bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational impact of nurse supply and workload on nurses continuing professional development opportunities: an integrative review
Authors: Coventry Tracey H. , Maslin‐Prothero Sian E. , Smith Gilly
Published: July 2015

Aim

To identify the best evidence on the impact of healthcare organizations' supply of nurses and nursing workload on the continuing professional development opportunities of Registered Nurses in the acute care hospital.

Background

To maintain registration and professional competence nurses are expected to participate in continuing professional development. One challenge of recruitment and retention is the Registered Nurse's ability to participate in continuing professional development opportunities.

Design

The integrative review method was used to present Registered Nurses perspectives on this area of professional concern.

Data sources

The review was conducted for the period of 2001–February 2015. Keywords were: nurs*, continuing professional development, continuing education, professional development, supply, shortage, staffing, workload, nurse: patient ratio, barrier and deterrent.

Review methods

The integrative review used a structured approach for literature search and data evaluation, analysis and presentation. Eleven international studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Nurses are reluctant or prevented from leaving clinical settings to attend continuing professional development due to lack of relief cover, obtaining paid or unpaid study leave, use of personal time to undertake mandatory training and organizational culture and leadership issues constraining the implementation of learning to benefit patients.

Conclusion

Culture, leadership and workload issues impact nurses' ability to attend continuing professional development. The consequences affect competence to practice, the provision of safe, quality patient care, maintenance of professional registration, job satisfaction, recruitment and retention. Organizational leadership plays an important role in supporting attendance at continuing professional development as an investment for the future.
Seasonal probabilistic forecasting of tropical cyclone activity in the North Indian Ocean
Authors: Espejo A. , Mendez F.J. , Diez J. , Medina R. , AL‐Yahyai S.
Published: July 2015

Coastal flooding due to tropical cyclones (TCs) is a major concern in low‐lying areas of the North Indian Ocean. In the past few years, there have been devastating TCs (e.g. Nargis and Layla in the Bay of Bengal and Gonu in the Arabian Sea) that have galvanised efforts to better understand and forecast such events. Here, we focus on the role of sea‐surface temperature (SST) as a predictor of TC intensification. We develop a statistical downscaling model that identifies patterns of large‐scale SST associated with TC activity in terms of occurrence rate and expected tracks. Finally, we use the Climate Forecast System v2 to construct a probabilistic forecast of TC activity for the coming months/season. We demonstrate that this approach is an integral component of a very early TC warning system.
Up‐regulation of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase‐interacting protein 3 (JIP3) contributes to BDNF‐enhanced neurotransmitter release
Authors: Chen Bing , Ma Xin‐Liang , Geng Zhao , Huang Shu‐Hong , Zhai Lu‐Kai , Guo Yun‐Yun , Chen Zhe‐Yu
Published: July 2015

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the potent modulation of synaptic plasticity at both pre‐synaptic and post‐synaptic sites. However, the molecular mechanism underlying BDNF‐mediated pre‐synaptic modulation remains incompletely understood. Here, we report that BDNF treatment for over 4 h could significantly enhance the expression of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase‐interacting protein 3 (JIP3) in cultured hippocampal neurons. This enhancement could be blocked by the Trk inhibitor K252a or by a cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) inhibitor. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that CREB could bind with the JIP3 promoter region and the BDNF treatment could increase this binding. Using dual‐luciferase assays we further characterized the cAMP response element (CRE) site in the JIP3 promoter. Finally, we found that BDNF‐increased JIP3 expression contributes to the BDNF‐induced modulation of neurotransmitter release. Together, our studies reveal that in hippocampal neurons BDNF up‐regulates JIP3 expression via CREB activation, which contributes to the enhancement of neurotransmitter release; thus, we have identified a novel mechanism that BDNF modulates pre‐synaptic transmission.

image

We demonstrated that in hippocampal neurons BDNF/TrkB signaling mediates transcriptional up‐regulation of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase‐interacting protein 3 (JIP3) via CREB activation. The up‐regulation of JIP3 further contributes to BDNF‐enhanced neurotransmitter release. These findings provide insight into the mechanistic link between BDNF‐mediated gene expression and its more sustained pre‐synaptic modulation, which may help us to further understand the roles of BDNF in neuronal plasticity.
Interactions between histamine H1 receptor and its antagonists by using cell membrane chromatography method
Authors: Ma Weina , Zhang Dongdong , Li Jing , Che Delu , Liu Rui , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yanmin
Published: July 2015

Objectives

A high histamine H1 receptor (H1R) expression cell membrane chromatography (CMC) method was developed to investigate the affinity of ligands for H1R.

Methods

The affinity of ligands for H1R was evaluated by frontal analysis. Competition studies and molecular docking study were utilized to study the interactions that occurred at specific binding sites on H1R.

