bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to create commercial value from patents: the role of patent management
Authors: Ernst Holger , Conley James , Omland Nils
Published: May 2016

This article examines the relationship between patent management and indicators of a firm's financial and patenting performance. The empirical analyses are based on a sample of 158 technology‐based firms from the United States and Germany across multiple industries. The results show that two important dimensions of patent management, specifically patent protection management and patent information management, are positively correlated with a firm's level of financial profitability and the strategic and financial impact of its patent portfolio. This implies that patent protection and information management are important managerial capabilities of the firm that determine the level of value it can create from patents. We further find that a firm's technology strategy moderates the relationship between patent protection management and firm performance; it does, however, not moderate the relationship between patent information management and firm performance. Hence, the effectiveness of certain managerial capabilities on value creation from patents are contingent upon specific boundary conditions. Our findings have implications for improving firm performance through patent management.
The ‘Troubling Tradeoffs’ Paradox and a Resolution
Authors: Zambrano Eduardo
Published: May 2016

Ravallion () argues that the Human Development Index (HDI) embeds questionable tradeoffs between the dimensions used to compute the index. To alleviate these problems he proposes the adoption of one of the indices developed by Chakravarty (). In this paper I identify the following paradox: while the Chakravarty indices clearly exhibit more sensible tradeoffs than the HDI, the HDI produces more sensible rankings than the Chakravarty indices. To solve the paradox I identify the axioms behind each methodology responsible for the unintuitive tradeoffs and rankings and illustrate how to develop an index with these questionable axioms removed. This approach can result in methodologies that exhibit more intuitive tradeoffs by design, as it seeks inputs from the public as to what those tradeoffs ought to be, and produces rankings that are more in line with what the HDI wishes to measure: human development and capabilities, as conceptualized by Sen ().
Mother's marital satisfaction associated with the quality of mother‐father‐child triadic interaction
Authors: Korja Riikka , Piha Jorma , Otava Riia , Lavanchy‐scaiola Chloe , Ahlqvist‐Björkroth Sari , Aromaa Minna , Räihä Hannele ,   STEPS‐study
Published: May 2016

Low marital satisfaction has been shown to be a risk factor for early parenthood and parent‐child relationship problems (Erel & Burman, ; McHale, ). The aim of this study was to assess how parental reports of marital satisfaction related to family alliance and coordination in the observed triadic interaction. The study group included 120 families. Marital satisfaction was evaluated during pregnancy, at 4 months, and at 18 months using the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS; Busby, Christensen, Crane & Larsson, ) for both parents. Mother‐father‐child interaction was analyzed in the Lausanne Triadic Play setting and coded using the Family Alliance Assessment Scale (Favez, Lavanchy Scaiola, Tissot, Darwiche & Frascarolo, ) when the child reached 18 months of age. The mother's higher marital satisfaction at every measuring point was associated with a cooperative family alliance and/or higher family coordination at 18 months. The father's experience of marital satisfaction was not related to family interaction at any assessment point. Our study suggests that a mother's experience of lower marital satisfaction during pregnancy may be an early sign of later problems in family relationships.
Red blood cell transfusion triggers in acute leukemia: a randomized pilot study
Authors: DeZern Amy E. , Williams Katherine , Zahurak Marianna , Hand Wesley , Stephens R. Scott , King Karen E. , Frank Steven M. , Ness Paul M.
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion thresholds have yet to be examined in large randomized trials in hematologic malignancies. This pilot study in acute leukemia uses a restrictive compared to a liberal transfusion strategy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A randomized (2:1) study was conducted of restrictive (LOW) hemoglobin (Hb) trigger (7 g/dL) compared to higher (HIGH) Hb trigger (8 g/dL). The primary outcome was feasibility of conducting a larger trial. The four requirements for success required that more than 50% of the eligible patients could be consented, more than 75% of the patients randomized to the LOW arm tolerated the transfusion trigger, fewer than 15% of patients crossed over from the LOW arm to the HIGH arm, and no indication for the need to pause the study for safety concerns. Secondary outcomes included fatigue, bleeding, and RBCs and platelets transfused.

RESULTS

Ninety patients were consented and randomly assigned to LOW to HIGH. The four criteria for the primary objective of feasibility were met. When the number of units transfused was compared, adjusting for baseline Hb, the LOW arm was transfused on average 8.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9‐9.1) units/patient while the HIGH arm received 11.7 (95% CI, 10.1‐13.2) units (p = 0.0003). There was no significant difference in bleeding events or neutropenic fevers between study arms.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes feasibility for trial of Hb thresholds in leukemia through demonstration of success in all primary outcome metrics and a favorable safety profile. This population requires further study to evaluate the equivalence of liberal and restrictive transfusion thresholds in this unique clinical setting.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SCORING OF AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF POST‐TRAUMATIC OSTEOARTHRITIS IN THE EQUINE CARPUS
Authors: Smith Andrew D. , Morton Alison J. , Winter Matthew D. , Colahan Patrick T. , Ghivizzani Steve , Brown Murray P. , Hernandez Jorge A. , Nickerson David M.
Published: May 2016

