bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous urban traffic data and their integration through kernel-based interpolation
Authors: Chow Andy
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to present collection and analysis of heterogeneous urban traffic data, and integration of them through a kernel-based approach for assessing performance of urban transport network facilities. The recent development in sensing and information technology opens up opportunities for researching the use of this vast amount of new urban traffic data. This paper contributes to analysis and management of urban transport facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the data fusion algorithm are developed by using a kernel-based interpolation approach. Our objective is to reconstruct the underlying urban traffic pattern with fine spatial and temporal granularity through processing and integrating data from different sources. The fusion algorithm can work with data collected in different space-time resolution, with different level of accuracy and from different kinds of sensors. The properties and performance of the fusion algorithm is evaluated by using a virtual test bed produced by VISSIM microscopic simulation. The methodology is demonstrated through a real-world application in Central London.

Findings

The results show that the proposed algorithm is able to reconstruct accurately the underlying traffic flow pattern on transport network facilities with ordinary data sources on both virtual and real-world test beds. The data sources considered herein include loop detectors, cameras and GPS devices. The proposed data fusion algorithm does not require assumption and calibration of any underlying model. It is easy to implement and compute through advanced technique such as parallel computing.

Originality/value

The presented study is among the first utilizing and integrating heterogeneous urban traffic data from a major city like London. Unlike many other existing studies, the proposed method is data driven and does not require any assumption of underlying model. The formulation of the data fusion algorithm also allows it to be parallelized for large-scale applications. The study contributes to the application of Big Data analytics to infrastructure management.
The development of facilities and estate management in the Scottish central government civil estate 1989-2015
Authors: Andrew Anthony , Pitt Michael
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to examine how Scottish facility and estate managers have developed estates and facilities management strategies to ensure that the Scottish government civil estate has remained fit for purpose in a period of rapid social, economic and technological change, and political development covering the devolution period.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the development of the policy frameworks within which facility mangers have worked and how they have adapted the asset portfolio to meet the demands of modern working practices and the budgetary disciplines resulting from economic change.

Findings

The period 1989-2015 has shown major changes. It commenced with a highly centralised model driven by the Whitehall Department of the Treasury and run by the Property Services Agency. Just before and during devolution, there was administrative decentralisation of activity to agencies and non-departmental public bodies, and this was reflected in decentralised property management first to departments and then to the agencies and non-departmental public bodies. During this time, profound changes occurred in working practices, e-mail, e-records, mobile telephones and open-plan layouts; remote working changed the ways buildings were used. Public sector property was used to promote distribution of jobs to outer areas. Towards the latter end of the period from 2008 onwards, the economic difficulties have led to acute budget pressures, and from 2011 onwards, there has been a trend both in Whitehall, and the Scottish devolved administration towards greater corporate management of the estate to drive down costs and promote more modern ways of working which may lead to a model similar to the one which prevailed at the start of the period.

Research limitations/implications

The paper explains the development of the management framework and changes on the estate itself to inform the debate between policymakers, academic researchers and FM practitioners interested in the efficient use of central government assets.

Practical implications

The paper will help academics and practitioners understand the historic context within which they are working.

Social implications

The paper indicates how the Scottish Government has adapted its property assets to meet the needs of users.

Originality/value

The paper is an historic exposition of how public sector facility managers have adapted the management of the Scottish Government estate in Scotland to meet the needs of central government staff and the public to whom it provides wider services and considers how this illuminates wider FM issues.
Direct force control for human-machine system with friction compensation
Authors: Yu Lie , Zheng Jianbin , Wang Yang , Zhan Enqi , Song Qiuzhi
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a direct force control which uses two closed-loop controller for one-degree-of-freedom human-machine system to synchronize the human position and machine position, and minimize the human-machine force. In addition, the friction is compensated to promote the performance of the human-machine system.

Design/methodology/approach

– The dynamic of the human-machine system is mathematically modeled. The control strategy is designed using two closed-loop controllers, including a PID controller and a PI controller. The frictions, which exist in the rotary joint and the hydraulic wall, are compensated separately using the Friedland’s observer and Dahl’s observer.

Findings

– When human-machine system moves at low velocity, there exists a significant amount of static friction that hinders the system movements. The simulation results show that the system gives a better performance in human-machine position synchronization and human-machine force minimization when the friction is compensated.

Research limitations/implications

– The acquired results are based on simulation not experiment.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to apply the electrohydraulic servo systems to both actuate the human-machine system, and use the direct force control strategy consisting of two closed-loop controllers. It is also the first to compensate the friction both in the robot joint and hydraulic wall.
An application of an extended effort-reward imbalance model to police absenteeism behaviour
Authors: Allisey Amanda , Rodwell John , Noblet Andrew
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Frequent absences from work can be highly disruptive, whilst also potentially indicating problematic working conditions that can lead to increased withdrawal behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to test the predictive capability of an expanded effort-reward imbalance model on employee absenteeism within the context of policing.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three separate reward systems are identified by the effort-reward imbalance model. In this study, the authors assessed these individual components for their contribution to officer withdrawal behaviour in the form of absenteeism frequency. Data were gathered from a sample of operational officers (n=553) within a large Australian police agency.

