bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Breast Tumor Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Diffuse Optical Spectroscopic Tomography prior to Treatment
Authors: Jiang Shudong , Pogue Brian W. , Kaufman Peter A. , Gui Jiang , Jermyn Michael , Frazee Tracy E. , Poplack Steven P. , DiFlorio-Alexander Roberta , Wells Wendy A. , Paulsen Keith D.
Published: October 2014

Purpose: To determine whether pretreatment biomarkers obtained from diffuse optical spectroscopic tomographic (DOST) imaging predicts breast tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), which would have value to potentially eliminate delays in prescribing definitive local regional therapy that may occur from a standard complete 6- to 8-month course of NAC.

Experimental Design: Nineteen patients undergoing NAC were imaged with DOST before, during, and after treatment. The DOST images of total hemoglobin concentration (HbT), tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), and water (H2O) fraction at different time points have been used for testing the abilities of differentiating patients having pathologic complete response (pCR) versus pathologic incomplete response (pIR).

Results: Significant differences (P < 0.001, AUC = 1.0) were found between pCR patients versus pIR in outcome, based on the percentage change in tumor HbT within the first cycle of treatment. In addition, pretreatment tumor HbT (pretreatment HbT) relative to the contralateral breast was statistically significant (P = 0.01, AUC = 0.92) in differentiating pCR from pIR.

Conclusions: This is the first clinical evidence that DOST HbT may differentiate the two groups with predictive significance based on data acquired before NAC even begins. The study also demonstrates the potential of accelerating the validation of optimal NAC regimens through future randomized clinical trials by reducing the number of patients required and the length of time they need to be followed by using a validated imaging surrogate as an outcome measure. Clin Cancer Res; 20(23); 6006–15. ©2014 AACR.
Resistance to Anti-EGFR Therapy in Colorectal Cancer: From Heterogeneity to Convergent Evolution
Authors: Misale Sandra , Di Nicolantonio Federica , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Siena Salvatore , Bardelli Alberto
Published: October 2014

The EGFR-targeted antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab are used to treat metastatic colorectal cancers. Mutations in KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF and amplification of ERBB2 and MET drive primary (de novo) resistance to anti-EGFR treatment. Recently, the emergence of alterations in the same genes was detected in patients who responded to EGFR blockade and then relapsed. These results illuminate a striking overlap between genes that, when mutated, drive primary and secondary resistance to anti-EGFR antibodies. Remarkably, although the mechanisms of resistance are genetically heterogeneous, they biochemically converge on key signaling pathways. This knowledge is being translated in the rational design of additional lines of therapy.

Significance: Anti–EGFR-targeted therapies are used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Molecular heterogeneity impairs their efficacy by fuelling de novo and acquired resistance. In this review, we highlight how genetically distinct resistance mechanisms biochemically converge on a limited number of signaling pathways that can be therapeutically intercepted. Cancer Discov; 4(11); 1269–80. ©2014 AACR.
Intracoronary Infusion of Encapsulated Glucagon-Like Peptide-1–Eluting Mesenchymal Stem Cells Preserves Left Ventricular Function in a Porcine Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: de Jong Renate , van Hout Gerardus P.J. , Houtgraaf Jaco H. , Kazemi Kushan , Wallrapp Christine , Lewis Andrew , Pasterkamp Gerard , Hoefer Imo E. , Duckers Henricus J.
Published: October 2014

Background—

Engraftment and survival of stem cells in the infarcted myocardium remain problematic in cell-based therapy for cardiovascular disease. To overcome these issues, encapsulated mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) were developed that were transfected to produce glucagon-like peptide-1, an incretin hormone with known cardioprotective effects, alongside MSC endogenous paracrine factors. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of different doses of intracoronary infusion of eMSC in a porcine model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods and Results—

One hundred pigs were subjected to a moderate AMI (posterolateral AMI; n=50) or a severe AMI (anterior AMI; n=50), whereupon surviving animals (n=36 moderate, n=33 severe) were randomized to receive either intracoronary infusion of 3 incremental doses of eMSC or Ringers’ lactate control. Cardiac function was assessed using invasive hemodynamics, echocardiography, and histological analysis. A trend was observed in the moderate AMI model, whereas in the severe AMI model, left ventricular ejection fraction improved by +9.3% (
P
=0.004) in the best responding eMSC group, because of a preservation of left ventricular end-systolic volume. Arteriolar density increased 3-fold in the infarct area (8.4±0.9/mm
2
in controls versus 22.2±2.6/mm
2
in eMSC group;
P
<0.001). Although not statistically significant, capillary density was 30% higher in the border zone (908.1±99.7/mm
2
in control versus 1209.0±64.6/mm
2
in eMSC group;
P
=ns).

Conclusions—

eMSCs enable sustained local delivery of cardioprotective proteins to the heart, thereby enhancing angiogenesis and preserving contractile function in an animal AMI model.
Prolonged PR Interval Predicts Clinical Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation
Authors: Park Junbeom , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Lee Jihei Sara , Park Jin Kyu , Uhm Jae Sun , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon Hyoung , Pak Hui‐Nam
Published: October 2014

Background

A prolonged
PR
interval is known to be a poor prognostic factor in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between
PR
interval and clinical outcome in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (
RFCA
) of atrial fibrillation (
AF
).