Key findings

The KD values measured by frontal analysis were (8.72 ± 0.21) × 10−7 M for azelastine, (9.12 ± 0.26) × 10−7 M for cyproheptadine, (9.90 ± 0.18) × 10−7 M for doxepin, (1.42 ± 0.13) × 10−6 M for astemizole, (2.25 ± 0.36) × 10−6 M for chlorpheniramine and (3.10 ± 0.27) × 10−6 M for diphenhydramine. The results had a positive correlation with those from radioligand binding assay. The ability of displacement order measured on the binding sites occupied by doxepin was doxepin (KD, (2.95 ± 0.21) × 10−8 M) > astemizole (KD, (5.03 ± 0.18) × 10−7 M) > chlorpheniramine (KD, (1.27 ± 0.16) × 10−6 M) > cyproheptadine (KD, (1.61 ± 0.27) × 10−6 M), whose order met with the scores by molecular docking study.

Conclusions

The studies showed CMC could be applied to investigate drug–receptor interactions.
Serum HBsAg kinetics and usefulness of interferon‐inducible protein 10 serum in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Authors: Papatheodoridis G. , Triantos C. , Hadziyannis E. , Zisimopoulos K. , Georgiou A. , Voulgaris T. , Vlachogiannakos I. , Nikolopoulou V. , Manolakopoulos S.
Published: July 2015

The kinetics of serum HBsAg and interferon‐inducible protein 10 (IP10) levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection treated with tenofovir are unclear. We evaluated the changes of HBsAg levels and the predictability of IP10 for HBsAg decline in 160 HBeAg‐negative patients receiving tenofovir for ≥12 months. Serum samples taken before and at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after tenofovir were tested for HBsAg levels. In 104 patients, serum samples before tenofovir were tested for IP10 levels. Compared to before tenofovir, HBsAg levels decreased by a median of 0.08, 0.11, 0.24, 0.33 and 0.38 log10 IU/mL at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively (P < 0.001). HBsAg kinetics did not differ between nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) naive and experienced patients. The 12‐, 24‐, 36‐ and 48‐month cumulative rates of ≥0.5 log10 HBsAg decline were 8%, 16%, 24% and 41% and of HBsAg ≤100 IU/mL were 9%, 12%, 14% and 18%, respectively. The only factor associated with HBsAg ≤100 IU/mL was lower HBsAg levels before tenofovir (P < 0.001), while HBsAg decline ≥0.5 log10 was associated with higher IP10 levels (P = 0.002) and particularly with IP10 > 350 pg/mL (P < 0.001). In conclusion, tenofovir decreases serum HBsAg levels in both nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) naive and experienced patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B infection. After 4 years of therapy, HBsAg ≤100 IU/mL can be achieved in approximately 20% of patients, particularly in those with low baseline HBsAg levels. HBsAg decline is slow (≥0.5 log10 in 40% of patients after 4 years) and is associated only with higher baseline serum IP10 levels.
Intervention of Naraj Barrage: Its effects on sediment inflows into Chilika Lake, India
Authors: Mishra Siba P. , Jena Joygopal
Published: July 2015

Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, is located in the state of Odisha on the east coast of India. It was designated as a Ramsar site in 1981, being the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention. Siltation of the lake is become a major concern, because it is leading to various geomorphic changes that are affecting the shape and size of the lagoon, which receives a major silt load through the Daya and Bhargovi rivers (both being branches of the Mahanadi river) via the Kathajodi and Kuakhai rivers. The Naraj barrage was constructed at the mouth of the Kathajodi river to regulate its inflow, and also its silt load, into the lagoon. Two observatories are established in the Daya and Bhargovi rivers to determine the quantity of silt entering Chilika Lake through the rivers, with the bed load and suspended (total solids) being measured. Various effects of siltation in the lagoon because of the barrage are analysed in this study, to include the pre‐ and postconstruction situation. By considering different flood situations in the Mahanadi river, various alternate strategies for operation of the Naraj barrage were studied, with the goal of minimizing the siltation in Chilika Lake. These alternate operation strategies, and their potential effects on the inflow into the lagoon, are analysed and discussed in this report.
Echoes of a distant time: effects of historical processes on contemporary genetic patterns in Galaxias platei in Patagonia
Authors: Vera‐Escalona Iván , Habit Evelyn , Ruzzante Daniel E.
Published: July 2015

Interpreting the genetic structure of a metapopulation as the outcome of gene flow over a variety of timescales is essential for the proper understanding of how changes in landscape affect biological connectivity. Here we contrast historical and contemporary connectivity in two metapopulations of the freshwater fish Galaxias platei in northern and southernmost Patagonia where paleolakes existed during the Holocene and Pleistocene, respectively. Contemporary gene flow was mostly high and asymmetrical in the northern system while extremely reduced in the southernmost system. Historical migration patterns were high and symmetric in the northern system and high and largely asymmetric in the southern system. Both systems showed a moderate structure with a clear pattern of isolation by distance (IBD). Effective population sizes were smaller in populations with low contemporary gene flow. An approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approach suggests a late Holocene colonization of the lakes in the northern system and recent divergence of the populations from refugial populations from east and west of the Andes. For the southern system, the ABC approach reveals that some of the extant G. platei populations most likely derive from an ancestral population inhabiting a large Pleistocene paleolake while the rest derive from a higher‐altitude lake. Our results suggest that neither historical nor contemporary processes individually fully explain the observed structure and geneflow patterns and both are necessary for a proper understanding of the factors that affect diversity and its distribution. Our study highlights the importance of a temporal perspective on connectivity to analyse the diversity of spatially complex metapopulations.
Brucella infection in a child with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 who had undergone liver transplantation
Authors: Sutcu Murat , Gokceer Damla , Akturk Hacer , Somer Ayper , Torun Selda Hancerli , Cantez Mustafa Serdar , Durmaz Ozlem , Salman Nuran
Published: July 2015

