudgeon David , Petry Paulo , McIntyre Peter
Published: February 2017

TheIUCNRed List is the most extensive source of conservation status assessments for species worldwide, but important gaps in coverage remain. Here, we demonstrate the use of a spatial prioritization approach to efficiently prioritize species assessments to achieve increased and up‐to‐date coverage efficiently. We focus on freshwater fishes, which constitute a significant portion of vertebrate diversity, although comprehensive assessments are available for only 46% of species. We usedmarxanto identify ecoregions for future assessments that maximize the coverage of species while accounting for anthropogenic stress. We identified a set of priority regions that would help assess one‐third (ca 4000 species) of all freshwater fishes in need of assessment by 2020. Such assessments could be achieved without increasing current investment levels. Our approach is suitable for any taxon and can help ensure that species threat assessments are sufficiently complete to guide global conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world.
Hepatic vena cava syndrome: New concept of pathogenesis
Authors: Shrestha Santosh Man , Kage Masayoshi , Lee Byung Boong
Published: February 2017

Hepatic vena cava syndrome, also known as membranous obstruction of inferior vena cava (IVC), was considered a rare congenital disease and classified under Budd–Chiari syndrome. It is now recognized as a bacterial infection‐induced disease related to poor hygiene. Localized thrombophlebitis of the IVC at the site close to hepatic vein outlets is the initial lesion which converts on resolution into stenosis or complete obstruction, the circulatory equilibrium being maintained by development of cavo‐caval collateral anastomosis. These changes persist for the rest of the patient's life. The patient remains asymptomatic for a variable period until acute exacerbations occur, precipitated by bacterial infection, resulting in deposition of thrombi at the site of the lesion and endophlebitis in intrahepatic veins. Large thrombus close to hepatic vein outlets results in ascites from hepatic venous outflow obstruction, which is followed by development of venocentric cirrhosis. Endophlebitis of intrahepatic veins results in ischemic liver damage and development of segmental stenosis or membrane. Acute exacerbations are recognized clinically as intermittent jaundice and/or elevation of aminotransferase or ascites associated with neutrophil leukocytosis and elevation of C‐reactive protein; sonologically, they are recognized as the presence of thrombi of different ages in IVC and thrombosis of intrahepatic veins. Development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is related to severity or frequency of acute exacerbations and not to duration or type of caval obstruction. Hepatic vena cava syndrome is a common co‐morbid condition with other liver diseases in developing countries and it should be considered in differential diagnosis in patient with intermittent elevation serum bilirubin and or aminotransferase or development of ascites and cirrhosis.
Online information search behaviour of physicians
Authors: Mikalef Patrick , Kourouthanassis Panos E. , Pateli Adamantia G.
Published: February 2017

Background

Although doctors increasingly engage in online information seeking to complement their medical practice, little is known regarding what online information sources are used and how effective they are.

Objective

Grounded on self‐determination and needs theory, this study posits that doctors tend to use online information sources to fulfil their information requirements in three pre‐defined areas: patient care, knowledge development and research activities. Fulfilling these information needs is argued to improve doctors' perceived medical practice competence.

Methods

Performing PLS‐SEM analysis on primary survey data from 303 medical doctors practicing in four major Greek hospitals, a conceptual model is empirically tested.

Results

Using authoritative online information sources was found to fulfil all types of information needs. Contrarily, using non‐authoritative information sources had no significant effect. Satisfying information requirements relating to patient care and research activities enhanced doctors' perceptions about their medical practice competence. In contrast, meeting knowledge development information needs had the opposite result.

Discussion

Consistent with past studies, outcomes indicate that doctors tend to use non‐authoritative online information sources; yet their use was found to have no significant value in fulfilling their information requirements.

Conclusions

Authoritative online information sources are found to improve perceived medical practice competence by satisfying doctors' diverse information requirements.