bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causes of Death and Influencing Factors in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Marijon Eloi , Le Heuzey Jean-Yves , Connolly Stuart , Yang Sean , Pogue Janice , Brueckmann Martina , Eikelboom John , Themeles Ellison , Ezekowitz Michael , Wallentin Lars , Yusuf Salim
Published: September 2013

Background—

Atrial fibrillation is associated with increased mortality, but the specific causes of death and their predictors have not been described among patients on effective anticoagulant therapy.

Methods and Results—

The Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulant Therapy (RE-LY) trial randomized 18 113 patients (age, 71.5±9 years; male, 64%; CHADS
2
score, 2.1±1) to receive dabigatran or warfarin. Median follow-up was 2 years, and complete follow-up was achieved in 99.9% of patients. All deaths were categorized by the investigators using prespecified definitions followed by central adjudication. Overall, 1371 deaths occurred (annual mortality rate, 3.84%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.64–4.05). Cardiac deaths (sudden cardiac death and progressive heart failure) accounted for 37.4% of all deaths, whereas stroke- and hemorrhage-related deaths represented 9.8% of the total mortality. An examination of the causes of death according to dabigatran or warfarin showed that dabigatran significantly reduced vascular (embolism and hemorrhage-related) mortality (relative risk, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45–0.88;
P
=0.007), whereas other causes of death were similar between treatments, including cardiac mortality (relative risk, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.80–1.15;
P
=0.638). The two strongest independent predictors of cardiac death in this population were heart failure (hazard ratio, 3.02; 95% CI, 2.45–3.73;
P
<0.0001), and prior myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61–2.62;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

The majority of deaths are not related to stroke in a contemporary anticoagulated atrial fibrillation population. These results emphasize the need to identify interventions beyond effective anticoagulation to further reduce mortality in atrial fibrillation.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00262600.
Gastrin and D
1
Dopamine Receptor Interact to Induce Natriuresis and Diuresis
Authors: Chen Yue , Asico Laureano D. , Zheng Shuo , Villar Van Anthony M. , He Duofen , Zhou Lin , Zeng Chunyu , Jose Pedro A.
Published: September 2013

Oral NaCl produces a greater natriuresis and diuresis than the intravenous infusion of the same amount of NaCl. Gastrin is the major gastrointestinal hormone taken up by renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells. We hypothesized that renal gastrin and dopamine receptors interact to synergistically increase sodium excretion, an impaired interaction of which may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In Wistar-Kyoto rats, infusion of gastrin induced natriuresis and diuresis, which was abrogated in the presence of a gastrin (cholecystokinin B receptor [CCK
B
R]; CI-988) or a D
1
-like receptor antagonist (SCH23390). Similarly, the natriuretic and diuretic effects of fenoldopam, a D
1
-like receptor agonist, were blocked by SCH23390, as well as by CI-988. However, the natriuretic effects of gastrin and fenoldopam were not observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The gastrin/D
1
-like receptor interaction was also confirmed in RPT cells. In RPT cells from Wistar-Kyoto but not spontaneously hypertensive rats, stimulation of either D
1
-like receptor or gastrin receptor inhibited Na
+
-K
+
-ATPase activity, an effect that was blocked in the presence of SCH23390 or CI-988. In RPT cells from Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats, CCK
B
R and D
1
receptor coimmunoprecipitated, which was increased after stimulation of either D
1
receptor or CCK
B
R in RPT cells from Wistar-Kyoto rats; stimulation of one receptor increased the RPT cell membrane expression of the other receptor, effects that were not observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats. These data suggest that there is a synergism between CCK
B
R and D
1
-like receptors to increase sodium excretion. An aberrant interaction between the renal CCK
 B
R and D
1
-like receptors (eg, D
1
receptor) may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Kidney Hypoxia, Attributable to Increased Oxygen Consumption, Induces Nephropathy Independently of Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Friederich-Persson Malou , Thörn Erik , Hansell Peter , Nangaku Masaomi , Levin Max , Palm Fredrik
Published: September 2013

