bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RESOURCES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND CAREER COUNSELING BASED ON ICT AND DISTANCE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Zaguzina N. N. , Nevzorov B. P. , Bokov A. V. 
Published: August 2016

The paper dwells upon the use of information and computer technologies in the maintenance and support of career guidance and professional self-determination for students with health disabilities; it determines the forms and methods of their application and peculiar features of the interaction of those involved in the psycho-pedagogical process.The basis for physiological support of children with health disabilities is formed by the following principles, which take into consideration the psycho-pedagogical features of distance learning: (A) priority of the student’s independent work; (B) individual approach to learning; (C) motivating as basic learning environment; (D) connection between the learning process and the student’s life circumstances (“life knowledge”); (E) intensification of the training process (everyone has their own pace and rhythm); (F) polymodality, i. e. simultaneous mobilization of different ways of perception (auditory, visual, tactile); (G) flexibility and innovativeness; (H) emergency psychological help in acute situations of mental and emotional distress, and other structural and substantive changes of learning activities. The same principles are incorporated in the psycho-pedagogical support career guidance.The paper shows that professional orientation of children with health disabilities should be implemented comprehensively, using a variety of information resources of the Internet: websites, educational portals, employment resources and test resources.A wide and varied range of possibilities offered by ICT and distance learning technologies can be of significant assistance not only to specialists in the field of education, but also in such processes as vocational guidance and professional self-determination of children, formation of personal stability for students with learning disability, including permanent one.
Revised Model for Presentation in Statement(s) of Financial Performance: Potential Implications for Measurement in the Conceptual Framework
Authors: Linsmeier Thomas J. 
Published: August 2016

SYNOPSIS:
Current financial performance reporting has led to a focus on earnings per share and a proliferation of both non-GAAP measures and items reported in other comprehensive income. I examine characteristics of some of the more common non-GAAP earnings adjustments to propose a financial performance reporting model that consistently presents information with those characteristics separately. This reporting model focuses on distinguishing operating results from nonoperating results and within those categories presenting recurring amounts separately from nonrecurring amounts. I next explore potential implications for measurement. This analysis identifies conditions when the recognition of incremental unrealized gains or losses (UGLs) in income under a fair value measurement model improves relevance of reported information. The analysis suggests that UGLs provide most relevant information when there are no internal or external constraints affecting management's ability to sell an asset or transfer a liability before maturity or the end of its useful life. When assets/liabilities are constrained from being sold/transferred before maturity or the end of their useful lives, reported UGLs will reverse to zero over time, limiting relevance. This analysis supports measurement of financial assets and investment properties at fair value and provides a potential basis for measuring other assets and liabilities at historical cost.
Computed tomography–guided percutaneous biopsy for vertebral neoplasms: a department's experience and hybrid biopsy technique to improve yield
Authors: Garg Vasant , Kosmas Christos , Josan Enambir S. , Partovi Sasan , Bhojwani Nicholas , Fergus Nathan , Young Peter C. , Robbin Mark R. 
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE
Recent articles have identified the poor diagnostic yield of percutaneous needle biopsy for vertebral osteomyelitis. The current study aimed to confirm the higher accuracy of CT-guided spinal biopsy for vertebral neoplasms and to identify which biopsy technique provides the highest yield.

METHODS
Over a 9-year period, the radiology department at University Hospitals Case Medical Center performed 222 CT-guided biopsies of vertebral lesions, of which clinicians indicated a concern for vertebral neoplasms in 122 patients. A retrospective chart review was performed to confirm the higher sensitivity of the percutaneous intervention for vertebral neoplasms.

RESULTS
A core sample was obtained for all 122 biopsies of concern (100.0%). Only 6 cases (4.9%) were reported as nondiagnostic per histological sampling, and 12 cases (9.8%) were negative for disease. The question of vertebral neoplastic involvement warrants follow-up, and the current study was able to determine the subsequent diagnosis of each lesion. Of the 122 total, 94 (77.0%) core samples provided true-positive results, and the sensitivity of core biopsy measured 87.9%. The technical approach did not demonstrate any significant difference in diagnostic yield. However, when the vertebral cortex was initially pierced with a coaxial bone biopsy system and subsequently a 14-gauge spring-loaded cutting biopsy needle was coaxially advanced into lytic lesions, 14 true positives were obtained with a corresponding sensitivity of 100.0%.

CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms the higher sensitivity of image-guided percutaneous needle biopsy for vertebral neoplasms. In addition, it demonstrates how the use of a novel cutting needle biopsy approach, performed coaxially through a core biopsy track, provides the highest yield.
Histopathological examination of spine tumors after treatment with radiosurgery
Authors: Zwagerman Nathan T. , McDowell Michael M. , Hamilton Ronald L. , Monaco Edward A. , Flickinger John C. , Gerszten Peter C. 
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE
Increased survival time after diagnosis of neoplastic disease has resulted in a gradual increase in spine tumor incidence. Radiosurgery is frequently a viable alternative to operative management in a population with severe medical comorbidities. The authors sought to assess the histopathological consequences of radiosurgery in the subset of patients progressing to operative intervention.

