bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uric Acid is a Useful Tool to Predict Contrast-Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Mendi Mehmet Ali , Afsar Baris , Oksuz Fatih , Turak Osman , Yayla Cagri , Ozcan Firat , Johnson Richard J. , Kanbay Mehmet
Published: March 2016

Developing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) has a negative impact on survival and morbidity. We assessed the predictive value of serum uric acid (SUA) for the development of CIN in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent pPCI. Contrast-induced nephropathy was defined an increase of ≥25% or ≥0.5 mg/dL in creatinine concentrations within 72 hours after pPCI. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to admission median SUA level. Serum uric acid level was <5.4 mg/dL (group 1; n = 222) and ≥5.4 mg/dL (group 2; n = 228). Compared to group 1, development of CIN (12% vs 20%, P < .001) was significantly greater in group 2. Using a cut point of >5.45 mg/dL, the SUA level predicted development of CIN with a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 67%. In multiple logistic regression analysis, SUA level, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, contrast volume, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and C-reactive protein level emerged as independent predictors of CIN. In conclusion, elevated SUA is an independent risk factor for the development of CIN after pPCI in patients with STEMI.
Analysis of Twenty-Two Performance Properties of Diesel, Gasoline, and Jet Fuels Using a Field-Portable Near-Infrared (NIR) Analyzer
Authors: Brouillette Carl , Smith Wayne , Shende Chetan , Gladding Zack , Farquharson Stuart , Morris Robert E. , Cramer Jeffrey A. , Schmitigal Joel
Published: March 2016

The change in custody of fuel shipments at depots, pipelines, and ports could benefit from an analyzer that could rapidly verify that properties are within specifications. To meet this need, the design requirements for a fuel analyzer based on near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, such as spectral region and resolution, were examined. It was found that the 1000 to 1600 nm region, containing the second CH overtone and combination vibrational modes of hydrocarbons, provided the best near-infrared to fuel property correlations when path length was taken into account, whereas 4 cm−1 resolution provided only a modest improvement compared to 16 cm−1 resolution when four or more latent variables were used. Based on these results, a field-portable near-infrared fuel analyzer was built that employed an incandescent light source, sample compartment optics to hold 2 mL glass sample vials with ∼1 cm path length, a transmission grating, and a 256 channel InGaAs detector that measured the above stated wavelength range with 5–6 nm (∼32 cm−1) resolution. The analyzer produced high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) spectra of samples in 5 s. Twenty-two property correlation models were developed for diesel, gasoline, and jet fuels with root mean squared error of correlation – cross-validated values that compared favorably to corresponding ASTM reproducibility values. The standard deviations of predicted properties for repeat measurements at 4, 24, and 38℃ were often better than ASTM documented repeatability values. The analyzer and diesel property models were tested by measuring seven diesel samples at a local ASTM certification laboratory. The standard deviations between the analyzer determined values and the ASTM measured values for these samples were generally better than the model root mean squared error of correlation—cross-validated values for each property.
Development of a Portable Field Imaging Spectrometer: Application for the Identification of Sun-Dried and Sulfur-Fumigated Chinese Herbals
Authors: Zhang Hongming , Wu Taixia , Zhang Lifu , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2016

We fabricated a visible–near-infrared (Vis-NIR) portable field imaging spectrometer with a prism–grating–prism element and a scanning mirror. The developed Vis-NIR imaging spectrometer, consisting of an INFINITY 3-1 detector and a V10E spectrometer from Specim Corporation, is designed to measure the spectral range between 0.4 and 1 µm with spectral resolution of 2–4 nm. In recent years, sulfur fumigation has been abused during the processing of certain freshly harvested Chinese herbs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fiber optic NIR spectrometry, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry are typically used to analyze the chemical profiles of sulfur-fumigated and sun-dried Chinese herbs. Field imaging spectrometry is rarely used to identify sulfur-fumigated herbs. In this study, field imaging spectrometry, principal component analysis, and the partial least squares-discriminant analysis multivariate data analysis method are used to distinguish sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Chinese medicinal herbs with a sensitivity of 96.4% and a specificity of 98.3% for RPA identification. These results suggest that hyperspectral imaging is a potential technique to control medicine quality for medical applications.
Automated Fast Screening Method for Cocaine Identification in Seized Drug Samples Using a Portable Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Instrument
Authors: Mainali Dipak , Seelenbinder John
Published: March 2016

