bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Trends in Health Science Librarianship Part 19: The Balkan States (Bulgaria and Croatia)
Authors: Kirilova Savina , Skoric Lea
Published: July 2016

This is the 19th in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship in the 21st century. The focus of the present issue is the Balkan Region (Bulgaria and Croatia). The next regular feature column will investigate two other Balkan states ‐ Serbia and Slovenia.

JM
Orthostatic hypotension: pathophysiology, assessment, treatment and the paradox of supine hypertension
Authors: Chisholm Peter , Anpalahan Mahesan
Published: July 2016

Both hypertension and orthostatic hypotension (OH) are strongly age‐associated and are common management problems in older people. However, unlike hypertension, management of OH has unique challenges with few well‐established treatments. Not infrequently, they both coexist, further compounding the management. This review provides comprehensive information on OH, including pathophysiology, diagnostic workup and treatment, with a view to provide a practical guide to its management. Special references are made to patients with supine hypertension and postprandial hypotension and older hypertensive patients.
The safety and efficacy of benzbromarone in gout in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Stamp L. K. , Haslett J. , Frampton C. , White D. , Gardner D. , Stebbings S. , Taylor G. , Grainger R. , Kumar R. , Kumar S. , Kain T. , Porter D. , Corkill M. , Cathro A. , Metcalfe S. , Wyeth J. , Dalbeth N.
Published: July 2016

Background

Benzbromarone is a potent uricosuric but is not widely available due to concerns about hepatotoxicity. In Aotearoa New Zealand, benzbromarone has been available since April 2013, subject to funding restrictions, for patients with inadequate urate‐lowering response or intolerance to allopurinol and probenecid.

Aim

To assess the safety and efficacy of benzbromarone in a real‐life setting.

Methods

All patients who received funding for benzbromarone from 1 April 2013 to 30 September 2014 were identified. Prescribers were sent a questionnaire for each individual. Information on demographics, efficacy of previous urate‐lowering drugs and reasons for discontinuation were collected. Specific information about the dose, effect on serum urate, adverse effects and liver function tests after commencing benzbromarone was recorded.

Results

Completed questionnaires were returned for 123 of 164 (75%) patients. Mean (SD) serum urate prior to benzbromarone was 0.57 (0.12) mmol/L, and estimated glomerular filtration rate was 50.3 (22.8) mL/min/1.73 m2. The median dose of benzbromarone was 100 mg/day (25–200 mg/day). Six months after commencing benzbromarone, mean (SD) serum urate was 0.35 (0.12) mmol/L. Benzbromarone‐related adverse events included rash (n = 4), diarrhoea (n = 9), nausea (n = 6) and urate stones (n = 3). Liver function test abnormalities were uncommon and tended to be mild. There were 14 patient deaths; none was considered related to benzbromarone. Allopurinol had been prescribed prior to benzbromarone in 117 of 123 patients; median maximum allopurinol dose was 200 mg/day (range 25–600 mg/day), and 19% patients received allopurinol >300 mg/day.

Conclusion

Benzbromarone provides useful urate‐lowering efficacy and does not appear unsafe in patients with gout. Urate‐lowering therapy prescribing requires further optimisation.
Exact formulations for the minimum interference problem in k‐connected ad hoc wireless networks
Authors: Moraes Renato E. N. , Ribeiro Celso C. , Ribeiro Glaydston M.
Published: July 2016

Energy consumption is one of the most critical issues in wireless ad hoc and sensor networks. A considerable amount of energy is dissipated due to radio transmission power and interference (message collisions). A typical topology control technique aims at reducing energy consumption while ensuring specific desired properties to the established wireless network (such as biconnectivity). Energy minimization can be achieved by reducing the transmission power and selecting edges that suffer or cause less interference. We propose four integer programming formulations for the k‐connected minimum wireless ad hoc interference problem, which consists in a topology control technique to find a power assignment to the nodes of an ad hoc wireless network such that the resulting network topology is k‐vertex connected and the radio interference is minimum. Interference is measured by three different models: Boolean, protocol, and physical. We report computational experiments comparing the formulations and interference models. Optimal solutions for moderately sized networks are obtained using a commercial solver.
Site visits to initiate recruitment in a clinical trial: does it matter who conducts the visit? Protocol for implementation in trials
Authors: Nollett Claire , Kelson Mark , Hood Kerenza
Published: July 2016

The Study Within a Trial (SWAT) program exists to ‘embed research within research, so as to resolve uncertainties about the different ways of designing, conducting, analyzing, and interpreting evaluations of health and social care’ (1). Published in this journal in 2013, a template for the first SWAT protocol outlined an investigation into the effects of site visits by the principal investigator on recruitment in multicentre randomized controlled trials (1). We have now designed a SWAT protocol to extend this question and ask ‘does it matter who conducts the site visit?’ Our aim is to provide a protocol that trials can implement to address this research question.
Using Electronic Health Record Data to Measure Care Quality for Individuals with Multiple Chronic Medical Conditions
Authors: Bayliss Elizabeth A. , McQuillan Deanna B. , Ellis Jennifer L. , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Zeng Chan , Barton Mary B. , Boyd Cynthia M. , Fortin Martin , Ling Shari M. , Tai‐Seale Ming , Ralston James D. , Ritchie Christine S. , Zulman Donna M.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To inform the development of a data‐driven measure of quality care for individuals with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) derived from an electronic health record (EHR).

