bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Integrational Framework of Organizational Moral Development, Legitimacy, and Corporate Responsibility: A Longitudinal, Intersectoral Analysis of Citizenship Reports
Authors: Lewis Gabriella , Palacios Sergio , Valenzuela Marcus A.
Published: December 2016

In this article, we outline a unique conceptual framework connecting legitimacy types (Suchman, 1995), theories of corporate responsibility (Brummer, 1991), and levels of organizational moral development based on Kohlberg's (1971) moral development stages. In addition, based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) categories, we found empirical support for our framework, by content analyzing Fortune 500 corporate citizenship reports from four different industries (i.e., chemicals, motor vehicle/auto parts, pharmaceutical, and utilities), at three data points (i.e., 2002, 2007, and 2012). Our analysis indicates that motor vehicle/auto parts and chemicals industries are at a higher developmental level, and portray moral legitimacy along with social demandingness corporate responsibility in recent years; while the pharmaceutical and utilities sectors are at a lower developmental level, showing signs of pragmatic legitimacy, alongside classical and stakeholder corporate responsibility strategies. This article contributes to the current organizational moral development literature by developing and finding empirical support of a conceptual framework of organizational moral development, legitimacy, and corporate responsibility. In particular, our findings provide a deeper understanding of the differences in moral development levels across four focal industries over a 10‐year timespan.
Crocin Attenuates Kindling Development and Associated Cognitive Impairments in Mice via Inhibiting Reactive Oxygen Species‐Mediated NF‐κB Activation
Authors: Mazumder Arindam Ghosh , Sharma Pallavi , Patial Vikram , Singh Damanpreet
Published: December 2016

Crocin is a pharmacologically active carotenoid pigment mainly present in the stigmas of Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae). It has been well explored in experimental animal models of cognitive impairments, depression, anxiety and epilepsy. This study was designed to understand the effect of crocin on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)‐induced kindling development and its associated cognitive deficit in mouse. Crocin treatment at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg p.o. doses showed a marked reduction in severity of PTZ‐induced seizures. There was an increase in novel object preference index and discrimination ratio in the crocin‐treated groups in the novel object recognition test. Its treatment also increased percentage spontaneous alternations in T‐maze test at all the tested doses. Histopathological examination by Nissl staining showed a reduction in dark neurons in the hippocampal pyramidal layer of crocin‐treated animals in contrast to vehicle control, indicating a decrease in neuronal damage. Biochemical estimations showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hippocampus of crocin‐treated animals. Immunohistochemistry results revealed attenuation in the levels of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and phosphorylated NF‐κB in the hippocampal sections of crocin‐treated animals. The results of this study concluded that crocin treatment increased seizure threshold, thus inhibiting PTZ‐induced kindling development and improving cognitive functions. The effect was found to be due to suppression of seizure‐induced ROS generation and its linked NF‐κB pathway‐associated neuronal damage.
Protective roles of melatonin in central nervous system diseases by regulation of neural stem cells
Authors: Yu Xin , Li Zheng , Zheng Heyi , Ho Jeffery , Chan Matthew T.V. , Wu William Ka Kei
Published: December 2016

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are immature precursors of the central nervous system (CNS), with self‐renewal and multipotential differentiation abilities. Their proliferation and differentiation are dynamically regulated by hormonal and local factors. Alteration in neurogenesis is associated with many neurological disorders. Increasing evidence suggests that modulation of NSCs can be a promising therapeutic approach for neural injury and neurodegenerative disorders. Melatonin, a pineal gland‐derived hormone, regulates the neuroimmuno‐endocrine axis and is functionally important to the circadian rhythm, tumour suppression and immunity. In the CNS, melatonin exerts neuroprotective effects in many diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and ischaemic brain injury. Emerging evidence suggests that it might also mediate such protective action by influencing proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. In this article, we review the current literature concerned with effects of melatonin on NSCs in different physiological and pathological conditions.
Russia in the Eastern Mediterranean: Intervention, Deterrence, Containment
Authors: Litsas Spyridon N.
Published: December 2016

The Syrian Civil War gave the opportunity to Russia to establish itself as a pivotal strategic element in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean. This can be seen in the Russian military presence in Syria and in the new Russian maritime strategy in the Black Sea and in the Eastern Mediterranean. This articles argues that deterrence is not enough by itself to put an obstacle in Russian regional expansionism and that a new containment policy is required in order for the West to maintain the existing status in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Usefulness of a simple self‐administered joint condition assessment sheet to predict the need for orthopaedic intervention in the management of haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Masaoka T. , Amano K. , Takedani H. , Suzuki T. , Otaki M. , Seita I. , Tateiwa T. , Shishido T. , Yamamoto K. , Fukutake K.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Detecting signs of joint deterioration is important for early effective orthopaedic intervention in managing haemophilic arthropathy.

Aim

We developed a simple, patient self‐administered sheet to evaluate the joint condition, and assessed the predictive ability of this assessment sheet for the need for an orthopaedic intervention.

