bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between sleeping hours and cardiometabolic risk factors for metabolic syndrome in a Saudi Arabian population
Authors: Brocato Jason , Wu Fen , Chen Yu , Shamy Magdy , Alghamdi Mansour A , Khoder Mamdouh I , Alkhatim Alser A , Abdou Mamdouh H , Costa Max
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Epidemiological and molecular studies have shown that sleep duration is associated with metabolic syndrome (MtS), a disease that is on the rise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We aim to investigate the association between sleep duration and selected cardiometabolic risk factors of MtS in a Saudi Arabian population.

Setting

Secondary care was given to the participants. There were 2 participating centres, shopping malls in North and South Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Participants

We recruited 2686 participants over a 1-year study period. Participants were selected based on their willingness. The only criterion for exclusion was living in the area (North or South Jeddah) for less than 15 years.

Planned and primary outcome measures

Participants were measured for blood sugar levels, blood pressure and body mass index. All participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire.

Results

There was a positive association between longer sleep duration and obesity, hypertension and hyperglycaemia. The adjusted ORs for obesity, hypertension and hyperglycaemia were 1.54 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.98), 1.89 (95% CI 1.45 to 2.48) and 1.59 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.13), respectively, in participants sleeping >8 h/night, as compared with those sleeping 7 h. The positive associations between longer sleep duration, defined as sleeping >7 h, and the disease status, did not differ from other risk factors such as physical activity and nutrition.

Conclusions

This is the first epidemiological study reporting on the association between sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk factors of MtS in a Saudi Arabian population. Sleep durations of 8 h or greater were found to be associated with all 3 cardiometabolic risk factors: obesity, hypertension and hyperglycaemia, and this relationship was not confounded by quality of nutrition or physical activity levels.
System hazards in managing laboratory test requests and results in primary care: medical protection database analysis and conceptual model
Authors: Bowie Paul , Price Julie , Hepworth Neil , Dinwoodie Mark , McKay John
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To analyse a medical protection organisation's database to identify hazards related to general practice systems for ordering laboratory tests, managing test results and communicating test result outcomes to patients. To integrate these data with other published evidence sources to inform design of a systems-based conceptual model of related hazards.

Design

A retrospective database analysis.

Setting

General practices in the UK and Ireland.

Participants

778 UK and Ireland general practices participating in a medical protection organisation's clinical risk self-assessment (CRSA) programme from January 2008 to December 2014.

Main outcome measures

Proportion of practices with system risks; categorisation of identified hazards; most frequently occurring hazards; development of a conceptual model of hazards; and potential impacts on health, well-being and organisational performance.

Results

CRSA visits were undertaken to 778 UK and Ireland general practices of which a range of systems hazards were recorded across the laboratory test ordering and results management systems in 647 practices (83.2%). A total of 45 discrete hazard categories were identified with a mean of 3.6 per practice (SD=1.94). The most frequently occurring hazard was the inadequate process for matching test requests and results received (n=350, 54.1%). Of the 1604 instances where hazards were recorded, the most frequent was at the ‘postanalytical test stage’ (n=702, 43.8%), followed closely by ‘communication outcomes issues’ (n=628, 39.1%).

Conclusions

Based on arguably the largest data set currently available on the subject matter, our study findings shed new light on the scale and nature of hazards related to test results handling systems, which can inform future efforts to research and improve the design and reliability of these systems.
Are reductions in emergency department length of stay associated with improvements in quality of care? A difference-in-differences analysis
Authors: Vermeulen Marian J , Guttmann Astrid , Stukel Therese A , Kachra Ashif , Sivilotti Marco L A , Rowe Brian H , Dreyer Jonathan , Bell Robert , Schull Michael
Published: December 2015

Background

We sought to determine whether patients seen in hospitals who had reduced overall emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) in the 2 years following the introduction of the Ontario Emergency Room Wait Time Strategy were more likely to experience improvements in other measures of ED quality of care for three important conditions.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review using difference-in-differences analysis to compare changes in performance on quality indicators over the 3-year period between 11 Ontario hospitals where the median ED LOS had improved from fiscal year 2008 to 2010 and 13 matched sites where ED LOS was unchanged or worsened. Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), asthma and paediatric and adult upper limb fractures in these hospitals in 2008 and 2010 were evaluated with respect to 18 quality indicators reflecting timeliness and safety/effectiveness of care in the ED. In a secondary analysis, we examined shift-level ED crowding at the time of the patient visit and performance on the quality indicators.

Results

Median ED LOS improved by up to 26% (63 min) from 2008 to 2010 in the improved hospitals, and worsened by up to 47% (91 min) in the unimproved sites. We abstracted 4319 and 4498 charts from improved and unimproved hospitals, respectively. Improvement in a hospital's overall median ED LOS from 2008 to 2010 was not associated with a change in any of the other ED quality indicators over the same time period. In our secondary analysis, shift-level crowding was associated only with indicators that reflected timeliness of care. During less crowded shifts, patients with AMI were more likely to be reperfused within target intervals (rate ratio 1.59, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.45), patients with asthma more often received timely administration of steroids (rate ratio 1.88, 95% CI 1.59 to 2.24) and beta-agonists (rate ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.74), and adult (but not paediatric) patients with fracture were more likely to receive analgesia or splinting within an hour (rate ratio 1.66, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.26).

