bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatized Search for Complex Symbolic Dynamics with Applications in the Analysis of a Simple Memristor Circuit
Authors: Galias Zbigniew
Published: July 2014

An automatized method to search for complex symbolic dynamics is proposed. The method can be used to show that a given dynamical system is chaotic in the topological sense. Application of this method in the analysis of a third-order memristor circuit is presented. Several examples of symbolic dynamics are constructed. Positive lower bounds for the topological entropy of an associated return map are found showing that the system is chaotic in the topological sense.
Effects of Catastrophic Anemia in an Intra-Host Model of Malaria
Authors: Takoutsing Eddy , Bowong Samuel , Yemele David , Kurths Jurgen
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we develop a mathematical model to assess the strength of the effects of catastrophic anemia level on the dynamical transmission of malaria parasite within the body of a host. We first consider a temporal model. The important mathematical features of the model are thoroughly investigated. We found that the model exhibits forward bifurcation. We also consider a spatiotemporal model using reaction–diffusion equations. The model is numerically analyzed to assess the impact of anemia on the dynamical transmission of malaria parasite within the body of a host. Through numerical simulation, we found that malaria can lead to a catastrophic anemia level even if the parasite is nonpersistent within the body of a host. Numerical results also suggest that to reduce or control the anemia level, the strategy should be to accelerate innate cell reproduction rate or should have the ability to clean parasitized red blood cells (PRBCs) with a high mortality rate.
A MULTIPLE CLASSIFIER SYSTEM FOR PREDICTING WITH MISSING SENSOR VALUES
Authors: RAHMAN ASHFAQUR , ZHANG QIANYU , D'ESTE CLAIRE
Published: July 2014

Sensors placed in the field frequently suffer faults or communication errors, causing readings to become unavailable for prediction purposes. Statistical approaches are commonly used to generate an artificial value to approximate a missing sensor reading and complete a feature vector for prediction. In this paper, we present a new multiple classifier system that is capable of predicting without artificial approximations of missing values. Each classifier in the system is trained on different feature subsets, so that a classifier exists for each potential combination of available features. We have evaluated the proposed approach on a set of benchmark datasets to establish the generic nature of the problem, and on a real-world environmental event detection application that inspires the need for this work. On benchmark datasets, we artificially vary the percentage of missing values (i) during the prediction phase, and (ii) during both the training and prediction phases. We compare the performance of the proposed multiple classifier system against statistical approaches and provide a guideline on their suitability under the above scenarios.
A Comparative View of Ethnicity and Political Engagement
Authors: Kastoryano Riva , Schader Miriam
Published: July 2014

This article reviews approaches to ethnicity and political engagement, with particular emphasis on Western Europe. It argues that studies were at first marked by a structuralist approach and later turned to a more culturalist understanding of ethnic mobilization. Also, owing to increased labor migration after World War II, researchers shifted their attention from ethnic separatism to the ethnic identifications and mobilizations of migrants. While the political mobilization around (or based on) ethnicity was long seen as a disruptive factor within states, then also as a resource or barrier for migrant political involvement within national contexts, it is now studied under the auspices of increasing transnationalism, too. Simultaneously, religion, and especially Islam (in the European context), has come to be seen as one of the most important markers of identity and difference in European societies. This article's theoretical reflections concentrate on the juxtaposition of these two developments—increasing transnationalism and the (re)emergence of religion as a relevant boundary marker. To analyze these shifts, the article contrasts three theoretical approaches with regard to ethnicity: theories of integration, resource mobilization theory, and the political opportunity structures approach. It suggests the revision of the traditional understanding of integration as nationally bounded, and it highlights the need for new perspectives for the study of ethnicity and political participation in the context of globalization.
Caste in Contemporary India: Flexibility and Persistence
Authors: Vaid Divya
Published: July 2014

The caste system, its salient characteristics, and its subtle and more obvious transformations, coupled with its persistence and pervasiveness, have been central to studies of Indian society. This review provides a specific view of caste and its transformations with an emphasis on the socioeconomic or labor market dimension. Such a perspective is particularly crucial as one of the distinctive features of caste is the inheritance of occupations. A major argument of modernization has been the increasing movement away from occupational inheritance. This review traces the limited support for the “Orientalist” view of caste as essentially unchanging and focuses on the fluid nature of caste and its transformation in the economic domain.
Race, Ethnicity, and the Changing Context of Childbearing in the United States
Authors: Sweeney Megan M. , Raley R. Kelly
Published: July 2014

In what ways do childbearing patterns in the contemporary United States vary for white, black, and Hispanic women? Why do these differences exist? Although completed family size is currently similar for white and black women, and only modestly larger for Hispanic women, we highlight persistent differences across groups with respect to the timing of childbearing, the relationship context of childbearing, and the extent to which births are intended. We next evaluate key explanations for these differences. Guided by a proximate determinants approach, we focus here on patterns of sexual activity, contraceptive use, and postconception outcomes such as abortion and changes in mothers' relationship status. We find contraceptive use to be a particularly important contributor to racial and ethnic differences in childbearing, yet reasons for varying contraception use itself remain insufficiently understood. We end by reflecting on promising directions for further research.
War
Authors: Wimmer Andreas
Published: July 2014