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive imaging modality to detect the early changes of osteoarthritis. Currently, there is no quantifiable method to tract these pathological changes over time in the horse. The objective of this experimental study was to characterize the progression of MRI changes in an equine model of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis using a semiquantitative scoring system for whole‐organ evaluation of the middle carpal joint. On day 0, an osteochondral fragment was created in one middle carpal joint (OCI) and the contralateral joint (CON) was sham‐operated in 10 horses. On day 14, study horses resumed exercise on a high‐speed treadmill until the completion of the study (day 98). High‐field MRI examinations were performed on days 0 (preosteochondral fragmentation), 14, and 98 and scored by three blinded observers using consensus agreement. Images were scored based on 15 independent articular features, and scores were compared between and within‐groups. On days 14 and 98, OCI joints had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher whole‐organ median scores (29.0 and 31.5, respectively), compared to CON joints (21.5 and 20.0, respectively). On day 14, OCI joints showed significant increases in high‐signal bone lesion scores, and osteochondral fragment number and size. On day 98, high‐signal bone lesion, low‐signal bone lesion, osteophyte formation, cartilage signal abnormality, subchondral bone irregularity, joint effusion, and synovial thickening scores were significantly increased in OCI joints. Study results suggest that the MRI whole‐organ scoring system reported here may be used to identify onset and progression of pathological changes following osteochondral injury.
Mechanistic Modeling of Five-Axis Machining With a Flat End Mill Considering Bottom Edge Cutting Effect
Authors: Li Zhou-Long , Zhu Li-Min
Published: May 2016

In five-axis milling, the bottom edge of a flat end mill is probably involved in cutting when the lead angle of tool axis changes to negative. The mechanistic model will lose accuracy if the bottom edge cutting effect is neglected. In this paper, an improved mechanistic model of five-axis machining with a flat end mill is presented to accurately predict cutting forces by combining the cutting effects of both side and bottom edges. Based on the kinematic analysis of the radial line located at the tool bottom part, the feasible contact radial line (FCRL) is analytically extracted. Then, boundaries of the bottom cutter-workpiece engagements (CWEs) are obtained by intersecting the FCRL with workpiece surfaces and identifying the inclusion relation of its endpoints with the workpiece volume. Next, an analytical method is proposed to calculate the cutting width and the chip area by considering five-axis motions of the tool. Finally, the method of calibrating bottom-cutting force coefficients by conducting a series of plunge milling tests at various feedrates is proposed, and the improved mechanistic model is then applied to predict cutting forces. The five-axis milling with a negative lead angle and the rough machining of an aircraft engine blisk are carried out to test the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed model. The results indicate that it is essential to take into account the bottom edge cutting effect for accurate prediction of cutting forces at tool path zones where the tool bottom part engages with the workpiece.
Efficient Deduplication in a Distributed Primary Storage Infrastructure
Authors: Paulo João , Pereira José
Published: May 2016

A large amount of duplicate data typically exists across volumes of virtual machines in cloud computing infrastructures. Deduplication allows reclaiming these duplicates while improving the cost-effectiveness of large-scale multitenant infrastructures. However, traditional archival and backup deduplication systems impose prohibitive storage overhead for virtual machines hosting latency-sensitive applications. Primary deduplication systems reduce such penalty but rely on special cluster filesystems, centralized components, or restrictive workload assumptions. Also, some of these systems reduce storage overhead by confining deduplication to off-peak periods that may be scarce in a cloud environment.

We present DEDIS, a dependable and fully decentralized system that performs cluster-wide off-line deduplication of virtual machines’ primary volumes. DEDIS works on top of any unsophisticated storage backend, centralized or distributed, as long as it exports a basic shared block device interface. Also, DEDIS does not rely on data locality assumptions and incorporates novel optimizations for reducing deduplication overhead and increasing its reliability.

The evaluation of an open-source prototype shows that minimal I/O overhead is achievable even when deduplication and intensive storage I/O are executed simultaneously. Also, our design scales out and allows collocating DEDIS components and virtual machines in the same servers, thus, sparing the need of additional hardware.
Semantic Photo Retargeting Under Noisy Image Labels
Authors: Zhang Luming , Li Xuelong , Nie Liqiang , Yan Yan , Zimmermann Roger
Published: May 2016

