bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detectability of T1a lung cancer on digital chest radiographs: an observer-performance comparison among 2-megapixel general-purpose, 2-megapixel medical-purpose, and 3-megapixel medical-purpose liquid-crystal display (LCD) monitors
Authors: Yabuuchi Hidetake , Matsuo Yoshio , Kamitani Takeshi , Jinnnouchi Mikako , Yonezawa Masato , Yamasaki Yuzo , Nagao Michinobu , Kawanami Satoshi , Okamoto Tatsuro , Sasaki Masayuki , Honda Hiroshi
Published: August 2014

Background

There has been no comparison of detectability of small lung cancer between general and medical LCD monitors or no comparison of detectability of small lung cancer between solid and part-solid nodules.

Purpose

To compare the detectabilities of T1a lung cancer on chest radiographs on three LCD monitor types: 2-megapixel (MP) for general purpose (General), 2-MP for medical purpose (Medical), and 3-MP-Medical.

Material and Methods

Radiographs from forty patients with T1aN0M0 primary lung cancer (27 solid nodules, 13 part-solid nodules) and 60 patients with no abnormalities on both chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) were consecutively collected. Five readers assessed 100 cases for each monitor. The observations were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A jackknife method was used for statistical analysis. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The average AUC for all T1a lung cancer nodule detection using the 2-MP-General, 2-MP-Medical, and 3-MP-Medical LCD monitors were 0.86, 0.89, and 0.89, respectively; there were no significant differences among them. The average AUC for part-solid nodule detection using a 2-MP-General, 2-MP-Medical, and 3-MP-Medical LCD monitors were 0.77, 0.86, and 0.89, respectively. There were significant differences between the 2-MP-General and 2-MP-Medical LCD monitors ( P = 0.043) and between the 2-MP-General and 3-MP-Medical LCD monitors ( P = 0.027). There was no significant difference between the 2-MP-Medical and 3-MP-Medical LCD monitors. The average AUC for solid nodule detection using a 2-MP-General, 2-MP-Medical, and 3-MP-Medical LCD monitors were 0.90, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively; there were no significant differences among them. The mean AUC values for all and part-solid nodules of the low-experienced readers were significantly lower than those of the high-experienced readers with the 2 M-GP color LCD monitor ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Detectability of part-solid nodules using a general-purpose LCD monitor was significantly lower than those using medical-purpose LCD monitors.
Reducing Deviance Through Youths’ Mutual Aid Group Dynamics
Authors: Cheung Chau-kiu , Ngai Steven Sek-yum
Published: August 2014

The mutual aid group, as supported by the social worker, emerges to play a vital role in helping group members reduce their deviance or behavioral problem. However, how the collaboration of the group and social worker accomplishes the reduction has remained uncharted. Based on social capital theory, mutual aid and cohesion within the group and social workers’ specific aid for the group are likely responsible for the reduction. The test of such hypotheses relies on a two-wave panel survey of the members of 60 mutual aid groups who had deviant behavioral problems, located in Hong Kong, China. These groups had 241 youths completing both initial and 1-year follow-up surveys. Results manifested the direct or unconditional contributions of mutual aid, group cohesion, and social workers’ specific aid to reducing deviance. Hence, social workers can enhance the effectiveness of the mutual aid group in reducing youths’ deviance.
Energy Flow Analysis During the Tennis Serve
Authors: Martin Caroline , Bideau Benoit , Bideau Nicolas , Nicolas Guillaume , Delamarche Paul , Kulpa Richard
Published: August 2014

Background:

Energy flow has been hypothesized to be one of the most critical biomechanical concepts related to tennis performance and overuse injuries. However, the relationships among energy flow during the tennis serve, ball velocity, and overuse injuries have not been assessed.

Purpose:

To investigate the relationships among the quality and magnitude of energy flow, the ball velocity, and the peaks of upper limb joint kinetics and to compare the energy flow during the serve between injured and noninjured tennis players.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The serves of expert tennis players were recorded with an optoelectronic motion capture system. The forces and torques of the upper limb joints were calculated from the motion captures by use of inverse dynamics. The amount of mechanical energy generated, absorbed, and transferred was determined by use of a joint power analysis. Then the players were followed during 2 seasons to identify upper limb overuse injuries with a questionnaire. Finally, players were classified into 2 groups according to the questionnaire results: injured or noninjured.

