bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of time utilization in an academic inpatient versus an outpatient vascular laboratory
Authors: Oriowo Babatunde A. , Hoffman Kaitlin , Evans Julie , Haurani Mounir J. , Satiani Bhagwan
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Efficient, cost‐effective services in vascular laboratories (VLs) will be required in tomorrow's health care environment. Inpatient VLs (IPVL) are burdened with complex patients, excessive workload, and a high percentage of bedside tests. Outpatient VLs (OPVL) are therefore presumed to be more productive and efficient. We compared time utilization in OPVLs and IPVL to test this hypothesis.

Methods

Vascular sonographers at an academic IPVL and OPVL were asked to track their daily activities during five consecutive weekdays. Test type, scan time, delays in patient arrival, preparation for the test, computer entry, and administrative time (patient‐ and non‐patient‐related) were logged.

Results

Delay in patient arrival and non‐patient‐related administration activities were both significantly greater in the OPVL (p < 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). Actual scan time occupied only 38.8% of the technologist's day, with the rest spent on patient‐ and non‐patient‐related activities.

Conclusions

No appreciable differences were noted between IPVL and OPVL in most of the efficiency parameters measured. General administration time and delay in patient arrival were greater in the OPVL. Thus, OPVL were not more efficient than IPVL. In order to maximize efficiency in the OPVL, non‐patient‐related activities, which occupy over a quarter of the daily workday, must be shifted from technologists to support staff. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:540–544, 2016
Planar Digraphs without Large Acyclic Sets
Authors: Knauer Kolja , Valicov Petru , Wenger Paul S.
Published: June 2016

Given a directed graph, an acyclic set is a set of vertices inducing a directed subgraph with no directed cycle. In this note, we show that for all integers , there exist oriented planar graphs of order n and digirth g for which the size of the maximum acyclic set is at most . When this result disproves a conjecture of Harutyunyan and shows that a question of Albertson is best possible.
On Lower Bounds for the Matching Number of Subcubic Graphs
Authors: Haxell P. E. , Scott A. D.
Published: June 2016

We give a complete description of the set of triplesof real numbers with the following property. There exists a constantKsuch thatis a lower bound for the matching numberof every connected subcubic graphG, wheredenotes the number of vertices of degreeifor eachi.
Minimum Degrees of Minimal Ramsey Graphs for Almost‐Cliques
Authors: Grinshpun Andrey , Raina Raj , Sengupta Rik
Published: June 2016

For graphs F and H, we say F is Ramsey for H if every 2‐coloring of the edges of F contains a monochromatic copy of H. The graph F is Ramsey H‐minimal if F is Ramsey for H and there is no proper subgraph of F so that is Ramsey for H. Burr et al. defined to be the minimum degree of F over all Ramsey H‐minimal graphs F. Define to be a graph on vertices consisting of a complete graph on t vertices and one additional vertex of degree d. We show that for all values ; it was previously known that , so it is surprising that is much smaller. We also make some further progress on some sparser graphs. Fox and Lin observed that for all graphs H, where is the minimum degree of H; Szabó et al. investigated which graphs have this property and conjectured that all bipartite graphs H without isolated vertices satisfy . Fox et al. further conjectured that all connected triangle‐free graphs with at least two vertices satisfy this property. We show that d‐regular 3‐connected triangle‐free graphs H, with one extra technical constraint, satisfy ; the extra constraint is that H has a vertex v so that if one removes v and its neighborhood from H, the remainder is connected.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of 3‐propyl‐2‐substitutedamino‐3H‐quinazolin‐4‐ones as Analgesic and Anti‐Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Sheorey R. V. , Thangathiruppathy A. , Alagarsamy V.
Published: June 2016

A variety of novel 3‐propyl‐2‐substitutedamino‐quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones were synthesized by reacting the amino group of 2‐hydrazino‐3‐propyl quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one with a variety of aldehydes and ketones. The starting material 2‐hydrazino‐3‐propyl quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one was synthesized from propylamine. The title compounds were investigated for analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities. The compound 2‐(1‐ethylpropylidene‐hydrazino)‐3‐propyl‐quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one (SR2) emerged as the most active compound of the series, and it is more potent in its analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities when compared with the reference standard diclofenac sodium.
Hydrazonoyl Halides Precursors to Synthesis of New Thiazole, Thiadiazole, and Benzothiazepine Derivatives
Authors: El‐Hag Fatma A. A. , Gomha Sobhi M. , Farghaly Thoraya A.
Published: June 2016

New series of substituted thiazole and thiadiazoles were prepared starting from N′‐(3,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐1(2H)‐ylidene)hydrazinecarbothiohydrazide by reacting with different types of hydrazonoyl chlorides. In addition, 7‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐5,6,6a,7‐tetrahydrobenzo [b]naphtha‐[1,2‐e][1,4]thiazepine reacted with hydrazonoyl halides to afford a new derivatives of 7‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐14‐phenyl‐5,6,6a,7‐tetrahydro‐16H‐benzo[b]naphtho[1,2‐e][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐d][1,4]thiazepine. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated on the basis of elemental analyses and spectral data.
New Methods for the Synthesis of 3‐Amino‐6,7‐Dihydro‐5H‐Cyclopenta[c]Pyridine‐4‐Carbonitriles and Cyclopenta[d]Pyrazolo[3,4‐b]Pyridines via a Smiles‐type Rearrangement
Authors: Sirakanyan Samvel N. , Spinelli Domenico , Geronikaki Athina , Hovakimyan Anush A.
Published: June 2016

