bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of P‐Wave Signal Averaging to Predict Atrial Fibrillation Recurrences after Electrical Cardioversion
Authors: Blanche Coralie , Tran Nam , Carballo David , Rigamonti Fabio , Burri Haran , Zimmermann Marc
Published: January 2014

Background

Accurate markers of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences after electrical cardioversion (ECV) are lacking. This study was conducted to assess the value of P‐wave signal averaging (SAPW) for predicting AF recurrences in a nonselected patients population submitted to ECV.

Methods

A total of 133 patients (107 males, 26 females, mean age 66 ± 9 years) were included after successful ECV for persistent AF (mean duration of AF 3.6 ± 2.2 months). The mean ejection fraction (EF) was 60 ± 9%, and left atrial (LA) diameter was 44 ± 6 mm. SAPW ECG was obtained immediately after ECV and patients were prospectively followed.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 8.9 ± 5.2 months, AF recurrences occurred in 40.6% (54/133). No SAPW parameters was statistically different between the group of patients with and the group without recurrences. Recurrences were less often observed in patients with a total P‐wave duration <150 ms (16/52 or 31% vs 38/81 or 47% in patients with total P‐wave duration ≥150 ms) but the difference was not statistically different (P = 0.07). P‐wave duration was correlated with age (r = 0.32; P < 0.001) and left atrial diameter (r = 0.19; P = 0.02). Age, sex, structural heart disease, amiodarone therapy, or hypertension were not associated with AF recurrences but patients without recurrences had a shorter AF duration (P = 0.001) and more often had a history of previous ablation (P = 0.027).

Conclusion

In this unselected “real‐life” group of patients submitted to ECV for persistent AF, none of the SAPW parameters, including total filtered P‐wave duration, was able to predict AF recurrences.
Efficacy and safety of initial combination therapy with alogliptin plus metformin versus either as monotherapy in drug‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double‐blind, 6‐month study
Authors: Pratley R. E. , Fleck P. , Wilson C.
Published: January 2014

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor alogliptin plus metformin (A + M) initial combination therapy versus either as monotherapy in drug‐naïve T2DM patients.

Methods

This international, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 26‐week study involved T2DM patients with hyperglycaemia (HbA1c 7.5–10.0%) following diet/exercise therapy. Patients (N = 784) received placebo, alogliptin (A, 12.5 mg BID or 25 mg QD), metformin (M, 500 or 1000 mg BID) or A + M (12.5/500 or 12.5/1000 mg BID); placebo, A25 for secondary analyses only. Endpoints: week 26 changes from baseline in HbA1c (primary), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2‐h postprandial glucose (PPG); incidences of clinical response and hyperglycaemic rescue.

Results

Week 26 mean HbA1c reductions from baseline (8.45%) were −1.22 and −1.55% with A + M 12.5/500 and 12.5/1000 versus −0.56, −0.65, and −1.11% with A12.5, M500 and M1000 (p<0.001, A + M vs. component monotherapies). FPG reductions were −1.76 and −2.55 mmol/L with 12.5/500 and 12.5/1000 versus −0.54, −0.64 and −1.78 mmol/L with A12.5, M500 and M1000 (p < 0.05, A + M vs. component monotherapies). Significantly more A + M‐treated patients achieved HbA1c < 7% (47.1–59.5% vs. 20.2–34.3% with monotherapy), significantly fewer required hyperglycaemic rescue (2.6–12.3% vs. 10.8–22.9% with monotherapy). A + M caused only mild/moderate hypoglycaemia (1.9–5.3%) and weight loss (0.6–1.2 kg).

Conclusions

Alogliptin plus metformin initial combination therapy was well tolerated yet more efficacious in controlling glycaemia in drug‐naïve T2DM patients than either as monotherapy.
Effect of SGLT2 inhibitors in a murine model of urinary tract infection with Candida albicans
Authors: Suzuki M. , Hiramatsu M. , Fukazawa M. , Matsumoto M. , Honda K. , Suzuki Y. , Kawabe Y.
Published: January 2014

Aims

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common clinical problem in diabetic patients; however, the relationship between UTI and glucosuria remains uncertain. To investigate the relationship, we examined the effect of glucosuria induced by sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on the progression of UTI in mice.

Methods

From 1 day before transurethral inoculation with Candida albicans, female mice were treated orally once a day with an SGLT2 inhibitor in different treatment regimens: (i) dapagliflozin at 10 mg/kg for 2, 3 or 7 days, (ii) dapagliflozin at 0.1, 1 or 10 mg/kg for 3 days and (iii) dapagliflozin, canagliflozin or tofogliflozin at 10 mg/kg for 3 days. To evaluate the ascending UTI, the kidneys were removed 6 days after the inoculation, and the number of viable C. albicans cells in kidney was measured as colony‐forming units (CFU).

