bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression Increases Stroke Hospitalization Cost: An Analysis of 17,010 Stroke Patients in 2008 by Race and Gender
Authors: Husaini Baqar , Levine Robert , Sharp Linda , Cain Van , Novotny Meggan , Hull Pamela , Orum Gail , Samad Zahid , Sampson Uchechukwu , Moonis Majaz
Published: March 2013

Objective. This analysis focuses on the effect of depression on the cost of hospitalization of stroke patients.Methods. Data on 17,010 stroke patients (primary diagnosis) were extracted from 2008 Tennessee Hospital Discharge Data System. Three groups of patients were compared: (1) stroke only (SO,n=7,850), (2) stroke + depression (S+D,n=3,965), and (3) stroke + other mental health diagnoses (S+M,n=5,195).Results. Of all adult patients, 4.3% were diagnosed with stroke. Stroke was more prevalent among blacks than whites (4.5% versus 4.2%,P<0.001) and among males than females (5.1% versus 3.7%,P<0.001). Nearly one-quarter of stroke patients (23.3%) were diagnosed with depression/anxiety. Hospital stroke cost was higher among depressed stroke patients (S+D) compared to stroke only (SO) patients ($77,864 versus $47,790,P<0.001), and amongS+D, cost was higher for black males compared to white depressed males ($97,196 versus $88,115,P<0.001). Similar racial trends in cost emerged amongS+Dfemales.Conclusion. Depression in stroke patients is associated with increased hospitalization costs. Higher stroke cost among blacks may reflect the impact of comorbidities and the delay in care of serious health conditions. Attention to early detection of depression in stroke patients might reduce inpatient healthcare costs.
Effect of Nano‐Magnesium Hydride on the Thermal Decomposition Behaviors of RDX
Authors: Yao Miao , Chen Liping , Rao Guoning , Zou Jianxin , Zeng Xiaoqin , Peng Jinhua
Published: March 2013

In order to improve the detonation performance of hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) explosive, addictives with high heat values were used, and magnesium hydride (MgH2) is one of the candidates. However, it is important to see whether MgH2 is a safe addictive. In this paper, the thermal and kinetic properties of RDX and mixture of RDX/MgH2 were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC), respectively. The apparent activation energy (E) and frequency factor (A) of thermal explosion were calculated based on the data of DSC experiments using the Kissinger and Ozawa approaches. The results show that the addition of MgH2 decreases both E and A of RDX, which means that the mixture of RDX/MgH2 has a lower thermal stability than RDX, and the calculation results obtained from the ARC experiments data support this too. Besides, the most probable mechanism functions about the decomposition of RDX and RDX/MgH2 were given in this paper which confirmed the change of the decomposition mechanism.
A Method for Visualization of Fine Retinal Vascular Pulsation Using Nonmydriatic Fundus Camera Synchronized with Electrocardiogram
Authors: Kumar Dinesh Kant , Aliahmad Behzad , Hao Hao , Che Azemin Mohd Zulfaezal , Kawasaki Ryo
Published: March 2013

Pulsatile changes in retinal vascular geometry over the cardiac cycle have clinical implication for diagnosis of ocular and systemic vascular diseases. In this study, we report a Vesselness Mapping of Retinal Image Sequence (VMRS) methodology to visualize the vessel pulsation and quantify the pulsatile motions in the cardiac cycle. Retinal images were recorded in an image sequence corresponding to 8 segments of the cardiac cycle using a nonmydriatic fundus camera (Canon CR45, Canon Inc., Japan) modified with ECG-synchronization. Individual cross-sectional vessel diameters were measured separately and the significance of the variations was tested statistically by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The graders observed an improved quality of vessel pulsation on a wide region around the optic disk using the VMRS. Individual cross- sectional vessel diameter measurement after visualization of pulsatile motions resulted in the detection of more significant diameter change for both arterioles (3.3 μm,P=0.001) and venules (6.6 μm,P<0.001) compared to individual measurement without visualization of the pulsatile motions (allPvalues > 0.05), showing an increase of 2.1 μm and 4.7 μm for arterioles and venules, respectively.
Acute Diverticulitis in the Young: The Same Disease in a Different Patient
Authors: Pisanu Adolfo , Vacca Valentina , Reccia Isabella , Podda Mauro , Uccheddu Alessandro
Published: March 2013

Background. Natural history and risk factors for diverticulitis in young patients are still debatable. This study aimed to assess whether difference exists in patients aged 50 and younger when compared to older patients and to identify risk factors for acute diverticulitis in the young.Patients and Methods. From January 2006 to December 2011, 80 patients were admitted to our department for acute diverticulitis. We carried out a cross-sectional study in 23 patients (28.7%) aged 50 and younger and 57 older patients (71.3%).Results. Acute diverticulitis in the young was not more aggressive than in the older patient. Diverticulitis at patient’s admission was similar with respect to Hinchey’s stage and prior history of diverticulitis. No significant difference was found for both medical and surgical treatment. The rate of recurrent diverticulitis in nonoperated patients was similar. Male gender, body mass index ≥25, and assumption of alcohol were independent risk factors for the occurrence of an acute diverticulitis in the young.Conclusions. The same disease seems to be affecting young patients such as overweight or obese male individual. Current policies to prevent diverticular disease and its related complications must include obesity control together with high-fiber diet and regular exercise.
Mathematical Analysis and Numerical Simulations for a System Modeling Acid-Mediated Tumor Cell Invasion
Authors: Märkl Christian , Meral Gülnihal , Surulescu Christina
Published: March 2013

