bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Dexamethasone with Ondansetron or Haloperidol for Prevention of Patient‐Controlled Analgesia‐Related Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Wang Po‐Kai , Tsay Pei‐Jiuan , Huang Chia‐Chun , Lai Hsien‐Yong , Lin Pei‐Chin , Huang Shen‐Jer , Lee Yi 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundPatient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) with parenteral opioids is associated with a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of dexamethasone plus haloperidol with dexamethasone plus ondansetron for the prevention of PCA‐related PONV. Patients who received dexamethasone alone were used as controls.MethodsA total of 135 female patients (n = 45 in each of three groups) were eligible to participate in this randomized trial. A total of 135 female patients (n = 45 in each of three groups) were eligible to participate in this randomized trial. Dexamethasone 5 mg IV was administered after the induction of anesthesia in dexamethasone group (group D) patients. Patients in the dexamethasone plus haloperidol group (group DH) and in the dexamethasone plus ondansetron (group DO) further received haloperidol 2 mg IM or ondansetron 4 mg IV, respectively, 30 min before the end of surgery. The complete response rates, incidence of PONV, need for rescue medication, average pain and sedation scores, recovery times, and adverse events were observed postoperatively.ResultsThe incidences of total PONV in the first 24 h in groups DH (35%) and DO (30%) were significantly lower than those of group D (57%) (p < 0.05 for each comparison). The differences between groups DH and DO were insignificant. The incidence of PONV was significantly smaller in the DH and DO groups than predicted by the patients’ underlying risks. Pain scores, sedation scores, and recovery times were similar among the three study groups, and no clinically relevant prolongation of the electrocardiographic QTc interval was observed in any patient.ConclusionsDexamethasone 5 mg with either haloperidol 2 mg or ondansetron 4 mg provides a better antiemetic effect than dexamethasone 5 mg alone in patients receiving postoperative morphine PCA.
A Mathematical Model for Predicting Malignancy of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Li Yun , Wang Jun 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe goal of the present study was to differentiate between benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) by developing a mathematical prediction model.MethodsRecords from 371 patients (197 male, 174 female) with SPN between January 2000 and September 2009 were reviewed (group A). Clinical data were collected to estimate the independent predictors of malignancy of SPN with multivariate logistic regression analysis. A clinical prediction model was subsequently developed. Between October 2009 and May 2011, data from an additional 145 patients with SPN were used to validate this new clinical prediction model (group B). The same data were also estimated with two previously published models for comparison with our new model.ResultsThe median patient age was 57.1 years in group A; 54% of the nodules were malignant and 46% were benign. Logistic regression analysis identified six clinical characteristics (age, diameter, border, calcification, spiculation, and family history of tumor) as independent predictors of malignancy in patients with SPN. The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for our model (0.874 ± 0.028) was higher than those generated using the other two reported models. In our model, sensitivity = 94.5%, specificity = 70.0%, positive predictive value = 87.8%, and negative predictive value = 84.8%).ConclusionsAge, diameter, border, calcification, spiculation, and family history of tumor were independent predictors of malignancy in patients with SPN. Our prediction model was sufficient to estimate malignancy in patients with SPN and proved to be more accurate than the two existing models.
Visualization versus Neuromonitoring of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerves during Thyroidectomy: What About the Costs?
Authors: Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Bacuzzi Alessandro , Boni Luigi , Rausei Stefano , Rovera Francesca , Dionigi Renzo 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of the present study was to evaluate costs for thyroidectomy performed with the aid of intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM), which has gained widespread acceptance during thyroid surgery as an adjunct to the gold standard of visual nerve identification.MethodsThrough a micro‐costing approach, the thyroidectomy patient‐care process (with and without IONM) was analyzed by considering direct costs (staff time, consumables, equipment, drugs, operating room, and general expenses). Unit costs were collected from hospital accounting and standard tariff lists. To assess the impact of the IONM technology on hospital management, three macro‐scenarios were considered: (1) traditional thyroidectomy; (2) thyroidectomy with IONM in a high‐volume setting (5 procedures per week); and (3) thyroidectomy with IONM in a low‐volume setting (1 procedure per week). Energy‐based devices (EBD) for hemostasis and dissection in thyroidectomy were also evaluated, as well as the reimbursement made by the Italian Healthcare System on the basis of diagnosis related groups (DRGs), about €2,600.ResultsComparison between costs and the DRG fee shows an underfunding of total hospitalization costs for all thyroidectomies, regardless of IONM use (scenario 1: €3,471). The main cost drivers are consumables and technologies (25%), operating room (16%), and staff (14%). Hospitalization costs for a thyroidectomy with IONM range from €3,713 to €3,770 (scenarios 2 and 3), 5–7% higher than those for traditional thyroidectomy. Major economic differences emerge when an EBD is used (€3,969).ConclusionsThe regional DRG tariff for thyroid surgery is barely sufficient to cover conventional surgery costs. Intraoperative neural monitoring accounts for 5–7% of the hospitalization costs for a thyroidectomy.