Brucellosis is considered the most widespread zoonosis in the world. In endemic regions of brucellosis, childhood brucellosis includes up to one‐third of all cases of human brucellosis. Brucellosis constitutes a public health problem in Turkey. A boy aged 12 yr who had PFIC2 had undergone deceased‐donor liver transplantation in 2008 at the age of seven. The boy presented with fatigue, fever, and pain in the right leg and hip and was admitted to the hospital. Brucella melitensis grew in the blood culture, and the SAT was positive at a titer of 1:640. The patient was treated with oral doxycycline and rifampicin for eight wk. After treatment, the patient recovered and his blood cultures became negative. The patient's mother also had a high Brucella agglutination titer of 1:320 positive and was treated in the internal medicine department with spiramycin and doxycycline. Brucella infection should be suspected in liver transplant recipients with fever of unknown origin, especially in recipients who live in an endemic area.
Joint Estimation of Multiple Graphical Models from High Dimensional Time Series
Authors: Qiu Huitong , Han Fang , Liu Han , Caffo Brian
Published: July 2015

We consider the problem of jointly estimating multiple graphical models in high dimensions. We assume that the data are collected from n subjects, each of which consists of T possibly dependent observations. The graphical models of subjects vary, but are assumed to change smoothly corresponding to a measure of closeness between subjects. We propose a kernel-based method for jointly estimating all graphical models. Theoretically, under a double asymptotic framework, where both (T, n) and the dimension d can increase, we provide an explicit rate of convergence in parameter estimation. It characterizes the strength that one can borrow across different individuals and the effect of data dependence on parameter estimation. Empirically, experiments on both synthetic and real resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data illustrate the effectiveness of the method proposed.
Unique muscularity in cyclists' thigh and trunk: A cross‐sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Ema R. , Wakahara T. , Yanaka T. , Kanehisa H. , Kawakami Y.
Published: July 2015

This study examined the influence of regular training in competitive cycling on individual muscle volume of the thigh and psoas major cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. T1‐weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images of the trunk and right thigh were obtained from eight experienced varsity male cyclists (experience: > 4 years) and 10 untrained men (experiment 1), and from 12 (10 males, two females) varsity cyclists before and after competitive cycling training for 6 months (experiment 2). From the MR images, the volumes of each of the quadriceps femoris and hamstrings, total adductors, gracilis, sartorius, and psoas major were determined. The volumes of the monoarticular thigh muscles, semitendinosus, and psoas major muscles were significantly greater in the experienced cyclists than in the untrained men (experiment 1), and increased significantly after the competitive training for 6 months (experiment 2). In contrast, the volumes of the other biarticular thigh muscles were similar among the experienced cyclists and untrained men (experiment 1), and did not change by competitive cycling training (experiment 2). The results indicate that competitive cycling training induces muscle‐specific hypertrophy of the synergistic muscles, especially between the monoarticular and biarticular muscles, leading to quantitative profiles of the musculature in experienced cyclists.
Reduced oxygen cost of running is related to alignment of the resultant GRF and leg axis vector: A pilot study
Authors: Moore I. S. , Jones A. M. , Dixon S. J.
Published: July 2015

This pilot study investigated whether a 10‐week running program (10wkRP), which reduced the oxygen cost of running, affected resultant ground reaction force (GRF), leg axis alignment, joint moment characteristics, and gear ratios. Ten novice, female runners completed a 10wkRP. Running kinematics and kinetics, in addition to oxygen consumption () during steady‐state running, were recorded pre‐ and post‐10wkRP. decreased (8%) from pre‐10wkRP to post‐10wkRP. There was a better alignment of the resultant GRF and leg axis at peak propulsion post‐10wkRP compared with pre‐10wkRP (10.8 ± 4.9 vs 1.6 ± 1.2°), as the resultant GRF vector was applied 7 ± 0.6° (P = 0.008) more horizontally. There were shorter external ankle moment arms (24%) and smaller knee extensor moments (23%) at peak braking post‐10wkRP. The change in was associated with the change in alignment of the resultant GRF and leg axis (rs = 0.88, P = 0.003). As runners became more economical, they exhibited a more aligned resultant GRF vector and leg axis at peak propulsion. This appears to be a self‐optimization strategy that may improve performance. Additionally, changes to external ankle moment arms indicated beneficial low gear ratios were achieved at the time of peak braking force.
Upper body heavy strength training does not affect performance in junior female cross‐country skiers
Authors: Skattebo Ø. , Hallén J. , Rønnestad B. R. , Losnegard T.
Published: July 2015

