bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creativity in Song Daoxue 道學: Explication and Elaboration in Zhu Xi’s and Chen Chun’s Philosophy
Authors: Berthrong John
Published: September 2014

Abstract

This essay explores one hermeneutical method on the general features of the typology of Zhu Xi’s and Chen Chun’s axiological daoxue cosmology. While there are myriad ways to read Zhu’s daoxue, one fruitful approach is to analyze daoxue cosmology in terms of four domains or fields of focus, namely (1) patterns and coherent principles [form]; (2) dynamic functions and processes [dynamics]; (3) harmonizing cultural outcomes [unification]; and (4) axiological values and virtues [outcomes]. The study then proceeds to sample how important daoxue concepts such as li 理 as patterns and coherent principles and qi 氣 as generative energy are mapped onto the fourfold typology.
The Refracted Moment: Photographing Chinese History in the Making
Authors: Lessard Bruno
Published: September 2014

Abstract

This article examines the way in which both Western and Chinese photographers have documented Chinese history in the making by focusing on the photographic documentation of two key events in the formation of Chinese society: the 1911 Revolution that laid the foundation for the birth of the republic and the “energy revolution” that was the Three Gorges Dam project (1994-2012). The major difference between the two revolutions is that the latter was documented by the Chinese themselves. No longer relying upon images made by Westerners exclusively, as was the case in 1911, the Chinese appropriated this monumental event in their history to archive it photographically. The article offers a conceptual framework for understanding revolutionary events in the context of historiography and photography history. The analysis of various photographs of the 1911 Revolution by Francis Stafford and of the Three Gorges Dam project and area by Edward Burtynsky, Bill Zorn, Zeng Nian, and Yan Changjiang shows that the event remains an evanescent and quasi-impossible entity to capture photographically, and that photographers can only archive its refracted presence in the faces, landscapes, and objects in front of the lens. What the pictures unveil is that the refracted moments of these two events are far more significant than the actual events themselves for the photographers under study.
From kang (炕) to kongtiao (空调): China’s Twentieth Century Cooling
Authors: Williams Emily
Published: September 2014

Abstract

This essay suggests an alternative strategy for thinking about changes in Chinese society in recent decades, using not economic data or theories of development, but the metaphor of temperature. It argues that the cultural imperative in China has, in recent decades, switched from that of keeping warm to that of keeping cool. This change is made tangible through two key objects: the kang (炕), the northern Chinese heated bed, and the kongtiao (空调), the air conditioner. The antiquity of the kang is explored as an object that is key to the development of Chinese civilization in the inhospitable northern climes. Moving between physical and metaphorical ideas of heat, the essay argues that throughout much of the twentieth-century, heating remained the main focus. Twentieth-century revolutions and mass campaigns under Mao Zedong were undeniably ‘hot,’ aiming to stoke the fire of revolution and radical social change. Under the reforms following Mao’s death, however, politics ‘cooled off:’ the political system crystalized and the frenzy of mass campaigns cooled down. This was accompanied by social changes, including what can be called the rise of individual cool, defined by ironic detachment, hedonism and narcissism. The new cool society and cool persona find their architectural accompaniment in the kongtiao, the air conditioner, which has become a must for urban living, even in north China. The kongtiao is presented as an ultimately unsocial device, a machine with intensive energy requirements that dumps heat into communal spaces in the effort to preserve individual comfort.
Typification of Glycine tomentella (Fabaceae: Phaseoleae) with comments on its internal groups
Authors: Gunner Simon Thompson , Doyle Jeff
Published: September 2014

The legume Glycine tomentella had not been typified according to the rules of nomenclature for many years after it was described. While typification was attempted rather recently, the designated type material is currently missing. An appropriate replacement type is designated herein. Furthermore, the presence of intersterile, morphologically and molecularly diverged groups within the G. tomentella polyploid complex warrants an historical review and current perspective. The type material of this mainly Australian species is identified as belonging to a polyploid genome group that is found in Taiwan.
Commiphora namibensis (Burseraceae), a new species from Angola
Authors: Swanepoel Wessel
Published: September 2014

Commiphora namibensis Swanepoel, described here as a new species, is known only from the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, southwestern Angola. It appears to be closely related to C. virgata Engl. Diagnostic morphological characters of C. namibensis include the mostly spinescent lateral branches and branchlets, trifoliolate leaves, rarely with a few simple ones also present, the leaflets which are shiny adaxially and a laterally slightly compressed putamen with a yellow pseudo-aril. Illustrations of the plant and a distribution map are provided. Mainly confined to near the coast, the new species is widespread but uncommon between Namibe and Santa Maria.
The Effect of Meltwater Plumes on the Melting of a Vertical Glacier Face
Authors: Kimura Satoshi , Holland Paul R. , Jenkins Adrian , Piggott Matthew
Published: September 2014

