bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Relevance of Aberrant DNA Methylation in G1 and G2 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Stefanoli Michele , La Rosa Stefano , Sahnane Nora , Romualdi Chiara , Pastorino Roberta , Marando Alessandro , Capella Carlo , Sessa Fausto , Furlan Daniela
Published: November 2014

Background/Aims: The occurrence and clinical relevance of DNA hypermethylation and global hypomethylation in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PanNETs) are still unknown. We evaluated the frequency of both epigenetic alterations in PanNETs to assess the relationship between methylation profiles and chromosomal instability, tumour phenotypes and prognosis. Methods: In a well-characterized series of 56 sporadic G1 and G2 PanNETs, methylation-sensitive multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification was performed to assess hypermethylayion of 33 genes and copy number alterations (CNAs) of 53 chromosomal regions. Long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) hypomethylation was quantified by pyrosequencing. Results: Unsupervised hierarchical clustering allowed to identify a subset of 22 PanNETs (39%) exhibiting high frequency of gene-specific methylation and low CNA percentages. This tumour cluster was significantly associated with stage IV (p = 0.04) and with poor prognosis in univariable analysis (p = 0.004). LINE-1 methylation levels in PanNETs were significantly lower than in normal samples (p < 0.01) and were approximately normally distributed. 12 tumours (21%) were highly hypomethylated, showing variable levels of CNA. Interestingly, only 5 PanNETs (9%) were observed to show simultaneously LINE-1 hypomethylation and high frequency of gene-specific methylation. LINE-1 hypomethylation was strongly correlated with advanced stage (p = 0.002) and with poor prognosis (p < 0.0001). In the multivariable analysis, low LINE-1 methylation status and methylation clusters were the only independent significant predictors of outcome (p = 0.034 and p = 0.029, respectively). Conclusion: The combination of global DNA hypomethylation and gene hypermethylation analyses may be useful to define distinct subsets of PanNETs. Both alterations are common in PanNETs and could be directly correlated with tumour progression.
Pressure Ulcers and Malnutrition: Results from a Snapshot Sampling in a University Hospital
Authors: Tsaousi Georgia , Stavrou George , Ioannidis Aristidis , Salonikidis Spyros , Kotzampassi Katerina
Published: November 2014

Objective: We aimed to ascertain the factors potentially contributing to the manifestation of pressure ulcers (PU) due to poor nutritional status in a nonselected hospitalized population. Subjects and Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 471 adult inpatients treated at our university hospital. Study parameters included anthropometric data, demographics, medical history, mood status, diet-related factors and self-perception of health status. For each participant, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and a malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST) was used to screen for nutritional deficiencies, with the presence of PU constituting the outcome of interest. An independent-samples t test, χ2 analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: The overall prevalence of PU in our cohort was 14.2%. Advanced age, low BMI, poor health status by self-assessment, serious mood disorders, malnutrition, abnormal appetite status, a quantity of food intake half of normal, an artificial diet, limited or no autonomy in everyday activities (p < 0.01 for all) and recent weight loss (p < 0.05) were identified as important determinants for the manifestation of PU. Multivariate analysis highlighted limited autonomy in everyday activities (OR 6.456 and 95% CI 3.212-12.973; p = 0.000), MUST score (OR 3.825 and 95% CI 1.730-8.455; p = 0.001) and artificial diet (OR 1.869 and 95% CI 1.247-2.802; p = 0.018) as the most powerful predictors of PU development. Conclusion: Poor nutritional status, limited autonomy in everyday activities and artificial nutrition seemed to confer noteworthy prognostic value regarding PU development in the acute-care setting.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Inhibits Angiogenic Signaling by Uncoupling Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2-α
V
β
3
Integrin Cross Talk
Authors: Wu Jianbo , Strawn Tammy L. , Luo Mao , Wang Liqun , Li Rong , Ren Meiping , Xia Jiyi , Zhang Zhuo , Ma Weizhong , Luo Tingting , Lawrence Daniel A. , Fay William P.
Published: November 2014

Objective—

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) regulates angiogenesis via effects on extracellular matrix proteolysis and cell adhesion. However, no previous study has implicated PAI-1 in controlling vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. We tested the hypothesis that PAI-1 downregulates VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) activation by inhibiting a vitronectin-dependent cooperative binding interaction between VEGFR-2 and α
V
β
3
.

Approach and Results—

We studied effects of PAI-1 on VEGF signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. PAI-1 inhibited VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells grown on vitronectin, but not on fibronectin or collagen. PAI-1 inhibited the binding of VEGFR-2 to β
3
integrin, VEGFR-2 endocytosis, and intracellular signaling pathways downstream of VEGFR-2. The anti-VEGF effect of PAI-1 was mediated by 2 distinct pathways, one requiring binding to vitronectin and another requiring binding to very low-density lipoprotein receptor. PAI-1 inhibited VEGF-induced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, and pharmacological inhibition of PAI-1 promoted collateral arteriole development and recovery of hindlimb perfusion after femoral artery interruption.

