bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inorganic component of saliva during fasting and after fast break
Authors: Selviani Yusrini , Mas’ud Nurul Waqiah , Idul Fitri Arsmin Nur , Ferry Atikah Balqis , Lestari Rini F , Samad Rasmidar
Published: September 2016

Oral health is closely related to salivary components. Saliva consists of water, inorganic and organic materials. Fasting changes one’s meal and drinking time that in turn can affect the environment in oral cavity, including inorganic componenet of saliva. The purpose of this study is to determine the inorganic component of saliva during fasting and after fast break. The study is an observational analytic (longitudinal/follow-up study) conducted in Hasanuddin University dental hospital in July 2015. The sampling method is purposive sampling with the entire population of Dental Public Health section students, who are 35 people with 16 research subjects who fullfill the criteria of the study. Samples were tested in the laboratory using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) in part per million (ppm) units. The data is analysed by paired t-test with SPSS version 17.0. The result shows that concentration of inorganic components (calcium, phosphate and potassium) in the saliva decreased significantly after fast break (p<0.05). Sodium shows decreased insignificantly after fast break (p=0.190) and magnesium increased insignificantly after break fasting (p=0.615). The concentration of calcium, phosphate, potassium except sodium decreased significantly after fast break, whereas the concentrations of magnesium were not significantly increased after fast break.
Hemiglosectomy with selective neck dissection in squamous cell carcinoma at tongue
Authors: Fauzi Abul , Hardianto Andri , Wariz Rahmat
Published: September 2016

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is common is a malignant neoplasma originated from epithelial cells. It is usually involving the oral mucosa and underlying tissue of the tongue, hypopharynx, and also larynx. This report discussed about the management of SCC at tongue with hemiglosectomy and selective neck dissection managed in a male, 57 years old who referred with chief complaints of a mass on the tongue measuring 0.5cm that did not heal, Incision biopsy result confirms a squamous cell carcinoma with well differentiated on his tongue with enlarged lymph nodes level I ipsilateral. The patient was hospitalized and hemiglosectomy surgery with selective neck dissection was conducted, with the entire edge of the excision boundary has been free of tumor mass. Hemiglosectomy with selective neck dissection is selected depending on the size of the lesion, location of lesion and metastases occurrence.
Revisiting the role of governance and institutions in the impact of financial liberalization on economic growth using the PSTR model
Authors: Saidi Hichem , Rachdi Houssem , Mgadmi Nidhal
Published: September 2016

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the dual effect of financial liberalization over more than three decades, starting from the independent contributions of Ronald I. McKinnon and Edwards S. Shaw on this topic. In this regard, the paper revisits the effects of financial liberalization and governance on growth. Moreover, it presents a summary of current research in this area, covering the conclusions of the endogenous growth models, issues on volatility and the relationship between financial liberalization, institutions, governance and economic growth. To study data of 54 countries from 1985 to 2010 and because the nexus between financial liberalization and economic growth is nonlinear and depends on specific national factors especially institutions quality and governance, the Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) model is used. The main result of this study shows that a better contribution of financial liberalization to economic growth requires the interrelationship and the complementarity between financial liberalization and governance. Overall, regardless of the level of liberalization, output income is always higher with better governance and institutions.
Dollarization of deposits in the short and long run: Evidence from CESE countries
Authors: Urosevic Branko , Rajkovic Ivana
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we study the drivers of permanent and transitory deposit
dollarization for a sample of CESE countries using panel cointegration
techniques. The results suggest that a positive cointegration relationship
exists between permanent dollarization and Minimum Variance Portfolio (MVP)
share. This provides an additional empirical validation of the MVP method as
the standard tool for analyzing financial dollarization. In the long run,
agents make savings decisions based on the relative volatilities of
inflation and nominal depreciation rates and do not take into account the
interest rate spread. Somewhat different factors affect dollarization in the
short rather than in the long run. Namely, apart from MVP share, transitory
deposit dollarization is driven, also, by the real interest rate spread. Our
results suggest that affecting dollarization through changes in the interest
rate spread may have a short term impact. In the long run, however, for
dedollarization it is critical to reduce the volatility of inflation
compared to the volatility of exchange rate depreciation.
Looking for stability: Repercussions of the Russian revolution in the work of John Maynard Keynes
Authors: Svoboda Frantisek
Published: September 2016

