bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology and Classification of 96 Primary Cardiac Neoplasms in Fischer 344 Rats
Authors: Alison R. H. , Elwell M. R. , Jokinen M. P. , Dittrich K. L. , Boorman G. A.
Published: January 2017

Ninety-six primary cardiac neoplasms were identified from 79,971 Fischer 344 (F344) rats used in chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), for an overall incidence of 0.1%. Neoplasms were classified as: 60 endocardial schwannomas, 23 intramural schwannomas, eight atriocaval mesotheliomas, three paragangliomas, one pericardial mesothelioma, and one hemangioma. Metastases occurred in four rats with endocardial schwannoma. Histological appearance of the endocardial and intramural schwannomas was consistent with origin from nerve sheath. Two of six endocardial schwannomas available for immunohistochemical staining were weakly positive for S-100 antigen. The atriocaval mesotheliomas, while morphologically resembling adenocarcinoma, were positive for vimentin and keratin, indicating mesothelial origin. Seventy of the 96 cardiac neoplasms occurred in rats 2 years of age or older at time of death. There were no sex or treatment-related differences in the incidence of these neoplasms, with the exception of atriocaval mesothelioma, which was more common in males.
Candida Abortion in Cattle
Authors: Foley G. L. , Schlafer D. H.
Published: January 2017

In a retrospective study, four cases of yeast-associated abortion were found among 1,323 bovine abortions during a 5-year period at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Tissues were examined histologically, and results of virological testing and microbiological culture were reviewed. Candida parapsilosis was the only pathogenic agent demonstrated in these four cases. Placental lesions consisted of necrotizing placentitis with large numbers of yeasts within trophoblasts. Secondary fetal infection occurred in all four cases, with histological lesions or isolation of Candida from the lung, liver, intestines, abomasum, and heart. A tentative diagnosis of Candida parapsilosis-induced abortion in cattle can be made on the characteristic intracytoplasmic yeasts in placental trophoblasts.
The Pathology of Lens-induced Uveitis in Dogs
Authors: Wilcock B. P. , Peiffer R. L.
Published: January 2017

Rupture of the lens capsule in 20 dogs resulted in zonal, perilenticular inflammation that did not respond to symptomatic therapy and resulted in the loss of the globe. The reaction was dominated by lens epithelial proliferation, pupillary occlusion, and glaucoma in 11 of the 20. This reaction, herein named phacoclastic uveitis, is unique and easily distinguished from the mild lymphocytic-plasmacytic anterior uveitis that accompanies leakage of lens material through an intact capsule of a hypermature cataract (phacolytic uveitis). None of the dog eyes had the granulomatous perilenticular inflammation that is the hallmark of lens-induced (phacoanaphylactic) uvcitis in humans.
Impossible Voyages: Seventeenth-Century Space Travel and the Impulse of Ethnology
Authors: Baine Mary
Published: January 2017

[T]heir colour and countenance [was] most pleasing, and their habit such, as I know not how to expresse. For neither did I see any kind of Cloth, Silke, or other stuffe to resemble the matter of that whereof their clothes were made; neither … can I devise how to describe the colour of them …. It was neither blacke, nor white, yellow, nor redde, greene nor blew, nor any colour composed of these. But if you ask me what it was then; I must tell you, it was a colour never seen in our earthly world, and therefore neither to be described unto us by any, nor to be conceived…. Only this I can say of it, that it was the most glorious and delightfull, that can possibly be…. (Francis Godwin, The Man in the Moone)
Who Lives with Whom? Individual Versus Household Measures
Authors: King Miriam , Preston Samuel H.
Published: January 2017

Conceived of as a contribution to the methodological debate over the relative desirability of measuring living arrangements in terms of households or in terms of individuals, the study develops formal relationships between household characteristics measured among the set of households and those measured among the set of individuals. Empirical evidence is presented about what difference it makes to use households rather than individuals as the units of analysis, and some measurement tools are developed for analyzing components of change in the prevalence of particular living arrangements. The latter are illustrated with results from representative national samples of the U.S. population in 1910 and 1980.
Social Reform, Law, Gendered Identity Among an Oppressed Caste, the Ezhavas in Travancore
Authors: Velayudhan Meera
Published: January 2017

Undoubtedly the most widespread mass movement that Travancore witnessed, the social reform movement among Ezhavas arose in the context of the emergence of new social classes in Travancore from among non-dominant castes and communities. The Ezhava social reform movement sought to unite all sections of their caste through a common law of inheritance. As low castes struggling to assert their identity and dignity, the Ezhava social reform movement's campaigns were directed not only towards enhancing the educational and occupational status of the Ezhavas, but also to free them from the social shackles or customs, many of which were considered as imitations from the upper castes. This paper looks at the discourse within the Ezhava social reform movement in 1919 on matriliny, inheritance, form of marriage and the campaign for a law of succession and marriage for Ezhavas which was predicated on a distinct construction of gender. The discourse around the Ezhava Law Committee ‘s attempts to enact laws of inheritance, succession and form of marriage suggest both an attempt to build a community identity, its ‘reputation’ and ‘status’ as well as the subordination of women by controlling the relations, including property relations, between the sexes within the emerging unit of the family.’
Renegotiating the Self: Recovery and Restoration—The ‘Gendered’ Histories of Partition
Authors: Datta Anjali Bhardwaj
Published: January 2017