Results:

Ball velocity increased and upper limb joint kinetics decreased with the quality of energy flow from the trunk to the hand + racket segment. Injured players showed a lower quality of energy flow through the upper limb kinetic chain, a lower ball velocity, and higher rates of energy absorbed by the shoulder and elbow compared with noninjured players.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study imply that improper energy flow during the tennis serve can decrease ball velocity, increase upper limb joint kinetics, and thus increase overuse injuries of the upper limb joints.
The Top One Percent and Exploitation Measures
Authors: Lambert Thomas E. , Kwon Edward
Published: August 2014

With the Occupy movement that recently took place on Wall Street and in other parts of the globe, a lot of attention has recently been given to growing income inequality. The 2008 United States financial crisis, the Great Recession, and the subsequent weak recovery have brought about a more serious focus on income inequality and the widening income gap between the top 1 percent and other groups. These events have brought about some social unrest and instability in American society perhaps not seen since the Great Depression. How much has the top 1 percent of households gained in terms of income versus the other 99 percent in the United States over the last 30 years or so? Mainstream economists and other social scientists point to various causes which have been mentioned in many scholarly and popular writings. All of these mainstream factors affecting inequality have been found to be statistically significant in one scholarly study or another. This research paper explores other major concepts to explain income inequality rather than to dispute the findings of other existing research efforts. The empirical findings of this paper support radical arguments that income accumulation of those at the top is not connected to the productivity of capital investment, but rather instead is connected to the declining incomes and exploitation of the rest of the U.S. population despite the rising output per worker of the U.S. workforce over the last 30 to 40 years.
Synthesis of N-substituted poly(benzimidazole ketone ketone)s containing pyridine rings
Authors: Xu Yewei , Sun Yi , Lei Yonglin , Huo Jichuan , Zhang Lin
Published: August 2014

Poly( N-arylenebenzimidazole ketone ketone pyridine)s have been prepared via N–C coupling reaction that removed the N–H sites from the novel bis(benzimidazoyl) derivatives with activated aromatic difluorides in sulfolane. The reaction was carried out at 210°C in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate. The structures of the polymers were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies and elemental analysis. All resulting polymers showed essentially amorphous patterns. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric measurements showed that the polymers had high glass transition temperatures (>179°C), good thermostability, and high decomposition temperatures (>401°C). These novel polymers also showed easy solubility.
Knowledge integration: a step forward? Continuities and changes in Arequipa’s water governance system
Authors: Filippi María Evangelina , Hordijk Michaela , Alegría Julio , Rojas José Denis
Published: August 2014

The new Peruvian Water Law (2009) inaugurated a transition phase in the country’s water governance model, in theory changing the power relations among the actors involved in the decision-making process. Formerly excluded actors were invited to participate and bring their particular views into multi-stakeholder spaces. While this diversity of actors, informed by different types of knowledge, has been highlighted as an attribute of more adaptive systems, it does not necessarily lead to a real change in the constellation of power. The case of Arequipa illustrates this shift towards a new water governance system, with the creation of a river basin council based on a prior (and exceptional) example of informal multi-stakeholder water management. Yet the growing participation of a large mining company in financing water-related infrastructure, and its alliances with other actors, might challenge the potential of the new participatory body to represent equally the interests and views of all its members, and therefore to question the existing norms to bring about transformative change.(1)
A time-varying Q-filter design for iterative learning control with application to an ultra-precision dual-stage actuated wafer stage
Authors: Yu Dongdong , Zhu Yu , Yang Kaiming , Hu Chuxiong , Li Min
Published: August 2014

Iterative learning control is known as an effective technique for improving the performance of systems that require repetitive work. In general, a linear time-invariant low-pass Q-filter is employed to provide robustness to modeling errors and model uncertainties, as well as to suppress the noise transmission in the learning process. A lower bandwidth of Q-filter results in less noise amplification but at the cost of decreasing the learning performance. The filter’s bandwidth thus forms a fixed trade-off between attenuation of repetitive errors and amplification of noise. Although linear time-varying Q-filter in finite impulse response type has been proposed, the performance is still unsatisfactory for the filter of this type has a low attenuation rate in high frequency and is unable to obtain a low bandwidth as well. Therefore, in this article, a linear time-varying Q-filter in infinite impulse response type is put forward, providing a better means to deal with the trade-off. To demonstrate that, experiments have been conducted on the developed dual-stage actuated wafer stage, which consists of a short-stroke stage for accurate positioning and a long-stroke stage for coarse positioning. The results illustrate that the proposed method results in a significant improvement in tracking performance, which includes lower converged error and decreased settling time.
Gaps in Timely Access to Care Among Workers by Disability Status
Authors: Schimmel Hyde Jody , Livermore Gina A.
Published: August 2014

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is salient for workers with a disability because of their significant health care needs, relatively low incomes, and the complex interactions among work, federal disability benefits, and eligibility for public health insurance. Using data from the 2006–2010 National Health Interview Surveys, in this study, we document the characteristics and health insurance profiles of workers with a disability and consider the extent to which these factors are correlated with the ability to access adequate and timely health care. We find significantly higher rates of reported difficulties accessing timely health care for cost-related and structural reasons among employed adults with self-reported health conditions limiting the ability to work than among their non-work-limited peers, even after controlling for personal characteristics and health insurance coverage. The findings suggest that although the ACA will improve access to health insurance, it remains to be seen whether it will substantially reduce the likelihood that workers with disabilities will experience barriers to health care access relative to their non-disabled peers.
Understanding Latino Parents’ Child Mental Health Literacy
Authors: Umpierre Mari , Meyers Laura V. , Ortiz Aida , Paulino Angela , Rodriguez Anita Rivera , Miranda Ana , Rodriguez Raquel , Kranes Stephanie , McKay Mary M.
Published: August 2014

Objective:

This article describes Phase 1 of a pilot that aims to develop, implement, and test an intervention to educate and simultaneously engage highly stressed Latino parents in child mental health services. A team of Spanish-speaking academic and community co-investigators developed the intervention using a community-based participatory research approach and qualitative methods.