Conclusions—

PAI-1 inhibits activation of VEGFR-2 by VEGF by disrupting a vitronectin-dependent proangiogenic binding interaction involving α
V
β
3
and VEGFR-2. These results broaden our understanding of the roles of PAI-1, vitronectin, and endocytic receptors in regulating VEGFR-2 activation and suggest novel therapeutic strategies for regulating VEGF signaling.
Mechanisms and Clinical Significance of Adenosine-Induced Dormant Accessory Pathway Conduction After Catheter Ablation
Authors: Spotnitz Michelle D. , Markowitz Steven M. , Liu Christopher F. , Thomas George , Ip James E. , Liez Joshua , Lerman Bruce B. , Cheung Jim W.
Published: November 2014

Background—

Adenosine can unmask dormant pulmonary vein conduction after isolation. The role of adenosine in uncovering dormant accessory pathway (AP) conduction after AP ablation is unknown.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated 109 consecutive patients (age, 41±28 years; 62 [57%] men) who were administered adenosine after successful AP ablation. Dormant AP conduction was defined as adenosine-induced recurrent AP conduction, as demonstrated by recurrent preexcitation or change in retrograde ventriculoatrial activation patterns. Dormant AP conduction was identified in 13 (12%) patients. Adenosine led to transient retrograde AP conduction in 6 patients and transient anterograde AP conduction in 8 patients. In all these cases, adenosine-induced AP conduction occurred during the bradycardia phase of adenosine effect and resulted in dormant AP conduction times shorter than atrioventricular nodal conduction times before adenosine administration. On the basis of analysis of timing of occurrence of dormant AP conduction, the mechanism of adenosine-induced AP conduction was determined to be caused by AP excitability recovery in ≥12 (92%) cases. The presence of dormant AP conduction was a significant predictor of chronic recurrent AP conduction requiring repeat ablation (odds ratio, 8.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–66.9;
P
=0.041).

Conclusions—

Adenosine can unmask dormant AP conduction after catheter ablation. Direct effects of adenosine on the AP, possibly via AP membrane potential hyperpolarization, are the dominant mechanism of adenosine-induced AP conduction after ablation. Dormant AP conduction is associated with higher rates of recurrent AP conduction requiring repeat ablation.
Body Mass Index and the Risk of All-Cause Mortality Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Horswell Ronald , Wang Yujie , Li Weiqin , Johnson Jolene , Heymsfield Steven B. , Cefalu William T. , Ryan Donna H. , Hu Gang
Published: November 2014

Background—

Several prospective studies have evaluated the association between body mass index (BMI) and death risk among patients with diabetes mellitus; however, the results have been inconsistent.

Methods and Results—

We performed a prospective cohort study of 19 478 black and 15 354 white patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association of different levels of BMI stratification with all-cause mortality. During a mean follow-up of 8.7 years, 4042 deaths were identified. The multivariable-adjusted (age, sex, smoking, income, and type of insurance) hazard ratios for all-cause mortality associated with BMI levels (18.5–22.9, 23–24.9, 25–29.9, 30–34.9 [reference group], 35–39.9, and ≥40 kg/m
2
) at baseline were 2.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80–2.49), 1.74 (95% CI, 1.46–2.07), 1.23 (95% CI, 1.08–1.41), 1.00, 1.19 (95% CI, 1.03–1.39), and 1.23 (95% CI, 1.05–1.43) for blacks and 1.70 (95% CI, 1.42–2.04), 1.51 (95% CI, 1.27–1.80), 1.07 (95% CI, 0.94–1.21), 1.00, 1.07 (95% CI, 0.93–1.23), and 1.20 (95% CI, 1.05–1.38) for whites, respectively. When stratified by age, smoking status, patient type, or the use of antidiabetic drugs, a U-shaped association was still present. When BMI was included in the Cox model as a time-dependent variable, the U-shaped association of BMI with all-cause mortality risk did not change.

Conclusions—

The present study indicated a U-shaped association of BMI with all-cause mortality risk among black and white patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality was observed among blacks with BMI <30 kg/m
2
and ≥35 kg/m
2
and among whites with BMI <25 kg/m
2
and ≥40 kg/m
2
compared with patients with BMI of 30 to 34.9 kg/m
2
.
Left Ventricular Mass and the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Laukkanen Jari A. , Khan Hassan , Kurl Sudhir , Willeit Peter , Karppi Jouni , Ronkainen Kimmo , Di Angelantonio Emanuele
Published: November 2014

Background

Left ventricular (
LV
) mass ascertained using echocardiography may enhance risk stratification for sudden cardiac death. The objective of this study was to assess the association between left ventricular mass and the risk of sudden cardiac death in a population‐based cohort and determine its incremental value beyond conventional risk predictors.