Methods and Results

We prospectively included 576 patients with
AF
(75.5% male, 57.8±11.6 years old, 68.8% paroxysmal
AF
) who underwent
RFCA
. We analyzed preprocedural sinus rhythm
ECG
s obtained in the absence of antiarrhythmic drug, and all enrolled patients were categorized into 4 groups based on the quartile values of the
PR
interval (166, 182, and 202 ms), and were analyzed according to the left atrium (LA) volume (CT; Computed tomography),
LA
voltage (NavX), and clinical outcome of
AF
ablation. Based on quartile value of
PR
interval, the highest quartile of
PR
interval (Q4;
PR
≥202 ms) was oldest (
P
<0.001), and most likely to have persistent
AF
(
P
<0.001) and hypertension (
P
=0.013) compared with the other groups. However, there was no significant difference in
LA
conduction velocity and atrial effective refractory period. Q4 had the greatest
LA
dimension (
P
<0.001) and volume index (
P
<0.001), and lowest
LA
appendage‐emptying velocity (
P
<0.032) and
LA
voltage (
P
<0.001) compared with the others. For 13.1±7.5 months, the classification based on the
PR
interval was a significant predictor of
AF
recurrence after
RFCA
of
AF
(
HR
=1.969, 95%
CI
1.343 to 2.886,
P
=0.001).

Conclusions

The
PR
interval was closely associated with advanced
LA
remodeling due to
AF
, and had a noninvasive significant predictive value of clinical recurrence of
AF
after
RFCA
.
Recurrent Stroke and Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Spence J. David , Bogiatzi Chrysi , Parissis John , Giannopoulos Sotirios , Frogoudaki Alexandra , Safouris Apostolos , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose—

Recurrent cerebrovascular events are frequent in medically treated patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO), but it still remains unclear whether PFO is a causal or an incidental finding. Further uncertainty exists on whether the size of functional shunting could represent a potential risk factor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the presence of PFO is associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack and to investigate further if this relationship is related to the shunt size.

Methods—

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines of all available prospective studies reporting recurrent cerebrovascular events defined as cryptogenic stroke and transient ischemic attacks in medically treated patients with PFO diagnosed by echocardiography or transcranial sonography.

Results—

We identified 14 eligible studies including a total of 4251 patients. Patients with stroke with PFO did not have a higher risk of the combined outcome of recurrent stroke/transient ischemic attack (risk ratio=1.18; 95% confidence interval=0.78–1.79;
P
=0.43) or in the incidence of recurrent strokes (risk ratio =0.85; 95% confidence interval=0.59–1.22;
P
=0.37) in comparison with stroke patients without PFO. In addition, PFO size was not associated with the risk of recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack. We also documented no evidence of heterogeneity across the included studies.

Conclusions—

Our findings indicate that medically treated patients with PFO do not have a higher risk for recurrent cryptogenic cerebrovascular events, compared with those without PFO. No relation between the degree of PFO and the risk of future cerebrovascular events was identified.
Synopsis of Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Silva Otávio Luis Marques da , Cordeiro Inês , Caruzo Maria Beatriz Rossi
Published: October 2014

Euphorbia is the largest genus of Euphorbiaceae and is among the giant genera of Angiosperms. In the state of São Paulo, the genus is represented by 23 species occurring in savannas, high altitude fields, and anthropic areas. This work includes an identification key, photographs, and comments on morphology, habitat, and geographical distribution. We reestablish Euphorbia chrysophylla and recognize Leptopus brasiliensis as a synonym of Euphorbia sciadophila. Six new records for the state of São Paulo are presented: Euphorbia adenoptera, E. bahiensis, E. chrysophylla, E. cordeiroae, E. foliolosa and E. ophthalmica. Eight lectotypes are designated.
A review of the family Clenchiellidae (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda: Truncatelloidea)
Authors: PONDER WINSTON F. , FUKUDA HIROSHI , HALLAN ANDERS
Published: October 2014

