bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction Chemotherapy with Docetaxel, Cisplatin and Capecitabine, Followed by Combined Cetuximab and Radiotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Inoperable Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Phase I-II Study
Authors: Perri Francesco , Muto Paolo , Argenone Angela , Ionna Franco , Longo Francesco , Fulciniti Franco , Sandomenico Fabio , Daponte Antonio , Caponigro Francesco
Published: February 2013

Objectives: To replace 5-fluorouracil with capecitabine within a trial of induction chemotherapy followed by cetuximab plus radiotherapy (RT) in patients with locally advanced (LA) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Also, to replace cisplatin with cetuximab after induction chemotherapy. Methods: Docetaxel and cisplatin were given at 75 mg/m2, while capecitabine was initially given at 500 mg/m2 twice a day and subsequently escalated. The maximum tolerated dose was used for the phase II study. Results: Seven patients were enrolled. At dose level 1, two dose-limiting toxicities were observed in the first 4 patients (grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3 diarrhea). In both patients, capecitabine was withdrawn and toxicities resolved. Dose escalation was halted and a lower capecitabine dose (750 mg/m2 daily) was selected. Two complete responses and five partial responses were observed after induction chemotherapy. Four patients were evaluable for response after cetuximab-RT (3 complete response and 1 partial response). Conclusion: Combined chemoradiotherapy is still the gold standard in LA SCCHN and no studies currently support the use of early induction chemotherapy. Our study did not contribute toward addressing this issue since it was discontinued early because of toxicity.
Fifteen-Year Trends in Awareness of Heart Disease in Women
Authors: Mosca Lori , Hammond Gmerice , Mochari-Greenberger Heidi , Towfighi Amytis , Albert Michelle A.
Published: February 2013

Background—

The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among women between 1997 and 2012 by racial/ethnic and age groups, as well as knowledge of CVD symptoms and preventive behaviors/barriers.

Methods and Results—

A study of awareness of CVD was conducted by the American Heart Association in 2012 among US women >25 years of age identified through random-digit dialing (n=1205) and Harris Poll Online (n=1227), similar to prior American Heart Association national surveys. Standardized questions on awareness were given to all women; additional questions about preventive behaviors/barriers were given online. Data were weighted, and results were compared with triennial surveys since 1997. Between 1997 and 2012, the rate of awareness of CVD as the leading cause of death nearly doubled (56% versus 30%;
P
<0.001). The rate of awareness among black and Hispanic women in 2012 (36% and 34%, respectively) was similar to that of white women in 1997 (33%). In 1997, women were more likely to cite cancer than CVD as the leading killer (35% versus 30%), but in 2012, the trend reversed (24% versus 56%). Awareness of atypical symptoms of CVD has improved since 1997 but remains low. The most common reasons why women took preventive action were to improve health and to feel better, not to live longer.

Conclusions—

Awareness of CVD among women has improved in the past 15 years, but a significant racial/ethnic minority gap persists. Continued effort is needed to reach at-risk populations. These data should inform public health campaigns to focus on evidenced-based strategies to prevent CVD and to help target messages that resonate and motivate women to take action.
Dental Prophylaxis and Periodontal Treatment Are Protective Factors to Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lee Ya-Ling , Hu Hsiao-Yun , Huang Nicole , Hwang De-Kuang , Chou Pesus , Chu Dachen
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose—

A correlation has been found between periodontal disease (PD) and stroke. This study was conducted to investigate whether dental prophylaxis and periodontal treatment reduce the incidence rate (IR) of ischemic stroke.

Methods—

We identified 510 762 PD cases and 208 674 non-PD subjects from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2010. The PD cases were divided into dental prophylaxis, intensive treatment, and no treatment groups. The stroke IRs were assessed among groups during follow-up. Cox regression analysis was used after adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities to determine the relationship between periodontal treatment and incidence of ischemic stroke.

Results—

The stroke IR of the non-PD subjects was 0.32%/year. In the PD group, subjects who received dental prophylaxis had the lowest stroke IR (0.14%/year); subjects with intensive treatment or tooth extraction had a higher stroke IR (0.39%/year); and subjects without PD treatment had the highest stroke IR (0.48%/year;
P
<0.001). After adjustment for confounders, the dental prophylaxis and intensive treatment groups had a significant lower hazard ratios for stroke than the non-PD group (hazard ratio=0.78 and 0.95; 95% confidence interval=0.75–0.81 and 0.91–0.99, respectively), whereas the PD without treatment group had a significant higher hazard ratio for stroke (1.15; 95% confidence interval=1.07–1.24), especially among the youngest (20–44) age group (hazard ratio=2.17; 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.87) after stratifying for age.

