bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (SCAT5): Background and rationale
Authors: Echemendia Ruben J , Meeuwisse Willem , McCrory Paul , Davis Gavin A , Putukian Margot , Leddy John , Makdissi Michael , Sullivan S John , Broglio Steven P , Raftery Martin , Schneider Kathryn , Kissick James , McCrea Michael , Dvořák Jiří , Sills Allen K , Aubry Mark , Engebretsen Lars , Loosemore Mike , Fuller Gordon , Kutcher Jeffrey , Ellenbogen Richard , Guskiewicz Kevin , Patricios Jon , Herring Stanley
Published: April 2017

This paper presents the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (SCAT5), which is the most recent revision of a sport concussion evaluation tool for use by healthcare professionals in the acute evaluation of suspected concussion. The revision of the SCAT3 (first published in 2013) culminated in the SCAT5. The revision was based on a systematic review and synthesis of current research, public input and expert panel review as part of the 5th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Berlin in 2016. The SCAT5 is intended for use in those who are 13 years of age or older. The Child SCAT5 is a tool for those aged 5–12 years, which is discussed elsewhere.
The Concussion Recognition Tool 5th Edition (CRT5): Background and rationale
Authors: Echemendia Ruben J , Meeuwisse Willem , McCrory Paul , Davis Gavin A , Putukian Margot , Leddy John , Makdissi Michael , Sullivan S John , Broglio Steven P , Raftery Martin , Schneider Kathryn , Kissick James , McCrea Michael , Dvořák Jiří , Sills Allen K , Aubry Mark , Engebretsen Lars , Loosemore Mike , Fuller Gordon , Kutcher Jeffrey , Ellenbogen Richard , Guskiewicz Kevin , Patricios Jon , Herring Stanley
Published: April 2017

The Concussion Recognition Tool 5 (CRT5) is the most recent revision of the Pocket Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 that was initially introduced by the Concussion in Sport Group in 2005. The CRT5 is designed to assist non-medically trained individuals to recognise the signs and symptoms of possible sport-related concussion and provides guidance for removing an athlete from play/sport and to seek medical attention. This paper presents the development of the CRT5 and highlights the differences between the CRT5 and prior versions of the instrument.
The Berlin 2016 process: a summary of methodology for the 5th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport
Authors: Meeuwisse Willem H , Schneider Kathryn J , Dvořák Jiří , Omu Onutobor (Tobi) , Finch Caroline F , Hayden K. Alix , McCrory Paul
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this paper is to summarise the methodology for the 5th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport. The 18 months of preparation included engagement of a scientific committee, an expert panel of 33 individuals in the field of concussion and a modified Delphi technique to determine the primary questions to be answered. The methodology also involved the writing of 12 systematic reviews to inform the consensus conference and submission and review of scientific abstracts. The meeting itself followed a 2-day open format, a 1-day closed expert panel meeting and two additional half day meetings to develop the Concussion Recognition Tool 5 (Pocket CRT5), Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) and Child SCAT5.
Comparison of Ticagrelor Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in STEMI and NSTEMI Patients (PINPOINT): protocol for a prospective, observational, single-centre study
Authors: Adamski Piotr , Ostrowska Małgorzata , Sikora Joanna , Obońska Karolina , Buszko Katarzyna , Krintus Magdalena , Sypniewska Grażyna , Marszałł Michał Piotr , Koziński Marek , Kubica Jacek
Published: April 2017

Introduction

The most common classification of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is based on electrocardiographic findings and distinguishes ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Both types of AMI differ concerning their epidemiology, clinical approach and early outcomes. Ticagrelor is a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, constituting the first-line treatment for STEMI and NSTEMI. According to available data, STEMI may be associated with lower plasma concentration of ticagrelor in the first hours of AMI, but currently there are no studies directly comparing ticagrelor pharmacokinetics or antiplatelet effect in patients with STEMI versus NSTEMI.

Methods and analysis

The PINPOINT study is a phase IV, single-centre, investigator-initiated, prospective, observational study designed to compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ticagrelor in patients with STEMI and NSTEMI assigned to the invasive strategy of treatment. Based on an internal pilot study, the trial is expected to include at least 23 patients with each AMI type. All subjects will receive a 180 mg loading dose of ticagrelor. The primary end point of the study is the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0–6)) for ticagrelor during the first 6 hours after the loading dose. Secondary end points include various pharmacokinetic features of ticagrelor and its active metabolite (AR-C124910XX), and evaluation of platelet reactivity by the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein assay and multiple electrode aggregometry. Blood samples for the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessment will be obtained at pretreatment, 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 hours post-ticagrelor loading dose.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received approval from the Local Ethics Committee (Komisja Bioetyczna Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu przy Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy; approval reference number KB 617/2015). The study results will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT02602444; Pre-results.
Evaluation of the COPING parent online universal programme: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Owen Dawn Adele , Griffith Nia , Hutchings Judy
Published: April 2017

Trial sponsor

Bangor University, Brigantia Building, College Road, Bangor, LL57 2AS, UK

Introduction

The COPING parent online universal programme is a web-based parenting intervention for parents of children aged 3-8 years with an interest in positive parenting. The programme focuses on strengthening parent-child relationships and encouraging positive child behaviour. This trial will evaluate whether the intervention is effective in increasing the use of positive parenting strategies outlined in the programme using parent report and blind observation measures.