Results

In mice treated with dapagliflozin, the number of C. albicans CFU in kidney increased in accordance with both treatment duration and dose. The number of CFU significantly increased when mice were treated with 10 mg/kg dapagliflozin or canagliflozin but not tofogliflozin. With dapagliflozin and canagliflozin, urine glucose concentration (UGC) significantly increased up to 24 h after drug administration; with tofogliflozin, UGC significantly increased only up to 12 h after drug administration.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that increased susceptibility to UTI is associated with a persistent increase in UGC.
Remaining fatigue life estimation of corroded bridge members
Authors: Adasooriya N. D. , Siriwardane S. C.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a method to estimate remaining fatigue lives of railway bridge members subjected to time‐dependent corrosion. The method addresses effects of material loss due to general (uniform) corrosion and fatigue strength degradation of material due to corrosive environment. The method mainly consists of stress history, which is obtained by considering the effect of time‐dependent loss of material, full‐range S–N curve, which represents the corrosive environment, and sequential law, which takes the loading sequence effect more precisely in to account than Miner's rule. Initially, nonlinear behaviour of material loss over time (i.e. time‐dependent growth of corrosion wastage) is discussed, and hence, necessary formulae to calculate time‐dependent cross‐sectional properties are comprehensively presented. Then finite element analysis‐based procedure is clearly proposed to predict stress histories of corroded members. A technique is introduced to obtain the full‐range S–N curve for the corroded structural detail. The concept of sequential law is summarized with the algorithm, and then the proposed method is applied to predict the remaining fatigue lives of the corroded members of a railway bridge. The predicted remaining lives were compared with the previous method‐based estimations, and comparisons reveal the range of 16–47% reduction of fatigue lives of critical members when time‐dependent corrosion is taken into account. Also, the results reveal that the corroded members of smaller cross‐sectional area are most vulnerable for fatigue damage. Finally, significance of the proposed method is confirmed.
Beyond equivalence of care in prison pharmacy
Authors: Choudhry Khurshid , Evans Nicola
Published: January 2014

Prison healthcare has undergone a significant transformation over recent times. The main aim of these changes was to ensure prisoners received the same level of care as patients in the community. Prisons are a unique environment to provide healthcare within. Both the environment and the patient group provide a challenge to healthcare delivery. One of the biggest challenges currently being faced by healthcare providers is the misuse and abuse of prescription medication. It seems that the changes that have been made in prison healthcare, to ensure that prisoners receive the same level of care as patients in the community over recent times, have led to an increase in this problem. Prison pharmacy is ideally placed to help reduce the misuse and abuse of prescription medication. This can be achieved by using the skills and knowledge of the pharmacy department to ensure appropriate prescribing of medication liable to misuse and abuse.
Making an effort to feel positive: insecure attachment in infancy predicts the neural underpinnings of emotion regulation in adulthood
Authors: Moutsiana Christina , Fearon Pasco , Murray Lynne , Cooper Peter , Goodyer Ian , Johnstone Tom , Halligan Sarah
Published: January 2014

Background

Animal research indicates that the neural substrates of emotion regulation may be persistently altered by early environmental exposures. If similar processes operate in human development then this is significant, as the capacity to regulate emotional states is fundamental to human adaptation.

Methods

We utilised a 22‐year longitudinal study to examine the influence of early infant attachment to the mother, a key marker of early experience, on neural regulation of emotional states in young adults. Infant attachment status was measured via objective assessment at 18‐months, and the neural underpinnings of the active regulation of affect were studied using fMRI at age 22 years.

Results

Infant attachment status at 18‐months predicted neural responding during the regulation of positive affect 20‐years later. Specifically, while attempting to up‐regulate positive emotions, adults who had been insecurely versus securely attached as infants showed greater activation in prefrontal regions involved in cognitive control and reduced co‐activation of nucleus accumbens with prefrontal cortex, consistent with relative inefficiency in the neural regulation of positive affect.

Conclusions

Disturbances in the mother–infant relationship may persistently alter the neural circuitry of emotion regulation, with potential implications for adjustment in adulthood.
Dress syndrome induced by levetiracetam
Authors: Eleni K.
Published: January 2014

Background

The tremendous increase in the use of drugs has considerably increased their side effects.

Objectives

The aim of this work is to demonstrate Dress syndrome induced by levetiracetam an anti‐epileptic drug.

Methods

We describe a skin eruption observed in an‐hospitalized in an intensive care unit patient who received levetiracetam.

Results

According to morphology of the rash and the laboratory findings the rash fulfills the criteria for Dress syndrome.

Conclusion

Levetiracetam may induce Dress syndrome.
Thirty Years of Shareholder Rights and Firm Value
Authors: CREMERS MARTIJN , FERRELL ALLEN
Published: January 2014

This paper introduces a new hand‐collected data set that tracks restrictions on shareholder rights at approximately 1,000 firms from 1978 to 1989. In conjunction with the 1990 to 2006 IRRC data, we track shareholder rights over 30 years. Most governance changes occurred during the 1980s. We find a robustly negative association between restrictions on shareholder rights (using G‐Index as a proxy) and Tobin's Q. The negative association only appears after judicial approval of antitakeover defenses in the 1985 landmark Delaware Supreme Court decision of Moran v. Household. This decision was an unanticipated exogenous shock that increased the importance of shareholder rights.
The Cross‐Section of Managerial Ability, Incentives, and Risk Preferences
Authors: KOIJEN RALPH S.J.
Published: January 2014

