bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interface Problems for Dispersive Equations
Authors: Sheils and Natalie E. , Deconinck  Bernard
Published: December 2014

The interface problem for the linear Schrödinger equations in one‐dimensional piecewise homogeneous domains is examined by providing an explicit solution in each domain. The location of the interfaces is known and the continuity of the wave function and a jump in their derivative at the interface are the only conditions imposed. The problem of two semi‐infinite domains and that of two finite‐sized domains are examined in detail. The problem and the method considered here extend that of an earlier paper by Deconinck et al. (2014) [1]. The dispersive nature of the problem presents additional difficulties that are addressed here.
Using a discussion about scientific controversy to teach central concepts in experimental design
Authors: Bennett Kimberley Ann
Published: December 2014

Students may need explicit training in informal statistical reasoning in order to design experiments or use formal statistical tests effectively. By using scientific scandals and media misinterpretation, we can explore the need for good experimental design in an informal way. This article describes the use of a paper that reviews the measles mumps rubella vaccine and autism controversy in the UK to illustrate a number of threshold concepts underlying good study design and interpretation of scientific evidence. These include the necessity of sufficient sample size, representative and random sampling, appropriate controls and inferring causation.
The crosstalk between the kidney and the central nervous system: the role of renal nerves in blood pressure regulation
Authors: Nishi Erika E. , Bergamaschi Cássia T. , Campos Ruy R.
Published: December 2014

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review describes the role of renal nerves as the key carrier of signals from the kidneys to the CNS and vice versa; the brain and kidneys communicate through this carrier to maintain homeostasis in the body.

What advances does it highlight?

Whether renal or autonomic dysfunction is the predominant contributor to systemic hypertension is still debated. In this review, we focus on the role of the renal nerves in a model of renovascular hypertension.

The sympathetic nervous system influences the renal regulation of arterial pressure and body fluid composition. Anatomical and physiological evidence has shown that sympathetic nerves mediate changes in urinary sodium and water excretion by regulating the renal tubular water and sodium reabsorption throughout the nephron, changes in the renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate by regulating the constriction of renal vasculature, and changes in the activity of the renin–angiotensin system by regulating the renin release from juxtaglomerular cells. Additionally, renal sensory afferent fibres project to the autonomic central nuclei that regulate blood pressure. Hence, renal nerves play a key role in the crosstalk between the kidneys and the CNS to maintain homeostasis in the body. Therefore, the increased sympathetic nerve activity to the kidney and the renal afferent nerve activity to the CNS may contribute to the outcome of diseases, such as hypertension.
Dorsoventral differences in Kv7/M‐current and its impact on resonance, temporal summation and excitability in rat hippocampal pyramidal cells
Authors: Hönigsperger Christoph , Marosi Máté , Murphy Ricardo , Storm Johan F.
Published: December 2014

Key points

Kv7 (KCNQ/M) channels are known to control excitability and generate subthreshold M‐resonance in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells, but their properties and functions have not previously been compared along the dorsoventral (septotemporal) axis

We used whole‐cell recordings to compare electrophysiological properties of dorsal and ventral CA1 pyramidal cells in hippocampal slices from 3‐ to 4‐week‐old rats

Blockade of Kv7/M‐channels with 10,10‐bis(4‐pyridinylmethyl)‐9(10H)‐anthracenone dihydrochloride (XE991) had a stronger impact on electrical properties in dorsal than ventral pyramidal cells, including input resistance, temporal summation, M‐resonance, spike threshold, medium after‐hyperpolarization, excitability, and spike frequency adaptation.

Voltage‐clamp recordings revealed a larger amplitude and left‐shifted voltage dependence of XE991‐sensitive current (IM) in dorsal vs. ventral cells.

IM‐dependent differences in excitability and resonance may be important for rate and phase coding of CA1 place cells along the dorsoventral axis and may enhance epileptiform activity in ventral pyramidal cells.

