bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of Holiday and Nonholiday Admission Patients with Acute Peptic Ulcer Bleeding: A Real-World Report from Southern Taiwan
Authors: Wu Tsung-Chin , Chuah Seng-Kee , Chang Kuo-Chin , Wu Cheng-Kun , Kuo Chung-Huang , Wu Keng-Liang , Chiu Yi-Chun , Hu Tsung-Hui , Tai Wei-Chen
Published: July 2014

Background. Recent findings suggest that patients admitted on the weekend with peptic ulcer bleeding might be at increased risk of adverse outcomes. However, other reports found that there was no “holiday effect.” The purpose of this study was to determine if these findings hold true for a real-life Taiwanese medical gastroenterology practice.Materials and Methods. We reviewed the medical files of hospital admissions for patients with peptic ulcer bleeding who received initial endoscopic hemostasis between January 2009 and March 2011. A total of 744 patients were enrolled (nonholiday group,n=615; holiday group,n=129) after applying strict exclusion criteria. Holidays were defined as weekends and national holidays in Taiwan.Results. Our results showed that there was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. We also observed that, compared to the nonholiday group, patients in the holiday group received earlier endoscopy treatment (12.20 hours versus 16.68 hours,P=0.005), needed less transfused blood (4.8 units versus 6.6 units,P=0.02), shifted from intravenous to oral proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) more quickly (5.3 days versus 6.9 days,P=0.05), and had shorter hospital stays (13.05 days versus 17.36 days,P=0.005). In the holiday and nonholiday groups, the rebleeding rates were 17.8% and 23.41% (P=0.167), the mortality rates were 11.63% versus 13.66% (P=0.537), and surgery was required in 2.11% versus 4.66% (P=0.093), respectively.Conclusions. Patients who presented with peptic ulcer bleeding on holidays did not experience delayed endoscopy or increased adverse outcomes. In fact, patients who received endoscopic hemostasis on the holiday had shorter waiting times, needed less transfused blood, switched to oral PPIs quicker, and experienced shorter hospital stays.
Regular and Chaotic Dynamics of Flexible Plates
Authors: Awrejcewicz J. , Krylova E. Yu. , Papkova I.V. , Krysko V. A.
Published: July 2014

Nonlinear dynamics of flexible rectangular plates subjected to the action of longitudinal and time periodic load distributed on the plate perimeter is investigated. Applying both the classical Fourier and wavelet analysis we illustrate three different Feigenbaum type scenarios of transition from a regular to chaotic dynamics. We show that the system vibrations change with respect not only to the change of control parameters, but also to all fixed parameters (system dynamics changes when the independent variable, time, increases). In addition, we show that chaotic dynamics may appear also after the second Hopf bifurcation. Curves of equal deflections (isoclines) lose their previous symmetry while transiting into chaotic vibrations.
Number of Spanning Trees of Different Products of Complete and Complete Bipartite Graphs
Authors: Daoud S. N.
Published: July 2014

Spanning trees have been found to be structures of paramount importance in both theoretical and practical problems. In this paper we derive new formulas for the complexity, number of spanning trees, of some products of complete and complete bipartite graphs such as Cartesian product, normal product, composition product, tensor product, symmetric product, and strong sum, using linear algebra and matrix theory techniques.
Inhibitory Effect of Sihuangxiechai Decoction on Ovalbumin‐Induced Airway Inflammation in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Huang Xue Ping , Tao En Xue , Feng Zhan Qin , Yang Zhao Lu , Zhang Wei Fen
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sihuangxiechai decoction on asthmatic Guinea pig model which was sensitized by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged by OVA inhalation to induce chronic airway inflammation. Differential cell counts of cytospins were performed after staining with Giemsa solution. The quantity of leukocytes and its classification in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood were evaluated by blood cell analyzer and microscope. Histological analysis of the lung was performed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The levels of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in BALF and serum were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The total number of leukocytes in BALF and blood has no significant difference between Sihuangxiechaitang decoction treated group and dexamethasone (DXM) treated group but was significantly lower than those of asthma group. The percentage of eosinophils in lung tissues of sihuangxiechai decoction treated group was significantly lower than that of asthma group. The results demonstrated that the levels of IL‐4 and TNF‐α in the sihuangxiechai decoction treated group were significantly reduced compared with the asthma group. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that sihuangxiechai decoction has a protective effect on OVA‐induced asthma in reducing airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a Guinea pig model and may be useful as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of bronchial asthma.
CDK4/6 and IGF1 Receptor Inhibitors Synergize to Suppress the Growth of p16INK4A-Deficient Pancreatic Cancers
Authors: Heilmann Andreas M. , Perera Rushika M. , Ecker Veronika , Nicolay Brandon N. , Bardeesy Nabeel , Benes Cyril H. , Dyson Nicholas J.
Published: July 2014