Diabetic nephropathy is strongly associated with both increased oxidative stress and kidney tissue hypoxia. The increased oxidative stress causes increased kidney oxygen consumption resulting in kidney tissue hypoxia. To date, it has been difficult to determine the role of kidney hypoxia, per se, for the development of nephropathy. We tested the hypothesis that kidney hypoxia, without confounding factors such as hyperglycemia or elevated oxidative stress, results in nephropathy. To induce kidney hypoxia, dinitrophenol (30 mg per day per kg bodyweight by gavage), a mitochondrial uncoupler that increases oxygen consumption and causes kidney hypoxia, was administered for 30 consecutive days to rats. Thereafter, glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, kidney oxygen consumption, kidney oxygen tension, kidney concentrations of glucose and glycogen, markers of oxidative stress, urinary protein excretion, and histological findings were determined and compared with vehicle-treated controls. Dinitrophenol did not affect arterial blood pressure, renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, blood glucose, or markers of oxidative stress but increased kidney oxygen consumption, and reduced cortical and medullary concentrations of glucose and glycogen, and resulted in intrarenal tissue hypoxia. Furthermore, dinitrophenol treatment increased urinary protein excretion, kidney vimentin expression, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. In conclusion, increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption results in kidney hypoxia and subsequent nephropathy. Importantly, these results demonstrate that kidney tissue hypoxia, per se, without confounding hyperglycemia or oxidative stress, may be sufficient to initiate the development of nephropathy and therefore demonstrate a new interventional target for treating kidney disease.
Target Sequencing, Cell Experiments, and a Population Study Establish Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (
eNOS
) Gene as Hypertension Susceptibility Gene
Authors: Salvi Erika , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Thijs Lutgarde , Lupoli Sara , Stolarz-Skrzypek Katarzyna , D’Avila Francesca , Tikhonoff Valerie , De Astis Silvia , Barcella Matteo , Seidlerová Jitka , Benaglio Paola , Malyutina Sofia , Frau Francesca , Velayutham Dinesh , Benfante Roberta , Zagato Laura , Title Alexandra , Braga Daniele , Marek Diana , Kawecka-Jaszcz Kalina , Casiglia Edoardo , Filipovský Jan , Nikitin Yuri , Rivolta Carlo , Manunta Paolo , Beckmann Jacques S. , Barlassina Cristina , Cusi Daniele , Staessen Jan A.
Published: September 2013

A case–control study revealed association between hypertension and rs3918226 in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (
eNOS
) gene promoter (minor/major allele,
T/C
allele). We aimed at substantiating these preliminary findings by target sequencing, cell experiments, and a population study. We sequenced the 140-kb genomic area encompassing the
eNOS
gene. In HeLa and HEK293T cells transfected with the
eNOS
promoter carrying either the
T
or the
C
allele, we quantified transcription by luciferase assay. In 2722 randomly recruited Europeans (53.0% women; mean age 40.1 years), we studied blood pressure change and incidence of hypertension in relation to rs3918226, using multivariable-adjusted models. Sequencing confirmed rs3918226, a binding site of E-twenty six transcription factors, as the single nucleotide polymorphism most closely associated with hypertension. In
T
compared with
C
transfected cells,
eNOS
promoter activity was from 20% to 40% (
P
<0.01) lower. In the population, systolic/diastolic blood pressure increased over 7.6 years (median) by 9.7/6.8 mm Hg in 28
TT
homozygotes and by 3.8/1.9 mm Hg in 2694
C
allele carriers (
P
≤0.0004). The blood pressure rise was 5.9 mm Hg systolic (confidence interval [CI], 0.6–11.1;
P
=0.028) and 4.8 mm Hg diastolic (CI, 1.5–8.2;
P
=0.0046) greater in
TT
homozygotes, with no differences between the
CT
and
CC
genotypes (
P
≥0.90). Among 2013 participants normotensive at baseline, 692 (34.4%) developed hypertension. The hazard ratio and attributable risk associated with
TT
homozygosity were 2.04 (CI, 1.24–3.37;
P
=0.0054) and 51.0%, respectively. In conclusion, rs3918226 in the
eNOS
promoter tags a hypertension susceptibility locus,
TT
homozygosity being associated with lesser transcription and higher risk of hypertension.
Changes in Retinal Microvascular Caliber Precede the Clinical Onset of Preeclampsia
Authors: Lupton Samantha J. , Chiu Christine L. , Hodgson Lauren A.B. , Tooher Jane , Ogle Robert , Wong Tien Yin , Hennessy Annemarie , Lind Joanne M.
Published: September 2013

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. The degree of maternal cardiovascular dysfunction that precedes the onset of preeclampsia is largely unknown. This prospective cohort study aimed to characterize differences in vivo in retinal microvascular caliber and blood pressure throughout pregnancy in relation to preeclampsia development. Women were recruited from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia, of which 92 women were included in the study. Retinal images and blood pressures were collected at 13, 19, 29, and 38 weeks of gestation. Retinal vessels were analyzed as the central retinal arteriolar equivalent corrected for mean arterial blood pressure and the central retinal venular equivalent corrected for mean arterial blood pressure, using generalized linear models adjusted for age and body mass index. The preeclampsia group were significantly older (
P
=0.002) and had a significantly higher mean body mass index (
P
=0.005). The central retinal arteriolar equivalent corrected for mean arterial blood pressure was significantly reduced at 13 (
P
=0.03), 19 (
P
=0.007), and 38 (
P
=0.03) weeks of gestation in the preeclampsia group. The central retinal venular equivalent corrected for mean arterial blood pressure was also significantly lower at 13 (
P
=0.04) and 19 (
P
=0.001) weeks of gestation in the women who progressed to preeclampsia. This study directly documents increased peripheral resistance in vivo, observed as the combination of constricted retinal arterioles or venules and elevated blood pressure, in women who later developed preeclampsia. This difference preceded the clinical signs of preeclampsia.
Fin size and associated fanning behaviour as indicators of reproductive status in male round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus)
Authors: Wantola Kristina , Clelland Eric , Grande Gianfranco , Corkum Lynda D.
Published: September 2013

