bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum-free light-chain assay: clinical utility and limitations
Authors: Bhole Malini V , Sadler Ross , Ramasamy Karthik
Published: February 2014

In the last decade, the introduction of the serum-free light-chain (sFLC) assay has been an important advance in the diagnosis and management of plasma cell dyscrasias, particularly monoclonal light-chain diseases. The immunoassay was developed to detect free light chains in serum by using anti-FLC antibodies which specifically recognised epitopes on light chains that were ‘hidden’ in intact immunoglobulins. Since its introduction in 2001, there have been several publications in the English language literature discussing the clinical utility as well as analytical limitations of the sFLC assay. These studies have highlighted both positive and negative aspects of the assay particularly with regard to its sensitivity and specificity and the technical challenges that can affect its performance. The contribution and significance of the sFLC assay in the management of light-chain myeloma, primary amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis and non-secretory myeloma are well recognised and will be addressed in this review. The aim of this article is to also review the published literature with a view to providing a clear understanding of its utility and limitations in the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of plasma dyscrasias including intact immunoglobulin multiple myeloma (MM) and monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). The increasing interest in using this assay in other haematological conditions will also be briefly discussed.
Occupations as a Site of Political Preference Formation
Authors: Kitschelt Herbert , Rehm Philipp
Published: February 2014

Political preferences are multi-dimensional, covering topics like redistribution, immigration, and abortion. But what accounts for people’s political preferences? We argue that an individual’s work experiences on the job play an important part in shaping attitudes. In a process of generalization and transposition, people apply the kinds of reasoning, heuristics, and problem-solving techniques they learn and use at work in all realms of life. In this article, we briefly discuss the dimensionality of the political preference space and then explicate our account that links work experiences with attitudes. We use European Social Survey data to establish correlations between work experiences and attitudes and find evidence that is consistent with our account.
Veto Players and Interest Groups in Lawmaking
Authors: Vigour Cécile
Published: February 2014

The question of how to explain policy change has led to important academic debate over the past two decades. This article challenges explanations regarding veto players (VPs), arguing that interest groups (IGs) sometimes play a more decisive role than VPs —depending on the degree of organization and mobilization of such groups. The comparative analysis of judicial reforms in Italy, Belgium, and France shows the conditions under which IGs—understood here as legal professions—matter in the lawmaking process. Ceteris paribus, the more cohesive and legitimate an IG, the more likely it is to influence lawmaking regardless of the VP configuration. Analyses of legislative and policy change should therefore consider not only institutional and partisan actors but also the role of social group and IG in this process.
Rate-dependent hardening model for polymer-bonded explosives with an HTPB polymer matrix considering a wide range of strain rates
Authors: Park Chunghee , Huh Hoon , Park Jungsu
Published: February 2014

This article is concerned with the effect of the strain rate on the strain hardening behavior of polymer-bonded explosives at a wide range of strain rates ranging from 0.0001 s–1 to 3870 s−1. Inert polymer-bonded explosive simulants are prepared as specialized particulate composites to acquire analogous mechanical characteristics to polymer-bonded explosives for safety reasons. Uniaxial compressive tests were conducted from quasi-static states to intermediate strain rates ranging from 0.0001 s−1 to 100 s−1 with cylindrical specimens using a dynamic material testing machine (INSTRON 8801) and a high-speed material testing machine. An experimental method was developed for uniaxial compressive tests at intermediate strain rates ranging from 10 s−1 to 100 s−1. Split Hopkinson pressure bar tests were performed at high strain rates ranging from 1250 s−1 to 3870 s−1. Deformation behavior was investigated using captured images from a high-speed camera. The strain hardening behavior of polymer-bonded explosive simulants was formulated as a function of the strain rate with the proposed rate-dependent hardening model based on the DSGZ model. The model is capable of representing the complicated strain rate effects on the strain hardening behavior for rate-sensitive materials with a second-order exponentially-increasing function of the strain rate sensitivity. The rate-dependent hardening model of polymer-bonded explosives can be readily applied to prediction of deformation modes of polymer-bonded explosives in a warhead that undergoes severe dynamic loads.
An experimental and numerical investigation of progressive damage analysis in bonded patch repaired CFRP laminates
Authors: Kashfuddoja Mohammad , Ramji M
Published: February 2014

