bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimming control by variation of the switching frequency for high-intensity discharge lamps
Authors: Nehdi MN , Elloumi H , Nsibi W , Chammam A , Sellami A , Zissis G
Published: September 2013

In this paper, a high-frequency dimmable electronic power supply for the high-pressure sodium lamp is presented. The method includes a full bridge rectifier generating a dc-link voltage and a half bridge inverter to generate a frequency swept lamp power signal to drive the lamp while avoiding acoustic resonance. A dimming technique for a resonant circuit electronic ballast based on a variable frequency is introduced. In addition, the ability in the dimming range is demonstrated by experiments and simulation in order to verify the performance of the proposed circuit. A dimming range from 100% to 50% has been achieved. The efficiency is always higher than 89% and the ballast can accurately follow a fixed dimming plan.
Publicly funded remuneration for the administration of injections by pharmacists
Authors: Houle Sherilyn K. D. , Grindrod Kelly A. , Chatterley Trish , Tsuyuki Ross T.
Published: September 2013

Background:

The administration of injections has become an increasingly common addition to pharmacists’ scope of practice. Four Canadian provinces, all US states and a number of other countries have regulations allowing pharmacists to administer injections. However, the extent to which such services are remunerated is unknown.

Methods:

We contacted regulatory and advocacy organizations within those jurisdictions where pharmacists are authorized to administer injections to identify publicly funded programs that pay pharmacists for these services, as well as details of the eligible drugs/vaccines. Patient or private insurer payment programs were excluded.

Results:

Of the 281 organizations we contact-ed, 104 provided information on a total of 34 pharmacist vaccination programs throughout Canada, the United States, England, Wales and Ireland. Converted to 2013 Canadian dollars, remuneration averages $13.12 (SD $4.63) per injection (range, $4.14-$21.21). All regions allow pharmacists to bill for administration of the influenza vaccine, while some states allow for a number of other vaccines. Alberta has the broadest range of injections eligible for remuneration.

Discussion:

Despite evidence of increased vaccination rates in areas allowing pharmacist administration of injections, the availability of publicly funded remuneration programs and the fee offered vary by more than 5-fold across North America and the United Kingdom.

Conclusion:

Pharmacist-administered injections have great public health potential. The range of injections eligible for remuneration should be expanded to include a wide range of vaccines and other injectable drugs, and remuneration should be sufficient to encourage more pharmacists to provide this service.
Working to establish ‘normality’ post-transplant: A qualitative study of kidney transplant patients
Authors: Boaz Annette , Morgan Myfanwy
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To explore patients’ perceptions and experiences of ‘normality’ and the influences on this at three time points post-transplant.

Methods

In-depth interviews with 25 patients at three months, one year and more than three years following kidney transplant. Patients’ accounts were compared with Sanderson et al.’s typology of types of normality.

Findings

Post-transplant, patients worked hard to re-establish normality, albeit in a ‘reset’ form. This normality was a very personal construct, shaped by a wide range of factors including age, gender and personal circumstances. Some patients encountered significant challenges in regaining normality, both at three months for those experiencing acute and distressing side effects, and later relating to the long-term side effects of transplant medication and co-morbidities. However, the most dramatic threat to normality (disrupted normality) came from episodes of rejection and transplant failure.

Conclusions

The main types of normality achieved vary for different conditions. Moreover, despite improvements in health post-transplant and opportunities to build a new, reset normality, the participants recognised the need to pay careful attention to the spectre of future ill health and transplant failure. Transplant failure was therefore a source of disruption that was central to their illness narratives and perceived as an ever present risk.
Early palliative care in cancer treatment: rationale, evidence and clinical implications
Authors: Howie Lynn , Peppercorn Jeffrey
Published: September 2013

Patients with advanced cancer often experience symptoms of disease and treatment that contribute to distress and diminish their quality of life (QOL). Care that is aimed at control of these symptoms, whether or not the patient is undergoing ongoing disease-directed therapy to control the cancer, is thus a key feature of high-quality patient-centered care. In standard oncology practice, it is easy for focus on this type of care to be obscured by discussions and management of anticancer therapy and adequate attention to QOL, patient preferences, and goals of care often occur only days to weeks from the patient’s death. The initiation of palliative care and discussion of the patients’ goals and preferences earlier in the course of disease can lead to improved symptom control, reduced distress throughout the disease-directed therapy, and care delivery that matches the patients’ preferences. This review discusses the evolving evidence for early initiation of palliative care in patients with advanced cancer and ongoing barriers to care in this setting. We highlight challenges for research and care delivery and the potential for broader awareness of the demonstrated benefits of palliative care to help translate known benefits into improved outcomes for patients facing advanced cancer.
Distinct Heritable Influences Underpin In-Group Love and Out-Group Derogation
Authors: Lewis G. J. , Kandler C. , Riemann R.
Published: September 2013

