bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Components of the endocannabinoid and dopamine systems are dysregulated in Huntington's disease: analysis of publicly available microarray datasets
Authors: Laprairie Robert B. , Bagher Amina M. , Precious Sophie V. , Denovan‐Wright Eileen M.
Published: January 2015

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the dopaminergic system (DAS) are two major regulators of basal ganglia function. During Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis, the expression of genes in both the ECS and DAS is dysregulated. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes that were consistently observed in the ECS and DAS during HD progression in the central nervous system (CNS) and in the periphery in different models of HD and human HD tissue. To do this, we conducted a meta‐analysis of differential gene expression in the ECS and DAS using publicly available microarray data. The consolidated data were summarized as observed changes in gene expression (OCGE) using a weighted sum for each gene. In addition, consolidated data were compared to previously published studies that were not available in the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. The resulting data confirm gene expression changes observed using different approaches and provide novel insights into the consistency between changes observed in human tissue and various models, as well as disease stage‐ and tissue‐specific transcriptional dysregulation in HD. The major implication of the systems‐wide data presented here is that therapeutic strategies targeting the ECS or DAS must consider the dynamic changes in gene expression over time and in different body areas, which occur during HD progression and the interconnectedness of the two systems.
Properties of the thermoluminescence glow peaks simulated by the interactive multiple‐trap system (IMTS) model
Authors: Sadek A. M. , Eissa H. M. , Basha A. M. , Kitis G.
Published: January 2015

Thermoluminescence (TL) glow peaks were simulated over a wide range of absorbed doses using the interactive multiple‐trap system (IMTS) model. The absorbed dose range was divided into three regions; a region in which the measured TL signal grows quadratically with the absorbed dose, a supraquadratic dose‐response region and dose‐saturation region. The properties of the simulated glow peaks were investigated for each dose region. The different behaviors of the maximum peak position (Tmax) with the absorbed doses were discussed. The applicability of applying the general‐order kinetics (GOK), the mixed‐order kinetics (MOK), and the developed one trap–one recombination (OTOR) center expressions on the IMTS glow peaks was investigated. The results showed that, in general, the developed OTOR expressions are the most apt expressions to be used in the peak‐fitting method for the deconvolution of the experimental glow curves. The accuracy of the GOK and MOK expressions in describing the IMTS glow peaks is dependent on the value of the ratio of the trapping probability to the recombination probability (R = A1/Am) and the amount of the absorbed dose. New TL expressions based on the non‐interactive multiple‐trap system (NMTS) model were deduced.
Boundary Work and Exchange: The Formation of a Professional Service Market
Authors: Liu Sida
Published: January 2015

This article develops a processual theory of boundary work and exchange for understanding the emergence and transformation of social structures such as professions and their state regulatory regimes. It argues that social boundaries are often ambiguous and elastic areas, and their social construction involves multiple forms of boundary work (boundary making, boundary blurring, and boundary maintenance) as well as the process of exchange that integrates them. Based upon 256 in‐depth interviews with law practitioners and public officials in twelve provinces of China, 3 years of ethnographic work on a professional Internet forum, and archival research, the study employs the theory of boundary work and exchange to explain the creation, differentiation, and fragmentation of legal professions in three decades of China's economic reform (1979 to 2009).
Predicting Early Intrahepatic Recurrence After Curative Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases with Molecular Markers
Authors: Narita Masato , Oussoultzoglou Elie , Chenard Marie‐Pierre , Fuchshuber Pascal , Yamamoto Tetsuro , Addeo Pietro , Jaeck Daniel , Bachellier Philippe
Published: January 2015

Background

The aim of this case–control study was to identify clinicopathological factors and test three relevant biomarkers for their ability to predict early intrahepatic recurrence after curative liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLM).

Methods

Of the 184 patients with CLM undergoing hepatectomy between January 2007 and December 2009, thirty patients had intrahepatic disease recurrence within 6 months. The control group was randomly selected from a cohort of patients between April 1997 and December 2005 who have survived without disease recurrence after CLM resection for over 5 years. Both groups were matched for size of metastasis greater than 5.0 cm, the presence of multiple metastases, and synchronous versus metachronous CLM. The final study population consisted of 60 patients with CLM undergoing R0 hepatectomy, 30 of whom had early intrahepatic‐only recurrences (study group) and 30 patients without recurrence for more than 5 years (control group). Both groups were analyzed and compared for the presence of clinical factors and expression levels of CD133, survivin, and Bcl‐2 within tumor tissue.

Results

Characteristics of patients were similar between the two groups except primary tumor location and administration of postoperative chemotherapy. Expression level of CD133 and survivin were significantly increased in tumors of patients with recurrence compared to patients without recurrence. On multivariate analysis high tumor expression levels of CD133 (odds ratio [OR] 14.7, confidence interval [CI] 1.8–121.3, p = 0.012) and survivin (OR 9.5, CI 2.1–44.3, p = 0.004) and postoperative chemotherapy (OR 4.8, CI 1.01–22.9, p = 0.049) were independent factors associated with early intrahepatic recurrence.