Methods and Results

Assessment of
LV
mass was based on echocardiography in a sample of 905 middle‐aged men representative of the general population (aged 42 to 61 years). During the follow‐up period of 20 years, there were a total of 63 sudden cardiac deaths. In a comparison of the top versus the bottom quartile of
LV
mass adjusted by body surface area (>120 versus <89 g/m
2
), the multivariable adjusted hazard ratio was 2.57 (95%
CI
1.24 to 5.31,
P
=0.010). Further adjustment for
LV
function only modestly attenuated the risk of sudden cardiac death among men with
LV
mass of >120 g/m
2
(hazard ratio 2.29, 95%
CI
1.10 to 4.74,
P
=0.026). Addition of
LV
mass adjusted by body surface area to a conventional risk factor model for sudden cardiac death improved the integrated discrimination index by 0.033 (95%
CI
0.009 to 0.057,
P
=0.007) and the category‐free net reclassification index by 0.501 (95%
CI
0.092 to 0.911,
P
=0.016).

Conclusions

Indexed
LV
mass by body surface area is an independent predictor of sudden cardiac death and may help improve the risk prediction of sudden cardiac death beyond conventional cardiovascular risk factors.
Efficacy of Synchronous Verbal Training During Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Aphasia
Authors: Wang Chih-Pin , Hsieh Chin-Yi , Tsai Po-Yi , Wang Chia-To , Lin Fu-Gong , Chan Rai-Chi
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose—

Although multiple studies have suggested that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may facilitate recovery after stroke, the efficacy of synchronous speech therapy integrated with an rTMS protocol has yet to be determined. We investigated language responses to this strategy and determined the longevity of the resulting therapeutic outcomes.

Methods—

Forty-five patients with stroke who presented with nonfluent aphasia were randomly assigned to the TMS
syn
group and underwent synchronous picture-naming training together with contralesional 1 Hz-rTMS for 10 daily sessions. The TMS
sub
group underwent subsequent picture-naming activity after the primed 1 Hz-rTMS, and the TMS
sham
group received concurrent naming task along with the sham 1 Hz-rTMS. The Concise Chinese Aphasia test and the picture-naming test were performed before, immediately, and after 3 months of the intervention.

Results—

TMS
syn
showed significantly superior results in Concise Chinese Aphasia test score (
P
<0.001), expression and description subtests (
P
<0.001), and action (
P
=0.02) and object naming activity (
P
=0.008); the superior results lasted for 3 months (
P
=0.005), in comparison with the TMS
sub
and TMS
sham
groups.

Conclusions—

We established a real-time model that involved implementing verbal tasks together with the rTMS protocol. Our results confirmed that the strategy yielded favorable outcomes that were of considerable longevity. The results also indicated that the rTMS protocol and language training can be combined to achieve outcomes superior to those obtained when used separately.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02120508.
Pathogenic Ischemic Stroke Phenotypes in the NINDS-Stroke Genetics Network
Authors: Ay Hakan , Arsava Ethem Murat , Andsberg Gunnar , Benner Thomas , Brown Robert D. , Chapman Sherita N. , Cole John W. , Delavaran Hossein , Dichgans Martin , Engström Gunnar , Giralt-Steinhauer Eva , Grewal Raji P. , Gwinn Katrina , Jern Christina , Jimenez-Conde Jordi , Jood Katarina , Katsnelson Michael , Kissela Brett , Kittner Steven J. , Kleindorfer Dawn O. , Labovitz Daniel L. , Lanfranconi Silvia , Lee Jin-Moo , Lehm Manuel , Lemmens Robin , Levi Chris , Li Linxin , Lindgren Arne , Markus Hugh S. , McArdle Patrick F. , Melander Olle , Norrving Bo , Peddareddygari Leema Reddy , Pedersén Annie , Pera Joanna , Rannikmäe Kristiina , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Rhodes David , Rich Stephen S. , Roquer Jaume , Rosand Jonathan , Rothwell Peter M. , Rundek Tatjana , Sacco Ralph L. , Schmidt Reinhold , Schürks Markus , Seiler Stephan , Sharma Pankaj , Slowik Agnieszka , Sudlow Cathie , Thijs Vincent , Woodfield Rebecca , Worrall Bradford B. , Meschia James F.
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose—

NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)-SiGN (Stroke Genetics Network) is an international consortium of ischemic stroke studies that aims to generate high-quality phenotype data to identify the genetic basis of pathogenic stroke subtypes. This analysis characterizes the etiopathogenetic basis of ischemic stroke and reliability of stroke classification in the consortium.

Methods—

Fifty-two trained and certified adjudicators determined both phenotypic (abnormal test findings categorized in major pathogenic groups without weighting toward the most likely cause) and causative ischemic stroke subtypes in 16 954 subjects with imaging-confirmed ischemic stroke from 12 US studies and 11 studies from 8 European countries using the web-based Causative Classification of Stroke System. Classification reliability was assessed with blinded readjudication of 1509 randomly selected cases.

Results—

The distribution of pathogenic categories varied by study, age, sex, and race (
P
<0.001 for each). Overall, only 40% to 54% of cases with a given major ischemic stroke pathogenesis (phenotypic subtype) were classified into the same final causative category with high confidence. There was good agreement for both causative (κ 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.75) and phenotypic classifications (κ 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.75).