The paper analyses and proposes an answer to the question of how the Russian revolution is reflected in the work of John Maynard Keynes. The starting point of the analysis is an interesting yet not very well known episode of the economist?s life: a period when Keynes, then a British Treasury official, was entrusted with the task of creating a currency for Northern Russia. The ensuing design and architecture of the North Russian rouble virtually became an opportunity for Keynes to put into practice some of his general currency-related ideas, and the entire project influenced Keynes?s economic thought in two specific ways. First, the Russian experience can be traced in the economist?s reflections on two fundamentally different financial policies: the inflationary approach adopted by the Bolsheviks, and the anti-inflationary strategy of the British government. Keynes made use of his experience with the Russian hyperinflation in a multitude of his works, especially in the papers on inflation and its consequences. Second, certain elements of the project influenced the actual formation of Keynes?s view on the function and balancing of the international monetary markets. This part is based on monitoring the continuity of thoughts and actions, starting from India Currency and Finance and ending with the North Russian rouble and the design of the bancor.
The evolution of the environmental Kuznets curve concept: The review of the research
Authors: Ginevicius Romualdas , Lapinskienė Giedrė , Peleckis Kęstutis
Published: September 2016

The paper aims to describe the evolution of the environmental Kuznets curve,
from its origin up to its present status, and to systemise the results of
the empirical studies of the relationship between the emissions of
greenhouse gases and economic growth. The environmental Kuznets curve
indicates that at the early stages of economic growth, pollution increases
with the growing use of resources, but when a certain level of income per
capita is reached, the trend reverses so that, at a higher development
stage, further economic growth leads to the improvement of the environment.
The paper starts with a description of the most influential theories of the
environmental economics that helps to highlight an effective environmental
approach. The article may be useful for scientists and policy makers,
analysing the trends of the economic development of various countries and
the problems of the relationship between the environmental indicators and
economic growth.
Bank risk aversion and the risk-taking channel of monetary policy in the euro area
Authors: Dajcman Silvo
Published: September 2016

The financial crisis has provoked economic policy interest and academic research on the functioning and empirical verification of the risktaking channel of monetary policy. The results of this paper demonstrate how the European Central Bank?s Bank lending survey responses can be used to construct a ?pure? risk aversion indicator of banks? business lending. Using panel vector autoregression econometric methodology, we find evidence that the monetary policy affects the ?pure? risk aversion of banks and later affects business loans and inflation in the euro area. The results suggest that the risktaking channel in the euro area is operational.
Is it possible to describe a Kuznets curve for health outcomes? An empirical investigation
Authors: Fotourehchi Zahra , Çalışkan Zafer
Published: September 2016

In this study, we investigate the relationship between economic growth and health outcomes under the Kuznets curve (KC) hypothesis for 60 developing countries during the period 1995 to 2010 using unbalanced panel data method and the health production function model. The results show that the turning points and shapes of the health Kuznets curve (HKC) change based on the kind of health proxy variables, suggesting that there is not a specific HKC for health outcomes. Thus, health policies need to be ?customized? for each health indicator and not standardized. Moreover, based on these results, health policies that ignore the detrimental effects of pollution may not deliver the full realizable health gains that could be derived from higher socioeconomic levels.
Macronutrient Intake–Associated FGF21 Genotype Modifies Effects of Weight-Loss Diets on 2-Year Changes of Central Adiposity and Body Composition: The POUNDS Lost Trial
Authors: Heianza Yoriko , Ma Wenjie , Huang Tao , Wang Tiange , Zheng Yan , Smith Steven R. , Bray George A. , Sacks Frank M. , Qi Lu
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is involved in the regulation of energy balance and adipose metabolism. Our previous genome-wide association study identified genetic variants in the FGF21 region associated with macronutrient intake preference. We investigated whether the FGF21 genotype modified effects of weight-loss diets varying in macronutrient intake on changes in adiposity in a 2-year randomized diet intervention trial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We genotyped FGF21 rs838147 in 715 overweight or obese individuals who were assigned to one of four diets varying in macronutrient contents. A DEXA scan was performed to evaluate body composition.

