bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subliming and Subverting
Authors: Chin Chuanfei
Published: July 2014

What is special about the philosophy of history when the history is about science? I shall focus on an impasse between two perspectives – one seeking an ideal of rationality to guide scientific practices, and one stressing the contingency of the practices. They disagree on what this contingency means for scientific norms. Their impasse underlies some fractious relations within History and Philosophy of Science. Since the late 1960s, this interdisciplinary field has been described, variously, as an “intimate relationship or marriage of convenience”, a “marriage for the sake of reason”, a “troubling interaction”, a “precarious relationship”, or one at risk of “epistemological derangement”.

My paper has three aims. First, I characterise two idealised perspectives in this impasse: the sublimers and subversives. Then I describe a curious dynamic in which each perspective accuses the other of, simultaneously, claiming too little and too much. Subliming is dismissed for being scholastic, and condemned for being imperialist. Subverting is disparaged for being merely sociological, then criticised for being irrational or relativist. Here I draw on and extend the analyses of science studies in Kitcher (1998), Zammito (2011) and others. Second, I argue that sublimers and subversives often talk past each other. Their mutual dismissals and condemnations arise partly because each perspective misconstrues the other’s claims. Each fails to see that the other is interested in different problems and interprets concepts differently. Third, I suggest that my analysis clarifies some current disagreements and old debates about contingency in science. It may also apply to debates on the contingency of norms in non-scientific realms.
Comparative study of the phlebotomine sand fly species (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) of the genera Nyssomyia Barretto, 1962, Bichromomyia Artemiev, 1991, and Migonemyia Galati, 1995, vectors of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil
Authors: GODOY RODRIGO ESPÍNDOLA , GALATI EUNICE APARECIDA BIANCHI , CORDEIROESTRELA PEDRO , DE SOUZA NATALY ARAÚJO , DOS SANTOS THIAGO VASCONCELOS , DE SOUSA LINDEMBERG CARANHA , RANGEL ELIZABETH FERREIRA
Published: July 2014

Phlebotominae, a group of insects with great medical importance especially in Brazil, are responsible for transmitting causal agents of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. In Brazil, the most important species of Leishmania Ross, 1903 are L. (Viannia) braziliensis Vianna, 1911, whose main vectors are Nyssomyia intermedia Lutz & Neiva, 1912, Ny. neivai Pin-to, 1926, Ny. whitmani Antunes & Coutinho, 1939 and Migonemyia migonei França, 1920; and L. (Leishmania) amazon-ensis Lainson & Shaw, 1972, for which Bichromomyia flaviscutellata Mangabeira, 1942 is the main vector. The present study sought to investigate the morphological as well as geometrical and linear morphometric characteristics of these five sand flies in an attempt to cluster these species. Our aim was to reveal some of the characters that might help identify these phlebotomine species and also be useful in future phylogenetic studies. Comparative analyses by linear and geometric morphometric characters allowed us to distinguish the genera of these sand flies and assess the taxonomic position of Ny. intermedia and Ny. neivai, the so-called “cryptic species”. Significant differences were observed in several of the analyzed structures, including the centroid size of the wings and the ratio between the ejaculatory filament and its tip. Based on the linear morphometric analytical results, the size of the centroids of the wings and their shapes indicated that these three species of Nyssomyia are phenetically more similar to Mg. migonei (all vectors of L. (V.) braziliensis) than to Bi. flavis-cutellata (vector of L. (L.) amazonensis). These results are in agreement with the division of the genera Nyssomyia and Bichromomyia.
Review of the genus Pentacentrus Saussure (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Pentacentrinae) from China
Authors: LIU HAO-YU , MAO SHAO-LI , SHI FU-MING
Published: July 2014

Four new species of Pentacentrus Gorochov from China are described and illustrated, P. acutiparamerus Liu & Shi sp. nov., P. biflexuous Liu & Shi sp. nov., P. emarginatus Liu & Shi sp. nov. and P. parvulus Liu & Shi sp. nov. A key and a distribution map of the Chinese species of this genus are provided.
First description of imago and redescription of nymph for Cloeodes irvingi Waltz & McCafferty, 1987 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae)
Authors: LIMA LUCAS R. C. , JACOBUS LUKE M. , PINHEIRO ULISSES
Published: July 2014

The male imago of Cloeodes irvingi Waltz & McCafferty, 1987 is described for the first time based on reared nymphs collected from the state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. It is differentiated from Neotropical congeners, among other characteristics, by the marginal intercalary veins being paired, except between veins ICu1–ICu2 and ICu2–CuP where they are single and between Sc–R1 and CuP–A where they are absent; segment II of forceps with a medial constriction; and the posterior margin of the subgenital plate being rounded. The nymph of this species is redescribed based on new and original specimens. It is differentiated from Neotropical congeners, among others characteristics, by having a labrum with a dorsal arc composed of 2 + 0 + 2 long, spine-like setae, a labial palp segment III that is subquadrangular, and the fore femur with an apex that is not projected, with 2 blunt setae.
Is Dicroglossidae Anderson, 1871 (Amphibia, Anura) an available nomen?
Authors: Ohler Annemarie , Dubois Alain
Published: July 2014