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates that pathogenic subtypes can be determined with good reliability in studies that include investigators with different expertise and background, institutions with different stroke evaluation protocols and geographic location, and patient populations with different epidemiological characteristics. The discordance between phenotypic and causative stroke subtypes highlights the fact that the presence of an abnormality in a patient with stroke does not necessarily mean that it is the cause of stroke.
Hospitalization Within the First Year After Stroke
Authors: Lainay Claire , Benzenine Eric , Durier Jérôme , Daubail Benoit , Giroud Maurice , Quantin Catherine , Béjot Yannick
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose—

This population-based study aimed to identify unplanned hospitalization within the first year after stroke to determine factors associated with it and consequences on survival.

Methods—

All first-ever acute strokes occurring in Dijon, France, from 2009 to 2011, were prospectively collected from a population-based registry. Demographics and clinical data, including stroke severity measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and disability after stroke, were recorded. For each patient, the first unplanned hospitalization that occurred within 1 year after stroke was retrieved by linking data with the national French Hospital Discharge Database. Predictors of hospitalization and survival at 1 year were identified using logistic regression models.

Results—

Among the 613 patients recorded, 94 (15.3%) were excluded because of early death. Of the 519 remaining patients, 167 (32.2%) were hospitalized at 1 year. Subsequent hospitalization led to in-hospital death for 16 (9.6%) patients. In multivariable analyses, only a history of hypertension and atrial fibrillation were associated with hospitalization. In stratified analyses, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.22;
P
=0.006), whereas only a trend was noted for disability (odds ratio, 2.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–6.22;
P
=0.113) in patients who returned home after the index stroke. Hospitalization was negatively associated with being alive at 1 year (odds ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.19–0.66;
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

Stroke survivors are at high risk of hospitalization after the episode, and subsequent admission is associated with poor survival, thus highlighting the need for follow-up interventions after discharge to prevent readmission.
Efficient Training of Convolutional Deep Belief Networks in the Frequency Domain for Application to High-Resolution 2D and 3D Images
Authors: Brosch Tom , Tam Roger
Published: November 2014

Deep learning has traditionally been computationally expensive, and advances in training methods have been the prerequisite for improving its efficiency in order to expand its application to a variety of image classification problems. In this letter, we address the problem of efficient training of convolutional deep belief networks by learning the weights in the frequency domain, which eliminates the time-consuming calculation of convolutions. An essential consideration in the design of the algorithm is to minimize the number of transformations to and from frequency space. We have evaluated the running time improvements using two standard benchmark data sets, showing a speed-up of up to 8 times on 2D images and up to 200 times on 3D volumes. Our training algorithm makes training of convolutional deep belief networks on 3D medical images with a resolution of up to 128 × 128 × 128 voxels practical, which opens new directions for using deep learning for medical image analysis.
Exceptional Clitic Placement in Cypriot Greek: Results from an MET Study
Authors: Pappas Panayiotis A.
Published: November 2014

Recent studies on the pattern of clitic placement in Cypriot Greek (Revithiadou 2006; Chatzikyriakidis 2010, 2012; Pappas 2010, 2011), have posited the existence of counterexamples to the rule that the pronoun is proclitic after a complementizer or other such function words. These counterexamples are associated with a specific set of lexical items: έντζε, ότι, επειδή, αφού, and γιατί. Equally unclear is the clitic pattern with pre-verbal elements such as focused DP subjects. I present here the results of an acceptability judgment study of 34 Cypriot speakers based on magnitude estimation tests (MET) in ten different syntactic environments and two different conditions (enclisis vs. proclisis), for a total number of data points N = 680. The results demonstrate that these exceptional patterns are integral parts of Cypriot Greek competence and highlight the role that lexical items can play in terms of creating sub-patterns of generalizations within larger schemes.
Aspect in Greek Future Forms
Authors: Lucas Sandra
Published: November 2014

Medieval Greek had three future periphrases making use of a finite verb and an infinitive: μέλλω + INF, ἔχω + INF, θέλω + INF. Given the parallel nature of the periphrases as well as the fact that the infinitive existed in both a perfective and an imperfective version, it might be expected that these future-referring forms developed aspectual distinctions in similar ways. However based on papyrological evidence from AD I and AD VI this article shows that this was not the case. Rather, each future periphrasis seems to follow its own path towards the aspectual distinction which is a hallmark of the Modern Greek verbal system: μέλλω + INF has a much higher ratio of imperfective infinitives than the two other periphrases especially in AD I, ἔχω + INF starts out using only the perfective infinitive when referring to the future, and θέλω + INF distinguishes for aspect before it gains future meaning. The difference in aspectual usage is explained both by the semantics of the respective auxiliaries and by different oppositional relations (modal and temporal) that the periphrases enter into.
Extreme Precipitation in an Atmosphere General Circulation Model: Impact of Horizontal and Vertical Model Resolutions
Authors: Volosciuk Claudia , Maraun Douglas , Semenov Vladimir A. , Park Wonsun
Published: November 2014

To investigate the influence of atmospheric model resolution on the representation of daily precipitation extremes, ensemble simulations with the atmospheric general circulation model ECHAM5 at different horizontal (from T213 to T31 spectral truncation) and vertical (from L31 to L19) resolutions and forced with observed sea surface temperatures and sea ice concentrations have been carried out for January 1982–September 2010. All results have been compared with the highest resolution, which has been validated against observations.

