bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pneumatic Lithotripsy versus Holmium:YAG Laser Lithotripsy for the Treatment of Single Ureteral Stones: A Prospective, Single-Blinded Study
Authors: Cimino Sebastiano , Favilla Vincenzo , Russo Giorgio I. , Saita Alberto , Sortino Giuseppe , Castelli Tommaso , Veroux Massimiliano , Madonia Massimo , Morgia Giuseppe
Published: January 2014

Objective: The aim of this prospective single-blinded study was to analyze the stone-free (SF) rates between pneumatic lithotripsy (PL) and laser lithotripsy (LL) for the treatment of single and primary ureteral stones and to evaluate potentially predictive factors of a SF status. Material and Methods: From January 2010 to January 2011, 133 consecutive patients with single and primary ureteral stones were prospectively enrolled. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression were performed to estimate predictive factors of a SF status. Results: The SF rate in the PL group was 80.7 and 86.1% in the LL group (p = 0.002). Success rates with regard of stone position were not significantly different between groups. At univariate logistic regression, middle ureteral stone (OR 3.33, p = 0.04), distal ureteral stone (OR 4.4, p = 0.02), LL (OR 3.05, p = 0.04) and Hounsfield units (HUs) (OR 1.07, p = 0.03) were significantly predictive factors of a SF status. At a multivariate logistic regression, middle ureteral stone (OR 5.58, p = 0.01), distal ureteral stone (OR 7.87, p < 0.01), LL (OR 2.4, p = 0.02) and HUs ≥1,200 (OR 1.15, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with a SF status. Conclusions: LL significantly influences the SF status after ureteroscopy, allowing a higher SF rate when compared to PL. HUs may significantly influence this success rate.
A Rare Case of Peritoneal Disseminated Angiosarcoma 20 Years after Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Chudecka-Głaz Anita , Menkiszak Janusz , Kuźniak Sławomir , Lewandowska Magdalena , Burak Mirosław , Walecka Anna
Published: January 2014

Angiosarcoma is a rare form of sarcoma which may be either a primary tumor or it may result from previous irradiation because of another tumor. In this paper, we present a case of a female patient diagnosed as having peritoneal disseminated angiosarcoma 20 years after ovarian cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy). The case was very atypical because of an extremely rare peritoneal location and disseminated nature of the changes. Based on the initial histological picture, poorly differentiated cancer metastasis was diagnosed, suggesting a recurrence of the ovarian cancer that had been diagnosed earlier. The time elapsed from the ovarian cancer diagnosis, history of the previous irradiation and concentration of tumor markers were the only additional clinical data provided to the pathologists, which ultimately contributed to a correct diagnosis. The case we present herein shows and emphasizes the importance of proper communication between a clinician and a pathologist, which is a prerequisite for a correct diagnosis and, consequently, for proper treatment of patients. It also confirms the high specificity of the HE4 (human epididymis protein 4) marker in the monitoring of ovarian cancer, which was within normal limits in spite of peritoneal tumor dissemination.
The Very Old on Hemodialysis: 8 Years' Experience in a Single Unit
Authors: Zingerman Boris , Korzets Asher , Ori Yaacov , Herman-Edelstein Michal , Rozen-Zvi Benaya , Gafter Uzi , Chagnac Avry
Published: January 2014

Background: Elderly patients constitute a significant proportion of chronically dialyzed patients. This study evaluated mortality rates and predictors of mortality among very old patients receiving chronic hemodialysis (HDx). Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis was carried out on patients >84 years of age who started chronic dialysis between 2004 and 2012. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined which parameters predicted survival. Results: Twenty-nine hemodialyzed patients (19 males) were studied. Mean age was 88 ± 3 years. Median survival time was 38 months (range 4-96). One-year and 2-year survival probability was 80 and 65%, respectively. The most common cause of death was complicated peripheral vascular disease. Multivariate analysis revealed the following: for each 1 g/dl decrease in serum albumin level, the hazard ratio for patient death was 2.63 (p = 0.017), and for each weekly HDx treatment time decrease of 1 h, the hazard ratio for patient death was 1.40 (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Very elderly patients can be hemodialyzed with cautious optimism.
Epidemiology, Course and Outcome of Acute Polymorphic Psychotic Disorder: Implications for ICD-11
Authors: Castagnini Augusto , Foldager Leslie
Published: January 2014