Design

Qualitative study using focus groups, interactive webinars, and a modified Delphi process.

Setting

Research department within an integrated delivery system.

Participants

The webinars and Delphi process included 17 experts in clinical geriatrics and primary care, health policy, quality assessment, health technology, and health system operations. The focus group included 10 individuals aged 70–87 with three to six chronic conditions selected from a random sample of individuals aged 65 and older with three or more chronic medical conditions.

Measurements

Through webinars and the focus group, input was solicited on constructs representing high‐quality care for individuals with MCCs. A working list was created of potential measures representing these constructs. Using a modified Delphi process, experts rated the importance of each possible measure and the feasibility of implementing each measure using EHR data.

Results

High‐priority constructs reflected processes rather than outcomes of care. High‐priority constructs that were potentially feasible to measure included assessing physical function, depression screening, medication reconciliation, annual influenza vaccination, outreach after hospital admission, and documented advance directives. High‐priority constructs that were less feasible to measure included goal setting and shared decision‐making, identifying drug–drug interactions, assessing social support, timely communication with patients, and other aspects of good customer service. Lower‐priority domains included pain assessment, continuity of care, and overuse of screening or laboratory testing.

Conclusion

High‐quality MCC care should be measured using meaningful process measures rather than outcomes. Although some care processes are currently extractable from electronic data, capturing others will require adapting and applying technology to encourage holistic, person‐centered care.
Impact of bleaching agents on water sorption and solubility of resin luting cements
Authors: Torabi Ardakani Mahshid , Atashkar Berivan , Bagheri Rafat , Burrow Michael F.
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of distilled water and home and office bleaching agents on the sorption and solubility of resin luting cements.

Methods

A total of 18 disc‐shaped specimens were prepared from each of four resin cements: G‐CEM LinkAce, Panavia F, Rely X Unicem, and seT. Specimens were cured according to the manufacturers’ instructions and randomly divided into three groups of six, where they were treated with either an office or home bleaching agent or immersed in distilled water (control). Water sorption and solubility were measured by weighing the specimens before and after immersion and desiccation. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test.

Results

There was a significant, positive correlation between sorption and solubility. Two‐way anova showed significant differences among all resin cements tested for either sorption or solubility. Water sorption and solubility of all cements were affected significantly by office bleaching, and even more by home bleaching agents.

Conclusions

Sorption and solubility behavior of the studied cements were highly correlated and significantly affected by applying either office or home bleaching agents; seT showed the highest sorption and solubility, whereas Rely X Unicem revealed the lowest.
Experiences of Couples Caring for a Child Born with Cleft Lip and/or Palate: Impact of the Timing of Diagnosis
Authors: Zeytinoğlu Senem , Davey Maureen P. , Crerand Canice , Fisher Kathleen , Akyil Yudum
Published: July 2016

Raising a child born with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) can be challenging for parents. Few researchers have examined how having a child born with CL/P impacts couples. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to examine how a child's CL/P diagnosis affects couples’ relational adjustment and coping. We conducted interviews with 17 couples (10 prenatal and seven postnatal) caring for children born with CL/P. After conducting thematic content analysis, six overarching themes emerged: (a) relationship growth, (b) challenges, (c) roles and responsibilities, (d) sources of support, (e) talking about cleft, and (f) lessons learned. Findings suggest that couples should be routinely assessed for psychosocial issues and prevention programs should be tailored to preexisting stressors and timing of the diagnosis.
Expression of podoplanin and TGF‐beta in glandular odontogenic cyst and its comparison with developmental and inflammatory odontogenic cystic lesions
Authors: Alaeddini Mojgan , Eshghyar Nosratollah , Etemad‐Moghadam Shahroo
Published: July 2016

Background

The number of studies investigating the immunohistochemical characteristics of glandular odontogenic cysts (GOCs) is limited, due to its rarity. TGF‐beta has been suggested to induce podoplanin expression in some lesions. We aimed to evaluate and compare podoplanin and TGF‐beta expression in GOC and other odontogenic cystic lesions.

Methods

A total of 43 samples including five GOCs, 10 dentigerous cysts (DCs), eight unicystic ameloblastoma (UAs), and 20 radicular cysts (RCs) were selected and subjected to immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibodies against podoplanin and TGF‐beta. Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used for statistical analysis along with Bonferroni for adjusting P‐values (P < 0.05).

Results

Podoplanin immunoreactivity was observed in 80%, 70%, and 100% of DCs, RCs, and UAs, respectively, while none of the GOCs were positive for this marker (P = 0.004). Significant differences were only found in the GOC specimens. TGF‐beta positivity occurred in the capsule and epithelium of all GOCs and DCs, while RCs and UAs demonstrated different expression percentages in the capsular and epithelial tissues. Epithelial TGF‐beta showed significant differences among the studied lesions (P = 0.007) with the main difference found between DCs with RCs and DCs with UAs.