In rodent hippocampi, the connections, gene expression and functions differ along the dorsoventral (D–V) axis. CA1 pyramidal cells show increasing excitability along the D–V axis, although the underlying mechanism is not known. In the present study, we investigated how the M‐current (IM), caused by Kv7/M (KCNQ) potassium channels, and known to often control neuronal excitability, contributes to D–V differences in intrinsic properties of CA1 pyramidal cells. Using whole‐cell patch clamp recordings and the selective Kv7/M blocker 10,10‐bis(4‐pyridinylmethyl)‐9(10H)‐anthracenone dihydrochloride (XE991) in hippocampal slices from 3‐ to 4‐week‐old rats, we found that: (i) IM had a stronger impact on subthreshold electrical properties in dorsal than ventral CA1 pyramidal cells, including input resistance, temporal summation of artificial synaptic potentials, and M‐resonance; (ii) IM activated at more negative potentials (left‐shifted) and had larger peak amplitude in the dorsal than ventral CA1; and (iii) the initial spike threshold (during ramp depolarizations) was elevated, and the medium after‐hyperpolarization and spike frequency adaptation were increased (i.e. excitability was lower) in the dorsal rather than ventral CA1. These differences were abolished or reduced by application of XE991, indicating that they were caused by IM. Thus, it appears that IM has stronger effects in dorsal than in ventral rat CA1 pyramidal cells because of a larger maximal M‐conductance and left‐shifted activation curve in the dorsal cells. These mechanisms may contribute to D–V differences in the rate and phase coding of position by CA1 place cells, and may also enhance epileptiform activity in ventral CA1.
Harmonic Differential Quadrature Method for Surface Location Error Prediction and Machining Parameter Optimization in Milling
Authors: Ding Ye , Zhang XiaoJian , Ding Han
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a semi-analytical numerical method for surface location error (SLE) prediction in milling processes, governed by a time-periodic delay-differential equation (DDE) in state-space form. The time period is discretized as a set of sampling grid points. By using the harmonic differential quadrature method (DQM), the first-order derivative in the DDE is approximated by the linear sums of the state values at all the sampling grid points. On this basis, the DDE is discretized as a set of algebraic equations. A dynamic map can then be constructed to simultaneously determine the stability and the steady-state SLE of the milling process. To obtain optimal machining parameters, an optimization model based on the milling dynamics is formulated and an interior point penalty function method is employed to solve the problem. Experimentally validated examples are utilized to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach.
K13-propeller mutations confer artemisinin resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
clinical isolates
Authors: Straimer Judith , Gnädig Nina F. , Witkowski Benoit , Amaratunga Chanaki , Duru Valentine , Ramadani Arba Pramundita , Dacheux Mélanie , Khim Nimol , Zhang Lei , Lam Stephen , Gregory Philip D. , Urnov Fyodor D. , Mercereau-Puijalon Odile , Benoit-Vical Françoise , Fairhurst Rick M. , Ménard Didier , Fidock David A.
Published: December 2014

Mechanisms propelling drug resistance

If it were to spread, resistance to the drug artemisinin would seriously derail the recent gains of global malaria control programs (see the Perspective by Sibley). Mutations in a region called the K13-propeller are predictive for artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia. Mok
et al.
looked at the patterns of gene expression in parasites isolated from more than 1000 patients sampled in Africa, Bangladesh, and the Mekong region. A range of mutations that alter protein repair pathways and the timing of the parasite's developmental cycle were only found in parasites from the Mekong region. Straimer
et al.
genetically engineered the K13 region of parasites obtained from recent clinical isolates. Mutations in this region were indeed responsible for the resistance phenotypes.

Science
, this issue p.
431
, p.
428
; see also p.
373
U-Pb geochronology of the Deccan Traps and relation to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction
Authors: Schoene Blair , Samperton Kyle M. , Eddy Michael P. , Keller Gerta , Adatte Thierry , Bowring Samuel A. , Khadri Syed F. R. , Gertsch Brian
Published: December 2014

Dating the influence of Deccan Traps eruptions

The Deccan Traps flood basalts in India represent over a million cubic kilometers of erupted lava. These massive eruptions occurred around the same time as the end-Cretaceous mass extinction some 65 million years ago, which famously wiped out all nonavian dinosaurs. Schoene
et al.
determined the precise timing and duration of the main phase of the eruptions, which lasted over 750,000 years and occurred just 250,000 years before the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. The relative contribution of these eruptions and of the Chicxulub impact in Mexico to the mass extinction remains unclear, but both provide potential kill mechanisms.

Science
, this issue p.
182
Draft Genome Sequence of the Biofilm-Producing Bacillus subtilis Strain B-1, Isolated from an Oil Field
Authors: Kesel S. , Moormann F. , Gümperlein I. , Mader A. , Morikawa M. , Lieleg O. , Opitz M.
Published: December 2014

We report here the draft genome sequence of the
Bacillus subtilis
strain B-1, a strain known to form biofilms. The biofilm matrix mainly consists of the biopolymer γ-polyglutamate (γ-PGA). The sequence of the genome of this strain allows the study of specific genes involved in biofilm formation.
Genome Sequence of Streptococcus phocae subsp.
salmonis
Strain C-4
T
, Isolated from Atlantic Salmon (
Salmo salar
)
Authors: Avendaño-Herrera Ruben , Suarez Rudy , Lazo Eduardo , Bravo Diego , Llegues Katerina O. , Romalde Jesús L. , Godoy Marcos G.
Published: December 2014

Streptococcus phocae
subsp.
salmonis
is a fish pathogen that has an important impact on the Chilean salmon industry. Here, we report the genome sequence of the type strain C-4
T
isolated from Atlantic salmon (
Salmo salar
), showing a number of interesting features and genes related to its possible virulence factors.
Draft Genome Sequence of Photorhabdus temperata Strain Meg1, an Entomopathogenic Bacterium Isolated from
Heterorhabditis megidis
Nematodes
Authors: Hurst Sheldon G. , Ghazal Shimaa , Morris Krystalynne , Abebe-Akele Feseha , Thomas W. Kelley , Badr Usama M. , Hussein Mona A. , AbouZaied Mohamed A. , Khalil Kamal M. , Tisa Louis S.
Published: December 2014