The paper examines the life histories of women who faced the worst of violence, abduction and then forced recovery and restoration during and after Partition. The entire process brings to the surface the place that women's sexuality occupies in a largely patriarchal world, as women become the repositories of national, communitarian and familial honour It attempts to study the conflicting and ambiguous relationships between the state, social workers and women to be recovered and between the women and their families and raises serious questions on Indian state's definition of itself as ‘secular’ and ‘democratic’
Reso Comme Outil De Structuration Des Categories Socioprofessionnelles
Authors: Dalud-Vincent Monique
Published: January 2017

Reso as a Tool for Structuring Social-Professional Categories: For purposes of readability ande comparison, how can one reduce the social mobility tables that are as detailed as those of the 1985 French FQP survey, and, at the same time, not sacrifice the nomenclature but show the continuity/discontinuity between categoris? Contrary to work in “stratification” which perceives the nomenclature as a hierarchy and qualifies mobility as “ascending”, we model each table in the form of a graph and reveal the social-professional categories as typologies with the software Réso which uses strong connectedness to characterize the impossibility of constructing an induced order of mobility on the 32 categories. Réso constructs proximities between categories by Finding and following lines of flow and fracture in a center(s)/periphery(ies) model with points of flexion and points of weakness. These proximities vary from one table to another and cannot be expressed in terms of “stratification”. Social Mobility, Social Professional Categories, Stratification, Graphes, Strongely Connected Components.
Withdrawal of Nutrition Support in a Neurosurgical Patient in a Persistent Vegetative State
Authors: Johnson Gina , Mcnoble Dorothy
Published: January 2017

A case of a neurosurgical patient diagnosed as being in a permanent vegetative state is presented. A family conference was used to discuss termination of life support. Because of the poor prognosis for recovery, it was decided to terminate ventilatory support but continue enteral nutrition and hydration therapy. In spite of the discontinuation of ventilatory support, the patient did not expire. After nutrition was discontinued, the patient did die. The distinction between ventilatory and nutrition support as life‐sustaining interventions is discussed.
Tapping Academia through Innovation
Authors: Parker E.
Published: January 2017

This article examines different ways of tapping academia and making ideas pay. It highlights the case of Salford University to illustrate ways in which industry and higher education can collaborate.
Labour Market Considerations in Hong Kong
Authors: Imrie Bradford W.
Published: January 2017

Labour market needs in Hong Kong continue to change and this paper deals with policies and planning related to sub-degree programmes at the higher vocational (HV) level, leading to the Higher Diploma (HD). The HD is equivalent to the associate degree in North America and, in the UK, to the Higher National Diploma (HND) which is generally accepted as pass degree equivalent. Since 1990 there have been far-reaching changes in the provision of the HD in Hong Kong and a review was initiated at the end of 1994. Two recent reports in Hong Kong are particularly significant: one dealing with manpower projections, the other with continuing education. It is vitally important that providers maintain quality while seeking to be more flexible. Some international considerations are addressed.
Graduates' Work
Authors: Harvey Lee , Geall Vicki , Moon Sue
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses the findings of ‘Graduates' Work’, a major survey carried out in the UK to assess the future needs of employers in the context of widespread organizational change and to define what attributes graduates will now need to succeed in their careers. With supporting quotations from in-depth interviews conducted with managers and recent recruits in a wide range of organizations, the authors discuss the key changes in the work environment and organizational cultures and sets out the specific personal and interactive skills and characteristics that employers are looking for in graduates. It is argued that employers want employees who can be variously ‘adaptive’, ‘adaptable’, and ‘transformative’. Finally, the implications of the research findings for higher education institutions at the levels of the teaching/learning interface, the curriculum, and operating systems are addressed.
Improving Innovation through Training
Authors: Schmehr Hans-Jürgen
Published: January 2017

One of the most important issues for the future economic and social development of the European Community is its ability to harness the fruits of its research efforts for the development of innovative capability and quality in its industries. COMETT, the European Community's Programme on cooperation between universities and industry regarding training in the field of technology, has developed since its inception in 1986 with these and related issues as its focus. Essentially, it worked through three mechanisms: structured networking between universities and industry, student and graduate placements in industry as well as the exchange of personnel between universities and firms, and the setting-up of joint training projects. COMETT's message has been that advanced training and the acceleration of higher education–industry cooperation are core technology transfer mechanisms for the industrial valorisation of European R&D efforts.
Automated quality inspection of camera zooming with real-time vision
Authors: Chang Wen-Chung
Published: January 2017

