bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rather than Rs1800796 Polymorphism, Expression of Interleukin-6 Is Associated with Disease Progression of Chronic HBV Infection in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Tang Shengli , Liu Zhisu , Zhang Yongxi , He Yueming , Pan Dingyu , Liu Yuanyuan , Liu Quanyan , Zhang Zhonglin , Yuan Yufeng
Published: November 2013

Interleukin-6 plays an important role in chronic inflammation as well as tumor growth and progression. Here, a case-control study was undertaken to investigate the association of rs1800796 polymorphism of IL-6 gene and serum levels with disease progression of chronic HBV infection. Rs1800796 polymorphism was genotyped in 641 Chinese Han patients with chronic HBV infection, including 23 IT, 25 IC, 292 CHB, 153 LC, and 148 HCC patients and 265 healthy controls. Serum IL-6 levels were measured in 23 IT, 25 IC, 47 CHB, 41 LC, and 49 HCC patients and 45 healthy controls, and the classifications of HCC were accorded to BCLC staging system. We found no significant association between rs1800796 polymorphism and disease progression of chronic HBV infection; however, serum IL-6 levels showed significant statistical differences between patients with CHB, LC, and HCC. Moreover, statistical differences can be observed in patients with terminal stage HCC compared with those of early to intermediate or advanced stage HCC. Our findings suggest that rs1800796 polymorphism unlikely contribute significantly to affect the progression of chronic HBV infection, and serum IL-6 levels can act as a useful indicator for disease progression and severity of chronic HBV infection.
A Rapid Method Based on Vehicle Video for Multiobjects Detection
Authors: Tian Qing , Zhang Long , Wei Yun , Fei Wei-wei , Zhao Wen-hua
Published: November 2013

An efficient and rapid method for car detection in video is presented in this paper. In this method, rear side view of cars is used in the detection phase. And in combination with histograms of oriented gradients (HOG) which is one of the most discriminative features, a linear support vector machine (SVM) is used for object classification. Besides, in order to avoid car missing, Kalman filter is used to track the objects. It is known that the calculation of HOG is complex and costs the most run time. So the processing time in this method is decreased by using information of objects' areas from the previous frames. It is shown by the experimental results that the detection rate can reach 96.20% and is more accurate when choosing the fit interval number such as 5. It is also illustrated that this method can decrease the calculating time on a large degree when the accuracy is about 94.90% by comparing with traditional method of HOG combining with SVM.
A New Method to Calibrate Robot Visual Measurement System
Authors: Wang Yali , Wei Zhenzhong , Shao Mingwei , Zhang Guangjun
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a new method to calibrate the robot visual measurement system. In the paper, a laser tracker is used to calibrate the robot twist angles. Each axis of the robot is moved to many positions and the positions measured by the laser tracker fit a plane. The normal vectors of the planes are the directions of the Z axes. According to the definition of the robot kinematics model parameters, the errors of the twist angles can be calculated. The joint angles zero offsets are calibrated by the constraint that the rotation relationship between the world frame and the robot base frame is relatively constant. A planar target with several parallel lines is used to obtain the pose of the camera relative to the planar target by the lines in the target plane and the vanishing line of the plane. The quantum behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) algorithm is used to calculate the parameters. Experiments are performed and the results show that the accuracy of the robot visual measurement system is improved about 10 times after being calibrated.
Long-Term (1951–2007) Rainfall Trends around Six Indian Cities: Current State, Meteorological, and Urban Dynamics
Authors: Kharol Shailesh Kumar , Kaskaoutis D. G. , Sharma Anu Rani , Singh Ramesh P.
Published: November 2013

The present study focuses on analyzing the precipitation trends over six Indian cities during the summer monsoon (June–September) covering the period 1951–2007 and also attempting to investigate possible urban forcing and dynamics by examining the variation in precipitation in the upwind and downwind directions. The analysis shows negative trends in the total number of rainy days over Hyderabad (−10.4%), Kanpur (−7.1%), Jaipur (−10.5%), and Nagpur (−4.8%) and positive trends over Delhi (7.4%) and Bangalore (22.9%). On the other hand, decreases of −21.3%, −5.9%, −14.2%, and −14.6% in seasonal rainfall are found over Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Kanpur, respectively, whereas Bangalore and Nagpur show 65.8% and 13.5% increase. The lesser rainfall and rainy days, along with the mostly declining trend, in the downwind directions of the cities may imply an urban influence in precipitation associated with the increased anthropogenic emissions due to expansion of the urban areas and the increase of population. However, the large spatiotemporal variability of precipitation and the lack of statistical significance in the vast majority of the trends do not allow the extraction of safe conclusion concerning the aerosol-precipitation interactions around Indian cities.
Accidental Entry of Fish into Throat While Bathing in a Pond
Authors: Parida Pradipta Kumar , Surianarayanan Gopalakrishnan
Published: November 2013