The damage evolution in composite material is a complex phenomenon, comprising several interacting failure modes like matrix cracking, fiber breakage, debonding and delamination. Damage initiation, its propagation and ultimate strength prediction of composite structure is of paramount importance for developing reliable and a safer design and utilizing them as primary load bearing one. During service life, these structures get damaged and are often repaired for extending their service life. In the present work, a 3D finite element-based progressive damage model is developed for predicting the failure and post-failure behaviour of notched and repaired panel under tensile load. Failure initiation load, ultimate strength and failure mechanisms are investigated through the developed progressive damage model. The accuracy of developed finite element model is assessed by comparing its prediction with the experimental results obtained from digital image correlation technique and they are found to be in good agreement. In this study, the panels made of carbon/epoxy composite laminates of pure unidirectional and quasi-isotropic stacking sequence are considered. The damaged panel is repaired with both single- and double-sided circular patch of same parent material. Stress-based 3D-Hashin’s failure criterion is used for predicting the damage mechanism. Maximum shear stress and strain criteria are considered to account for patch debonding. It is found that the damage in notched panel always initiates with matrix cracking around the hole. However, damage in repaired panel is influenced by localized patch debonding.
Ultimate strength prediction of braided textile composites using a multi-scale approach
Authors: Xu Lei , Jin Cheng Zhu , Ha Sung Kyu
Published: February 2014

In this paper, the strength of braided textile composites is predicted using a multi-scale approach bridging the mesoscale and microscale regimes. Mesoscale finite element models of representative unit cells of biaxial and triaxial braided composites are developed for predicting strength. The constituent stresses of tows inside the braided unit cell are calculated using micromechanics. Correlations between mesoscale stresses and microscale constituent stresses are established by using stress amplification factors. After calculating microscale stresses, a micromechanics-based progressive damage model is employed to determine the damage statuses of braided composites. A volume-averaging homogenization method is utilized to eliminate damage localization in the matrix of tows, and a parametric study is performed to evaluate the effects of damage homogenization. Subsequently, the ultimate strength is predicted for braided composites in which the braiding angle ranges from 15° to 75°. The prediction results are compared with the experimental values, and good agreement is observed.
Repeatability of glass fiber reinforced polymer laminate panels manufactured by hand lay-up and vacuum-assisted resin infusion
Authors: Rydarowski Henryk , Koziol Mateusz
Published: February 2014

The paper presents a comparison of the test results for the fiber volume fraction, static bending and Charpy impact strength of glass fiber reinforced polymer laminates reinforced by 0/90 fabric and chopped strand mat, produced by the hand lay-up and the vacuum-assisted resin infusion (VARI) method. The laminates were produced under equivalent conditions, with polyester matrix and lay-up areal mass 2100 g/m2. In the comparison of the obtained measurement results, similar mechanical performance was stated in the case of the hand lay-up and the VARI production. However, significantly smaller scatter of results and better uniformity of the reinforcement in the matrix with smaller amount of local structure defects was observed for the samples obtained by VARI method. The laminates obtained by VARI method show a much more advantageous coefficient of variation than that of the hand lay-up method, especially in the case of the mat reinforcement.
Gender Stereotypes of Personality
Authors: Löckenhoff Corinna E. , Chan Wayne , McCrae Robert R. , De Fruyt Filip , Jussim Lee , De Bolle Marleen , Costa Paul T. , Sutin Angelina R. , Realo Anu , Allik Jüri , Nakazato Katsuharu , Shimonaka Yoshiko , Hřebíčková Martina , Graf Sylvie , Yik Michelle , Ficková Emília , Brunner-Sciarra Marina , Leibovich de Figueora Nora , Schmidt Vanina , Ahn Chang-kyu , Ahn Hyun-nie , Aguilar-Vafaie Maria E. , Siuta Jerzy , Szmigielska Barbara , Cain Thomas R. , Crawford Jarret T. , Mastor Khairul Anwar , Rolland Jean-Pierre , Nansubuga Florence , Miramontez Daniel R. , Benet-Martínez Veronica , Rossier Jérôme , Bratko Denis , Marušić Iris , Halberstadt Jamin , Yamaguchi Mami , Knežević Goran , Martin Thomas A. , Gheorghiu Mirona , Smith Peter B. , Barbaranelli Claudio , Wang Lei , Shakespeare-Finch Jane , Lima Margarida P. , Klinkosz Waldemar , Sekowski Andrzej , Alcalay Lidia , Simonetti Franco , Avdeyeva Tatyana V. , Pramila V. S. , Terracciano Antonio
Published: February 2014

Numerous studies have documented subtle but consistent sex differences in self-reports and observer-ratings of five-factor personality traits, and such effects were found to show well-defined developmental trajectories and remarkable similarity across nations. In contrast, very little is known about perceived gender differences in five-factor traits in spite of their potential implications for gender biases at the interpersonal and societal level. In particular, it is not clear how perceived gender differences in five-factor personality vary across age groups and national contexts and to what extent they accurately reflect assessed sex differences in personality. To address these questions, we analyzed responses from 3,323 individuals across 26 nations (mean age = 22.3 years, 31% male) who were asked to rate the five-factor personality traits of typical men or women in three age groups (adolescent, adult, and older adult) in their respective nations. Raters perceived women as slightly higher in openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness as well as some aspects of extraversion and neuroticism. Perceived gender differences were fairly consistent across nations and target age groups and mapped closely onto assessed sex differences in self- and observer-rated personality. Associations between the average size of perceived gender differences and national variations in sociodemographic characteristics, value systems, or gender equality did not reach statistical significance. Findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of gender stereotypes of personality and suggest that perceptions of actual sex differences may play a more important role than culturally based gender roles and socialization processes.
Candida and Other Fungal Species
Authors: Krom B.P. , Kidwai S. , ten Cate J.M.
Published: February 2014