Loss-of-function mutations in p16INK4A (CDKN2A) occur in approximately 80% of sporadic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), contributing to its early progression. Although this loss activates the cell-cycle–dependent kinases CDK4/6, which have been considered as drug targets for many years, p16INK4A-deficient PDAC cells are inherently resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitors. This study searched for targeted therapies that might synergize with CDK4/6 inhibition in this setting. We report that the IGF1R/IR inhibitor BMS-754807 cooperated with the CDK4/6 inhibitor PD-0332991 to strongly block proliferation of p16INK4A-deficient PDAC cells in vitro and in vivo. Sensitivity to this drug combination correlated with reduced activity of the master cell growth regulator mTORC1. Accordingly, replacing the IGF1R/IR inhibitor with the rapalog inhibitor temsirolimus broadened the sensitivity of PDAC cells to CDK4/6 inhibition. Our results establish targeted therapy combinations with robust cytostatic activity in p16INK4A-deficient PDAC cells and possible implications for improving treatment of a broad spectrum of human cancers characterized by p16INK4A loss. Cancer Res; 74(14); 3947–58. ©2014 AACR.
Telomere Shortening Is Associated with Genetic Anticipation in Chinese Von Hippel–Lindau Disease Families
Authors: Ning Xiang-hui , Zhang Ning , Li Teng , Wu Peng-jie , Wang Xi , Li Xue-ying , Peng Shuang-he , Wang Jiang-yi , Chen Jin-chao , Gong Kan
Published: July 2014

Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare autosomal dominant cancer syndrome. A phenomenon known as genetic anticipation has been documented in some hereditary cancer syndromes, where it was proved to relate to telomere shortening. Because studies of this phenomenon in VHL disease have been relatively scarce, we investigated anticipation in 18 Chinese VHL disease families. We recruited 34 parent–child patient pairs (57 patients) from 18 families with VHL disease. Onset age was defined as the age when any symptom or sign of VHL disease first appeared. Anticipation of onset age was analyzed by paired t test and the other two special tests (HV and RY2). Relative telomere length of peripheral leukocytes was measured in 29 patients and 325 healthy controls. Onset age was younger in child than in parent in 31 of the 34 parent–child pairs. Patients in the first generation had older onset age with longer age-adjusted relative telomere length, and those in the next generation had younger onset age with shorter age-adjusted relative telomere length (P < 0.001) in the 10 parent–child pairs from eight families with VHL disease. In addition, relative telomere length was shorter in the 29 patients with VHL disease than in the normal controls (P = 0.003). The anticipation may relate to the shortening of telomere length in patients with VHL in successive generations. These findings indicate that anticipation is present in families with VHL disease and may be helpful for genetic counseling for families with VHL disease families and for further understanding the pathogenesis of VHL disease. Cancer Res; 74(14); 3802–9. ©2014 AACR.
Expression of Androgen and Estrogen Signaling Components and Stem Cell Markers to Predict Cancer Progression and Cancer-Specific Survival in Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Fujimura Tetsuya , Takahashi Satoru , Urano Tomohiko , Takayama Kenichi , Sugihara Toru , Obinata Daisuke , Yamada Yuta , Kumagai Jimpei , Kume Haruki , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Inoue Satoshi , Homma Yukio
Published: July 2014

Purpose: Genes of androgen and estrogen signaling cells and stem cell–like cells play crucial roles in prostate cancer. This study aimed to predict clinical failure by identifying these prostate cancer-related genes.

Experimental Design: We developed models to predict clinical failure using biopsy samples from a training set of 46 and an independent validation set of 30 patients with treatment-naïve prostate cancer with bone metastasis. Cancerous and stromal tissues were separately collected by laser-captured microdissection. We analyzed the association between clinical failure and mRNA expression of the following genes androgen receptor (AR) and its related genes (APP, FOX family, TRIM 36, Oct1, and ACSL 3), stem cell–like molecules (Klf4, c-Myc, Oct 3/4, and Sox2), estrogen receptor (ER), Her2, PSA, and CRP.

Results: Logistic analyses to predict prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 1.0 in both sets for Sox2, Her2, and CRP expression in cancer cells, AR and ERα expression in stromal cells, and clinical parameters. We identified 10 prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival (CSS): Oct1, TRIM36, Sox2, and c-Myc expression in cancer cells; AR, Klf4, and ERα expression in stromal cells; and PSA, Gleason score, and extent of disease. On the basis of these factors, patients were divided into favorable-, intermediate-, and poor-risk groups according to the number of factors present. Five-year CSS rates for the 3 groups were 90%, 32%, and 12% in the training set and 75%, 48%, and 0% in the validation set, respectively.

Conclusions: Expression levels of androgen- and estrogen signaling components and stem cell markers are powerful prognostic tools. Clin Cancer Res; 20(17); 4625–35. ©2014 AACR.
The Thymus in Immunity and in Malignancy
Authors: von Boehmer Harald
Published: July 2014

The thymus is an essential organ for the generation of the adaptive immune system. By now, the cellular selection events taking place in ongoing life before sexual maturity have been worked out even at the molecular level, and thus thymic lymphocyte development represents one of the best-studied systems in mammalian development. Because thymic lymphocyte development involves ample proliferation and generation of new cells, it is not astonishing that the thymus also represents an organ where malignancy can develop. In this Masters of Immunology primer, the development of lymphocytes and the role of intracellular Notch 1 and cyclins in lymphocytic malignancy are reviewed, offering new therapeutic possibilities. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(7); 592–7. ©2014 AACR.
Bimodal Cochlear Implants: The Role of Acoustic Signal Level in Determining Speech Perception Benefit
Authors: Dorman Michael F. , Loizou Philip , Wang Shuai , Zhang Ting , Spahr Anthony , Loiselle Louise , Cook Sarah
Published: July 2014