Photorhabdus temperata
strain Meg1 is an entomopathogenic bacterium that forms a symbiotic association with
Heterorhabditis
nematodes. We report here a 4.9-Mbp draft genome sequence for
P. temperata
strain Meg1, with a G+C content of 43.18% and containing 4,340 candidate protein-coding genes.
The Complete Genome Sequence of the San Miguel Sea Lion Virus-8 Reveals that It Is Not a Member of the Vesicular Exanthema of Swine Virus/San Miguel Sea Lion Virus Species of the
Caliciviridae
Authors: Neill John D.
Published: December 2014

The complete genome sequence of the San Miguel sea lion virus-8 (SMSV-8) was determined in this study. A comparison of this sequence to other calicivirus sequences in GenBank showed that this virus is genetically distinct from the vesicular exanthema of swine virus/San Miguel sea lion virus (VESV/SMSV) strains and belongs to a novel clade within the
Vesivirus
genus.
Draft Genome Sequence of Gephyronic Acid Producer Cystobacter violaceus Strain Cb vi76
Authors: Stevens D. Cole , Young Jeanette , Carmichael Rory , Tan John , Taylor Richard E.
Published: December 2014

A draft genome sequence of
Cystobacter violaceus
strain Cb vi76, which produces the eukaryotic protein synthesis inhibitor gephyronic acid, has been obtained. The genome contains numerous predicted secondary metabolite clusters, including the gephyronic acid biosynthetic pathway. This genome will contribute to the investigation of secondary metabolism in other
Cystobacter
strains.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Methylobacterium
sp. Strain L2-4, a Leaf-Associated Endophytic N-Fixing Bacterium Isolated from
Jatropha curcas
L
Authors: Madhaiyan Munusamy , Chan Kam Lock , Ji Lianghui
Published: December 2014

Methylobacterium
sp. strain L2-4 is an efficient nitrogen-fixing leaf colonizer of biofuel crop
Jatropha curcas
. This strain is able to greatly improve the growth and seed yield of
Jatropha curcas
and is the second reported genome sequence of plant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from
Jatropha curcas
.
Development of user-friendly consumer and health professional resources for the antipsychotic clozapine: a New Zealand example
Authors: Holmes Nicola J , Miles S Wayne , Wheeler Amanda J
Published: December 2014

The antipsychotic clozapine has been shown to have superior efficacy to most other treatments for psychosis, especially where treatment-resistant schizophrenia has been diagnosed. Like all medications, clozapine has a number of well-recognised adverse effects, some of which can be fatal. Evidence also suggests that those for whom clozapine is the most suitable treatment option do not receive it because the doctor or health system views the risks as too great to prescribe. The provision of guidelines including innovative consumer and general practitioner resources regarding the ways to most safely monitor and manage people who are exposed to clozapine has the potential to increase the safe use of the product and also to provide potential prescribers with more confidence in using it. This paper outlines both the process for development and the final package produced by a large metropolitan District Health Board service in Auckland, New Zealand. This material was aimed at non-specialist prescribers as well as consumers and their family/carers and other supports.
The effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) technologies to train healthcare professionals in developing countries: a review of the literature
Authors: O'Donovan James , Bersin Amalia , O'Donovan Charles
Published: December 2014

Mobile health (mHealth) approaches for medical education in developing countries may be particularly useful given the number of mobile phone subscription rates and the challenges faced by medical educators. The evidence to support its effectiveness has not been critically reviewed. The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and MEDLINE were searched to retrieve English language articles published in international academic journals between January 2007 and September 2014. Two reviewers independently reviewed citations using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only articles addressing the use of mobile or tablet technologies and that met a prespecified keyword strategy were selected for review. The original search returned 583 results, of which only seven pertained to medical education in developing countries and had full text available. There was significant variation between the studies reviewed, in terms of intended audience, intervention design, assessment method and outcome. Three studies assessed the integration of mHealth solutions into the training of allied healthcare professionals, three assessed resident doctors, and another assessed undergraduate medical students. Six of the seven studies used mobile phones as the intervention tool. The majority of studies pointed towards mHealth as a promising tool for education and training of healthcare professionals, yet due to the limited size of the studies definite conclusions were limited. The results of this review suggest that more studies with larger sample sizes and more quantitative methods of evaluation are needed in order to demonstrate that mHealth holds more than mere potential.
Community activity and participation are reduced in transtibial amputee fallers: a wearable technology study
Authors: Hordacre Brenton , Barr Christopher , Crotty Maria
Published: December 2014

