bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Cancer And Living Meaningfully (CALM): randomised feasibility trial in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Lo Chris , Hales Sarah , Chiu Aubrey , Panday Tania , Malfitano Carmine , Jung Judy , Rydall Anne , Li Madeline , Nissim Rinat , Zimmermann Camilla , Rodin Gary
Published: January 2016

Background

Managing Cancer And Living Meaningfully (CALM) is a brief individual psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer. In an intervention-only phase 2a trial, CALM showed promising results, leading to the present 2b pilot, which introduces procedures for randomisation and improved rigour in preparation for a phase 3 randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Aims

To test trial methodology and assess feasibility of a confirmatory RCT.

Design

A parallel-arm RCT (intervention vs usual care) with 3 and 6-month follow-ups. Assessment of feasibility included rates of consent, randomisation, attrition, intervention non-compliance and usual care contamination. Primary outcome: depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9). Secondary outcomes: major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety, death anxiety, spiritual well-being, attachment anxiety and avoidance, self-esteem, experiential avoidance, quality of life and post-traumatic growth. Bayesian conjugate analysis was used in this low-powered setting.

Setting/participants

60 adult patients with advanced cancer from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Results

Rate of consent was 32%, randomisation 78%, attrition 25%, non-compliance 37% and contamination 17%. There was support for potential treatment effects on: PHQ-9, OR=1.48, 95% Credible Interval (CRI.95) (0.65, 3.38); MDD, OR=1.56, CRI.95(0.50, 4.84); attachment anxiety, OR=1.72, CRI.95(0.73, 4.03); and attachment avoidance, OR=1.58, CRI.95(0.67, 3.71). There was no support for effects on the seven remaining secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

A phase 3 CALM RCT is feasible and should aim to detect effect sizes of d=0.40, with greater attention to issues of compliance and contamination.

Trial registration number

NCT02353546.
The 2015 advanced life support guidelines: a summary and evidence for the updates
Authors: Williams Sophie T , Sykes Mark C , Boon Lim Phang , Salciccioli Justin D
Published: January 2016

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation recently released updated 2015 recommendations for resuscitation. The guidelines form the basis for all levels of resuscitation training, now from first aid to advanced life support (ALS), and for trainees of varying medical skills, from schoolchildren to medical students and consultants. We highlight major updates relating to intra-arrest and postarrest care, and the evidence for their recommendation. We also summarise areas of uncertainty in the evidence for ALS, and highlight current discussions that will likely inform the next round of recommendations.
The HemoScreen, a novel haematology analyser for the point of care
Authors: Ben-Yosef Yaara , Marom Barak , Hirshberg Galit , D'Souza Carol , Larsson Anders , Bransky Avishay
Published: January 2016

Background and aims

A haematology analyser, based on a new technology, is presented herein. The analyser that provides a complete blood count (CBC) and five-part differential accepts disposable cartridges containing all required reagents, making it maintenance-free and ideal for point-of-care (POC) settings. The test reproducibility and imperviousness to analytical errors are attributed to the imaging-based analysis employed. Imaging enables cell-morphology-based differentiation, which is analogous to the gold standard microscopic analysis. This article presents the HemoScreen new technology and evaluates its performance through a small-scale study conducted in its designated clinical settings.

Methods

Thirty anticoagulated whole blood samples were analysed on the HemoScreen and Sysmex XE-2100. Linear regression was performed for the methods comparison. Two samples with 15 replicates were processed for imprecision. Ease of use of the device was also considered.

Results

The HemoScreen demonstrated acceptable imprecision and good agreement with the Sysmex XE-2100. The white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), platelets (PLT), neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils have coefficients of correlation (r) >0.97. For mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell HGB (MCH) and RBC distribution width (RDW), r values ranged from 0.92 to 0.96. For mean cell HGB concentration (MCHC) and monocytes r=0.82 was demonstrated. User-friendliness and suitability of the device for operation in the designated POC settings was also confirmed.

Conclusions

The HemoScreen employs innovative technologies of viscoelastic focusing and microfluidics within a disposable cartridge for an image-based blood cell analysis. By providing accurate and repeatable CBC and five-part differential results within minutes and maintaining the simplicity of operation, the HemoScreen could have far-reaching implications for use at POC. Further extended evaluation is in progress.
Ethnic inequalities in limiting health and self-reported health in later life revisited
Authors: Evandrou Maria , Falkingham Jane , Feng Zhixin , Vlachantoni Athina
Published: January 2016

Background

It is well established that there are ethnic inequalities in health in the UK; however, such inequalities in later life remain a relatively under-researched area. This paper explores ethnic inequalities in health among older people in the UK, controlling for social and economic disadvantages.

Methods

This paper analyses the first wave (2009–2011) of Understanding Society to examine differentials in the health of older persons aged 60 years and over. 2 health outcomes are explored: the extent to which one's health limits the ability to undertake typical activities and self-rated health. Logistic regression models are used to control for a range of other factors, including income and deprivation.

