bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inspired by the outgroup: A social identity analysis of intergroup admiration
Authors: Onu Diana , Kessler Thomas , Andonovska-Trajkovska Daniela , Fritsche Immo , Midson Georgia R. , Smith Joanne R.
Published: March 2016

Drawing upon a social identity approach, three studies focus on the elicitors of intergroup admiration by investigating the relationship between admiration for an outgroup and this outgroup’s prototypicality for a superordinate category. In Study 1 ( N = 314), we find empirical support for a positive association between prototypicality and admiration in cross-national survey data. In Study 2 ( N = 52), we provide experimental evidence for the relationship between admiration and prototypicality by manipulating different facets of prototypicality: admiration for an outgroup occurs only when the group is perceived as prototypical in relation to the ideal of the superordinate category, but not in relation to the category average. Study 3 further explores the importance of prototypicality for a superordinate category. We present an analysis of online comments to news articles ( N = 477) referring to positive regard of outgroups and highlight the role of prototypicality in these discussions. Overall, we contribute to research on admiration by showing that the elicitation of admiration is dependent on the social identities involved, providing an identity-situated analysis of this positive group-based emotion.
Condoning discrimination: The effects of dominance and authoritarianism are moderated by different ways of reasoning about antigay discriminatory acts
Authors: Poteat V. Paul , Horn Stacey S. , Armstrong Patrick I.
Published: March 2016

Many studies have focused on mediated paths by which social dominance orientation (SDO) and right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) predict prejudice; fewer have identified factors that moderate their effects. We applied social cognitive domain theory to test whether different ways of reasoning about antigay discriminatory acts moderated the association between SDO, RWA, and condoning antigay discrimination. Moral reasoning (e.g., emphasizing fairness, equality) and personal reasoning (e.g., emphasizing individual interests, qualifications) attenuated the association between SDO, RWA, and condoning discriminatory resource denial in general and religious-specific contexts. Conventional reasoning (e.g., emphasizing group norms, rules) magnified the association between SDO, RWA, and condoning resource denial, but only in a religious-specific context. Findings highlight the need to examine moderators of SDO and RWA effects in effort to disrupt discrimination by those most likely to engage in it.
Implicit stereotyping against people with disability
Authors: Rohmer Odile , Louvet Eva
Published: March 2016

Focusing on the two fundamental dimensions underlying stereotype content (warmth/competence), the major aim of the present research was to test implicit stereotyping toward persons with disability. We hypothesized that persons with disability are associated with less warmth than persons without disability and with less competence, especially when a competence-relevant context is activated (work context). Three experimental studies were conducted using two different priming paradigms: conceptual priming (Study 1) and evaluative priming (Studies 2 and 3). In Study 3, context (work vs. control) was introduced as an additional factor. Our results showed that persons with disability were systematically associated with less warmth than persons without disability, and with less competence when priming a work context. These results provide a more comprehensive understanding of discriminatory behaviors toward people with disability, despite legislation promoting equal rights.
Rethinking topos in the discourse historical approach: Endoxon seeking and argumentation in Greek media discourses on ‘Islamist terrorism’
Authors: Boukala Salomi
Published: March 2016

The concept of topos( oi) has received considerable attention from both argumentation and discourse studies, although its usage and meaning remain obscure. In this article, I argue that the rediscovery of Aristotelian thought might provide a comprehensible explication of topos. Despite the discourse historical approach’s (DHA) emphasis on topos, its context is found to be limited and this exposes the argumentation strategies of the DHA to criticism. To overcome any shortcomings and provide a better understanding of topos, a classical approach to the concept is suggested, derived from Aristotle’s rhetoric and dialectic. By focusing on Greek media discourses on ‘Islamist terrorism’, I seek to illustrate the synthesis between the DHA’s argumentation strategies and Aristotelian topos as a fruitful analytical and theoretical tool.
Preference and prejudice: Does intermarriage erode negative ethno-racial attitudes between groups in Spain?
Authors: Rodríguez-García Dan , Solana-Solana Miguel , Lubbers Miranda J
Published: March 2016

This paper challenges the idea – rooted in classic assimilation theory – that intermarriage clearly erodes social and ethno-racial boundaries and negative attitudes between groups. Drawing on narratives from 58 immigrants of seven different origin countries residing in Catalonia, Spain, who are in romantic partnerships with Spanish-born people, we focus on preferences and prejudices related to mixing. We find that the members of exogamous couples both suffer social discrimination regarding the crossing of ethnocultural borders, particularly from their respective family members – a rejection that is based on negative stereotypes and preconceptions linked to the partner's origin, phenotype or ethnocultural characteristics, such as religion, in intersection with gender. More significantly, we also find that ethno-racial prejudices (particularly when referring to marriage preferences for the respondents and their children) and discriminatory attitudes (towards one's own and other immigrant minority groups) also exist among intermarried couples themselves. In sum, we question the role of mixed unions as a diluter of differences and an accelerator of integration.
Moving across the life course: A biographic approach to researching dynamics of everyday mobility practices
Authors: Greene Mary , Rau Henrike
Published: March 2016