RESULTS

We observed a significant interaction between the FGF21 genotype and carbohydrate/fat intake on 2-year changes in waist circumference (WC), percentage of total fat mass, and percentage of trunk fat (P = 0.049, P = 0.001, and P = 0.003 for interaction, respectively). In response to the low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet, carrying the carbohydrate intake–decreasing C allele of rs838147 was marginally associated with less reduction in WC (P = 0.08) and significantly associated with less reduction of total fat mass (P = 0.01) and trunk fat (P = 0.02). Opposite genetic associations with these outcomes were observed among the high-carbohydrate/low-fat diet group; carrying the C allele was associated with a greater reduction of WC, total body fat mass, and trunk fat.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that FGF21 genotypes may interact with dietary carbohydrate/fat intake on changes in central adiposity and body fat composition. A low-calorie, high-carbohydrate/low-fat diet was beneficial for overweight or obese individuals carrying the carbohydrate intake–decreasing allele of the FGF21 variant to improve body composition and abdominal obesity.
Remifentanil in Combination With Propofol Is Suitable for Use in the Dental Outpatient Setting
Authors: Maeno Makoto , Fukuda Ken-ichi , Sakamoto Toyoaki , Koukita Yoshihiko , Ichinohe Tatsuya
Published: September 2016

Although several adjuncts to the general anesthetic propofol have been proposed, there is insufficient research identifying the ideal agent, and in what dosage, to combine with propofol in dental outpatient anesthesia. Here we examined the combination of remifentanil or nitrous oxide and propofol in patients with severe dental avoidance undergoing dental treatment in the outpatient setting. Eighty patients were randomized to 4 groups and administered propofol/saline solution (PS; n = 20), propofol/remifentanil 0.25 μg/kg/min (PRe-0.25; n = 20), propofol/remifentanil 0.125 μg/kg/min (PRe-0.125; n = 20), or propofol/66% nitrous oxide (PN; n = 20). During anesthesia, the bispectral index value was kept between 40 and 60. Body movements and hemodynamic changes during anesthesia, emergence, and recovery as well as anesthetic cost were compared between the combinations. Body movements were observed in all patients administered PS but in no patients administered PRe-0.25, PRe-0.125, or PN. Postoperative nausea was observed in 5 patients (25%) administered PRe-0.25 and in 1 patient (5%) administered PN. Although both PRe-0.125 and PN were useful clinically, PRe-0.125 was the least expensive combination.
Effect of Injection Pressure of Infiltration Anesthesia to the Jawbone
Authors: Yoshida Kenji , Tanaka Eri , Kawaai Hiroyoshi , Yamazaki Shinya
Published: September 2016

