bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Candidates with Easy Access Get More Favorable Coverage
Authors: Niven David , Sandu Daniel
Published: June 2015

An analysis of the 2006 primary campaigns for the Ohio governorship found that candidates offering the media easier access enjoyed substantially more positive coverage that reflected an imbalance in their favor both in candidate-driven news and in the use of candidate quotes.
Vibration control of a vehicle’s seat suspension featuring a magnetorheological damper based on a new adaptive fuzzy sliding-mode controller
Authors: Phu Do Xuan , Choi Seung-Bok , Lee Yang-Sub , Han Moon-Sihk
Published: June 2015

This work presents a new design for adaptive fuzzy sliding-mode control based on two methodologies, namely H∞ control and sliding-mode control, and its control effectiveness. This is achieved by implementing a control scheme for vibration control of a vehicle with a seat suspension on which a magnetorheological damper is installed. The sliding surface of sliding-mode control is analysed by separation into two matrices: a Hurwitz-constants matrix and a constant matrix. These matrices are the basis for establishing the proposed control scheme combined with the H∞ technique. The control scheme consisting of the combination of H∞ control and sliding-mode control is reinforced by a new robustness function featuring an exponential function. In this work, a fuzzy logic model, which is well known to be an excellent model for uncertain dynamic systems, is integrated with the proposed control algorithm. The fuzzy logic model adopted in this work is an interval type-2 fuzzy model featuring fast computation of the output. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is evaluated through both computer simulations and experimental realization on a vehicle with a seat suspension which is equipped with a magnetorheological damper. In addition, in this work, two existing adaptive controllers are modified and implemented for comparative work with the proposed control scheme. It is shown that the proposed control scheme exhibits a much better vibration control performance than the two existing adaptive controllers do.
Emotionality Differences Between a Native and Foreign Language
Authors: Caldwell-Harris Catherine L.
Published: June 2015

A growing literature examines how affective processing may be weaker in a foreign language than in a native language. This article reviews mechanisms that could underlie this effect and then delves into practical implications. The most common category of explanations is that emotional resonances in the discourse context accrue to utterances because human memory is inherently associative. One application concerns forensic investigations. Compared to emotional phrases in a native language, emotional phrases heard or read in a foreign language elicit weaker skin-conductance responses (SCRs). In one study involving a mock crime, SCRs elicited by a foreign language were high and insensitive to emotionality, suggesting a stress response. A second application is decision making, given recent findings that judgments in a foreign language are influenced by emotional content. This raises the question of how to assess the real-world importance of this provocative laboratory finding. A third application is the emotional and logical appeal of advertising slogans. In multilingual regions, marketers could direct appeals to consumers in their native language to sell luxury items. In contrast, ads using a less proficient or foreign language may be most effective for selling items that will increase work productivity.
Depression
Authors: Monroe Scott M. , Anderson Samantha F.
Published: June 2015

Over the past several decades, depression has emerged as a major public health problem. Yet depression has not always represented such a prominent psychiatric condition, and the term depression has harbored different meanings over time. One widely agreed upon way of explaining such variation in what depression implies has been to describe depression as being heterogeneous. In the present article, depression is examined in relation to different types of heterogeneity, particularly with regard to the concept of a syndrome. The consequences of various meanings of heterogeneity for understanding the nature of depression are then explored. Finally, we speculate on the implications for the future of depression research and practice.
The Suffocation Model
Authors: Finkel Eli J. , Cheung Elaine O. , Emery Lydia F. , Carswell Kathleen L. , Larson Grace M.
Published: June 2015

Throughout American history, the fundamental purpose of marriage has shifted from (a) helping spouses meet their basic economic and political needs to (b) helping them meet their intimacy and passion needs to (c) helping them meet their autonomy and personal-growth needs. According to the suffocation model of marriage in America, these changes have had two major consequences for marital quality, one negative and one positive. The negative consequence is that, as Americans have increasingly looked to their marriage to help them meet idiosyncratic, self-expressive needs, the proportion of marriages that fall short of their expectations has grown, which has increased rates of marital dissatisfaction. The positive consequence is that those marriages that succeed in meeting these needs are particularly fulfilling, more so than the best marriages in earlier eras. In tandem, these two consequences have pushed marriage toward an all-or-nothing state.
Social media and peer feedback: What do students really think about using Wiki and Facebook as platforms for peer feedback?
Authors: Demirbilek Muhammet
Published: June 2015

Web 2.0 tools are becoming increasingly pervasive in higher education, and as a result, there is increasing interest in the use of online feedback activities. This study investigated students’ actual experiences and perceptions using social media, Wiki and Facebook, tools to provide peer feedback on students’ instructional material projects and to compare students’ experiences and perceptions of using Facebook and Wiki environments as a peer feedback tool. A total of 51 students responded to the questionnaire, and 14 students were also interviewed. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was employed to analyze the data. Results suggest that students benefited while engaging in the peer feedback process on both Wiki and Facebook. The data also indicated that the incorporation of Wiki and Facebook as a peer feedback tool improved critical thinking skills and improvement of material produced.
Post hoc subgroups in clinical trials: Anathema or analytics?
Authors: Weisberg Herbert I , Pontes Victor P
Published: June 2015

Background:

There is currently much interest in generating more individualized estimates of treatment effects. However, traditional statistical methods are not well suited to this task. Post hoc subgroup analyses of clinical trials are fraught with methodological problems. We suggest that the alternative research paradigm of predictive analytics, widely used in many business contexts, can be adapted to help.