Background: The proposed revision of the ICD-10 category of ‘acute and transient psychotic disorders' (ATPDs), subsuming polymorphic, schizophrenic or predominantly delusional syndromes, would restrict their classification to acute polymorphic psychotic disorder, reminiscent of the clinical concepts of bouffée délirante and cycloid psychosis. Sampling and Methods: We selected all subjects aged 15-64 years (n = 5,426) who were listed in the Danish Psychiatric Central Register with a first-admission diagnosis of ATPDs in 1995-2008 and estimated incidence rates, course and outcome up to 2010. Results: Although about half of ATPD patients tended to experience transition to another category over a mean follow-up period of 9.3 years, acute polymorphic psychotic disorder fared better in terms of cases with a single episode of psychosis and temporal stability than the subtypes featuring schizophrenic or predominantly delusional symptoms. Acute polymorphic psychotic disorder was more common in females, while cases with acute schizophrenic features predominated in younger males and evolved more often into schizophrenia and related disorders. Conclusions: These findings suggest that acute polymorphic psychotic disorder exhibits distinctive features and challenge the current approach to the classification of ATPDs.
Multiple Ascending Dose Study With the New Renin Inhibitor VTP-27999
Authors: Balcarek Joanna , Sevá Pessôa Bruno , Bryson Catherine , Azizi Michel , Ménard Joël , Garrelds Ingrid M. , McGeehan Gerard , Reeves Richard A. , Griffith Sue G. , Danser A.H. Jan , Gregg Richard
Published: January 2014

This study compared the pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic profile of the new renin inhibitor VTP-27999 in salt-depleted healthy volunteers, administered once daily (75, 150, 300, and 600 mg) for 10 days, versus placebo and 300 mg aliskiren. VTP-27999 was well tolerated with no significant safety issues. It was rapidly absorbed, attaining maximum plasma concentrations at 1 to 4 hours after dosing, with a terminal half-life of 24 to 30 hours. Plasma renin activity remained suppressed during the 24-hour dosing interval at all doses. VTP-27999 administration resulted in a dose-dependent induction of renin, increasing the concentration of plasma renin maximally 350-fold. This induction was greater than with aliskiren, indicating greater intrarenal renin inhibition. VTP-27999 decreased plasma angiotensin II and aldosterone. At 24 hours and later time points after dosing on day 10 in the 600-mg group, angiotensin II and aldosterone levels were increased, and plasma renin activity was also increased at 48 and 72 hours, compared with baseline. VTP-27999 decreased urinary aldosterone excretion versus placebo on day 1. On day 10, urinary aldosterone excretion was higher in the 300- and 600-mg VTP-27999 dose groups compared with baseline. VTP-27999 decreased blood pressure to the same degree as aliskiren. In conclusion, excessive intrarenal renin inhibition, obtained at VTP-27999 doses of 300 mg and higher, is accompanied by plasma renin rises, that after stopping drug intake, exceed the capacity of extrarenal VTP-27999 to block fully the enzymatic reaction. This results in significant rises of angiotensin II and aldosterone. Therefore, renin inhibition has an upper limit.
Elimination of NADPH Oxidase Activity Promotes Reductive Stress and Sensitizes the Heart to Ischemic Injury
Authors: Yu Qiujun , Lee Chi Fung , Wang Wang , Karamanlidis Georgios , Kuroda Junya , Matsushima Shouji , Sadoshima Junichi , Tian Rong
Published: January 2014

Background

The
NADPH
oxidase family (Nox) produces reactive oxygen species by adding the electron donated by
NADPH
to oxygen. Excessive reactive oxygen species production under a variety of pathological conditions has been attributed to increased Nox activity. Here, we aimed at investigating the role of Nox in cardiac ischemic injury through gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches.

Methods and Results

We modulated Nox activity in the heart by cardiac‐specific expression of Nox4 and dominant negative Nox4. Modulation of Nox activity drastically changes the cellular redox status. Increasing Nox activity by cardiac‐specific overexpression of Nox4 imposed oxidative stress on the myocardium [increased
NAD
(P)
+
/
NAD
(P)H and decreased glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio] and worsened cardiac energetics and contractile function after ischemia‐reperfusion. Overexpression of the dominant negative Nox4 (
DN
), which abolished the Nox function, led to a markedly reduced state [decreased
NAD
(P)
+
/
NAD
(P)H and increased glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio] at baseline and paradoxically promoted mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production during ischemia resulting in no recovery of heart function after reperfusion. Limiting the generation of reducing equivalent through modulating carbon substrates availability partially restored the
NAD
+
/
NADH
ratio and protected dominant negative Nox4 hearts from ischemic injury.

Conclusions

This study reveals an important role of Nox in cardiac redox regulation and highlights the complexity of developing therapies that affect the intricately connected redox states.
Deletion of Krüppel‐Like Factor 4 in Endothelial and Hematopoietic Cells Enhances Neointimal Formation Following Vascular Injury
Authors: Yoshida Tadashi , Yamashita Maho , Horimai Chihiro , Hayashi Matsuhiko
Published: January 2014

Background

Krüppel‐like factor 4 (Klf4) is involved in a variety of cellular functions by activating or repressing the transcription of multiple genes. Results of previous studies showed that tamoxifen‐inducible global deletion of the
Klf4
gene in mice accelerated neointimal formation following vascular injury, in part via enhanced proliferation of smooth muscle cells (
SMC
s). Because Klf4 is also expressed in non‐
SMC
s including endothelial cells (
EC
s), we determined if
Tie2
promoter‐dependent deletion of
Klf4
in
EC
s and hematopoietic cells affected injury‐induced neointimal formation.