Findings

– Findings indicate that there was a strong influence of social rewards such as social support and recognition in the workplace on officer absenteeism rates. Low workload was associated with a higher frequency of absenteeism suggesting a potential underloading effect. There were a number of significant interactions providing support for the effort-reward imbalance mechanism and the separation of the reward construct. Security rewards were particularly influential and significantly moderated the relationship between effort and absenteeism.

Research limitations/implications

– Differential effects of occupational rewards were identified in the study, indicating that there are significant opportunities for expansion of the effort-reward imbalance model along with opportunities for HRM practitioners in terms of employee recognition and remuneration programmes. This research was focused on a specific sample of operational officers, therefore should be expanded to include multiple occupational groups.

Originality/value

– This paper considers and expanded model of worker strain and contributes a longitudinal assessment of the association between perceived effort and reward systems and worker absenteeism.
Are ecosystem services adequately quantified?
Authors: Boerema Annelies , Rebelo Alanna J. , Bodi Merche B. , Esler Karen J. , Meire Patrick
Published: May 2016

Quantification of ecosystem services (ES) is an important step in operationalizing the concept for management and decision‐making. With the exponential increase in ES research, ES have become a ‘catch‐all phrase’, which some suggest has led to a poorly defined, impractical and ambiguous concept. An overview of the methods used in ES quantification is needed to examine their scientific rigour and provide guidelines for selecting appropriate measures.

We present a systematic review of 405 peer‐reviewed ES research papers to address the question: ‘Is the biophysical and socio‐economic reality of ES adequately quantified? First, we considered whether ES measures are scientifically rigorous enough by considering four predefined criteria (the type of data used, quantification of uncertainty, validation done and data reported). Secondly, using a novel approach, we determined which part of the ES cascade was measured: the ecosystem property, function, service, benefit or value.

Our results showed that each of the 21 ES analysed had on average 24 different measures, which may indicate the complex reality of ES and/or suggest a potential lack of consensus on what constitutes an ES. We found that uncertainty is often not included and validation mostly missing.

When analysing which part(s) of the ES cascade each measure corresponded to, we found that for regulating ES, ecosystem properties and functions (ecological aspects) are more commonly quantified (67% of measures). Conversely for provisioning ES, benefits and values (socio‐economic aspects) are more commonly quantified (68%). Cultural ES are predominantly quantified using scores (35%).

In conclusion, ES appear to be poorly quantified in many cases, as often only one side of the cascade is considered (either the ecological or socio‐economic side) and oversimplified and variable indicators are often used.

Policy implications. This review provides a detailed overview of ecosystem services (ES) quantification (ranging from simple scores to advanced methods) with the aim to support future ES quantification and ultimately the successful application of the ES concept.
Bottom trawling affects fish condition through changes in the ratio of prey availability to density of competitors
Authors: Hiddink Jan G. , Moranta Joan , Balestrini Stephen , Sciberras Marija , Cendrier Marine , Bowyer Rosie , Kaiser Michel J. , Sköld Mattias , Jonsson Patrik , Bastardie Francois , Hinz Hilmar
Published: May 2016

Bottom‐trawl fisheries are widespread and cause mortality of benthic invertebrates, which in turn may lead to a decrease in the availability of prey for target fish species. Exploitation also reduces the abundance of the fish species themselves. Modelling studies have shown that bottom trawling could lead to both increases and decreases in fish production, but so far empirical evidence to test these ideas has been very limited. We hypothesize that the effect of bottom trawling on the food intake and condition of fish depends on how the ratio of prey to consumers changes with increasing fishing pressure.

We assessed the impact of bottom trawling on the food availability, condition and stomach contents of three flatfishes and the Norway lobster in an area in the Kattegat that is characterized by a steep commercial bottom‐trawling gradient due to the establishment of an area closed to all fisheries, but otherwise has homogeneous environmental conditions.

For plaice, prey biomass initially decreased at a slower rate with trawling than the biomass of fish, and as a result, the amount of food available per plaice increased before decreasing at trawling frequencies >5 times year−1. This pattern was mirrored in both the condition and stomach contents of plaice and for long‐rough dab.

No effect of trawling on dab prey and condition was found. Conversely, the condition of the main target species – Norway lobster – increased as its biomass decreased with increased trawling intensities.

Together, these results support the idea that when the abundance of the prey declines in response to exploitation, the ratio of the prey to consumer biomass will determine whether exploitation will result in an increase or a decrease in the food intake and condition of the predator.