While fish bones are common foreign bodies in the throat, a whole live fish in the pharynx is very rare. We report a case where a whole fish accidentally entered the throat of a 52-year-old male, where it became lodged causing throat pain and dysphagia. The fish was removed as an emergency procedure.
Daptomycin Failure for Treatment of Pulmonary Septic Emboli in Native Tricuspid and Mitral Valve Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusEndocarditis
Authors: Zainah Hadeel , Zervos Marcus , Stephane Wassim , Chamas Alhelo Sara , Alkhoury Ghattas , Weinmann Allison
Published: November 2013

Daptomycin has been used with success for the treatment of right-sided methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) endocarditis. However, its efficacy has not been completely assessed for the treatment of MRSA endocarditis when it is associated with pulmonary septic emboli. Hereby, we present a case of MRSA mitral and tricuspid native valve endocarditis with pulmonary septic emboli, which was treated with daptomycin as a sole agent, resulting in worsening pulmonary infiltrates and treatment failure.
Corrosion Measurements in Reinforced Fly Ash Concrete Containing Steel Fibres Using Strain Gauge Technique
Authors: Sounthararajan V. M. , Sivakumar A.
Published: November 2013

Corrosion of steel bars in concrete is a serious problem leading to phenomenal volume expansion and thereby leading to cover concrete spalling. It is well known that the reinforced concrete structures subjected to chloride attack during its service life cause these detrimental effects. The early detection of this damage potential can extend the service life of concrete. This study reports the comprehensive experimental studies conducted on the identification of corrosion mechanism in different types of reinforced concrete containing class-F fly ash and hooked steel fibres. Fly ash replaced concrete mixes were prepared with 25% and 50% fly ash containing steel fibres at 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% by volume fraction. Corrosion process was investigated in an embedded steel bar (8 mm diameter) reinforced in concrete by passing an impressed current in sodium chloride solution. Strain gauge attached to the rebars was monitored for electrical measurements using strain conditioner. Strain gauge readings observed during the corrosion process exhibited the volume changes of the reinforcement embedded inside the concrete. The corrosion potential of different steel fibre reinforced concrete mixes with fly ash addition showed higher resistance towards the corrosion initiation.
On Local Fractional Continuous Wavelet Transform
Authors: Yang Xiao-Jun , Baleanu Dumitru , Srivastava H. M. , Tenreiro Machado J. A.
Published: November 2013

We introduce a new wavelet transform within the framework of the local fractional calculus. An illustrative example of local fractional wavelet transform is also presented.
Two-Axis Solar Heat Collection Tracker System for Solar Thermal Applications
Authors: Cheng Tsung-Chieh , Hung Wei-Cheng , Fang Te-Hua
Published: November 2013

An experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of using a continuous operation two-axes tracking on the solar heat energy collected. This heat-collection sun tracking which LDR (light dependent resistor) sensors installed on the Fersnel lens was used to control the tracking path of the sun with programming method of control with a closed loop system. The control hardware was connected to a computer through Zigbee wireless module and it also can monitor the whole tracking process information on a computer screen. An experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of using two-axes tracking on the solar heat energy collected. The results indicate that sun tracking systems are being increasingly employed to enhance the efficiency of heat collection by polar-axis tracking of the sun. Besides, the heating power was also measured by designed power measurement module at the different focal length of Fresnel lens, and the design of shadow mask of LDR sensors is an important factor for solar photothermal applications. Moreover, the results also indicated that the best time to obtain the largest solar irradiation power is during 11:00 –13:00  in Taiwan.
Solutions to the System of Operator EquationsA1X=C1,XB2=C2, andA3XB3=C3on HilbertC*-Modules
Authors: Fang Xiaochun , Hou Enran , Dong Ge
Published: November 2013

We study the solvability of the system of the adjointable operator equationsA1X=C1,XB2=C2, andA3XB3=C3over HilbertC*-modules. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a solution and a positive solution of the system. We also derive representations for a general solution and a positive solution to this system. The above results generalize some recent results concerning the equations for operators with closed ranges.
A Revisit to the Impacts of Land Use Changes on the Human Wellbeing via Altering the Ecosystem Provisioning Services
Authors: Deng Xiangzheng , Li Zhihui , Huang Jikun , Shi Qingling , Li Yanfei
Published: November 2013

It is widely acknowledged that land use changes (LUC) associated with climate variations are affecting the human wellbeing. This paper conducted a revisit to relevant researches on the impacts of LUC on human wellbeing via specifically altering the ecosystem provisioning services. First, the explorations on the influences of LUC on ecosystem provisioning services were reviewed, including the researches on the influences of LUC on agroecosystem services and forest and/or grassland ecosystem services. Then the quantitative identification of the impacts of LUC on ecosystem provisioning services was commented on. In the light of enhanced observation and valuation methods, several approaches to ecosystem services and improved models for assessing those ecosystem services were assessed. The major indicators used to uncover the influences of LUC on human wellbeing were summarized including the increase of inputs and the reduction of outputs in production and the augmented health risk induced by the irrational land uses. Finally, this paper uncovered the research gaps and proposed several research directions to address these gaps.
Biologic Frontiers in Multiple Myeloma: From Biomarker Identification to Clinical Practice
Authors: Landgren Ola , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: November 2013