Methods and Results

Klf4
conditional knockout (
cKO
) mice were generated by breeding
Tie2‐Cre
mice and
Klf4
floxed mice, and their phenotype was analyzed after carotid ligation injury. Results showed that injury‐induced repression of
SMC
differentiation markers was unaffected by
Tie2
promoter‐dependent
Klf4
deletion. However, of interest, neointimal formation was significantly enhanced in
Klf4
‐
cKO
mice 21 days following carotid injury. Moreover,
Klf4
‐
cKO
mice exhibited an augmented proliferation rate, enhanced accumulation of macrophages and T lymphocytes, and elevated expression of cell adhesion molecules including vascular cell adhesion molecule–1 (Vcam1) and E‐selectin in injured arteries. Mechanistic analyses in cultured ECs revealed that Klf4 inhibited tumor necrosis factor‐α–induced expression of
Vcam1
through blocking the binding of nuclear factor‐κB to the
Vcam1
promoter.

Conclusions

These results provide evidence that Klf4 in non‐
SMC
s such as
EC
s regulates neointimal formation by repressing arterial inflammation following vascular injury.
Molecular phylogenetics of Neotropical Cyanaeorchis (Cymbidieae, Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae): geographical rather than morphological similarities plus a new species
Authors: Batista Joao Aguiar Nogueira , MOTA ANA CAROLINA M. , PROITE KARINA , BIANCHETTI LUCIANO DE BEM , ROMERO-GONZÁLEZ GUSTAVO A. , HUERTA HÉCTOR , SALAZAR GERARDO A.
Published: January 2014

We investigated the phylogenetic placement of Cyanaeorchis and selected representatives of the tribe Cymbidieae based on nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK–trnK and rbcL) DNA sequences. Bayesian and parsimony analyses of separate and combined datasets were largely congruent with each other and showed that the Neotropical Cyanaeorchis does not belongs in the predominantly Old World subtribe Eulophiinae, where it has previously been placed. Instead, it is strongly supported as a sister to Grobya in Catasetinae. Because Catasetinae are Neotropical and there are no unequivocal morphological similarities between Cyanaeorchis and other genera in the subtribe, this relationship reflects a geographical rather than morphological similarity and suggest habitat-driven local diversification. Specimens from central Brazil formerly identified as Cyanaeorchis minor are shown to be a distinct species, described here as C. praetermissa. Niche modeling indicates that C. praetermissa and C. minor have different distributions and ecological niches, whereas a third species, C. arundinae has broader climatic tolerances and a distribution that encompasses those of the other two species. The distribution of the genus is also predicted to include Bolivia, the states of Rio de Janeiro, Espirito Santo and several areas in northeastern Brazil, from where no collections are currently known.
The types of Anthomyiidae (Diptera) in the Shanghai Entomological Museum, Chinese Academy of Science, China
Authors: ZHANG XUFENG , ZHU WEIBING
Published: January 2014

An annotated list of the type-specimens of Anthomyiidae deposited in the Shanghai Entomological Museum, China, is presented. A total of 196 holotypes and 479 paratypes representing 212 nominal species (207 valid, 5 synonyms) were recognized and are listed alphabetically. Bibliographical data of the original description, labels and condition of the type-specimens and the current name of the species are provided. At the end, a nomenclatural summary and a geographic summary are provided.
Equilibrium Tropical Cyclone Size in an Idealized State of Axisymmetric Radiative–Convective Equilibrium*
Authors: Chavas Daniel R. , Emanuel Kerry
Published: January 2014

Tropical cyclone size remains an unsolved problem in tropical meteorology, yet size plays a significant role in modulating damage. This work employs the Bryan cloud model (CM1) to systematically explore the sensitivity of the structure of an axisymmetric tropical cyclone at statistical equilibrium to the set of relevant model, initial, and environmental external parameters. The analysis is performed in a highly idealized state of radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) governed by only four thermodynamic parameters, which are shown to modulate the storm structure primarily via modulation of the potential intensity.

Using dimensional analysis, the authors find that the equilibrium radial wind profile is primarily a function of a single nondimensional parameter given by the ratio of the storm radial length scale to the parameterized eddy radial length scale. The former is found to be the ratio of the potential intensity to the Coriolis parameter, matching the prediction for the “natural” storm length scale embedded within prevailing axisymmetric tropical cyclone theory; the Rossby deformation radius is shown not to be fundamental. Beyond this primary scaling, a second nondimensional parameter representing the nondimensional Ekman suction velocity is found to modulate the far outer wind field. Implications of the primary nondimensional parameter are discussed, including the critical role of effective turbulence in modulating inner-core structure and new insight into empirical estimates of the radial mixing length.
A Global Analysis of Sverdrup Balance Using Absolute Geostrophic Velocities from Argo
Authors: Gray Alison R. , Riser Stephen C.
Published: January 2014