Determination of male reproductive status in the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) can be challenging because current metrics do not always reflect steroid production. In many fishes, fin size changes during the reproductive season; therefore, fins may provide additional information about reproductive status. In some species, fin size correlates with fanning behaviour; a trait common in fish species that exhibit male parental care as it is important for egg maintenance. Because male fanning begins before spawning, fanning also may play a role in pheromone dispersal and courtship, potential indicators of reproductive status. Initially, we examined which morphological metrics (head width, total length, condition, fin size) best delineated groups of reproductive and non-reproductive male gobies (determined using the gonadosomatic index, GSI). Surface areas of fused pelvic fins and caudal fins best separated these groups of males. Using video recordings of nest-guarding male gobies, we characterised both pectoral and caudal fanning behaviour. Rates of maximum caudal fanning (fin beats per minute) were higher than rates of pectoral fanning; however, caudal fanning overall was less frequent than pectoral fanning. Subsequently, we determined if fanning metrics were related to 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), GSI and morphological traits. No relationship was found between any of the fanning or morphological metrics and GSI values or 11-KT. However, there was a significant relationship between the maximum pectoral fanning rate and condition factor of males. These findings suggest that relative fin size, but not fanning behaviours, may be useful metrics to measure reproductive status.
The first troglobitic Cryptops (Trigonocryptops) (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha) from South America and the description of a non-troglobitic species from Brazil
Authors: DE ÁZARA LUDSON NEVES , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: September 2013

Cryptops (Trigonocryptops) iporangensis n. sp., and C. (T.) hephaestus n. sp. are described from SE Brazil. C. (T.) iporangensis n. sp. presents highly troglomorphic characters and is described from a remarkable cave system located in Sao Paulo State, the Areias cave system, from were other 16 troglobitic species are also known. C. (T.) hephaestus n. sp. was described on specimens collected in three caves of the “Quadrilátero Ferrífero” (Iron quadrangle), in Minas Gerais State, but does not presents a clear specialization to subterranean habitat. The new troglobitic species can be separated from other species of Cryptops (T.) from Brazil and all troglobitc species of the genus Cryptops by presenting incomplete paramedian sutures on tergites, antennal article 1 with an inverted Y-shaped suture on its proximal part and distal spinose processes on ultimate leg. C. (T.) hephaestus differs from the other species of Cryptops (Trigonocryptops) from Brazil by presenting anterior oblique sutures on tergites 2-7 and posterior oblique sutures on tergites 1-3. Cryptops (Cryptops) galatheae Meinert, 1886 is moved here to the subgenus Trigonocryptops.
Japanagromyza Sasakawa (Diptera: Agromyzidae) of Africa
Authors: LONSDALE OWEN
Published: September 2013

The African Japanagromyza Sasakawa are revised, including a key and genitalic illustrations, and the limits of the genus are discussed. Nine species are recognized, which include four previously described species and four newly described species: J. crinicolis spec. nov.; J. dolobrata spec. nov.; J. laureata spec. nov.; J. nesiota spec. nov. The ninth species (“female 1”) is described but not formally named as it is known only from females. Japanagromyza salicifolii is known from Palaearctic Africa on Populus and Salix. The remaining eight species are known from the Afrotropical Region; of these, only Japanagromyza parvula Spencer has a known host association [Fabaceae - Crotalaria].
Description of three new Tetranchyroderma gastrotrichs (Macrodasyida: Thaumastodermatidae) from South Korea
Authors: LEE JIMIN , KIM DONGSUNG , CHANG CHEON YOUNG
Published: September 2013

The present paper deals with description of three new marine gastrotrich species belonging to the genus Tetranchyroderma with a new record for Korea of T. schizocirratum Chang, Kubota & Shirayama, 2002, on the basis of specimens from the Korean coast. Tetranchyroderma anisoankyrum sp. nov. is differentiated from congeners by its dorsal cuticular armature of pentancres with central tine longer than the others, a pair of rod-like cephalic tentacles, 2 cirratum-type TbDL, 13–14 cirratum-type TbL per side, and a pair of TbL. Tetranchyroderma coreense sp. nov. is distinguished from other pentancrous species by cirratum-type tubes of 2 TbDL, one TbL, 3–4 TbVL, paired foot-type TbV, and absence of cephalic tentacles. Tetranchyroderma oblongum sp. nov. is characterized by the character combination of cuticular armature of tetrancres, 7 dorsolateral and 7–9 lateral cirratum-type tubes, and 33–38 TbVL along whole body. This brings the total number of species in the genus Tetranchyroderma known from South Korea to 12.
A new species of the cicada genus Semia Matsumura, 1917 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Vietnam, with a key to the species of the genus
Authors: PHAM HONG-THAI , CONSTANT JEROME
Published: September 2013

A new species of cicada, Semia gialaiensis, is described from Kon Ka Kinh National Park in central Vietnam. Photos of the adult, illustrations of the male genitalia, a distribution map and biological data are provided. A key to the species of Semia based on the male adults is also given.
The Deep Ocean Buoyancy Budget and Its Temporal Variability
Authors: Palter Jaime B. , Griffies Stephen M. , Samuels Bonita L. , Galbraith Eric D. , Gnanadesikan Anand , Klocker Andreas
Published: September 2013