Methods:

We compare the statistical and analytics perspectives and suggest that predictive modeling should often replace subgroup analysis. We then introduce a new approach, cadit modeling, that can be useful to identify and test individualized causal effects.

Results:

The cadit technique is particularly useful in the context of selecting from among a large number of potential predictors. We describe a new variable-selection algorithm that has been applied in conjunction with cadit. The cadit approach is illustrated through a reanalysis of data from the Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study trial, which studied the efficacy of spironolactone in heart-failure patients. The trial was successful, but a serious adverse effect (hyperkalemia) was subsequently discovered. Our reanalysis suggests that it may be possible to predict the degree of hyperkalemia based on a logistic model and to identify a subgroup in which the effect is negligible.

Conclusion:

Cadit modeling is a promising alternative to subgroup analyses. Cadit regression is relatively straightforward to implement, generates results that are easy to present and explain, and can mesh straightforwardly with many variable-selection algorithms.
The theoretical model of the school-based prevention programme Unplugged
Authors: Vadrucci Serena , Vigna-Taglianti Federica D. , van der Kreeft Peer , Vassara Maro , Scatigna Maria , Faggiano Fabrizio , Burkhart Gregor ,   the EU-Dap Study Group, Zunino Barbara , Salmaso Silena , Cuomo Gian Luca , Bohrn Karl , Coppens Erwin , Weyts Yannick , van de Walle Johan , Jongbloet Johan , Melero Juan Carlos , Perez Tatiana , Rementeria Oihana , Wiborg Gudrun , Yotsidi Vicky , Richardson Clive , Kyriakidou Maria , Terzopoulou Gabriela , Sanchez Sara , Jansson Charlotte , Galanti Rosaria , Fabiani Leila
Published: June 2015

Unplugged is a school-based prevention programme designed and tested in the EU-Dap trial. The programme consists of 12 units delivered by class teachers to adolescents 12–14 years old. It is a strongly interactive programme including a training of personal and social skills with a specific focus on normative beliefs. The aim of this work is to define the theoretical model of the program, the contribution of the theories to the units, and the targeted mediators. The programme integrates several theories: Social Learning, Social Norms, Health Belief, theory of Reasoned Action-Attitude, and Problem Behaviour theory. Every theory contributes to the development of the units’ contents, with specific weights. Knowledge, risk perception, attitudes towards drugs, normative beliefs, critical and creative thinking, relationship skills, communication skills, assertiveness, refusal skills, ability to manage emotions and to cope with stress, empathy, problem solving and decision making skills are the targeted mediators of the program.
Investigation of the sorption of mercury vapour from exhaust gas by an Ag-X zeolite
Authors: Wdowin Magdalena , Macherzyński Mariusz , Panek Rafał , Górecki Jerzy , Franus Wojciech
Published: June 2015

The removal of gaseous mercury from flue gases from coal-fired power plants is currently an environmental challenge under investigation. Therefore, the main aim of this paper was to evaluate the suitability of faujasite group zeolites (Na-X) to adsorb mercury compounds. Previous, initial tests showed negligible Hg0 uptake by Na-X zeolite, but silver impregnation improved adsorption markedly. Therefore, the testing of mercury adsorption from flue gases into Ag+- impregnated Na-X synthetic zeolite (Ag-X zeolite) derived from coal fly ash was carried out. This material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence and nitrogen adsorption/desorption before being evaluated for mercury removal from exhaust gas. After preliminary mercury adsorption tests (fixed bed) under a nitrogen atmosphere, the adsorbent was examined with a simulated flue gas composition under various conditions, i.e. weight of zeolite, temperature of experiment and zeolite in powder and granulated forms. The removal of mercury was shown to depend on the sorbent texture (powder or granulate), exhaust gas flow rate and contact time, as well as the temperature of the experiment. The Ag-X zeolite tested reduced the level of mercury in the flue gas and, depending on the experimental conditions, long-time mercury breakthrough ranges from 15 to 40% were obtained. The best results for mercury capture were obtained for granulated material.
Removal of Reactive Black 5 from wastewater using natural clinoptilolite modified with apolaccase
Authors: Nadaroglu Hayrunnisa , Kalkan Ekrem , Celebi Neslihan , Tasgin Esen
Published: June 2015

In this study, a clinoptilolite modified with apolaccase was used to adsorb Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye from aqueous solution using the batch procedure. The influences of pH, contact time, temperature and absorbent dosage on the adsorption were investigated. The optimum adsorption was obtained at pH = 6, contact time = 60 min, temperature = 25ºC and adsorbent dosages of 1.62 and 1.59 mg/50 mL per gram of clinoptilolite and of apolaccase-modified clinoptilolite (LMC), respectively). The adsorption experimental data fitted both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models well. In addition, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics were used to study the kinetics of RB5 dye adsorption onto natural clinoptilolite and LMC. Adsorption appears to follow pseudo-second-order kinetics with a high correlation coefficient. Thermodynamic parameters such as changes in the free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) of adsorption were calculated. The thermodynamic parameters indicate that the adsorption of RB5 dye onto LMC was less spontaneous, feasible and endothermic. The LMC can be used as an alternative low-cost adsorbent for the dye removal from aqueous solutions.
Protective effect of cytotoxic T lymphocytes targeting HTLV-1 bZIP factor
Authors: Sugata Kenji , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Mitobe Yuichi , Miura Michi , Miyazato Paola , Kohara Michinori , Matsuoka Masao
Published: June 2015