By reaction with sodium ethoxide and as a function of their structures, 2‐[(1‐alkyl(aryl)‐4‐cyano‐6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐cyclopenta[c]pyridin‐3‐yl)oxy]acetamides 11 gave 1‐amino‐5‐alkyl(aryl)‐7,8‐dihydro‐6H‐cyclopenta[d]furo[2,3‐b]pyridine‐2‐carboxamides 10 and/or 1‐alkyl(aryl)‐3‐amino‐6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐cyclopenta[c]pyridine‐4‐carbonitriles 12.
A Novel Synthesis of New 1,8‐Naphthyridine Derivatives Using the Reaction of Vinamidinium Salts With 2,6‐Diaminopyridine
Authors: Bahman Jahromi Enayatollah , Mehranpour Abdolmohammad
Published: June 2016

Some new substituted 1,8‐ naphthyridines 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g have been synthesized by treating various 2‐substituted vinamidinium salts 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g with 2,6‐diaminopyridine. The structures of the synthesized compounds have been established on the basis of elemental analysis and spectroscopic data (1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, IR, UV/VIS, and mass).
COMMD7 functions as molecular target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: You Nan , Li Jing , Gong Zhenbin , Huang Xiaobing , Wang Weiwei , Wang Liang , Wu Ke , Zheng Lu
Published: June 2016

Our previous studies provided evidence that COMMD7 was associated with tumor progression in human solid cancer. Herein, we aimed to investigate its expression pattern, clinical significance, and biological function in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We found that high COMMD7 expression was specifically detected in PDAC tissues and PDAC cell lines. In addition, COMMD7 overexpression positively correlated with histological differentiation and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage. Patients with high COMMD7 expression had significantly poorer overall survival, and high COMMD7 expression was an independent predictor of poor prognosis. To further explore the regulatory mechanism of COMMD7, we used stable short hairpin RNA (shRNA)‐mediated knockdown and divided the work into in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro, the anti‐proliferation effects of COMMD7 inhibition were observed under long‐time stress conditions, which correlated with cyclin D1 and Bcl‐2 downregulation and Bax upregulation. We found that under short‐time stress conditions, decreased COMMD7 expression also inhibited PDAC cell invasion in vitro which decreased the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2). Moreover, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) was identified as a direct target of COMMD7. The inhibition of ERK1/2 activity under short‐ or long‐time stress conditions using specific inhibitors in COMMD7 inhibition cells all exhibited a strong tumorigenic role. In vivo, COMMD7 was sufficient to impair tumor growth. Our results suggest that COMMD7 plays an important role in the late progression of PDAC and is a potential novel target. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An improved blow‐up criterion for smooth solutions of the two‐dimensional MHD equations
Authors: Gala Sadek , Ragusa Alessandra Maria , Ye Zhuan
Published: June 2016

Our main object is to establish a regularity criterion
with p≥q > 1 for the incompressible magnetohydrodynamics equations with zero magnetic diffusivity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Periodic solutions of an iterative functional differential equation with variable coefficients
Authors: Zhao Hou Yu , Liu Jia
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we use Krasnoselskii's fixed point theorem to study the existence and uniqueness of periodic solutions of an iterative functional differential equation

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma3991:mma3991-math-0001
Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sign‐changing bubble for Neumann problem with critical nonlinearity on the boundary
Authors: Ammar Siwar , Hammami Mokhless , Ismail Houria
Published: June 2016

The main purpose of this paper is to construct sign‐changing solution for the following Neumann problem:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4018:mma4018-math-0001
where n≥3 and K is a bounded and continuous function on
, which concentrate around two critical points satisfying some conditions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A remark on finding the coefficient of the dissipative boundary condition via the enclosure method in the time domain
Authors: Ikehata Masaru
Published: June 2016

An inverse problem for the wave equation outside an obstacle with a dissipative boundary condition is considered. The observed data are given by a single solution of the wave equation generated by an initial data supported on an open ball. An explicit analytical formula for the computation of the coefficient at a point on the surface of the obstacle, which is nearest to the center of the support of the initial data, is given. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Well‐posedness of a 1D transport equation with nonlocal velocity in the Lei–Lin space
Authors: Yu Yanghai , Wu Xing , Tang Yanbin
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we consider the well‐posedness of a one‐dimensional transport equation with nonlocal velocity in the Lei–Lin space
. We first modify the product estimate and then establish the global existence of solutions to the Cauchy problem with small enough initial data. Finally, we discuss the stability of the global solution. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Liouville theorem for weighted p−Laplace operator on smooth metric measure spaces
Authors: Wang Lin Feng , Zhang Ze Yu , Zhao Liang , Zhou Yu Jie
Published: June 2016