Though war has long been a neglected topic in the social sciences, we now look back on several decades of systematic research. This review first summarizes the main strands of recent research in political science, where the most influential studies and well-structured debates have emerged. It then outlines four main contributions made by political, cultural, and comparative historical sociologists: the study of ideological, cultural, and legitimation processes leading to and being shaped by war; configurations of political power and inequality as causes and outcomes of war; how wars influence and are influenced by organizational developments (including of state capacity); and the long-term causal forces that produce macro-level regularities.
Uncoupled skeletal muscle mitochondria contribute to hypermetabolism in severely burned adults
Authors: Porter Craig , Herndon David N. , Børsheim Elisabet , Chao Tony , Reidy Paul T. , Borack Michael S. , Rasmussen Blake B. , Chondronikola Maria , Saraf Manish K. , Sidossis Labros S.
Published: July 2014

Elevated metabolic rate is a hallmark of the stress response to severe burn injury. This response is mediated in part by adrenergic stress and is responsive to changes in ambient temperature. We hypothesize that uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle mitochondria contributes to increased metabolic rate in burn survivors. Here, we determined skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in healthy and severely burned adults. Indirect calorimetry was used to estimate metabolic rate in burn patients. Quadriceps muscle biopsies were collected on two separate occasions (11 ± 5 and 21 ± 8 days postinjury) from six severely burned adults (68 ± 19% of total body surface area burned) and 12 healthy adults. Leak, coupled, and uncoupled mitochondrial respiration was determined in permeabilized myofiber bundles. Metabolic rate was significantly greater than predicted values for burn patients at both time points ( P < 0.05). Skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, citrate synthase activity, a marker of mitochondrial abundance, and mitochondrial sensitivity to oligomycin were all lower in burn patients vs. controls at both time points ( P < 0.05). A greater proportion of maximal mitochondrial respiration was linked to thermogenesis in burn patients compared with controls ( P < 0.05). Increased metabolic rate in severely burned adults is accompanied by derangements in skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. Skeletal muscle mitochondria from burn victims are more uncoupled, indicating greater heat production within skeletal muscle. Our findings suggest that skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to increased metabolic rate in burn victims.
(Pro)renin receptor in skeletal muscle is involved in the development of insulin resistance associated with postinfarct heart failure in mice
Authors: Fukushima Arata , Kinugawa Shintaro , Takada Shingo , Matsushima Shouji , Sobirin Mochamad Ali , Ono Taisuke , Takahashi Masashige , Suga Tadashi , Homma Tsuneaki , Masaki Yoshihiro , Furihata Takaaki , Kadoguchi Tomoyasu , Yokota Takashi , Okita Koichi , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: July 2014

We previously reported that insulin resistance was induced by the impairment of insulin signaling in the skeletal muscle from heart failure (HF) via NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent oxidative stress. (Pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] is involved in the activation of local renin-angiotensin system and subsequent oxidative stress. We thus examined whether (P)RR inhibitor, handle region peptide (HRP), could ameliorate insulin resistance in HF after myocardial infarction (MI) by improving oxidative stress and insulin signaling in the skeletal muscle. C57BL6J mice were divided into four groups: sham operated (Sham, n = 10), Sham treated with HRP (Sham+HRP, 0.1 mg·kg−1·day−1, n = 10), MI operated (MI, n = 10), and MI treated with HRP (MI+HRP, 0.1 mg/kg/day, n = 10). After 4 wk, MI mice showed left ventricular dysfunction, which was not affected by HRP. (P)RR was upregulated in the skeletal muscle after MI (149% of sham, P < 0.05). The decrease in plasma glucose after insulin load was smaller in MI than in Sham (21 ± 2 vs. 44 ± 3%, P < 0.05), and was greater in MI+HRP (38 ± 2%, P < 0.05) than in MI. Insulin-stimulated serine phosphorylation of Akt and glucose transporter 4 translocation were decreased in the skeletal muscle from MI by 48 and 49% of Sham, both of which were ameliorated in MI+HRP. Superoxide production and NAD(P)H oxidase activities were increased in MI, which was inhibited in MI+HRP. HRP ameliorated insulin resistance associated with HF by improving insulin signaling via the inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase-induced superoxide production in the skeletal muscle. The (P)RR pathway is involved in the development of insulin resistance, at least in part, via the impairment of insulin signaling in the skeletal muscle from HF.
Activation of growth hormone secretagogue receptor induces time-dependent clock phase delay in mice
Authors: Zhou Lan , Gao Qian , Zhang Peng , Guo Shu , Gu Jingli , Hao Wei , Cao Ji-Min
Published: July 2014