Key Points

Vaccination with HBZ can induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes and suppress an HBZ-expressing lymphoma cell line in vivo. Immunodominant epitopes of HBZ have been identified in mice, monkeys, and humans.
Enhanced Antifungal Activity by Ab-Modified Amphotericin B-Loaded Nanoparticles Using a pH-Responsive Block Copolymer
Authors: Tang Xiaolong , Dai Jingjing , Xie Jun , Zhu Yongqiang , Zhu Ming , Wang Zhi , Xie Chunmei , Yao Aixia , Liu Tingting , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Li , Jiang Qinglin , Wang Shulei , Liang Yong , Xu Congjing
Published: June 2015

Fungal infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Amphotericin B (AMB), with broad-spectrum antifungal activity, has long been recognized as a powerful fungicidal drug, but its clinical toxicities mainly nephrotoxicity and poor solubility limit its wide application in clinical practice. The fungal metabolism along with the host immune response usually generates acidity at sites of infection, resulting in loss of AMB activity in a pH-dependent manner. Herein, we developed pH-responsive AMB-loaded and surface charge-switching poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly(l-histidine)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PLH-PEG) nanoparticles for resolving the localized acidity problem and enhance the antifungal efficacy of AMB. Moreover, we modified AMB-encapsulated PLGA-PLH-PEG nanoparticles with anti-Candida albicans antibody (CDA) (CDA-AMB-NPs) to increase the targetability. Then, CDA-AMB-NPs were characterized in terms of physical characteristics, in vitro drug release, stability, drug encapsulation efficiency, and toxicity. Finally, the targetability and antifungal activity of CDA-AMB-NPs were investigated in vitro/in vivo. The result demonstrated that CDA-AMB-NPs significantly improve the targetability and bioavailability of AMB and thus improve its antifungal activity and reduce its toxicity. These NPs may become a good drug carrier for antifungal treatment.
Cost effectiveness of lanthanum carbonate in chronic kidney disease patients in Spain before and during dialysis
Authors: Gros Blanca , Galán Antonio , González-Parra Emilio , Herrero Jose A , Echave Maria , Vegter Stefan , Tolley Keith , Oyagüez Itziar
Published: June 2015

AIMS

In Spain, the first line treatment of hyperphosphatemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) consists of calcium-based phosphate binders (CB). However, their use is associated with vascular calcification and an increased mortality risk. The aim of this study was to assess the incremental cost-effectiveness of second-line Lanthanum Carbonate (LC) treatment in patients not responding to CB (calcium carbonate and calcium acetate).

Material and methods

A lifetime Markov model was developed considering three health states (predialysis, dialysis and death). Transitions between states and efficacy data were obtained from randomized clinical trials and the European Dialysis and Transplant Association Annual report. Mortality rate was adjusted with the relative risk related to serum phosphorus levels.

According to the Spanish healthcare system perspective, only medical direct costs were considered. Dialysis costs (2013 prices in Euros) were obtained from diagnosis-related groups. Drug costs were derived from ex-factory prices, adjusted with 7.5% mandatory rebate. Quality of life estimates were based on a published systematic review. Costs and benefits were discounted at 3%. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were conducted.

Results

At the end of simulation, costs per patient with LC therapy were €1,169 and €5,044 with CB alone. 4.653 Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) were gained per patient treated with LC, and 4.579 QALYs with CB. CB therapy is dominated by the LC strategy (i.e. lower costs, higher QALYs). Assuming a €30,000/QALY threshold, LC was dominant in 100% of PSA simulations.

Conclusions

LC is a cost-effective second line treatment of hyperphosphatemia in CKD patients irrespective of dialysis status in Spain.
Interpretation of borehole gravity data of the Lalor volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit, Snow Lake, Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Schetselaar Ernst , Shamsipour Pejman
Published: June 2015