We prove that on a smooth metric measure space with m−Bakry–Émery curvature bounded from below by −(m − 1)K for some constant K≥0 (i.e., Ricf,m≥−(m − 1)K), the following degenerate elliptic equation

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4031:mma4031-math-0001
has no nonconstant positive solution when p > 1 and constant λf,p satisfies

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4031:mma4031-math-0002
Our approach is based on the local Sobolev inequality and the Moser's iterative technique and is different from Cheng‐Yau's method, which was used by Wang‐Zhu in 2012 to derive a same Liouville theorem when 1 < p≤2, Ricf,m≥−(m − 1)K and the sectional curvature is bounded from below. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purified rutin and rutin‐rich asparagus attenuates disease severity and tissue damage following dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis
Authors: Power Krista A. , Lu Jenifer T. , Monk Jennifer M. , Lepp Dion , Wu Wenqing , Zhang Claire , Liu Ronghua , Tsao Rong , Robinson Lindsay E. , Wood Geoffrey A. , Wolyn David J.
Published: June 2016

Scope

This study investigated the effects of cooked whole asparagus (ASP) versus its equivalent level of purified flavonoid glycoside, rutin (RUT), on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis and subsequent colitis recovery in mice.

Methods and results

C57BL/6 male mice were fed an AIN‐93G basal diet (BD), or BD supplemented with 2% cooked ASP or 0.025% RUT for 2 wks prior to and during colitis induction with 2% DSS in water for 7 days, followed by 5 days colitis recovery. In colitic mice, both ASP and RUT upregulated mediators of improved barrier integrity and enhanced mucosal injury repair (e.g. Muc1, IL‐22, Rho‐A, Rac1, and Reg3γ), increased the proportion of mouse survival, and improved disease activity index. RUT had the greatest effect in attenuating DSS‐induced colonic damage indicated by increased crypt and goblet cell restitution, reduced colonic myeloperoxidase, as well as attenuated DSS‐induced microbial dysbiosis (reduced Enterobacteriaceae and Bacteroides, and increased unassigned Clostridales, Oscillospira, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that dietary cooked ASP and its flavonoid glycoside, RUT, may be useful in attenuating colitis severity by modulating the colonic microenvironment resulting in reduced colonic inflammation, promotion of colonic mucosal injury repair, and attenuation of colitis‐associated microbial dysbiosis.
Copolymers possessing dithienothiophene and boron for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Sevinis Emine Billur , Sahin Canan , Cinar Mehmet Emin , Eroglu Mehmet Sayip , Ozturk Turan
Published: June 2016

In this work, copolymers of dithienothiophenes (DTT) and DTT‐4,4‐dioxide (DTT‐S,S‐O2) with mesitylboron were prepared for optoelectronic applications. Optical and electrochemical investigations were performed giving rise to the band gaps of 2.46–3.21 and 2.18–2.88 eV, respectively. Copolymers possessing DTT‐S,S‐O2 units demonstrated the lower band gaps. Density functional theory investigations of the model compounds revealed the presence of an intramolecular charge transfer transition between the donor DTT units and the boron acceptor atoms. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:1390–1398, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reactive blends derived from modified soybean oil and silicone
Authors: Tambe Chetan , Kaufmann John , Graiver Daniel , Narayan Ramani
Published: June 2016

Reactive blends prepared from methoxysilane terminated silicone polymers and silylated soybean oil are described and characterized. Although simple mixing of soy and silicones results in gross phase separation, homogeneous polymeric products are obtained by introducing reactive sites. These products can be used as protective coatings, additives to adhesives and new sealants. Exposure of the mixtures to moisture leads to hydrolysis of the methoxysilanes and subsequent condensation of the resulting silanols that yields stable siloxane linkages between the two immiscible phases. FTIR, TGA, and swell‐gel analyses indicate effective formation of these siloxane crosslinks. Reactive blends containing less than 20% silylated oil appeared completely transparent but increasing the soy content decreased the optical transparency. SEM micrographs reveal the silicone polymer as the continuous phase with individual spherical silylated soy oil particles distributed in it. The properties of these reactive blends vary from high elongation elastomers to high modulus resins depending on the composition. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 3086–3093
UV‐curable thio‐ether‐urethane network with tunable properties
Authors: Perrot David , Croutxé‐Barghorn Céline , Allonas Xavier
Published: June 2016

A photoinitiating system composed of a sensitizer (isopropylthioxanthone, ITX) and a photobase generator (triazabicyclodecene tetraphenylborate TBD.HBPh4) was successfully applied to the photopolymerization of a thiol‐isocyanate‐epoxy mixture. The final polymer network was considered in term of the compositional ratio between the thiol‐isocyanate and thiol‐epoxy coupling reactions. In parallel with structural investigation by spectroscopic technics, the relationships between the compositional ratio and kinetics of photopolymerization, thermomechanical properties and hardness were investigated. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 3119–3126
Synthesis and thermal transition behavior of model thermoplastic polyurethanes containing MDI/butanediol‐based monodisperse hard segments
Authors: Ren Li , Kang Nam‐Goo , Shah Priyank N. , Faust Rudolf
Published: June 2016

