bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifiability and accessibility in learning definite article usages: A quasi-experimental study with Japanese learners of English
Authors: Hinenoya Kimiko , Lyster Roy 
Published: July 2014

The present study investigated the effects of instruction on the use of the definite article the by Japanese learners of English by implementing two instructional treatments that varied in the extent to which they emphasized identifiability and accessibility. One instructional treatment, referred to as the traditional (TR) treatment, emphasized the linguistic/semantic notion of identifiability in which the serves to identify the referent. The other instructional treatment, operationalized as a mental space (MS) treatment, emphasized the cognitive notion of accessibility whereby the serves to mark an access path to the referent. The purpose of the comparison was to assess which types of metalinguistic information might be most effective for helping L2 learners of English to understand specific definite article usages. Three computer-assisted language learning (CALL) lessons averaging from 1.5 to 2 hours each were given individually to 83 Japanese learners of English, 42 in the TR group and 41 in the MS group. Counterbalanced versions of an article test were administered as a pre-test (Time 1), an immediate post-test (Time 2), and a delayed post-test (Time 3). Both groups exhibited significant increases at Time 2, which were maintained at Time 3, while the between-group comparisons showed that the MS group significantly outperformed the TR group at both Times 2 and 3. The different treatments had differential effects depending on the article types, with the MS group performing especially well on the most difficult conceptual usages.
Factors associated with in-hospital outcomes in 594 consecutive patients suffering from severe blunt chest trauma
Authors: Söderlund T. , Ikonen A. , Pyhältö T. , Handolin L. 
Published: July 2014

Background and Aims: Blunt thoracic injury is a common cause for hospital admission after trauma. The effect of the number of rib fractures on the outcome is controversial. In this study, our hypothesis was that an increasing number of rib fractures correlates with mortality and hospital resource utilization. In addition to mortality, our focus was on the length of stay at hospital and in the intensive care unit, ventilator days, and the days in continuous positive airway pressure. Material and Methods: The present investigation is a retrospective study from a single trauma center. The study includes patients with severe thoracic injury (thoracic Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) > 2) admitted to hospital after blunt trauma. Patients with isolated thoracic spine injuries and patients who were dead on arrival were excluded. Vital signs, laboratory results on admission, given care, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, injuries, and in-hospital mortality were collected for the study. Results: A total of 594 patients from a 5-year period (2003–2007) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 45 years, and 76.9% of the patients were males. The average Injury Severity Score was 22, and the patients had on average 5.5 injuries. Overall mortality was 6.4%. In the multivariate analysis, the mortality was associated with base excess and tromboplastin time in admission. The number of rib fractures did not correlate with the outcome measures, but the presence of bilateral rib fractures correlated with the outcome measures other than mortality. Conclusions: The number of rib fractures does not correlate with mortality or the length of stay in the intensive care unit in blunt trauma patients with severe thoracic injury. Mortality in these patients correlated with the degree of hypoperfusion (base excess) and coagulation abnormalities (tromboplastin time) on admission.
Risk factors for the periprosthetic fracture after total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Y. , Chen W. , Sun T. , Zhang X. , Liu S. , Zhang Y. 
Published: July 2014