Methods and analysis

This is a pilot randomised controlled trial with intervention and wait-list control conditions. The intervention is a 10-week online parenting programme to promote positive parent-child relations by teaching core social learning theory principles that encourage positive child behaviour, primarily through the use of praise and rewards. Health visitors and school nurses will circulate a recruitment poster to parents of children aged 3–8 years on their current caseloads. Recruitment posters will also be distributed via local primary schools and nurseries. Parents recruited to the trial will be randomised on a 2:1 ratio to intervention or wait-list control conditions (stratified according to child gender and age). The primary outcome measure is positive parenting as measured by a behavioural observation of parent-child interactions using the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System. Secondary outcomes include parent report of child behaviour, and self-reported parental sense of competence, parenting behaviour and parental mental health. Data will be collected at baseline and 3 months later (postintervention) for all participants and 6 months postbaseline for the intervention group only. Analysis of covariance will be the main statistical method used.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has received ethical approval from the NHS Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Ethics Committee (REC) and the School of Psychology, Bangor University REC (15/WA/0463). Publication of all outcomes will be in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

Current Controlled TrialsISRCTN89370147(5 May 2016).
Experiences, attitudes and possibilities for improvement concerning the cooperation between occupational physicians, rehabilitation physicians and general practitioners in Germany from the perspectives of the medical groups and rehabilitation patients – a protocol for a qualitative study
Authors: Voelter-Mahlknecht Susanne , Stratil Jan M , Kaluscha Rainer , Krischak Gert , Rieger Monika A
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Rehabilitation measures for patients in the working age primarily aim at maintaining employability, restoring fitness for work or timely return to work (RTW). To facilitate RTW after long sick leave in Germany, both rehabilitation physicians' knowledge about the patients' workplace and communication between the rehabilitation physician and the occupational physician need to be improved. This research will record the experiences and attitudes of occupational physicians, rehabilitation physicians and general practitioners, as well as of rehabilitation patients, to indicate barriers and possibilities for improvement concerning the intersection between workplace and rehabilitation institution. As a previous literature review has shown, insufficient data on the experiences and attitudes of the stakeholders are available. Therefore, an exploratory qualitative approach was chosen.

Methods and analysis

8 focus group discussions will be conducted with occupational physicians, rehabilitation physicians, general practitioners and rehabilitation patients (2 focus groups with 6–8 interviewees per category). Qualitative content analysis will be used to evaluate the data, thus describing positive and negative experiences and attitudes, barriers and possibilities for improvement at the intersection of general and occupational medicine and rehabilitation with regard to the workplace. The data from the focus groups will be used to develop a standardised quantitative questionnaire for a survey of the medical groups and rehabilitation patients in a follow-up project.

Ethics and dissemination

The research will be undertaken with the approval of the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Tuebingen. The study participants’ consent will be documented in written form. The names of all study participants and all other confidential information data fall under medical confidentiality. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal independent of the nature of the results.
Impact of different dietary approaches on blood pressure in hypertensive and prehypertensive patients: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Schwingshackl Lukas , Chaimani Anna , Hoffmann Georg , Schwedhelm Carolina , Boeing Heiner
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Lifestyle modification is one of the cornerstones in the management of hypertension. According to the most recent guidelines by the American Heart Association, all patients with hypertension should adopt the following dietary advices: increased consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and sodium reduction. The aim of the present study is to assess the efficacy of different dietary approaches on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with hypertension and high normal blood pressure in a systematic review including a pairwise and network meta-analysis of randomised trials.

Methods and analysis

We conducted searches in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Google Scholar until November 2016. Citations, abstracts and relevant papers were screened for eligibility by two reviewers independently. Randomised trials were included if they met the following criteria: (1) hypertension (as mean values ≥140 mm Hg systolic blood pressure and/or ≥90 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure) or high normal blood pressure (mean systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg and/or mean diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg), (2) age ≥18 years, (3) intervention diets (different type of dietary approaches, eg, dietary approach to stop hypertension diet; Mediterranean diet, vegetarian diet, palaeolithic diet, low sodium diet) either hypocaloric, isocaloric or ad libitum diets, (4) intervention period ≥12 weeks. For each outcome measure of interest, random effects pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed in order to determine the pooled relative effect of each intervention relative to every other intervention in terms of the postintervention values (or change scores). Subgroup analyses were planned for hypertensive status, study length, sample size, age and sex.

Ethics and dissemination

As this study is based solely on the published literature, no ethics approval was required. We published our network meta-analysis in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO: CRD42016049243
Gout in primary care: Can we improve patient outcomes?
Authors: Callear Jacqueline , Blakey Georgina , Callear Alexandra , Sloan Linda
Published: April 2017

In the United Kingdom, gout represents one of the most common inflammatory arthropathies predominantly managed in the primary care setting. Gout is a red flag indicator for cardiovascular disease and comorbidity. Despite this, there are no incentivised treatment protocols and suboptimal management in the primary care setting is common. A computer based retrospective search at a large inner city GP practice between January 2014-December 2014 inclusive, identified 115 patients with gout. Baseline measurements revealed multiple gout related consultations, poor medication compliance, high uric acid levels and deficiencies in uric acid monitoring.