The truncatelloidean family Clenchiellidae, previously treated as a tribe or subfamily of Hydrobiidae, is diagnosed as a distinct family including Clenchiella and three new genera, Coliracemata, Colenuda and Coleglabra. The family is characterised by the discoidal shell with spiral keels or cords, and a wide umbilicus. All species are found in mangrove swamps or adjacent habitats in tropical estuaries, with the exception of one riverine and one lacustrine species. Clenchiella includes the type species, C. victoriae Abbott, from the Philippines, the widespread C. minutissima (Wattebled) (= C. papuensis Benthem Jutting) from Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Papua New Guinea and tropical Australia, and three new species, C. bicingulata n. sp. from Singapore and Thailand, C. varicosa n. sp. from Hong Kong and Taiwan, and C. iriomotensis n. sp. from Okinawa, Japan. Coliracemata n. gen. includes C. mortoni n. sp. (type of the genus) from Hong Kong, C. katurana n. sp. from Okinawa, C. clarkae n. sp. from northeastern Australia, and tentatively C. microscopica (Nevill) and C. innocens (Preston) from India. Colenuda n. gen. consists of a single species, C. kessneri n. sp., from Northern Territory, Australia. Coleglabra n. gen. includes C. nordaustralis n. sp. (type of the genus) from Northern Territory and C. sentaniensis (Benthem Jutting) from a freshwater lake in Irian Jaya. Anatomical characters are described for nine of the twelve species. The Clenchiellidae is shown to be more closely related to Calopiidae, Tornidae, and Iravadiidae, than to Hydrobiidae.
Description of Cyclocephala distincta Burmeister (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Cyclocephalini) immatures and identification key for third instars of some Cyclocephala species
Authors: SOUZA THAMYRYS BEZERRA DE , MAIA ARTUR CAMPOS DÁLIA , ALBUQUERQUE CLEIDE MARIA RIBEIRO DE , IANNUZZI LUCIANA
Published: October 2014

The larval instars and pupa of Cyclocephala distincta Burmeister (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Cyclocephalini) are described and compared to those of other known congenerics. Adult C. distincta, specialized flower visitors of Neotropical palms (Arecaceae), were collected in an area of native Atlantic Forest cover in the northeastern coast of Brazil and reared in captivity. The larvae of C. distincta diff---er from those of the other congenerics because of a distinctive pattern and arrangement of the setae on the raster.
Deep Convective Transition Characteristics in the Community Climate System Model and Changes under Global Warming
Authors: Sahany Sandeep , Neelin J. David , Hales Katrina , Neale Richard B.
Published: October 2014

Tropical deep convective transition characteristics, including precipitation pickup, occurrence probability, and distribution tails related to extreme events, are analyzed using uncoupled and coupled versions of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) under present-day and global warming conditions. Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project–type simulations using a 0.5° version of the uncoupled model yield good matches to satellite retrievals for convective transition properties analyzed as a function of bulk measures of water vapor and tropospheric temperature. Present-day simulations with the 1.0° coupled model show transition behavior not very different from that seen in the higher-resolution uncoupled version. Frequency of occurrence of column water vapor (CWV) for precipitating points shows reasonable agreement with the retrievals, including the longer-than-Gaussian tails of the distributions. The probability density functions of precipitating grid points collapse toward similar form when normalized by the critical CWV for convective onset in both historical and global warming cases. Under global warming conditions, the following statements can be made regarding the precipitation statistics in the simulation: (i) as the rainfall pickup shifts to higher CWV with warmer temperatures, the critical CWV for the current climate is a good predictor for the same quantity under global warming with the shift given by straightforward conditional instability considerations; (ii) to a first approximation, the probability distributions shift accordingly, except that (iii) frequency of occurrence in the longer-than-Gaussian tail increases considerably, with implications for occurrences of extreme events; and, thus, (iv) precipitation conditional averages on CWV and tropospheric temperature tend to extend to higher values.
Knowledge Sharing in Organizations
Authors: Caimo Alberto , Lomi Alessandro
Published: October 2014

We examine the conditions under which knowledge embedded in advice relations is likely to reach across intraorganizational boundaries and be shared between distant organizational members. We emphasize boundary-crossing relations because activities of knowledge transfer and sharing across subunit boundaries are systematically related to desirable organizational outcomes. Our main objective is to understand how organizational and social processes interact to sustain the transfer of knowledge carried by advice relations. Using original fieldwork and data that we have collected on members of the top management team in a multiunit industrial group, we show that knowledge embedded in task advice relations is unlikely to crosscut intraorganizational boundaries, unless advice relations are reciprocated, and supported by the presence of hierarchical relations linking managers in different subunits. The results we report are based on a novel Bayesian Exponential Random Graph Models (BERGMs) framework that allows us to test and assess the empirical value of our hypotheses while at the same time accounting for structural characteristics of the intraorganizational network of advice relations. We rely on computational and simulation methods to establish the consistency of the network implied by the model we propose with the structure of the intraorganizational network that we actually observed.
Seamless adaptive servo-ventilation therapy after triple-valve surgery
Authors: Inoue Takehiro , Yugami Shintaro , Nishino Takako , Saga Toshihiko
Published: October 2014

A 70-year-old man with severe multivalvular disease, atrial fibrillation, and kyphoscoliosis, had Cheyne-Stokes respiration with central sleep apnea. After triple-valve surgery with the maze procedure, adjunctive adaptive servo-ventilation therapy was initiated on the first postoperative day and continued seamlessly in the postoperative period. Seamless adaptive servo-ventilation therapy as an adjunct to triple-valve surgery is more likely to prevent heart failure remodeling without worsening of pulmonary hypertension and recurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Engaging With Strangers and Brief Encounters
Authors: Wilkinson Clare
Published: October 2014