This work is concerned with the mathematical analysis of a model proposed
by Gatenby and Gawlinski (1996) in order to support the hypothesis that tumor-induced
alteration of microenvironmental pH may provide a simple but comprehensive mechanism
to explain cancer invasion. We give an intuitive proof for the existence of a solution under
general initial conditions upon using an iterative approach. Numerical simulations are also
performed, which endorse the predictions of the model when compared with experimentally
observed qualitative facts.
Applying Hybrid PSO to Optimize Directional Overcurrent Relay Coordination in Variable Network Topologies
Authors: Yang Ming-Ta , Liu An
Published: March 2013

In power systems, determining the values of time dial setting (TDS) and the plug setting (PS) for directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) is an extremely constrained optimization problem that has been previously described and solved as a nonlinear programming problem. Optimization coordination problems of near-end faults and far-end faults occurring simultaneously in circuits with various topologies, including fixed and variable network topologies, are considered in this study. The aim of this study was to apply the Nelder-Mead (NM) simplex search method and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to solve this optimization problem. The proposed NM-PSO method has the advantage of NM algorithm, with a quicker movement toward optimal solution, as well as the advantage of PSO algorithm in the ability to obtain globally optimal solution. Neither a conventional PSO nor the proposed NM-PSO method is capable of dealing with constrained optimization problems. Therefore, we use the gradient-based repair method embedded in a conventional PSO and the proposed NM-PSO. This study used an IEEE 8-bus test system as a case study to compare the convergence performance of the proposed NM-PSO method and a conventional PSO approach. The results demonstrate that a robust and optimal solution can be obtained efficiently by implementing the proposal.
An Efficient Apparatus for Rapid Deoxygenation of Erythrocyte Concentrates for Alternative Banking Strategies
Authors: Zolla Lello , D'Alessandro Angelo
Published: March 2013

Erythrocyte concentrates (ECs) stored for transfusion purposes still represent a lifesaving solution in a wide series of clinically occurring circumstances, especially for traumatized and perioperative patients. However, concerns still arise and persist as to whether current criteria for collection and storage of ECs might actually represent the best case scenario or there might rather be still room for improvement. In particular, the prolonged storage of EC has been associated with the accumulation of a wide series of storage lesions, either reversible (metabolism) or irreversible (protein and morphology). Independent laboratories have contributed to propose alternative strategies, among which is the introduction of oxygen removal treatments to ECs. Convincing biochemical and preliminary clinical evidences have been produced about the benefits derived from the introduction of this practice. We, hereby, propose a rapid, efficient, and time-effective strategy for blood deoxygenation which might fit in current EC production chain. The proposed strategy resulted in the complete deoxygenation of red blood cell hemoglobin (pO2<0.0021 mmHg). A preliminary small-scale study about the application of the present method resulted in reduced hemolysis, decreased vesiculation, and limited alterations to the red blood cell morphology, as gleaned from flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopic analyses. Further in-depth and larger-scale investigations are encouraged.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for the Determination of the Phthalate Esters in the Bottled Beverages by HPLC
Authors: Jin Ya-Feng , Zhang Yi-Jun , Zhang Yu-Ping , Chen Jun , Zhou Xiao-Mao , Bai Lian-Yang
Published: March 2013

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was prepared in acetonitrile by bulk polymerization, using di‐n‐octylphthalate (DOP) as a template molecular, α‐methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, and ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) as a crosslinker. Characterization and evaluation of the prepared MIP were carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM), infrared absorption spectroscopy (IR), and the Scatchard analysis, respectively. Through the optimization of washing solvent, eluting solvent amount, flow rate of loading solution, and loading sample volume, an analysis method was established for DOP related compounds with high selectivity and sensitivity by using the selective molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction (MI‐SPE) technique. Moreover, under the optimal conditions, the extraction effects were comparatively investigated by using MIP cartridge, NIP cartridge, and the commercial PLS cartridge used especially for phthalic acid esters (PAEs), respectively. The results showed that the recoveries of spiked PAEs are in the range of 90.4%–97.8% with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.6%–3.8% on the resulted MIP cartridge, whilst lower recoveries were obtained ranging from 80.2% to 88.9% with an RSD of 1.4%–5.2% on the commercial PLS cartridge.
Sparse Channel Estimation for MIMO-OFDM Two-Way Relay Network with Compressed Sensing
Authors: Zhang Aihua , Yang Shouyi , Gui Guan
Published: March 2013