Results

After controlling for social and economic disadvantage, black and minority ethnic (BME) elders are still more likely than white British elders to report limiting health and poor self-rated health. The ‘health disadvantage’ appears most marked among BME elders of South Asian origin, with Pakistani elders exhibiting the poorest health outcomes. Length of time resident in the UK does not have a direct impact on health in models for both genders, but is marginally significant for women.

Conclusions

Older people from ethnic minorities report poorer health outcomes even after controlling for social and economic disadvantages. This result reflects the complexity of health inequalities among different ethnic groups in the UK, and the need to develop health policies which take into account differences in social and economic resources between different ethnic groups.
A qualitative analysis of women's explanations for changing contraception: the importance of non-contraceptive effects
Authors: Wigginton Britta , Harris Melissa L , Loxton Deborah , Lucke Jayne C
Published: January 2016

Background

Women commonly report changing contraceptive methods because of side-effects. However, there is a lack of literature that has thoroughly examined women's perspectives, including why they changed contraception.

Aim

Using qualitative data from a contraceptive survey of young Australian women, we explored women's explanations for their recent changes in contraception.

Method

A thematic analysis of 1051 responses to a question about why women recently changed contraception was conducted.

Results

Themes reflected reasons for changing contraception which included: both contraceptive and non-contraceptive (4%); relationship/sexual (9%); medical (11%); contraceptive (18%); non-contraceptive (41%). A minority of responses were uncoded (17%). Non-contraceptive effects (effects unrelated to pregnancy prevention) featured most frequently in women's reasons for changing contraception.

Conclusions

While cessation of various contraceptives due to unwanted side-effects is a well-known phenomenon, this analysis provides evidence of the changing of contraception for its non-contraceptive effects and reframes the notion of ‘side-effects’.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: modern image-guided therapies
Authors: Puppala Sapna , Patel Rafiuddin , Yap Ki Sing , Patel Jai , Wah Tze , Snoddon Andrew
Published: January 2016

The most common primary malignancy of the liver and the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which presents a major global health problem due to its increasing incidence. Most cases of HCC are secondary to either infection (hepatitis B or C) or cirrhosis (alcohol being the most common cause). Clinical presentation is variable and the tumour can be an incidental finding. Treatment options for HCC and prognosis are dependent on many factors but most importantly tumour size and staging. The last two decades have revolutionised the treatment of HCC using image-guided techniques. The concepts of imaging and image-guided techniques are still young and not well described in standard textbooks and hence an up to date review article is essential. The clinical subspecialities may lack familiarity with image-guided techniques but are responsible for management of these patients before and after the treatment by interventional radiologists. This article reviews current image-guided techniques, evidence and outcomes and provides educational highlights and question and answers. The article provides an overview in a simple understandable manner to enable readers from various levels of practice and training to benefit from and apply in their practice.
Current strategies for protein production and purification enabling membrane protein structural biology
Authors: Pandey Aditya , Shin Kyungsoo , Patterson Robin E. , Liu Xiang-Qin , Rainey Jan K.
Published: January 2016

Membrane proteins are still heavily under-represented in the protein data bank (PDB), owing to multiple bottlenecks. The typical low abundance of membrane proteins in their natural hosts makes it necessary to overexpress these proteins either in heterologous systems or through in vitro translation/cell-free expression. Heterologous expression of proteins, in turn, leads to multiple obstacles, owing to the unpredictability of compatibility of the target protein for expression in a given host. The highly hydrophobic and (or) amphipathic nature of membrane proteins also leads to challenges in producing a homogeneous, stable, and pure sample for structural studies. Circumventing these hurdles has become possible through the introduction of novel protein production protocols; efficient protein isolation and sample preparation methods; and, improvement in hardware and software for structural characterization. Combined, these advances have made the past 10–15 years very exciting and eventful for the field of membrane protein structural biology, with an exponential growth in the number of solved membrane protein structures. In this review, we focus on both the advances and diversity of protein production and purification methods that have allowed this growth in structural knowledge of membrane proteins through X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
Complexes of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate with nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus donors
Authors: Robertson Alasdair P.M. , Chitnis Saurabh S. , Chhina Seth , Cortes S. Hector J. , Patrick Brian O. , Jenkins Hilary A. , Burford Neil
Published: January 2016