Early studies have reported a phase-shifting effect of growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs). This study aimed to determine the mechanism of action of GHSs. We examined the response of the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) to growth hormone releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) by assessing effects on the phase of locomotor activity rhythms, SCN neuronal discharges, and the potential signaling pathways involved in the drug action on circadian rhythms. The results showed that bolus administration of GHRP-6 (100 μg/kg ip) at the beginning of subjective night (CT12) induced a phase delay of the free-running rhythms in male C57BL/6J mice under constant darkness, but did not elicit phase shift at other checked circadian time (CT) points. The phase-delay effect of GHRP-6 was abolished by d-(+)-Lys-GHRP-6 (GHS receptor antagonist), KN-93 [calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK) II inhibitor], or anti-phosphorylated (p)-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) antibody. Further analyses demonstrated that GHRP-6 at CT12 induced higher calcium mobilization and neuronal discharge in the SCN compared with that at CT6, decreased the levels of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid, increased the levels of p-CaMKII, p-CREB, and period 1, and delayed the circadian expressions of circadian locomotor output cycles kaput, Bmal1, and prokineticin 2 in the SCN; these signaling changes resulted in behavioral phase delay. Collectively, GHRP-6 induces a CT-dependent phase delay via activating GHS receptor and the downstream signaling, which is partially similar to the signaling cascade of light-induced phase delay at early night. These novel observations may help to better understand the role of GHSs in circadian physiology.
Postexercise whole body heat stress additively enhances endurance training-induced mitochondrial adaptations in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Tamura Yuki , Matsunaga Yutaka , Masuda Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yumiko , Takahashi Yuki , Terada Shin , Hoshino Daisuke , Hatta Hideo
Published: July 2014

A recent study demonstrated that heat stress induces mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 myotubes, thereby implying that heat stress may be an effective treatment to enhance endurance training-induced mitochondrial adaptations in skeletal muscle. However, whether heat stress actually induces mitochondrial adaptations in skeletal muscle in vivo is unclear. In the present study, we report the novel findings that 1) whole body heat stress produced by exposure of ICR mice to a hot environment (40°C, 30 min/day, 5 days/wk, 3 wk) induced mitochondrial adaptations such as increased mitochondrial enzyme activity (citrate synthase and 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase) and respiratory chain protein content (complexes I–V) in skeletal muscle in vivo and 2) postexercise whole body heat stress additively enhanced endurance training-induced mitochondrial adaptations (treadmill running, 25 m/min, 30 min/day, 5 days/wk, 3 wk). Moreover, to determine the candidate mechanisms underlying mitochondrial adaptations, we investigated the acute effects of postexercise whole body heat stress on the phosphorylation status of cellular signaling cascades that subsequently induce mitochondrial gene transcription. We found that whole body heat stress boosted the endurance exercise-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, increased the phosphorylation status of p70S6K, a biomarker of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activity, and unexpectedly dephosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase and its downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase in skeletal muscle. Our present observations suggest that heat stress can act as an effective postexercise treatment. Heat stress treatment appeared to be clinically beneficial for people who have difficulty participating in sufficient exercise training, such as the elderly, injured athletes, and patients.
Mathematical modeling of light-mediated HPA axis activity and downstream implications on the entrainment of peripheral clock genes
Authors: Mavroudis Panteleimon D. , Corbett Siobhan A. , Calvano Steven E. , Androulakis Ioannis P.
Published: July 2014

In this work we propose a semimechanistic model that describes the photic signal transduction to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that ultimately regulates the synchronization of peripheral clock genes (PCGs). Our HPA axis model predicts that photic stimulation induces a type-1 phase response curve to cortisol's profile with increased cortisol sensitivity to light exposure in its rising phase, as well as the shortening of cortisol's period as constant light increases (Aschoff's first rule). Furthermore, our model provides insight into cortisol's phase and amplitude dependence on photoperiods and reveals that cortisol maintains highest amplitude variability when it is entrained by a balanced schedule of light and dark periods. Importantly, by incorporating the links between HPA axis and PCGs we were able to investigate how cortisol secretion impacts the entrainment of a population of peripheral cells and show that disrupted light schedules, leading to blunted cortisol secretion, fail to synchronize a population of PCGs which further signifies the loss of circadian rhythmicity in the periphery of the body.
Immunogenetic Studies of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Revelations and Speculations about Ontogeny and Clinical Evolution
Authors: Vardi Anna , Agathangelidis Andreas , Sutton Lesley-Ann , Ghia Paolo , Rosenquist Richard , Stamatopoulos Kostas
Published: July 2014