This article connects existing mobility biographies research with social practice inquiries into the dynamics of consumption and examines the potential of a biographic, practice-centred approach for researching everyday practices. Following a critical review of the benefits and limitations of existing research on mobility biographies, the article explores some key ways in which a practice theory approach can be employed to reframe and extend how dynamics of mobility over the life course can be conceptualised and analysed. A key feature of the discussion is a consideration of the ways in which the concepts of practice and career can broaden investigations of practice biographies to include various perspectives and scales. The article then outlines the development and application of a biographic, practice-centred methodology which was employed in an ongoing mobility biographies study based in Ireland. In demonstrating the potential of this approach for researching practice careers across the life course, empirical data relating to an individual’s career-in-car-driving are presented and discussed. The article concludes that, despite some limitations, practice-centred biographic approaches offer potential for addressing some unanswered questions regarding mobility practices.
Social labour
Authors: Anderson Stephanie , Hamilton Kathy , Tonner Andrea
Published: March 2016

This article develops understanding of consumer work at the primary level of sociality in the context of social networking sites. Drawing on ethnographic interviews and netnography, we reveal these sites as distinctive spaces of consumer-to-consumer work. To explain this work in consumption, we introduce the concept of social labour which we define as the means by which consumers add value to their identities and social relationships through producing and sharing cultural and affective content. This is driven by observational vigilance and conspicuous presence, and is rewarded by social value. This draws attention to the variety of work consumers enact within their social lives, indicating that consumer work is broader than previously acknowledged.
The Refrain of the A-Grammatical Child
Authors: MacLure Maggie
Published: March 2016

The article critically interrogates the figure of the child in Deleuze and its relation to language as an entry point to the question of what a materialist theory of language might involve and how it might be put to work in qualitative methodology. The Deleuzian child is a figure of destratification and resistance to dominant narratives—a resistance that is inextricably bound up with the materiality of the child’s body and its relation to language. Not yet fully striated by the rules of grammar that order and subjugate the world, children challenge “the hegemony of the signifier” by remaining open to multiple semiotic connections. What would it mean for qualitative methodology to engage its own “becoming-child”?
Seeding cell approach for tissue-engineered urethral reconstruction in animal study: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xue Jing-Dong , Gao Jing , Fu Qiang , Feng Chao , Xie Hong
Published: March 2016

We systematically reviewed published preclinical studies to evaluate the effectiveness of cell-seeded tissue engineering approach for urethral reconstruction in an animal model. The outcomes were summarized by success factors in the animal experiments, which evaluate the possibility and feasibility of a clinical application in the future. Preclinical studies of tissue engineering approaches for urethral reconstruction were identified through a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, and Biosis Previews (web of science SP) databases for studies published from 1 January 1980 to 23 November 2014. Primary studies were included if urethral reconstruction was performed using a tissue-engineered biomaterial in any animal species (with the experiment group being a cell-seeded scaffold and the control group being a cell-free scaffold) with histology and urethrography as the outcome measure. A total of 15 preclinical studies were included in our meta-analysis. The histology and urethrography outcome between the experimental and control groups were considered to be the most clinically relevant. Through this systematic approach, our outcomes suggested that applying the cell-seeded biomaterial in creating a neo-urethra was stable and effective. And multi-type cells including epithelial cells as well as smooth muscle cells or fibroblasts seemed to be a better strategy. Stem cells, especially after epithelial differentiation, could be a promising choice for future researches.
Targeting and therapeutic peptides in nanomedicine for atherosclerosis
Authors: Chung Eun Ji
Published: March 2016

Peptides in atherosclerosis nanomedicine provide structural, targeting, and therapeutic functionality and can assist in overcoming delivery barriers of traditional pharmaceuticals. Moreover, their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability make them especially attractive as materials intended for use in vivo. In this review, an overview of nanoparticle-associated targeting and therapeutic peptides for atherosclerosis is provided, including peptides designed for cellular targets such as endothelial cells, monocytes, and macrophages as well as for plaque components such as collagen and fibrin. An emphasis is placed on recent advances in multimodal strategies and a discussion on current challenges and barriers for clinical applicability is presented.
Rational design of fiber forming supramolecular structures
Authors: Kumar Vivek A , Wang Benjamin K , Kanahara Satoko M
Published: March 2016

Recent strides in the development of multifunctional synthetic biomimetic materials through the self-assembly of multi-domain peptides and proteins over the past decade have been realized. Such engineered systems have wide-ranging application in bioengineering and medicine. This review focuses on fundamental fiber forming α-helical coiled-coil peptides, peptide amphiphiles, and amyloid-based self-assembling peptides; followed by higher order collagen- and elastin-mimetic peptides with an emphasis on chemical / biological characterization and biomimicry.
Comparative analysis of gas–liquid flow in T-junction microchannels with different inlet orientations
Authors: Liu Dongren , Ling Xiang , Peng Hao
Published: March 2016

In this study, a comparative analysis of two-phase flow in T-junction microchannels with different inlet orientations was carried out. Based on computational fluid dynamics and the volume-of-fluid model, bubble size, bubble velocities, and pressure distributions were analyzed. The numerical algorithm was validated with the experimental observations from former literatures; the results show that when the capillary number, Ca, is low, the length of gas and liquid slug in the symmetric T-junction is higher than that in the cross-flow T-junction. The effect of different forces acting on the slugs during the process of bubble formation was studied by investigating the velocity gradient and pressure distribution in the mixing zone. The result shows that the shear stress in cross-flow T-junction is over two times of that in T-junction with two symmetric inlets under the same operating conditions, which indicates that the size of bubble and liquid slug depends on the shear stress at low Ca number.
Adaptive complementary fuzzy self-recurrent wavelet neural network controller for the electric load simulator system
Authors: Chao Wang , Qiang Gao , Yuanlong Hou , Runmin Hou , Hao Min
Published: March 2016