A series of improvement cycles were conducted. A telephone questionnaire conducted in January 2015, identified that patient education was suboptimal. The following improvement cycles aimed to educate patients, improve uric acid monitoring and support medication compliance. It was ultimately hoped that these measures would reduce gout flares and GP practice attendance. The improvement cycles contributed towards reduction in uric acid levels from 0.37 to 0.3 (p=0.14), 20% reduction in patients experiencing one or more gout flares and 77% reduction in GP related consultations between March 2015-March 2016 compared to baseline. The proportion of patients fully compliant with taking their urate lowering therapies improved from 63% to 91% (p=0.0001).

A follow up series of PDSA cycles were performed between July-December 2016. The purpose of these cycles was to assess the sustainability of the improved medication compliance demonstrated by the improvement cycles. Three months following the completion of the improvement cycles, full medication compliance dropped from 91% to 70% (p=0.0001). The introduction of a paper calendar saw sustained and maintained improvement in medication compliance to 100% (p=0.0001) at the end of the study period. The improvement and PDSA cycles have demonstrated that simple interventions can be a sustainable way of improving disease control and patient outcomes.
Learning to swim: role of gender, age and practice in Latino children, ages 3–14
Authors: Olaisen Rho Henry , Flocke Susan , Love Thomas
Published: April 2017

Objective

We evaluate the effectiveness of a swim skill acquisition intervention among Latino youths, ages 3–14, a minority population at increased risk of drowning.

Methods

Parents were recruited through community institutions to have their children participate in group swim lessons. Each child's swim ability was assessed at baseline, and they were then exposed to swim lessons over an 8-week period, taught by trained professionals. The swim skill curriculum focused on water safety, flotation and endurance, at five levels of increasing skill acquisition. Final swim ability was assessed on the last day of the child's participation. Programme effectiveness was measured using direct pre–post comparisons with and without adjustment for key moderators (age and gender) and a mediator (number of practices). We also present a bias-adjusted estimate comparing low with high practice volume relying on a propensity score analysis.

Results

Among the 149 participating children, average acquisition was 12.3 swim skills (95% CI 10.7 to 14.1). Skill acquisition varied by age category (3–5, 6–9 and 10–14 years) and by gender. We found a strong practice intensity effect, with skill acquisition accelerated for those participating in 10 or more swimming lessons. The propensity-adjusted estimate of the impact of 10 or more compared with 9 or fewer lessons was 8.2 skills (95% CI 4.8 to 11.8).

Conclusions

An 8-week swim intervention is effective at building skills in a community-based sample of Latino children, ages 3–14 years. The number of swimming lessons was a far stronger correlate of skill acquisition than were age or gender.
Nuclear survivin expression correlates with endoglin-assessed microvascularisation in laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Marioni Gino , Ottaviano Giancarlo , Marchese-Ragona Rosario , Fasanaro Elena , Tealdo Giulia , Zanotti Claudia , Randon Benedetto , Giacomelli Luciano , Stellini Edoardo , Blandamura Stella
Published: April 2017

Aims

Survivin—a member of the family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins that control cell division, apoptosis and metastasis—is overexpressed in virtually all human cancers, including laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Recent findings also correlate survivin expression with the regulation of angiogenesis. The novel main aim of this study was a preliminary investigation into the potential role of survivin expression in LSCC neoangiogenesis, as determined by endoglin-assessed microvascular density (MVD).

Methods

Immunohistochemical expression of nuclear survivin and endoglin-assessed MVD were ascertained by image analysis in 75 consecutive LSCCs.

Results

Statistical analysis disclosed a strong direct correlation between nuclear survivin expression and MVD. Patients whose nuclear survivin expression was ≥6.0% had a significantly higher LSCC recurrence rate, and a significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS) than those with a nuclear survivin expression <6.0%. The LSCC recurrence rate was also higher and the DFS shorter in patients with endoglin-assessed MVD ≥6.89%. The OR for recurrence was 2.79 in patients with LSCC with a nuclear survivin expression ≥6.0%, and 12.31 in those with an MVD≥6.89%.