Using observations from the Argo array of profiling floats, the large-scale circulation of the upper 2000 decibars (db) of the global ocean is computed for the period from December 2004 to November 2010. The geostrophic velocity relative to a reference level of 900 db is estimated from temperature and salinity profiles, and the absolute geostrophic velocity at the reference level is estimated from the trajectory data provided by the floats. Combining the two gives the absolute geostrophic velocity on 29 pressure surfaces spanning the upper 2000 db of the global ocean. These velocities, together with satellite observations of wind stress, are then used to evaluate Sverdrup balance, the simple canonical theory relating meridional geostrophic transport to wind forcing. Observed transports agree well with predictions based on the wind field over large areas, primarily in the tropics and subtropics. Elsewhere, especially at higher latitudes and in boundary regions, Sverdrup balance does not accurately describe meridional geostrophic transports, possibly due to the increased importance of the barotropic flow, nonlinear dynamics, and topographic influence. Thus, while it provides an effective framework for understanding the zero-order wind-driven circulation in much of the global ocean, Sverdrup balance should not be regarded as axiomatic.
Controlling Type I Error Rates in Assessing DIF for Logistic Regression Method Combined With SIBTEST Regression Correction Procedure and DIF-Free-Then-DIF Strategy
Authors: Shih Ching-Lin , Liu Tien-Hsiang , Wang Wen-Chung
Published: January 2014

The simultaneous item bias test (SIBTEST) method regression procedure and the differential item functioning (DIF)-free-then-DIF strategy are applied to the logistic regression (LR) method simultaneously in this study. These procedures are used to adjust the effects of matching true score on observed score and to better control the Type I error rates of the LR method in assessing DIF, respectively. The performance and the detailed procedure, including anchor length, of the newly proposed method are investigated through a series of simulation studies. The results show that the standard LR method yielded inflated Type I error rates as the percentage of DIF items or group ability differences increased, whereas the newly proposed method produced less inflated results. It controlled Type I error rates well in these conditions as the length of anchor increased. However, the usually suggested one-anchor or four-anchor rule of the DIF-free-then-DIF strategy is not long enough for methods that use the raw score as the matching variable. In general, the newly proposed method with eight anchor items yielded well-controlled Type I error rates under all study conditions, even with 40% DIF items in the test and a group ability difference equal to one standard deviation. It is recommended that both the SIBTEST correction procedure and the DIF-free-then-DIF strategy be applied to the LR method when assessing DIF.
The Association Between the Physical Environment of Primary Schools and Active School Transport
Authors: Van Kann D. H. H. , Kremers S. P. J. , Gubbels J. S. , Bartelink N. H. M. , de Vries S. I. , de Vries N. K. , Jansen M. W. J.
Published: January 2014

This study examined the relationship between the physical environment characteristics of primary schools and active school transport among 3,438 5- to 12-year-old primary school children in the Netherlands. The environmental characteristics were categorized into four theory-based clusters (function, safety, aesthetics, and destination). The correlations between the clusters and active school transport were examined, and multilevel regression analyses were used to examine the association between the clusters and active school transport. No correlations were found between environmental clusters and active school transport for younger children (age 5-9), but for older children (age 9-12), strong positive correlations were found between aesthetics and active transport as were found for safety and active transport. School neighborhood aesthetics were related to active transport for older primary school children. Presence of parks, good maintenance of green spaces, and absence of litter in the school environment contributed most to the positive association between aesthetics and active school transport.
Using Comparative Feedback to Influence Workplace Energy Conservation
Authors: Dixon Graham N. , Deline Mary Beth , McComas Katherine , Chambliss Lauren , Hoffmann Michael
Published: January 2014

Although research suggests that feedback on energy usage can generate savings in residential and organizational settings, investigations into the effectiveness of comparative feedback efforts have been fragmented and the findings inconclusive. To help fill this gap, we present research on the effectiveness of a comparative feedback campaign in promoting energy conservation at a university. Surveys were administered in 2009 ( n = 2,112) and 2012 ( n = 1,601) to measure the extent to which a comparative feedback campaign influenced behavioral determinants, such as conservation-related subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitudes, as well as self-reported behaviors. Results indicate that respondents in participating buildings increased their energy conservation behaviors and perceptions of descriptive norms. Furthermore, participating buildings reduced their energy consumption (kWh/ft2) by 6.5%, whereas non-participating buildings increased energy consumption by 2.4%. Our results show promise for comparative feedback-based campaigns as effective pro-environmental interventions within organizations and provide direction for future research and practice.
The immigration detention center as a transnational problem: Implications for international social work
Authors: Furman Rich , Sanchez Michelle , Ackerman Alissa , Ung Tien
Published: January 2014

Over the last decade in the United States, there has been a rapid intensification of the criminalization of immigration. At the nexus of this criminalization is a new institution with potentially profound consequences for transnational migrants, an especially vulnerable population now receiving increased attention from the social work profession. This article explores this phenomenon and its relevance for international social work.
Importing Western values versus indigenization: Social work practice with ethnic minorities in Hong Kong
Authors: Law Kam-yee , Lee Kim-ming
Published: January 2014