With the popularity of mobile devices, photo retargeting has become a useful technique that adapts a high-resolution photo onto a low-resolution screen. Conventional approaches are limited in two aspects. The first factor is the de-emphasized role of semantic content that is many times more important than low-level features in photo aesthetics. Second is the importance of image spatial modeling: toward a semantically reasonable retargeted photo, the spatial distribution of objects within an image should be accurately learned. To solve these two problems, we propose a new semantically aware photo retargeting that shrinks a photo according to region semantics. The key technique is a mechanism transferring semantics of noisy image labels (inaccurate labels predicted by a learner like an SVM) into different image regions. In particular, we first project the local aesthetic features (graphlets in this work) onto a semantic space, wherein image labels are selectively encoded according to their noise level. Then, a category-sharing model is proposed to robustly discover the semantics of each image region. The model is motivated by the observation that the semantic distribution of graphlets from images tagged by a common label remains stable in the presence of noisy labels. Thereafter, a spatial pyramid is constructed to hierarchically encode the spatial layout of graphlet semantics. Based on this, a probabilistic model is proposed to enforce the spatial layout of a retargeted photo to be maximally similar to those from the training photos. Experimental results show that (1) noisy image labels predicted by different learners can improve the retargeting performance, according to both qualitative and quantitative analysis, and (2) the category-sharing model stays stable even when 32.36% of image labels are incorrectly predicted.
Detail-Preserving Mesh Unfolding for Nonrigid Shape Retrieval
Authors: Sahillioğlu Yusuf , Kavan Ladislav
Published: May 2016

We present a shape deformation algorithm that unfolds any given 3D shape into a canonical pose that is invariant to nonrigid transformations. Unlike classical approaches, such as least-squares multidimensional scaling, we preserve the geometric details of the input shape in the resulting shape, which in turn leads to a content-based nonrigid shape retrieval application with higher accuracy. Our optimization framework, fed with a triangular or a tetrahedral mesh in 3D, tries to move each vertex as far away from each other as possible subject to finite element regularization constraints. Intuitively this effort minimizes the bending over the shape while preserving the details. Avoiding geodesic distances in our computation renders the method robust to topological noise. Compared to state-of-the-art approaches, our method is simpler to implement, faster, more accurate in shape retrieval, and less sensitive to topological errors.
The Linear Response Function of an Idealized Atmosphere. Part II: Implications for the Practical Use of the Fluctuation–Dissipation Theorem and the Role of Operator’s Nonnormality
Authors: Hassanzadeh Pedram , Kuang Zhiming
Published: May 2016

A linear response function (LRF) relates the mean response of a nonlinear system to weak external forcings and vice versa. Even for simple models of the general circulation, such as the dry dynamical core, the LRF cannot be calculated from first principles owing to the lack of a complete theory for eddy–mean flow feedbacks. According to the fluctuation–dissipation theorem (FDT), the LRF can be calculated using only the covariance and lag-covariance matrices of the unforced system. However, efforts in calculating the LRFs for GCMs using FDT have produced mixed results, and the reason(s) behind the poor performance of the FDT remain(s) unclear. In Part I of this study, the LRF of an idealized GCM, the dry dynamical core with Held–Suarez physics, is accurately calculated using Green’s functions. In this paper (Part II), the LRF of the same model is computed using FDT, which is found to perform poorly for some of the test cases. The accurate LRF of Part I is used with a linear stochastic equation to show that dimension reduction by projecting the data onto the leading EOFs, which is commonly used for FDT, can alone be a significant source of error. Simplified equations and examples of 2 × 2 matrices are then used to demonstrate that this error arises because of the nonnormality of the operator. These results suggest that errors caused by dimension reduction are a major, if not the main, contributor to the poor performance of the LRF calculated using FDT and that further investigations of dimension-reduction strategies with a focus on nonnormality are needed.
Enhanced microstructure homogeneity and mechanical properties of AZ91–SiC nanocomposites by cyclic closed-die forging
Authors: Guo Wei , Wang Qu-Dong , Li Wen-Zhen , Zhou Hao , Zhang Li , Liao Wen-Jun
Published: May 2016

The microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91–SiC nanocomposites processed by cyclic closed-die forging were investigated. The results showed that much finer grain size and more homogeneous distribution of Mg17Al12 phase and SiC nanoparticles were obtained along with significant improvement in strength and elongation after five passes. During cyclic closed-die forging processing, the agglomeration of nanoparticles disintegrated through kneading effect induced by intense matrix flow, and the nano-sized SiC particles were dispersed uniformly into the matrix. However, a few SiC clusters still existed due to the high surface energy of nanoparticles. Properties enhancement of the composites was mainly attributed to Hall–Petch effect and Orowan strengthening.
Differentiation of Pulpal Cells and Inductive Influences of Various Matrices with Reference to Pulpal Wound Healing
Authors: Yamamura T.
Published: May 2016

Based on recent literature, the dynamics of mesenchymal cells in transplantation of various tissues and matrices, as well as the origin of new odontoblasts which participate in the formation of the dentin bridge, are described. Experiments involving implantation of pulp, periosteum, perichondrium, treated dentin, and bone matrices were performed to emphasize the capability of these cells to produce hard tissue. Light and electron microscopic and autoradiographic studies were carried out to clarify the origin of replacement odontoblasts. It appears that the pulp cells, endothelial cells, and pericytes become undifferentiated mesenchymal cells following pulp exposure. These mesenchymal cells differentiate into odontoblasts, which subsequently produce a dentin matrix. Pulp tissues auto-grafted to non-pulpal sites, elaborated bone (or osteodentin) matrix, but they did not graft to tubular dentin. An experiment on dentin bridge formation, using germ-free rats, demonstrated that the pulp tissue has intrinsic healing potential. Therefore, it was concluded that the ability of pulp tissue to elaborate hard tissues depends on its environment.
Team Commitment as a Mediator Between Self-Esteem and Team Climate as Perceived by Korean Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Jung Myungjin , Kang Sangwook , Kwon Sungho
Published: May 2016