Due to the complexities existing in the electric load simulator, this article develops a high-performance nonlinear adaptive controller to improve the torque tracking performance of the electric load simulator, which mainly consists of an adaptive fuzzy self-recurrent wavelet neural network controller with variable structure (VSFSWC) and a complementary controller. The VSFSWC is clearly and easily used for real-time systems and greatly improves the convergence rate and control precision. The complementary controller is designed to eliminate the effect of the approximation error between the proposed neural network controller and the ideal feedback controller without chattering phenomena. Moreover, adaptive learning laws are derived to guarantee the system stability in the sense of the Lyapunov theory. Finally, the hardware-in-the-loop simulations are carried out to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms in different working styles.
Development of a virtual manufacturing assembly simulation system
Authors: Al-Ahmari Abdulrahman M , Abidi Mustufa H , Ahmad Ali , Darmoul Saber
Published: March 2016

Assembly operations are a key component of modern manufacturing systems. Designing, planning, and conducting assembly operations represent an important part of the cost of a product. Virtual reality provides an efficient and cost-effective solution to manufacturing design, planning, and prototyping. Still there are certain issues (such as data translation, integration of various hardware and software systems, and real-time collision detection) faced while applying this advanced technology to the assembly domain. For example, existing works focus on using virtual reality systems and environments mainly to design new products and to plan for assembly. Little focus has been given to develop virtual reality environments that contribute to train operators on assembly operations and to bridge the gap between design and implementation/execution of assembly. Therefore, the research work presented in this article focuses on developing a fully functional virtual manufacturing assembly simulation system that solves the issues related to virtual reality environments. The proposed system uses a virtual environment to create an interactive workbench that can be used for evaluating assembly decisions and training assembly operations. It is a comprehensive system that provides visual, auditory, tactile, as well as force feedback. The system works successfully even with large components.
Composite control for raymond mill based on model predictive control and disturbance observer
Authors: Niu Dan , Chen Xisong , Yang Jun , Wang Xiaojun , Zhou Xingpeng
Published: March 2016

In the raymond mill grinding process, precise control of operating load is vital for the high product quality. However, strong external disturbances, such as variations of ore size and ore hardness, usually cause great performance degradation. It is not easy to control the current of raymond mill constant. Several control strategies have been proposed. However, most of them (such as proportional–integral–derivative and model predictive control) reject disturbances just through feedback regulation, which may lead to poor control performance in the presence of strong disturbances. For improving disturbance rejection, a control method based on model predictive control and disturbance observer is put forward in this article. The scheme employs disturbance observer as feedforward compensation and model predictive control controller as feedback regulation. The test results illustrate that compared with model predictive control method, the proposed disturbance observer–model predictive control method can obtain significant superiority in disturbance rejection, such as shorter settling time and smaller peak overshoot under strong disturbances.
Effect of the electromagnetic force on the power-train vibration of the in-wheel motor driving system with rubber bushings
Authors: Tan Di , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2016

For an in-wheel motor driving system with rubber bushings, the driving motor is integrated into the wheel. A magnet gap deformation of the motor will be inevitably caused by the road excitation, which will produce an unbalanced electromagnetic force and influence the power-train vibration. Furthermore, the rim is flexibly connected to the motor rotor by rubber bushings, and a strong coupling and nonlinear vibration of the power-train in all directions can be demonstrated under the electromagnetic excitations. Thus, a 14-degree-of-freedom coupling vibration model of the power-train is first developed for the in-wheel motor driving system with rubber bushings, including the bushing and bearing models. Then, the mathematical model is deduced using a Lagrangian approach. Finally, based on the model, a coupling vibration analysis is conducted under different electromagnetic force excitations. The results indicate that there are coupling vibration components in the torsional direction, except the one-time rotating frequency; however, in the bending direction, the vibration response includes a one-time rotating frequency component and an excitation frequency component of the electromagnetic force. Furthermore, the results indicate that the bushing plays an important role in reducing the power-train vibration, which has a positive effect on the improving vehicle dynamics.
Molecular substratification of bladder cancer: moving towards individualized patient management
Authors: Mitra Anirban P.
Published: March 2016