Serious debate about the indigenization of social work has transpired recently. This article argues that by taking indigenization as an interactive and non-linear process that helps cultivate a multicultural social work practice within a society, importing Western social work practice and indigenization are compatible. In particular, this article attempts to illustrate the compatibility by analyzing how political activists employ Western values and practice, the universal human rights discourse, and mainstreaming, to fight for the rights of Hong Kong ethnic minorities, which may consequently lead to the development of a multicultural social work practice.
Estimating Mineral Changes in Enamel Formation by Ashing/BSE and MicroCT
Authors: Schmitz J.E. , Teepe J.D. , Hu Y. , Smith C.E. , Fajardo R.J. , Chun Y.-H.P.
Published: January 2014

Enamel formation produces the most highly mineralized tissue in the human body. The growth of enamel crystallites is assisted by enamel proteins and proteinases. As enamel formation progresses from secretory to maturation stages, the composition of the matrix with its mineral and non-mineral components dynamically changes in an inverse fashion. We hypothesized that appropriately calibrated micro-computed tomography (µCT) technology is suitable to estimate the mineral content (weight and/or density) and volume comparable in accuracy with that for directly weighed and sectioned enamel. Different sets of mouse mandibular incisors of C57BL/6 mice were used for dissections and µCT reconstructions. Calibration phantoms corresponding to the range of enamel mineral densities were used. Secretory-stage enamel contained little mineral and was consequently too poor in contrast for enamel volumes to be accurately estimated by µCT. Maturation-stage enamel, however, showed remarkable correspondence for total mineral content per volume where comparisons were possible between and among the different analytical techniques used. The main advantages of the µCT approach are that it is non-destructive, time-efficient, and can monitor changes in mineral content of the most mature enamel, which is too physically hard to dissect away from the tooth.
Effects of Life-long Fluoride Intake on Bone Measures of Adolescents
Authors: Levy S.M. , Warren J.J. , Phipps K. , Letuchy E. , Broffitt B. , Eichenberger-Gilmore J. , Burns T.L. , Kavand G. , Janz K.F. , Torner J.C. , Pauley C.A.
Published: January 2014

Controversy persists concerning the impact of community water fluoridation on bone health in adults, and few studies have assessed relationships with bone at younger ages. Ecological studies of fluoride’s effects showed some increase in bone mineral density of adolescents and young adults in areas with fluoridated water compared with non-fluoridated areas. However, none had individual fluoride exposure measures. To avoid ecological fallacy and reduce bias, we assessed associations of average daily fluoride intake from birth to age 15 yr for Iowa Bone Development Study cohort members with age 15 yr dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone outcomes (whole body, lumbar spine, and hip), controlling for known determinants (including daily calcium intake, average daily time spent in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, and physical maturity). Mean (SD) daily fluoride intake was 0.66 mg (0.24) for females and 0.78 mg (0.30) for males. We found no significant relationships between daily fluoride intake and adolescents’ bone measures in adjusted models (for 183 females, all p values ≥ .10 and all partial R2 ≤ 0.02; for 175 males, all p values ≥ .34 and all partial R2 ≤ 0.01). The findings suggest that fluoride exposures at the typical levels for most US adolescents in fluoridated areas do not have significant effects on bone mineral measures.
Development of colors with sustainability: a comparative study between dyeing of cotton with reactive and vat dyestuffs
Authors: Rosa Jorge Marcos , Tambourgi Elias Basile , Santana Jose Carlos Curvelo , de Campos Araujo Mauricio , Ming Wan Chi , Trindade Nelson
Published: January 2014

This study compared reactive dyestuffs and vat dyestuffs in the dyeing of cotton. We investigated the possibility of reuse of the effluent generated, the ecological costs, and the colorfastness to water, rubbing, daylight, and perspiration. The experiments with vat dyestuffs showed slight advantage in terms of ecological costs, generating less molecules of carbon dioxide than the experiments conducted with reactive dyestuffs, lower consumption of energy, and greater possibility for reuse of treated effluent. In addition, vat dyestuffs exhibited decolorization efficiency above 99% and rates of total organic carbon removal over 90% in all cases, in addition to higher values in colorfastness properties.
Fabric defect image segmentation based on the visual attention mechanism of the wavelet domain
Authors: Guan Shengqi , Gao Zhaoyuan
Published: January 2014

In order to explore the accurate image segmentation of fabric defects, we will introduce the visual attention mechanism of the wavelet domain to the dynamic detection of fabric defects. First of all, feature maps are formed by extracting simple features from a collection image. Secondly, feature maps by multi-layer wavelet decomposition are decomposed into a lot of feature sub-maps of the wavelet domain. On this basis, the center-surround operator among feature sub-maps of the wavelet domain is adopted to build the feature difference sub-maps, which are fused into feature saliency maps through fuse strategy. Finally, the defect interest areas are segmented based on the maximum between-cluster variance method in saliency maps, and the fabric defects through the region growing method are detected in the defect interest areas. Comparing with the wavelet transform algorithm, experimental results show that the proposed method is able to segment the defect information completely, and it has a strong ability to resist noise interference, which can improve the accuracy of defect detection.
Reciprocal Love
Authors: Jackson Iesha , Sealey-Ruiz Yolanda , Watson Wanda
Published: January 2014