Anderson (1871a: 38) mentioned the family nomen Dicroglossidae, without any comment, in a list of specimens of the collections of the Indian Museum of Calcutta (now the Zoological Survey of India). He referred to this family a single species, Xenophrys monticola, a nomen given by Günther (1864) to a species of Megophryidae from Darjeeling and Khasi Hills (India) which has a complex nomenclatural history (Dubois 1989, 1992; Deuti et al. submitted). Dubois (1987: 57), considering that the nomen Dicroglossidae had been based on the generic nomen Dicroglossus Günther, 1860, applied it to a family group taxon, the tribe Dicroglossini, for which he proposed a diagnosis. The genus Dicroglossus had been erected by Günther (1860), 11 years before Anderson’s (1871a) paper, for the unique species Dicroglossus adolfi. Boulenger (1882: 17) stated that this specific nomen was a subjective junior synonym of Rana cyanophlyctis Schneider, 1799, and therefore Dicroglossus a subjective junior synonym of Rana Linnaeus, 1758 (Boulenger, 1882: 7). The synonymy of these two species nomina has been accepted as valid until now by all authors, and we here confirm it, having examined the symphoronts (syntypes) of Rana cyanophlyctis (ZMB 3198, adult female, SVL 50.0 mm; ZMB 3197, adult female, SVL 44.7 mm) and of Dicroglossus adolfi (BMNH 1947.2.4.60, adult female, SVL 38.6 mm; BMNH 1947.2.4.61, adult male, SVL 33.1 mm; BMNH 1947.2.25.46, adult male, SVL 39.0 mm). Dubois (1980: 158, 1981: 238) referred the species cyanophlyctis to the genus Euphlyctis Fitzinger, 1843, where is still stands nowadays (Frost et al. 2006; Joshy et al. 2009). The nomen Dicroglossini was subsequently upgraded to the rank subfamily, as Dicroglossinae (Dubois 1992: 309, 313; Roelants et al. 2004: 732), then to the rank family, as Dicroglossidae (Frost et al. 2006: 241). The taxon at stake is currently recognized as valid by most authors, as the family Dicroglossidae Anderson, 1871 (Roelants et al. 2007; Fei et al. 2010: 25; Blackburn & Wake 2011: 42; Pyron & Wiens 2011: 579; Fei et al. 2012: 436; Vitt & Caldwell 2014: 510).
Validation of the South Asian cichlid genus Pseudetroplus Bleeker (Pisces: Cichlidae)
Authors: PETHIYAGODA ROHAN , MADUWAGE KALANA , MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI KELUM
Published: July 2014

The South Asian Cichlidae are composed of two clades that together represent the sister group of the Madagascan genus Paretroplus Bleeker. Chaetodon suratensis Bloch and Etroplus canarensis Day are retained in Etroplus Cuvier, while Chaetodon maculatus Bloch is allocated to Pseudetroplus Bleeker. Pseudetroplus is distinguished from Etroplus in having, among other characters, 11 (vs. 12–13) pleural ribs; 26–27 (vs. 28–29) vertebrae; the anterior half of the median suture between the lower pharyngeal jaw serrated (vs. smooth); the first 6 anal-fin pterygiophores arranged anterior to the first 3 (vs. 2) haemal spines; the supraoccipital-exoccipital prong extending ventrally about half-way across the foramen magnum (vs. not extending into the foramen magnum); and the anterior jaw teeth tricuspid, acuminate (vs. unicuspid, spatulate). Microgaster Swainson is a synonym of Pseudetroplus and a junior homonym of Microgaster Latreille in Hymenoptera.
Observations of the Origin and Distribution of Ice in Cold, Warm, and Occluded Frontal Systems during the DIAMET Campaign
Authors: Lloyd G. , Dearden C. , Choularton T. W. , Crosier J. , Bower K. N.
Published: July 2014

Three case studies in frontal clouds from the Diabatic Influences on Mesoscale Structures in Extratropical Storms (DIAMET) project are described to understand the microphysical development of the mixed phase regions of these clouds. The cases are a kata-type cold front, a wintertime warm front, and a summertime occluded frontal system. The clouds were observed by radar, satellite, and in situ microphysics measurements from the U.K. Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) research aircraft. The kata cold front cloud was shallow with a cloud-top temperature of approximately −13°C. Cloud-top heterogeneous ice nucleation was found to be consistent with predictions by a primary ice nucleation scheme. The other case studies had high cloud tops (< −40°C) and despite no direct cloud-top measurements in these regions, homogeneous ice nucleation would be expected. The maximum ice crystal concentrations and ice water contents in all clouds were observed at temperatures around −5°C. Graupel was not observed, hence, secondary ice was produced by riming on snow falling through regions of supercooled liquid water. Within these regions substantial concentrations (10–150 L−1) of supercooled drizzle were observed. The freezing of these drops increases the riming rate due to the increase in rimer surface area. Increasing rime accretion has been shown to lead to higher ice splinter production rates. Despite differences in the cloud structure, the maximum ice crystal number concentration in all three clouds was ~100 L−1. Ice water contents were similar in the warm and occluded frontal cases, where median values in both cases reached ~0.2–0.3 g m−3, but lower in the cold front case.
Efficacy of Ethanol Ablation for Thyroglossal Duct Cyst
Authors: Lee Dong Kun , Seo Ji Won , Park Heon Soo , Kang Myung Koo , Jang Ae Lan , Lee Joon Hyung , Hong Jong Chul
Published: July 2014

Objective:

Ethanol ablation has been known as an effective, easy, and safe treatment of cystic thyroid lesions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate efficacy of ethanol ablation as a minimally invasive management of thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC).