Quick and presumptive identification of seized drug samples without destroying evidence is necessary for law enforcement officials to control the trafficking and abuse of drugs. This work reports an automated screening method to detect the presence of cocaine in seized samples using portable Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers. The method is based on the identification of well-defined characteristic vibrational frequencies related to the functional group of the cocaine molecule and is fully automated through the use of an expert system. Traditionally, analysts look for key functional group bands in the infrared spectra and characterization of the molecules present is dependent on user interpretation. This implies the need for user expertise, especially in samples that likely are mixtures. As such, this approach is biased and also not suitable for non-experts. The method proposed in this work uses the well-established “center of gravity” peak picking mathematical algorithm and combines it with the conditional reporting feature in MicroLab software to provide an automated method that can be successfully employed by users with varied experience levels. The method reports the confidence level of cocaine present only when a certain number of cocaine related peaks are identified by the automated method. Unlike library search and chemometric methods that are dependent on the library database or the training set samples used to build the calibration model, the proposed method is relatively independent of adulterants and diluents present in the seized mixture. This automated method in combination with a portable FT-IR spectrometer provides law enforcement officials, criminal investigators, or forensic experts a quick field-based prescreening capability for the presence of cocaine in seized drug samples.
Impaired cue identification and intention retrieval underlie prospective memory deficits in patients with first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Liu Dengtang , Ji Chengfeng , Zhuo Kaiming , Song Zhenhua , Wang Yingchan , Mei Li , Zhu Dianming , Xiang Qiong , Chen Tianyi , Yang Zhilei , Zhu Guang , Wang Ya , Cheung Eric FC , Xiang Yu-tao , Fan Xiaoduo , Chan Raymond CK , Xu Yifeng , Jiang Kaida
Published: March 2016

Objective:

Schizophrenia is associated with impairment in prospective memory, the ability to remember to carry out an intended action in the future. It has been established that cue identification (detection of the cue event signaling that an intended action should be performed) and intention retrieval (retrieval of an intention from long-term memory following the recognition of a prospective cue) are two important processes underlying prospective memory. The purpose of this study was to examine prospective memory deficit and underlying cognitive processes in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

Methods:

This study examined cue identification and intention retrieval components of event-based prospective memory using a dual-task paradigm in 30 patients with first-episode schizophrenia and 30 healthy controls. All participants were also administered a set of tests assessing working memory and retrospective memory.

Results:

Both cue identification and intention retrieval were impaired in patients with first-episode schizophrenia compared with healthy controls ( ps < 0.05), with a large effect size for cue identification (Cohen’s d = 0.98) and a medium effect size for intention retrieval (Cohen’s d = 0.62). After controlling for working memory and retrospective memory, the difference in cue identification between patients and healthy controls remained significant. However, the difference in intention retrieval between the two groups was no longer significant. In addition, there was a significant inverse relationship between cue identification and negative symptoms ( r = −0.446, p = 0.013) in the patient group.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that both cue identification and intention retrieval in event-based prospective memory are impaired in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. Cue identification and intention retrieval could be potentially used as biomarkers for early detection and treatment prognosis of schizophrenia. In addition, addressing cue identification deficit through cognitive enhancement training may potentially improve negative symptoms as well.
Incidence of Breakthrough Urinary Tract Infection in Hospitalized Infants Receiving Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Authors: Lloyd Jessica C. , Hornik Christoph P. , Benjamin Daniel K. , Clark Reese H. , Routh Jonathan C. , Smith P. Brian
Published: March 2016

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a source of substantial morbidity in children in the neonatal intensive care unit. The incidence of UTIs that occur in critically ill infants during a course of antibiotic prophylaxis (i.e., breakthrough urinary tract infections [BUTIs]) is not known. We investigated the incidence of BUTI in a cohort of infants hospitalized on prophylactic antibiotics in neonatal intensive care units. Predictors of BUTI were evaluated using multivariable Cox regression. Out of 716 787 infants, 631 (0.09%) were prescribed 821 courses of antibiotic prophylaxis. Among this cohort, 60 infants (9.5%) suffered a total of 65 BUTIs. Of all prophylactic antibiotic courses, 65/821 (7.9%) were complicated by BUTI. Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Escherichia coli species were the most common causes of BUTI. There was no statistically significant difference ( P = .78) in BUTI incidence among the 4 antibiotics assessed (amoxicillin, cephalexin, nitrofurantoin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole).
Shadows of the Past
Authors: Oertel Simon , Thommes Kirsten , Walgenbach Peter
Published: March 2016

Following research on transition economies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), and having been motivated by arguments pertaining to the business systems approach, the authors propose that the existence of a communist heritage decreases the likelihood that employees will be consulted during organizational change processes. Results based on 23,876 firms across 27 of the European Union (EU-27) countries support this proposition. Moreover, the likelihood of direct consultation decreases with the existence of formal employee representation and an increasing share of foreign ownership in firms located in CEE countries. The authors discuss these findings in the context of organizational democracy research and the recent literature on transition economies and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of participative decision-making processes in organizations.
Interfaith dialogue and cooperation across faiths: The experience of Indonesia
Authors: Sunarko OFM Adrianus
Published: March 2016