Freshwater produced by the surface melting of ice sheets is commonly discharged into ocean fjords from the bottom of deep fjord-terminating glaciers. The discharge of the freshwater forms upwelling plumes in front of the glacier calving face. This study simulates the meltwater plumes emanated into an unstratified environment using a nonhydrostatic ocean model with an unstructured mesh and subgrid-scale mixing calibrated by comparison to established plume theory. The presence of an ice face reduces the entrainment of seawater into the meltwater plumes, so the plumes remain attached to the ice front, in contrast to previous simple models. Ice melting increases with height above the discharge, also in contrast to some simple models, and the authors speculate that this “overcutting” may contribute to the tendency of icebergs to topple inwards toward the ice face upon calving. The overall melt rate is found to increase with discharge flux only up to a critical value, which depends on the channel size. The melt rate is not a simple function of the subglacial discharge flux, as assumed by many previous studies. For a given discharge flux, the geometry of the plume source also significantly affects the melting, with higher melt rates obtained for a thinner, wider source. In a wider channel, two plumes are emanated near the source and these plumes eventually coalesce. Such merged meltwater plumes ascend faster and increase the maximum melt rate near the center of the channel. The melt rate per unit discharge decreases as the subglacial system becomes more channelized.
Aircraft-Based Aerosol Sampling in Clouds: Performance Characterization of Flow-Restriction Aerosol Inlets
Authors: Craig Lucas , Moharreri Arash , Rogers David C. , Anderson Bruce , Dhaniyala Suresh
Published: September 2014

Interaction of liquid cloud droplets and ice particles with aircraft aerosol inlets can result in the generation of a large number of secondary particles and contaminate aerosol measurements. Recent studies have shown that a sampler designed with a perpendicular subsampling tube located within a flow-through conduit (i.e., a flow-restriction inlet) was best suited for in-cloud sampling. Analysis of field data obtained from different flow-restriction inlets shows that their critical cloud droplet breakup diameters are strongly dependent on design details and operating conditions. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, in-cloud sampling performance of a selected inlet can be predicted reasonably accurately for known operating conditions. To understand the relation between inlet design parameters and its sampling performance, however, CFD calculations are impractical. Here, using a simple, representative one-dimensional velocity profile and a validated empirical droplet breakup criteria, a parametric study is conducted to understand the relationship between different inlet design features and operating conditions on its critical breakup diameters. The results of this study suggest that an optimal inlet for in-cloud aerosol sampling should have a combination of a restriction nozzle at the aft end of the flow-through conduit to minimize wall-impaction shatter artifacts and a blunt leading edge to minimize shatter artifact generation from the aerodynamic breakup of cloud droplets. Inlets for in-cloud aerosol sampling from aircraft will, therefore, differ significantly in design from those used for clear-air aerosol sampling.
Handling an Isolated Malleus Handle Fracture
Authors: Delrue Stefan , De Foer Bert , van Dinther Joost , Zarowski Andrzej , Somers Thomas , Casselman Jan , Offeciers Erwin
Published: September 2014

Background:

An isolated malleus handle fracture is rare and presents with vague otological symptoms. Diagnosis depends on careful history taking and otoscopic examination. Different treatment options are available. Reconstruction with hydroxyapatite bone cement is a relatively new technique.

Objective:

The aim of this article is to review the current diagnostic work-up and treatment options and to demonstrate our method of treatment with hydroxyapatite bone cement.

Methods:

Three cases, repaired with hydroxyapatite bone cement in a tertiary referral otologic center, were retrospectively analyzed. A review of the literature on diagnosis and treatment procedures was performed.

Results:

One fracture occurred by withdrawing a finger from the external auditory canal and 2 occurred without clear prior trauma. Our 3 cases were successfully repaired with hydroxyapatite bone cement.

Conclusion:

Diagnosis of an isolated malleus handle fracture still depends on careful clinical examination. In addition to pure tone audiometry, both low and higher frequency tympanometry may be useful. High resolution computed tomography with reformatting through the malleus handle is the most accurate imaging modality. Reconstruction with hydroxyapatite bone cement is reliable by restoring the original situation with only minimal manipulation and without additional ossicular interruption.
Synthesis and characterization of magnetic and conductive nickel ferrite–polyaniline nanocomposites
Authors: Prasanna GD , Ashok RL , Prasad VB , Jayanna HS
Published: September 2014

Conducting polymer/ferrite nanocomposites with an organized structure provide a new functional hybrid between organic and inorganic materials. The most popular among the conductive polymers is the polyaniline due to its wide application in different ﬁelds. In the present work nickel ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by sol–gel citrate-nitrate method. Polyaniline/nickel ferrite nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple general and inexpensive in-situ polymerization in the presence of nickel ferrite nanoparticles. The effects of nickel ferrite nanoparticles on the DC-electrical and magnetic properties of polyaniline were investigated. The structural, morphological and thermal stability of nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, scanning electron micrograph and TGA. The DC conductivity of polyaniline/nickel ferrite nanocomposites have been measured as a function of temperature in the range of 80 K to 300 K. The magnetic properties of the nanocomposites were measured using vibrating sample magnetometer in the temperature range 300–10 K up to 30 kOe magnetic field.
Anti-ultraviolet treatment by functionalizing cationized cotton with TiO2 nano-sol and reactive dye
Authors: Kamal Alebeid Omer , Zhao Tao
Published: September 2014