The Lewis acceptor chemistry of Me3SiOTf with p-block Lewis bases has been explored and a library of complexes has been characterized by spectroscopic and, where possible, crystallographic methods. Compounds with the generic formula [Me3Si(L)][OTf] (L = 4-dmap, pyr, imz, OPMe3, OPCy3, OPPh3, OpyrMe, dmso, PMe3) were isolated from 1:1 mixtures of Me3SiOTf and the respective ligand in CH2Cl2. Characterization by NMR spectroscopy confirmed the solution stability of all but [Me3Si(PMe3)][OTf], with indications that the latter dissociates into PMe3 and Me3SiOTf. Solid-state structures of [Me3Si(4-dmap)][OTf], [Me3Si(pyr)][OTf], [Me3Si(OPCy3)][OTf], [Me3Si(OPPh3)][OTf], [Me3Si(OpyrMe)][OTf], and [Me3Si(PMe3)][OTf] were elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction, confirming the envisaged ionic formulations resulting from the displacement of the OTf anion from the silicon center of Me3SiOTf by the incoming ligand. Mixtures of Me3SiOTf with other related donors, including ChPPh3 (Ch = S or Se), NEt3, SMe2, PPh3, 2,2′-bipy, or Me2CO, show no evidence of reaction under ambient conditions, reflecting the lower basicity and (or) greater steric encumbrance of these ligands. Reactions of Me3SiOTf with bis-donor ligands yielded complexes of the generic formulae [Me3Si(L–L)SiMe3][OTf]2 (L–L = 4,4′-bipy, tmeda, dmpe) and [Me3Si(L–L)][OTf] (L–L = 4,4′-bipy, tmeda, dmpe). The tmeda and dmpe complexes, however, were found to dissociate in solution, with complexes only prevailing in the solid phase. X-ray diffraction studies of [Me3Si(4,4′-bipy)SiMe3][OTf]2 and [Me3Si(dmpe)SiMe3][OTf]2 confirmed the expected connectivities and ionic formulations, with Si–ligand bond lengths comparable to those observed in [Me3Si(pyr)][OTf] and [Me3Si(PMe3)][OTf], respectively.
SOURCES OF MACROECONOMIC FLUCTUATIONS IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Authors: KOH WEE CHIAN
Published: January 2016

This paper investigates the sources of macroeconomic fluctuations in Brunei Darussalam from 2003Q1 to 2014Q3 using a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) model. Shocks are identified by imposing block exogeneity and long-run restrictions motivated by an open economy model that includes oil prices. The results show that oil price shocks account for only a small proportion of output fluctuations while productivity shocks have the largest share. Real exchange rate movements are largely driven by demand shocks while monetary shocks explain most of the variability in prices. Economic policies should focus on productivity improvement and capital investment to increase output in the long run, and the conduct of fiscal policy should take into account the impact on real exchange rate volatility.
Understanding singularities — Classical and quantum
Authors: Konkowski Deborah A. , Helliwell Thomas M.
Published: January 2016

The definitions of classical and quantum singularities are reviewed. Examples are given of both as well as their utility in general relativity. In particular, the classical and quantum singularity structure of certain interesting conformally static spherically symmetric spacetimes modeling scalar field collapse are reviewed. The spacetimes include the Roberts spacetime, the Husain-Martinez-Nuñez spacetime and the Fonarev spacetime. The importance of understanding spacetime singularity structure is discussed.
Towards the theory of regular accelerating Universe in Riemann-Cartan space-time
Authors: Minkevich A. V.
Published: January 2016

The problems of modern cosmology and attempts of its solution are considered. The applying of gravitation theory in the Riemann-Cartan space-time as the most natural generalization of Einstein gravitation theory in order to solve the principal cosmological problems is discussed. The gravitation theory in the Riemann-Cartan space-time leading to the solution of the problem of cosmological singularity and dark energy problem is analyzed.
The strained state cosmology
Authors: Tartaglia Angelo
Published: January 2016

Starting from some relevant facts concerning the behavior of the universe over large scale and time span, the analogy between the geometric approach of General Relativity and the classical description of an elastic strained material continuum is discussed. Extending the elastic deformation approach to four dimensions it is shown that the accelerated expansion of the universe is recovered. The strain field of space-time reproduces properties similar to the ones ascribed to the dark energy currently called in to explain the accelerated expansion. The strain field in the primordial universe behaves as radiation, but asymptotically it reproduces the cosmological constant. Subjecting the theory to a number of cosmological tests confirms the soundness of the approach and gives an optimal value for the one parameter of the model, i.e. the bulk modulus of the space-time continuum. Finally various aspects of the Strained State Cosmology (SSC) are discussed and contrasted with some non-linear massive gravity theories. The possible role of structure topological defects is also mentioned. The conclusion is that SSC is at least as good as the [Formula: see text]CDM standard cosmology, giving a more intuitive interpretation of the physical nature of the phenomena.
Induced fermionic current by a magnetic flux in a cosmic string spacetime at finite temperature
Authors: Bezerra de Mello Eugênio R. , Saharian Aram A. , Mohammadi Azadeh
Published: January 2016

Here we analyze the finite temperature expectation values of the charge and current densities for a massive fermionic quantum field with nonzero chemical potential [Formula: see text], induced by a magnetic flux running along the axis of an idealized cosmic string. These densities are decomposed into the vacuum expectation values and contributions coming from the particles and antiparticles. Specifically the charge density is an even periodic function of the magnetic flux with the period equal to the quantum flux and an odd function of the chemical potential. The only nonzero component of the current density corresponds to the azimuthal current and it is an odd periodic function of the magnetic flux and an even function of the chemical potential. Both analyzed are developed for the cases where [Formula: see text] is smaller than the mass of the field quanta [Formula: see text].
In situ ion gun cleaning of surface adsorbates and its effect on electrostatic forces
Authors: Schafer Robert , Xu Jun , Mohideen Umar
Published: January 2016