The aim of this project was to determine for bimodal cochlear implant (CI) patients, i.e. patients with low-frequency hearing in the ear contralateral to the implant, how speech understanding varies as a function of the difference in level between the CI signal and the acoustic signal. The data suggest that (1) acoustic signals perceived as significantly softer than a CI signal can contribute to speech understanding in the bimodal condition, (2) acoustic signals that are slightly softer than, or balanced with, a CI signal provide the largest benefit to speech understanding, and (3) acoustic signals presented at maximum comfortable loudness levels provide nearly as much benefit as signals that have been balanced with a CI signal.
Comparison of Off-Clamp Partial Nephrectomy and On-Clamp Partial Nephrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Trehan Abhishek
Published: July 2014

Objective: To compare peri- and postoperative variables, surgical complications, oncological outcomes and renal outcomes of off-clamp partial nephrectomy (PN) and on-clamp PN. Methods: A systematic search of the electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library, was performed. The pooled estimates of tumour size, operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, overall complications, transfusion rates, urinary leaks, positive surgical margins and eGFR were calculated. Results: 14 studies were included. There was no significant difference between off-clamp PN and on-clamp PN in terms of tumour size, operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, overall complications, transfusion rates, urinary leaks, and positive surgical margins. However, a non-statistically significant trend towards increased blood loss (p = 0.12) and transfusion rates (p = 0.07) in those undergoing off-clamp PN was noted. Off-clamp PN was associated with a significantly lower reduction in eGFR than on-clamp PN (standardised weighted mean difference 0.27, 95% CI 0.14, 0.40, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Off-clamp PN may be associated with improved long-term renal outcomes when compared to on-clamp PN with no difference in in peri- and postoperative variables, surgical complications and oncological outcomes. However, the meta-analysis was limited by the design of the underlying studies, and hence further work is necessary.
Clinical Features of Human Papilloma Virus-Related Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma of an Unknown Primary Site
Authors: Kobayashi Kenya , Saito Yuki , Omura Go , Ando Mizuo , Sakamoto Takashi , Yamasoba Tatsuya , Asakage Takahiro
Published: July 2014

Purpose: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of an unknown primary site (HNSCCUP) is a heterogeneous group of tumors that includes the human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. To investigate the relationship between HNSCCUP and HPV, we reviewed p16 overexpression and HPV DNA in lymph node metastases and examined their correlation with the primary site and clinical features. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients with HNSCCUP were retrospectively studied. Dissected neck metastases were analyzed for p16 overexpression by immunohistochemistry, and the presence of HPV DNA was investigated by in situ hybridization. Results: Of the 33 patients, 8 (24%) exhibited p16 overexpression. p16-positive lymph node metastases contained significantly more HPV DNA and were most frequently associated with occult primary lesions in the oropharynx and a favorable prognosis. Patients with a lower alcohol consumption, only level II/III metastasis, and cystic lymph node metastasis tended to have p16 overexpression. Conclusions: This is the first report on the relationship of HNSCCUP with p16 and HPV DNA status in Asian patients. In total, 24% of the HNSCCUP patients were p16 positive. p16 overexpression in neck metastasis was predictive of both an occult primary lesion in the oropharynx and an association with HPV infection. Alcohol consumption, location, and features of neck metastasis were correlated with p16 expression.
Acid-Base Balance in Uremic Rats with Vascular Calcification
Authors: Peralta-Ramírez Alan , Raya Ana Isabel , Pineda Carmen , Rodríguez Mariano , Aguilera-Tejero Escolástico , López Ignacio
Published: July 2014

Background/Aims: Vascular calcification (VC), a major complication in humans and animals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), is influenced by changes in acid-base balance. The purpose of this study was to describe the acid-base balance in uremic rats with VC and to correlate the parameters that define acid-base equilibrium with VC. Methods: Twenty-two rats with CKD induced by 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) and 10 nonuremic control rats were studied. Results: The 5/6 Nx rats showed extensive VC as evidenced by a high aortic calcium (9.2 ± 1.7 mg/g of tissue) and phosphorus (20.6 ± 4.9 mg/g of tissue) content. Uremic rats had an increased pH level (7.57 ± 0.03) as a consequence of both respiratory (PaCO2 = 28.4 ± 2.1 mm Hg) and, to a lesser degree, metabolic (base excess = 4.1 ± 1 mmol/l) derangements. A high positive correlation between both anion gap (AG) and strong ion difference (SID) with aortic calcium (AG: r = 0.604, p = 0.02; SID: r = 0.647, p = 0.01) and with aortic phosphorus (AG: r = 0.684, p = 0.007; SID: r = 0.785, p = 0.01) was detected. Conclusions: In an experimental model of uremic rats, VC showed high positive correlation with AG and SID.
Quality of Life after Laparoscopic and Open Resection of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ihnát Peter , Martínek Lubomír , Mitták Marcel , Vávra Petr , Ihnát Rudinská Lucia , Zonča Pavel
Published: July 2014