To obtain effective infiltration anesthesia in the jawbone, high concentrations of local anesthetic are needed. However, to reduce pain experienced by patients during local anesthetic administration, low-pressure injection is recommended for subperiosteal infiltration anesthesia. Currently, there are no studies regarding the effect of injection pressure on infiltration anesthesia, and a standard injection pressure has not been clearly determined. Hence, the effect of injection pressure of subperiosteal infiltration anesthesia on local anesthetic infiltration to the jawbone was considered by directly measuring lidocaine concentration in the jawbone. Japanese white male rabbits were used as test animals. After inducing general anesthesia with oxygen and sevoflurane, cannulation to the femoral artery was performed and arterial pressure was continuously recorded. Subperiosteal infiltration anesthesia was performed by injecting 0.5 mL of 2% lidocaine containing 1/80,000 adrenaline, and injection pressure was monitored by a pressure transducer for 40 seconds. After specified time intervals (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes), jawbone and blood samples were collected, and the concentration of lidocaine at each time interval was measured. The mean injection pressure was divided into 4 groups (100 ± 50 mm Hg, 200 ± 50 mm Hg, 300 ± 50 mm Hg, and 400 ± 50 mm Hg), and comparison statistical analysis between these 4 groups was performed. No significant change in blood pressure during infiltration anesthesia was observed in any of the 4 groups. Lidocaine concentration in the blood and jawbone were highest 10 minutes after the infiltration anesthesia in all 4 groups and decreased thereafter. Lidocaine concentration in the jawbone increased as injection pressure increased, while serum lidocaine concentration was significantly lower. This suggests that when injection pressure of subperiosteal infiltration anesthesia is low, infiltration of local anesthetic to the jawbone may be reduced, while transfer to oral mucosa and blood may be increased.
A randomized, controlled trial of the effects of resveratrol administration in performance horses with lameness localized to the distal tarsal joints
Authors: Watts Ashlee E. , Dabareiner Robin , Marsh Chad , Carter G. Kent , Cummings Kevin J.
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of resveratrol administration in performance horses with lameness localized to the distal tarsal joints.

DESIGN Randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

ANIMALS 45 client-owned horses with lameness localized to the distal tarsal joints.

PROCEDURES All horses received injections of triamcinolone acetonide in the centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints of both hind limbs. A placebo or a supplement containing resveratrol was fed twice daily by owners for 4 months. Primary outcomes were horse performance as determined by rider opinion (better, worse, or the same) and change in lameness severity from the enrollment examination.

RESULTS Complete data were obtained for 21 horses that received resveratrol and 20 that received the placebo. Percentage of riders who reported that the horse's performance was better, compared with worse or the same, was significantly higher for the resveratrol group than for the placebo group after 2 (20/21 [95%] vs 14/20 [70%]) and 4 (18/21 [86%] vs 10/20 [50%]) months. The change in A1:A2 ratio between the enrollment and 4-month recheck examinations was significantly better for horses in the resveratrol versus placebo group. However, subjective lameness scores and degree of asymmetry of pelvis movement did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that in performance horses with lameness localized to the distal tarsal joints, injection of triamcinolone in the centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints of both hind limbs followed by oral supplementation with resveratrol for 4 months resulted in reduced lameness, compared with triamcinolone injection and supplementation with a placebo.
Serologic response in eight alpacas vaccinated by extralabel use of a large animal rabies vaccine during a public health response to a rabid alpaca in South Carolina
Authors: Wallace Ryan M. , Niezgoda Michael , Waggoner Emily A. , Blanton Jesse Dean , Radcliffe Rachel A.
Published: September 2016

CASE DESCRIPTION A female alpaca, kept at pasture with 12 other female alpacas, 2 crias, and 5 goats, was evaluated because of clinical signs of aggression.

CLINICAL FINDINGS The clinical signs of aggression progressed to include biting at other animals as well as disorientation. Three days later, the alpaca was euthanized because of suspicion of rabies virus infection.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME No physical injuries were found at necropsy. Brain tissue specimens were confirmed positive for rabies on the basis of direct fluorescent antibody test results. Molecular typing identified the rabies virus variant as one that is enzootic in raccoons. The farm was placed under quarantine, restricting movement of animals on and off the property for 6 months. To prevent further rabies cases, 14 alpacas (12 adults and 2 crias) were vaccinated by extralabel use of a large animal rabies vaccine. Of the 14 vaccinated alpacas, 8 had paired serum samples obtained immediately before and 21 days after vaccination; all 8 alpacas had adequate serum antirabies antibody production in response to rabies vaccination. As a result of an adequate serologic response, the quarantine was reduced to 3 months. In the year after the index rabies case, no other animals on the farm developed rabies.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE Extralabel use of rabies vaccines in camelids was used in the face of a public health investigation. This report provides an example of handling of a rabies case for future public health investigations, which will undoubtedly need to develop ad-hoc rabies vaccination recommendations on the basis of the unique characteristics of the event.
An investigation of how the Australian brewing industry influence consumers on Twitter
Authors: Aleti Torgeir , Harrigan Paul , Cheong Marc , Turner Will
Published: September 2016