Methods

This was a single‐centre, cross‐sectional study. The association between the score of each of the four items of the assessment sheet (bleeding, swelling, pain and physical impairment) and the results of radiological findings and physical examinations based on Haemophilia Joint Health Score 2.1 was assessed. An optimal scoring system was explored by the area under the curve (AUC). The cut‐off value for the need for surgery or physiotherapy was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve procedure.

Results

Forty‐two patients were included. The ‘physical impairment’ item showed the highest correlation coefficient with the results of radiographic and physical examinations (range: 0.57–0.76). The AUC of finally adjusted scoring indicates good ability to discriminate between patients with and without a need for orthopaedic intervention. The positive predictive value was the highest at a cut‐off value of 4 points for knees (63.0%) and ankles (70.0%), at 5 points for elbows (66.7%) and the highest predictive accuracy at the cut‐off value of 4 points for all the joints. The linear trend of the need for an orthopaedic intervention was observed with an increasing score.

Conclusion

The joint condition assessment sheet can help clinicians assess the need for orthopaedic intervention for haemophilic arthropathy in Japanese patients with haemophilia.
Exploratory scoping of the literature on factors that influence oral health workforce planning and management in developing countries
Authors: Knevel RJM , Gussy MG , Farmer J
Published: December 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to scope the literature that exists about factors influencing oral health workforce planning and management in developing countries (DCs).

Methods

The Arksey and O'Malley method for conducting a scoping review was used. A replicable search strategy was applied, using three databases. Factors influencing oral health workforce planning and management in DCs identified in the eligible articles were charted.

Findings

Four thousand citations were identified; 41 papers were included for review. Most included papers were situational analyses. Factors identified were as follows: lack of data, focus on the restorative rather than preventive care in practitioner education, recent increase in number of dental schools (mostly private) and dentistry students, privatization of dental care services which has little impact on care maldistribution, and debates about skill mix and scope of practice. Oral health workforce management in the eligible studies has a bias towards dentist‐led systems. Due to a lack of country‐specific oral health related data in developing or least developed countries (LDCs), oral health workforce planning often relies on data and modelling from other countries.

Discussion and conclusion

Approaches to oral health workforce management and planning in developing or LDCs are often characterized by approaches to increase numbers of dentists, thus not ameliorating maldistribution of service accessibility. Governments appear to be reducing support for public and preventative oral healthcare, favouring growth in privatized dental services. Changes to professional education are necessary to trigger a paradigm shift to the preventive approach and to improve relationships between different oral healthcare provider roles. This needs to be premised on greater appreciation of preventive care in health systems and funding models.
Distribution and ecology of lampreys Lethenteron spp. in interior Alaskan rivers
Authors: Sutton T. M.
Published: December 2016

This study describes phenetic characteristics and examines the life history of anadromous Arctic lamprey Lethenteron camtschaticum and freshwater‐resident Alaskan brook lamprey Lethenteron alaskense in two tributaries of the middle Yukon River, Alaska. Larval lampreys could not be identified to species using pigmentation density patterns or trunk myomere counts, but adults could be identified to species based on colouration, body size and oral‐disc dentition. Although larvae were patchily distributed in both rivers, there was a greater proportion of sample locations where Lethenteron spp. were absent in upper reaches than in middle and lower reaches. Relative abundance, density and median and maximum total length (LT) of larvae were highly variable among sampling locations. Current velocity, substratum type and coarse woody debris were most strongly correlated with larval Lethenteron spp. density; velocity and substratum size was negatively correlated, whereas woody debris was positively correlated. Water depth, dissolved oxygen levels and specific conductance did not influence habitat selection. Length–frequency distributions, diet composition (organic detritus ≥ 98%), assimilation efficiency (>70%) and gut fullness (<0·2 mg diet ash‐free dry mass) were similar for larvae, regardless of river or sampling location. These results increase understanding of Lethenteron spp. biology and ecology in interior Alaska drainages and add to the existing literature on Lethenteron spp. life history.
CURRENCY RISK PREMIUM AND U.S. MACROECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Authors: Du Ding , Hu Ou , Zhao Xiaobing
Published: December 2016

In this article, we test whether the currency risk premium in the U.S. equity market is particularly higher on prescheduled U.S. macroeconomic announcement days. Our empirical analyses find supporting evidence. Our results help strengthen recent conditional tests on currency risk and suggest that the currency risk premium in the U.S. equity market is driven by U.S. macroeconomic conditions (e.g., U.S. monetary policy).
The Effect of Production Size and Pre‐Slaughter Time on the Carcass Parameters and Meat Quality of Slaughtered Finisher Pigs
Authors: Knecht Damian , Jankowska‐Mąkosa Anna , Duziński Kamil
Published: December 2016

The study was designed to determine the impact of production size and pre‐slaughter time on linear parameters of pig carcasses and meat quality. The 112 finisher pigs, divided into groups of: production size (large and small scale) and pre‐slaughter time (<4 h and >4 h). Production size has the largest impact on linear measurements of pig carcasses. Finishers from large scale farms were characterized by a higher thickness of the gluteal muscles (P ≤ 0.05), lean meat content (P ≤ 0.01) and by lower backfat thickness (P ≤ 0.01). The highest impacts of production size and pre‐slaughter time were observed for color, marbling, drip loss, water holding capacity and L* parameter. The most desirable consumer parameters for pork were characterized by finisher groups from large scale farms slaughtered after over 4 h rest. The calculated correlations demonstrated relations between the line measurements of carcass and the meat quality parameters.