Synthesis and applications. Our study indicates that fish production may be maximized by keeping bottom‐trawling intensities relatively low, although this may negatively affect the economically more important Nephrops fishery. The effects of bottom trawls may be mitigated by switching to gears, which affect prey availability to a lesser extent, such as pots or creels.
The determinants of tropical forest deciduousness: disentangling the effects of rainfall and geology in central Africa
Authors: Ouédraogo Dakis‐Yaoba , Fayolle Adeline , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Mortier Frédéric , Freycon Vincent , Fauvet Nicolas , Rabaud Suzanne , Cornu Guillaume , Bénédet Fabrice , Gillet Jean‐François , Oslisly Richard , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Lejeune Philippe , Favier Charly
Published: May 2016

Understanding the environmental determinants of forests deciduousness i.e. proportion of deciduous trees in a forest stand, is of great importance when predicting the impact of ongoing global climate change on forests. In this study, we examine (i) how forest deciduousness varies in relation to rainfall and geology, and (ii) whether the influence of geology on deciduousness could be related to differences in soil fertility and water content between geological substrates.

The study was conducted in mixed moist semi‐deciduous forests in the northern part of the Congo basin. We modelled the response of forest deciduousness to the severity of the dry season across four contrasting geological substrates (sandstone, alluvium, metamorphic and basic rocks). For this, we combined information on forest composition at genus level based on commercial forest inventories (62 624 0.5 ha plots scattered over 6 million of ha), leaf habit, and rainfall and geological maps. We further examined whether substrates differ in soil fertility and water‐holding capacity using soil data from 37 pits in an area that was, at the time, relatively unexplored.

Forest deciduousness increased with the severity of the dry season, and this increase strongly varied with the geological substrate. Geology was found to be three times more important than the rainfall regime in explaining the total variation in deciduousness. The four substrates differed in soil properties, with higher fertility and water‐holding capacity on metamorphic and basic rocks than on sandstone and alluvium. The increase in forest deciduousness was stronger on the substrates that formed resource‐rich clay soils (metamorphic and basic rocks) than on substrates that formed resource‐poor sandy soils (sandstone and alluvium).

Synthesis. We found evidence that tropical forest deciduousness is the result of both the competitive advantage of deciduous species in climates with high rainfall seasonality, and the persistence of evergreen species on resource‐poor soils. Our findings offer a clear illustration of well‐known theoretical leaf carbon economy models, explaining the patterns in the dominance of evergreen versus deciduous species. And, this large‐scale assessment of the interaction between climate and geology in determining forest deciduousness may help to improve future predictions of vegetation distribution under climate change scenarios. In central Africa, forest is likely to respond differently to variation in rainfall and/or evapotranspiration depending on the geological substrate.
A human cadaveric workshop: One solution to competence in the face of rarity
Authors: Ferguson Ian MC , Shareef Mohammed Z , Burns Brian , Reid Cliff
Published: May 2016

Competent performance of cricothyroidotomy, lateral canthotomy and resuscitative thoracostomy is an expected standard for Australasian emergency physicians, but infrequent exposure to these procedures could impair physician confidence, reducing the likelihood of their execution in a critical timeframe. Training to perform these procedures is a recognised challenge for non‐surgeons, and cadaver‐based training is one method of addressing this need. We describe a 1 day cadaver‐based workshop for emergency medicine doctors and briefly report on its impact on physician confidence. This workshop appeared effective in increasing the confidence of emergency medicine physicians to carry out rarely performed life and sight‐saving procedures and also provides an opportunity for senior clinicians to increase compliance with continuing profession development schemes.
Oral tranexamic acid lightens refractory melasma
Authors: Tan Aaron Wei Min , Sen Priya , Chua Sze Hon , Goh Boon Kee
Published: May 2016

Background/Objectives

Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentary disorder, particularly among Asians and Hispanics, but its exact pathomechanism is poorly understood. Tranexamic acid has been found to lighten melasma by interfering with the interaction of melanocytes and keratinocytes by inhibiting the plasminogen/plasmin system. The aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of oral tranexamic acid in the treatment of melasma refractory to topical skin‐lightening agents.

Methods

This retrospective study analyses patients with melasma recruited from a tertiary dermatological centre in Singapore between 1 August 2009 and 31 March 2011. The patients chosen had refractory melasma treated with oral tranexamic acid 250 mg twice daily in addition to pre‐existing combination topical therapy. Objective assessment using the physician's global assessment and melasma area and severity index (MASI) scores were performed based on a post‐hoc analysis of photographic records by three independent physicians. A paired t‐test was used to evaluate the changes in the MASI scores pre‐therapy and post‐treatment. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Results

Altogether 25 patients were treated with tranexamic acid for a mean period of 3.7 ± 0.33 months, in addition to combination topical therapy. Their mean age was 47.2 ± 1.61 years. The mean MASI scores after tranexamic acid treatment (2.7 ± 1.6) were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those prior to treatment (8.8 ± 4.2). The mean improvement in scores was 69%. The follow‐up period was up to 6 months.