Conclusions

Lack of podoplanin expression might be involved in the characteristic histologic and behavioral features of GOC, which seems to be unrelated to TGF‐beta expression.
Crime, Search, and Ex‐offenders’ Accessibility to Labor Markets
Authors: Otsu Yuki
Published: July 2016

Rehabilitation for ex‐offenders has positive (e.g. more production) and negative (e.g. more crime) effects on society. We investigate the effect of rehabilitation on criminal behavior and the labor market using a search model. In the case where ex‐offenders cannot join the labor market, promoting rehabilitation for them may reduce crime. In such a case, the equilibrium allocation may be inefficient. Moreover, under the Hosios condition, equilibrium labor market tightness is lower than the efficient outcome because of crime, as the crime option raises the value of unemployed workers. Because this option works as a negative externality on matched firms, equilibrium tightness is lower than the optimal level.
Irish Firms’ Productivity and Imported Inputs
Authors: Forlani Emanuele
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we investigate the empirical relationship between firms’ productivity in manufacturing and imports of intermediate inputs. Using a unique dataset for Ireland, we exploit the variability of import intensity within firm‐year pairs to identify the impact of importing on firms’ efficiency. Our findings show that an increase in the intensive margin of imports affects positively the efficiency of domestic Irish firms, in particular through the imports of materials. Most importantly, we find that responses to variations in import intensity depend on the initial level of productivity. The more efficient a domestic firm is, the larger the benefits from importing are. The results are robust to different estimation techniques and sample composition.
A taxonomic study on Saxifraga ser. Radioflorae (Saxifragaceae) in Japan, the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka
Authors: Fukuda Tomoko , Taran Alexandr A. , Okrugin Viktor M. , Takahashi Hideki , Ikeda Hiroshi
Published: July 2016

Plants of Saxifraga ser. Radioflorae (A. M. Johnson) Zhmylev, now commonly regarded as belonging to the genus Micranthes, including Saxifraga fusca Maxim. and Saxifraga purpurascens Kom. (Saxifragaceae), distributed from Kamchatka to southern Japan through the Kuril Islands, are here taxonomically revised on the basis of floral morphology. The results suggest that the plants can be divided into three groups: 1) those from Kamchatka and the northern Kurils, 2) those from Kunashiri to the Japanese archipelago, through Hokkaido and Honshu, and 3) those from the southern Kurils from Chirpoi to Etorofu Islands. Leaf characteristics and habitat preferences also correlate with these groupings. The first group is identified as Micranthes ohwii ( = Saxifraga purpurascens Kom.), and the second group as M. fusca. The third group is similar to M. fusca in floral proportions, but has petals with non‐revolute margins, larger floral discs and disc and filaments developing throughout anthesis. The third group may be derived from M. fusca, adapted to the coastal environment.
Crataegus coriifolia sp. nov. (Rosaceae) from Iran
Authors: Sharifnia Fariba , Zarrinkolah Omid , Salimpour Fahimeh
Published: July 2016

Crataegus coriifolia Sharifnia & Zarrinkolah is described as a new species from Iran. Its taxonomic relationships, ecology and distribution are discussed. An identification key to C. coriifolia and other two‐styled species of Crataegus occurring in Iran is provided.
The genus Vararia (Russulales, Basidiomycota) in China. Two new species and two new Chinese records
Authors: Liu Shi‐Liang , He Shuang‐Hui
Published: July 2016

Two new species, Vararia bispora and V. montana collected from southern China, are described and illustrated based on morphological characters. Vararia bispora is characterized by cinnamon‐buff to yellowish brown basidiocarps, clamped generative hyphae, ventricose gloeocystidia, 2‐sterigmata basidia, and large fusiform to cylindrical basidiospores that are negative in Melzer's reagent. Vararia montana is characterized by small pulvinate basidiocarps, clamped generative hyphae, rather strongly dextrinoid dichohyphae, and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores with a peculiar beak‐like extension, and without reactions in Melzer's reagent. In addition, V. ambigua and V. amphithallica are reported from China for the first time, and descriptions and illustrations are also provided for these two species.
Hymenachne panduranganii sp. nov. from Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India
Authors: Remya Jayasree , Geethakumary M. P.
Published: July 2016

Hymenachne panduranganii, a new species of Poaceae collected from a wetland area of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, which constitutes the core area of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), is described and illustrated. The new species differs from the related species H. assamica in having 1.0–1.5 m tall culms, 3.7–4.0 mm long spikelets, floret with a distinct lower palea and having only 2 stamens. To further enunciate the differences, an identification key to the Indian species of Hymenachne is provided.
A spontaneous mutation in MutL‐Homolog 3 (HvMLH3) affects synapsis and crossover resolution in the barley desynaptic mutant des10
Authors: Colas Isabelle , Macaulay Malcolm , Higgins James D. , Phillips Dylan , Barakate Abdellah , Posch Markus , Armstrong Susan J. , Franklin F. Chris H. , Halpin Claire , Waugh Robbie , Ramsay Luke
Published: July 2016

Although meiosis is evolutionarily conserved, many of the underlying mechanisms show species‐specific differences. These are poorly understood in large genome plant species such as barley (Hordeum vulgare) where meiotic recombination is very heavily skewed to the ends of chromosomes.