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate quality of life (QOL) outcomes after colorectal surgery for cancer from a 6-month perspective at a single institution. Methods: Cohort study to prospectively assess postoperative QOL in patients who underwent elective colorectal resection at the University Hospital Ostrava. QOL was assessed using the validated Short Form 36 (SF-36v2™) questionnaire at fixed time points. Results: A total of 148 patients were enrolled in the study (83 and 65 patients underwent laparoscopic and open colorectal resection, respectively). Operative time was significantly longer (161 vs. 133 min; p = 0.0073) and length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (10.7 vs. 13.1 days; p = 0.0451) in the laparoscopic group. Overall 30-day morbidity rates were lower in the laparoscopic group, but the difference was not significant (27.7 vs. 33.8%; p = 0.2116). QOL scores were comparable in both study groups before surgery (p ≥ 0.05). QOL was statistically significantly lower 2 days and 1 week after open colorectal surgery compared with laparoscopic surgery. One month and 6 months after surgery, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusion: The present study suggests a higher postoperative QOL during the first month after laparoscopic colorectal resection could be one of the benefits of laparoscopy.
Effect of Cimetidine on Catalase Activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa:  A Suggested Mechanism of Action
Authors: Masoud Masoudeh , Ebrahimi Farnoosh , Minai-Tehrani Dariush
Published: July 2014

Catalase is an important enzyme for the degradation of hydrogen peroxide in cells. Bacteria have potent catalase to deal with H2O2 in their medium culture. Any chemicals that inhibit catalase activity can be harmful for cells. Histamine H2 antagonist drugs such as cimetidine and ranitidine are used for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders. The present results showed that cimetidine could inhibit the catalase activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a competitive inhibition. The determination of IC50 value and Ki (6.5 μM) of cimetidine demonstrated that the enzyme binds to the drug with high affinity. Binding of the drug to the enzyme was pH-dependent and no binding was observed at basic pH (>9) and acidic pH (<6). Moreover, the imidazole ring and cyanoguanidine group of cimetidine may play an important role in inhibition by binding to Fe in heme group and glutamic acid 51 residue on the enzyme, respectively. Ranitidine had no effect on the catalase activity.
Massive Bilateral Serous Retinal Detachment in a Case of Hypertensive Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Villalba-Pinto Luis , Hernández-Ortega M. Ángeles , Lavid de los Mozos F. Javier , Pascual-Camps Isabel , Dolz-Marco Rosa , Arevalo J. Fernando , Gallego-Pinazo Roberto
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Systemic high blood pressure is related to a variety of retinal manifestations. We present an atypical case of hypertensive chorioretinopathy with massive bilateral serous retinal detachment. Case Report: A 26-year-old male with a genitourinary malformation and secondary grade IV chronic kidney failure as well as high blood pressure complained of acute vision loss. Dilated fundus examination evidenced a bilateral serous retinal detachment with macular involvement. The patient was unresponsive to oral antihypertensive therapy and dialysis treatment. The serous retinal detachment progressively decreased after the restoration of dialysis and antihypertensive therapy. The final visual acuity was 0.50 in both eyes. Discussion: In cases of serous macular detachment, it is mandatory to rule out different systemic and ocular diseases. The presence of uncontrolled high blood pressure may produce aggressive bilateral retinal changes, thus hypertension must be under early and strict control in order to improve the visual outcomes.
An Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of the Bile Duct at the Duodenal Papilla
Authors: Kawaguchi Yoshiaki , Kawashima Yohei , Maruno Atsuko , Ito Hiroyuki , Ogawa Masami , Izumi Hideki , Furukawa Daisuke , Yazawa Naoki , Nakagori Toshio , Hirabayashi Kenichi , Mine Tetsuya
Published: July 2014

In recent years, the disease concept of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) has been attracting attention as a biliary lesion that is morphologically similar to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), which is considered to be a counterpart of IPMN. However, there are few reports on IPNB, and a consensus regarding the features of this disease is thus lacking. We experienced an extremely rare case of IPNB occurring in the bile duct at the duodenal papilla, which is a tumor presentation that has not previously been reported. Herein, we report this interesting case and discuss the possible association between IPMN and IPNB.
Asymptomatic Pelvic Metastasis from Thymic Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Surmei-Pintilie Ecaterina , Narducci Fabrice , Farre Isabelle , Kolesnikov-Gauthier Helene , Boulanger Thomas , Petit Stephanie , Porte Henri , Dansin Eric
Published: July 2014

Thymic epithelial tumors are rare and often occur somewhere local. Metastatic sites of thymic carcinomas (Masaoka-Koga stage IVb) are mostly seen in the lung, liver and brain. We report a 64-year-old female with an initial diagnosis of thymoma B3 who first showed thoracic recurrences and then an asymptomatic isolated pelvic metastasis from her thymic carcinoma.
Management of Pediatric Tachyarrhythmias on Mechanical Support
Authors: Silva Jennifer N.A. , Erickson Christopher C. , Carter Christopher D. , Greene E. Anne , Kantoch Michal , Collins Kathryn K. , Miyake Christina Y. , Carboni Michael P. , Rhee Edward K. , Papez Andrew , Anand Vijay , Bowman Tammy M. , Van Hare George F.
Published: July 2014

Background—

Pediatric patients with persistent arrhythmias may require mechanical cardiopulmonary support. We sought to classify the population, spectrum, and success of current treatment strategies.

