bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rural PILL Program: A Postdischarge Telepharmacy Intervention for Rural Veterans
Authors: Rebello Katherine E. , Gosian Jeffrey , Salow Marci , Sweeney Pamela , Rudolph James L. , Driver Jane A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of the Rural Pharmacological Intervention in Late Life (PILL) program, a quality improvement initiative in which a Boston‐based pharmacist provided postdischarge telepharmacy care to veterans from rural Maine.

Methods

Using an automated screening tool, we identified 100 veterans aged 65 and older who had an acute care admission to VA medical centers in Boston or Maine and were at risk of problems with medication management. The PILL pharmacist called patients the week after hospital discharge to reconcile medications, assess adherence, and identify potentially inappropriate drugs. The pharmacist worked with each veteran's family and providers to resolve problems and increase support. To determine whether the intervention decreased acute care admissions, rehospitalizations, or deaths, we matched 1 unique control to each PILL patient by age, hospital location, length of stay, admitting service, and reason for admission. Logistic regression was performed to determine the OR and 95% CI of the outcomes.

Results

Patients were discharged on an average of 16 medications and with 4.4 medication changes. Overall, 61% of patients had clerical errors in the discharge summary, and potential clinical concerns were identified in over 75%. Veterans who received the intervention were 70% less likely than controls to have an acute care visit at 30 days postdischarge (7 vs 20 patients; OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12‐0.75). There was no difference in rates of hospital readmission or mortality.

Conclusion

This pharmacist‐led phone‐based program was effective in decreasing acute care utilization within 30 days after hospital discharge.
A combination of different diagnostic tools allows identification of inactive hepatitis B virus carriers at a single time point evaluation
Authors: Maimone Sergio , Caccamo Gaia , Squadrito Giovanni , Alibrandi Angela , Saffioti Francesca , Spinella Rosaria , Raffa Giuseppina , Pollicino Teresa , Raimondo Giovanni
Published: September 2016

Background & Aims

Serial evaluation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and aminotransferase values is required for identification of inactive HBV carriers (ICs). Recently, HBV surface antigen quantification (qHBsAg) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) have been proposed as diagnostic tools in chronic HBV infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of HBV DNA quantification, qHBsAg and LSM in diagnosing ICs at a single time point.

Methods

Fifty‐seven previously characterized ICs and 90 untreated HBsAg‐/anti‐HBe‐positive patients [49 chronic hepatitis (CH), 41 cirrhosis] were enrolled. HBV DNA ≤2000 IU/mL, LSM ≤6.2 kPa and qHBsAg ≤1000 IU/mL were used as cut‐offs to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy (DA).

Results

Combined HBV DNA quantification and qHBsAg correctly identified 30/57 (52.6%) ICs showing 94% sensitivity, 96% specificity, 98% PPV, 87% NPV and 95% DA. HBV DNA coupled with LSM identified 40/57 (70.2%) ICs showing 97% sensitivity, 97% specificity, 98% PPV, 95% NPV and 97% DA. Combined LSM and qHBsAg identified 33/57 (57.9%) ICs showing 95% sensitivity, 78% specificity, 89% PPV, 89% NPV and 89% DA. The evaluation of the three parameters altogether allowed the identification of 23/57 (40.3%) ICs showing 100% specificity, 96% sensitivity, 100% PPV, 92% NPV and 97% DA. Similar results were obtained when either CH or cirrhotic patients were excluded from the analysis.

Conclusions

Combined evaluation of HBV DNA amount with LSM and/or qHBsAg is a highly reliable tool allowing the identification of a considerable number of HBV ICs at a single time point evaluation.
Structural impact on gendered expectations and exemptions for family caregivers in hospice palliative home care
Authors: Sutherland Nisha , Ward‐Griffin Catherine , McWilliam Carol , Stajduhar Kelli
Published: September 2016

Evidence of gender differences in the amount and type of care provided by family caregivers in hospice palliative home care suggests potential inequities in health and health care experiences. As part of a larger critical ethnographic study examining gender relations among clients with cancer, their family caregivers and primary nurses, this article describes gendered expectations and exemptions for family caregivers within the sociopolitical context of end‐of‐life at home. Data were collected from in‐depth interviews (n = 25), observations of agency home care visits (n = 9) and analyses of policy and home care agency documents (n = 12). Employing a critical feminist lens, a gender‐based analysis revealed that structural discourses emphasizing an artificial divide between public and private spheres constructed end‐of‐life at home as private and apolitical. Associated with care of home and family, women were most impacted by these public/private discourses underpinning neoliberal values of cost‐efficiency. Findings suggest that a critical perspective is needed to assist policy makers and healthcare providers to view how caregiver experiences are shaped by structures that control the availability of resources. Thus, instead of focusing on caregivers' deficits, interventions should be directed at the social, political and economic conditions that shape gendered experiences.
The role of nutrients, productivity and climate in determining tree fruit production in European forests
Authors: Fernández‐Martínez Marcos , Vicca Sara , Janssens Ivan A. , Espelta Josep Maria , Peñuelas Josep
Published: September 2016

Fruit production (NPPf), the amount of photosynthates allocated to reproduction (%GPPf) and their controls for spatial and species‐specific variability (e.g. nutrient availability, climate) have been poorly studied in forest ecosystems. We characterized fruit production and its temporal behaviour for several tree species and resolved the effects of gross primary production (GPP), climate and foliar nutrient concentrations.