Although mentoring programs can produce positive outcomes for youth, more research is needed that offers an account of how Black and Latino male mentors and mentees experience mentoring. This phenomenological study highlights the voices of a mentor and 14 Black and Latino males who are part of the Umoja Network for Young Men (UMOJA) an all-male, in-school mentoring program at an alternative high school that serves overage, under-credited students. We extend the concept of culturally responsive caring by examining notions of reciprocal love and an ethos of care that characterize the mentor’s and mentees’ discussions of their mentoring experiences.
Organizational “Failure” and Institutional Pluralism
Authors: Deeds Vontrese , Pattillo Mary
Published: January 2014

We use the framework of institutional pluralism to provide new insights into a controversial process of market-based reform—school closures. School closure is a shock that highlights the dynamics and definitions of failure and surfaces values and meanings that might otherwise be hidden from consideration. Using qualitative data from a closing urban school, we disaggregate stakeholders’ competing conceptions of legitimacy and argue that failure is an interpretive process. We find that this school was closed based on the evaluative criteria of district administrators, occasioning disruptions for teachers, parents, and students that ultimately run counter to some goals of district administration.
Urban spatial restructuring, event-led development and scalar politics
Authors: Shin Hyun Bang
Published: January 2014

This paper uses Guangzhou’s experience of hosting the 2010 Asian Games to illustrate Guangzhou’s engagement with scalar politics. This includes concurrent processes of intra-regional restructuring to position Guangzhou as a central city in south China and a ‘negotiated scale-jump’ to connect with the world under conditions negotiated in part with the overarching strong central state, testing the limit of Guangzhou’s geopolitical expansion. Guangzhou’s attempts were aided further by using the Asian Games as a vehicle for addressing condensed urban spatial restructuring to enhance its own production/accumulation capacities, and for facilitating urban redevelopment projects to achieve a ‘global’ appearance and exploit the city’s real estate development potential. Guangzhou’s experience of hosting the Games provides important lessons for expanding our understanding of how regional cities may pursue their development goals under the strong central state and how event-led development contributes to this.
Impact of slum formalization on self-help housing construction: A case of slum notification in India
Authors: Nakamura Shohei
Published: January 2014

This paper investigates the extent to which slum notification, a tenure formalization policy that officially recognises settlements as slums and ensures the occupancy rights of the residents, has stimulated housing investment by the households in India. In using a nationally representative data set, propensity score methods are employed to reduce selection bias. This paper finds that given the observed household characteristics adjusted by propensity scores, slum notification will increase the average amount of money spent on housing construction, though the proportion of households who would improve their houses is estimated to be higher in non-formalized settlements. The findings suggest that not only formalizing slums but also supporting self-help efforts by the residents of non-formalized slums would be effective for improving their housing conditions.
Assessing Causes for Individuals
Authors: Jewell Nicholas P.
Published: January 2014

In commenting on Dawid, Faigman, and Fienberg, the author contrasts the proposed parameter, the probability of causation, to other parameters in the causal inference literature, specifically the probability of necessity discussed by Pearl, and Robins and Greenland, and Pearl’s probability of sufficiency. This article closes with a few comments about the difficulties of estimation of parameters related to individual causation.
Expediting Clinical and Translational Research via Bayesian Instrument Development
Authors: Jiang Yu , Boyle Diane K. , Bott Marjorie J. , Wick Jo A. , Yu Qing , Gajewski Byron J.
Published: January 2014

Developing valid and reliable instruments is crucial, but costly and time-consuming in health care research and evaluation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have set up guidelines for developing patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments. However, the guidelines are not applicable to cases of small sample sizes. Instead of using an exact estimation procedure to examine psychometric properties, the Bayesian Instrument Development (BID) method integrates expert data and participant data into a single seamless analysis. Using a novel set of priors, simulated data were used to compare BID to classical instrument development procedures and test the stability of BID. To display BID to non-statisticians, a graphical user interface (GUI) based on R and WINBUGS is developed and demonstrated with data on a small sample of heart failure patients. Costs were saved by eliminating the need for unnecessary continuation of data collection for larger samples as required by the classical instrument development approach.
Reconciling positivism and realism
Authors: Ingram David
Published: January 2014

It is well known that Hans Kelsen and Jürgen Habermas invoke realist arguments drawn from social science in defending an international, democratic human rights regime against Carl Schmitt’s attack on the rule of law. However, despite embracing the realist spirit of Kelsen’s legal positivism, Habermas criticizes Kelsen for neglecting to connect the rule of law with a concept of procedural justice (Part I). I argue, to the contrary (Part II), that Kelsen does connect these terms, albeit in a manner that may be best described as functional, rather than conceptual. Indeed, whereas Habermas tends to emphasize a conceptual connection between law and morality, and has even been tempted by natural law arguments in developing his theory of jurisprudence (see Part IV), Kelsen is more receptive to arguments drawn from legal and political realism. Yet Habermas is hardly oblivious to these arguments, as can be seen from his recent acknowledgment that human rights that secure subsistence and development depend on ‘global domestic policy’ for their full enjoyment. This acknowledgment, I submit, brings Habermas’ legal philosophy closer to Kelsen’s monistic view that a supranational human rights regime must regulate political as well as purely legal matters (Part III). Given this stronger analogy between domestic and global institutions of governance, I argue (Part IV) that a global human rights regime must also incorporate features of constitutional review. Conceding this point, however, raises further questions about the insulation of international law from so-called extra-legal (political) influences. I conclude that not only do multicultural differences in understanding human rights (conflicts between legal paradigms) generate political problems for international courts but so do competing subsystems of international law.
Forces and Trauma Associated with Minimally Invasive Image‐Guided Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Rohani Pooyan , Pile Jason , Kahrs Lueder A. , Balachandran Ramya , Blachon Grégoire S. , Simaan Nabil , Labadie Robert F.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Minimally invasive image‐guided cochlear implantation (CI) utilizes a patient‐customized microstereotactic frame to access the cochlea via a single drill‐pass. We investigate the average force and trauma associated with the insertion of lateral wall CI electrodes using this technique.