I estimate a dynamic investment model for mutual managers to study the cross‐sectional distribution of ability, incentives, and risk preferences. The manager's compensation depends on the size of the fund, which fluctuates due to fund returns and due to fund flows that respond to the fund's relative performance. The model provides an economic interpretation of time‐varying coefficients in performance regressions in terms of the structural parameters. I document that the estimates of fund alphas are precise and virtually unbiased. I find substantial heterogeneity in ability, risk preferences, and pay‐for‐performance sensitivities that relates to observable fund characteristics.
Influence of spherical aberration, stimulus spatial frequency, and pupil apodisation on subjective refractions
Authors: Bradley Arthur , Xu Renfeng , Thibos Larry , Marin Gildas , Hernandez Martha
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To test competing hypotheses (Stiles Crawford pupil apodising or superior imaging of high spatial frequencies by the central pupil) for the pupil size independence of subjective refractions in the presence of primary spherical aberration.

Methods

Subjective refractions were obtained with a variety of test stimuli (high contrast letters, urban cityscape, high and low spatial frequency gratings) while modulating pupil diameter, levels of primary spherical aberration and pupil apodisation. Subjective refractions were also obtained with low‐pass and high‐pass stimuli and using ‘darker’ and ‘sharper’ subjective criteria.

Results

Subjective refractions for stimuli containing high spatial frequencies focus a near paraxial region of the pupil and are affected only slightly by level of Seidel spherical aberration, degree of pupil apodisation and pupil diameter, and generally focused a radius of about 1–1.5 mm from the pupil centre. Low spatial frequency refractions focus a marginal region of the pupil, and are significantly affected by level of spherical aberration, amount of pupil apodisation, and pupil size. Clinical refractions that employ the ‘darker’ or ‘sharper’ subjective criteria bias the patient to use lower or higher spatial frequencies, respectively.

Conclusions

In the presence of significant levels of spherical aberration, the pupil size independence of subjective refractions occurs with or without Stiles Crawford apodisation for refractions that optimise high spatial frequency content in the image. If low spatial frequencies are optimised by a subjective refraction, spherical refractive error varies with spherical aberration, pupil size, and level of apodisation. As light levels drop from photopic to scotopic, therefore, we expect a shift from pupil size independent to pupil size dependent subjective refractions. Emphasising a ‘sharper’ criterion during subjective refractions will improve image quality for high spatial frequencies and generate pupil size independent refractions.
Bearing Capacity of Strip Footing on Sand Slopes Reinforced with Geotextile and Soil Nails
Authors: Altalhea Enas B. , Taha Mohd Raihan , Abdrabbo Fathi M.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the results of laboratory model tests on the behavior of a strip footing supported by a single geotextile layer and by a row of soil nails in a sandy slope. A comparison between bearing capacity improvements in the two cases were made and analyzed. Parameters varied include depth of the reinforcing layer, edge distance of the footing, location of soil nail row, and location of the footing relative to the slope crest. Bearing capacity of non-stabilized cases were initially determined and then compared with those of stabilized slopes. Results indicate that stabilized earth slope using a single geotextile layer or a row of soil nails significantly improves bearing capacity of strip footing. This improvement in bearing capacity increases as soil nail spacing decreases. Overall improvement is significantly better when using a single geotextile layer to stabilize earth slope than using a row of soil nails.
Effectiveness of Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography Method in Soil Water Content Measurement
Authors: Mohd. Razali Siti Fatin , Abd. Wahab Johari , Mukhlisin Muhammad , Arshad Ishak , Mohamed Zawawi Samba
Published: January 2014

Many researchers, in the recent years have developed various techniques for determining water content of the soils. Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT) is one of the techniques developed by using various types of sensors to improve the quality and effectiveness in the determination of water content in the soil. The technology is based on the capacitance measurement generated from a whole volumetric image of the region which is surrounded by three-dimensional geometry capacitance sensor. This study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of ECVT in measuring soil water contents in fine sand and silty sand to compared with the gravimetric method. Results analysis show that the correlations of the water content measurement R2 using ECVT and gravimetric methods for fine sand and silty sand are very good, about 0.978 and 0.988, respectively. These suggest that ECVT method has a good potential in determining the soil water content in this respective soil type.
The Potentials of Portland Cement and Bitumen Emulsion Mixture on Soil Stabilization in Road Base Construction
Authors: Baghini Mojtaba Shojaei , Ismail Amiruddin , Kheradmand Behnam , Hafezi Mohamad Hesam , Almansob Ramez Alezzi
Published: January 2014