In-group favoritism has often been conceptualized as the flip side of out-group derogation. Whereas research has dissociated these attitudes at the phenotypic level, it is currently unknown whether such dissociation is also evident at the biological level. Here, using an adult German twin sample, which provided ratings on patriotism, nationalism, and prejudice, we tested whether common or distinct heritable influences best explained variation in in-group love and out-group derogation. Results indicated that independent genetic effects accounted for individual differences in in-group love (i.e., patriotism) and out-group derogation (i.e., prejudice). In addition, we observed that nationalism showed common genetic links to both patriotism and prejudice, albeit through distinct pathways. These findings suggest that in-group sentiment is complex at the genetic level as well as at the behavioral level. Future work is recommended to further delineate the specific biological processes underlying these heritable effects.
I’m Sorry About the Rain! Superfluous Apologies Demonstrate Empathic Concern and Increase Trust
Authors: Brooks Alison Wood , Dai Hengchen , Schweitzer Maurice E.
Published: September 2013

Existing apology research has conceptualized apologies as a device to rebuild relationships following a transgression. Individuals, however, often apologize for circumstances for which they are obviously not culpable (e.g., heavy traffic or bad weather). In this article, we define superfluous apologies as expressions of regret for an undesirable circumstance for which the apologizer is clearly not responsible. Across four studies, we find that superfluous apologies increase trust in the apologizer. This effect is mediated by empathic concern. Issuing a superfluous apology demonstrates empathic concern for the victim and increases the victim’s trust in the apologizer.
Visceral white fat remodelling contributes to intermittent hypoxia-induced atherogenesis
Authors: Poulain Laureline , Thomas Amandine , Rieusset Jennifer , Casteilla Louis , Levy Patrick , Arnaud Claire , Dematteis Maurice
Published: September 2013

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a highly prevalent disease characterised by repetitive upper airway collapse during sleep leading to intermittent hypoxia. Cardiometabolic complications of sleep apnoea have been mostly attributed to intermittent hypoxia. These consequences could be mediated through intermittent hypoxia-related alterations of the visceral white fat, as it is recognised for playing an important role in inflammation, atherogenesis and insulin resistance.

Epididymal adipose tissue alterations were investigated in 20-week-old nonobese male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice exposed to intermittent hypoxia (inspiratory oxygen fraction 5–21%, 60-s cycle, 8 h·day−1) or air for 6 weeks. These adipose tissue alterations, as well as metabolic alterations and aortic atherosclerosis, were then assessed in lipectomised or sham-operated mice exposed to intermittent hypoxia or air for 6 weeks.

Intermittent hypoxia induced morphological (shrunken adipocytes), functional (increased uncoupling protein-1 expression) and inflammatory (increased macrophage recruitment and secretion of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α) remodelling of epididymal adipose tissue. Hypoxic mice presented more severe dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis lesions and developed insulin resistance. Epididymal lipectomy attenuated both intermittent hypoxia-induced dyslipidaemia and atherogenesis, but did not improve insulin sensitivity.

Our results confirmed that the dyslipidaemic and proatherogenic effects of intermittent hypoxia are partly mediated through morphological, functional and inflammatory remodelling of visceral white fat, regardless of obesity.
Longitudinal age-and cohort trends in body mass index in Sweden – a 24-year follow-up study
Authors: Caman Ozge Karadag , Calling Susanna , Midlöv Patrik , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Johansson Sven-Erik
Published: September 2013

Background

The aim of this longitudinal study was to analyze whether mean Body Mass Index (BMI), assessed at four occasions, changed within different age groups and birth cohorts over time, i.e., between 1980/81 and 2004/05, after adjustment for possible confounders.

Methods

A sample of 2728 men and 2770 women aged 16–71 years at study start were randomly drawn from the Swedish Total Population Register and followed from 1980/81 to 2004/05. The same sample was assessed on four occasions during the 24-year study period (i.e., every eighth year). The outcome variable, BMI, was based on self-reported height and weight. A mixed model, with random intercept and random slope, was used to estimate annual changes in BMI within the different age groups and birth cohorts.

Results

Mean BMI increased from 24.1 to 25.5 for men and from 23.1 to 24.3 for women during the 24-year study period. The annual change by age group was highest in the ages of 32–39, 40–47 and 48–55 years among men, and in the ages of 24–31, 32–39, and 40–47 years among women. The highest annual changes were found in the youngest birth cohorts for both men and women, i.e., those born 1958–65, 1966–73, and 1974–81. For each birth cohort, the annual change in BMI increased compared to the previous, i.e., older, birth cohort. In addition, age-by-cohort interaction tests revealed that the increase in BMI by increasing age was higher in the younger birth cohorts (1966–1989) than in the older ones.

Conclusions

Public health policies should target those age groups and birth cohorts with the highest increases in BMI. For example, younger birth cohorts had higher annual increases in BMI than older birth cohorts, which means that younger cohorts increased their BMI more than older ones during the study period.
Intervention to prevent further falls in older people who call an ambulance as a result of a fall: a protocol for the iPREFER randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mikolaizak A Stefanie , Simpson Paul M , Tiedemann Anne , Lord Stephen R , Caplan Gideon A , Bendall Jason C , Howard Kirsten , Close Jacqueline CT
Published: September 2013

Background

An increasing number of falls result in an emergency call and the subsequent dispatch of paramedics. In the absence of physical injury, abnormal physiological parameters or change in usual functional status, it could be argued that routine conveyance by ambulance to the Emergency Department (ED) is not the most effective or efficient use of resources. Further, it is likely that non-conveyed older fallers have the potential to benefit from timely access to fall risk assessment and intervention. The aim of this randomised controlled trial is to evaluate the effect of a timely and tailored falls assessment and management intervention on the number of subsequent falls and fall-related injuries for non-conveyed older fallers.