We have acquired borehole gravity data along five drillholes intersecting the Lalor volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit hosted in the eastern Flin Flon greenstone belt at Snow Lake, Manitoba, Canada. Inverted apparent interval density (IAID) logs were calculated from the borehole gravity data and compared with lithofacies and [Formula: see text] logs; the latter of which is a geochemical proxy for differentiating volcanic rocks of felsic to mafic composition. The IAID anomalies predominantly reflect alternating mafic and felsic volcanic rock units in the footwall and hanging wall of the massive sulfide deposit. IAID lows are associated with [Formula: see text] highs that correspond to rhyolite and rhyodacite intervals in the hanging wall. IAID lows with associated [Formula: see text] peaks in the footwall occur within intervals of gneiss and schist formed by metamorphism of hydrothermally altered rocks, suggesting that these IAID lows still reflect the felsic composition of their volcanic protoliths. A significant peak-to-peak Bouguer anomaly of 0.66 mGal caused by an estimated excess mass of 0.7 mT can be correlated with gamma-gamma density signature of the main sulfide ore zone in three boreholes. This anomaly is aligned with the ore zone after restoring the displacement along a northeast-dipping structure. When integrated with drillhole lithology and lithogeochemistry logs, gravity borehole data can, in addition to the direct detection of mineralization, be used as a subsurface geological mapping tool.
Dynamic intracellular distribution of Vangl2 during cell polarization in zebrafish gastrula
Authors: Roszko Isabelle , Sepich Diane , Jessen Jason R. , Chandrasekhar Anand , Solnica-Krezel Lilianna
Published: June 2015

During vertebrate gastrulation, convergence and extension movements elongate embryonic tissues anteroposteriorly and narrow them mediolaterally. Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling is essential for mediolateral cell elongation underlying these movements, but how this polarity arises is poorly understood. We analyzed cell elongation, orientation, and migration behaviors of lateral mesodermal cells undergoing convergence and extension movements in wild-type embryos and mutants for the Wnt/PCP core component Trilobite/Vangl2. We demonstrate that Vangl2 function is required at the time when cells transition to a highly elongated and mediolaterally aligned body. We show that tri/vangl2 mutant cells fail to undergo this transition and to migrate along a straight path and high net speed towards the dorsal midline. Instead, tri/vangl2 mutant cells exhibit an anterior/animal pole bias in their cell body alignment and movement direction, suggesting that PCP signaling promotes effective dorsal migration in part by suppressing anterior/animalward cell polarity and movement. Endogenous Vangl2 protein accumulates at the plasma membrane of mesenchymal converging cells at the time its function is required for mediolaterally polarized cell behavior. Heterochronic cell transplantations demonstrated that Vangl2 cell membrane accumulation is stage dependent, and regulated by both intrinsic factors and an extracellular signal, which is distinct from PCP signaling or other gastrulation regulators, including BMP and Nodals. Moreover, mosaic expression of fusion proteins revealed enrichment of Vangl2 at the anterior cell edges of highly mediolaterally elongated cells, consistent with the PCP pathway core components’ asymmetric distribution in Drosophila and vertebrate epithelia.
Direct Incorporation of Hydroxy Groups into Isotactic Polypropylene via Metallocene-Catalyzed Copolymerization of Ester Group Containing Vinyl Monomer Treated with Dialkylaluminum Hydride and Propylene
Authors: Sugimoto Ryuichi , Matsugi Tomoaki
Published: June 2015

Methyl 10-undecenoate treated with 2 equivalents of diisobutylaluminum hydride was quantitatively converted into a 10-undecenoxy aluminum compound, which was successfully utilized for metallocene-catalyzed copolymerization with propylene to produce functional polypropylene with hydroxy groups in its side chains.
Symptom without transcendental syntax
Authors: Veisi Hasar Rahman
Published: June 2015

This paper aims at investigating the Freudian symptom as an individual anti-language involved in a semiotic antagonism towards the internal logonomic system. In Freudian-Lacanian psychoanalysis, the symptom is interpreted according to transcendental and atemporal principles. Leaving aside these principles, we argue for a social semiotic approach in which the meaning of symptom is determined by its antagonistic relationship to the logonomic system, and also by its converted link with the repressed object in a specific socio-cultural context. The symptomatic antagonism is marked by a hypocritical and ambivalent relationship with the logonomic system and the repressed entity. The duplicitous semiosis of the symptom refers to rhetorical transformations made to reach a compromise between the contradictory poles of the law and the forbidden phenomenon. As regards the relation of the symptom to subjectivity, the symptom emerges as a conjuncture in which the subject of statement is related to the subject of speaking in a conflicting way. Accordingly, the former as the replica of a legisign-subjectivity is related symptomatically to the latter as a mere sinsign not preceded by any ideological subjectivity. The symptom is like a hinge on which the opposing doors, namely consciousness and unconsciousness, turn. Finally, the case of Little Hans will be analysed proceeding from the antagonistic aspects of symptom.
The Possibilities of Neural Network Analysis to Evaluate the Prognosis of Chronic Heart Failure in Elderly Patients
Authors: Медведев  , Medvedev N. , Лобынцева  , Lobyntseva E.
Published: June 2015

New diagnostic approaches to establish the severity of chronic heart failure as a widespread syndrome on a background of cardiovascular diseases should integrate the results of various studies of the pathogenesis and create a basis for risk assessment of its progression, estimation of the individual prognosis. To develop an algorithm of integrated assessment and prediction of functional disorders of the cardio-vascular system, a neural network analysis of echo- and Doppler-cardiography indicators, markers of subclinical inflammation, lipid disorders, oxidative stress, apoptosis, interstitial fibrosis in the myocardium, reflecting the severity of the major pathogenetic processes in the progression of heart failure in elderly hypertensive patients was carried out. The use of neural network analysis by means of neuro-imitator NeuroPro 0,25 on the basis of a consultation of neural networks has provided a highly accurate assessment of the risk of cardiovascular disorders. As results of the experiment were 15 neural networks of minimum structure with their simplification by reducing the number of input signals, allowed to accurately predict the functional class of heart failure. The highest factor importance of reducing serum levels of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 less than 500 pg/ml, the increasing end-diastolic dimensions of the left ventricle over 5 cm, the activity level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein more than 5 mg/l in determining the prognosis of progression of chronic heart failure were identified
Various Types of Anesthesia for Cesarean Section (Literature Review)
Authors: Багомедов  , Bagomedov R. , Омарова  , Omarova Kh.
Published: June 2015

