bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objectively measured physical activity and longitudinal changes in adolescent body fatness: an observational cohort study
Authors: Collings P. J. , Wijndaele K. , Corder K. , Westgate K. , Ridgway C. L. , Sharp S. J. , Atkin A. J. , Stephen A. M. , Bamber D. , Goodyer I. , Brage S. , Ekelund U.
Published: April 2015

Background

The data regarding prospective associations between physical activity (PA) and adiposity in youth are inconsistent.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate associations between baseline levels of objectively measured PA and changes in adiposity over 2.5 years from mid‐to‐late adolescence.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study in 728 school students (43% boys) from Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. Fat mass index (FMI, kg m−2) was estimated at baseline (mean ± standard deviation age: 15 ± 0.3 years) and follow‐up (17.5 ± 0.3 years) by anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance. Habitual PA was assessed at baseline by ≥3 d combined heart rate and movement sensing. Average daily PA energy expenditure (PAEE) and the time (min d−1) spent in light, moderate and vigorous intensity PA (LPA, MPA and VPA, respectively) was estimated. Multilevel models were used to investigate associations between baseline PA and change in FMI (ΔFMI). Adjustment for baseline age, sex, follow‐up duration, area‐level socioeconomic status, season of PA assessment, sedentary time, energy intake and sleep duration was made; baseline FMI was also added in a second model.

Results

FMI increased significantly over follow‐up (0.6 ± 1.2 kg m−2, P < 0.001). Baseline PAEE and LPA positively predicted ΔFMI in overfat participants (P ≤ 0.030), as did VPA in initially normal fat participants (P ≤ 0.044). There were further positive associations between PAEE and ΔFMI in normal fat participants, and between MPA and ΔFMI in both fat groups, when adjusted for baseline FMI (P ≤ 0.024).

Conclusions

Baseline PAEE and its subcomponents were positively associated with small and unlikely clinically relevant increases in ΔFMI. These counter‐intuitive findings may be explained by behavioural changes during the course of study follow‐up.
Genetic management of Dutch golden retriever dogs with a simulation tool
Authors: Windig J.J. , Oldenbroek K.
Published: April 2015

Excessive inbreeding rates and small effective population sizes are an important problem in many populations of dogs. Proper genetic management of these populations can decrease the problem, and several measures are available. However, the effectiveness of these measures is not clear beforehand. Therefore, a simulation model was developed to test measures that aim to decrease the rate of inbreeding. The simulation program was used to evaluate inbreeding restriction measures in the Dutch golden retriever dog population. This population consisted of approximately 600 dams and 150 sires that produce 300 litters each year. The five most popular sires sire approximately 25% of the litters in a year. Simulations show that the small number of popular sires and their high contribution to the next generation are the main determinants of the inbreeding rates. Restricting breeding to animals with a low average relatedness to all other animals in the population was the most effective measure and decreased the rate of inbreeding per generation from 0.41 to 0.12%. Minimizing co‐ancestry of parents was not effective in the long run, but decreased variation in inbreeding rates. Restricting the number of litters per sire generally decreased the generation interval because sires were replaced more quickly, once they met their restriction. In some instances, this lead to an increase in inbreeding rates because the next generations were more related. The simulation tool proved to be a powerful and educational tool for deciding which breeding restrictions to apply, and can be effective in different breeds and species as well.
When biogeographical provinces collide: hybridization of reef fishes at the crossroads of marine biogeographical provinces in the Arabian Sea
Authors: DiBattista Joseph D. , Rocha Luiz A. , Hobbs Jean‐Paul A. , He Song , Priest Mark A. , Sinclair‐Taylor Tane H. , Bowen Brian W. , Berumen Michael L.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Suture zones are areas where closely related species from different biogeographical regions come into contact and interbreed. This concept originated from the study of terrestrial ecosystems but it remains unclear whether a similar phenomenon occurs in the marine environment. Here we investigate a potential suture zone from a previously unknown hybrid hotspot at the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen), located in the Arabian Sea, where fauna from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean and greater Indo‐Polynesian Province intersect.

Location

Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

Methods

Putative hybrid reef fish were identified based on intermediate coloration and morphology. Underwater observations and collections were conducted to determine: (1) whether parent species form heterospecific social groups or breeding pairs; (2) the sex and reproductive status of morphologically intermediate individuals; and (3) whether parent species were forming mixed species associations owing to a dearth of conspecific partners. To support hybrid status, morphologically intermediate and parental individuals were genotyped using mitochondrialDNAcytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI), nuclear recombination‐activating gene 2 (RAG2) and the nuclearTMO‐4C4 (TMO)gene.

Results

We observed putative hybrids involving 14 species from four reef fish families at Socotra. Most cases involved a parental species with a restricted distribution (e.g. Red Sea or Arabian Sea) and a broadly distributed Indo‐Pacific species. In most cases, at least one of the parent species was rare at Socotra. Hybrid gene flow was largely unidirectional, and although introgression was rare, we found evidence that some butterflyfish and surgeonfish hybrids were fertile and formed breeding groups with parental species.