Despite slow rates of ocean mixing, observational and modeling studies suggest that buoyancy is redistributed to all depths of the ocean on surprisingly short interannual to decadal time scales. The mechanisms responsible for this redistribution remain poorly understood. This work uses an Earth system model to evaluate the global steady-state ocean buoyancy (and related steric sea level) budget, its interannual variability, and its transient response to a doubling of CO2 over 70 years, with a focus on the deep ocean. At steady state, the simple view of vertical advective–diffusive balance for the deep ocean holds at low to midlatitudes. At higher latitudes, the balance depends on a myriad of additional terms, namely mesoscale and submesoscale advection, convection and overflows from marginal seas, and terms related to the nonlinear equation of state. These high-latitude processes rapidly communicate anomalies in surface buoyancy forcing to the deep ocean locally; the deep, high-latitude changes then influence the large-scale advection of buoyancy to create transient deep buoyancy anomalies at lower latitudes. Following a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, the high-latitude buoyancy sinks are suppressed by a slowdown in convection and reduced dense water formation. This change is accompanied by a slowing of both upper and lower cells of the global meridional overturning circulation, reducing the supply of dense water to low latitudes beneath the pycnocline and the commensurate flow of light waters to high latitudes above the pycnocline. By this mechanism, changes in high-latitude buoyancy are communicated to the global deep ocean on relatively fast advective time scales.
Offshore Transport of Dense Water from the East Greenland Shelf
Authors: Harden B. E. , Pickart R. S. , Renfrew I. A.
Published: September 2013

Data from a mooring deployed at the edge of the East Greenland shelf south of Denmark Strait from September 2007 to October 2008 are analyzed to investigate the processes by which dense water is transferred off the shelf. It is found that water denser than 27.7 kg m−3—as dense as water previously attributed to the adjacent East Greenland Spill Jet—resides near the bottom of the shelf for most of the year with no discernible seasonality. The mean velocity in the central part of the water column is directed along the isobaths, while the deep flow is bottom intensified and veers offshore. Two mechanisms for driving dense spilling events are investigated, one due to offshore forcing and the other associated with wind forcing. Denmark Strait cyclones propagating southward along the continental slope are shown to drive off-shelf flow at their leading edges and are responsible for much of the triggering of individual spilling events. Northerly barrier winds also force spilling. Local winds generate an Ekman downwelling cell. Nonlocal winds also excite spilling, which is hypothesized to be the result of southward-propagating coastally trapped waves, although definitive confirmation is still required. The combined effect of the eddies and barrier winds results in the strongest spilling events, while in the absence of winds a train of eddies causes enhanced spilling.
Endothelial and Platelet Function in Children With Previous Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Laurito Marianna , Stazi Alessandra , Delogu Angelica B. , Milo Maria , Battipaglia Irma , Scalone Giancarla , Infusino Fabio , Villano Angelo , Russo Giulio , Iannotta Rossella , Saracino Annalisa , Parrinello Rossella , Figliozzi Stefano , Sestito Alfonso , Romagnoli Costantino , Lanza Gaetano A. , Crea Filippo
Published: September 2013

We investigated whether children with a previous Kawasaki disease (KD) have evidence of abnormal vascular and/or platelet function. We included 14 patients with previous KD and 14 matched controls. We assessed endothelial function by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT), coronary microvascular function by coronary blood flow response (CBFR) to cold pressor test, and platelet reactivity by measuring monocyte–platelet aggregates (MPAs) and CD41-platelet expression by flow cytometry. No differences were found between the groups in FMD, cIMT, or CBFR to cold pressor test. The MPAs were similar in patients with KD and controls. CD41-platelet expression, however, was significantly increased in patients with KD compared with controls, both at rest (14.3 ± 1.9 vs 12.4 ± 1.9 mean fluorescence intensity [mfi], P = .01) and after adenosine diphosphate stimulation (19.3 ± 1.3 vs 17 ± 1.7 mfi, P < .001). In conclusion, children with a previous episode of KD showed increased platelet activation, compared with healthy participants despite no apparent vascular abnormality at follow-up.
Use of Emergency Medical Services in the Second Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events
Authors: AlHabib Khalid F. , Alfaleh Hussam , Hersi Ahmad , Kashour Tarek , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi A. , Suwaidi Jassim Al , Sulaiman Kadhim , Saif Shukri Al , Almahmeed Wael , Asaad Nidal , Amin Haitham , Al-Motarreb Ahmed , Thalib Lukman
Published: September 2013

Data are scarce regarding emergency medical service (EMS) usage by patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the Arabian Gulf region. This 9-month in-hospital prospective ACS registry was conducted in Arabian Gulf countries, with 30-day and 1-year follow-up mortality rates. Of 5184 patients with ACS, 1293 (25%) arrived at the hospital by EMS. The EMS group (vs non-EMS) was more likely to be male, have cardiac arrest on presentation, be current or exsmokers, and have moderate or severe left ventricular dysfunction and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The EMS group had higher crude mortality rates during hospitalization and after hospital discharge but not after adjustment for clinical factors and treatments. The EMSs are underused in the Arabian Gulf region. Short- and long-term mortality rates in patients with ACS are similar between those who used and did not use EMS. Quality improvement in the EMS infrastructure and establishment of integrated STEMI networks are urgently needed.
Socialization and inequality: A biographical approach to the working class in Portugal
Authors: Abrantes Pedro
Published: September 2013