Conclusions—

Maintaining periodontal health by receiving dental prophylaxis and PD treatment can help reduce the incidence of ischemic stroke.
When is 100% not 100%? The Use of Safe Harbor to Make Adequate Yearly Progress
Authors: Polikoff Morgan S. , Wrabel Stephani L.
Published: February 2013

Debate over the design of state and federal accountability systems is an important ongoing issue for policy makers. As we move toward next-generation accountability through No Child Left Behind's (NCLB) waivers and reauthorization drafts, it is important to understand the implementation and effects of key elements of prior accountability systems. In this policy brief, we investigate an under-researched feature of NCLB accountability—the use of safe harbor to meet proficiency rate objectives. We use school-level data on California schools between 2005 and 2011 to investigate the prevalence of safe harbor over time. We find dramatic increases in recent years, primarily for the objectives for historically disadvantaged groups. Furthermore, we find no evidence that schools using safe harbor meaningfully outperform schools failing Adequate Yearly Progress in the short or long run, casting doubt on the utility of the measure. We conclude with recommendations to policy makers, including state assessment and accountability coordinators, regarding accountability policy design in future laws.
Biodiversity discovery program Bush Blitz yields a new species of goblin spider, Cavisternum attenboroughi (Araneae: Oonopidae), from the Northern Territory
Authors: BAEHR BARBARA C. , RAVEN ROBERT , WHYTE ROBERT
Published: February 2013

This paper is part of the “Goblin Spider PBI” project, a world-wide revision of the spider family Oonopidae (http:// research.amnh.org/oonopidae). Oonopidae is one of the world’s most diverse spider families with over 1000 described species in 88 genera (Platnick 2012). Mostly six-eyed and tiny (1–3 mm), they are not often noticed by people because of their small size and secretive lifestyle. Most have a body shield of abdominal scutae (hardened plates). The Oonopidae are most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions (Platnick and Dupérré 2010), yet they also occur in other locations such as at high altitudes in the Himalayan Mountains (Baehr and Ubick 2010).
A Real-Time Weather-Adaptive 3DVAR Analysis System for Severe Weather Detections and Warnings
Authors: Gao Jidong , Smith Travis M. , Stensrud David J. , Fu Chenghao , Calhoun Kristin , Manross Kevin L. , Brogden Jeffrey , Lakshmanan Valliappa , Wang Yunheng , Thomas Kevin W. , Brewster Keith , Xue Ming
Published: February 2013

A real-time, weather-adaptive three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) system has been adapted for the NOAA Warn-on-Forecast (WoF) project to incorporate all available radar observations within a moveable analysis domain. The key features of the system include 1) incorporating radar observations from multiple Weather Surveillance Radars-1988 Doppler (WSR-88Ds) with NCEP forecast products as a background state, 2) the ability to automatically detect and analyze severe local hazardous weather events at 1-km horizontal resolution every 5 min in real time based on the current weather situation, and 3) the identification of strong circulation patterns embedded in thunderstorms. Although still in the early development stage, the system performed very well within the NOAA's Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) Experimental Warning Program during preliminary testing in spring 2010 when many severe weather events were successfully detected and analyzed. This study represents a first step in the assessment of this type of 3DVAR analysis for use in severe weather warnings. The eventual goal of this real-time 3DVAR system is to help meteorologists better track severe weather events and eventually provide better warning information to the public, ultimately saving lives and reducing property damage.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Theocharidou Eleni , Gossios Thomas D. , Giouleme Olga , Athyros Vasilios G. , Karagiannis Asterios
Published: February 2013

We systematically reviewed the available data on carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) without history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its associated factors. A total of 6 studies met the inclusion criteria including 217 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 85 with ulcerative colitis (UC). Two studies included only patients with CD. The prevalence of traditional CVD risk factors and the inflammatory burden (IBD duration and activity) varied greatly among patients and studies. Factors that correlated with cIMT were age, male gender, body mass index, arterial hypertension, as well as cholesterol and homocysteine levels. The current data on cIMT in patients with IBD are inconclusive. This is probably due to small number of patients, population heterogeneity with regard to inflammatory burden and smoking habits, and lack of strict matching with controls. In order to elucidate any potential association between IBD and CVD risk, larger prospective studies are required.
A Conceptualization of How Firms Engage in Corporate Responsibility Based on Country Risk
Authors: Rodríguez Linda C. , Montiel Ivan , Ozuna Téofilo
Published: February 2013

This conceptual article looks at corporate responsibility (CR) and country risk claiming that there is a relationship, and then positing the directionality of the relationship. An understanding of this relationship can help firms respond to a variety of pressures from organizations and this knowledge may help firms prevent negative media coverage with the need to “bolt” CR strategies on to existing corporate strategies. When firms have an understanding of how country risk affects them, they can plan entire clusters of CR initiatives to fulfill needs within the operating community. To understand the CR–country risk relationship, the authors build on Matten and Moon’s (2008) distinction between implicit and explicit CR. The first argument is that firms engage in no explicit CR (explicit CR that is voluntary and goes beyond legal requirement) when country risk is very high. As country risk lowers to high, firms engage in explicit CR, which creates little impact to the firm if CR must be withdrawn. The second argument is that as country risk shifts to moderate, firms commence to engage in high levels of explicit CR and low levels of implicit CR. The third argument concludes that when country risk shifts to low or very low, firms will engage in the least amount of explicit CR and the most amount of implicit CR. A set of three propositions develops these arguments.
Privatizing or Socializing Corporate Responsibility
Authors: Fransen Luc , Burgoon Brian
Published: February 2013