Method:

Through focus groups, the team identified parents’ knowledge gaps and their health communication preferences.

Results:

Latino parents from urban communities need and welcome child mental health literacy interventions that integrate printed materials with videos, preferably in their native language, combined with guidance from professionals.

Conclusion:

A 3-minute video in Spanish that integrates education entertainment strategies and a culturally relevant format was produced as part of the intervention to educate and simultaneously engage highly stressed Latino parents in child mental health care. It is anticipated that the intervention will positively impact service use among this group.
Long-Term Comparison of GOS-E Scores in Patients Treated With Phenytoin or Levetiracetam for Posttraumatic Seizure Prophylaxis After Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Gabriel Wendy M. , Rowe A. Shaun
Published: August 2014

Background: Much debate exists on the optimal medication for posttraumatic seizure prophylaxis after traumatic brain injury (TBI). There is some evidence that levetiracetam (LEV) could be neuroprotective and provide long-term benefits in this patient population. Objective: The primary objective was to compare the Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended (GOS-E) 6 months or more after severe TBI. Secondary end points were presence of early seizures (0 to 7 days post-TBI) or late seizures (8 days post-TBI to phone interview), use of anticonvulsant medication when interviewed, medication-related hospital complications, and a summary of phenytoin (PHT) and LEV dosing regimens. Methods: This was an IRB-approved, single-center, prospective cohort analysis. Patients were identified by cross-referencing a list of patients receiving LEV or PHT, with a list of patients with ICD-9 code consistent with TBI. After study inclusion, patients were contacted by telephone, and the GOS-E was administered. Data for secondary end points were gathered by retrospective chart review. Results: In all, 19 patients were included in the final analysis. There was no difference in the GOS-E score assessed ≥6 months after injury (5.07 ± 1.69 vs 5.60 ± 2.07, P = 0.58). There was no difference in the secondary end points of early seizures ( P = 0.53) or late seizures ( P = 0.53). However, the PHT group experienced a higher rate of hospital days with recorded fever (0.20 ± 0.22 vs 0 ± 0; P = 0.014). Conclusions: Long-term functional outcome in patients who experienced a TBI was not affected by treatment with PHT or LEV; however, patients treated with PHT had a higher incidence of fever during hospitalization.
Dexmedetomidine in the Treatment of Serotonin Syndrome
Authors: Rushton William F. , Charlton Nathan P.
Published: August 2014

Objective: Patients suffering from moderate to severe serotonin syndrome frequently present with autonomic instability and altered mental status. Management of serotonin syndrome can be complex and may be refractory to treatment with benzodiazepines alone. The objective of this series is to present 3 cases of serotonin syndrome that demonstrated clinical improvement with initiation of dexmedetomidine. Case Series: We present 3 cases of severe serotonin syndrome in adolescents requiring intubation that were refractory to midazolam and/or propofol. Dexmedetomidine, an α-2 receptor agonist, was used in all 3 cases with temporal stabilization of the autonomic nervous system and improvement of agitation, and aided in successful extubation. Discussion: Although no human studies exist, rat and mouse models offer evidence that dexmedetomidine can reduce serotonin excess and stabilize signs of serotonin neurotoxicity. Conclusion: Accordingly, health care providers may consider using dexmedetomidine as adjunctive therapy for cases of severe serotonin syndrome that are refractory to standard treatment.
Front-end conceptual platform modeling
Authors: Guðlaugsson Tómas V , Ravn Poul M , Mortensen Niels H , Sarban Rahimullah
Published: August 2014

Platform thinking has been the subject of investigation and deployment in many projects in both academia and industry. Most contributions involve the restructuring of product programs, and only a few support front-end development of a new platform in parallel with technology development. This contribution deals with the development of product platforms in front-end projects and introduces a modeling tool: the Conceptual Product Platform model. State of the art within platform modeling forms the base of a modeling formalism for a Conceptual Product Platform model. The modeling formalism is explored through an example and applied in a case in which the Conceptual Product Platform model has supported the front-end development of a platform for an electro-active polymer technology. The case describes the contents of the model and how its application supported the development work in the project. The conclusion is that the Conceptual Product Platform model supports stakeholders in achieving an overview of the development tasks and communicating these across multidisciplinary development teams, as well as making decisions on the contents of the platform and providing a link between technical solutions and market requirements.
Use of Prehire Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2–Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) Police Candidate Scores to Predict Supervisor Ratings of Posthire Performance
Authors: Tarescavage Anthony M. , Brewster JoAnne , Corey David M. , Ben-Porath Yossef S.
Published: August 2014