Despite advances in surgical techniques, perioperative therapies and postoperative management, outcomes for patients with bladder cancer have largely remained unchanged. Current management of bladder cancer still relies on pathologic staging that does not always reflect the risk for an individual patient. Studies assessing molecular alterations in individual tumors are offering insights into the myriad of cellular pathways that are deregulated in bladder tumorigenesis and progression. Alterations in pathways involved in cell-cycle regulation, apoptosis, cell signaling, angiogenesis and tumor-cell invasion have been shown to influence disease behavior. High-throughput assays are now allowing multiplexed assessment of biomarker alterations, thereby enabling characterization of novel molecular subtypes of bladder cancer. Such approaches have also been used for discovery and validation of robust prognostic molecular signatures. The future of bladder cancer management will rely on the use of validated multimarker panels for risk stratification, optimal surgical management, and theranostic strategies to identify and target specific alterations in individual tumors.
Reducing Glucose Variability Due to Meals and Postprandial Exercise in T1DM Using Switched LPV Control
Authors: Colmegna Patricio H. , Sánchez-Peña Ricardo S. , Gondhalekar Ravi , Dassau Eyal , Doyle Francis J.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Time-varying dynamics is one of the main issues for achieving safe blood glucose control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. In addition, the typical disturbances considered for controller design are meals, which increase the glucose level, and physical activity (PA), which increases the subject’s sensitivity to insulin. In previous works the authors have applied a linear parameter-varying (LPV) control technique to manage unannounced meals.

Methods:

A switched LPV controller that switches between 3 LPV controllers, each with a different level of aggressiveness, is designed to further cope with both unannounced meals and postprandial PA. Thus, the proposed control strategy has a “standard” mode, an “aggressive” mode, and a “conservative” mode. The “standard” mode is designed to be applied most of the time, while the “aggressive” mode is designed to deal only with hyperglycemia situations. On the other hand, the “conservative” mode is focused on postprandial PA control.

Results:

An ad hoc simulator has been developed to test the proposed controller. This simulator is based on the distribution version of the UVA/Padova model and includes the effect of PA based on Schiavon.1 The test results obtained when using this simulator indicate that the proposed control law substantially reduces the risk of hypoglycemia with the conservative strategy, while the risk of hyperglycemia is scarcely affected.

Conclusions:

It is demonstrated that the announcement, or anticipation, of exercise is indispensable for letting a mono-hormonal artificial pancreas deal with the consequences of postprandial PA. In view of this the proposed controller allows switching into a conservative mode when notified of PA by the user.
Benefits, Challenges, and Potential Utility of a Gait Database for Diabetes Patients
Authors: Brown Steven , Boulton Andrew , Bowling Frank , Reeves Neil
Published: March 2016

Gait analysis is a useful tool in understanding movement impairments, which impact on patient well-being. The use of gait analysis in patients with diabetes has led to improvements in health care including the treatment and prevention of ulceration and development of targeted exercise interventions. The current convention when analyzing gait is to address specific complications of diabetes, controlling for potential influencing conditions within a study sample to understand the effects of the few specific complications chosen for analysis. Databases allow for the storage of data in a structured format, allowing easy access to large quantities of data in a consistent, comparable manner. A database of gait analyses of patients with diabetes has the potential to include far greater sample sizes for statistical analyses, allowing multiple influencing factors to be assessed simultaneously, and relationships identified between multiple influencing factors. However, a database of this type would encounter ethical and methodological challenges in its implementation, which are discussed. This article introduces some of the potential benefits, challenges, and utility of a gait database for diabetes patients. We highlight that, whereas the creation of a database within this clinical population would be a complex process both ethically and practically, huge potential benefits could be gained, overcoming some of the limitations faced by traditional isolated gait analysis studies.
P-wave dispersion: What we know till now?
Authors: Okutucu Sercan , Aytemir Kudret , Oto Ali
Published: March 2016

P-wave dispersion is defined as the difference between the maximum and the minimum P-wave duration recorded from multiple different-surface ECG leads. It has been known that increased P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion reflect prolongation of intraatrial and interatrial conduction time and the inhomogeneous propagation of sinus impulses, which are well-known electrophysiologic characteristics in patients with atrial arrhythmias and especially paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Extensive clinical evaluation of P-wave dispersion has been performed in the assessment of the risk for atrial fibrillation in patients without apparent heart disease, in hypertensives, in patients with coronary artery disease, in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, in patients with congenital heart diseases, as well as in other groups of patients suffering from various cardiac or non-cardiac diseases. In this paper, we aimed to summarize the measurement methods, current use in different clinical situations, strengths and limitations of the of P-wave dispersion.
The pivotal role of psychology in a comprehensive theory of obesity
Authors: Markey Charlotte N , August Kristin J , Bailey Lindzee C , Markey Patrick M , Nave Christopher S
Published: March 2016

The target article offers a comprehensive approach to conceptualizing psychological factors contributing to obesity. Strengths of Marks’ theory include giving body image a central focus, discussing the importance of emotional states on food reliance, and conveying avenues for interventions and treatment. Marks’ approach carefully delineates the interpersonal nature of obesity, although our work suggests that romantic partners are an especially important and understudied factor relevant to eating behaviors, body image, and obesity risk. The target article is an important step toward understanding the complex factors that contribute to obesity.
A Preliminary Investigation Into the Use of the Emotional Contagion Effect in the Exercise Environment
Authors: Elliott Dave , Charlton Lucy
Published: March 2016