Methods

Community dwelling people aged 65 years or older who are not conveyed to the ED following a fall will be eligible to be visited at home by a research physiotherapist. Consenting participants will receive individualised intervention strategies based on risk factors identified at baseline. All pre-test measures will be assessed prior to randomisation. Post-test measures will be undertaken by a researcher blinded to group allocation 6 months post-baseline. Participants in the intervention group will receive individualised pro-active fall prevention strategies from the clinical researcher to ensure that risk factors are addressed adequately and interventions carried out. The primary outcome measure will be the number of falls recorded by a falls diary over a 12 month period. Secondary outcome measures assessed six months after baseline will include the subsequent use of medical and emergency services and uptake of recommendations. Data will be analysed using the intention-to-treat principle.

Discussion

As there is currently little evidence regarding the effectiveness or feasibility of alternate models of care following ambulance non-conveyance of older fallers, there is a need to explore assessment and intervention programs to help reduce subsequent falls, related injuries and subsequent use of health care services. By linking existing services rather than setting up new services, this pragmatic trial aims to utilise the health care system in an efficient and timely manner.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry:ACTRN%2012611000503921
Change in mRNA expression of sirtuin 1 and sirtuin 3 in cats fed on high fat diet
Authors: Ishikawa Shingo , Li Gebin , Takemitsu Hiroshi , Fujiwara Megumi , Mori Nobuko , Yamamoto Ichiro , Arai Toshiro
Published: September 2013

Background

Mammalian sirtuins are homologs to the yeast silent information regulator 2 (Sir2), which is an NAD-dependent deacetylase. Sirtuins are comprised of 7 proteins, and each has different target proteins. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) plays important roles in maintaining metabolic functions and immune responses, and SIRT3 protects cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death. Both SIRT1 and SIRT3 are regulated by metabolic status and aging. Hence, SIRT1 and SIRT3 have been researched in metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), fatty liver, and heart diseases. Although these diseases have been increasing, there is little information about relation between the diseases and SIRT1 and SIRT3 in cats. Therefore we cloned SIRT1 and SIRT3 cDNA, examined mRNA expression in cat tissues, and investigated the changes in SIRT1 and SIRT3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood leukocyte of cats fed on HFD for 6 weeks.

Results

Cat SIRT1 and SIRT3 contained a catalytic core region and showed high sequence homology with other vertebrate SIRT1 (>61.3%) and SIRT3 (>65.9%) amino acids. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that high expression levels were observed in the liver and skeletal muscle for SIRT1 and in the heart for SIRT3 in cats. In addition, both cat SIRT1 and SIRT3 expression levels in the pancreas were different between individuals. Cat SIRT1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood leukocytes was significantly elevated in obese cats fed on HFD (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Cat SIRT1 and SIRT3 genes are highly conserved among vertebrates, and HFD feeding may be related to SIRT1 mRNA expression mechanisms in cat peripheral blood leukocytes.
Cattle movements and trypanosomes: restocking efforts and the spread of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense sleeping sickness in post-conflict Uganda
Authors: Selby Richard , Bardosh Kevin , Picozzi Kim , Waiswa Charles , Welburn Susan C
Published: September 2013

Background

The northwards spread of acute T. b. rhodesiense sleeping sickness in Uganda has been linked to cattle movements associated with restocking following the end to military conflict in 2006. This study examined the number of cattle traded from T. b. rhodesiense endemic districts, the prevalence of the parasite in cattle being traded and the level of trypanocidal treatment at livestock markets.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2009 interviews were carried out with government veterinarians from 20 districts in Uganda, 18 restocking organisations and numerous livestock traders and veterinarians. Direct observations, a review of movement permit records (2006 to 2008) and blood sampling of cattle (n = 1758) for detection of parasites were also conducted at 10 livestock markets in T. b. rhodesiense endemic districts.

Results

Records available from 8 out of 47 identified markets showed that 39.5% (5,238/13,267) of the inter-district cattle trade between mid-2006 and mid-2008 involved movement from endemic areas to pathogen-free districts. PCR analysis showed a prevalence of 17.5% T. brucei s.l. (n = 307/1758 [95% CI: 15.7-19.2]) and 1.5% T. b. rhodesiense (n = 26/1758 [95% CI: 0.9-2.0]) from these same markets. In a two-year period, between late-2006 to late-2008, an estimated 72,321 to 86,785 cattle (57, 857 by 18 restocking organisations and 10,214 to 24,679 by private traders) were imported into seven pathogen-free northern districts, including districts that were endemic for T. b. gambiense. Between 281 and 1,302 of these cattle were likely to have carried T. b. rhodesiense. While governmental organisations predominantly adhered to trypanocidal treatment, most Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and private traders did not. Inadequate market infrastructure, poor awareness, the need for payment for drug treatments, and the difficulty in enforcing a policy of treatment at point of sale contributed to non-compliance.