We investigated the effects of adding heavy strength training to a high volume of endurance training on performance and related physiological determinants in junior female cross‐country skiers. Sixteen well‐trained athletes (17 ± 1 years, 60 ± 6 kg, 169 ± 6 cm, VO2max running: 60 ± 5 mL/kg/min) were assigned either to an intervention group (INT; n = 9) or a control group (CON; n = 7). INT completed two weekly sessions of upper body heavy strength training in a linear periodized fashion for 10 weeks. Both groups continued their normal aerobic endurance and muscular endurance training. One repetition maximum in seated pull‐down increased significantly more in INT than in CON, with a group difference of 15 ± 8% (P < 0.01). Performance, expressed as average power output on a double poling ergometer over 20 s and as 3 min with maximal effort in both rested (sprint‐test) and fatigued states (finishing‐test), showed similar changes in both groups. Submaximal O2‐cost and VO2peak in double poling showed similar changes or were unchanged in both groups. In conclusion, 10 weeks of heavy strength training increased upper body strength but had trivial effects on performance in a double poling ergometer in junior female cross‐country skiers.
Evaluating soil reinforcement by plant roots using artificial neural networks
Authors: Zhang C. , Jiang J. , Ma J. , Zhang X. , Yang Q. , Ouyang Q. , Lei X.
Published: July 2015

Soil reinforcement by plant roots and its response to influencing factors are very important for bank stability evaluation and control. Models with improved accuracy are urgently needed for evaluating soil reinforcement. Using a back‐propagation (BP) learning algorithm, an artificial neural network (ANN) model with five input variables, including the number of roots, root area ratio, root tensile strength, soil shear strength, and soil moisture content, was developed to simulate the response of soil reinforcement to these factors. A connection weight approach was used to understand the relative importance of each factor. Using a data set published in 2003 and collected in Australia, soil reinforcement of four trees, Casuarina glauca, Eucalyptus amplifolia, Eucalyptus elata and Acacia floribunda, was simulated using three models: BP‐ANN, one described by Wu et al. in 1979 and the 2005 fibre bundle model (FBM) of Pollen and Simon. Comparisons of results from these models showed that the BP‐ANN model most accurately estimated the soil reinforcement. The simulated results indicated that only the effect of soil moisture content on soil reinforcement was negative. The influence of the other four factors was positive, and the relative importance was in the order: root area ratio > root tensile strength > the number of roots > soil shear strength. This study provides a new approach to soil reinforcement estimation and improves our understanding of soil resistance and bank stability.
African Englishes and creative writing
Authors: BOKAMBA EYAMBA G.
Published: July 2015

This study considers a number of questions regarding the structural characteristics of African Englishes exemplified in African creative writing, with a focus on such leading novelists as Achebe, Ngugi, Nwapa, and Okara. It explores the degree to which these writers reconstruct the English language in their writings to convey the African cultures represented in their works. A related issue is whether these texts demonstrate ‘trans‐creations’ that still adhere to the standard varieties of English with appropriately encoded and limited Africanisms to capture African cultures. Another crucially important issue is whether the extensive use of English is detrimental to the vitality and creativity of African languages.
Creative writing pedagogy for world Englishes students
Authors: GEOK‐LIN LIM SHIRLEY
Published: July 2015

Noting the contradiction between the goals in English language teaching and creative writing pedagogy in teaching ESL/EFL/world Englishes students, the paper argues for a greater emphasis on parole instead of langue to generate increased innovative writing. It begins with a critique of a major creative writing dogma, ‘Show, don't tell,' and discusses a range of models, prompts and strategies in which ‘show and tell' assignments that also encourage and incorporate students' world Englishes registers in their crafting of poems.
Can creatine supplementation form carcinogenic heterocyclic amines in humans?
Authors: Pereira Renato Tavares dos Santos , Dörr Felipe Augusto , Pinto Ernani , Solis Marina Yazigi , Artioli Guilherme Giannini , Fernandes Alan Lins , Murai Igor Hisashi , Dantas Wagner Silva , Seguro Antônio Carlos , Santinho Mirela Aparecida Rodrigues , Roschel Hamilton , Carpentier Alain , Poortmans Jacques Remi , Gualano Bruno
Published: July 2015

Key points

There is a long‐standing concern that creatine supplementation could be associated with cancer, possibly by facilitating the formation of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs).

This study provides compelling evidence that both low and high doses of creatine supplementation, given either acutely or chronically, does not cause a significant increase in HCA formation.

HCAs detection was unrelated to creatine supplementation. Diet was likely to be the main factor responsible for HCAs formation after either placebo (n = 6) or creatine supplementation (n = 3).

These results directly challenge the recently suggested biological plausibility for the association between creatine use and risk of testicular germ cell cancer.