The characterization of mutant lines can help elucidate how recombination is controlled. We used a combination of genetic segregation analysis, cytogenetics, immunocytology and 3D imaging to genetically map and characterize the barley meiotic mutant DESYNAPTIC 10 (des10).

We identified a spontaneous exonic deletion in the orthologue of MutL‐Homolog 3 (HvMlh3) as the causal lesion. Compared with wild‐type, des10 mutants exhibit reduced recombination and fewer chiasmata, resulting in the loss of obligate crossovers and leading to chromosome mis‐segregation. Using 3D structured illumination microscopy (3D‐SIM), we observed that normal synapsis progression was also disrupted in des10, a phenotype that was not evident with standard confocal microscopy and that has not been reported with Mlh3 knockout mutants in Arabidopsis.

Our data provide new insights on the interplay between synapsis and recombination in barley and highlight the need for detailed studies of meiosis in nonmodel species. This study also confirms the importance of early stages of prophase I for the control of recombination in large genome cereals.
The spectrum of orofacial manifestations in systemic sclerosis: a challenging management
Authors: Jung S , Martin T , Schmittbuhl M , Huck O
Published: July 2016

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare multisystem connective tissue disorder characterized by the triad fibrosis, vasculopathy and immune dysregulation. This chronic disease has a significant impact on the orofacial region that is involved in more than two‐thirds of the cases. SSc patients can show a wide array of oral manifestations, which are usually associated with a severe impairment of the quality of life. They often present a decreased the salivary flow and a reduced mouth opening that contribute substantially to the worsening of the oral health status. Therefore, SSc patients require specific and multidisciplinary interventions that should be initiated as early as possible. The identification of specific radiological and clinical signs at the early stage will improve the management of such patients. This study reviews the wide spectrum of orofacial manifestations associated with SSc and suggests clues for the oral management that remains challenging.
Application of extended H plate to open reduction internal fixation of the mandibular condyle
Authors: Aaronson N.L. , Sasaki C.T. , Lowlicht R.A.
Published: July 2016

Fractures of the condyle are among the most common of mandibular fractures. They have traditionally been managed by closed reduction except in cases of severe displacement. Recent data suggest that a broader class of patients with condyle fractures may benefit from open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). We present a case of a condylar neck fracture managed by ORIF via the retromandibular approach using the extended H plate from the Synthes LCP handset. This patient subsequently had restoration of his pre‐operative occlusion with return to normal masticatory function. Use of the extended H plate when performing ORIF provides three‐dimensional stabilisation of the fracture segments avoiding the need for post‐operative fixation and allowing more rapid return to function.
Vitamin D insufficiency in a boy with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Celik Gonca , Tas Didem Arslan , Varmıs Dilek Altun , Tahiroglu Aysegul , Avci Ayse
Published: July 2016

Vitamin D deficiency not only causes low bone mass but also may lead to neuropsychiatric disorders. In the present case, vitamin D supplementation reduced obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms associated with streptococcal infection in a 7‐year‐old boy. Sudden onset of symptoms, including excessive hand washing and fear of touching anything, had occurred 1 month before presentation. Although there are few studies on a possible causal relationship between vitamin D and neuropsychiatric disorders, the present report; together with previous data, suggest an etiological role of vitamin D‐related immune processes.
Usefulness of CBCL/6‐18 to evaluate emotional and behavioral problems in Indonesian autism spectrum disorder children
Authors: Hartini Sri , Sunartini  , Herini Elisabeth S , Takada Satoshi
Published: July 2016

Background

The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) has been widely utilized to estimate emotional and behavioral problems in children in the USA and Europe. Although the Indonesian version of the CBCL/6‐18 was proven to have good validity and internal consistency in children with typical development (TD) in Indonesia, it has not been utilized for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the usefulness of CBCL/6‐18 for detecting emotional and behavioral problems in Indonesian ASD children.

Methods

One hundred and eight mothers of children with ASD and with TD were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis of ASD in Indonesia was made by expert child neurologists based on DSM‐IV‐TR. Mothers of children aged 6–18 years completed the Indonesian version of the CBCL.

Results

The scores of total problems, internalizing, and externalizing were significantly higher in the ASD group than the TD group. Children with ASD scored significantly higher in seven of the eight CBCL subscales (except somatic complaints) compared with TD children.

Conclusions

The CBCL/6‐18 Indonesian version could be considered as a useful tool for detecting emotional and behavioral problems in children with ASD in Indonesia in Muslim populations.
A paediatric case of successful non‐myeloablative bone marrow transplantation after azacitidine therapy for non‐Down syndrome acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia with monosomy 7
Authors: Koga Yuhki , Oba Utako , Kato Wakako , Ono Hiroaki , Nakashima Kentaro , Takada Hidetoshi
Published: July 2016

We report a patient with non‐Down syndrome AML, also known as AMKL, with monosomy 7, who was also obese and had a hearing impairment and mental retardation. Non‐myeloablative bone marrow transplantation was performed successfully after the patient received less aggressive azacitidine treatment, without the usual intensive induction chemotherapy regimen for AML.
Can I trust in what I see? EEG evidence for a cognitive evaluation of perceptual constructs
Authors: Kornmeier Jürgen , Wörner Rike , Bach Michael
Published: July 2016