Conclusion

Low‐dose oral tranexamic acid can serve as a safe and useful adjunct in the treatment of refractory melasma.
Effect of medium additives during liquid storage on developmental competence of in vitro matured bovine oocytes
Authors: Suttirojpattana Tayita , Somfai Tamas , Matoba Satoko , Parnpai Rangsun , Nagai Takashi , Geshi Masaya
Published: May 2016

Our aim was to improve the developmental competence of bovine oocytes during their liquid storage by using additives. In vitro matured oocytes were stored for 20 h at 25°C in HEPES buffered TCM 199 medium (base medium). After storage, in vitro embryo development after in vitro fertilization was compared to those of non‐stored (control) ones. Addition of 10% (v/v) newborn calf serum or 10.27 mmol/L pyruvate alone to the base medium did not improve blastocyst formation rates in stored oocytes; however, their simultaneous addition significantly improved the rate compared with those stored in base medium (P < 0.05). Supplementation of the holding medium with dithiothreitol (DTT) at any concentrations did not improve embryo development from stored oocytes. Although supplementation with cyclosporine A (CsA) significantly reduced apoptosis and membrane damage rates during storage, it did not improve the developmental competence of oocytes. 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy) ethane N,N,N’,N’‐tetraacetic acid tetrakis‐acetoxymethyl ester and ruthenium red had no effect on oocyte apoptotic rates. Blastocyst formation rates in all stored groups remained significantly lower than that of the control. In conclusion, pyruvate and serum had a synergic effect to moderate the reduction of oocyte quality during storage, whereas mitochondrial membrane pore inhibitor CsA and the antioxidant DTT did not affect their developmental competence.
Adherence to long‐term anticoagulation treatment, what is known and what the future might hold
Authors: Abdou John K. , Auyeung Vivian , Patel Jignesh P. , Arya Roopen
Published: May 2016

Adherence to medication, commonly reported as being 50% in chronic diseases, is of great concern in healthcare. Medication non‐adherence is particularly apparent in chronic diseases, where treatment is often preventative and may provide little or no symptomatic relief or feedback for the patient. A lot of research has been undertaken to describe the extent of non‐adherence to long‐term anticoagulation therapy, particularly with vitamin K antagonists and more recently with direct oral anticoagulants. However, the literature is scarce with respect to describing adherence to anticoagulation in terms of the behavioural aspects that influence medicine use. Utilizing the COM‐B (capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour) psychological model of non‐adherence, we present the available evidence, not only in terms of describing the extent of the non‐adherence problem, but also describing why patients do not adhere, offering theory‐driven and evidence‐based solutions to improve long‐term adherence to chronic anticoagulation therapy. Lessons learned are not only applicable within the field of anticoagulation but throughout haematology.
A NOTE ON FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND EXPORTS IN VERTICALLY DIFFERENTIATED INDUSTRIES
Authors: Ma Jie , Zhou Jidong
Published: May 2016

We examine the FDI versus exports decision of a multiproduct multinational firm which supplies vertically differentiated products, and show that the proximity‐concentration trade‐off can generate FDI‐export coexistence, i.e., the firm supplies the low‐quality products through FDI and the high‐quality products through exports. We also show that the opposite can never happen. Moreover, when the multiproduct multinational firm faces price competition in the target markets, it has an incentive to use trade costs to soften price competition, which can reduce its FDI incentive.
Hepatic NAD+ deficiency as a therapeutic target for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in ageing
Authors: Zhou Can‐Can , Yang Xi , Hua Xia , Liu Jian , Fan Mao‐Bing , Li Guo‐Qiang , Song Jie , Xu Tian‐Ying , Li Zhi‐Yong , Guan Yun‐Feng , Wang Pei , Miao Chao‐Yu
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose

Ageing is an important risk factor of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we investigated whether the deficiency of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a ubiquitous coenzyme, links ageing with NAFLD.

Experimental Approach

Hepatic concentrations of NAD+, protein levels of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and several other critical enzymes regulating NAD+ biosynthesis, were compared in middle‐aged and aged mice or patients. The influences of NAD+ decline on the steatosis and steatohepatitis were evaluated in wild‐type and H247A dominant‐negative, enzymically‐inactive NAMPT transgenic mice (DN‐NAMPT) given normal or high‐fat diet (HFD).

Key Results

Hepatic NAD+ level decreased in aged mice and humans. NAMPT‐controlled NAD+ salvage, but not de novo biosynthesis pathway, was compromised in liver of elderly mice and humans. Given normal chow, middle‐age DN‐NAMPT mice displayed systemic NAD+ reduction and had moderate NAFLD phenotypes, including lipid accumulation, enhanced oxidative stress, triggered inflammation and impaired insulin sensitivity in liver. All these NAFLD phenotypes, especially release of pro‐inflammatory factors, Kupffer cell accumulation, monocytes infiltration, NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and hepatic fibrosis (Masson's staining and α‐SMA staining), deteriorated further under HFD challenge. Oral administration of nicotinamide riboside, a natural NAD+ precursor, completely corrected these NAFLD phenotypes induced by NAD+ deficiency alone or HFD, whereas adenovirus‐mediated SIRT1 overexpression only partially rescued these phenotypes.