This study examined whether team commitment mediates the relationship between self-esteem and perceived team climate in Korean youth soccer players. A total of 366 youth soccer players from the Korea football association participated in this study. Self-esteem and team commitment were found to significantly and positively affect perceived team climate; team commitment more strongly affected perceived team climate. Regarding structural relationships, self-esteem’s direct effect on perceived team climate was not significant; however, self-esteem’s indirect effect through team commitment was significant. Team commitment therefore mediated the relationship between self-esteem and perceived team climate. Metric invariance was supported for groups categorized by grade and key player, confirming that the model could be applied to various groups.
Effects of a Risk and Resilience Course on Stress, Coping Skills, and Cognitive Strategies in College Students
Authors: Shatkin Jess P. , Diamond Ursula , Zhao Yihong , DiMeglio John , Chodaczek Michaela , Bruzzese Jean-Marie
Published: May 2016

This study tested the impact of the skills-building component of a two-semester risk and resilience (R&R) course on the stress, coping skills, and cognitive style of 36 undergraduates compared to 62 students enrolled in a child and adolescent psychopathology course. In the fall, students learned about risk taking and decision-making as well as coping skills and positive cognitive styles. In the spring, students taught these skills to ninth graders. Upon completion of the fall semester, R&R students reported improvements in stress, coping, and dysfunctional attitudes. Although maintained, these gains did not increase after the spring semester. We conclude that the course, particularly the fall semester, is an effective, practical classroom intervention for reducing stress and improving resilience in undergraduates.
Prospective cohort study of the risk factors for stress fractures in Chinese male infantry recruits
Authors: Zhao Lin , Chang Qi , Huang Tao , Huang Changlin
Published: May 2016

Objective

To determine potential risk factors that could predict stress fractures over an 8-week basic military training in Chinese male infantry recruits.

Methods

Recruits from three infantry units enrolled in this prospective study. At baseline, demographic data, personal history of stress fractures, mean duration of weekly exercise and smoking history were recorded on questionnaires and blood samples taken for analysis of bone turnover biomarkers and genetic factors.

Results

Of the 1516 male recruits who volunteered to participate in the study, 1398 recruits provided data for analysis. In total, 189 stress fracture cases were observed (incidence rate: 13.5%) during the 8-week training period. Recruits with stress fractures had a significantly higher incidence of prior fracture history and lower exercise level prior to enrolment compared with those without stress fractures. A significant difference in both allelic frequency and genotypic distribution of the growth differentiation factor 5 ( GDF5) gene rs143383 polymorphism was observed between recruits with and without stress fractures. However, no difference in serum bone turnover biomarkers was detected between groups.

Conclusion

This prospective, cohort study indicates that fracture history, lower exercise level and GDF5 rs143383 may be predictive risk factors for stress fractures in Chinese male infantry recruits.
Principal–agent problems in multi-unit developments: The impact of developer actions on the on-going management of strata titled properties
Authors: Easthope Hazel , Randolph Bill
Published: May 2016

This paper demonstrates the impact the actions of developers during the design and build phases of multi-unit residential developments can have on the quality and effectiveness of the on-going management of developments. The findings presented are drawn from a large research project that included interviews and surveys with property owners, executive committee (body corporate) members, strata (property) managers, and peak body representatives about the management of strata schemes in the state of New South Wales in Australia. A total of 1550 people were consulted. The actions of developers in the set-up of multi-unit developments (including build quality, design, allocation of unit entitlements, and levy setting) can have an important impact on the quality of buildings, the financial viability of schemes in the short-to-medium term, the balance of power between owners, the effectiveness of management and the nature and incidence of disputes. The paper concludes with a discussion of opportunities for integrating long-term management considerations into decision-making in the design and build phase to ensure management costs and costs to those using the property are minimized. The research will be of interest to those involved with property developments in international jurisdictions that have similar multi-unit ownership and management structures and in jurisdictions considering the introduction of similar forms of multi-unit ownership.
Acquired equivalence and related memory processes in migraine without aura
Authors: Öze Attila , Nagy Attila , Benedek György , Bodosi Balázs , Kéri Szabolcs , Pálinkás Éva , Bihari Katalin , Braunitzer Gábor
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Interictal deficits of elementary visuo-cognitive functions are well documented in patients with migraine and are mostly explained in terms of neocortical hyperexcitability. It has been suggested that the basal ganglia and the hippocampi might also be affected in migraine. If so, a deterioration of learning and memory processes related to these structures is expected.

Methods

A visual learning paradigm thought to be capable of dissociating learning/memory processes mediated by the basal ganglia from processes mediated by the hippocampus (the Rutgers Acquired Equivalence Test) was applied to a group of patients with migraine without aura and to age- and sex-matched controls.

Results

Patients with migraine showed a significantly poorer performance in both main phases of the test and the deficit in the phase considered to be dependent on the hippocampi was especially marked.