Conclusions

Survivin-targeting strategies to enhance tumour cell response to apoptosis and inhibit tumour growth should receive more attention with a view to developing agents for use in multimodality advanced LSCC treatment, or combined with conventional chemotherapy. Given the present preliminary evidence in LSCC, survivin targeting should also be further investigated for anti-angiogenic purposes, to reduce tumour blood flow and induce cancer necrosis.
Do guidelines for treating chest disease in children use Cochrane Reviews effectively? A systematic review
Authors: Prayle Andrew P , Cox Tessy , Smith Sherie J , Rycroft-Malone Joanne , Thomas Kim S , Hughes Dyfrig A , Smyth Alan R
Published: April 2017

Cochrane Reviews summarise best evidence and should inform guidelines. We assessed the use of Cochrane Reviews in the UK guidelines for paediatric respiratory disease. We found 21 guidelines which made 1025 recommendations, of which 96 could be informed by a Cochrane Review. In 38/96 recommendations (40%), some or all of the relevant Cochrane Reviews were not cited. We linked recommendations to 140 Cochrane Reviews. In 37/140 (26%) cases, the guideline recommendation did not fully agree with the Cochrane Review. Guideline developers may fail to use Cochrane Reviews or may make recommendations which are not in line with best evidence.
Informed clients benefit practices and pets
Authors: Johnson Helen
Published: April 2017

White Cross Vets in Derby recently opened its doors and invited local pet owners to come and learn about what to do – and what not to do – in a pet emergency. Clinic director, Helen Johnson, says that informing clients can help bond them to a practice
Introduction
Authors: Khlopov Maxim Yu.
Published: April 2017

A series of brief reviews collected in the present issue present various candidates for cosmological Dark Matter (DM) predicted by models of particle physics. The range from superlight axions to extended objects is covered. Though the possible list of candidates is far from complete, it gives the flavor of the extensive field of DM particle physics.
Charged dilaton black hole in 2 + 1 dimensions as a particle accelerator
Authors: Fernando Sharmanthie
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we have studied particle collisions around a charged dilaton black hole in 2 + 1 dimensions. This black hole is a solution to the low energy string action in 2 + 1 dimensions. Time-like geodesics for charged particles are studied in detail. The center-of-mass energy for two charged particles colliding closer to the horizon is calculated and shown to be infinite if one of the particles has the critical charge.
Effect of Cu content on exfoliation corrosion and electrochemical corrosion of A7N01 aluminum alloy in EXCO solution
Authors: He Yaling , Wang Xiaomin , Hu Jie , Zhou Qiang , Chen Hui
Published: April 2017

The exfoliation corrosion (EXCO) sensitivities and electrochemical corrosions of A7N01 aluminum (Al) alloys with 0.074% and 0.136% Cu contents were investigated in EXCO solution. The exfoliation corrosion developed more rapidly for the alloy with 0.136% Cu by expressing higher exfoliation rate and deeper corrosion pits as observed by SEM and laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM). In EXCO solution, the alloy with 0.136% Cu content showed lower open-circuit potential (OCP) than the alloy with 0.074% Cu content. The alloy with 0.136% Cu content had bigger “hysteresis loop” in cyclic polarization curve which meant lower self-passivation ability. In electrochemical impedance spectroscopy plot, its curvature radius and capacitance index were lower. The electrochemical test results revealed that the alloy with 0.136% Cu content showed more severe electrochemical corrosion than the alloy with 0.074% Cu content, consistent with the exfoliation corrosion results. The microstructures of two alloys were observed through optical microscopy (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The continuous distribution of the equilibrium precipitate [Formula: see text]-MgZn2 on grain boundaries, the decreasing of the width of precipitate-free zone (PFZ) and the coarse Cu–Fe–Si–rich phase were responsible for the higher corrosion sensitivity of the Al alloy with 0.136% Cu than that of Al alloy with 0.074% Cu content in EXCO solution.
Corrosion–fatigue crack propagation of aluminum alloys for high-speed trains
Authors: Shen Lin , Chen Hui , Che Xiaoli , Xu Lidong
Published: April 2017

A modified single-edge notch tension (SENT) specimen exposed to saline environment was utilized to investigate the corrosion–fatigue crack growth behaviors of 5083, 6005 and 7N01 aluminum alloys. The fatigue crack propagation life, corrosion–fatigue crack rate ([Formula: see text]) were tested. The microstructures and fracture surfaces of specimens were examined by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that fatigue crack propagation rate of 7N01 in 3.5% NaCl was significantly higher than 6005 and 5083 alloys. The mechanisms of anodic dissolution and hydrogen embrittlement are used to explain the results.
Parameter optimization of flux-aided backing-submerged arc welding by using Taguchi method
Authors: Pu Juan , Yu Shengfu , Li Yuanyuan
Published: April 2017

Flux-aided backing-submerged arc welding has been conducted on D36 steel with thickness of 20 mm. The effects of processing parameters such as welding current, voltage, welding speed and groove angle on welding quality were investigated by Taguchi method. The optimal welding parameters were predicted and the individual importance of each parameter on welding quality was evaluated by examining the signal-to-noise ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA) results. The importance order of the welding parameters for the welding quality of weld bead was: welding current [Formula: see text] welding speed [Formula: see text] groove angle [Formula: see text] welding voltage. The welding quality of weld bead increased gradually with increasing welding current and welding speed and decreasing groove angle. The optimum values of the welding current, welding speed, groove angle and welding voltage were found to be 1050 A, 27 cm/min, 40[Formula: see text] and 34 V, respectively.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of red-emitting K2MgSiO4:Eu3+ phosphors
Authors: Yang Rong , Tang Huidong
Published: April 2017