A new approach for ultraviolet (UV) protection of cotton fabrics based on TiO2 nano-sol and reactive dye was studied. Cotton fabrics were cationized with different amounts of 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride. TiO2 nano-sol was prepared by the sol-gel method using tetraisopropyl orthotitanate and applied on cationized cotton fabrics with different quantities using the same finishing formulation and treatment sequence. Treated fabrics were then dyed with various concentrations of BH-3RS-Reactive yellow 176. Samples were further tested for UV protection factor, color strength, color fastness to washing, durability and tensile strength. The chemical and morphological structures of the coated fabrics were characterized by attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Cationized cotton fabrics treated with TiO2 nano-sol and dyed with reactive dye showed better UV protection with slight reduction in color depth ( K/ S) and tensile strength.
Epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections in rural Haitian men
Authors: Downey Robert F , Hammar Donna , Jobe Kathleen A , Schmidt Terri A , Slyke Lori Van , Yassemi Yassi , Zive Dana
Published: September 2014

The study attempts to determine the prevalence of organisms associated with urethritis in men in rural southwestern Haiti and to determine the association with demographic, clinical and laboratory variables. A standardised verbal interview was conducted; genital examinations were done; urethral swabs were collected for nucleic acid amplification testing, and first void urine was obtained for urinalysis. The mean participant age was 54; 88.8% lived in a rural area. Swabs were positive for Trichomonas vaginalis in 13.7% (28/205), Mycoplasma genitalium in 6.3% (13/205), Chlamydia trachomatis in 4.4% (9/205) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in 0% (0/205). Subjects who never reported using condoms were nearly 3.5 times more likely to have any positive swab result (OR: 3.46, 95% CI 1.31–9.14). Subjects who reported their partners had other sexual partners or were unsure were more than three times likely to have any positive swab result (OR: 3.44, 95% CI 1.33–8.92). Infections with Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma genitalium were the most common.
Comparison of serum, ear notches, and nasal and saliva swabs for Bovine viral diarrhea virus antigen detection in colostrum-fed persistently infected (PI) calves and non-PI calves
Authors: Lanyon Sasha R. , Sims Sarah K. , Cockcroft Peter D. , Reichel Michael P.
Published: September 2014

The diagnosis of neonatal and young calves persistently infected (PI) with Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) by antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACE) may be complicated by interference from colostrum-derived specific antibodies. Ten calves, with 3 calves identified as PI and 7 as non-PI were used in the current study. All non-PI calves were shown to be seropositive for BVDV-specific antibodies by antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ab-ELISA) on serum. Serum samples, ear notch samples, and nasal and saliva swabs were collected from each calf from birth until 12 weeks of age and tested by ELISA for BVDV-specific antigen and antibodies. Following colostrum ingestion, Ab-ELISA sample-to-positive (S/P) ratios rose by a mean of 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64–1.25) and 1.72 (95% CI = 1.55–1.89) in seropositive, non-PI calves and in PI calves, respectively. The mean S/P ratios then declined to approximately 1.1 in non-PI calves and 0.5 in PI calves at between 60 and 80 days of age. In PI calves, testing for antigen in serum and nasal and saliva swabs was subject to interference by colostrum-derived antibodies in calves up to 3 weeks of age. Nasal swabs were less affected than serum and saliva swabs. Ear notches maintained positive ACE corrected optical densities at all sample times, despite a drop in the signal following the ingestion of colostrum.
Predictors of Inhospital Mortality in Geriatric Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Doğan Nurettin Özgür , Akıncı Emine , Gümüş Haluk , Akıllı Nazire Belgin , Aksel Gökhan
Published: September 2014

Aim:

To determine the most important predictors of inhospital mortality that could be assessed in geriatric patients presenting with ischemic stroke at admission to the emergency department(ED).

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was carried out in geriatric patients with ischemic stroke who were diagnosed in the ED. The primary outcome measure was determined as all-cause inhospital mortality after 30 days of ischemic cerebrovascular event.

Results:

During the study period, 247 (35.7%) patients died in the hospital and 445 (64.3%) patients survived the 30-day period. The median age of the patients was 78 (72-83). Higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (odds ratio [OR]: 2.085; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.835-2.370), increased creatinine levels (OR: 2.002; 95% CI: 1.235-3.243), increased platelet levels (OR:1.006; 95% CI: 1.002-1.010), and hyperglycemia (OR: 2.610; 95% CI: 1.023-6.660) were found as independent predictors of inhospital mortality.