Based upon the theory of Emotional Contagion, the purpose of this investigation was to examine whether the use of positively-charged imagery could create a more positive exercise experience. Participants were randomly allocated into one of three test conditions (‘neutral’, ‘happy’ and control) whereupon they performed two step-aerobic sessions; baseline/familiarisation and experimental. Upon completion of the trials various exercise related, psychological measures were taken (Session RPE, FS, Enjoyment and Subjective Exercise Experience). A 3 × 2 Factorial MANOVA was used to assess for main effects and between condition interactions. There was no evidence of any effect for any of the DVs. ES data appeared to support this conclusion. Numerous recommendations are made to direct future research into this area.
Phase I and II Study of Induction Chemotherapy With Methotrexate, Rituximab, and Temozolomide, Followed By Whole-Brain Radiotherapy and Postirradiation Temozolomide for Primary CNS Lymphoma: NRG Oncology RTOG 0227
Authors: Glass Jon , Won Minhee , Schultz Christopher J. , Brat Daniel , Bartlett Nancy L. , Suh John H. , Werner-Wasik Maria , Fisher Barbara Jean , Liepman Marcia K. , Augspurger Mark , Bokstein Felix , Bovi Joseph A. , Solhjem Matthew C. , Mehta Minesh P.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

This study investigated the treatment of primary CNS lymphoma with methotrexate, temozolomide (TMZ), and rituximab, followed by hyperfractionated whole-brain radiotherapy (hWBRT) and subsequent TMZ. The primary phase I end point was the maximum tolerated dose of TMZ. The primary phase II end point was the 2-year overall survival (OS) rate. Secondary end points were preirradiation response rates, progression-free survival (PFS), neurologic toxicities, and quality of life.

Patients and Methods

The phase I study increased TMZ doses from 100 to 150 to 200 mg/m2. Patients were treated with rituximab 375 mg/m2 3 days before cycle 1; methotrexate 3.5 g/m2 with leucovorin on weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9; TMZ daily for 5 days on weeks 4 and 8; hWBRT 1.2 Gy twice-daily on weeks 11 to 13 (36 Gy); and TMZ 200 mg/m2 daily for 5 days every 28 days on weeks 14 to 50.

Results

Thirteen patients (one ineligible) were enrolled in phase I of the study. The maximum tolerated dose of TMZ was 100 mg/m2. Dose-limiting toxicities were hepatic and renal. In phase II, 53 patients were treated. Median follow-up for living eligible patients was 3.6 years, and 2-year OS and PFS were 80.8% and 63.6%, respectively. Compared with historical controls from RTOG-9310, 2-year OS and PFS were significantly improved (P = .006 and .030, respectively). In phase II, the objective response rate was 85.7%. Among patients, 66% (35 of 53) had grade 3 and 4 toxicities before hWBRT, and 45% (24 of 53) of patients experienced grade 3 and 4 toxicities attributable to post-hWBRT chemotherapy. Cognitive function and quality of life improved or stabilized after hWBRT.

Conclusion

This regimen is safe, with the best 2-year OS and PFS achieved in any Radiation Therapy Oncology Group primary CNS lymphoma trial. Randomized trials that incorporate this regimen are needed to determine its efficacy compared with other strategies.
Adjuvant Tamoxifen Plus Ovarian Function Suppression Versus Tamoxifen Alone in Premenopausal Women With Early Breast Cancer: Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial
Authors: Ribi Karin , Luo Weixiu , Bernhard Jürg , Francis Prudence A. , Burstein Harold J. , Ciruelos Eva , Bellet Meritxell , Pavesi Lorenzo , Lluch Ana , Visini Marilena , Parmar Vani , Tondini Carlo , Kerbrat Pierre , Perelló Antonia , Neven Patrick , Torres Roberto , Lombardi Davide , Puglisi Fabio , Karlsson Per , Ruhstaller Thomas , Colleoni Marco , Coates Alan S. , Goldhirsch Aron , Price Karen N. , Gelber Richard D. , Regan Meredith M. , Fleming Gini F.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The Suppression of Ovarian Function trial showed improved disease control for tamoxifen plus ovarian function suppression (OFS) compared with tamoxifen alone for the cohort of premenopausal patients who received prior chemotherapy. We present the patient-reported outcomes.

Patients and Methods

The quality-of-life (QoL) analysis includes 1,722 of 2,045 premenopausal patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer randomly assigned to receive adjuvant treatment with 5 years of tamoxifen plus OFS or tamoxifen alone. Chemotherapy use before enrollment was optional. Patients completed a QoL form consisting of global and symptom indicators at baseline, every 6 months for 24 months, and annually during years 3 to 6. Differences in the change of QoL from baseline between the two treatments were tested at 6, 24, and 60 months with mixed models for repeated measures with and without chemotherapy and overall.

Results

Patients on tamoxifen plus OFS were more affected than patients on tamoxifen alone by hot flushes at 6 and 24 months, by loss of sexual interest and sleep disturbance at 6 months, and by vaginal dryness up to 60 months. Without prior chemotherapy, patients on tamoxifen alone reported more vaginal discharge over the 5 years than patients on tamoxifen plus OFS. Symptom-specific treatment differences at 6 months were less pronounced in patients with prior chemotherapy. Changes in global QoL indicators from baseline were small and similar between treatments over the whole treatment period.