This article explores why companies choose some Corporate Responsibility initiatives over others. The focus is on competing voluntary programs to oversee and protect labor standards. These programs may differ with regard to two aspects: the governance of the program and the financial and managerial responsibility for compliance. These aspects are crucial to distinguish “socializing” or “privatizing” types of voluntary labor regulation. The article explores the conditions under which companies in apparel production choose different types of governance and responsibility, based on qualitative and quantitative evidence of the European industry. The study shows that corporate preference for multi-stakeholder governed programs is positively affected by societal pressure orchestrated by NGOs, through both public campaigns and informal efforts, together with pressures from consumers and media. Second, the position of the firm in the value chain affects preference for taking financial and managerial responsibility for compliance.
A rate-based TCP traffic model to accelerate network simulation
Authors: Li Ting , Van Vorst Nathanael , Liu Jason
Published: February 2013

Traditional discrete-event simulation of large-scale networks at the packet level is computationally expensive. This article presents a fast rate-based transmission control protocol (RTCP) traffic model designed to reduce the time and space complexity for simulating network traffic whilst maintaining good accuracy. A distinct feature of the proposed model is that the transmission control protocol (TCP) congestion control behavior is represented using analytical models that describe the send rate at the traffic source as a function of the round-trip time and the packet loss rate at different phases of a TCP connection. Rather than modeling at the granularity of individual packets visiting the intermediate routers, the model approximates traffic flows as a series of rate windows, each consisting of a number of packets considered to possess the same arrival rate. The model calculates the queuing delays and the packet losses as these rate windows traverse the individual network queues along the flow path. The proposed RTCP model is able to achieve a performance advantage over other TCP models, by integrating analytical solutions and aggregating traffic using rate windows. Empirical results show that the RTCP model can correctly capture the overall TCP behavior and achieve a speedup of more than two orders of magnitude over the corresponding detailed packet-oriented simulation.
Impact response and damage evolution of triaxial braided carbon/epoxy composites. Part I: Ballistic impact testing
Authors: Haijun Xuan , Lulu Liu , Guangtao Chen , Na Zhang , Yiming Feng , Weirong Hong
Published: February 2013

To investigate the high-velocity impact response and damage evolution of the triaxial braided composite fan case, a series of ballistic impact tests using blade-like projectiles were conducted. Cylindrical projectiles of the same cross-section perimeter were also employed to identify the influence of projectile geometry. In addition, satin woven composites were tested for comparison with respect to failure modes and damage shape. Experimental results indicate that the main failure modes for the two different fiber reinforcement architectures are similar, that is, fiber shear failure and matrix crush failure in the impact surface and fiber tensile failure, fiber pull-out, matrix cracking, and delamination in the exit surface. The damage area in the exit surface is diamond-shaped for satin woven composites while rounded or elliptic for triaxial braided composites according to projectile geometry. The triaxial braided composites have an improved ballistic resistance and higher ballistic limit than satin woven composites. Based on damage area and failure modes observed from experiments, ballistic behavior was predicted using an analytical model, which proves to be accurate enough.
Impact response and damage evolution of triaxial braided carbon/epoxy composites. Part II: finite element analysis
Authors: Lulu Liu , Haijun Xuan , Na Zhang , Guangtao Chen , Yiming Feng , Weirong Hong
Published: February 2013

A series of ballistic tests on triaxial braided carbon/epoxy composites were described in Part I of this paper. In this part, numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the impact response, damage evolution, and penetration mechanisms of these composites. A continuum finite element model was developed to obtain the time history of the projectile velocity, displacement, penetration resistance force, and energy absorption during the impact process. By fitting the numerical data, the ballistic limit velocity can be obtained. Good agreements were achieved between numerical results and experimental results. Numerical predictions for ballistic tests of the composites indicate that, based on variations of damage mechanisms and failure features, the impact process can be subdivided into three stages, i.e. phase I – shock compression, phase II – bulge deformation, and phase III – penetration process, among which phase II consumes most of the projectile kinetic energy. The differences between a blade-like projectile and a cylindrical projectile in the impact process are also addressed in detail.
Seismic retrofitting of rectangular reinforced concrete columns using fiber composites for enhanced flexural strength
Authors: Li Xian , Lv Heng-Lin , Zhang Guang-Chang , Sha Shi-Yu , Zhou Shu-Chun
Published: February 2013