We used data for litterfall and foliar nutrient concentration from 126 European forests and related them to climatic data. GPP was estimated for each forest using a regression model.

Mean NPPf ranged from c. 10 to 40 g C m−2 yr−1 and accounted for 0.5–3% of GPP. Forests with higher GPPs produced larger fruit crops. Foliar zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were associated positively with NPPf, whereas foliar Zn and potassium (K) were negatively related to its temporal variability. Maximum NPPf and interannual variability of NPPf were higher in Fagaceae than in Pinaceae species.

NPPf and %GPPf were similar amongst the studied species despite the different reproductive temporal behaviour of Fagaceae and Pinaceae species. We report that foliar concentrations of P and Zn are associated with %GPPf, NPPf and its temporal behaviour.
The oral cavity in leprosy: what clinicians need to know
Authors: Rodrigues GA , Qualio NP , de Macedo LD , Innocentini LMAR , Ribeiro‐Silva A , Foss NT , Frade MAC , Motta ACF
Published: September 2016

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a bacillus that has a tropism for skin and peripheral nerves. Leprosy treatment is based on a multidrug therapy established by the World Health Organization in 1982 and, despite its widespread use, Brazil ranks second worldwide in numbers of cases. Oral involvement in leprosy has been poorly described in the literature, and few studies have shown that although the bacillus is found in mucosa, specific leprosy lesions are rare and affect patients with advanced stages of the disease. This review aimed to assess the literature on oral manifestations in leprosy and the aspects involving oral cavity in leprosy pathogenesis.
Antagonistic Effects of Endogenous Nitric Oxide in a Glioblastoma Photodynamic Therapy Model
Authors: Fahey Jonathan M. , Emmer Joseph V. , Korytowski Witold , Hogg Neil , Girotti Albert W.
Published: September 2016

Gliomas are aggressive brain tumors that are resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Much of this resistance is attributed to endogenous nitric oxide (NO). Recent studies revealed that 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐based photodynamic therapy (PDT) has advantages over conventional treatments for glioblastoma. In this study, we used an in vitro model to assess whether NO from glioblastoma cells can interfere with ALA‐PDT. Human U87 and U251 cells expressed significant basal levels of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) and its inducible counterpart (iNOS). After an ALA/light challenge, iNOS level increased three‐ to fourfold over 24 h, whereas nNOS remained unchanged. Elevated iNOS resulted in a large increase in intracellular NO. Extent of ALA/light‐induced apoptosis increased substantially when an iNOS inhibitor or NO scavenger was present, implying that iNOS/NO was acting cytoprotectively. Moreover, cells surviving a photochallenge exhibited a striking increase in proliferation, migration and invasion rates, iNOS/NO again playing a dominant role. Also observed was a large iNOS/NO‐dependent increase in matrix metalloproteinase‐9 activity, decrease in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 expression and increase in survivin and S100A4 expression, each effect being consistent with accelerated migration/invasion as a prelude to metastasis. Our findings suggest introduction of iNOS inhibitors as pharmacologic adjuvants for glioblastoma PDT.
Eigenvalue and Eigenvector Analysis of Stability for a Line of Traffic
Authors: Wang Liang , Horn Berthold K. P. , Strang Gilbert
Published: September 2016

Many authors have recognized that traffic under the traditional car‐following model (CFM) is subject to flow instabilities. A recent model achieves stability using bilateral control (BCM)—by looking both forward and backward [1]. (Looking back may be difficult or distracting for human drivers, but is not a problem for sensors.) We analyze the underlying systems of differential equations by studying their eigenvalues and eigenvectors under various boundary conditions. Simulations further confirm that bilateral control can avoid instabilities and reduce the chance of collisions.
Both Sides of the Border: Three Protest Movements of Mexican Workers in 2006
Authors: Roman Richard , Velasco Arregui Edur
Published: September 2016

This article examines the Mexican diaspora and its binational social and political space as a context for thinking about the three revolts of 2006 by Mexican workers along with others. Case studies of the rise, dynamics, and decline or defeat of these three movements—immigrant rights movement in the U.S., the Oaxaca uprising and commune, and the anti‐electoral fraud movement in Mexico—are presented. The article looks at the binational aspects of each of these revolts and suggests that they may indicate possibilities for the development of continental labor solidarity bridged by the Mexican working class.
Diseño y evaluación de un adiestramiento para profesionales de ayuda sobre identificación y manejo de riesgo suicida en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Serra-Taylor José , Jiménez-Chafey María Isabel , Irizarry-Robles Carol Yazmín
Published: September 2016