Creatine supplementation has been associated with increased cancer risk. In fact, there is evidence indicating that creatine and/or creatinine are important precursors of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs). The present study aimed to investigate the acute and chronic effects of low‐ and high‐dose creatine supplementation on the production of HCAs in healthy humans (i.e. 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP), 2‐amino‐3,8‐dimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (8‐MeIQx),  2‐amino‐(1,6‐dimethylfuro[3,2‐e]imidazo[4,5‐b])pyridine (IFP) and 2‐amino‐3,4,8‐trimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (4,8‐DiMeIQx)). This was a non‐counterbalanced single‐blind crossover study divided into two phases, in which low‐ and high‐dose creatine protocols were tested. After acute (1 day) and chronic supplementation (30 days), the HCAs PhIP, 8‐MeIQx, IFP and 4,8‐DiMeIQx were assessed through a newly developed HPLC–MS/MS method. Dietary HCA intake and blood and urinary creatinine were also evaluated. Out of 576 assessments performed (from 149 urine samples), only nine (3 from creatine and 6 from placebo) showed quantifiable levels of HCAs (8‐MeIQx: n = 3; 4,8‐DiMeIQx: n = 2; PhIP: n = 4). Individual analyses revealed that diet rather than creatine supplementation was the main responsible factor for HCA formation in these cases. This study provides compelling evidence that both low and high doses of creatine supplementation, given either acutely or chronically, did not cause increases in the carcinogenic HCAs PhIP, 8‐MeIQx, IFP and 4,8‐DiMeIQx in healthy subjects. These findings challenge the long‐existing notion that creatine supplementation could potentially increase the risk of cancer by stimulating the formation of these mutagens.
Shape anisotropy and instability of holes formed during dewetting of single-crystal palladium and nickel films
Authors: Ye Jongpil
Published: July 2015

This study investigates the shape anisotropy and instability of holes formed during dewetting of single-crystal palladium and nickel films. The length ratios of edges constrained to expose {111} facets to other edges of the holes are found to be greater in palladium than in nickel films. The pinch-off is found to occur earlier in palladium than in nickel films. These morphological differences are explained in terms of oxygen adsorption and its effect on the surface energy anisotropy of the film materials.
Double frenum weds fusion: a rare wedlock?
Authors: Livingstone David , Murthy Varsha , Baliah John , Pillai Ajay
Published: July 2015

Morphological variation of normal oral structures such as double frenum and fusion together in a patient is rare. Sometimes such scenarios may mislead the diagnosis, affecting treatment planning and prognosis. Hence a thorough evaluation of patients with such morphological defects is necessary. This case report describes a case of double frenum and fusion, and the multiple challenges the clinician faces.
Postpartum vertebral artery dissection with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Nishimura Mitsushige , Hiraoka Eiji , Kanazawa Kenji , Akita Hozuka
Published: July 2015

We diagnosed postpartum eclampsia with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in a 35-year-old woman who began experiencing headaches after delivery. Cervical MR angiography (MRA) suggested concomitant vertebral artery (VA) dissection. Antiplatelet therapy was not indicated. Each episode resolved spontaneously. The patient subsequently developed sudden onset of thunderclap headache. She experienced a tonicoclonic seizure in the outpatient clinic. On the basis of clinical course and MRI, we diagnosed postpartum eclampsia with PRES. Antiplatelet therapy was not indicated, as there were no signs of stroke. Antiepileptic and antihypertensive medicines were used for a short term to control seizure and blood pressure. Subsequent MRI 17 days after discharge showed resolution of the abnormal signals, but the intramural heme signals became apparent on the dissecting segment of VA. Subsequent MRI after 3 months indicated resolution of arterial dissection. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the third report of postpartum cervicocephalic artery dissection with PRES in the literature.
Eosinophilic pneumonia presenting as life-threatening ARDS
Authors: Maia José Miguel , Guedes Fernando , Aragão Irene , Cardoso Teresa
Published: July 2015

We present a case of a 25-year-old woman with sudden onset of shortness of breath, cough and malaise, 24 h after discharge from a psychiatric hospital. She had been there for 2 weeks after a suicide attempt with lye, and started treatment with paroxetin, alprazolam and valproic acid. She also started smoking 20 cigarettes/day during that hospital admission. Brought to the emergency department, she evolved in the first 24 h with respiratory failure and shock needing intensive care unit (ICU) admission, with mechanical ventilation and vasopressor support. Empiric antibiotic therapy was started (piperacillin-tazobactam and azithromycin) suspecting healthcare-associated pneumonia. The patient's chest radiography progressed with bilateral infiltrates. Peripheral blood eosinophilia was seen on the second day. A bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and had 50% of eosinophils. She was started on treatment with steroids and the next day no longer needed vasopressors; 4 days later she was extubated.
A 79-year-old-man with a ‘niveau’ on a chest radiograph
Authors: Suu Kanae , Kato Takao , Inoko Moriaki
Published: July 2015