Conclusions and Implications

These results provide the first evidence that ageing‐associated NAD+ deficiency is a critical risk factor for NAFLD, and suggest that supplementation with NAD+ substrates may be a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat NAFLD.
Graves' disease in children: long‐term outcomes of medical therapy
Authors: Rabon Shona , Burton Amy M. , White Perrin C.
Published: May 2016

Background and objectives

Management options are limited for the treatment of Graves' disease, and there is controversy regarding optimal treatment. We describe the demographic and biochemical characteristics of children with Graves' disease and the outcomes of its management.

Methods

This is a retrospective study reviewing medical records from 2001 to 2011 at a tertiary‐care paediatric hospital. Diagnostic criteria included elevated free T4 and total T3, suppressed TSH, and either positive thyroid‐stimulating immunoglobulin or thyroid receptor antibodies or clinical signs suggestive of Graves' disease, for example exophthalmos. Patients were treated with antithyroid drugs (ATD), radioactive iodine, or thyroidectomy. The main outcome measures were remission after medical therapy for at least 6 months and subsequent relapse.

Results

A total of 291 children met diagnostic criteria. A total of 62 were male (21%); 117 (40%) were Hispanic, 90 (31%) Caucasian, and 59 (20%) African American. Mean age (±standard deviation) at diagnosis was 12·3 ± 3·8 (range 3–18·5) years. At diagnosis, 268 patients were started on an antithyroid drug and 23 underwent thyroid ablation or thyroidectomy. Fifty‐seven (21%) children achieved remission and 16 (28%) of these patients relapsed, almost all within 16 months. Gender and ethnicity did not affect rates of remission or relapse. Of 251 patients treated with methimazole, 53 (21%) had an adverse reaction, including rash, arthralgias, elevated transaminases, or neutropenia.

Conclusions

Most children with Graves' disease treated with ATD do not experience remission, but most remissions do not end in relapse. Adverse reactions to methimazole are common but generally mild.
mRNA‐based detection of rare CFTR mutations improves genetic diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in populations with high genetic heterogeneity
Authors: Felício V. , Ramalho A.S. , Igreja S. , Amaral M.D.
Published: May 2016

Even with advent of next generation sequencing complete sequencing of large disease‐associated genes and intronic regions is economically not feasible. This is the case of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF). Yet, to confirm a CF diagnosis, proof of CFTR dysfunction needs to be obtained, namely by the identification of two disease‐causing mutations. Moreover, with the advent of mutation‐based therapies, genotyping is an essential tool for CF disease management. There is, however, still an unmet need to genotype CF patients by fast, comprehensive and cost‐effective approaches, especially in populations with high genetic heterogeneity (and low p.F508del incidence), where CF is now emerging with new diagnosis dilemmas (Brazil, Asia, etc). Herein, we report an innovative mRNA‐based approach to identify CFTR mutations in the complete coding and intronic regions. We applied this protocol to genotype individuals with a suspicion of CF and only one or no CFTR mutations identified by routine methods. It successfully detected multiple intronic mutations unlikely to be detected by CFTR exon sequencing. We conclude that this is a rapid, robust and inexpensive method to detect any CFTR coding/intronic mutation (including rare ones) that can be easily used either as primary approach or after routine DNA analysis.
Oxaliplatin/fluorouracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhao L. , Liu R. , Zhang Z. , Li T. , Li F. , Liu H. , Li G.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Previous randomized controlled trials and meta‐analyses have demonstrated the ineffectiveness of fluorouracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with rectal cancer who have undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and subsequent surgery. The role of oxaliplatin/fluorouracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy in such patients is unknown. We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of oxaliplatin/fluorouracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy based on a comparison with fluorouracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with rectal cancer.

Method

A literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed to identify eligible studies. The primary end‐point of interest was disease‐free survival (DFS). The secondary end‐points were overall survival, compliance and the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 toxicity.

Results

The literature search identified four randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis, and 2793 patients with pathological TNM or clinical TNM Stage II or III disease were included. The meta‐analysis showed that oxaliplatin/fluorouracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a significantly improved DFS (hazard ratio 0.85; 95% CI 0.73−0.98; P = 0.03), comparable compliance (OR 1.18; 95% CI 0.95−1.46; P = 0.13) and a higher incidence of vomiting or nausea (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.21−5.05; P = 0.01). No significant differences were observed between the groups with respect to overall survival and the incidence of leucopaenia, anaemia, thrombocytopaenia and diarrhoea.