We examined associations between prehire Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2–Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) scores and posthire performance ratings for a sample of 131 male police officers. Substantive scale scores in this sample were meaningfully lower than those obtained by the test’s normative sample and substantially range restricted, but scores were consistent with those produced by members of the police candidate comparison group (Corey & Ben-Porath). After applying a statistical correction for range restriction, we found several associations between MMPI-2-RF substantive scale scores and supervisor ratings of job-related performance. Findings for scales from the emotional dysfunction and interpersonal functioning domains of the test were particularly strong. For example, scales assessing low positive emotions and social avoidance were associated with several criteria that may be affected by lack of engagement with one’s environment and other people, including problems with routine task performance, decision making, assertiveness, conscientiousness, and social competence. Implications of these findings for assessment science and practice are discussed.
Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptor in Excitotoxicity
Authors: Zhou Xianju , Chen Zhuoyou , Yun Wenwei , Ren Jianhua , Li Chengwei , Wang Hongbing
Published: August 2014

It is generally accepted that proper activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) promotes neuronal survival and supports neuroplasticity, and excessive NMDAR activation leads to pathological outcomes and neurodegeneration. As NMDARs are found at both synaptic and extrasynaptic sites, there is significant interest in determining how NMDARs at different subcellular locations differentially regulate physiological as well as pathological functions. Better understanding of this issue may support the development of therapeutic strategies to attenuate neuronal death or promote normal brain function. Although the current prevailing theory emphasizes the major role of extrasynaptic NMDARs in neurodegeneration, there is growing evidence indicating the involvement of synaptic receptors. It is also evident that physiological functions of the brain also involve extrasynaptic NMDARs. Our recent studies demonstrate that the degree of cell death following neuronal insults depends on the magnitude and duration of synaptic and extrasynaptic receptor co-activation. These new results underscore the importance of revisiting the function of extrasynaptic NMDARs in cell fate. Furthermore, the development of antagonists that preferentially inhibit synaptic or extrasynaptic receptors may better clarify the role of NMDARs in neurodegeneration.
Prepubertal gonadectomy in cats: different injectable anaesthetic combinations and comparison with gonadectomy at traditional age
Authors: Porters Nathalie , de Rooster Hilde , Moons Christel PH , Duchateau Luc , Goethals Klara , Bosmans Tim , Polis Ingeborgh
Published: August 2014

Anaesthetic and analgesic effects of three different injectable anaesthetic combinations for prepubertal gonadectomy (PPG) in cats were studied. One anaesthetic protocol was compared with a similar one for gonadectomy at traditional age (TAG). Kittens were randomly assigned to PPG or TAG. For PPG, three different protocols were compared: (1) intramuscular (IM) administration of 60 μg/kg dexmedetomidine plus 20 μg/kg buprenorphine followed by an IM injection of the anaesthetic agent (20 mg/kg ketamine) (DB-IM protocol); (2) oral transmucosal (OTM) administration of 80 μg/kg dexmedetomidine plus 20 μg/kg buprenorphine followed by an IM injection of 20 mg/kg ketamine combined with 20 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (DB-OTM protocol); (3) IM injection of a 40 μg/kg medetomidine–20 μg/kg buprenorphine–20 mg/kg ketamine combination (MBK-IM protocol). For TAG, a DB-IM protocol was used, but with different doses for dexmedetomidine (40 μg/kg) and ketamine (5 mg/kg). All cats (PPG and TAG) received a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory before surgery. Anaesthetic and analgesic effects were assessed pre- and postoperatively (until 6 h). Cumulative logit, linear and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. Compared with the DB-OTM protocol, the DB-IM and MBK-IM protocols provided better anaesthesia with fewer adverse effects in PPG cats. Postoperative pain was not significantly different between anaesthetic protocols. PPG and TAG cats anaesthetised with the two DB-IM protocols differed significantly only for sedation and pain scores, but sedation and pain scores were generally low. Although there were no anaesthesia-related mortalities in the present study and all anaesthetic protocols for PPG in cats provided a surgical plane of anaesthesia and analgesia up to 6 h postoperatively, our findings were in favour of the intramuscular (DB-IM and MBK-IM) protocols.
Just doing gender? Transvestism and the power of underdoing gender in everyday life and work
Authors: Thanem Torkild , Wallenberg Louise
Published: August 2014

While previous research in organization studies has utilized transgender to show how gender is done, overdone and undone, this literature lacks empirical grounding, and the theoretical arguments dominating it tend to idealize the transgressive power of transgender while reducing transgender to hyperbolic drag and stereotypical passing. To further advance the understanding of transgender within and around organizations, this article presents a qualitative study from a Northern European country to investigate how male-to-female transvestites do and undo gender in everyday life and work. In contrast to extant research, we found that participants did transgender and undid gender by underdoing gender, that is, by combining feminine, masculine and ungendered practices and attributes in ways that made passing and drag insignificant. As transvestites simultaneously expressed masculine and feminine forms of embodiment, we argue that they may more obviously challenge, though not dismantle, dominant forms of gender and identity than suggested by previous accounts. We conclude by discussing broader implications for the understanding of gender, identity, power and resistance in organizations.
The emergent nature of strategic mediation in ESL teacher education
Authors: Kaur Kuldip
Published: August 2014