In this paper we develop and test hypotheses around organisations’ behaviour on social media and its effect on consumers’ responses. We draw on the notion of the market maven to underpin the research and suggest that organisations on social media need to focus on acting in a maven-like manner in order to influence audiences in Twitter. We collected data from the Twitter accounts of the entire brewing industry in Australia, analysing organisational postings and their impact on influence (follower numbers, retweets) of their respective Twitter accounts. In particular, we look at message formulation and language, native platform behaviour, reciprocity and persistency variables. Findings suggest that establishing a larger follower base requires an interactive, one-to-one and reciprocal approach. In order to influence audiences to retweet organisations need to speak the ‘native platform language’ and employ a soft-sell strategy. Maven-like behaviour tends to reside in the small independent craft breweries. We offer the conclusion that these craft breweries have realised that, on social media, a different approach to marketing is required: the organisations must act in a maven-like manner.
Quantifying Dunsmuir: An empirical analysis of the Supreme Court of Canada’s jurisprudence on standard of review
Authors: Danay Robert
Published: September 2016

In this empirical study, the author assesses an argument advanced by several scholars that the framework for the selection of standards of review articulated by the Supreme Court of Canada in Dunsmuir v New Brunswick leads to less deference being shown by judges to administrative decision makers than the prior pragmatic and functional approach. An examination of the Court’s voting record in 177 cases dating back to Pushpanathan v Canada suggests that, to the contrary, members of the Court have shown greater deference to administrative decision makers in the years since Dunsmuir was decided than they did under the prior framework. For example, the rate at which the correctness standard was selected after a standard of review analysis was undertaken decreased from 43 per cent before Dunsmuir to 17 per cent in subsequent years. The rate at which members of the Court voted to overturn administrative decisions after identifying the applicable standard decreased from 38 per cent before Dunsmuir to 23 per cent thereafter. While a multiple regression analysis to control for confounding factors was not undertaken, these changes appear to flow from a change in the Court’s approach rather than from factors such as changes in the composition in the Court or changes in the kinds of cases that were heard after Dunsmuir. The author suggests, however, that this shift in approach is not necessarily inherent to the Dunsmuir framework itself and that there are signs that the Court may have already begun to adopt a somewhat less deferential posture.
Developing Field Skid Resistance Prediction Procedure for Louisiana Pavements
Authors: Subedi Yogendra P. , Wu Zhong , Abadie Chris
Published: September 2016

Research shows that by improving pavement surface friction resistance, wet pavement crashes can be reduced or prevented. However, the current asphalt mixture design procedure does not directly consider friction as a design requirement. The main objective of this study was to develop a procedure to predict the pavement field skid resistance based on design traffic input, aggregate polishing, and mixture properties commonly available during a mix design. Twenty-two asphalt pavement test sections were considered in this study. The selected asphalt mixtures consisted of eight commonly used aggregates and four typical mix types: 12.5-mm Superpave®, 19-mm Superpave, stone mastic asphalt, and open-graded friction course. Field measurements were conducted with the dynamic friction tester, circular texture meter, and locked-wheel skid tester devices, while the coarse aggregate’s polished stone values were determined by using the accelerated polishing test in the laboratory. Statistical analysis of various field and lab test results led to the development of a procedure for predicting pavement end-of-life skid resistance based on the aggregate blend’s polished stone values, gradation parameters, and design traffic input. In addition, a new aggregate friction rating table was developed so that new aggregate sources can be certified by laboratory dynamic friction tester measurements to fulfill the required mixture friction requirements. The new procedure will allow engineers to check whether a mix design with a selected blend of aggregates would meet field friction requirements during the mix design stage.
Use of Rejuvenator, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Latex, and Warm-Mix Asphalt Technology to Achieve Conventional Mixture Performance with 50% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Gu Xingyu , Li Qiang , Ni Fujian , Yuan Rui
Published: September 2016