This article discusses the relationship between socialization and inequality, exploring the case of the working class in Portugal. Bringing together different sociologic traditions, the framework draws upon Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus and practices, balanced with recent research on life histories, globalization and individualization. The life stories of 52 workers produced in the context of an adult education programme are analysed, focusing on two major topics: life pathways and class trajectories, and subjectivity, identity and values (stressing the weak class consciousness). The article discusses the potentialities/challenges of using the biographical method to study socialization and inequalities, particularly when developed in educational contexts. According to the analysis, life pathways are often branded by temporary rural, industrial and services work experiences, crossed by ‘turning points’ and dramatic moments, though with some generational and gender differences. Classes are seldom referred to, but narratives are framed by key socialization institutions (work, family, local community, church, army) and a sense of deficit, pride and shame, linked to the inequalities structure. Although a pervasive economic, cultural and political change from the 1960s on is evident, our research found key features of a working-class habitus, rooted in specific life paths and socialization institutions. These are likely to be stretched in the current context of economic crisis and neoliberal policies in southern Europe.
Disaffection rising? Generations and the personal consequences of paid work in contemporary Canada
Authors: Foster Karen Rebecca
Published: September 2013

This article highlights the ‘personal consequences’ of contemporary employment relations in Canada, characterized by increasing precarity, shifting gender relations in families and in the workforce, the expansion of post-secondary education and an intensifying polarization of wealth. It connects these consequences to perceptions of intergenerational differences and conflict at and around work. Drawing on qualitative, narrative data from 52 interviews conducted between 2009 and 2011, the author proposes that younger people (or ‘generations’) are more likely to construct and be associated with narratives of disaffection about work. In contrast, what the author terms ambivalent and faithful narratives are largely associated with and constructed by workers who entered and experienced a far different world of work.
The Impact of Posture on Wrist Tendinosis Among Blue-Collar Workers
Authors: Harris-Adamson Carisa , You Doohee , Eisen Ellen A. , Goldberg Robert , Rempel David
Published: September 2013

Objective:

The objective was to evaluate the effect of wrist posture on incidence of wrist tendinosis in a prospective cohort of blue-collar workers.

Background:

Previous studies have identified awkward wrist posture as a risk factor for wrist tendinosis, though the magnitude of the relationship is unclear.

Method:

Workers ( N = 413) at four industries were followed for up to 28 months with questionnaires and physical examinations every 4 months. Individualized exposure assessments of wrist posture were based on video analysis to determine the wrist extension/flexion angle for up to four tasks. Posture measures were calculated while in “heavy pinch” (> 1 kg force), “heavy power grip” (> 4 kg force), and across “all grips.” A proportional hazards model estimated the relationship between time-weighted average posture measures and incidence of dominant-side wrist tendinosis.

Results:

In a model based on tertiles of exposure, adjusted for age, gender, hand force, and repetition of exertions, risk of tendinosis more than doubled in the highest category (HR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.01–7.21) across all grips. The relative risk was highest during heavy pinch (HR = 5.03, 95% CI = 0.74–34.05), though not statistically significant. Increased median wrist extension while in heavy power grip was protective (HR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.06–0.94).

Conclusion:

In this study of production workers, median wrist flexion of more than 7°, across all grips, was associated with an increased risk of tendinosis. The protective findings on median wrist extension during power grip deserve further investigation. Work tasks and tools should be designed to prevent sustained wrist flexion, especially during tasks involving forceful pinch.
Climate Change and Civil Unrest
Authors: Nardulli Peter F. , Peyton Buddy , Bajjalieh Joseph
Published: September 2013

This article examines the destabilizing impact of rapid-onset, climate-related disasters. It uses a sample of storms and floods in conjunction with two intensity measures of civil unrest to examine two perspectives on human reactions to disasters (conflictual, cooperative). It also uses insights from the contentious politics literature to understand how emotions posited by the conflictual perspective are transformed into destabilizing acts. While the data show that mean levels of unrest are higher in the wake of disasters, the means poorly reflect the data: the vast majority of episodes do not show higher levels of unrest. Moreover, even when higher levels of unrest emerge, they are not a simple reflection of disaster's human impact; this underscores the importance of the transformational process. Thus, a preliminary model of political violence is investigated; it employs impact, process and institutional variables and it explains three-quarters of the variance in the intensity of violence.
The liberal state in international society: Interpreting recent British foreign policy
Authors: Ralph Jason
Published: September 2013