To obtain precise measurements of the Casimir force, it is crucial to take into account the electrostatic interactions that exist between the two boundaries. Two otherwise grounded conductors will continue to have residual electrostatic effects from patch potentials existing on the surfaces. In this paper, we look at the effect of in situ cleaning of adsorbate patches, and the resultant effect on the net electrostatic potential difference between two surfaces. We find a significant reduction in the residual potential due to in situ Ar[Formula: see text] cleaning for the samples used.
A theoretical study of magnetoelectronic and switching properties of molecular magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Soti V. , Ravan B. Abedi
Published: January 2016

Electronic transport and switching properties of molecule-based magnetic tunnel junctions are investigated using the first-principles density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green function methods. As a result of being sandwiched between the ferromagnetic electrodes, a spin-polarization is induced in the nonmagnetic organic atoms. Magnitudes of the spin-polarizations in the trans-polyacetylene, cis-polyacetylene, terphenyl and pentacene chains are calculated and it is suggested that among these the pentacene molecules, because of showing a relatively higher magnetization can theoretically be more appropriate for utilization in spintronic devices. Furthermore, electrical switching capabilities of the junctions are studied and the results reveal that the pentacene junction due to having a larger ON/OFF ratio shows a better switching behavior. Finally, magnetoresistive properties are studied and it is shown that applying torsion can be an effective method to enhance and also adjust magnitudes of the magnetoresistances of the junctions.
Nonsingular universe from generalized thermostatistics
Authors: Vakili B. , Gorji M. A.
Published: January 2016

We study the statistical mechanics of the early radiation dominated universe in the context of a generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) which supports the existence of a minimal length scale. Utilizing the resultant modified thermodynamical quantities, we obtain a deformed Friedmann equation which is very similar to that arising from loop quantum cosmology scenarios. The energy and entropy densities get maximum bounds about Planck temperature and a nonsingular universe then emerges in this setup.
Role of positive and negative third order dispersion (TOD) on soliton interaction in 160Gbps telecommunication system
Authors: Mani Bhupeshwaran , Jawahar  , Chitra K. , Sivasubramanian A.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we analyze the influence of positive and negative third order dispersion (TOD) on soliton interaction. The peculiar nature of soliton as massive particle results in interaction of in-phase soliton, which has resulted in perfect collision in 160[Formula: see text]Gbps system at the interaction point, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Km within one collision period of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Km. The TOD normally helps in soliton shift from its initial position. We demonstrate how this shifting of TOD helps in preventing the interaction at 2202.6[Formula: see text]Km with an initial relative spacing and pulse width of in-phase soliton [Formula: see text] and 1.77[Formula: see text]ps, respectively. As the TOD has its influence near zero dispersion point of fiber, we choose the dispersion parameter of fiber as [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ps2/Km. On considering the positive and negative TOD, the interaction was prevented at [Formula: see text], which is characterized in terms of Q-value in a single channel telecommunication system. It is seen that for positive TOD with the values of [Formula: see text] and 0.07[Formula: see text]ps3/Km, the system yielded the Q-value of 88.33 and 54.81, respectively, while for negative TOD with the values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ps3/Km, the Q was 84.47 and 38.25, respectively.
An all-optical scheme for implementing a NAND logic by dibit representation of squeezed state of light
Authors: Mitra Saibal , Mukhopadhyay Sourangshu
Published: January 2016

Squeezed state of light can present a promising world of quantum communication breaking the quantum limit of noise. We report an all-optical NAND logic operation by dibit representation of squeezed light for a highly noise reduced communication.
Effect of uni- and biaxial strain on phase transformations in Fe thin films
Authors: Sak-Saracino Emilia , Urbassek Herbert M.
Published: January 2016

Using molecular-dynamics simulation, we study the phase transformations in Fe thin films induced by uni- and biaxial strain. Both the austenitic transformation of a body-centered cubic (bcc) film at the equilibrium temperature of the face-centered cubic (fcc)–bcc transformation and the martensitic transformation of an undercooled fcc film are studied. We demonstrate that different strain states (uni- or biaxial) induce different nucleation kinetics of the new phase and hence different microstructures evolve. For the case of the austenitic transformation, the direction of the applied strain selects the orientation of the nucleated grains of the new phase; the application of biaxial strain leads to a symmetric twinned structure. For the martensitic transformation, the influence of the strain state is even more pronounced, in that it can either inhibit the transformation, induce the homogeneous nucleation of a fine-dispersed array of the new phase resulting in a single-crystalline final state, or lead to the more conventional mechanism of heterogeneous nucleation of grains at the free surfaces, which grow and result in a poly-crystalline microstructure of the transformed material.
Having a conversation about bulk surveillance
Authors: Lin Herbert
Published: January 2016

Considering a controversial subject that extends far beyond the collection of phone metadata.
Accountability in algorithmic decision making
Authors: Diakopoulos Nicholas
Published: January 2016

A view from computational journalism.
Drumming up support for AP CS principles
Authors: Guzdial Mark
Published: January 2016

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Mark Guzdial issues a "call to action" to encourage high schools to offer, and students to take, the Advanced Placement course in Computer Science Principles.
Future Tense: Chatterbox
Authors: MacLeod Ken
Published: January 2016

From the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, with boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what could be.