Main conclusions

The rate of hybrid discovery at Socotra is much greater than that recorded elsewhere in the marine environment and involved both allopatric and sympatric species. This study highlights the importance of biogeographical location, reef habitat, environmental conditions and abundance disparities at Socotra in potentially facilitating hybridization among reef fishes at the edge of their distribution.
Reduction in Inappropriate ICD Therapy in MADIT‐RIT Patients Without History of Atrial Tachyarrhythmia
Authors: KUTYIFA VALENTINA , MOSS ARTHUR J. , SCHUGER CLAUDIO , MCNITT SCOTT , POLONSKY BRONISLAVA , RUWALD ANNE‐CHRISTINE H. , RUWALD MARTIN H. , DAUBERT JAMES P. , ZAREBA WOJCIECH
Published: April 2015

Atrial Arrhythmia History in MADIT‐RIT

Background

There are limited data whether history of atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) modifies the risk of inappropriate ICD therapy, or the efficacy of novel ICD programming to reduce inappropriate ICD therapy events.

Methods

In MADIT‐RIT, we investigated the effects of novel ICD programming with high‐rate cut‐off VT zone ≥ 200 bpm (arm B), or 60‐second delayed therapy in the VT zone 170–199 bpm (arm C), compared to conventional programming VT zone>170 bpm (arm A) on first inappropriate ICD therapy in those with or those without AT prior to enrollment.

Results

In patients with prior AT (n = 203, 14%) there was a higher risk of inappropriate ICD therapy (HR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.38–3.20, P < 0.001), and inappropriate ICD shock (HR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.38–4.74, P = 0.003) compared to those with no prior AT. The effects of innovative programming to reduce inappropriate ICD therapy with either high‐rate cut‐off or delayed VT therapy were similar in patients with prior AT (arm B vs. A HR = 0.11, P < 0.001, arm C vs. A HR = 0.17, P < 0.001), and also in patients without prior AT before enrollment (arm B vs. A HR = 0.15, P < 0.001, arm C vs. A HR = 0.24, P < 0.001, interaction P‐values >0.10 for all).

Conclusions

Novel ICD programming with a high‐rate cut‐off or delayed therapy is equally beneficial to reduce inappropriate ICD therapy in patients with or without prior AT, despite the lower risk of inappropriate ICD therapy in patients without prior AT.
Association Between Healthy Diet and Exercise and Greater Muscle Mass in Older Adults
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Lee Yunhwan , Kye Seunghee , Chung Yoon‐Sok , Kim Kwang‐Min
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To examine the association between healthy diet and exercise, individually and combined, and low muscle mass in older Korean adults.

Design

Population‐based cross‐sectional study from the Fourth and Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2008 to 2011.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Nationally representative sample aged 65 and older (1,486 men, 1,799 women) in the Republic of Korea.

Measurements

A food frequency questionnaire was used to determine frequency of food group consumption (meat, fish, eggs, legumes; vegetables; fruits). Participation in exercise (aerobic and resistance) was based on self‐report. Combined healthy lifestyle factors were calculated as the number of recommendations met regarding consumption of food groups and exercise performed. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and low muscle mass was defined using the variable of ASM adjusted for weight. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between healthy lifestyle factors and low muscle mass, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and health‐related variables.

Results

In women, after controlling for covariates, vegetable consumption (odds ratio (OR) = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.30–0.89) and aerobic exercise (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.39–1.00) were inversely associated with low muscle mass. Also, the odds of low muscle mass was lower in women with three or more healthy lifestyle factors versus none (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.23–0.87). In men, there were no associations between food group consumption and exercise and low muscle mass.

Conclusion

Older women who exercise and consume a healthy diet have lower odds of low muscle mass. Engaging in multiple healthy behaviors may be important in preventing low muscle mass in late life.
Interprofessional Education in Canada: Addressing Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes Concerning Intellectual Disability for Future Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Jones Jessica , McQueen Meg , Lowe Samantha , Minnes Patricia , Rischke Alexis
Published: April 2015

With the deinstitutionalization movement in Canada, healthcare professionals are caring for a greater number of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) in their practices, and inevitably require additional training to provide this care. Queen's University has responded to this need and developed an innovative educational course promoting interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional practice (IPC) as it relates to ID curriculum and healthcare provision. This study measured healthcare students’ change in knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward individuals with ID and how it affected their readiness for interprofessional care. Subjects were graduate students from the fields of medicine, nursing, clinical psychology, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. Course curriculum developed used a blended teaching approach with a combination of online learning, lectures, team‐based problem solving, and client interviews. Evaluation was completed on 247 students, utilizing a pre‐post course questionnaire addressing content areas of knowledge, skills, and attitude, and by analyzing individual professional differences. Significant differences were found, indicating improvements in student knowledge and skills for the majority of disciplines after course participation. A positive trend was found in outcome responses for student attitudinal change, ranging from neutral to positive attributions about individuals with ID. Authors note improvements in student learning and positive attitudinal change following an educational course concerning optimal healthcare and collaborative practice in ID. They propose that an interprofessional blended training curriculum for future healthcare professionals can foster best practice and quality service for this currently underserved population.
Republic of Ghana's Policy on Inclusive Education and Definitions of Disability
Authors: Lamptey De‐Lawrence , Villeneuve Michelle , Minnes Patricia , McColl Mary Ann
Published: April 2015