Wearable technology is an important development in the field of rehabilitation as it has the potential to progress understanding of activity and function in various patient groups. For lower limb amputees, falls occur frequently, and are likely to affect function in the community. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use wearable technology to assess activity and participation characteristics in the home and various community settings for transtibial amputee fallers and non-fallers. Participants were provided with an accelerometer-based activity monitor and global positioning system (GPS) device to record activity and participation data over a period of seven consecutive days. Data from the accelerometer and GPS were linked to assess community activity and participation. Forty-six transtibial amputees completed the study (79% male, 35% identified as fallers). Participants with a history of falls demonstrated significantly lower levels of community activity (p=0.01) and participation (p=0.02). Specifically, activity levels were reduced for recreational (p=0.01) and commercial roles (p=0.02), while participation was lower for recreational roles (p=0.04). These findings highlight the potential of wearable technology to assist in the understanding of activity and function in rehabilitation and to further emphasise the importance of clinical falls assessments to improve the overall quality of life in this population.
Effects of dietary sodium and the DASH diet on the occurrence of headaches: results from randomised multicentre DASH-Sodium clinical trial
Authors: Amer Muhammad , Woodward Mark , Appel Lawrence J
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Headaches are a common medical problem, yet few studies, particularly trials, have evaluated therapies that might prevent or control headaches. We, thus, investigated the effects on the occurrence of headaches of three levels of dietary sodium intake and two diet patterns (the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet (rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products with reduced saturated and total fat) and a control diet (typical of Western consumption patterns)).

Design

Randomised multicentre clinical trial.

Setting

Post hoc analyses of the DASH-Sodium trial in the USA.

Participants

In a multicentre feeding study with three 30 day periods, 390 participants were randomised to the DASH or control diet. On their assigned diet, participants ate food with high sodium during one period, intermediate sodium during another period and low sodium during another period, in random order.

Outcome measures

Occurrence and severity of headache were ascertained from self-administered questionnaires, completed at the end of each feeding period.

Results

The occurrence of headaches was similar in DASH versus control, at high (OR (95% CI)=0.65 (0.37 to 1.12); p=0.12), intermediate (0.57 (0.29 to 1.12); p=0.10) and low (0.64 (0.36 to 1.13); p=0.12) sodium levels. By contrast, there was a lower risk of headache on the low, compared with high, sodium level, both on the control (0.69 (0.49 to 0.99); p=0.05) and DASH (0.69 (0.49 to 0.98); p=0.04) diets.

Conclusions

A reduced sodium intake was associated with a significantly lower risk of headache, while dietary patterns had no effect on the risk of headaches in adults. Reduced dietary sodium intake offers a novel approach to prevent headaches.

Trial registration number

NCT00000608.
An unblinded, randomised phase II study of platinum-based chemotherapy with vitamin B12and folic acid supplementation in the treatment of lung cancer with plasma homocysteine blood levels as a biomarker of severe neutropenic toxicity
Authors: Minchom A R , Saksornchai K , Bhosle J , Gunapala R , Puglisi M , Lu S K , Nimako K , Coward J , Yu K C , Bordi P , Popat S , O'Brien M E R
Published: December 2014

Background

Vitamin B12and folic acid (referred to as vitamin supplementation) improves the toxicity profile of pemetrexed containing regimens. Low baseline vitamin B12and folate levels are reflected in a raised total homocysteine level (HC). Studies have suggested that pretreatment HC levels predict neutropenia toxicity. We have tested supplementation with vitamin B12and folate in non-pemetrexed platinum-based regimens to decrease treatment-related toxicity and looked for a correlation between toxicity and change in homocysteine levels.

Patient and method

Eighty-three patients with advanced lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma were randomly assigned to receive platinum-based chemotherapy with (arm A) or without (arm B) vitamin B12and folic acid supplementation. The primary end point was grade 3/4 neutropenia and death within 30 days of treatment. Secondary end points included quality of life, overall survival (OS) and the relationship between baseline and post supplementation HC levels and toxicity.

Results

In the intention-to-treat population, no significant difference was seen between the two groups with respect to chemotherapy-induced grade 3/4 neutropenia and death within 30 days of chemotherapy (36% vs 37%; p=0.966, emesis (2% vs 6%; p=0.9) or OS (12.3 months vs 7 months; p=0.41). There was no significant difference in survival rates by baseline HC level (p=0.9). Decrease in HC with vitamin supplementation was less frequent than expected. High baseline HC levels decreased with vitamin supplementation in only 9/36 (25%) patients (successful supplementation). Post hoc analysis showed that patients in arm A who were successfully supplemented (9/36=25%) had less neutropenic toxicity (0% vs 69%; p=0.02) compared to unsupplemented patients.

Conclusions

The addition of vitamin B12and folic acid to platinum-containing regimens did not overall improve the toxicity, quality of life or OS. Rates of grade 3/4 neutropenia at 36/37% was as predicted. Further studies to increase the rate of successful supplementation and to further test the biomarker potential of post supplementation HC levels in predicting chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in platinum-based chemotherapy are warranted.

Trial registration number:

EudracCT 2005-002736-10ISRCTN8734355.
Identification of the severe sepsis patient at triage: a prospective analysis of the Australasian Triage Scale
Authors: Chamberlain Diane J , Willis Eileen , Clark Robyn , Brideson Genevieve
Published: December 2014

Objective

This study aims to investigate the accuracy and validity of the Australasian Triage Scale (ATS) as a tool to identify and manage in a timely manner the deteriorating patient with severe sepsis.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted in five sites of adult patients. Keywords and physiological vital signs data from triage documentation were analysed for the ‘identified’ status compared with confirmed diagnosis of severe sepsis after admission to the intensive care unit. The primary outcome is the accuracy and validity of the ATS Triage scale categories to identify a prespecified severe sepsis population at triage. Secondary outcome measures included time compliance, antimicrobial administration and mortality prediction. Statistical analysis included parameters of diagnostic performance. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to mortality prediction.