Amine‐terminated monodisperse hard segments (MDHSs) containing two to four 4,4′‐methylenebis (phenyl isocyanate) extended by 1,4‐butanediol have been synthesized using carboxybenzyl protecting‐deprotecting strategy. Pure MDHSs in large scale were obtained in good yield and their structures were confirmed by 1H‐, 13C‐NMR spectroscopy and GPC‐MALLS. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that as the hard segment (HS) size increased, the melting and glass transition temperature and the change of heat capacity at glass transition of ethyl capped MDHSs increased. Model thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) were synthesized using the reaction of bischloroformate of poly (tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) diol or polyisobutylene (PIB) diol with amine‐terminated MDHSs. X‐ray diffraction results indicated the amorphous structure of model TPUs. DSC revealed HS related endotherms, regardless of SS, which were attributed to the local ordering of the HSs. Additional endotherms in PTMO based model TPUs might arise from the dissociation of hydrogen bonding between PTMO and HSs. The lower Tg in model TPUs compared to the polydisperse analogues observed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicated higher microphase separation of monodisperse HSs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 3171–3181
Quantifying Whitewater Recreation Opportunities in Cataract Canyon of the Colorado River, Utah: Aggregating Acceptable Flows and Hydrologic Data to Identify Boatable Days
Authors: Stafford E. , Fey N. , Vaske J. J.
Published: June 2016

The structural norm approach was combined with the Potential for Conflict Index to define recreation streamflow needs for the Colorado River in Utah and Colorado. An online survey was completed by 128 commercial and non‐commercial boaters, who evaluated a range of flows for whitewater boating. For the Cataract Canyon reach, respondents rated the quality of their recreation experience of specific flows, describing the quality of boating opportunities across the full range of historical streamflows. Ranges for both acceptable and optimum flows were defined, as well as thresholds for unacceptable flows. These ranges were then evaluated against historical hydrologic records to quantify the timing, frequency, and duration of days when defined whitewater flows exist across different year types (i.e. average boatable days). Results indicated that on average, a total of 257 boatable days existed in dry years, and 353 total boatable days occurred in dry‐typical years. In wet and wet‐typical years, 362 and 365 total boatable days respectively, occurred on average. Results of the boatable days' analysis indicated that over the 23‐year period of record, whitewater boating opportunities occurred nearly every day of the year in all but the driest year types. Results from this study provide resource managers with information which can be used in the development of annual operating plans for the Colorado River Basin and help managers understand how changes in flow impact the quality of recreational opportunities. This application demonstrates the value of analysing boatable days on any river where recreation management is a priority. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Microvesicles Prevent the Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysm in Part by Suppression of Mast Cell Activation via a PGE2-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Liu Jia , Kuwabara Atsushi , Kamio Yoshinobu , Hu Shuling , Park Jeonghyun , Hashimoto Tomoki , Lee Jae-Woo
Published: June 2016

Activation of mast cells participates in the chronic inflammation associated with cerebral arteries in intracranial aneurysm formation and rupture. Several studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is beneficial for the treatment of aneurysms. However, some long-term safety concerns exist regarding stem cell-based therapy for clinical use. We investigated the therapeutic potential of microvesicles (MVs) derived from human MSCs, anuclear membrane bound fragments with reparative properties, in preventing the rupture of intracranial aneurysm in mice, particularly in the effect of MVs on mast cell activation. Intracranial aneurysm was induced in C57BL/6 mice by the combination of systemic hypertension and intrathecal elastase injection. Intravenous administration of MSC-derived MVs on day 6 and day 9 after aneurysm induction significantly reduced the aneurysmal rupture rate, which was associated with reduced number of activated mast cells in the brain. A23187-induced activation of both primary cultures of murine mast cells and a human mast cell line, LAD2, was suppressed by MVs treatment, leading to a decrease in cytokine release and tryptase and chymase activities. Upregulation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and E-prostanoid 4 (EP4) receptor expression were also observed on mast cells with MVs treatment. Administration of an EP4 antagonist with the MVs eliminated the protective effect of MVs against the aneurysmal rupture in vivo. Human MSC-derived MVs prevented the rupture of intracranial aneurysm, in part due to their anti-inflammatory effect on mast cells, which was mediated by PGE2 production and EP4 activation.
Transcription Factor GLIS3: A New and Critical Regulator of Postnatal Stages of Mouse Spermatogenesis
Authors: Kang Hong Soon , Chen Liang-Yu , Lichti-Kaiser Kristin , Liao Grace , Gerrish Kevin , Bortner Carl D. , Yao Humphrey H.-C. , Eddy Edward M. , Jetten Anton M.
Published: June 2016