Conclusion

With increasing private trade, preventing the spread of Rhodesian sleeping sickness in Uganda requires government support to ensure mandatory trypanocidal treatment at livestock markets, investment in market infrastructure and possible drug subsidy. Mapping the northern reaches of T. b. rhodesiense in livestock and preparation of risk assessments for cattle trading could mitigate future outbreaks.
Association of intraoperative transfusion of blood products with mortality in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Weber Denise , Cottini Silvia R , Locher Pascal , Wenger Urs , Stehberger Paul A , Fasshauer Mario , Schuepbach Reto A , Béchir Markus
Published: September 2013

Background

The impact of intraoperative transfusion on postoperative mortality in lung transplant recipients is still elusive.

Methods

Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to investigate the influence of red blood cells (RBCs) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) on mortality in 134 consecutive lung transplants recipients from September 2003 until December 2008.

Results

Intraoperative transfusion of RBCs and FFP was associated with a significant increase in mortality with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.10 (1.03 to 1.16,P= 0.02) and 1.09 (1.02 to 1.15,P= 0.03), respectively. For more than four intraoperatively transfused RBCs multivariate analysis showed a hazard ratio for mortality of 3.8 (1.40 to 10.31,P= 0.003). Furthermore, non-survivors showed a significant increase in renal replacement therapy (RRT) (36.6% versus 6.9%,P<0.0001), primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (39.3% versus 5.9%,P<0.0001), postoperative need of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (26.9% versus 3.1%,P= 0.0019), sepsis (24.2% versus 4.0%,P= 0.0004), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (26.9% versus 3.1%,P<0.0001), infections (18.1% versus 0.9%,P= 0.0004), retransplantation (12.1% versus 6.9%,P= 0.039) and readmission to the ICU (33.3% versus 12.8%,P= 0.024).

Conclusions

Intraoperative transfusion is associated with a strong negative influence on outcome in lung transplant recipients.
Quantitative measures of estrogen receptor expression in relation to breast cancer-specific mortality risk among white women and black women
Authors: Ma Huiyan , Lu Yani , Marchbanks Polly A , Folger Suzanne G , Strom Brian L , McDonald Jill A , Simon Michael S , Weiss Linda K , Malone Kathleen E , Burkman Ronald T , Sullivan-Halley Jane , Deapen Dennis M , Press Michael F , Bernstein Leslie
Published: September 2013

Introduction

The association of breast cancer patients’ mortality with estrogen receptor (ER) status (ER + versus ER-) has been well studied. However, little attention has been paid to the relationship between the quantitative measures of ER expression and mortality.

Methods

We evaluated the association between semi-quantitative, immunohistochemical staining of ER in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast carcinomas and breast cancer-specific mortality risk in an observational cohort of invasive breast cancer in 681 white women and 523 black women ages 35-64 years at first diagnosis of invasive breast cancer, who were followed for a median of 10 years. The quantitative measures of ER examined here included the percentage of tumor cell nuclei positively stained for ER, ER Histo (H)-score, and a score based on an adaptation of an equation presented by Cuzick and colleagues, which combines weighted values of ER H-score, percentage of tumor cell nuclei positively stained for the progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) results. This is referred to as the ER/PR/HER2 score.

Results

After controlling for age at diagnosis, race, study site, tumor stage, and histologic grade in multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models, both percentage of tumor cell nuclei positively stained for ER (Ptrend = 0.0003) and the ER H-score (Ptrend = 0.0004) were inversely associated with breast cancer-specific mortality risk. The ER/PR/HER2 score was positively associated with breast cancer-specific mortality risk in women with ER + tumor (Ptrend = 0.001). Analyses by race revealed that ER positivity was associated with reduced risk of breast cancer-specific mortality in white women and black women. The two quantitative measures for ER alone provided additional discrimination in breast cancer-specific mortality risk only among white women with ER + tumors (both Ptrend ≤ 0.01) while the ER/PR/HER2 score provided additional discrimination for both white women (Ptrend = 0.01) and black women (Ptrend = 0.03) with ER + tumors.

Conclusions

Our data support quantitative immunohistochemical measures of ER, especially the ER/PR/HER2 score, as a more precise predictor for breast cancer-specific mortality risk than a simple determination of ER positivity.
A SNP profiling panel for sample tracking in whole-exome sequencing studies
Authors: Pengelly Reuben J , Gibson Jane , Andreoletti Gaia , Collins Andrew , Mattocks Christopher J , Ennis Sarah
Published: September 2013

Whole-exome sequencing provides a cost-effective means to sequence protein coding regions within the genome, which are significantly enriched for etiological variants. We describe a panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to facilitate the validation of data provenance in whole-exome sequencing studies. This is particularly significant where multiple processing steps necessitate transfer of sample custody between clinical, laboratory and bioinformatics facilities. SNPs captured by all commonly used exome enrichment kits were identified, and filtered for possible confounding properties. The optimised panel provides a simple, yet powerful, method for the assignment of intrinsic, highly discriminatory identifiers to genetic samples.
Serum acute phase reactants hallmark healthy individuals at risk for acetaminophen-induced liver injury
Authors: Borlak Jürgen , Chatterji Bijon , Londhe Kishor B , Watkins Paul B
Published: September 2013

Background

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a commonly used analgesic. However, its use is associated with drug-induced liver injury (DILI). It is a prominent cause of acute liver failure, with APAP hepatotoxicity far exceeding other causes of acute liver failure in the United States. In order to improve its safe use this study aimed to identify individuals at risk for DILI prior to drug treatment by searching for non-genetic serum markers in healthy subjects susceptible to APAP-induced liver injury (AILI).