Este artículo describe el diseño, implementación y evaluación de un adiestramiento para profesionales de ayuda que trabajan en instituciones de educación superior en Puerto Rico dirigido al desarrollo de destrezas y conocimiento en la evaluación y el manejo del riesgo suicida en estudiantes universitarios/as. Se realizó un diseño cuasi experimental de medidas repetidas con 39 profesionales de las disciplinas de consejería, psicología y trabajo social. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la pre y post prueba, t (38) = -9.281, p = .000. Los resultados sugieren que un adiestramiento basado en la evidencia que utilice como guía las competencias e incorpore el uso de ejercicios prácticos aumenta el conocimiento y destrezas de intervención de profesionales de la salud mental en la evaluación y manejo de riesgo suicida.
EMOTIONAL BURDEN IN PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH TRISOMY 21. DESCRIPTIVE STUDY IN A COLOMBIAN POPULATION
Authors: Jaramillo Sonia , Moreno Socorro , Rodríguez Viviana
Published: September 2016

The role of a parent with a disabled child can be highly demanding. There are few publications concerning parental emotional exhaustion in Latin America. The present prevalent case-controlled study evaluated the frequency of emotional exhaustion in 103 parental couples of parents of children with Down Syndrome (DS); likewise the study explores the rate of emotionally exhausted and depressed mothers in comparison with the fathers. This outcome was measured using a modified and validated version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The results showed a prevalence of emotional exhaustion of 52.64%. In the matched-pair analysis we found a higher chance of exhaustion in mothers in comparison with their partners.
Representaciones de Dios, auto-representación y experiência educacional entre estudiantes universitários en Rio de Janeiro.
Authors: Alves de Souza Filho Edson
Published: September 2016

Este estudio procuramos verificar relaciones entre representaciones de Dios (RD), auto-representaciones (AR), y experiencia educacional (LEE) entre estudiantes universitários en Rio de Janeiro. Estudiamos representaciones de Dios enfatizando el poder de Dios sobre los humanos (RD1); poderes espirituales (RD2); proveer una mejor vida humana (RD3); dependencia mutua entre Dios y humanos (RD4); y no creencia en su existencia (RD5). Tratamos AR como siendo compuesta por yo-individual, yo-interpersonal y yo-colectivo. La LEE fue estudiada como eventos producidos sobretodo por una acción de aprendizaje del estudiante el/ella misma o como eventos causados por la acción de la enseñanza sobre el estudiante, como institución/profesor/curriculum. Usamos cuestiones cerradas/abiertas para investigar estudiantes de Economía (n=82) e Psicología (n=107). RD1 y RD2 interfirió sobre las AR de yo-interpersonal y yo-colectivo; mientras las otras RD interfirieron sobre las AR del yo-individual, yo-interpersonal y yo-colectivo. Auto-afirmación, auto-afirmación interpersonal y relación interpersonal negativa correlacionaron con LEE.
El papel del entrenador en la enseñanza de competencias de vida a jóvenes brasileños en riesgo de vulnerabilidad social
Authors: Marques Maurício , Sousa Catarina , Cruz Jaume , Koller Silvia
Published: September 2016

Este estudio busca investigar y analizar cómo piensan y actuan entrenadores de proyectos sociales brasileños con respecto a la enseñanza de competencias de vida a jóvenes que viven en áreas de riesgo de exclusión social. Entrevistamos a seis entrenadores de fútbol de distintas clases de proyectos de educación por el deporte. Se implementó un análisis cualitativo identificando y organizando Meaning Units, que resultó en la creación de cuatro grandes dimensiones: Trabajo en Equipo, Disciplina, Actuación y Vínculo, y Educación Integral; formadas por 28 categorías que reflejan las filosofías y prácticas de los educadores.
Metodología para validar un instrumento de evaluación por competencias en estudiantes de Psicología
Authors: Rosenbluth Ana , Cruzat-Mandich Claudia Verónica , Ugarte María Luisa
Published: September 2016

Se presenta una metodología para validar una estrategia de evaluación por competencias asociadas al perfil de alumnos de psicología. Mediante un estudio cuantitativo de diseño no experimental-correlacional, con la participación del cuerpo docente de la carrera de psicología, se elaboró un instrumento con base en un grupo de competencias seleccionadas. El proceso de validación se llevó a cabo aplicándolo a estudiantes de segundo año de la carrera. Los resultados muestran su validez y contribuyen a la investigación en el diseño de estrategias para la elaboración y validación de instrumentos que permitan determinar si efectivamente las estrategias de enseñanza – aprendizaje están logrando las competencias propuestas en la formación de los alumnos.
Valor diagnóstico de la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión de Goldberg (EAD-G) en adultos cubanos
Authors: Martín Carbonell Marta , Pérez Díaz Raquel , Riquelme Marín Antonio
Published: September 2016

El estudio tiene como objetivo obtener información para población cubana acerca de la validez predictiva de la EADG para detectar personas con trastornos psicopatológicos, así como para diferenciar ansiedad y depresión. Se trabajó con una muestra no probabilística, integrada por 548 sujetos, de los cuales el 31,2% tenían un trastorno psicopatológico diagnosticado por un psiquiatra o psicólogo. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó la metodología análisis de las curvas ROC. Se encontró que la EADG mostró un adecuado valor predictivo para identificar a personas con trastornos psicopatológicos, con escasa capacidad para distinguir trastornos de ansiedad y depresión. Nuestros resultados apoyan la estrategia evaluativa recomendada por los autores de aplicar primeramente los ítems de despistaje.
Validación de la Escala Subjetiva de Carga mental de trabajo (ESCAM) en profesionales de la salud de Chile
Authors: Ceballos Vásquez Paula Andrea , Rolo González Gladys , Hernandez Fernaud Estefania , Díaz Cabrera Dolores , Paravic Klijn Tatiana , Burgos Moreno Mónica , Barriga Omar
Published: September 2016