Accurate channel impulse response (CIR) is required for equalization and can help improve communication service quality in next-generation wireless communication systems. An example of an advanced system is amplify-and-forward multiple-input multiple-output two-way relay network, which is modulated by orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing. Linear channel estimation methods, for example, least squares and expectation conditional maximization, have been proposed previously for the system. However, these methods do not take advantage of channel sparsity, and they decrease estimation performance. We propose a sparse channel estimation scheme, which is different from linear methods, at end users under the relay channel to enable us to exploit sparsity. First, we formulate the sparse channel estimation problem as a compressed sensing problem by using sparse decomposition theory. Second, the CIR is reconstructed by CoSaMP and OMP algorithms. Finally, computer simulations are conducted to confirm the superiority of the proposed methods over traditional linear channel estimation methods.
A General Framework for Modeling Sub- and Ultraharmonics of Ultrasound Contrast Agent Signals with MISO Volterra Series
Authors: Sbeity Fatima , Ménigot Sébastien , Charara Jamal , Girault Jean-Marc
Published: March 2013

Sub- and ultraharmonics generation by ultrasound contrast agents makes possible sub- and ultraharmonics imaging to enhance the contrast of ultrasound images and overcome the limitations of harmonic imaging. In order to separate different frequency components of ultrasound contrast agents signals, nonlinear models like single-input single-output (SISO) Volterra model are used. One important limitation of this model is its incapacity to model sub- and ultraharmonic components. Many attempts are made to model sub- and ultraharmonics using Volterra model. It led to the design of mutiple-input singe-output (MISO) Volterra model instead of SISO Volterra model. The key idea of MISO modeling was to decompose the input signal of the nonlinear system into periodic subsignals at the subharmonic frequency. In this paper, sub- and ultraharmonics modeling with MISO Volterra model is presented in a general framework that details and explains the required conditions to optimally model sub- and ultraharmonics. A new decomposition of the input signal in periodic orthogonal basis functions is presented. Results of application of different MISO Volterra methods to model simulated ultrasound contrast agents signals show its efficiency in sub- and ultraharmonics imaging.
Acute Abdomen Secondary to Incarcerated Umbilical Hernia after Treatment of Massive Cirrhotic Ascites
Authors: Keat Tan Hiang , Chang Pik Eu
Published: March 2013

Umbilical herniation is common in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. Rarely, they suffer from incarceration and strangulation of the umbilical hernia after treatment of ascites. We report 3 cases of umbilical hernia incarceration following removal of massive ascites with different treatment modalities. Physicians managing this group of patients should be aware of this rare and potentially fatal complication.
The Role of PPARs in Placental Immunology: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Hutter Stefan , Knabl Julia , Andergassen Ulrich , Jeschke Udo
Published: March 2013

Pregnancy is a state of immunotolerance, and pregnancy outcome is strongly linked to the correct activation and balancing of the maternal immune system. Besides abortion as possible result of improper early pregnancy development, other pregnancy associated conditions like preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), preterm labour, or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are linked to immunologic overactivation and dysregulation. Both the innate and the adaptive immune system, and therefore B and T lymphocytes, natural killer cells (NK), macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are all involved in trophoblast invasion, pregnancy maintenance, and development of pregnancy disorders. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear transcription factors with three known isotypes: PPAR, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ. They are expressed in most human organs and their function extends from regulating metabolism, homeostasis, and carcinogenesis to immune response. In the recent years, PPARs have been identified in most reproductive tissues and in all lines of immune cells. Only in few cases, the role of PPARs in reproductive immunology has been elucidated though the role of PPARs in immune answer and immunotolerance is evident. Within this paper we would like to give an update on today’s knowledge about PPARs and immune cells in reproduction and highlight interesting interferences in regard of future therapeutic targets.
Primary Systemic Amyloidosis and High Levels of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme: Two Case Reports
Authors: Praena-Segovia J. , Sanchez-Gastaldo A. , Bernabeu-Wittel M. , Ocete-Pérez R. , Ávila-Polo R. , Martino M. L.
Published: March 2013

Infiltrative heart diseases are caused by a heterogeneous group of disorders; amyloidosis and sarcoidosis are two frequent causes of myocardial infiltration, which differ in clinical and biological outcome and treatment issues. The presence of high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in a patient with infiltrative heart disease may increase suspicion of sarcoidosis. Nevertheless, no mention about increased ACE levels in extracerebral primary systemic amyloidosis is available. We present two cases of primary systemic amyloidosis, which are cardiac involvement and elevated ACE levels.
Abstract A25: Uncommon mutation types of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and tyrosine kinase inhibitor response in non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Wong Maria P. , Lee Victor H.F. , Yeung Rebecca M.W. , Tin Vicky P.C. , Choy Kit Chi , Liu Jing
Published: March 2013