Since the mid-1990s, the multiple myeloma treatment landscape has evolved considerably, which has led to improved patient outcomes and prolonged survival. In addition to discovering new, targeted agents or treatment regimens, the identification and validation of biomarkers has the potential to further improve patient outcomes. The International Staging System relies on a number of biochemical parameters to stratify patients into risk categories. Other biologically relevant markers that are indicative of inherited genetic variation (e.g., single-nucleotide polymorphisms) or tumor-acquired genetic events (e.g., chromosomal translocations or mutations) have been studied for their prognostic potential. In patients with high-risk cytogenetics, plasma cells (PC) undergo genetic shifts over time, which may partially explain why high-risk patients relapse and are so difficult to treat. Although novel agents have improved treatment outcomes, identification of markers that will enable clinicians to determine which treatment is most appropriate for high-risk patients following initial diagnosis represents an exciting frontier in the clinical management of multiple myeloma. Biomarkers based on quantitating PCs or factors that are secreted from them (e.g., serum free light chain) may also help to risk-stratify patients with asymptomatic multiple myeloma. Eventually, identification of novel biomarkers may lead to the creation of personalized treatment regimens that are optimized to target clonal PCs that express a specific oncogenomic profile. Although the future is exciting, validation will be necessary before these biologic and molecular beacons can inform decision-making processes in a routine clinical setting. Clin Cancer Res; 20(4); 804–13. ©2013 AACR.
BMP Signaling Induces Astrocytic Differentiation of Clinically Derived Oligodendroglioma Propagating Cells
Authors: Srikanth Maya , Kim Juno , Das Sunit , Kessler John A.
Published: November 2013

Oligodendrogliomas are a type of glioma that lack detailed investigation because of an inability to cultivate oligodendroglioma cells that faithfully recapitulate their salient qualities. We have successfully isolated and propagated glioma stem-like cells from multiple clinical oligodendroglioma specimens. These oligodendroglioma-propagating cells (OligPC) are multipotent and form xenografts with oligodendroglioma features. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are considered potent inhibitors of oligodendrogliogenesis during development; therefore, the effects of BMP signaling in OligPCs were characterized. BMP pathway components are expressed by OligPCs and canonical signaling via Smad proteins is intact. This signaling potently depletes CD133-positive OligPCs, decreasing proliferation, and inducing astrocytic differentiation. Furthermore, analyses revealed that cytoplasmic sequestration of the oligodendrocyte differentiation factors OLIG1/2 by the BMP signaling effectors ID2 and ID4 is a plausible underlying mechanism. These findings elucidate the molecular pathways that underlie the effects of BMP signaling on oligodendroglioma stem-like cells.

Implications: Stem-like cells are capable of propagating oligodendrogliomas, and BMP signaling potently diminishes their stemness by inducing astrocytic differentiation, suggesting that BMP activation may be effective as a cancer stem cell–targeted therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 12(2); 283–94. ©2013 AACR.
The Adherens Junction Protein Afadin Is an AKT Substrate that Regulates Breast Cancer Cell Migration
Authors: Elloul Sivan , Kedrin Dmitriy , Knoblauch Nicholas W. , Beck Andrew H. , Toker Alex
Published: November 2013

The PI3K–AKT signaling pathway regulates all phenotypes that contribute to progression of human cancers, including breast cancer. AKT mediates signal relay by phosphorylating numerous substrates, which are causally implicated in biologic responses such as cell growth, survival, metabolic reprogramming, migration, and invasion. Here a new AKT substrate is identified, the adherens junction protein Afadin, which is phosphorylated by AKT at Ser1718. Importantly, under conditions of physiologic IGF-1 signaling and oncogenic PI3K and AKT, Afadin is phosphorylated by all AKT isoforms, and this phosphorylation elicits a relocalization of Afadin from adherens junctions to the nucleus. Also, phosphorylation of Afadin increased breast cancer cell migration that was dependent on Ser1718 phosphorylation. Finally, nuclear localization of Afadin was observed in clinical breast cancer specimens, indicating that regulation of Afadin by the PI3K–AKT pathway has pathophysiologic significance.

Implications: Phosphorylation of the adhesion protein Afadin by AKT downstream of the PI3K pathway, leads to redistribution of Afadin and controls cancer cell migration. Mol Cancer Res; 12(3); 464–76. ©2013 AACR.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Buprenorphine and Oral Tolerance to Other Opioid Derivatives in Three Patients
Authors: Huilaja Laura , Riekki Riitta , Immonen Aila , Tasanen Kaisa
Published: November 2013

Transdermal buprenorphine (TDB) is a widely used analgesic for moderate pain. TDB is generally well tolerated, but both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis occur at patch application sites. Oral opioid tolerance in patients with allergic contact dermatitis to TDB remains controversial. Here, we describe 3 patients with allergic contact dermatitis to TDB who subsequently used oral opioid derivatives without adverse reactions. Thus, oral intolerance to opioid derivatives is not a rule in patients with allergic contact dermatitis to TDB, but the possibility should be taken into consideration.
Krankheitsrepräsentationen bei nicht-kardialem Brustschmerz - eine verhaltensmedizinische Kurzintervention
Authors: Schroeder Stefanie , Schmid Stephanie , Martin Alexandra
Published: November 2013