Conclusion

Overall, OFS added to tamoxifen resulted in worse endocrine symptoms and sexual functioning during the first 2 years of treatment, with variable magnitudes of treatment differences. Short-term differences in symptom-specific QoL, treatment burden, and coping effort between treatment groups were less pronounced for patients with prior chemotherapy, the cohort that benefited most from OFS in terms of disease control.
De Novo-Synthesized Retinoic Acid in Ovarian Antral Follicles Enhances FSH-Mediated Ovarian Follicular Cell Differentiation and Female Fertility
Authors: Kawai Tomoko , Yanaka Noriyuki , Richards JoAnne S. , Shimada Masayuki
Published: March 2016

Retinoic acid (RA) is the active form of vitamin A and is synthesized from retinol by two key enzymes, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). As the physiological precursor of RA, retinol impacts female reproductive functions and fertility. The expression of Adh1 and Adh5 as well as Aldh1a1 and Aldh1a7 are significantly increased in the ovaries of mice treated with equine chorionic gonadotropin/FSH. The RA receptor is expressed and localized in granulosa cells and is activated by endogenous RA as indicated by LacZ expression in granulosa cells of RA-responsive transgene-LacZ transgenic mice (RA reporter mice). Coinjection of the ADH inhibitor, 4-methylpyrazole, with equine chorionic gonadotropin significantly decreases the number and developmental competence of oocytes ovulated in response to human chorionic gonadotropin/LH as compared with controls. Injections of RA completely reverse the effects of the inhibitor of ovulation and oocyte development. When mice were fed a retinol-free, vitamin A-deficient diet that significantly reduced the serum levels of retinol, the expression of the LH receptor (Lhcgr) was significantly lower in the ovaries of the vitamin A-deficient mice, and injections of human chorionic gonadotropin failed to induce genes controlling ovulation. These results indicate that ovarian de novo biosynthesis of RA is required for the follicular expression of Lhcgr in granulosa cells and their ability to respond to the ovulatory LH surge.
Correlating Magnetic Exchange in Dinuclear Bis(phenolate)-Bridged Complexes: A Computational Perspective
Authors: Archana Velloth , Imamura Yutaka , Sakiyama Hiroshi , Hada Masahiko
Published: March 2016

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to analyse the magnetic properties of dinuclear Ni–Ni and Cu–Cu bis(phenolate)-bridged complexes with two antiferromagnetically-coupled metals. The estimated coupling constants J are −384.8 and −375.3 cm−1 for the two Cu complexes and −85.7 cm−1 for the Ni complex, which are consistent with the experimental values. Analysis of overlap integral can explain the difference in the coupling J between Ni and Cu complexes: Two dx2 − y2 orbitals of the copper complexes are located on the same plane as that of a phenolate ligand, and therefore produce the strong J coupling, whereas those of the nickel complex are tilted from the plane of phenolate ligand because of asymmetric environment around Ni atom, and produce moderate J coupling. We also examined the dependences of magnetic interaction in terms of several important geometrical parameters. The M–O–M bond angle is the key parameter for antiferro–ferromagnetic transition, which is consistent with previous studies for the other complexes. Also, increasing the M–O–O–M dihedral angle, decreasing the M–O–M bond angle and large hinge distortions on these complexes effectively enhance the ferromagnetic exchange, which is a desired condition for a better molecular magnet.
Visceral leishmaniasis in heart transplant patients in the endemic state of Ceará, Brazil: a report of two cases
Leishmaniose visceral em pacientes submetidos a transplante cardíaco no estado do Ceará, área endêmica no Brasil: um relato de dois casos
Authors: De Carvalho Bráulio Matias , Castelo Branco Debora de Souza Colares Maia , Valdivia Paulo Alberto Cosquillo , Rocha Marcos Fábio Gadelha , Brilhante Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira , De Souza Neto João David , Vasconcelos Glauber Gean , Almeida Germana Porto Linhares , Mejia Juan Alberto Cosquillo , Bandeira Tereza de Jesus Pinheiro Gomes , Sidrim José Júlio Costa
Published: March 2016

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in transplant patients is a serious disease, with atypical and aggressive manifestations, compromising patient survival. During the period from 2008 to 2012, 126 heart transplants were performed in the state of Ceará, Brazil, of which, two patients developed VL. Fever, pancytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly were the common clinical signs. Both patients were diagnosed and properly treated, but the first one had a clinical relapse and died, five months after treatment. These findings emphasize the importance of investigating VL in heart-transplant patients in endemic areas and highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for favorable clinical outcomes.
Vacina influenza para gestantes: o que há de novo?
Influenza vaccine in pregnant women: what’s new?
Authors: Bricks Lucia Ferro , Ribeiro Ana Freitas , Domingues Carla Magda Allan Santos , Pereira Sirlene de Fatima , Carvalhanas Telma Regina Marques , De Moraes José Cassio
Published: March 2016

Objetivos: Analisar criticamente as recentes informações sobre riscos e benefícios da vacina influenza em mulheres grávidas. Métodos: Foram analisadas as informações disponíveis nas bases de dados do PUBMED, SCIELO, Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), Organização Pan-americana de Saúde (OPAS), Centro de Controle de Doenças (CDC) e Ministério da Saúde do Brasil (MSB), entre Jan/2009 e Jul/2014. Resultados: A maioria dos estudos sobre riscos e benefícios da vacinação de gestantes é observacional; entretanto, as evidências científicas sugerem que a vacina inativada contra influenza é segura para gestantes e pode beneficiar a mãe e o bebê. Conclusões: Atualmente, as gestantes são consideradas como grupo prioritário para receber a vacina influenza. Para aumentar as coberturas vacinais, é necessário que os médicos e outros profissionais de saúde, assim como membros da comunidade, sejam conscientizados sobre os riscos da influenza para a gestante e o feto, assim como sobre os benefícios que a vacinação proporciona à mãe e ao bebê.
A novel data storage logic in the cloud
Authors: Mátyás Bence , Szarka Máté , Járvás Gábor , Kusper Gábor , Argay István , Fialowski Alice
Published: March 2016