Practical Applications

Production size and pre‐slaughter time, and their interaction have a major influence on the raw material and meat quality for sale. Results of the investigation could have a potential for producing a raw material strictly suited to consumer market. Therefore, smaller slaughter plants can improve the final quality of the sold product by taking into account these factors, which means a detailed verification of suppliers and adjusting the time of slaughter.
A Behavioral Process Model of Familism
Authors: Hernández Maciel M. , Bámaca‐Colbert Mayra Y.
Published: December 2016

Familismo, or familism, an important Latino cultural construct associated with youth adjustment, describes the importance of family regarding support, comfort, and services. Increased research on familism among Latino families in the past decade has called for a theoretical process model of familism that can guide research on familism, family processes, and youth development. In this article, we propose the behavioral process model of familism (BPMF), which identifies proximal mechanisms through which familism is expected to promote youth psychological adjustment. Specifically, we propose that parenting behaviors (e.g., monitoring, discipline strategies) are a mechanism by which parent familism relates to youth familism and psychological adjustment both directly and via their familism‐consistent behaviors. We hypothesize direct and mediated pathways in the BPMF and consider how sociodemographic variables modify the described processes.
How to Define Situated and Ever‐Transforming Family Configurations? A New Materialist Approach
Authors: Schadler Cornelia
Published: December 2016

Within the past few decades, the configuration “family” has included diverse living arrangements, yet traditional definitions of family persist. Accordingly, family studies scholars have discussed research strategies and theoretical approaches to define the shifting boundaries of family. In this article I propose the approach of new materialism for a contemporary definition of family that focuses on situated processes and the complex interplay of material‐discursive differentiation processes. This perspective enriches current debates on defining family by adding concepts of intracontextual posthuman practices and multilocal forms of agency to the discussion, thus allowing for a definition of family that helps make comprehensible today's ever‐transforming configurations.
Where Is Family Science in Suicide Prevention and Intervention? Theoretical Applications for a Systemic Perspective
Authors: Frey Laura M. , Hans Jason D. , Sanford Rebecca L.
Published: December 2016

Researchers have primarily examined suicide as an individual phenomenon, yet family scientists who view suicide as a family experience use multiple perspectives for examining the role of families after suicidal ideation or a nonfatal attempt. This article explores how prominent suicide theories can be used to conceptualize a family's role in suicide experiences. Three theories utilized by family scientists—human ecological theory, family systems theory, and social exchange theory—are applied to provide new conceptualizations of family reactions to suicidal behavior. Finally, potential contributions of family scientists to the field of suicidology are examined.
Health State Transitions and Longevity Effects on Retirees’ Optimal Annuitization
Authors: Ai Jing , Brockett Patrick L. , Golden Linda L. , Zhu Wei
Published: December 2016

The interplay between longevity risk and health state transitions for retirees’ optimal annuitization decisions is investigated. Using a life‐cycle framework incorporating wealth levels, bequest motives, and consumption floors created by government subsidies, we examine how increased longevity in conjunction with an individual's health state transition process impacts annuity purchase decisions. Health state transition matrices are estimated from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) data. The effects of increased longevity on annuitization decisions are considered when longevity is both accompanied by increased time spent in healthier states (morbidity compression) or experienced by more time in unhealthy states (morbidity expansion). We find that retirees’ annuity demand is affected by wealth, initial health status, and expansion or compression of morbidity. Wealthier retirees have higher annuity demand when health shocks are considered, and increased longevity increases demand even more when retirees expect an expansion or slight morbidity compression. With health shocks and expectations of severe morbidity compression considered, the opposite effect might occur. Thus, an annuity can help retirees hedge health shock costs when slight compression or expansion of morbidity occurs. For retirees with lower wealth, the consumption floor provided by governmental subsidies will create a decreased propensity to annuitize.
WHAT DRIVES TORT REFORM LEGISLATION? AN ANALYSIS OF STATE DECISIONS TO RESTRICT LIABILITY TORTS
Authors: Deng Yiling , Zanjani George
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

This article studies the timing of state‐level tort reform enactments between 1971 and 2005. Using discrete‐time hazard models, we find the level of litigation activity—as measured by incurred liability insurance losses, the number of lawyers, and tort cases commenced—to be the most important and robust determinant of tort reform adoption. Political‐institutional factors and regional effects—such as Republican control of the state government, single‐party control of the legislature and governorship, and a (relatively) conservative political ideology among a state's Democrats—are also associated with quicker reform adoption.
Development of a “living” lexicon for descriptive sensory analysis of brewed coffee
Authors: Chambers Edgar , Sanchez Karolina , Phan Uyen X. T. , Miller Rhonda , Civille Gail V. , Di Donfrancesco Brizio
Published: December 2016