Methods:

Between January 2012 and July 2013, 9 TGDC patients were diagnosed and treated with ethanol ablation. We evaluated the treatment outcomes with the change of volume reduction and the improvement of symptomatic and cosmetic complaints and complications.

Results:

Initial mean tumor volume was 8.9 mL (range, 0.2-36.9 mL) in ultrasonography. The mean number of the treatment sessions was 1.7 (range, 1-3 sessions). At last follow-up, the mean volume of the treated thyroglossal duct cyst decreased significantly from 8.9 mL to 1.9 mL ( P = .019; volume reduction rate = 76.6%). Treatment success rate was 77.8% (7/9). Mean symptoms and cosmetic-grading scores improved from 5.2 to 3.1 and from 5.3 to 3.1 ( P = .062). No significant complications were observed during follow-up.

Conclusion:

Ethanol ablation is a feasible and convenient procedure without surgical scars and hospitalization for TGDC patients. Favorable outcomes can be achieved without significant complications.
A real-time PCR method for quantifying mixed cashmere and wool based on hair mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Tang Minfeng , Zhang Weiping , Zhou Hui , Fei Jing , Yang Juan , Lu Weimin , Zhang Shuya , Ye Shanghua , Wang Xiaoping
Published: July 2014

Cashmere, a kind of luxury fiber obtained from cashmere goat, is characterized by its fineness, lightness, and softness. Products made of cashmere are much more expensive than those of sheep wool, so adulteration and false declaration occur quite often in the industrial chain. We here describe a method for quantifying cashmere and wool mixture based on mitochondrial DNA extracted from natural or processed animal hair. Two sets of TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and probes that can react specifically to goat and sheep mitochondrial 12 S ribosomal (rRNA) genes were designed. The two systems exert almost the same amplification rate. Cashmere collected from different producing areas of China, and cashmere from individual goats of different age were employed to verify the method, and no significant difference was found between different cashmere samples, which proved that the copy number of mitochondrion has little impact on quantifying results. Thus, the method can be applied to quantify each component in a cashmere/wool mixture. The method will also be of great value in inspection of the quality of cashmere products on the world markets.
Irish emigration in the 1970s: The ‘problem’ discourse of political elites
Authors: Clary-Lemon Jennifer
Published: July 2014

Using Wodak’s discourse-historical approach, this article analyzes documented examples of ‘emigration-as-problem’ discourse from elite Irish discourse of the 1970s. Noting that elite discourse uses perpetuation strategies of argument to frame emigration as a negative phenomenon, the author suggests that such strategies serve important social functions in regards to creating a strawperson argument for the government and in contributing to the image of the Irish at home. The article calls for a closer look at the ways elite discourse set the terms of debate for private discourse in the range of data collected about Irish emigrant experience.
Driving forces of cluster evolution – Growth and lock-in of two German packaging machinery clusters
Authors: Mossig Ivo , Schieber Lars
Published: July 2014

This paper explores the driving forces for divergent trajectories of cluster evolution within the same branch of industry using the example of two packaging machinery clusters located in the German regions of Schwaebisch-Hall and Mittelhessen. Between 1998 and 2010 the Schwaebisch-Hall cluster recorded an increase in employment of almost two thirds. On the other hand, employment in the Mittelhessen cluster declined by about 15% and the cluster is characterised by negative functional and cognitive lock-in. This study tackles the existing lack of comparative in-depth longitudinal case studies with regard to cluster evolution. In doing so, the driving forces from recent conceptual approaches to cluster dynamics are exemplified empirically, which has rarely been done before. It is pointed out that dynamics at individual firm level (e.g. routines, spin-offs) are equally important – albeit highly interdependent – as those dynamics of relations (e.g. learning, rivalry, policy) and those operating at a systemic level (e.g. cluster heterogeneity, markets). Therefore we consider conceptual approaches to cluster evolution, which combine several driving forces to really understand changes, as necessary.
Austerity policies, social dialogue and public services in Italian local government
Authors: Bordogna Lorenzo , Neri Stefano
Published: July 2014

This article analyses the effects of austerity policies on local government in Italy. As in many EU countries, local government has been one of the main targets, within the wider public sector, of government policies to address the economic and sovereign debt crises, with a threefold effect: on local government employees, on local government employment relations institutions and practices, and on the provision of local public services. After a general overview of these policies, the cases of two Italian medium-large municipalities are analysed, showing the impact of austerity measures on the employment conditions of municipal employees and on the services provided by municipalities, as well as the influence of social dialogue on this impact. Variations between the two cases are highlighted, conditioned by the locally specific features of employment relations and actors’ strategies.
The continuation of early austerity measures: the special case of Germany
Authors: Keller Berndt
Published: July 2014