A social network can sometimes make more of us than we ought to be.
Perennial Grain and Oilseed Crops
Authors: Kantar Michael B. , Tyl Catrin E. , Dorn Kevin M. , Zhang Xiaofei , Jungers Jacob M. , Kaser Joe M. , Schendel Rachel R. , Eckberg James O. , Runck Bryan C. , Bunzel Mirko , Jordan Nick R. , Stupar Robert M. , Marks M. David , Anderson James A. , Johnson Gregg A. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Schoenfuss Tonya C. , Ismail Baraem , Heimpel George E. , Wyse Donald L.
Published: January 2016

Historically, agroecosystems have been designed to produce food. Modern societies now demand more from food systems—not only food, fuel, and fiber, but also a variety of ecosystem services. And although today's farming practices are producing unprecedented yields, they are also contributing to ecosystem problems such as soil erosion, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. This review highlights the potential benefits of perennial grains and oilseeds and discusses recent progress in their development. Because of perennials' extended growing season and deep root systems, they may require less fertilizer, help prevent runoff, and be more drought tolerant than annuals. Their production is expected to reduce tillage, which could positively affect biodiversity. End-use possibilities involve food, feed, fuel, and nonfood bioproducts. Fostering multidisciplinary collaborations will be essential for the successful integration of perennials into commercial cropping and food-processing systems.
Rational Design of Targeted Next-Generation Carriers for Drug and Vaccine Delivery
Authors: Narasimhan Balaji , Goodman Jonathan T. , Vela Ramirez Julia E.
Published: January 2016

Pattern recognition receptors on innate immune cells play an important role in guiding how cells interact with the rest of the organism and in determining the direction of the downstream immune response. Recent advances have elucidated the structure and function of these receptors, providing new opportunities for developing targeted drugs and vaccines to treat infections, cancers, and neurological disorders. C-type lectin receptors, Toll-like receptors, and folate receptors have attracted interest for their ability to endocytose their ligands or initiate signaling pathways that influence the immune response. Several novel technologies are being developed to engage these receptors, including recombinant antibodies, adoptive immunotherapy, and chemically modified antigens and drug delivery vehicles. These active targeting technologies will help address current challenges facing drug and vaccine delivery and lead to new tools to treat human diseases.
Gender Dysphoria in Adults
Authors: Zucker Kenneth J. , Lawrence Anne A. , Kreukels Baudewijntje P.C.
Published: January 2016

Gender dysphoria (GD), a term that denotes persistent discomfort with one's biologic sex or assigned gender, replaced the diagnosis of gender identity disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 2013. Subtypes of GD in adults, defined by sexual orientation and age of onset, have been described; these display different developmental trajectories and prognoses. Prevalence studies conclude that fewer than 1 in 10,000 adult natal males and 1 in 30,000 adult natal females experience GD, but such estimates vary widely. GD in adults is associated with an elevated prevalence of comorbid psychopathology, especially mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and suicidality. Causal mechanisms in GD are incompletely understood, but genetic, neurodevelopmental, and psychosocial factors probably all contribute. Treatment of GD in adults, although largely standardized, is likely to evolve in response to the increasing diversity of persons seeking treatment, demands for greater client autonomy, and improved understanding of the benefits and limitations of current treatment modalities.
Effects of endogenous GLP-1 and GIP on glucose tolerance after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Svane Maria S. , Bojsen-Møller Kirstine N. , Nielsen Signe , Jørgensen Nils B. , Dirksen Carsten , Bendtsen Flemming , Kristiansen Viggo B. , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens J. , Madsbad Sten
Published: January 2016

Exaggerated secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is important for postprandial glucose tolerance after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), whereas the role of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) remains to be resolved. We aimed to explore the relative importance of endogenously secreted GLP-1 and GIP on glucose tolerance and β-cell function after RYGB. We used DPP-4 inhibition to enhance concentrations of intact GIP and GLP-1 and the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin-(9–39) (Ex-9) for specific blockage of GLP-1 actions. Twelve glucose-tolerant patients were studied after RYGB in a randomized, placebo-controlled, 4-day crossover study with standard mixed-meal tests and concurrent administration of placebo, oral sitagliptin, Ex-9 infusion, or combined Ex-9-sitagliptin. GLP-1 receptor antagonism increased glucose excursions, clearly attenuated β-cell function, and aggravated postprandial hyperglucagonemia compared with placebo, whereas sitagliptin had no effect despite two- to threefold increased concentrations of intact GLP-1 and GIP. Similarly, sitagliptin did not affect glucose tolerance or β-cell function during GLP-1R blockage. This study confirms the importance of GLP-1 for glucose tolerance after RYGB via increased insulin and attenuated glucagon secretion in the postprandial state, whereas amplification of the GIP signal (or other DPP-4-sensitive glucose-lowering mechanisms) did not appear to contribute to the improved glucose tolerance seen after RYGB.
Corollaries of Point Spread Function with Asymmetric Apodization
Authors: Andra Naresh Kumar Reddy , Sriperumbudur Udaya Laxmi , Dasari Karuna Sagar
Published: January 2016