Recycled road based material requires aÂ stabilizing effect in order to provide a longer life to pavements. This is done by improving its strength and reduces its water vulnerability. One of the most popular techniques to achieve this is by using soil stabilization. This research aims to analyze in details the soil stabilization method which utilizes Portland cement and bitumen emulsion in improving soil properties. As a result, this will increase the pavement bearing capacity (conducted via laboratory research). The combination of Portland cement and bitumen emulsion are beneficial for the purpose of increasing the stiffness and also the elasticity of soil stabilized layer. In order to examine this, two steps were undertaken, first, by examining the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and Modulus of Elasticity (ME) on samples mixed with soil aggregates comprising Portland cement and bitumen emulsion. Next, the data collated was analysed and the graph plots were presented as to show the optimum value of Portland cement and bitumen emulsion used in soil stabilization. The major findings of this research showed the importance of soil stabilization using Portland cement and bitumen in improving pavementâ€™s performances by increasing bearing capacity of its layer. The findings revealed that overall; the optimum value of Portland cement and bitumen emulsion utilized in base Soil stabilization method is 3% and 3% respectively. With this method, the duration time of the project can be reduced and subsequently the project cost may be also reduced.
Comparative Study on Effect of PEG and PVP as Additives on Polysulfone (PSF) Membrane Structure and Performance
Authors: Aminudin Nurul Nabilah , Basri Hatijah , Harun Zawati , Yunos Muhamad Zaini , Sean Goh Pei
Published: January 2014

PSf flat sheet membrane was prepared via phase inversion technique with N-methyl-2-pyrroidone (NMP) as solvent. In this study polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP) were compared as additives at different composition (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 3 wt% and 5 wt%). The structure and morphology of the resulting membranes were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the membranes permeation were evaluated in terms of pure water flux (PWF) and solute rejection. Solution of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used to study the performance of prepared membrane. The addition of the additives into the casting solution changed the structure of the resultant membranes, which was believed to be associated with the change the permeated of water. The results demonstrated that at the same additive content, PSf/PVP membranes had higher PWF at 0.5 wt% and and 5 wt% of additive while PSf/PEG at 1 wt% and 3 wt% of additive. The BSA rejection show no significant changes for PSf/PEG while PSf/PVP, BSA rejection decrease with increase the increasing the PVP. For PEG, additive from 0% to 5%, the PWF increased from 14.73 at to 101.85 LMH. While for PVP, the PWF increased from 21.13 to 177.61 LMH. The membrane morphology showed that all images showed the membranes were having asymmetric structure consisting of a dense top layer, a porous sublayer, and a small portion of sponge-like bottom layer. The top layer of the membrane consist of finger-like structure while at bottom layer  has macrovoid structure. With increasing the additive, the finger-like structure become longer to the bottom  and macrovoid become smaller. The study found that PEG gives the optimum performance based on the result of rejection and flux permeation.
Effect of Zinc Oxide on Performance of Ultrafiltration Membrane for Humic Acid Separation
Authors: Yunos Muhamad Zaini , Harun Zawati , Basri Hatijah , Shohur Mohd Fikri , Jamalludin Mohd Riduan , Hassan Sulaiman
Published: January 2014

The effects of different zinc oxide concentration on morphology, contact angle, surface roughness and rejection towards humic acid in polysulfone membrane were investigated. Flatsheet ultrafiltration membrane were prepared by using polysulfone as based polymer, polyethylene glycol as  pore forming agent, zinc oxide as manipulated additive and TAP as compatibilizer. In this study, N, methyl-2-pyrrolidone were used as solvent and water as non solvent. The membrane were prepared via phase inversion method. Results showed that pure water flux was enhanced by the presence of zinc oxide up to 1 wt% and tend to decrease beyond this concentration. The increased pure water flux was attributed to the increase in hydrophilicity and  surface roughness of membrane according to contact angle and AFM measurement. The rejection test with humic acid as solute revealed that by increasing zinc oxide concentration, rejection increases up to 98% at 2 wt% of zinc oxide. Therefore polysulfone/zinc oxide in this study can provide potential application for river water treatment which consist high humic acid concentration.
Exploring Strategies for Vocabulary Learning and Teaching for ESL Learnersâ€“A Literature Review
Authors: Sze Wei Wong , Attan Anie
Published: January 2014

There is much interest about how ESL vocabulary should be taught to learners, particularly at the elementary level in an attempt to give learners a good foundation of the target language and to enable them to deal with spoken and written texts with confidence. In this paper we discuss the issues surrounding vocabulary learning and teaching, namely, context, number of repetitions, type of words chosen, number of words chosen and level of processing. We then build upon that discussion to provide a literature review of the strategies adopted for the teaching of ESL vocabulary and which have been found to produce favourable results in the contexts they were applied. Implicit learning and explicit teaching notions are examined and incidental and intentional vocabulary learning strategies are explored as probable options that could be supported to suit individual needs.
Focus on Students: A Blended Business English Writing Class in Sabah
Authors: Leduning Deborah , Kean Wah Lee
Published: January 2014

Blended learning (BL) has scored itself numerous zoom-in sessions in language teaching and learning discussions as it globally evolves rapidly as one of the leading 21st century learning approaches in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). BL has just begun to be introduced in a private higher education institution in Sabah, despite its global acclaim. In this study, the effectiveness of a BL approach with first year Diploma in Commerce Students (N=30) in learning Business English writing skills was investigated. The BL approach involved a combination of traditional face-to-face classroom activities such as lectures, group discussions, individual consultations/ explanations with digital classroom activities such as discussion threads, online responses and links to relevant articles, videos and interactive website through SchoologyÂ©. Quantitative as well as qualitative methodologies were employed in this study for data elicitation, which includes pre and post achievement tests, questionnaires and interviews to explore the issues of learning, course management and challenges faced in operating the BL approach. A fundamental analytical lens- EngestrÃ¶mâ€™s Activity Theory was employed in this study and was most useful in revealing overall positive views from students as well as certain limitations within the system. The findings showed that what was uncovered about the relevance of the BL approach might just be the tip of the iceberg.
Teaching Spoken English to L2 Learners â€œAn Effective Approach: Natural Occurring Conversationâ€
Authors: Ngowananchai Jumjim
Published: January 2014