In the last half-decade or so, interest in the bacterial part of the human microbiome and its role in maintaining health have received considerable attention. Since 2009, over 300 publications have appeared describing the oral bacterial microbiome. Strikingly, fungi in the oral cavity have been studied exclusively in relation to pathologies. However, little to nothing is known about a role of fungi in establishing and maintaining a healthy oral ecology. In a healthy ecology, balance is maintained by the combined positive and negative influences between and among its members. Interactions between fungi and bacteria occur primarily at a physical and chemical level. Physical interactions are represented by (co-)adhesion and repulsion (exclusion), while chemical interactions include metabolic dependencies, quorum-sensing, and the production of antimicrobial agents. Information obtained from oral model systems and also from studies on the role of fungi in gastro-intestinal ecology indicates that fungi influence bacterial behavior through these different interactions. This review describes our current knowledge of the interactions between fungi and bacteria and aims to illustrate that further research is required to establish the role of fungi in maintaining a healthy oral cavity.
Dental Caries and Enamelin Haplotype
Authors: Chaussain C. , Bouazza N. , Gasse B. , Laffont A.G. , Opsahl Vital S. , Davit-Béal T. , Moulis E. , Chabadel O. , Hennequin M. , Courson F. , Droz D. , Vaysse F. , Laboux O. , Tassery H. , Carel J.C. , Alcais A. , Treluyer J.M. , Beldjord C. , Sire J.Y.
Published: February 2014

In the literature, the enamelin gene ENAM has been repeatedly designated as a possible candidate for caries susceptibility. Here, we checked whether ENAM variants could increase caries susceptibility. To this aim, we sequenced coding exons and exon-intron boundaries of ENAM in 250 children with a severe caries phenotype and in 149 caries-free patients from 9 French hospital groups. In total, 23 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found, but none appeared to be responsible for a direct change of ENAM function. Six SNPs had a high minor allele frequency (MAF) and 6 others were identified for the first time. Statistical and evolutionary analyses showed that none of these SNPs was associated with caries susceptibility or caries protection when studied separately and challenged with environmental factors. However, haplotype interaction analysis showed that the presence, in a same variant, of 2 exonic SNPs (rs7671281 and rs3796704; MAF 0.12 and 0.10, respectively), both changing an amino acid in the protein region encoded by exon 10 (p.I648T and p.R763Q, respectively), increased caries susceptibility 2.66-fold independent of the environmental risk factors. These findings support ENAM as a gene candidate for caries susceptibility in the studied population.
Diversity and the Civic Spirit in British Neighbourhoods: An Investigation with MCDS and EMBES 2010 Data
Authors: Demireva Neli , Heath Anthony
Published: February 2014

Recently, there has been a proliferation of studies investigating the relationship between diversity and outcomes such as social cohesion and civic mindedness. This article addresses several common problems in this field and, using data for British neighbourhoods, elaborates on the experiences of both white British and ethnic minority respondents. We conclude that, if anything, diversity should be encouraged to cement the integration progress of migrants and foster stronger identification with Britain in the second generation. Deprivation at the neighbourhood level along with individual factors such as fear of crime is a much stronger predictor of deterioration of the civic spirit than diversity. Bridging contacts have the expected strong positive association with cohesion outcomes; and contrary to policy concerns no strong negative impact is observed for associational bonding among minority ingroupers.
Intrinsic Motivation and Expert Behavior
Authors: Zhu Xufeng , Zhang Peipei
Published: February 2014

Previous theories on expert involvement have been classically based on the assumption of extrinsic influence-driven motivation. This article aims to construct an expert behavior theory to bridge the gap between intrinsic motivation and behavior of experts by identifying two dimensions, namely, the attitudes toward two relationships, between theory and practice and between experts and officials. These two intrinsic motivations determine the four roles of individual experts, namely, technology communicators, theory demonstrators, idea entrepreneurs, and knowledge brokers. The empirical strategy is based on a comparative study of four experts who were involved in the Wenling participatory budgeting reform in China.
Community-Based Research in Generating Usable Knowledge for Public Policy and Administration
Authors: Kapucu Naim
Published: February 2014

Community-based research (CBR) is an approach used by researchers in partnership with practitioners and community members to tackle complex social problems for the betterment of society. Its application to the field of public policy and management is fairly new, and as a result, frameworks for its application are underdeveloped. This article discusses the rationale for applying this tool to the public policy and management field, and outlines major challenges that exist in its application. This article also highlights key principles of CBR and applies them to a study funded by a federal agency in the United States.
Auditor Independence Revisited
Authors: Arya Anil , Glover Jonathan
Published: February 2014

