bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DIRECT trial. Diverticulitis recurrences or continuing symptoms: Operative versus conservative Treatment. A MULTICENTER RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIAL
Authors: van de Wall Bryan JM , Draaisma Werner A , Consten Esther CJ , van der Graaf Yolanda , Otten Marten H , de Wit G Ardine , van Stel Henk F , Gerhards Michael F , Wiezer Marinus J , Cense Huib A , Stockmann Hein BAC , Leijtens Jeroen WA , Zimmerman David DE , Belgers Eric , van Wagensveld Bart A , Sonneveld Eric DJA , Prins Hubert A , Coene Peter PLO , Karsten Tom M , Klaase Joost M , Statius Muller Markwin G , Crolla Rogier MPH , Broeders Ivo AMJ ,   the Dutch Diverticular Disease (3D) Collaborative Study Group
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Background
Persisting abdominal complaints are common after an episode of diverticulitis treated conservatively. Furthermore, some patients develop frequent recurrences. These two groups of patients suffer greatly from their disease, as shown by impaired health related quality of life and increased costs due to multiple specialist consultations, pain medication and productivity losses.
Both conservative and operative management of patients with persisting abdominal complaints after an episode of diverticulitis and/or frequently recurring diverticulitis are applied. However, direct comparison by a randomised controlled trial is necessary to determine which is superior in relieving symptoms, optimising health related quality of life, minimising costs and preventing diverticulitis recurrences against acceptable morbidity and mortality associated with surgery or the occurrence of a complicated recurrence after conservative management.
We, therefore, constructed a randomised clinical trial comparing these two treatment strategies.

Methods/design
The DIRECT trial is a multicenter randomised clinical trial. Patients (18-75 years) presenting themselves with persisting abdominal complaints after an episode of diverticulitis and/or three or more recurrences within 2 years will be included and randomised. Patients randomised for conservative treatment are treated according to the current daily practice (antibiotics, analgetics and/or expectant management). Patients randomised for elective resection will undergo an elective resection of the affected colon segment. Preferably, a laparoscopic approach is used.
The primary outcome is health related quality of life measured by the Gastro-intestinal Quality of Life Index, Short-Form 36, EQ-5D and a visual analogue scale for pain quantification. Secondary endpoints are morbidity, mortality and total costs. The total follow-up will be three years.

Discussion
Considering the high incidence and the multicenter design of this study, it may be assumed that the number of patients needed for this study (n = 214), may be gathered within one and a half year.
Depending on the expertise and available equipment, we prefer to perform a laparoscopic resection on patients randomised for elective surgery. Should this be impossible, an open technique may be used as this also reflects the current situation.

Trial Registration
(Trial register number: NTR1478)
Leiomyoma of the bladder presenting as acute urinary retention in a female patient: urodynamic analysis of lower urinary tract symptom; a case report
Authors: Matsushima Masashi , Asakura Hirotaka , Sakamoto Hirofumi , Horinaga Minoru , Nakahira Yoko , Yanaihara Hitoshi 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Background
Most bladder tumors are derived from the urothelium. Benign mesenchymal tumors are rare. Leiomyoma of the bladder is the most common benign neoplasm. We present a case of leiomyoma of the bladder presenting with acute urinary retention in a female patient and report on the post-operative change in urodynamic findings. To our knowledge, few cases of this kind have been reported.

Case Presentation
A 56-year-old woman presented with acute urinary retention. Evaluations including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, cystoscopy, and urodynamics contributed to a diagnosis of leiomyoma of the bladder. Various medications were ineffective for solving her lower urinary tract symptoms; therefore, a transurethral resection was performed. The final pathological report was leiomyoma. After the operation, her symptoms resolved; this improvement was confirmed by an urodynamic analysis. The postoperative urodynamics demonstrated a lower frequency of detrusor overactivity during filling cystometry and an increase in the uroflow rate, with reduced detrusor pressure in a pressure flow study.

Conclusions
Leiomyoma of the bladder can cause female outlet obstruction. A review of the literature and disease management is discussed.
The role of nuclear factor of activated T cells during phorbol myristate acetate-induced cardiac differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Seo Hyang-Hee , Lee Chang Youn , Lee Jiyun , Lim Soyeon , Choi Eunhyun , Park Jong-Chul , Lee Seahyoung , Hwang Ki-Chul 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Background
We previously reported that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treatment can induce the cardiac differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In the present study, we investigated how PMA induces cardiac differentiation of MSCs, focusing on its effect on the transcription factors responsible for increased cardiac marker gene expression.

Methods
Human MSCs (hMSCs) were treated with 1 μM PMA for 9 days. The expression of MSC markers and cardiac markers in the PMA-treated hMSC, as well as the nuclear translocation of transcription factors, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), and myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD), was examined. Transcriptional activity of NFAT was examined by utilizing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) vector containing NFAT motif of human interleukin-2 promoter. The effect of PMA on the expression of key cell cycle regulators was examined.