Industrial automated production technologies have been the research focus of many recent studies, comprising the two research streams of automated assembly and automated product testing. Camera lens-shake detection is an effective way to measure the quality of video cameras during zooming. Conventional testing methods involve time-consuming manual operation procedures. This study proposes a novel automated camera lens-shake detection method, in which real-time visual tracking of two arbitrary features is used to measure and analyze camera zooming quality. The camera lens-shake detection approach can be used to screen out video cameras for the purpose of quality control. It can be effectively employed to replace conventional testing methods and enhance efficiency and stability of product manufacturing.
Optimal vaccination schemes for epidemics among a population of households, with application to variola minor in Brazil
Authors: Ball Frank , Lyne Owen
Published: January 2017

This paper is concerned with stochastic models for the spread of an epidemic among a community of households, in which individuals mix uniformly within households and, in addition, uniformly at a much lower rate within the population at large. This two-level mixing structure has important implications for the threshold behaviour of the epidemic and, consequently, for both the effectiveness of vaccination strategies for controlling an outbreak and the form of optimal vaccination schemes. A brief introduction to optimal vaccination schemes in this setting is provided by presenting a unified treatment of the simplest and most-studied case, viz. the single-type SIR (susceptible → infective → removed) epidemic.

A reproduction number R*, which determines whether a trace of initial infection can give rise to a major epidemic, is derived and the effect of a vaccination scheme on R* is studied using a general model for vaccine action. In particular, optimal vaccination schemes which reduce R* to its threshold value of one with minimum vaccination coverage are considered. The theory is illustrated by application to data on a variola minor outbreak in São Paulo, which, together with other examples, is used to highlight key issues related to vaccination schemes.
Prevention of Deep-Vein Thrombosis following Total Hip Replacement Surgery with Enoxaparin versus Unfractionated Heparin: A Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation
Authors: Menzin Joseph , Richner Randel , Huse Daniel , Colditz Graham A. , Oster Gerry
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the use of healthcare services in patients receiving enoxaparin, a low molecular weight heparin versus those receiving unfractionated heparin as prophylaxis against deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) following total hip replacement surgery.

DESIGN:

Economic evaluation undertaken in conjunction with a randomized, open-label, parallel group, Phase III clinical trial.

SETTING:

32 US acute-care hospitals.

PATIENTS:

607 patients undergoing elective total hip replacement.

INTERVENTIONS:

Enoxaparin 30 mg q12h, enoxaparin 40 mg qd, or unfractionated heparin 5000 units q8h started within 24 hours following surgery and continued for 7 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

(1) Use of selected tests and treatments for DVT; (2) use of selected tests and treatments related to post-operative bleeding; (3) length of stay in hospital; and (4) readmissions to hospital within 14 days.

RESULTS:

Although the use of selected tests and treatments related to DVT or postoperative bleeding did not differ significantly between the three treatment groups, mean length of stay in the hospital (following the start of study therapy) was shorter among patients receiving enoxaparin 30 mg (9.5 days; p=0.01) or 40 mg (9.9 days; p<0.05) than those receiving unfractionated heparin (11.3 days). There was also a trend toward fewer hospital readmissions in both of the enoxaparin groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with unfractionated heparin, use of enoxaparin following total hip replacement may decrease the risk of DVT and length of hospital stay.
GP6 Haplotype of Missense Variants is Associated with Sticky Platelet Syndrome Manifested by Fetal Loss
Authors: Škereňová Mária , Sokol Juraj , Biringer Kamil , Ivanková Jela , Staško Ján , Kubisz Peter , Lasabová Zora
Published: January 2017

Disequilibrium of hemostasis is central to the pathogenesis of all thromboses, and platelets are essential for primary hemostasis. The platelet membrane glycoprotein receptor is involved in the clot formation in blood; therefore, the changes in related genes could impair platelet aggregation in patients with sticky platelet syndrome (SPS). Patients with SPS who experienced fetal loss were shown to harbor a risk haplotype at GP6 locus. The aim of the study was to examine the genetic linkage of this selected risk haplotype with single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in the coding sequence of the GP6 gene in order to identify possible functional SNVs in association with SPS and fetal loss. A total of 37 patients with SPS manifested fetal loss, and 42 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The SPS was diagnosed with platelet aggregometry. The SNVs were determined by dideoxy sequencing and high-resolution melting analysis. The missense variations were detected in patients with risk haplotype only. The association analysis showed association of the minor alleles with the SPS manifested by fetal loss as follows—rs1671152 (odds ratio [OR]: 4.667, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.462-14.89, P = .006), rs2304167 (OR: 5.085, 95% CI: 1.605-16.10, P = .003), and rs1654416 (OR: 5.085, 95% CI: 1.605-16.10, P = .003). Using the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm, the estimated minor haplotype with predicted protein residue PEAN was significantly associated with the given phenotype (OR: 4.746, 95% CI: 1.486-15.15, P = .005). We have shown that haplotype PEAN associated with SPS and manifested by fetal loss and suggest that the mechanism involved in the action of GPVI has significant effect on GPVI-mediated signal transduction through Syk-phosphorylation.
Editor Toast: A Study of Burnout and Job Satisfaction among College Newspaper Editors
Authors: Filak Vincent F. , Reinardy Scott
Published: January 2017

Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a study of 185 college newspaper editors revealed that participants were experiencing moderate levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, two key factors in clinical burnout. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were significant negative predictors of editors' job satisfaction while personal accomplishment was a significant positive predictor. When compared to the advisers drawn from the same sample pool (n = 217), student editors had significantly higher scores on the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scales. However, there were no differences between advisers and editors on job satisfaction.
One-year disability, death and recurrence after first-ever stroke in a Black Afro-Caribbean population
Authors: Olindo Stephane , Saint-Vil Martine , Jeannin Severine , Signate Aissatou , Edimonana-Kaptue Mireille , Cabre Philippe , Chausson Nicolas , Smadja Didier , Joux Julien
Published: January 2017

Background

Few data on stroke outcomes and no data on stroke recurrence are available in Black mono-racial population with high socio-economic status.

Aims

We investigated outcomes and stroke recurrence at one year in the Black Afro-Caribbean population of Martinique and examined potential predictors of poor prognosis and recurrence.

Methods

Patients from ERMANCIA II (Etude Réalisée en MArtinique et Centrée sur l’Incidence des Accidents vasculaires cérébraux), a Black population-based and prospective observational study, were followed up at 28-days, three months and one year post stroke. Stroke characteristics, survival, disability (modified Rankin Scale > 2), and stroke recurrence were assessed. A survival-based approach was used for time-to-event analysis, and multivariable regression analysis assessed the predictors of death, disability and stroke recurrence.

Results

Of 544 first-ever stroke patients, cumulative risks of death increased from 17.6% (95% confidence interval, 14.5–20.4) at 28 days to 22.8% (18.6–25.0) at three months and to 31.3% (27.4–34.6) at one year. Disability rates in survivors decreased from 43.7% (39.5–47.2) at 28 days to 35% (30.9–38.4) at three months and to 28.8% (24.9–32.1) at one year. Cumulative risks of recurrent stroke were estimated to 2.1% (0.9–2.9) at 28 days, 4.5% (2.7–6.1) at three months and 9.3% (6.1–11.6) at one year. Age (odds ratio (OR), 1.08 (1.05–1.10)), admission NIHSS (OR, 1.22 (1.17–1.29)), metabolic syndrome (OR, 2.07 (1.22–3.52)) and recurrence (OR, 5.06 (1.87–13.7)) were independent predictors of death or disability at one year.

Conclusion

Stroke Outcomes in Black Afro-Caribbean population with a high socio-economic status appear globally similar to outcomes reported in Caucasian population. After a first-ever stroke, the implementation of early programs of recurrence prevention seems crucial to reduce the risk of poor prognosis at one year.
Association between the maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion and cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Tokunaga Keisuke , Yasaka Masahiro , Kuwashiro Takahiro , Gotoh Seiji , Nakamura Asako , Takaguchi Go , Ago Tetsuro , Kamouchi Masahiro , Kitazono Takanari , Okada Yasushi
Published: January 2017

Background and purpose

Previous studies have suggested that atrial septal aneurysm is a potential risk factor for cerebral embolism. However, the association between the level of atrial septal protrusion and cerebral embolism is still unclear. The purpose of the present study was to assess the association between the maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion and cryptogenic stroke.

Methods

A total of 588 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients (70 ± 11 (mean ± SD) years, 401 men) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography were enrolled. The maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion into the right or left atrium was measured. Atrial septal aneurysm was diagnosed when the maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion was >10 mm. Cryptogenic stroke was defined as non-lacunar ischemic stroke without >50% proximal artery stenosis or occlusion, cardioembolic sources, ≥4 mm atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic arch, or carotid or vertebral artery dissection.

Results

The rate of cryptogenic stroke increased with the increasing maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion. The maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion (multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) per 1 mm, 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–1.24; P = 0.003) and atrial septal aneurysm (multivariate-adjusted OR, 4.32; 95% CI, 1.22–20.39; P = 0.022) was independently associated with cryptogenic stroke.

Conclusions

The maximal distance of atrial septal protrusion was independently associated with cryptogenic stroke.
The effect of mTOR inhibitors on respiratory infections in lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Courtwright Andrew M. , Goldberg Hilary J. , Henske Elizabeth Petri , El-Chemaly Souheil
Published: January 2017

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a destructive cystic lung disease. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are the primary treatment for LAM but it is unknown whether these immunosuppressing medications increase the risk for or the severity of respiratory infections in LAM patients.

We searched multiple databases for original articles that reported the rate of respiratory infections in LAM patients treated with mTOR inhibitors or placebo. We calculated incidence rates for respiratory infections in these groups and incidence rate ratios for respiratory infections and severe respiratory infections in mTOR inhibitors treatedversusplacebo treated patients.