A novel phosphor, K2MgSiO4:Eu[Formula: see text], was synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. The phase formation was checked by X-ray powder diffraction. The photoluminescence excitation, emission spectra, decay curve and CIE coordinates of samples with different Eu[Formula: see text] ion concentrations were investigated in detail. The excitation spectra show a broad wavelength range of 225–470 nm. The K2MgSiO4:Eu[Formula: see text] phosphors exhibit highly red emission peaking at about 616 nm which is assigned to the 5D[Formula: see text]F2 transition of Eu[Formula: see text]ions under the excitation of near-ultraviolet (NUV) (394 nm) light. The critical quenching concentration of Eu[Formula: see text] doped in the K2MgSiO4: Eu[Formula: see text] phosphors was about 10 mol.% and the concentration quenching mechanism was dipole–dipole interactions between Eu[Formula: see text] ions. The results indicate that K2MgSiO4:Eu[Formula: see text] is a potential red phosphor candidate for NUV-pumped white light emitting diodes.
Superconductivity in nitrogen-doped 3C–SiC from first-principles calculations
Authors: Liu Ning , Wang Wenjun , Guo Liwei , Peng Tonghua , Chen Xiaolong
Published: April 2017

The electronic structure and the lattice dynamics of N-doped 3C–SiC have been studied using the first-principles calculations. Electrons are introduced to the conduction band bottom at the X-point of the Brillouin zone. It is revealed that the acoustical modes and optical modes soften upon N doping. The softened acoustical modes contribute over twice of what the optical modes do to the electron–phonon coupling strength. We predict that the superconductivity will occur with N doping concentration beyond about 3 at.% and the transition temperature can reach 11.36 K upon doping of N at about 5 at.% for 3C–SiC.
Pressure effect on the hardness of diamond and W2B5: First-principle calculations
Authors: Feng Shi-Quan , Yang Yang , Li Jun-Yu , Jiang Xiao-Xu , Li Hai-Ning , Cheng Xin-Lu
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we employed first-principle calculations to investigate the elastic properties, electronic properties and hardness of diamond and hexagonal W2B5 compounds under high pressure. The elastic properties were carried out to discuss the structural stability and the bond components of diamond and hexagonal W2B5. The electronic properties were presented to analysis the change of the bond components for W2B5. In addition, the hardness of these two crystals under high pressure was calculated by a semi-empirical method considering the role of metallic components and the effect of pressure on the hardness of diamond and hexagonal W2B5 was discussed.
The Role of Entrepreneur-Venture Fit in Online Home-Based Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Naveed , Daniel Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

Home-based businesses and their founders represent an important, but under-researched facet of entrepreneurship. Far from being small, hobby-businesses with little economic impact, home-based business make significant contribution to national economies in terms of both turnover and employment. Online home-based businesses have been recognised as an important and distinct sector of the home-based business domain, offering unique opportunity for innovation and business diversity. The paper presents a systematic literature review of extant research on online home-based entrepreneurs and their businesses. The findings of the review are structured and discussed using the theoretical lens of entrepreneur-venture fit. Use of this lens allows the study to bring coherence to previously fragmented extant studies, providing a basis for future research in this domain. The study also develops a novel model of entrepreneur-venture fit in the specific case of online home-based businesses. This allows us to suggest five positive interactions between entrepreneurial and venture characteristics. It also allows us to suggest a number of previously unidentified negative interactions, which may result in entrepreneurs becoming ‘locked-in’ and suffering multiple sources of stress.
On Some Algebraic Procedure for Block-Diagonal Decompositions of Open Dynamical Systems
Authors: Kamizawa Takeo
Published: April 2017

In this paper we study an application of a tool called the “discriminant of algebra”, which gives us an effective method to determine the complete reducibility of algebras. This tool can be applied to the analysis of open quantum systems and we study some examples of it.
Signaling by Antibodies: Recent Progress
Authors: Bournazos Stylianos , Wang Taia T. , Dahan Rony , Maamary Jad , Ravetch Jeffrey V.
Published: April 2017

IgG antibodies mediate a diversity of immune functions by coupling of antigen specificity through the Fab domain to signal transduction via Fc-Fc receptor interactions. Indeed, balanced IgG signaling through type I and type II Fc receptors is required for the control of proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory processes. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that govern IgG–Fc receptor interactions, highlighting the diversity of Fc receptor–mediated effector functions that regulate immunity and inflammation as well as determine susceptibility to infection and autoimmunity and responsiveness to antibody-based therapeutics and vaccines.
Ablation of S1P3 receptor protects mouse soleus from age-related drop in muscle mass, force, and regenerative capacity
Authors: Bondì Michela , Germinario Elena , Pirazzini Marco , Zanetti Giulia , Cencetti Francesca , Donati Chiara , Gorza Luisa , Betto Romeo , Bruni Paola , Danieli-Betto Daniela
Published: April 2017