Resolution affects both the representation of physical processes and the averaging of precipitation across grid boxes. The latter, in particular, smooths out localized extreme events. These effects have been disentangled by averaging precipitation simulated at the highest resolution to the corresponding coarser grid. Extremes are represented by seasonal maxima, modeled by the generalized extreme value distribution.

Effects of averaging and representation of physical processes vary with region and season. In the tropical summer hemisphere, extreme precipitation is reduced by up to 30% due to the averaging effect, and a further 65% owing to a coarser representation of physical processes. Toward middle to high latitudes, the latter effect reduces to 20%; in the winter hemisphere it vanishes toward the poles. A strong drop is found between T106 and T63 in the convection-dominated tropics. At the lowest resolution, Northern Hemisphere winter precipitation extremes, mainly caused by large-scale weather systems, are in general represented reasonably well. Coarser vertical resolution causes an equatorward shift of maximum extreme precipitation in the tropics. The impact of vertical resolution on mean precipitation is less pronounced; for horizontal resolution it is negligible.
A Year-Long Large-Eddy Simulation of the Weather over Cabauw: An Overview
Authors: Schalkwijk Jerôme , Jonker Harmen J. J. , Siebesma A. Pier , Bosveld Fred C.
Published: November 2014

Results are presented of two large-eddy simulation (LES) runs of the entire year 2012 centered at the Cabauw observational supersite in the Netherlands. The LES is coupled to a regional weather model that provides the large-scale information. The simulations provide three-dimensional continuous time series of LES-generated turbulence and clouds, which can be compared in detail to the extensive observational dataset of Cabauw. The LES dataset is available from the authors on request.

This type of LES setup has a number of advantages. First, it can provide a more statistical approach to the study of turbulent atmospheric flow than the more common case studies, since a diverse but representative set of conditions is covered, including numerous transitions. This has advantages in the design and evaluation of parameterizations. Second, the setup can provide valuable information on the quality of the LES model when applied to such a wide range of conditions. Last, it also provides the possibility to emulate observation techniques. This might help detect limitations and potential problems of a variety of measurement techniques.

The LES runs are validated through a comparison with observations from the observational supersite and with results from the “parent” large-scale model. The long time series that are generated, in combination with information on the spatial structure, provide a novel opportunity to study time scales ranging from seconds to seasons. This facilitates a study of the power spectrum of horizontal and vertical wind speed variance to identify the dominant variance-containing time scales.
Acute Pediatric Musculoskeletal Pain Management in North America
Authors: Kircher Janeva , Drendel Amy L. , Newton Amanda S. , Plint Amy C. , Vandermeer Ben , Dulai Sukhdeep , Ali Samina
Published: November 2014

Children’s musculoskeletal (MSK) injury pain remains poorly managed. This survey of pediatric emergency physicians and orthopedic surgeons assessed analgesia administration practices and discharge advice for children with acute MSK pain; 683 responses were received. Ibuprofen was the most commonly reported analgesic used in the emergency department (52%) and at discharge (68%). Most (85%) reported using oral opioids in the previous 6 months. Codeine use was the most commonly reported opioid used in the emergency department (38%) and at home (51%). For equal levels of pain, younger children received less opioids than older children. Younger physicians and recent graduates chose acetaminophen and codeine more than older and more experienced colleagues, who preferred ibuprofen and non-codeine containing opioid compounds ( P < .001 and .006, respectively). Orthopedic surgeons reported less ibuprofen use than pediatric emergency physicians ( P < .001). Choice of analgesic agents is heterogeneous among physicians and is influenced by pain severity, child’s age, and physician characteristics.
From Methodology to Practice
Authors: Yom Sean
Published: November 2014

Most methods in comparative politics prescribe a deductive template of research practices that begins with proposing hypotheses, proceeds into analyzing data, and finally concludes with confirmatory tests. In reality, many scholars move back and forth between theory and data in creating causal explanations, beginning not with hypotheses but hunches and constantly revising their propositions in response to unexpected discoveries. Used transparently, such inductive iteration has contributed to causal knowledge in comparative-historical analysis, analytic narratives, and statistical approaches. Encouraging such practices across methodologies not only adds to the toolbox of comparative analysis but also casts light on how much existing work often lacks transparency. Because successful hypothesis testing facilitates publication, yet as registration schemes and mandatory replication do not exist, abusive practices such as data mining and selective reporting find easy cover behind the language of deductive proceduralism. Productive digressions from the deductive paradigm, such as inductive iteration, should not have the stigma associated with such impropriety.
When normative commitment leads to lower well-being and reduced performance
Authors: Vandenberghe Christian , Mignonac Karim , Manville Caroline
Published: November 2014