11 studies were included. There were 294 patients in the treatment groups and 93 patients in the placebo groups. Among subjects in placebo arms, the incidence rate of respiratory infections was 58.8 per 100 patient-years (95% CI 35.3–82.3 per 100 patient-years). The incidence-rate ratio (IRR) for respiratory infection among treated subjects was 0.71 (95% CI 0.50–1.02; p=0.06 compared to placebo subjects). The IRR for severe respiratory infections among treated subjects was 1.56 (95% CI 0.43–8.55; p=0.52).

We found that respiratory infections are common in patients with LAM. Importantly, treatment with mTOR inhibitors does not increase the incidence of these infections and may be protective.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated with pulmonary pathogens
Authors: Gopal Radha , Rapaka Rekha R. , Kolls Jay K.
Published: January 2017

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is an exaggerated immune response to a variety of pathogens in response to antiretroviral therapy-mediated recovery of the immune system in HIV-infected patients. Although IRIS can occur in many organs, pulmonary IRIS, associated with opportunistic infections such asMycobacterium tuberculosisandPneumocystis jirovecii, is particularly associated with high morbidity and mortality. The pathology of IRIS is associated with a variety of innate and adaptive immune factors, including CD4+T-cells, CD8+T-cells, γδ T-cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, the complement system and surfactant proteins, Toll-like receptors and pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Although there are numerous reports about the immune factors involved in IRIS, the mechanisms involved in the development of pulmonary IRIS are poorly understood. Here, we propose that studies using gene-deficient murine and nonhuman primate models will help to identify the specific molecular targets associated with the development of IRIS. An improved understanding of the mechanisms involved in the pathology of pulmonary IRIS will help to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in this syndrome.
Prediction models for exacerbations in patients with COPD
Authors: Guerra Beniamino , Gaveikaite Violeta , Bianchi Camilla , Puhan Milo A.
Published: January 2017

Personalised medicine aims to tailor medical decisions to the individual patient. A possible approach is to stratify patients according to the risk of adverse outcomes such as exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Risk-stratified approaches are particularly attractive for drugs like inhaled corticosteroids or phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors that reduce exacerbations but are associated with harms. However, it is currently not clear which models are best to predict exacerbations in patients with COPD. Therefore, our aim was to identify and critically appraise studies on models that predict exacerbations in COPD patients. Out of 1382 studies, 25 studies with 27 prediction models were included. The prediction models showed great heterogeneity in terms of number and type of predictors, time horizon, statistical methods and measures of prediction model performance. Only two out of 25 studies validated the developed model, and only one out of 27 models provided estimates of individual exacerbation risk, only three out of 27 prediction models used high-quality statistical approaches for model development and evaluation. Overall, none of the existing models fulfilled the requirements for risk-stratified treatment to personalise COPD care. A more harmonised approach to develop and validate high- quality prediction models is needed to move personalised COPD medicine forward.
Precision medicine in immune checkpoint blockade therapy for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Cho William C.
Published: January 2017

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy by targeting the programmed death protein 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) axis using antibodies has yielded promising clinical responses in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, owing to the dynamic expression of PD‐L1, degree of mutational/neoantigen load, intratumoral heterogeneity, infiltrated immune cells of tumor microenvironment of NSCLC, the response rates to these agents are limited, despite several companion diagnostic assays by detecting PD‐L1 in tumor cells have been introduced into clinical practice. Therefore, in this era of precision medicine, there is an urgent need for predictive biomarkers to identify NSCLC patients likely to benefit from this novel therapy.
Gender and racial differences in peer effects of limited English students: a story of language or ethnicity?
Authors: Diette Timothy M. , Uwaifo Oyelere Ruth
Published: January 2017

There is a perception among native born parents in the USA that the increasing number of immigrant students in schools creates negative peer effects on their children. In North Carolina, there has been a significant increase in immigrants, especially those with limited English language skills. Recent data suggests that North Carolina has the eighth largest English-language learner (ELL) student population and over 60 % of immigrants are from Latin America and the Caribbean. While past research suggests negative though negligible peer effects of Limited English (LE) students and black students on the achievement of other students, potential peer effects of students from Latin America in general have not been considered. In this paper, we attempt to identify both LE student and Latin American (LA) student peer effects by separately utilizing fixed effects methods that allow us to deal with the potential selectivity across time and schools. On average, we find no evidence of negative peer effects of LE students on females and white students but note small negative effects on average on males and black students. We also find that, holding constant other factors, an increase in the share of LA students does not create negative peer effects on native students’ achievement. Rather, it is the limited English language skills of some of these students that lead to small, negative peer effects on natives.