Conclusions

Tumor expression levels of CD133 and survivin may be a useful predictor of early intrahepatic recurrence after hepatectomy for CLM. Administration of postoperative chemotherapy may prevent early intrahepatic recurrence.
Relationships Between SMAD3 Expression and Preoperative Fluoropyrimidine‐Based Chemoradiotherapy Response in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Huang Ming‐Yii , Lin Chih‐Hung , Huang Chun‐Ming , Tsai Hsiang‐Lin , Huang Ching‐Wen , Yeh Yung‐Sung , Chai Chee‐Yin , Wang Jaw‐Yuan
Published: January 2015

Background

SMAD3, which is accumulated in the nucleus, transcriptionally regulates TGF‐β target genes, playing a significant role in mediating the activities of TGF‐β. In this study, we assessed the roles of TGF‐β1, SMAD3, and phosphorylated SMAD3 expressions in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer following preoperative fluoropyrimidine‐based chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

Using immunohistochemistry, we examined TGF‐β1, SMAD3, and phosphorylated SMAD3 expressions in pre‐chemoradiotherapy cancer tissues from 86 locally advanced rectal cancer patients. After chemoradiotherapy, 64 of 86 (74.4 %) locally advanced rectal cancer patients were classified as responders (pathological tumor regression grades of 2–4).

Results

A multivariate analysis showed that phosphorylated SMAD3 overexpression correlated to poor preoperative chemoradiotherapy responses (P = 0.015; OR 7.218; 95 % CI 1.479–35.229). Furthermore, a poor response (pathological tumor regression grades of 0–1) was an independent predictor of postoperative relapse (P = 0.021; OR 5.452; 95 % CI 1.286–23.113). Additionally, patients with phosphorylated SMAD3 overexpression were found to have a worse disease‐free survival (P = 0.023).

Conclusions

Our data suggested that analyzing pre‐chemoradiotherapy tumors for phosphorylated SMAD3 overexpression would assist physicians in identifying locally advanced rectal cancer patients who may have a poor response risk to preoperative fluoropyrimidine‐based chemoradiotherapy.
Penetrating Cervical Trauma
Authors: Feliciano David V.
Published: January 2015

Patients with penetrating wounds to the neck present with overt symptoms and/or signs or are asymptomatic or modestly/moderately symptomatic. With overt symptoms and/or signs, immediate resuscitation and an emergency operation are appropriate. Asymptomatic patients or those with modest or moderate symptoms and/or signs undergo observation or a diagnostic evaluation to avoid the 45 % “negative” exploration rate documented in the past (denominator = all patients). Asymptomatic patients with penetration of the platysma muscle, but no signs of a visceral or vascular injury, should undergo serial physical examinations every 6–8 for 24–36 h before discharge. Noncontrast CT does not add to the accuracy of serial physical examinations. In stable patients with a variety of modest/moderate symptoms or signs possibly related to an injury to the carotid artery, CT‐arteriography has become the diagnostic modality of choice. Patients with possible injuries to the cervical esophagus are often still evaluated with a Gastrografin swallow and, if needed, a “thin” barium swallow prior to fiberoptic esophagoscopy. CT‐esophagograms are likely to replace these time‐honored studies in the near future. Over 85 % of patients with injuries to the trachea present with overt symptoms or signs, while the remainder have historically been evaluated with laryngoscopy and fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Again, cervical multislice CT is likely to replace these studies. Operative repair of the carotid artery with 6–0 polypropylene sutures requires heparinization and shunting on rare occasions. Both the trachea and esophagus are repaired with 3–0 absorbable sutures, and tracheostomy and esophageal diversion are used in only large and/or complex injuries. Sternal head or sternocleiodomastoid interposition flaps are used when combined visceral and vascular injuries are present.
Risk Factors for Incisional and Organ Space Surgical Site Infections After Liver Resection are Different
Authors: Kokudo Takashi , Uldry Emilie , Demartines Nicolas , Halkic Nermin
Published: January 2015

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common cause of major morbidity after liver resection. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for incisional and organ/space SSIs after liver resection.

Methods

Our liver surgery database was retrospectively analyzed for patients treated between January 2009 and November 2012 in a tertiary care Swiss hospital. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables to identify risk factors for incisional and organ/space SSIs.

Results

In a total of 226 patients, SSI incidences were 12.8 % (incisional), 4.0 % (organ/space), and 1.8 % (both). Univariate analysis showed that incisional SSIs were associated with high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, preoperative anemia, hypoalbuminemia, low prothrombin time, viral or alcoholic chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and prolonged operation times. Organ/space SSIs were associated with high rates of red blood cell transfusions, concomitant bowel surgery, and prolonged operation times. Multivariate analysis revealed that risk factors for incisional SSIs were anemia [odds ratio (OR) 2.82], high ASA scores (OR 2.88), presence of hepatitis or cirrhosis (OR 5.07), and prolonged operation times (OR 9.61). The only risk factor for organ/space SSIs was concomitant bowel surgery (OR 5.53). Hospital stays were similar in organ/space and incisional SSI groups, but significantly longer for those with both organ/space and incisional SSIs.