The World Report on Disability addresses the education of students with disabilities and recommends that institutional transformation is needed to facilitate inclusive education. The success of inclusive education depends largely on a country's commitment to adopting appropriate legislation, developing policies, and providing adequate funding for implementation. The Republic of Ghana's policies include children with “nonsevere special education needs” in mainstream schools. The authors examine the definition of disability employed in Ghana's policies to assess whether students with intellectual and developmental disabilities are eligible to benefit from these provisions. Ghanaian government and relevant disability‐based organizations' documents related to disability and education were identified and examined as to how the policies support inclusion. The definitions were reviewed via the use of a biomedical or social perspective of disability. Of seven policy documents reviewed, three defined disability and the definitions reflected the biomedical perspective of disability. In the absence of definitions of disability in the majority of the Ghanaian policy documents reviewed, it is difficult to determine which children and with what types of disability will qualify to benefit from their provisions.
World Report on Disability, Intellectual Disabilities, and Disaster Preparedness:CostaRica as a Case Example
Authors: Stough Laura M.
Published: April 2015

The World Report on Disability relates concerns about the experiences of individuals with intellectual disability in disaster situations. Disaster planning related to people with intellectual disability needs to consider that (1) they experience disproportionate risk in disaster situations, (2) they are often excluded from relief processes and are disadvantaged in disaster support situations, (3) they may need specialized disability‐related supports, (4) they often have needs for assistive technology and special rehabilitative services, (5) family and community networks are important supports in disaster situations, and (6) during recovery, rebuilding should be inclusive and include disability needs. Thus, people with intellectual disabilities are more likely to need additional assistance during evacuation, experience more tangible losses during disaster, and require more intensive support in the recovery phase following disaster. Enabling access to mainstream systems and services, improving human resource capacity, and providing adequate funding for recovery and disaster mitigation are strategies to increase disaster resilience for individuals with intellectual disabilities.CostaRica is one country that has designed emergency disaster management policies and incorporated disability rights policies that cut across governmental functions and promote interagency cooperation. Having such policy structures and legislative supports are advantageous for people with intellectual disability, whose support needs often cut across different functional areas.
Black‐spotted pond frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) on the Chinese Loess Plateau represents a cryptic species: Evidence from molecular phylogeny and ecological niche modeling
Authors: Ma De , Liu Hua‐Tao , Ji Ya‐Jie , Shi Cheng‐Min , Yang Yu‐Hui , Zhang De‐Xing
Published: April 2015

The black‐spotted pond frogPelophylax nigromaculatusis a typical temperate‐adapted amphibian species, largely endemic to East Asia. It occurs from central, east, and northeast China, to the Russian Far East, the Korean Peninsula, and part of Japan. So far, little is known about this frog from the Loess Plateau, a region that has experienced profound changes in climate and environment since the late Miocene. Particularly, between the Loess Plateau and the North China Plain, stand the Lüliang and Taihang mountain ranges, which form an important geographical divide in East China. Therefore, frogs from the Loess Plateau are indispensable for understanding the biogeography and evolution of this species. In this study, a total of 933 specimens ofP. nigromaculatuscollected range‐wide were sequenced for the mitochondrialCyt bgene, with 345 of them being genotyped at 10 nuclear microsatellite loci. Both mitochondrial and microsatellite data resolved four major frog clades: (i) Loess Plateau clade, containing only frogs from the Loess Plateau; (ii) East China clade, containing frogs from the rest of China except those from the Liaodong Peninsula; (iii) Peninsulas clade, comprising frogs from the Korean Peninsula and Liaodong Peninsula; and (iv) Japan clade. Frogs from the Loess Plateau have deeply diverged from frogs in the remaining regions, with 11.5%–13.1% sequence divergence, which is comparable to distances between congeneric ranid species. Ecological niche modeling analysis showed that the potential distribution ranges of the Loess Plateau frogs and the non‐Loess Plateau frogs are rather different; niche identity testing indicated that the environmental niches of frogs from the Loess Plateau and other regions are not equivalent. Our data thus suggest that the Loess Plateau frogs represent a cryptic species. The uplift of the Lüliang Mountains was the most plausible trigger of this cryptic diversification.
Key components of financial‐analysis education for clinical nurses
Authors: Lim Ji Young , Noh Wonjung
Published: April 2015