Normative commitment, or employees’ loyalty to their organization based on a sense of obligation, has received less attention than affective and continuance commitment. Building on recent work suggesting that normative commitment’s meaning is influenced by the within-person context provided by the other components of commitment, we theorized that normative commitment would be experienced as externally driven, hence detrimental to well-being and performance, when few alternatives commitment, a sub-component of continuance commitment, is high. Based on two independent samples ( Ns = 366 and 100), Study 1 found normative commitment to be more positively related to emotional exhaustion and psychological distress at high levels of few alternatives commitment. Study 2 ( N = 187) found normative commitment to be less positively related to job performance when few alternatives commitment was high. Implications of these findings for our understanding of normative commitment’s workings are highlighted.
Projecting Different Identities
Authors: Bayle-Cordier Julie , Mirvis Philip , Moingeon Bertrand
Published: November 2014

This article focuses on changes in leadership’s discourse about the “triple bottom line” in Ben & Jerry’s ice cream from its founding days through to its acquisition by and integration into Unilever. For this study, we analyzed CEO claims about “who we are” from their letters in annual reports (what we label projected identity). A sample of employees (both long-service and relative newcomers) were interviewed about their perceptions of Ben & Jerry’s over the 30 years covered. Findings reveal that successive CEOs stressed different “logics” about the business and what would make it successful over the years with the founders emphasizing a strong linkage between the economic, product, and social components of the company’s triple bottom line and their next three successors decoupling these components and pushing, each in different ways, for stronger financial returns. As a result, organization members were “whipsawed” between their CEOs’ different logics and identity claims. The CEO letters exhibit a progression over time from a more normative to utilitarian tone familiar in the organizational identity literature. The messaging shifts, however, when a fifth CEO takes charge and reintegrates the firm’s triple bottom line. Thus, the firm’s projected identity evolved in a U pattern starting with an integrated triple bottom line logic, shifting to a more linear logic where the economic mission dominates, and then reintegration where multiple bottom lines are embraced once again. Here, we explore both the strategic (external) and personal (internal) challenges informing the different CEOs’ messages over years, the whipsaw effect on staff, and the longer term evolution of projected identity in the company and reemergence of its integrated triple bottom line. This study contributes to the corporate social responsibility and organization identity literatures by documenting how CEOs (and their company) must struggle with maintaining an integrated triple bottom line in the context of commercial challenges and major changes involved in mergers and acquisitions. It also speaks to the practical matters of keeping normative traditions alive amid competing pressures for change.
Song of Brotherhood, Dance of Unity: Cultural-Entertainment Activities for Yugoslav Economic Emigrants in the West in the 1960s and 1970s
Authors: Baković Nikola
Published: November 2014

The article deals with the ways in which the ‘cultural-entertainment activities’, organized by the Yugoslav government for Yugoslav economic emigrants in the West, were imbued with the patriotic propaganda and shaped by the socialist modernization discourse. In the 1960s, the Yugoslav state, together with national radio stations and Matica iseljenika institutions, supported large and financially lucrative music tours based on folk music, the content and staffing of which were in accordance with the federal and multiethnic structure of the country. However, in the early 1970s, the state support shifted towards smaller-scale activities, in order to fight accusations of commercialization and to facilitate migrants’ amateurism as a form of Yugoslav self-management being transplanted to a capitalist soil, presenting it as an inherently transnational phenomenon. Although the principle of inter-ethnic reciprocity and republics’ quotas remained as an imperative, the Yugoslav state now concentrated on the ‘cultural’ events rather than on folk-inspired ‘entertainment’, in order to elevate the intellectual status of migrant workers and bring them closer to the ideals of an emancipated working class.
Notch Signaling Induces Root Resorption via RANKL and IL-6 from hPDL Cells
Authors: Kikuta J. , Yamaguchi M. , Shimizu M. , Yoshino T. , Kasai K.
Published: November 2014

In this study, we first investigated the expressions of Jagged1, Notch2, the receptor activator of nuclear factor–kappa B ligand (RANKL), and interleukin (IL)-6 in areas of root resorption during experimental tooth movement in rats in vivo. We then assessed the effects of compression force (CF) with or without GSI (an inhibitor of Notch signaling) on Jagged1, RANKL, and IL-6 release from human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. Twelve male 6-wk-old Wistar rats were subjected to an orthodontic force of 50 g to induce mesially tipping movement of the upper first molars for 7 d. The expression levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, Jagged1, Notch2, IL-6, and RANKL proteins in the dental root were determined using an immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, the effects of the CF on Jagged1, IL-6, and RANKL production were investigated using hPDL cells in vitro. The effects of the cell-conditioned medium obtained from the hPDL cells subjected to CF (CFM) and Jagged 1 on osteoclastogenesis of human osteoclast precursor cells (hOCPs) were also investigated. Under the conditions of experimental tooth movement in vivo, resorption lacunae with multinucleated cells were observed in the 50 g group. In addition, immunoreactivity for Jagged1, Notch2, IL-6, and RANKL was detected on day 7 in the PDL tissue subjected to the orthodontic force. In the in vitro study, the compression force increased the production of Jagged1, IL-6, and RANKL from the hPDL cells, whereas treatment with GSI inhibited the production of these factors in vitro. The osteoclastogenesis increased with the CFM and rhJagged1, and the increase in the osteoclastogenesis was almost inhibited by GSI. These results suggest that the Notch signaling response to excessive orthodontic forces stimulates the process of root resorption via RANKL and IL-6 production from hPDL cells.
Race and Ancestry in the Age of Inclusion
Authors: Shim Janet K. , Ackerman Sara L. , Darling Katherine Weatherford , Hiatt Robert A. , Lee Sandra Soo-Jin
Published: November 2014