The article deals with the consequences of austerity measures at municipal level in Germany. The first part describes the institutional framework, looking at the development and structure of employment, legal peculiarities, financial conditions and their more recent developments. The second part analyses employment relations, including employers’ organizations and unions, the collective bargaining structure and recent changes to it as well as measures of privatization. Finally, some preliminary conclusions are listed. From a comparative perspective, Germany constitutes a special case, with austerity measures having been initiated and causing lasting job losses long before the financial and debt crisis.
Economic crisis and municipal public service employment: comparing developments in seven EU Member States
Authors: Leisink Peter , Bach Stephen
Published: July 2014

This article examines the impact of austerity policies in seven EU Member States on municipal employment and the ways in which social dialogue can influence consequences for employees. It provides a comparative institutional framework, looking at municipal tasks and powers, and the social dialogue institutions available in the respective countries. In addition, the outcomes of austerity policies are compared with regard to wages, employment levels and the public service provision, as well as the influence of social dialogue institutions on these outcomes. Trade unions and workplace employee representatives face a dilemma, having to choose between concession bargaining and opposition to employer plans in order to preserve public sector employment. Between and within countries there seem to be significant differences in their success. Generally speaking, however, these are tough times for municipal workers, their representatives and citizens dependent on the services municipalities offer.
Rationale of conspiracy theorizing: Who shot the President Chen Shui-bian?
Authors: Nefes Türkay S
Published: July 2014

Despite their apparent, and at times escalating, significance, there are not many studies on the ways conspiracy theories are used in political debates. This research attempts to fill the gap in the existing scholarship by suggesting a rational choice view in understanding conspiracy theorizing, and tests its argument on the uses of online conspiratorial accounts about the attempted assassination of Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian in 2004. Findings show that there is a significant correlation between perception of threat and proposing conspiracy theories, and online users change the direction of their conspiratorial accounts subsequent to the release of election results. The article concludes that online users propose conspiracy theories rationally in line with their political arguments and perceived threats.
In-group favoritism due to friend selection strategies based on fixed tag and within-group reputation
Authors: Nakai Yutaka
Published: July 2014

In-group favoritism (e.g. in the context of nationalism or ethnocentrism) has been receiving considerable attention. To explain it, many researches have proposed theoretical models using a tag which was assumed as a variable one. Following the perspective that an ethnicity is invariable, we assume a fixed tag. We also assume that the reputations of others are created and shared within a group. On the basis of these assumptions, we introduce strategies for selecting friends using tags and within-group reputations. We conducted evolutionary simulations and found the emergence of in-group favoritism. The tag in our model is not minimal but highly neutral because it is defined not to cause a direct payoff. In the beginning of a simulation, the identification of a tag is independent of any payoff, but the tag ultimately becomes closely correlated to cooperation and a payoff.
Impact of Medication Reconciliation and Review on Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Lehnbom Elin C. , Stewart Michael J. , Manias Elizabeth , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: July 2014

Objective: To examine the evidence regarding the effectiveness of medication reconciliation and review and to improve clinical outcomes in hospitals, the community, and aged care facilities. Data Source: This systematic review was undertaken in concordance with the PRISMA statement. Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched for relevant articles published between January 2000 and March 2014. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Randomized and nonrandomized studies rating the severity of medication discrepancies and medication-related problems identified during medication reconciliation and/or review were considered for inclusion. Data were extracted independently by 2 authors using a data collection form. Data Synthesis: Of the 5292 articles identified, 83 articles met the inclusion criteria. Medication reconciliation identified unintentional medication discrepancies in 3.4% to 98.2% of patients. There is limited evidence of the potential of these discrepancies to cause harm. Medication reviews identified medication-related problems or possible adverse drug reactions in 17.2% to 94.0% of patients. The studies reported conflicting findings regarding the impact of medication review on length of stays, readmissions, and mortality. Conclusions: The evidence demonstrates that medication reconciliation has the potential to identify many medication discrepancies and reduce potential harm, but the impact on clinical outcomes is less clear. Similarly, medication review can detect medication-related problems in many patients, but evidence of clinical impact is scant. Overall, there is limited evidence that medication reconciliation and medication review processes, as currently performed, significantly improve clinical outcomes, such as reductions in hospital readmissions.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and ADHD
Authors: Adeyemo Bamidele O. , Biederman Joseph , Zafonte Ross , Kagan Elana , Spencer Thomas J. , Uchida Mai , Kenworthy Tara , Spencer Andrea E. , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: July 2014