Conclusions

High ASA scores, anemia, chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, and prolonged operations increased the risk of incisional SSIs; concomitant bowel surgery increased the risk of organ/space SSI. Specific precautions to prevent organ/space and incisional SSIs may shorten hospital stays.
Clinicopathological Significance of Mucin Production in Patients with Papillary Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Onoe Shunsuke , Shimoyama Yoshie , Ebata Tomoki , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Igami Tsuyoshi , Sugawara Gen , Mizuno Takashi , Nakamura Shigeo , Nagino Masato
Published: January 2015

Background

The clinicopathologic significance of mucin production in patients with papillary cholangiocarcinoma (PCC) is still controversial. We aimed at clarifying the similarities and differences between PCC cases with and without mucin secretion with regard to biological behavior and clinical course.

Methods

Among 644 patients with surgically resected cholangiocarcinoma (1998–2011), 184 (28 %) patients were considered to have PCC and were enrolled in the study. Those patients were divided into two groups based on whether their PCC was mucin‐producing (PCC‐M, n = 89) or not (PCC‐NM, n = 95). The presence of mucin secretion was determined by the cut surface of the specimens and by pathologic examination.

Results

The clinicopathological features of PCC‐M and PCC‐NM largely overlapped. No significant between‐group differences in malignant potential characteristics, including the depth of invasion, pathological T classification, and regional/periaortic lymph node metastasis, were observed (P = 0.193, 0.181, 0.083, and 0.674, respectively). However, a few clinicopathological differences existed between the two PCC types, i.e., the predominant histological type and epithelial subtype (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). Immunohistochemically, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, and HGM were more frequently expressed in PCC‐M than PCC‐NM (P < 0.002 in all). The disease‐specific survival values were not significantly different between the two PCC types (PCC‐M; 60 % at 5 year, PCC‐NM; 46 %, P = 0.097).

Conclusion

PCC‐M and PCC‐NM were similar in morphology and prognosis. Although a few clinicopathological differences exist between them, their overlapping features and identical survival curves appear to justify the lack of a specific treatment modality for either type.
Laparoscopic Liver Resection in Obese Patients
Authors: Toriguchi Kan , Hatano Etsuro , Sakurai Takaki , Seo Satoru , Taura Kojiro , Uemoto Shinji
Published: January 2015

Background

Obesity has been associated with worse postoperative outcomes than those for normal weight. Data on the short‐term results of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in patients with obesity are scarce. Furthermore, the long‐term outcomes of LLR versus open liver resection (OLR) have not been adequately assessed. The aims of this study were to analyze the outcomes of obese patients undergoing LLR and to compare these
to the outcomes of obese patients undergoing OLR.

Methods

Data regarding the short‐term results from 13 obese patients who underwent laparoscopic non‐anatomical liver resection were retrospectively compared with the data from 69 obese patients who underwent open non‐anatomical liver resection between 2002 and 2012. The long‐term results of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were also compared.

Results

A total of 82 patients who underwent non‐anatomical liver resection in our institution were included. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of preoperative patient characteristics. The intraoperative blood loss in the laparoscopic group was significantly less than that in the open group. There were no significant differences in the postoperative complications or postoperative mortality. The postoperative hospital stay of the laparoscopic group was significantly shorter than that of the open group.

Conclusions

LLR in obese patients results in decreased intraoperative blood loss and shorter postoperative hospital stays compared with OLR. When performed in selected patients, LLR may be a safe and feasible option for obese patients.
Liver Function Following Extended Hepatectomy Can Be Accurately Predicted Using Remnant Liver Volume to Body Weight Ratio
Authors: Truant Stéphanie , Boleslawski Emmanuel , Sergent Géraldine , Leteurtre Emmanuelle , Duhamel Alain , Hebbar Mohamed , Pruvot François‐René
Published: January 2015

Background

Standardised measurement of remnant liver volume (RLV), where total liver volume (TLV) is calculated from patients’ body surface area (RLV‐sTLV), has been advocated. Extrapolating the model of living donor liver transplantation, we showed in a pilot study that the simplified RLV/body weight ratio (RLVBWR) was accurate in assessing the functional limit of hepatectomy. The aim of the study was to compare in a prospective series of extended right hepatectomy the predictive value of the RLVBWR and the RLV‐sTLV at a cut‐off of 0.5% (RLVBWR0.5%) and 20% (RLV‐sTLV20%), respectively.

Methods

We studied the impact of RLVBWR0.5% and of RLV‐sTLV20% on three months morbidity and mortality in 74 non‐cirrhotic patients operated on for malignant tumours. Of these, 47 patients who were not included in the initial pilot study were enrolled in a prospective validation cohort to reappraise the predictive value of each method.

Results

RLVBWR and RLV‐sTLV were highly correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.966). Three months overall and severe morbidity (grade 3b–5) and mortality were significantly increased in groups RLVBWR ≤ 0.5% and RLV‐sTLVs ≤ 20% compared to groups >0.5% and >20%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity in predicting death from liver failure were 100 and 84.1% for RLVBWR0.5% and 60 and 94.2% for RLV‐sTLV20%, respectively. Similar results were observed in the validation cohort for the RLVBWR0.5% (lack of statistical power for RLV‐sTLV as only 2 patients showed a RLV‐sTLV ≤ 20%).