Conclusion:

In evaluating geriatric patients with ischemic stroke, laboratory values including platelet count, creatinine levels, hyperglycemia, and NIHSS scores should be considered to predict inhospital mortality in the ED.
Environmental contamination by cyclophosphamide preparation: Comparison of conventional manual production in biological safety cabinet and robot-assisted production by APOTECAchemo
Authors: Schierl Rudolf , Masini Carla , Groeneveld Svenja , Fischer Elke , Böhlandt Antje , Rosini Valeria , Paolucci Demis
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare environmental contamination of cyclophosphamide (CP) during 1 week of drug compounding by conventional manual procedure in a biological safety cabinet (BSC) with laminar airflow and a new robotic drug preparation system (APOTECAchemo).

Methods

During four consecutive days, similar numbers of infusion bags with cyclophosphamide were prepared with both techniques in a cross-over design. Wipe samples (49 for BSC, 50 for APOTECAchemo) were taken at several locations (gloves, infusion bags, trays, BSC-benches, floor) in the pharmacy and analyzed for CP concentrations by GC-MSMS (LOD 0.2 ng/sample).

Results

The detection rate was 70% in the BSC versus 15% in APOTECAchemo. During manual preparation of admixtures using BSC contamination with CP was below 0.001 ng/cm2 at most locations, but significant on gloves (0.0004–0.0967 ng/cm2) and the majority (70%) of infusion bags (<0.0004–2.89 ng/cm2). During robotic preparation by APOTECAchemo, gloves (1 of 8: 0.0007 ng/cm2) and infusion bags (3 of 20: 0.0005, 0.0019, 0.0094 ng/cm2) were considerably less contaminated. Residual contamination was found on the surfaces under the dosing device in the compounding area (0.0293–0.1603 ng/cm2) inside the robotic system.

Conclusions

Compared to outcomes of other studies, our results underline good manufacturing procedures in this pharmacy with low contamination for both techniques (BSC and APOTECAchemo). Comparison of both preparation procedures validated that contamination of infusion bags was much lower by using the robotic system.
Use of naloxone for reversal of life-threatening opioid toxicity in cancer-related pain
Authors: Howlett Christina , Gonzalez Rosa , Yerram Prakirthi , Faley Brian
Published: September 2014

Objective

To review the emergency-based approach to opioid toxicity reversal in cancer-related pain patients.

Data source

A MEDLINE and PubMed search was conducted (1966 to May 2014) using the terms opioids, cancer, naloxone, respiratory depression, morphine, morphine derivatives, emergency, and anaphylaxis.

Methods of study selection

English articles in human subjects identified from the MEDLINE and PubMed search were evaluated. Citations were excluded if they addressed acute overdoses, non-cancer pain, and/or acute, non-chronic pain.

Data extraction and synthesis

Pain is a common occurrence in the oncology population. Although toxicity from opioids is common, life-threatening toxicities are not. The use of naloxone in this particular patient population occurs frequently for any perceived opioid-related effect and can be detrimental to the oncology patient’s care and quality of life. Difficulties exist when attempting to separate opioid toxicity from disease progression or metastases and, therefore, a thorough history is needed prior to complete opioid reversal in this population. Severity of the opioid intoxication should dictate reversal strategy. Dosing strategies that take into account both the treatment of the opioid-related effects as well as the negative effects reversal will have on the patient are offered. We also review the pre-hospital setting and identified the need for protocols that not only take the patient’s symptoms into account, but also the patient’s cancer history.

Conclusion

Opioid reversal protocols should be developed by a multi-disciplinary team. Each protocol should differentiate those toxicities which are life-threatening and require complete opioid reversal with toxicities that require small aliquots of naloxone to mitigate the presenting symptoms.
Comparison of Feedback From Families of Patients With Neuromuscular Disorders and Malignant Tumors on Communications Among Doctors, Patients, and Family Members in Home Medical Care Settings
Authors: Kimura Takuma , Imanaga Teruhiko , Matsuzaki Makoto , Kawai Mitsuru , Akahoshi Tohru
Published: September 2014

We conducted a cross-sectional mail-in survey of families with neuromuscular disorders (ND) or malignant tumors (MT) to compare their preferences for type of future communications in home medical care settings and their previous experience or lack of experience of doctor–patient communication (DPC) and doctor–family communication (DFC). We analyzed 23 families from those with ND and 41 from those with MT. Of 11 families with ND who had not experienced DFC, only 1 (9.1%) wanted future DFC, whereas of 8 families with MT who had not experienced DFC, 5 (62.5%) wanted future DFC ( p = .04). Doctors who visit patients need to understand that fewer families with ND than those with MT want DFC, even when they have experienced it.
Molecular detection of haemotropic Mycoplasma species in urban and rural cats from Portugal
Authors: Duarte Ana , Marques Vânia , Correia José Henrique Duarte , Neto Isabel , Bráz Berta São , Rodrigues Cláudia , Martins Telma , Rosado Ricardo , Ferreira Joaquim Pedro , Santos-Reis Margarida , Tavares Luis
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of haemoplasma infection in cats in Portugal and to assess risk factors for infection.