The question of who decides when a state has not met its international responsibilities (and therefore forfeits the right to non-intervention) and what kind of international action should be taken (from limited intervention to full-blown regime change) divides liberal foreign policy thinking. To understand the nature of that division, and what is at stake, this article distinguishes ‘neoliberal’ from ‘liberal internationalist’ approaches and locates them in an English School understanding of international society. Where the latter stresses the importance of observing the procedural norms centred on the United Nations, the former contests the legitimacy of such norms if they fail to deliver substantive liberal outcomes. The article then interprets British foreign policy discourse either side of the 2003 Iraq conflict through the prism of this debate. The central claim is that a more cautious approach to the use of force and American unilateralism has not silenced the critique of the UN system and that the international reaction to the Libyan intervention prompts the kind of reflection that continues to separate neoliberal from liberal internationalist approaches.
Fiscal Magic
Authors: Payton Seth B. , Kennedy Sheila Suess
Published: September 2013

Some state and local governments in the United States are increasingly outsourcing services through third-party surrogates. In some instances, outsourcing is used as a mechanism to raise revenue to cover current deficits or pay for goods that would otherwise require increasing taxes. We argue that certain forms of outsourcing have been used to mask accountability for the levying fees that are substantively indistinguishable from taxes and thus shift tax burdens. We call for additional research to examine the shifting cost burden associated outsourcing deals and the increased challenge of maintaining public fiscal accountability.
Managing Outsourced Administrative Discretion
Authors: Keeler Rebecca L.
Published: September 2013

An entire body of administrative law exists to guide the administrative discretion of public administrators. Although an increasing share of public services is being outsourced to the private sector, much of administrative law is not applicable to governments’ contracted agents. Alternatively, contracting agencies use the contract instrument to guide and constrain contractors’ exercise of delegated administrative discretion. This essay reports on a study of selected Florida local governments’ contracts for residential trash collection services. Although minimal discretion was placed in contractors’ hands, it still presented opportunities for abuse. The local governments used a variety of ways to manage the administrative discretion, including the imposition of public service ethics and transparency requirements. Upon analysis of contractual grants of and constraints upon administrative discretion, some suggestions are offered for enhancing contractual management of delegated administrative discretion.
All of the Above
Authors: Thom Michael
Published: September 2013

Public sector pension funding varies significantly across the states, a phenomenon often linked with budget conditions, but do political factors also play a role? Utilizing data collected between 2000 and 2008, this article investigates the role of political, fiscal, and workforce characteristics as determinants of long-term pension funding, a measure with implications for fiscal sustainability and ongoing reform deliberations. Results suggest a significant relationship between pension funding and legislative partisanship, citizen ideology, public school employee coverage, and outstanding state debt. Certain other fiscal variables do not shape pension-funding levels independent of these factors, nor does executive partisanship.
Continuous Variations
Authors: Jensen Casper Bruun
Published: September 2013

The dichotomy between the conceptual and the empirical is part of common sense, yet its organizing force also extends to intellectual life more generally, including the disciplinary life of science and technology studies (STS). This article problematizes this dichotomy as it operates in contemporary STS discussions, arguing instead that the conceptual and the empirical form unstable hybrids. Beginning with a discussion of the “discontents” with which the dominant theory methods packages in STS are viewed, it is suggested that STS has entered a phase resembling Kuhnian normal science. Based on a discussion of the making of cognitive dissonance theory, it is then argued conceptual–empirical mixtures are unavoidable in actual research practice. This situation can be taken as an encouragement for more sustained exploration of conceptual–empirical relations and their inventive potentials. Invoking Deleuze and Guattari’s notion of “continuous variation,” the article concludes that STS as a discipline is well served by promoting an ethos of empirical and conceptual experimentation.
Identifying Emerging Research Collaborations and Networks
Authors: Dozier Ann M. , Martina Camille A. , O’Dell Nicole L. , Fogg Thomas T. , Lurie Stephen J. , Rubinstein Eric P. , Pearson Thomas A.
Published: September 2013

Clinical and translational research is a multidisciplinary, collaborative team process. To evaluate this process, we developed a method to document emerging research networks and collaborations in our medical center to describe their productivity and viability over time. Using an e-mail survey, sent to 1,620 clinical and basic science full- and part-time faculty members, respondents identified their research collaborators. Initial analyses, using Pajek software, assessed the feasibility of using social network analysis (SNA) methods with these data. Nearly 400 respondents identified 1,594 collaborators across 28 medical center departments resulting in 309 networks with 5 or more collaborators. This low-burden approach yielded a rich data set useful for evaluation using SNA to: (a) assess networks at several levels of the organization, including intrapersonal (individuals), interpersonal (social), organizational/institutional leadership (tenure and promotion), and physical/environmental (spatial proximity) and (b) link with other data to assess the evolution of these networks.
Social Resources and Disordered Living Conditions
Authors: Cornwell Erin York
Published: September 2013

For older adults aging in the community, living conditions can promote health, enhance coping, and reduce disablement—but they can also create stress and increase risks of illness, accidents, and decline. Although socioeconomic disparities in housing likely contribute to inequalities in interior conditions, I argue that living conditions are also shaped by social resources such as coresidential relationships, social network ties, and social support. In this article, I examine the distribution of a set of risky or stressful physical and ambient living conditions including structural disrepair, clutter, lack of cleanliness, noise, and odor. Using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), I find that low-income and African American older adults have more disordered living conditions as do those with poorer physical and mental health. In addition, older adults who have a coresident partner, more nonresidential network ties, and more sources of instrumental support are exposed to fewer risky or harmful living conditions. This suggests that living conditions are an important, though overlooked, mechanism through which household composition, social networks, and social support affect health and well-being in later life.
Trends in Substance Use Among 6th- to 10th-Grade Students From 1998 to 2010
Authors: Brooks-Russell Ashley , Farhat Tilda , Haynie Denise , Simons-Morton Bruce
Published: September 2013