Coffee is one of the most common beverages in the world. However, a sensory lexicon for determining descriptive differences resulting from breeding, agronomic, processing, storage, and brewing modifications is needed. This study developed a sensory lexicon for brewed coffee. More than 100 different coffee samples from 14 countries around the world were used to create this lexicon in four Phases. A highly trained panel assessed all coffee samples using descriptive analysis. The sensory panel identified 110 attributes (many used both for aroma and flavor) and references. Principal component analysis was used to map the scores obtained during the validation phase. For this phase the coffee lexicon allowed the panelists to describe specific characteristics that were present in the coffee samples such as sweet, nutty and fruity notes, as well as the differentiation of notes such as burnt, smoky, astringent, acrid and bitter. The developed attributes and references were successfully used by the trained panel to describe a wide range of coffee samples. The lexicon is considered “living” because additional terms should be added as needed to expand the lexicon to include attributes that are not included here.

Practical applications

The terminology developed during this study is clear, easy to reproduce in future research, and accompanied by reference standards that provide a guide for future studies. This lexicon will provide an important tool for the coffee industry to conduct sensory evaluation to improve the understanding of coffee quality. It is a “living” lexicon that can be added to when samples exhibit notes that were not present in the samples used for this lexicon development.
The Impact of Customer Involvement on New Product Development: Contingent and Substitutive Effects
Authors: Cui Anna Shaojie , Wu Fang
Published: December 2016

More and more companies are actively involving their customers in the new product development (NPD) process. However, there is little consensus regarding the contribution of customer involvement to new product outcomes. A better understanding of this contribution can shed light on whether and when it is worthwhile to involve customers and thus provide firms better guidelines for making such decisions. This study examines the effects of two forms of customer involvement on new product outcomes: the traditional form of customer involvement as an information source (CIS) and the more active form of customer involvement as co‐developers (CIC). The authors offer a better understanding of whether customer involvement can lead to successful innovation by (1) identifying conditions that impact the effects of CIS and CIC on NPD outcomes, (2) contrasting the conditional effects of CIS and CIC to understand how they influence NPD outcomes differently, and (3) examining the potential substitutive relationship between CIS and CIC to understand their joint effects in improving innovation. They find that an experimental NPD approach that emphasizes trial and error learning moderates the relationship between customer involvement and new product outcomes. Specifically, the results reveal contrasting contingent effects of CIS and CIC: CIS is more beneficial for new product outcomes when firms take a more experimental NPD approach, whereas the effect of CIC is stronger when the NPD process is characterized with lower experimentation. CIS and CIC also substitute for each other in their contribution to new product outcomes. These findings suggest that each of the two forms of customer involvement has its unique advantages and is suitable for different conditions. When considering the adoption of CIC, firms should take into account their learning approaches as well as the effectiveness of CIS in the NPD process.
HBV/HCV co‐infection is associated with a high level of HCV spontaneous clearance among drug users and blood donors in China
Authors: Xiong H. , Rong X. , Wang M. , Xu R. , Huang K. , Liao Q. , Huang J. , Chen J. , Li C. , Tang X. , Shan Z. , Zhang M. , Nelson K. , Fu Y.
Published: December 2016

Understanding the biology of spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection could lead to improved strategies to prevent the sequelae associated with chronic HCV infection. Chronic infections with hepatitis virus are very common in China, but the factors associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV have not been adequately studied. We evaluated the spontaneous clearance of HCV among 1918 drug users and 1526 HCV‐seropositive blood donors in Guangzhou, China. Among participants who were co‐infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), 41.38% of drug users and 39.47% of blood donors had cleared their HCV infection without antiviral therapy compared to 9.41% of drug users and 16.73% of blood donors who were mono‐infected with a single virus (P<.01). The proportion of subjects who had cleared their HCV infection was significantly greater in the co‐infected subjects whose serum HBV DNA was greater than 2000IU/mL than those with lower levels. A multiple logistic regression analysis found female gender, IL28B rs8099917 TT genotype, HBV co‐infection and blood donors (vs drug users) associated with increased spontaneous clearance of HCV infection. Although acute HCV infections are common in China, the incidence of chronic HCV may be reduced among the high prevalence of chronic HBV and IL28B genotypes associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV in Chinese populations.
A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for chickens exposed to feed supplemented with monensin during their lifetime
Authors: Henri J. , Carrez R. , Méda B. , Laurentie M. , Sanders P.
Published: December 2016