Conclusion

Adjuvant oxaliplatin/fluorouracil‐based chemotherapy can improve the DFS of patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and radical surgery, compared with adjuvant fluorouracil‐based chemotherapy. Data of the longer‐term survival outcome are needed.
Characterizing Class‐Specific Exposure‐Viral Load Suppression Response of HIV Antiretrovirals Using A Model‐Based Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Xu Y , Li YF , Zhang D , Dockendorf M , Tetteh E , Rizk ML , Grobler JA , Lai M‐T , Gobburu J , Ankrom W
Published: May 2016

We applied model‐based meta‐analysis of viral suppression as a function of drug exposure and in vitro potency for short‐term monotherapy in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1)‐infected treatment‐naïve patients to set pharmacokinetic targets for development of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and integrase strand transfer inhibitors (InSTIs). We developed class‐specific models relating viral load kinetics from monotherapy studies to potency normalized steady‐state trough plasma concentrations. These models were integrated with a literature assessment of doses which demonstrated to have long‐term efficacy in combination therapy, in order to set steady‐state trough concentration targets of 6.17‐ and 2.15‐fold above potency for NNRTIs and InSTIs, respectively. Both the models developed and the pharmacokinetic targets derived can be used to guide compound selection during preclinical development and to predict the dose–response of new antiretrovirals to inform early clinical trial design.
Gut microbiota in early pediatric multiple sclerosis: a case−control study
Authors: Tremlett H. , Fadrosh D. W. , Faruqi A. A. , Zhu F. , Hart J. , Roalstad S. , Graves J. , Lynch S. , Waubant E. ,   the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers
Published: May 2016

Background and purpose

Alterations in the gut microbial community composition may be influential in neurological disease. Microbial community profiles were compared between early onset pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) and control children similar for age and sex.

Methods

Children ≤18 years old within 2 years ofMSonset or controls without autoimmune disorders attending a University of California, San Francisco,USA, pediatric clinic were examined for fecal bacterial community composition and predicted function by 16S ribosomalRNAsequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis. Associations between subject characteristics and the microbiota, including beta diversity and taxa abundance, were identified using non‐parametric tests, permutational multivariate analysis of variance and negative binomial regression.

Results

Eighteen relapsing−remittingMScases and 17 controls (mean age 13 years; range 4–18) were studied. Cases had a short disease duration (mean 11 months; range 2–24) and half were immunomodulatory drug (IMD) naïve. Whilst overall gut bacterial beta diversity was not significantly related toMSstatus,IMDexposure was (Canberra,P< 0.02). However, relative to controls,MScases had a significant enrichment in relative abundance for members of theDesulfovibrionaceae(Bilophila,DesulfovibrioandChristensenellaceae) and depletion inLachnospiraceaeandRuminococcaceae(allPandq< 0.000005). Microbial genes predicted as enriched inMSversus controls included those involved in glutathione metabolism (Mann−Whitney,P= 0.017), findings that were consistent regardless ofIMDexposure.

Conclusions

In recent onset pediatricMS, perturbations in the gut microbiome composition were observed, in parallel with predicted enrichment of metabolic pathways associated with neurodegeneration. Findings were suggestive of a pro‐inflammatory milieu.
The stiff upper LIP: investigating the High Arctic Large Igneous Province
Authors: Deegan F.M. , Troll V.R. , Bédard J.H. , Evenchick C.A. , Dewing K. , Grasby S. , Geiger H. , Freda C. , Misiti V. , Mollo S.
Published: May 2016

The Canadian Arctic Islands expose a complex network of dykes and sills that belong to the High Arctic Large Igneous Province (HALIP), which intruded volatile‐rich sedimentary rocks of the Sverdrup Basin (shale, limestone, sandstone and evaporite) some 130 to 120 million years ago. There is thus great potential in studying the HALIP to learn how volatile‐rich sedimentary rocks respond to magmatic heating events during LIP emplacement. The HALIP remains, however, one of the least well known LIPs on the planet due to its remote location, short field season, and harsh climate. A Canadian–Swedish team of geologists set out in summer 2015 to further explore HALIP sills and their sedimentary host rocks, including the sampling of igneous and meta‐sedimentary rocks for subsequent geochemical analysis, and high pressure‐temperature petrological experiments to help define the actual processes and time‐scales of magma–sediment interaction. The research results will advance our understanding of how climate‐active volatiles such as CO2, SO2 and CH4 are mobilised during the magma–sediment interaction related to LIP events, a process which is hypothesised to have drastically affected Earth's carbon and sulphur cycles. In addition, assimilation of sulphate evaporites, for example, is anticipated to trigger sulphide immiscibility in the magma bodies and in so doing could promote the formation of Ni‐PGE ore bodies. Here we document the joys and challenges of ‘frontier arctic fieldwork’ and discuss some of our initial observations from the High Arctic Large Igneous Province.
Half‐a‐billion‐year‐old microscopic treasures—the Cambrian ‘Orsten’ fossils of Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Mats E. , Waloszek Dieter
Published: May 2016

The creatures that gaze back at us through the binocular microscope are so uniquely well‐preserved and life‐like that had we not known better we would have thought that they were modern. Instead they are half‐a‐billion‐year‐old arthropods extracted from Cambrian rocks of Sweden. The microscopic fossils, colloquially known as the ‘Orsten’ fossils, are now world‐famous and basking in the light of the research catwalk since their discovery in the 1970s. These fossils have provided significant insight into the long lost Cambrian biotas and early animal evolution.
Cardiometabolic risk profile based on body mass index in American Indian children and adolescents
Authors: Wheelock K. M. , Fufaa G. D. , Nelson R. G. , Hanson R. L. , Knowler W. C. , Sinha M.
Published: May 2016

Background

Childhood obesity is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk.