Conclusions

These results can be interpreted as behavioural support for findings that have suggested the involvement of the basal ganglia and the hippocampi in migraine, but further research is needed to clarify these findings.
Albumin as marker for susceptibility to metal ions in metal-on-metal hip prosthesis patients
Authors: Facchin F , Catalani S , Bianconi E , Pasquale D De , Stea S , Toni A , Canaider S , Beraudi A
Published: May 2016

Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip prostheses are known to release chromium and cobalt (Co), which negatively affect the health status, leading to prosthesis explant. Albumin (ALB) is the main serum protein-binding divalent transition metals. Its binding capacity can be affected by gene mutations or modification of the protein N-terminal region, giving the ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA). This study evaluated ALB, at gene and protein level, as marker of individual susceptibility to Co in MoM patients, to understand whether it could be responsible for the different management of this ion. Co was measured in whole blood, serum and urine of 40 MoM patients. A mutational screening of ALB was performed to detect links between mutations and metal binding. Finally, serum concentration of total ALB and IMA were measured. Serum total ALB concentration was in the normal range for all patients. None of the subjects presented mutations in the investigated gene. Whole blood, serum and urine Co did not correlate with serum total ALB or IMA, although IMA was above the normal limit in most subjects. The individual susceptibility is very important for patients’ health status. Despite the limited results of this study, we provide indications on possible future investigations on the toxicological response to Co.
Excess cervical cancer screening smears: Any benefit? A retrospective cohort in Alsace, France
Authors: Thiery Alicia , Akladios Cherif , Fender Muriel , Severac François , Baldauf Jean-Jacques
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Although cervical cancer screening guidelines in France recommend a smear test every three years, many physicians order more regular screening. We aimed to assess the benefits or harms of shorter intervals between screenings, both for women and public health.

Methods

For a retrospective cohort of women aged 25–65 who had two normal smears and at least one additional smear, data were sourced from a regionally organized cervical cancer screening programme in France, with follow-up for nine years. Based on the interval between the second and third smear, two groups were formed; the first comprised overscreened women (interval <24 months), and the second of ‘correctly’ screened women (interval between 24 and 42 months). The primary outcome was cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or worse (CIN2+); secondary outcomes were cervical cancers and CIN1 lesions.

Results

Among 63,821 women, CIN2+ incidence rate per 10,000 women per year was 14.5 for 40,350 overscreened women, and 11.5 for 23,471 correctly screened women. Age-adjusted relative risk was 1.22[1.02; 1.46]. We found no significant difference for cancer (RR = 1.39; 95%CI = [0.60; 3.61]), but did find additional CIN1 in the overscreened group (RR = 2.09; 95%CI = [1.76; 2.51]).

Conclusions

A shorter interval between smears has a low benefit for CIN2+ lesion detection, which may not help avoid cancer. The excess number of CIN1 detected by overscreening may cause needless risk and excess costs due to overtreatment.
Association of Palliative Care Consultation With Reducing Inpatient Chemotherapy Use in Elderly Patients With Cancer in Japan: Analysis Using a Nationwide Administrative Database
Authors: Sano Motoko , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: May 2016

Background:

The administration of chemotherapy at the end of life is considered an aggressive life-prolonging treatment. The use of unnecessarily aggressive therapy in elderly patients at the end of life is an important health-care concern.

Objective:

To explore the impact of palliative care consultation (PCC) on chemotherapy use in geriatric oncology inpatients in Japan by analyzing data from a national database.

Methods:

We conducted a multicenter cohort study of patients aged ≥65 years, registered in the Japan National Administrative Healthcare Database, who died with advanced (stage ≥3) lung, stomach, colorectal, liver, or breast cancer while hospitalized between April 2010 and March 2013. The relationship between PCC and chemotherapy use in the last 2 weeks of life was analyzed using χ2 and logistic regression analyses.

Results:

We included 26 012 patients in this analysis. The mean age was 75.74 ± 6.40 years, 68.1% were men, 81.8% had recurrent cancer, 29.5% had lung cancer, and 29.5% had stomach cancer. Of these, 3134 (12%) received PCC. Among individuals who received PCC, chemotherapy was administered to 46 patients (1.5%) and was not administered to 3088 patients (98.5%). Among those not receiving PCC, chemotherapy was administered to 909 patients (4%) and was not administered to the remaining 21 978 patients (96%; odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.48). The OR of chemotherapy use was higher in men, young–old, and patients with primary cancer.