JEL Classification: I20, I21, J15, J24.
The PathLinker app: Connect the dots in protein interaction networks
Authors: Gil Daniel P. , Law Jeffrey N. , Murali T. M.
Published: January 2017

PathLinker is a graph-theoretic algorithm for reconstructing the interactions in a signaling pathway of interest. It efficiently computes multiple short paths within a background protein interaction network from the receptors to transcription factors (TFs) in a pathway. We originally developed PathLinker to complement manual curation of signaling pathways, which is slow and painstaking. The method can be used in general to connect any set of sources to any set of targets in an interaction network. The app presented here makes the PathLinker functionality available to Cytoscape users. We present an example where we used PathLinker to compute and analyze the network of interactions connecting proteins that are perturbed by the drug lovastatin.
The Impact of Linear Optimization on Promotion Planning
Authors: Cohen Maxime C. , Leung Ngai-Hang Zachary , Panchamgam Kiran , Perakis Georgia , Smith Anthony
Published: January 2017

Sales promotions are important in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry due to the significant spending on promotions and the fact that a large proportion of FMCG products are sold on promotion. This paper considers the problem of planning sales promotions for an FMCG product in a grocery retail setting. The category manager has to solve the promotion optimization problem (POP) for each product, i.e., how to select a posted price for each period in a finite horizon so as to maximize the retailer’s profit. Through our collaboration with Oracle Retail, we developed an optimization formulation for the POP that can be used by category managers in a grocery environment. Our formulation incorporates business rules that are relevant, in practice. We propose general classes of demand functions (including multiplicative and additive), which incorporate the post-promotion dip effect, and can be estimated from sales data. In general, the POP formulation has a nonlinear objective and is NP-hard. We then propose a linear integer programming (IP) approximation of the POP. We show that the IP has an integral feasible region, and hence can be solved efficiently as a linear program (LP). We develop performance guarantees for the profit of the LP solution relative to the optimal profit. Using sales data from a grocery retailer, we first show that our demand models can be estimated with high accuracy, and then demonstrate that using the LP promotion schedule could potentially increase the profit by 3%, with a potential profit increase of 5% if some business constraints were to be relaxed.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2016.1573
Adrenaline, smoking, hearts
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: January 2017

Mark Greener presents key studies published in healthcare journals
Thirtieth Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Nurses Organisation
Authors: Shaw Pamela
Published: January 2017

Pamela Shaw reports from Antigua and Barbuda on the 30th Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Nurses Organisation, celebrating the innovative work undertaken by nurses in leading and delivering evidence-based health care.
Newly qualified health visitor: Support during transition to practice
Authors: Dobson Amy
Published: January 2017

Amy Dobson, newly qualified JHV editorial board member for 2017, is starting her journey as a practitioner. Here, she reflects on the importance of support during her first year in health visiting.
Long-term outcomes of techniques used to manage sleep disturbance in the under-5s
Authors: Mancz Gilly , Wigley Wendy
Published: January 2017

Health visitors identify and support families coping with infant sleep disturbances; however, conflict in the literature may affect professional confidence in managing sleep issues. Sleep disturbance is common in the under-5s and is linked to negative outcomes for the child and their families. Behavioural interventions, such as ‘extinction’, controlled crying and gradual retreat, are the recommended treatments. Contemporary understanding of neuroscience questions the use of such interventions due to their potential impact on attachment and development. This article reviews the literature to ascertain the success of behavioural interventions, the impact on maternal mood and infant mental health, and considers parental perspectives on the controlled crying technique. The key implications and recommendations for health visiting practice are highlighted.
Children with newborn siblings in a neonatal unit: Learning from support programmes in the USA
Authors: Wainwright Lynne
Published: January 2017

The admission of a baby to the neonatal unit is stressful for the family. Despite the drive to provide family-centred care, research into the impact has focused on the parents, in particular the mother. Most UK neonatal units do not provide organised sibling support, with some restricting sibling visits citing infection as a reason. Parents often struggle to manage their older children in addition to coping with their newborn, making this challenging time harder for the whole family. During a travel scholarship to the USA, activities were observed that allowed siblings to feel special and to voice concerns. Run by child life specialists, social workers and charities, these included support groups and individual preparation. Anecdotally, this work has identified benefits to the family, although there is limited empirical work to support it. This article considers information gleaned on the trip that can help define the need for, and inform, development of provision in the UK.
Feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of RGN107 in the palliative wound care management of chronic wound symptoms
Authors: Madisetti M. , Kelechi T.J. , Mueller M. , Amella E.J. , Prentice M.A.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To assess the feasibility, acceptability and tolerability of RGN107 use, a natural powder blend of Arnica Montana, Calendula Officinalis, Mentha Arvensis and Santalum Album, among hospice patients and their wound caregivers in the palliative wound care management of chronic wound symptoms at end-of-life.

Method:

Data were collected between May 2013 and November 2015. A pilot trial conducted among 50 hospice patients with symptomatic (pain, odour, or exudate) chronic wounds. Caregivers received initial RGN107 protocol training, actively applied the powder to patient wounds for 4-weeks, and completed an 8-week retrospective survey. Feasibility was assessed by measuring process outcomes, including the number and proportion of participants referred, screened eligible, enrolled, withdrawn and successfully completed. Acceptability measures included: a protocol training evaluation, caregiver pre and post self-efficacy ratings, retrospective usability, symptom control management and comparative technique caregiver ratings, and recorded open-ended comments. Tolerability was assessed through a 12-week cumulative review of the study adverse event profile.