Objective

To study the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cardiometabolic risk factors in American Indian children and adolescents.

Methods

Differences in metabolic variables by age and sex‐specific BMI percentiles (2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Growth Charts) were examined in a cross‐sectional analysis of 2977 individuals across three age categories. Children with an exam in two consecutive age categories were included in a longitudinal analysis. Spearman's correlations were used to test the association of BMI percentile with anthropometric and biochemical variables.

Results

Body mass index percentile correlated with systolic (r = 0.24 to 0.38) and diastolic (r = 0.13 to 0.22) blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.20 to 0.33), 2‐h plasma glucose (r = 0.30 to 0.46), total cholesterol (r = 0.12 to 0.23), serum triglycerides (r = 0.40 to 0.51) and HDL cholesterol (r = −0.36 to −0.43) in each age group (5–9, 10–13 and 14–17 years). Among participants examined in multiple age categories, BMI percentile increased over time. Change in BMI percentile from one age category to the next was associated with an increase in fasting glucose, 2‐h glucose and triglycerides and a decrease in HDL cholesterol.

Conclusion

Higher BMI was associated with blood pressure elevation, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia in American Indian children and adolescents.
Concurrent vaccination against equine influenza and equine herpesvirus – a practical approach
Authors: Gildea Sarah , Sanchez Higgins Maria Jose , Johnson Gillian , Walsh Cathal , Cullinane Ann
Published: May 2016

Background

There is a lack of information concerning concurrent administration of vaccines against equine influenza virus (EIV) and equine herpesvirus 1 and 4 (EHV‐1/4).

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to determine the impact of the concurrent use of EIV and EHV‐1/4 vaccines in Thoroughbred racehorses on their humoral immune response to EIV.

Methods

This study was carried out on a population of 30 horses using an inactivated whole‐virus EIV vaccine and an inactivated EHV‐1/4 vaccine. Horses were randomly allocated to vaccination group A or B. Horses in group A were vaccinated against EIV and EHV‐1/4 2 weeks apart. Horses in group B were vaccinated against EIV and EHV‐1/4 on the same day. Whole‐blood samples were collected on the day of vaccination and 2 weeks and 6 weeks post‐vaccination. Antibody levels against EIV and EHV‐1/4 were measured using the single radial haemolysis and serum neutralisation test, respectively.

Results

The pattern of EIV antibody response post‐vaccination was similar for both groups. Highest EIV antibody levels were recorded 2 weeks post‐vaccination, and a significant decrease in antibody level was observed 4 weeks later. Horses in group B demonstrated a significantly higher EIV antibody response post‐vaccination. Overall, there was no significant difference in EHV‐1/4 antibody response between the two groups post‐vaccination.

Conclusion

In this study, concurrent vaccination against EIV and EHV‐1/4 increased the response to EIV and did not compromise the humoral immune response to EHV‐1/4.
Clinical validation of the nursing diagnosis of dysfunctional family processes related to alcoholism
Authors: Mangueira Suzana de Oliveira , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira
Published: May 2016

Aims

To evaluate the clinical validity indicators for the nursing diagnosis of dysfunctional family processes related to alcohol abuse.

Background

Alcoholism is a chronic disease that negatively affects family relationships. Studies on the nursing diagnosis of dysfunctional family processes are scarce in the literature. This diagnosis is currently composed of 115 defining characteristics, hindering their use in practice and highlighting the need for clinical validation.

Design

This was a diagnostic accuracy study.

Methods

A sample of 110 alcoholics admitted to a reference centre for alcohol treatment was assessed during the second half of 2013 for the presence or absence of the defining characteristics of the diagnosis. Operational definitions were created for each defining characteristic based on concept analysis and experts evaluated the content of these definitions. Diagnostic accuracy measures were calculated from latent class models with random effects.

Results/findings

All 89 clinical indicators were found in the sample and a set of 24 clinical indicators was identified as clinically valid for a diagnostic screening for family dysfunction from the report of alcoholics. Main clinical indicators with high specificity included sexual abuse, disturbance in academic performance in children and manipulation. The main indicators that showed high sensitivity values were distress, loss, anxiety, low self‐esteem, confusion, embarrassment, insecurity, anger, loneliness, deterioration in family relationships and disturbance in family dynamics.