Databases which store and manage long-term scientific information related to life science are used to store huge amount of quantitative attributes. Introduction of a new entity attribute requires modification of the existing data tables and the programs that use these data tables. The solution is increasing the virtual data tables while the number of screens remains the same. The main objective of the present study was to introduce a logic called Joker Tao (JT) which provides universal data storage for cloud-based databases. It means all types of input data can be interpreted as an entity and attribute at the same time, in the same data table.
Strengthening the chain
Authors: Lee Maureen
Published: March 2016

Tutors, trainees and partnership settings on our Early Years Initial Teacher Training programme share their thoughts on the benefits of links between pre-schools, nurseries and reception classes in schools.
Transition time again
Authors: Kiely Teresa
Published: March 2016

School readiness is a hot topic right now, but then it always will be depending on your definition of what it means or entails, which will depend largely on who you are and what your role will be.
Challenges for Scotland and Wales
Authors: Tanuku Purnima
Published: March 2016

With elections scheduled for May 5, both Scotland and Wales will have fresh administrations that will need to immediately get up to speed with issues surrounding childcare hours and funding.
Malleable magic mud
Authors: Norman Alison , Smith Janette
Published: March 2016

Opening up a mud kitchen in your setting allows for wonderful hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up creative engagement. If you have yet to create one or are looking to add to what you have, here are some tips.
Extended right hemicolectomy and left hemicolectomy for colorectal cancers between the distal transverse and proximal descending colon
Authors: Gravante G , Elshaer M , Parker R , Mogekwu AC , Drake B , Aboelkassem A , Rahman EU , Sorge R , Alhammali T , Gardiner K , Al-Hamali S , Rashed M , Kelkar A , Agarwal R , El-Rabaa S
Published: March 2016

Introduction

We report our experience with extended right hemicolectomy (ERH) and left hemicolectomy (LH) for the treatment of cancers located between the distal transverse and the proximal descending colon, and compare postoperative morbidity, mortality, pathological results and survival for the two techniques.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of a single institution series over ten years. Patients who underwent different operations, had benign disease or received palliative resections were excluded. Data collected were patient demographics, type and duration of surgery, tumour site, postoperative complications and histology results.

Results

Ninety-eight patients were analysed (64 ERHs, 34 LHs). ERH was conducted using an open approach in 93.8% of cases compared with 73.5% for LH. The anastomotic leak rate was similar for both groups (ERH: 6.3%, LH: 5.9%). This was also the case for other postoperative complications, mortality (ERH: 1.6%, LH: 2.9%) and overall survival (ERH: 50.4 months, LH: 51.8 months). All but one patient in the ERH cohort had clear surgical margins. Nodal evaluation for staging was adequate in 78.1% of ERH cases and 58.8% of LH cases.

Conclusions

In our experience, both ERH and LH are adequate for tumours located between the distal transverse and the proximal descending colon.
Lord Carter: grip, standards, data and leadership
Authors: Cornick Edward
Published: March 2016

A look at how policy gets formed at the RCS and other institutions.
Mr Slop strikes back
Authors: Slop
Published: March 2016

The contract wars saga continues…
Caracterização da condutividade hidráulica saturada e direcional em xisto por meio de ensaios em laboratório
Authors: Isler Elias , Soto Miguel Angel Alfaro , Kiang Chang Hung
Published: March 2016

Neste estudo verificou-se a condutividade hidráulica saturada e direcional em micaxisto alterado do Complexo Embu na região de Mauá/SP. Para tanto foram realizados ensaios em laboratório em amostras indeformadas utilizando-se permeâmetros de carga constante, com aplicação de pressão para sucessivos incrementos de gradiente hidráulico, além de análises de granulometria, determinação do grau de saturação, e teste de adsorção do azul de Metileno, para caracterização da rocha investigada. A rocha estudada é composta por cristais de tamanho que variam entre silte, argila e areia, com predomínio das frações silte e areia fina, com ausência de argilas expansivas. Os resultados da condutividade hidráulica, na ordem de 10-09 m/s, indicaram uma condição aparentemente isotrópica em uma rocha fortemente anisotrópica, pelo menos em gradientes hidráulicos mais altos. Entretanto, para gradientes hidráulicos mais baixos, verifica-se uma aparente anisotropia, visto que as respostas das amostras em diferentes direções dependeram diretamente do gradiente hidráulico aplicado. Os dados experimentais demonstram que as amostras com maior grau de saturação exigiram os menores gradientes hidráulicos para que o fluxo de água ocorresse através das amostras, e coincidem com o paralelismo existente entre o sentido do fluxo e a direção dos planos da foliação. Por outro lado, amostras com menor grau de saturação exigiram os maiores gradientes hidráulicos para ocorrência de fluxo contínuo, e coincidem com os maiores ângulos entre o sentido do fluxo e a direção dos planos da foliação.
Małżeństwo – kryzys czy reaktywacja?
Authors: Rymsza Marek
Published: March 2016