Results

Of 1022 patients meeting the criteria for severe sepsis, 995 were triaged through the emergency department, 164 with shock. Only 53% (n=534) were identified at triage. The overall sensitivity of the ATS to identify severe sepsis was 71%. ATS 3 was the most accurate (likelihood ratio positive, 2.45, positive predictive value 0.73) and ATS 2 the most valid (area under the curve 0.567) category. Identified cases were more likely to survive (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.697 to 0.94, p<0.007). The strongest bias-adjusted predictors of mortality were circulatory compromise variable (1.78, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.41, p<0.001), lactate >4 (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.89, p<0.001) and ATS 1 category (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.35, p<0.005).

Conclusions

The ATS and its categories is a sensitive and moderately accurate and valid tool for identifying severe sepsis in a predetermined group, but lacks clinical efficacy and safety without further education or quality improvement strategies targeted to the identification of severe sepsis.
Criminal justice system contact and mortality among offenders with mental illness in British Columbia: an assessment of mediation
Authors: McCandless Lawrence C , Stewart Lauren C , Rempel Emily S , Venners Scott A , Somers Julian M
Published: December 2014

Background

Persons with mental illness are over-represented in prison populations around the world. They are more vulnerable to arrest and more likely to experience repeated encounters with the criminal justice system. Whether criminal justice involvement, in and of itself, is associated with higher mortality, particularly among offenders with mental illness, is unknown.

Methods

The authors conducted a mediation analysis of mortality rates in a cohort of 79 088 offenders from British Columbia using administrative records spanning 2001–2010, where the mediating variable was the individual-level rate of criminal sentencing.

Results

During 339 506 person-years of follow-up, there were 1841 deaths. The diagnosis of mental illness had no direct association with higher mortality after adjustment for confounders (HR=0.98, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.06). However, mental illness had an indirect association with mortality that was mediated through more frequent criminal justice involvement (HR=1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04).

Conclusions

These findings support the hypothesis that offenders with mental illness experience higher mortality that is mediated by higher rates of criminal justice contact. The results of our study indicate that criminal justice diversion programmes are further warranted because they may contribute to the prevention of mortality among offenders with mental illness.
Stroke recurrence rates among patients with symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar stenoses: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abuzinadah Ahmad R , Alanazy Mohammed H , Almekhlafi Mohammed A , Duan Yanjune , Zhu Haifeng , Mazighi Mikael , Lutsep Helmi L , Donnon Tyrone , Hill Michael D
Published: December 2014

Background

A recent randomized trial of patients with primarily anterior circulation intracranial artery stenosis showed that intensive medical therapy was superior to intracranial stenting in preventing recurrent stroke. The rate of stroke recurrence or death in symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar stenosis with medical therapy alone may be especially high, and rates compared with endovascular therapy need further study.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the rates of stroke recurrence or death (the primary outcome) in symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar stenosis with medical or endovascular treatment over a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. We included all studies in any language indexed in MEDLINE or EMBASE, supplemented by bibliography searches and by contacting the authors. The secondary endpoints were stroke recurrence, and basilar artery and vertebral artery stroke recurrence rates.

Results

23 studies (592 medical treatment patients and 480 endovascular treatment patients) were included. The risk of combined stroke recurrence or death was 14.8 per 100 person-years (95% CI 9.5 to 20.1) in the medical group compared with 8.9 per 100 person-years (95% CI 6.9 to 11.0) in the endovascular group. The incidence rate ratio was 1.3 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.7). The stroke recurrence rate was 9.6 per 100 person-years (95% CI 5.1 to 14.1) in the medical group compared with 7.2 per 100 person-years (95% CI 5.5 to 9.0) in the endovascular group.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the risk of stroke recurrence or death or the risk of stroke recurrence alone was comparable between the medical and endovascular therapy groups. A small preventive effect of endovascular therapy may exist, particularly if the 30 day postprocedural risk is reduced.
First‐year student diary
Authors: Perrett Rosie
Published: December 2014

With her first term at vet school almost complete, Rosie Perrett recharges her batteries catching up with friends, and finds out about the formative exams she will be taking in January.
Seeking local approaches to global disease threats
Authors: Voas Sheila
Published: December 2014

Sheila Voas, Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer, describes how a multidisciplinary, multisectoral approach is contributing to safeguarding animal health and welfare in Scotland.
T-odd observables in elastic scattering, deep inelastic processes and weak decays
Authors: Di Salvo E. , Ajaltouni Z. J.
Published: December 2014