Social scientists operate in a range of roles within the public engagement with science and technology agenda. Social scientists’ strengths in respect to “translation” and “intermediary” skills have captured attention at a time of disciplinary pressure to demonstrate impact. This article explores how social scientists’ engaged in public engagement with science and technology consider their role(s), drawing on 21 semistructured interviews and Horst and Michael’s proposals of an emergence model, in addition to ongoing discussions related to expertise. The findings suggest there are many benefits when social scientists engage with “strangers,” both scientific and public, but that focusing only on pragmatic elements misses the true opportunity such working relationships can offer among critical friends.
Recent progress in landslide dating
Authors: Pánek Tomáš
Published: October 2014

Recent progress of dating techniques has greatly improved the age determination of various types of landslides. Since the turn of the 21st century, the number of dated landslides throughout the world has increased several fold and the introduction of modern dating methods (e.g. cosmic ray exposure dating) has enabled the dating of new landslide features and elements. Based on the analysis of >950 dated landslides (of which 734 have been dated since the year 2000), it is clear that the predominant traditional strategies have continued to rely on the radiocarbon method; however, there is a remarkable trend of using cosmic ray exposure techniques for dating both the accumulation (e.g. landslide boulders) and the depletion (e.g. landslide scarps) parts of landslides. Furthermore, an increasing number of slope failures is determined by a multi-dating approach, which enables the verification of particular dating methods. Although coherent regional landslide chronologies are still relatively scarce in comparison with extensive databases of fluvial, glacial and/or eolian landforms, they offer important insights into temporal landslide distribution, long-term landslide behavior and their relationships with paleoenvironmental changes. The most extensive data sets exist for the mountain areas of North America (Pacific Coast Ranges), South America (Andes), Europe (Alps, Scottish Highlands, Norway, Carpathians and Apennines), the Himalaya-Tibet orogeny and the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Dated landslides in the plate interiors are lacking, especially in South America, Africa and Australia. Despite the fact that some dating results are well correlated with major regional and continental-scale changes in the seismic activity, moisture abundance, glacier regimes and vegetation patterns, some of these results contradict previously established straightforward hypotheses. This indicates the rather complex chronological behavior of landslides, reflecting both intrinsic (e.g. gradual stress relaxation within a rock mass) and external factors, including high-magnitude earthquakes or heavy rainfalls.
Innovative services in the National Library of China
Authors: Yongjin Han
Published: October 2014

In recent years, librarianship in China has encountered new opportunities and challenges due to unprecedented changes in the political, economic, social and technical environment in China. In order to keep up with these changes, the National Library of China is devoted to the transformation of libraries in innovative ways. It has undertaken much exploration in the development of digital libraries, social education, preservation and conservation of cultural heritages and integration and display of library resources. It has also launched major projects including the Digital Library Promotion Project and ‘Chinese Memory’ and built the National Museum of Classic Collections to promote extensive reading activities. All these efforts have achieved positive results.
‘Experience is a mixture of violence and justification’
Authors: Browne Craig
Published: October 2014

In this discussion with Craig Browne, Luc Boltanski comments on how his recent work reconsiders the questions of agency and the nature of social explanation. Boltanski reflects on the connections between his investigations of grammars of justifications and his later work with Eve Chiapello on the historical transition to a new spirit of capitalism. The significance of politics, conflict and critique to Boltanski’s sociology are highlighted. Bolanski explains why he regards May 1968 as a major disruption of the capitalist social order and how the conservative response to this contestation subsequently prevailed in France. The reorganisation of capitalism in recent decades has increased social division, yet Boltanski believes that the recent recession and existing discontent could lead to unexpected outcomes.
Development of a Forced-Choice Measure of Typical-Performance Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Anguiano-Carrasco Cristina , MacCann Carolyn , Geiger Mattis , Seybert Jacob M. , Roberts Richard D.
Published: October 2014

Self-report ratings of emotional intelligence (EI) can be faked in high-stakes situations. Although forced-choice administration can prevent response distortion, it produces ipsative scores when scored conventionally. This study ( n = 486) develops an 18-item EI rating scale assessing emotion perception, understanding, and management. We compare validity evidence for: (a) a single-stimulus rating scale; and (b) a forced-choice assessment scored with conventional methods versus item response theory (IRT) methods. The single-stimulus items showed acceptable fit to a three-factor solution, and the forced-choice items showed acceptable fit to the IRT solution. Correlations with criterion variables (ability and self-reported EI, Big Five personality, loneliness, life satisfaction, and GPA) were obtained for 283 participants. Correlations were in the expected direction for the single-stimulus and the IRT-based forced-choice scores. In contrast, the conventionally scored forced-choice test showed the expected correlations for emotion management, but not for emotion perception nor understanding. Results suggest that IRT-based methods for scoring forced-choice assessments produce equivalent validity to single-stimulus rating scales. As such, IRT-based scores on forced-choice assessments may allow EI tests to be used for high-stakes applications, where faking is a concern.
Creative Interaction and Multiplexity in Intraorganizational Networks
Authors: Lee Seungyoon , Lee Cheolhan
Published: October 2014

