bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Medico-Social Institutes Directors’ perception of performance
Authors: Lux Gulliver 
Published: December 2017

Dans le cadre des mouvements de type New Public Management (NPM) de nombreuses organisations du secteur public ou de la délégation de service public ont été contraintes de s’inscrire dans une logique de mesure et d’amélioration des performances. Si nombre de travaux ont étudié le devenir des outils de gestion dans ces organisations peu se sont intéressés aux rapports des acteurs opérationnels de ces organisations avec le concept de performance. Dans le cadre de cet article, nous étudions la représentation de la performance des directeurs d’Établissements et Services Médico-Sociaux du champ du handicap (ESMS). Nous nous appuyons pour cela sur la réalisation de 32 entretiens semi-directifs de directeurs d’établissements médico-sociaux. Nous montrons que le concept de performance est appréhendé de différentes façons par les acteurs des organisations et que ces conceptions peuvent être éloignées des définitions proposées au sein de la littérature académique ou par les pouvoirs publics. Nous identifions ainsi cinq types de représentations de la performance : du rejet total du concept à son acceptation dans une approche multidimensionnelle (financière, organisationnelle, sociale et sociétale). Ces types semblent correspondre à des postures idéologiques parfois divergentes autour de la performance et amènent à réflexion sur le devenir des réformes de type NPM dans les structures médico-sociales.
Effect of IL-7 Therapy on Phospho-Ribosomal Protein S6 and TRAF1 Expression in HIV-Specific CD8 T Cells in Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Wang Chao , Edilova Maria I. , Wagar Lisa E. , Mujib Shariq , Singer Meromit , Bernard Nicole F. , Croughs Thérèse , Lederman Michael M. , Sereti Irini , Fischl Margaret A. , Kremmer Elisabeth , Ostrowski Mario , Routy Jean-Pierre , Watts Tania H. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
IL-7 therapy has been evaluated in patients who do not regain normal CD4 T cell counts after virologically successful antiretroviral therapy. IL-7 increases total circulating CD4 and CD8 T cell counts; however, its effect on HIV-specific CD8 T cells has not been fully examined. TRAF1, a prosurvival signaling adaptor required for 4-1BB–mediated costimulation, is lost from chronically stimulated virus-specific CD8 T cells with progression of HIV infection in humans and during chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis infection in mice. Previous results showed that IL-7 can restore TRAF1 expression in virus-specific CD8 T cells in mice, rendering them sensitive to anti–4-1BB agonist therapy. In this article, we show that IL-7 therapy in humans increases the number of circulating HIV-specific CD8 T cells. For a subset of patients, we also observed an increased frequency of TRAF1+ HIV-specific CD8 T cells 10 wk after completion of IL-7 treatment. IL-7 treatment increased levels of phospho-ribosomal protein S6 in HIV-specific CD8 T cells, suggesting increased activation of the metabolic checkpoint kinase mTORC1. Thus, IL-7 therapy in antiretroviral therapy–treated patients induces sustained changes in the number and phenotype of HIV-specific T cells.
Innate Sex Bias of Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infection Is Driven by α-Hemolysin
Authors: Castleman Moriah J. , Pokhrel Srijana , Triplett Kathleen D. , Kusewitt Donna F. , Elmore Bradley O. , Joyner Jason A. , Femling Jon K. , Sharma Geetanjali , Hathaway Helen J. , Prossnitz Eric R. , Hall Pamela R. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Numerous studies have reported sex bias in infectious diseases, with bias direction dependent on pathogen and site of infection. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), yet sex bias in susceptibility to S. aureus SSTI has not been described. A search of electronic health records revealed an odds ratio of 2.4 for S. aureus SSTI in males versus females. To investigate the physiological basis of this bias, we compared outcomes between male and female mice in a model of S. aureus dermonecrosis. Consistent with the epidemiological data, female mice were better protected against SSTI, with reduced dermonecrosis followed later by increased bacterial clearance. Protection in females was disrupted by ovariectomy and restored by short-term estrogen administration. Importantly, this sex bias was mediated by a sex-specific response to the S. aureus–secreted virulence factor α-hemolysin (Hla). Infection with wild-type S. aureus suppressed inflammatory cytokine production in the skin of female, but not male, mice when compared with infection with an isogenic hla deletion mutant. This differential response was conserved following injection with Hla alone, demonstrating a direct response to Hla independent of bacterial burden. Additionally, neutrophils, essential for clearing S. aureus, demonstrated sex-specific S. aureus bactericidal capacity ex vivo. This work suggests that sex-specific skin innate responsiveness to Hla and neutrophil bactericidal capacity play important roles in limiting S. aureus SSTI in females. Understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling this sex bias may reveal novel targets to promote host innate defense against S. aureus skin infection.