The choice of anesthesia for Cesarean section is relevant in modern obstetrics, because an anesthesia should promote adequate protection of pregnant from operational stress and to create optimal conditions for the adaptation of the fetus in the perioperative and the neonatal period. In modern obstetrics, the anesthesiologist plays a significant role not only in the introduction of anesthesia for Caesarean section and to assist in the immediate postpartum period. A number of authors have noted the positive effect of segmental blocks on the vital functions at the comparison the general and regional anesthesia. In particular, hemo-rheological and stress-protective effects of regional anesthesia were identified in comparison with general anesthesia. Fewer thromboembolic complications were noted. The article discusses the various mechanisms that underlie these changes, namely, the activation of blood flow in the area of sympathetic blockade and activation of fibrinolysis, the decrease of the viscosity and aggregation properties of platelets prior to infusion therapy. The changes of hemostasis are associated with sympathetic blockade, peripheral vasodilatation, improvement of peripheral blood flow and microcirculation. According to some authors, the optimal method of modulation surgical stress is regional anesthesia, which allows to provide extensive sympathetic block during surgery and prolonged epidural analgesia.
Uncertainty of the 1-st Kind in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Синенко  , Sinenko D. , Гараева  , Garaeva G. , Вохмина  , Vokhmina Yu. , Филатова  , Filatova D. , Третьяков  , Tretyakov S.
Published: June 2015

So far, the fact that statistically significance differences between samples (sets of parameters of the body xi) before the treatment and after the treatment led to the conclusion of non effective treatment. However, in the framework of the theory of chaos and self-organization the assessment of the significant differences can be carried out without going through statistical methods, based on the analysis parameters of quasi-attractors or using neural emulators. In this report the authors present examples of uncertainties of the 1st kind in regenerative medicine and introduce new technologies to resolve these uncertainties. A procedure for finding differences between samples and determining the parameters of the order (the most important diagnostic features) based methods neurocomputing. The effectiveness of this approach in the evaluation of the effectiveness treatment effects of abnormalities in the body during acute stroke in a kinesotherapy is presented. The authors proved ineffective stochastics and opportunities neurocomputing in the task of system synthesis
Ambiguous Course Dosing Leads to Errors; Farxiga and Fetzima Mix-Ups; Transdermal Patches and Heat Sources; Patient-Controlled Analgesia Pump Security Issue; Bloxiverz and Vazculep Mix-Ups
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: June 2015

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Inhaler Use in Hospitalized Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Asthma: Assessment of Wasted Doses
Authors: Sakaan Sami , Ulrich Dagny , Luo Jenny , Finch Christopher K. , Self Timothy H.
Published: June 2015

Background

Hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma routinely have inhaled medications ordered for acute and maintenance therapy. Treatment may be administered via metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or dry-powder inhaler (DPI). These products must be appropriately labeled to be released home with the patient or discarded before discharge.

Objective

To assess the amount and estimated cost of wasted doses of medications via MDI or DPI for hospitalized patients with COPD/asthma.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital. Patients admitted between January 2011 and June 2012 with a primary diagnosis of COPD or COPD with asthma and who were ≥40 years of age were included. Information collected included use of albuterol, ipratropium, inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonist, or tiotropium and whether treatments were given by nebulizer, MDI, MDI plus valved holding chamber (VHC), or DPI. The number of doses dispensed, as well as doses not used, via MDI, MDI + VHC, or DPI were collected from electronic medical records. Costs associated with wasted medications were evaluated.

Results

Of 555 patient admissions screened, 478 (mean age, 66 years; 58% women; 74% African American) met study criteria. Of the total MDI or DPI doses dispensed, 87% were wasted, and associated hospital cost was approximately $86,973.

Conclusions

Substantial waste of inhaled medications was found in our study. Practical strategies are needed to reduce wasted inhalers. Further assessment of this problem is needed in other US hospitals.
Phenytoin-Induced Purple Glove Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Okogbaa John I. , Onor Ifeanyichukwu O. , Arije Oluwatoyin A. , Harris Martha B. , Lillis Rebecca A.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To present a case report and literature review of phenytoin-induced purple glove syndrome (PGS).

Case summary

A 54-year-old African American male presented to our hospital's emergency department (ED) following a seizure episode, cardiac arrest, and loss of consciousness. On arrival to the ED, the patient's total phenytoin level was subtherapeutic at 4.1 mcg/mL and his corrected total phenytoin level was subtherapeutic at 5.1 mcg/mL. In the ED, the patient received a loading dose of intravenous (IV) phenytoin 1,000 mg once via the left cephalic vein, at a rate of 50 mg/min, and was admitted to the medicine service. A day following IV phenytoin administration, a nurse noticed an IV fluid infiltration on the skin tissue around the left cephalic vein. The area appeared dark blue and purple in color, swollen, erythematous, and warm to touch. An ultrasound of the left upper extremity was performed and revealed subcutaneous fluid collection without evidence of thrombosis.