In this study, we identified key components of financial‐analysis education for clinical nurses. We used a literature review, focus group discussions, and a content validity index survey to develop key components of financial‐analysis education. First, a wide range of references were reviewed, and 55 financial‐analysis education components were gathered. Second, two focus group discussions were performed; the participants were 11 nurses who had worked for more than 3 years in a hospital, and nine components were agreed upon. Third, 12 professionals, including professors, nurse executive, nurse managers, and an accountant, participated in the content validity index. Finally, six key components of financial‐analysis education were selected. These key components were as follows: understanding the need for financial analysis, introduction to financial analysis, reading and implementing balance sheets, reading and implementing income statements, understanding the concepts of financial ratios, and interpretation and practice of financial ratio analysis. The results of this study will be used to develop an education program to increase financial‐management competency among clinical nurses.
Combining modelling and experimental approaches to explain how calcium signatures are decoded by calmodulin‐binding transcription activators (CAMTAs) to produce specific gene expression responses
Authors: Liu Junli , Whalley Helen J. , Knight Marc R.
Published: April 2015

Experimental data show that Arabidopsis thaliana is able to decode different calcium signatures to produce specific gene expression responses. It is also known that calmodulin‐binding transcription activators (CAMTAs) have calmodulin (CaM)‐binding domains. Therefore, the gene expression responses regulated by CAMTAs respond to calcium signals. However, little is known about how different calcium signatures are decoded by CAMTAs to produce specific gene expression responses.

A dynamic model of Ca2+–CaM–CAMTA binding and gene expression responses is developed following thermodynamic and kinetic principles. The model is parameterized using experimental data. Then it is used to analyse how different calcium signatures are decoded by CAMTAs to produce specific gene expression responses.

Modelling analysis reveals that: calcium signals in the form of cytosolic calcium concentration elevations are nonlinearly amplified by binding of Ca2+, CaM and CAMTAs; amplification of Ca2+ signals enables calcium signatures to be decoded to give specific CAMTA‐regulated gene expression responses; gene expression responses to a calcium signature depend upon its history and accumulate all the information during the lifetime of the calcium signature.

Information flow from calcium signatures to CAMTA‐regulated gene expression responses has been established by combining experimental data with mathematical modelling.
A randomized multi‐institutional crossover comparison of the GlideScope® Cobalt Video laryngoscope to the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope in a Pierre Robin manikin
Authors: Fiadjoe John E. , Hirschfeld Matthew , Wu Stephan , Markley James , Gurnaney Harshad , Jawad Abbas F. , Stricker Paul , Kilbaugh Todd , Ross Patrick , Kovatsis Pete
Published: April 2015

Background

The GlideScope Cobalt Video laryngoscope is being used more often in children with challenging laryngoscopy. There are, however, no pediatric trials comparing it to flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy, the current accepted gold standard. This preliminary manikin study compares the first‐attempt intubation success of the GlideScope Cobalt video laryngoscope to the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope when performed by attending pediatric anesthesiologists at two major pediatric centers.

Methods

This prospective randomized, crossover study evaluated 120 attempts (60 with each study device) to intubate the AirSim Pierre Robin manikin (PRM) with fiberoptic bronchoscopy and video laryngoscopy (VL). Attending pediatric anesthesiologists from two quaternary pediatric centers were eligible to participate. Each attending anesthesiologist randomly performed a single tracheal intubation attempt with one of the study devices followed by the alternate method. The primary outcome was the first‐attempt success rate of tracheal intubation. Blinding was not feasible. We hypothesized that first‐attempt success would be higher with fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Results

Thirty anesthesiologists from each center were randomized to use one of the study devices followed by the alternate method. We analyzed all participants' data. There was no overall difference in first‐attempt success between VL and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (88.3% vs 85% respectively, P = 0.59). There were significant institutional differences in first‐attempt success using VL (76.7% vs 100%).

Conclusions

There was no difference in first‐attempt success of tracheal intubation using VL vs fiberoptic bronchoscopy when performed by attending anesthesiologists at two large pediatric centers. However, institutional differences exist in success rates with VL across the two centers. Results from single‐center device evaluations should be verified by multi‐center evaluations. A significant proportion of attending anesthesiologists lack experience with advanced airway devices; targeted education may enhance intubation success and patient safety.
Recent change in congenital syphilis in Korea: Retrospective 10 year study
Authors: Kang Sung‐Han , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Choi Sun‐Hee , Lee Jin , Yoon Hoi Soo , Cha Sung‐Ho , Choi Yong‐Sung
Published: April 2015

Background

This study was conducted to evaluate recent clinical and anthropologic features of neonates with reactive serology for syphilis and their mothers from three institutions in Korea over an 11‐year‐period.

Method

The medical records of 20 neonates with reactive serology for syphilis and their mothers at three centers (Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, and Korea Electric Power Corporation Hospital) seen between January 2000 and December 2010 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Among 20 mothers, 16 (80%) were native Korean and four (20%) were foreign‐born immigrants. Two mothers (10%) were unmarried. The annual distribution of cases was three (15%) in 2000, one each (5%) in 2005 and 2006, respectively, two each (10%) in 2007 and 2008, respectively, six (30%) in 2009, and five (25%) in 2010. Just over half (55%) occurred across 2009 and 2010. All neonates, by definition, were diagnosed with presumptive congenital syphilis (CS). Among the neonates, four had positive cerebrospinal fluid venereal disease research laboratory test, and three exhibited symptoms and signs.