Clinical Outcome of Pneumatic Dilatation in Patients with Achalasia Cardia: A Single-Center Prospective Study
Authors: Shejal Amit Hanmant , Ramachandran Thazhath Mavali , Kumar N Sunil 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Pneumatic balloon dilation is one of the most commonly used and effective methods for treating patients with achalasia cardia. This study was performed to assess immediate and long-term response of pneumatic dilatation (PD) in these patients. Materials and Methods: Forty-four achalasia cardia patients, who underwent PD in our center from January 2013 to December 2015, were prospectively studied. Data from these patients were analyzed for clinical improvement in symptoms after dilatation procedure over this period as per Eckardt score. Patients who required repeated procedure and factors influencing remission of symptoms were analyzed. Results: A total of 44 patients underwent PD, among which three lost to follow up. Of the 41 patients, 21 were male (51.22%) and 20 were females (48.78%). Mean age was 38.68 (13–64) years. Median symptom duration before first dilatation was 18 months (2–240). Major symptoms at presentation were dysphagia (n = 41, 100%), regurgitation (n = 38 92.68%), chest pain (n = 31, 75.6%), and weight loss (n = 20, 48.78%). Mean follow-up period was 22.22 months (9–38). Forty (97.56%) patients had immediate clinical improvement after 1 dilatation, of which 38 (92.68%) patients did not require any further treatment. Mean Eckardt score was 6.82 (4–11) at the time of first dilatation which improved to 0.66 during follow-up. Two patients required second dilatation (one 5 months and other 18 months after the first procedure). Conclusion: PD is a safe and effective long-term therapy for achalasia cardia and has a good long-term clinical remission.
Comparison of Diagnostic Yield of Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided
Fine-needle Aspiration Cytology and Cell Block in Solid Lesions
Authors: Balekuduru Avinash Bhat , Dutta Amit Kumar , Nagaruru Sanjeev Kumar , Sheik Shamim , Kurella Suneetha Parandhamaiah , Subbaraj Satyaprakash Bonthala 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a procedure of choice for the diagnostic evaluation of submucosal and periluminal lesions. Tissue sample can be obtained by EUS-FNA cytology (FNAC) or cell block (CB). The aim of the present study is to compare diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA CB and cytology in the absence of onsite pathologist following a protocol-based EUS-FNA approach in solid lesions. Patients and Methods: Participants who underwent EUS-FNA at our center for solid submucosal or periluminal lesions (pancreas, lymph node, and liver) between 2014 and 2016 were included, retrospectively. The indication for the procedure along with the clinical and other investigation details and the final etiological diagnosis were recorded on uniform structured data forms. The diagnostic yield of cytology and CB were compared using McNemar’s test. The P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: EUS-FNA for solid lesion was performed in 130 lesions in 101 patients during the study period. Their mean age was 52.5 ± 12 years and 42.5% were female. Pancreatic masses were the most common lesions (37.7%) followed by lymph nodes (36.9%). Submucosal lesions (17.7%) and liver lesions (7.7%) accounted for rest of the cases. The overall diagnostic yield for EUS-FNAC (70%) and CB (74.6%) was not significantly different (P = 0.3) and their combined yield was 85.3%. For the 23 patients with submucosal lesion, diagnostic yield of CB (82.6%) was significantly better than cytology (47.8%, P = 0.04). Conclusions: EUS-guided CB has better yield compared to cytology in gastrointestinal submucosal lesions. The combination of CB with cytology improves the overall yield of the procedure; and hence, they should be considered complimentary rather than alternatives.