Background and Aims: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors associated with periprosthetic fracture after total hip arthroplasty. Material and Methods: We searched potential studies in the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Cochrane CENTRAL up to December 2013. Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality, and Stata 11.0 was used to perform all the analyses. Results: Seven studies altogether, including 1069 cases of periprosthetic fractures and 74,776 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to those absent following demographic or medical conditions, patients involved with female gender (odds ratio, 1.534; p < 0.001), advanced age (>80) (odds ratio: 4.203; p < 0.001), revision (odds ratio: 4.398; p < 0.001), rheumatoid arthritis (odds ratio: 2.503; p < 0.001), osteonecrosis (odds ratio: 1.563; p = 0.009), and implant type of Exeter (odds ratio: 1.511; p = 0.017) were more likely to sustain periprosthetic fractures. Osteoarthritis (vs not) (odds ratio: 0.449; p < 0.001) was identified a protective factor for periprosthetic fractures after total hip arthroplasty. The other factors, including lower ages, American Society of Anesthesiologists ≥ 3, and other implant types, were not significant risk factors for periprosthetic fractures. Conclusions: These medical conditions as reminder should be kept in clinicians’ mind and close follow-up should be implemented in patients involved for preventing the occurrence of periprosthetic fractures after total hip arthroplasty.
Electoral Incentives and Legislative Organization: An Examination of Committee Autonomy in U.S. State Legislatures
Authors: Bagashka Tanya , Clark Jennifer Hayes 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe investigate the relationship between electoral institutions and committee autonomy in the context of U.S. state legislatures. The distributive theories of legislative organization suggest that electoral rules that make personal reputations more important motivate legislators to decentralize power and enhance committee autonomy to be able to target particularistic goods to their local constituencies. We argue that the distributive theories have direct implications for the relationship between candidate selection procedures and committee autonomy. The need to reach out to a large number of voters and to amass significant financial resources in states with more inclusive candidate selection procedures such as the open primary makes representatives more dependent on special interests, which is conducive to legislative particularism and committee autonomy. We take advantage of the great variation across the American states to investigate the effects of candidate selection procedures, a factor neglected in the previous literature. Examining 24 state legislatures from 1955 to 1995, we find that the inclusiveness of the selectorate, or the body electing candidates, has a significant effect on committee autonomy with more inclusive primary elections leading to more autonomous committee systems. By contrast, however, term limits were not a significant predictor of committee autonomy. This contributes to our understanding of how legislators amend institutional arrangements to achieve their electoral goals.
Comparative evaluation of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis on recommended doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Fabule John , Adebajo Ade 
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectives: We conducted an analysis to explore whether the cardiovascular outcomes associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), when used in licensed doses by patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, was class or compound dependent. Methods: Using the Ovid technology search engine, we conducted a search of the literature for relevant studies published between 1995 and 2011. We also retrieved further studies following manual searches. The primary endpoint was major vascular events and the secondary endpoints were stroke, hypertension and congestive heart failure. A total of 19 studies were analysed. Studies conducted in the osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients’ population that reported on cardiovascular events were included in the analysis. The analysis was conducted using the software Review Manager 5.1 and Cochrane methodology. Results: Using the primary endpoint of major vascular events (MVE) and a prespecified cutoff point of 1.30, diclofenac ( versus 1 comparator) and rofecoxib ( versus 2 comparators) had increased risk for MVE [odds ratio (OR) >1.30]. Using the same criteria, diclofenac ( versus 1 comparator) had an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Although celecoxib had a slightly increased risk for MI (OR 1.33, versus 1 comparator), the confidence interval included 1 and was not significant. For the secondary endpoints, etoricoxib and rofecoxib were significantly worse off for HT ( versus 1 comparator each) and naproxen was significantly worse off for stroke ( versus 1 comparator). Although ibuprofen was worse off for HT ( versus 1 comparator) the increased risk was not significant. Conclusion: From the analysis conducted, it appears that the risk for cardiovascular events in arthritis patients on licensed doses of NSAIDs varies considerably and is likely to depend on the individual compound.
Balancing the Risk of Complications in Foot and Ankle Surgical Patients Taking Antithrombotic Medication
Authors: Miller Steven , Nitzki-George Diane , Caprini Joseph A. 
Published: July 2014

This review intends to provide guidance regarding perioperative management of anticoagulation and antiplatelet drug therapy as they relate to foot and ankle surgery. Venous and arterial thromboembolism are conditions in which the blood clots inappropriately, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. With an increase in awareness of thromboembolic risk factors and expansion of therapeutic options, more patients are routinely taking antithrombotic medication. When these patients require invasive procedures, a decision needs to be made if antithrombotic medication should be held perioperatively and if additional precautions are needed in the interim. Understanding the factors affecting the management of thromboembolism during the perioperative period can reduce the potential for complications. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level V: Expert opinion
Crossed-Screws Provide Greater Tarsometatarsal Fusion Stability Compared to Compression Plates
Authors: Baxter Josh R. , Mani Sriniwasan B. , Chan Jeremy Y. , Vulcano Ettore , Ellis Scott J. 
Published: July 2014

Background. Hallux valgus is a common deformity that is often treated with a fusion of the first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint. Crossed-screws are currently the accepted standard but advances in plate systems present opportunities for improved clinical outcomes; however, in vitro testing should be performed prior to clinical implementation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a locking plate with surgeon-mediated compression provides similar fusion stability compared to crossed-screws and if bone density or joint size are related to construct success. Methods. Ten matched-pair cadaveric specimens received first TMT fusions with either crossed-screws or a compression plate and were loaded for 1000 cycles to assess the amount of joint motion measured as plantar gapping. Bone density was quantified using computed tomography images of each specimen, and joint height was measured with calipers. Results. Crossed-screws provided 3 times greater resistance to plantar gapping compared to compression plates after 1000 cycles. Bone density and joint size did not affect resistance to plantar gapping for either construct. Conclusion. Lag screws or a plantarly applied plate are needed to maximize TMT fusion stability prior to osseous union. Dorsomedially applied plates are also effective when paired with a lag screw placed across the TMT joint. These constructs do not appear to depend on bone density or joint size, suggesting that patients with osteoporosis are viable candidates. Clinical Relevance. The results of this study suggest that traditional, lagged cross-screws provide greater stability to that of a dorsally place compression plate and may lead to better rates of union. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level V: Cadaveric Study
Regulatory B cells are enriched within the IgM memory and transitional subsets in healthy donors but are deficient in chronic GVHD
Authors: Khoder Ahmad , Sarvaria Anushruti , Alsuliman Abdullah , Chew Claude , Sekine Takuya , Cooper Nichola , Mielke Stephan , de Lavallade Hugues , Muftuoglu Muharrem , Fernandez Curbelo Irina , Liu Enli , Muraro Paolo A. , Alousi Amin , Stringaris Kate , Parmar Simrit , Shah Nina , Shaim Hila , Yvon Eric , Molldrem Jeffrey , Rouce Rayne , Champlin Richard , McNiece Ian , Mauri Claudia , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Rezvani Katayoun 
Published: July 2014