Maintaining auditor independence is vital to the auditing profession. This article argues that the auditor–client relationship exhibits special traits that make maintaining auditor independence easier than in other accountant–client relationships. In particular, the auditor–client relationship satisfies a one-sided separability condition, as the auditor is not involved in the structuring of transactions (unlike other accountants). The limited nature of the auditor’s attestation role and the reach of regulators, especially in the course of regulatory investigations, boost the availability of such separable information in auditor–client relationships. The information, in turn, provides the client with incentives to admit to nonobedient behavior to the owner, thereby introducing sufficient distrust (independence) between the accountant and the client to begin with.
Impact of Postoperative Weight Loss on Survival After Resection for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hashimoto Daisuke , Chikamoto Akira , Ohmuraya Masaki , Abe Shinya , Nakagawa Shigeki , Beppu Toru , Takamori Hiroshi , Hirota Masahiko , Baba Hideo
Published: February 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of postoperative body weight loss on long‐term survival after resection for pancreatic cancer. Methods: A total of 93 patients with primary pancreatic cancer underwent pancreatic resection between April 2005 and December 2011. Patient characteristics, preoperative body mass index, and changes in postoperative body weight were evaluated retrospectively and correlated with long‐term survival. Results: There was no significant association between survival and preoperative body mass index. Body weight fell by 8.4% at 2 months after surgery and by 9.0% at 4 months after surgery. Severe postoperative body weight losses, both at 2 months (P = .033) and 4 months (P = .014) after surgery, were significantly associated with poor prognosis, especially among patients with stage IA–IIA pancreatic cancer (n = 43) (P = .005 at 2 months and P < .001 at 4 months). Additionally, severe body weight loss tended to be associated with shorter survival among patients with stage IIB–III pancreatic cancer (n = 50), although the difference was not significant. Multivariate analysis revealed that postoperative body weight loss was an independent prognostic factor. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that pancreatic cancer patients with severe postoperative body weight loss have poorer postoperative outcomes.
Spectrum of Short Bowel Syndrome in Adults
Authors: Jeppesen Palle B.
Published: February 2014

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) refers to the malabsorptive state caused by physical or functional loss of portions of the small intestine, most commonly following extensive intestinal resection. Such resections hinder absorption of adequate amounts of macronutrients, micronutrients, electrolytes, and water, resulting in malnutrition, diarrhea, and dehydration. Clinical features of SBS vary along a continuum, depending on the extent and anatomy of intestine lost and the ability of the patient and the remaining intestine to compensate for the loss. The impact of SBS can be extensive, leading to diminished health‐related quality of life because of its many physical and psychological effects on patients. SBS is associated with decreased survival; risk factors for SBS‐related mortality include very short remnant small bowel, end‐jejunal remnant anatomy, and arterial mesenteric infarction as primary cause. Although parenteral nutrition and/or intravenous fluid (PN/IV) is a life‐saving measure for many patients with SBS, patients with the most severe malabsorption (ie, dependent on PN/IV) are at risk for severe, chronic complications and death. Patients’ treatment needs vary depending on disease severity and resection type; thus, each patient should be individually managed. This review discusses the spectrum of disease in patients with SBS and presents common complications encountered by these patients to highlight the importance of individualized management and treatment.
Biology as a Technology of Social Justice in Interwar Britain
Authors: Sommer Marianne
Published: February 2014

In this article, I am concerned with the public engagements of Julian Huxley, Lancelot Hogben, and J. B. S. Haldane. I analyze how they used the new insights into the genetics of heredity to argue against any biological foundations for antidemocratic ideologies, be it Nazism, Stalinism, or the British laissez-faire and class system. The most striking fact—considering the abuse of biological knowledge they contested—is that these biologists presented genetics itself as inherently democratic. Arguing from genetics, they developed an understanding of diversity that cuts across divisions of race, class, or gender. Human diversity rightly understood was advantageous for societal progress. Huxley, Hogben, and Haldane did not hold identical political ideals, but they all argued for democratic reforms and increased planning geared toward greater social equality, and they did so under the label of scientific humanism. Huxley took issue with the notion that evolutionary history does not carry any moral lessons for human societies. Rather than being its antithesis, evolution was the basis of human sociality. In fact, the entire future progress of individuals and communities toward a democratic world order needed to be founded on the cosmic principles of evolution—a process that had to be guided by the biological expert with a strong sense of social responsibility.
Parental Nonstandard Work Schedules, Parent–Child Communication, and Adolescent Substance Use
Authors: Kim Minseop , Ali Samira , Kim Hyun Suk
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the cumulative impact of parental nonstandard work schedules (NWS) on adolescent alcohol and cigarette use, with a focus on the mediating role of parent–child communication. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 and its Child Supplement, our path analyses revealed that (a) parental NWS affected adolescent alcohol and cigarette use via the openness of parent–child communication rather than the frequency of parent–child communication and (b) the pattern and directionality of the mediating effects differed by who worked NWS, when parents worked NWS, and what types of NWS parents worked. Implications and directions for future studies are discussed.
Working Weekends
Authors: Ruppanner Leah , Treas Judith
Published: February 2014