In line with the emphasis on the social and collaborative aspects of creativity, this study examined the local structural patterns of embeddedness between creative interaction ties and three different types of existing relations among employees. Results based on sociometric network data from an advertising agency revealed that significant multiplexity exists, with advice ties being the most strongly associated with creative interaction, followed by knowledge ties and friendship ties. Furthermore, the structure of multiplexity shows that employees were likely to have reciprocal ties across multiple relations, to seek multiple types of resources from a single source, and to form embedded ties within the same work unit. Implications for the theory of embeddedness and practical implications for promoting organizational creativity are discussed.
A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Understanding of Men’s Healing From Childhood Maltreatment
Authors: Willis Danny G. , Rhodes Alison M. , Dionne-Odom James N. , Lee Kayoung , Terreri Pamela
Published: October 2014

Purpose: To describe and interpret men’s experience of healing from childhood maltreatment. Design: Hermeneutic phenomenological. Method: In-depth interviews. Community-based purposive, maximum variation sampling approach. Recruitment occurred through posting flyers and advertisements. Verbatim data were analyzed and themes of the meaning of healing were identified. Findings: The meaning of healing was interpreted as “moving beyond suffering.” Five themes were identified to capture the multidimensional nature of the phenomenon: (a) breaking through the masculine veneer, (b) finding meaning, (c) choosing to live well, (d) caring for the self using holistic healing methods, and (e) engaging in humanizing relationships. Conclusions: Men who survived childhood maltreatment have needs to heal holistically mind, body, and spirit. Meeting their needs requires the provision of highly compassionate humanistic healing environments and healing-promotive nursing care.
Investigating in-service failures of water pipes from a multiaxial notch fatigue point of view: A conceptual study
Authors: Brevis W , Susmel L , Boxall J
Published: October 2014

Many mechanisms and processes can cause deterioration and ultimately failure of water distribution pipes during in-service operation, amongst these is damage caused by metal fatigue. This paper summarises an attempt at formalising a novel methodology suitable for estimating the number of years taken for a through thickness fatigue crack to form in this complex scenario. The devised method is based on the so-called modified Wöhler curve method and can be applied to estimate fatigue damage of water pipes independently from the degree of multiaxiality and non-proportionality of the load history. The computational approach of the proposed fatigue life estimation technique makes full use of an incremental procedure: fatigue damage is evaluated year by year by assuming that all variable involved in the process can change over time. The detrimental effect of corrosion pits is directly accounted for by treating them as conventional notches whose size increases with time. Finally, by taking as reference information the number of years for a blowout hole to form, the proposed approach is used to show how the lifetime of grey cast iron pipes can be remarkably shortened by fatigue.
Abortion in cattle due to infection with Staphylococcus lugdunensis
Authors: Ardigò Paolo , D’Incau Mario , Pongolini Stefano
Published: October 2014

An aborted fetus of 7 months gestation, the associated placenta, and a single blood sample from the dam were submitted for diagnostic investigation to the diagnostic laboratory of the Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute in Parma, Italy. The serum was negative for Neospora caninum, Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydophila abortus, Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), Brucella abortus, and Brucella melitensis. Fetal tissues and placental cotyledons were pooled and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of BHV-1, Bovine herpesvirus 4, BVDV, N. caninum, C. burnetii, Chlamydophila spp., Schmallemberg virus, and Leptospira interrogans. All PCR assays were negative. Bacteriological examinations performed on the fetal organs revealed a pure growth of Staphylococcus lugdunensis in all organs cultured. In human beings, S. lugdunensis is responsible for community-acquired and nosocomial infections, in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. In veterinary medicine, the pathogenic potential of S. lugdunensis has not been fully investigated. The incidence of S. lugdunensis is regarded as being underreported because it could be easily misidentified as Staphylococcus aureus. The current report documents the ability of S. lugdunensis to cause abortion in cattle, indicating the need for accurate diagnostic procedures to identify this emerging and zoonotic pathogen whose incidence is likely underestimated in both human and veterinary medicine.
Isolation of Aureimonas altamirensis, a Brucella canis–like bacterium, from an edematous canine testicle
Authors: Reilly Thomas J. , Calcutt Michael J. , Wennerdahl Laura A. , Williams Fred , Evans Tim J. , Ganjam Irene K. , Bowman Jesse W. , Fales William H.
Published: October 2014

Microbiological and histological analysis of a sample from a swollen testicle of a 2-year-old Border Collie dog revealed a mixed infection of the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis and the Gram-negative bacterium Aureimonas altamirensis. When subjected to an automated microbial identification system, the latter isolate was provisionally identified as Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus, but the organism shared several biochemical features with Brucella canis and exhibited agglutination, albeit weakly, with anti– B. canis antiserum. Unequivocal identification of the organism was only achieved by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, ultimately establishing the identity as A. altamirensis. Since its first description in 2006, this organism has been isolated infrequently from human clinical samples, but, to the authors’ knowledge, has not been reported from a veterinary clinical sample. While of unknown clinical significance with respect to the pathology observed for the polymicrobial infection described herein, it highlights the critical importance to unambiguously identify the microbe for diagnostic, epidemiological, infection control, and public health purposes.
Characteristics of Lifelong Physically Active Older Adults
Authors: Chatfield Sheryl L.
Published: October 2014