Most EFL teachers have the aims to improve their learnersâ€™ ability of English specifically the speaking skill. However, the ability of learning skills is varied according to their background and the environment of target language surrounding them. To teach spoken English effectively, teachers need to pay much attention to the approach used in the lesson. The author therefore conducted a qualitative research to investigate the studentsâ€™ improvement in speaking competence shown when they are in different contexts i.e. classroom and outside classroom. The study also examined the significant differences in terms of performance of speaking ability in different contexts. The participants consisted of 72 students. Eighteen students were selected by simple random sampling through drawing lots. The sampling size is 25 percent of the population. The researcher carried out the experiment using Natural Occurring Conversation as a Teaching Model to improve the speaking competence of students. The duration of the implementation was 12 weeks excluding the mid-term and final examination. The results revealed that Natural Occurring Conversation as a teaching model helped students to have freedom and confidence when they spoke outside classroom context. However, some students still had difficulty in recognition of the questions when interviewing tourists. They always looked at and read the questions while having a conversation which showed no significant differences in terms of their performance in speaking ability in both in and outside classroom context.
The Language Identities of Malaysians as Portrayed in Upin and Ipin
Authors: Mohd Nadzri Nur Salawati , Hassan Hanita
Published: January 2014

Malaysian government has proposed the 1Malaysia concept as a means of maintaining the harmonious status in a multiracial country. Â Several efforts were done in realising the concept through media and one of it is through television animation series. The Upin and Ipin animation series is known to have successfully promoted Malaysian cultures and gained popularity for its vast moral contents, portraying Islamic values and educating Malaysians on the importance of harmonious relationships among people from different ethnic groups and religious backgrounds. This paper aims to discuss the language identities of Malaysians as portrayed in the animation series, of which the focus is on the linguistic elements. In this study, we conducted textual analysis, by which the language identities of the characters were analysed. Our data were 11 parts of the Upin and Ipin animation series that portrayed people from different ethnic groups interacting with each other. The findings show that the characters in the animation use different particles in representing their ethnicity. Besides that, a typical Malaysian speech pattern of the particle lah is found to be widely used by all Malaysians, regardless of their ethnic group. The first language interference, code switching and the act of accommodating a Chinese speech style are also discussed in light of Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT).
Comparison of Poroviscoelastic Models for Sound and Vibration in the Lungs
Authors: Dai Zoujun , Peng Ying , Mansy Hansen A. , Sandler Richard H. , Royston Thomas J.
Published: January 2014

Noninvasive measurement of mechanical wave motion (sound and vibration) in the lungs may be of diagnostic value, as it can provide information about the mechanical properties of the lungs, which in turn are affected by disease and injury. In this study, two previously derived theoretical models of the vibroacoustic behavior of the lung parenchyma are compared: (1) a Biot theory of poroviscoelasticity and (2) an effective medium theory for compression wave behavior (also known as a “bubble swarm” model). A fractional derivative formulation of shear viscoelasticity is integrated into both models. A measurable “fast” compression wave speed predicted by the Biot theory formulation has a significant frequency dependence that is not predicted by the effective medium theory. Biot theory also predicts a slow compression wave. The experimentally measured fast compression wave speed and attenuation in a pig lung ex vivo model agreed well with the Biot theory. To obtain the parameters for the Biot theory prediction, the following experiments were undertaken: quasistatic mechanical indentation measurements were performed to estimate the lung static shear modulus; surface wave measurements were performed to estimate lung tissue shear viscoelasticity; and flow permeability was measured on dried lung specimens. This study suggests that the Biot theory may provide a more robust and accurate model than the effective medium theory for wave propagation in the lungs over a wider frequency range.
Revisiting the Social Identity–Brand Equity Model: An Application to Professional Sports
Authors: Watkins Brandi A.
Published: January 2014

This project revisits the social identity–brand equity (SIBE) model developed by Underwood, Bond, and Baer (2001). The model proposes that marketplace characteristics relevant to sports can be used to enhance one’s social identification with a team, which is assumed to have a positive influence on a team’s customer-based brand equity. The current study has two goals: (a) to provide an empirical assessment of the SIBE model in the context of professional sports and (b) assess the individual influence of the proposed marketplace characteristics on social identification. We report results of a survey of U.S. National Basketball Association fans, which provide partial support for the model. Group experience and venue were found to have the strongest influence on social identification with a team. Considerations for theoretical advancement of the model and practical application for sport brand managers are discussed.
Mariners of the Lost Sea
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: January 2014