El objetivo de este estudio es confirmar las características psicométricas de la Escala Subjetiva de Carga Mental de Trabajo (ESCAM) en trabajadores sanitarios de hospitales chilenos. Participaron en este estudio 379 trabajadores de tres hospitales. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: (a) ESCAM; y (b) cuestionario SUSESO-ISTAS 21. Los resultados indican que ESCAM se estructura en cinco dimensiones: Demandas cognitivas y complejidad de la tarea, Características de la tarea, Organización temporal, Ritmo de trabajo y Consecuencias para la salud. Asimismo, se observan correlaciones significativas entre la puntuación total de ESCAM y sus dimensiones con los factores de SUSESO-ISTAS 21. Además, se comprobó la validez de la escala mediante el análisis de perfiles de carga mental con diferentes grupos profesionales.
Perspective on the Mechanical Interaction Between Lithium Dendrites and Polymer Separators at Low Temperature
Authors: Love Corey T.
Published: September 2016

This perspective paper underscores the importance of coupled electro-mechanical studies in lithium battery systems with a specific example given of the interaction between temperature-dependent dendrite morphologies and polymer separators. Polymer separators are passive components in lithium battery systems yet play a critical role in cell safety. Separators must maintain dimensional stability to provide electronic isolation of the active electrodes and resist puncture and penetration from lithium dendrites. The polyolefin class of polymers has been used extensively for this application with mixed success. Recent research efforts to characterize lithium dendrite formation and growth have shown distinct temperature-dependent dendrite morphologies: rounded blunt mushroom-shaped, sharp jagged needle-like, and granular particulates. Each of these dendrite morphologies will induce a difference physical interaction with the polymer separator. Anticipating this interaction is difficult since the mechanical properties of the polymer separator itself are largely temperature dependent. This paper describes the anticipated physical interaction of the three different dendrite morphologies listed above as a function of temperature and the local physical properties of the commercial polymer separator. A discussion is also provided on the utility of estimating local mechanical properties in the electrochemical battery environment from traditional mechanical and thermomechanical measurements made in the laboratory.
Mode-converted ultrasonic scattering in polycrystals with elongated grains
Authors: Arguelles Andrea P. , Kube Christopher M. , Hu Ping , Turner Joseph A.
Published: September 2016

Elastic wave scattering is used to study polycrystalline media for a wide range of applications. Received signals, which include scattering from the randomly oriented grains comprising the polycrystal, contain information from which useful microstructural parameters may often be inferred. Recently, a mode-converted diffuse ultrasonic scattering model was developed for evaluating the scattered response of a transverse wave from an incident longitudinal wave in a polycrystalline medium containing equiaxed single-phase grains with cubic elastic symmetry. In this article, that theoretical mode-converted scattering model is modified to account for grain elongation within the sample. The model shows the dependence on scattering angle relative to the grain axis orientation. Experimental measurements were performed on a sample of 7475-T7351 aluminum using a pitch-catch transducer configuration. The results show that the mode-converted scattering can be used to determine the dimensions of the elongated grains. The average grain shape determined from the experimental measurements is compared with dimensions extracted from electron backscatter diffraction, an electron imaging technique. The results suggest that mode-converted diffuse ultrasonic scattering has the potential to quantify detailed information about grain microstructure.
Collapsing avian community on a Hawaiian island
Authors: Paxton Eben H. , Camp Richard J. , Gorresen P. Marcos , Crampton Lisa H. , Leonard David L. , VanderWerf Eric A.
Published: September 2016

Climate change and disease are linked to the rapid decline of native birds on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i.
Atomic-scale compositional mapping reveals Mg-rich amorphous calcium phosphate in human dental enamel
Authors: La Fontaine Alexandre , Zavgorodniy Alexander , Liu Howgwei , Zheng Rongkun , Swain Michael , Cairney Julie
Published: September 2016

Atomic-scale study of human dental enamel reveals an intergranular amorphous phase thought to be responsible for tooth decay.
Visualizing evolution as it happens
Authors: McNally Luke , Brown Sam P.
Published: September 2016

A meter-scale growth plate allows the evolution of antibiotic resistance to be tracked
Ebola and Zika: Cautionary tales
Authors: Osterholm Michael T.
Published: September 2016

The emergence of Zika in the Americas is a stark reminder of how quickly public health challenges of infectious diseases can change. The need for a safe and effective vaccine is immediate. Yet, like the Ebola epidemic 2 years ago, we find ourselves without a vaccine to combat this latest threat. When surveillance points to a possible emergence of a new infectious disease of potential public health importance, we need procedural and funding mechanisms that can quickly identify candidate vaccines and drive research and development toward licensure and production. Even if such a vaccine is not yet licensed, having it ready for immediate large trials when a regional crisis occurs will be a major advantage over our current reactive system.
Retrospective comparison of postoperative infection and bone union between late and immediate intramedullary nailing of Gustilo grades I, II, and IIIA open tibial shaft fractures
Authors: Uchiyama Yoshiyasu , Kobayashi Yuka , Ebihara Gro , Hamahashi Kosuke , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: September 2016

Background

The optimal method of skeletal stabilization is still controversial. Therefore, we examined the clinical outcomes associated with late (L) versus immediate intramedullary nailing (IMN).