Methods

Healthy volunteers (n = 36) received either placebo or acetaminophen at the maximum daily dose of 4 g for 7 days. Blood samples were taken prior to and after APAP treatment. Serum proteomic profiling was done by 2D SDS-PAGE and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Additionally, the proteins C-reactive protein, haptoglobin and hemopexin were studied by quantitative immunoassays.

Results

One-third of study subjects presented more than four-fold increased alanine transaminase activity to evidence liver injury, while serum proteomics informed on 20 proteins as significantly regulated. These function primarily in acute phase and immune response. Pre-treatment associations included C-reactive protein, haptoglobin isoforms and retinol binding protein being up to six-fold higher in AILI susceptible individuals, whereas alpha1-antitrypsin, serum amyloid A, kininogen and transtyretin were regulated by nearly five-fold in AILI responders. When compared with published findings for steatohepatitis and cases of hepatocellular, cholestatic and mixed DILI, 10 proteins were identified as uniquely associated with risk for AILI, including plasminogen. Notably, this zymogen facilitates macrophage chemotactic migration and inflammatory response as reported for plasminogen-deficient mice shown to be resistant to APAP hepatotoxicity. Finally, analysis of a publicly available database of gene expression profiles of cultures of human hepatocytes treated with drugs labeled as no- (n = 8), low- (n = 45) or most-DILI-concern (n = 39) confirmed regulation of the identified biomarkers to demonstrate utility in predicting risk for liver injury.

Conclusions

The significant regulation of acute phase reactants points to an important link between AILI and the immune system. Monitoring of serum acute phase reactants prior to drug treatment may contribute to prevention and management of AILI, and may also be of utility for other drugs with known liver liabilities.
A Novel Data-Driven Approach to Preoperative Mapping of Functional Cortex Using Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Mitchell Timothy J. , Hacker Carl D. , Breshears Jonathan D. , Szrama Nick P. , Sharma Mohit , Bundy David T. , Pahwa Mrinal , Corbetta Maurizio , Snyder Abraham Z. , Shimony Joshua S. , Leuthardt Eric C.
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND:

Recent findings associated with resting-state cortical networks have provided insight into the brain's organizational structure. In addition to their neuroscientific implications, the networks identified by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) may prove useful for clinical brain mapping.

OBJECTIVE:

To demonstrate that a data-driven approach to analyze resting-state networks (RSNs) is useful in identifying regions classically understood to be eloquent cortex as well as other functional networks.

METHODS:

This study included 6 patients undergoing surgical treatment for intractable epilepsy and 7 patients undergoing tumor resection. rs-fMRI data were obtained before surgery and 7 canonical RSNs were identified by an artificial neural network algorithm. Of these 7, the motor and language networks were then compared with electrocortical stimulation (ECS) as the gold standard in the epilepsy patients. The sensitivity and specificity for identifying these eloquent sites were calculated at varying thresholds, which yielded receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and their associated area under the curve (AUC). RSNs were plotted in the tumor patients to observe RSN distortions in altered anatomy.

RESULTS:

The algorithm robustly identified all networks in all patients, including those with distorted anatomy. When all ECS-positive sites were considered for motor and language, rs-fMRI had AUCs of 0.80 and 0.64, respectively. When the ECS-positive sites were analyzed pairwise, rs-fMRI had AUCs of 0.89 and 0.76 for motor and language, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

A data-driven approach to rs-fMRI may be a new and efficient method for preoperative localization of numerous functional brain regions.
Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) brain cells respond to hyperosmotic challenge by inducingmyo-inositol biosynthesis
Authors: Gardell Alison M. , Yang Jun , Sacchi Romina , Fangue Nann A. , Hammock Bruce D. , Kültz Dietmar
Published: September 2013