Of the handful of national studies tracking trends in adolescent substance use in the United States, only the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study collects data from 6th through 10th graders. The purpose of this study was to examine trends from 1998 to 2010 (four time points) in the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use among 6th through 10th graders. Differences in trends by grade, gender, and race/ethnicity were examined for each substance use behavior, with a primary focus on trends for sixth and seventh graders. Overall, there were significant declines in tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use from 1998 to 2010. The declines were largest for the younger grades, which suggest promise for future declines among high school students as these cohorts age into high school.
Neoplastic and Nonneoplastic Lesions in Aging Mice of Unique and Common Inbred Strains Contribution to Modeling of Human Neoplastic Diseases
Authors: Szymanska H. , Lechowska-Piskorowska J. , Krysiak E. , Strzalkowska A. , Unrug-Bielawska K. , Grygalewicz B. , Skurzak H. M. , Pienkowska-Grela B. , Gajewska M.
Published: September 2013

The evaluation of spontaneous lesions in classical inbred strains of mice has become increasingly important because genetically engineered mice (GEMs) are created on these backgrounds. Novel inbred strains—genetically diverse from classic strains—are valuable both as a new background for GEM mice and to increase the genetic variation found in laboratory mice. Newly arising spontaneous genetic alterations in commonly used strains may also lead to new and valuable mouse models of disease. This report evaluates gross and histological lesions in relatively new, classic, and rarely explored mouse inbred strains. Pathological lesions of 1273 mice from 12 inbred strains (129S1/SvW, A.CA- H2f/W, AKR/W, BALB/cW, BN/aW, C57BL/6 W, C57BL/10 W, C3H/W, C3H wad/W, CBA/W, DBA/2 W, and WOM/W) are reported. BN/aW, WOM/W, and C3H wad/W are novel inbred strains produced and maintained in the Department of Genetics and Laboratory Animal Breeding at the Center of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland. Both neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions were examined. The prevalence of lung neoplasms was significantly higher in A.CA- H2f/W (33.3%) and BALB/cW (33.8%) mice ( P < .01). The prevalence of liver neoplasms was significantly higher in the CBA/W strain ( P < .01). Mammary gland neoplasms arose at a greater frequency in C3H/W mice ( P < .01). The occurrence of uterine neoplasms was higher in DBA/W and 129S1/SvW mice. AKR/W and WOM/W mice developed T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma with high frequency (110/121 [90.9%] and 159/175 [90.9%], respectively) before 1 year of age. The occurrence of nonneoplastic lesions in the kidneys of BN/aW mice was increased ( P < .01).
Contours of Alternative Policy Making in Venezuela
Authors: Orhangazi Özgür
Published: September 2013

The economic policies of the Venezuelan government in the last decade represent a significant departure from neoliberal orthodoxy. This departure consists of a focus on greater national autonomy, a return to some of the macroeconomic policies of earlier eras, and increased state involvement in the economy through interventions and social programs. While these policies have resulted in improved social indicators, they also have provided space for a set of “transformative” initiatives, including experiments with worker co-management, cooperatives, and participatory planning, all of which seek alternatives to the capitalist organization of the economy. Although the Venezuelan experience could be considered sui generis, especially with the economy’s dependence on oil, a critical evaluation of the policies implemented in Venezuela would contribute to discussions on the alternatives to both neoliberal policies and capitalism in general. This paper provides an analysis of the break with neoliberal economic policies and of the transformative initiatives, as well as an evaluation of their achievements together with a discussion on their likely future path.
Numerical simulation of landfill gas pressure distribution in landfills
Authors: Xi Yonghui , Xiong Hao
Published: September 2013

Landfill gas emissions are recognized as one of the three major concerns in municipal solid waste landfills. There are many factors that affect the generation of landfill gas when the landfill is capped. In this article, a model has been developed based on the theory of porous media flow. The model could predict the pressure distribution of landfill gas in landfill, coupling the effect of landfill settlement. According to the simulation analysis of landfill, it was found that: (a) the landfill gas pressure would reach a peak after 1.5 years, then begin to decline, and the rate of decay would slow down after 10 years; (b) the influence radius of the gas wells is limited; (c) the peak value of landfill gas pressure is larger, it appears later and the rate of decay is slower when the landfill settlement is considered in the model; (d) the calculation of excess gas pressure in landfill under different negative pressures of the extraction well is compared between this model and another model, and the results show that the relative pressure distribution form and range are almost the same.
Operating and environmental performances of commercial-scale waste gasification and melting technology
Authors: Tanigaki Nobuhiro , Fujinaga Yasuka , Kajiyama Hirohisa , Ishida Yoshihiro
Published: September 2013