We give a unitary description of T-odd effects in various sectors of atomic, nuclear and particle physics, like elastic scattering, deep inelastic processes and weak decays. This we get thanks to a particular transformation, which suggests a simple and unambiguous procedure for defining the two typical T-odd observables, the azimuthal asymmetry and the normal polarization. This approach allows to revise the two observables quite naturally in various situations, mainly in deep inelastic processes and in weak decays. In the latter case, useful suggestions for phenomenological analyses and an interesting result for normal and transverse polarization are derived.
Study of fission time and prescission neutron multiplicity using four-dimensional Langevin equations
Authors: Naderi D.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, four-dimensional stochastic approach is applied on dynamics of fission process to calculate mean fission time and prescission neutron multiplicity. Elongation, neck thickness, mass asymmetry and orientation degree of freedom (K-coordinate) are four dimensions in dynamical calculations. In order to investigate the influence of the dissipation coefficient of K-coordinate, the stochastic dynamics of the orientation degree of freedom using nonconstant dissipation coefficient was studied. Calculations were done for the 16 O +208 Pb and 16 O +232 Th reactions. Obtained results were compared with a constant dissipation coefficient (γK = 0.077( MeVzs )-1/2). The mean fission time and prescission neutron multiplicity for nonconstant dissipation case were lower than for the constant one.
Performance of Unstiffened Welded Steel I-Beam to Hollow Tubular Column Connections Under Seismic Loading
Authors: Song Qian-Yi , Heidarpour Amin , Zhao Xiao-Ling , Han Lin-Hai
Published: December 2014

Earthquake causes wide and severe damage to building structures, due to not just the great ground motion but also secondary actions, such as impact, blast or fire, occurring after earthquake. The extreme combined loading scenario should be considered for safety of buildings and lives. Taking fire for example, the combined load can be considered as an event in which the structures are first partially damaged under an earthquake and then attacked by fire. In order to investigate the post-earthquake loading scenario, it is important to assess the partial damage caused by earthquake on different components of structures. The behavior of welded steel I-beam to hollow square tubular columns is investigated herein. A detailed experimental study is presented in which two groups of unstiffened welded steel connections, with the same configurations, subjected to static and cyclic loading are considered. The flexibility and strength of the connections are measured, while the damage phenomena and failure modes are explored during the tests. The connection damage is found to be a cumulative fracture developing process which leads to significant gradual degradation of the mechanical properties of the connection. The quantificational evaluations of the cyclic loading induced damage are also carried out to investigate the connection damage level according to different loading intensities. A finite element modeling numerical study is also carried out to validate the experimental results and a good agreement is achieved. The test results and FE modeling provide a benchmark data for the unstiffened welded connections and can be used for further investigations of the connections subjected to combined actions such as post-earthquake fire.
Photoelectrochemical properties of supramolecular composites of an anionic zinc chlorin and Li+@C60 on SnO2
Authors: Ohkubo Kei , Kawashima Yuki , Mase Kentaro , Sakai Hayato , Hasobe Taku , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: December 2014

An electron donor–acceptor supramolecular complex was formed between an anionic zinc chlorin carboxylate ( ZnCh -) and lithium-ion-encapsulated [60]fullerene ( Li +@ C 60) by an electrostatic interaction in benzonitrile ( PhCN ). Photoinduced electron transfer in the supramolecular complex of ZnCh -/ Li +@ C 60 resulted in the formation of the charge-separated state via electron transfer from the triplet excited state of ZnCh - to Li +@ C 60. We report herein photovoltaic cells using ZnCh -/ Li +@ C 60 nanoclusters, which are assembled on the optically transparent electrode (OTE) of nanostructured SnO 2 (OTE/ SnO 2). The photoelectrochemical behavior of the nanostructured SnO 2 film of supramolecular nanoclusters of ZnCh - and Li +@ C 60 denoted as OTE/ SnO 2/( ZnCh -/ Li +@ C 60)n is significantly higher than the single component films of ZnCh - or Li +@ C 60 clusters, denoted as OTE/ SnO 2/( ZnCh -)n or OTE/ SnO 2/( Li +@ C 60)n.
Synthesis and optical properties of trifluoroethoxy-substituted double-decker phthalocyanines
Authors: Mori Satoru , Ogawa Naoya , Tokunaga Etsuko , Shibata Norio
Published: December 2014

The synthesis of trifluoroethoxy-substituted double-decker phthalocyanines was investigated for the first time. Trifluoroethoxy-substituted phthalonitriles reacted with lanthanide acetylacetonate hydrate in n-octanol in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene when refluxed. La and Eu were chosen as central metals. Phthalonitriles, including one trifluoroethoxy substituent at the α- or β-position, were nicely induced to double-decker phthalocyanines. Phthalonitrile having two trifluoroethoxy substituents at α-positions did not react, although we succeeded in leading β-di-substituted phthalonitrile to double-decker phthalocyanines. Fully trifluoroethoxy-coated phthalonitrile did not react at all. Fluorophobic repulsion and steric hindrance caused by outlying trifluoroethoxy groups could be responsible for the difficulty in the formation of a double-decker structure. Absorption and fluorescence spectra of trifluoroethoxy-substituted double-decker phthalocyanines obtained were also investigated.
REAPING THE BENEFITS: MECHANISMS FOR KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATION
Authors: AXELSON MATTIAS , RICHTNÉR ANDERS
Published: December 2014

Research on knowledge transfer has predominantly focused on how to transfer source knowledge successfully to a recipient. However, there is a lack of studies on product development (PD) collaborations where the parties involved in the knowledge transfer must all jointly contribute to the knowledge transfer process when no clear sender–receiver relationship exists. Our paper concerns these relationships and is guided by the following research question: What are the mechanisms used in order to create operational level conditions for knowledge transfer in collaborative PD projects?