Hintergrund: Nicht-kardiale Brustschmerzen sind häufig und entwickeln oft einen chronischen Verlauf. Die einfache ärztliche Rückmeldung über unauffällige kardiodiagnostische Befunde hat sich als nicht ausreichend erwiesen, um dysfunktionale Krankheitsrepräsentationen, Ängste und Sorgen der Betroffenen langfristig zu reduzieren. Daher war das Ziel der Studie, eine niederschwellige, auf subjektive Krankheitsrepräsentationen ausgerichtete psychologische Intervention zu entwickeln und hinsichtlich ihrer Anwendbarkeit zu evaluieren. Patienten und Methoden: 57 Patienten mit nicht-kardialem Brustschmerz nahmen randomisiert an unserer Intervention teil und wurden zu Brustschmerzen und subjektiven Krankheitsrepräsentationen sowie zur subjektiven Bewertung der Intervention befragt. Ergebnisse: Die Intervention wurde durch die meisten Teilnehmer sehr positiv eingeschätzt («Erfolg versprechend», «weiterzuempfehlen»). Jedoch lehnten vorab 42% der potenziell geeigneten Patienten eine Teilnahme ab. Die Interventionsgruppe war im Gegensatz zu den Refusern jünger, berichtete ungünstige Krankheitsrepräsentationen und größere Brustschmerzintensität. Schlussfolgerung: Es bleibt eine Herausforderung, Patienten mit nicht-kardialem Brustschmerz mittels verhaltensmedizinischer Interventionen frühzeitig zu erreichen, insbesondere akut weniger beeinträchtigte Personen. Demgegenüber zeigen unsere Ergebnisse, dass eine niederschwellige Intervention realisierbar ist und überwiegend als wirksam eingeschätzt wird.
Esophageal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Presenting as Mediastinal Mass
Authors: Kafeel M. , Cheedella N.K.S. , Wang J.C.
Published: November 2013

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and are predominant in the stomach and intestine but rare in the esophagus. Here, we report a case of esophageal GIST which presented as a mediastinal mass on chest X-ray and dyspnea. The case was initially diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma, which could create a diagnostic dilemma. Therefore, recognizing this uncommon presentation as a mediastinal mass with esophageal GIST is important in the differential diagnosis.
O ator sem espetáculo
Authors: Leonardelli Patrícia
Published: November 2013

O ator sem espetáculo.
Práticas do ator: uma ciência do corpo sutil - Brasil e América Latina
Authors: Januzelli Antônio , Jardim Juliana
Published: November 2013

Práticas do ator: uma ciência do corpo sutil - Brasil e América Latina.
O teatro da morte
Authors: Kantor Tadeusz
Published: November 2013

O teatro da morte.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 (mTORC2) Coordinates Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cell Metabolism, Proliferation, and Survival in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Goncharov Dmitry A. , Kudryashova Tatiana V. , Ziai Houman , Ihida-Stansbury Kaori , DeLisser Horace , Krymskaya Vera P. , Tuder Rubin M. , Kawut Steven M. , Goncharova Elena A.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Enhanced proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and metabolic shift to glycolysis of pulmonary arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (PAVSMCs) are key pathophysiological components of pulmonary vascular remodeling in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The role of the distinct mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes mTORC1 (mTOR-Raptor) and mTORC2 (mTOR-Rictor) in PAVSMC proliferation and survival in PAH and their therapeutic relevance are unknown.

Methods and Results—

Immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses revealed that mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathways are markedly upregulated in small remodeled pulmonary arteries and isolated distal PAVSMCs from subjects with idiopathic PAH that have increased ATP levels, proliferation, and survival that depend on glycolytic metabolism. Small interfering RNA– and pharmacology-based analysis showed that although both mTORC1 and mTORC2 contribute to proliferation, only mTORC2 is required for ATP generation and survival of idiopathic PAH PAVSMCs. mTORC2 downregulated the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase, which led to activation of mTORC1-S6 and increased proliferation, as well as a deficiency of the proapoptotic protein Bim and idiopathic PAH PAVSMC survival. NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) protein levels were increased in idiopathic PAH PAVSMCs, which was necessary for mTORC2 activation, proliferation, and survival. Nox4 levels and mTORC2 signaling were significantly upregulated in small pulmonary arteries from hypoxia-exposed rats at days 2 to 28 of hypoxia. Treatment with the mTOR kinase inhibitor PP242 at days 15 to 28 suppressed mTORC2 but not Nox4, induced smooth muscle–specific apoptosis in small pulmonary arteries, and reversed hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats.