METHODS
Eighteen patients who underwent radiosurgery for spine tumors between 2008 and 2014 subsequently progressed to surgical treatment. A histopathological examination of these cases was performed. Indications for surgery included symptomatic compression fractures, radiographic instability, and symptoms of cord or cauda equina compression. Biopsy samples were obtained from the tumor within the radiosurgical zone in all cases and were permanently fixated. Viable tumor samples were stained for Ki 67.

RESULTS
Fifteen patients had metastatic lesions and 3 patients had neurofibromas. The mean patient age was 57 years. The operative indication was symptomatic compression in 10 cases (67%). The most frequent metastatic lesions were breast cancer (4 cases), renal cell carcinoma (3), prostate cancer (2), and endometrial cancer (2). In 9 (60%) of the 15 metastatic cases, histological examination of the lesions showed minimal evidence of inflammation. Viable tumor at the margins of the radiosurgery was seen in 9 (60%) of the metastatic cases. Necrosis in the tumor bed was frequent, as was fibrotic bone marrow. Vascular ectasia was seen in 2 of 15 metastatic cases, but sclerosis with ectasia was frequent. No evidence of malignant conversion was seen in the periphery of the lesions in the 3 neurofibroma cases. In 1 case of neurofibroma, the lesion demonstrated some small areas of remnant tumor in the radiosurgical target zone.

CONCLUSIONS
This case series demonstrates important histopathological characteristics of spinal lesions treated by SRS. Regions with the highest exposure to radiation appear to be densely necrotic and show little evidence of tumor growth, whereas peripheral regions distant from the radiation dosage are more likely to demonstrate viable tumor in malignant and benign neoplasms. Physiological tissue appears to be similarly affected. With additional investigation, a more homogenized field of hypofractionated radiation exposure may allow for tumor obliteration with relative preservation of critical anatomical structures.
Factors associated with improved survival following surgery for renal cell carcinoma spinal metastases
Authors: Petteys Rory J. , Spitz Steven M. , Rory Goodwin C. , Abu-Bonsrah Nancy , Bydon Ali , Witham Timothy F. , Wolinsky Jean-Paul , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Sciubba Daniel M. 
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) frequently metastasizes to the spine, causing pain or neurological dysfunction, and is often resistant to standard therapies. Spinal surgery is frequently required, but may result in high morbidity rates. The authors sought to identify prognostic factors and determine clinical outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for RCC spinal metastases.

METHODS
The authors searched the records of patients who had undergone spinal surgery for metastatic disease at a single institution during a 12-year period and retrieved data for 30 patients with metastatic RCC. The records were retrospectively reviewed for data on preoperative conditions, treatment, and survival. Statistical analyses (i.e., Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test in univariate analysis) were performed with R version 2.15.2.

RESULTS
The 30 patients (23 men and 7 women with a mean age of 57.6 years [range 29–79 years]) had in total 40 spinal surgeries for metastatic RCC. The indications for surgery included pain (70%) and weakness (30%). Fourteen patients (47%) had a Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) indicating indeterminate or impending instability, and 6 patients (20%) had a SINS denoting instability. The median length of postoperative survival estimated with Kaplan-Meier analysis was 11.4 months. Younger age (p = 0.001) and disease control at the primary site (p = 0.005), were both significantly associated with improved survival. In contrast, visceral (p = 0.002) and osseous (p = 0.009) metastases, nonambulatory status (p = 0.001), and major comorbidities (p = 0.015) were all significantly associated with decreased survival. Postoperative Frankel grades were the same or had improved in 78% of patients. Major complications occurred in 9 patients, and there were 3 deaths (10%) during the 30-day in-hospital period. Three en bloc resections were performed.

CONCLUSIONS
Resection and fixation may provide pain relief and neurological stabilization in patients with spinal metastases arising from RCC, but surgical morbidity rates remain high. Younger patients with solitary spinal metastases, good neurological function, and limited major comorbidities may have longer survival and may benefit from aggressive intervention.
Clinical and pathological outcomes after resection of intramedullary spinal cord tumors: a single-institution case series
Authors: Samuel Nardin , Tetreault Lindsay , Santaguida Carlo , Nater Anick , Moayeri Nizar , Massicotte Eric M. , Fehlings Michael G. 
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to identify clinically relevant predictors of progression-free survival and functional outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for intramedullary spinal cord tumors (ISCTs).