We developed a flow‐limited physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for residues of monensin in chickens and evaluated its predictive ability by comparing it with an external data set describing concentration decays after the end of treatment. One advantage of this model is that the values for most parameters (34 of 38) were taken directly from the literature or from field data (for growth and feed intake). Our model included growth (changes in body weight) to describe exposure throughout the life of the chicken. We carried out a local sensitivity analysis to evaluate the relative importance of model parameters on model outputs and revealed the predominant influence of 19 parameters (including three estimated ones): seven pharmacokinetic parameters, five physiological parameters and seven animal performance parameters. Our model estimated the relative bioavailability of monensin as feed additive at 3.9%, which is even lower than the absolute bioavailability in solution (29.91%). Our model can be used for extrapolations of farming conditions, such as monensin supplementation or building lighting programme (which may have a significant impact for short half‐life molecules such as monensin). This validated PBPK model may also be useful for interspecies extrapolations or withdrawal period calculations for modified dosage regimens.
Impact of Androgen Deprivation Therapy on Volume Reduction and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Prostate Cancer
Authors: WASHINO Satoshi , HIRAI Masaru , SAITO Kimitoshi , KOBAYASHI Yutaka , ARAI Yoshiaki , MIYAGAWA Tomoaki
Published: December 2016

Objective

To evaluate the impact of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on prostate volume, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and LUTS‐related quality of life (QOL) in patients with prostate cancer.

Methods

Patients with prostate cancer (PCa) were treated with goserelin and bicalutamide for 24 weeks. Changes in the total prostate volume (TPV), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and QOL score for urinary symptoms were assessed every 12 weeks. Of the 42 patients enrolled, 8 patients withdrew and 2 were excluded, so 32 patients were analyzed.

Results

The median age, PSA levels, and TPV were 77.5 years, 22.0 ng/mL, and 29.5 cm3, respectively. TPV showed a significant decrease from baseline in weeks 12 and 24, with the mean percent decreases being −37.5 ± 4.25 and −7.5 ± 3.84%, respectively. The IPSS decreased from baseline to weeks 12 and 24 (from 11.7 ± 1.6 to 9.3 ± 1.0 and 9.3 ± 1.0; P = 0.15 and 0.2, respectively). The IPSS voiding score showed a significant decrease from baseline to weeks 12 and 24 whereas the IPSS storage score did not. In patients with moderate to severe LUTS, the IPSS and the QOL score showed a significant decrease in weeks 12 and 24. In patients with mild LUTS, nocturia increased significantly from baseline and there was approximately one additional episode of nocturia at 24 weeks.

Conclusions

In this study, we observed that ADT significantly reduced TPV and improved LUTS in patients with PCa and moderate to severe LUTS, but increased nocturia in patients with mild LUTS.
Spatial, temporal, age, and sex related variation in the diet of South American sea lions in southern Chile
Authors: Sepúlveda Maritza , Pavez Guido , Santos‐Carvallo Macarena , Balbontín Constanza , Pequeño Germán , Newsome Seth D.
Published: December 2016

We analyzed spatial, temporal, and age/sex variation in the diet of the South American sea lions (SASL, Otaria byronia) in southern Chile via δ13C and δ15N isotope analysis, with emphasis on exotic farmed and feral salmonids as a source of prey for this generalist predator. Isotope mixing models show that the primary prey consumed by SASL were demersal and benthopelagic fishes. Individuals sampled in summer and in the outer coast had higher δ15N values than those from winter or from the inner coast due to consumption of high trophic level demersal fish. We also found evidence of an ontogenetic shift in isotopic niche width as measured by δ13C and δ15N standard ellipse areas, with juveniles showing a restricted isotopic niche width (1.0‰2) in comparison to subadult (2.2‰2) and adult males (1.9‰2). The proportion of salmonids in the diet of the SASL was negligible and lower than reported in previous studies, which may be related to a recent drop in the production of salmon aquaculture in the region. Our study suggests that the SASL are able to adapt to shifts in spatiotemporal variations in the abundance of potential prey, including feral and farmed salmonids.
Explorations in a Theological Metaphor: Boethius, Calvin, and Torrance on the Creator/Creation Distinction
Authors: Ortlund Gavin
Published: December 2016

This article explores a theological metaphor, comparing God and creation to an author and story. Framed as an Einsteinian thought experiment, and broadly in the genre of theological retrieval, it seeks to resource the use of this metaphor in contemporary theology by bringing it into dialogue with three areas of theological reflection throughout church history: Boethius' doctrine of divine foreknowledge, the so‐called extra Calvinisticum, and Thomas Torrance's account of Christ's ascension. It is suggested that the story metaphor brings into greater visibility what unites and determines each of these different doctrines, namely, a simultaneously robust and dynamic Creator/creation relation. In particular, it is suggested that the metaphor of story illumines the ontological priority of God over creation, as well as the importance of the incarnation and ascension as the determining events for their relationship.
Endocardial Device Leads in Patients with Patent Foramen Ovale: Echocardiographic Correlates of Stroke/TIA and Mortality
Authors: PONAMGI SHIVA P. , VAIDYA VAIBHAV R. , DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , NOHERIA AMIT , HODGE DAVID O. , SLUSSER JOSHUA P. , AMMASH NASER M. , BRUCE CHARLES J. , RABINSTEIN ALEJANDRO A. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: December 2016

Background

Echocardiographically detected patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been associated with stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). We sought to evaluate the relationship between echocardiographic characteristics and risk of stroke/TIA and mortality in CIED patients with PFO.