Artykuł omawia uwarunkowania współczesnego kryzysu małżeństwa jako sytuacji szczególnej polegającej na tym, że kwestionowane są wszystkie konstytutywne cechy małżeństwa: jego trwałość, płodność, publiczny charakter oraz to, że jest związkiem dwojga osób różnej płci. Autor uznaje, że mimo wszystko kryzys można starać się wykorzystać jako szansę rozwojową, i kreśli założenia społecznej reaktywacji małżeństwa, uznając że jest ona zadaniem chrześcijan.
Percepcja sakramentalności małżeństwa u narzeczonych
Authors: Skrodzka Maria , Pacholak Paweł , Urbaniak Andrzej
Published: March 2016

edną z form przygotowania narzeczonych do sakramentu małżeństwa są katechezy przedmałżeńskie zalecane w Dyrektorium Duszpasterstwa Rodzin. Najczęściej obejmują one 10-12 katechez podejmujących najważniejsze zagadnienia dotyczące katolickiego małżeństwa i rodziny. W referacie przedstawiono krótką charakterystykę uczestników katechez oraz omówiono treści prezentowane na spotkaniach realizowanych w archidiecezji poznańskiej. Wobec rosnących wskaźników rozpadu związków małżeńskich wskazano na szczególne znaczenie rozumienia sakramentalności małżeństwa. Na podstawie wieloletnich doświadczeń uzasadniono celowość podejmowania w ramach katechez problematyki sakramentalności małżeństwa jako jednego z najważniejszych zagadnień. W ramach pracy dyplomowej wykonanej na Podyplomowym Studium Rodziny UAM dokonano oceny prowadzonych katechez w kilku parafiach Poznania, potwierdzając w ogólności pozytywny odbiór ich treści oraz formy. Przytoczono część wyników badań ankietowych dotyczących sakramentu małżeństwa i wykazano pozytywne zmiany postaw w odniesieniu do istoty sakramentalnego związku małżeńskiego. W końcowej części referatu sformułowano ogólne wnioski.
Sakramentalne przymierze małżeńskie
Authors: Bohdanowicz Andrzej
Published: March 2016

Wedle przekonania Kościoła małżeństwo chrześcijan jest sakramentem. Od momentu zawarcia małżeństwa sakramentalnego wszystkie inne więzi są mniej ważne od więzi z małżonkiem. Jedność i nierozerwalność małżeństwa płynąca z miłości oblubieńczej Chrystusa do Kościoła czyni także małżeństwo znakiem sakramentalnym. Szczęśliwe małżeństwo i trwała rodzina to zdecydowanie najlepsze, najbardziej korzystne, miejsce na tej ziemi dla dzielenia się miłością, dla tworzenia klimatu bezpieczeństwa, dla radosnego wychowania dzieci, dla wspólnego dorastania do świętości.
Wychowawcze znaczenie homilii ślubnej
Authors: Sławiński Henryk
Published: March 2016

We współczesnym społeczeństwie istnieje tak wiele małżeństw, które się rozpadło, że można mówić o prawdziwym problemie społecznym. Teoretyczne i praktyczne kontestowanie nierozerwalności małżeństwa we współczesnym społeczeństwie jest problem i wyzwaniem dla Kościoła, albowiem nawet wielu katolików żyje w partnerstwie bez sakramentalnych więzi i zobowiązań. Ponadto wielu młodych katolików nie znajduje wystarczająco dużo motywacji do podjęcia decyzji o sakramentalnym małżeństwie. Jedną z przyczyn tego stanu jest „mentalność recyklingowa” współczesnego społeczeństwa. Zgodnie z nią, łatwiej jest zmienić partnera w życiu aniżeli dbać o naprawę zaburzonych relacji we własnym małżeństwie. Rozwody są nie tylko społecznie akceptowane, ale też bardzo łatwe do uzyskania, mimo iż pociągają one za sobą niemałe konsekwencje materialne. Pozytywną cechą współczesnego społeczeństwa jest uczenie się przez całe życie, obejmujące również edukację i wychowanie religijne. Jednym zaś ze środków wspierających proces edukacji i wychowania religijnego jest homilia ślubna. Jest ona adresowana do wszystkich uczestników uczty. Sondaże organizowane przez Stolicę Apostolską wykazują, że wierni bardzo cenią sobie homilie, które słyszą podczas liturgii. Kaznodzieje nie powinni ignorować tego zapotrzebowania, które jest szansą oddziaływań wychowawczych. Obowiązkiem kapłanów działających w duszpasterstwie jest odpowiadanie na prawo wiernych do duchowego pokarmu. Wspaniałą okazję w tym zakresie stwarza także homilia ślubna. Jest ona doskonałą okazją do promowania katolickiej wizji małżeństwa i rodziny. Wyraża rzeczywistą troskę Kościoła o małżeństwo i rodzinę, a także szacunek wobec tych wszystkich, którzy doświadczają problemów. Zarówno treść, jak i forma homilii odgrywa rolę edukacyjną i wychowawczą wobec małżonków oraz ich gości, wśród których wielu boryka się z problemami życia małżeńskiego i rodzinnego.