Methods and Results—

A multicenter retrospective chart review was undertaken at 11 sites. Inclusion criteria were (1) patients <21 years, (2) initiation of mechanical support for a primary diagnosis of arrhythmias, and (3) actively treated on mechanical support. A total of 39 patients were identified with a median age of 5.5 months and median weight of 6 kg. A total of 69% of patients were cannulated for supraventricular tachycardia with a median rate of 230 beats per minute. A total of 90% of patients were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for an average of 5 days. The remaining 10% were supported with ventricular assist devices for an average of 38 (20–60) days. A total of 95% of patients were treated with antiarrhythmics, with 43% requiring >1 antiarrhythmic. Amiodarone was the most frequently used medication alone or in combination. A total of 33% patients underwent electrophysiology study/transcatheter ablation. Radiofrequency ablation was successful in 9 patients on full flow extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with 3 radiofrequency-failures/conversion to cryoablation. One patient underwent primary cryoablation. A total of 15% of complications were related to electrophysiology study/ablation. At follow-up, 23 patients were alive, 8 expired, and 8 transplanted.

Conclusions—

Younger patients were more likely to require support in the presented population. Most patients were treated with antiarrhythmics and one third required electrophysiology study/ablation. Radiofrequency ablation is feasible without altering extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flows. There was a low frequency of acute adverse events in patients undergoing electrophysiology study/ablation, while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Center-Level Variation in Infection Rates After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Shih Terry , Zhang Min , Kommareddi Mallika , Boeve Theodore J. , Harrington Steven D. , Holmes Robert J. , Roth Gary , Theurer Patricia F. , Prager Richard L. , Likosky Donald S.
Published: July 2014

Background—

Health-care–acquired infections (HAIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Prior work has identified several patient-related risk factors associated with HAIs. We hypothesized that rates of HAIs would differ across institutions, in part attributed to differences in case mix.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed 20 896 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery at 33 medical centers in Michigan between January 1, 2009, and June 30, 2012. Overall HAIs included pneumonia, sepsis/septicemia, and surgical site infections, including deep sternal wound, thoracotomy, and harvest/cannulation site infections. We excluded patients presenting with endocarditis. Predicted rates of HAIs were estimated using multivariable logistic regression. Overall rate of HAI was 5.1% (1071 of 20 896; isolated pneumonia, 3.1% [n=644]; isolated sepsis/septicemia, 0.5% [n=99]; isolated deep sternal wound infection, 0.5% [n=96]; isolated harvest/cannulation site, 0.5% [n=97]; isolated thoracotomy, 0.02% [n=5]; multiple infections, 0.6% [n=130]). HAI subtypes differed across strata of center-level HAI rates. Although predicted risk of HAI differed in absolute terms by 2.8% across centers (3.9–6.7%; min:max), observed rates varied by 18.2% (0.9–19.1%).

Conclusions—

There was a 18.2% difference in observed HAI rates across medical centers among patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. This variability could not be explained by patient case mix. Future work should focus on the impact of other factors (eg, organizational and systems of clinical care) on risk of HAIs.
Mediation in Interstate Disputes
Authors: Mitchell Sara McLaughlin
Published: July 2014

This commentary provides a brief summary of the articles in this special issue and emphasizes four questions raised by this research: 1) ways to define and measure mediators’ strategies, 2) teasing out demand side factors from supply side factors in mediation, 3) capturing differences between states and international organizations as conflict managers, and 4) understanding the role of particular conflict management actors like the International Criminal Court.
Regional Influences on Mediation Behavior
Authors: Frazier Derrick V. , Owsiak Andrew P. , Sanders Virginia
Published: July 2014

Research on interstate mediation tends to assume (implicitly) that regional factors have little effect on the occurrence of mediation. We relax this assumption and advance an explicit regional theory of mediation in which regional ties create a type of bias that motivates both (potential) third parties to mediate conflicts within their region and disputants to select or accept these regional actors as mediators more frequently than non-regional actors. This bias first appears when states belong to the same region. In such situations, the potential third party and disputants likely understand one another better and share common security concerns. Yet regional membership does not explain the variation in mediation behavior within regions. To account for this, we argue that regionally more powerful states, as well as those that share (regional) institutional memberships with the disputants, have greater incentives to mediate than some regional counterparts. We empirically test the effect of these characteristics on the likelihood of mediation in militarized interstate disputes during the period 1946–2000. Our findings uncover support for our argument and suggest that accounting for regional bias is important in explaining mediation patterns in interstate conflict.
Molecular phylogenetics and morphology support two new genera (Memoremea and Nihon) of Boraginaceae s.s.
Authors: Otero Ana , Jiménez-Mejías Pedro , Valcárcel Virginia , Vargas Pablo
Published: July 2014