Conclusion:

Palliative care consultation was associated with less chemotherapy use in elderly Japanese patients with cancer who died in the hospital setting.
Coupling Financial Incentives With Direct Mail in Population-Based Practice
Authors: Slater Jonathan S. , Parks Michael J. , Malone Michael E. , Henly George A. , Nelson Christina L.
Published: May 2016

Financial incentives are being used increasingly to encourage a wide array of health behaviors because of their well-established efficacy. However, little is known about how to translate incentive-based strategies to public health practice geared toward improving population-level health, and a dearth of research exists on how individuals respond to incentives through public health communication strategies such as direct mail. This study reports results of a population-based randomized controlled trial testing a direct mail, incentive-based intervention for promoting mammography uptake. The study population was composed of a random sample of Minnesota women enrolled in Medicare fee-for-service and overdue for breast cancer screening. Participants ( N = 18,939) were randomized into three groups: (1) Direct Mail only, (2) Direct Mail plus Incentive, and (3) Control. Both direct mail groups received two mailers with a message about the importance of mammography; however, Mail plus Incentive mailers also offered a $25 incentive for getting a mammogram. Logistic regression analyses measured intervention effects. Results showed the odds for receiving mammography were significantly higher for the Direct Mail plus Incentive group compared with both Direct Mail only and Control groups. The use of incentives also proved to be cost-effective. Additionally, the Direct Mail only group was more likely to receive mammography than the Control group. Findings offer experimental evidence on how the population-based strategy of direct mail coupled with a financial incentive can encourage healthy behavior, as well as how incentive-based programs can be translated into health promotion practice aimed at achieving population-level impact.
Experimental evaluation of seismic response for reinforced concrete beam–column knee joints with irregular geometries
Authors: Wang Min , Zhang Dichuan , Fu Jainping
Published: May 2016

Regular reinforced concrete beam–column knee joints are typically framed by beams and columns with similar heights. However, complexities in modern architecture layouts may result in irregular geometries for the knee joint. The irregular geometry refers to significant differences in the height for the beam and the column framing into the joint. For example, the height of the beam is considerably larger than that of the column, and vice versa. Seismic performance and behavior for the regular knee joint have been well examined through previous experimental research. However, the knee joint with irregular geometry (termed here as irregular knee joint) may have different seismic behaviors compared to the regular knee joint because the irregular geometry can produce different demands, stiffness, strength, and reinforcing bond conditions. Therefore, this article evaluates seismic behavior of the irregular knee joint including failure mode, strength and stiffness degradation, deformation capacity, bond-slip of reinforcement, and energy dissipation capacity through four large-scale static cyclic tests. The test results show that in general the irregular knee joint designed to the current code has low seismic capacity due to poor bond conditions of the reinforcement inside the joint.
Auraptene Attenuates Malignant Properties of Esophageal Stem-Like Cancer Cells
Authors: Saboor-Maleki Saffiyeh , Rassouli Fatemeh B. , Matin Maryam M. , Iranshahi Mehrdad
Published: May 2016

The high incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma has been reported in selected ethnic populations including North of Iran. Low survival rate of esophageal carcinoma is partially due to the presence of stem-like cancer cells with chemotherapy resistance. In the current study, we aimed to determine the effects of auraptene, an interesting dietary coumarin with various biological activities, on malignant properties of stem-like esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, in terms of sensitivity to anticancer drugs and expression of specific markers. To do so, the half maximal inhibitory concentration values of auraptene, cisplatin, paclitaxel, and 5-fluorouracil were determined on esophageal carcinoma cells (KYSE30 cell line). After administrating combinatorial treatments, including nontoxic concentrations of auraptene + cisplatin, paclitaxel, or 5-fluorouracil, sensitivity of cells to chemical drugs and also induced apoptosis were assessed. In addition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to study changes in the expression of tumor suppressor proteins 53 and 21 ( P53 and P21), cluster of differentiation 44 ( CD44), and B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 ( BMI-1) upon treatments. Results of thiazolyl blue assay revealed that auraptene significantly ( P < .05) increased toxicity of cisplatin, paclitaxel, and 5-fluorouracil in KYSE30 cells, specifically 72 hours after treatment. Conducting an apoptosis assay using flow cytometry also confirmed the synergic effects of auraptene. Results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed significant ( P < .05) upregulation of P53 and P21 upon combinatorial treatments and also downregulation of CD44 and BMI-1 after auraptene administration. Current study provided evidence, for the first time, that auraptene attenuates the properties of esophageal stem-like cancer cells through enhancing sensitivity to chemical agents and reducing the expression of CD44 and BMI-1 markers.
The clinical potential of etrolizumab in ulcerative colitis: hypes and hopes
Authors: Fiorino Gionata , Gilardi Daniela , Danese Silvio
Published: May 2016

Antiadhesion molecules are effective and safe in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Etrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting both α4β7 and αEβ7, represents a promising therapy for patients with UC, since this novel mechanism of action may be effective in blocking leukocyte recruitment both at the vascular and at the mucosal level. Preliminary studies show that etrolizumab is effective in inducing clinical response and remission, and mucosal healing. Moreover, new predictors of response have recently been identified, opening the way to a tailored therapeutic approach. This review of the literature aims to present and discuss the most recent evidence on etrolizumab in UC, focusing on the clinical implications of the use of etrolizumab in UC.
MRSmatlab — A software tool for processing, modeling, and inversion of magnetic resonance sounding data
Authors: Müller-Petke Mike , Braun Martina , Hertrich Marian , Costabel Stephan , Walbrecker Jan
Published: May 2016