Environmental information available to our senses is incomplete and to varying degrees ambiguous. It has to be disambiguated in order to construct stable and reliable percepts. Ambiguous figures are artificial examples where perception is maximally unstable and alternates between possible interpretations. Tiny low‐level changes can disambiguate an ambiguous figure and thus stabilize percepts. The present study compares ERPs evoked by ambiguous stimuli and disambiguated stimulus variants across three visual categories: geometry (Necker cube), motion (stroboscopic alternative motion stimulus, SAM) and semantics (Boring's old/young woman). We found that (a) disambiguated stimulus variants cause stable percepts and evoke two huge positive ERP excursions (Cohen's effect sizes 1–2), (b) the amplitudes of these ERP effects are inversely related to the degree of stimulus ambiguity, and (c) this pattern of results is consistent across all three tested visual categories. This generality across visual categories points to mechanisms at a very abstract (cognitive) level of processing. We discuss our results in the context of a high‐level Bayesian inference unit that evaluates the reliability of perceptual processing results, given a priori incomplete, ambiguous sensory information. The ERP components may reflect the outcome of this reliability estimation.
Network Structure and Perceived Legitimacy in Collaborative Wildlife Management
Authors: Sandström Annica , Lundmark Carina
Published: July 2016

The widespread supposition that collaborative management designs enhance legitimacy must be examined empirically, and the rich diversity of different collaborative arrangements should be better acknowledged in this endeavor. This study adopts a social network perspective and examines three state‐initiated and interest‐based collaborative management arenas in Swedish wildlife management: wildlife conservation committees (WCCs). Is there a link between social network structures in collaborative management arenas and the perceived legitimacy of output by policy stakeholders? This puzzle is addressed through social network analysis combined with survey data and interviews. The empirical results confirm the notion that collaborative arenas consisting of high network closure with many bridging ties across organizational boundaries enjoy a higher level of support among stakeholders directly involved in management, as members of the committees, than networks with a more sparse structure do. This type of well‐integrated network structure seemingly increases stakeholders’ understanding of other actors’ perspectives through deliberation. Contrary to what was expected, though, the empirical analysis did not verify the effect of linking, or outreaching ties between the committee members and the organizations that they represent, on the organizations’ support of WCC decisions. Given the rapid rise of collaborative designs in public administrations, the topic elaborated in this paper is urgent and further research is encouraged.
Do We Understand What the Public Hears? Stakeholders’ Preferred Communication Choices for Discussing River Issues with the Public
Authors: Lybecker Donna L. , McBeth Mark K. , Stoutenborough James W.
Published: July 2016

Communication between stakeholders and the larger public is an increasingly important issue in today's policy world. This communication often takes the form of policy narratives; however, few studies have empirically examined what type of communication style stakeholders prefer for communication with the public. This study uses a survey of 87 river stakeholders to determine the preferred communication choices of stakeholders. The study finds that 39% of the stakeholders chose a duty‐based narrative, 28% choose a science statement, 23% choose an engaged citizen narrative, and 10% choose a do nothing statement. Some of these preferences were related to issues of trust, other policy preferences, and demographic background. Based on previous research, the findings demonstrate that stakeholders can make decisions about how to communicate with the public that are not necessarily reflective of the own values.
Trade and Industrial Policy as Levers for Sustainable Energy Technology Adoption? Experiences from Urban Latin America
Authors: Mallett Alexandra
Published: July 2016

Debates abound regarding the link between trade and industrial policy and the adoption of sustainable energy technologies in developing countries. Some purport that open trade regimes support technology diffusion, while others indicate that more interventionist regimes are more conducive. This paper uses empirical evidence from Mexico City and São Paulo to argue that sustainable energy technology uptake can be more prevalent in settings with partially open trade policy regimes. These regimes have afforded countries more opportunities to develop local capabilities, which, in turn, has had knock‐on effects on sustainable energy technology uptake. Specifically, having more local technology sources (equipment, expertise) brought quicker access to these technologies, created more perceptions of technology “ownership,” fostered more effective mobilization, and helped create well‐established standards, which in turn contributed positively to sustainable energy technology uptake, while taxes and tariffs were less influential.
Frege on Anti‐Psychologism and the Role of Logic in Thinking
Authors: Lockhart Thomas
Published: July 2016

According to (what I call) the Explanatory Problem with Frege's Platonism about Thoughts, the sharp separation between the psychological and the logical on which Frege famously insists is too sharp, leaving Frege no resources to show how it could be legitimate to invoke logical laws in an explanation of our activities of thinking. I argue that there is room in Frege's philosophy for such justificatory explanations. To see how, we need first to understand correctly the lesson of Frege's attack on psychologism as fundamentally marking a contrast between justification and explanation, and, second, we must take Frege to be committed to the idea that the laws of truth are normatively constitutive for the process of thinking.
Lasiodiplodia species fungal osteomyelitis in a multiple myeloma patient
Authors: Mohan M. , Shalin S.C. , Kothari A. , Rico J.C.C. , Caradine K. , Burgess M.
Published: July 2016