Primary energy based corollaries of point spread function with asymmetric apodization using complex pupil function have been studied in the case of three-zone aperture. Merit function like semicircled energy factor, excluded semicircled energy, and displaced semicircled energy were analyzed with respect to Airy case in terms of phase and amplitude apodization. Analytical results have been presented for the optimum parameters of phase and amplitude asymmetric apodization.
Complex Perioperative Decision-Making: Liver Resection in a Patient with Extensive Superior Vena Cava/Right Atrial Thrombus and Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Authors: Kloesel Benjamin , Lekowski Robert W.
Published: January 2016

The perioperative management of patients suffering from extensive superior vena cava (SVC) thrombus complicated by SVC syndrome presents unique challenges. The anesthesiologist needs to be prepared for possible thrombus dislodgement resulting in pulmonary embolism and also has to assess the need for fluid resuscitation given the dangers of massive intravenous fluid application via the upper extremities. We present our perioperative approach in management of a patient scheduled for right hepatectomy who was previously diagnosed with extensive SVC and right atrial (RA) thrombus complicated by SVC syndrome.
Surgical Management of Local Recurrences of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Acar Ömer , Şanlı Öner
Published: January 2016

Surgical resection either in the form of radical nephrectomy or in the form of partial nephrectomy represents the mainstay options in the treatment of kidney cancer. In most instances, resecting the tumor bearing kidney or the tumor itself provides durable cancer specific survival rates. However, recurrences may rarely develop in the renal fossa or remnant kidney. Despite its rarity, locally recurrent RCC is a challenging condition in terms of the possible management options and relatively poor prognosis. If technically feasible, wide surgical excision and ensuring negative surgical margins are the most effective treatment options. Repeat surgeries (completion nephrectomy, excision of locally recurrent tumor, or repeat partial nephrectomy) may often be complicated, and perioperative morbidity is a major concern. Open approach has been extensively applied in this context and 5-year cancer specific survival rates have been reported to be around 50%. The roles of minimally invasive surgical options (laparoscopic and robotic approach) and nonsurgical alternatives (cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation) have yet to be described. In selected patients, surgical resection may have to be complemented with (neo)adjuvant radiotherapy or medical treatment.
Apple Cultivation and Breeding in Afghanistan:S-RNaseGenotypes and Search System for Suitable Cultivar Combination
Authors: Akbari Matiullah , Yamaguchi Mao , Maejima Tsutomu , Otagaki Shungo , Shiratake Katsuhiro , Matsumoto Shogo
Published: January 2016

We investigatedS-RNasegenotypes of nine useful Afghan apple cultivars including six original cultivars and one rootstock. We also determinedS-RNasegenotypes of 11 apple cultivars and lineages and seven rootstocks in Japan. We speculated regarding the unidentified parents of cultivars and lineages from theS-RNasegenotypes and their fruit and branch characteristics and also identified mistaken parents. We compiled a database of the appleS-RNasegenotypes of 622 apple cultivars investigated, which included a survey system of cultivar combinations showing those that were fully incompatible, semicompatible, and fully compatible, written in the Pashto language.
On the Use of Recursive Evaluation of Derivatives and Padé Approximation to Solve the Blasius Problem
Authors: Asaithambi Asai
Published: January 2016

The Blasius problem is one of the well-known problems in fluid mechanics in the study of boundary layers. It is described by a third-order ordinary differential equation derived from the Navier-Stokes equation by a similarity transformation. Crocco and Wang independently transformed this third-order problem further into a second-order differential equation. Classical series solutions and their Padé approximants have been computed. These solutions however require extensive algebraic manipulations and significant computational effort. In this paper, we present a computational approach using algorithmic differentiation to obtain these series solutions. Our work produces results superior to those reported previously. Additionally, using increased precision in our calculations, we have been able to extend the usefulness of the method beyond limits where previous methods have failed.
Efforts to Improve Immunization Coverage during Pregnancy among Ob-Gyns
Authors: Jones Katherine M. , Carroll Sarah , Hawks Debra , McElwain Cora-Ann , Schulkin Jay
Published: January 2016