This article introduces an improved method using fiber composites for seismic retrofitting of rectangular reinforced concrete columns with a large side aspect ratio. To retrofit an existing column, near-surface-mounted (NSM) glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars were adopted to enhance flexural strength, and then the potential plastic hinge region was confined by carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) jackets and CFRP anchors to ensure a ductile behavior. To evaluate the effectiveness of the strengthening method, five rectangular reinforced concrete model columns with a cross-section of 200 mm × 360 mm were constructed and tested under simulated seismic loads. The effects of CFRP jackets, CFRP anchors and NSM-GFRP bars on seismic behavior of the retrofitted columns in terms of strength, ductility and failure modes were investigated. The test results validated the effectiveness of using CFRP jackets and CFRP anchors to improve the strength and ductility of rectangular reinforced concrete columns with a side aspect ratio of 1.8. The use of NSM-GFRP bars, especially NSM reinforcement with local confining jackets, was also proved to be a promising solution toward enhancing the flexural resistance of reinforced concrete columns. Furthermore, an analytical method, accounting for the effects of CFRP jackets, CFRP anchors and NSM-GFRP bars, was developed to predict the flexural strength of retrofitted reinforced concrete columns.
Determination of kinetic properties of polyurethane foam decomposition for pyrolysis modelling
Authors: Pau Dennis S.W. , Fleischmann Charles M. , Spearpoint Michael J. , Li Kai Y.
Published: February 2013

A non-fire-retardant and a fire retardant polyurethane foam are tested under a nitrogen environment using thermogravimetry at different heating rates of 1, 5, 20 and 60 °C min−1 to obtain the foams’ decomposition behaviours. During decomposition, both foams experience two major mass loss reactions with the second reaction consuming most of the fuel. Three graphical techniques applied to calculate the kinetic properties governing each reaction are kinetic analysis, the Arrhenius plot method and the inflection point methods. In general, these methods are compatible with the pyrolysis model within Fire Dynamics Simulator Version 5 and Gpyro. A normalised version of the inflection point methods is also developed to improve the suitability of the kinetic properties with the simplest decomposition scheme of the pyrolysis model. A consistent trend is noted in the calculated kinetic properties of both foams regardless of the calculation techniques applied.
Effects of β-glucan extracted from Agaricus blazei on the expression of ERCC5, CASP9, and CYP1A1 genes and metabolic profile in HepG2 cells
Authors: Silva A.F. da , Sartori D. , Macedo F.C. , Ribeiro L.R. , Fungaro M.H.P. , Mantovani M.S.
Published: February 2013

The polysaccharide β-glucan has biological properties that stimulate the immune system and can prevent chronic pathologies, including cancer. It has been shown to prevent damage to DNA caused by the chemical and physical agents to which humans are exposed. However, the mechanism of β-glucan remains poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to verify the protective effect of β-glucan on the expression of the genes ERCC5 (involved in excision repair of DNA damage), CASP9 (involved in apoptosis), and CYP1A1 (involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics) using real-time polymerase chain reaction and perform metabolic profile measurements on the HepG2 cells. Cells were exposed to only benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), β-glucan, or a combination of B[a]P with β-glucan. The results demonstrated that 50 µg/mL β-glucan significantly repressed the expression of the ERCC5 gene when compared with the untreated control cells in these conditions. No change was found in the CASP9 transcript level. However, the CYP1A1 gene expression was also induced by HepG2 cells exposed to B[a]P only or in association with β-glucan, showing its effective protector against damage caused by B[a]P, while HepG2 cells exposed to only β-glucan did not show CYP1A1 modulation. The metabolic profiles showed moderate bioenergetic metabolism with an increase in the metabolites involved in bioenergetic metabolism (alanine, glutamate, creatine and phosphocholine) in cells treated with β-glucan and to a lesser extent treated with B[a]P. Thus, these results demonstrate that the chemopreventive activity of β-glucan may modulate bioenergetic metabolism and gene expression.
Effect of bisphenol-A on insulin signal transduction and glucose oxidation in skeletal muscle of adult male albino rat
Authors: Indumathi D , Jayashree S , Selvaraj J , Sathish S , Mayilvanan C , Akilavalli N , Balasubramanian K.
Published: February 2013

The estrogenic monomer bisphenol-A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical used in the production of epoxy resins, plastic food and beverage containers, leading to ubiquitous human exposure. Environmentally relevant doses of BPA have profound effects on mice endocrine pancreas. It increases pancreatic insulin content and favors postprandial hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in male mice. Skeletal muscle plays a crucial role in maintaining systemic glucose metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the possible effects of BPA on insulin-signaling molecules and glucose oxidation in skeletal muscle of male rat. Adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I: control (vehicle treated) and groups II and III were administered with BPA orally (20 and 200 mg/kg bw/day, respectively). Although there was no change in the levels of insulin receptor (IR), Akt (protein kinase B) and glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) messenger RNA, BPA significantly decreased the IR, Akt and GLUT4 protein levels (both plasma membrane and cytosolic fraction) of the gastrocnemius muscle. There was an increase in serum insulin and decrease in serum testosterone levels but fasting blood glucose level remained unaltered. In conclusion, BPA has adverse effects on phosphorylation of Akt, GLUT4 translocation and 14C-glucose oxidation.
Pesticides-induced biochemical alterations in occupational North Indian suburban population
Authors: Sharma RK , Upadhyay G , Siddiqi NJ , Sharma B
Published: February 2013