Conclusion

Eighteen clinical indicators showed a high capacity for diagnostic screening for alcoholics (high sensitivity) and six indicators can be used for confirmatory diagnosis (high specificity).
Incidence of Significant Delayed Esophageal Temperature Drop After Cryoballoon‐Based Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: DEISS SEBASTIAN , METZNER ANDREAS , OUYANG FEIFAN , TILZ ROLAND R. , MATHEW SHIBU , LEMES CHRISTINE , HEEGER CHRISTIAN‐H. , MAURER TILMAN , KUCK KARL‐HEINZ , WISSNER ERIK
Published: May 2016

Significant Delayed ET Drop After CB‐Based PV Vein Isolation

Background

The second‐generation cryoballoon (CB2) has demonstrated superior clinical outcome. Potential procedural complications include esophageal thermal lesions due to excessive esophageal temperature (ET). Safety cut‐offs for the ET have previously been published. A safety margin was incorporated due to a delayed esophageal temperature decline even after termination of the CB2 freeze cycle. The extent of these delayed temperature drops requires further systematic evaluation.

Methods and Results

The study enrolled 29 patients with paroxysmal or shortstanding persistent AF who underwent CB2‐based PVI. Freeze cycle duration was 240 seconds. No bonus freeze was applied after successful PVI. The intraluminal ET was continuously measured via a transorally inserted probe (SensiTherm, St. Jude Medical, Inc.). The CB2 temperature and ET were recorded throughout the procedure using a camera setup. The mean number of freeze cycles per patient was 4.3 ± 2. A total of 147 cryoenergy applications were analyzed. A delayed decline in ET of >0.5 °C was recorded following termination of 23.1% of freeze cycles. The maximum drop in delayed ET was 6.4 °C. Excessive esophageal cooling during the freeze cycle exceeding 8.5 °C/min may result in ET ≤10 °C.

Conclusions

Following termination of cryoenergy delivery, the ET may decline an additional 6.4 °C. Proposed ET safety cut‐offs during CB2‐based PVI need to account for a significant ET drop that may occur even after termination of the individual freeze cycle.
Internet use and online safety in adults with Williams syndrome
Authors: Lough E. , Fisher M. H.
Published: May 2016

Background

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) increasingly have access to the Internet. Whilst Internet access increases opportunities for social connection for individuals with IDD, it also may increase risk of victimisation. Adults with Williams syndrome (WS), who display an extreme pro‐social drive to engage with both familiar and unfamiliar people, might be especially vulnerable to online victimisation. This study first explores how often and why individuals with WS use the Internet and social networking sites. Next, the online vulnerability of individuals with WS is assessed through responses to hypothetical scenarios of potentially dangerous online interactions.

Method

Twenty‐eight young adults with WS (mean age = 27.7 years) and their parents completed questionnaires about their Internet and social networking use and parental oversight. Participants with WS then responded to hypothetical scenarios assessing their likelihood to take social and non‐social risks online.

Results

Most participants with WS frequently use the Internet and the majority visit social networking sites every day or almost every day, with little parental supervision or oversight. Individuals with WS interact with both known and unknown individuals through social networking sites. Participants are more likely to agree to engage in socially risky behaviours compared to risky behaviours that are not social in nature when online. For example, participants were more likely to agree to meet an ‘online friend’ in person than they were to give their bank account information for winning a ‘contest’.

Conclusions

Individuals with WS, who are a socially vulnerable group in the real world, display behaviours that could also lead to victimisation online as well. As the Internet continues to become more accessible, more research is needed to increase online safety of individuals with WS and other IDDs. Implications for intervention and future research are discussed.
Development of a clinical nurse recognition scale for female intimate partner violence patients
Authors: Inoue Matsuyo , Uza Miyoko , Shinjo Masaki , Akamine Itsuko
Published: May 2016

Aim

We aimed to develop a Recognition Scale for Female Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Patients (RS‐FIPVP); measure the levels and clarify the structure of IPV recognition among clinical nurses; and confirm the validity and reliability of the scale.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, anonymous, self‐administered questionnaire was administered to clinical nurses (n = 2570) at seven clinical settings in Okinawa, Japan. As a result, 1855 valid responses were obtained and used in the analysis. The statistical analysis examined an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, and construct validity.

Results

Four factors, comprising 20 items, were extracted for IPV recognition among clinical nurses. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the indices of fitness supported these results. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.83 for the total score and 0.71, 0.73, 0.74, and 0.71 for Factors 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Four factors were extracted from the oblique factor analysis, with a cumulative variance of 50.0%: “understanding of the victim's situation”, “violence that is difficult to detect”, “patient characteristics”, and “support and coordination”. The four factors had a moderate correlation (0.27–0.47, P < 0.01) with each other, which indicated construct validity. These findings confirmed fit for the RS‐FIPVP.

Conclusions

The RS‐FIPVP, a recognition scale to measure and evaluate the recognition of female IPV patients among clinical nurses, was developed. It may be used to improve the recognition of female IPV patients in nursing continuing education and also to measure and evaluate educational interventions. The reliability and validity of the scale were verified; however, further refining, testing, and evaluation are required.