Objective: This study investigated the association between mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and ADHD, which increases risk of injuries and accidents. Method: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that examined the relationship between mTBI and ADHD. Results: Five studies, comprising 3,023 mTBI patients and 9,716 controls, fit our a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. A meta-analysis found a significant association between ADHD and mTBI, which was significant when limited to studies that reported on ADHD subsequent to mTBI and when the direction of the association was not specified, but not for studies that reported mTBI subsequent to ADHD. Heterogeneity of effect size and publication biases were not evident. Conclusion: The literature documents a significant association between mTBI and ADHD. Further clarification of the relationship and direction of effect between mTBI and ADHD and treatment implications could have large clinical, scientific, and public health implications.
Framing politics in transnational communities: Spanish-language immigrant media and election coverage in South Florida
Authors: Fernandes Juliana , Shumow Moses
Published: July 2014

Miami-Dade County, Florida, has 2.5 million residents, with more than half (52%) born outside of the United States. Catering to these immigrant populations is a rich landscape of community media outlets focusing on the multiple Hispanic immigrant communities in this region. Drawing on the confluence of these geographic and socio-cultural factors, as well as the growing political influence of Hispanic populations, this study presents the results of a content analysis of election articles ( N = 398) produced by four Hispanic immigrant media outlets in Miami-Dade over the course of a year. The results show an emphasis on covering elections in the home country, and contribute to the growing body of research on the increasingly transnational lives of immigrant populations and provide new insights into how these media outlets shape the coverage of elections that impact these communities.
European Generic Medicines Association (EGA) vision
Authors: van den Hoven Adrian
Published: July 2014

Patients are at the heart of the generic and biosimilar medicine industries’ mission. We are committed to supplying them with high-quality medicines, delivering better value and ensuring the sustainability of our European healthcare systems. We are, and will continue pursuing this universal aim of a healthier society through trustworthy partnerships including EU institutions, national regulators, patient groups, healhtcare professionals and other stakeholders to increase public health in Europe.
Cultured to Fail? Representations of Gender-Entangled Urban Women in Two Short Stories by Valerie Tagwira
Authors: Nyambi Oliver
Published: July 2014

There is a subtle yet discernible connection between the post-2000 political power struggle and the gender struggle in Zimbabwe. In both cases, a patriarchal power hierarchy shaped by tradition and history is perpetuated and justified as the mark of the nation’s unique identity. In cultural, political, and economic spheres, the status of most urban Zimbabwean women is still reflected as inferior to that of most men. During this economic and political crisis period, the prevailing gender power-relations evolved into gendered appraisals of the impact of the crisis and this created the potential for rather universal and androcentric conclusions. The consequent eclipse of female-centric voices of the political and gender struggle tends to suppress women’s perspectives, consequently inhibiting a gender-inclusive imagining of the nation. This article argues that discourses about gender struggle in Zimbabwe’s post-2000 crisis have not sufficiently addressed the question of space; that is, the significance of the oppressed women’s physical and social space in shaping their grievances and imaginings of exit routes. Similarly, the article argues that representations of this historic period in literary fiction have accentuated the wider political and economic struggles at the expense of other (especially gender) struggles, thereby rendering them inconsequential. Using two short stories by Valerie Tagwira (“Mainini Grace’s Promise” and “The Journey”), the article explores the stories’ focalization of gender-entangled women in an urban space to understand the literary evocation of the condition of women caught up in a crisis in urban settings.
Increasing Patient Adherence to Home Health-Monitoring Systems
Authors: Rezai Leila S. , Torenvliet Gerard , Burns Catherine M.
Published: July 2014

Research indicates that behavior change interventions can assist patients’ performance with respect to their health, and empower them to take a proactive role in their well-being. The objective of this research was to identify features that make remote health-monitoring systems more effective. To that end, a persuasive design approach was used to design a prototype application that encourages patients to consult their home monitoring devices appropriately. An exploratory user study was conducted to evaluate participants’ opinions about the developed prototype, their preferences, as well as their concerns regarding the different components of the mockup. In addition to the exploratory study, a comparative study was conducted, in which a conventionally designed health application was compared with a newly designed engagement application. The results of the study showed no difference on quantitative measures but participant preferences still indicated the engagement design may have potential.
The environment of safe care: considering building design as one facet of safety
Authors: Taylor Ellen , Hignett Sue , Joseph Anjali
Published: July 2014

Patient safety is often considered in a behavioral context – what can someone do differently to improve outcomes? However, as a complex system of interactions, patient safety is better advanced through a systems thinking lens of human factors and ergonomics (HFE). While HFE is sometimes considered in three domains: physical, cognitive, and organizational, research in the area of the design of the physical environment is often limited to products, equipment and furnishings to accommodate a diverse population of users. With an increased focus on reimbursement related to patient safety as part of healthcare reform, organizations are becoming more aware of their own shortcomings and grappling with solutions to improve performance – typically people and processes. Yet the influence of the built environment, the space in which people work and are cared for, can act as a barrier or enhancement to achieving the desired results – physically, cognitively, and organizationally. Latent conditions of the built environment can contribute to hazards and risk within the system and using Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model can also become an additional layer of defense. A consensus-based safety risk assessment (SRA) design decision tool is being developed to address these built environment latent conditions funded through a three-year grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Patterns in Patient Safety with Computerized Consult Management and Clinical Documentation
Authors: Saleem Jason J. , Frankel Richard M. , Doebbeling Bradley N. , Patterson Emily S.
Published: July 2014