In this study, we identify a novel and essential role for the Krüppel-like zinc finger transcription factor GLI-similar 3 (GLIS3) in the regulation of postnatal spermatogenesis. We show that GLIS3 is expressed in gonocytes, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and spermatogonial progenitors (SPCs), but not in differentiated spermatogonia and later stages of spermatogenesis or in somatic cells. Spermatogenesis is greatly impaired in GLIS3 knockout mice. Loss of GLIS3 function causes a moderate reduction in the number of gonocytes, but greatly affects the generation of SSCs/SPCs, and as a consequence the development of spermatocytes. Gene expression profiling demonstrated that the expression of genes associated with undifferentiated spermatogonia was dramatically decreased in GLIS3-deficient mice and that the cytoplasmic-to-nuclear translocation of FOXO1, which marks the gonocyte-to-SSC transition and is necessary for SSC self-renewal, is inhibited. These observations suggest that GLIS3 promotes the gonocyte-to-SSC transition and is a critical regulator of the dynamics of early postnatal spermatogenesis.
TRIM28 Is an Epigenetic Barrier to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Reprogramming
Authors: Miles Denise Catherine , de Vries Nienke Alexandra , Gisler Santiago , Lieftink Cor , Akhtar Waseem , Gogola Ewa , Pawlitzky Inka , Hulsman Danielle , Tanger Ellen , Koppens Martijn , Beijersbergen Roderick Leonardus , van Lohuizen Maarten
Published: June 2016

Since the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells there has been intense interest in understanding the mechanisms that allow a somatic cell to be reprogrammed back to a pluripotent state. Several groups have studied the alterations in gene expression that occur as somatic cells modify their genome to that of an embryonic stem cell. Underpinning many of the gene expression changes are modifications to the epigenetic profile of the associated chromatin. We have used a large-scale shRNA screen to identify epigenetic modifiers that act as barriers to reprogramming. We have uncovered an important role for TRIM28 in cells resisting transition between somatic and pluripotent states. TRIM28 achieves this by maintaining the H3K9me3 repressed state and keeping endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) silenced. We propose that knockdown of TRIM28 during reprogramming results in more plastic H3K9me3 domains, dysregulation of genes nearby H3K9me3 marks, and up regulation of ERVs, thus facilitating the transition through reprogramming.
Systems‐level airway models of bronchoconstriction
Authors: Donovan Graham M.
Published: June 2016

Understanding lung and airway behavior presents a number of challenges, both experimental and theoretical, but the potential rewards are great in terms of both potential treatments for disease and interesting biophysical phenomena. This presents an opportunity for modeling to contribute to greater understanding, and here, we focus on modeling efforts that work toward understanding the behavior of airways in vivo, with an emphasis on asthma. We look particularly at those models that address not just isolated airways but many of the important ways in which airways are coupled both with each other and with other structures. This includes both interesting phenomena involving the airways and the layer of airway smooth muscle that surrounds them, and also the emergence of spatial ventilation patterns via dynamic airway interaction. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2016, 8:459–467. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1349

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Dynamical Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organ, Tissue, and Physiological Models
Video-assisted functional assessment of index pollicisation in congenital anomalies
Authors: Mas Virginie , Ilharreborde Brice , Mallet Cindy , Mazda Keyvan , Simon Anne-Laure , Jehanno Pascal
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Functional results of index pollicisation are usually assessed by the clinical score of Percival. This score is based on elementary hand movements and does not reflect the function of the neo thumb in daily life activities. The aim of this study was to develop a new video-assisted scoring system based on daily life activities to assess index pollicisation functional outcomes.

Methods

Twenty-two consecutive children, operated between 1998 and 2012, were examined with a mean of 77 months after surgery. The mean age at surgery was 34 months. Post-operative results were evaluated by a new video-assisted 14-point scoring system consisting of seven basic tasks that are frequently used in daily activities. The series of tasks was performed both on the request of the examiner and in real-life conditions with the use of a hidden camera. Each video recording was examined by three different examiners. Each examiner rated the video recordings three times, with an interval of one week between examinations. Inter- and intra-observer agreements were calculated.

Results

Inter- and intra-observer agreements were excellent both on request (κ = 0.87 [0.84–0.97] for inter-observer agreement and 0.92 [0.82–0.98] for intra-observer agreement) and on hidden camera (κ = 0.83 [0.78–0.91] for inter-observer agreement and 0.89 [0.83–0.96] for intra-observer agreement). The results were significantly better on request than on hidden camera ( p = 0.045). The correlation between the video-assisted scoring system and the Percival score was poor.

Conclusion

The video-assisted scoring system is a reliable tool to assess index pollicisation functional outcomes. The scoring system on hidden camera is more representative of the neo thumb use in daily life complex movements.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Use of geogrid in the construction of railroads
Authors: Das Braja M.
Published: June 2016

Over the last three decades geogrid has been used as a reinforcement in the construction of several earth- retaining and earth-supported structures. In more recent times it has been used as reinforcement of railroad beds to improve its performance and structural integrity. A review of several published field and large-scale laboratory test results relating to the reinforcing ability of geogrids is presented. Also included are a number of case histories from several countries where layer(s) of geogrid were used in ballast and sub-ballast layers and on soft subgrade to reduce track settlement and, hence, the frequency of maintenance.
Evaluation of pleth variability index as a predictor of fluid responsiveness during orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Konur Huseyin , Erdogan Kayhan Gulay , Toprak Huseyin Ilksen , Bucak Nizamettin , Aydogan Mustafa Said , Yologlu Saim , Durmus Mahmut , Yılmaz Sezai
Published: June 2016