MRSmatlab is a manufacturer-independent software tool for processing, modeling, and inversion of surface nuclear magnetic resonance data. Intended as an open platform, MRSmatlab has been growing over the past few years by connecting researchers and making the latest research available to the community. We have developed insights into yet unpublished numerical implementations of signal processing and complex inversion. In addition, we have evaluated a field example demonstrating the need to carefully inspect all the steps of handling surface nuclear magnetic resonance data. MRSmatlab can be obtained by contacting the authors.
Application of 3D seismic attribute analysis to structure interpretation and hydrocarbon exploration southwest Pennsylvania, Central Appalachian Basin: A case study
Authors: Donahoe Thomas , Gao Dengliang
Published: May 2016

In the Central Appalachian Basin, southwest Pennsylvania, recently collected high-quality 3D seismic data provide critical information vital to the delineation of basin structures and depositional facies. It is therefore important for the development and verification of ideas associated with structural architecture and growth history of the basin. Traditional wiggle trace imagery has a low dominant frequency and signal-to-noise ratio. The conventional seismic attributes extracted from this data set, such as amplitude, frequency, and phase, are not effective at defining structural details and relations between faults and folds. To overcome these limitations, we have applied waveform regression, jointly with variance, and ant tracking to increase the resolution of structural features, leading to enhanced observations and interpretations. Forethrust to backthrust patterns and small-scale, intrainterval shear zones or detachment faults were observed within the Devonian intervals in which the Marcellus Shale has been developed. From the trend of discontinuities, the primary stress orientation during the Devonian was defined at approximately 105°–120° azimuth, which may affect drilling orientations in the hydraulic fracturing process of the Marcellus gas shale reservoir. Initial observations of gas production data hint at a correlation between structural quiescence and increased productivity in this study area. This effort demonstrates the importance of innovative 3D seismic-attribute techniques and analysis to understanding the relationship of subsurface structural features that are fundamental to the success of future exploration for and production of oil and gas.
Seismic stratigraphy and tectono-sedimentary framework of the Pliocene to recent Taixinan foreland basin in the northeastern continental margin, South China Sea
Authors: Yin Shaoru , Zhong Guangfa , Guo Yiqun , Wang Liaoliang
Published: May 2016

The Pliocene to recent Taixinan basin is a unique foreland basin built on the northeastern part of the northern passive margin of the South China Sea (SCS). We have used multichannel seismic profiles tied to well controls from ODP Leg 184 to investigate the tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the foreland basin. We defined three seismic sequences, dated respectively to the Pliocene (5.33–2.5 Ma), early Quaternary (2.5–1.0 Ma), and late Quaternary (1.0 Ma–present). They represent three stages of evolution of the foreland basin. We have recognized seven types of seismic facies, which are parallel-to-subparallel, progradational, fill-type, divergent mounded, wavy, lenticular, and chaotic facies, and are interpreted as hemipelagic deposits, deltas, submarine canyon fills, levees, sediment waves, submarine fans, and mass transport deposits, respectively. Seismic facies analysis indicates that sedimentation within the foreland basin has been dominated by turbidity currents and the other gravity transport processes. Tectonically, the foreland basin consists of three structural zones: an eastern wedge-top, a central foredeep, and a western forebulge zones. Different from a typical foreland basin, however, the basin extends in the northeast–southwest direction, which is oblique to the north–south-striking Taiwan orogenic zone, but parallel to the northern SCS passive margin, where the basin is hosted, suggesting that the foreland basin is significantly influenced by the development of the passive margin. In addition, the basin displays a distinctive inverted-triangle-shaped downstream-converging sediment dispersal system instead of ideal transverse or longitudinal drainage systems common in a typical foreland basin. We have suggested that the Pliocene to recent Taixinan basin is an atypical foreland basin, which was formed as a flexural response of tectonic loading by the Taiwan orogenic wedge, but strongly affected by its passive continental margin background.
Reflection imaging of aseismic zones of the Nazca slab by global-phase seismic interferometry
Authors: Nishitsuji Yohei , Ruigrok Elmer , Gomez Martín , Wapenaar Kees , Draganov Deyan
Published: May 2016

Obtaining detailed images of aseismic parts of subducting slabs remains a large challenge for understanding slab dynamics. Hypocenter mapping cannot be used for the purpose due to the absence of seismicity, whereas the use of receiver functions might be compromised by the presence of melt. Global tomography can be used to identify the presence of the slab, but it does not reveal the structure in detail. We have determined how detailed images can be obtained using global-phase seismic interferometry. The method provides high-resolution ([Formula: see text] in depth) pseudo zero-offset (i.e., colocated source and receiver) reflection information. We have applied the method to aseismic zones of the Nazca slab in which initiation of possible slab tearing and plume decapitation was identified by global tomography and electrical conductivity, respectively. We have obtained an image of the Moho and the mantle and found an attenuated area in the image consistent with the presence of an aseismic dipping subducting slab. However, our interpretation was not unambiguous. The results confirmed that the method is useful for imaging aseismic transects of slabs.
Insights on how to shape teacher learning policy: The role of teacher content knowledge in explaining differential effects of professional development
Authors: Covay Minor Elizabeth , Desimone Laura , Caines Lee Jade , Hochberg Eric D.
Published: May 2016