Conclusions

These results suggest that a policy approach that targets only reductions in ED LOS is not associated with broader improvements in selected quality measures. At the same time, there is no evidence that efforts to address crowding have a detrimental effect on quality of care.
Sympathetic enhancement in futsal players but not in football players after repeated sprint ability test
Authors: Chen Yung-Sheng , Liao Chih-Jung , Lu Wan-An , Kuo Cheng-Deng
Published: November 2015

Background

Heart rate variability (HRV) can disclose the specific adaptation of sympathovagal modulation to exercise. This study investigated the change in HRV measures after anaerobic and aerobic intermittent exercises in university football and futsal players.

Method

36 male university students with physically active lifestyle (n=14), football (n=12), and futsal (n=10) participated in this study. The participants completed the repeated sprint ability (RSA) test and Yo-Yo (YY) intermittent recovery test level 1 in randomised order. ECG signals of the participants were recorded in supine position 15 min before and 30 min after exercises. Before exercise, and 5 and 30 min after exercise, the blood pressures were also taken.

Results

In the RSA protocol, the percentage changes in normalised high-frequency power (nHFP) were significantly decreased, while the percentage changes in the very low/high frequency power ratio (VLHR) and low/high frequency power ratio (LHR) were significantly increased in futsal players after exercise, as compared with the controls. No significant changes in all HRV indices were found in the YY protocol, except the respiratory frequency.

Conclusions

After exercise, the percent decrease in vagal modulation in futsal players was significantly reduced, while the percentage increase in sympathetic modulation in futsal players was significantly enhanced in the RSA test, but not in the YY test, as compared with the control group. The increase in sympathetic activity and the decrease in vagal activity in the futsal players were greater than the corresponding increase and decrease in the football players in the RSA test.
Unruptured cerebral aneurysm clipping: association of combined open and endovascular expertise with outcomes
Authors: Bekelis Kimon , Gottlieb Dan , Bovis George , Su Yin , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Jabbour Pascal , MacKenzie Todd A
Published: December 2015

Background

It is often questioned if one physician can conduct both open and endovascular techniques successfully and safely.

Objective

To investigate the association of combined open and endovascular expertise with the outcomes of unruptured cerebral aneurysm clipping.

Methods

We performed a cohort study of 100% of Medicare fee-for-service claims data for elderly patients who underwent surgical clipping for unruptured cerebral aneurysms between 2007 and 2012. To control for confounding we used propensity score conditioning, and controlled for clustering at the physician level.

Results

During the study, 3247 patients underwent clipping for unruptured cerebral aneurysms, and met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 766 (23.6%) underwent treatment by hybrid neurosurgeons, and 2481 (76.4%) by proceduralists, who performed only clipping. Multivariable regression analysis with propensity score adjustment demonstrated a lack of association of combined practice with 1-year postoperative mortality (OR=0.81; 95% CI 0.51 to 1.28), discharge to rehabilitation (OR=0.95; 95% CI 0.72 to 1.25), length of stay (adjusted difference 0.85 days; 95% CI −0.31 to 2.00), or 30-day readmission rate (OR=1.05; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.39). Higher procedural volume was independently associated with improved outcomes.

Conclusions

In a cohort of Medicare patients with unruptured aneurysms, we did not demonstrate a difference in mortality, discharge to rehabilitation, or readmission rate between hybrid neurosurgeons and surgeons performing only clipping.
Neurocognition after paediatric heart surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sterken Caroline , Lemiere Jurgen , Vanhorebeek Ilse , Van den Berghe Greet , Mesotten Dieter
Published: December 2015

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) often experience difficulties in academic and daily functioning, which have been associated with intelligence and neurocognitive skills, including executive functions (EFs), attention and memory. We report the neurocognitive data of children with CHD who were included in the Leuven glucose control trial (LGC trial). Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to find which neurocognitive functions are most consistently and prominently affected. 365 children with CHD and 216 healthy control children underwent extensive neurocognitive testing in the LGC trial. A comprehensive search of electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane was conducted for studies measuring intelligence, EFs, attention and memory in children who underwent heart surgery for CHD. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) between the CHD group and a healthy control group were calculated for these neurocognitive functions. LGC trial data were included in the meta-analysis. Twelve studies with a healthy control group were included in the meta-analysis, involving 647 patients with CHD and 633 controls. The CHD group (median age 7.35 years at testing) had worse scores than healthy control children, for all investigated neurocognitive functions. A medium SMD was found for intelligence (SMD=−0.53 (95% CI −0.68 to −0.38), p<0.00001). Alertness, an attentional function, was also consistently poorer in the CHD group. Memory was less affected, while EF had a medium SMD with large heterogeneity. Children with CHD risk displayed lower performance on intelligence and alertness assessment, which may contribute to difficulties in daily life and school. Heterogeneity in neurocognitive assessment and small sizes in most studies limit the interpretation.