Fluid management is challenging and still remains controversial in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The pleth variability index (PVI) has been shown to be a reliable predictor of fluid responsiveness of perioperative and critically ill patients; however, it has not been evaluated in OLT. This study was designed to examine whether the PVI can reliably predict fluid responsiveness in OLT and to compare PVI with other hemodynamic indexes that are measured using the PiCCO2 monitoring system. Twenty‐five patients were enrolled in this study. Each patient was monitored using the noninvasive Masimo and PiCCO2 monitoring system. PVI was obtained with a Masimo pulse oximeter. Cardiac index was obtained using a transpulmonary thermodilution technique (CITPTD). Stroke volume variation (SVV), pulse pressure variation, and systemic vascular resistance index were measured using the PiCCO2 system. Fluid loading (10 mL/kg colloid) was performed at two different phases during the operation, and fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in CITPTD ≥ 15%. During the dissection phase and the anhepatic phase, respectively, 14 patients (56%) and 18 patients (75%) were classified as responders. There were no differences between the baseline values of the PVI of responders and nonresponders. Area under the curve for PVI was 0.56 (sensitivity 35%, specificity 90%, p = 0.58) at dissection phase, and was 0.55 (sensitivity 55%, specificity 66%, p = 0.58) at anhepatic phase. Of the parameters, a higher area under the curve value was found for SVV. We conclude that PVI was unable to predict fluid responsiveness with sufficient accuracy in patients undergoing OLT, but the SVV parameter was reliable.
Dynamic correlations and volatility linkages between stocks and sukuk: Evidence from international markets
Authors: Sclip Alex , Dreassi Alberto , Miani Stefano , Paltrinieri Andrea
Published: June 2016

An understanding of volatility and co‐movements in financial markets is important for portfolio allocation and risk management practices. The current financial crisis caused a shrinkage in values of most assets, an increased volatility and a threat to the survival of several institutional investors. Managing risks and returns within the classic portfolio theory, when correlations across securities soar, is increasingly challenging. In this paper, we investigate the volatility behavior and the co‐movements between sukuk and international stock indexes. Symmetric multivariate GARCH models with dynamic conditional correlations (DCC) were estimated under Student‐t distribution. We provide evidence of high correlations between sukuk and US and EU stock markets, without finding the well‐known flight to quality behavior affecting Islamic bonds. We also show that volatility linkages between sukuk and regional market indexes are higher during financial crisis. We argue that investors could obtain diversification benefits including sukuk in a well‐diversified equity portfolio, given their lower volatility compared to equity. But higher volatility linkages and dynamic correlations during financial crises show that they are hybrid instruments between bonds and equity. Our findings are relevant for institutional investors and asset managers that include Islamic bonds in a diversified portfolio.
Supporting Community Health Workers After a Disaster: Findings From a Mixed-Methods Pilot Evaluation Study of a Psychoeducational Intervention
Authors: Powell Tara , Yuma-Guerrero Paula
Published: June 2016

Objective

Community health workers (CHWs) in disaster-affected areas are at risk for emotional distress, as they support others while they may be in the process of rebuilding their own lives. The Resilience and Coping for the Healthcare Community (RCHC) intervention was developed in response to the stress CHWs faced after Hurricane Sandy. The intervention uses psychoeducation to help participants identify common stress responses, recognize signs of job burnout, and utilize healthy coping strategies.

Methods

A mixed-methods pilot of the RCHC intervention was conducted in 2013 with a convenience sample of staff from 6 federally qualified health centers (n=69). Validated measures of stress, coping, compassion fatigue and satisfaction, burnout, stress, and social provisions and a measure of perceived knowledge were administered at baseline, after the workshop, and at a 3-week follow-up. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 randomly selected participants and were analyzed by using content analysis.

Results

From baseline to the post-workshop assessment, perceived knowledge scores increased from 24.59 to 30.34, t(62)=5.16 (P<0.001), and acute stress scores decreased significantly from 10.53 to 6.78, t(64)=4.74 (P<0.001). Significant increases from baseline to the 3-week follow-up (n=45) were found for perceived knowledge (24.05 to 27.24; t(40)=5.37; P<0.001), and social provisions (27.34 to 28.39; t(44)=2.15; P<0.05).

Conclusions

Our qualitative findings indicated that the respondents valued learning about common stress responses and incorporating coping as part of a daily routine. Team building and normalization of emotions were seen as ancillary benefits that would reduce stress levels in the workplace. In conclusion, the RCHC intervention shows promise and should be investigated further in experimental studies. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;page 1 of 8)
INVARIANT MEASURES CONCENTRATED ON COUNTABLE STRUCTURES
Authors: ACKERMAN NATHANAEL , FREER CAMERON , PATEL REHANA
Published: June 2016