Through a three-year longitudinal inductive case study on knowledge transfer between two companies, covering both operational and managerial levels, five key mechanisms for enabling knowledge transfer were identified: (1) co-locate a team; (2) access to existing technology; (3) establish a common vocabulary; (4) shared work processes; and (5) having joint work tasks. Our results show these five mechanisms have a mutual influence on each other, thus further facilitating the transfer of knowledge. Understanding the mechanisms and their interplay can help companies succeed in their attempts at reaping the benefits of PD collaborations.
Platinum-based chemotherapy: gastrointestinal immunomodulation and enteric nervous system toxicity
Authors: Stojanovska Vanesa , Sakkal Samy , Nurgali Kulmira
Published: December 2014

The efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatment of colorectal cancer is challenged by severe gastrointestinal side effects, which include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. These symptoms can persist long after the treatment has been ceased. An emerging concept is the ability of platinum-based drugs to stimulate immunity, which is in contrast to conventional chemotherapeutic agents that are immunosuppressive. Here, we review the immunomodulatory aspects of platinum-based anticancer chemotherapeutics and their impact on gastrointestinal innervation. Given the bidirectional communication between the enteric nervous system and gastrointestinal immune system; exploring the consequences of platinum-induced immunogenicity will facilitate better understanding of gut dysfunction caused by chemotherapeutic agents. We propose that the development of future successful chemotherapeutics should rely on targeting the mechanisms underlying long-term gastrointestinal side effects.
The complex distribution of arterial system mechanical properties, pulsatile hemodynamics, and vascular stresses emerges from three simple adaptive rules
Authors: Nguyen Phuc H. , Coquis-Knezek Sarah F. , Mohiuddin Mohammad W. , Tuzun Egemen , Quick Christopher M.
Published: December 2014

Arterial mechanical properties, pulsatile hemodynamic variables, and mechanical vascular stresses vary significantly throughout the systemic arterial system. Although the fundamental principles governing pulsatile hemodynamics in elastic arteries are widely accepted, a set of rules governing stress-induced adaptation of mechanical properties can only be indirectly inferred from experimental studies. Previously reported mathematical models have assumed mechanical properties adapt to achieve an assumed target stress “set point.” Simultaneous prediction of the mechanical properties, hemodynamics, and stresses, however, requires that equilibrium stresses are not assumed a priori. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to use a “balance point” approach to identify the simplest set of universal adaptation rules that simultaneously predict observed mechanical properties, hemodynamics, and stresses throughout the human systemic arterial system. First, we employed a classical systemic arterial system model with 121 arterial segments and removed all parameter values except vessel lengths and peripheral resistances. We then assumed vessel radii increase with endothelial shear stress, wall thicknesses increase with circumferential wall stress, and material stiffnesses decrease with circumferential wall stress. Parameters characterizing adaptive responses were assumed to be identical in all arterial segments. Iteratively predicting local mechanical properties, hemodynamics, and stresses reproduced five trends observed when traversing away from the aortic root towards the periphery: decrease in lumen radii, wall thicknesses, and pulsatile flows and increase in wall stiffnesses and pulsatile pressures. The extraordinary complexity of the systemic arterial system can thus arise from independent adaptation of vessels to local stresses characterized by three simple adaptive rules.
Prospective Validation of a New Method of Monitoring Minimal Residual Disease in Childhood Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Steinbach Daniel , Bader Peter , Willasch Andre , Bartholomae Stephan , Debatin Klaus-Michael , Zimmermann Martin , Creutzig Ursula , Reinhardt Dirk , Gruhn Bernd
Published: December 2014

Purpose: This study evaluated the prognostic impact of a novel, simple, and standardized assay for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) in pediatric acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

Experimental Design: The expression of seven leukemia-associated genes (WT1, PRAME, CCL23, GAGED2, MSLN, SPAG6, and ST18) was measured by TaqMan Low Density Arrays in 112 patients and 52 healthy controls. Patients were treated according to the multicenter study AML-BFM 2004. Samples were collected prospectively at standard time points. The laboratory that measured MRD was blinded to patient outcome.

Results: Relapse-free survival (RFS) was 95% (N = 19; SE = 5%) if expression of all genes was down to normal on day 15, 63% (N = 41; SE = 8%) if expression was normalized on day 28, and 38% (N = 21; SE = 11%) in patients who still showed elevated expression on day 28. The prognostic impact of MRD remained significant (P = 0.002) when patients were stratified for the AML-BFM 2004 risk group. Multivariate analysis identified the MRD risk group and day 28 cytology as the only independent prognostic factors. Patients with a cytologic nonremission on day 28, which was confirmed by MRD, had a dismal prognosis. Only 1 out of 8 patients survived without relapse.