Most adults in developed countries fail to accrue enough regular physical activity to prevent or decrease the impact of chronic diseases associated with aging. I conducted semistructured interviews with 16 purposely selected older adults ranging in age from 53 to 70 years to explore the practices of successful lifelong adherents to physical activity. I used an interpretive descriptive approach to data analysis. My findings suggest that both social and competitive motivations were important during early adulthood, although for many participants the latter were more likely to endure over time. Based on these findings, I recommend that programmers be aware of the potential for older participants to be less fulfilled by social motivations as they become more experienced exercisers.
Evaluation of Hospital-Based Palliative Care Programs
Authors: Hall Karen Lynn , Rafalson Lisa , Mariano Kathleen , Michalek Arthur
Published: October 2014

This study evaluated current hospital-based palliative care programs using recommendations from the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) as a framework. Seven hospitals located in Buffalo, New York were included based on the existence of a hospital-based palliative care program. Data was collected from August through October of 2013 by means of key informant interviews with nine staff members from these hospitals using a guide comprised of questions based on CAPC’s recommendations. A gap analysis was conducted to analyze the current state of each hospital’s program based upon CAPC’s definition of a quality palliative care program. The findings identify challenges facing both existing/evolving palliative care programs, and establish a foundation for strategies to attain best practices not yet implemented. This study affirms the growing availability of palliative care services among these selected hospitals along with opportunities to improve the scope of services in line with national recommendations.
Restoration of Normal Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ratio With Fresh Frozen Plasma in Hypocoagulable Patients
Authors: Only Arthur J. , DeChristopher Phillip J. , Iqal Omer , Fareed Jawed
Published: October 2014

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is an effective reversal agent for hypocoagulable patients. Its proven efficacy continues to prompt its usage as both a prophylactic and a therapeutic therapy. Although published guidelines encouraging the appropriate administration of FFP exist, overutilization continues. The purpose of these ex vivo studies was to determine the effects of succeeding volumes of FFP supplementation on hypocoagulable plasma prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR). By analyzing the decline in PT/INR with varying volumes of FFP, a minimal required volume of FFP could be identified representing the optimal volume to administer while still providing therapeutic effect. A total of 497 plasma samples were screened for elevated PT/INR values and 50 samples were selected for inclusion in this experiment. The initial PTs/INRs ranged from 12.5 to 43.4 seconds/1.42 to 4.91. Subsequent declines in PT/INR values were analyzed following addition of 50, 100, and 150 µL of FFP to a fixed volume of 250 µL of plasma (26.4 ± 5.318 seconds/2.99 ± 0.603, 13.3 ± 1.077 seconds/1.51 ± 0.122, 11.2 ± 0.712 seconds/1.27 ± 0.081, and 10.3 ± 0.533 seconds/1.16 ± 0.06, respectively). A nonlinear relationship between decline in INR values and percentage of FFP supplementation was demonstrated. The greatest effect on INR was obtained after supplementation with 50 µL (49%). Doubling and tripling the volume of FFP lead to significantly lower declines in INR (16% and 8%, respectively). Analysis of variance indicated a statistical significance with subsequent volume supplementation of FFP, but marginal clinical benefits exist between the PTs/INRs obtainable with increased FFP volume administration.
A Bernsteinian Analysis of Content Area Literacy
Authors: Collin Ross
Published: October 2014

This article examines two approaches to teaching content area literacy: a strategies approach focused on general practices of reading and writing and a disciplinary approach attuned to the particular discourses of particular domains. Basil Bernstein’s theory of the pedagogic device is used to critique both approaches’ assumptions about content area literacy. Neither approach, it is argued, accounts for the ways content areas bring together discourses from multiple fields. The strategies approach, for instance, does not account for the ways literacies in different content areas are bound up with different discourses. The disciplinary approach, on the other hand, conflates content area discourses with university and professional discourses. At the same time, the disciplinary approach minimizes content area discourses’ connections to the discourses of domains such as the public sphere and everyday life. At the end of the article, Bernstein’s ideas are used to formulate questions content area teachers might consider when teaching different ways of reading, writing, speaking, thinking, and listening.
Structural Validity of the WISC-IV for Students With ADHD
Authors: Styck Kara M. , Watkins Marley W.
Published: October 2014