Trial registration number

clinicaltrials.gov IdentifierNCT00214916.
Total plasma proANP increases with atrial dilatation in horses
Authors: Van Der Vekens N. , Hunter I. , Timm A. , Decloedt A. , De Clercq D. , Deprez P. , Goetze J. P. , van Loon G.
Published: November 2015

Equine atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) plasma concentrations are correlated with left atrial size. However, species‐specific assays are lacking and the results from human assays are poorly reproducible. A new methodology called processing independent analysis (PIA) that measures the total proANP product in plasma has proven to be successful in human medicine, but has never been used in horses. The aims were to establish an equine proANP reference interval by measurement of the total proANP product using PIA and to examine the proANP concentrations in horses with atrial dilatation. Sample stability was studied by comparison of storage at −80°C and −20°C. Plasma samples were obtained from 23 healthy horses, 12 horses with moderate or severe valvular regurgitation without atrial dilatation and 42 horses with valvular regurgitation and atrial dilatation. The proANP concentration was significantly (P<0.001) higher in horses with atrial dilatation (761.4 (442.1–1859.1) pmol/l) than in healthy horses (491.6 (429.5–765.9) pmol/l; P<0.001) or horses with cardiac disease but without atrial dilatation (544.4 (457.0–677.6) pmol/l). A cut‐off value (573.8 pmol/l) for detection of atrial dilatation was calculated. Sample storage at −80°C did not differ from sample storage at −20°C. The measurement of total proANP in plasma detects atrial dilatation in horses and may be useful for clinical evaluation in equine medicine.
Effects of partial vascular occlusion on irisin responses to loaded muscle contractions
Authors: Kraemer Robert R. , Goldfarb Allan H. , Reeves Greg V. , Meachum William A. , Castracane V. Daniel
Published: December 2015

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of partial vascular occlusion on irisin responses. Eight males completed trials of light (30% 1-repetition maximum (1RM)) resistance exercise (single biceps curls and calf presses) with partial vascular occlusion (LRO), moderate resistance (70% 1RM) with no occlusion (MR), and occlusion only (OO). Blood was collected before, after, and 15 min after exercise. Changes in circulating irisin were more affected during LRO than MR and OO trials.
Fish oil supplementation attenuates changes in plasma lipids caused by dexamethasone treatment in rats
Authors: Barbosa Amanda Marreiro , Francisco Priscila de Cássia , Motta Katia , Chagas Thayz Rodrigues , dos Santos Cristiane , Rafacho Alex , Nunes Everson Araújo
Published: December 2015

Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid that may alter glucose and lipid homeostasis when administered in high doses or for long periods of time. Omega-3 fatty acids, present in fish oil (FO), can be used as potential modulators of intermediary glucose and lipid metabolism. Herein, we evaluate the effects of FO supplementation (1 g·kg–1body weight (BW)) on glucose and lipid metabolism in rats treated with dexamethasone (0.5 mg·kg–1BW) for 15 days. Adult male Wistar rats were distributed among 4 groups: control (saline, 1 mL·kg–1BW and mineral oil, 1 g·kg–1BW), DEX (dexamethasone and mineral oil), FO (fish oil and saline), and DFO (fish oil and dexamethasone). Dexamethasone and saline were administered intraperitoneally, and fish oil and mineral oil were administered by gavage. We evaluated functional and molecular parameters of lipid and glycemic profiles at 8 days and at the end of treatment. FO supplementation increased hepatic docosahexaenoic acid (DEX: 5.6% ± 0.7%; DFO: 10.5% ± 0.8%) and eicosapentaenoic acid (DEX: 0.3% ± 0.0%; DFO: 1.3% ± 0.1%) contents and attenuated the increase of plasma triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in DFO rats compared with DEX rats. These effects seem not to depend on hepatic expression of insulin receptor substrate 1, protein kinase B, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. There was no effect of supplementation on body weight loss, fasting glycemia, and glucose tolerance in rats treated with dexamethasone. In conclusion, we show that FO supplementation for 15 days attenuates the dyslipidemia induced by dexamethasone treatment.
A 2169 Ma U–Pb baddeleyite age for the Otish Gabbro, Quebec: implications for correlation of Proterozoic magmatic events and sedimentary sequences in the eastern Superior Province
Authors: Hamilton Michael A. , Buchan Kenneth L.
Published: December 2015