Pesticides are used in agriculture to protect crops from insects–pests. Most of the field workers of North Indian population are exposed to commonly used insecticides. In the present study, pesticides induced oxidative stress as well as alterations in the level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in a total of 70 male healthy agricultural sprayers, exposed to pesticides for about 5 years, were studied and the results were compared with 70 controls. The levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, CAT, glutathione- S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase), AChE, lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) contents were determined in their blood erythrocytes (red blood cells (RBCs)). The results indicated significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes in pesticide-exposed individuals. The levels of GSH, RBC-AChE activity and plasma antioxidant potential were sharply decreased when compared with control subjects. The ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential of pesticide in exposed as well as healthy controls. A significant positive correlation was observed between plasma FRAP value and the activity of AChE from RBCs in pesticides sprayers. Furthermore, these results were supported by enhanced messenger RNA expressions of cytochrome P450 isoform 2E1 (CYP2E1) and gutathione- S-transferase isoform pi (GST-pi) in the white blood cells of the randomly selected pesticide-exposed individuals. The decreased GSH level in human red blood cells accompanied by increase in the levels of the activities of antioxidative enzymes and over expressions of CYP2E1 and GST-pi is an indicative of oxidative stress in pesticides-exposed individuals. The reduced activity of AChE indicates possible occurrence of perturbations in blood as well as neurotoxicity in pesticide sprayers.
Safety profile of caffeine and 1,3-dimethylamylamine supplementation in healthy men
Authors: Bloomer Richard J , Farney TM , Harvey IC , Alleman RJ
Published: February 2013

Caffeine and 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA) are widely used alone and in combination with dietary supplements. No investigation has determined the safety profile of chronic intake of caffeine or DMAA, alone or in combination, within the same study design. A total of 50 young and healthy men completed 12 weeks of daily supplementation with either a placebo ( n = 11), caffeine at 250 mg day−1 ( n = 14), DMAA at 50 mg day−1 ( n = 13), or caffeine at 250 mg day−1 + DMAA at 50 mg day−1 ( n = 12). Before and after 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation, the following variables were measured: body mass/composition, resting respiratory rate, blood pressure, 12-lead electrocardiogram, urinalysis, complete blood count, metabolic panel, lipid panel, and oxidative stress, inflammatory, and cardiac biomarkers. No interaction effects were noted for any variable ( p > 0.05), with little change occurring across time for subjects in any of the four conditions. With the exception of urinary pH ( p = 0.05; Pre (6.5 ± 0.1) higher than week 6 (6.1 ± 0.1)) and blood CO2 ( p = 0.02; week 12 (25.9 ± 0.3 mmol L−1) higher than week 6 (24.8 ± 0.3 mmol L−1)), no time effect was noted for any other variable ( p > 0.05). These data indicate that 12 weeks of daily supplementation with caffeine and DMAA, alone or in combination, does not result in a statistically significant change in any of the measured outcome variables.
Cytotoxic, genotoxic and antigenotoxic potencies of oligorutins
Authors: Rhouma GB , Chebil L , Mustapha N , Krifa M , Ghedira K , Ghoul M , Chékir-Ghédira L
Published: February 2013

Rutin has been enzymatically oligomerized by laccase from Trametes versicolor. Five fractions of oligomers were obtained from the monomers having high solubility in water, which can reach 351-times that of rutin. Cytotoxicity of rutin and oligorutin fractions was evaluated towards K562 cells. Oligorutin fractions showed a lower antiproliferative effect compared with its monomer. The genotoxic potential of rutin and oligorutin fractions was assessed, at the limit of the solubility of each molecule, using the comet test. None of the tested concentrations of either rutin or oligorutin fractions has showed a genotoxic effect. Similarly, the antigenotoxic effect of these flavonoids was tested using the same assay. The obtained results showed a higher ability of oligorutin fractions to reduce the genotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide compared with monomeric rutin.
SSD for R
Authors: Auerbach Charles , Schudrich Wendy Zeitlin
Published: February 2013

The need for statistical analysis in single-subject designs presents a challenge, as analytical methods that are applied to group comparison studies are often not appropriate in single-subject research. SSD for R is a robust set of statistical functions with wide applicability to single-subject research. It is a comprehensive package of statistical tests and produces accompanying graphs for almost every function. These include, among others, tests of autocorrelation, t-tests, effect sizes, median and celeration χ2 analyses, and control charts. All functions and graphs are described in a series of tables. Since SSD for R is open source, it is freely available and can be accessed on the authors’ website, www.ssdanalysis.com. Additional support, including video tutorials and sample data are also available at no charge.
Statistical Reasoning in Journalism Education
Authors: Dunwoody Sharon , Griffin Robert J.
Published: February 2013

Surveys of journalism department heads in 1997 and 2008 showed general support for the need for journalism students to reason with statistical information. Stronger support was associated, in particular, with the perception that this cognitive skill would give students an advantage in the journalism job market. However, many chairs also perceived constraints to learning, such as student inability and/or unwillingness to focus on this material and the difficulty most of their faculty would have teaching it. Some of these concerns may be more perceptual than actual.
Toward Quality Care in ADHD
Authors: Rostain Anthony , Jensen Peter S. , Connor Daniel F. , Miesle Laura M. , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: February 2013