Conclusions—

These data provide a novel mechanistic link of Nox4-dependent activation of mTORC2 via the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase to increased proliferation and survival of PAVSMCs in PAH, which suggests a new potential pathway for therapeutic interventions.
Straight Line Fitting and Predictions: On a Marginal Likelihood Approach to Linear Regression and Errors-In-Variables Models
Authors: Christiansen Bo
Published: November 2013

Even in the simple case of univariate linear regression and prediction there are important choices to be made regarding the origins of the noise terms and regarding which of the two variables under consideration that should be treated as the independent variable. These decisions are often not easy to make but they may have a considerable impact on the results. A unified probabilistic (i.e., Bayesian with flat priors) treatment of univariate linear regression and prediction is given by taking, as starting point, the general errors-in-variables model. Other versions of linear regression can be obtained as limits of this model. The likelihood of the model parameters and predictands of the general errors-in-variables model is derived by marginalizing over the nuisance parameters. The resulting likelihood is relatively simple and easy to analyze and calculate. The well-known unidentifiability of the errors-in-variables model is manifested as the absence of a well-defined maximum in the likelihood. However, this does not mean that probabilistic inference cannot be made; the marginal likelihoods of model parameters and the predictands have, in general, well-defined maxima. A probabilistic version of classical calibration is also included and it is shown how it is related to the errors-in-variables model. The results are illustrated by an example from the coupling between the lower stratosphere and the troposphere in the Northern Hemisphere winter.
Wave Breaking in Dense Plumes
Authors: Holland Paul R. , Hewitt Richard E. , Scase Matthew M.
Published: November 2013

Sinking dense plumes are important in many oceanographic settings, notably the polar formation of deep and bottom waters. The dense water sources feeding such plumes are commonly affected by tidal modulation, leading to plume variability on short time scales. In a simple unsteady theory of one-dimensional plumes (based on conservation equations for volume, momentum, and buoyancy), this plume variability is manifested as waves that travel down the resulting current. Using numerical techniques applied to the hyperbolic conservation equations, this study investigates the novel concept that these waves may break as they travel down the plumes, triggering intense local mixing between the dense fluid and surrounding ocean. The results demonstrate that the waves break at geophysically relevant distances from the plume source. The location of wave breaking is very sensitive to plume drag from the seabed, the properties of the dense source, and the amplitude and period of the source modulation. To the extent that the simple model represents the real world, these results suggest that wave breaking originating from the tidal modulation of dense plumes could lead to a strong and previously unexplored source of local deep-ocean mixing.
Worker Replacement Costs and Unionization
Authors: Kimeldorf Howard
Published: November 2013

The embattled state of U.S. labor has generated a voluminous body of research on the processes of deunionization contributing to its decline. Revisiting the less researched topic of unionization, this study explores the social conditions facilitating union growth during the labor movement’s formative years. Focusing on the first decade of the twentieth century—in many respects for labor, a period not unlike the present—I seek to explain the pattern of organizing success and failure across industries and occupations. I find that the most organized settings occurred where workers had greater disruptive capacities due to the high cost of being replaced during work stoppages. The highest replacement costs were associated with three conditions: scarcity of skilled labor, geographically isolated worksites that raised the cost of importing strikebreakers, and time-sensitive tasks that rendered replacement workers economically impractical. Workplaces that had at least one of these conditions formed the backbone of the early U.S. labor movement. The conclusion considers the impact of declining replacement costs on current challenges facing U.S. labor.
Unlocking the diagnosis of depression in primary care: Which key symptoms are GPs using to determine diagnosis and severity?
Authors: Malhi Gin S , Coulston Carissa M , Fritz Kristina , Lampe Lisa , Bargh Danielle M , Ablett Michael , Lyndon Bill , Sapsford Rick , Theodoros Mike , Woolfall Derek , van der Zypp Andrea , Hopwood Malcolm , Mitchell Alex J
Published: November 2013

Objective:

Diagnosing depression in primary care settings is challenging. Patients are more likely to present with somatic symptoms, and typically with mild depression. Use of assessment scales is variable. In this context, it is uncertain how general practitioners (GPs) determine the severity of depressive illness in clinical practice. The aim of the current paper was to identify which symptoms are used by GPs when diagnosing depression and when determining severity.

Method:

A total of 1760 GPs participated in the RADAR Program, an educational program focusing on the diagnosis and management of clinical depression. GPs identified a maximum of four patients whom they diagnosed with depression and answered questions regarding their diagnostic decision-making process for each patient.

Results:

Overall, assessment of depression severity was influenced more by somatic symptoms collectively than emotional symptoms. Suicidal thoughts, risk of self-harm, lack of enjoyment and difficulty with activities were amongst the strongest predictors of a diagnosis of severe depression.