Results:

Feasibility, tolerability and acceptability of use of the RGN107 powder for chronic wounds were established. Recruitment goals were achieved and 92 % of the patients successfully completed the study. 95 % of wound caregivers would recommend the powder for use in this population.

Conclusion:

This study supports the feasibility, acceptability and tolerability of a wound care powder that espouses a multi-symptom palliative comfort care approach for hospice patients with chronic wounds at end-of-life. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of the powder.
How will observations inform future actions?
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: January 2017

In the first of this four-part series, Jenni Clarke suggests opportunities to widen and strengthen the observation skills you already possess. Here she outlines some play scenarios and what to draw from them.
The icing on the cake
Authors: Chapman Ailsa
Published: January 2017

Creating these beautiful, tasty biscuits is all about following a recipe systematically, says Ailsa Chapman.
How many spiders?
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: January 2017

Julia Donaldson's latest picture book, Spinderella, can provide the perfect hook to extend counting and number work, and can also blend creative activities around the fascinating theme of spiders.
Automation of Taxiing
Authors: Bursík Jaroslav , Kraus Jakub , Štumper Marek
Published: January 2017

The article focuses on the possibility of automation of taxiing, which is the part of a flight, which, under adverse weather conditions, greatly reduces the operational usability of an airport, and is the only part of a flight that has not been affected by automation, yet. Taxiing is currently handled manually by the pilot, who controls the airplane based on information from visual perception. The article primarily deals with possible ways of obtaining navigational information, and its automatic transfer to the controls. Analyzed wand assessed were currently available technologies such as computer vision, Light Detection and Ranging and Global Navigation Satellite System, which are useful for navigation and their general implementation into an airplane was designed. Obstacles to the implementation were identified, too. The result is a proposed combination of systems along with their installation into airplane’s systems so that it is possible to use the automated taxiing.
Desencuentros y desafíos: Ensayos sobre la Historia Contemporánea Centroamericana
Authors: Barrientos Valverde Jorge
Published: January 2017

S eñala Karl Marx que los seres humanos hacen su historia pero bajo condiciones que no han elegido. Es decir, los ciudadanos de un mundo capitalista buscan resolver los grandes problemas que enfrentamos y que nos afectan directamente, pero para ello debemos enfrentarnos a una serie de estructuras políticas, económicas, sociales y culturales que poseen un gran peso y por sobre las cuales las condiciones subjetivas, es decir la organización política y los niveles de conciencia de clase, tienen una gran relevancia para poder confrontar la situación objetiva muchas veces avasallante. En esa dirección la interpretación de la historia de Centroamérica pasa por una gran cantidad de dilemas dentro de los cuales el compromiso político, la ideología y el enfoque que se le dé a los hechos históricos pueden marcar grandes diferencias.
Independencias, Estados y política(s) en la Centroamérica del siglo XIX. Las huellas históricas del bicentenario
Authors: Gómez Vicente
Published: January 2017

Publicado en 2012 bajo el sello del Centro de Investigaciones Históricas de la Universidad de Costa Rica por David Díaz Arias y Ronny Viales Hurtado como editores, Independencias, Estados y política(s) en la Centroamérica del siglo XIX. Las huellas históricas del bicentenario, reúne el aporte colectivo de once investigadores e investigadoras preocupados por la coyuntura de la independencia y los procesos tempranos de formación de los Estados en Centroamérica. Los editores parten del argumento de la necesidad de estudiar el período anterior a la reforma liberal debido a que es el espacio temporal en el que se sientan las bases del accidentado proceso de construcción de los atributos de estatidad en Centroamérica y en donde la herencia colonial juega un papel más significativo a la hora de reflexionar sobre las posibilidades abiertas por la independencia para el futuro político y económico de la región y los límites de esos proyectos
New Spectrophotometric Method for the Assay of Sulfadiazine Drug Based on Diazotization Coupling Reaction
Authors: Al-Rufaie Mohauman Mohammad
Published: January 2017