Conclusions: This novel method of monitoring MRD has a strong prognostic impact that is independent from established risk factors in childhood AML. Clin Cancer Res; 21(6); 1353–9. ©2014 AACR.
The Utility of the Additive EuroSCORE, RIFLE and AKIN Staging Scores in the Prediction and Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Duthie Fiona A.I. , McGeehan Paul , Hill Sharleen , Phelps Richard , Kluth David C. , Zamvar Vipin , Hughes Jeremy , Ferenbach David A.
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: Acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery is a complication associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. We compared staging systems for the diagnosis of AKI after cardiac surgery, and assessed pre-operative factors predictive of post-operative AKI. Methods: Clinical data, surgical risk scores, procedure and clinical outcome were obtained on all 4,651 patients undergoing cardiac surgery to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh between April 2006 and March 2011, of whom 4,572 had sufficient measurements of creatinine before and after surgery to permit inclusion and analysis. The presence of AKI was assessed using the AKIN and RIFLE criteria. Results: By AKIN criteria, 12.4% of the studied population developed AKI versus 6.5% by RIFLE criteria. Any post-operation AKI was associated with increased mortality from 2.2 to 13.5% (relative risk 7.0, p < 0.001), and increased inpatient stay from a median of 7 (IQR 4) to 9 (IQR 11) days (p < 0.05). Patients identified by AKIN, but not RIFLE, had a mean peak creatinine rise of 34% from baseline and had a significantly lower mortality compared to RIFLE-‘Risk' AKI (mortality 6.1 vs. 9.7%; p < 0.05). Pre-operative creatinine, diabetes, NYHA Class IV dyspnoea and EuroSCORE-1 (a surgical risk score) all predicted subsequent AKI on multivariate analysis. EuroSCORE-1 outperformed any single demographic factor in predicting post-operative AKI risk, equating to an 8% increase in relative risk for each additional point. Conclusion: AKI after cardiac surgery is associated with delayed discharge and high mortality rates. The AKIN and RIFLE criteria identify patients at a range of AKI severity levels suitable for trial recruitment. The utility of EuroSCORE as a risk stratification tool to identify high AKI-risk subjects for prospective intervention merits further study. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel
Development of a Formula for Estimation of Sodium Intake from Spot Urine in People with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Nerbass Fabiana B. , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , McIntyre Natasha J. , McIntyre Christopher W. , Taal Maarten W.
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: High sodium intake is associated with adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and simple methods to facilitate assessment of sodium intake are required. The objective of this study was to develop a new formula to estimate 24-hour urinary sodium (24hUNa) excretion from urinary Na concentration measured on an early morning urine specimen (EM UNa). Methods: Seventy participants from a prospective cohort of patients with CKD stage 3 in primary care, the Renal Risk in Derby (RRID) study, agreed to collect an additional EM UNa on the day after completing a 24-hour urine collection. A formula to estimate 24hUNa from EM UNa and body weight was developed using the coefficients from a multivariable linear regression equation. The accuracy of the formula was tested by calculating the P30 (proportion of estimates within 30% of measured sodium exection), and the ability of the estimated 24hUNa to discriminate between measured sodium intake above or below 100 mmol/day was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A Bland-Altman plot was used to estimate the bias and limits of agreement between estimated and measured 24hUNa. Seventy-four additional paired 24hUNa and EM UNa from 50 CKD stage 3 patients in the RRID study were used to validate the formula. Results: The mean difference between measured and estimated 24hUNa was 2.08 mmol/day. Measured and estimated 24hUNa were significantly correlated (r = 0.55; p < 0.001) but accuracy of estimated 24hUNa was low (P30 = 60%). Analysis of the ROC curve with a cut-off point >100 mmol/day yielded an area under the curve of 0.668, sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 0.52. Conclusions: We have developed a simple formula to identify people with a high sodium intake from EM UNa, suitable for use in large-cohort or population studies.
The Role of Cardiotonic Steroids in the Pathogenesis of Cardiomyopathy in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Pavlovic Davor
Published: December 2014

Cardiotonic steroids (CTS) are a new class of hormones that circulate in the blood and are divided into two distinct groups, cardenolides, such as ouabain and digoxin, and bufadienolides, such as marinobufagenin, telocinobufagin and bufalin. They have the ability to bind and inhibit the ubiquitous transport enzyme sodium potassium pump, thus regulating intracellular Na+ concentration in every living cell. Although digoxin has been prescribed to heart failure patients for at least 200 years, the realization that CTS are endogenously produced has intensified research into their physiological and pathophysiological roles. Over the last two decades, substantial evidence has accumulated demonstrating the effects of endogenously synthesised CTS on the kidneys, vasculature and the heart. In this review, the current state of art and the controversies surrounding the manner in which CTS mediate their pathophysiological effects are discussed. Several potential therapeutic strategies have emerged as a result of our increased understanding of the role CTS play in health and disease.