Methods

This was a retrospective comparative study of trauma registry data from an emergency medical care center (university hospital). We examined 85 open tibial shaft fractures (85 patients) treated with L or immediate (I) IMN from January 2004 to December 2010. The L and I groups comprised 37 (33 men, 4 women) and 48 (44 men, 4 women) patients, respectively. The postoperative infection rate, time to bone union, and delayed union/non-union were evaluated.

Results

The mean ages at the time of trauma in the L and I groups were 41.8 (18–79) and 42.0 (18–71) years, respectively; the mean follow-up periods were 15.0 (6–39) and 18.3 (8–36) months, respectively. A higher rate of postoperative infection was found in the L group than in the I group (p=0.004). Superficial/deep infection developed at a higher rate in the L group than in the I group (p=0.042 and 0.045, respectively). Among patients with Gustilo grade IIIA fractures, postoperative infection occurred at a higher rate in the L group than in the I group (p=0.008). However, the delayed union rate, non-union rate, and time to bone union were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

Gustilo grade IIIA fractures had a high infection rate, which is likely due to various factors, including pin-site infection after external fixation. We think that I IMN is safer than L IMN, and it should be the treatment of choice.

Level of evidence

Retrospective comparative study, level III.
Student diary (about to be a third‐year)
Authors: Perrett Rosie
Published: September 2016

Having passed her exams, Rosie Perrett has done extramural studies at pig, dairy and poultry units and a small animal practice. She is now relaxing before she starts her third year at Liverpool.
Synthesis, structures, and properties of 2,5-dianthrylthiophene derivatives
Authors: Toyota Shinji , Nishiuchi Mai , Iwata Taisei , Yamauchi Tomokazu , Iwanaga Tetsuo , Hasegawa Masashi
Published: September 2016

The title thiophene derivatives bearing two 9-, 1-, or 2-anthryl groups were synthesized by cyclization of the corresponding 1,3-diynes with sodium sulfide or by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling. X-ray analysis and DFT calculations revealed that the molecules adopt nonplanar conformations depending on the steric demand of the anthryl groups. The dihedral angles between the arene units are an important contributor to the photophysical properties in the electronic spectra as well as the electrochemical data.
The long journey to the Higgs boson and beyond at the LHC: Emphasis on ATLAS
Authors: Jenni Peter
Published: September 2016

The journey in search for the Higgs boson with the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN started more than two decades ago. But the first discussions motivating the LHC project dream date back even further into the 1980s. This article will recall some of these early historical considerations, mention some of the LHC machine milestones and achievements, focus as an example of a technological challenge on the unique ATLAS superconducting magnet system, and then give an account of the physics results so far, leading to, and featuring particularly, the Higgs boson results, and sketching finally prospects for the future. With its emphasis on the ATLAS experiment it is complementary to the preceding article by Tejinder S. Virdee which focused on the CMS experiment.
Improved Reissner–Nordström–(A)dS black hole in asymptotic safety
Authors: González Cristopher , Koch Benjamin
Published: September 2016

This paper studies the quantum modifications of the Reissner–Nordström–(A)dS black hole within Quantum Einstein Gravity, coupled to an electromagnetic sector. Quantum effects are introduced on the level of the improvements of the classical solution, where the originally constant couplings ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) are promoted to scale dependent quantities ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]). Those running couplings are calculated in the functional renormalization group approach. A crucial point of this so-called “improving solutions” procedure is the scale setting where the arbitrary scale [Formula: see text] acquires physical meaning due to a relation to the coordinate scale [Formula: see text]. It is proposed to use such scale settings which are stable after iterative improvements. Using this method one finds that for those improved solutions, there is no stable remnant and due to the appearance of a new internal horizon, there is also no necessity to impose a minimal black hole mass for charged black holes, in order to avoid the cosmic censorship hypothesis.
750 GeV diphoton resonance in a vector-like extension of Hill model at a 100 TeV hadron collider
Authors: Liu Ning , Wang Wenyu , Zhang Mengchao , Zheng Rui
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we study the recent 750 GeV diphoton excess in the Hill model with vector-like fermions. The singlet-like Hill boson is chosen as the 750 GeV diphoton resonance. Such a scalar is mainly produced by gluon fusion via vector-like top and bottom quark loops and decays to diphoton via the vector-like quark and lepton loops. Under the current experimental and theoretical constraints, we find that the mixing angle of the singlet and doublet Higgs bosons lies within [Formula: see text] and the 750 GeV diphoton cross-section can be maximally enhanced to about 6 fb at 13 TeV LHC. Moreover, we find that the Hill boson pair production in [Formula: see text] channel can be probed at [Formula: see text] significance if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at a 100 TeV collider with 3000 fb[Formula: see text] luminosity.
Optimal Distribution of Damping Coefficients for Viscous Dampers in Buildings
Authors: Lin Tzu Kang , Hwang Jenn Shin , Chen Kuan Hui
Published: September 2016