We investigated the effects of S1P3 deficiency on the age-related atrophy, decline in force, and regenerative capacity of soleus muscle from 23-mo-old male (old) mice. Compared with muscle from 5-mo-old (adult) mice, soleus mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) in old wild-type mice were reduced by ~26% and 24%, respectively. By contrast, the mass and fiber CSA of soleus muscle in old S1P3-null mice were comparable to those of adult muscle. Moreover, in soleus muscle of wild-type mice, twitch and tetanic tensions diminished from adulthood to old age. A slowing of contractile properties was also observed in soleus from old wild-type mice. In S1P3-null mice, neither force nor the contractile properties of soleus changed during aging. We also evaluated the regenerative capacity of soleus in old S1P3-null mice by stimulating muscle regeneration through myotoxic injury. After 10 days of regeneration, the mean fiber CSA of soleus in old wild-type mice was significantly smaller (−28%) compared with that of regenerated muscle in adult mice. On the contrary, the mean fiber CSA of regenerated soleus in old S1P3-null mice was similar to that of muscle in adult mice. We conclude that in the absence of S1P3, soleus muscle is protected from the decrease in muscle mass and force, and the attenuation of regenerative capacity, all of which are typical characteristics of aging.
Biomechanical impact of provisional stenting and balloon dilatation on coronary bifurcation: clinical implications
Authors: Chen Henry Y. , Al-Saadon Khalid , Louvard Yves , Kassab Ghassan S.
Published: April 2017

In-stent restenosis (ISR) and stent thrombosis remain clinically significant problems for bifurcations. Although the role of wall shear stress (WSS) has been well investigated, the role of circumferential wall stresses (CWS) has not been well studied in provisional stenting with and without final kissing balloon (FKB). We hypothesized that the perturbation of CWS at the SB in provisional stenting and balloon dilatation is an important factor in addition to WSS, and, hence, may affect restenosis rates (i.e., higher CWS correlates with higher restenosis). To test this hypothesis, we developed computational models of stent, FKB at bifurcation, and finite element simulations that considered both fluid and solid mechanics of the vessel wall. We computed the stress ratio (CWS/WSS) to show potential correlation with restenosis in clinical studies (i.e., higher stress ratio correlates with higher restenosis). Our simulation results show that stenting in the main branch (MB) increases the maximum CWS in the side branch (SB) and, hence, yields a higher stress ratio in the SB, as compared with the MB. FKB dilatation decreases the CWS and increases WSS, which collectively lowers the stress ratio in the SB. The changes of stress ratio were correlated positively with clinical data in provisional stenting and FKB. Both fluid and solid mechanics need to be evaluated when considering various stenting techniques at bifurcations, as solid stresses also play an important role in clinical outcome. An integrative index of bifurcation mechanics is the stress ratio that considers both CWS and WSS.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although the role of wall shear stress (WSS) has been well investigated, the role of circumferential wall stresses (CWS) has not been well studied in provisional stenting with and without final kissing balloon. Both fluid and solid mechanics need to be evaluated when considering various stenting techniques at bifurcations. An integrative index of bifurcation mechanics is the stress ratio that considers both CWS and WSS.
Auditory fear conditioning modifies steady-state evoked potentials in the rat inferior colliculus
Authors: Lockmann André Luiz Vieira , Mourão Flávio Afonso Gonçalves , Moraes Marcio Flávio Dutra
Published: April 2017

Local field potential oscillations in the inferior colliculus follow the amplitude envelope of an amplitude-modulated tone, originating a neural response called the steady-state evoked potential. We show that auditory fear conditioning of an amplitude-modulated tone modifies two parameters of the steady-state evoked potentials in the inferior colliculus: first the phase to which the evoked oscillation couples to the amplitude-modulated tone shifts; subsequently, the evoked oscillation power increases along with its coherence with the amplitude-modulated tone.
Temporal integration and 1/fpower scaling in a circuit model of cerebellar interneurons
Authors: Maex Reinoud , Gutkin Boris
Published: April 2017

Inhibitory interneurons interconnected via electrical and chemical (GABAAreceptor) synapses form extensive circuits in several brain regions. They are thought to be involved in timing and synchronization through fast feedforward control of principal neurons. Theoretical studies have shown, however, that whereas self-inhibition does indeed reduce response duration, lateral inhibition, in contrast, may generate slow response components through a process of gradual disinhibition. Here we simulated a circuit of interneurons (stellate and basket cells) of the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex and observed circuit time constants that could rise, depending on parameter values, to >1 s. The integration time scaled both with the strength of inhibition, vanishing completely when inhibition was blocked, and with the average connection distance, which determined the balance between lateral and self-inhibition. Electrical synapses could further enhance the integration time by limiting heterogeneity among the interneurons and by introducing a slow capacitive current. The model can explain several observations, such as the slow time course of OFF-beam inhibition, the phase lag of interneurons during vestibular rotation, or the phase lead of Purkinje cells. Interestingly, the interneuron spike trains displayed power that scaled approximately as 1/ f at low frequencies. In conclusion, stellate and basket cells in cerebellar cortex, and interneuron circuits in general, may not only provide fast inhibition to principal cells but also act as temporal integrators that build a very short-term memory.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The most common function attributed to inhibitory interneurons is feedforward control of principal neurons. In many brain regions, however, the interneurons are densely interconnected via both chemical and electrical synapses but the function of this coupling is largely unknown. Based on large-scale simulations of an interneuron circuit of cerebellar cortex, we propose that this coupling enhances the integration time constant, and hence the memory trace, of the circuit.
Plasma Levels of High-Mobility Group Box 1 during Peptide Vaccination in Patients with Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Waki Kayoko , Kawano Kouichiro , Tsuda Naotake , Ushijima Kimio , Itoh Kyogo , Yamada Akira
Published: April 2017