Conclusions

The RLVBWR0.5% is a method of assessing the remnant liver that is simple and as reliable as the standardised RLV‐sTLV20%.
The “Hierarchical” Scratch Collapse Test for Identifying Multilevel Ulnar Nerve Compression
Authors: Davidge Kristen M. , Gontre Gil , Tang David , Boyd Kirsty U. , Yee Andrew , Damiano Marci S. , Mackinnon Susan E.
Published: January 2015

Background

The Scratch Collapse Test (SCT) is used to assist in the clinical evaluation of patients with ulnar nerve compression. The purpose of this study is to introduce the hierarchical SCT as a physical examination tool for identifying multilevel nerve compression in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.

Methods

A prospective cohort study (2010–2011) was conducted of patients referred with primary cubital tunnel syndrome. Five ulnar nerve compression sites were evaluated with the SCT. Each site generating a positive SCT was sequentially “frozen out” with a topical anesthetic to allow determination of both primary and secondary ulnar nerve entrapment points. The order or “hierarchy” of compression sites was recorded.

Results

Twenty-five patients (mean age 49.6±12.3 years; 64 % female) were eligible for inclusion. The primary entrapment point was identified as Osborne's band in 80 % and the cubital tunnel retinaculum in 20 % of patients. Secondary entrapment points were also identified in the following order in all patients: (1) volar antebrachial fascia, (2) Guyon's canal, and (3) arcade of Struthers.

Conclusion

The SCT is useful in localizing the site of primary compression of the ulnar nerve in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome. It is also sensitive enough to detect secondary compression points when primary sites are sequentially frozen out with a topical anesthetic, termed the hierarchical SCT. The findings of the hierarchical SCTare in keeping with the double crush hypothesis described by Upton and McComas in 1973 and the hypothesis of multilevel nerve compression proposed by Mackinnon and Novak in 1994.
OP‐Synthetic: identification of optimal genetic manipulations for the overproduction of native and non‐native metabolites
Authors: Liu Honglei , Li Yanda , Wang Xiaowo
Published: January 2015

Constraint‐based flux analysis has been widely used in metabolic engineering to predict genetic optimization strategies. These methods seek to find genetic manipulations that maximally couple the desired metabolites with the cellular growth objective. However, such framework does n
ot work well for overproducing chemicals that are not closely correlated with biomass, for example non‐native biochemical production by introducing synthetic pathways into heterologous host cells. Here, we present a computational method called OP‐Synthetic, which can identify effective manipulations (upregulation, downregulation and deletion of reactions) and produce a step‐by‐step optimization strategy for the overproduction of indigenous and non‐native chemicals. We compared OP‐Synthetic with several state‐of‐the‐art computational approaches on the problems of succinate overproduction and N‐acetylneuraminic acid synthetic pathway optimization in Escherichia coli. OP‐Synthetic showed its advantage for efficiently handling multiple steps optimization problems on genome wide metabolic networks. And more importantly, the optimization strategies predicted by OP‐Synthetic have a better match with existing engineered strains, especially for the engineering of synthetic metabolic pathways for non‐native chemical production. OP‐Synthetic is freely available at: http://bioinfo.au.tsinghua.edu.cn/member/xwwang/OPSynthetic/.
Newly observed phraseological units with noun forms of modal verbs
Authors: Inoue Ai
Published: January 2015

This study approaches newly observed phraseological units (PUs) in contemporary English from semantic and corpus perspectives. The discussion focuses on PUs shoulds and oughts, oughts and musts, and shoulds and musts. One of the interesting phenomena observed in contemporary English is the appearance of the noun forms of modal verbs. Examples include should, shoulds, oughts, and ought to’s, which resemble must. Adopting a quantitative perspective based on contemporary English corpora, I argue that not all modal verbs evolve into nouns and that past noun forms (e.g., could, should) and plural forms (e.g., shoulds, oughts) appear most frequently in contemporary English. I also demonstrate that plural forms (e.g., shoulds, oughts, and ought to’s) function as ‘‘obligations’’ because of their semantic analogy to must. This function reflects the essential functions of each modal verb. Regardless of whether they are singular or plural, thenoun forms of modal verbs also serve meta-linguistic functions, as they raise awareness of the essential functions of each modal verb. Using examples from corpora, I demonstrate that PUs consisting of the noun forms of modal verbs such as shoulds and oughts, oughts and musts, and shoulds and musts are used more commonly than are the separate noun forms. The results also indicate that the functions of PUs differ from those of must (i.e., obligation) and that each PU retains its own function, which is derived from its components.
Leading indicators of systemic banking crises: Finland in a panel of EU countries
Authors: Lainà Patrizio , Nyholm Juho , Sarlin Peter
Published: January 2015

This paper investigates leading indicators of systemic banking crises in a panel of 11 EU countries, with a particular focus on Finland. We use quarterly data from 1980Q1 to 2013Q2, in order to create a large number of macro‐financial indicators, as well as their various transformations. We make use of univariate signal extraction and multivariate logit analysis to assess what factors lead the occurrence of a crisis and with what horizon the indicators lead a crisis. We find that loans‐to‐deposits and house price growth are the best leading indicators. Growth rates and trend deviations of loan stock variables also yield useful signals of impending crises. While the optimal lead horizon is three years, indicators generally perform well with lead times ranging from one to four years. We also tap into unique long time‐series of the Finnish economy to perform historical explorations into macro‐financial vulnerabilities.
Cost-Benefit Analysis from the Hospital Perspective of Universal Active Screening Followed by Contact Precautions for Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusCarriers
Authors: McKinnell James A. , Bartsch Sarah M. , Lee Bruce Y. , Huang Susan S. , Miller Loren G.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

To explore the economic impact to a hospital of universal methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) screening.