Over the last decade, immunogenetic analysis of B-cell receptor immunoglobulins (BcR IG) has proved instrumental in dissecting chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) pathogenesis. Initially, it was the finding that the level of somatic hypermutations in rearranged IG heavy-chain genes could define two CLL subtypes associated with a different clinical course that drew attention. As the years ensued, this not only continued to hold strong, but also revealed an unprecedented BcR restriction (aptly coined as “stereotypy”), thus cementing the idea that antigenic elements select the leukemic clones. With all this in mind, in the present review, we focus on the CLL BcR IG, a molecule that clearly lies at the heart of disease pathogenesis, and attempt to distil from past and emerging biologic knowledge the most relevant aspects in the context of the immunogenetics of CLL, while at the same time provoking questions that remain unanswered. We juxtapose CLL with mutated BcR IGs against CLL with unmutated BcR IGs due to their striking clinicobiologic differences; however, when considering ontogeny, common derivation of the two mutational subtypes cannot be excluded. The issue of stereotypy is intertwined throughout and we also raise the subject of isotype-switched CLL, which, despite its rarity, contributes intriguing ontogenetic hints. Cancer Res; 74(16); 4211–6. ©2014 AACR.
The Influences of Pepsin Concentrations and pH Levels on the Disinfective Activity of Ozone Nanobubble Water against Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Kawara Fumiaki , Inoue Jun , Takenaka Mamoru , Hoshi Namiko , Masuda Atsuhiro , Nishiumi Shin , Kutsumi Hiromu , Azuma Takeshi , Ohdaira Takeshi
Published: July 2014

Aims: To investigate the utility of ozone nanobubble water (NBW3) for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, we tested the influence of pepsin concentrations and pH levels on the disinfective activity of NBW3, and the cytotoxicity of NBW3 against mammalian cells and mucosa. Methods: Different concentrations of pepsin were dissolved in NBW3, and the bactericidal activity was tested on H. pylori. NBW3 was adjusted to different pH levels (2.0-7.4) and the bactericidal activity on H. pylori was also tested. To examine the cytotoxicity of NBW3, AGS cells, human gastric epithelial cells, were treated with NBW3 and the viability of the cells was evaluated in vitro. Furthermore, NBW3 was administered to mice and gastric mucosal damage was evaluated by histology. Results: Pepsin reduced the disinfective activity of NBW3 on H. pylori in a pepsin concentration-dependent manner. NBW3 showed stable disinfective activity at all pH levels examined. Cytotoxicity of NBW3 against human gastric epithelial cells and gastric mucosa was not observed in our experimental setting. Conclusions: NBW3 can sustain its disinfective activity in wide range of pH levels and show no cytotoxicity on mammalian cells and tissue. Pepsin can inhibit NBW3 activity in a dose-dependent manner.
Long-Term Outcomes and Recurrence Patterns in Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs) Treated by Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Photi Evangelos S. , Igali Laszlo , Cheong Edward C.K. , Clark Allan , Lewis Michael P.N.
Published: July 2014

Background/Aims: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are the most frequently occurring sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Current treatment involves complete resection although the surgical or pathological margin required remains unclear. In this study we aimed to examine the risk of local and distant recurrence following laparoscopic resection. Methods: From a prospective tumour database, we identified and risk stratified primary non-metastatic tumours treated by laparoscopic resection from 2002-2012. Local technique involves allowing a 1 cm margin for resection. We then identified all cases of tumour recurrence and tumour related death in order to calculate overall survival, freedom from GIST recurrence and disease-specific survival respectively. Results: 90 patients were identified with a median follow-up of 3.9 years (range 1 week to 12.3 years). Five-year freedom from GIST recurrence and disease-specific survival rates in the high-risk group stood at 0.63 and 0.90. In the moderate-risk group these figures stood at 0.61 and 0.80 respectively. The low- and very-low-risk groups had a 10-year recurrence-free survival of 100% with no incidences of tumour-related recurrence. There were no local recurrences seen in any group at up to 10 years. Conclusion: The low recurrence rate suggests that these tumours can safely be treated laparoscopically with an R0 resection using a macroscopic surgical margin of 10 mm. Disease-specific survival was high. This may reflect earlier detection and the use of adjuvant imatinib.
Utility of Clinical and Radiographic Findings in the Management of Traumatic Epidural Hematoma
Authors: Flaherty Brian F. , Loya Joshua , Alexander Matthew D. , Pandit Rajul , Ha Bo Yoon , Torres Roland A. , Schroeder Alan R.
Published: July 2014

Background: There are currently no clear guidelines for the management and radiological monitoring of pediatric patients with epidural hematomas (EDH). We aim to compare clinical and radiographic characteristics of pediatric EDH patients managed with observation alone versus surgical evacuation and to describe results of repeat head imaging in both groups. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of pediatric patients diagnosed with traumatic EDH at a level II trauma center. Results: Forty-seven cases of EDH were analyzed. Sixty-two percent were managed by observation alone. Patients undergoing surgery were more likely to have an altered mental status (17 vs. 72%, p < 0.001), but there were no other significant clinical differences between the groups. The mean initial EDH thickness and volume were 8.0 mm and 8.6 ml in the observed group and 15.5 mm and 35 ml in the surgery group, respectively (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Eighty-six percent of the observed and all surgery patients underwent repeat CT imaging. The initial repeat CT scan results led to surgery in 1 patient who was initially treated with observation. Conclusions: Most pediatric patients with EDH can be managed with observation. Mental status and radiographic findings should guide the need for surgical intervention. Multiple repeat CT scans have minimal utility in changing management.
Improving Outcome after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Experiences with Implementing an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program
Authors: Coolsen Marielle M.E. , van Dam Ronald M. , Chigharoe Arwind , Olde Damink Steven W.M. , Dejong Cornelis H.C.
Published: July 2014

Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomies (PDs) are complex surgical procedures that require high-standard perioperative care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of implementing an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program for PD on patient outcome. Methods: 230 patients undergoing PD in the Maastricht University Medical Centre between January 1995 and January 2012 were included. Group 1 (no ERAS; 1995-2005) received traditional care. From January 2006, several elements of an ERAS pathway for pancreatic surgery were implemented (group 2: ‘ERAS-like'). From 2009 onwards the ERAS pathway was fully implemented (group 3: ERAS). Mortality, complications, readmissions and length of hospital stay (LOS) were evaluated in the subgroups and compared. Results: Median LOS was significantly reduced from 20 days in group 1 to 13 days in group 2 and 14 days in group 3 (p = 0.001). Median LOS of patients without complications was 16, 10 and 9 days in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p < 0.0001). Over time, the average age of patients undergoing PD increased significantly. Complication rates as well as mortality and readmission rates did not change over time. Conclusion: Implementing an ERAS program contributed to a decrease of LOS without compromising other outcomes. Mortality, morbidity and readmission rates stayed unchanged and more complications were managed non-operatively.
Thyroid Metastasis from Breast Carcinoma Accompanied by Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Song-I , Park Kwang-Kuk , Kim Jeong-Hoon
Published: July 2014

Metastasis to the thyroid gland is very rare. Recently, we experienced a case of thyroid metastasis from breast cancer accompanying a papillary thyroid. A 51-year-old female patient presented with a palpated lymph node on her left lateral neck. The patient had undergone a left modified radical mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and hormonal therapy 12 years prior. Ultrasonography of the neck revealed a malignant looking nodule at the left thyroid lobe, measuring 0.9 × 0.9 cm, and several cystic nodules at the right thyroid lobe. Ultrasonography of the neck additionally revealed a malignant looking lymph node at the right level VI. Fine-needle aspiration of the left thyroid lobe resulted in a diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma and that of the right level VI in Hurthle cell lesion. The patient had a total thyroidectomy with selective dissection of the left neck node. Pathologic assessment of the specimen revealed metastatic carcinoma from the breast carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma. Although the thyroid gland is highly vascularized, metastasis of malignant tumors to the thyroid is relatively rare and detection of metastasis shows a low frequency. So a careful evaluation of thyroid tumor should be considered in a patient with a history of other malignancy.
Place of Residence and Outcomes of Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Bikdeli Behnood , Wayda Brian , Bao Haikun , Ross Joseph S. , Xu Xiao , Chaudhry Sarwat I. , Spertus John A. , Bernheim Susannah M. , Lindenauer Peter K. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: July 2014

Background—

Recent studies show an association between neighborhood-level measures of socioeconomic status (SES) and outcomes for patients with heart failure. We do not know whether neighborhood SES has a primary effect or is a marker for individual SES.

Methods and Results—

We used the data from participants of the Telemonitoring to Improve Heart Failure Outcomes (Tele-HF) trial, recruited from 33 US internal medicine and cardiology practices and examined the association between neighborhood SES and outcomes of patients with heart failure. We used census tracts as proxies for neighborhoods and constructed summary SES scores that included information about wealth and income, education, and occupation. The primary end points were readmission and all-cause mortality at 6 months. We conducted patient interviews and medical chart reviews to obtain demographic information, clinical factors, therapies, and individual SES. We included 1557 patients: 524, 516, and 517 from low, medium, and high SES neighborhoods, respectively (mean age, 61.1±15.2 years; 42.2% women).Overall, 745 patients (47.8%) had ≥1 readmission and 179 patients (11.5%) died. When compared with patients in high SES neighborhoods, those living in low-SES neighborhoods were more likely to be readmitted (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.82), but the mortality rates were not significantly different (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–1.18). The results were consistent after multivariable adjustments for individual demographics, clinical factors, and individual SES.

Conclusions—

Among patients with heart failure, neighborhood SES was significantly associated with 6-month all-cause readmission even after adjusting for other patient-level factors, including individual SES. Greater number of events and longer follow-up is required to ascertain the potential effect of neighborhood SES on mortality.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT00303212.
Nesiritide, Renal Function, and Associated Outcomes During Hospitalization for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: van Deursen Vincent M. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Stebbins Amanda , Hasselblad Vic , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Califf Robert M. , Gottlieb Stephen S. , O’Connor Christopher M. , Starling Randall C. , Tang W.H. Wilson , McMurray John J. , Dickstein Kenneth , Voors Adriaan A.
Published: July 2014

Background—

Contradictory results have been reported on the effects of nesiritide on renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. We studied the effects of nesiritide on renal function during hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure and associated outcomes.