Patient safety issues continue to be prevalent in delivering care with the electronic health record (EHR) and other health information technology (HIT) tools. Defining the unit of analysis for the study of clinical information systems is important based on the focus of the research. This study applies a conceptual framework with three levels of units of analysis for human-computer interaction (HCI) to identify and guide investigations at each level. Ethnographic observations and semi-structured, key-informant interviews were conducted with 40 healthcare workers across five primary care clinics, nine specialty clinics, and one inpatient ward at a tertiary-care Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Two researchers recorded the interactions and interview responses of 40 healthcare workers related to their work with computerized consultations, clinical documentation, and the EHR in general. Patient safety issues from these data were categorized using three different units of analysis: EHR interface-, team coordination / workflow-, and organizational-levels. A total of 30 patient safety issues were identified; 17 emerged from the observation and interview data on computerized consults, 10 from the data on clinical documentation, and 3 were related to the EHR in general. Patient safety issues were organized by level of unit of analysis and mapped to specific methods that could be used for further investigation. Relevant concepts are discussed to help guide investigations at each level.
Analysis and Evaluation of Clinical Communication in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Napoli Nicholas J. , Barnhardt William , Young Jeﬀrey , Barnes Laura
Published: July 2014

For decades, emergency departments have become increasingly unable to meet escalating patient demands. In order to allow emergency departments to operate beyond their designed capacity, major eﬀorts have gone into improving their work-ﬂow, eﬃciency, and quality of care. Many studies have show that ineﬃciencies and error in a clinical setting are linked to communications. As a means to improve the quality of care for trauma patients, this study examines the present communication systems for diﬀerent admission pathways to the University of Virginia’s Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) and recommends a new design for critical operations. The evaluation and analysis of this new design will identify critical factors, including potential communication modalities, implementation details, potential key clinician roles, and in which processes the new system will be useful. Our objective is to design a real-time communication infrastructure for operations within a critical care unit by an informed design process.
Surgical Stapler Adverse Events in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Fuller Helen J. A. , Paull Douglas E. , Williams Linda C.
Published: July 2014

In many operations, surgical staplers are utilized to ligate and divide blood vessels and other structures. Because staplers are often used to divide major blood vessels, adverse events may be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Previous research has identified a number of distinct failure modes. In the present study, 13 cases involving surgical staplers were identified in the Veterans Health Administration’s adverse event database. Pulmonary operations represented the largest group, and outcomes were generally severe. A large number of the root causes involved environmental factors; user, equipment, and task factors were also identified. While surgical stapler use is generally safe, there are a number of steps that surgical teams could take to promote safe use and recovery from adverse events.
Web Application Dashboards
Authors: Hughes Todd C. , Coleman Tina , Benjamin Hellar David , Vega Laurian C. , Patterson Emily S.
Published: July 2014

The Ozone Widget Framework (OWF) is a dashboard environment that enables users to select and arrange web applications in a highly customized way. OWF is available as Free Open Source Software and has been deployed in a variety of defense and intelligence analysis environments ranging from real-time analytics, cyber-situational awareness, to strategic and operational planning. These environments share characteristics with the information analysis and workflow needs of health care. This paper discusses those similarities and the current and future possibilities for OWF usage in health care.
Use of a Clinical Decision Support System Alert to Prevent Supratherapeutic Vancomycin Concentrations
Authors: Ralph Rachel , Patel Jean A. , Postelnick Michael , Ziauddin Salma , Flis Weronika , Galal Audrey N. , McLaughlin Milena M.
Published: July 2014

Background: Alerts issued by clinical decision support systems (CDSS) may be useful to identify and prevent the occurrence of acute kidney injury among patients on nephrotoxic drugs, particularly vancomycin. Objective: The purpose of this instructive study was to determine the effectiveness of using a pharmacist-run CDSS alert of early serum creatinine increases in patients receiving intravenous vancomycin to decrease the proportion of severely elevated vancomycin concentrations. Methods: This was a retrospective study of a prospectively reviewed CDSS alert that triggered in patients with an increase in serum creatinine by 25% from baseline within 24 hours. Severely elevated vancomycin concentrations were divided into a control group (before alert implementation) and a study group (after alert implementation) and considered for study inclusion. The proportion of severely elevated vancomycin concentrations (ie, >30 mg/L) were collected in the control and study groups. Results: There were 1290 and 1501 vancomycin concentrations in the control group and the study group, respectively. A total of 696 CDSS alerts triggered during the study period. The proportion of severely elevated vancomycin troughs decreased from 5.3% (n = 68, median = 36.6 mg/L, interquartile range = 33.75-43.2 mg/L) in the control group to 3.7% (n = 55, median = 34.7 mg/L, interquartile range = 31.3-39.3 mg/L) in the study group. This reflects a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of severely elevated vancomycin concentrations ( P = .04). Conclusion: Overall, this instructive analysis on a novel use of CDSS software suggests that the implementation of an alert based on early detection of serum creatinine changes led to a significant decrease in the proportion of severely elevated serum vancomycin concentrations.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of as aged Mg–3Sn–1Al and Mg–3Sn–2Zn–1Al alloy
Authors: Chen Y. , Jin L. , Li W. , Song Y. , Hao L.
Published: July 2014