Genetic Counseling for Prenatal Testing: Where is the Discussion About Disability?
Authors: Farrelly Ellyn , Cho Mildred K. , Erby Lori , Roter Debra , Stenzel Anabel , Ormond Kelly 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThere are little data revealing how genetic counselors talk about disability in the prenatal setting. We performed a qualitative analysis of 93 existing transcripts from simulated patient (SP) genetic counseling sessions conducted in 2003–4 through the Genetic Counseling Video Project. We found that most genetic counselors (95%) focused on the physical aspects of disability while fewer (27%) discussed the social aspects. In addition, few genetic counselors (38%) asked patients about personal experiences with disability. When discussing options available if a pregnancy were diagnosed with a disability, most genetic counselors mentioned termination (86%) while fewer mentioned the continuation of the pregnancy (37%) or adoption (13%). Only half of the genetic counselors asked the SP if she had thought about how she might use the results of prenatal screening. To better facilitate informed decision‐making that is consistent with patient values, we recommend genetic counselors engage prenatal patients in a deeper discussion about their ability and willingness to parent a child with a disability.
Heterogeneity among RIP‐Tag2 insulinomas allows vascular endothelial growth factor‐A independent tumor expansion as revealed by studies in Shb mutant mice: Implications for tumor angiogenesis
Authors: Åkerblom Björn , Zang Guangxiang , Zhuang Zhen W. , Calounova Gabriela , Simons Michael , Welsh Michael 
Published: February 2012

The Shb adapter protein is a signaling intermediate that operates downstream of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) in endothelial cells. The Shb knockout mouse displays a dysfunctional microvasculature and impaired growth of subcutaneously implanted tumor cells. We decided to investigate tumor growth and angiogenesis in the absence of Shb in an inheritable tumor model, the RIP‐Tag2 mouse, which produces insulinomas in a manner highly dependent on de novo angiogenesis. We observed a reduced tumor incidence and burden in both RIP‐Tag2 Shb−/− and RIP‐Tag2 Shb+/− mice. This correlated with a reduced microvascular density, measured as a percentage of insulinoma area positive for CD31 staining, and altered vascular morphology. However, treatment with a VEGF‐A blocking antibody was without effect on the Shb mutant tumor volume whereas it significantly inhibited tumor volume in the wild‐type mice, suggesting that in mice with reduced Shb expression tumor angiogenesis was primarily sustained by VEGF‐A independent pathway(s). This notion was further substantiated by gene expression analysis of angiogenic markers showing reduced VEGF‐A expression in Shb‐deficient tumors. Considerable heterogeneity with respect to the gene expression profiles of other angiogenic markers and the signal‐transduction characteristics was observed between different tumors, suggesting that multiple “rescue” pathways could be operating. The numbers of invasive tumors or metastases were unchanged in the Shb mutant.It is concluded that the Shb mutant background reduces tumor frequency by chronically suppressing VEGF‐A dependent angiogenesis. However, VEGF‐A independent angiogenesis supports a significant degree of tumor expansion in Shb‐deficient mice, indicating heterogeneity in the mechanisms by which tumor expansion is promoted. Interference with Shb signaling may provide novel means for future cancer therapy.
All the young dudes: educational capital, masculinity and the uses of popular music
Authors: Branch Andrew 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSince its emergence in the early 1970s, glam rock has been theoretically categorised as a moment in British popular culture in which essentialist ideas about male gendered identity were rendered problematic for a popular music audience. Drawing on a Bourdieusian theoretical framework, the article argues that while this reading of glam is valid, insufficient attention has been given to an examination of the relevance of educational capitalvis-à-visthe construction of self-identity in relation to glam. It is therefore concerned with raising questions about social class in addition to interrogating questions of gender. The article draws on the ethno-biographies of a sample of glam's original working class male fans: original interviews with musicians and writers associated with glam, as well as published biographical accounts. In doing so it contends that glam's political significance is better understood as a moment in popular culture in which an educationally aspirant section of the male working-class sought to express its difference by identifying with the self-conscious performance of a more feminised masculinity it located in glam.
MacIntyre, Bourdieu and the practice of jazz
Authors: Banks Mark 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis article offers a sociological account of the labour of jazz musicians. The first part is concerned with elaborating a theory of jazz work based on Alasdair MacIntyre's notion of social practices. Applying this theory to recent empirical work with British jazz musicians, the article reveals how the virtuous pursuit of specific ‘internal goods’ is judged to be particularly prominent in jazz, suggesting that it might constitute an ethical practice in MacIntyrean terms. While MacIntyre's theory is argued to offer a congenial framework for an analysis of jazz, it is then compared and contrasted with more established readings of jazz practice – based on the work of Pierre Bourdieu – which suggest more objective and instrumental motivations for working in jazz. The article concludes by evaluating the relative merits of each approach.