Charting the rise and fall of the ancient Paratethys Sea may help explain how Central Asia's lush forests gave way to steppe and desert.
Moyamoya disease, revascularisation surgery and anaesthetic considerations
Authors: Ilkhchoui Yashar , Panikkath Pramod V , Martin Hugh
Published: January 2014

We report a case of a rare disease that requires a unique anaesthetic approach for a unique surgical procedure. Anaesthesiologists need to be familiar with different pathophysiological aspects of this disease and its perioperative management.
Official blame for drivers with very low blood alcohol content: there is no safe combination of drinking and driving
Authors: Phillips David P , Sousa Ana Luiza R , Moshfegh Rebecca T
Published: January 2014

Background

Some laboratory studies find that driving is impaired even at blood alcohol content (BAC)=0.01%. However, no real-world traffic studies have investigated whether minimally ‘buzzed’ drivers (BAC=0.01%) are more likely to be blamed for a crash than are the sober drivers they collide with.

Purpose

To determine whether official blame for a crash increases significantly at BAC=0.01%.

Methods

We examined the relationship between the driver’s BAC and the degree to which he or she was assigned sole official blame (SOB) for the crash. We analysed an official, exhaustive, nationwide US database (Fatality Analysis Reporting System; n=570 731), covering 1994–2011.

Results

Even minimally ‘buzzed’ drivers are 46% (24–72%) more likely to be officially blamed for a crash than are the sober drivers they collide with (χ2=20.45; p=0.000006). There is no threshold effect—no sudden transition from blameless to blamed drivers at BAC=0.08% (the US legal limit). Instead, SOB increases smoothly and strongly with BAC (r=0.98 (0.96–0.99) for male drivers, p<0.000001; r=0.99 (0.97–0.99) for female drivers, p<0.000001). This near-linear SOB-to-BAC relationship begins at BAC=0.01% and ends around BAC=0.24%. Our findings persist after controlling for many confounding variables.

Conclusions

There appears to be no safe combination of drinking and driving—even minimally ‘buzzed’ drivers pose increased risk to themselves and to others. Concerns about drunk driving should also be extended to ‘buzzed’ driving. US legislators should reduce the legal BAC limit, perhaps to 0.05%, as in most European countries. Lowering the legal BAC limit is likely to reduce injuries and save lives.
Teams, tribes and patient safety: overcoming barriers to effective teamwork in healthcare
Authors: Weller Jennifer , Boyd Matt , Cumin David
Published: January 2014

Modern healthcare is delivered by multidisciplinary, distributed healthcare teams who rely on effective teamwork and communication to ensure effective and safe patient care. However, we know that there is an unacceptable rate of unintended patient harm, and much of this is attributed to failures in communication between health professionals. The extensive literature on teams has identified shared mental models, mutual respect and trust and closed-loop communication as the underpinning conditions required for effective teams. However, a number of challenges exist in the healthcare environment. We explore these in a framework of educational, psychological and organisational challenges to the development of effective healthcare teams. Educational interventions can promote a better understanding of the principles of teamwork, help staff understand each other’s roles and perspectives, and help develop specific communication strategies, but may not be sufficient on their own. Psychological barriers, such as professional silos and hierarchies, and organisational barriers such as geographically distributed teams, can increase the chance of communication failures with the potential for patient harm. We propose a seven-step plan to overcome the barriers to effective team communication that incorporates education, psychological and organisational strategies. Recent evidence suggests that improvement in teamwork in healthcare can lead to significant gains in patient safety, measured against efficiency of care, complication rate and mortality. Interventions to improve teamwork in healthcare may be the next major advance in patient outcomes.
Understanding Cerebellar Liponeurocytomas: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Oudrhiri M. Y. , Raouzi N. , El Kacemi I. , El Fatemi N. , Gana R. , Maaqili M. R. , Bellakhdar F.
Published: January 2014

Cerebellar liponeurocytomas were recognized in the 2000 WHO 3rd edition of CNS tumors as a distinct grade I pathological entity, a tumor with a more favorable prognosis than medulloblastoma. But reports of long-term recurrences and some possible aggressive behavior led to an upgrade on the latest WHO 4th edition of CNS tumors. The case of a 64-year-old female patient is reported in this paper. More than 30 cases of this lately recognized pathological entity have been reported to date. The diagnostic, radiological, and pathological features associated with this tumor are discussed through a literature review.
Existence and Stability for Stochastic Partial Differential Equations with Infinite Delay
Authors: Cui Jing , Yan Litan , Sun Xichao
Published: January 2014

We consider a class of neutral stochastic partial differential equations with infinite delay in real separable Hilbert spaces. We derive the existence and uniqueness of mild solutions under some local Carathéodory-type conditions and also exponential stability in mean square of mild solutions as well as its sample paths. Some known results are generalized and improved.
Nanocomposite‐Based Bulk Heterojunction Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Nguyen Bich Phuong , Kim Taehoon , Park Chong Rae
Published: January 2014