This article concentrates on a practitioner-driven approach to teacher education aimed at advancing ESL teachers’ instructional knowledge about writing. Based on activity-centred interaction between a group of Malaysian English teachers and their teacher educator, the discussion demonstrates (1) the emergent, unplanned nature of strategic mediation in teacher education, as well as (2) the evolution of teacher thinking in the context of ESL writing instruction. Three forms of strategic mediation are illustrated: drafting teacher participation in challenging instructional circumstances; supporting teachers in crafting working definitions for key concepts; and establishing instructional ground rules for carrying out writing lessons in ESL classrooms. Additionally, the article discusses how a three-part activity structure formed the basis of demonstrating, implementing and reflecting on writing lessons, and how this structure paved the way for teachers to reshape their ways of thinking about ESL writing.
Provider impressions of the use of a mobile crowdsourcing app in medical practice
Authors: Sims Max H , Fagnano Maria , Halterman Jill S , Halterman Marc W
Published: August 2014

In our prior work, we conducted a field trial of the mobile application DocCHIRP ( Crowdsourcing Health Information Retrieval Protocol for Doctors), designed to help clinicians problem-solve at the point of care by crowdsourcing their peers. Here, we present the results of our post-trial survey that investigated the impressions of participating clinicians regarding the use of medical crowdsourcing and to identify factors influencing adoption of the technology. In all, 72 valid surveys were received from 85 registered users (85% response rate). The majority of clinicians (>80%) felt crowdsourcing would be useful to diagnose unusual cases, facilitate patient referrals, and problem-solve at the point of care. Perceived barriers to adoption included interruptions in workflow and the reluctance to publicly expose knowledge gaps. While considered a useful alternative to existing methods, future studies are needed to investigate whether the approach and application can be modified to effectively address these barriers, and to determine whether crowdsourcing will enhance provider performance and the quality of care delivered.
The discursive construction of intelligence in introductory educational psychology textbooks
Authors: Nina Lester Jessica , Gabriel Rachael
Published: August 2014

The meaning(s) of intelligence has varied across time and place, with these varied constructions holding consequences for people and society at large. There is, however, little consensus around what intelligence actually means and how the construct should be applied. Educational discourses, including textbooks used to train teachers, have commonly been the site for the dissemination of ‘authoritative’ information surrounding intelligence. In this article, we present findings from a discourse analysis informed by discursive psychology of passages related to defining and measuring intelligence taken from 10 educational psychology textbooks designed for university students studying to become teachers. Our research question was: How is the dilemmatic nature of the construct of intelligence managed in introductory educational psychology textbooks at the level of discourse? We discuss the function of sequencing and topic displays and how the textbook authors navigated the ideological dilemmas surrounding the construct of intelligence. We conclude by pointing to the implications for teacher training and the importance of social constructionist projects that place into question presumably ‘real’ psychological constructs.
Ticked Talk Radio
Authors: Takach Geo
Published: August 2014

This article (re)presents views attacking and defending critical, arts-based rejoinders to neoliberal policies and pedagogy that preserve the naturalized, hegemonic privileges of a relative few at the expense of broader society. Drawing on the author’s experiences as an arts-based researcher, instructor, and media commentator, this work is framed satirically as the transcript of a fictionalized phone-in radio show, Ticked Talk Radio. Abetted by a host of debatable neutrality, a guest ranter squelches Finley’s clarion call for critical, arts-based inquiry, pedagogy, and performance. The guest’s views are challenged by callers channeling leading arts-based and critical researchers and thinkers. As the callers are swatted aside, they resort to increasingly radical measures, prompting the station to import security reinforcements from the ranks of students. By sign-off, the host and guest cling to an assumed victory, but unanticipated developments threaten to unseat them.
Femtosecond laser photodisruption of vitelline vessels of avian embryos as a technique to study embryonic vascular remodeling
Authors: Yalcin Huseyin C
Published: August 2014