Destructive effects of 4-methylimidazole on histomorphology of liver
Authors: Yadav S. , Kalra S. , Wadhwa S. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Background & aims: Food coloring is being done commercially in the food products industry these days which include large number of food dyes including caramel colors. 4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI) is a component of various caramel colored food products such as bakery products, beer, soy sauces, gravy, colas and other soft drinks which are consumed daily. Humans can be exposed to 4-MEI by ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. Ingestion is the most common route of exposure. Methods: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 4-MEI consumption on liver in albino rats. Adult male Wistar albino rats weighing 150-200 grams were procured for the study and were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental animals were given 4-MEI orally by gavage at a dose of 250mg/kg body weight daily for a period of one month while the control animals received distilled water. The animals were euthanized under ether anesthesia at the end of experiment within 24 hours of last dose by perfusion with formal saline. The liver was dissected out and processed for histopathological examination. Results: The histopathological observations of liver in experimental rats showed features of focal hepatocellular degeneration with mononuclear cell infiltration, kupffer cell hyperplasia, increased polyploidy and hepatocytic vacuolation. The findings in the present study strongly suggest hepatocellular damage caused by ingestion of 4-methylimidazole which is found in caramel colorants used routinely in food industry.
Correcting negatively biased refractivity below ducts in GNSS radio occultation: an optimal estimation approach towards improving planetary boundary layer (PBL) characterization
Authors: Wang Kuo-Nung , de la Torre Juárez Manuel , Ao Chi O. , Xie Feiqin 
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) measurements are promising in sensing the vertical structure of the Earth's planetary boundary layer (PBL). However, large refractivity changes near the top of PBL can cause ducting and lead to a negative bias in the retrieved refractivity within the PBL (below ∼ 2 km). To remove the bias, a reconstruction method with assumption of linear structure inside the ducting layer models has been proposed by Xie et al. (2006). While the negative bias can be reduced drastically as demonstrated in the simulation, the lack of high-quality surface refractivity constraint makes its application to real RO data difficult. In this paper, we use the widely available precipitable water (PW) satellite observation as the external constraint for the bias correction. A new framework is proposed to incorporate optimization into the RO reconstruction retrievals in the presence of ducting conditions. The new method uses optimal estimation to select the best refractivity solution whose PW and PBL height best match the externally retrieved PW and the known a priori states, respectively. The near-coincident PW retrievals from AMSR-E microwave radiometer instruments are used as an external observational constraint. This new reconstruction method is tested on both the simulated GNSS-RO profiles and the actual GNSS-RO data. Our results show that the proposed method can greatly reduce the negative refractivity bias when compared to the traditional Abel inversion.
Calibration of a parsimonious distributed ecohydrological daily model in a data-scarce basin by exclusively using the spatio-temporal variation of NDVI
Authors: Ruiz-Pérez Guiomar , Koch Julian , Manfreda Salvatore , Caylor Kelly , Francés Félix 
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Ecohydrological modeling studies in developing countries, such as sub-Saharan Africa, often face the problem of extensive parametrical requirements and limited available data. Satellite remote sensing data may be able to fill this gap, but require novel methodologies to exploit their spatio-temporal information that could potentially be incorporated into model calibration and validation frameworks. The present study tackles this problem by suggesting an automatic calibration procedure, based on the empirical orthogonal function, for distributed ecohydrological daily models. The procedure is tested with the support of remote sensing data in a data-scarce environment – the upper Ewaso Ngiro river basin in Kenya. In the present application, the TETIS-VEG model is calibrated using only NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) data derived from MODIS. The results demonstrate that (1) satellite data of vegetation dynamics can be used to calibrate and validate ecohydrological models in water-controlled and data-scarce regions, (2) the model calibrated using only satellite data is able to reproduce both the spatio-temporal vegetation dynamics and the observed discharge at the outlet and (3) the proposed automatic calibration methodology works satisfactorily and it allows for a straightforward incorporation of spatio-temporal data into the calibration and validation framework of a model.
Meanings of Breast Cancer Survivorship Among Members of Ethnically-Identified Support Groups
Authors: Dyer K. E. , Coreil J. 