To reduce the demand on new asphalt and aggregates, more attention has been paid to increasing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) contents used in asphalt paving mixtures. However, Chinese transportation departments are reluctant to use high RAP contents in practice, partially because of the performance of high RAP mixtures, its possible effectiveness, and potential rutting problems caused by asphalt rejuvenators. An investigation was done of the effect of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex and a warm-mix asphalt (WMA) agent on RAP mixes. The objective was to produce mixtures with high RAP content that demonstrate similar or better pavement performance than the conventional hot-mix asphalt. In this study, different laboratory tests were conducted on high RAP mixtures with a rejuvenator, SBR latex, and a WMA agent. The results illustrated that the asphalt rejuvenator partly recovers the RAP binder performance and has a negative effect on the rutting performance of mixtures, while SBR latex can improve both high-temperature and low-temperature performance with the rejuvenator. Using the WMA agent can satisfy the specifications and production tolerances of volumetric properties for high RAP mixes. Finally, it is found that the mixture with 50% RAP and SBR latex can supply a better fatigue performance, low-temperature performance, and moisture-resistant performance than the conventional hot-mix asphalt mixture.
Warm-Mix Asphalt Trials in New York State: Laboratory and Field Performance
Authors: Bennert Thomas , Pezeshki Darius , Shaarbafan Nick , Euler Chris
Published: September 2016

Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technologies have been studied by many researchers over the past 10 years with a majority of the research pertaining to laboratory-prepared materials or sampled asphalt mixtures that are reheated in the laboratory before sample preparation. Unfortunately, the laboratory preparation of WMA, especially foamed systems, does not do a very good job at simulating the plant production processes. Meanwhile, reheating loose mix that had been sampled during production has shown to stiffen the asphalt mixture owing to additional oxidation aging, thus altering the initial asphalt mixture properties. In addition, the majority of the WMA research studies published contain little to no field performance, making it difficult to know whether or not the differences in material performance observed in the laboratory translate to actual field performance. Research is presented in regard to the laboratory performance of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and companion WMA mixtures using various WMA technologies. All test specimens were compacted at the asphalt plant’s quality control laboratory to mitigate any issues with reheating. In addition to the initial laboratory testing, field performance of five of the test sections 3 to 4 years after being placed is presented. Comparisons of the performance of plant-compacted and field cores are described, as well as comparisons of the measured field distress and the laboratory performance of the WMA and HMA mixtures. The resulting information has been used to generate a WMA guidance document in New York State.
Comparison of the accuracy and proximal shunt failure rate of freehand placement versus intraoperative guidance in parietooccipital ventricular catheter placement
Authors: Wilson Thomas J. , McCoy Kathleen E. , Al-Holou Wajd N. , Molina Sergio L. , Smyth Matthew D. , Sullivan Stephen E.
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper is to compare the accuracy of the freehand technique versus the use of intraoperative guidance (either ultrasound guidance or frameless stereotaxy) for placement of parietooccipital ventricular catheters and to determine factors associated with reduced proximal shunt failure.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all patients from 2 institutions who underwent a ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting procedure in which a new parietooccipital ventricular catheter was placed between January 2005 and December 2013. Data abstracted for each patient included age, sex, method of ventricular catheter placement, side of ventricular catheter placement, Evans ratio, and bifrontal ventricular span. Postoperative radiographic studies were reviewed for accuracy of ventricular catheter placement. Medical records were also reviewed for evidence of shunt failure requiring revision. Standard statistical methods were used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 257 patients were included in the study: 134 from the University of Michigan and 123 from Washington University in St. Louis. Accurate ventricular catheter placement was achieved in 81.2% of cases in which intraoperative guidance was used versus 67.3% when the freehand technique was used. Increasing age reduced the likelihood of accurate catheter placement (OR 0.983, 95% CI 0.971–0.995; p = 0.005), while the use of intraoperative guidance significantly increased the likelihood (OR 2.809, 95% CI 1.406–5.618; p = 0.016). During the study period, 108 patients (42.0%) experienced shunt failure, 79 patients (30.7%) had failure involving the proximal catheter, and 53 patients (20.6%) had distal failure (valve or distal catheter). Increasing age reduced the likelihood of being free from proximal shunt failure (OR 0.983, 95% CI 0.970–0.995; p = 0.008), while both the use of intraoperative guidance (OR 2.385, 95% CI 1.227–5.032; p = 0.011), and accurate ventricular catheter placement (OR 3.424, 95% CI 1.796–6.524; p = 0.009) increased the likelihood.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of intraoperative guidance during parietooccipital ventricular catheter placement as part of a CSF shunt system significantly increases the likelihood of accurate catheter placement and subsequently reduces the rate of proximal shunt failure.
An improved reservoir for the flushing test to diagnose shunt insufficiency
Authors: Schlosser Hans-Georg , Crawack Hans-Joachim , Miethke Christoph , Knitter Thoralf , Zeiner Andreas , Sprung Christian
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