Lasiodiplodia species are environmental fungi that have been reported as a cause of infection in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. We present a case of fungal osteomyelitis caused by Lasiodiplodia species in a patient with multiple myeloma after autologous stem cell transplant. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of surgery and oral voriconzole. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of fungal osteomyelitis caused by Lasiodiplodia species.
A D+ blood donor with a novel RHD*D‐CE(5‐6)‐D gene variant exhibits the low‐frequency antigen RH23 (DW) characteristic of the partial DVa phenotype
Authors: Lopez Genghis H. , McGowan Eunike C. , McGrath Kelli A. , Abaca‐Cleopas Maria E. , Schoeman Elizna M. , Millard Glenda M. , O'Brien Helen , Liew Yew‐Wah , Flower Robert L. , Hyland Catherine A.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Blood donors whose red blood cells (RBCs) exhibit a partial RhD phenotype, lacking some D epitopes, present as D+ in routine screening. Such phenotypes can exhibit low‐frequency antigens (LFAs) of clinical significance. The aim of this study was to describe the serologic and genetic profile for a blood donor with an apparent D+ phenotype carrying a variant RHD gene where D Exons 5 and 6 are replaced by RHCE Exon (5‐6).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Anti‐D monoclonal antibodies were used to characterize the presentation of RhD epitopes on the RBCs. RHD exon scanning and DNA sequencing of short‐ and long‐range polymerase chain reaction amplicons were used to determine the RHD structure and sequence. Extended phenotyping for LFAs RH23 (DW) and Rh32 was performed.

RESULTS

The donor serology profile was consistent with partial RhD epitope presentation. The donor was hemizygous for an RHD variant allele described as RHD*D‐CE(5‐6)‐D hybrid. The RHCE gene insert is at least 3.868 kb with 5′ and 3′ breakpoints between IVS4 + 132–c.667 and IVS6 + 1960–IVS6 + 2099, respectively. The sequence for this hybrid was assigned GenBank Accession Number KT099190.2. The RBCs were RH23 (DW)+ and Rh32–.

CONCLUSION

A novel RHD*D‐CE(5‐6)‐D hybrid allele encodes a partial RhD epitope and carries the LFA RH23 (DW). This and the epitope profile resemble the partial DVa phenotype. Given that RBCs from this individual lack some RhD epitopes, there is an alloimmunization risk if the donor is exposed to D+ RBCs. Conversely, transfusions of RH23 (DW)+ cells to RH23 (DW)– recipients also pose an alloimmunization risk.
Antibody complement–mediated hemolytic studies with kodecytes reveal that human complement utilized in the classical pathway is more stable than generally accepted
Authors: Perry Holly , Bovin Nicolai , Henry Stephen
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Complement has significant status in the field of transfusion medicine. The accepted stability profile of complement is based on historical studies of diluted human serum hemolyzing rabbit heterophile antibody–sensitized sheep red blood cells (RBCs). Contemporary tools are available to reevaluate these historical observations using human heterophile antibodies, undiluted serum, and antigen‐modified human RBCs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Human RBCs were made into “animal‐like” kodecytes with heterophile Galα3Galβ4GlcNAcβ function‐spacer‐lipid constructs. These α‐Gal‐kodecytes were prepared with an antigen dilution capable of consistently producing 50% antibody‐mediated hemolysis against human α1‐3galactose heterophile antibodies and undiluted standardized serum. Standardized human serum aliquots from a two‐donor pool stored at −85, −20, 4, 22, and 37°C for durations of up to 150 days were evaluated for loss of hemolytic activity. Where practical methodologic procedures were aligned with historical studies.

RESULTS

Comparison of the historical assay with the α‐Gal‐kodecyte assay against complement activity standards showed concordance. However, in most scenarios complement was found to be more than twice as stable as generally accepted. At least 60% of complement hemolytic activity was observed in serum stored at 22°C for 1 week or 2 months at 4°C. No loss of hemolytic activity was observed after 5 months' storage at temperatures below −20°C.

CONCLUSIONS

An alternative method using undiluted serum and modified human RBCs observed that classical‐pathway complement hemolytic activity in stored human serum is at least twice as stable as previously accepted.
The Omental Pedicle Flap in Dogs Revised and Refined: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Doom Marjan , Cornillie Pieter , Simoens Paul , Huyghe Stephanie , de Rooster Hilde
Published: July 2016

Objective

To expand current knowledge on the canine omental vasculature and refine the existing lengthening technique of the canine omentum.

Study Design

Ex vivo study.

Animals

Canine cadavers (n=20).

Methods

In 10 canine cadavers the omental arteries were mapped using intravascular latex injection and these results were used to create an omental pedicle flap based on the splenic artery in 10 additional cadavers. The operating range of the flap was recorded with particular attention to the main regions of interest for omental transposition in dogs (axillary and inguinal regions).

Results

The superficial and deep omental leaves were each predominantly supplied by a left and a right marginal omental artery that anastomosed near the caudal omental border into a superficial and a deep omental arch, respectively. Anastomoses between arteries of the superficial and the deep omental leaves were weak and inconsistent, except for 1 anastomosis that was found in 8 of 10 dogs. By transposing the intact omentum, the right axilla could be reached in 3 dogs, both axillae in 1 dog, and both groins in all cadavers. In all cases, the omental pedicle reached to and beyond the axillary and inguinal regions. By unfolding the pedicle leaves, the width of the pedicle tip could be doubled.