On the one hand, it can not be denied that the statements of Vatican II about other religions promoted the development of dialogic relations with other faiths. On the other hand, some question and criticize Vatican II for not providing an adequate basis for genuine dialogue which has to go both ways. In addition to dialogue in terms of attitudes towards people of other religions, dialogue needs to include a sense of cooperation between different religions in community building. In the Indonesian context, the adherents of different religions are challenged to dialogue and cooperate positively in the development of its unique form of democracy. And good cooperation across faiths can have a positive impact on the quality of interfaith dialogue.
Reading the Bible amid the Israeli–Palestinian conflict
Authors: Brueggemann Walter
Published: March 2016

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is a difficult, complex interface in which new postures, new possibilities, and new dangers are constantly emerging, so that reiterations of old formulae are at best unhelpful. A biblical interpreter can make only a very modest contribution to that ongoing urgent conversation. In what follows I will seek to sort out some of the extrapolations that are made from the Bible. It is clear that the Bible, as the rabbis have always understood, is filled with playful ambiguity and supple plural possibilities. Where that ambiguity and suppleness of the Bible is flattened into an ideological certitude that yields specific benefit, we likely have a misreading of the Bible.
Perceptions of Harms Associated With Tobacco, Alcohol, and Cannabis Among Students From the UK and Norway
Authors: Pedersen Willy , Fjær Eivind Grip , Gray Paul , Soest Tilmann von
Published: March 2016

Introduction:

International drug policy has traditionally been based on the premise that illegal drugs are more harmful than legal substances. Here, we investigate how students in the UK and Norway now perceive possible harms related to tobacco and alcohol—which are legal—and cannabis—which is illegal.

Methods:

Social science undergraduates at a university in the UK ( n = 473) and Norway ( n = 472) completed an anonymous survey. They were asked to rate the harms of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis across five domains: (i) physical harms, (ii) mental health conditions, (iii) dependence, (iv) injuries, and (v) social consequences. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the relative harms of the three substances across all the domains as well as possible differences between participants from the UK and Norway.

Results:

Tobacco was rated as most harmful with regard to physical harm and dependence; alcohol was rated as most harmful with regard to injuries and social consequences, while cannabis was rated as most harmful with regard to mental health. The total harms scores for alcohol were highest, slightly above those of cannabis. British students reported higher tobacco and alcohol harm scores than Norwegian students, while the opposite pattern was true for cannabis.

Conclusions:

The legal substance alcohol was rated by students as more harmful than the illegal substance cannabis. The findings may imply that young people in the years to come may be less supportive of a traditional drug policy based on criminalization, at least when it comes to cannabis. At the same time, one may hypothesize that liberal alcohol policies may receive little support, given students’ perception of the possible harms associated with alcohol.
Fuzzy PID controller design using time-delay estimation
Authors: Kim Jinwook , Chang Pyung-Hun , Jin Maolin
Published: March 2016

A fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is designed using time-delay estimation (TDE). In this paper, we show that, in a discrete-time domain, the fuzzy PID controller is a superset of a time-delay controller (TDC). In other words, with certain fuzzy parameter conditions, the discrete fuzzy PID controller is equivalent to the discrete TDC. Tuning the fuzzy PID controller can be started by exploiting the TDC: a simple, efficient and effective controller. The initial fuzzy parameters can be obtained with equivalence relationships between the fuzzy PID controller and the TDC. Furthermore, the performance of the fuzzy PID controller can be enhanced by using the non-linear control surface described by various fuzzy parameters. To this end, a fuzzy TDC is proposed using the TDE and the desired fuzzy error dynamics, and a conversion formula from the fuzzy TDC to the fuzzy PID controller is derived in a discrete-time domain. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through experiments on a PUMA-type robot manipulator.
Dietary ω‐6/ω‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Ratios Affect the Homeostasis of Th/Treg Cells in Mice With Dextran Sulfate Sodium–Induced Colitis
Authors: Huang Cyoung‐Huei , Hou Yu‐Chen , Pai Man‐Hui , Yeh Chiu‐Li , Yeh Sung‐Ling
Published: March 2016