Methods

In 6,086 device patients, PFO was detected in 319 patients. A baseline echocardiogram was present in 250 patients, with 186 having a follow‐up echocardiogram.

Results

Of 250 patients with a baseline echocardiogram, 9.6% (n = 24) had a stroke/TIA during mean follow‐up of 5.3 ± 3.1 years; and 42% (n = 105) died over 7.1 ± 3.7 years. Atrial septal aneurysm, prominent Eustachian valve, visible shunting across PFO, baseline or change in estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP)/tricuspid regurgitation (TR), or maximum RVSP were not associated with postimplant stroke/TIA (P > 0.05). An exploratory multivariate analysis using time‐dependent Cox models showed increased hazard of death in patients with increase in TR ≥2 grades (hazard ratio [HR] 1.780, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.447–2.189, P < 0.0001), or increase in RVSP by >10 mm Hg (HR 2.018, 95% CI 1.593–2.556, P < 0.0001), or maximum RVSP in follow‐up (HR 1.432, 95% CI 1.351–1.516, P < 0.0001). A significant increase (P < 0.001) in TR was also noted during follow‐up.

Conclusions

In patients with CIED and PFO, structural and hemodynamic echocardiographic markers did not predict future stroke/TIA. However, a significantly higher TR or RVSP was associated with higher mortality.
Technologies for Prolonging Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Longevity
Authors: LAU ERNEST W.
Published: December 2016

Prolonged longevity of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is needed not only as a passive response to match the prolonging life expectancy of patient recipients, but will also actively prolong their life expectancy by avoiding/deferring the risks (and costs) associated with device replacement. CIEDs are still exclusively powered by nonrechargeable primary batteries, and energy exhaustion is the dominant and an inevitable cause of device replacement. The longevity of a CIED is thus determined by the attrition rate of its finite energy reserve. The energy available from a battery depends on its capacity (total amount of electric charge), chemistry (anode, cathode, and electrolyte), and internal architecture (stacked plate, folded plate, and spiral wound). The energy uses of a CIED vary and include a background current for running electronic circuitry, periodic radiofrequency telemetry, high‐voltage capacitor reformation, constant ventricular pacing, and sporadic shocks for the cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators. The energy use by a CIED is primarily determined by the patient recipient's clinical needs, but the energy stored in the device battery is entirely under the manufacturer's control. A larger battery capacity generally results in a longer‐lasting device, but improved battery chemistry and architecture may allow more space‐efficient designs. Armed with the necessary technical knowledge, healthcare professionals and purchasers will be empowered to make judicious selection on device models and maximize the utilization of all their energy‐saving features, to prolong device longevity for the benefits of their patients and healthcare systems.
Desiring the data state in the Indus Basin
Authors: Akhter Majed
Published: December 2016

The distribution of water between co‐riparian regions in the Indus Basin has been an extremely contentious issue since at least the early 20th century. The reliability of water measurements, in particular, has caused much controversy at multiple scales. This hydropolitical tension has catalysed a key social group – the hydraulic bureaucracy or ‘hydrocracy’ – to enact strategies of depoliticisation. These strategies aim to suppress political contest by calling on external expertise and/or technology to assure the objectivity of water measurement data. This paper draws on archival data and interviews with water engineers to argue that technocratic depoliticisation operates in distinct but related ways at different scales. Further, I argue that to analyse the technocratic desire for a data state – a state that governs primarily or exclusively by number and calculation – a multi‐scalar theoretical framework that connects the politics of technocracy, territory and nationalism is needed. The paper develops such a framework by situating hydrocrats and their strategies in the broader context of state formation. This framework is offered as a way for critical scholars of resources, development and expertise to engage with depoliticisation and repoliticisation of resource governance as complex geographic processes.
Sorbitol increases muscle glucose uptake ex vivo and inhibits intestinal glucose absorption ex vivo and in normal and type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Chukwuma Chika Ifeanyi , Islam Md. Shahidul
Published: December 2016

Previous studies have suggested that sorbitol, a known polyol sweetener, possesses glycemic control potentials. However, the effect of sorbitol on intestinal glucose absorption and muscle glucose uptake still remains elusive. The present study investigated the effects of sorbitol on intestinal glucose absorption and muscle glucose uptake as possible anti-hyperglycemic or glycemic control potentials using ex vivo and in vivo experimental models. Sorbitol (2.5% to 20%) inhibited glucose absorption in isolated rat jejuna (IC50= 14.6% ± 4.6%) and increased glucose uptake in isolated rat psoas muscle with (GU50= 3.5% ± 1.6%) or without insulin (GU50= 7.0% ± 0.5%) in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, sorbitol significantly delayed gastric emptying, accelerated digesta transit, inhibited intestinal glucose absorption, and reduced blood glucose increase in both normoglycemic and type 2 diabetic rats after 1 h of coingestion with glucose. Data of this study suggest that sorbitol exhibited anti-hyperglycemic potentials, possibly via increasing muscle glucose uptake ex vivo and reducing intestinal glucose absorption in normal and type 2 diabetic rats. Hence, sorbitol may be further investigated as a possible anti-hyperglycemic sweetener.
Role of the Endobronchial Landmarks Guiding TBNA and EBUS-TBNA in Lung Cancer Staging
Authors: Arias S. , Liu Q. H. , Frimpong B. , Lee H. , Feller-Kopman D. , Yarmus L. , Wang K. P.
Published: December 2016