Conclusion

When lengthening the omentum is necessary to reach extra‐abdominal structures, the omental pedicle flap based on the splenic artery appears to preserve the omental vascular supply. These observations warrant further clinical trials to evaluate this new omtental flap technique in vivo.
Evaluation of a Single Intra‐Articular Injection of Autologous Protein Solution for Treatment of Osteoarthritis in a Canine Population
Authors: Wanstrath Audrey W. , Hettlich Bianca F. , Su Lillian , Smith Ashley , Zekas Lisa J. , Allen Matthew J. , Bertone Alicia L.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an intra‐articular injection of autologous protein solution (APS) for treatment of canine osteoarthritis (OA).

Study Design

Prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo‐controlled pilot clinical trial.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs with single limb lameness because of OA in a stifle or elbow joint (n=21).

Methods

Lame dogs, confirmed with OA by physical and lameness examination and imaging, were randomly assigned to control or treatment groups. Owners, blinded to treatment, scored pain (University of Pennsylvania Canine Brief Pain Inventory) and lameness severity (Hudson Visual Analogue Scale [HVAS]). Weight‐bearing was assessed by kinetic gait analysis. Dogs were injected intra‐articularly with APS (treatment group) or saline solution (control group). Evaluations were performed before injection, and 2 and 12 weeks post‐injection.

Results

Compared to pretreatment values, APS treatment data showed a significant improvement in week 12 pain scores (improved 25.6% over baseline), lameness scores (improved 15% over baseline) and peak vertical force (PVF; N/kg; increased 14.9% of baseline), as well as vertical impulse (Ns/kg) and PVF normalized to stance time (N/kg/s). Control group dogs improved at week 2 in owner assigned indices, but not force plate values and had no significant improvement in scores or force plate values from pretreatment values at 12 weeks.

Conclusion

APS injection reduced pain and lameness scores and increased weight‐bearing associated with the OA‐affected joint in dogs at 12 weeks providing preliminary evidence that APS therapy may be beneficial in the treatment of OA in dogs and supporting pursuit of additional studies.
Postoperative Respiratory Function and Survival After Pneumonectomy in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Majeski Stephanie A. , Steffey Michele A. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Hunt Geraldine B. , Holt David E. , Runge Jeffrey J. , Kass Philip H. , Mellema Matthew
Published: July 2016

Objective: To describe indications for, and outcomes after, pneumonectomy in dogs and cats, including assessment of immediate postoperative respiratory function in comparison to dogs undergoing single lung lobectomy.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Animals: Dogs (n=16) and cats (n=7) with naturally occurring pulmonary disease.

Methods: Medical records (1990–2014) of dogs and cats undergoing right or left pneumonectomy were reviewed. Data retrieved included signalment, history, preoperative diagnostics, operative descriptions, postoperative data including respiratory function, and postdischarge outcomes. For respiratory function comparisons, medical records of dogs having undergone a single lung lobectomy via median sternotomy (n=15) or intercostal thoracotomy (n=15) were reviewed.

Results: Twenty‐three cases (16 dogs, 7 cats) were included. Pneumonectomy was performed for congenital (1 dog, 1 cat), neoplastic (8 dogs, 1 cat), and infectious (7 dogs, 5 cats) disease. Postoperative aspiration pneumonia occurred in 2 dogs; 15 of 16 dogs (94%) and 6/7 cats (86%) survived to hospital discharge. After pneumonectomy, dogs had a significantly higher postoperative PaO2 on 21% oxygen (P=.033) and lower postoperative A‐a gradient (P=.004) compared to dogs undergoing single lung lobectomy. Survival times (right‐censored at last follow‐up) for dogs ranged from 2 days to 7 years (estimated median=1,868 days) and for cats from 1–585 days.

Conclusion: Dogs and cats have acceptable respiratory function immediately postoperatively and most have protracted long‐term survival after pneumonectomy for a variety of pulmonary diseases.
Endotoxin‐induced inflammation in a rodent model up‐regulates IL‐1a expression and CD45+ leukocyte recruitment and increases the rate of reepithelialization and wound closure
Authors: Singh Mansher , Nuutila Kristo , Sinha Indranil , Eriksson Elof
Published: July 2016