Conclusions

In three centers in Seoul, Korea, the observed number of CS cases was higher in 2009 and 2010 than in previous years. This finding is consistent with a trend toward increasing prevalence of international marriage and suggests that more meticulous screening of CS is needed.
Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure of South African Marathon Runners During Competition Marathon Runs and Training Sessions: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Nurse Victoria , Wright Caradee Y. , Allen Martin , McKenzie Richard L.
Published: April 2015

Marathon runners spend considerable time in outdoor training for and participating in marathons. Outdoor runners may experience high solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. South Africa, where running is popular, experiences high ambient solar UVR levels that may be associated with adverse health effects. This feasibility study explores the use of personal dosimeters to determine solar UVR exposure patterns and possible related acute health risks of four marathon runners during marathons and training sessions in Cape Town and Pretoria. Runners running marathons that started early in the day, and that did not exceed 4 hours, yielded low total solar UVR exposure doses (mean 0.093 SED per exposure period run, median 0.088 SED, range 0.062–0.136 SED; average of 16.54% of ambient solar UVR). Training sessions run during early morning and late afternoon presented similar results. Several challenges hindered analysis including accounting for anatomical position of personal dosimeter and natural shade. To assess health risks, hazard quotients (HQs) were calculated using a hypothetical runner's schedule. Cumulative, annual solar UVR exposure‐calculated acute health risks were low (HQ = 0.024) for training sessions and moderate (HQ = 4.922) for marathon runs. While these data and calculations are based on 18 person‐days, one can measure marathon runners' personal solar UVR exposure although several challenges must be overcome.
Apolipoprotein E genotype modulates effects of vitamin B12 and homocysteine on grey matter volume in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lee Young‐Min , Ha Ji‐Kyung , Park Je‐Min , Lee Byung‐Dae , Moon EunSoo , Chung Young‐In , Kim Ji‐Hoon , Kim Hak‐Jin , Mun Chi‐Woong , Kim Tae‐Hyung , Kim Young‐Hoon
Published: April 2015

Aims

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the effects of vitamin B12 and homocysteine on brain volume are influenced by apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. We examined the effects in each subgroup (APOE ε4 carriers and non‐carriers) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and healthy normal controls.

Methods

Forty participants with AD and 20 healthy normal controls were recruited from memory impairment clinics at Pusan National University Hospital in Korea. All participants were APOE genotyped and underwent magnetic resonance imaging, including 3‐D volumetric images for grey matter (GM) volume. A multiple regression model integrated into statistical parametric mapping was used to see if there was any correlation between vitamin B12 or homocysteine and GM volume in each subgroup (APOE ε4 carriers and non‐carriers) of AD patients and healthy normal controls.

Results

There was a significant positive correlation between serum concentrations of vitamin B12 and regional GM volume in APOE ε4 carriers with AD but not in non‐carriers. We also found that there was a significant negative correlation between serum concentrations of homocysteine and regional GM volume in APOE ε4 non‐carriers with AD but not in carriers (P < 0.001, uncorrected for multiple comparisons; extent threshold = 100 voxel).

Conclusion

The present findings suggest that the effects of vitamin B12 and homocysteine on GM volume might be influenced by APOE genotype.
Predictors of home discharge among patients hospitalized for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
Authors: Tochimoto Shinnichi , Kitamura Maki , Hino Shoryoku , Kitamura Tatsuru
Published: April 2015

Background

The Japanese government recently announced the ‘Five‐Year Plan for Promotion of Measures Against Dementia (Orange Plan)’ to promote people with dementia living in their communities. To achieve this, it is imperative that patients hospitalized with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are helped to return to their own homes. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of home discharge among patients hospitalized for BPSD.

Methods

A single‐centre chart review study was conducted on consecutive patients hospitalized from home between April 2006 and March 2011 for the treatment of BPSD. The frequency of discharge back to home was examined in relation to a patient's active behavioural problems and demographics at the time of admission. Diagnoses of dementia were made on the basis of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, and consensus guidelines for the clinical and pathologic diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.

Results

In all, 391 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these patients, 163 (42%) returned home. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified high Mini‐Mental State Examination and Nishimura‐style senile activities of daily living scores as significant independent predictors of home discharge. In contrast, living alone and manifestation of aggressiveness at the time of admission were negatively associated with home discharge.