Published: December 2017

Research on both cancer survivorship and support needs has been limited in its attention to survivors from culturally-diverse communities. This study examined the perspectives of members and leaders of ethnically-identified breast cancer support groups regarding the meanings and expectations attached to survivorship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 African American and Latina survivors in Central Florida. Participant narratives invoked themes of spiritual renewal and deepening religious faith, and deemphasized individual responsibility for personal change. Participants emphasized the importance of shared cultural identity in shaping the survivor experience, and some Latina women drew parallels between survivorship and the challenges of migration to a new country. An unwavering display of optimism was held to be paramount. These themes are interpreted within the framework of the interplay between dominant societal discourses of survivorship and locally-constructed meanings. Findings underscore the importance for healthcare providers to be cognizant and respectful of diverse perspectives on illness.
A modular vascular access training program for higher surgical trainees
Authors: Edwards Mark , Rodway Alexander D. , Ahmed Islam G. , Harvey Richard A. , Foad Tamer S. , El Sakka Karim M. 
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Access surgery is delivered by vascular/transplant surgeons with a division that is defined by historic practice. This has resulted in an inconsistent training pattern. We aimed to design a focused, modular training program (The Brighton Vascular Access Fellowship) providing trainees with a reproducible level of exposure and competence. Methods: The programme was 16 days over 8 weeks on a one-to-one basis with candidates expected to be performing procedures as first surgeon with ongoing, formative assessment. The outpatient setting took the format of a one-stop clinic to involve planning and the follow-up. Assessment was through caseload exposure and conventional statistical analyses to obtain median values (as proxy measures of training exposure consistency). Assessment of confidence and capability was through an electronically distributed qualitative survey tool. Results: A total of 14 candidates completed the programme by June 2017. Operative exposure was obtained for 11 (79%) with a total of 471 cases of which 286 were conducted as first surgeon. There was a median of 32 cases by each candidate with 25 of the cases performed as first surgeon. Qualitative assessment revealed that 13 of 14 (93%) were either practicing independently or no longer required the trainer to scrub in for the operation. A total of 13 of 14 (93%) strongly agreed that they felt comfortable with offering a basic access service. Conclusions: Focused modular training might be one of the answers to the current era of restricted and sometimes inconsistent training in some aspects of surgery. This model is reproducible and may be applicable in other aspects of training.
Neoadjuvant volumetric modulated arc therapy in rectal cancer and the correlation of pathological response with diffusion-weighted MRI and apoptotic markers
Authors: Gurdal Necla , Fayda Merdan , Alishev Nijat , Bakir Baris , Tastekin Didem , Aykan Faruk , Gezer Ugur , Balik Emre , Saglam Esra Kaytan , Oral Ethem Nezih , Gulluoglu Mine , Kizir Ahmet 
Published: December 2017

Purpose: In this prospective observational study, we aimed to report the applicability and tolerability of neoadjuvant volumetric modulated arc therapy with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB-VMAT) and concurrent chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), and to evaluate the correlation of pathological response with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and apoptotic markers. Methods: The study enrolled 30 patients with T3 to T4 and/or N+ rectal cancer who preoperatively received SIB-VMAT and concurrent chemotherapy. Before and after the neoadjuvant treatment, apoptotic markers including the nucleosomes and cell-free DNA fragments in the serum samples were examined; DNA integrity was assessed by amplifying the ACTB gene; and the ADC measurements on the DW-MRI were analyzed. Results: No patients had acute or chronic grade III-IV toxicity. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was achieved in 8 patients (27%), while in 10 patients (33%) near-complete pathological response was obtained. Posttreatment ADC was significantly higher in patients with pCR compared with the others (1.28 vs. 1.10, p = 0.017). ROC curve analysis showed that posttreatment ADC values had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 77.3% for distinguishing the patients with pCR from other responders. On the other hand, posttreatment DNA integrity values were revealed lower than the pretreatment values (p = 0.36). Also, the results revealed an insignificant increase in the posttreatment serum level of nucleosomes (p = 0.72). Conclusions: Neoadjuvant SIB-VMAT with concurrent chemotherapy was proved to be a feasible treatment regimen in LARC with tolerable side effects, and improved local control rate and pCR rate.