Let$L$be a countable language. We say that a countable infinite$L$-structure${\mathcal{M}}$admits an invariant measure when there is a probability measure on the space of$L$-structures with the same underlying set as${\mathcal{M}}$that is invariant under permutations of that set, and that assigns measure one to the isomorphism class of${\mathcal{M}}$. We show that${\mathcal{M}}$admits an invariant measure if and only if it has trivial definable closure, that is, the pointwise stabilizer in$\text{Aut}({\mathcal{M}})$of an arbitrary finite tuple of${\mathcal{M}}$fixes no additional points. When${\mathcal{M}}$is a Fraïssé limit in a relational language, this amounts to requiring that the age of${\mathcal{M}}$have strong amalgamation. Our results give rise to new instances of structures that admit invariant measures and structures that do not.
National Bloodstream Infection Surveillance in Switzerland 2008–2014: Different Patterns and Trends for University and Community Hospitals
Authors: Buetti Niccolò , Marschall Jonas , Atkinson Andrew , Kronenberg Andreas ,   Swiss Centre for Antibiotic Resistance (ANRESIS)
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the epidemiology of bloodstream infections in Switzerland, comparing selected pathogens in community and university hospitals.

DESIGN

Observational, retrospective, multicenter laboratory surveillance study.

METHODS

Data on bloodstream infections from 2008 through 2014 were obtained from the Swiss infection surveillance system, which is part of the Swiss Centre for Antibiotic Resistance (ANRESIS). We compared pathogen prevalences across 26 acute care hospitals. A subanalysis for community-acquired and hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in community and university hospitals was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 42,802 bloodstream infection episodes were analyzed. The most common etiologies wereEscherichia coli(28.3%),Staphylococcus aureus(12.4%), and polymicrobial bloodstream infections (11.4%). The proportion ofE. coliincreased from 27.5% in 2008 to 29.6% in 2014 (P= .04).E. coliandS. aureuswere more commonly reported in community than university hospitals (34.3% vs 22.7%,P<.001 and 13.9% vs 11.1%,P<.001, respectively). Fifty percent of episodes were community-acquired, withE. coliagain being more common in community hospitals (41.0% vs 32.4%,P<.001). The proportion ofE. coliin community-acquired bloodstream infections increased in community hospitals only. Community-acquired polymicrobial infections (9.9% vs 5.6%,P<.001) and community-acquired coagulase-negative staphylococci (6.7% vs 3.4%,P<0.001) were more prevalent in university hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

The role ofE. colias predominant pathogen in bloodstream infections has become more pronounced. There are distinct patterns in community and university hospitals, potentially influencing empirical antibiotic treatment.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2016;37:1060–1067
Experimental investigation of the water entry of a rectangular plate at high horizontal velocity
Authors: Iafrati A.
Published: June 2016

The water entry of a rectangular plate with a high horizontal velocity component is investigated experimentally. The test conditions are representative of those encountered by aircraft during emergency landing on water and are given in terms of three main parameters: horizontal velocity, approach angle, i.e. vertical to horizontal velocity ratio, and pitch angle. Experimental data are presented in terms of pressure, spray root shape, pressure peak propagation velocity and total loads acting on the plate. A theoretical solution of the plate entry problem based on two-dimensional and potential flow assumptions is derived and is used to support the interpretation of the experimental measurements. The results indicate that, as the plate penetrates and the ratio between the plate breadth and the wetted length measured on the longitudinal plane diminishes, the role of the third dimension becomes dominant. The increased possibility for the liquid to escape from the lateral sides yields a reduction of the pressure peak propagation velocity and, consequently, of the corresponding pressure peak intensity. In particular, it is shown that, at the beginning of the entry process, the pressure peak moves much faster than the geometric intersection between the body and the free surface, but at a later stage the two points move along the body at the same speed. Furthermore, it is shown that the spray root develops a curved shape which is almost independent of the specific test conditions, even though the initial growth rate of the curvature is higher for larger pitch angles. The loads follow a linear increase versus time, as predicted by the theoretical model, only in a short initial stage. Next, for all test conditions examined here, they approach a square-root dependence on time. It is seen that, if the loads are scaled by the square of the velocity component normal to the plate, the data are almost independent of the test conditions.
Globular Clusters in the Galactic Bulge
Authors: Bica E. , Ortolani S. , Barbuy B.
Published: June 2016

A view of the Galactic bulge by means of their globular clusters is fundamental for a deep understanding of its formation and evolution. Connections between the globular cluster and field star properties in terms of kinematics, orbits, chemical abundances, and ages should shed light on different stellar population components. Based on spatial distribution and metallicity, we define a probable best list of bulge clusters, containing 43 entries. Future work on newly discovered objects, mostly from the VVV survey, is suggested. These candidates might alleviate the issue of missing clusters on the far side of the bulge. We discuss the reddening law affecting the cluster distances towards the centre of the Galaxy, and conclude that the most suitable total-to-selective absorption value appears to beRV=3.2, in agreement with recent analyses. An update of elemental abundances for bulge clusters is provided.
The Interstellar Extinction Towards the Milky Way Bulge with Planetary Nebulae, Red Clump, and RR Lyrae Stars
Authors: Nataf David M.
Published: June 2016