Objective: Therapeutic goals for chronic mental disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia have evolved in parallel with the growing medical knowledge about the course and treatment of these disorders. Although the knowledge base regarding the clinical course of ADHD, a chronic psychiatric disorder, has evolved beyond symptomatic improvement and short-term treatment response, long-term goals, such as functional remission, have not yet been clearly defined. Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted to investigate the therapeutic goals of pharmacologic treatment referenced in the published literature from January 1998 through February 2010 using the following commonly used ADHD treatments as keywords: amphetamine, methylphenidate, atomoxetine, lisdexamfetamine, guanfacine, and clonidine. This search was then combined with an additional search that included the following outcome keywords: remission, relapse, remit, response, normal, normalization, recovery, and effectiveness. Results: Our search identified 102 publications. The majority (88.2% [90/102]) of these contained predefined criteria for treatment response. Predefined criteria for normalization and remission and/or relapse were presented in 4.9% (5/102), 12.7% (13/102), and 3.9% (4/102) of publications, respectively. There was a lack of consistency between the instruments used to measure outcomes as well as the criteria used to define treatment response, normalization, and remission as well as relapse. Conclusion: The therapeutic goals in treating ADHD should address optimal treatment outcomes that go beyond modest reductions of ADHD symptoms to include syndromatic, symptomatic, and functional remission. Future work should focus on reliable and valid tools to measure these outcomes in the clinical trial setting.
Using Microdata to Estimate Pakistan’s Tax Gap by Type of Tax
Authors: Ahmed Robina Ather , Rider Mark
Published: February 2013

This study provides estimates of Pakistan’s tax gap by type of tax. We adopt a bottom-up approach that provides detailed estimates of the tax gap by type of tax of the sort that are useful for tax administration. For fiscal year 2004–05, we estimate Pakistan’s federal tax gap to be about 40 percent of potential tax revenue. We estimate the tax gap for direct taxes to be about 60 percent of potential direct tax revenue and for indirect taxes about 25 percent of potential indirect tax revenue. Direct and indirect taxes account for about 30 percent and 70 percent, respectively, of actual tax collections. When potential tax revenues are used to measure Pakistan’s tax structure, the proportions are 45 percent and 55 percent, respectively. If the indirect tax system is more regressive than the direct tax system, then Pakistan’s tax system is less progressive in practice than by design.
Critical and alternative approaches to leadership learning and development
Authors: Edwards Gareth , Elliott Carole , Iszatt-White Marian , Schedlitzki Doris
Published: February 2013

This article is the introduction to the special issue on ‘Critical and Alternative Approaches to Leadership Learning and Development’. This article reviews the past approaches to researching and theorising about leadership learning and development and proposes a shift towards critical and alternative approaches. This article then describes the various articles in the special issue and how they contribute towards this paradigm shift.
Disentangling reactions to HIV disclosure: Effects of HIV status, sexual orientation, and disclosure recipients’ gender
Authors: Wilson Stacie , Derlega Valerian J , Woody Alex , Lewis Robin , Braitman Abby L , Barbee Anita , Winstead Barbara A
Published: February 2013

This experiment examined how reactions to HIV disclosure by a male stimulus person are influenced by the discloser’s HIV status and sexual orientation as well as the disclosure recipient’s gender. Participants (152 male and female college students) disclosed more intimately about themselves (revealing highly personal facts and personal feelings) when the man’s HIV test result was positive versus negative. The effects of HIV status disclosure on participants’ self-disclosure and social support were also moderated by the man’s sexual orientation and participants’ gender. The results document circumstances when HIV disclosure may lead to positive reactions instead of avoidance and exclusion.
Associations between physician financial incentives and the prescribing of anti-asthmatic medications in children in US outpatient settings
Authors: Chang Jongwha , Freed Gary L , Prosser Lisa A , Patel Isha , Erickson Steven R , Bagozzi Richard P , Balkrishnan Rajesh
Published: February 2013

This study examined how sociological factors including financial incentives influenced whether asthmatic children received a controller medication, a reliever medication or both. The 2007 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey was used for this analysis. A logistic regression was applied to capture the physician’s decision-making and to analyze anti-asthmatic medication choice. Children with asthma seeing a pediatrician were approximately 69% more likely than children seeing a family doctor to receive a controller medication than reliever medication ( p<0.01). Children with asthma enrolled in a capitated plan were 23% more likely to receive controller medications than reliever medications ( p<0.01). Children with asthma of Hispanic ethnicity were 28% less likely to receive controller medication compared to non-Hispanic white ( p<0.05) children. Compared with physicians with lower financial incentives, physicians who received medium (39%, p<0.05) or higher (42%, p<0.01) financial incentives from payers were more likely to prescribe controller medication than reliever medication for asthmatic children. An important finding of this study is that physicians who had medium or higher financial incentives from payers were about 40% more likely to prescribe a controller medication in asthmatic children. Findings suggest that physician incentives and capitated plans are associated with an increase in physicians prescribing controller medications or preventive care in children with asthma.
Imitation, interaction and imagery: Learning to improvise drawing with music
Authors: Huovinen Erkki , Manneberg Avigail
Published: February 2013