Somatic mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR are frequent in non-small cell lung cancer especially adenocarcinomas from nonsmokers. Some of the mutations such as exon 19 hotspot deletions and exon 21 L858R are known to activate EGFR downstream signaling, as well as sensitize the tumors to small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) treatment. The effects of other, less common mutations are not always predictable from the sequence alterations. The purpose of this study was to study the EGFR mutation profile and correlation with tumor response to first line TKI treatment. EGFR mutations were examined in 77 NSCLC from 62 (80.5%) female (58 nonsmokers, 4 chronic smokers) and 15 (19.5%) male patients (6 chronic smokers, 9 nonsmokers) with late-stage metastatic lung carcinoma given first line gefitinib treatment. Genomic DNA was extracted from microdissected tumor cells from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of previous lobectomy, small biopsies, or cytology cell block specimens, including pleural effusion and fine needle aspirations. EGFR exons 18, 19, 20, and 21 were analyzed by bidirectional automated direct sequencing. The results showed EGFR mutations were present in 61 of 77 (79.2 %) tumors comprising 53 (86.9 %) never smokers and 8 (13.1%) chronic smokers. Fifty-eight of 61 mutant tumors had single mutations and the remaining 3 cases showed double mutations. Exon 21 L858R single amino acid substitution was present in 27 (44.1%) cases and exon 19 deletions were observed in 25 (41.0%) cases. Fifty of 77 patients showed initial response to gefitinib and 27 showed primary resistance. All initial responders acquired secondary resistance after various treatment durations. As expected, wild-type tumors showed primary TKI resistance. TKI response was significantly associated with EGFR mutant tumors (p=0.010). L858R, L861Q, and exon19 in-frame deletions were observed in totally 53/61 tumors. 42/53 of them showed initial response to gefitinib but only 2/8 harboring other types of EGFR mutations responded (p<0.001). The EGFR mutant tumors associated with primary TKI resistance included L861R, R831H, double substitutions G719A/E709A, S768I/V774M, exon 18 deletion, exon 20 insertion, and uncommon exon 19 deletions including L747_K754delinsADKG, and L747_S752delinsQH. One patient with concurrent PIK3CA exon 9 G1633A substitution also experienced primary resistance despite the presence of a known activating L858R mutation. In summary, this study has identified novel EGFR mutations associated with primary TKI resistance. While most of the uncommon mutants do not respond to first-line TKI therapy, exon 19 deletions of uncommon types might also be associated with primary TKI resistance.
Sensitivity of Blood Volume Monitoring for Fluid Status Assessment in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Maduell Francisco , Arias Marta , Massó Elisabet , Fontseré Néstor , Carrera Montserrat , Vera Manel , Cases Aleix , Campistol Josep M.
Published: March 2013

Background/Aims: This study investigates the use of blood volume monitoring (BVM) markers for the assessment of fluid status. Methods: Predialysis fluid overload (FO) and BVM data were collected in 55 chronic hemodialysis patients in 317 treatments. Predialysis FO was measured using bioimpedance spectroscopy. The slope of the intravascular volume decrease over time normalized by ultrafiltration rate (Slope4h) was used as the primary BVM marker and compared against FO. Results: Average relative blood volume curves were well separated in different FO groups between 0 and 5 liters. Receiver-operating characteristics analysis revealed that the sensitivity of BVM was moderate in median FO ranges between 1 and 3 liters (AUC 0.60-0.65), slightly higher for volume depletion of FO <1 liter (AUC 0.7) and highest for excess fluid of FO >3 liters (AUC 0.85). Conclusion: Devices that monitor blood volume are well suited to detect high FO, but are not as sensitive at moderate or low levels of fluid status.
Effective Treatment of Intestinal Behçet's Disease with Long-Term, Low-Dose Clarithromycin
Authors: Hakozaki Yukiya , Mitani Keiji , Okada Chizuko , Terada Hisato , Kobari Shinichi
Published: March 2013

A 51-year-old man was referred for body weight loss and lower right abdominal pain. Total colonoscopy revealed discrete and round ulceration at the ileocecal valve, and he was diagnosed with intestinal Behçet's disease (BD). By treatment with glucocorticoid, colchicine and salazosulfapyridine, the symptoms and ulceration were improved, but cessation of glucocorticoid resulted in relapse of ulceration at the terminal ileum. Long-term, low-dose treatment with clarithromycin (CAM) was implemented for chronic respiratory infections. Furthermore, we expected that this CAM treatment would also be effective in BD. During this long-term, low-dose treatment with CAM, discrete ulceration at the terminal ileum was never revealed by follow-up total colonoscopy once or twice per year for 7 years. No reports have described the effectiveness of this treatment in patients with intestinal BD; however, we confirm that long-term treatment with low-dose CAM might have clinical benefits for patients with intestinal BD.
Left Ventricular Epicardial Electrograms Show Divergent Changes in Action Potential Duration in Responders and Nonresponders to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Chen Zhong , Hanson Ben , Sohal Manav , Sammut Eva , Child Nick , Shetty Anoop , Boucher Ryan , Bostock Julian , Gill Jaswinder , Carr-White Gerald , Rinaldi C. Aldo , Taggart Peter
Published: March 2013

Background—

A consistent feature of electrophysiological remodeling in heart failure is ventricular action potential duration (APD) prolongation. However, the effect of reverse remodeling on APD during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been determined in these patients. We hypothesized (1) that CRT may alter APD and (2) that the effect of CRT on APD may be different in patients who exhibit a good hemodynamic response to CRT compared with those with a poor response.