Effect of Zn on the microstructure, age hardening response and mechanical properties of Mg–3Sn–1Al alloy which is immediately aged at 180°C after extrusion process (T5) was investigated. It was found that the Zn can refine the microstructure, remarkably improve the aging response with the peak hardness increases to 75 HV and the time to peak hardness reduces from ∼110 to ∼60 h, which is attributed to the solid solution hardening of Al, Zn and an amount of finer Mg2Sn precipitates. The as aged Mg–3Sn–2Zn–1Al alloy exhibits better mechanical property at room temperature or 150°C than that of Mg–3Sn–1Al alloy, which is ascribed to the fine grained microstructure and thermally stable Mg2Sn particles dispersed at grain boundaries and in the matrix.
A hereditary bleeding disorder resulting from a premature stop codon in thrombomodulin (p.Cys537Stop)
Authors: Langdown Jonathan , Luddington Roger J. , Huntington James A. , Baglin Trevor P.
Published: July 2014

Key Points

A novel TM mutation results in shedding of active TM into the blood. Subsequent activation of the protein C anticoagulant system causes bleeding.
Nonlinear integral inequalities on time scales with ‘maxima’
Authors: Thiramanus Phollakrit , Tariboon Jessada , Ntouyas Sotiris K
Published: July 2014

In this paper, some new types of nonlinear integral inequalities on time scales with ‘maxima’, which provide explicit bounds on unknown functions, are established. The importance of these integral inequalities is given by their wide applications in qualitative investigations of differential equations with ‘maxima’. An example is also presented to illustrate our results.

MSC:34A40, 26D15, 39A13.
Irremissible stimulate on ‘Unified fixed point theorems in fuzzy metric spaces via common limit range property’
Authors: Roldán-López-de-Hierro Antonio-Francisco , Karapınar Erdal , Kumam Poom
Published: July 2014

One of the goals of this short note is to alert researchers as regards some mistakes that appeared in a recent paper (Chauhan, Khan and Kumar in J. Inequal. Appl. 2013:182, 2013). This entails main proofs based on a false result, which invalidates all statements. We also give a complete revision of the antecedents of this work in order to find the main reasons of the mistakes. Finally, the main aim of this note is to propose a correct, more general version of the main theorems in the paper mentioned.
Solving GNOVI frameworks involving "Equation missing"-weak-GRD set-valued mappings in positive Hilbert spaces
Authors: Li Hong Gang , Pan Xian Bing , Deng Zhi Ying , Wang Chang You
Published: July 2014

First, a new concept, positive Hilbert spaces, is introduced and some fundamental inequalities which are applied to studying the properties of the resolvent operator associated for(γG,λ)-weak-GRDset-valued mappings are introduced and discussed in positive Hilbert spaces. Next, by using the resolvent operator and fixed point theory, an existence theorem and an approximation algorithm to solve a new class of general nonlinear ordered inclusions are established and suggested. In this field, the results obtained seem to be general in nature.

MSC:49J40, 47H06.
The hybrid steepest descent method for solutions of equilibrium problems and other problems in fixed point theory
Authors: Osilike Micha O , Ofoedu Eric U , Attah Felix U
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we combine the gradient projection algorithm and the hybrid steepest descent method and prove the strong convergence to a common element of the equilibrium problem; the null space of an inverse strongly monotone operator; the set of fixed points of a continuous pseudocontractive mapping and the minimizer of a convex function. This common element is proved to be the unique solution of a variational inequality problem.

MSC:47H06, 47H09, 47J05, 47J25.
Tripled common fixed point theorems under probabilistic φ-contractive conditions in generalized Menger probabilistic metric spaces
Authors: Luo Ting , Zhu Chuanxi , Wu Zhaoqi
Published: July 2014

In this paper, the new concepts of generalized Menger probabilistic metric spaces and tripled common fixed point for a pair of mappings

T
:
X
×
X
×
X
→
X

and

A
:
X
→
X

are introduced. Utilizing the properties of the pseudo-metric and the triangular norm, some tripled common fixed point problems of hybrid probabilistic contractions with a gauge function φ are studied. The obtained results generalize some coupled common fixed point theorems in the corresponding literature. Finally, an example is given to illustrate our main results.