Conclusions:

The conclusions are threefold: (1) collectively, somatic symptoms are the most important predictors of determining depression severity in primary care; (2) GPs may equate risk of self-harm with suicidal intent; (3) educational initiatives need to focus on key depressive subtypes derived from emotional, somatic and associated symptoms.
Examining Novice Teachers’ Socialization Into Unions
Authors: Pogodzinski Ben , Jones Nathan
Published: November 2013

Guided by New Structuralism theory, this work examines the context of novice teacher socialization as it relates to their attitudes regarding teacher unionism. Using survey data gathered from novice elementary and middle school teachers and their veteran colleagues across 10 districts, we identify differences between novice teachers and their veteran colleagues in their evaluation of union practices, and the extent to which novices’ evaluation of union practices are shaped by their interactions with their colleagues. The findings from this study have implications for understanding how novice teachers evaluate teacher unionism and the extent to which they are socialized into their local teacher unions through their collegial relationships.
Teachers’ Understanding and Conceptualisation of the HIV and AIDS Policy: The Case of Secondary Schools in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mugweni Rose M , Hartell Cycil G , Phatudi Nkidi C
Published: November 2013

This study examined secondary school teachers’ understanding of the HIV and AIDS education policy and curriculum in Zimbabwe. The study was informed by the Concerns-Based Adoption Model. Twenty teachers, four school heads from the participating schools and two Ministry of Education officials from Masvingo provincial offices participated in the study. Data for the qualitative case study were collected via individual interviews, focus group interviews and open-ended questionnaires. The study found that teachers had mixed perceptions of the HIV and AIDS school policy. Few teachers had a clear understanding of the policy and curriculum innovation while most of them were uninformed, ignorant, frustrated or confused regarding this policy and the implementation thereof. Overall, there was a disjunction between policy, curriculum requirements and teacher understanding and conceptualisation of the subject area due to a lack of professional qualifications and the non-availability of policy and curriculum documents. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education should become proactive in developing teachers’ knowledge and skills via significant and ongoing professional development and training for all teachers in HIV and AIDS education. School heads should provide support with regard to enhancing teachers’ understanding of HIV and AIDS education for effective implementation of the subject area in schools.
Computer-Aided Multiview Tumor Detection for Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound
Authors: Lo Chiao , Shen Yi-Wei , Huang Chiun-Sheng , Chang Ruey-Feng
Published: November 2013

Automated whole breast ultrasound (ABUS) has become a popular screening tool in recent years. To reduce the review time and misdetection from ABUS images by physicians, a computer-aided detection (CADe) system for ABUS images based on a multiview method is proposed in this study. A total of 58 pathology-proven lesions from 41 patients were used to evaluate the performance of the system. In the proposed CADe system, the fuzzy c-mean clustering method was applied to detect tumor candidates from these ABUS images. Subsequently, the tumor likelihoods of these candidates could be estimated by a logistic linear regression model based on the intensity, morphology, location, and size features in the transverse, longitudinal, and coronal views. Finally, the multiview tumor likelihoods of the tumor candidates could be obtained from the estimated tumor likelihoods of the three views, and the tumor candidates with high multiview tumor likelihoods were regarded as the detected tumors in the proposed system. The sensitivities of the multiview tumor detection for selecting 5, 10, 20, and 30 tumor candidates with the largest multiview tumor likelihoods were 79.31%, 86.21%, 96.55%, and 98.28%, respectively.
Two-Dimensional Simulations of Displacement Accumulation Incorporating Shear Strain
Authors: Bayer Matthew , Hall Timothy J. , Neves Lucio P. , Carneiro A. A. O.
Published: November 2013

Using ultrasound images to track large tissue deformations usually requires breaking up the deformation into steps and then summing the resulting displacement estimates. The accumulated displacement estimation error therefore depends not only on the error in each step but also on the statistical relationships between estimation steps. These relationships have not been thoroughly studied. Building on previous work with one-dimensional (1-D) simulations, the work reported here measured error variance for single-step and accumulated displacement estimates using two-dimensional (2-D) numerical simulations of ultrasound echo signals, subjected to both normal and axial shear strain as well as electronic noise. Previous results from 1-D simulations were confirmed, showing that errors due to electronic noise are negatively correlated between steps and accumulate slowly, while errors due to strain are positively correlated and accumulate quickly. These properties hold for both normal and axial shear strain. An analysis of 2-D kernel size for tissue under normal and axial shear strain was also performed. Under axial shear strain, error variance tends to increase with larger lateral kernel sizes but decrease for larger axial kernel sizes; the opposite relationship holds under normal strain. A combination of these two types of strain limits the practical kernel size in both dimensions.
Gender Differences in Perceived Domestic Task Equity
Authors: Young Marisa , Wallace Jean E. , Polachek Alicia J.
Published: November 2013

Despite inequalities in domestic work, a majority of couples perceive this arrangement as fair. Our study addresses this paradox by examining whether and why married lawyers perceive domestic work arrangements as unfair to themselves or their spouse. Our results reveal that predictors of perceived equity to self and spouse differ substantially and that the antecedents of perceptions of unfairness vary by gender. That is, women working longer hours are more likely than men to perceive the distribution of tasks as unfair to their spouse. Furthermore, the association between spouse’s time-based conflict and perceived task equity is greater for men than women at lower levels of spouse’s time-based conflict, though the effects converge for men and women at higher levels of time-based conflict. Our findings highlight the value in taking a more nuanced approach to studying perceived inequity in the distribution of domestic tasks among men and women.
Parental Nonstandard Work, Family Processes, and Delinquency During Adolescence
Authors: Hendrix Joshua A. , Parcel Toby L.
Published: November 2013