This study aimed to determine the regulation of the de novo myo-inositol biosynthetic (MIB) pathway in Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) brain following acute (25 parts per thousand (ppt)) and chronic (30, 60, 90ppt) salinity acclimations. The MIB pathway plays an important role in cells for accumulating the compatible osmolyte, myo-inositol, in response to hyperosmotic challenge and consists of two enzymes, myo-inositol phosphate synthase and inositol monophosphatase. In tilapia brain, MIB enzyme transcriptional regulation was found to robustly increase in a time (acute acclimation) or dose (chronic acclimation) dependent manner. Blood plasma osmolality, Na+, and Cl- concentrations were also measured and found to significantly increase in response to both acute and chronic salinity challenges. Interestingly, highly significant positive correlations were found between MIB enzyme mRNA and blood plasma osmolality in both acute and chronic salinity acclimations. Additionally, a mass spectrometry assay was established and used to quantify total myo-inositol concentration in tilapia brain, which closely mirrored the hyperosmotic MIB pathway induction. Thus, myo-inositol is a major compatible osmolyte that is accumulated in brain cells when exposed to acute and chronic hyperosmotic challenge. These data show that the MIB pathway is highly induced in response to environmental salinity challenge in tilapia brain and that this induction is likely prompted by increases in blood plasma osmolality. Because the MIB pathway uses glucose-6-phsosphate as a substrate and large amounts of myo-inositol are being synthesized, our data also illustrate that the MIB pathway likely contributes to the high energetic demand posed by salinity challenge.
Phylogeny and biogeography of the genus Zornia (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae: Dalbergieae)
Authors: Fortuna-Perez Ana Paula , da Silva Marcos José , de Queiroz Luciano Paganucci , Lewis Gwilym Peter , Simões André Olmos , de Azevedo Tozzi Ana Maria Goulart , Sarkinen Tiina , de Souza Anete Pereira
Published: September 2013

The genus Zornia has a pantropical distribution and comprises 80 species in two subgenera (Myriadena, Zornia) and three sections (Zornia, Isophylla, Anisophylla). The genus is characterized mainly by flowers arranged in a spiciform inflorescence, with paired peltate bracteoles protecting each flower, and stipules that resemble the bracteoles. Phylogenetically Zornia is a member of the informal Adesmia clade of the Dalbergioid group, being most closely related to the predominantly South American genera Poiretia and Amicia. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer region of nuclear ribosomal DNA and the plastid trnL–trnF intron and spacer, including multiple accessions of species of all subgenera and sections, support the monophyly of Zornia and indicate that Poiretia is sister to Zornia. All traditional subgenera and sections of Zornia are resolved as para– or polyphyletic in our study. Nevertheless, two major clades can be recognized. Time–calibrated phylogenetic analyses suggest that most Zornia species diverged 8–10 Ma and reveal that only one migratory event occurred within the genus ca. 5 Ma from America to the Old World probably via long–distance dispersal.
Do Experience Effects Vary Across Governance Modes? Evidence from New Product Introduction in the Global Aircraft Industry, 1948–2000
Authors: Mulotte Louis
Published: September 2013

We examine the potential for improved performance through experiential learning of three modes of new product introduction: internal development, joint development, and licensing. Drawing on the organizational learning literature, we argue that the speed of experiential learning—that is to say, the marginal performance benefit of experience—is higher when firms carry out activities that allow for a clearer understanding of cause–effect relationships, whereas experiential benefits plateau at higher levels of experience when firms are in activities involving higher levels of related task variation. We thus predict that both the speed of learning and the experience threshold are higher in internal development than they are in licensing; the speed of learning and experience threshold in joint development fall in between. This means that the potential for improved performance through experiential learning should be greatest with internal development, moderate with joint development, and rather limited in licensing. We study the performance of 278 new aircraft introductions undertaken by 94 firms between 1948 and 2000 and find support for our hypotheses.
The effect of excision of the radial head and metallic radial head replacement on the tension in the interosseous membrane
Authors: Lanting B. A. , Ferreira L. M. , Johnson J. A. , Athwal G. S. , King G. J. W.
Published: September 2013

We measured the tension in the interosseous membrane in six cadaveric forearms using an in vitro forearm testing system with the native radial head, after excision of the radial head and after metallic radial head replacement. The tension almost doubled after excision of the radial head during simulated rotation of the forearm (p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in tension in the interosseous membrane between the native and radial head replacement states (p = 0.09). Maximal tension occurred in neutral rotation with both the native and the replaced radial head, but in pronation if the radial head was excised. Under an increasing axial load and with the forearm in a fixed position, the rate of increase in tension in the interosseous membrane was greater when the radial head was excised than for the native radial head or replacement states (p = 0.02). As there was no difference in tension between the native and radial head replacement states, a radial head replacement should provide a normal healing environment for the interosseous membrane after injury or following its reconstruction. Load sharing between the radius and ulna becomes normal after radial head Replacement. As excision of the radial head significantly increased the tension in the interosseous membrane it may potentially lead to its attritional failure over time.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1383–7.
The imaging and classification of severe pelvic ring fractures
Authors: Gabbe B. J. , Esser M. , Bucknill A. , Russ M. K. , Hofstee D-J. , Cameron P. A. , Handley C. , deSteiger R. N.
Published: September 2013

We describe the routine imaging practices of Level 1 trauma centres for patients with severe pelvic ring fractures, and the interobserver reliability of the classification systems of these fractures using plain radiographs and three-dimensional (3D) CT reconstructions. Clinical and imaging data for 187 adult patients (139 men and 48 women, mean age 43 years (15 to 101)) with a severe pelvic ring fracture managed at two Level 1 trauma centres between July 2007 and June 2010 were extracted. Three experienced orthopaedic surgeons classified the plain radiographs and 3D CT reconstruction images of 100 patients using the Tile/AO and Young–Burgess systems. Reliability was compared using kappa statistics. A total of 115 patients (62%) had plain radiographs as well as two-dimensional (2D) CT and 3D CT reconstructions, 52 patients (28%) had plain films only, 12 (6.4%) had 2D and 3D CT reconstructions images only, and eight patients (4.3%) had no available images. The plain radiograph was limited to an anteroposterior pelvic view. Patients without imaging, or only plain films, were more severely injured. A total of 72 patients (39%) were imaged with a pelvic binder in situ.