Key Points
Human IgM memory B cells possess immunoregulatory properties analogous to transitional B cells. IL-10–producing B cells are deficient in cGVHD.
Two new sequence spaces generated by the composition of m th order generalized difference matrix and lambda matrix
Authors: Bişgin Mustafa Cemil , Sönmez Abdulcabbar 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In this work, we introduce two sequence spaces

c
0
λ

(

G
m

)

and

c
λ

(

G
m

)

generated by the composition of m th order generalized difference matrix and lambda matrix and define an isomorphism between new sequence spaces and classical sequence spaces. Afterward, we investigate inclusion relations and obtain the Schauder basis of those spaces. Furthermore, we determine their α-, β- and γ-duals. Lastly, we characterize some matrix classes related to those spaces.

MSC:40C05, 40H05, 46B45.
Multi-strip fractional q-integral boundary value problems for nonlinear fractional q-difference equations
Authors: Pongarm Nittaya , Asawasamrit Suphawat , Tariboon Jessada , Ntouyas Sotiris K 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In this article, we study the existence and uniqueness of solutions for multi-strip fractional q-integral boundary value problems of nonlinear fractional q-difference equations. By using the Banach contraction principle, Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, Leray-Schauder’s nonlinear alternative and Leray-Schauder degree theory some interesting results are obtained. Some examples are presented to illustrate the results.

MSC:34A08, 34B18, 39A13.
A prospective study comparing the efficacy and safety of two sublingual birch allergen preparations
Authors: Klimek Ludger , Sperl Annette , van Twuijver Esther , van Ree Ronald , Kleinjans Huub , Boot Johan Diderik , Pfaar Oliver 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundSUBLIVAC FIX Birch (SUB‐B) is a liquid oral preparation of Betula verrucosa pollen extract for the treatment of allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjuctivitis induced by birch pollen. The major allergen content of SUB‐B and Staloral Birch (Stal‐B) have been shown to be comparable. In order to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of both products, the present study was designed to investigate efficacy of treatment with SUB‐B compared to Stal‐B by means of reduction in allergy symptoms assessed by a titrated nasal provocation test (TNPT) in subjects suffering from IgE mediated allergy complaints triggered by birch pollen.MethodsA prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint (PROBE), controlled, single‐centre study in 74 birch allergic adults was performed. Treatment consisted of either SUB‐B (10,000 AUN/ml) or Stal‐B (initial phase 10 I.R./ml and maintenance phase 300 I.R./ml) for 16–20 weeks at maintenance dose. The primary efficacy outcome was defined by the difference in change of the TNPT‐threshold dose between the two treatment groups at baseline and after completion of treatment. Secondary outcomes included determination of birch pollen specific IgE and IgG levels, safety lab and ECG. During the first 30 days of treatment, subjects were requested to fill out a diary concerning compliance with study medication, occurrence of AEs and the use of concomitant medication.ResultsAnalysis of the primary efficacy parameter showed that the percentage of subjects showing a beneficial treatment effect was similar in both treatment groups, 33.3% for SUB‐B vs. 31.4% for Stal‐B in the intention to treat population. Evaluation of the immunologic response, showed that treatment with SUB‐B and Stal‐B induced similar increases (approximately 2 times) in IgE, IgG and IgG4 specific for Bet v 1.In total, 143 related adverse events (AEs) were reported. The majority of the AEs was of mild intensity. The same pattern of AEs was observed for both products. No clinically relevant changes in other safety parameters, such as safety laboratory parameters, vital signs, physical examination and ECGs were observed.ConclusionTaken together, treatment with both products was effective by means of reduction in allergic symptoms during a TNPT. In addition, safety analysis revealed a good tolerability of both SLIT extracts.
The political economy of the disability insurance: theory and evidence of gubernatorial learning
Authors: Iyengar Radha , Mastrobuoni Giovanni 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The dramatic rise in the disability insurance (DI) rolls in the last 20 years has been the subject of much controversy. While the relationship between DI and labor force participation has been the subject of a growing literature, the mechanism of this transition from employment to DI remains unclear. We hypothesize that one mechanism is the state-level administration of the program which creates a classic principal-agent problem. We analyze the conflict of interests for Disability Determination Services agencies between Social Security Administration (SSA) standards and state gubernatorial political interests interacted with the increased demand for disability insurance as an alternative for low-skilled employment during the period of 1982 to 2013. We find evidence that multi-term governors allow a greater fraction of applicants than do first-term governors, but only up to year 2000, when allowance rates started to decrease over time. We develop a model that illustrates how these differences can be due to the type of monitoring conducted by the SSA. We provide additional evidence supporting this hypothesis analyzing how the effects interact with economic and political constraints.