Study Design

Assessment using cadaveric temporal bones.

Setting

Laboratory setup.

Subjects and Methods

Microstereotactic frames for 6 fresh cadaveric temporal bones were built using CT scans to determine an optimal drill path following which drilling was performed. CI electrodes were inserted using surgical forceps to manually advance the CI electrode array, via the drilled tunnel, into the cochlea. Forces were recorded using a 6‐axis load sensor placed under the temporal bone during the insertion of lateral wall electrode arrays (2 each of Nucleus CI422, MED‐EL standard, and modified MED‐EL electrodes with stiffeners). Tissue histology was performed by microdissection of the otic capsule and apical photo documentation of electrode position and intracochlear tissue.

Results

After drilling, CT scanning demonstrated successful access to cochlea in all 6 bones. Average insertion forces ranged from 0.009 to 0.078 N. Peak forces were in the range of 0.056 to 0.469 N. Tissue histology showed complete scala tympani insertion in 5 specimens and scala vestibuli insertion in the remaining specimen with depth of insertion ranging from 360° to 600°. No intracochlear trauma was identified.

Conclusion

The use of lateral wall electrodes with the minimally invasive image‐guided CI approach was associated with insertion forces comparable to traditional CI surgery. Deep insertions were obtained without identifiable trauma.
Imaging Prevalence of Sigmoid Sinus Dehiscence among Patients with and without Pulsatile Tinnitus
Authors: Schoeff Stephen , Nicholas Brian , Mukherjee Sugoto , Kesser Bradley W.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Define the radiographic prevalence of sigmoid sinus diverticulum or dehiscence (SSDD) in patients with and without pulsatile tinnitus (PT).

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care university medical center.

Subjects

Patients imaged between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012.

Methods

Two groups were evaluated for SSDD. The first (“PT”) included patients whose radiology report indicated a clinical history of PT (n = 37 symptomatic ears in 30 patients). The second (“non‐PT”) included all patients undergoing temporal bone high resolution CT (HRCT) between November 2011 and November 2012 (n = 308 ears in 164 patients) for reasons other than pulsatile tinnitus. Primary outcome measure was the radiographic presence of SSDD. Covariates including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and audiometric data were analyzed by independent t tests and Fisher's exact test.

Results

Within the PT group, SSDD was identified in 24% of ears (9/37) and 23% of patients (7/30); all SSDD patients were female (P =. 024). Patients with SSDD were significantly younger (P =. 037). SSDD more frequently caused objective tinnitus (P =. 016). There was no difference in average BMI between those with and those without SSDD. In the non‐PT group, SSDD was identified in 2 (both female) of 164 patients (1.2%; 0.6% of ears). The difference in SSDD prevalence between groups was significant (P <. 0001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of SSDD in patients with PT was 23%. Among patients with PT, those with SSDD were younger, exclusively female, and presented with objective tinnitus. The prevalence of SSDD among asymptomatic patients in 1 year was 1.2%.
Aortic valve reconstruction using autologous pericardium for ages over 80 years
Authors: Ozaki Shigeyuki , Kawase Isamu , Yamashita Hiromasa , Uchida Shin , Nozawa Yukinari , Takatoh Mikio , Hagiwara So , Kiyohara Nagaki
Published: January 2014

Background

We performed original aortic valve reconstruction using autologous pericardium; the feasibility for elderly patients is reviewed.

Methods

From April 2007 through September 2011, aortic valve reconstruction was carried out in 86 patients over the age of 80 years. Twenty-seven patients were male and 59 were female. Mean age was 82.9 ± 2.5 years. Seventy-two patients had aortic stenosis and 14 had aortic regurgitation. Mean preoperative surgical annular diameter was 19.5 ± 2.5 mm. There were 80 (90.7%) cases of small aortic annulus. Mean preoperative logistic EuroSCORE was 22.9 ± 15.8.

Results

Isolated aortic valve reconstructions were performed in 51 patients. Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting in 6, hemiarch aortic replacements in 6, 9 maze procedures, and some combinations. No conversion to valve replacement was required. Mean follow-up was 1243 days. There were 3 hospital deaths due to noncardiac causes. No reoperation was needed. Survival at 56 months was 87.0%. No thromboembolic event occurred. Echocardiography 3.5 years after surgery revealed an average peak pressure gradient of 14.6 ± 3.8 mm Hg. No moderate or severe regurgitation was recorded.