Design guidelines for implementing viscous dampers to buildings have been broadly included in seismic design codes worldwide. Although the relationship between the damping coefficient of viscous dampers and the added damping ratio to the structure has been theoretically studied, the process of distributing the damping coefficient onto each story of a building has not been regulated by the codes. For practical applications, some distribution methods have been previously proposed. However, no comparison has been made between these proposed methods considering the controllability and design economy. In this paper, two search methods based on the genetic algorithms (GAs) are adopted to examine the optimal distribution of damping coefficients. The results are then compared with a variety of existing distribution methods. A comparison is made for the distribution methods assuming the same added damping ratio for the structure. Three two-dimensional frames are adopted in the comparison: a regular moment frame, a moment frame with a soft-story, and a setback building. The results indicated that similar seismic response reduction can be achieved by using different distribution methods if the supplemental damping ratio is the same, while the optimal story damping coefficient can be obtained by using the proposed optimization method. Moreover, the “story shear strain energy to efficient stories” (SSSEES) method, among others, offers advantages in terms of seismic reduction efficiency, economical design, and practical application simplicity.
Stochastic resonance with multiplicative heavy-tailed Lévy noise: Optimal tuning on an algebraic time scale
Authors: Kuhwald Isabelle , Pavlyukevich Ilya
Published: September 2016

Stochastic resonance is an amplification and synchronization effect of weak periodic signals in nonlinear systems through a small noise perturbation. In this paper we study the dynamics of stochastic resonance in a bistable system driven by multiplicative Lévy noise with heavy tails, e.g., [Formula: see text]-stable Lévy noise. We determine the optimal tuning with respect to a probabilistic synchronization measure for both the jump-diffusion and the reduced two-state Markov chain. These results extend the theory of stochastic resonance to the case of heavy tail Lévy perturbations.
OPTIMIZATION OF FEMORAL PROSTHESIS BASED ON COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL PROPERTIES
Authors: WANG MONAN
Published: September 2016

In this study, the optimized structure of a femoral prosthesis for a patient was determined by biomechanical analysis, and the materials that match the model of the prosthesis were determined by multi-objective comprehensive evaluation using a fuzzy matter-element method. The suitable material for the ellipsoidal femoral head of the prosthesis was determined to be a carbon-fiber-enhanced polyether-ketone (CF/PEK) composite, and that for the stem was determined to be a zirconium–niobium alloy (Zr–Nb alloy). The study successfully demonstrated the potential of the developed method for use in selecting the best structure and materials for fabricating a customized prosthesis.
Synthesis and photophysicochemical properties of BODIPY dye functionalized gold nanorods for use in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy
Authors: Kubheka Gugu , Uddin Imran , Amuhaya Edith , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello
Published: September 2016

A series of boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes with properties that are ideal for a good photosensitizer have been prepared. Functionalization with bromine atoms and attachment to gold nanoparticles through a meso-aniline group results in high singlet oxygen quantum yields and low fluorescent quantum yields. Molecular modelling was used to analyze trends in the MO energies of various brominated aniline BODIPY dyes.
Riboswitch-Mediated Gene Regulation: Novel RNA Architectures Dictate Gene Expression Responses
Authors: Sherwood Anna V. , Henkin Tina M.
Published: September 2016

Riboswitches are RNA elements that act on the mRNA with which they are cotranscribed to modulate expression of that mRNA. These elements are widely found in bacteria, where they have a broad impact on gene expression. The defining feature of riboswitches is that they directly recognize a physiological signal, and the resulting shift in RNA structure affects gene regulation. The majority of riboswitches respond to cellular metabolites, often in a feedback loop to repress synthesis of the enzymes used to produce the metabolite. Related elements respond to the aminoacylation status of a specific tRNA or to a physical parameter, such as temperature or pH. Recent studies have identified new classes of riboswitches and have revealed new insights into the molecular mechanisms of signal recognition and gene regulation. Application of structural and biophysical approaches has complemented previous genetic and biochemical studies, yielding new information about how different riboswitches operate.
Deficiency of the intermediate filament synemin reduces bone mass in vivo
Authors: Moorer Megan C. , Buo Atum M. , Garcia-Pelagio Karla P. , Stains Joseph P. , Bloch Robert J.
Published: September 2016

While the type IV intermediate filament protein, synemin, has been shown to play a role in striated muscle and neuronal tissue, its presence and function have not been described in skeletal tissue. Here, we report that genetic ablation of synemin in 14-wk-old male mice results in osteopenia that includes a more than 2-fold reduction in the trabecular bone fraction in the distal femur and a reduction in the cross-sectional area at the femoral middiaphysis due to an attendant reduction in both the periosteal and endosteal perimeter. Analysis of serum markers of bone formation and static histomorphometry revealed a statistically significant defect in osteoblast activity and osteoblast number in vivo. Interestingly, primary osteoblasts isolated from synemin-null mice demonstrate markedly enhanced osteogenic capacity with a concomitant reduction in cyclin D1 mRNA expression, which may explain the loss of osteoblast number observed in vivo. In total, these data suggest an important, previously unknown role for synemin in bone physiology.
Chronic insulin treatment phosphorylates the renal Na-K-ATPase α1-subunit at serine 16/23 and reduces its activity involving PI3-kinase-dependent PKC activation
Authors: Banday Anees Ahmad
Published: September 2016