This article examines how race and ancestry are taken up in gene-environment interaction (GEI) research on complex diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Using 54 in-depth interviews of 33 scientists and over 200 hours of observation at scientific conferences, we explore how GEI researchers use and interpret race, ethnicity, and ancestry in their work. We find that the use of self-identified race and ethnicity (SIRE) exists alongside ancestry informative markers (AIMs) to ascertain genetic ancestry. Our participants assess the utility of these two techniques in relative terms, downplaying the accuracy and value of SIRE compared to the precision and necessity of AIMs. In doing so, we argue that post-genomic scientists seeking to understand the interactions of genetic and environmental disease determinants actually undermine their ability to do so by valorizing precise characterizations of individuals’ genetic ancestry over measurement of the social processes and relations that differentiate social groups.
A comparison of two common bile duct ligation methods to establish hepatopulmonary syndrome animal models
Authors: Yang Y , Chen B , Chen Y , Zu B , Yi B , Lu K
Published: November 2014

The major drawback of the current common bile duct ligation (CBDL)-induced hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) animal model is the extremely high mortality rate that hinders experimental studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate an improved method of CBDL with the goal of developing a simple and reproducible rat HPS model after a single CBDL treatment. Two groups of male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent separate methods of CBDL: (1) the upper common bile duct ligation (UCBDL) group ( n = 40), in which the first ligature was made near the junction of the hepatic ducts, and the second ligature was made above the entrance of the pancreatic duct; (2) the middle of the common bile duct ligation (MCBDL) group ( n = 40), in which the first ligature was made in the middle of the common bile duct, and the second ligature was made above the entrance of the pancreatic duct. The CBDL-induced HPS rats were evaluated by pulse oximeter, arterial blood analysis, histopathology, and cerebral uptake of intravenous technetium-99m-labeled albumin macroaggregates (which reflects intrapulmonary vascular dilation). The mortality rates of the UCBDL group and the MCBDL group were 42.5% and 77.5%, respectively ( P < 0.05). These results suggest that the UCBDL, a single improved procedure, provides a better method compared to the established HPS model, because of the relatively high success rate and the decreased risk of complications.
Extractivism, Transnational Capital, and Subaltern Struggles in Latin America
Authors: López Emiliano , Vértiz Francisco
Published: November 2014

Development projects at the national level in Latin American countries are linked with the needs of global transnational extractive-rentier capital accumulation. The concept of unequal geographic development is useful for understanding the articulation between the strategies of transnational capital in the extraction of minerals, hydrocarbons, and agri-foods and the national-scale development projects expressed in the political and economic configurations of the states of the region. This articulation must be approached in terms of the conflictive relations between dominant and subaltern actors and the way in which they are expressed in the structure of the state. Analysis of three concrete cases of subaltern struggles against the strategies of extractive-rentier transnational capital (Peru, Ecuador, and Argentina) reveal the limits and possibilities of transcending local-level disputes to produce a development project that is an alternative to extractivism on the national and continental levels.

Los proyectos de desarrollo a escala nacional de los países de América Latina están vinculados con las necesidades de la acumulación global del capital transnacional extractivo-rentista. El concepto de desarrollos geográficos desiguales ayuda a comprender la articulación existente entre las estrategias del capital transnacional que se ubica en la extracción de minerales, hidrocarburos y agro-alimentos y los proyectos de desarrollo a escala nacional que se expresan en las configuraciones políticas y económicas de los estados de la región. Dicha articulación entre escalas debe abordarse a partir de las relaciones conflictivas entre actores dominantes y subalternos y la forma concreta en que estas relaciones se expresan en la estructura estatal. Un análisis de tres casos concretos de luchas subalternas de oposición a las estrategias del capital transnacional extractivo-rentista (Perú, Ecuador y Argentina) revela los límites y las posibilidades de traspasar las disputas en el plano local para posicionar un proyecto de desarrollo alternativo al extractivismo en escala nacional y continental.
Modelling liking networks in an online healthcare community: An exponential random graph model analysis approach
Authors: Song Xiaolong , Yan Xiangbin , Li Yumei
Published: November 2014