Arbitrariness, the Fair and Equitable Treatment Standard, and the International Law of Investment
Authors: STONE JACOB 
Published: February 2012

AbstractOne of the most common features of international investment treaties is the obligation of a state to grant ‘fair and equitable treatment’ to investors and investments. Treatment giving rise to allegations of breaches of this obligation has taken many forms, namely bad faith, discrimination, denial of justice, frustration of legitimate expectations, lack of transparency, coercion and harassment, and arbitrariness or arbitrary conduct. This latter form of treatment – arbitrariness – has rarely been the focus of scholarly works and, thus, its scope and meaning are difficult to ascertain. When examined in the context of international investment disputes, however, one may conclude that, while its scope and meaning may vary, arbitrariness is indeed a legitimate basis for claim under the fair and equitable treatment standard. The thresholds for demonstrating arbitrariness, however, are decidedly and consistently high.
The Impact of theNicaraguaCase on the Court and Its Role: Harmful, Helpful, or In Between?
Authors: DAMROSCH LORI FISLER 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAt the time the United States withdrew from participation in theNicaraguacase at the International Court of Justice, the US government expressed concern that ‘the course on which the Court may now be embarked could do enormous harm to it as an institution and to the cause of international law’. This essay examines whether or to what extent the anticipated negative effects came to pass. It concludes that dire predictions of harm to the Court were overstated. Twenty-five years later, the rate at which states accept the Court's jurisdiction has held steady. Only a few states have added jurisdictional reservations concerning military activities. The mix of cases being brought to the Court has shifted towards a more representative distribution. States are generally complying with the Court's decisions, though some compliance problems remain. The most serious negative impact has been on the willingness of the United States (still the Court's most active litigant) to participate fully in international dispute settlement.
Fuel choice, indoor air pollution and children's health
Authors: Edwards John H. Y. , Langpap Christian 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMuch of the population in developing countries uses firewood for cooking. The resulting indoor air pollution has severe health consequences for children who are close to the fire while their mothers cook. We use survey data from Guatemala to examine the effects of firewood consumption on the health of children up to five years of age. We also investigate the impact of cooking inside the home, the importance of a mother cooking while caring for her children and the role played by the smoke permeability of housing construction materials. We find that children living in households that use more wood, and where exposure to indoor air pollution is higher because the mother cooks while caring for children or because cooking takes place inside, are more likely to have symptoms of respiratory infection. Simulations indicate that policies that target cooking habits in order to directly reduce exposure, particularly by reducing the number of women who simultaneously cook and care for children, may be more effective for improving young children's health than policies to accelerate the adoption of gas stoves.
Explosion swarms at Stromboli volcano: A proxy for nonequilibrium conditions in the shallow plumbing system
Authors: De Martino S. , Errico A. , Palo M. , Cimini G. B. 
Published: February 2012

In this paper we look at changes of the statistics of the stationary explosive process at a basaltic volcano as a proxy for departures from thermodynamic equilibrium conditions in the shallow plumbing system. Specifically, we investigate the explosion process of Stromboli volcano that occurred during 2002–2003, 2006–2007 and 2010–2011. The first two periods were characterized by eruptions with significant lava effusion and strong paroxysmal events, while the last one shows persistent explosive activity accompanied by minor episodes of lava flow. We use three‐component seismic data recorded by broadband stations operating on the volcano and, for 2007 and 2010–2011 cases, strainmeter data from a Sacks‐Evertson borehole dilatometer. For each time interval we study the explosive process by looking at the inter‐occurrence times and at the amplitude distribution. Moreover, we analyze its waveforms, spectral content and polarization properties. In all three cases we find sharp increases of the explosion rate associated with swarms. Swarms are characterized by quasi‐monochromatic seismic events with frequency peak close to about 3 Hz, higher amplitude than the usual explosions and variability coefficient of the inter‐occurrence times close to 0.5. In correspondence to the swarms, we also observe negative variations in the strain signals, which indicate a depressurization in the shallow plumbing system. This depressurization emerges clearly from the data collected during 2010–2011, whereas it is less sharp for the 2007 episode, and has been estimated in about 105 Pa. From the polarization analysis we infer that this depressurization affects the upper 0.3–0.8 km of the plumbing system.