Conclusions

Few patients hospitalized for BPSD are discharged home, and this number is affected by a patient's clinical and demographic characteristics at the time of admission. These findings should be considered in designing and implementing optimal management and care strategies for patients with BPSD.
Resting‐state glutamatergic neurotransmission is related to the peak latency of the auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) for duration deviants: An 1H‐MRS‐EEG study
Authors: Kompus Kristiina , Westerhausen René , Craven Alex R. , Kreegipuu Kairi , Põldver Nele , Passow Susanne , Specht Karsten , Hugdahl Kenneth , Näätänen Risto
Published: April 2015

Mismatch negativity (MMN), an ERP elicited by a deviant stimulus in a train of standard stimuli, has been suggested to be associated to glutamatergic neurotransmission, mediated by glutamatergic NMDA receptors. In this study, we examined the relationship between interindividual variation of 1H‐MRS‐measured glutamate+glutamine (Glx) in the superior temporal gyrus and MMN for duration and frequency deviants in 19 healthy young adults (9 male). We found a significant relationship between the peak latency of the duration‐MMN peak and creatine‐scaled Glx (p = .0003, η2 = .43), with increased Glx level being associated to earlier peak of the duration‐MMN (r = −.63). In contrast, the amplitude of the duration‐MMN was not related to Glx. There was no significant relationship between Glx and the frequency‐MMN. The present study is the first to demonstrate that interindividual variation in the glutamatergic neurotransmission affects the MMN response in healthy individuals.
A note on outbound open innovation and firm performance
Authors: Lichtenthaler Ulrich
Published: April 2015

The concept of open innovation has attracted a lot of interest over the past decade. In light of a relative emphasis on inbound open innovation (indicating an outside‐in process) in prior research, this brief note addresses the relationship between outbound open innovation (indicating an inside‐out process) and firm performance. In particular, it suggests that outbound open innovation may have positive and negative effects on firm performance based on potential benefits and risks of transferring technology. To what degree these effects materialize depends on internal factors, e.g. desorptive capacity, and external factors, e.g. appropriability. Consequently, a proficient internal management of outbound open innovation is critical to avoid its potential risks and to capture its substantial benefits. In this regard, future research may substantially deepen the insights into the relevance and role of outbound open innovation.
Rapid body mass loss affects erythropoiesis and hemolysis but does not impair aerobic performance in combat athletes
Authors: Reljic D. , Feist J. , Jost J. , Kieser M. , Friedmann‐Bette B.
Published: April 2015

Rapid body mass loss (RBML) before competition was found to decrease hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) in elite boxers. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this observation. Fourteen well‐trained combat athletes who reduced body mass before competitions (weight loss group,WLG) and 14 combat athletes who did not practiceRBML(control group,CON) were tested during an ordinary training period (t‐1), 1–2 days before an official competition (after 5–7 daysRBMLinWLG, t‐2), and after a post‐competition period (t‐3). InWLG, body mass (−5.5%, range: 2.9–6.8 kg) and Hbmass(−4.1%) were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced afterRBMLand were still decreased by 1.6% (P < 0.05) and 2.6% (P < 0.001) at t‐3 compared with t‐1. AfterRBML, erythropoietin, reticulocytes, haptoglobin, triiodothyronine (FT3), and free androgen index (FAI) were decreased compared with t‐1 and t‐3. An increase occurred in ferritin and bilirubin. Peak treadmill‐running performance andVO2peakdid not change significantly, but performance at 4‐mmol lactate threshold was higher afterRBML(P < 0.05). InCON, no significant changes were found in any parameter. Apparently, the significant decrease in HbmassafterRBMLin combat athletes was caused by impaired erythropoiesis and increased hemolysis without significant impact on aerobic performance capacity.
Experimental Analysis of the Errors due to Polynomial Interpolation in Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Baldi A. , Bertolino F.
Published: April 2015

Digital image correlation attempts to estimate displacement fields by digitally correlating two images acquired before and after motion. To do so, pixel intensity has to be interpolated at non‐integer locations. The ideal interpolator is the sinc, but as it requires infinite support, it is not normally used and is replaced by polynomials. Polynomial interpolation produces visually appealing results but introduces positional errors in the signal, thus causing the digital image correlation algorithms to converge to incorrect results. In this work, an experimental campaign is described, that aims to characterise the errors introduced by interpolation, focusing in particular on the systematic error and the standard deviation of displacements.
A novel KIR3DL1*0150103 subtype identified in West Africa
Authors: Yindom L.‐M. , James K. , de Silva T. I. , Rowland‐Jones S. L.
Published: April 2015

A novel KIR3DL1*0150103 found in West Africa with five single nucleotide polymorphisms compared to KIR3DL1*0150101.
Silicone Rubber Properties During Consolidation/Curing of Advanced Composites Using Specialized Elastomeric Tooling
Authors: Malek Paul , Walczyk Daniel
Published: April 2015