A 79-year-old man was referred to the emergency room following a sudden episode of ‘spitting blood’, with a blood pressure of 128 (systolic) and 75 mm Hg (diastolic) and a heart rate of 60 bpm. His medical history included the treatment of gastric cancer and untreated hypertension. At that time, his symptoms were limited without any chest, back or abdominal pain. After a presentation of haemoptysis was confirmed, a chest radiograph revealed an air-fluid level (a ‘niveau’) that was continuous towards the enlarged thoracic aorta and the thoracic cavity. Contrast-enhanced CT was subsequently performed, and revealed an aortic dissection and a pneumothorax adjacent to the dissection, accompanied by blood pooling in the thoracic cavity. The patient died 40 min after the admission to the emergency room due to an additional haemoptysis. The autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a ruptured aortic dissection with pneumothorax.
Transverse myelitis caused by hepatitis E: previously undescribed in adults
Authors: Sarkar Pamela , Morgan Catherine , Ijaz Samreen
Published: July 2015

We report the case of a 62-year-old Caucasian woman who was admitted with urinary retention and lower limb paraesthesia following a week's prodromal illness of headache and malaise. Liver function tests showed a picture of acute hepatocellular dysfunction. She developed reduced lower limb power, brisk reflexes, extensor plantars, a sensory level at T8 and reduced anal sphincter tone, establishing a clinical diagnosis of transverse myelitis. A spinal MRI showed no evidence of cauda equina or spinal cord compression. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed raised protein and raised white cell count. Hepatitis E IgM and IgG were positive and hepatitis E virus was found in her CSF. She was treated with methylprednisolone and is slowly recovering with physiotherapy.
A multidisciplinary approach to an unusual cause of hyperamylasaemia
Authors: Logie James John , Cox Mary , Sharkey Joanne , Williams Alistair
Published: July 2015

Clinical features together with elevation of pancreatic enzymes are the key diagnostic indicators of acute pancreatitis. We report a case of a woman in her 50s who presented with abdominal distension and serum amylase raised to more than 30 times the upper limit of normal. She was initially treated for acute pancreatitis, however, she was not symptomatic of this and the pancreas appeared to be normal on CT scan. Further investigations revealed the patient had a high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma with nodal metastatic spread. An amylase-secreting ovarian tumour was suspected, which was supported by elevated salivary-amylase isoenzymes, consistent with previous reports in the literature. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and surgery, during which her serum amylase and CA-125 initially fell significantly, but eventually both increased, reflecting disease progression. This case serves as an important reminder to consider non-pancreatic causes of raised serum amylase, to avoid misdiagnosis.
Primary colonic adenocarcinoma diagnosed with cutaneous shave biopsy
Authors: Abt Nicholas B , Sampah Maame Efua S , Boonyasai Romsai Tony , Pahwa Amit K
Published: July 2015

A 67-year-old man presented to the emergency department with chronic weakness, fatigue and failure to thrive. On physical examination, he was found to have multifocal exophytic cutaneous masses in the pubic and scrotal regions. We obtained a shave biopsy, and subsequent histopathology demonstrated non-native tissue consistent with metastasis from a primary adenocarcinoma. We report this novel case of anogenital cutaneous metastases of colorectal adenocarcinoma.
Do Canadian collegiate hockey players accurately perceive body composition changes after unmonitored training and diet?
Authors: Prokop Neal W. , Duncan Lindsay R. , Andersen Ross E.
Published: July 2015

Collegiate athletes often use nutritional programs and supplements to elicit body composition changes in muscle or fat. It is unknown if athletes can accurately perceive their fluctuations in body composition, yet their understanding may help them make more accurate interpretations regarding the success of potential nutrition or exercise regimens. The purpose of this study was to investigate if collegiate hockey players could accurately perceive a change in body composition during a 3-month period within their regular season, in which no predetermined nutritional or exercise program was provided. Twenty-four male Canadian collegiate hockey players completed preseason and midseason body composition assessments using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Immediately before the midseason scan, players attempted to accurately match their perceived fluctuation in composition, with predetermined categorical ranges of relative body composition and strength. Two-thirds of players and one-half of players accurately perceived changes in arm-lean and arm-fat tissue, respectively. Approximately two-thirds of players did not accurately perceive gains or losses of lean or fat tissue within their leg and overall body. Although some athletes partially detected changes in the lean and fat tissue of particular regions, the vast majority of players cannot detect the type, or amount of tissue gained and lost across the overall body. Body composition assessments, rather than an athlete’s perceptions, should be used to help interpret the success of a sport nutrition or exercise program. Athletes should be aware that physiologic adaptations might take place unnoticed, which could affect the acceptance and adherence of nutrition or exercise interventions.
Effects of curcumin and captopril on the functions of kidney and nerve in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: role of angiotensin converting enzyme 1
Authors: Abd Allah Eman S.H. , Gomaa Asmaa M.S.
Published: July 2015

Oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the development and progression of diabetes and its complications. The renin–angiotensin system also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. We hypothesized that curcumin and captopril would restore the kidney and nerve functions of diabetic rats through their angiotensin converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) inhibiting activity as well as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (100 mg·kg–1body weight). One week after induction of diabetes, rats were treated with 100 mg·kg–1·day–1curcumin or 50 mg·kg–1·day–1captopril orally for 6 weeks. Compared with diabetic control rats, curcumin- or captopril-treated diabetic rats had significantly improved blood glucose, lipid profile, kidney/body weight ratio, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and pain thresholds assessed by Von Frey filaments, hot plate test, and tail-flick test. Diabetic control rats showed increased levels of total peroxide, renal and neural tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10, and renal ACE1 compared with nondiabetic rats. Although treatment with either curcumin or captopril restored the altered variables, captopril was more effective in reducing these variables. ACE1 was positively correlated with BUN and creatinine and negatively correlated with paw withdrawal threshold, hot plate reaction time, and tail-flick latency, suggesting a possible causal relationship. We conclude that curcumin and captopril protect against diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy by inhibiting ACE1 as well as oxidation and inflammation. These findings suggest that curcumin and captopril may have a role in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy.
Aboveground biomass and leaf area equations for three common tree species of Hyrcanian temperate forests in northern Iran
Authors: Shahrokhzadeh Unes , Sohrabi Hormoz , Copenheaver Carolyn A.
Published: July 2015

Biomass equations are essential for evaluating the climate change mitigation potential of forests through biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration. In northern Iran’s Hyrcanian forests, topographic relief is so extreme that developing biomass equations from destructive sampling of trees is physically challenging. In this paper, allometric biomass and leaf area equations were developed for three common Hyrcanian tree species: Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia C.A.Mey.), and common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.). A total of 30 trees, ranging in diameter at breast height (DBH) from 21 to 90 cm, were felled and stems, branches, twigs, and leaves from each tree were measured and weighed. Allometric equations for estimating biomass from DBH and height and their combinations were derived. Model comparison and selection were based on R2, Akaike’s information criterion (AIC), prediction error sums of squares, model standard error estimate (SEE), ΔAIC, and correction factor. The best-fit equations had adjusted R2values between 0.81 to 0.98 and SEE values between 0.351 and 0.681. The allometric equations provide improved methods for predicting forest biomass and carbon storage in Hyrcanian forests from standard forestry measurements, which means these equations may be applied to historical and new forest data.
Comparative study of cold-climate constructed wetland technology in Canada and northern China for water resource protection
Authors: Chouinard A. , Anderson B.C. , Wootton B.C. , Huang J.J.
Published: July 2015

This paper aims to be a cursory relative comparison between applications of custom-designed constructed wetland systems for specific water resources protection in Canada and northern China. Comparing constructed wetlands can be difficult and at times misleading; they are custom built to deal with specific target wastewater at specific locations and differ not only in physical shape and dimension, but in vegetation cover, hydraulic retention time, and pollutant loading rates. Treatment efficiencies defined by the Canadian and northern Chinese experience vary considerably. Experience in both countries shows that the majority of effluent values are generally better than those required by discharge standards in Canada and China. Examples provided from both countries demonstrated that plants can play a role in constructed wetland systems and make a difference in treatment efficiency. A review of the available case studies on cold weather treatment in both countries indicates that this technology is feasible in Canada and northern China, although further monitoring data are needed to optimize wetland design and ensure that the effluent quality standards are consistently met. Constructed wetland systems in both countries have an apparent advantage in construction costs, and the costs for treatment and operation and maintenance of these systems are much lower than those of conventional wastewater treatment plants. Land requirements for constructed wetlands present one of the factors most limiting their broader use, especially in China, where land resources are scarce and population density is high.
An Idle-State Detection Algorithm for SSVEP-Based Brain–Computer Interfaces Using a Maximum Evoked Response Spatial Filter
Authors: Zhang Dan , Huang Bisheng , Wu Wei , Li Siliang
Published: July 2015

Although accurate recognition of the idle state is essential for the application of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) in real-world situations, it remains a challenging task due to the variability of the idle state. In this study, a novel algorithm was proposed for the idle state detection in a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCI. The proposed algorithm aims to solve the idle state detection problem by constructing a better model of the control states. For feature extraction, a maximum evoked response (MER) spatial filter was developed to extract neurophysiologically plausible SSVEP responses, by finding the combination of multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) signals that maximized the evoked responses while suppressing the unrelated background EEGs. The extracted SSVEP responses at the frequencies of both the attended and the unattended stimuli were then used to form feature vectors and a series of binary classifiers for recognition of each control state and the idle state were constructed. EEG data from nine subjects in a three-target SSVEP BCI experiment with a variety of idle state conditions were used to evaluate the proposed algorithm. Compared to the most popular canonical correlation analysis-based algorithm and the conventional power spectrum-based algorithm, the proposed algorithm outperformed them by achieving an offline control state classification accuracy of 88.0 ± 11.1% and idle state false positive rates (FPRs) ranging from 7.4 ± 5.6% to 14.2 ± 10.1%, depending on the specific idle state conditions. Moreover, the online simulation reported BCI performance close to practical use: 22.0 ± 2.9 out of the 24 control commands were correctly recognized and the FPRs achieved as low as approximately 0.5 event/min in the idle state conditions with eye open and 0.05 event/min in the idle state condition with eye closed. These results demonstrate the potential of the proposed algorithm for implementing practical SSVEP BCI systems.
LSZ reduction formula in noncommutative quantum field theory and its consequences
Authors: Antipin K. V.
Published: July 2015