Background: This study evaluated the effect of different dietary ω‐6/ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratios on modulating helper T (Th) and regulatory T (Treg) lymphocytes in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)–induced colitis. Methods: There were 3 control and 3 colitis groups. Mice were fed for 24 days with diets with soybean oil (S), a mixture of soybean oil and low fish oil content (LF), or high fish oil content (HF). The ratio of ω‐6/ω‐3 PUFA in the LF diet was 4:1, and that in the HF diet was 2:1. The control groups drank distilled water while colitis groups were provided 2% DSS in drinking water during days 15–19. All mice drank distilled water from days 20–24 for recovery and were sacrificed on day 25. Results: Colitis resulted in higher blood Th1, Th2, and Th17 and lower Treg percentages. Also, plasma haptoglobin and proinflammatory chemokines were elevated in colon lavage fluid. Colitic groups with fish oil had lower inflammatory mediators in the plasma and colon lavage fluid. Furthermore, the percentages of blood Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells were lower, whereas Treg cell percentages were higher than those in the soybean oil group. The colitis group with an ω‐6/ω‐3 PUFA ratio of 2:1 had more pronounced effects than the group with a ratio of 4:1. Conclusions: Diets with an ω‐6/ω‐3 PUFA ratio of 2:1 or 4:1 regulate the Th/Treg balance and attenuate inflammatory mediator production in colitis. Compared with the ω‐6/ω‐3 PUFA ratio of 4:1, the ratio of 2:1 was more effective in reducing inflammatory reactions in DSS‐induced colitis.
Ethical Case Study of the Researcher–Participant Relationship in End-of-Life Research
Authors: Olsen Douglas P. , Lehto Rebecca H. , Chan Roxane Raffin
Published: March 2016

Nurse-researchers studying interventions for patients at the end-of-life may become close with participants due to the nature of interactions within the research protocol. In such studies, participants may request further interactions that would constitute clinical care beyond the scope of the protocol. Nurse-researchers may feel a conflict of values between their obligation to the research goals and their inclinations and obligations as nurses to care for their patients. Nurse-researchers in this situation aspire to honor the bonds developed through close contact and ensure participants receive standard of care while maintaining standards of research ethics. Analysis of a case and review of applicable concepts in research ethics, including ethical relationships, therapeutic misconception, equipoise, and population vulnerability, are used to develop recommendations regarding the decision parameters for similar cases.
Safety of Outpatient Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
Authors: Meltzer Charles , Klau Marc , Gurushanthaiah Deepak , Tsai Joanne , Meng Di , Radler Linda , Sundang Alvina
Published: March 2016

Objective

To test our hypothesis that general and thyroid surgery–specific complications, mortality, and postdischarge utilization for patients undergoing outpatient and inpatient thyroid and parathyroid surgery would not differ when outpatient status was defined as discharge within 8 hours of surgery completion.

Study Design

Retrospective observational cohort, 2008 to 2013.

Setting

Kaiser Permanente Northern California and Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

Subjects and Methods

We used a robust set of variables and propensity score methods to match 2362 patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy, total thyroidectomy, or parathyroidectomy surgery as outpatients to 2362 patients undergoing the same procedures as inpatients. Outcomes assessed were 30‐day rates of complications, emergency department visits, all‐cause hospital readmissions, and mortality.

Results

After matching, no statistically significant differences between inpatients and outpatients were found for complication rates or postdischarge utilization. After matching, there was no statistically significant difference between inpatients and outpatients in hematoma rates, which were 0.55% in both groups. In the matched‐pair groups, 2 deaths occurred among inpatients (0.09%) and none occurred among outpatients (0.00%), a difference that was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Discharge within 8 hours after completion of thyroid and parathyroid surgery is as safe as inpatient surgery.
Information about the European Union in an acceding country
Authors: Tanacković Sanjica Faletar , Radmilović Dino , Badurina Boris
Published: March 2016

This paper presents an exploratory study whose aim was to investigate selected aspects of information needs and information seeking behavior related to the European Union (EU) by public library users in an EU acceding country. Research questions addressed the importance of European information for respondents, types and context of EU information needs, and various aspects of the information seeking process (e.g., information sources consulted, obstacles encountered while seeking information). The findings revealed a high need for information about the EU and relatively low level of knowledge about the EU among the respondents. The results indicated that respondents required different types of EU-related information, mainly for personal reasons because they wanted to better understand the European Union in general and its effects on their everyday lives. The majority of respondents preferred readily available sources to access EU information, such as the Internet and TV/radio. Libraries and official EU publications were rarely used. When searching for European information, the majority of respondents faced the same problems as respondents in long-established EU countries: they struggled with the large amount of information related to the EU and they had difficulties in where to look for EU-related information. This is the first study of EU information needs and seeking behavior in an acceding country, and the findings are expected to be of interest to European administrations charged with the development of effective communication policies, national authorities in EU candidate and acceding countries, and information professionals in general.
A probe into the factors for adoption and usage of electronic document and records management systems in the Botswana context
Authors: Mosweu Olefhile , Bwalya Kelvin Joseph , Mutshewa Athulang
Published: March 2016