METHODS

We used a decision tree model to estimate the direct economic impact to an individual hospital of starting universal MRSA screening and contact precautions. Projected costs and benefits were based on literature-derived data. Our model examined outcomes of several strategies including non-nares MRSA screening and comparison of culture versus polymerase chain reaction–based screening.

RESULTS

Under baseline conditions, the costs of universal MRSA screening and contact precautions outweighed the projected benefits generated by preventing MRSA-related infections, resulting in economic costs of $104,000 per 10,000 admissions (95% CI, $83,000–$126,000). Cost-savings occurred only when the model used estimates at the extremes of our key parameters. Non-nares screening and polymerase chain reaction–based testing, both of which identified more MRSA-colonized persons, resulted in more MRSA infections averted but increased economic costs of the screening program.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that universal MRSA screening, although providing potential benefit in preventing MRSA infection, is relatively costly and may be economically burdensome for a hospital. Policy makers should consider the economic burden of MRSA screening and contact precautions in relation to other interventions when choosing programs to improve patient safety and outcomes.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(1): 2–13
Cost-Effectiveness of Strategies to Prevent Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusTransmission and Infection in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Gidengil Courtney A. , Gay Charlene , Huang Susan S. , Platt Richard , Yokoe Deborah , Lee Grace M.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

To create a national policy model to evaluate the projected cost-effectiveness of multiple hospital-based strategies to prevent methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) transmission and infection.

DESIGN

Cost-effectiveness analysis using a Markov microsimulation model that simulates the natural history of MRSA acquisition and infection.

PATIENTS AND SETTING

Hypothetical cohort of 10,000 adult patients admitted to a US intensive care unit.

METHODS

We compared 7 strategies to standard precautions using a hospital perspective: (1) active surveillance cultures; (2) active surveillance cultures plus selective decolonization; (3) universal contact precautions (UCP); (4) universal chlorhexidine gluconate baths; (5) universal decolonization; (6) UCP + chlorhexidine gluconate baths; and (7) UCP+decolonization. For each strategy, both efficacy and compliance were considered. Outcomes of interest were: (1) MRSA colonization averted; (2) MRSA infection averted; (3) incremental cost per colonization averted; (4) incremental cost per infection averted.

RESULTS

A total of 1989 cases of colonization and 544 MRSA invasive infections occurred under standard precautions per 10,000 patients. Universal decolonization was the least expensive strategy and was more effective compared with all strategies except UCP+decolonization and UCP+chlorhexidine gluconate. UCP+decolonization was more effective than universal decolonization but would cost $2469 per colonization averted and $9007 per infection averted. If MRSA colonization prevalence decreases from 12% to 5%, active surveillance cultures plus selective decolonization becomes the least expensive strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

Universal decolonization is cost-saving, preventing 44% of cases of MRSA colonization and 45% of cases of MRSA infection. Our model provides useful guidance for decision makers choosing between multiple available hospital-based strategies to prevent MRSA transmission.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(1): 17–27
A Cluster of Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections Due to Rapidly Growing Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Patients with Hematologic Disorders at a Japanese Tertiary Care Center: An Outbreak Investigation and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tagashira Yasuaki , Kozai Yasuji , Yamasa Hitomi , Sakurada Masako , Kashiyama Tetsuya , Honda Hitoshi
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (RGM) are considered rare pathogens, causing central line–associated bloodstream infection. We identified an outbreak of central line–associated bloodstream infection due to RGM at a hematology-oncology ward during a 5-month period.

DESIGN

Outbreak investigation and literature review.

SETTING

A Japanese tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

Adults who were hospitalized at the hematology-oncology ward from October 15, 2011, through February 17, 2012.

RESULTS

A total of 5 patients with a bloodstream infection due to RGM (4 cases ofMycobacterium mucogenicumand 1 case ofMycobacterium canariasenseinfection) were identified; of these, 3 patients had acute myeloid leukemia, 1 had acute lymphocytic leukemia, and 1 had aplastic anemia. Four of the 5 patients received cord blood transplantation prior to developing the bloodstream infection. All central venous catheters in patients with a bloodstream infection were removed. These patients promptly defervesced after catheter removal and their care was successfully managed without antimicrobial therapy. Surveillance cultures from the environment and water detectedM. mucogenicumandM. canariasensein the water supply of the hematology-oncology ward. The isolates from the bloodstream infection and water sources were identical on the basis of 16S-rRNA gene sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