An analogue of the Lehmann–Symanzik–Zimmermann (LSZ) reduction formula is obtained for the case of noncommutative space–space theory. Some consequences of the reduction formula and Haag’s theorem are discussed.
A Machian approach to general relativity
Authors: Vishwakarma Ram Gopal
Published: July 2015

Mach's principle is surely one of those tantalizingly beautiful concepts in physics which remain elusive. Though general Relativity (GR) was conceived in the spirit of realizing it, the theory failed to fulfill this expectation. Here a study on the implications of imposing Mach's principle on GR with an insight that spacetime has no independent existence without a material background, is presented. This inclusion of the principle in GR turns out to be unexpectedly rewarding. The resulting theory solves many mysteries and averts lingering problems of the conventional forms of GR and cosmology.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MARKET ORIENTATION AS DETERMINANTS OF INNOVATION: THE ROLE OF BUSINESS SIZE
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-BENITO ÓSCAR , MUÑOZ-GALLEGO PABLO A. , GARCÍA-ZAMORA EVELYN
Published: July 2015

In an important effort to understand what enhances innovation, the extent to which innovative actions rest on organisational values, beliefs and interests is particularly crucial. This study analyses the impact of organisational culture — specifically, the firm's entrepreneurial and market orientation — on different innovation dimensions. It also considers the role of business size in the relationship between organisational culture and innovation. An empirical study with a sample of 440 variously sized enterprises from five industrial sectors in Spain demonstrates the relationship between market orientation and entrepreneurship and innovation. Business size does not cause the relationship, though it moderates the relationship regarding management and marketing innovations.
WHEN PAIRING REDUCES SCARING: THE EFFECT OF DYADIC IDEATION ON EVALUATION APPREHENSION
Authors: McGRATH LAWRENCE
Published: July 2015

The formation of idea generation groups through the combination of dyads, rather than individuals, is examined. The results show that pairwise group structuring is an effective method by which to reduce evaluation apprehension within idea generation groups composed of managerial participants in a controlled experimental environment. The integration of solitary ideators into an interactive group in nominal group technique (NGT) is shown to be problematic in terms of participants' evaluation apprehension. The study's sample consisted of 72 middle and upper managers from a broad range of functions and industries. This demographic is heavily involved with cross-functional collaboration in industry. The results open up a new research area and suggest that pairwork within groups be leveraged to optimise creativity in groups by addressing common problems such as evaluation apprehension, the common knowledge effect, hidden profile and free riding.
Ontology-Based Information Flow Control of Network-Level Internet Communication
Authors: Kasten Andreas , Scherp Ansgar
Published: July 2015

Information flow control on the Internet is a desirable feature when it comes to content such as neo-Nazi propaganda, child pornography, or material showing extreme violence or crimes. In order to provide for a flexible control of information flow on the Internet, we present the pattern system InFO (short for: Information Flow Ontology). InFO provides a common support for different enforcing systems such as routers, proxies, or name servers by abstracting from existing as well as possible future regulation types. Thus, unlike existing solutions, InFO provides information flow control on the Internet-layer, transport-layer, as well as application-layer. In addition, InFO allows for linking the technical implementation of a flow control policy with a human-readable representation including its legal background (law) and organizational motivation (code of conduct). Besides a detailed description of the pattern system, we also provide various examples demonstrating the practical applicability of InFO. InFO has been implemented for name servers, routers, as well as application-level proxy servers. Its source code is available to the public.
Novel Magnetic Orders and Ice Phases in Frustrated Kondo-Lattice Models
Authors: Chern Gia-Wei
Published: July 2015

We review recent theoretical progress in our understanding of electron-driven novel magnetic phases on frustrated lattices. Our specific focus is on Kondo-lattice or double-exchange models assuming finite magnetic moments localized at the lattice sites. A salient feature of systems with SU(2) symmetric local moments is the emergence of noncoplanar magnetic ordering driven by the conduction electrons. The complex spin textures then endow the electrons a nontrivial Berry phase, often giving rise to a topologically nontrivial electronic state. The second part of the review is devoted to the discussion of metallic spin ice systems, which are essentially frustrated Ising magnets with local spin ordering governed by the so-called ice rules. These rules are similar to those that describe proton configurations in solid water ice, hence the name "spin ice". The nontrivial spin correlations in the ice phase give rise to unusual electron transport properties in metallic spin-ice systems.