Specialized elastomeric tooling (SET) is a patented process that can replace autoclaving for consolidating and curing advanced thermoset and thermoplastic composite parts. The process mimics autoclave conditions of uniform pressure and temperature by clamping an uncured laminate or sandwich structure with known force between a temperature-controlled lower tool and an engineered, rubber-faced upper tool. Several published studies involving small- to medium-sized parts have shown that SET provides equal or better quality, but at fraction of the energy, waste, and capital and consumable costs. The elastomer of choice for the upper tool is a castable, platinum-catalyzed silicone rubber because of its high working temperature, high tear strength, and negligible shrinkage. To date, there is limited understanding about the properties of silicone rubber subjected to high temperature and compression for long periods of time over multiple cycles. This paper discusses recent work that characterizes silicone rubber under these conditions for design and simulation purposes. Compression testing performed per ASTM-D575 exhibited linear behavior at 125 °C (typical processing temperature for epoxy resins), whereas tensile testing (per ASTM-D412) at the same temperature exhibited strain softening. To show the repeated effect of compression on rubber properties (i.e., mimic multiple loading cycles on rubber mask) at typical process temperature (125 °C) and pressure, a fatigue testing apparatus was custom designed and fabricated. Over repeated cycles between 0 and 1.35 MPa (typical consolidation pressure for advanced composites), silicone rubber exhibited slight hysteresis and a minor stiffening effect that appears to plateau at a particular modulus. Static and kinetic frictional coefficients, also used in modeling, between silicone rubber and several materials commonly used in SET ranged from 0.5 to 2.4 (per ASTM-D1984). Finally, pressure injection and in-line mixing of uncured rubber resulted in significantly less entrained air bubbles (and resulting surface defects in contact with composite part) than the current standard practice of hand mixing. Results are applicable to both SET and any advanced composite forming or curing/consolidation processes involving rubber-faced tools.
Influence of composite oxidation on electron emission characteristics of thick porous silicon
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , He Li , Wang Wenjiang , Zhang Xiao
Published: April 2015

A new composite oxidation method combining rapid thermal oxidation (RTO) and electrochemical oxidation (ECO) is proposed to improve electron emission characteristics of electron emitters based on thick porous silicon (PS) layers. Four groups of electron emitters with 8 μm PS layers were oxidized by RTO, ECO, composite RTO–ECO, and composite ECO–RTO, respectively. The experimental results indicated greater emission current density and efficiency of electron emitters oxidized by composite oxidation versus ECO or RTO alone. The most favorable results occurred for an electron emitter oxidized by ECO–RTO, with an emission current density of 2.2 A/m2 and efficiency of 2.9%. The higher and more uniform the oxygen content in the PS layer after oxidation, the better the electron emission characteristics that the authors noted. Thick PS layers can be oxidized completely and uniformly by composite oxidation to achieve adequate oxygen content with uniform distribution. This subsequently leads to formation of a longer acceleration tunnel, which increases effective emission area and continuously speeds up electrons.
Degradation mechanisms of Ti/Al/Ni/Au-based Ohmic contacts on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Hwang Ya-Hsi , Ahn Shihyun , Dong Chen , Zhu Weidi , Kim Byung-Jae , Le Lingcong , Ren Fan , Lind Aaron G. , Dahl James , Jones Kevin S. , Pearton Stephen J. , Kravchenko Ivan I. , Zhang Ming-Lan
Published: April 2015

The degradation mechanism of Ti/Al/Ni/Au-based Ohmic metallization on AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors upon exposure to buffer oxide etchant (BOE) was investigated. The major effect of BOE on the Ohmic metal was an increase of sheet resistance from 2.89 to 3.69 Ω/◻ after 3 min BOE treatment. The alloyed Ohmic metallization consisted 3–5 μm Ni-Al alloy islands surrounded by Au-Al alloy-rings. The morphology of both the islands and ring areas became flatter after BOE etching. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis and Auger electron microscopy were used to analyze the compositions and metal distributions in the metal alloys prior to and after BOE exposure.
A rare manifestation of a multisystemic disease: a case of vocal cord palsy secondary to sarcoidosis
Authors: Mastan Saleem , Advani Rajeev , Stobbs Nicola , Kumar Nirmal
Published: April 2015

We describe a rare case of recurrent laryngeal nerve neuritis secondary to sarcoidosis. A 40-year-old woman presented with persistent dysphonia. This was her first episode of dysphonia with no reports of laryngeal trauma. Fibre-optic laryngoscopy revealed a normal nasal passage, nasopharynx and pharynx. The supraglottic structures were all unremarkable; however, inspection of the true vocal cords revealed a left vocal cord palsy that was identified as being in a paramedian position. Radiological investigation showed mediastinal adenopathy that measured up to 20 mm in the short axis diameter. Histological examination showed granulomatous lymphadenitis of the lymph node with a central area of sclerosis surrounded by discrete, non-caseating granuloma. Stains for acid-fast bacilli were negative. The morphological features were suggestive of sarcoidosis. The lymphadenopathy distribution and size did not suggest left recurrent laryngeal nerve compression, giving a subsequent diagnosis of recurrent laryngeal nerve neuritis secondary to sarcoidosis.
Evaluation of soil thermal conductivity models
Authors: Barry-Macaulay D. , Bouazza A. , Wang B. , Singh R.M.
Published: April 2015