Although past research suggests that nonstandard parental work arrangements have negative implications for children, researchers typically assess the effects of maternal and paternal work schedules independently, and studies among older adolescents are rare. Combining insights from family sociology and criminology, we evaluate the effects of household work arrangements on family processes and delinquency among a national sample of 10- to 17-year-old children. We find that children from households where both parents work nonstandard hours report weaker levels of family bonding, which in turn is associated with greater delinquency. Children from single-mother households in which the mother works evening or night shifts report weaker levels of parent–child closeness and family bonding, which fully mediate the association with greater delinquency. We also find that select maternal nonstandard schedules in conjunction with paternal standard schedules are associated with lower delinquency among children. We derive implications for parental work schedules in households with adolescents.
Interval vs Massed Training: How Best Do We Teach Surgery?
Authors: Kesser Bradley W. , Hallman Matthew , Murphy Loren , Tillar Maggie , Keeley Meg , Peirce Shayn
Published: November 2013

Objective

To compare 2 different training paradigms, massed vs interval training, when novice students learn a surgical procedure, myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion, on a validated surgical simulator.

Study Design

Medical students were randomized into 2 training groups: the interval group (n = 19) was trained to perform the procedure in 5 trials/d over 3 days, and the massed group (n = 21) was trained to perform the procedure in 15 trials all in 1 session. One week later, all students were tested in 5 additional final trials. Pre‐ and posttest surveys were administered.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Forty medical students: 19 students in the interval group were compared with 21 students in the massed group. Time to complete the procedure and number and type of error made were recorded and compared between groups. Pre‐ and poststudy surveys examined confidence levels working under a microscope and with the procedure.

Results

Students in both groups had a significant decrease in time between practice and final trials. In the final 5 trials, there was no difference in average time to complete the procedure between the massed and interval training groups. No difference was observed in the number of errors committed per trial between initial and final trials (both groups) or between massed and interval training groups. The students’ confidence levels significantly increased across the trials, regardless of group.

Conclusion

Surgical training improves proficiency, but method of training had little impact on proficiency in performing a simulated surgical procedure in this setting.
“My Father Was an Incredibly Honest Person”
Authors: Slabáková Radmila Švaříčková
Published: November 2013

This article examines how memories of nobility in contemporary Czech society influence the narratives of the descendants of Bohemian nobility. First, the article focuses on the nobles’ values, which are deeply imprinted in the memory of the interviewees, even if they publicly deny this. Further, the article explores the reasons for the glorification of the interviewee’s fathers, drawing on concepts of analytical psychology. Examining the role of mothers and the role of education, the article finally illustrates how a family’s memory of nobility remains particularly stable, transcending generations.
Electrically conductive recycled carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites
Authors: Akonda Mahmudul H , Lawrence Carl A , EL-Dessouky Hassan M
Published: November 2013

Polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic composites were fabricated using recycled carbon fibres (rCFs; recovered from composite parts) and waste CFs (wCFs; generated during post-manufacturing processes). Both staple CFs (average 60 mm long) were blended with staple PP resin fibres (60 mm long) and then converted into yarns prior to the composite fabrication using hot-pressed moulding technique. It is found that the composites fabricated from wCFs contained longer CFs (40 mm long) and exhibited better electrical and mechanical properties (conductivity: 10.75 × 103 S m−1; tensile strength 160 MPa and modulus 45 GPa) compared with the composites fabricated from rCFs. It was concluded and recommended that both composite materials could be used as cost-effective and heating elements in lightweight applications.
Cooperative and Competitive Structures of Trust Relations in Teams
Authors: Lusher Dean , Kremer Peter , Robins Garry
Published: November 2013

This article argues that it is not just trust-generating but also trust-inhibiting mechanisms that operate in teams, and that these cooperative and competitive structures of interpersonal relations of trust within teams may affect team performance. Specifically, we propose that the presence of trust-generating structures (e.g., reciprocity, trusting in the referrals of others we trust, trusting in high performers and more experienced people) and the absence of trust-inhibiting structures (e.g., not trusting in the referrals of others we trust) are more likely to be associated with successful teams. Using exponential random graph models, a particular class of statistical model for social networks, we examine three professional sporting teams from the Australian Football League for the presence and absence of these mechanisms of interpersonal relations of trust. Quantitative network results indicate a differential presence of these postulated structures of trust relations in line with our hypotheses. Qualitative comparisons of these quantitative findings with team performance measures suggest a link between trust-generating and trust-inhibiting mechanisms of trust and team performance. Further theorization on other trust-inhibiting structures of trust relations and related empirical work is likely to shed further light on these connections.
Clustering of Acute and Subacute Stent Thrombosis Related to the Introduction of Generic Clopidogrel
Authors: Kovacic Jason C. , Mehran Roxana , Sweeny Joseph , Li Jennifer R. , Moreno Pedro , Baber Usman , Krishnan Prakash , Badimon Juan J. , Hulot Jean-Sebastien , Kini Annapoorna , Sharma Samin K.
Published: November 2013

Introduction:

Generic clopidogrel recently became available in the United States and was rapidly adopted as a cost-effective alternative to the brand name formulation. However, unlike other medications, subtle differences in clopidogrel bioavailability may lead to acute consequences including stent thrombosis (ST).