Background.Influenza and Tdap vaccines are vital factors for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.Methods.A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted to determine whether the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG’s) efforts to increase ob-gyn use of their immunization toolkits and vaccination administration were successful. Pre- and postintervention questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 1,500 ACOG members between August 2012 and July 2015.Results.Significantly more postintervention survey ob-gyns reported that they received the immunization toolkits than preintervention survey ob-gyns (84.5% versus 67.0%,p<.001). The large majority of ob-gyns from both surveys (76.9% versus 78.9%) reported that they offered or planned to offer influenza vaccinations to their patients for the 2012-2013 and 2014-2015 flu seasons. Postintervention survey respondents were significantly more likely than preintervention survey participants to report that they routinely offer Tdap vaccinations to all patients during pregnancy (76.8% versus 59.3%,p<.001).Conclusion.ACOG’s efforts to improve ob-gyn use of immunization toolkits and vaccine administration appear to have been successful in several ways. ACOG’s toolkits are an example of an effective intervention to overcome barriers to offering vaccines and help improve influenza and Tdap immunization coverage for pregnant women.
Enigma of IL-17 and Th17 Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis and in Autoimmune Animal Models of Arthritis
Authors: Kugyelka Reka , Kohl Zoltan , Olasz Katalin , Mikecz Katalin , Rauch Tibor A. , Glant Tibor T. , Boldizsar Ferenc
Published: January 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune disorders characterized by the chronic and progressive inflammation of various organs, most notably the synovia of joints leading to joint destruction, a shorter life expectancy, and reduced quality of life. Although we have substantial information about the pathophysiology of the disease with various groups of immune cells and soluble mediators identified to participate in the pathogenesis, several aspects of the altered immune functions and regulation in RA remain controversial. Animal models are especially useful in such scenarios. Recently research focused on IL-17 and IL-17 producing cells in various inflammatory diseases such as in RA and in different rodent models of RA. These studies provided occasionally contradictory results with IL-17 being more prominent in some of the models than in others; the findings of such experimental setups were sometimes inconclusive compared to the human data. The aim of this review is to summarize briefly the recent advancements on the role of IL-17, particularly in the different rodent models of RA.
Determination of the Residual Anthracene Concentration in Cultures of Haloalkalitolerant Actinomycetes by Excitation Fluorescence, Emission Fluorescence, and Synchronous Fluorescence: Comparative Study
Authors: Lara-Severino Reyna del Carmen , Camacho-López Miguel Ángel , García-Macedo Jessica Marlene , Gómez-Oliván Leobardo M. , Sandoval-Trujillo Ángel H. , Isaac-Olive Keila , Ramírez-Durán Ninfa
Published: January 2016

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds that can be quantified by fluorescence due to their high quantum yield. Haloalkalitolerant bacteria tolerate wide concentration ranges of NaCl and pH. They are potentially useful in the PAHs bioremediation of saline environments. However, it is known that salinity of the sample affects fluorescence signal regardless of the method. The objective of this work was to carry out a comparative study based on the sensitivity, linearity, and detection limits of the excitation, emission, and synchronous fluorescence methods, during the quantification of the residual anthracene concentration from the following haloalkalitolerant actinomycetes culturesKocuria rosea, Kocuria palustris, Microbacterium testaceum, and 4 strains ofNocardia farcinica, in order to establish the proper fluorescence method to study the PAHs biodegrading capacity of haloalkalitolerant actinobacteria. The study demonstrated statistical differences among the strains and among the fluorescence methods regarding the anthracene residual concentration. The results showed that excitation and emission fluorescence methods performed very similarly but sensitivity in excitation fluorescence is slightly higher. Synchronous fluorescence usingΔλ=150 nm is not the most convenient method. Therefore we propose the excitation fluorescence as the fluorescence method to be used in the study of the PAHs biodegrading capacity of haloalkalitolerant actinomycetes.
Experimental Research on the Thermal Performance of Composite PCM Hollow Block Walls and Validation of Phase Transition Heat Transfer Models
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhuang Sunqi , Wang Qian , He Jiapeng
Published: January 2016

A type of concrete hollow block with typical structure and a common phase change material (PCM) were adopted. The PCM was filled into the hollow blocks by which the multiform composite PCM hollow blocks were made. The temperature-changing hot chamber method was used to test the thermal performance of block walls. The enthalpy method and the effective heat capacity method were used to calculate the heat transfer process. The results of the two methods can both reach the reasonable agreement with the experimental data. The unsteady-state thermal performance of the PCM hollow block walls is markedly higher than that of the wall without PCM. Furthermore, if the temperature of the PCM in the wall does not exceed its phase transition temperature range, the PCM wall can reach high thermal performance.
DKA with Severe Hypertriglyceridemia and Cerebral Edema in an Adolescent Boy: A Case Study and Review of the Literature
Authors: Saengkaew Tansit , Sahakitrungruang Taninee , Wacharasindhu Suttipong , Supornsilchai Vichit
Published: January 2016

A 13-year-old adolescent boy with type 1 diabetes mellitus (1b) presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and cerebral edema. Grossly lipemic serum and lipemia retinals due to extremely high triglyceride (TG) level were observed without evidence of xanthoma or xanthelasma. Cerebral edema was treated by appropriate ventilation and mannitol administration. Normal saline was carefully given and regular insulin was titrated according to blood sugar levels. Triglyceride levels were reduced from 9,800 mg/dL to normal range within 9 days after conventional treatment was commenced without antilipid medication. Based on our review of the literature, this is the first reported case of confirmed pediatric DKA with severe hypertriglyceridemia and cerebral edema. In patients with DKA and hypertriglyceridemia, clinicians should be mindful of the possibility of associated acute pancreatitis and cerebral edema.
PEG-Immobilized Keratin for Protein Drug Sequestration and pH-Mediated Delivery
Authors: de Guzman Roche C. , Rabbany Sina Y.
Published: January 2016