Numerous models have been developed to predict the thermal conductivity of soils at a range of different densities and moisture contents. This paper evaluates four thermal conductivity models, developed by various researchers, by comparing their performance against experimental results obtained on 27 different soils prepared at a range of saturation levels and densities. The results demonstrate that, in general, all four models show good agreement between experimental thermal conductivity and modelled thermal conductivity. The only significant shortfall is observed in low-saturated sands when using two of the models. A detailed analysis of the empirical soil parameters used in three of the recent models is presented. It shows that the accuracy of the three models can be improved by modifying the empirical soil parameters to fit the experimental data.
Numerical study of flow patterns and heat transfer in mini twisted oval tubes
Authors: Ebrahimi Amin , Roohi Ehsan
Published: April 2015

Flow patterns and heat transfer inside mini twisted oval tubes (TOTs) heated by constant-temperature walls are numerically investigated. Different configurations of tubes are simulated using water as the working fluid with temperature-dependent thermo-physical properties at Reynolds numbers ranging between 500 and 1100. After validating the numerical method with the published correlations and available experimental results, the performance of TOTs is compared to a smooth circular tube. The overall performance of TOTs is evaluated by investigating the thermal-hydraulic performance and the results are analyzed in terms of the field synergy principle and entropy generation. Enhanced heat transfer performance for TOTs is observed at the expense of a higher pressure drop. Additionally, the secondary flow generated by the tube-wall twist is concluded to play a critical role in the augmentation of convective heat transfer, and consequently, better heat transfer performance. It is also observed that the improvement of synergy between velocity and temperature gradient and lower irreversibility cause heat transfer enhancement for TOTs.
New models for perfect fluids in EGB gravity
Authors: Chilambwe Brian , Hansraj Sudan , Maharaj Sunil D.
Published: April 2015

We obtain new exact solutions to the field equations in the Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet (EGB) modified theory of gravity for a five-dimensional spherically symmetric static matter distribution. By using a coordinate transformation, the study is reduced to the analysis of a single first-order nonlinear differential equation which is an Abel equation of the second kind. Three classes of exact models are generated. The first solution has a constant density and a nonlinear equation-of-state; it contains the familiar Einstein static universe as a special case. The second solution has variable energy density and is expressible in terms of elementary functions. The third solution has vanishing Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant and is a five-dimensional generalization of the Durgapal–Bannerji model. The solution is briefly examined for physical admissibility. In particular, a set of constants is found which ensures that a pressure-free hypersurface exists which in turn defines the boundary of the distribution. The matter distribution is well behaved and the adiabatic sound speed criterion is also satisfied within the fluid ensuring a subluminal sound speed. Furthermore, the weak, strong and dominant conditions hold throughout the distribution.
Some five-dimensional Artin–Schelter regular algebras obtained by deforming a Lie algebra
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Xin
Published: April 2015

We provide a class of Artin–Schelter regular algebras of global dimension 5 with four generators, which is obtained by parametrizing a finite-dimensional graded Lie algebra. Moreover, the algebras are piecewise-Koszul under a slight constraint on the parameters.
On enveloping skew fields of some Lie superalgebras
Authors: Alev Jacques , Dumas François
Published: April 2015

We determine the skew fields of fractions of the enveloping algebra of the Lie superalgebra [Formula: see text] and of some significant subsuperalgebras of the Lie superalgebra [Formula: see text]. We compare the kinds of skew fields arising from this “super” context with the Weyl skew fields in the classical Gelfand–Kirillov property.
Single Discharge Finite Element Simulation of EDM Process
Authors: Rajendran Rohit , Vendan S. P.
Published: April 2015

The energy distribution in the electric discharge machining process influences the material removal rate, relative wear ratio and the surface roughness of the machined surface and the effective energy is the part of energy which is distributed toward workpiece to be machined. The theoretical modeling of the process is based upon the heat transfer equations and one of the important parameter is fraction of energy transferred to the workpiece. The model first calculates the temperature distribution in the workpiece material using ANSYS Finite element coding and then volume removed due to single spark is estimated from the temperature profiles. Theoretical material removal rate at different input parameters are compared with the experimental results, making it possible to determine the portion of energy that enters AISI H13 tool steel workpiece. The effect of input parameters (discharge current, voltage, pulse on time) on temperature distributions along the radius and depth of the workpiece has been reported.
The polynomial method in the study of zero-sum theorems
Authors: Adhikari Sukumar Das , Mazumdar Eshita
Published: April 2015

Here we try to have a glimpse of the polynomial method used in the study of some zero-sum problems in additive combinatorics. While the first few sections of this paper are of an expository nature, in the last section we present some new results on bounds of some zero-sum constants obtained by generalizing a polynomial method. We also mention some open questions.
Analysis of a mutualism model with stochastic perturbations
Authors: Li Mei , Gao Hongjun , Sun Chenfeng , Gong Yuezheng
Published: April 2015

This paper is concerned with a mutualism ecological model with stochastic perturbations. The local existence and uniqueness of a positive solution are obtained with positive initial value, and the asymptotic behavior to the problem is studied. Moreover, we show that the solution is stochastically bounded, uniformly continuous and stochastic permanence. The sufficient conditions for the system to be extinct are given and the conditions for the system to be persistent are also established. At last, some figures are presented to illustrate our main results.