Gasification technologies for waste processing are receiving increased interest. A lot of gasification technologies, including gasification and melting, have been developed in Japan and Europe. However, the flue gas and heavy metal behaviors have not been widely reported, even though those of grate furnaces have been reported. This article reports flue gas components of gasification and melting technology in different flue gas treatment systems. Hydrogen chloride concentrations at the inlet of the bag filter ranged between 171 and 180 mg Nm-3 owing to de-acidification by limestone injection to the gasifier. More than 97.8% of hydrogen chlorides were removed by a bag filter in both of the flue gas treatment systems investigated. Sulfur dioxide concentrations at the inlet of the baghouse were 4.8 mg Nm-3 and 12.7 mg Nm-3, respectively. Nitrogen oxides are highly decomposed by a selective catalytic reduction system. Owing to the low regenerations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans, and the selective catalytic reduction system, the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans at the stacks were significantly lower without activated carbon injection. More than 99% of chlorine is distributed in fly ash. Low-boiling-point heavy metals, such as lead and zinc, are distributed in fly ash at rates of 97.6% and 96.5%, respectively. Most high-boiling-point heavy metals, such as iron and copper, are distributed in metal. It is also clarified that the slag is stable and contains few harmful heavy metals, such as lead. The heavy metal distribution behaviors are almost the same regardless of the compositions of the processed waste. These results indicate that the gasification of municipal solid waste constitutes an ideal approach to environmental conservation and resource recycling.
Antibiofilm activity of quercetin-encapsulated cytocompatible nanofibers against Candida albicans
Authors: Vashisth Priya , Nikhil Kumar , Pemmaraju Suma C , Pruthi Parul A , Mallick Vivekanand , Singh Harmeet , Patel Alok , Mishra Narayan C , Singh Rajesh P , Pruthi Vikas
Published: September 2013

In this study, nanofibers against pro dimorphic fungal sessile growth were developed. Quercetin was successfully encapsulated within poly(d,l-lactide- co-glycolide)–poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofibers using an electrospinning technique. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, and Fourier-transformed infrared spectrometer were used to confirm the formation as well as encapsulation of quercetin within the nanofibers. These fabricated nanofibers were further evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the antibiofilm activity against Candida albicans. The cytocompatibility of quercetin-encapsulated nanofibers was found to be similar to control and pure polymeric nanofibers based on 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay against human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cell lines. These fabricated nanofibers potentially could be used as coatings on biomedical devices to inhibit microbial contaminations.
Massive Intravascular Hemolysis From Clostridium perfringens Septicemia
Authors: Simon Tracey G. , Bradley Joanna , Jones Adisa , Carino Gerardo
Published: September 2013

We describe the case of a patient with hemolysis-associated Clostridium perfringens septicemia and review all similar cases published in the literature since 1990, with specific focus on the relationship between treatment strategy and survival. We searched PubMed for all published cases of C. perfringens-associated hemolysis, using the medical subject terms “clostridia,” “clostridial sepsis,” and/or “hemolysis.” All case reports, case series, review articles, and other relevant references published in the English literature since 1990 were included in this study. There were no exclusion criteria. Each case was examined with respect to presenting features of illness, antibiotic regimen, time-to-antibiotic therapy, additional interventions, complications, and patient survival. These variables were entered into a data set and then systematically analyzed with the aid of a statistician, using serial t tests and chi-square analyses. Since 1990, 50 patients of C. perfringens septicemia with hemolysis have been reported. Median age was 61 years (range 31-84), and 58% were male. Mortality was 74%, with a median time to death of 9.7 hours (range 0-96 hours). Of the patients, 35 (70%) were treated medically, while 15 (30%) received antibiotics and surgery. Surgical intervention was associated with significantly improved survival (risk ratio [RR] 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10, 0.53) as was the use of a combination of penicillin and clindamycin (RR of death 0.46, 95% CI 0.25, 0.83). Four patients utilizing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) have been reported, and all patients survived. In cases of clostridial sepsis with hemolysis, strong predictors of survival include early initiation of appropriate antibiotics as well as surgical removal of infected foci. The HBOT may also be associated with survival. The disease often progresses rapidly to death, so rapid recognition is critical for the patient survival.
Ethical Considerations in Consenting Critically Ill Patients for Bedside Clinical Care and Research
Authors: Rincon Fred , Lee Kiwon
Published: September 2013

Care of critically ill patients, as in any other field, demands the exercise of ethical principles related to respect of patient’s autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and distributive justice. Professional duty and the common law require doctors to obtain consent before giving treatment or for requesting participation in clinical research. A procedure or research study must be adequately explained, and the patient must have the capacity to consent. If a patient does not have decision-making capacity, treatment must be given using alternative forms of consent or using principles of implied consent in emergency or life-threatening situations. In the case of clinical research, informed consent must always be sought. Exemptions to this rule are morally justified in circumstances related to research in life-threatening conditions or life-saving interventions in which the investigator departs from sound principles of equipoise. This usually implies the imposition of safeguards such as consultation with the community in which the study were to take place, oversight in patient screening and recruitment process by institutional review boards, special study designs, retrospective and prospective consent processes, and independent safety monitoring.