Otish Gabbro sills intrude sedimentary rocks in the Otish Basin of the southeastern Superior Province. Here, deposition of Otish Supergroup sediments had previously been thought to be older than K–Ar and Sm–Nd ages of ca. 1750–1710 Ma for Otish Gabbro sills, and younger than ca. 2515–2500 Ma U–Pb ages of underlying Mistassini dykes. However, a much older U–Pb baddeleyite age of 2169.0 ± 1.4 Ma is presented here for an Otish sill, indicating that they are coeval with, and likely genetically related to, the giant 2172–2167 Ma Biscotasing dyke swarm to the southwest and (or) the Cramolet sills and Payne River dykes to the north. The new date also indicates that the age of the Otish Supergroup falls between ca. 2515 Ma and ca. 2169 Ma, only a little different from the ca. 2450–2217 Ma bracket for the Huronian Supergroup of the Southern Province, and is consistent with both supergroups spanning the oxy-atmo inversion. The Otish Supergroup could also be coeval with the Sakami Formation to the north, but is likely older than the Richmond Gulf Group on the east coast of Hudson Bay. Early paleomagnetic study of Otish sills yielded a remanence ∼20° from that expected for Biscotasing-aged intrusions. This may indicate that too few distinct sills were studied to average out paleosecular variation, that demagnetization techniques failed to fully remove unstable magnetization components, or that the remanence is a stable secondary overprint, perhaps acquired during a fluid event related to uranium mineralization at ca. 1720 Ma.
Divisorial extractions from singular curves in smooth 3-folds
Authors: Ducat Tom
Published: December 2015

Consider a singular curve [Formula: see text] contained in a smooth [Formula: see text]-fold [Formula: see text]. Assuming the general elephant conjecture, the general hypersurface section [Formula: see text] is Du Val. Under that assumption, this paper describes the construction of a divisorial extraction from [Formula: see text] by Kustin–Miller unprojection. Terminal extractions from [Formula: see text] are proved not to exist if [Formula: see text] is of type [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] and are classified if [Formula: see text] is of type [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text].
Experimental studies of Generalized Parton Distributions
Authors: Niccolai Silvia
Published: December 2015

Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs) are nowadays the object of an intense effort of research, in the perspective of understanding nucleon structure. They describe the correlations between the longitudinal momentum and the transverse spatial position of the partons inside the nucleon and they can give access to the contribution of the orbital momentum of the quarks to the nucleon spin. Deeply Virtual Compton scattering (DVCS), the electroproduction on the nucleon, at the quark level, of a real photon, is the process more directly interpretable in terms of GPDs of the nucleon. Depending on the target nucleon (proton or neutron) and on the DVCS observable extracted (cross-sections, target- or beam-spin asymmetries, etc.), different sensitivity to the various GPDs for each quark flavor can be exploited. This article is focused on recent promising results, obtained at Jefferson Lab, on cross-sections and asymmetries for DVCS, and their link to GPDs. These data open the way to a “tomographic” representation of the structure of the nucleon, allowing the extraction of transverse-space densities of the quarks at fixed longitudinal momentum. The extensive experimental program to measure GPDs at Jefferson Lab with the 12 GeV-upgraded electron accelerator and the complementary detectors that will be housed in three experimental Halls (A, B and C), will also be presented.
ASYMPTOTIC ARBITRAGE IN THE HESTON MODEL
Authors: HABA FATMA , JACQUIER ANTOINE
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we introduce a new form of asymptotic arbitrage, which we call a partial asymptotic arbitrage, half-way between those of Föllmer & Schachermayer (2007) [Mathematics and Financial Economics 1 (34), 213–249] and Kabanov & Kramkov (1998) [Finance and Stochastics 2, 143–172]. In the context of the Heston model, we establish a precise link between the set of equivalent martingale measures, the ergodicity of the underlying variance process and this partial asymptotic arbitrage. In contrast to Föllmer & Schachermayer (2007) [Mathematics and Financial Economics 1 (34), 213–249], our result does not assume a suitable condition on the stock price process to allow for (partial) asymptotic arbitrage.
JOINING THE HESTON AND A THREE-FACTOR SHORT RATE MODEL: A CLOSED-FORM APPROACH
Authors: HORSKY ROMAN , SAYER TILMAN
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we present an innovative hybrid model for the valuation of equity options. Our approach includes stochastic volatility according to Heston (1993) [Review of Financial Studies 6 (2), 327–343] and features a stochastic interest rate that follows a three-factor short rate model based on Hull and White (1994) [Journal of Derivatives 2 (2), 37–48]. Our model is of affine structure, allows for correlations between the stock, the short rate and the volatility processes and can be fitted perfectly to the initial term structure. We determine the zero bond price formula and derive the analytic solution for European type options in terms of characteristic functions needed for fast calibration. We highlight the flexibility of our approach, by comparing the price and implied volatility surfaces of our model with the Heston model, where we in particular focus on the correlation structure. Our approach forms a comprehensive market model with an intuitive correlation structure that connects both the equity and interest market to the market volatility.
Associative subalgebras of the octonians
Authors: Goodaire Edgar G. , Leal Guilherme
Published: December 2015

In the mid 1970s, Michel Racine classified the maximal subalgebras of an octonian algebra. In this paper, we classify the maximal associative subalgebras. It turns out that there are four, up to isomorphism, all of dimension [Formula: see text]. In final sections, we apply our findings to investigate the groups that sit inside the Moufang loop of invertible elements of the split octonians and also to show that a well-known inequality of Jørgensen holds in a new context.
Class-preserving coleman automorphisms of permutational wreath products with 2-closed base groups
Authors: Li Zhengxing , Li Yuanlin
Published: December 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a nontrivial [Formula: see text]-closed group and let [Formula: see text] be an arbitrary permutation group on a finite set [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the corresponding permutational wreath product of [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. It is shown that every class-preserving Coleman automorphism of [Formula: see text]-power order of [Formula: see text] is inner. As a direct consequence, it is obtained that the normalizer property holds for [Formula: see text]. Further, it is shown that every class-preserving Coleman automorphism of [Formula: see text] is inner whenever [Formula: see text] is nilpotent. Our results generalize some known ones.
A Product-Based Strategic Technology Management Methodology for Developing Countries
Authors: Temiz Ayşe Şolpan , Özkan Bilge Yiğit , Üçer Ahmet Şevket
Published: December 2015