Protein drugs like growth factors are promising therapeutics for damaged-tissue repair. Their local delivery often requires biomaterial carriers for achieving the therapeutic dose range while extending efficacy. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and keratin were crosslinked and used as sponge-like scaffolds (KTN-PEG) to absorb test proteins with different isoelectric points (pI): albumin (~5), hemoglobin (~7), and lysozyme (~11). The protein release kinetics was influenced by charge at physiological pH 7.4. The keratin network, with pI 5.3, electrostatically attracted lysozyme and repulsed albumin generating the release rate profile: albumin > hemoglobin > lysozyme. However, under acidic conditions (pH 4), all proteins including keratins were positively charged and consequently intermolecular repulsion altered the release hierarchy, now determined by size (MW) diffusion: lysozyme (14 kDa) > hemoglobin (64 kDa) > albumin (66 kDa). Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), with properties comparable to lysozyme, was absorbed into the KTN-PEG scaffold. Endothelial cells cultured on this substrate had significantly larger numbers than on scaffolds without VEGF-C suggesting that the ionically bound and retained growth factor at neutral pH indirectly increased acute cell attachment and viability. PEG and keratin based sequestrations of proteins with basic pIs are therefore a feasible strategy with potential applications for selective biologics delivery.
Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy for Coffee Variety Identification: Comparison of Pattern Recognition Methods
Authors: Zhang Chu , Wang Chang , Liu Fei , He Yong
Published: January 2016

The potential of using mid-infrared transmittance spectroscopy combined with pattern recognition algorithm to identify coffee variety was investigated. Four coffee varieties in China were studied, including Typica Arabica coffee from Yunnan Province, Catimor Arabica coffee from Yunnan Province, Fushan Robusta coffee from Hainan Province, and Xinglong Robusta coffee from Hainan Province. Ten different pattern recognition methods were applied on the optimal wavenumbers selected by principal component analysis loadings. These methods were classified as highly effective methods (soft independent modelling of class analogy, support vector machine, back propagation neural network, radial basis function neural network, extreme learning machine, and relevance vector machine), methods of medium effectiveness (partial least squares-discrimination analysis,Knearest neighbors, and random forest), and methods of low effectiveness (Naive Bayes classifier) according to the classification accuracy for coffee variety identification.
Molecular Biomarkers in Bladder Cancer: Novel Potential Indicators of Prognosis and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Nagata Masayoshi , Muto Satoru , Horie Shigeo
Published: January 2016

Although many clinical and molecular markers for predicting outcomes in bladder cancer (BC) have been reported, their application in clinical practice remains unclear. Bladder carcinogenesis has two distinct molecular pathways that direct the development of BC.FGFR3mutations are common in low-grade BC, whileTP53mutation or loss ofRB1is associated with muscle-invasive BC. However, no tissue-based gene markers confirmed by prospective large-scale trials in BC have been used in clinical practice. Micro-RNA analyses of BC tissue revealed that miR-145 and miR-29c⁎function as tumor suppressors, whereas miR-183 and miR-17-5p function as oncogenic miRNAs. In liquid biopsy, circulating tumor cells (CTC), exosomes, or cell-free RNA is extracted from the peripheral blood samples of cancer patients to analyze cancer prognosis. It was reported that detection of CTC was associated with poor prognostic factors. However, application of liquid biopsy in BC treatment is yet to be explored. Although several cell-free RNAs, such as miR-497 in plasma or miR-214 in urine, could be promising novel circulating biomarkers, they are used only for diagnosing BC as the case that now stands. Here, we discuss the application of novel biomarkers in evaluating and measuring BC outcomes.
Midventricular Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Apical Aneurysm: Potential for Underdiagnosis and Value of Multimodality Imaging
Authors: Sivanandam Archana , Ananthasubramaniam Karthik
Published: January 2016

We illustrate a case of midventricle obstructive HCM and apical aneurysm diagnosed with appropriate use of multimodality imaging. A 75-year-old African American woman presented with a 3-day history of chest pain and dyspnea with elevated troponins. Her electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm, left atrial enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy, prolonged QT, and occasional ectopy. After medical therapy optimization, she underwent coronary angiography for an initial diagnosis of non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Her coronaries were unremarkable for significant disease but her left ventriculogram showed hyperdynamic contractility of the midportion of the ventricle along with a large dyskinetic aneurysmal apical sac. A subsequent transthoracic echocardiogram provided poor visualization of the apical region of the ventricle but contrast enhancement identified an aneurysmal pouch distal to the midventricular obstruction. To further clarify the diagnosis, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with contrast was performed confirming the diagnosis of midventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with apical aneurysm and fibrosis consistent with apical scar on delayed enhancement. The patient was medically treated and subsequently underwent elective implantable defibrillator placement in the ensuing months for recurrent nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and was initiated on prophylactic oral anticoagulation with warfarin for thromboembolic risk reduction.