The novel function of HINFP as a co-activator in sterol-regulated transcription of PCSK9 in HepG2 cells
Authors: Li Hai , Liu Jingwen 
Published: February 2012

PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) plays an important role in control of plasma LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol metabolism by modulating the degradation of hepatic LDL receptor. Previous studies demonstrated that PCSK9 is a target gene of the SREBP2 [SRE (sterol-regulatory element)-binding protein 2] that activates PCSK9 gene transcription through an SRE motif of the promoter. In addition to SREBP2, HNF1α (hepatic nuclear factor 1α) positively regulates PCSK9 gene transcription in hepatic cells through a binding site located 28 bp upstream from SRE. In the present study, we have identified a novel HINFP (histone nuclear factor P) recognition motif residing between the HNF1 motif and SRE that is essential for basal and sterol-regulated transcriptions of the PCSK9 promoter. Mutation of this motif lowers the basal promoter activity and abolishes the sterol-mediated repression as well as the SREBP2-induced activation of the PCSK9 promoter. We show further that the activity of SREBP2 in stimulating PCSK9 promoter activity is greatly enhanced by HINFP. Additional experiments suggest that HINFP and its cofactor NPAT (nuclear protein of the ataxia telangectasia mutated locus) form a functional complex, and NPAT may subsequently recruit the HAT (histone acetyltransferase) cofactor TRRAP (transformation/transactivation domain-associated protein) to facilitate the histone H4 acetylation of the PCSK9 promoter. Knockdown of HINFP, NPAT or TRRAP each markedly reduces the amount of acetylated histone H4 on the PCSK9 promoter region and lowers PCSK9 protein levels. Importantly, by utilizing co-immunoprecipitation assays, we have demonstrated a direct interaction between SREBP2 and HINFP and its cofactors NPAT/TRRAP. Taken together, these new findings identify HINFP as a co-activator in SREBP-mediated transactivation of PCSK9 gene expression.
Interaction-induced dipoles of hydrogen molecules colliding with helium atoms: A new ab initio dipole surface for high-temperature applications
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Mandal Anirban , Miliordos Evangelos , Hunt Katharine L. C. 
Published: February 2012

We report new ab initio results for the interaction-induced dipole moments Δμ of hydrogen molecules colliding with helium atoms. These results are needed in order to calculate collision-induced absorption spectra at high temperatures; applications include modeling the radiative profiles of very cool white dwarf stars, with temperatures from 3500 K to 9000 K. We have evaluated the dipoles based on finite-field calculations, with coupled cluster methods in MOLPRO 2006 and aug-cc-pV5Z (spdfg) basis sets for both the H and He centers. We have obtained values of Δμ for eight H2 bond lengths ranging from 0.942 a.u. to 2.801 a.u., for 15 intermolecular separations R ranging from 2.0 a.u. to 10.0 a.u., and for 19 different relative orientations. In general, our values agree well with earlier ab initio results, for the geometrical configurations that are treated in common, but we have determined more points on the collision-induced dipole surface by an order of magnitude. These results make it possible to calculate transition probabilities for molecules in excited vibrational states, overtones, and rotational transitions with ΔJ &gt; 4. We have cast our results in the symmetry-adapted form needed for absorption line shape calculations, by expressing Δμ as a series in the spherical harmonics of the orientation angles of the intermolecular vector and of a unit vector along the H2 bond axis. The expansion coefficients depend on the H2 bond length and the intermolecular distance R. For large separations R, we show that the ab initio values of the leading coefficients converge to the predictions from perturbation theory, including both classical multipole polarization and dispersion effects.
Effects of Smallmouth Bass on Atlantic Salmon Habitat Use and Diel Movements in an Artificial Stream
Authors: Wathen Gus , Zydlewski Joseph , Coghlan Stephen M. , Trial Joan G. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractInvasive smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu have been introduced to some of the last remaining watersheds that contain wild anadromous Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, yet little is known about the interactions between these species. We used an artificial stream equipped with passive integrated transponder tag antenna arrays to monitor habitat use and movements of age‐0 Atlantic salmon and age‐0 smallmouth bass in sympatry and allopatry. We used additive and substitutive designs to test for changes in habitat use, diel movements, and diel activity patterns of prior‐resident Atlantic salmon or smallmouth bass resulting from the addition of conspecifics or heterospecifics. Atlantic salmon prior residents did not change their habitat use in the presence of conspecific or heterospecific invaders. However, Atlantic salmon invaders did lessen riffle habitat use by smallmouth bass prior residents during daytime. Atlantic salmon and smallmouth bass displayed different diel activity patterns of movement (Atlantic salmon were more nocturnal; smallmouth bass were more diurnal), which were affected by heterospecific introductions. Because the two species tended to favor different habitat types and displayed different diel activity patterns, we suggest that under the conditions tested, the level of interspecific competition for habitat was low. Age‐0 Atlantic salmon and smallmouth bass may be able to avoid intense interspecific competition through spatial and temporal habitat partitioning. These data do not, however, predict the potential for competition under different seasonal or ontogenetic circumstances.