The value and role of the Like button in social media have gained increased attention/focus, yet we know little about how liking relations form between Likers and Likeds. We study this problem in an online healthcare context from a social network perspective. Taking into account the effects of both the network structures and the attributes of Likers and Likeds, we utilize a theory-grounded statistical modelling approach, Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs), to model the liking network in an online healthcare community. The results of ERGM analysis reveal that, while network degree exhibits a big effect in the liking process, individual attributes like the level of past involvement and degree of activity also positively influence members’ future liking behaviour and performance. The evaluation indicates that our model is an effective method to identify the formation of liking networks. The findings extend the understanding of online liking behaviour and provide insights into harnessing the power of liking.
Control in the Face of Uncertainty
Authors: Glavin Paul , Schieman Scott
Published: November 2014

The mental health benefits of the sense of personal control are well documented, but do these benefits persist in social contexts of powerlessness and uncertainty? Drawing from two national panel surveys of American and Canadian workers, we examine whether the association between perceived control and reduced distress is undermined by the uncertainty of threatened employment. While we find evidence that higher levels of perceived control are associated with reduced distress, the association is curvilinear among insecure workers, such that subsequent increases in control produce diminishing reductions in distress for workers reporting the threat of job loss. This curvilinear pattern is particularly prominent among American insecure workers, with higher than moderate levels of control associated with more rather than less distress for this group. We draw from Mirowsky and Ross’s “instrumental realism” model to interpret these patterns and suggest that high control beliefs may be less beneficial for mental health in uncertain role contexts.
Trust, Cohesion, and Cooperation After Early Versus Late Trust Violations in Two-Person Exchange
Authors: Kuwabara Ko , Vogt Sonja , Watabe Motoki , Komiya Asuka
Published: November 2014

We examine how the timing of trust violations affects cooperation and solidarity, including trust and relational cohesion. Past studies that used repeated Prisoner’s Dilemmas suggest that trust violations are more harmful when they occur in early rather than later interactions. We argue that this effect of early trust violations depends on cultural and individual differences in generalized trust. A laboratory study from high- and low-trust cultures (the United States vs. Japan) supported our claim. First, early trust violations were more harmful than late trust violations, but only for Americans; the pattern reversed for Japanese. Second, these patterns were mediated by individual differences in generalized trust. Finally, generalized trust also moderated the effect of trust violations in the United States but not Japan. By demonstrating that generalized trust is not only lower but also less important in low-trust cultures, our research advances our understanding of how culture affects the development of solidarity in exchange relations.
From joint attention to communicative action
Authors: Bianchin Matteo
Published: November 2014

In this article I consider the relevance of Tomasello’s work on social cognition to the theory of communicative action. I argue that some revisions are needed to cope with Tomasello’s results, but they do not affect the core of the theory. Moreover, they arguably reinforce both its explanatory power and the plausibility of its normative claims. I proceed in three steps. First, I compare and contrast Tomasello’s views on the ontogeny of human social cognition with the main tenets of Habermas’ theory of communicative action. Second, I suggest how to reframe the role of language in the theory of communicative rationality in order to integrate the two theories. Third, I show how this affects social ontology, supporting the view that the construction of social reality is normatively constrained by the bounds of reason.
Super-tall and Ultra-deep: The Cultural Politics of the Elevator
Authors: Graham Stephen
Published: November 2014

Entire libraries can be filled with volumes exploring the cultures, politics and geographies of the largely horizontal mobilities and transportation infrastructures that are intrinsic to urban modernity (highways, railways, subways, public transit and so on). And yet the recent ‘mobilities turn’ has almost completely neglected the cultural geographies and politics of vertical transportation within and between the buildings of vertically-structured cityscapes. Attempting to rectify this neglect, this article seeks, first, to bring elevator travel centrally into discussions about the cultural politics of urban space and, second, to connect elevator urbanism to the even more neglected worlds of elevator-based descent in ultra-deep mining. The article addresses, in turn: the historical emergence of elevator urbanism; the cultural significance of the elevator as spectacle; the global ‘race’ in elevator speed; shifts towards the ‘splintering’ of elevator experiences; experiments with new mobility systems which blend elevators and automobiles; problems of vertical abandonment; and, finally, the neglected vertical politics of elevator-based ‘ultra-deep’ mining.
Language assessment training in Hong Kong: Implications for language assessment literacy
Authors: Lam Ricky
Published: November 2014

Despite the call for using assessment to promote effective learning, most language teachers remain underprepared to conduct classroom-based formative assessment and interpret the summative assessment information for improving instruction as well as learning. Drawing upon a survey of programme and government documents, interviews, student assessment tasks, and teaching evaluation, this paper aims to explore the overall language assessment training landscape in five Hong Kong teacher education institutions against the backdrop of assessment reforms in primary/secondary school contexts. It specifically attempts to investigate the extent to which two assessment courses may facilitate and/or inhibit the development of pre-service teachers’ language assessment literacy in one teacher education institution. Findings indicate that language assessment training in Hong Kong remains inadequate and selected language assessment courses are still unable to bridge the theory-practice gap within the assessment reform context. Implications and recommendations for promoting language assessment literacy are discussed.