A sensitive, simple and rapid spectrophotometric procedure for the assay of trace quantities of sulfadiazine (SDZ) drug as bulk and in diluted solution is characterized. The procedure depends on the diazotization reaction which is produced by coupling SDZ with (4-amino-2-hydroxy acetophenon) (AHA) to produce an intense colored complex spectrophotometrically determined at 410 nm. Beer’s law was applied in the range of concentration 0.5 - 15 ppm; the molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity were 2.8484 × 104 L mol-1 cm-1 and 0.008 μg cm-2 respectively. The method limit of detection (LOD) was 0.443 μg mL-1 and LOQ (the method limit of quantitation) was 0.249 μg mL-1. The procedure is not based on solvent extraction and the additives and excipients do not significantly influence the developed procedure.
Multivariable predictive control considering time delay for load-frequency control in multi-area power systems
Authors: Daniar Sabah , Shiroei Mojtaba , Aazami Rahmat
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a multivariable model based predictive control (MPC) is proposed for the solution of load frequency control (LFC) in a multi-area interconnected power system. The proposed controller is designed to consider time delay, generation rate constraint and multivariable nature of the LFC system, simultaneously. A new formulation of the MPC is presented to compensate time delay. The generation rate constraint is considered by employing a constrained MPC and economic allocation of the generation is further guaranteed by an innovative modification in the predictive control objective function. The effectiveness of proposed scheme is verified through time-based simulations on the standard 39-bus test system and the responses are then compared with the proportional-integral controller. The evaluation of the results reveals that the proposed control scheme offers satisfactory performance with fast responses.
Analysis and comparison of the stability of discrete-time and continuous-time linear systems
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: January 2017

The asymptotic stability of discrete-time and continuous-time linear systems described by the equations xi+1 = Ākxi and x(t) = Akx(t) for k being integers and rational numbers is addressed. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of the systems are established. It is shown that: 1) the asymptotic stability of discrete-time systems depends only on the modules of the eigenvalues of matrix Āk and of the continuous-time systems depends only on phases of the eigenvalues of the matrix Ak, 2) the discrete-time systems are asymptotically stable for all admissible values of the discretization step if and only if the continuous-time systems are asymptotically stable, 3) the upper bound of the discretization step depends on the eigenvalues of the matrix A.
Reclassification of 21 Presumptive Canine Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors (PNST) Using a Literature-Based Immunohistochemical Panel
Authors: Sirri Rubina , Sabattini Silvia , Bettini Giuliano , Mandrioli Luciana
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to re-evaluate archived samples of canine soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) morphologically consistent with peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs). In each case, an immunohistochemical panel was applied, including α-SMA, calponin, desmin, S-100, GFAP, NSE and Olig2, in order to assess whether the phenotype was consistent with the tumor histological appearance. Additionally, the expression of EGFR, a marker with potential therapeutic implications in malignant PNSTs, was evaluated. Twenty-one tumors were included. Fourteen cases (66.7%) were positive for one or more muscular markers and were reclassified as perivascular tumors (PWTs). A positive labeling for S-100 was observed in one tumor (4.8%), thus classifi ed as PNST. The other 6 tumors were generically classified as poorly differentiated STSs. No unique histopathological feature was observed within the three groups. NSE and Olig2 labeling was aspecific and not useful for diagnostic purposes. GFAP was negative in all cases. Six cases (28.6%) were positive for EGFR, including the PNST. Even after the application of a wide immunohistochemical panel, distinguishing between PNSTs and PWTs remains a challenge. Finally, a subgroup of cases cannot be classified based on light microscopy alone.
The Technology and Structural Properties of Special Glass Modified (Ba0.6Pb0.4)TiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Wodecka-Dus B. , Adamczyk M. , Goryczka T. , Dzik J. , Radoszewska D. , Kozielski L. , Bochenek D.
Published: January 2017

The present paper widely describes the details of technology of (Ba0.6Pb0.4)TiO3 ceramics modified with PbO-B2O3-Al2O3-WO3 special glass, as well as the influence of admixture on the microstructure and crystal structure of basic material. The microstructure investigations reveal the significant increase of grain size and a decrease of pores participation in volume of modified samples, whereas the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements show a decrease of the volume of unit cell. The obtained results are discussed due to processes occurring during the sintering process at high temperature.
Corrosion Resistance of Titanium Based Composites Reinforced with in situ TiB Precipitation Phase
Authors: Miklaszewski A.
Published: January 2017

The paper presents the results of corrosion resistance tests carried out on titanium based composites reinforced with different TiB precipitation phase amount, dependent from boron addition in starting powder blends. Precursor powder preparation and processing parameters of conventional powder metallurgical approach influence density and obtained porosity of bulk compacts. The potentiodynamic tests performed in 0.1 M NaCl solution by the technique of linear voltammetry shows visible difference between compared composite structures. Studies have confirmed that the reinforcement phase amount and its morphology influence obtained microstructure and have important effect on the composite corrosion resistance.
The Analysis of Nitrogen Oxides Formation During Oxygen - Enriched Combustion of Natural Gas
Authors: Poskart A. , Radomiak H. , Niegodajew P. , Zajemska M. , Musiał D.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the study of oxygen–enriched combustion of natural gas and its impact on nitrogen oxides emission. The research were performed on two experimental stands, i.e. combustion chambers with an industrial swirl burner of maximum power equal to 90 kW and 10 kW. The investigation includes the influenced of oxygen enhanced within the range between 21% and 30%. Furthermore, the role of temperature during the oxygen enrichment was analysed. The results of the research showed that with the rise in oxygen concentration in the air the concentration of nitrogen oxides also increases what is directly related to the rise in flame temperature as well as the addition of oxygen.