Increasingly, public sector organizations are implementing records management systems with a view of improving service delivery. However, adoption and use of these systems has been found to be wanting. This study investigated the factors that influence the adoption and usage of a Document Workflow Management System at the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Botswana using a modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a theoretical lens. The study adopted a survey research design hinged on a positivist approach. A questionnaire, with both open and closed-ended questions, was administered to all 61 Action Officers (with response rate of 87%) who were the key users of the system. The findings of the study indicate that the four major UTAUT constructs accounted for 55% of the variance in explaining behavioural intention to adopt and use the Document Workflow Management System. The study found technophobia, negative attitudes to system use, perceived system complexity and incompatibility with existing information systems as key factors contributing to low adoption and usage of the system. The study proposes a conceptual adoption framework that may be used to guide research and practice in similar contexts.
Word boundaries in L2 speech: Evidence from Polish learners of English
Authors: Schwartz Geoffrey
Published: March 2016

Acoustic and perceptual studies investgate B2-level Polish learners’ acquisition of second language (L2) English word-boundaries involving word-initial vowels. In production, participants were less likely to produce glottalization of phrase-medial initial vowels in L2 English than in first language (L1) Polish. Perception studies employing word monitoring and word counting tasks found that glottalization of word-initial vowels had a negligible impact on the processing of L2 word boundaries. Taken together, these experiments suggest that B2-level learners are relatively successful in acquiring word-boundary linking processes that are for the most part absent from L1 Polish, and challenge the notion of an L2 ‘Word Integrity’ constraint. The cross-language interactions observed in these experiments are compatible with the claim that the realization of word-initial vowels is governed by a representational parameter, which may be derived in the Onset Prominence framework.
Evidence on the analgesic role of bisphosphonates and denosumab in the treatment of pain due to bone metastases: A systematic review within the European Association for Palliative Care guidelines project
Authors: Porta-Sales Josep , Garzón-Rodríguez Cristina , Llorens-Torromé Silvia , Brunelli Cinzia , Pigni Alessandra , Caraceni Augusto
Published: March 2016

Background:

Bisphosphonates and denosumab are well-established therapies to reduce the frequency and severity of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastasis. However, the analgesic effect of these medications on bone pain is uncertain.

Aim:

To identify, critically appraise and synthesize existing evidence to answer the following questions: ‘In adult patients with metastatic bone pain, what is the evidence that bisphosphonates and denosumab are effective and safe in controlling pain?’ and ‘What is the most appropriate schedule of bisphosphonate/denosumab administration to control bone pain?’. This review also updates the 2002 Cochrane review ‘Bisphosphonates for the relief of pain secondary to bone metastases’.

Design:

Standard systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Data sources:

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for relevant articles published through 31 January 2014. A manual search was also performed. Study inclusion criteria were: a) conducted in adult patients; b) randomized controlled trial or meta-analisys; c) reported efficacy of bisphosphonates or denosumab on pain and/or decribed side effects versus placebo or other bisphosphonate; and d) English language.

Results:

The database search yielded 1585 studies, of which 43 (enrolling 8595 and 7590 patients, respectively, in bisphosphonate and denosumab trials) met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two (79%) of the 28 placebo-controlled trials found no analgesic benefit for bisphosphonates. None of the denosumab studies assessed direct pain relief.

Conclusion:

Evidence to support an analgesic role for bisphosphonates and denosumab is weak. Bisphosphonates and denosumab appear to be beneficial in preventing pain by delaying the onset of bone pain rather than by producing an analgesic effect per se.
CB1 antagonism produces behaviors more consistent with satiety than reduced reward value in food-maintained responding in rats
Authors: Thompson Emily E , Jagielo-Miller Julia E , Vemuri V Kiran , Makriyannis Alexandros , McLaughlin Peter J
Published: March 2016

Cannabinoid CB1 antagonists are widely known to reduce motivation for food, but it is not known whether they induce satiety or reduce reward value of food. It may therefore be necessary to compare effects of altered satiety and reward food value in the same appetitive task, and determine whether CB1 antagonism produces a behavior pattern similar to either, both, or neither. A fine-grained analysis of fixed-ratio 10 (FR10) responding for palatable food initially included number and duration of, and between, all lever presses and food tray entries in order to differentiate the pattern of suppression of prefeeding from that caused by reducing the reward value of the pellets with quinine. Discriminant function analysis then determined that these manipulations were best differentiated by effects on tray entries, pellet retrieval latencies, and time of the first response. At 0.5 mg/kg, AM 6527 produced similar effects to reducing reward value, but at 1.0 and 4.0 mg/kg, effects were more similar to those when animals were satiated. We conclude that AM 6527 both reduced reward value and enhanced satiety, but as dose increased, effects on satiety became much more prominent. These findings contribute to knowledge about the behavioral processes affected by CB1 antagonism.
Preconditioning-induced CXCL12 upregulation minimizes leukocyte infiltration after stroke in ischemia-tolerant mice
Authors: Selvaraj Uma Maheswari , Ortega Sterling B , Hu Ruilong , Gilchrist Robert , Kong Xiangmei , Partin Alexander , Plautz Erik J , Klein Robyn S , Gidday Jeffrey M , Stowe Ann M
Published: March 2016