Interobserver reliability for the Tile/AO (Kappa 0.10 to 0.17) and Young–Burgess (Kappa 0.09 to 0.21) was low, and insufficient for clinical and research purposes.

Severe pelvic ring fractures are difficult to classify due to their complexity, the increasing use of early treatment such as with pelvic binders, and the absence of imaging altogether in important patient sub-groups, such as those who die early of their injuries.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1396–1401.
"Við gerum bara eins og við getum" - Þjónusta við fólk með fjölþættar skerðingar
Authors: Jónsdóttir Guðný , Egilson Snæfríður Þ.
Published: September 2013

Aðstoðarfólk á heimilum fólks með fjölþættar skerðingar er mikilvægur hlekkur í lífi þess og lykill að samskiptum, lífsgæðum og þátttöku. Rannsóknin varpar ljósi á sýn þessa starfsfólks á megináherslur í þjónustu við fólk með flóknar stuðningsþarfir og þörf fyrir fræðslu og stuðning í starfi. Ennfremur var leitað eftir skilningi á heilsutengdum þörfum þjónustunotenda og möguleikum til að styðja við velferð þeirra, þátttöku og lífsgæði. Þátttakendur voru 12 starfsmenn á heimilum fólks með fjölþættar skerðingar. Rannsóknin var eigindleg, rannsóknargagna var aflað með opnum einstaklingsviðtölum og við úrvinnslu þeirra var notað vinnulag grundaðrar kenningar. Niðurstöður gefa til kynna að þjónustan sé hvorki í takt við ört vaxandi mannréttindaáherslur, þar með réttinn til heilsu, né endurspegli hún þann félagslega skilning á fötlun sem er gengið út frá í stefnumörkun. Starfsfólk hugsaði til þjónustunotenda með velvild og hlýju, reyndi að gera eins vel og það gat, en skorti bjargráð. Þekking starfsfólks á heilsutengdum þörfum íbúa var af skornum skammti og lítið gert til að fyrirbyggja frekari fötlun eða versnandi heilsu. Starfsfólk lýsti undirmönnun og mikilli starfsmannaveltu og skorti fræðslu og stuðning við flókin störf. Mikilvægt er að nýta möguleika sem hafa skapast með nýlegum stjórnsýslubreytingum til að endurskoða áherslur í þjónustu við fólk með fjölþættar skerðingar og flóknar stuðningsþarfir.
Robust Approximation of Singularly Perturbed Delay Differential Equations
by the hp Finite Element Method
Authors: Nicaise Serge , Xenophontos Christos
Published: September 2013

We consider the finite element approximation of the solution to a singularly
perturbed second order differential equation with a constant delay. The
boundary value problem can be cast as a singularly perturbed transmission
problem, whose solution may be decomposed into a smooth part, a boundary
layer part, an interior/interface layer part and a remainder. Upon
discussing the regularity of each component, we show that under the
assumption of analytic input data, the hp version of the finite element
method on an appropriately designed mesh yields robust exponential
convergence rates. Numerical results illustrating the theory are also included.
The Effect of TiO2 Contained within a Titanium Silicalite (TS-1) Catalyst and on the Selective Oxidation of Ammonia
Authors: Deniz Celal Utku , Akmaz Solmaz , Yasar Muzaffer
Published: September 2013

The selective oxidation of ammonia to hydroxylamine using titanium silicalite-1 as a catalyst with an increasing content range of 1–2.5 wt% TiO2 was systematically investigated in a batch reactor. The hydroxylamine yielded 33, 43, 52 and 62% at reaction temperatures of 50, 60, 70 and 80°C, respectively, for 8 min using a TS-1a catalyst, which contained 2.5% TiO2. The molar ratio of 15 NH3/H2O2 was kept during these reactions. Experiments were also conducted with different amounts of NH3/H2O2 in molar ratios, which were between 7 and 60 to investigate the effect of NH3/H2O2 molar ratio on the reactions. Reactions with higher ratios of NH3/H2O2 were seen to have a higher yield at the end of the reaction performance time.
Impact of minocycline on neurodegenerative diseases in rodents: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Chaoyun , Yuan Kunxiong , Schluesener Hermann
Published: September 2013

Minocycline is a semisynthetic second-generation tetracycline derivative, and many publications provide evidence of its successful neuroprotection in a variety of animal models. We searched PubMed and Chinese CNKI databases from January 1992 to May 2012 for studies on minocycline in neurodegenerative diseases in rodents. A meta-analysis that adopted weighted Cohen’s d effect sizes, percent overlap, Fail-Safe N statistics, and confidence intervals was conducted. In total, 16 English and 3 Chinese articles with high or medium quality were included in this meta-analysis. The treatment benefits for rodents from low-dose (5 mg/kg/day), moderate-dose (45, 50, or 55 mg/kg/day), and high-dose (90 mg/kg/day) minocycline were larger in Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke mouse models, respectively. In rats, a moderate dose (45 mg/kg/day) of minocycline was most effective. In conclusion, minocycline exerts neuroprotective effects in rodent models of neurodegenerative diseases. Anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant activities are discussed as the basis of this effect. However, there is insufficient information from these animal models on side effects of minocycline therapy.
Why Do Some Parents Refuse Consent for Lumbar Puncture on Their Child? A Qualitative Study
Authors: Narchi Hassib , Ghatasheh Ghassan , Al Hassani Noora , Al Reyami Layla , Khan Qudsiya
Published: September 2013

Objective:

Qualitative analysis of the attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of parents who refuse consent for lumbar puncture (LP) on their child.