Reservoirs integrated into hydrocephalus shunts are commonly used for the removal of CSF and for intra-ventricular pressure measurement. Pumping with the reservoir to diagnose shunt sufficiency is still a matter of controversy. The authors describe an improved flushing device and its characteristic features in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

The flushing reservoir is constructed with a sapphire ball in a cage as a nonresistance valve to also enable the detection of distal occlusions. The most important reservoir parameters were investigated in vitro, simulating total and partial proximal and distal shunt occlusions. Then the expected advantages were assessed in vivo by evaluating the pump test data of 360 implanted reservoirs. The results were compared with those found in the literature.

RESULTS

The optimization of the technical parameters of the device, such as the high stroke volume in combination with moderate suction force, are obvious advantages compared with other flushing devices. Total occlusion of the ventricular catheter and the valve could be assessed with high certainty. The detection of a total obstruction of the peritoneal catheter or any partial obstruction is also possible, depending on its exact grade and location.

CONCLUSIONS

Shunt obstructions can be assessed using the pumping test. The reservoir construction presented here provides a clear enhancement of that diagnostic test.
Hydrocephalus: the role of cerebral aquaporin-4 channels and computational modeling considerations of cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Desai Bhargav , Hsu Ying , Schneller Benjamin , Hobbs Jonathan G. , Mehta Ankit I. , Linninger Andreas
Published: September 2016

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) channels play an important role in brain water homeostasis. Water transport across plasma membranes has a critical role in brain water exchange of the normal and the diseased brain. AQP4 channels are implicated in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus, a disease of water imbalance that leads to CSF accumulation in the ventricular system. Many molecular aspects of fluid exchange during hydrocephalus have yet to be firmly elucidated, but review of the literature suggests that modulation of AQP4 channel activity is a potentially attractive future pharmaceutical therapy. Drug therapy targeting AQP channels may enable control over water exchange to remove excess CSF through a molecular intervention instead of by mechanical shunting. This article is a review of a vast body of literature on the current understanding of AQP4 channels in relation to hydrocephalus, details regarding molecular aspects of AQP4 channels, possible drug development strategies, and limitations. Advances in medical imaging and computational modeling of CSF dynamics in the setting of hydrocephalus are summarized. Algorithmic developments in computational modeling continue to deepen the understanding of the hydrocephalus disease process and display promising potential benefit as a tool for physicians to evaluate patients with hydrocephalus.
Improved Tolerance to Root Rot and Bacterial Blights in Kidney Bean: Registration of ‘Talon’ Dark Red Kidney and ‘Rosie’ Light Red Kidney
Authors: Osorno Juan M. , Grafton Kenneth F. , Vander Wal Albert J. , Kloberdanz Michael , Schroder Stephan , Vasquez Jose E. , Ghising Kiran , Pasche Julie S.
Published: September 2016