METHODS
An institutional spinal tumor registry and billing records were reviewed to identify adult patients who underwent resection of ISCTs between 1993 and 2014. Extensive data were collected from patient charts and operative notes, including demographic information, extent of resection, tumor pathology, and functional and oncological outcomes. Survival analysis was used to determine important predictors of progression-free survival. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between an “optimal” functional outcome on the Frankel or McCormick scale at 1-year follow-up and various clinical and surgical characteristics.

RESULTS
The consecutive case series consisted of 63 patients (50.79% female) who underwent resection of ISCTs. The mean age of patients was 41.92 ± 14.36 years (range 17.60–75.40 years). Complete microsurgical resection, defined as no evidence of tumor on initial postoperative imaging, was achieved in 34 cases (54.84%) of the 62 patients for whom this information was available. On univariate analysis, the most significant predictor of progression-free survival was tumor histology (p = 0.0027). Patients with Grade I/II astrocytomas were more likely to have tumor progression than patients with WHO Grade II ependymomas (HR 8.03, 95% CI 2.07–31.11, p = 0.0026) and myxopapillary ependymomas (HR 8.01, 95% CI 1.44–44.34, p = 0.017). Furthermore, patients who underwent radical or subtotal resection were more likely to have tumor progression than those who underwent complete resection (HR 3.46, 95% CI 1.23–9.73, p = 0.018). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor pathology was the only significant predictor of tumor progression. On univariate analysis, the most significant predictors of an “optimal” outcome on the Frankel scale were age (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89–0.98, p = 0.0062), preoperative Frankel grade (OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.33–17.63, p = 0.017), McCormick score (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.084–0.57, p = 0.0018), and region of spinal cord (cervical vs conus: OR 0.067, 95% CI 0.012–0.38, p = 0.0023; and thoracic vs conus: OR 0.015: 95% CI 0.001–0.20, p = 0.0013). Age, tumor pathology, and region were also important predictors of 1-year McCormick scores.

CONCLUSIONS
Extent of tumor resection and histopathology are significant predictors of progression-free survival following resection of ISCTs. Important predictors of functional outcomes include tumor histology, region of spinal cord in which the tumor is present, age, and preoperative functional status.
Decompression surgery for spinal metastases: a systematic review
Authors: Bakar Dara , Tanenbaum Joseph E. , Phan Kevin , Alentado Vincent J. , Steinmetz Michael P. , Benzel Edward C. , Mroz Thomas E. 
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on reported outcomes following decompression surgery for spinal metastases.

METHODS
The authors conducted MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science database searches for studies reporting clinical outcomes and complications associated with decompression surgery for metastatic spinal tumors. Both retrospective and prospective studies were included. After meeting inclusion criteria, articles were categorized based on the following reported outcomes: survival, ambulation, surgical technique, neurological function, primary tumor histology, and miscellaneous outcomes.

RESULTS
Of the 4148 articles retrieved from databases, 36 met inclusion criteria. Of those included, 8 were prospective studies and 28 were retrospective studies. The year of publication ranged from 1992 to 2015. Study size ranged from 21 to 711 patients. Three studies found that good preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS ≥ 80%) was a significant predictor of survival. No study reported a significant effect of time-to-surgery following the onset of spinal cord compression symptoms on survival. Three studies reported improvement in neurological function following surgery. The most commonly cited complication was wound infection or dehiscence (22 studies). Eight studies reported that preoperative ambulatory or preoperative motor status was a significant predictor of postoperative ambulatory status. A wide variety of surgical techniques were reported: posterior decompression and stabilization, posterior decompression without stabilization, and posterior decompression with total or subtotal tumor resection. Although a wide range of functional scales were used to assess neurological outcomes, four studies used the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale to assess neurological function. Four studies reported the effects of radiation therapy and local disease control for spinal metastases. Two studies reported that the type of treatment was not significantly associated with the rate of local control. The most commonly reported primary tumor types included lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, renal cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS
This study reports a systematic review of the literature on decompression surgery for spinal metastases. The results of this study can help educate surgeons on the previously published predictors of outcomes following decompression surgery for metastatic spinal disease. However, the authors also identify significant gaps in the literature and the need for future studies investigating the optimal practice with regard to decompression surgery for spinal metastases.
The Use of Neck Support Pillows and Postural Exercises in the Management of Chronic Neck Pain
Authors: Jamal Alisha N. , Feldman Brian M. , Pullenayegum Eleanor 
Published: August 2016