Methods:

We performed prospective, semistructured, face-to-face interviews with 24 families declining consent for LP in their child (aged between 1 month and 10 years of age), in 2 hospitals, over a 1-year period in the United Arab Emirates. The questionnaire included open-ended questions to allow parents to discuss their beliefs, concerns, and expectations. Content analysis of the transcripts was performed on how parents experienced the issue: their behavior, perceptions, and beliefs, as well as their opinions on what might have made them consent. Identified themes resulting from that analysis were labeled and coded before reducing them into categories and generating a Pareto chart.

Results:

Seven (29%) families were unfamiliar with LP indications and 3 had the impression that LP was also therapeutic. The emerged themes were fear of complications by 18 (75%), perception that LP was unnecessary by 5 (21%), and distrust of the motives behind the request for consent. Fear of paralysis and conviction that LP is unnecessary encompassed 80% of the causes for refusal. Eleven families (46%) stated that nothing would have made them consent, and 10 (42%) would agree only if the child looked unwell or deteriorated.

Conclusions

A better understanding of parents’ perceptions, beliefs, and fears will help develop appropriate solutions to their refusal of LP consent.
When and How Pediatric History and Physical Diagnosis Are Taught in Medical School: A Survey of Pediatric Clerkship Directors
Authors: Guiot Amy B.L. , Baker Raymond C. , Dewitt Thomas G.
Published: September 2013

Backround:

History and physical diagnosis skills (HPDS) are required curriculum in medical schools (MS) with pediatric HPDS (PHPDS) necessitating instruction in addition to adult HPDS. Perceived deficiencies in these skills on the pediatric clerkship prompted investigation of when and how other MS taught PHPDS. The concern of whether medical students are adequately taught PHPDS needed to be addressed.

Methods:

With the use of the Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics listserv, pediatric clerkship directors from 129 US, 15 Canadian, and 2 Puerto Rican MS were contacted via e-mail to complete an anonymous online questionnaire, focused on MS demographics, PHPDS timing, teaching methods, and barriers.

Results:

Seventy-two (49%) of 146 MS responded to the survey; 18.1% of MS responders did not offer PHPDS in the first 2 years. Methodologies used to educate students included didactic lectures, physician shadowing, hands-on with patients, pairing with preceptor, instructional video, and examination of newborns. Each teaching method had <3 hours dedicated to medical students during their first 2 years at a majority of the MS. Of the responders, 85.1% concurred that medical students should be exposed to PHPDS before starting the clerkship. Barriers to providing PHPDS included MS time allotment, preceptor availability, and total number of students to accommodate.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated striking variability among MS in how and when medical students were taught PHPDS. Clarification of the role of PHPDS instruction in preclinical years and standardized effective approaches to PHPDS instruction are both needed so that MS curriculum optimizes physician training.
Pediatric Hospitalist Perceptions of the Impact of Duty Hour Changes on Education and Patient Care
Authors: O’Toole Jennifer K. , Solan Lauren G. , Yau Connie , Weiser Jason , Sucharew Heidi , Simmons Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2013

Objective:

The goal of this study was to measure the impact of the new 2011 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty hour standards (DHS) on education, patient care, and overall satisfaction as perceived by pediatric hospitalist faculty.

Methods:

We undertook a nonrandomized but controlled study of 23 pediatric hospitalist faculty members during a trial of the new DHS in 2011. During the intervention (January), residents piloted schedules that complied with the new DHS, and in the control period (February), resident schedules complied with previous DHS. Daily surveys solicited faculty perceptions of the amount and quality of teaching provided, time with patients, quality of patient care, and overall faculty satisfaction. Faculty were also surveyed on their years of experience as a hospitalist and clinical teaching activity. Multiple logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations was used to examine outcome associations after adjusting for census and accounting for multiple attending reports.

Results:

Census volumes were higher in the control group. During the intervention, faculty were less likely to rate their quality of teaching (odds ratio [OR]: 0.40 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18–0.88]) and overall satisfaction with the shift (OR: 0.23 [95% CI: 0.08–0.66]) as good/excellent compared with controls. During the intervention, more years of experience as a hospitalist were associated with rating quality of patient care provided as good/excellent (OR: 1.77 [95% CI: 1.23–2.54]).

Conclusions:

Faculty were less likely to rate their quality of teaching and overall satisfaction as good/excellent during a trial of the 2011 DHS. In addition, more experienced faculty were more likely to rate the quality of care highly.