Methods and Results—

A total of 7141 patients were randomized to receive either nesiritide or placebo and creatinine was recorded in 5702 patients at baseline, after infusion, discharge, peak/nadir levels until day 30. Worsening renal function was defined as an increase of serum creatinine >0.3 mg/dL and a change of ≥25%. Median (25
th
–75
th
percentile) baseline creatinine was 1.2 (1.0–1.6) mg/dL and median baseline blood urea nitrogen was 25 (18–39) mmol/L. Changes in both serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were similar in nesiritide-treated and placebo-treated patients (
P
=0.20 and
P
=0.41) from baseline to discharge. In a multivariable model, independent predictors of change from randomization to hospital discharge in serum creatinine were a lower baseline blood urea nitrogen, higher systolic blood pressure, lower diastolic blood pressure, previous weight gain, and lower baseline potassium (all
P
<0.0001). The frequency of worsening renal function during hospitalization was similar in the nesiritide and placebo group (14.1% and 12.8%, respectively; odds ratio with nesiritide 1.12; confidence interval, 0.95–1.32;
P
=0.19) and was not associated with death alone and death or rehospitalization at 30 days. However, baseline, discharge, and change in creatinine were associated with death alone and death or rehospitalization for heart failure (all tests,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Nesiritide did not affect renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Baseline, discharge, and change in renal function were associated with 30-day mortality or rehospitalization for heart failure.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00475852.
Evolution of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Sjöblom Johanna , Muhrbeck Josephine , Witt Nils , Alam Mahbubul , Frykman-Kull Viveka
Published: July 2014

Background—

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy improves survival in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although the risk of sudden cardiac death is highest in the first month after AMI, there is no survival benefit of early implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation, and the optimal time frame has yet to be established. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate what proportion of post-AMI patients had improved LV function to such an extent that the indication for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was no longer present.

Methods and Results—

Patients admitted for AMI with reduced LVEF (≤40%) were eligible for inclusion. Repeat echocardiographic examinations were performed 5 days, 1 month, and 3 months after the AMI. We prospectively included 100 patients with LVEF of 31±5.8% after AMI. At the 1-month follow-up, 55% had an LVEF >35%. The main improvement in LVEF had occurred by 1 month. The mean difference in LVEF over the next 2 months was small, 1.9 percentage units. During the first 9 weeks, 10% of the patients suffered from life-threatening arrhythmias.

Conclusions—

Most patients have improved LVEF after AMI, and in the majority, the improvement can be confirmed after 1 month, implying that further delay of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation may not be warranted. Life-threatening arrhythmias occurred in 10% of the patients, illustrating the high risk for sudden cardiac death in this population.
Health‐Related Quality of Life in Premature Acute Coronary Syndrome: Does Patient Sex or Gender Really Matter?
Authors: Leung Yinko Sylvie S. L. , Pelletier Roxanne , Behlouli Hassan , Norris Colleen M. , Humphries Karin H. , Pilote Louise ,   the GENESIS‐PRAXY investigators
Published: July 2014

Background

Limited data exist as to the relative contribution of sex and gender on health‐related quality of life (
HRQL
) among patients with acute coronary syndrome (
ACS
). This study aims to evaluate the effect of sex and gender‐related variables on long‐term
HRQL
among young adults with
ACS
.

Methods and Results

GENESIS
‐
PRAXY
(
GENdE
r and Sex determInantS of cardiovascular disease: from bench to beyond‐Premature Acute Coronary
SY
ndrome) is a multicenter, prospective cohort study (January 2009 to August 2013) of adults aged 18 to 55 years, hospitalized with
ACS
.
HRQL
was measured at baseline, 1, 6, and 12 months using the Short Form‐12 and Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) among 1213 patients. Median age was 49 years. Women reported worse
HRQL
than men over time post‐
ACS
, both in terms of physical and mental functioning. Gender‐related factors were more likely to be predictors of HRQL than sex. Femininity score, social support, and housework responsibility were the most common gender‐related predictors of
HRQL
at 12 months. We observed an interaction between female sex and social support (β=0.44 [95% confidence interval
,
0.01, 0.88];
P
=0.047) for the physical limitation subscale of the SAQ.

Conclusions

Young women with
ACS
report significantly poorer
HRQL
than young men. Gender appears to be more important than sex in predicting long‐term
HRQL
post‐
ACS
. Specific gender‐related factors, such as social support, may be amenable to interventions and could improve the
HRQL
of patients with premature
ACS
.
The Aesthetics of Liminality: Augmentation as Artform
Authors: Lichty Patrick
Published: July 2014

From ARToolkit’s emergence in the 1990s to the emergence of augmented reality (AR) as an art medium in the 2010s, AR has developed as a number of evidential sites. As an extension of virtual media, it merges real-time pattern recognition with goggles (finally realizing William Gibson’s sci-fi fantasy) or handheld devices. This creates a welding of real-time media and virtual reality, or an optically registered simulation overlaid upon an actual spatial environment. Commercial applications are numerous, including entertainment, sales, and navigation. Even though AR-based works can be traced back to the late 1990s, AR work requires some understanding of coding and tethered imaging equipment. It was not until marker-based AR, affording lower entries to usage, as well as geo-locational AR-based media, using handheld devices and tablets, that augmented reality as an art medium would propagate. While one can argue that AR-based art is a convergence of handheld device art and virtual reality, there are intrinsic gestures specific to augmented reality that make it unique. The author looks at some historical examples of AR as well as critical issues of AR-based gestures such as compounding the gaze, problematizing the retinal, and the representational issues of informatic overlays. This generates four gestural vectors, analogous to those defined in “The Translation of Art in Virtual Worlds,” which is examined through case studies. From this, a visual theory of augmentation will be proposed.
XEPA - Autonomous Intelligent Light and Sound Sculptures That Improvise Group Performances
Authors: Galanter Philip
Published: July 2014