European countries are undergoing significant changes in employment schedules, including increases in weekend work with potential consequences for families. We focus on one arena of family life—the couple’s division of housework—to investigate implications of weekend work for this aspect of gender equality. Furthermore, we situate these divisions within the cross-national context of wives’ weekend work to determine whether nonstandard employment has more general implications for domestic practices. Using 2004 European Social Survey data for married respondents in 25 nations, we test original hypotheses which address time availability arguments, the qualitative differences in weekend and weekday time, and the gendered nature of domestic roles. We find husbands and wives accommodate to weekend employment, but women benefit less from these domestic adaptations. Regardless of their personal employment arrangements, husbands do relatively more housework and wives less in countries where wives’ weekend work is more prevalent.
Extending the Statistical Analysis and Graphical Presentation of Toxicity Test Results Using Standardized Effect Sizes
Authors: Festing Michael F. W.
Published: February 2014

The results of repeat-dose toxicity tests are usually presented as tables of means and standard deviations ( SDs), with an indication of statistical significance for each biomarker. Interpretation is based mainly on the pattern of statistical significance rather than the magnitude of any response. Multiple statistical testing of many biomarkers leads to false-positive results and, with the exception of growth data, few graphical methods for showing the results are available. By converting means and SDs to standardized effect sizes, a range of graphical techniques including dot plots, line plots, box plots, and quantile–quantile plots become available to show the patterns of response. A bootstrap statistical test involving all biomarkers is proposed to compare the magnitudes of the response between treated groups. These methods are proposed as an extension rather than an alternative to current statistical analyses. They can be applied to published work retrospectively, as all that is required is tables of means and SDs. The methods are illustrated using published articles, where the results range from strong positive to completely negative responses to the test substances.
Injection-site Malignant Fibrous Histiocytomas in a Pegvisomant Carcinogenicity Study in SD Rats
Authors: Bartholomew Phillip M. , Kreeger John M. , Morton Daniel
Published: February 2014

In a 2-year rat carcinogenicity study, pegvisomant injected subcutaneously on a daily basis at doses of 0, 2, 8, or 20 mg/kg/day produced malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFHs) at the injection sites of 3 male rats (5%) given 8 mg/kg/day and 5 males (8%) given 20 mg/kg/day. MFH was characterized by unencapsulated dermal and subcutaneous sheets of fusiform and spindle-shaped cells sometimes with areas of round and/or irregular, pleomorphic cells and variable numbers of large multinucleated giant cells. Some regions of MFH had a fibroblastic appearance with streaming cells forming storiform patterns, while other areas consisted primarily of round to plump irregular cells with more giant cells. Pegvisomant did not increase the incidence of MFH in female rats and did not produce any other neoplastic responses in rats. In the dermis and subcutis at the injection sites of many males and females, pegvisomant produced dose-related increased incidences and severity of histiocytic infiltrates consisting of vacuolated macrophages with variable mature or immature fibrous tissue. Neoplasms at injection sites did not result in marketing restrictions or a label warning for human cancer risk, highlighting that injection-site neoplasms in rats have low relevance for human risk assessment.
Career Advancement Opportunities and the ACVP/STP Coalition
Authors: Cockerell Gary
Published: February 2014

A new service to facilitate career advancement opportunities has been implemented by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP)/Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) Coalition for Veterinary Pathology Fellows. This service will allow rapid communication of these opportunities between veterinary pathologists in academia, industry, and government, and will be useful to trainees as well as established pathologists.
Trans‐Oral Brush Biopsies and Quantitative PCR for EBV DNA Detection and Screening of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Ng Raymond H. W. , Ngan Roger , Wei William Ignace , Gullane Patrick J. , Phillips John
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To evaluate a newly developed noninvasive ambulatory, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR) Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA detection and screening system (NP Screen™) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Study Design

Correlation of the nasopharyngeal epithelial EBV‐DNA levels and clinical findings by nasopharyngoscopy and final pathologic diagnosis of NPC with biopsy.

Setting

Multicenter ENT/Oncology clinics in Hong Kong (Radiation Oncology Clinic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Radiation Oncology Clinic and Head and Neck Clinic, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong) and in Toronto, Canada (the Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Clinic at the Rouge Valley Health System and 2 large ENT practices in Toronto).

Methods

A single‐use trans‐oral brush was used for rapid, nontraumatic nasopharyngeal (NP) epithelial cells DNA harvest in 600 Chinese patients, combined with a preservation and shipping kit for remote, real‐time Q‐PCR EBV DNA determinations.