World Duty Free Group: de complexe selectiviteitseis bij fiscale steunmaatregelen
Authors: van Midden G.J. 
Published: December 2017

World Duty Free Group: de complexe selectiviteitseis bij fiscale steunmaatregelen
De zaak World Duty Free Group gaat over het selectiviteitsvereiste bij fiscale staatssteun en draait specifiek om de vraag of het voor de vaststelling van de selectiviteit noodzakelijk is dat specifieke kenmerken die de groep begunstigde ondernemingen gemeen hebben, kunnen worden geïdentificeerd. Het Hof van Justitie oordeelt in zijn arrest van niet, omdat een maatregel reeds selectief is indien begunstigde ondernemingen in een gunstiger positie komen te verkeren dan andere ondernemingen, die zich feitelijk en juridisch in een vergelijkbare situatie bevinden, ongeacht de specifieke kenmerken die de begunstigde ondernemingen gemeen hebben. In het artikel wordt deze zeer ruime uitleg van het selectiviteitsvereiste geduid in het licht van eerdere rechtspraak en worden de gevolgen belicht.HvJ 21 december 2016, gevoegde zaken C-20/15 P en C-21/15 P, Commissie/World Duty Free Group SA e.a., ECLI:EU:C:2016:981.
FNV/Smallsteps; door overgang van onderneming, naar ondergang van ondernemingen?
Authors: Hoogendoorn M. , Ninck Blok D. 
Published: December 2017

FNV/Smallsteps; door overgang van onderneming, naar ondergang van ondernemingen?
In zijn – door de FNV als historisch bestempelde – arrest van 22 juni 2017 heeft het Hof van Justitie geoordeeld dat werknemers in beginsel ook bij een door een pre-pack voorafgegaan faillissement een beroep kunnen doen op de beschermingsbepalingen ter zake van de overgang van onderneming. Hoewel de Nederlandse rechter de casus nog in concreto dient te beoordelen bestaat voor partijen die een doorstart realiseren in een faillissement dat is voorafgegaan door een prepack het risico/de kans dat zij alle werknemers van de gefailleerde werkgever tegen ongewijzigde voorwaarden in dienst krijgen. De auteurs bespreken waarom het arrest naar hun mening niet past in de eerdere jurisprudentie van het Hof van Justitie en gaan in op mogelijke gevolgen.HvJ 22 juni 2017, zaak C-126/16, FNV c.s./Smallsteps BV, ECLI:EU:C:2017:489
Physical Model of Energetic Processes in the Marine Diesel Engine
Authors: Bogdanowicz Artur , Kniaziewicz Tomasz , Zacharewicz Marcin 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The paper describes the preliminary physical model of gas-dynamic processes that take place in the cylinder of marine diesel engine. The model is a part of the work undertaken at the Institute for Construction and Exploitation of Ships at the Polish Naval Academy. The physical model is the basis for the development of a mathematical model of marine diesel engine, which will be useful for determining the energy efficiency of Polish ships, as well as for diagnostic purposes.
The Impact of Major Maritime Accidents on the Development of International Regulations Concerning Safety of Navigation and Protection of the Environment
Authors: Duda Daniel , Wawruch Ryszard 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The article presents the impact of major maritime accidents on the development of international regulations concerning the safety of navigation and environmental protection of the seas and oceans. It contains analysis of the reasons and consequences of maritime disasters like the accidents of: ‘Titanic’, ‘Torrey Canyon’, ‘Amoco Cadiz’, ‘Herald of Free Enterprise’, ‘Exxon Valdez’, ‘Estonia’, ‘Erika’ and ‘Prestige’ as well as international agreements established in order to prevent this type of accident in the future or, at least, limit their consequences.
Jackson and Hahn Difference Models as Discrete Bittner Operational Calculus Representations
Authors: Wysocki Hubert 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
In the paper, there have been constructed discrete models of the non-classical Bittner operational calculus that are related to the notions of Jackson and Hahn derivatives, both known from the quantum calculus. To achieve it, we have used the Bittner operational calculus representation for the forward difference.