Wound healing is traditionally divided into inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases. Several inflammatory mediators and cells regulate the inflammation phase. The specific roles for different mediators have not been clearly defined. The effects of inflammation phase modulation on wound healing were evaluated in this study. Rat full‐thickness wounds were divided into different experimental groups: (1) sterile hyper‐inflammatory wounds/endotoxin (topical endotoxin), (2) sterile hypo‐inflammatory/inhibitor group (cocktail of topical COX‐1 plus COX‐2 plus lipoxygenase inhibitors), and (3) control groups: topical saline or DMSO. After full‐thickness wound creation, custom‐made titanium chambers enclosed the wound, creating an isolated well‐controlled environment. Wound healing was followed over time; tissue biopsies and wound fluid samples were collected on days 1, 4, and 8 postoperatively. The validity of the inflammation model was confirmed by increased IL‐1a expression, increased CD45+ leukocytes recruitment in the hyper‐inflamed group as compared to the inhibitor and control groups. The reepithelialization percentage was significantly increased in the endotoxin group as compared to the inhibitor group on day 4 (60.75 vs. 22.05, p‐value <0.05) and both the inhibitor and the control group on day 8 (control group: 63.2%, inhibitor group: 28.9%, endotoxin group: 84.2%, p‐value <0.05). Also, the macroscopic wound closure was increased in the endotoxin group as compared to the inhibitor group and control group both on day 4 (control group: 69.9%, inhibitor group: 62.9%, endotoxin group: 81.9%, p‐value <0.05) and on day 8 (control group: 68.5%, inhibitor group: 69.1%, endotoxin group: 83.7%, p‐value <0.05). Endotoxin‐induced sterile inflammation up‐regulates IL‐1a expression and CD45+ leukocyte recruitment and results in faster rate of wound reepithelialization and wound closure in full‐thickness rodent wounds. Conversely, the wound reepithelialization and wound closure can be significantly delayed on treatment with a combination of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors.
Failure of transplantation tolerance induction by autologous regulatory T cells in the pig‐to‐non‐human primate islet xenotransplantation model
Authors: Shin Jun‐Seop , Min Byoung‐Hoon , Kim Jong‐Min , Kim Jung‐Sik , Yoon Il Hee , Kim Hyun Je , Kim Yong‐Hee , Jang Jae Yool , Kang Hee Jung , Lim Dong‐Gyun , Ha Jongwon , Kim Sang‐Joon , Park Chung‐Gyu
Published: July 2016

Background

Islet allotransplantation is a promising way to treat some type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients with frequent hypoglycemic unawareness, and islet xenotransplantation is emerging to overcome the problem of donor organ shortage. Our recent study showing reproducible long‐term survival of porcine islets in non‐human primates (NHPs) allows us to examine whether autologous regulatory T‐cell (Treg) infusion at peri‐transplantation period would induce transplantation tolerance in xenotransplantation setting.

Methods

Two diabetic rhesus monkeys were transplanted with porcine islets from wild‐type adult Seoul National University (SNU) miniature pigs with immunosuppression by anti‐thymoglobulin (ATG), cobra venom factor, anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibody (mAb), and sirolimus. CD4+CD25highCD127low autologous regulatory T cells from the recipients were isolated, ex vivo expanded, and infused at the peri‐transplantation period. Blood glucose and porcine C‐peptide from the recipients were measured up to 1000 days. Maintenance immunosuppressants including a CD40‐CD154 blockade were deliberately discontinued to confirm whether transplantation tolerance was induced by adoptively transferred Tregs.

Results

After pig islet transplantation via portal vein, blood glucose levels of diabetic recipients became normalized and maintained over 6 months while in immunosuppressive maintenance with a CD40‐CD154 blockade and sirolimus. However, the engrafted pig islets in the long‐term period were fully rejected by activated immune cells, particularly T cells, when immunosuppressants were stopped, showing a failure of transplantation tolerance induction by autologous Tregs.

Conclusions

Taken together, autologous Tregs infused at the peri‐transplantation period failed to induce transplantation tolerance in pig‐to‐NHP islet xenotransplantation setting.
Frictional Damping of Flutter: Microslip Versus Macroslip
Authors: Hudson Robert , Sinha Alok
Published: July 2016

Friction dampers are utilized in turbomachinery to reduce blade vibrations resulting from aeroelastic interactions. In this paper, the microslip friction model is applied to a blade with blade to ground damper and subjected to negative damping. Analysis using the describing function method, also known as the method of harmonic balance, is used to identify the behavior of the system and the maximum negative damping that can be stabilized by such a damper. These results are compared to those for the macroslip friction model.
Mass Sensitivity of Nonuniform Microcantilever Beams
Authors: Sagar Singh Sajal , Pal Prem , Kumar Pandey Ashok
Published: July 2016

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based cantilever beams have been widely used in various sensing applications. Previous studies have aimed at increasing the sensitivity of biosensors by reducing the size of cantilever beams to nanoscale. However, the influence of nonuniform cantilever beams on mass sensitivity has rarely been investigated. In this paper, we discuss the mass sensitivity with respect to linear and nonlinear response of nonuniform cantilever beam with linear and quartic variation in width. To do the analysis, we use the nonlinear Euler–Bernoulli beam equation with harmonic forcing. Subsequently, we derive the mode shape corresponding to linear, undamped, free vibration case for different types of beams with a tip mass at the end. After applying the boundary conditions, we obtain the resonance frequencies corresponding to various magnitudes of tip mass for different kinds of beams. To do the nonlinear analysis, we use the Galerkin approximation and the method of multiple scales (MMS). Analysis of linear response indicates that the nondimensional mass sensitivity increases considerably by changing the planar geometry of the beam as compared to uniform beam. At the same time, sensitivity further increases when the nonuniform beam is actuated in higher modes. Similarly, the frequency shift of peak amplitude of nonlinear response for a given nondimensional tip mass increases exponentially and decreases quadratically with tapering parameter, α, for diverging and converging nonuniform beam with quartic variation in width, respectively. For the converging beam, we also found an interesting monotonically decreasing and increasing behavior of mass sensitivity with tapering parameter α giving an extremum point at α=0.5. Overall analysis indicates a potential application of the nonuniform beams with quartic converging width for biomass sensor.