Repetitive hypoxic preconditioning creates long-lasting, endogenous protection in a mouse model of stroke, characterized by reductions in leukocyte–endothelial adherence, inflammation, and infarct volumes. The constitutively expressed chemokine CXCL12 can be upregulated by hypoxia and limits leukocyte entry into brain parenchyma during central nervous system inflammatory autoimmune disease. We therefore hypothesized that the sustained tolerance to stroke induced by repetitive hypoxic preconditioning is mediated, in part, by long-term CXCL12 upregulation at the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In male Swiss Webster mice, repetitive hypoxic preconditioning elevated cortical CXCL12 protein levels, and the number of cortical CXCL12+ microvessels, for at least two weeks after the last hypoxic exposure. Repetitive hypoxic preconditioning-treated mice maintained more CXCL12-positive vessels than untreated controls following transient focal stroke, despite cortical decreases in CXCL12 mRNA and protein. Continuous administration of the CXCL12 receptor (CXCR4) antagonist AMD3100 for two weeks following repetitive hypoxic preconditioning countered the increase in CXCL12-positive microvessels, both prior to and following stroke. AMD3100 blocked the protective post-stroke reductions in leukocyte diapedesis, including macrophages and NK cells, and blocked the protective effect of repetitive hypoxic preconditioning on lesion volume, but had no effect on blood–brain barrier dysfunction. These data suggest that CXCL12 upregulation prior to stroke onset, and its actions following stroke, contribute to the endogenous, anti-inflammatory phenotype induced by repetitive hypoxic preconditioning.
Extrapolating Survival from Randomized Trials Using External Data: A Review of Methods
Authors: Jackson Christopher , Stevens John , Ren Shijie , Latimer Nick , Bojke Laura , Manca Andrea , Sharples Linda
Published: March 2016

This article describes methods used to estimate parameters governing long-term survival, or times to other events, for health economic models. Specifically, the focus is on methods that combine shorter-term individual-level survival data from randomized trials with longer-term external data, thus using the longer-term data to aid extrapolation of the short-term data. This requires assumptions about how trends in survival for each treatment arm will continue after the follow-up period of the trial. Furthermore, using external data requires assumptions about how survival differs between the populations represented by the trial and external data. Study reports from a national health technology assessment program in the United Kingdom were searched, and the findings were combined with “pearl-growing” searches of the academic literature. We categorized the methods that have been used according to the assumptions they made about how the hazards of death vary between the external and internal data and through time, and we discuss the appropriateness of the assumptions in different circumstances. Modeling choices, parameter estimation, and characterization of uncertainty are discussed, and some suggestions for future research priorities in this area are given.
Assessing the heterogeneity of residual stress for complementing the fatigue performance comprehension
Authors: Klocke Fritz , Gomes Jefferson , Löpenhaus Christoph , Rego Ronnie R
Published: March 2016

The residual stress analysis is a well-established method for predicting fatigue failures of mechanical components. Within industrial constraints, the X-ray diffraction is a technique usually applied to measuring a small spot of the workpiece surface. This punctual and averaged outcome does not allow the proper representation of the residual stress. The objective of this study is to define a feasible method for assessing the heterogeneity of the surface residual stress state. The proposal is based on the theoretical relationship between the deviation of the residual macrostress and the intensity of the microstress. Steel shot peened gears were produced and their microstresses were assessed by means of the diffraction profiles broadening. The reference database was composed of topography measurements, metallographic analyses and residual macrostress maps. The stress heterogeneity was reasonably correlated to the intensity of the Gauss integral breadth. Applied to ground parts, the correlation’s parameter filled a comprehension gap between the measured residual stress intensity and observed contact fatigue failures. Using the same data from the macro residual stress measurement, the method proved to be feasibly applied. Moreover, by providing a deviation perspective to the residual stress state, the heterogeneity assessment enhances the analysis of a fatigue failure.
Injectable hydrogel from plum pectin as a barrier for prevention of postoperative adhesion
Authors: Popov Sergey V , Popova Galina Yu , Nikitina Ida R , Markov Pavel A , Latkin Dmitry S , Golovchenko Victoria V , Patova Ol’ga A , Krachkovsky Nikita , Smirnov Vasily V , Istomina Elena A , Shumikhin Konstantin V , Burkov Andrey A , Martinson Ekaterina A , Litvinets Sergey G
Published: March 2016