Methods and Results—

Left ventricular (LV) activation recovery intervals, as a surrogate for APD, were measured from the LV epicardium in 13 patients at day 0, 6 weeks, and 6 months after CRT implant. Responders to CRT were defined as those demonstrating a ≥15% reduction in LV end-systolic volume at 6 months. The responder group had a significant reduction in LV activation recovery interval (mean, −13±12 ms; median, −16 ms; interquartile range, −2 to −19 ms) during right ventricular pacing at 6 months (
P
<0.05). Conversely, the nonresponders showed a significant increase in activation recovery interval (mean, +22 ms±16; median, 17 ms; interquartile range, 8 to 35 ms;
P
<0.05). One patient in each group was on amiodarone.

Conclusions—

In patients with heart failure, LV epicardial APD (activation recovery interval) altered during CRT. The effect on APD was opposite in patients showing a good hemodynamic response compared with nonresponders. The findings may provide an explanation for the persistent high incidence of arrhythmias in some patients with CRT and the additional mortality benefit observed in responders of CRT.
Effects of Iatrogenic Myocardial Injury on Coronary Microvascular Function in Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lim Hong Euy , Choi Cheol Ung , Na Jin Oh , Choi Jong-Il , Kim Seong Hwan , Kim Jin Won , Kim Eung Ju , Han Seong Woo , Park Sang Weon , Rha Seung-Woon , Park Chang Gyu , Seo Hong Seog , Oh Dong Joo , Hwang Chun , Kim Young-Hoon
Published: March 2013

Background—

Iatrogenic myocardial injury by radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) releases proinflammatory substances from damaged myocardium, and these may contribute to endothelial dysfunction in systemic vascular structure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of nonischemic myocardial damage on coronary microvascular function in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.

Methods and Results—

We included 49 patients who underwent AF ablation (paroxysmal AF=25, persistent AF=24) and 34 controls. Immediately before and after RFCA, index of microvascular resistance (IMR) was assessed at left anterior descending coronary artery, and blood samples were obtained for analyses of nitric oxide (NO), activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline, 1 day, 1 month, and 3 months after RFCA. Compared with baseline, IMR, activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase increased and NO decreased after RFCA. In 36 subjects with increasing IMR, E/E′ ratio increased at 1 day and returned to baseline level at 3 months after RFCA. Changes in activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase between baseline and after RFCA were independently related to the increase in IMR. In 14 subjects (28.6%), arrhythmia recurred. Using a cutoff value of 9.3 mm Hg/s, sensitivity was 56.7% and specificity was 91.2% for IMR change in predicting AF recurrence (
P
=0.028).

Conclusions—

Myocardial damage by RFCA provoked coronary microvascular dysfunction through systemic proinflammatory reaction that may contribute to transient diastolic dysfunction. This phenomenon may represent a mechanism for early recurrence of arrhythmia after RFCA.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://cris.nih.go.kr
. Unique identifier: KCT0000030.
Assessing Patient-Reported Outcomes and Preferences for Same-Day Discharge After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kim Michael , Muntner Paul , Sharma Samin , Choi James W. , Stoler Robert C. , Woodward Mark , Mann Devin M. , Farkouh Michael E.
Published: March 2013

Background—

Same-day discharge after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be safe for some patients. Few data are available on patient-reported outcomes and preferences for same-day discharge after PCI.

Methods and Results

Between March 2008 and March 2010, a total of 298 patients undergoing elective PCI via femoral access at 2 medical centers (Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, and Baylor Medical Center, Dallas, TX) were randomized to same-day (n=150) or next-day (n=148) discharge. The primary outcome was high patient coping during the 7 days after discharge defined as scores <20 on the validated postdischarge coping difficulty scale. Safety outcomes, clopidogrel adherence, and patient preferences were secondary outcomes. Before discharge, patients randomized to same-day and next-day discharge were similar with respect to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. High-coping ability, assessed 7 days after PCI, was present for 79% of patients randomized to same-day discharge and for 77% of patients randomized to next-day discharge. The difference in high coping ability, 2 (95% confidence interval, −7 to 11), did not cross the noninferiority threshold of −12% (
P
<0.001 that same-day discharge is not noninferior to next-day discharge). At 30 days after PCI, clopidogrel adherence, physician and emergency room visits, and hospitalization were similar in the 2 randomization groups. In addition, 80% and 68% of those randomized to same-day and next-day discharge, respectively, stated they would prefer same-day discharge if they were to have another PCI procedure.