Objective: To evaluate the structural validity of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). Method: Confirmatory factor analyses were applied to a sample of 233 students diagnosed with ADHD by school multidisciplinary evaluation teams to evaluate the relative fit of the following competing models: (a) one factor, (b) two oblique verbal and nonverbal factors, (c) three oblique verbal, perceptual, and combined working memory/processing speed factors, (d) four oblique verbal, perceptual, working memory, and processing speed factors, (e) a higher-order model with four first-order factors, and (f) a bifactor model with four domain-specific factors. Results: A higher-order four-factor model fit the data best, which was composed of a general intelligence factor and four domain-specific factors that matched the four factors specified in the WISC-IV technical and interpretive manual. Moreover, the general intelligence factor explained more than two times the total variance contributed by all four domain-specific factors combined. Conclusions: Results substantiate previous research on the WISC-IV, indicating that the general intelligence factor contributes the most reliable information. Consequently, it is recommended that interpretation of the WISC-IV remain at the Full-Scale IQ score level.
Determinants of Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors After 6 Months, from a Comprehensive Stroke Unit
Authors: Lopez-Espuela Fidel , Zamorano Juan Diego Pedrera , Ramírez-Moreno José María , Jiménez-Caballero Pedro Enrique , Portilla-Cuenca Juan Carlos , Lavado-García Jesús María , Casado-Naranjo Ignacio
Published: October 2014

Background:

In the social model of stroke, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is the result of interplay among stroke severity, social support, and health-promoting behaviors. Our objective was to identify determinants of HRQoL in stroke survivors.

Methods:

Ischemic stroke patients were evaluated at 6 months with the Short Form 12 Health Survey, including physical component survey (PCS) and mental health component survey (MCS) summary scores. Multivariate stepwise regression analyses determined independent predictors of scores. Models included age, gender, socioeconomic class, education, residential environment, social support, previous comorbidity (Charlson Index), previous stroke, side of stroke, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, Barthel Index (BI) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge, and length of stay.

Results:

A total of 131 patients participated (mean age 70.1, SD = 12.5; 62.6% males). In all, 33.6% had a BI score <90 and an mRS score >2 (poor outcome). The mean ( SD) PCS score was 39.46 (9.3) and mean ( SD) MCS score was 34.86 (10.1). Lower PCS score was associated with female sex (β = 0.204, p = .009), poor social support (β = −0.225, p = .003), and poor Charlson Index (β = −0.162, p = .032) and BI scores (β = 0.384, p < .0001). Lower MCS score was associated with female sex (β = 0.162, p = .062) and poor NIHSS (β = −0.265, p = .019) and BI scores (β = 0.203, p < .071).

Conclusion:

Stroke severity, disability, gender, social support, and previous stroke have significant impacts on the physical and mental domains of generic HRQoL.
The effect of deferoxamine on angiogenesis and bone repair in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of rabbit femoral heads
Authors: Li Jia , Fan Lihong , Yu Zefeng , Dang Xiaoqian , Wang Kunzheng
Published: October 2014

In this study, we examined whether local deferoxamine (DFO) administration can promote angiogenesis and bone repair in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Steroid-induced ONFH was induced in 65 mature male New Zealand white rabbits by methylprednisolone in combination with lipopolysaccharide. Six weeks later, the rabbits received no treatment (model group, N = 15), bilateral core decompression (CD group, N = 20) or CD in combination with local DFO administration (DFO group, N = 20). Six weeks after the surgery, vascularization in the femoral head was evaluated by ink artery infusion angiography and immunohistochemical staining for von Willebrand Factor (vWF). Bone repair was assessed by histologic analysis and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to analyze the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and osteocalcin (OCN). Ink artery infusion angiography and microvessel analysis by immuohistochemical staining for vWF showed more blood vessels in the DFO group than other groups. The expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, BMP-2, and OCN, indicated by immunohistochemical staining, was higher in the DFO group compared with other groups. Micro-CT scanning results indicated that the DFO group had larger volume of newly formed bone than the CD group. This work indicated that local DFO administration improved angiogenesis and bone repair of early stage ONFH in rabbit model, and it may offer an efficient, economic, and simple therapy for early stage ONFH.
The Unpredictability of Murder
Authors: DeLisi Matt , Piquero Alex R. , Cardwell Stephanie M.
Published: October 2014

There is minimal research that has investigated the characteristics distinguishing youth who commit murder to other juvenile offenders. Of the research that has been done, scholars have identified a wide variety of factors that distinguish these offenders, including poor family environments, emotional and social problems, poor mental health, and behavioral disorders. Using data from Pathways to Desistance, a study of 1,354 serious youthful offenders, we examined how 8 demographic characteristics and 35 risk factors distinguish between those youth who were charged with some type of homicide and those youth who were not charged with any type of homicide. We find that only 18 (1.33%) youth were charged with a homicide offense. Among the predictors, age, intelligence quotient (IQ), exposure to violence, perceptions of community disorder, and prevalence of gun carrying are significantly different across the two groups. Results from a rare-events logistic regression that simultaneously examined the relationship between these five risk factors and their ability to distinguish between the two groups indicate that only lower IQ and a greater exposure to violence were significant. Finally, a higher number of risk factors were associated with a higher likelihood that youth would be charged with homicide.
Medication Nonadherence in the Latino Population, Language Barriers and Considerations
Authors: White Nicole D.
Published: October 2014

Medication adherence is a major public health concern that results in poor health outcomes and significantly increased health care costs. Medication nonadherence rates appear to be higher in non-white patients, including Latino patients. Spanish-speaking patients may receive insufficient care and incur greater negative health outcomes because of language barriers, and medication nonadherence is a contributing factor to this problem. The effect of language barriers on medication adherence will be discussed as well as practitioner considerations for addressing the challenge.
Desiring What the Law Desires: A Semiotic View on the Normalization of Homosexual Sexuality
Authors: Croce Mariano
Published: October 2014