As the degree of globalization increases, developing country’s race with countries practicing knowledge society norms requires creative techniques. Countries with limited technological capabilities tend to confront with middle-income trap that makes them create strategies profiting from technological innovation. The well-known method is to perform a technology foresight study and establish the technologies that the country must develop to improve its wellbeing. This paper proposes a differed approach in which a high technology product is serving as the prime motivation behind the nations planning of technology progress. The outcome of the methodology is the selection, prioritization and planning of necessary technologies of the product using all technological capabilities of the nation. Results of the exercise are instrumental in establishing the technology base of the country and enhance its promise of improving technological capability to a higher level. The paper explains the developed methodology and discusses its outputs.
Characterization of porphyrin nanorods on fluorine doped tin oxide glass sheet
Authors: George Reama C. , Falgenhauer Jane , Geis Clemens , Nyokong Tebello , Schlettwein Derck
Published: December 2015

Porphyrin nanorods (PNR) have been fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly of two oppositely charged porphyrin molecules. The free base meso-tetra-(4-phenylsulphonate) porphyrin (TPPS[Formula: see text] served as negatively charged counterpart for the positively charged metallo meso-tetra(4-[Formula: see text]-methylpyridyl) porphyrins (MTM’PyP) with either Sn, Co, Mn or In as central metal M. Films of PNR were prepared on fluorine doped tin oxide glass sheets (FTO) by using a drop-dry method. The electronic spectra revealed J-aggregation of the charged molecules for the colloid PNR as well as for the films. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of porphyrin nanorods. The laser microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the PNR/FTO films showed the formation of three kinds of structures in the films which consist of differently branched or linear needles with their main axis grown in the direction of the solvent flow during preparation. During cyclic voltammetry either applying negative potentials from 0.0 V to -1.0 V or positive potentials from 0.0 V to [Formula: see text]2.2 V irreversible reduction or oxidation reactions were detected for the films. Consistently, SEM images taken following cyclic voltammetry showed the disintegration of the PNR on the films into smaller subunits. Spectroelectrochemical measurements showed the formation of porphyrin anionic radicals during oxidation by a decrease in the absorption intensities and broadening of spectra with an additional band appearing around 900 nm. A similar trend was observed when negative potentials were applied but in this case the cationic radical was produced. In both cases the decrease of the intensity of the J-aggregate confirms a loss of intermolecular coupling, again consistent with the smaller subunits observed in SEM analysis.
BALANCING COORDINATION AND AUTONOMY DURING POST-ACQUISITION WITHIN A HIGH-TECH FIRM
Authors: BARQAWI NEDA , MATHIASSEN LARS , SYED KAMRAN , VASTANI SALONI FIRASTA
Published: December 2015

Extant literature suggests that acquisition of innovative capability is challenging: the acquired firm must be integrated to realise synergies, but such integration might jeopardise the ability to sustain its innovative capability within the acquiring firm. However, we know little about how managers address this coordination-autonomy dilemma post-acquisition. We therefore investigated how GlobalTech, a multi-national telecommunications solutions provider integrated SmartTech, a small, innovative firm with an adaptive infrastructure management solution and a customer-driven innovation approach. Drawing on dynamic capability theory (DCT) and focusing on structural integration and informal coordination, we reveal how the two management teams collaborated over a two-year period to sustain SmartTech’s innovation capability while at the same time leveraging it as part of GlobalTech’s position and future path. In conclusion, we present a process model with related action strategies for how organisations can orchestrate dynamic capability to manage the coordination-autonomy dilemma post-acquisition.
Establishing common course objectives for undergraduate exercise physiology
Authors: Simonson Shawn R.
Published: December 2015

Undergraduate exercise physiology is a ubiquitous course in undergraduate kinesiology/exercise science programs with a broad scope and depth of topics. It is valuable to explore what is taught within this course. The purpose of the present study was to facilitate an understanding of what instructors teach in undergraduate exercise physiology, how it compares with various guidelines, and to continue the conversation regarding what should be taught. A survey was created using course outcomes from the American Society of Exercise Physiologists, National Association for Sport and Physical Education, Ivy's 2007 Quest article, the National Athletic Training Association, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and 36 undergraduate exercise physiology course syllabi. The 134-item survey was disseminated to individuals who use exercise physiology: university faculty members, clinical exercise physiologists, researchers, and other practitioners on various exercise physiology lists; 2,009 surveys were sent, and 322 surveys were completed (16% rate of return). There was a high degree of agreement about a lot of important content in undergraduate exercise physiology. Instructors of exercise physiology should focus their curriculum on regulation and homeostasis (including adaptation, fatigue, and recovery), aerobic systems, bioenergetics, muscle physiology, and fitness principles. In addition, attention should be paid to performance and technical skills. In conclusion, it is up to exercise physiologists to ensure quality of knowledge and practice. Doing so will improve the uniformity and quality of practitioners within the various kinesiology/exercise science fields and increase the value of a Kinesiology/Exercise Science degree and set it apart from other healthcare providers and fitness professionals.
Using ultrasound to teach medical students cardiac physiology
Authors: Bell Floyd E. , Wilson L. Britt , Hoppmann Richard A.
Published: December 2015