Discussion

The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale assigned a score of 7, indicating phenytoin as the probable cause of purple glove syndrome (PGS). The patient's PGS was managed with a combination of dry dressing material, left forearm elevation, collagenase topical cream, 0.1% IV bupivacaine, and IV fentanyl. The patient's injury was resolving at the time of discharge to a rehabilitation facility.

Conclusion

PGS is a rare complication of IV phenytoin therapy. The risk of PGS for this patient may have been abated by decreasing the phenytoin infusion rate from 50 mg/min to less than 25 mg/min.
Polishness as entrance ticket and barrier to an altered labour market in the Danish construction industry
Authors: Niels Jul Nielsen
Published: June 2015

Nationality was of very limited importance in the Scandinavian labour market during most of the 20th Century, as was also the case for other ‘identities’ such as ethnicity or religion. The labour movement and the workers' unions possessed immense influence over the supply of labour and were able to prevent the uncontrolled influx of workers and maintain union membership as the only prerequisite for employment. Thus the few immigrant workers in the labour market became internalised in the existing union system and worked under the same general conditions as other workers. Following the collapse of the Eastern bloc and the success of a neoliberal political and economic regime, this state of affairs has altered fundamentally. One consequence of this has been a revitalisation of nationality as a distinguishing marker. Taking its point of departure from ongoing research on Polish migrant workers in Denmark, this paper shows how nationality has become a means to gain access to the Danish labour market, mainly through the willingness to accept a lower wage. A reduction in pay also takes place when new workers are contracted within the Danish labour market system, previously renowned for its egalitarianism. The paper discusses how this apparent dilemma can be understood and whether it might be an unavoidable outcome of the transformations that have taken place on the labour markets in the new economic and political landscape.
Flexibilización del mercado de trabajo y precarización del empleo. La contratación temporal: aspectos teóricos, legales e históricos
Authors: Bel Adell Carmen
Published: June 2015

Este artículo aborda los aspectos teóricos, legales e históricos de la contratación temporal y nos sitúa en la perspectiva conceptual que fundamenta la praxis resultante.
Tratamiento estadístico de las precipitaciones en un área de transición entre las tierras de Alicante, Murcia, Albacete y Valencia
Authors: Ponce Herrero Gabino
Published: June 2015

Si bien la climatología dinámica explica satisfactoriamente los elementos del clima en ámbitos generales, un tratamiento analítico se muestra indispensable para definir los elementos resultantes de las combinaciones particulares acaecidas en cada región entre los diversos aspectos que intervienen directamente, o pueden tener influencia, en el clima local.
El abastecimiento de Sevilla y su zona de influencia: inercias de la política de oferta y debilidades de la gestión de la demanda
Authors: Moral Ituarte Leandro del
Published: June 2015

Justamente al finalizar la Exposición Universal de 1992, el sistema de abastecimiento de Sevilla entra en crisis. El análisis de esta situación obliga a tomar en consideración, al menos, seis factores, cuyo tratamiento puede ser de utilidad para el enfoque más general del problema de los abastecimientos en España: los métodos de evaluación de los recursos disponibles, las características de la gestión del sistema (modelos de consumo, estructura tarifaria y gestión de la red de distribución), las posibilidades de reasignación de recursos entre usuarios, la potencialidad del uso integrado de aguas superficiales y subterráneas, los costes ambientales de las soluciones propuestas y el tratamiento de la información y educación de los usuarios. Al final, se avanzan las condiciones que, en opinión de autor, un programa de gestión de la demanda, basado en la planificación al mínimo coste, habría de cumplir.
Mapa pluviométrico de España peninsular y Baleares (en el período internacional 1961-1990)
Authors: Capel Molina José Jaime
Published: June 2015

Nuestro trabajo de investigación es un comentario geográfico del mapa pluviométrico medio de España peninsular y Baleares (en el período internacional 1961-1990). El mapa ha sido trazado a escala 1:1.000.000, con los datos de 689 estaciones pluviométricas. La pluviometría española presenta cifras muy desiguales en función a lo compartimentado de su relieve. Así entre el N/NW y el SE peninsular se producen los contrastes más acusados provocando el máximo gradiente vegetal y pluviométrico. A lo largo del meridiano 2º Longitud Oeste, se origina el máximo gradiente, desde el observatorio de Articutza (Navarra Atlántica), a 43º 12' N, con 2.661 mm., hasta los 160 mm. de cabo de Gata (Almería), a 36º 45'.
Terrazas de cultivo abandonadas en el sureste peninsular: aspectos evolutivos
Authors: Marco Molina Juan Antonio , Morales Gil Alfredo
Published: June 2015