The source of RGM in the outbreak of bloodstream infections likely was the ward tap water supply. Awareness of catheter-related bloodstream infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria should be emphasized, especially where immunocompromised patients are at risk. Also, using antimicrobials after catheter removal to treat central line–associated bloodstream infection due to RGM may not be necessary.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(1): 76–80
Protecting the Frontline: Designing an Infection Prevention Platform for Preventing Emerging Respiratory Viral Illnesses in Healthcare Personnel
Authors: Branch-Elliman Westyn , Savor Price Connie , McGeer Allison , Perl Trish M.
Published: January 2015

Healthcare personnel often find themselves on the frontlines of any epidemic, and may be at particularly high risk of acquiring respiratory viral illnesses when compared to the general population. Many aspects dictate how respiratory viruses spread both inside the hospital and out: Elements to consider include the specific type of virus being targeted for prevention, as well as environmental conditions and host factors, such as age and immune status. Due to the diverse nature of these agents, multiple modes of transmission, including contact, droplet, aerosol, and transocular, must be considered when designing an effective infection prevention program. In this review, we examine the data behind current theories of respiratory virus transmission and key elements of any respiratory illness prevention program. We also highlight other influences that may come into play, such as the cost-effectiveness of choosing one respiratory protection strategy over another.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–10
Impact of Changes in the NHSN Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) Surveillance criteria on the Frequency and Epidemiology of CAUTI in Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
Authors: Neelakanta Anupama , Sharma Sarit , Kesani Vishnu Priya , Salim Madiha , Pervaiz Amina , Aftab Nida , Mann Tal , Tashtoush Nader , Karino Shigehiko , Dhar Sorabh , Kaye Keith S.
Published: January 2015

The impact of the 2013 NHSN CAUTI definition on CAUTI rates was analyzed. A total of 107 CAUTI episodes were identified; 60 according to NHSN 2013 definitions only and 47 according to the 2012 and 2013 definitions. Physician-diagnosed “other infections” were more common among patients who had CAUTI only according to NHSN 2013 definitions (P<.001).

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–4
Comparison of NHSN-Defined Central Venous Catheter Day Counts with a Method that Accounts for Concurrent Catheters
Authors: Talbot Thomas R. , Johnson James G. , Anders Theodore , Hayes Rachel M.
Published: January 2015

Central venous catheter (CVC) day definitions do not consider concurrent CVCs. We examined traditional CVC day counts and resultant central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates with a CVC day definition that included concurrent CVCs. Accounting for concurrent CVCs increased device day counts by 8.5% but only mildly impacted CLABSI rates.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(1): 107–109
FRAGMENTABILITY BY THE DISCRETE METRIC
Authors: MOORS WARREN B.
Published: January 2015

In a recent paper, topological spaces $(X,{\it\tau})$ that are fragmented by a metric that generates the discrete topology were investigated. In the present paper we shall continue this investigation. In particular, we will show, among other things, that such spaces are ${\it\sigma}$-scattered, that is, a countable union of scattered spaces, and characterise the continuous images of separable metrisable spaces by their fragmentability properties.
Γ-Convergence of Inhomogeneous Functionals in Orlicz–Sobolev Spaces
Authors: Bocea Marian , Mihăilescu Mihai
Published: January 2015

The asymptotic behaviour of inhomogeneous power-law type functionals is undertaken via De Giorgi’s Γ-convergence. Our results generalize recent work dealing with the asymptotic behaviour of power-law functionals acting on fields belonging to variable exponent Lebesgue and Sobolev spaces to the Orlicz–Sobolev setting.
Centralizers in Houghton’s Groups
Authors: John-Green Simon St.
Published: January 2015

We calculate the centralizers of elements, finite subgroups and virtually cyclic subgroups of Houghton’s group Hn. We discuss various Bredon (co)homological finiteness conditions satisfied by Hn including the Bredon (co)homological dimension and FPn conditions, which are analogues of the ordinary cohomological dimension and FPn conditions, respectively.
Measuring interest group framing strategies in public policy debates
Authors: Klüver Heike , Mahoney Christine
Published: January 2015

Framing plays an important role in lobbying, as interest groups strategically highlight some aspects of policy proposals while ignoring others to shape policy debates in their favour. However, due to methodological difficulties, we have remarkably little systematic data about the framing strategies of interest groups. This article therefore proposes a new technique for measuring interest group framing that is based on a quantitative text analysis of interest group position papers and official policy documents. We test this novel methodological approach on the basis of two case studies in the areas of environmental and transport policy in the European Union. We are able to identify the frames employed by all interest groups mobilised in a debate and assess their effectiveness by studying to what extent decision-makers move closer to their policy positions over the course of the policy debate.
The libration and interior structure of large icy satellites and Mercury
Authors: Van Hoolst Tim
Published: January 2015

Longitudinal librations are periodic changes in the rotation angle of a planet or satellite. Their observation and subsequent interpretation have profoundly increased our understanding of the interior structure of Mercury. Likewise, libration is thought to provide important constraints on the interior structure of icy satellites. Here we study the libration of Mercury and large icy satellites rotating synchronously with their orbital motion and explain how it depends on the interior structure.
Spin-orbit resonances and rotation of coorbital bodies in quasi-circular orbits
Authors: Philippe Robutel , Alexandre C. M. Correia , Adrien Leleu
Published: January 2015