Results
PMA induces the transcriptional activity of NFAT and MyoD, which have been associated with increased expression of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and myosin heavy chain (MHC), respectively. Our data suggested that protein kinase C (PKC) mediates the effect of PMA on NFAT activation. Furthermore, PMA treatment increased cell-cycle regulator p27kip1 expression, suggesting that PMA triggers the cardiac differentiation program in MSCs by regulating key transcription factors and cell cycle regulators.

Conclusions
The results of this study demonstrate the importance of NFAT activation during PMA-induced MSC differentiation and help us to better understand the underlying mechanisms of small molecule-mediated MSC differentiation so that we can develop a strategy for synthesizing novel and improved differentiation-inducing small molecules.
Characteristics of Patients Who Survived < 3 Months or > 2 Years After Surgery for Spinal Metastases: Can We Avoid Inappropriate Patient Selection?
Authors: Verlaan Jorrit-Jan , Choi David , Versteeg Anne , Albert Todd , Arts Mark , Balabaud Laurent , Bunger Cody , Buchowski Jacob Maciej , Chung Chung Kee , Coppes Maarten Hubert , Crockard Hugh Alan , Depreitere Bart , Fehlings Michael George , Harrop James , Kawahara Norio , Kim Eun Sang , Lee Chong-Suh , Leung Yee , Liu Zhongjun , Martin-Benlloch Antonio , Massicotte Eric Maurice , Mazel Christian , Meyer Bernhard , Peul Wilco , Quraishi Nasir A. , Tokuhashi Yasuaki , Tomita Katsuro , Ulbricht Christian , Wang Michael , Oner F. Cumhur 
Published: July 2016

Purpose Survival after metastatic cancer has improved at the cost of increased presentation with metastatic spinal disease. For patients with pathologic spinal fractures and/or spinal cord compression, surgical intervention may relieve pain and improve quality of life. Surgery is generally considered to be inappropriate if anticipated survival is < 3 months. The aim of this international multicenter study was to analyze data from patients who died within 3 months or 2 years after surgery, to identify preoperative factors associated with poor or good survival, and to avoid inappropriate selection of patients for surgery in the future. Patients and Methods A total of 1,266 patients underwent surgery for impending pathologic fractures and/or neurologic deficits and were prospectively observed. Data collected included tumor characteristics, preoperative fitness (American Society of Anesthesiologists advisory [ASA]), neurologic status (Frankel scale), performance (Karnofsky performance score [KPS]), and quality of life (EuroQol five-dimensions questionnaire [EQ-5D]). Outcomes were survival at 3 months and 2 years postsurgery. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to find preoperative factors associated with short-term and long-term survival. Results In univariable analysis, age, emergency surgery, KPS, EQ-5D, ASA, Frankel, and Tokuhashi/Tomita scores were significantly associated with short survival. In multivariable analysis, KPS and age were significantly associated with short survival (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.62; and OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.27, respectively). Associated with longer survival in univariable analysis were age, number of levels included in surgery, KPS, EQ-5D, Frankel, and Tokuhashi/Tomita scores. In multivariable analysis, the number of levels included in surgery (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.38) and primary tumor type were significantly associated with longer survival. Conclusion Poor performance status at presentation is the strongest indicator of poor short-term survival, whereas low disease load and favorable tumor histology are associated with longer-term survival.
Innovative Strategies for Decreasing Blood Collection Wait Times for Patients in Early-Phase Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Mengistu Bayabel , Ray Dina , Lockett Passion , Dorsey Vivian , Phipps Ron A. , Subramanian Harihara , Atkins Johnique T. , El Osta Badi , Falchook Gerald S. , Karp Daniel D. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose: Long wait times are a primary source of dissatisfaction among patients enrolled in early-phase clinical trials. We hypothesized that an automated patient check-in system with readily available display for increasing awareness of waiting intervals would improve patient flow and use of our rooms, with decreased turnover time and increased throughput. Methods: We recorded in-room wait times for patients seen in our clinic and observed the logistics involved in the blood collection process to delineate causes for delays. We then implemented a three-step strategy to alleviate the causes of these delays: (1) changing the collection of materials and the review of faxed orders, (2) improving our LabTracker automated database system that included wait time calculators and real-time information regarding patient status, and (3) streamlining lower complexity appointments. Results: After our intervention, we observed a 19% decrease in mean wait times and a 30% decrease in wait times among patients waiting the longest (95th percentile). We also observed an increase in staff productivity during this process. Modifications in LabTracker provided the biggest reduction in mean wait times (17%). Conclusion: We observed a significant decrease in mean wait times after implementing our intervention. This decrease led to increased staff productivity and cost savings. Once wait times became a measurable metric, we were able to identify causes for delays and improve our operations, which can be performed in any patient care facility.
Pengembangan Layanan Sistem Informasi dengan Enterprise Architecture Planning (Studi Kasus : Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Kota Bandung)
Authors: Adnyana I Ketut Widhi , Putra Yeffry Handoko , Rosiyadi Didi 
Published: July 2016