Conclusions—

Same-day discharge after PCI was associated with patient-reported and clinical outcomes similar to those of next-day discharge and was preferred by most patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01230606
. Unique identifier: NCT01230606.
Strictly Lobar Microbleeds Are Associated With Executive Impairment in Patients With Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Gregoire Simone M. , Scheffler Grit , Jäger Hans R. , Yousry Tarek A. , Brown Martin M. , Kallis Constantinos , Cipolotti Lisa , Werring David J.
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are a marker of small vessel diseases, including hypertensive arteriopathy and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and may be associated with cognitive impairment. The relationship between CMBs and cognitive function in ischemic cerebrovascular disease remains uncertain. We, therefore, investigated the cognitive impact of CMBs in a cohort of patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Methods—

All patients underwent detailed and comprehensive neuropsychological testing and standardized MRI, including fluid attenuation inversion recovery, T1, T2, and gradient-recalled echo T2*-weighted sequences. CMBs, white matter changes, lacunes, and territorial cortical infarcts (defined by standardized criteria) were identified, and associations with cognition assessed.

Results—

Three hundred twenty patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were included. Of these, 72 (22.5%) had at least 1 CMB. Of all the cognitive domains tested, only executive impairment was more prevalent in patients with CMBs than without (38% versus 25%;
P
=0.039). In univariate analysis, the presence of strictly lobar (but not deep) CMBs was associated with executive impairment (odds ratio, 2.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–5.36;
P
=0.019). In adjusted multivariate analyses, the presence (OR, 2.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–5.09;
P
=0.031) and number (OR, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.69;
P
=0.022) of strictly lobar CMBs were significantly associated with executive impairment. CMBs were not associated with impairment in other cognitive domains.

Conclusions—

Strictly lobar CMBs are independently associated with executive dysfunction in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Our findings suggest that a microangiopathy related to strictly lobar CMBs (eg, cerebral amyloid angiopathy) contributes to cognitive impairment in this population.
Subclinical Hyperthyroidism Is a Risk Factor for Poor Functional Outcome After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wollenweber Frank Arne , Zietemann Vera , Gschwendtner Andreas , Opherk Christian , Dichgans Martin
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with adverse cardiovascular events, including stroke and atrial fibrillation. However, its impact on functional outcome after stroke remains unexplored.

Methods—

A total of 165 consecutively recruited patients admitted for ischemic stroke were included in this observational prospective study. Blood samples were taken in the morning within 3 days after symptom onset, and patients were divided into the following 3 groups: subclinical hyperthyroidism (0.1< thyroid-stimulating hormone ≤0.44 μU/mL), subclinical hypothyroidism (2.5≤ thyroid-stimulating hormone <20 μU/mL), and euthyroid state (0.44< thyroid-stimulating hormone <2.5 μU/mL). Patients with overt thyroid dysfunction were excluded. Follow-up took place 3 months after stroke. Primary outcome was functional disability (modified Rankin Scale), and secondary outcome was level of dependency (Barthel Index). Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for possible confounders. Variables previously reported to be affected by thyroid function, such as atrial fibrillation, total cholesterol, or body mass index, were included in an additional model.

Results—

Nineteen patients (11.5%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 23 patients (13.9%) had subclinical hypothyroidism. Patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism had a substantially increased risk of functional disability 3 months after stroke compared with subjects with euthyroid state (odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–6.82, adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, and time of blood sampling). The association remained significant, when including the baseline NIHSS, TIA, serum CRP, atrial fibrillation, body mass index, and total cholesterol as additional variables (odds ratio, 3.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–12.47), and was confirmed by the secondary outcome (Barthel Index: odds ratio, 9.12; 95% confidence interval, 2.08–39.89).

Conclusions—

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a risk factor for poor outcome 3 months after ischemic stroke.
Views and Values on Family among Filipinos: An Empirical Exploration
Authors: Morillo Hannah M. , Capuno Joseph J. , Mendoza Amado M.
Published: March 2013

Abstract

The Filipino family provides an interesting study because familism is embedded in its social sphere, translating its relational quality outside the family. Being family-centred, child-centric, having close ties, and a large family size (Medina, 2001; Miralao, 1994) are some basic elements of families in the Philippines. Applying regression on the data from the World Values Survey for the Philippines in 1996 and 2001, this study aims to explore the correlates of views on family values among Filipinos, specifically those concerning the traditional nuclear family set-up, the woman’s roles within family, and the reciprocal relationship of the parent and child. While the results show that Filipinos generally share family values, especially on those related to child rearing for both parents, and child-bearing, there are indications that such views also differ across educational attainment, geographic location, social class, and ethnic groups. Disparities in views could be reflecting shifting family values, which could then help explain current polarising policy debates on issues on the reproductive health, divorce, and migration.
Living in His Father’s Shadow: Exploring Healing Justice and Reconciliation in Cambodia with Duch’s Son
Authors: Nou Leakhena
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Nearly four decades after the Khmer Rouge genocide, the Cambodian people have found some solace to a tragic past that forever has defined their personal and collective identities. The first of five defendants on trial in the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (the ECCC), Kaing Guek Eav (alias Duch, Chief Warden of S-21) was found guilty of crimes against humanity and Grave Breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and sentenced to life imprisonment on 3 February 2012. Aside from his criminal reputation as the head executioner of S-21, what other legacy does Duch leave behind? In particular, what psycho-emotional legacy does he leave his children? This paper focuses on the social and political legacy passed on to Duch’s eldest son as it affects the possibilities for his contributing to reconciliation, forgiveness, and ‘healing justice’ in post-Khmer Rouge Cambodia. The paper also warns against casting perpetrators’ children as bystanders to their own history or as being guilty of their parents’ crimes, and provides an alternative Khmer Rouge narrative: that of the children of perpetrators and how their identities fit within the larger Cambodian national identity and search for justice.
Profitability and the Roots of the Global Crisis: Marx’s ‘Law of the Tendency of the Rate of Profit to Fall’ and the US Economy, 1950–2007
Authors: Smith Murray E.G. , Butovsky Jonah
Published: March 2013