Ultrasound is being incorporated more into undergraduate medical education. Studies have shown that medical students have positive perceptions about the value of ultrasound in teaching courses like anatomy and physiology. The purpose of the present study was to provide objective evidence of whether ultrasound helps students learn cardiac physiology. In this study, 20 medical students took a pretest to assess their background knowledge of cardiac physiology. Next, they acquired ultrasound video loops of the heart. Faculty members taught them nonelectrical aspects of cardiac physiology using those loops. Finally, students took a posttest to evaluate for improvements in their knowledge. Students also completed an anonymous questionnaire about their experience. The mean pretest score was 4.8 of 9 (53.3%). The mean posttest score was 7.35 of 9 (81.7%). The mean difference was significant at P < 0.0001. Student feedback was very positive about the ultrasound laboratory. Ninety-five percent of the students agreed or strongly agreed that the ultrasound laboratory was a valuable teaching tool and that it improved their understanding of cardiac physiology. All students agreed or strongly agreed the laboratory was helpful from a visual learning standpoint. A hands-on ultrasound laboratory can indeed help medical students learn the nonelectrical components of cardiac physiology.
Conjugation of E. coli O157:H7 Antibody to CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Vo N. T. , Ngo H. D. , Vu D. L. , Duong A. P. , Lam Q. V.
Published: December 2015

The conjugation of antibody to semiconductor quantum dots plays a very important role in many applications such as bioimaging, biomarking, and biosensing. In this research, we present some results of highly luminescent core/shell structure CdSe/ZnS on which the E. coli antibody was conjugated. The CdSe core was synthesized successfully with chemical “green” method. For biological applications, the capping surfactant, trioctylphosphine oxide, was substituted by a new one, mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), before the antibody attachment step. Finally, the E. coli antibody was attached to quantum dots CdSe/ZnS. Morphology, structure, and optical properties were investigated with PL, UV‐Vis, TEM, and XRD methods. The successful ligand substitution and antibody attachment were confirmed by zeta potential measurement, FTIR spectroscopy, and TEM. The results showed quantum dots size of 2.3 nm, uniform distribution, and high luminescence. CdSe/ZnS core/shell structure had better stability and enhanced the luminescence efficiency up to threefold compared with the core CdSe. MPA ligand shifted the initial hydrophobic quantum dots to hydrophilic ones, which helped to dissolve them in organic solvents and attach the antibody.
FAP Associated Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Peculiar Subtype of Familial Nonmedullary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Cetta Francesco
Published: December 2015

Familial Nonmedullary Thyroid Carcinoma (FNMTC) makes up to 5–10% of all thyroid cancers, also including those FNMTC occurring as a minor component of familial cancer syndromes, such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). We give evidence that this extracolonic manifestation of FAP is determined by the same germline mutation of the APC gene responsible for colonic polyps and cancer but also shows some unusual features (F : M ratio = 80 : 1, absence of LOH for APC in the thyroid tumoral tissue, and indolent biological behaviour, despite frequent multicentricity and lymph nodal involvement), suggesting that the APC gene confers only a generic susceptibility to thyroid cancer, but perhaps other factors, namely, modifier genes, sex-related factors, or environmental factors, are also required for its phenotypic expression. This great variability is against the possibility of classifying all FNMTC as a single entity, not only with a unique or prevalent causative genetic factor, but also with a unique or common biological behavior and a commonly dismal prognosis. A new paradigm is also suggested that could be useful (1) for a proper classification of FAP associated PTC within the larger group of FNMTC and (2) for making inferences to sporadic carcinogenesis, based on the lesson from FAP.
A Heart Stopping Case of the Bezold-Jarisch Reflex
Authors: Parent Marc-Etienne , Lepage Serge
Published: December 2015

The Bezold-Jarisch reflex is a parasympathetic reflex induced by intense mechanical stimulation of the ventricular myocytes. Exceptionally, cases have been described in patients receiving dobutamine infusion during a stress echocardiography. All were healthy middle-aged women and recovered without sequelae. A healthy 60-year-old woman suffered two 5.9-second episodes of asystole during her 20 mcg/kg/min infusion of dobutamine. Recovery was quick and without sequelae. Echocardiography and coronary angiography were both normal. In conclusion, this is the fourth documented case of a severe Bezold-Jarisch reflex causing asystole during dobutamine infusion. Diagnosis can only be made after excluding all other possible diagnoses, most importantly ischemia. This serves as a reminder of the importance of close monitoring during dobutamine infusion.
Modeling and Simulation of Flexible Transmission Mechanism with Multiclearance Joints for Ultrahigh Voltage Circuit Breakers
Authors: Meng Fangang , Wu Shijing , Zhang Fan , Zhang Zenglei , Hu Jicai , Li Xiaoyong
Published: December 2015