The regulation of Na-K-ATPase in various tissues is under the control of a number of hormones and peptides that exert both short- and long-term control over its activity. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of chronic insulin treatment on Na-K-ATPase in renal proximal tubular cells. Incubation of opossum kidney (OK) cells, transfected with the rat Na-K-ATPase α1-subunit, with 1 nmol/l insulin for 48 h decreased Na-K-ATPase activity. Insulin decreased α1-protein content and increased α1-serine phosphorylation and α1-adaptor protein 2 (AP2) interaction. Removal of the 26 NH2-terminal (-NT) amino acid from the α1-subunit containing serine/threonine sites abolished the insulin-mediated serine phosphorylation and inhibition of Na-K-ATPase. Substitution of serine 16 and 23 with alanine showed a comparable effect on -NT. Insulin increased the activity of protein kinase C (PKC), which was blocked by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin. Both PI3K and PKC inhibitors abolished the insulin-mediated inhibition of Na-K-ATPase. Insulin increased the expression of PKC-β1, -δ, -ξ, and-λ; however, only PKC-ξ/λ-specific inhibitors blocked insulin-induced phosphorylation and inhibition of Na-K-ATPase. Our data demonstrate that insulin activates the atypical PKC isoforms-ξ/λ via the PI3K pathway. PKC-ξ/λ-induced phosphorylation of the α1-subunit at serine 16 and 23 leads to AP2 recruitment, degradation, and a decrease in Na-K-ATPase activity.
Dietary Vitamin D Increases Percentages and Function of Regulatory T Cells in the Skin-Draining Lymph Nodes and Suppresses Dermal Inflammation
Authors: Gorman Shelley , Geldenhuys Sian , Judge Melinda , Weeden Clare E. , Waithman Jason , Hart Prue H.
Published: September 2016

Skin inflammatory responses in individuals with allergic dermatitis may be suppressed by dietary vitamin D through induction and upregulation of the suppressive activity of regulatory T (TReg) cells. Vitamin D may also promoteTRegcell tropism to dermal sites. In the current study, we examined the capacity of dietary vitamin D3to modulate skin inflammation and the numbers and activity ofTRegcells in skin and other sites including lungs, spleen, and blood. In female BALB/c mice, dietary vitamin D3suppressed the effector phase of a biphasic ear swelling response induced by dinitrofluorobenzene in comparison vitamin D3-deficient female BALB/c mice. Vitamin D3increased the percentage ofTReg(CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) cells in the skin-draining lymph nodes (SDLN). The suppressive activity ofTRegcells in the SDLN, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and blood was upregulated by vitamin D3. However, there was no difference in the expression of the naturally occurringTRegcell marker, neuropilin, nor the expression of CCR4 or CCR10 (skin-tropic chemokine receptors) onTRegcells in skin, SDLN, lungs, and airway-draining lymph nodes. These data suggest that dietary vitamin D3increased the percentages and suppressive activity ofTRegcells in the SDLN, which are poised to suppress dermal inflammation.
The Measurement of P-, S-, and R-Wave Velocities to Evaluate the Condition of Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Slabs
Authors: Lee Young Hak , Oh Taekeun
Published: September 2016

The traditional P-wave ultrasonic measurement has been used for the condition assessment of general reinforced concrete structures for a long time, but the effects of prestressing applied to concrete structures such as long-span buildings and bridges on ultrasonic pulse velocity have not been studied clearly. Therefore, this study analyzed the statistical distribution of P-wave ultrasonic pulse velocities in reinforced and prestressed concrete slabs of 3000 × 3000 mm with a thickness of 250 mm. In addition, we measured S- and R-waves to identify experimental consistency by statistical analysis using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit test. The experimental results show that the P-, S-, and R-wave velocities increased slightly (2-3%) when prestressing was applied. As expected, the S- and R-wave measurements show better statistical reliability and potential for in situ evaluation than the P-wave because they are less sensitive to confinement and boundary conditions. The experimental results in this study can be used when assessing the condition of prestressed concrete structures through the velocities of elastic waves.
Perceptions and Experiences about Self-Disclosure of HIV Status among Adolescents with Perinatal Acquired HIV in Poor-Resourced Communities in South Africa
Authors: Madiba Sphiwe , Mokgatle Mathildah
Published: September 2016

Background.There is limited research on the disclosure experiences of adolescents with perinatal acquired HIV (PAH). The study explores how adolescents with PAH experience living with HIV and examined their perceptions and experiences regarding disclosure and onward self-disclosure to friends and sexual partners.Methods.Thematic analysis was used to analyze in-depth interviews conducted with 37 adolescents.Findings.Adolescents received disclosure about their status at mean age of 12 years. They perceived disclosure as necessary and appreciated the truthful communication they received. Adolescents have learned to accept and live with HIV, and they desired to be healthy and normal like other people. After receiving disclosure, they found their treatment meaningful, and they adhered to medication. However, they also expressed a strong message that their HIV status was truly their secret and that self-disclosure to others will take the feeling of being normal away from them because they will be treated differently.Conclusion.Adolescents maintained secrecy in order to be accepted by their peers but also to protect themselves from stigma and isolation. Given that adolescents want to be informed of their HIV status but desire controlling self-disclosure of their HIV status, these should form the basis for development of disclosure interventions.
A Safety Enhancement Broadcasting Scheme Based on Context Sensing in VANETs
Authors: Chen Chen , Xiang Hongyu , Sun Canding , Pei Qingqi
Published: September 2016