The rotation of asymmetric bodies in eccentric Keplerian orbits can be chaotic when there is some overlap of spin-orbit resonances. Here we show that the rotation of two coorbital bodies (two planets orbiting a star or two satellites of a planet) can also be chaotic even for quasi-circular orbits around the central body. When dissipation is present, the rotation period of a body on a nearly circular orbit is believed to always end synchronous with the orbital period. Here we demonstrate that for coorbital bodies in quasi-circular orbits, stable non-synchronous rotation is possible for a wide range of mass ratios and body shapes. We further show that the rotation becomes chaotic when the natural rotational libration frequency, due to the axial asymmetry, is of the same order of magnitude as the orbital libration frequency.
Complements to the longitudinal librations of an elastic 3-layer Titan on a non-Keplerian orbit
Authors: Richard Andy , Rambaux Nicolas
Published: January 2015

Titan longitudinal librations are dependent on the satellite internal structure and the elastic behavior of the surface. The elastic deformation of the surface is related to the perturbing potential through the Love theory. In a previous paper, we described the deformation as a response to the tidal potential exerted by Saturn at orbital frequency. Here we improve the tidal deformation reponse by including the effect of the libration angle and the orbital perturbations. We then provide the libration amplitudes associated with the rotational model of a tidally deformed three-layer Titan evolving on a non-Keplerian orbit.
Spin-orbit angle in compact planetary systems perturbed by an inclined companion. Application to the 55 Cancri system
Authors: Boué Gwenaël , Fabrycky Daniel C.
Published: January 2015

The stellar spin orientation relative to the orbital planes of multiplanet systems are becoming accessible to observations. For example, 55 Cancri is a system composed of 5 planets orbiting a member of a stellar binary for which a projected obliquity of 72±12 ° relative to the orbit of the innermost planet has been reported (Bourrier & Hébrard 2014). This large obliquity has been attributed to the perturbation induced by the binary. Here we describe the secular evolution of similar systems and we discuss the case of the 55 Cancri system more deeply. We provide two different orbital configurations compatible with the currently available observations.
Orbital fitting of Fomalhaut b and subsequent interaction with the dust belt
Authors: Beust Hervé , Faramaz Virginie , Augereau Jean-Charles
Published: January 2015

Fomalhaut harbours a moderately eccentric dust belt with a planet candidate (Fom b) imaged near its inner edge. MCMC-based orbital determination of Fom b shows that the orbit is highly eccentric (e≃0.9), nearly apsidally aligned with the belt. We study the secular interaction between the planet and the dust ring. We show that only if it is a small mass object, Fom b can perturb the belt without destroying it. But Fom b's perturbing action inevitably drives the belt to high eccentricity and apsidal misalignment. This behaviour is due to the planet's high eccentricity.

This dynamical outcome contradicts both observations and orbital determination. We conclude that another, more massive and less eccentric planet (Fom c) is required to dynamically control the belt. We show that Fom b is likely to have been formerly trapped in mean-motion resonance with Fom c and that subsequent eccentricity increase caused it to cross Fom c's orbit and to jump on its present day orbit via a scattering event.
PlanetPack software tool for exoplanets detection: coming new features
Authors: Baluev Roman V.
Published: January 2015

We briefly overview the new features of PlanetPack2, the forthcoming update of PlanetPack, which is a software tool for exoplanets detection and characterization from Doppler radial velocity data. Among other things, this major update brings parallelized computing, new advanced models of the Doppler noise, handling of the so-called Keplerian periodogram, and routines for transits fitting and transit timing variation analysis.
Understanding the assembly of Kepler's tightly-packed planetary systems
Authors: Hands Thomas O. , Alexander Richard D. , Dehnen Walter
Published: January 2015

The Kepler mission has recently discovered a number of exoplanetary systems, such as Kepler 11, in which ensembles of several planets are found in very closely packed orbits. These systems present a challenge for traditional formation and migration scenarios. We present a dynamical study of the evolution of these systems using an N-body approach, incorporating both smooth and stochastic migration forces and a variety of initial conditions, in order to assess the feasibility of assembling such systems via traditional, disc-driven migration.
Dynamic study of possible host stars for extrasolar planetary systems
Authors: Shakht N. A. , Romanenko L. G. , Gorshanov D. L. , Vasilkova O. O.
Published: January 2015

We present the stellar systems which consist of double and multiple stars with distances 3.5 ÷ 25 pc from the Sun, belonging to spectral classes F, G, K, M, having masses from 0.3 to 1.5 solar mass and can, in principle, possess planetary systems. On the basis of observations with Pulkovo 65 cm refractor the relative positions of double stars, the parameters of motion, the orbits and also the ephemeris for the nearest epochs have been computed.
Symmetric Four-mass Schubart-like Systems
Authors: Sweatman Winston L.
Published: January 2015

The general four-body problem can be simplified by considering the special case where the system contains two pairs of identical masses and is symmetrical. The simple models that occur may aid our understanding of the general problem. Systems that arise from Schubart-like interplay orbits are an important feature of the dynamics.
Automated Classification of Asteroids into Families at Work
Authors: Knežević Zoran , Milani Andrea , Cellino Alberto , Novaković Bojan , Spoto Federica , Paolicchi Paolo
Published: January 2015