The relevance of Marx’s theory of value and his ‘law of the tendency of the rate of profit to fall’ to the analysis of the financial crisis of 2007–8 and the ensuing global slump is affirmed. The hypertrophic growth of unproductive constant capital, including the wages of ‘socially necessary’ unproductive labour and tax revenues, is identified as an important manifestation of an historical-structural crisis of capitalism, alongside the increasing weight of fictitious capital and the proliferation of fictitious profits in the lead-up to the financial crisis. These phenomena have obscured the deepest roots of the global slump in the long-term profitability problems of productive capital – that is, in a crisis of surplus-value production. With these considerations taken into account, a better empirical assessment of trends in the composition of capital becomes possible, and with it a more accurate understanding of the impact of the ongoing displacement of living labour from production on the average rate of profit and the future of US and global capitalism.
Revision of the genus Erythromelana Townsend (Diptera: Tachinidae) and analysis of its phylogeny and diversification
Authors: INCLAN DIEGO J. , STIREMAN JOHN III O.
Published: March 2013

The Neotropics harbor an enormous diversity of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae), yet the fauna remains poorly understood. This is especially true of the tribe Blondeliini, which is particularly diverse in this region and in great need of taxonomic attention. Here, the Neotropical blondeliine genus Erythromelana Townsend is revised. This genus is widely distributed from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, with the Andes being a hotspot of diversity. Known hosts belong to the genus Eois Hübner (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). This revision includes the redescription of three previously described species and the description of 11 new species based on characteristics of adults and immatures. The new species are E. arciforceps sp. nov., E. catarina sp. nov., E. convexiforceps sp. nov., E. cryptica sp. nov., E. curvifrons sp. nov., E. distincta sp. nov., E. ecuadoriana sp. nov., E. eois sp. nov., E. leptoforceps sp. nov., E. napensis sp. nov., and E. woodi sp. nov. A morphological database of 62 characters was constructed to assess morphological variation within and among species and species groups using Principal Components Analysis. Means and medians for these morphological traits were calculated to infer phylogenetic relationships using parsimony. Additionally, a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis was performed using COI mtDNA sequences for a subset of eight species. Nominal species E. obscurifrons (Wulp) is treated as a nomen dubium within Erythromelana. Two species previously assigned to Erythromelana appear to represent distinct genera with unclear relationships to this genus and are reinstated as monotypic genera: Myiodoriops marginalis Townsend and Euptilodegeeria obumbrata (Wulp), revived status. Biological and phylogenetic data are used to infer modes of diversification within Erythromelana.
Revision of the New World genus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)
Authors: BUENAVENTURA ELIANA , PAPE THOMAS
Published: March 2013

The New Worldand largely Neotropical genus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 is revised with a key to all species. Peckia is considered a senior synonym of Guanoxipha Lehrer, 2012, n. syn. and of Sarcodexia Townsend, 1892, n. syn., the first one under Squamatodes Curran and the latter maintained as a valid subgenus, which here is redefined giving the new generic combinations Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830), n. comb. and P. (S.) notata (Lopes, 1935), n. comb.; and the new subgeneric affiliations P. (S.) aequata (Wulp, 1895), P. (S.) chirotheca (Hall, 1933), P. (S.) dominicana (Lopes, 1982), P. (S.) florencioi (Prado & Fonseca, 1932), P. (S.) roppai (Lopes & Tibana, 1982) and P. (S.) tridentata (Hall, 1937). Peckia virgo (Pape, 1994) is transferred from subgenus Euboettcheria Townsend, 1927 to subgenus Squamatodes Curran, 1927. Sarcophaga adolenda Lopes, 1935 is transferred from its current position in Peckia to the genus Retrocitomyia Lopes, 1982, n. comb. A total of 67 species are recognized and grouped in the subgenera Euboettcheria, Pattonella Enderlein, 1928, Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (sensu stricto), Sarcodexia and Squamatodes. Nine new species are described, viz., Peckia (Euboettcheria) santamariae n. sp. (Colombia), Peckia (Euboettcheria) cacao n. sp. (Costa Rica), Peckia (Euboettcheria) calixtoi n. sp. (Puerto Rico), Peckia (Euboettcheria) hernandosi n. sp. (Ecuador), Peckia (Pattonella) kladosoides n. sp. (Colombia), Peckia (Peckia) cocopex n. sp. (Costa Rica: Cocos Island), Peckia (Peckia) sarmientoi n. sp. (Ecuador), Peckia (Peckia) rosalbae n. sp. (Colombia) and Peckia (Sarcodexia) cocos n. sp. (Costa Rica: Cocos Island). The following new synonymies are proposed as junior synonyms under their respective species: under Peckia (Euboettcheria) tridentata (Hall, 1937) is Euboettcheria alvarengai Lopes & Tibana, 1982, n. syn.; under Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) is Paraphrissopoda hugolopesiana Lehrer, 2006, n. syn.; under Peckia (Peckia) pexata (Wulp, 1895) are Sarcophaga concinnata Williston, 1896, n. syn., Sarcophaga otiosa Williston, 1896, n. syn. and Paraphrissopoda catiae Lehrer, 2006, n. syn.; under Peckia (Peckia) rubella (Wiedemann, 1830) is Sarcophaga capitata Aldrich, 1916, n. syn. and under Peckia (Squamatodes) trivittata (Curran, 1927) is Squamatodes stahli Dodge, 1966, n. syn. Lectotypes are designated for Sarcophaga aequata Wulp, 1895, Sarcophaga concinnata Williston, 1896, Sarcophaga otiosa Williston, 1896 and Sarcophaga volucris Wulp, 1895. Paraphrissopoda alvesia Lehrer, 2006 is deemed an unavailable name as no depository was given for the putative type material.
New records of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic sea anemones (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Actiniaria and Corallimorpharia) from the Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula, and Scotia Arc
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ ESTEFANÍA , LÓPEZ-GONZÁLEZ PABL J.
Published: March 2013