Methods

Real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques were used to assess 236 urban and rural cats from central and southern Portugal.

Results

The overall prevalence of haemoplasma in the target population was 27.1% (64/236), with individual species’ prevalences as follows: 17.8% (42/236) ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ (CMhm), 14.4% (34/236) Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and only 5.9% (14/236) ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ (CMt). Multiple infections were detected in 8.1% (19/236) of the samples, with triple and double infections with Mhf and CMhm being most commonly detected (5.9% [14/236] of cats). Haemoplasma infection was significantly higher in shelter cats ( P = 0.015) than in cats with other lifestyles (eg, free-roaming/house pet/blood donors). Haemoplasma prevalence was also higher in cats with feline immunodeficiency virus infection (FIV; P = 0.011). Although sex was not significantly associated with haemoplasma infection ( P = 0.050), CMt was predominantly found in males ( P = 0.032). Also, the presence of haemoplasma multiple infections was statistically associated with being in a shelter ( P = 0.021), male ( P = 0.057) and with FIV co-infection ( P = 0.004). No evidence of an association between haemoplasma infection and geographical location, age or feline leukaemia virus co-infection was found.

Conclusions and relevance

The results obtained in our study are consistent with the documented worldwide prevalence of feline haemoplasma infections, suggesting that the three main feline haemoplasma species are common in Portugal.
Chronic expanding haematoma in a cat
Authors: Togni Andrea , Sievert Christine , Hurter Karin , Knell Sebastian
Published: September 2014

A 5-year-old cat developed a recurrent haematoma in the right hindlimb after receiving an intramuscular injection. Cold packs and a compressive bandage were applied without success. The haematoma resolved initially but recurred twice within a week after conservative treatment. Contrast computed tomography was performed after the second recurrence. A large cavernous lesion was found craniolateral to the right stifle. The lesion was removed surgically. No recurrence occurred during a 5 month follow-up. On histopathology the lesion was characterised as a chronic expansive haematoma. To our knowledge, this type of lesion has not previously been described in a small animal.
Which members? Using cross-national surveys to study party membership
Authors: Ponce Aldo F , Scarrow Susan E
Published: September 2014

Reports of party membership have documented steep declines in formal enrollment in many countries, but numbers alone tell us little about the systemic causes or likely implications of such drops. Existing cross-national surveys can help illuminate the extent and consequences of these changes. Unfortunately, they are difficult to use for this purpose because differences in question wording and institutional differences in the meaning of party membership produce unstable results. This paper proposes to overcome these obstacles by using behavioral measures of party membership in survey-based studies of party membership. We demonstrate that such measures produce results which are more consistent across surveys and therefore more meaningful. We then illustrate their utility by using a behaviorally-qualified measure to study how party membership decline has affected parties’ ability to mobilize grassroots partisan participation. Our analysis also shows that even though reported party membership declined from the 1990s to the 2000s, there was surprisingly little change in this decade in the number of politically active partisans.
Dual ducting: An innovation to increase the use of daylight in buildings
Authors: Mayhoub MS
Published: September 2014

Daylight guidance systems deliver daylight into remote parts of buildings. However, they still lack market penetration. The primary difficulty lies within the installation process. Daylight guidance systems use light ducts to distribute daylight, which occupy significant amounts of space. The integration of light ducts and heating, ventilation and air conditioning ducts is a promising solution. This study compares the differences and similarities of the two ducting systems, suggests an integrated system and evaluates the potential of and challenges faced by the proposed dual ducting system. A schematic application is completed and demonstrates that the dual ducting system has the economic potential to reduce costs, avoid conflicts between building systems and simplify the installation of daylight guidance systems.
Dietary Supplement Use Among Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Valerie , Goyal Abhishek , Hsu Christine C. , Jacobson Judith S. , Rodriguez Rosa D. , Siegel Abby B.
Published: September 2014