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein that is known to be secreted into extracellular fluids from injured cells, activated macrophages, and tumor cells. The clinical correlation of circulating HMGB1 levels with various diseases including cancer has been reported. However, there is no information on HMGB1 levels in cancer patients treated with peptide vaccination. In the present study, we investigated the plasma levels of HMGB1 during personalized peptide vaccination in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Frozen plasma samples of 39 patients from previously conducted clinical trials were used in this study. HMGB1 levels were decreased after the 1st cycle of vaccination from their prevaccination levels. However, no correlation was observed between HMGB1 and overall survival (OS). The correlation between plasma HMGB1 levels and other biomarker levels was further analyzed by scatter plot, revealing that HMGB1 levels after the 1st cycle of vaccination were significantly correlated with myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) frequency after the 1st cycle of vaccination (r=0.357, p=0.032). Chi-square test showed that epitope spreading was significantly related with changes of HMGB1 (p=0.030). These results suggest that plasma HMGB1 is a possible biomarker for cancer vaccine therapy, although direct correlation with OS has not been obtained. This trial is registered with Clinical Trial Registry under trial numbers UMIN000003083 and UMIN000001482.
iTRAQ‐Based Proteomics of Chronic Renal Failure Rats after FuShengong Decoction Treatment Reveals Haptoglobin and Alpha‐1‐Antitrypsin as Potential Biomarkers
Authors: Yang Yu , Wei Junmeng , Huang Xuekuan , Wu Mingjun , Lv Zhenbing , Tong Pan , Chang Rui
Published: April 2017

Background. Chronic renal failure (CRF) has become a global health problem and bears a huge economic burden. FuShengong Decoction (FSGD) as traditional Chinese medicine has multiple pharmacological effects. Objectives. To understand the underlying molecular mechanism and signaling pathway involved in the FSGD treatment of CRF and screen differentially expressed proteins in rats with CRF treated with FSGD. Methods. Thirty‐three male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, CRF group, and FSGD group. Differentially expressed proteins were screened by iTRAQ coupled with nanoLC‐MS/MS, and these identified proteins were later analyzed by GO, KEGG, and STRING. Additionally, haptoglobin (HP) and alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT) were finally verified by ELISA, Western blot, and real time PCR. Results. A total of 417 proteins were identified. Nineteen differentially expressed proteins were identified in the FSGD group compared with the model group, of which 3 proteins were upregulated and 16 proteins were downregulated. Cluster analysis indicated that inflammatory response was associated with these proteins and complement and coagulation cascade pathways were predominantly involved. The validation methods further confirmed that the levels of HP and AAT were significantly increased. Conclusions. HP and AAT may be the important biomarkers in the pathogenesis of CRF and FSGD therapy.
Wideband Circularly Polarized Spidron Fractal Slot Antenna with an Embedded Patch
Authors: Altaf Amir , Yang Youngoo , Lee Kang-Yoon , Hwang Keum Cheol
Published: April 2017

In this communication, a wideband circularly polarized (CP) Spidron fractal microstrip antenna is proposed based on the concept of embedded structures. The proposed antenna is excited by a tapered microstrip feedline. A wide 3 dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 28.81% (3.09–4.13 GHz) is obtained by merging the CP bands of the Spidron fractal slot and patch antennas. In addition, a measured −10 dB reflection bandwidth of 47.25% (2.57–4.16 GHz) is reported. The measured results are in reasonable concurrence with the simulated results. The measured gain varies between 2.12 dBic and 3.56 dBic within the AR bandwidth.
Physicochemical Characterization of Biofluid Metabolites from Liquid Residual of Tuna Fish (Euthynnus affinis) throughout Refrigerated Storage Condition
Authors: Fazial Farah Faiqah , Ling Ling Tan , Ahmad Azfar Al Ariff , Zubairi Saiful Irwan
Published: April 2017

The cold storage condition and use of chemical treatment to preserve the fish appearance sometimes cause difficulties to the consumers to estimate the freshness of fish in the market. However, during fish deterioration, some compound is released or formed due to microbial and biochemical process. Identification of released compound during fish spoilage is a crucial step in understanding the degree of spoilage. This study characterizes the physicochemical changes of metabolites biofluids from liquid residual of tuna fish (Euthynnus affinis) during refrigerated storage condition. Tuna fish were kept in ice at 0°C and stored in cold room (~4°C) for seven days in order to study the changes in fish freshness and loss of quality through the storage period. Liquid residual of fish was collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days of storage. LC-MS/MS analysis was carried out to determine the possible dominant compound which was later identified as creatine and phenylalanine. Quantification of creatine and phenylalanine using HPLC with UV detector found that creatine and phenylalanine increased significantly up to day 4 and day 5 upon storage time for creatine and phenylalanine, respectively (p<0.05). The liquid residual pH increased from 6.5 on day 0 to 7.5 on day 7 (p<0.05). Changes in chemical compounds were supported with physical analysis on gills colour of spoilage fish. L⁎ and a⁎ values decreased with storage time from 41.08 to 24.76 and 18.34 to 10.40, respectively, while b⁎ value increased from -3.80 to -0.46 (p<0.05). The finding of biofluid derived compounds was found as useful and alternative indicators of fish freshness in later study on the development of optical biosensor.
Impact of Fatty Liver on Acute Pancreatitis Severity
Authors: Yoon Seung Bae , Lee In Seok , Choi Moon Hyung , Lee Kyungjin , Ham Hyoju , Oh Hyun Jin , Park Se Hwan , Lim Chul-Hyun , Choi Myung-Gyu
Published: April 2017