Perkembangan teknologi telah mengubah manusia dalam menyelesaikan semua pekerjaan dan segala aspek kehidupan manusia. Teknologi informasi dan komunikasi yang berkembang semakin pesat selain berdampak pada kegiatan manusia. Selain itu juga berdampak pada perilaku dan peta persaingan bagaimana cara mengelola perusahaanyang akhirnya berpengaruh pada perkembangan bisnis dunia. RSUD Kota Bandung belum menggunakan sistem informasi dengan teknologi terkini yang dapat menunjang kemudahan akses.. Dilihat dari pemanfaatan sistem informasi yang belum optimal dalam mendukung bisnis rumah sakit, ini merupakan suatu kekurangan dari efisiensi organisasi.Dengan demikian diperlukan sebuah solusi untuk memperbaiki pelayanan system informasi saat ini dengan cara mengajukan beberapa usulan aplikasi Metode yang digunakan untuk menggambarkan kondisi organisasi RSUD Bandung saat ini adalah Enterprise Architecture Planning. Metode ini digunakan untuk menggambarkan dan mengembangkan enterprise architecture untuk mencapai strategi bisnis perusahaan. Penelitian ini menghasilkan beberapa usulan aplikasi yang dapat memperbaiki pelayanan sistem informasi saat ini.
Os afixos da beleza e da feiura – uma leitura de Umberto Eco
Authors: Siqueira Jéssica Camara 
Published: July 2016

A formação de palavras na língua portuguesa concentra-se principalmente no processo de derivação. Considerando a importância dos afixos para a criação de novas palavras na língua, analisaram-se os prefixos e sufixos formantes de vocábulos de duas noções “beleza” e a “feiura”. As noções foram consideradas com base na leitura das obras A história da beleza e A história da feiura de Umberto Eco. Nessas obras, o autor procurou resgatar, a partir da seleção de excertos literários e obras de artes plásticas, como essas noções foram entendidas no decorrer do tempo. Utilizou-se como base para seleção do corpus de análise os textos selecionados por Eco nas duas obras, extraindo-se apenas os adjetivos derivacionais. Após a seleção e coleta dos vocábulos, foi feita a análise dos afixos de ambas as noções, observando suas similitudes e distinções. As principais similitudes encontradas foram: afixos que intensificam o sentido das bases; prefixos que denotam negação; e sufixos utilizados para formação nominal. Como aspectos distintivos observaram-se prefixos com conotação de reinteração e extensão para a noção de beleza, e valores negativos ou ausência de um traço semântico relativo à base, associados à feiura. Quanto aos sufixos, destacaram-se os sufixos com valor de grandeza, similitude, semelhança e superioridade para a beleza; e sufixos com conotação pejorativa, diminutiva e associada à natureza animal, para a noção de feiura. A análise dos afixos da beleza e da feiura permitiu verificar que o processo derivacional não só é responsável pela produtividade como pela criatividade na formação de palavras.
Voting in Central Banks: Theory versus Stylized Facts
Authors: Horváth Roman , Šmídková Kateřina , Zápal Jan 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
The paper examines the ability of several alternative group decision-making models to generate proposing, voting and decision patterns matching those observed in the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee and the US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee. A decision-making procedure, common to all the models, is to vote between adoption of the chairman’s proposal and retention of the status-quo policy, with heterogeneous votes generated by private information of the models’ monetary policy committee members. The members can additionally express reservations regarding the final committee decision. The three alternative models differ in the degree of informational influence between the chairman and the remaining members. We find that a “supermajoritarian” model, in which the chairman proposes a policy she knows would be accepted by a supermajority of the committee members, combined with allowance for reservations, closely replicates real-world decision-making patterns. The model predicts no rejections of chairman’s proposals, low but non-trivial dissent, even during meetings where the chairman proposes no change in policy, and predictive power of the voting record of the whole committee regarding future monetary policy changes.
Managerial Reputation, Risk-Taking, and Imperfect Capital Markets
Authors: Asano Koji 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis paper presents a model of portfolio management with reputation concerns in imperfect capital markets. Managers with financial constraints raise funds from investors and select a project that is characterized by the degree of risk. Managers differ in their ability to determine the probability of success. Based on past performance, all agents revise beliefs about managers’ ability, and the beliefs affect the availability of funds in the future. This provides motivation for managers to build reputation by manipulating their performance through project selection. We show that the quality of investor protection changes fund flows, thereby influencing managers’ project selection. Our model predicts that strong investor protection causes risk-taking behavior, whereas weak investor protection leads to risk-averse behavior.
Simple Unawareness in Dynamic Psychological Games
Authors: Nielsen Carsten S. , Sebald Alexander 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBuilding on Battigalli and Dufwenberg (2009)’s framework of dynamic psychological games and the progress in the modeling of dynamic unawareness by Heifetz, Meier, and Schipper (2013a) we model and analyze the impact of asymmetric awareness in the strategic interaction of players motivated by reciprocity and guilt. Specifically we characterize extensive-form games with psychological payoffs and simple unawareness, define extensive-form rationalizability and, using this, show that unawareness has a pervasive impact on the strategic interaction of psychologically motivated players. Intuitively, unawareness influences players’ beliefs concerning, for example, the intentions and expectations of others which in turn impacts their behavior.
Heat transfer at nanometric scales described by extended irreversible thermodynamics
Authors: Machrafi Hatim 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
The purpose of this work is to present a study on heat conduction in systems that are composed out of spherical and cylindrical micro- and nanoparticles dispersed in a bulk matrix. Special emphasis is put on the dependence of the effective heat conductivity on various selected parameters as particle size and also its shape, surface specularity and density, including particle-matrix interaction. The heat transfer at nanometric scales is modelled using extended irreversible thermodynamics, whose main feature is to elevate the heat flux vector to the status of independent variable. The model is illustrated by a Copper-Silicium (Cu-Si) system. It is shown that all the investigated parameters have a considerable influence, the particle size being especially useful to either increase or decrease the effective thermal conductivity.
Red Parents, Blue Parents: The Politics of Modern Parenthood
Authors: Elder Laurel , Greene Steven 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOver the past several decades the major parties in the US have not only politicized parenthood, but have come to offer increasingly polarized views of the ideal American family. This study builds on recent scholarship exploring the political impact of parenthood (e.g. Elder, Laurel, and Steven Greene. 2012a.
Nuclear Fallout: The Senate’s Cloture Threshold and Nomination Votes
Authors: Fine Jeffrey A. , Williams Margaret S. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn November of 2013, Majority Leader Harry Reid and his Democratic colleagues employed a series of parliamentary steps to change the precedent for cloture with respect to presidential nominations. This so called “nuclear option” reduced the threshold for cloture on presidential nominations (except for those to the US Supreme Court) to a simple majority, rather than the 60 votes necessary in the past. The paper examines how this change affected senators’ voting behavior on both cloture and confirmation of presidential nominations, using the 113th Senate as a natural experimental setting. We find that Republican senators are significantly more likely to vote against cloture in the wake of this change, presumably as symbolic votes of protest against the Democrats’ reversal of longstanding precedent. On the whole, the Republican conference votes against cloture, even when they vote overwhelmingly in favor of the nominee on the final confirmation vote. This suggests that cloture may not represent a sincere objection to the nominee in the post-nuclear Senate.
Liberals, Labor, and the Democratic Party’s Volatile Relationship with Free Trade
Authors: Kucik Jeffrey , Moraguez Ashley 
Published: July 2016