An injectable hydrogel was obtained from the high methyl-esterified plum Prunus domestica L. (PD) pectin and calcium ions (Ca2+). PD hydrogel showed a weak gel-like behavior and could be squeezed out of the syringe with an injection force of ca. 9 N. PD hydrogel was not suitable for the NIH/3T3 fibroblast cell adhesion in vitro. The live/dead fluorescence and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays indicated that the PD hydrogel had a low cytotoxicity in relation to both the adhered and gel surrounding fibroblasts. PD hydrogel was found to inhibit adhesion formation in the sidewall defect-cecum abrasion rat model. In the control group, the occurrence of adhesion of the cecum to the peritoneal wall was found in seven of the total seven rats operated. Only four of the seven animals that were treated with the PD hydrogel were noted to have any adhesions. These adhesions were of a minimum grade of 1, 2, and 3 and were represented by a thin film that could be easily broken. The protective effect of PD hydrogel was found to be comparable with that of hyaluronic acid hydrogel used as a positive control. PD hydrogel appeared to possess enhanced in vivo residence stability on the injury sites compared to hyaluronic acid hydrogel as measured by staining of healing tissue with periodic acid-Schiff reagent. The data obtained offered the prospect for the development of the pectin-based gels as new barrier materials for surgery.
Risks and cost of capital for onshore wind energy investments in EU countries
Authors: Angelopoulos Dimitrios , Brückmann Robert , Jirouš Filip , Konstantinavičiūtė Inga , Noothout Paul , Psarras John , Tesnière Lucie , Breitschopf Barbara
Published: March 2016

The national binding targets, set for renewable energy deployment at European Union (EU), call for extended clean energy investments. Renewable energy projects require high up-front expenditures including, in many cases, considerable financing costs. The main objective of this paper is to elaborate and apply a methodology that allows assessing the most important risk categories related to renewable energy investments. The cornerstone of this approach is the weighted average cost of capital, which has been extracted for new onshore wind projects in EU-28 member states based on diverse methods e.g. Capital Asset Pricing Model. Moreover, to validate the model results, a series of interviews with renewable energy project developers and financers across the EU has been conducted. The results show that, following the country risk, policy-related risks exert the highest impact on the cost of capital. Moreover, there are significant discrepancies between different geographical regions and market deployment levels. To support policy makers' decision on effective risk-reducing policy designs, the assessment could also be extended to other renewable energy technologies.
Actuation dynamic modeling and characterization of an electrohydraulic system
Authors: Das Jayanta , Mishra Santosh Kumar , Saha Rana , Mookherjee Saikat , Sanyal Dipankar
Published: March 2016

The physical model of an electrohydraulic actuation system with pressure-reducing cylinder end cushioning has been obtained. In order to arrive at the closure of the model, experimental models for actuator friction and the characteristics of the relief, non-return and proportional valves have been constructed. The variation in discharge through the proportional valve with both pressure and command signal has been modeled by training a neural network with experimental data. For the characterization of the discharge through the proportional valve, besides square root of the pressure drop in each metered orifice, polynomial forms of command signal for the discharge coefficients have been used. Such a direct characterization of the discharge with the command signal eliminates the orifice opening as an intermediate variable. A simple friction model that retains all the features of the existing complex models has been developed. Parameters such as maximum dynamic friction and the corresponding velocity have been introduced for this purpose. All these nonlinear subsystem models have been integrated together in MATLAB/Simulink frame to predict the actuation dynamics. The variations in the predicted and experimental displacements of the piston against different command signals have been found to be quite close to each other.
Digital hydraulics and “Industrie 4.0”
Authors: Brandstetter Reinhard , Deubel Till , Scheidl Rudolf , Winkler Bernd , Zeman Klaus
Published: March 2016

This article addresses mainly questions about the roles of fluid systems, in particular of digital ones, in an “Industrie 4.0 (I4.0)” environment. There are three roles: the general machines’ subsystems/components’ role in machines of an I4.0 production system, the role of subsystems/components of machines which are produced under I4.0 conditions, and the manufacturing of fluid systems’ components in an I4.0 setting. These roles are discussed and examples of digital hydraulic solutions which fulfill these roles excellently are presented. They feature simplicity and robustness of hardware components and transfer of functionality to software. It is concluded that components and subsystems can support the successful realization of I4.0-type production systems decisively.
Effects of quercetin on methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Yuksel Yasemin , Yuksel Ramazan , Yagmurca Murat , Haltas Hacer , Erdamar Husamettin , Toktas Muhsin , Ozcan Osman
Published: March 2016

Objective:

This experimental study was conducted to elucidate the possible protective/therapeutic effects of quercetin against methotrexate (Mtx)-induced kidney toxicity with biochemical and histopathological studies.

Methods:

Twenty-four adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups, as follows: control group (saline intraperitoneally (i.p.), 9 days), Mtx group (20 mg/kg i.p., single dose), Mtx + quercetin group (50 mg/kg quercetin was orally administered 2 days before and 6 days after Mtx administration) and only quercetin group (50 mg/kg oral, 9 days). Structural changes were evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin and periodic acid–Schiff stainings. Apoptotic changes were investigated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and caspase-3 antibody. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in tissue and plasma samples.