Aim. Acute pancreatitis is typically a mild disease, but some patients develop severe courses. Fatty liver changes are seen in patients with acute pancreatitis, but its clinical significance has not been well-studied. We aimed to investigate the relationship between fatty liver and the severity of acute pancreatitis. Methods. Unenhanced CT images of patients with acute pancreatitis were retrospectively reviewed by a radiologist, and mean hepatic and splenic attenuation was measured in Hounsfield units (HU). Fatty liver was defined as mean hepatic/splenic HU<1. Results. Among 200 patients, fatty liver was found in 67 (33.5%) and nonfatty liver in 133 (66.5%). Compared with patients without fatty liver, the severity of pancreatitis and levels of serum C-reactive protein were higher in fatty liver patients. The prevalence of local complications, persistent organ failure, and mortality were also higher in patients with fatty liver. Even after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and cause of pancreatitis, fatty liver was significantly associated with moderately severe or severe acute pancreatitis. Conclusions. Fatty liver may play a prognostic role in acute pancreatitis. Fatty liver could be incorporated into future predictive scoring models.
Psychosocial and Environmental Correlates of Sedentary Behaviors in Spanish Children
Authors: Aznar S. , Lara M. T. , Queralt A. , Molina-Garcia J.
Published: April 2017

Purpose. To evaluate children’s psychosocial and environmental factors associated with sedentary behavior (SB).Method. The study involved a total of 420 children (mean 9.2 years; 52.9% girls) from the community of Madrid, Spain. SB and physical activity (PA) were objectively measured using accelerometers. TV viewing and potential correlates were assessed by questionnaire. Mixed-model regression analysis, adjusted for clustering within school locations, evaluated the relation of each independent variable with SBs.Results. Girls showed higher levels of SB than boys, whereas boys reported more TV viewing (p<.001in all cases). Regression analysis showed that MVPA levels were negatively related to objective SB measurement in both boys and girls (p<.001). Parent and friend support to PA were negatively associated with SB on weekdays in boys and girls, respectively (p<.05). In the boys’ group, parental professional level was a positive predictor of SB on weekend days (p=.011). Boys with more positive neighborhood perceptions spent less time watching TV (p<.001), whereas mother’s leisure-time PA level was a negative correlate of TV viewing in girls’ group (p<.01).Conclusion. Different psychosocial and environmental correlates of SB were identified. Present findings are promising targets for interventions to improve children’s health.
Support Recovery of Greedy Block Coordinate Descent Using the Near Orthogonality Property
Authors: Li Haifeng
Published: April 2017

In this paper, using the near orthogonal property, we analyze the performance of greedy block coordinate descent (GBCD) algorithm when both the measurements and the measurement matrix are perturbed by some errors. An improved sufficient condition is presented to guarantee that the support of the sparse matrix is recovered exactly. A counterexample is provided to show that GBCD fails. It improves the existing result. By experiments, we also point out that GBCD is robust under these perturbations.
Dynamical Modulation of Wintertime Synoptic-Scale Cyclone Activity over the Japan Sea due to Changbai Mountain in the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Shimizu Hiroyuki , Kawamura Ryuichi , Kawano Tetsuya , Iizuka Satoshi
Published: April 2017

The dynamical impact of the Changbai Mountain Range in the Korean Peninsula on the extratropical cyclone activity over the Japan Sea in early winter is examined using the Weather Research Forecasting model. We have conducted two independent long-term integrations over 15 winter months (December only) from 2000 to 2014 with and without modified topography. The results show that the Changbai Mountain Range plays a vital role in increasing cyclone track frequency, low-level poleward eddy heat flux, and the local deepening rate over the Japan Sea through enhancement of the lower-tropospheric baroclinic zone (LTBZ). This mountain range gives rise to activation of the synoptic-scale cyclone activity over that region. From our case study on three typical cyclones, it is found that mesoscale structures in the vicinity of a cyclone’s center are dynamically modulated when it passes through the LTBZ and that cyclogenesis is triggered around that zone. A vorticity budget analysis shows that the stretching term relevant to enhanced low-level convergence plays a dominant role in intensifying cyclonic vorticities. We confirmed that the composite features of the three typical cases are consistent with the statistical ones of the dynamical modulation of the Changbai Mountain on synoptic-scale cyclone activity.