Critics of the same-sex rights discourse claim that recent struggles for sexual equality is fostering a process of normalization that exerts both heteronormative and homonormative effects. This article follows this clue and seeks to identify some of the factors and the channels of the “transformation of desire” which is currently affecting the homosexual imagery. By looking at some key judgments both in the U.S. and Europe, it explores how lesbians, gays, and bisexuals acquire socio-political visibility and how the latter impacts on them. By capitalizing on a semiotic view of law, the article explains how the access to the legal field has forced lesbians, gays, and bisexuals to frame the theme of homosexuality in conformity with a categorial grid typical of traditional kinship models.
Clinical outcomes of proximal row carpectomy versus four-corner arthrodesis for post-traumatic wrist arthropathy: a systematic review
Authors: Saltzman B. M. , Frank J. M. , Slikker W. , Fernandez J. J. , Cohen M. S. , Wysocki R. W.
Published: October 2014

We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting clinical outcomes after proximal row carpectomy or to four-corner arthrodesis for scaphoid non-union advanced collapse or scapholunate advanced collapse arthritis. Seven studies (Levels I–III; 240 patients, 242 wrists) were evaluated. Significantly different post-operative values were as follows for four-corner arthrodesis versus proximal row carpectomy groups: wrist extension, 39 (SD 11º) versus 43 (SD 11º); wrist flexion, 32 (SD 10º) versus 36 (SD 11º); flexion-extension arc, 62 (SD 14º) versus 75 (SD 10º); radial deviation, 14 (SD 5º) versus 10 (SD 5º); hand grip strength as a percentage of contralateral side, 74% (SD 13) versus 67% (SD 16); overall complication rate, 29% versus 14%. The most common post-operative complications were non-union (grouped incidence, 7%) after four-corner arthrodesis and synovitis and clinically significant oedema (3.1%) after proximal row carpectomy. Radial deviation and post-operative hand grip strength (as a percentage of the contralateral side) were significantly better after four-corner arthrodesis. Four-corner arthrodesis gave significantly greater post-operative radial deviation and grip strength as a percentage of the opposite side. Wrist flexion, extension, and the flexion-extension arc were better after proximal row carpectomy, which also had a lower overall complication rate.

Level of evidence: Level III (Level I-III studies), Systematic Review. Therapeutic.
Are Aggressive Cartoons Really Funnier? A Replication
Authors: Stieger Stefan , Formann Anton K.
Published: October 2014

Research has found that more aggressive cartoons are perceived as funnier. The current study ( N = 106; 16 cartoons) examined this finding in more detail by additionally including painfulness and cleverness rankings of cartoons, and by examining possible moderating effects of different humor styles, self-esteem (explicit, implicit), and social desirability. Aggressive or painful cartoons were not perceived to be funnier, but were rated as having a cleverer punch line. Effects were only weakly correlated with participants’ humor styles, but were independent of self-esteem and social desirability. This suggests that aggressive cartoons are not in general perceived to be funnier than non-aggressive ones, and that there may be other moderators influencing this effect (e.g., the type of cartoons, definition of aggression and funniness, cultural aspects).
Market Orientation Practices and Effects on Organizational Performance
Authors: Hilman Haim , Kaliappen Narentheren
Published: October 2014

Today’s organizations need market orientation practices to strive and generate superior performance and competitive advantage in the modern turbulent marketplace. Thus, this research inspects the respective links between the dimensions of (a) competitor orientation and (b) customer orientation and performance in the context of hotels in Malaysia. Data were gathered through self-administrated mail questionnaires directed to the top- and middle-level managers of three- to five-star-rated hotels in Malaysia. The findings indicated that hotels in Malaysia practiced competitor orientation and customer orientation as their core marketing strategy. Specifically, both competitor orientation and customer orientation positively linked to organizational performance. Few studies have investigated the practices and effects of market orientation on performance in the Malaysian hotel setting. Therefore, this study provided new insights into the understanding of market orientation practices in the hotel industry, particularly in Malaysia. In addition, the significance of this study, potential limitations, and future examination directions are highlighted.
Behaviour of cold sprayed superalloy in incinerator at 900°C
Authors: Singh H. , Sidhu T. S. , Kalsi S. B. S.
Published: October 2014

The present study tested the ability of a novel, facile and relatively less reported cold spray technique to develop the coatings for high temperature applications in the boiler tubes. The behaviour of the coating depends upon its microstructure, which further is decided by the coating deposition technique. The coating–substrate system material composition also affects its behaviour. For current investigation, 75Cr3C2–25(Ni–20Cr) coating is cold sprayed on Superni 75 superalloy and its behaviour is studied in a hot corrosive chlorine based aggressive environment of actual waste incinerator at 900°C. The coating microstructure obtained by cold spray process is noticed to be suitable for preventing the transport of environmental corrosive species towards the superalloy substrate.