Omphalodes (Boraginaceae s.s., Cynoglosseae s.l.) comprises ca. 29 species of annual and perennial plants distributed in three main disjunct areas: Western Palearctic, Japan and SW of North America. This paper uses micromorphological and DNA data to re-assess the monophyly and taxonomy of the genus. Morphological characters of 15 species of Omphalodes and four closely-related genera were analysed using SEM. A total of 82 ITS and 68 trnL–trnF sequences were newly sequenced, including 14 species of Omphalodes and three genera of the tribe Cynoglosseae. Phylogenetic analyses of 57 genera (186 species) of Boraginaceae indicated that Omphalodes as currently circumscribed is formed by three independent lineages, which were supported by morphological characters of the fruit. As a result, and in the interest of a more natural classification, two new genera are described to accommodate Omphalodes scorpioides (Memoremea) from Europe and the Japanese species (Nihon). Memoremea is distinguished from all the other species previously included in Omphalodes by the apical attachment scar and the hollow nutlet margin. Nihon is easily discriminated by the abrupt change of margin ornamentation towards the nutlet aperture. We also provided a taxonomic treatment that proposes the lowest number of nomenclature changes, although six new combinations are required.
Description of Paracrobeles deserticola sp. n. and Nothacrobeles hebetocaudatus sp. n. (Nematoda: Rhabditida: Cephalobidae) from Iran and the phylogenetic relationships of these two species
Authors: ABOLAFIA JOAQUÍN , DIVSALAR NAFISEH , PANAHI HADI , SHOKOOHI EBRAHIM
Published: July 2014

Two new species of nematodes belonging to the family Cephalobidae (Nematoda, Rhabditida) are described from natural areas in the province of Kerman, Iran. Paracrobeles deserticola sp. n. is characterized by its body length of 0.48–0.60 mm in females and 0.47–0.66 mm in males, cuticle annulated and weakly tessellated into rectangular blocks with striae discontinuous across annulations, lateral field with two wings, areolated, separated by a narrow groove, lip region slightly offset, 15–20 μm wide, lips asymmetrical with two long seta-like processes arising from its margin, primary axils bearing one triangular-elongate guard process, secondary axils with two setiform guard processes with one originating from each lip, labial probolae bifurcated with long and smooth prongs having a small basal ridge, stoma 11–14 μm long, metacorpus swollen, spermatheca 33–50 μm long, post-uterine sac 60–96 μm long or 2.9–4.5 times the corresponding body diameter, vulva located slightly posterior to mid-body length (V = 50–63), female tail conical with finely rounded tip (53–67 μm, c = 9.0–10.0, c’ = 2.0–3.0), male tail conical and curved ventrad with finely rounded tip (48–54 μm, c = 9.0–13.0, c’ = 1.8–2.0), spicules 46–56 μm long and curved ventrad, and gubernaculum 16–24 μm long. Nothacrobeles hebetocaudatus sp. n. is characterized by its body length (0.42–0.51 μm in females and 0.42–0.52 µm in males), “single” cuticle, lateral field with three incisures, asymmetrical lips divided in two sections at level of the labial papilla, each lip with four tines along its margin, primary axils deep bearing one triangular-elongate guard process originating from the incomplete first annulus, secondary axils demarcated by narrow incisures separating the lips of the pair and without guard processes, labial probolae bifurcated and without tines (7–11 μm long), pharyngeal corpus 2.0–3.7 times isthmus length, Rex = 28–38, spermatheca 24–55 μm long or 2.9–3.8 times the corresponding body diameter, post-uterine sac 18–27 μm long or 0.7–1.3 times the corresponding body diameter long, female tail conical with rounded terminus (30–36 μm, c = 13.6–15.5, c' = 1.8–2.3), phasmid at 38–44% of tail length, male tail conical (28–40 µm, c = 11.5–15.3, c' = 1.7–2.0), spicules 20–25 µm long and gubernaculum 11–16 µm long. Descriptions, measurements, illustrations and SEM pictures are provided for these two species. In addition, SEM study of N. abolafiai is presented. Molecular analysis based on 28S rDNA (D2/D3 expansion fragments) places Paracrobeles deserticola sp. n. in a clade together with N. abolafiai and N. hebetocaudatus sp. n., while other species of the genus Nothacrobeles (N. borregi, N. spatulatus and N. tringlarus) are all placed in separate clades. The results suggest that the genus Nothacrobeles might be a polyphyletic taxon.
20 May 2013 Moore, Oklahoma, Tornado: Damage Survey and Analysis
Authors: Burgess Donald , Ortega Kiel , Stumpf Greg , Garfield Gabe , Karstens Chris , Meyer Tiffany , Smith Brandon , Speheger Doug , Ladue Jim , Smith Rick , Marshall Tim
Published: July 2014