XEPA anticipates a future where machines form their own societies. Going beyond mere generative art, machines will exhibit artistic creativity with the addition of artistic judgment via computational aesthetic evaluation. In such a future our notions of aesthetics will undergo a radical translation. The XEPA intelligent sculptures create animated light and sound sequences. Each sculpture “watches” the others and modifies its own aesthetic behavior to create a collaborative, improvisational performance. No coordination information or commands are used. Each XEPA independently evaluates the aesthetics of the other sculptures, infers a theme or mood being attempted, and then modifies its own aesthetics to better reinforce that theme. Each performance is unique and widely varied. XEPA is an ever-evolving artwork, intended as a platform for ongoing experiments in computational aesthetic evaluation.
Symbolic Understanding of Pictures and Written Words Share a Common Source
Authors: Allen Melissa L. , Mattock Karen , Silva Macarena
Published: July 2014

Here we examine the hypothesis that symbolic understanding across domains is mediated by a fundamental ‘symbolizing’ ability in young children. We tested 30 children aged 2–4 years on symbolic tasks assessing iconic and non-iconic word-referent and picture-referent understanding and administered standardised tests of symbolic play and receptive language. Children showed understanding of the symbol-referent relation earlier for pictures than written words, and performance within domains was correlated and, importantly, predicted by a marker of general symbolic ability (e.g., pretend play). Performance on picture and written word tasks was also unrelated to language comprehension. Thus, symbolic abilities in specific domains are underpinned by a general symbolizing ability which arises early in development.
Monolithic Western Mind? Effect of Fear of Isolation on Context Sensitivity in us Americans, Italians and Chinese
Authors: Dennis John L. , Federici Stefano , Stella Aldo , Hünefeldt Thomas
Published: July 2014

Culture influences what we attend to, encode, remember and think about. Easterners are said to attend more to the relationship between focal objects and their context while Westerners disentangle focal objects from their context. Simply put, Easterners process information holistically and Westerners analytically. Psychosocial factors, like Fear of Isolation, have been proposed as a possible mechanism for cultural differences in terms of information processing. While East vs. West cultural differences are well researched, the monolithic notion that all Westerners process information analytically was questioned in the research presented below. In this paper, we present a study conducted with two Western cultures (Italian and us American) and one Eastern (Chinese) where we induced the chronic psychosocial factor: Fear of Isolation (foi), and measured its influence on information processing. We found that Italian participants processed information more holistically than us Americans, and that Italians were more similar to Chinese than us Americans.
Just War, Royal Conscience and the Crisis of Theological Counsel in the Early Seventeenth Century
Authors: Reinhardt Nicole
Published: July 2014

This article explores how scholastic just war theories and concepts of theological counsel became increasingly problematic in the run-up to the Thirty Years War. It identifies increasing conceptual difficulties due to probabilism, religiously inspired contemporary warfare, and skeptical readings of the Old Testament. Such theoretical problems were exacerbated in the context of the struggle for European hegemony with French pamphleteers starting to ridicule theological discourse in order to denounce Spanish dominance, in particular during the Valtelline crisis. Scholastic just war traditions were so fundamentally discredited that the former royal confessor Caussin was eventually forced to abandon them. Instead he tried to recover theological authority and to safeguard the essence of scholastic just war teachings through a pacified reading of the Old Testament. Though ultimately unsuccessful, his adaptations bear witness to profound changes in the appreciation of the scholastic heritage as well as in the decline of moral theology for political decision-making.
Market Access Provisions in the Potential EU Model BIT: Towards a “Global BIT 2.0”?
Authors: Shan Wenhua , Zhang Sheng
Published: July 2014

One of the defining features of the new generation of European investment treaties is the inclusion of market access provisions. It remains to be seen, however, whether and to what extent this might become a standard practice of the eu. This article attempts to answer this question first by reviewing the development of market access policy in the eu and then by analyzing treaty practice on market access both at the eu level and at Member State level. Subsequently, it discusses the more specific issues that may be involved in market access provisions in the potential eu Model bit. It concludes that the world is witnessing a new generation of investment treaties (“Global bit 2.0”) with the eu and other major economic players accepting concrete market access or investment liberalisation commitments, which shall to a considerable degree help pave the way towards a multilateral investment treaty (mit).
FET and Expropriation in the (Invisible) EU Model BIT
Authors: Kriebaum Ursula
Published: July 2014