Results

All 600 patients had NP brushings using NP Screen in an ambulatory environment, and no adverse events or complications were recorded. A final 578 patients were included with sufficient amount of DNA for completion of the Q‐PCR assay. Of these 578 patients, 94 were confirmed positive for NPC histologically. The study yielded a sensitivity of 98.9%, specificity of 99.3%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 96.9%, and negative predictive value (NPP) of 99.7% for NP Screen in detecting NPC. Endoscopy had a sensitivity of 94%, specificity 97.1%, PPV 85%, and NPP 98.9%.

Conclusions

The trans‐oral brushing system fulfills the characteristics of a noninvasive, sensitive, specific detection method suitable for routine, large‐scale ambulatory NPC risk assessment for high‐risk NPC populations.
Craniofacial Pain Secondary to Occult Head and Neck Tumors
Authors: Van Abel Kathryn M. , Starkman Sid , O'Reilly Ashley G. , Price Daniel L.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To review the natural history of occult head and neck malignancy presenting with facial pain and evaluate the risk factors, diagnostic workup, and management of facial pain in the setting of occult malignancy.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

All patients presenting from 1980 to 2010 with facial pain and a delayed diagnosis of a head and neck cancer were reviewed.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were included. Onset of pain was rapid or sudden in 94.7%, intermittent in 84.2%, and sharp in 86.8%. Facial nerve weakness was present in 15.8%. Five patients had a history of locoregional skin cancer, and 14% had a history of malignancy. Average delay to diagnosis was 18.4 months. On average, the suspicious lesion was identified on the second scan (mean, 2.1; range, 1‐4 scans). Diagnosis was suggested by magnetic resonance imaging in 54.8% and computed tomography in 38.7% of patients. The most common pathology was squamous cell carcinoma (39.5%), and the predominant location was the parotid gland (28.9%). Surgical resection (66%) was the most common intervention. In patients who received treatment and had clinical follow‐up available for review, 97.0% (32/33) reported symptomatic improvement.

Conclusions

In our series, sudden‐onset, intermittent, sharp facial pain without resolution or improvement was associated with occult malignancy and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for facial pain. Based on the high incidence of early negative imaging, consideration should be given to repeat imaging when there is concern for malignancy. Therapeutic interventions often result in improvement of facial pain.
Comparison of Early Oncological Results of Diode Laser Surgery with Radiotherapy for Early Glottic Carcinoma
Authors: Cömert Ela , Tunçel Ümit , Dizman Ayşen , Yükselen Güney Yıldız
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate the oncologic results of transoral endolaryngeal microscopic diode laser surgery (MDLS) and radiotherapy (RT) for T1 and T2 glottic carcinoma.

Study Design

Case series with planned chart review.

Setting

Ankara Oncology Education and Research Hospital.

Subjects and Methods

The study was conducted on a series of 140 cases of early glottic carcinoma (T1, T2) treated with MDLS or RT. The tumors were defined according to T stage and the involvement of the anterior commissure (AC).

Results

The 3‐year locoregional control rate of MDLS and RT groups was 93.1% and 89.7%, respectively (P =. 434). There was no difference in 3‐year disease‐free survival when comparing T1 and T2 tumors treated with MDLS and those treated with RT (P =. 618 for T1, P =. 084 for T2). There was no difference in disease‐free survival when comparing AC– and AC+ tumors treated with MDLS and those treated with RT (P =. 291 for AC– and P =. 530 for AC+ tumors).

Conclusions

Microscopic diode laser surgery in early glottic cancer seems to be an oncologically safe procedure that has similar oncological results with RT. In T2 glottic tumors and AC involvement, the results with either treatment are less satisfactory.
Cooperation between Medicine and Sociology in Head and Neck Oncology
Authors: Babin Emmanuel , Grandazzi Guillaume
Published: February 2014

Twenty‐first‐century medicine is facing many challenges—knowledge and command of technical advances, research development, team management, knowledge transmission, and adaptation to economic constraints—without neglecting “human” aspects, via transformed carer‐patient relationships, social change, and so on. The “modern” physicians know that simply treating disease is no longer enough. One of their essential missions lies in offering the individual patient overall care, which implies acknowledging the latter as an individual within a family, social, and professional environment. Indeed, medical practice requires pluridimensional knowledge of the patients’ experience of their disease. Yet the contribution sociology can offer to health care remains largely unknown to many physicians, and medical training includes only limited instruction in the human sciences. On the basis of a few observations taken from sociological research, we would like to demonstrate how, in head and neck oncology, interdisciplinary collaboration between medicine and sociology can prove propitious to improving patient care and attention to their close relations.
Thoracic melioidosis: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Ashraf Omer , Iyer Anand , Krishnan Ramya , Yadav Sumit
Published: February 2014