Background. Lung cancer is the leading cause of malignancy related mortality in the United States. Accurate staging of NSCLC influences therapeutic decisions. Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) and endobronchial ultrasound-guided TBNA (EBUS-TBNA) has been accepted as a procedure for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and adequacy of TBNA and EBUS-TBNA for sampling of mediastinal adenopathy using the Wang’s eleven lymph node map stations. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 99 consecutive cases diagnosed with malignancy by EBUS-TBNA and a series 74 patients evaluated for mediastinal adenopathy or a pulmonary lesion using conventional transbronchial needle aspiration. The IASLC lymph node map was correlated with Wang’s map. Results. A total of 182 lymph node stations were sampled using EBUS-TBNA. 96 were positive for nodal metastasis. A total of four cases of samples taken from station 2R showed malignant cells. From the 74 cases series using cTBNA 167 nodes were sampled in 222 passes. Lymphoid or malignant tissue was obtained in 67 (91.8%) cases; 55.1% of the nodes were 1 cm or less. Conclusions. The use of the eleven stations described in Wang’s map to guide TBNA of the mediastinal nodes allows sampling of radiologically considered nonpathological nodes. These data suggest that Wang’s map covers the most frequent IASLC nodal stations compromised with metastasis.
Improved Results onH∞State Estimation of Static Neural Networks with Time Delay
Authors: Wen Bin , Li Hui , Zhong Shouming
Published: December 2016

This paper studies the problem ofH∞state estimation for a class of delayed static neural networks. The purpose of the problem is to design a delay-dependent state estimator such that the dynamics of the error system is globally exponentially stable and a prescribedH∞performance is guaranteed. Some improved delay-dependent conditions are established by constructing augmented Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals (LKFs). The desired estimator gain matrix can be characterized in terms of the solution to LMIs (linear matrix inequalities). Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method compared with some existing results.
Meningitis Caused by Salmonella Newport in a Five-Year-Old Child
Authors: De Malet Ana , Ingerto Sheila , Gañán Israel
Published: December 2016

Salmonella Newport is a Gram-negative bacillus belonging to the Enterobacteria family and the nontyphi Salmonella (NTS), usually related to gastroenteritis. Main difference between NTS and Salmonella typhi is that the last one evolves to an invasive disease easier than NTS. These can progress to bacteremias in around 5% of cases and secondary focuses can appear occasionally, as in meningitis. An infection of the central nervous system is uncommon, considering its incidence in 0.6–8% of the cases; most of them are described in developing countries and mainly in childhood, especially neonates. Bacterial meningitis by NTS mostly affects immunosuppressed people in Europe. Prognosis is adverse, with a 50% mortality rate, mainly due to complications of infection: hydrocephalus, ventriculitis, abscesses, subdural empyema, or stroke. Choice antibiotic treatments are cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, or ceftazidime. The aim of this paper is to present a case of meningitis caused by Salmonella Newport diagnosed in a five-year-old girl living in a rural area of the province of Ourense (Spain), with favorable evolution and without neurological disorders.
Diabetic Polyneuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Román-Pintos Luis Miguel , Villegas-Rivera Geannyne , Rodríguez-Carrizalez Adolfo Daniel , Miranda-Díaz Alejandra Guillermina , Cardona-Muñoz Ernesto Germán
Published: December 2016

Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is defined as peripheral nerve dysfunction. There are three main alterations involved in the pathologic changes of DPN: inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Inflammation induces activation of nuclear factor kappa B, activator protein 1, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia is mediated by several identified pathways: polyol, hexosamine, protein kinase C, advanced glycosylation end-products, and glycolysis. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction accounts for most of the production of reactive oxygen and nitrosative species. These free radicals cause lipid peroxidation, protein modification, and nucleic acid damage, to finally induce axonal degeneration and segmental demyelination. The prevalence of DPN ranges from 2.4% to 78.8% worldwide, depending on the diagnostic method and the population assessed (hospital-based or outpatients). Risk factors include age, male gender, duration of diabetes, uncontrolled glycaemia, height, overweight and obesity, and insulin treatment. Several diagnostic methods have been developed, and composite scores combined with nerve conduction studies are the most reliable to identify early DPN. Treatment should be directed to improve etiologic factors besides reducing symptoms; several approaches have been evaluated to reduce neuropathic impairments and improve nerve conduction, such as oral antidiabetics, statins, and antioxidants (alpha-lipoic acid, ubiquinone, and flavonoids).
Stepwise Growth of Hollow Hexagonalα-Fe2O3Nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Liqun , Yang Sen , Zhang Yin , Wang Jieqiong , Xu Minwei , Song Xiaoping , Lu Xuegang
Published: December 2016