We have recently proposed a new approach to the asteroid family classification by combining the classical HCM method with an automated procedure to add newly discovered members to existing families. This approach is specifically intended to cope with ever increasing asteroid data sets, and consists of several steps to segment the problem and handle the very large amount of data in an efficient and accurate manner. We briefly present all these steps and show the results from three subsequent updates making use of only the automated step of attributing the newly numbered asteroids to the known families. We describe the changes of the individual families membership, as well as the evolution of the classification due to the newly added intersections between the families, resolved candidate family mergers, and emergence of the new candidates for the mergers. We thus demonstrate how by the new approach the asteroid family classification becomes stable in general terms (converging towards a permanent list of confirmed families), and in the same time evolving in details (to account for the newly discovered asteroids) at each update.
Trajectory and physical properties of near-Earth asteroid 2009 BD
Authors: Farnocchia D. , Mommert M. , Hora J. L. , Chesley S. R. , Vokrouhlický D. , Trilling D. E. , Mueller M. , Harris A. W. , Smith H. A. , Fazio G. G.
Published: January 2015

We analyze the trajectory of near-Earth asteroid 2009~BD, which is a candidate target of the NASA Asteroid Redirect Mission. The small size of 2009 BD and its Earth-like orbit pose challenges to understanding the dynamical properties of 2009 BD. In particular, nongravitational perturbations, such as solar radiation pressure and the Yarkovsky effect, are essential to match observational data and provide reliable predictions. By using Spitzer Space Telescope IRAC observations and our model for the thermophysical properties and the nongravitational forces acting on 2009 BD we obtain probabilistic derivations of the physical properties of this object. We find two physically possible solutions. The first solution shows 2009 BD as a 2.9 ± 0.3 m diameter rocky body with an extremely high albedo that is covered with regolith-like material, causing it to exhibit a low thermal inertia. The second solution suggests 2009 BD to be a 4 ± 1 m diameter asteroid with albedo 0.45 ± 0.35 that consists of a collection of individual bare rock slabs. We are unable to rule out either solution based on physical reasoning. 2009 BD is the smallest asteroid for which physical properties have been constrained, providing unique information on the physical properties of objects in the size range smaller than 10 m.
Orbit computation of the TELECOM-2D satellite with a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Deleflie Florent , Coulot David , Vienne Alain , Decosta Romain , Richard Pascal , Lasri Mohammed Amjad
Published: January 2015

In order to test a preliminary orbit determination method, we fit an orbit of the geostationary satellite TELECOM-2D, as if we did not know any a priori information on its trajectory. The method is based on a genetic algorithm coupled to an analytical propagator of the trajectory, that is used over a couple of days, and that uses a whole set of altazimutal data that are acquired by the tracking network made up of the two TAROT telescopes. The adjusted orbit is then compared to a numerical reference. The method is described, and the results are analyzed, as a step towards an operational method of preliminary orbit determination for uncatalogued objects.
Comparison of different methods to compute a preliminary orbit of Space Debris using radar observations
Authors: Ma Hélène , Gronchi Giovanni F.
Published: January 2015

We advertise a new method of preliminary orbit determination for space debris using radar observations, which we call Infang†. We can perform a linkage of two sets of four observations collected at close times. The context is characterized by the accuracy of the range ρ, whereas the right ascension α and the declination δ are much more inaccurate due to observational errors. This method can correct α, δ, assuming the exact knowledge of the range ρ. Considering no perturbations from the J2 effect, but including errors in the observations, we can compare the new method, the classical method of Gibbs, and the more recent Keplerian integrals method. The development of Infang is still on-going and will be further improved and tested.
Orbit identification for large sets of data: preliminary results
Authors: Marò Stefano , Gronchi Giovanni F.
Published: January 2015

We propose a strategy to attack the problems of orbit determination arising from the large number of short arcs. The method uses a solution of the linkage problem depending on the first integrals of the Keplerian motion.
Averaged changes in the orbital elements of meteoroids due to Yarkovsky-Radzievskij force
Authors: Ryabova Galina O.
Published: January 2015

Yarkovsky-Radzievskij effect exceeds the Poynting-Robertson effect in the perturbing action on particles larger than 100 μm. We obtained formulae for averaged changes in a meteoroid's Keplerian orbital elements and used them to estimate dispersion in the Geminid meteoroid stream. It was found that dispersion in semi-major axis of the model shower increased nearly three times on condition that meteoroids rotation is fast, and the rotation axis is stable.
Dynamical properties of Watsonia asteroid family
Authors: Tsirvoulis Georgios , Novaković Bojan , Knežević Zoran , Cellino Alberto
Published: January 2015

In recent years, a rare class of asteroids has been discovered by Cellino et al. (2006), with its distinguishing characteristic being the anomalous polarimetric properties of its members. Named Barbarians, after (234) Barbara, the prototype of the class, these asteroids show negative polarization at unusually high phase-angles compared to normal asteroids. Motivated by the fact that some of the few discovered Barbarians seemed to be related to the Watsonia asteroid family, Cellino et al. (2014) performed a search for more Barbarians among its members. A positive result of this search led to the conclusion that Watsonia is indeed an important repository of Barbarian asteroids. Based on these findings, we decided to analyze this family in detail.