MSC:47H10, 46S50.
Common fixed point theorems for generalized multivalued contractions on cone metric spaces over a non-normal solid cone
Authors: Ðorić Dragan
Published: July 2014

In this paper we define a new class of multivalued generalized contractions on cone metric spaces. Then, by using a necessary new technique, we prove two common fixed point theorems for a pair of those mappings on complete cone metric spaces over solid, not necessarily normal cone. Our main theorems are generalizations of the theorem of Wardowski (Appl. Math. Lett. 24:275-278, 2011) and many existing theorems in the literature. By using our main theorems, we can obtained some important corollaries which are generalizations of the well-known metric fixed point theorems to setting of cone metric spaces over a solid non-normal cone.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.
Radiologically determined orthodontically induced external apical root resorption in incisors after non-surgical orthodontic treatment of class II division 1 malocclusion: a systematic review
Authors: Tieu Long D , Saltaji Humam , Normando David , Flores-Mir Carlos
Published: July 2014

This study aims to critically evaluate orthodontically induced external apical root resorption (OIEARR) in incisors of patients undergoing non-surgical orthodontic treatment of class II division 1 malocclusion by a systematic review of the published data. An electronic search of two databases was performed; the bibliographies of relevant articles were also reviewed. Studies were included if they examined the amount of OIEARR in incisors produced during non-surgical orthodontic treatment of individuals with class II division I malocclusion in the permanent dentition. Individuals had no previous history of OIEARR, syndromes, pathologies, or general diseases. Study selections, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Eight studies of moderate methodological quality were finally included. An increased prevalence (65.6% to 98.1%) and mild to moderate severity of OIEARR (<4 mm and <1/3 original root) were reported. No sex difference in root resorption was found. For the maxillary incisors, there was no evidence that either the central or lateral incisor was more susceptible to OIEARR. A weak to moderate positive correlation between treatment duration and root resorption, and anteroposterior apical displacement and root resorption was found. Current limited evidence suggests that non-surgical comprehensive orthodontic treatment to correct class II division 1 malocclusions causes increased prevalence and severity of OIEARR the more the incisor roots are displaced and the longer this movement takes.
Luminal B Breast Cancer: Molecular Characterization, Clinical Management, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Ades Felipe , Zardavas Dimitrios , Bozovic-Spasojevic Ivana , Pugliano Lina , Fumagalli Debora , de Azambuja Evandro , Viale Giuseppe , Sotiriou Christos , Piccart Martine
Published: July 2014

Gene expression profiling has reshaped our understanding of breast cancer by defining and characterizing four main intrinsic molecular subtypes: human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–enriched, basal-like, luminal A, and luminal B subtypes. Luminal B breast cancer has been reported to have lower expression of hormone receptors, higher expression of proliferation markers, and higher histologic grade than luminal A. It also exhibits worse prognosis and has a distinct profile of response to hormone therapy and chemotherapy. Although luminal cancers share similarities, the studies conducted in recent years using next-generation sequencing technology show that luminal A and B breast cancers should be perceived as distinct entities, with specific oncogenic drivers, rather than more proliferative varieties of luminal tumors. This review discusses the definition and molecular characterization of luminal B breast cancer and presents the available clinical evidence for chemotherapy and endocrine therapy patterns of response. It also provides an overview of ongoing research on molecularly targeted agents for this disease.
Phase II Randomized Trial Comparing Sequential First-Line Everolimus and Second-Line Sunitinib Versus First-Line Sunitinib and Second-Line Everolimus in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Motzer Robert J. , Barrios Carlos H. , Kim Tae Min , Falcon Silvia , Cosgriff Thomas , Harker W. Graydon , Srimuninnimit Vichien , Pittman Ken , Sabbatini Roberto , Rha Sun Young , Flaig Thomas W. , Page Ray , Bavbek Sevil , Beck J. Thaddeus , Patel Poulam , Cheung Foon-yiu , Yadav Sunil , Schiff Edward M. , Wang Xufang , Niolat Julie , Sellami Dalila , Anak Oezlem , Knox Jennifer J.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

A multicenter, randomized phase II trial, RECORD-3, was conducted to compare first-line everolimus followed by sunitinib at progression with the standard sequence of first-line sunitinib followed by everolimus in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Patients and Methods

RECORD-3 used a crossover treatment design. The primary objective was to assess progression-free survival (PFS) noninferiority of first-line everolimus compared with first-line sunitinib. Secondary end points included combined PFS for each sequence, overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results

Of 471 enrolled patients, 238 were randomly assigned to first-line everolimus followed by sunitinib, and 233 were randomly assigned to first-line sunitinib followed by everolimus. The primary end point was not met; the median PFS was 7.9 months for first-line everolimus and 10.7 months for first-line sunitinib (hazard ratio [HR], 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.8). Among patients who discontinued first-line, 108 (45%) crossed over from everolimus to second-line sunitinib, and 99 (43%) crossed over from sunitinib to second-line everolimus. The median combined PFS was 21.1 months for sequential everolimus then sunitinib and was 25.8 months for sequential sunitinib then everolimus (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9 to 1.7). The median OS was 22.4 months for sequential everolimus and then sunitinib and 32.0 months for sequential sunitinib and then everolimus (HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.9 to 1.6). Common treatment-emergent adverse events during first-line everolimus or sunitinib were stomatitis (53% and 57%, respectively), fatigue (45% and 51%, respectively), and diarrhea (38% and 57%, respectively).

Conclusion

Everolimus did not demonstrate noninferiority compared with sunitinib as a first-line therapy. The trial results support the standard treatment paradigm of first-line sunitinib followed by everolimus at progression.