The tornado that affected Moore, Oklahoma, and the surrounding area on 20 May 2013 was an extreme event. It traveled 23 km and damage was up to 1.7 km wide. The tornado killed 24 people, injured over 200 others, and damaged many structures. A team of surveyors from the Norman, Oklahoma, National Weather Center and two private companies performed a detailed survey (all objects/structures) of the tornado to provide better documentation than is normally done, in part to aid future studies of the event. The team began surveying tornado damage on the morning of 21 May and continued the survey process for the next several weeks. Extensive ground surveys were performed. The surveys were aided by use of high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery. The survey process utilized the enhanced Fujita (EF) scale and was facilitated by use of a National Weather Service (NWS) software package: the Damage Assessment Toolkit (DAT). The survey team defined a “well built” house that qualified for an EF5 rating. Survey results document 4253 objects damaged by the tornado, 4222 of them EF-scale damage indicators (DIs). Of the total DIs, about 50% were associated with EF0 ratings. Excluding EF0 damage, 38% were associated with EF1, 24% with EF2, 21% with EF3, 17% with EF4, and only 0.4% associated with EF5. For the strongest level of damage (EF5), only nine homes were found. Survey results are similar to other documented tornadoes, but the amount of EF1 damage is greater than in other cases. Also discussed is the use of non-DI objects that are damaged and ways in which to improve future surveys.
Rethinking ‘policebuilding’
Authors: Heiduk Felix
Published: July 2014

In recent years, policebuilding has moved centre stage in international security. Not only have the numbers of police officers deployed externally significantly increased in the last decade, but the police have also come to be regarded as key with regard to the stabilizing of weak or failed states. It is hereby assumed that the police, as a civilian force, are better trained and equipped to establish order and stability than the military. This article challenges such a military–police divide, according to which the police are understood to be a civilian institution that mainly ‘serves and protects’ while the military ‘breaks things and kills people’. It argues that while the blurring between military functions and police functions might be more bleak and observable as part of international interventions in so-called zones of disorder, we need to understand the police theoretically as part of a single continuum of state institutions designed to simultaneously serve and protect the population and to establish and maintain liberal state power through (sometimes) forceful, exclusionary means. The article will illustrate this theoretical argument through a detailed analysis of the evolution of European Union international police power.
The National Federation of Town Planning and Housing, 1939–1954
Authors: García González María Cristina , Guerrero Salvador
Published: July 2014

The autarchy system established by the new dictatorship following the Spanish Civil War proposed the reconstruction of the country as a new Renaissance based on idiosyncratic Spanish values. One of the most unique experiences was the creation of the private society The National Federation of Town Planning and Housing (1939–1954). The aim was to create a social environment appropriate for dignity development in the habitability conditions. The project was very ambitious about town planning dissemination. A professional network concerning town planning and housing knowledge was required. Instruments applied for achieving the objective included publishing books and magazines, exhibitions, congresses, and centers of information within and outside Spain.
“Not One of Us”
Authors: Kteily Nour , Cotterill Sarah , Sidanius Jim , Sheehy-Skeffington Jennifer , Bergh Robin
Published: July 2014

We investigated individual difference predictors of ascribing ingroup characteristics to negative and positive ambiguous targets. Studies 1 and 2 investigated events involving negative targets whose status as racial (Tsarnaev brothers) or national (Woolwich attackers) ingroup members remained ambiguous. Immediately following the attacks, we presented White Americans and British individuals with the suspects’ images. Those higher in social dominance orientation (SDO) and right-wing authoritarianism (RWA)—concerned with enforcing status boundaries and adherence to ingroup norms, respectively—perceived these low status and low conformity suspects as looking less White and less British, thus denying them ingroup characteristics. Perceiving suspects in more exclusionary terms increased support for treating them harshly, and for militaristic counter-terrorism policies prioritizing ingroup safety over outgroup harm. Studies 3 and 4 experimentally manipulated a racially ambiguous target’s status and conformity. Results suggested that target status and conformity critically influence SDO’s (status) and RWA’s (conformity) effects on inclusionary versus exclusionary perceptions.
Psychometric Properties of the Korean Version of the “Patient Activation Measure 13” (PAM13-K) in Patients With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ahn Yang-Heui , Yi Chung-Hwi , Ham Ok-Kyung , Kim Bong-Jeong
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Patient Activation Measure 13 (PAM13) using Rasch analysis. The sample consisted of 270 Korean patients with osteoarthritis. The PAM13 was translated into Korean using a standardized forward–backward translation approach. In this study, the Cronbach’s α coefficient was .88, the average interitem correlation was .34, and the average item–rest correlation was .55. The difficulty ranking of the item in this study differed from that in the original version. We did not need to collapse response categories. A total of 57.5% of the variance was explained by the residuals, indicating unidimensionality. The results suggest that the PAM13-K is a reliable and valid measure of activation. Further research is needed to validate item responsiveness and intervention effects.
The United States and Alternative Energies since 1980: Technological Fix or Regime Change?
Authors: Nye David E
Published: July 2014

Awareness of global warming has been widespread for two decades, yet the American political system has been slow to respond. This essay examines, first, political explanations for policy failure, focusing at the federal level and outlining both short-term partisan and structural explanations for the stalemate. The second section surveys previous energy regimes and the transitions between them, and policy failure is explained by the logic of Thomas Hughes’s ‘technological momentum’. The third section moves to an international perspective, using the Kaya Identity and its distinction between energy intensity and carbon intensity to understand in policy terms ‘technological fixes’ vs. low-carbon alternatives. The final section reframes US energy policy failure and asks: (1) Why, between 1980 and 1999, was America’s actual performance in slowing CO2 emissions better than its politics would seem capable of delivering? (2) How and why has the United States since c. 2007 managed to reduce per capita CO2 emissions?
Married and cohabiting parents’ well-being
Authors: Stavrova Olga , Fetchenhauer Detlef
Published: July 2014