The transmission mechanism, of which the dynamic characteristics determine the reliability of the circuit breaker, is the principal component of the ultrahigh voltage (UHV) circuit breaker. The characteristics of transmission mechanism are quick motion, high sensibility, and high reliability. The transmission mechanism with multiclearance joints present strong no-linear vibration feature which strongly affects the reliability of the UHV circuit breaker. In this investigation, a planar rigid-flexible coupling model of the transmission mechanism considering the clearance joints and the flexibility of components is established by using ADAMS software. The dynamic contact model in clearance joints is performed, based on clearance vector model of clearance joint. Then, the reliability of the model is proved by means of comparing the results of experiments. The simulation results show that the dynamic response of the mechanism is greatly influenced by the clearance and the flexibility of components has a role of suspension for the mechanism. Moreover, the influence of the clearance size, input speed, and number of clearance joints on the dynamic characteristics of the mechanism are also investigated.
Dynamics Analysis of the Melt Conveying Process in a Novel Extruder
Authors: Huang Zan
Published: December 2015

This study investigates dynamics of the melt conveying process in a novel extruder in which a polymer experiences a primarily elongational deformation field. The working principle of the novel extruder is completely different from that of conventional screw extruders. At the last stage of polymer processing in the proposed novel extruder, melt is conveyed through feeding and discharging processes. Here we present a mathematical model to analyze dynamics in the melt conveying process. Melt extrusion is primarily influenced by the position of vane chamber and the structural parameters of the novel extruder such as eccentricity.
Pyogenic Granuloma/Peripheral Giant-Cell Granuloma Associated with Implants
Authors: Jané-Salas Enric , Albuquerque Rui , Font-Muñoz Aura , González-Navarro Beatríz , Estrugo Devesa Albert , López-López Jose
Published: December 2015

Introduction. Pyogenic granuloma (PG) and peripheral giant-cell granuloma (PGCG) are two of the most common inflammatory lesions associated with implants; however, there is no established pathway for treatment of these conditions. This paper aims to illustrate the successful treatment of PG and PGCG and also report a systematic review of the literature regarding the various treatments proposed.Methods. To collect relevant information about previous treatments for PG and PGCG involving implants we carried out electronic searches of publications with the key words “granuloma”, “oral”, and “implants” from the last 15 years on the databases Pubmed, National Library of Medicine’s Medline, Scielo, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.Results. From the electronic search 16 case reports were found showing excision and curettage as the main successful treatment. As no clinical trials or observational studies were identified the authors agreed to present results from a review perspective.Conclusion. This is the largest analysis of PG and PGCG associated with implants published to date. Our review would suggest that PGCG associated with implants appears to have a more aggressive nature; however the level of evidence is very limited. Further cohort studies with representative sample sizes and standard outcome measures are necessary for better understanding of these conditions.
Antiangiogenic and Neurogenic Activities ofSleeping Beauty-Mediated PEDF-Transfected RPE CellsIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Johnen Sandra , Djalali-Talab Yassin , Kazanskaya Olga , Möller Theresa , Harmening Nina , Kropp Martina , Izsvák Zsuzsanna , Walter Peter , Thumann Gabriele
Published: December 2015

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a potent multifunctional protein that inhibits angiogenesis and has neurogenic and neuroprotective properties. Since the wet form of age-related macular degeneration is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), PEDF would be an ideal candidate to inhibit CNV and support retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. However, its short half-life has precluded its clinical use. To deliver PEDF to the subretinal space, we transfected RPE cells with thePEDFgene using theSleeping Beautytransposon system. Transfected cells expressed and secreted biologically active recombinant PEDF (rPEDF). In cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, rPEDF reduced VEGF-induced cumulative sprouting by ≥47%, decreased migration by 77%, and increased rate of apoptosis at least 3.4 times. rPEDF induced neurite outgrowth in neuroblastoma cells and protected ganglion and photoreceptor cells in organotypic retinal cultures. In a rat model of CNV, subretinal transplantation of PEDF-transfected cells led to a reduction of the CNV area by 48% 14 days after transplantation and decreased clinical significant lesions by 55% and 40% after 7 and 14 days, respectively. We showed that transplantation of pigment epithelial cells overexpressingPEDFcan restore a permissive subretinal environment for RPE and photoreceptor maintenance, while inhibiting choroidal blood vessel growth.
Assessing the Capabilities of Three Regional Climate Models over CORDEX Africa in Simulating West African Summer Monsoon Precipitation
Authors: Akinsanola A. A. , Ogunjobi K. O. , Gbode I. E. , Ajayi V. O.
Published: December 2015