Results:

Mtx compared with the control group, there was significant increase in nephrotoxic tissue damage findings, in addition to apoptotic index (APOI) and caspase-3 expression ( p < 0.05). Mtx + quercetin group revealed significantly lower histopathological damage and APOI and caspase-3 expression decreased when compared to Mtx group. MDA levels were increased in Mtx group compared to others, and by the use of quercetin, this increase was significantly reduced. SOD levels were higher in Mtx group than others. This increase was evaluated as a relative increase arising from oxidative damage caused by Mtx.

Conclusion:

As a result, Mtx administration may involve oxidative stress by causing structural and functional damage in kidney tissue in rats. Quercetin reduced the Mtx-induced oxidative stress through its antioxidant properties and so quercetin may be promising to alleviate Mtx-induced renal toxicity.
Naringin improves zidovudine- and stavudine-induced skeletal muscle complications in rats
Authors: Adebiyi OO , Adebiyi OA , Owira PMO
Published: March 2016

Chronic use of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been associated with several complications. Available management options for these complications have yielded controversial results, thus the need to urgently find newer alternatives. Naringin, a plant-derived flavonoid, has been shown to possess antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties which can be exploited in managing NRTI-induced complications. This study therefore investigated the effects of naringin on some NRTI-induced complications. Forty-nine rats (200–250 g) were divided into seven groups and were orally treated with stavudine (d4T)-only, d4T + naringin, d4T + vitamin E, zidovudine (AZT)-only, AZT + naringin, AZT + vitamin E, and distilled water, respectively. Drugs were administered once daily for 56 days, and oral glucose tolerance tests conducted on day 54 of the experiments and rats were thereafter sacrificed on day 56 by halothane overdose. Plasma samples and the left gastrocnemius muscles were stored at −80°C for further analysis. There was significant glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the skeletal muscles of AZT- or d4T-only–treated rats. Naringin, however, significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and fasting plasma insulin concentrations, mitigated glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance in addition to reducing malondialdehyde and carbonyl protein concentrations when coadministered with either NRTIs. Furthermore, naringin improved antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced skeletal muscle BCL-2-associated X protein expression, and improved B-cell lymphoma-2 protein expression compared to AZT- or d4T-only–treated rats. Naringin ameliorated AZT- and d4T-induced complications and therefore should be further investigated as a possible nutritional supplement in managing HIV infection.
Ethical dimensions of paediatric nursing: A rapid evidence assessment
Authors: Bagnasco Annamaria , Cadorin Lucia , Barisone Michela , Bressan Valentina , Iemmi Marina , Prandi Marzia , Timmins Fiona , Watson Roger , Sasso Loredana
Published: March 2016

Background:

Paediatric nurses often face complex situations requiring decisions that sometimes clash with their own values and beliefs, or with the needs of the children they care for and their families. Paediatric nurses often use new technology that changes the way they provide care, but also reduces their direct interaction with the child. This may generate ethical issues, which nurses should be able to address in the full respect of the child.

Research question and objectives:

The purpose of this review is to describe the main ethical dimensions of paediatric nursing. Our research question was, ‘What are the most common ethical dimensions and competences related to paediatric nursing?’

Research design:

A rapid evidence assessment.

Method:

According to the principles of the rapid evidence assessment, we searched the PubMed, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases for papers published between January 2001 and March 2015. These papers were then independently read by two researchers and analysed according to the inclusion criteria.

Ethical considerations:

Since this was a rapid evidence assessment, no approval from the ethics committee was required.

Findings:

Ten papers met our inclusion criteria. Ethical issues in paediatric nursing were grouped into three areas: (a) ethical issues in paediatric care, (b) social responsibility and (c) decision-making process.

Conclusion:

Few studies investigate the ethical dimensions and aspects of paediatric nursing, and they are mainly qualitative studies conducted in critical care settings based on nurses’ perceptions and experiences. Paediatric nurses require specific educational interventions to help them resolve ethical issues, contribute to the decision-making process and fulfil their role as advocates of a vulnerable population (i.e. sick children and their families). Further research is needed to investigate how paediatric nurses can improve the involvement of children and their families in decision-making processes related to their care plan.
Earnings Management in Recession and Recovery Periods
Authors: Jahmani Yousef , Niranjan Suman , Toney Susanne
Published: March 2016

This article investigates earnings management during the recession and recovery periods (2008 and 2013) for S&P 500 companies. Using the modified Jones model, the results suggest that these companies managed their earnings in both periods, but they managed their earnings much more in the recession period, which may be attributed to the desire to avoid or mitigate the negative consequences of experiencing deep losses. The results also raise questions about the reliability of the companies’ financial statements. The findings of this research are useful to the Securities and Exchange Commission and auditors, and they imply that more careful scrutinisation of companies’ financial statements is needed to better inform investors and creditors relying on these statements.

JEL Classification: M41