Objective.Chronic neck pain is a common problem with a profound effect on quality of life. Identifying evidence-based management strategies is fundamental in improving patient outcomes. This study is a reanalysis of the data from Helewa, et al to further characterize the effects of postural exercises and neck support pillows on neck pain.Methods.A full factorial model was used. All interactions were analyzed adjusting for the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) at baseline.Results.Postural exercises significantly decreased NPQ scores at ≥ 3 weeks, and the use of a neck support pillow significantly decreased NPQ scores at ≥ 12 weeks.Conclusion.These interventions could be beneficial in reducing neck pain symptoms.
HIGH-TEMPERATURE THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS FROM RUBBER–PLASTIC BLENDS: A STATE-OF-THE-ART REVIEW
Authors: Banerjee Shib Shankar , Bhowmick Anil K. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT
This article reviews different types of high-temperature thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic vulcanizates from rubber-plastic blends. Preparation, structure, and properties of these materials are discussed briefly. Strategies to further improve the high-temperature performance of these materials are presented herein. A synopsis of the applications of these high-performance materials in the automotive industry is reported, pointing out the gaps to motivate potential research in this field.
Reflections on Hoyland's In God's Path
Authors: Scheiner Jens 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Robert Hoyland's erudite new narrative of the so-called “Islamic conquests” uses a vast amount of primary and secondary sources to address key questions about how the early Muslims took control of Byzantine and Sasanian territory. By doing so, he broadens the scope of the earlier published “conquest narratives,” aptly contextualizes early history of Islam into the late antique landscape, and hence does not present a one-sided image of the events. However, the author claims that it was not religious zeal that motivated the fighters, but the doctrines of emigration (hijra) and fighting (jihād). This interpretation belies the monograph's title, which is a reference to and translation of the qurʾānic term fī sabīl Allāh that is usually used in connection with fighting (jihād) and represents an important Islamic theologumenon.
The Power of the Grieving Mind: Female Lament in Statius’sThebaid
Authors: Voigt Astrid 
Published: August 2016

AbstractStatius makes moral agency a pervasive feature of female lamentation in the Thebaid. This contrasts starkly with the preceding epic tradition. Taking a strong stance against the ethical discourse on the emotion of grief reflected in this tradition, Statius reasserts the social value of the emotion of grief and its ritual performance. The madness which makes women’s laments ambivalent is a catalyst enabling them to transgress the limits which would normally restrict their agency. This agency is developed in a vacuum of male values. Making the battle for lamentation the subject of his poem, Statius proposes to us a utopian female alternative to the male dominated epic genre.
Modelling the Effect of Post-mortem Contact on the Spread of Ebola with Quarantine As an Intervention
Authors: Oduro Francis T. , Baafi Joseph , Apaaboah George 
Published: August 2016

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal disease in humans and other non-human primates caused by infection with any of the four identified Ebola virus species of the family Filoviridae. This paper develops the SEIR and the SEIHDR epidemic models that investigate the effects of the ante-mortem contact and post-mortem contact on the spread of the disease. The reproduction number of the models are determined. The equilibria and conditions for the existence of the equilibria are also determined. The models are solved numerically and the numerical simulations implemented to elucidate various scenarios. The results of the models are then compared to WHO data of confirmed cases for the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Liberia. It is observed that the SEIHDR model agrees better with the data than the SEIR model. Moreover, a new model, the SEIQDR model (a modification of the SEIHDR Model) is formulated which incorporates quarantine as an intervention. Again, this SEIQDR model is compared to the WHO data of confirmed cases for the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Liberia. The results of the SEIQDR model is found to agree better than those of the other models especially in respect of the latter stages of the disease outbreak. Finally, the effect of vaccination on both the SEIHDR and the SEIQDR models is investigated. Different rates of vaccination using numerical simulations in order to predict the effect of vaccination on the infected individuals over time is also discussed. The SEIQDR model with vaccination indicates a lower threshold which should not be less than 25\% as compared to the SEIHDR model for which vaccination should not be less than 65\%. It is observed that vaccination as an additional strategy helps to control the disease more effectively.
School-Based Policies in Iran
Authors: Nami Shamsi 
Published: August 2016

This paper aimed at examining school-based policies in Iran. School-based approach has been dominated educational systems of developed countries over the past four decades. Delegation of authority to lower levels, particularly to schools for decision making, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is central to this approach. Efforts have been made to formulate, plan, and implement school-based policies and programs in Iran over a decade. This paper attempts to delve into the quality and quantity of these efforts by verifying and analyzing assertions and implications of Iran's 3rd, 4th, and 5th Development Plans, Theoretical foundations of fundamental Transition in Formal public Education in Islamic Republic of Iran (2011) and laws and regulations approved by Iran's Supreme Council of Education. The results indicated that although the above - mentioned documents and plans focused on the need for reforming structures and organizations, using non-governmental power and private capital, reducing government's tenure, encouraging stakeholders' participation, and favoring school independence, the quality and quantity powers assigned were incompatible with school- based assumptions. Delegation of authority was mainly centered around the decision making on how focused plans should be implemented. While many cooperative organizations have been established in schools through these policies and laws, these efforts are not based upon a comprehensive evaluation on which they can be judged. However, limited amount of evaluation has been carried out, but according to the experts' experiences and ideas, the intended goals has not been fully achieved.