This study evaluates the ability of three Regional Climate Models (RCMs) used in Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) to simulate the characteristics of rainfall pattern during the West Africa Summer Monsoon from 1998 to 2008. The seasonal climatology, annual rainfall cycles, and wind fields of the RCMs output were assessed over three homogenous subregions and validated using precipitation data from eighty-one (81) ground observation stations and TRMM satellite data. Furthermore, the ability of the RCMs to simulate response to El Nino and La Nina events was assessed. Results show that two of the RCMs (RCA and REMO) simulated the main features of the rainfall climatology and associated dynamics over the three subregions (Guinea Coast, Savannah, and Sahel) of West Africa. The RCMs also capture the African Easterly Jet (AEJ) and Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) with little variations in position and intensity. Analysis shows significant biases in individual models depending on subregion and season under consideration which may be attributed to strong cyclonic circulation observed at 850 mb pressure level. In general, the study shows RCA and REMO fairly simulate West Africa rainfall adequately and can therefore be used for the assessment of West African Summer Monsoon and future climate projections.
Circulating Betatrophin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Sheyu , Liu Dan , Li Ling , Li Yun , Li Qianrui , An Zhenmei , Sun Xin , Tian Haoming
Published: December 2015

Objective. To investigate the association between circulating betatrophin level and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in human. Methods. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase databases to identify eligible studies assessing the circulating levels of betatrophin in both T2DM patients and nondiabetic adults. Results. A total of nine eligible studies with twelve comparisons were included for the final meta-analysis. Circulating betatrophin levels in T2DM patients were higher than those in the nondiabetic controls (random-effect SMD 0.53; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.94; P=0.010). In the subgroup of nonobese population but not the obese population, the overall betatrophin level in T2DM patients was much higher than that in the nondiabetic controls (nonobese: random-effect SMD, 0.82; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.21; P<0.001; obese: random-effect SMD, −0.39; 95% CI, −0.95 to 0.18; P=0.18). Metaregression indicated that body mass index of T2DM patients was associated with mean difference of betatrophin level between T2DM and nondiabetic adults (slope, −578.8; t=-2.7; P=0.02). Conclusion. Based on the findings of our meta-analysis, circulating betatrophin level of T2DM patients is higher than that of nondiabetic adults in the nonobese population, but not in the obese population.
Lapatinib Induced Suicidal Death of Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Zierle Jens , Bissinger Rosi , Egler Jasmin , Lang Florian
Published: December 2015

Background/Aims: The human epidermal growth factor receptors tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib has been shown to trigger suicidal death or apoptosis of tumor cells and is thus used for the treatment of malignancy. Side effects of lapatinib include anemia, which could, at least in theory, result from stimulation of eryptosis, the suicidal death of erythrocytes which is characterized by cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the cell membrane leading to phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Mechanisms involved in the triggering of eryptosis include oxidative stress, increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), and ceramide. The present study explored, whether lapatinib induces eryptosis. Methods: Phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface was estimated from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3-fluorescence, abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from DCFDA dependent fluorescence, and ceramide abundance utilizing labelled specific antibodies. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to lapatinib (≥ 1 µg/ml) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells, and significantly decreased forward scatter. Lapatinib (7.5 µg/ml) did not significantly modify DCFDA fluorescence and ceramide abundance. Lapatinib slightly, but significantly decreased Fluo3-fluorescence (≥ 5 µg/ml). Lapatinib (7.5 µg/ml) enhanced the annexin-V-binding in the presence of the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (1 µM) without significantly modifying Fluo3 fluorescence in the presence of ionomycin. The effect of lapatinib on forward scatter but not on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Conclusion: Lapatinib triggers cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect occurring despite decrease of cytosolic Ca2+ activity.
Power-Frequency Magnetic Field Inhibits Adipogenic Differentiation in Human ADSC
Authors: Martínez María Antonia , Trillo María Ángeles , Cid María Antonia , Paíno Carlos L. , Úbeda Alejandro
Published: December 2015

Background/Aims: Semicircular lipoatrophy (SL) is an idiopathic condition characterized by atrophy of subcutaneous fatty tissue. Although several studies have suggested a possible association between SL and occupational exposure to power frequency magnetic fields (MF), no mechanism has been proposed so far that explains an influence of these fields on adipogenesis. Methods: The study investigates the effects of a 50 Hz, 100 µT MF on the adipogenesis of stem cells isolated from human adipose tissue (ADSC). Cells were plated in Petri dishes and either exposed intermittently to the field for 42 hours or sham-exposed. Results: Field exposure significantly reduced lipid accumulation within the cells, revealed in Oil Red O stained samples by spectrophotometry and colorimetry. Early cell passages were particularly sensitive to the effect: 30.40 ± 5.77% and 47.96 ± 12.47% below controls in the spectrophotometric and colorimetric assays, respectively. Such antiadipogenic effect was accompanied by significant changes in the expression of key effectors/regulators of early adipogenesis: PPARγ, p-ERK1/2 and Sox9, indicating that at least the ERK/PPARγ signaling pathway could be involved in the effect. Conclusions: These results constitute an experimental support to the hypothesis that power frequency MF can be one of the factors involved in the etiology of SL.