During cardiogenesis, congenital heart defects (CHDs), generally start as local tissue abnormalities without underlying genetic causes, suggesting abnormal hemodynamics may be an important source. Due to the scarcity of experimental techniques that permits the formation of minimally-invasive and well-controlled cardiac perturbations, experimental investigation of embryonic development of CHD via in-vivo models is difficult. In this study, in order to investigate the relationship between abnormal mechanical signaling and embryonic CHD development, a previously developed laser-based technique was adopted to alter chicken embryonic cardiovascular development. The technique incorporates two-photon fluorescence microscopy to visualize deep tissue while femtosecond-pulsed laser photodisruption is used to ablate targeted tissue. Vitelline vessel remodeling under abnormal hemodynamics was the prime concern of the study. In order to alter the hemodynamics, blood flowing inside 50–300 µm diameter Hamburger–Hamilton 24 embryonic vessels was selectively ablated. Red blood cells in the blood and endothelial cells of the vessel walls were damaged as a result of ablation. Cellular injuries led to micro-occlusions in the vessels. Several micro-occlusions formed stable clots, resulting in a complete cessation of blood flow in the targeted vessels. By measuring blood velocities in the surrounding vessels via line scanning technique, the subsequent redistribution of blood flow in the immediate upstream and downstream vessels was revealed. The network was analyzed after 24 h, and it was found to be degraded. Degradation of the entire network can be attributed to the abnormalities in hemodynamics within the vessels. For studying embryonic development of heart defects under disturbed flow conditions, the present study can be extended to clot a blood vessel inside the embryo or a vitelline vessel in the vicinity of the heart. These results demonstrate that, laser-based noninvasive tools should be considered as powerful techniques to analyze hemodynamic signals encountered in embryonic development of CHD.
Neighborhood Structure, Immigrant Status, and Youth Violence
Authors: Burrington Lori A.
Published: August 2014

Research indicates that children of immigrants are less likely to engage in violence than children of native-born parents, even when they live in high-risk neighborhoods, suggesting that foreign-born parents employ strategies that buffer children from delinquency. Parental supervision is important for adolescent well-being, and some scholars suggest it is especially important for adolescents residing in disadvantaged communities. Others argue supervision is more critical for youth residing in advantaged contexts, where parental involvement is normative. To date, evidence on the interplay between supervision and neighborhood characteristics is mixed, suggesting a more complex relationship. This study considers whether immigrant status further conditions the interplay between supervision and neighborhood characteristics, using data from a sample of adolescents residing in Chicago neighborhoods. Findings indicate that less supervised, first-generation adolescents are more likely to perpetrate violence in low-risk neighborhoods, while less supervised, second- and third-generation adolescents are more likely to perpetrate violence in high-risk settings.
A comparison of heuristics applied to the sensor deployment problem in two dimensions
Authors: Pond Geoffrey T , Brimberg Jack , Wang Yongkui , Simms Bill
Published: August 2014

This paper presents some interesting results that compare three heuristics applied to the sensor deployment problem. These heuristics are the genetic algorithm (GA), differential evolution (DE), and vertex swap algorithm (VSA). In both of two test problems, solved independently hundreds of times, the VSA routinely demonstrates better performance in terms of the quality of the solution and in lower execution times. The VSA is also combined with both the GA and DE to produce hybrid metaheuristics. However, repeated tests demonstrated that this provides little to no improvement in the quality of the final solution. Thus, a simple local search may be all that is needed for certain types of problems.
Titanium template for scaphoid reconstruction
Authors: Haefeli M. , Schaefer D. J. , Schumacher R. , Müller-Gerbl M. , Honigmann P.
Published: August 2014

Reconstruction of a non-united scaphoid with a humpback deformity involves resection of the non-union followed by bone grafting and fixation of the fragments. Intraoperative control of the reconstruction is difficult owing to the complex three-dimensional shape of the scaphoid and the other carpal bones overlying the scaphoid on lateral radiographs. We developed a titanium template that fits exactly to the surfaces of the proximal and distal scaphoid poles to define their position relative to each other after resection of the non-union. The templates were designed on three-dimensional computed tomography reconstructions and manufactured using selective laser melting technology. Ten conserved human wrists were used to simulate the reconstruction. The achieved precision measured as the deviation of the surface of the reconstructed scaphoid from its virtual counterpart was good in five cases (maximal difference 1.5 mm), moderate in one case (maximal difference 3 mm) and inadequate in four cases (difference more than 3 mm). The main problems were attributed to the template design and can be avoided by improved pre-operative planning, as shown in a clinical case.

Level of evidence: V
Combined hormonal contraceptives: prescribing patterns, compliance, and benefits versus risks
Authors: Brynhildsen Jan
Published: August 2014

Combined hormonal contraceptives [combined oral contraceptives (COCs)] have been available for over 50 years and the impact of this invention may not be overestimated. Today over 100 million women are current users and in Western Europe and the United States approximately 80% of women of fertile ages can be considered as ever-users. Over the years several drawbacks have been identified and media alarms on risks are frequently presented, resulting in suboptimal compliance and low compliance and continuation rates. Poor compliance and discontinuation is a big problem and is not generally identified by prescribers. During ideal use COCs offer very good protection against unwanted pregnancies, however there is a big problem with compliance and continuation and thus the ‘real-life’ efficacy is much lower. Reasons for poor compliance include side effects and fear of side effects and it is crucial that the prescriber gives the individual woman thorough and balanced information on the benefits and risks. Most well known is the increased risk of venous thromboembolism, but also an elevated risk of arterial thrombosis and several types of cancer has been reported. The risk estimates are low but according to the large number of users a substantial number of extra cases will occur. However, use of COCs also offers several additional health benefits with significant impact on morbidity and quality of life. COC use is associated with a substantial decrease in the risk of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and colorectal cancer. Moreover, COCs are a major option of treatment for women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea as well as hirsutism and acne vulgaris. The net effect of the additional health effects of COC- use may very well be positive, i.e. a slight increase in life expectancy.
What is the relevance of pyrogeography to the Anthropocene?
Authors: Bowman David MJS
Published: August 2014