The diagnosis of melioidosis can be difficult, and it is frequently described as “the great mimicker”. We report a case of thoracic melioidosis presenting as a mediastinal mass with impending superior vena cava obstruction. With the presumptive diagnosis of mediastinal tumor, the patient underwent surgery for tissue sampling, and a purulent collection was found. The clinical syndromes of melioidosis and the diagnostic dilemma are discussed.
Chronic contained rupture of aortic aneurysm with thoracic vertebral erosion
Authors: Matsunaga Iwao , Nogami Eijiro , Higuchi Shinya , Okazaki Yukio , Itou Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2014

A 66-year-old man was transferred to our hospital with the diagnosis of a large thoracoabdominal aneurysm. Computed tomography showed thoracic vertebral erosion, suggesting a chronic contained rupture. He was hemodynamically stable with no neurological complication preoperatively. He underwent successful surgical replacement of the descending aorta. During surgery, the 6th and 7th thoracic vertebral bones adjacent to the thoracic aneurysm were found to be eroded. The postoperative course was uneventful.
Marriage and Divorce in the Late Ottoman Empire
Authors: Altınbaş Nihan
Published: February 2014

A revision of family law became necessary in the late Ottoman Empire for several reasons. The sociocultural and economic landscape was transformed; war forced poor Muslim women who had lost their husbands into destitution; and the Ottoman state led by the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) was motivated by ideological concerns to push for new family and gender arrangements. Women’s journals published in Istanbul along with official state documents in the late Ottoman Empire (1910–1917) are here explored for insights into this, afforded by the changing lives and perceptions of late Ottoman Istanbulites, leading to the conclusion that these combined with as well as reflected the various upheavals and movements of the time to prompt the legislative change.
Steerage, Cattle Cars, and Red River Carts
Authors: Rollings-Magnusson Sandra
Published: February 2014

In the mid-1950s, the Saskatchewan Archives Board distributed a survey to those individuals who had pioneered in the province between 1876 and 1914. The purpose of this survey was to identify the reasons why individuals felt compelled to migrate or immigrate to Canada, how their friends and family members felt about their decision to move, the various means of transportation they used to travel to Saskatchewan, and the family members, friends, or acquaintances who accompanied them on their journey. Respondents were also asked to comment on any incidents that occurred during their travels and where they first settled when they arrived in the province. The intent of this article is to provide a descriptive analysis of the survey results in order to obtain a greater understanding of those individuals who decided to relocate and pursue the life of a pioneer in the province of Saskatchewan.
Effect of Neck Muscle Strength and Anticipatory Cervical Muscle Activation on the Kinematic Response of the Head to Impulsive Loads
Authors: Eckner James T. , Oh Youkeun K. , Joshi Monica S. , Richardson James K. , Ashton-Miller James A.
Published: February 2014

Background:

Greater neck strength and activating the neck muscles to brace for impact are both thought to reduce an athlete’s risk of concussion during a collision by attenuating the head’s kinematic response after impact. However, the literature reporting the neck’s role in controlling postimpact head kinematics is mixed. Furthermore, these relationships have not been examined in the coronal or transverse planes or in pediatric athletes.

Hypotheses:

In each anatomic plane, peak linear velocity (ΔV) and peak angular velocity (Δω) of the head are inversely related to maximal isometric cervical muscle strength in the opposing direction (H1). Under impulsive loading, ΔV and Δω will be decreased during anticipatory cervical muscle activation compared with the baseline state (H2).

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Maximum isometric neck strength was measured in each anatomic plane in 46 male and female contact sport athletes aged 8 to 30 years. A loading apparatus applied impulsive test forces to athletes’ heads in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and axial rotation during baseline and anticipatory cervical muscle activation conditions. Multivariate linear mixed models were used to determine the effects of neck strength and cervical muscle activation on head ΔV and Δω.

Results:

Greater isometric neck strength and anticipatory activation were independently associated with decreased head ΔV and Δω after impulsive loading across all planes of motion (all P < .001). Inverse relationships between neck strength and head ΔV and Δω presented moderately strong effect sizes ( r = 0.417 to r = 0.657), varying by direction of motion and cervical muscle activation.

Conclusion:

In male and female athletes across the age spectrum, greater neck strength and anticipatory cervical muscle activation (“bracing for impact”) can reduce the magnitude of the head’s kinematic response. Future studies should determine whether neck strength contributes to the observed sex and age group differences in concussion incidence.