Se realiza una aproximación al tema del abandono de las terrazas de cultivo en el sureste peninsular que, por su particularidad, plantea: problemas conceptuales y de definición del objeto de estudio en el contexto geográfico; el establecimiento de perspectivas y observaciones generales sobre el estado de las terrazas; así como una valoración de los condicionantes evolutivos y las hipótesis de trabajo.
El clima: factor de diferenciación espacial. Divisiones regionales del mundo desde la antigüedad al S. XVIII
Authors: Olcina Cantos Jorge
Published: June 2015

El clima ha sido empleado, desde la antiguedad, por diversos autores, como elemento de diferenciación espacial. Climatólogos, meteorólogos, botánicos, agrónomos, entre otros, han elaborado, variadas divisiones regionales del clima que forman lo esencial de la climatología regional. Pero además, numerosos geógrafos han destacado el papel fundamental que cumple el clima para explicar repartos espaciales de sociedades y modos de vida e incluso, algún autor, se ha aventurado a esbozar divisiones regionales del mundo en función del factor climático. Unas y otras ofrecen unidades diversas que se dan en el espacio atendiendo a un criterio físico; son, por tanto, regiones de cariz natural existentes en la superficie terrestre.
El mapa de la política de colonización en Andalucía
Authors: Cruz Villalón Josefina
Published: June 2015

La política de colonización ha tenido una gran trascendencia en Andalucía, ya que es la responsable directa de la transformación de más de 250.000 hectáreas en regadío, así como de la construcción de unos 130 poblados en la región. En esta comunicación se analizan los resultados de esta vasta operación de intervención sobre el territorio y se hace una reflexión sobre su eficacia en términos económicos, sociales y medioambientales, el contexto de la actual política agraria comunitaria.
Ocupación antrópica de ramblas y barrancos en la comarca del Bajo Segura (Alicante): análisis-diagnóstico de la situación en alguno de sus municipios
Authors: Balboa Zaragoza Eladio
Published: June 2015

El propósito de este trabajo es mostrar, a partir del estudio de casos concretos, la ocupación antrópica de los cauces en distintos municipios de la Vega Baja del Segura. En estos cauces, se encuentran numerosos puntos conflictivos, en los que lluvias de fuerte intensidad horaria producen pérdidas humanas y daños económicos. Los Planes Municipales de Emergencia, de elaboración obligatoria en municipios de población superior a 2.000 habitantes y solución necesaria para disminuir la siniestralidad de las áreas afectadas, se muestran ineficaces ante su inexistencia, en unos casos, o su no disponibilidad en el propio municipio.
Una propuesta de terminología castellana en climatología urbana
Authors: Moreno García María del Carmen
Published: June 2015

La Climatología Urbana en España constituye una especialidad muy joven, si bien en los países anglosajones cuenta ya con una larga tradición. En estos momentos iniciales sería muy importante asumir la adopción de una terminología en castellano común sobre los principales conceptos del clima urbano que resulte clara y de fácil comprensión. Por ello, se proponen once términos castellanos para otros tantos conceptos, con sus denominaciones originarias en inglés, explicando de un modo razonado el por qué de dicha propuesta.
Planeamiento ambiental a escala de detalle: microrreservas de flora en la Comunidad Valenciana
Authors: Padilla Blanco Ascensión , Ramón Morte Alfredo
Published: June 2015

La planificación del medio físico tiene, entre sus objetivos prioritarios, la aplicación de una política preventiva, capaz de evitar el deterioro del medio ambiente. La preservación de espacios de calidad ambiental lleva consigo la creación de figuras de protección dotadas de un cuerpo legal que asegura su gestión funcional. La actitud política, al respecto, ha variado a lo largo de la historia, impuesta por criterios económicos e influida por aspectos culturales y por la propia evolución científica en el conocimiento del medio ambiente. La aparición de las microrreservas de flora en la Comunidad Valenciana responde a una nueva estrategia en materia de protección, basada en criterios científicos y ecológicos, siendo, además, una medida atrevida y novedosa de la Comunidad Europea, con escasos precedentes. Merece la pena examinar, desde un punto de vista geográfico, la creación de una red pionera de microrreservas por parte del Servicio de Protección de Especies de la Generalitat Valenciana, con el fin de evaluar las implicaciones territoriales de su implantación.
Interview with scholar, translator and lexicographer Donald Rayfield
Authors: Rayfield Donald
Published: June 2015

Donald Rayfield is Emeritus Professor of Russian and Georgian at Queen Mary, University of London. He has been at the forefront of Georgian studies for many years and has published widely on Georgia, authoring several major studies on its literature and history, and translating works by Galaktion Tabidze, Otar Chiladze, Akaki Tsereteli and, most recently, Mikheil Javakhishvili. Slovo meets him to find out about the past, present and (speculative) future of this rich but much underrepresented literature in the Anglophone world.
Click here to read the interview.
Medien-Heterotopien
Authors: Kleiner Marcus S.
Published: June 2015

Erinnern und Vergessen bestimmen die Auseinandersetzung mit den Medien. In der medien-, kultur- und sozialwissenschaftlichen Medienforschung ist der Diskurs gesellschaftskritischer Medientheorien bisher vergessen worden. Ausgehend von der systematischen Aufarbeitung dieses Diskurses, in dessen Zentrum die Themen Medienwirklichkeit, Medienkritik, Medienkompetenz und Medien-Heterotopien stehen, werden die Grundlagen für eine pragmatisch orientierte und transdisziplinär angelegte gesellschaftskritische Medientheorie der Mediengesellschaft geschaffen, die zwischen Diskurs und Praxis vermittelt.
Soziale Stadtpolitik
Authors: Güntner Simon
Published: June 2015