Photovoltaic devices based on nanocomposites composed of conjugated polymers and inorganic nanocrystals show promise for the fabrication of low‐cost third‐generation thin film photovoltaics. In theory, hybrid solar cells can combine the advantages of the two classes of materials to potentially provide high power conversion efficiencies of up to 10%; however, certain limitations on the current within a hybrid solar cell must be overcome. Current limitations arise from incompatibilities among the various intradevice interfaces and the uncontrolled aggregation of nanocrystals during the step in which the nanocrystals are mixed into the polymer matrix. Both effects can lead to charge transfer and transport inefficiencies. This paper highlights potential strategies for resolving these obstacles and presents an outlook on the future directions of this field.
Photocatalytic Degradation of 2‐Chlorophenol Using Ag‐Doped TiO2 Nanofibers and a Near‐UV Light‐Emitting Diode System
Authors: Park Ju-Young , Lee In-Hwa
Published: January 2014

This report investigated the photocatalytic degradation of 2‐chlorophenol using TiO2 nanofibers and Ag‐doped TiO2 nanofibers, synthesized using the sol‐gel and electrospinning techniques, and an ultraviolet light‐emitting diode (UV‐LED) system as a UV light source. The crystallite size of the Ag‐doped TiO2 nanofibers was smaller than that of the TiO2 nanofibers, because silver retrained phase transformation not only controls the phase transformation but also inhibits the growth of anatase crystallites. The activation energies for the grain growth of the TiO2 nanofibers and the Ag‐doped TiO2 nanofibers were estimated to be 20.84 and 27.01 kJ/mol, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation rate followed a pseudo‐first‐order equation. The rate constants (k) of the TiO2 nanofibers and the Ag‐doped TiO2 nanofibers were 0.056 and 0.144 min−1, respectively.
Properties of Edible Films Based on Oxidized Starch and Zein
Authors: Argüello-García Elizabeth , Solorza-Feria Javier , Rendón-Villalobos J. Rodolfo , Rodríguez-González Francisco , Jiménez-Pérez Alfredo , Flores-Huicochea Emmanuel
Published: January 2014

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of zein and film formulation on mechanical and structural properties of native (FNS), and oxidized with 2.5% (FOSA) and 3.5% (FOSB) banana starch. The oxidized starch showed differences from native starch due to the oxidation process, showing a decrease in lipids, proteins, and amylose. The increase of the sodium hypochlorite increased the content of carbonyl and carboxyl groups in the ranges 0.015–0.028% and 0.022–0.031%, respectively. The film obtained from FOSB displayed the highest tensile strength (5.05 MPa) and satisfactory elongation value (27.1%). The zein addition caused a decrease in these mechanical properties, as well as a significant decrease in water vapour permeability (WVP). However, films from FOSA and FOSB showed higher permeability than that of the native starch. The addition of glycerol and the level of oxidation increased the films moisture. Micrographs showed that, during the oxidation process, impurities were largely eliminated from the starch granule, noting more homogeneous structures both in granules and films.
Prebiliary Right Hepatic Artery Resulting in Common Hepatic Duct Compression and Subsequent Intrahepatic Stone Formation: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Mendes Vanessa Marron , Nasser Haydar A. , Bou Nassif Georges , Choukr Ali
Published: January 2014

The vascular anatomy of the liver is subjected to many variations. Aberrant hepatic artery is not an uncommon finding during visceral surgery; however, topographic variations are less reported in the literature. Prebiliary artery crossing anteriorly to the common hepatic duct was firstly reported in 1984. We present here a case of a 52-year-old lady who presented with obstructive jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. Paraclinical investigations were consistent with intrahepatic stones and a benign stricture on the CBD. During surgery, a prebiliary right hepatic artery compressing the CHD was noted. The liver pedicle was dissected and a hepaticojejunostomy was performed that resulted in a good outcome after 24 months of followup.
Retrospective and Prospective Investigations about “Quatrefoil” Erythrocytes in Canine Blood Smears
Authors: Gavazza Alessandra , Ricci Marianna , Brettoni Martina , Gugliucci Biancaurora , Pasquini Anna , Rispoli Daniela , Bernabò Nicola , Lubas George
Published: January 2014

The presence of unusual two RBCs patterns (so-called “quatrefoil RBCs,” qRBCs) on canine blood smears at Optical Microscope (OM) was seen during routine evaluation of CBCs. Two consecutive retrospective investigations were arranged including about 7,000 CBCs and clinical records and laboratory data from dogs showing qRBCs. Few samples with qRBCs were prepared for Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). qRBCs were found in 6.89% (139 of 2016) and 8.47% (133 of 1569) of dogs and in 3.89% (154 of 3,958) and 4.47% (138 of 3,081) of CBCs (some dogs were tested more than once). Statistical analysis was significant for age groups (Chi squared,P<0.0001), decreased total leukocyte and neutrophil counts (ANOVA,P<0.0001), RBCs anisocytosis, polychromasia, and Howell-Jolly bodies (ANOVA,P<0.018, <0.005, and <0.003, respectively). qRBCs were distributed in the area of feathered edge and at the smear side of body-feathered edge area in blood films. SEM ruled out the possibility of an optical illusion or an accidental overlap. qRBCs are associated with ageing of dogs, total leukocyte and neutrophil counts, and RBC anisocytosis, polychromasia, and Howell-Jolly bodies. Few hypotheses were discussed to explain the origin and meaning of this RBC arrangement.
Transdermal Nitroglycerin Delivery Using Acrylic Matrices: Design, Formulation, and In Vitro Characterization
Authors: Savoji Houman , Mehdizadeh Amir , Ramazani Saadat Abadi Ahmad
Published: January 2014