AbstractDemocratic House members exhibit wide variation in their support for free trade, while Republicans are relatively stable in their support. What explains these trends? There are two important factors that explain trade votes in the House of Representatives. First, we argue that ideology is an important influence on members’ preferences over a wide range of issues, including free trade. Second, free trade directly affects labor through its effects on income, employment, and workers’ rights. We argue that liberals are uniquely susceptible to labor concerns, and that their votes are determined in large part by these considerations for both electoral and ideological reasons. We analyze the 11 most recent trade agreement ratification votes in the House. The results show that ideological differences explain the gap in support between the parties. Moreover, liberal members are much more sensitive to concerns for labor, measured as district unemployment, campaign contributions from labor organizations, and trade partners’ records of worker rights protections, which explains the variation in Democratic support across agreements. Taken together, the findings have implications for the upcoming vote on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which has already generated debates regarding its effects on workers.
The Changing Contours of the Immigrant Rights Protest Movement in the United States: Who Demonstrates Now?
Authors: McCann James A. , Nishikawa Chávez Katsuo A. , Plasencia Marisa , Otawka Harper 
Published: July 2016

AbstractDrawing from several original longitudinal surveys of the Mexican immigrant population in Texas and Indiana, we examine the course of the immigrant rights movement in the wake of the historic mobilization in the spring of 2006. We find that from 2007 to 2015, the number of participants in demonstrations, rallies, and marches to support immigrant rights dropped substantially, though protesting remains a fairly prevalent activity. The Mexicans taking part in protest events today, however, have higher levels of education and are older compared to 8 years ago, and they are not primarily driven by personal grievances. This change in the activist base suggests that the immigrant rights movement is following a trajectory that is common among protest movements across many democratic systems. What began as an expression of profound discontent has become a somewhat more conventional mode of involvement.