Clinical Relevance:

Neck strength and impact anticipation are 2 potentially modifiable risk factors for concussion. Interventions aimed at increasing athletes’ neck strength and reducing unanticipated impacts may decrease the risk of concussion associated with sport participation.
Investigations of fiber twist on the mechanical properties of sisal fiber yarns and their composites
Authors: Ma Hao , Li Yan , Wang Di
Published: February 2014

The effect of fiber twist on the tensile properties of single sisal fibers was investigated by single fiber tensile test. Four kinds of sisal yarns with four different levels of twist were made and the mechanical properties were investigated on both unimpregnated and resin-impregnated sisal yarns. A critical fiber twist level for unimpregnated sisal yarns was found beyond which the tensile properties started to decrease with the increasing of the level of fiber twist. However, for resin-impregnated sisal yarns, both tensile strength and modulus decreased with the increasing of the fiber twist level. In addition, the effect of fiber twist on both the tensile and flexural properties of unidirectional sisal yarn reinforced composites was studied. It was shown that lower twist level led to higher mechanical properties of its reinforced composites. Compared with the experimental results, Rao’s model proved to accurately calculate the Young’s modulus of fiber yarns with different levels of twist. Thus, the Young’s modulus of sisal yarn reinforced composites could be predicted by the rule of mixtures hereafter.
Effects of modified silica on morphology, mechanical property, and thermostability of injection-molded polycarbonate/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Feng Yuezhan , Wang Bo , Wang Fangfang , Zheng Guoqiang , Dai Kun , Liu Chuntai , Chen Jingbo , Shen Changyu
Published: February 2014

Nanocomposites of polycarbonate filled with untreated and modified silica nanoparticles were melt mixed and injection molded with a low melt temperature. The effects of modified silica and low-temperature melting on the morphology, mechanical property, and thermostability of composites were investigated. Scanning electron microscope images showed that uniform dispersion of agglomerates was formed by low-temperature melt blending. A slight reinforcing and toughening effect on tensile behavior of composites was obtained, and the modification of nanoparticles made the effect more remarkable. The storage modulus of composites measured by dynamic mechanical analysis increased observably as a function of silica content, especially for the composites with modified silica, but the Tg value changed little. Thermogravimetric analysis presented that thermostability improved dramatically after adding silica nanoparticles. In addition, the incorporation of modified silica into matrix showed a more significant improvement in thermostability at low loading.
Preparation and properties of ramie fabric-reinforced thermoset poly lactic acid composites
Authors: Chen Xie , Zhang Naiwen , Gu Shuying , Li Jianbo , Ren Jie
Published: February 2014

Ramie fabric-reinforced thermoset poly lactic acid composites were produced from ramie fabrics and methacrylated four-armed star-shaped poly lactic acid resin by hot press molding. The resin was brushed uniformly on the surface of ramie fabrics. The properties of the composites were investigated by mechanics performance test, water absorption test, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The result shows that ramie content should be properly controlled at as much as 48%. The composite with 8% alkali treatment obtained higher tensile strength and flexural strength, as well as decreased impact strength caused by surface treatment. The composite with treated ramie fabrics had slightly better water resistance and thermal stability than those without surface treatment because of enhanced interfacial adhesion between fabrics and matrix. The DMA results and morphologies of the composites confirmed the improvement of ramie–matrix interface bonding.
Modeling of the elastic stiffness of biobased polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Georgiopoulos Panayiotis , Kontou Evagelia
Published: February 2014

The increment of the elastic modulus of two series of biobased polymer nanocomposites with increasing nanofiller volume fraction was simulated with a micromechanical model developed in previous works. The model assumes an effective interphase between the matrix and the nanoparticles, with different elastic properties. This model has been modified, by assuming that the ratio of particle radius over the interphase thickness follows a normal distribution. Simulating the experimental data of tensile modulus, an average value of the ratio of interphase thickness over particle radius was estimated, for all nanocomposites examined. The simulations were in accordance with the nanofillers quality dispersion, as provided by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the interphase thickness (over particle radius) increment is correlated with the enhanced compatibility of polymeric matrix with silica nanofillers. Furthermore, a finite element analysis has been performed, and its results were compared to the analytical calculations.
Influence of selected submicron inorganic particles on mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester/glass composites
Authors: Datta Janusz , Włoch Marcin
Published: February 2014

In this paper, the influence of different submicron-scaled particles (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or silica) on mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester matrix composites reinforced with glass fabric was investigated. Surface morphology of obtained composites was also examined. At first inorganic particles were mechanically dispersed into unsaturated polyester resin system as per the calculated weight ratio (2 or 4 wt% of polymer matrix). For prepared liquid dispersions viscosity was measured. Composites were produced by using hand lay-up method and contained 39–41 wt% of glass fibers. The flexural and dynamic mechanical analyses were carried out for each group of fabricated polyester/glass composites. All results were compared with the control samples (without submicron particles). It was found that addition of 2 wt% ZnO or TiO2 to unsaturated polyester resin enhanced the flexural strength and flexural modulus of composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed the increase of storage and loss modulus. Similar effect of submicron-scaled inorganic particles on Tg value of composites was observed. The scanning electron microscopic analysis of prepared composites showed good dispersion of submicron particles in polymer matrix and generally absence of voids was also observed.