Research of personal relationships has typically linked childbearing in cohabiting (compared to married) couples to decreased well-being. Using data from 24 European countries, we show that this effect is not universal; rather, it is restricted to countries with a strong social norm that proscribes childbearing in cohabiting unions. We examine two potential mechanisms of this effect; the personal norm (cohabiting parents are worse off because their status deviates from their own expectations) and social norm (cohabiting parents are worse off because they experience external social sanctions, such as social disapproval) mechanisms. Our results provide support for the social norm mechanism. First, the detrimental effect related to a country’s social norm exists even for cohabiting parents who personally favor childbearing in cohabiting couples. Second, in countries with a strong norm against childbearing in cohabiting unions, cohabiting parents feel that they are less respected than married couples, which contributes to lower levels of life satisfaction.
Pricing the Eyes of Passersby
Authors: Sherman Zoe
Published: July 2014

This paper explains the growth of the U.S. advertising industry around 1900 by showing how advertisers and advertising professionals established institutions and practices that converted audience attention into a form of tradable property. My empirical work on billposting illuminates the central role that the pursuit of monopoly played in constructing a commodity form of access to pedestrians’ gazes.
Abnormal Movements in Children With Migraine
Authors: Youssef Paul E. , Mack Kenneth J.
Published: July 2014

The cause and treatment of functional movement disorders and nonepileptic spells in children is poorly understood, and an association with migraine has not previously been reported. We retrospectively reviewed children diagnosed with chronic or episodic migraine at our institution from 2006 to 2013 to determine the proportion with nonorganic movement disorders, their phenomenology, provoking factors, and natural history. Thirty-two patients were identified, representing 4.3% of patients with chronic migraine and 0.9% of patients with episodic migraine. Twenty-four of the 32 (75%) had chronic migraine, whereas 8 (25%) had episodic migraine. Nonepileptic spells was the most common phenomenon in both cohorts, followed by tremor and functional gait disorders. Severe migraine attacks preceded these movements in the majority of patients. With appropriate migraine therapy, significant reduction or resolution of these movements was reported. We conclude that nonorganic movement disorders are observed in pediatric migraine, are more prevalent among chronic migraineurs, and can resolve with improved pain control.
Family Context and Externalizing Correlates of Childhood Animal Cruelty in Adjudicated Delinquents
Authors: Walters Glenn D. , Noon Alexandria
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine whether childhood animal cruelty is primarily a feature of family context or of externalizing behavior. Twenty measures of family context and proactive (fearlessness) and reactive (disinhibition) externalizing behavior were correlated with the retrospective accounts of childhood animal cruelty provided by 1,354 adjudicated delinquents. A cross-sectional analysis revealed that all 20 family context, proactive externalizing, and reactive externalizing variables correlated significantly with animal cruelty. Prospective analyses showed that when the animal cruelty variable was included in a regression equation with the 10 family context variables (parental arguing and fighting, parental drug use, parental hostility, and parental knowledge and monitoring of offspring behavior) or in a regression equation with the five reactive externalizing variables (interpersonal hostility, secondary psychopathy, weak impulse control, weak suppression of aggression, and short time horizon), it continued to predict future violent and income (property + drug) offending. The animal cruelty variable no longer predicted offending, however, when included in a regression equation with the five proactive externalizing variables (early onset behavioral problems, primary psychopathy, moral disengagement, positive outcome expectancies for crime, and lack of consideration for others). These findings suggest that while animal cruelty correlates with a wide range of family context and externalizing variables, it may serve as a marker of violent and nonviolent offending by virtue of its position on the proactive subdimension of the externalizing spectrum.
Remembering the songwriter: The life and legacies of Michel-Rolph Trouillot
Authors: Bonilla Yarimar
Published: July 2014

This article provides an intellectual biography of the late anthropologist Michel-Rolph Trouillot. Using the metaphor of Trouillot as a songwriter, it foregrounds the unique constellation of themes, approaches, and preoccupations that defined Trouillot’s life and work, regardless of genre.
The sovereignty of the imagination: Poetic authority and the fiction of North Atlantic universals in Dionne Brand’s Chronicles of the Hostile Sun
Authors: Lambert Laurie R
Published: July 2014

In her 1984 poetry collection, Chronicles of the Hostile Sun, Trinidadian-Canadian author Dionne Brand examines the radicalism of the Grenada Revolution (1979–1983) vis-a-vis mainstream North American politics, which were decidedly antirevolutionary during the late 20th-century Cold War. Brand uses poetry to imagine what it means to claim sovereignty in the postindependence Caribbean. This article argues that Brand’s poetry unsettles “facts” about the revolution’s history by discrediting American imperialist rhetoric and policy in the Caribbean. Drawing on Michel-Rolph Trouillot’s concept of the North Atlantic universal as a fiction or colonial construct, I examine Brand’s efforts to undo US narratives that portray the Grenada Revolution as undemocratic and oppressive. Brand writes the Grenada Revolution in a way that reveals it as a collective project of Caribbean people whose goals and values have points of similarity as well as points of difference from those in the Global North. My analysis explores the way in which Brand sets up literary texts, and poetry in particular, as an alternative form of historical narrative in response to US-centered North Atlantic universals.