A defining feature of both the Anthropocene concept and the new discipline of pyrogeography is combustion of carbon-rich fuels by humans. A key objective of pyrogeography is understanding to what degree landscape fires set by hominins has overwritten natural fires through geological time, and whether these changes had substantial ecological knock-on effects. This research is essential to precisely define the onset of the Anthropocene. Nonetheless, the commonly used imprecise definition that the Anthropocene commenced at 1780 is a useful organising principle for pyrogeography because it provides a framework to understand the synergistic effects of anthropogenic global environment changes in shaping global fire activity following the Industrial Revolution.
Sol–gel preparation and properties of Ag–TiO2 films on surface roughened Ti–6Al–4V alloy
Authors: Fu T. , Shen Y. G. , Alajmi Z. , Yang S. Y. , Sun J. M. , Zhang H. M.
Published: August 2014

Ag–TiO2 films (Ag/Ti = 3·3, 9·1 at-) were sol–gel coated on Ti–6Al–4V alloy that had been surface roughened by the NaOH–HCl treatment for antibacterial applications. Scanning electron microscopy observation showed that pore size of the surface layer of NaOH–HCl treated Ti–6Al–4V alloy increased with the NaOH concentration. Ag–TiO2 films on the surface roughened substrate were adherent and crack-free. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy analyses indicated that Ag existed in metallic state, and the films completely covered the roughened substrate. X-ray diffraction peaks of the substrate and anatase TiO2 were detected. The Ag–TiO2 films on the roughened substrate exhibited good adhesion quality and high cohesion strength in the indentation test. The potentiodynamic polarisation test showed that the TiO2 and Ag–TiO2 films improved corrosion resistance of the substrate.
Stimulation of surface IgM of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells induces an unfolded protein response dependent on BTK and SYK
Authors: Krysov Sergey , Steele Andrew J. , Coelho Vania , Linley Adam , Sanchez Hidalgo Marina , Carter Matthew , Potter Kathleen N. , Kennedy Benjamin , Duncombe Andrew S. , Ashton-Key Margaret , Forconi Francesco , Stevenson Freda K. , Packham Graham
Published: August 2014

Key Points

Stimulation of the B-cell receptor of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells results in activation of an unfolded protein response. Unfolded protein response activation following surface immunoglobulin M stimulation in vitro is dependent on the activity of BTK and SYK.
Tunneling times of acoustic phonon packets through a distributed Bragg reflector
Authors: Lazcano Zorayda , Valdés Negrín Pedro Luis , Villegas Diosdado , Arriaga Jesus , Pérez-Álvarez Rolando
Published: August 2014

The longwave phenomenological model is used to make simple and precise calculations of various physical quantities such as the vibrational energy density, the vibrational energy, the relative mechanical displacement, and the one-dimensional stress tensor of a porous silicon distributed Bragg reflector. From general principles such as invariance under time reversal, invariance under space reflection, and conservation of energy density flux, the equivalence of the tunneling times for both transmission and reflection is demonstrated. Here, we study the tunneling times of acoustic phonon packets through a distributed Bragg reflector in porous silicon multilayer structures, and we report the possibility that a phenomenon called Hartman effect appears in these structures.
The promise of circulating tumor cell analysis in cancer management
Authors: Mateo Joaquin , Gerlinger Marco , Rodrigues Daniel Nava , de Bono Johann S
Published: August 2014

Enumeration and molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells isolated from peripheral blood of patients with cancer can aid selection of targeted therapy for patients, monitoring of response to therapies and optimization of drug development, while also providing valuable information about intratumoral heterogeneity.
Cancer genomics: one cell at a time
Authors: Navin Nicholas E
Published: August 2014

The study of single cancer cells has transformed from qualitative microscopic images to quantitative genomic datasets. This paradigm shift has been fueled by the development of single-cell sequencing technologies, which provide a powerful new approach to study complex biological processes in human cancers.
Pan-cancer patterns of DNA methylation
Authors: Witte Tania , Plass Christoph , Gerhauser Clarissa
Published: August 2014

The comparison of DNA methylation patterns across cancer types (pan-cancer methylome analyses) has revealed distinct subgroups of tumors that share similar methylation patterns. Integration of these data with the wealth of information derived from cancer genome profiling studies performed by large international consortia has provided novel insights into the cellular aberrations that contribute to cancer development. There is evidence that genetic mutations in epigenetic regulators (such as DNMT3, IDH1/2 or H3.3) mediate or contribute to these patterns, although a unifying molecular mechanism underlying the global alterations of DNA methylation has largely been elusive. Knowledge gained from pan-cancer methylome analyses will aid the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, improve patient stratification and the discovery of novel druggable targets for therapy, and will generate hypotheses for innovative clinical trial designs based on methylation subgroups rather than on cancer subtypes. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the global profiling of tumor genomes for aberrant DNA methylation and the integration of these data with cancer genome profiling data, highlight potential mechanisms leading to different methylation subgroups, and show how this information can be used in basic research and for translational applications. A remaining challenge is to experimentally prove the functional link between observed pan-cancer methylation patterns, the associated genetic aberrations, and their relevance for the development of cancer.
The Three-Year Incidence of Major Hemorrhage among Older Adults Initiating Chronic Dialysis
Authors: Sood Manish M , Bota Sarah E , McArthur Eric , Kapral Moira K , Tangri Navdeep , Knoll Greg , Zimmerman Deborah , Garg Amit X
Published: August 2014