Background. More than 50% of US adults, and an even larger proportion of cancer patients, use dietary supplements. Since many supplements require hepatic metabolism, they may be particularly likely to cause toxicities in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, little is known about supplement use in patients with HCC. Methods. From 2008 to 2012, we gave newly diagnosed HCC patients at our institution a standardized questionnaire about dietary supplement use, demographic factors, and clinical characteristics. We then followed patients for four years or until time to death to examine the relationship with supplement use. Results. Of 146 patients, 71% had used vitamins and 45% herbal supplements. Most commonly used supplements were antioxidants (51%), multivitamins (46%), vitamin D (25%), and milk thistle (23%). People in mid-higher income brackets were more likely to use herbal supplements (19% of those earning <$30 000, 50% of those earning $30 000-60 000, and 34% of those earning >$60 000 used supplements). Hepatitis C (HCV) patients were more likely to use milk thistle than those without HCV (30% vs 13%, P = .03), and patients with hepatitis B (HBV) were more likely than non-HBV patients to use vitamin C (32% vs 14%, P = .01). Supplement use was not associated with overall survival. Conclusions. Like cancer patients in other studies, the majority of our HCC patients used dietary supplements. Supplement use was not associated with overall survival but should be studied in larger patient samples.
Sex Workers/Sex Offenders
Authors: Dewey Susan , St. Germain Tonia P.
Published: September 2014

Until 2012, the New Orleans criminal justice system forced persons convicted of certain prostitution offenses to register as sex offenders under an antiquated (1805) statute that criminalizes oral or anal sex in exchange for compensation. This article explores attitudes and beliefs that enabled Louisiana’s misuse of the sex offender registry against primarily indigent African American street-based sex worker women and transgender individuals. Findings presented here derive from a feminist interdisciplinary (cultural anthropology and law) methodological strategy that included qualitative ethnography, quantitative examination of Louisiana’s 64 parish-specific sex offender registries, and legal/policy analysis.
Patterns of shoulder pain during a 14-year follow-up: results from a longitudinal population study in Norway
Authors: Engebretsen Kaia B , Grotle Margreth , Natvig Bård
Published: September 2014

Background

Population studies have reported that shoulder pain is the third most frequently reported musculoskeletal pain. Long duration, pain intensity and high level of disability predict persistent complaints. The present study aimed to describe the prevalence of shoulder pain in a general population and follow this over a long period (1990 to 2004). The objective was also to describe the stability of shoulder pain and patterns of co-occurrence with neck and upper back pain.

Methods

Data were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire in a population in Ullensaker muncipality, north-east of Oslo. The Standard Nordic Questionnaire was sent in 1990, 1994 and 2004 to inhabitants belonging to six birth cohorts from 1918–20 to 1968–70.

Results

The 1-year prevalence of shoulder pain was 46.7% (95% CI, 44.9% to 48.6%) in 1990, 48.7% (95% CI, 46.8% to 50.5%) in 1994, and 55.2% (95% CI, 53.5% to 56.9%) in 2004. Approximately three-quarters of the persons with shoulder pain at one given time also reported shoulder pain at the next follow-up.

Conclusions

Prevalence of shoulder pain during a 14-year period was high and slightly increasing. Shoulder pain was reported most frequently in co-occurrence with neck pain. Classification models should include neck pain as well as other co-occurring pain sites.
Robotic pyeloplasty: Initial experience of a single UK centre
Authors: Lamb Benjamin W , Vasdev Nikhil , Mourtzilas Evangelos , Hanbury Damian C , Lane Tim M , Adshead James M
Published: September 2014

Objective:

We present our experience and outcomes at a single UK robotic centre of robotic-assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for the treatment of pelvo-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO).

Materials and methods:

Between July 2009 and July 2013, 20 robotic-assisted transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasties were performed by four surgeons. Data were obtained from patient case notes, patient charts, and radiographic reports.

Results:

A total of 20 robot-assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasties were performed in 11 men and nine women. Mean age at treatment was 37 years (range 16–75) with an average follow-up of 14 months (five to 24). The average console time was two hours: 8 minutes (1:30–3:30), mean drop in haemoglobin 0.67 g/dl (−3.5 to +1.3), mean change in serum creatinine −0.5 (−22 to +18). The average time to post-operative catheter removal was 1.64 days (one to two), to post-operative drain removal 2.43 days (two to three), and to discharge 2.8 days (two to four). The average time to stent removal was 6.1 weeks (six to eight). At the mean follow-up of 14 months no major perioperative complications had occurred and no patients were re-admitted within 30 days of operation. The success rate was 95%; one patient required a second procedure in the form of an open redo-pyeloplasty because of continued pain and radiographic evidence of continued obstruction.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a feasible treatment for PUJO in a UK centre. Low rates of morbidity, short post-operative stay and high success rates at our centre are comparable with other series. Longer follow-up of this cohort is needed to demonstrate durable and effective outcomes.
Authentic Language Input Through Audiovisual Technology and Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Bahrani Taher , Tam Sim Shu , Zuraidah Mohm Don
Published: September 2014