The broadcasting plays a vital role for context awareness in VANETs (Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks) whose primary goal is to improve the driving safety depending on effective information exchanging. In this paper, based on the LQG (linear quadratic Gaussian) optimal control theory, a broadcasting control scheme named LQG-CCA is proposed to improve the network throughput thus increasing the opportunities for the safety-related events to be successfully handled. By predicting the network throughput with the Kalman filter model, our LQG model is envisioned to minimize the difference between the predicted and expected throughput through the adjustment of CCA (Clear Channel Assessment) sensing threshold. Numerical results show that our proposed model can significantly improve the network performance in terms of average throughput, average End-to-End delay, and average packets delivery ratio compared with a highly cited work D-FPAV and a latest published model APPR.
Vibrational Comfort on Board the Vehicle: Influence of Speed Bumps and Comparison between Different Categories of Vehicle
Authors: Barone Vincenzo , Mongelli Domenico Walter Edvige , Tassitani Antonio
Published: September 2016

This paper shows the results of a study conducted on five different categories of vehicles in a specific test site. The aim was to investigate how the effect of the test site discontinuity determines variations of comfort related to the increase in speed and to the five selected road vehicles of different classes. Measurements were obtained by combining data relating to vibrations in the three reference axes, detected through a vibration dosimeter (VIB-008), and geolocation data (latitude, longitude, and speed) identified by the GPS inside a smartphone. This procedure, through the synchronization between dosimeter and GPS location, has been helpful in postprocessing to eliminate any measurement anomalies generated by the operator. After the survey campaign it was determined that a formulation allows defining a Comfort Index (CI) depending on velocity and five vehicles of different classes. This study showed that the presence of speed bumps, in the test site investigated, appears to be uncomfortable even at speeds well below those required by the Highway Code.
Radioactive Merano SPA Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis Therapy
Authors: Passali Desiderio , Gabelli Giacomo , Passali Giulio Cesare , Magnato Roberto , Platzgummer Stefan , Salerni Lorenzo , Lo Cunsolo Salvatore , Joos Alexandra , Bellussi Luisa Maria
Published: September 2016

Allergic rhinitis is a common nasal disorder with a high impact on quality of life, high social costs in therapies, and a natural development towards asthma. Pharmacological therapy is based on several genres of medications, of which intranasal corticosteroids are currently the most widespread. Thermal water treatment has traditionally been used as adjunctive treatment for chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. The present study was carried out to assess the clinical efficacy of nasal inhalation of radioactive oligomineral water vapours from the Merano hot spring and to compare it with the clinical efficacy of mometasone furoate nasal spray. A comparative prospective study was performed in 90 allergic patients treated at Merano hot springs: a group of 54 subjects treated with radioactive thermal oligomineral water and a control group of 36 subjects treated with mometasone nasal spray. Patients of both groups were assessed before and after treatment by Sino-Nasal Outcome Test questionnaire, active anterior rhinomanometry with flow and resistance monitoring, measurement of mucociliary transport time, and cytological examination of nasal brushing/scraping. The study showed that inhalation treatment with radioactive hydrofluoric thermal water for two weeks produces an objective clinical and cytological improvement in allergic patients, similar to that obtained with mometasone furoate nasal spray.
The Strict AKNS Hierarchy: Its Structure and Solutions
Authors: Helminck G. F.
Published: September 2016

We discuss an integrable hierarchy of compatible Lax equations that is obtained by a wider deformation of a commutative algebra in the loop space ofsl2than that in the AKNS case and whose Lax equations are based on a different decomposition of this loop space. We show the compatibility of these Lax equations and that they are equivalent to a set of zero curvature relations. We present a linearization of the system and conclude by giving a wide construction of solutions of this hierarchy.
A Hybrid Model Based on Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm for Wind Speed Forecasting
Authors: Qu Zongxi , Zhang Kequan , Wang Jianzhou , Zhang Wenyu , Leng Wennan
Published: September 2016

As a type of clean and renewable energy, the superiority of wind power has increasingly captured the world’s attention. Reliable and precise wind speed prediction is vital for wind power generation systems. Thus, a more effective and precise prediction model is essentially needed in the field of wind speed forecasting. Most previous forecasting models could adapt to various wind speed series data; however, these models ignored the importance of the data preprocessing and model parameter optimization. In view of its importance, a novel hybrid ensemble learning paradigm is proposed. In this model, the original wind speed data is firstly divided into a finite set of signal components by ensemble empirical mode decomposition, and then each signal is predicted by several artificial intelligence models with optimized parameters by using the fruit fly optimization algorithm and the final prediction values were obtained by reconstructing the refined series. To estimate the forecasting ability of the proposed model, 15 min wind speed data for wind farms in the coastal areas of China was performed to forecast as a case study. The empirical results show that the proposed hybrid model is superior to some existing traditional forecasting models regarding forecast performance.