In the US, many federal, state and local school improvement policies rely on teacher professional development (PD) to foster classroom change. Past research suggests PD that has a content focus is the most effective, but that even content-focused PD varies in its effectiveness. Through in-depth interviews of teachers participating in a middle school science PD randomized control trial in the US, we find that what teachers learn in PD varies significantly based on their prior knowledge and experience. This paper explores several hypotheses about how content knowledge and teacher learning interact. We conclude that the next step toward improving teacher PD is to calibrate learning opportunities to teachers’ prior knowledge.
Coronary Intervention with the Excimer Laser: Review of the Technology and Outcome Data
Authors: Rawlins John ,   Dorset Heart Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, UK,   Dorset Heart Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, UK,   Dorset Heart Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, UK,   Dorset Heart Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, UK, Din Jehangir N , Talwar Suneel , Peter O’Kane
Published: May 2016

Excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) is a long-established adjunctive therapy that can be applied during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Technical aspects have evolved and there is an established safety and efficacy record across a number of clinical indications in contemporary interventional practice where complex lesions are routinely encountered. The role of ELCA during PCI for thrombus, non-crossable or non-expandable lesions, chronic occlusions and stent under-expansion are discussed in this review. The key advantage of ELCA over alternative atherectomy interventions is delivery on a standard 0.014-inch guidewire. Additionally, the technique can be mastered by any operator after a short period of training. The major limitation is presence of heavy calcification although when rotational atherectomy (RA) is required but cannot be applied due to inability to deliver the dedicated RotaWire™ (Boston Scientific), ELCA can create an upstream channel to permit RotaWire passage and complete the case with RA – the RASER technique.
Aula prática de Fotossíntese: Demonstração da reação de Hill em cloroplastos com dissipação de energia por fluorescência mediante desacoplamento ou inibição dos fotossistemas pelo herbicida Diuron
Authors: Viviani Vadim Ravara
Published: May 2016

Na fotossíntese, o processo fotoquímico de transferência de elétrons é facilmente demonstrado através da reação de Hill, onde aceptores de elétrons artificiais são reduzidos por suspensões ativas de cloroplastos na presença de luz. Entretanto, não é comum mostrar no ensino de graduação o destino da energia luminosa absorvida pela clorofila quando os fotossistemas não estão funcionais. Apresentamos uma proposta de aula prática que consiste em uma adaptação da reação de Hill usando cloroplastos intactos de espinafre, que inclui a visualização de dissipação de energia por fluorescência e efeito dose/resposta em cloroplastos lisados ou inibidos pelo hebicida DIURON. Esta aula prática, destinada às disciplinas de Bioquímica e Biofísica para cursos de graduação de Química, Ciências Biológicas e Engenharias Florestal, Ambiental e Agronômica, tem como objetivos complementar os princípios básicos de fotoquímica demonstrados através da reação clássica de Hill, com princípios de fotofísica através da dissipação de energia por fluorescência da clorofila, melhorando a compreensão do processo da fotossíntese, e introduzindo o conceito de fluorescência e sua aplicação como ferramenta bioanalítica moderna para monitorar a fotossíntese em plantas e ecossistemas vegetais.
Perfil dos profissionais atuantes na gestão em saúde frente ao novo modelo de reorganização do SUS: a regionalização
Authors: MOURA Dean Carlos Nascimento de , PINTO José Reginaldo , ARAGÃO Antônia Eliana de Araújo
Published: May 2016

Esse estudo busca analisar o perfil dos profissionais de saúde e sua inserção no novo modelo de reorganização da gestão do SUS por meio do Contrato Organizativo de Ação Pública (COAP), estabelecidos nas regiões de saúde do estado do Ceará. Pesquisa documental, bibliográfica, quantitativa, extraída por fontes de dados secundários, utilizando-se os COAPs de 19 Regiões de Saúde do Estado, produzidos e apresentados no final do ano de 2011 e disponibilizados no site da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde (SESA). O acesso ocorreu durante todo o mês de outubro de 2014. Nesses documentos foram coletados a quantidade de profissionais de saúde, a qualificação desses trabalhadores e os vínculos empregatícios que tinham ao ocupar cargos na gestão dos municípios que compunham as regiões em estudo. Os dados foram apresentados em tabelas, com estatísticas percentuais simples, tabuladas no SPSS versão 20.0. Os achados confirmaram que existe um maior número de profissionais médicos, enfermeiros, auxiliares e odontólogos distribuídos desigualmente entre as regiões de saúde. Também foi possível visualizar que a maior parte dos trabalhadores era contratada (57%), seguido dos terceirizados (30%). Em relação à qualificação dos empregados, foi demonstrado que houve predominância de cursos de atualização nas regiões de saúde de Acaraú e Sobral. O estudo reflete sobre as condições laborais precárias dos servidores de saúde, com vulnerabilidade de vínculos, distribuição e qualificação irregular por região, que interfere no fortalecimento da regionalização.