Second language acquisition cannot take place without having exposure to language input. With regard to this, the present research aimed at providing empirical evidence about the low and the upper-intermediate language learners’ preferred type of audiovisual programs and language proficiency development outside the classroom. To this end, 60 language learners (30 low level and 30 upper-intermediate level) were asked to have exposure to their preferred types of audiovisual program(s) outside the classroom and keep a diary of the amount and the type of exposure. The obtained data indicated that the low-level participants preferred cartoons and the upper-intermediate participants preferred news more. To find out which language proficiency level could improve its language proficiency significantly, a post-test was administered. The results indicated that only the upper-intermediate language learners gained significant improvement. Based on the findings, the quality of the language input should be given priority over the amount of exposure.
Readmission of Preterm Infants Less Than 32 Weeks Gestation Into Early Childhood
Authors: Elisabeth Ralser , Elke Griesmaier , Vera Neubauer , Maria Gnigler , Michaela Höck , Ursula Kiechl-Kohlendorfer
Published: September 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of and the predictors for rehospitalization in preterm infants into early childhood, focusing on gender differences. All preterm infants born at <32 weeks of gestation in North Tyrol between January 2003 and December 2005 were enrolled in this survey. About one fifth of all children were readmitted, showing an inverse downward trend with increasing age. The most common reason for readmission in the third (36.5%) and fourth (42.9%) years of life was respiratory infection, but changed to miscellaneous surgeries in the fifth (52.1%). Male sex showed significantly higher readmission rates and more miscellaneous surgeries. Additionally, male sex and chronic lung disease were risk conditions for rehospitalization in the multivariate analysis. Readmission rates and respiratory infections in preterm-born children showed an inverse downward trend with increasing age. In early childhood, gender difference still plays a role with regard to rehospitalization.
Multiple resistance-activating substances produced by Humicola phialophoroides isolated from soil for control of Phytophthora blight of pepper
Authors: Yang Ching-Hui , Lin Mei-Ju , Su Huey-Jen , Ko Wen-Hsiung
Published: September 2014

Background

Microorganisms capable of utilizing vegetable tissues for multiplication in soil were isolated, cultivated in liquid medium prepared from the same vegetable tissues, and tested for ability to activate resistance in pepper leaves against Phytophthora blight caused by Phytophthora capsici.

Results

Among the 121 microorganisms isolated, a fungus Humicola phialophoroides showed distinct ability to produce substances capable of activating resistance. The resistance-activating substances produced by H. phialophoroides were mostly retained in the mycelium, and were readily extracted from the mycelium powder with polar solvents. The extract was not inhibitory to zoospore germination or germ tube growth of P. capsici. In pepper leaves, the extract took only about 12 h to activate resistance against P. capsici. After activation, washing treated leaf surface with water did not have much effect on the resistance expression. In addition to being able to move from the upper leaf surface to lower leaf surface, the resistance-activating substances were capable of moving 5 mm acropetally and 10 mm basipetally in pepper leaves, Chromatography of the extract on silica gel column suggests that there are probably more than three components in the extract with resistance-activating ability. The resistance-activating activity of the mycelium extract was not affected by treatment with either cation or anion exchange resins, indicating that none of the active components have positive or negative charges on their molecules.

Conclusion

Results show that H. phialophoroides is capable of producing multiple resistance-activating substances which are mostly retained in the mycelium. The study also indicates that none of the active components have positive or negative charges on their molecules.
Engaging the private sector to improve antimicrobial use in the community: experience from accredited drug dispensing outlets in Tanzania
Authors: Valimba Richard , Liana Jafary , Joshi Mohan P , Rutta Edmund , Embrey Martha , Bundala Maganga , Kibassa Bryceson
Published: September 2014

Objectives

A public-private partnership in Tanzania launched the accredited drug dispensing outlet (ADDO) program to improve access to quality medicines and pharmaceutical services in rural areas. ADDO dispensers play a potentially important role in promoting the rational use of antimicrobials, which helps control antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study objectives were to 1) improve dispensing practices of antimicrobials, 2) build ADDO dispensers’ awareness of the consequences of misusing antimicrobials, and 3) educate consumers on the correct use of antimicrobials through the use of printed materials and counseling.

Methods

Our intervention targeted ADDO dispensers and community members in Kilosa district. We promoted AMR awareness using posters hung in public places, health facilities, and ADDOs; sensitizing 84 health care providers on AMR issues; and providing training and on-site support for 124 ADDO dispensers to increase their AMR knowledge and dispensing skills. Baseline and endline assessments included direct observation of dispensers’ practices; interviews with ADDO dispensers (71 at baseline and 68 at endline) regarding dispensing experiences; 230 exit interviews with ADDO customers regarding use of antimicrobials during monitoring visits; and review of ADDO records. Indicators were based on product availability, dispensing practices, customers’ knowledge of how to take their medicines, and dispenser and public awareness of the AMR threat.

Results

Availability of tracer antimicrobials increased by 26% (p = 0.0088), and the proportion of ADDOs with unauthorized items decreased from 53% to 13% (p = 0.0001). The percentage of ADDO dispensers following good dispensing practices increased from an average of 67% in the first monitoring visit to an average of 91% during the last visit (p = 0.0001). After the intervention, more dispensers could name more factors contributing to AMR and negative consequences of inappropriate antimicrobial use, and over 95% of ADDO customers knew important information about the medicines they were dispensed.