This article describes a project in which undergraduate students of beginning drawing were brought together with free improvising musicians to explore interaction in collective real-time art-making. Following a series of guided rehearsals, the students were free to choose their own strategies for interactive group projects. We discuss these strategies based on video documentation as well as the students’ written reports and discussion comments. Overall, the students gradually shifted the emphasis of their work from temporally differentiated, imitative parallelisms between drawing and music toward more conversational and socially oriented strategies as well as more global strategies of representation employing common mental images. These findings are discussed with a view to future pedagogical work incorporating music with visual art, arguing that interactive contexts not only provide understanding of the temporal, processual, and social potential of visual art, but also hold a key to the students’ exploration of their own budding artistic autonomy.
A dialogue and reflection on photohistory: Engaging indigenous communities in research through visual analysis
Authors: Lemelin Raynald Harvey , Wiersma Elaine C , Trapper Lillian , Kapashesit Randy , Beaulieu Michel S , Dowsley Martha
Published: February 2013

Attempts at capturing observations and concerns of change in the Canadian north (sub-Arctic, Arctic) have been mostly conducted through interviews and focus groups spearheaded by researchers. Indeed, images depicting change in the north, when utilized at all, are mostly used to confirm and illustrate the findings derived from researchers. Rarely are local depictions of change used in these interpretations. The purpose of this Notes from the field is to discuss the application of a methodology we term ‘photohistory’ in a study examining visual depictions of cultural and environmental changes in the Moose Cree and MoCreebec First Nations in northern Ontario, Canada. This process of active engagement fosters past reclamation of old photographs while encouraging the discovery of new research directions and partnerships. The application of photohistory in a First Nations located in northern Canada, and subsequent refinement of the methodology for future studies, are discussed.
Double-Dose Hepatitis B Revaccination in Nonresponsive HIV-Infected Adolescents
Authors: Bunupuradah Torsak , Ananworanich Jintanat , Puthanakit Thanyawee
Published: February 2013

There is no consensus regarding a best dosing regimen of hepatitis B virus vaccine (HBVV) for non-responsive HIV-infected individuals. Double-dose of hepatitis B vaccine (DDHBVV) could enhance immunogenicity to HBVV in non-responsive HIV-infected adults. We assessed the immunogenicity of DDHBVV in HIV-infected adolescents who failed to respond to standard HBVV revaccination. HIV-infected adolescents with current CD4 ≥ 200 cells/mm3 and no protective antibody concentration of hepatitis B surface antibodies (antiHBs) after HBVV revaccination received DDHBVV, at months 0, 1, 2. The HBVV doses were 20 microgram per dose for adolescents aged < 18 years and 40 microgram per dose for adolescents aged ≥ 18 years. AntiHBs titers were measured at 1, 2, 3 months after first DDHBVV. AntiHBs ≥ 10 mIU/ml was considered protective. Seven adolescents were enrolled; mean age was 15.4 years, CD4 was 775 cells/mm3 and all had HIV-RNA < 50 copies/ml. Proportions of adolescents with protective antiHBs were 86% at months 1 and 2, and 100% at month 3. Geometric means of antiHBs were 1.1 at baseline, 101.6 at 1 month, 137.1 at 2 months, and 355.9 mIU/ml at 3 months after the first DDHBVV. No grade 3-4 adverse event was reported. DDHBVV is an option for HIV-infected adolescents who are non-responder to standard HBVV revaccination.
The case for transcendent followership
Authors: e Cunha Miguel Pina , Rego Arménio , Clegg Stewart , Neves Pedro
Published: February 2013

Based on the model of transcendent leadership, we suggest that subordinates need to display competences that mirror those of their leaders and propose transcendent followership as a framework for the responsibilities of followers in contemporary organizational environments. A transcendent follower is someone who expresses competence in terms of their management of relations with self, others and organization. Competence in the domain of self refers to being self-aware and proactive in developing individual strengths. Competence in the domain of others refers to the processes of interpersonal impact, in relation to leaders and peers. Competence in the domain of organization refers to collective maintenance and change. The article offers an integrated view of the roles and responsibilities of followers in dynamic organizational environments, presenting them as fellows rather than subordinates.
The Management of Ankle Fractures in Diabetics
Authors: Rosenbaum Andrew J. , Dellenbaugh Samuel G. , DiPreta John A. , Uhl Richard L.
Published: February 2013

Background. Ankle fractures in diabetics are challenging to treat, and only generalized clinical guidelines specific to their treatment exist. As such, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) membership was polled regarding the management of different types of ankle fractures in this patient population. Methods. We developed a multiple-choice survey with 3 clinical scenarios involving diabetic ankle fractures that was sent via e-mail to the 895 active members of the AOFAS. In addition to providing demographic information, respondents identified their preferred stabilization method, the need for supplemental fixation, and each patient’s weight-bearing status. Results. Respondents’ number of years in practice, number of ankle fractures treated monthly, and type of fellowship training did not correlate with management strategies. Enhanced fixation with syndesmotic screws was advocated in the setting of displaced fractures without syndesmotic injury, while casting was selected as the treatment for those that were nondisplaced. Prolonged periods of non–weight bearing were chosen by survey participants in all cases. Conclusion. We identified several treatment trends among AOFAS membership regarding ankle fractures in diabetics. However, it is pivotal that further investigation evaluate both optimal fixation strategies and the factors that influence surgeon decision making in the setting of diabetic ankle fractures, as the orthopaedic surgeon is encountering such patients more than ever before.
Treatment of autoimmune liver disease: current and future therapeutic options
Authors: Trivedi Palak J. , Hirschfield Gideon M.
Published: February 2013