Magnetic nanocrystals have attracted much attention in various fields because of their fundamental size and shape dependent magnetism and many technological applications. In this study, hollow hexagonalα-Fe2O3nanocrystals were synthesized using a normal hydrothermal method. A full growth evolution map of nanocrystals with different shapes was investigated to elucidate the growth mechanism. We had demonstrated the growth mechanism using the selective adsorption and dissolution theory and interestingly found that K+cations were also a key point during the process ofα-Fe2O3nanocrystals growing. At last, the magnetic properties of the hexagonalα-Fe2O3nanocrystals were also investigated.
Kink of Subclavian Artery Mimicking Stenosis
Authors: Kemal Hatice S. , Gunsel Aziz , Kocaoglu Murat , Cerit Levent , Duygu Hamza
Published: December 2016

The treatment for subclavian artery stenosis includes the more common endovascular therapy rather than surgical intervention in symptomatic patients. We present a case of a 79-year-old man with coronary artery bypass graft where subclavian artery stenosis was found incidentally. In this asymptomatic case, we have merged clinical and multiple imaging modalities to secure the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Designing Efficient Mobile Gateway for Impoverished Regions Based on Self-Learning Strategy
Authors: Zhou Yutong , Shi Wei , Song Fei , You Ilsun
Published: December 2016

Multiple wireless access technology had tremendously extended the coverage of Internet from developed cities to impoverished regions. As the significant network equipment, mobile gateway had been assigned more and more tasks. However, the efficiency issues are still challenging. Motivated by the latest progress in self-learning, we proposed a new scheme for mobile gateway design. Firstly, the network architecture and supported new features of mobile gateway are discussed to provide a macroscopic impression. Secondly, the application scenarios and functional modules are explored from network and user oriented plane’s perspectives. The implementation of intraplane and interplane interactions is carefully illustrated. Thirdly, the transitions of multiple states are analyzed based on possible network context. Fourthly, three typical self-learning schemes are briefly examined and two representative algorithms are adopted. Necessary procedures for deployment are also demonstrated via pseudocodes. Then the interactive process in both network and user oriented cases is investigated. In order to validate the performance, a comprehensive topology with background traffic is established. Simulation results reveal that our hybrid scheme could overcome single parameter based scheme in most of the scenarios.
Finite Thin Cover on an Orthotropic Elastic Half Plane
Authors: Falope Federico Oyedeji , Radi Enrico
Published: December 2016

The present work deals with the mechanical behaviour of thin films bonded to a homogeneous elastic orthotropic half plane under plain strain condition and infinitesimal strain. Both the film and semi-infinite substrate display linear elastic orthotropic behaviour. By assuming perfect adhesion between film and half plane together with membrane behaviour of the film, the compatibility condition between the coating and substrate leads to a singular integral equation with Cauchy kernel. Such an equation is straightforwardly solved by expanding the unknown interfacial stress in series of Chebyshev polynomials displaying square-root singularity at the film edges. This approach allows handling the singular behaviour of the shear stress and, in turn, reducing the problem to a linear algebraic system of infinite terms. Results are found for two loading cases, with particular reference to concentrated axial forces acting at the edges of the film. The corresponding mode II stress intensity factor has been assessed, thus providing the stress concentrations at both ends of the covering. Possible applications of the results here obtained range from MEMS, NEMS, and solar Silicon cell for energy harvesting to welded joint and building foundation.
Invasive Hemodynamic Assessment of Cardiac Output State after MitraClip Therapy in Nonanaesthetized Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Bednar Frantisek , Budesinsky Tomas , Linkova Hana , Kocka Viktor
Published: December 2016

Background. Surgical correction of mitral regurgitation (MR) can lead to postoperative low cardiac output state. We aimed to assess the acute hemodynamic changes after percutaneous MitraClip therapy (a unique model without influence of factors linked to surgical procedure) in patients with functional MR without the influence of general anaesthesia. Methods. We studied invasive hemodynamic parameters in 23 patients before procedure (conscious, nonsedated patients), during procedure (intubated patients), and the first day after MitraClip implantation (conscious, extubated patients). Results. Mitral valve clipping significantly increased cardiac index (CI) (from 2.0 ± 0.5 to 3.3 ± 0.6 L/min/m2; p<0.01). Conversely, there was significant reduction in the mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) (from 18.6 ± 5.7 to 10.5 ± 3.8 mmHg; p<0.01), mean pulmonary artery pressure (from 29.8 ± 10.9 to 25.2 ± 10.3 mmHg; p=0.03), and pulmonary vascular resistance index (from 531 ± 359 to 365 ± 193 dyn·s·cm−5/m2; p=0.03). Conclusions. The functional MR therapy with percutaneous MitraClip device results in significant increase in CI (+66%) and concomitant decrease in PCWP (−42%). None of our patients developed low cardiac output state. Our results support the idea that significant part of low cardiac output state after cardiac surgery is due to surgery related factors rather than due to increase in afterload after MR elimination.