Seit den späten 1980er Jahren hat sich in Europa ein Planungsansatz etabliert, der mit quartiersbezogenen Strategien versucht, der sozialräumlichen Segregation in den Großstädten entgegenzuwirken. Die Studie rekonstruiert die Entwicklung dieser Politik von frühen Diskursen bis hin zu politischen Beschlüssen und der Umsetzung in Förderprogrammen und Projekten. Sie zeigt, wie es im Politikprozess zu der jeweiligen Kopplung von Problemdeutung und Instrumentierung kam. Als Beispiele werden die EU-Gemeinschaftsinitiativen URBAN I und II, das Bund-Länder-Programm »Soziale Stadt« und die »Sozialorientierte Stadtentwicklung« in Berlin betrachtet.
A case of late diagnosis of Gaucher disease with lung involvement (case study)
Authors: Tofolean Doina , Adam Tatiana , Mazilu Laura , Parepa Irinel-Raluca
Published: June 2015

The present authors report the case of an adult male with no medical history, who developed prolonged fever of unknown cause, progression of anemia and lung fibrosis. A hematological disease was suspected and further investigations were done. The bone marrow aspirate raised the suspicion of Gaucher’s disease. The positive diagnosis was Gaucher’s disease with lung involvement (pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension), and cardiac involvement (restrictive cardiomyopathy). Clinical evolution was unfavorable, and the patient died of cardiorespiratory failure.

In conclusion, the present case report illustrates a late diagnosis of Gaucher’s disease with lung and cardiac involvement resulting in death in a short period
Drei Sonnen über Gelnhausen
Authors: Becker Anja
Published: June 2015

We know that Hermann I., the Landgrave of Thuringia, was one of Wolfram’s patrons. But when exactly and how long did the author stay at his court? In my paper, I present an overlooked allusion which Wolfram makes in his dawn song, ›Ez ist nu tac‹. Wolfram describes the intimacy between the lovers by saying, even if the sun were threefold the three suns could not divide the couple. This is not just a metaphor but a historical reference to a halo phenomenon seen over Gelnhausen on January 30
Hunc tercium conscripsi cum maximo labore occultandi
Authors: Märker Almuth , Nemes Balázs J.
Published: June 2015

This article presents a manuscript that significantly enriches the textual corpus of ›Helfta Mysticism‹ with a series of hitherto unknown writings. Aside from this, it contains what is by some distance the oldest copy of the ›Legatus divinae pietatis‹, in the form of a ›special edition‹ that consists of excerpts from the known text as well as new material. This is preceded by a prologue and a florilegium which is marked in an epilogue as Gertrude’s own work. We argue that the epilogue of the florilegium, the prologue and the ›special edition‹ itself were probably composed by ›Sister N of Helfta‹ herself. The article provides a full description of the manuscript (Ms 827), a breakdown of the new ›special edition‹ of the ›Legatus‹-text, and an edition, translation, and close reading of the prologue.
Volume comparison of radiofrequency ablation at 3- and 5-cm target volumes for four different radiofrequency generators: MR volumetry in an open 1-T MRI system versus macroscopic measurement
Authors: Rathke Hendrik , Hamm Bernd , Guettler Felix , Lohneis Philipp , Stroux Andrea , Suttmeyer Britta , Jonczyk Martin , Teichgräber Ulf , de Bucourt Maximilian
Published: June 2015

In a patient, it is usually not macroscopically possible to estimate the non-viable volume induced by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) after the procedure. The purpose of this study was to use an

Sixty-four liver specimens cut from 16 bovine livers were ablated under constant simulated, close physiological conditions with target volumes set to 14.14 ml (3-cm lesion) and 65.45 ml (5-cm lesion). Four commercially available radiofrequency (RF) systems were tested (n=16 for each system; n=8 for 3 cm and n=8 for 5 cm). A T1-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence with inversion recovery and a proton-density (PD)-weighted TSE sequence were acquired in a 1.0-T open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. After manual dissection, actual macroscopic ablation diameters were measured and volumes calculated. MR volumetry was performed using a semiautomatic software tool. To validate the correctness and feasibility of the volume formula in macroscopic measurements, MR multiplanar reformation diameter measurements with subsequent volume calculation and semiautomatic MR volumes were correlated.

Semiautomatic MR volumetry yielded smaller volumes than manual measurement after dissection, irrespective of RF system used, target lesion size, and MR sequence. For the 3-cm lesion, only 43.3% (T1) and 41.5% (PD) of the entire necrosis are detectable. For the 5-cm lesion, only 40.8% (T1) and 37.2% (PD) are visualized in MRI directly after intervention. The correlation between semiautomatic MR volumes and calculated MR volumes was 0.888 for the T1-weighted sequence and 0.875 for the PD sequence.

After correlation of semiautomatic MR volumes and calculated MR volumes, it seems reasonable to use the respective volume formula for macroscopic volume calculation. Hyperacute MRI after