Autoimmune liver disease spans three predominant processes, from the interface hepatitis of autoimmune hepatitis to the lymphocytic cholangitis of primary biliary cirrhosis, and finally the obstructive fibrosing sclerotic cholangiopathy of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Although all autoimmune in origin, they differ in their epidemiology, presentation and response to immunosuppressive therapy and bile acid based treatments. With an ongoing better appreciation of disease aetiology and pathogenesis, treatment is set ultimately to become more rational. We provide an overview of current and future therapies for patients with autoimmune liver disease, with an emphasis placed on some of the evidence that drives current practice.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic day-case nephroureterectomy
Authors: Bright Elizabeth , Stocker Mary , MacDermott Seamus
Published: February 2013

Objective:

The objective of this article is to describe our initial experience of performing day-case robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy.

Subjects/patients and methods:

Based on our previous experience of performing day-case laparoscopic nephrectomies, a standardised surgical and anaesthetic procedure, and patient selection criteria were applied to two patients undergoing nephroureterectomy.

Results:

Both patients underwent successful robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma and were discharged home on the day of surgery. Neither experienced a post-operative complication or required hospital admission.

Conclusion:

Day-case nephroureterectomy is a viable option in appropriately selected patients. We present the first report of nephroureterectomies performed as day-case surgery.
Impaired T-cell responses to sphingosine-1-phosphate in HIV-1 infected lymph nodes
Authors: Mudd Joseph C. , Murphy Patrick , Manion Maura , Debernardo Robert , Hardacre Jeffrey , Ammori John , Hardy Gareth A. , Harding Clifford V. , Mahabaleshwar Ganapati H. , Jain Mukesh K. , Jacobson Jeffrey M. , Brooks Ari D. , Lewis Sharon , Schacker Timothy W. , Anderson Jodi , Haddad Elias K. , Cubas Rafael A. , Rodriguez Benigno , Sieg Scott F. , Lederman Michael M.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

S1P1 activity in human T cells can be reliably measured by assessing downstream signaling events induced upon S1P1 ligation. S1P1 activity is impaired in T cells from HIV-1+ lymph nodes.
A sharpened version of Hardy’s inequality for parameter "Equation missing"
Authors: Deng Yongping , Wu Shanhe , He Deng
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a sharpened version of Hardy’s inequality for parameter

p
=
5
/
4

. By evaluating the weight coefficient

W
(
k
,
5
/
4
)

, sharpened Hardy’s inequality that contains the best coefficient

η

5
/
4

=
0.46
…

is established.

MSC:26D15, 26D20, 26D07.
Butylated hydroxytoluene can protect polyunsaturated fatty acids in dried blood spots from degradation for up to 8 weeks at room temperature
Authors: Metherel Adam H , Hogg Ryan C , Buzikievich Lindy M , Stark Ken D
Published: February 2013

Background

Dried blood spots (DBS) from fingertip prick blood can enable high throughput fatty acid profiling but may be prone to lipid peroxidation during storage. The use of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on chromatography paper can prevent polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) loss but examinations on the length of storage times possible are not comprehensive.

Method

In the first study, venous whole blood was saturated on paper strips pre-soaked with 0, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/mL BHT and exposed to air for up to 28 days. In a second study, the effect of sealing DBS on 5.0 mg/mL BHT-soaked chromatography strips in capped test tubes or vacuum sealed polypropylene bags with and without nitrogen purging was examined over eight weeks. The fatty acid composition of the DBS were determined by gas chromatography and the effect of sample storage on omega-3 biomarkers were examined.

Results

PUFA and omega-3 biomarkers in DBS stored without BHT were dramatically reduced by day 3. In general, BHT delayed decreases in eicosapentaenoic + docosahexaenoic acid from baseline (3.2 ± 0.2 wt%) to 28 days (2.6 ± 0.03 wt%) of storage. In the % n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in total HUFA biomarker, BHT was more effective at preventing changes, particularly with 5.0 mg/mL BHT where no differences were detected up to 28 days. Sealed storage with BHT tended to increase the stability of the PUFA in DBS and nitrogen purging did not appear to provide additional benefits. The % n-3 HUFA in total HUFA biomarker also appeared to be more stable in the sealed storage study.

Conclusions

The storage of DBS in sealed containers with BHT may prevent PUFA degradation for up to 8 weeks. The % n-3 HUFA in total HUFA biomarker appears to provide a more consistent assessment of omega-3 status throughout storage as compared with other omega-3 blood biomarkers.