Nitroglycerin (TNG) transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs) with different acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs) were prepared. The effects of PSAs and CPEs types and concentrations on skin permeation and in vitro drug release from devices were evaluated using the dissolution method as well as the modified-jacketed Franz diffusion cells fitted with excised rat abdominal skin. It was demonstrated that the permeation rate or steady state flux (Jss) of the drug through the excised rat skin was dependent on the viscosity and type of acrylic PSA as well as the type of CPE. Among different acrylic PSAs, Duro-Tak 2516 and Duro-Tak 2054 showed the highest and Duro-Tak 2051 showed the lowest Jss. Among the various CPEs, propylene glycol and cetyl alcohol showed the highest and the lowest enhancement of the skin permeation of TNG, respectively. The adhesion properties of devices such as 180° peel strength and probe tack values were obtained. It was shown that increasing the concentration of CPE led to reduction in the adhesion property of PSA. Moreover, after optimization of the formulation, it was found that the use of 10% PG as a CPE and 25% nitroglycerin loading in Duro-Tak 2054 is an effective monolithic DIAP for the development of a transdermal therapeutic system for nitroglycerin.
H3N2 Virus as Causative Agent of ARDS Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
Authors: Peris Adriano , Zagli Giovanni , Bernardo Pasquale , Bonacchi Massimo , Cozzolino Morena , Perretta Lucia , Azzi Alberta , Cianchi Giovanni
Published: January 2014

Pandemic influenza virus A(H1N1) 2009 was associated with a higher risk of viral pneumonia in comparison with seasonal influenza viruses. The influenza season 2011-2012 was characterized by the prevalent circulation of influenza A(H3N2) viruses. Whereas most H3N2 patients experienced mild, self-limited influenza-like illness, some patients were at increased risk for influenza complications because of age or underlying medical conditions. Cases presented were patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of ECMO referral center (Careggi Teaching Hospital, Florence, Italy). Despite extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment (ECMO), one patient with H3N2-induced ARDS did not survive. Our experience suggests that viral aetiology is becoming more important and hospitals should be able to perform a fast differential diagnosis between bacterial and viral aetiology.
An Update in Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Authors: Winer J. B.
Published: January 2014

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) was first described in 1916 (Guillain G, 1916) and is approaching its 100th anniversary. Our knowledge of the syndrome has hugely expanded since that time. Once originally considered to be only demyelinating in pathology we now recognise both axonal and demyelinating subtypes. Numerous triggering or antecedent events including infections are recognised and GBS is considered an immunological response to these. GBS is now considered to be a clinical syndrome of an acute inflammatory neuropathy encompassing a number of subtypes with evidence of different immunological mechanisms. Some of these are clearly understood while others remain to be fully elucidated. Complement fixing antibodies against peripheral nerve gangliosides alone and in combination are increasingly recognised as an important mechanism of nerve damage. New antibodies against other nerve antigens such as neurofascin have been recently described. Research databases have been set up to look at factors associated with prognosis and the influence of intravenous immunoglobulin (IvIg) pharmacokinetics in therapy. Exciting new studies are in progress to examine a possible role for complement inhibition in the treatment of the syndrome.
A Method for Fast Assessment of OP/CB Exposure in the Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Using Combined Esterases Enzyme Activity as Biomarkers
Authors: Abass Kasim Sakran
Published: January 2014

The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of different esterase activities in plasma and liver for Japanese quail and to combine determination of both carboxylesterase and cholinesterase as biochemical biomarker in order to identify the effects of carbamate and organophosphate compounds exposure. Carboxylesterase exhibits larger sensitivity to carbamate and organophosphate compounds than to cholinesterase and is present at higher levels. This permitted nature and distribution of carboxylesterase or cholinesterase to be measured. One predominant toxicological form of enzyme level constant in its patterns of motivation and inhibition with cholinesterase was identified in plasma with an apparent Michaelis constant for butyrylthiocholine iodide of 0.394 mM. Carboxylesterase activity in liver was considered by its preferential hydrolysis of the S-phenyl thioacetate. A concentration dependent decrease of carboxylesterase and cholinesterase has demonstrated duringin vitroincubation of malathion, parathion, and trichlorfon in the range 0.125–2 mM, while with methomyl was in the range 0.25–4 mM. When quail (n=15) was exposed orally for 48 h to concentrations of carbamate or organophosphate compounds of 3–200 mg/kg, the percentage inhibition of cholinesterase was in each case larger than that of carboxylesterase and reached statistical significance (P<0.05) at lower concentrations.
A Case of Heroin Induced Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Aulet Ricardo Mario , Flis Daniel , Sillman Jonathan
Published: January 2014

A case of a 31-year-old male who developed profound sensorineural hearing loss following a heroin overdose is presented. The patient subsequently had a full recovery of his hearing. Other cases of this rare phenomenon are reviewed and management options are discussed.