Herein we provide new records for 22 Antarctic species of sea anemone sensu lato (Anthozoa: Actiniaria and Corallimorpharia) from the Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula, and the Scotia Sea. We provided short descriptions, images of the external morphology of preserved specimens (but also of living specimens in most cases), cnida data, and distribution maps for each studied species. New records are presented for nine species in the Weddell Sea and the geographic or bathymetric distributions for 19 of the 22 studied species are extended.
New records of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic sea anemones (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Actiniaria and Corallimorpharia) from the Weddell Sea, Antarctic Peninsula, and Scotia Arc
Authors: NIELSON M. W.
Published: March 2013

Herein we provide new records for 22 Antarctic species of sea anemone sensu lato (Anthozoa: Actiniaria and Corallimor-pharia) from theWeddell Sea,Antarctic Peninsula, and theScotiaSea. We provided short descriptions, images of the ex-ternal morphology of preserved specimens (but also of living specimens in most cases), cnida data, and distribution maps for each studied species. New records are presented for nine species in theWeddell Sea and the geographic or bathymetric distributions for 19 of the 22 studied species are extended.
Modeling Land Surface Processes and Heavy Rainfall in Urban Environments: Sensitivity to Urban Surface Representations
Authors: Li Dan , Bou-Zeid Elie , Baeck Mary Lynn , Jessup Stephen , Smith James A.
Published: March 2013

High-resolution simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) are used in conjunction with observational analyses to investigate land surface processes and heavy rainfall over the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area. Analyses focus on a 6-day period, 21–26 July 2008, which includes a major convective rain event (23–24 July), a prestorm period (21–22 July), and a dry-down period (25–26 July). The performance of WRF in capturing land–atmosphere interactions, the bulk structure of the atmospheric boundary layer, and the rainfall pattern in urban environments is explored. Results indicate that WRF captures the incoming radiative fluxes and surface meteorological conditions. Mean profiles of potential temperature and humidity in the atmosphere are also relatively well reproduced, both preceding and following the heavy rainfall period. However, wind features in the lower atmosphere, including low-level jets, are not accurately reproduced by WRF. The biases in the wind fields play a central role in determining errors in WRF-simulated rainfall fields. The study also investigates the sensitivity of WRF simulations to different urban surface representations. It is found that urban surface representations have a significant impact on the surface energy balance and the rainfall distribution. As the impervious fraction increases, the sensible heat flux and the ground heat flux increase, while the latent heat flux decreases. The impact of urban surface representations on precipitation is as significant as that of microphysical parameterizations. The fact that changing urban surface representations can significantly alter the rainfall field suggests that urbanization plays an important role in modifying the regional precipitation pattern.
The Impact of Advanced Geometry and Measurement Curriculum Units on the Mathematics Achievement of First-Grade Students
Authors: Gavin M. Katherine , Casa Tutita M. , Firmender Janine M. , Carroll Susan R.
Published: March 2013

The goal of Project M2 was to develop and field-test challenging geometry and measurement units for K-2 students. The units were developed using recommendations from gifted, mathematics, and early childhood education. This article reports on achievement results for students in Grade 1 at 12 diverse sites in four states using the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) mathematics concepts subtest and an open-response assessment. Using HLM, as expected there were no statistical differences between the experimental (n = 186) and comparison (n = 174) groups on the ITBS (91% of the items focused on number). Statistically significant differences (p < .001) favoring the experimental group were found on the open-response assessment with a large effect size (d = 1.88). Thus the experimental group exhibited a deeper understanding of geometry and measurement concepts on the open-response assessment while performing as well on a traditional measure that covered all Grade 1 mathematics.