Materials and Methods:

We studied the incidence of acute and subacute ST during the initial period of generic clopidogrel use (June 18, 2012-September 6, 2012 [80 days]) at a single percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) center. There were 4 definite ST cases within 30 days of successful PCI in patients receiving generic clopidogrel, which were compared to historic control ST cases from 80 days prior to generic clopidogrel use and for 3 years from June 18, 2009 to June 17, 2012.

Results:

During generic clopidogrel administration, 1054 PCIs were performed, giving a definite 30-day ST incidence of 0.38% (4 of 1054) among these patients. By comparison, there were 2 episodes of definite 30-day ST during the 80 days immediately preceding generic clopidogrel use (2 of 1114), while 3-year historic data indicated a definite 30-day ST incidence of 0.14% (20 of 14 432), representing a 2.7-fold increase in definite 30-day ST with generic clopidogrel use ( P = .076). Exclusion of 3 historic controls with a defined reason for ST (noncompliance, marked thrombocytosis) gave a 3.2-fold increase in 30-day ST with generic clopidogrel ( P = .050). An ST-predictive algorithm revealed no difference in the likelihood of ST between patients receiving generic clopidogrel and historic controls.

Conclusions:

We observed an unexpected >2-fold increase in ST coincident with generic clopidogrel use. Although we cannot ascribe causality, this observation warrants increased vigilance and close monitoring of patients receiving generic clopidogrel.
Media Salience and the Framing of Mass Murder in Schools
Authors: Schildkraut Jaclyn , Muschert Glenn W.
Published: November 2013

Several high-profile school shootings have emerged as significant discursive markers in a longer “disaster narrative.” This study applies the two-dimensional analytic framework introduced by Chyi and McCombs to examine the frame-changing differences between two highly salient school shootings. A content analysis was conducted using the New York Times coverage of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The findings of this study indicate that while Columbine set the precedent for how the media covers school shootings, the coverage of Sandy Hook illustrates a departure from this model and potentially reshapes the way that these events are covered.
New Insights Into Diastolic Dysfunction and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Gelzinis Theresa Anne
Published: November 2013

As the population ages, the incidence of patients presenting for surgical procedures with diastolic dysfunction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction will rise. This review will discuss the most current and relevant information on the pathophysiology, treatment, and perioperative management of these patients.
A review of factors associated with mental health in siblings of children with chronic illness
Authors: Incledon Emily , Williams Lauren , Hazell Trevor , Heard Todd R , Flowers Alexandra , Hiscock Harriet
Published: November 2013

This article reviews the literature on modifiable factors associated with mental health in siblings of children with chronic illness. Three clinical databases were searched. A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Several key themes emerged from the review. Better sibling mental health was associated with camp attendance, perceived parent/peer support, illness education and enhancing control through cognitive coping strategies and routine. Parental and sibling psychoeducation interventions and social support may enhance children’s mental health when their sibling has a chronic illness.
Parents’ views on toilet training (TT)
Authors: van Nunen Karolien , Kaerts Nore , Wyndaele Jean-Jacques , Vermandel Alexandra , Hal Guido Van
Published: November 2013

Background:

In recent years, the age at which parents start and finish toilet training (TT) their children has increased. To cope with the problems caused by this later completion, it is essential to identify the beliefs and attitudes of the parents.

Methods:

Two thousand questionnaires were distributed to parents of children aged 30 to 36 months, attending 50 randomly selected schools in Antwerp, Belgium.

Results:

Too many children are toilet trained after the minimum school age of 30 months. Most parents are not aware of the possible negative consequences this can entail. Mothers with a paid occupation think more often that children should be toilet trained before the age of 30 months, and the higher the mother’s educational level, the more likely she will send her child to school toilet trained. More of single parents think that children who are not yet toilet trained should be allowed to go to school and more often send their not fully toilet-trained children to school.

Conclusion:

Parents should be better informed about the possible negative consequences of a later completion of TT. Single parents, more than other parents, should be assisted in the TT process and offered more support.
‘Going between worlds’
Authors: Nicholl Honor
Published: November 2013

In this ethically approved hermeneutic phenomenological study conducted in Ireland, mothers’ experiences in caring for children with complex needs were explored. The sample comprised mothers ( n = 17) at home caring for children with complex needs. Data were analysed from multiple interviews ( n = 48) and diary records ( n = 11). Care is provided in a going between world of travel. Providing care when travelling is challenging, and all journeys require careful preparation and pre-emptive care. Few unnecessary journeys are undertaken. Unnecessary travelling could be avoided by careful and coordinated service planning.