Background:

For those who initiate chronic dialysis, knowing what proportion will experience 3-year outcomes of hemorrhage with hospitalization informs patient prognosis, disease impact, and the planning of trials and programs to prevent events.

Objectives:

We examined the incidence of hemorrhage and related gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in incident older dialysis patients and stratified patients by age, era, dialysis modality and whether recently prescribed anti-thrombotic medication.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study

Setting:

Ontario, Canada from 1998 to 2008 (n = 11,173)

Patients:

All older patients (>65 years) who initiated chronic dialysis

Measurements:

Hospitalization with hemorrhage and its subtypes (upper and lower gastrointestinal, intra-cerebral, subarachnoid) and related-gastrointestinal procedures.

Methods:

Three-year outcomes of hospitalization with hemorrhage were expressed as cumulative incidence and incidence rate (number of events per 1,000 patient years). Results were stratified by patient age (66 to 74, 75 to 84, ≥ 85), era (1998 to 2001, 2002 to 2005, 2006 to 2008) and dialysis modality. Among those with hemorrhage, we examined prescriptions for anti-thrombotic medications (warfarin, clopidogrel) in the preceding 120 days.

Results:

The 3-year cumulative incidence of hemorrhage was 14.4% (roughly 1 in 7 patients). By location, the 3-year cumulative incidence was 8.9% lower gastrointestinal, 6.1% upper gastrointestinal, 0.9% intra-cerebral and 0.1% sub arachnoid hemorrhage. The 3-year cumulative incidence of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures was 14.8%. The cumulative incidence and rate of hemorrhage were not appreciably different across the 3 age strata, by era or by dialysis modality. Among patients with a hemorrhage, 29.5% were prescribed warfarin in the preceding 120 days, and 8.4% clopidogrel.

Limitations:

Recurrent events were not included.

Conclusions:

Many older patients who initiate chronic dialysis will be hospitalized with hemorrhage and receive related procedures over the subsequent three years. Despite greater age and co-morbidity over the last decade this incidence has not changed.
Batf3-independent langerin− CX3CR1− CD8α+ splenic DCs represent a precursor for classical cross-presenting CD8α+ DCs
Authors: Petersen Troels R , Knight Deborah A , Tang Ching-Wen , Osmond Taryn L , Hermans Ian F
Published: August 2014

This study tests the hypothesis that CD8α+ DCs in the spleen of mice contain an immature precursor for functionally mature, “classical” cross-presenting CD8α+ DCs. The lymphoid tissues contain a network of phenotypically distinct DCs with unique roles in surveillance and immunity. Splenic CD8α+ DCs have been shown to exhibit a heightened capacity for phagocytosis of cellular material, secretion of IL-12, and cross-priming of CD8+ T cells. However, this population can be subdivided further on the basis of expression of both langerin/CD207 and CX3CR1. We therefore evaluated the functional capacities of these different subsets. The CX3CR1+ CD8α+ DC subset does not express langerin and does not exhibit the classical features above. The CX3CR1− CD8α+ DC can be divided into langerin-positive and negative populations, both of which express DEC205, Clec9A, and high basal levels of CD86. However, the langerin+ CX3CR1− CD8α+ subset has a superior capacity for acquiring cellular material and producing IL-12 and is more susceptible to activation-induced cell death. Significantly, following purification and adoptive transfer into new hosts, the langerin− CX3CR1− CD8α+ subset survives longer, up-regulates expression of langerin, and becomes more susceptible to activation-induced cell death. Last, in contrast to langerin+ CX3CR1− CD8α+, the langerin− CX3CR1− CD8α+ are still present in Batf3−/− mice. We conclude that the classical attributes of CD8α+ DC are confined primarily to the langerin+ CX3CR1− CD8α+ DC population and that the langerin− CX3CR1− subset represents a Batf3-independent precursor to this mature population.
Random Symmetrizations of Convex Bodies
Authors: Coupier D. , Davydov Yu.
Published: August 2014

In this paper we investigate the asymptotic behavior of sequences of successive Steiner and Minkowski symmetrizations. We state an equivalence result between the convergences of those sequences for Minkowski and Steiner symmetrizations. Moreover, in the case of independent (and not necessarily identically distributed) directions, we prove the almost-sure convergence of successive symmetrizations at exponential rate for Minkowski, and at rate with c > 0 for Steiner.