JEL codes

H55, I18, I38, G22
Clinical course after corticosteroid therapy in IgG4-related aortitis/periaortitis and periarteritis: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Mizushima Ichiro , Inoue Dai , Yamamoto Motohisa , Yamada Kazunori , Saeki Takako , Ubara Yoshifumi , Matsui Shoko , Masaki Yasufumi , Wada Takashi , Kasashima Satomi , Harada Kenichi , Takahashi Hiroki , Notohara Kenji , Nakanuma Yasuni , Umehara Hisanori , Yamagishi Masakazu , Kawano Mitsuhiro 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)–related aortitis/periaortitis and periarteritis are vascular manifestations of IgG4-related disease. In this disease, the affected aneurysmal lesion has been suspected to be at risk of rupture. In this study, we aimed to clarify the clinical course after corticosteroid therapy in IgG4-related aortitis/periaortitis and periarteritis.

Methods
We retrospectively evaluated clinical features, including laboratory data, imaging findings and the course after corticosteroid therapy, in 40 patients diagnosed with IgG4-related aortitis/periaortitis and periarteritis on the basis of periaortic/periarterial radiological findings, satisfaction of the comprehensive diagnostic criteria or each organ-specific diagnostic criteria, and exclusion of other diseases.

Results
The patients were mainly elderly, with an average age of 66.4 years and with a marked male predominance and extensive other organ involvement. Subjective symptoms were scanty, and only a small proportion had elevated serum C-reactive protein levels. The affected aorta/artery were the abdominal aortas or the iliac arteries in most cases. Thirty-six patients were treated with prednisolone, and the periaortic/periarterial lesions improved in most of them during the follow-up period. Two (50.0%) of four patients with luminal dilatation of the affected lesions before corticosteroid therapy had exacerbations of luminal dilatation after therapy, whereas none of the twenty-six patients without it had a new appearance of luminal dilatation after therapy.

Conclusions
The results of this retrospective multicenter study highlight three important points: (1) the possibility of latent existence and progression of periaortic/periarterial lesions, (2) the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in preventing new aneurysm formation in patients without luminal dilatation of periaortic/periarterial lesions and (3) the possibility that a small proportion of patients may actually develop luminal dilatation of periaortic/periarterial lesions in IgG4-related aortitis/periaortitis and periarteritis. A larger-scale prospective study is required to confirm the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid therapy in patients with versus those without luminal dilatation and to devise a more useful and safe treatment strategy, including administration of other immunosuppressants.
Interest of low-dose hydrocortisone therapy during brain-dead organ donor resuscitation: the CORTICOME study
Authors: Pinsard Michel , Ragot Stéphanie , Mertes Paul Michel , Bleichner Jean Paul , Zitouni Samira , Cook Fabrice , Pierrot Marc , Dube Laurent , Menguy Edgard , Lefèvre Laurent Martin , Escaravage Laurence , Dequin Pierre-François , Vignon Philippe , Pichon Nicolas 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Circulatory failure during brain death organ donor resuscitation is a problem that compromises recovery of organs. Combined administration of steroid, thyroxine and vasopressin has been proposed to optimize the management of brain deceased donors before recovery of organs. However the single administration of hydrocortisone has not been rigorously evaluated in any trial.

Methods
In this prospective multicenter cluster study, 259 subjects were included. Administration of low-dose steroids composed the steroid group (n = 102).

Results
Although there were more patients in the steroid group who received norepinephrine before brain death (80% vs. 66%: P = 0.03), mean dose of vasopressor administered after brain death was significantly lower than in the control group (1.18 ± 0.92 mg/H vs. 1.49 ± 1.29 mg/H: P = 0.03), duration of vasopressor support use was shorter (874 min vs. 1160 min: P < 0.0001) and norepinephrine weaning before aortic clamping was more frequent (33.8% vs. 9.5%: P < 0.0001). Using a survival approach, probability of norepinephrine weaning was significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.0001) with a probability of weaning 4.67 times higher in the steroid group than in the control group (95% CI: 2.30 – 9.49).

Conclusions
Despite no observed benefits of the steroid administration on primary function recovery of transplanted grafts, administration of glucocorticoids should be a part of the resuscitation management of deceased donors with hemodynamic instability.