I review the literature covering the issue of interstellar extinction towards the Milky Way bulge, with emphasis placed on findings from planetary nebulae, RR Lyrae, and red clump stars. I also report on observations from HI gas and globular clusters. I show that there has been substantial progress in this field in recent decades, most particularly from red clump stars. The spatial coverage of extinction maps has increased by a factor ~ 100 × in the past 20 yr, and the total-to-selective extinction ratios reported have shifted by ~ 20–25%, indicative of the improved accuracy and separately, of a steeper-than-standard extinction curve. Problems remain in modelling differential extinction, explaining anomalies involving the planetary nebulae, and understanding the difference between bulge extinction coefficients and ‘standard’ literature values.
The Galactic Bulge
Authors: Barbuy B.
Published: June 2016

The Galactic bulge is the least studied component of our Galaxy. Yet, its formation and evolution are key to understand the formation of the Galaxy itself. Studies on the Galactic bulge have increased significantly in the last years, but still there are many points of controversy. This volume contains several contributions from experts in different aspects of the bulge. Issues discussed include the following: the presence of an old spheroidal bulge, or identification of its old stellar population with the thick disk or halo; fraction of stars younger than 10 Gyr is estimated to be of < 5 to 22% depending on method and authors; multiple populations or only a metal-poor and a metal-rich ones; spheroidal or ellipsoidal distribution of RR Lyrae; formation of the bulge from early mergers or from secular evolution of the bar; different methods of mapping extinction; selection and identification of bulge globular clusters.
Role of tectonic burial and temperature on the inversion of inherited extensional basins during collision
Authors: LAFOSSE MANFRED , BOUTOUX ALEXANDRE , BELLAHSEN NICOLAS , LE POURHIET LAETITIA
Published: June 2016

The style of inversion of inherited extensional basins in the Western Alps is investigated through thermo-mechanical modelling. Two-dimensional models consist of a half-graben embedded in a relatively strong crust (basement) and filled with weak syn-rift sediments (cover). We investigate the relative influence of the internal friction (µ) of the basin-bounding normal fault, tectonic burial (h) under an overlying nappe and the geothermal gradient. We use a viscoplastic model with symmetrical shortening. The inherited normal fault is implemented as a curved thin body with a variable friction coefficient (µ) ranging from 0.1 to 0.6. The style of basin inversion is controlled at shallow depth by the internal friction coefficient, whose influence decreases with the increase of both burial depth and geothermal gradient. With increasing burial and/or geothermal gradient, fault reactivation is inhibited and distributed deformation in the basement induces the vertical extrusion of the cover. The basin inversion is accompanied by distributed deformation in the cover and by the shearing of the basin and basement interface. The results are consistent with the style of inversion of inherited half-grabens in the external Western Alps, where no significant fault reactivation occurred owing to tectonic burial underneath the Alpine internal units during the early Alpine collision.
Plantingian theism and the free-will defence
Authors: WIELENBERG ERIK J.
Published: June 2016

I advance a challenge to the coherence of Alvin Plantinga's brand of theism that focuses on Plantinga's celebrated free-will defence. This challenge draws on (but goes beyond) some ideas advanced by Wes Morriston. The central claim of my challenge is that Plantinga's free-will defence, together with certain claims that are plausible and/or to which Plantinga is committed, both requires and rules out the claim that it is possible that God is capable of engaging in moral goodness. I then critically evaluate an interesting strategy for responding to my challenge inspired by some recent work by Kevin Timpe, arguing that the response ultimately fails. The upshot of the article is that Plantinga's brand of theism is internally inconsistent; furthermore, because the claims that are in tension with the free-will defence are ones that many theists are likely to find attractive, many theists are not able to appeal to Plantinga's free-will defence in responding to the logical problem of evil.
Restricted Prioritarianism or Competing Claims?
Authors: LANGE BENJAMIN
Published: June 2016

I here settle a recent dispute between two rival theories in distributive ethics: Restricted Prioritarianism and the Competing Claims View. Both views mandate that the distribution of benefits and burdens between individuals should be justifiable to each affected party in a way that depends on the strength of each individual's separately assessed claim to receive a benefit. However, they disagree about what elements constitute the strength of those individuals’ claims. According to restricted prioritarianism, the strength of a claim is determined in ‘prioritarian’ fashion by both what she stands to gain and her absolute level of well-being, while, according to the competing claims view, the strength of a claim is also partly determined by her level of well-being relative to others with conflicting interests. I argue that, suitably modified, the competing claims view is more plausible than restricted prioritarianism.
IHD from copper deficiency: a unified theory
Authors: Klevay Leslie M.
Published: June 2016

The theory, in brief outline here, implicating deficiency of Cu in the aetiology and pathophysiology of IHD explains more attributes of the disease than any other theory. This theory satisfies several of Hill’s criteria of a half-century ago for deducing association between an environmental feature and presence of an illness. Most important is the temporal association between the rise of IHD and the decrease in dietary Cu since the 1930s along with a parallel increase in the supplementation of pregnant women with Fe, a Cu antagonist. There are more than eighty anatomical, chemical and physiological similarities between animals deficient in Cu and individuals with IHD. Few of these similarities have been produced by other dietary manipulations because feeding cholesterol induces Cu deficiency in animals. The most recent of these to be identified is decreased serum dehydroepiandrosterone. Some concomitant aspects of Cu metabolism and utilisation have been identified in other theories about heart disease: fetal programming, homocysteine, and Fe overload.