Although it was undisputed in the institutions of the European Union (eu) that future eu investment protection treaties should provide for clauses on expropriation and fair and equitable treatment their exact content is under discussion. Before this background, this article first addresses the expropriation standard keeping in mind that the eu Commission announced that it intends to reaffirm the State’s right to regulate in future eu investment treaties. Subsequently, it provides an overview of the traditional approaches to fair and equitable treatment (fet) and focusses on the antagonism between a requirement of legal stability and the need to allow for regulatory space. Furthermore, it analyses the new definition of the fair and equitable treatment standard in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (ceta) which for the first time aims at defining the contents of fet.
Full Protection and Security, Arbitrary or Discriminatory Treatment and the Invisible EU Model BIT
Authors: Titi Catharine
Published: July 2014

eu negotiations over the first EU-wide investment treaties are held in the absence of a formal negotiating model. And yet, new formulations of old standards underline the shift from old generation agreements and the so-called Member States’ ‘gold standard’ to the nascent ‘eu platinum standard’. In this light, the present chapter explores full protection and security, a protection closely affiliated with the fair and equitable treatment, and arbitrary or discriminatory treatment and advances some drafting suggestions. Particular attention is paid to protection against investment impairment through arbitrary or discriminatory measures, a standard that it is suggested legal economy could exclude from the scope of future eu treaties. Adopting a broad approach to the study of ‘arbitrary or discriminatory measures’, the analysis considers occurrences of treaty language that precludes those measures, especially in exceptions clauses, and argues in favour the inclusion of such language in the eu drafting ‘model’.
The Role of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Emerging EU Investment Policy
Authors: Herrmann Christoph
Published: July 2014

The transfer of an exclusive competence for “foreign direct investment” to the European Union (eu) in the Lisbon Treaty (2009) has raised numerous legal questions and has tasked the eu institutions with developing a policy field almost entirely new to them. One of the matters that requires thorough consideration is the role the Court of Justice of the European Union (cjeu) will enjoy with regard to this new policy, which role it may be given in investment agreements of the eu or to what extent its role may legally be excluded or diminished by iias. The policy documents published so far as well as leaked text of envisaged investment chapters of future eu trade and investment agreements disregard this matter entirely. Nevertheless, the cjeu will play a role on the basis of the provisions of the eu Treaties and it is largely for the Court itself to determine that role.
Procedural Aspects of Investor-State Dispute Settlement: The Emergence of a European Approach?
Authors: Tams Christian J.
Published: July 2014

Chapters on investor-State dispute settlement (isds) are among the controversial sections of international investment agreements. The chapter situates the evolving approach of the European Union (eu) to isds, and it does so in two steps: (i) It assesses the impact of the main eu actors on the formation of the eu’s investment policy and comments on the current backlash against investment arbitration, which has led the European Commission to engage in a public consultation. (ii) Against that background, the article provides a roadmap through the details of isds draft provisions put forward by eu actors. Its focus is on procedural aspects of dispute resolution (notafbly attempts to curtail options for parallel proceedings and certain types of claims) and on the question of consistency (which continues to prompt debate among treaty-makers).
“Putting the Pieces Together … an EU Model BIT?”
Authors: Reinisch August
Published: July 2014

Although the eu Commission as negotiation leader in the field of external trade matters which, after Lisbon, also include investment will not issue a Model Investment Treaty, a number of its statements together with reactions by the Council and the Parliament allow the observer to draw conclusions as to the likely content of such future agreements. In addition, those trade agreements with investment chapters which are already close to finalization, like the Canada-eu Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (ceta), provide telling insights concerning the main features of an eu agreement on investment protection.

This article provides a general overview of the expected content of eu treaties in the field of investment, comprising scope of protection, substantive standards, and dispute settlement. It concludes that future eu investment agreements are likely to contain the traditional short eu bit standards to which a number of specifications inspired by North-American practice will be added.
Further insights into the taxonomy of the Silene nocturna species complex (Caryophyllaceae): a systematic survey of the taxa from Sardinia and Corsica
Authors: Bacchetta Gianluigi , Carta Angelino , Paradis Guilhan , Piazza Carole , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: July 2014

The taxonomy of Silene nocturna subsp. boullui (putatively endemic to W Corsica) and S. valsecchiae (putatively endemic to E Sardinia) is investigated, by means of morphometric and karyological analyses. Both taxa resulted diploid with 2n = 24 chromosomes. On the basis of morphological results, we confirm the species rank for S. valsecchiae, and consider S. nocturna subsp. boullui as the priority name, at subspecies rank, for S. nocturna subsp. capraria (= S. reflexa).
Physeterostemon gomesii (Melastomataceae): the fourth species of this endemic genus in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Amorim André Márcio , JARDIM JOMAR GOMES , GOLDENBERG RENATO
Published: July 2014

Physeterostemon gomesii is described and illustrated. In addition, a map and a key to all four taxa of this genus are provided. This species can be distinguished from other Physeterostemon species by its non-rhizomatous shrubby habit, 5-merous flowers, 10 stamens, and 3-locular ovary.