Conclusions

Aortic valve reconstruction is feasible for patients older than 80 years, resulting in good hemodynamics and a better quality of life, without anticoagulation.
Is continuation of antiplatelets until coronary artery bypass safe in Asians?
Authors: Duc Vu Thang , Zaw Min Htet , Chang Guohao , Hu Shu Lin Jesse , Tay Chee Wei Bobby , Ng Celene Wei Qi , Chia Daryl KA , Lee Chuen Neng , Kofidis Theo
Published: January 2014

Background

Controversies have arisen about the risks of discontinuing antiplatelets prior to coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the effects of different strategies of antiplatelet discontinuation prior to coronary artery bypass on perioperative bleeding and major adverse cardiovascular events in Asian patients in a single center in Singapore.

Results

402 patients were divided into 4 groups: group A had no antiplatelets before surgery; antiplatelets were stopped for 5–7 days in group B; 2–4 days in group C; and 0–1 day in group D. Compared to group B, group D had longer intensive care unit stays and more intraoperative transfusions of blood ( p = 0.006) and blood products ( p < 0.05). The 1-year major adverse cardiovascular event rate was higher in groups A and D ( p = 0.027). Stopping antiplatelets within 24 h of surgery was one of multiple independent predictors of intraoperative transfusion but not the 1-year major adverse cardiovascular event rate. Patients on aspirin alone had less intraoperative transfusion of platelets and postoperative minor bleeding than those on combined therapy.

Conclusion

Continuation of antiplatelets until 2 days before coronary artery bypass in Asian patients in our institution is unlikely to increase the risks of bleeding and perioperative transfusion. Taking antiplatelets within 24 h of surgery seems to be associated with a higher rate of 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events and bleeding, and an increased risk of blood product transfusion. Thirty-day and 1-year major adverse cardiovascular event rates were higher in patients without antiplatelet treatment.
The vocal improviser–educator: An analysis of selected American and Australian educators’ influences and pedagogical views
Authors: Madura Ward-Steinman Patrice
Published: January 2014

Thirty vocal improviser–educators from Australia ( n = 15) and the United States ( n = 15) were surveyed for musical background, influences and pedagogical views, and assessed for personality type using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ( MBTI). The purpose was to both combine and compare the two groups to identify overall characteristics and cultural differences. Descriptive statistics, correlations, t-tests, and narrative summaries of influences and pedagogical views are reported. Results indicate that the combined improviser–educators ( N = 30) had participated in a vocal jazz ensemble and studied a primary musical instrument for 4–6 years, had studied voice and improvisation for 2–3 years, owned extensive (40+) record collections, and practiced improvisation several hours per week. T-tests revealed significant differences between the backgrounds of the Australians and Americans, suggesting that the Australian subjects practiced improvisation, sang in nonjazz improvising ensembles, and listened to world music significantly more than the American subjects did. The NFP (intuitive, feeling, perceiving) Myers-Briggs personality type characterized more than half of the sample of improvisers. Finally, a vocal improvisation model is proposed based on the results of this study and previous studies of vocal improvisation ability.
Drawing a line in water: Constructing the school censorship frame in popular music education
Authors: Kallio Alexis Anja
Published: January 2014

The apparent ideological tensions between popular musics and formal school contexts raise significant issues regarding teachers’ popular repertoire selection processes. Such decision-making may be seen to take place within a school censorship frame, through which certain musics and their accompanying values are promoted, whilst others are suppressed. Through semi-structured interviews with five Finnish music teachers, the narrative instrumental case study reported in this article aims to explore secondary school music teachers’ understandings of the school censorship frame and its influence on their popular repertoire decisions. The findings suggest that the school censorship frame is composed of dynamic and interrelated big stories: teachers’ cultural, religious and curricular narrative environments; and small stories: stories of school, staff, parents, themselves as a teacher, and stories of their students. This study illustrates the complex, situational and multifaceted negotiations involved in including or excluding popular repertoire from school activities, suggesting that teachers’ decisions require ethical deliberation in aiming towards an inclusive, democratic music education.
Race, Time and Folded Objects: The HeLa Error
Authors: M’charek Amade
Published: January 2014

Given their commitment to practices, science studies have bestowed considerable attention upon objects. We have the boundary object, the standardized package, the network object, the immutable mobile, the fluid object, even a fire object has entered the scene. However, these objects do not provide us with a way of understanding their historicity. They are timeless, motionless pictures rather than things that change over time, and while enacting ‘historical moments’ they do not make visible the histories they contain within them. What kind of object could embody history and make that history visible? Inspired by Michel Serres, I suggest the folded object is a way to attend to the temporality and spatiality of objects. In this article I explore this new object by unravelling the history of a DNA reference sequence. I show how, ever since it was produced in the early 1980s, attempts have been made to filter race out of the sequence. That effort has failed due to what one could call ‘political noise’. Making and remaking the sequence have left traces that cannot be erased.