Conclusions

Providing educational materials and equipping ADDO dispensers with knowledge and tools helps significantly improve community medicine use and possibly reduces AMR. The number of community members who learned about AMR from ADDO dispensers indicates that they are an important source of information on medicine use.
Association of hypertension with coronary artery disease onset in the Lebanese population
Authors: Milane Aline , Abdallah Jad , Kanbar Roy , Khazen Georges , Ghassibe-Sabbagh Michella , Salloum Angelique K , Youhanna Sonia , Saad Aline , El Bayeh Hamid , Chammas Elie , Platt Daniel E , Hager Jörg , Gauguier Dominique , Zalloua Pierre , Abchee Antoine ,   FGENTCARD Consortium
Published: September 2014

The onset of coronary artery disease (CAD) is influenced by cardiovascular risk factors that often occur in clusters and may build on one another. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between hypertension and CAD age of onset in the Lebanese population.

This retrospective analysis was performed on data extracted from Lebanese patients (n = 3,753). Logistic regression examined the association of hypertension with the age at CAD diagnosis after controlling for other traditional risk factors. The effect of antihypertensive drugs and lifestyle changes on the onset of CAD was also investigated.

Results showed that hypertension is associated with late onset CAD (OR=0.656, 95% CI=0.504-0.853, p=0.001). Use of antihypertensive drugs showed a similar association with delayed CAD onset. When comparing age of onset in CAD patients with traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking and family history of CAD, the age of onset was significantly higher for patients with hypertension compared to those with any of the other risk factors studied (p < 0.001).

In conclusion, hypertension and its treatment are associated with late coronary atherosclerotic manifestations in Lebanese population. This observation is currently under investigation to clarify its genetic and/or environmental mechanisms.
Creation of a Diagnostic Wait Times Measurement Framework Based on Evidence and Consensus
Authors: Gilbert Julie E. , Dobrow Mark J. , Kaan Melissa , Dobranowski Julian , Srigley John R. , Jusko Friedman Audrey , Irish Jonathan C.
Published: September 2014

The diagnostic wait times measurement framework provides a yardstick to measure the performance of programs designed to expedite care processes between referral and diagnosis or ruling out of cancer.
Bridging the Gap Between Financial Distress and Available Resources for Patients With Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Smith Sophia K. , Nicolla Jonathan , Zafar S. Yousuf
Published: September 2014

Oncology social workers and financial care counselors reported inadequate financial resources and faced barriers to matching appropriate resources with patients in need.
Michigan Oncology Medical Home Demonstration Project: First-Year Results
Authors: Kuntz Gordon , Tozer Jane M. , Snegosky Jeff , Fox John , Neumann Kurt
Published: September 2014

The authors say their results provide evidence that community oncology practices will embrace the transformation to a patient-centered model with properly aligned incentives and administrative assistance.
Tokyo Rosalie? A Franco-Japanese Envoy and Entrepreneur in the South Pacific, 1890-1959
Authors: Denton Chad B.
Published: September 2014

The unlikely story of Berthe Rosalie Kitazawa Fouque, a Franco-Japanese businesswoman active in New Caledonia from 1937 to 1941, offers a novel way to connect the economic, political, and social histories of the Second World War in the South Pacific. Her story also illustrates a largely forgotten episode of French colonial history: the successful assimilation and integration of a New Caledonian Japanese community from 1892 to 1941. As the unlikely emissary for one of Japan’s most powerful industrial interests, Kitazawa Fouque temporarily acted as a privileged intermediary between the Japanese military-industrial complex, the French colonial administration, and the New Caledonian Japanese population. The reasons for her initial success and ultimate failure illuminate the shifting boundaries of race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, and class in the Franco-Japanese cultural encounter.

L’histoire improbable de Berthe Rosalie Kitazawa Fouque, une femme d’affaires franco-japonaise active en Nouvelle-Calédonie de 1937 à 1941, propose une nouvelle façon de relier les histoires économiques, politiques et sociales de la Seconde Guerre mondiale dans le Pacifique Sud. Son histoire illustre aussi un épisode en grande partie oubliée de l’histoire coloniale française : l’assimilation et l’intégration réussie d’une communauté japonaise dans la Nouvelle-Calédonie entre 1892 et 1941. Comme l’émissaire improbable de l’un des intérêts industriels les plus puissants du Japon, Kitazawa Fouque a temporairement agi en tant qu’intermédiaire privilégié entre le complexe militaro-industriel japonais, l’administration coloniale française et la population japonaise de la Nouvelle-Calédonie. Les raisons de son succès initial et son ultime échec éclairent les changements dans la perception de la race, du sexe, de l’ethnie, de la nationalité et de la classe dans la rencontre culturelle franco-japonaise.