‘Talon’ dark red kidney (Reg. No. CV‐314, PI 674157; PVP #201500067) and ‘Rosie’ light red kidney (Reg. No. CV‐313, PI 674156; PVP #201500066) are two new kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars developed by the dry bean breeding program at North Dakota State University and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experimental Station. Talon has medium‐early maturity, while Rosie is late maturing. Both Talon and Rosie are high‐yielding cultivars with commercially acceptable seed size, shape, and appearance. Both Talon and Rosie were tested between 2006 and 2015 across 24 environments in Minnesota and North Dakota and have shown a superior seed yield compared with cultivars commonly grown in the region. Averaged across all environments, Talon produced 153 and 359 kg ha−1 more than ‘Montcalm’ and ‘Redhawk’, respectively. Rosie produced 991, 355, and 222 kg ha−1 more than ‘CELRK’, ‘Foxfire’, and ‘Pink Panther’, respectively. In comparison with the commercial checks, both Talon and Rosie displayed intermediate resistance to the root rot complex under field conditions in Minnesota. In addition, Talon displayed intermediate resistance and Rosie was rated as resistant to both common bacterial blight [caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Smith) Vauterin et al.] and halo blight [caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola (Burkholder) Young et al.] in the field. The improved levels of resistance to both root rots and bacterial diseases combined with the superior agronomic performance over kidney bean cultivars commonly grown in the United States suggest that Rosie and Talon have the potential to be among the most important kidney cultivars in the United States.
Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis from Bangladesh: Current Status
Authors: Hossain Md. Moazzem
Published: September 2016

No Abstract is available Journal of Science Foundation 2016;14(1):1-2
Electrochemical Sensors Based on Screen-Printed Electrodes: The Use of Phthalocyanine Derivatives for Application in VFA Detection
Authors: Ndiaye Amadou , Delile Sébastien , Brunet Jérôme , Varenne Christelle , Pauly Alain
Published: September 2016

Here, we report on the use of electrochemical methods for the detection of volatiles fatty acids (VFAs), namely acetic acid. We used tetra-tert-butyl phthalocyanine (PcH2-tBu) as the sensing material and investigated its electroanalytical properties by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). To realize the electrochemical sensing system, the PcH2-tBu has been dropcast-deposited on carbon (C) orgold (Au)screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) and characterized by cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM analysis reveals that the PcH2-tBu forms mainly aggregates on the SPEs. The modified electrodes are used for the detection of acetic acid and present a linear current increase when the acetic acid concentration increases. The Cmodified electrode presents a limit of detection (LOD) of 25.77 mM in the range of 100 mM–400 mM, while the Aumodified electrode presents an LOD averaging 40.89 mM in the range of 50 mM–300 mM. When the experiment is realized in a buffered condition, theCmodified electrode presents a lower LOD, which averagesthe 7.76 mM. A pronounced signal decay attributed to an electrode alteration is observed in the case of the gold electrode. This electrode alteration severely affects the coating stability. This alteration is less perceptible in the case of the carbon electrode.
Wnt Drug Discovery: Weaving Through the Screens, Patents and Clinical Trials
Authors: Lu Benjamin , Green Brooke , Farr Jacqueline , Lopes Flávia , Van Raay Terence
Published: September 2016

The Wnt signaling pathway is intricately involved in many aspects of development and is the root cause of an increasing number of diseases. For example, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in the industrialized world and aberration of Wnt signaling within the colonic stem cell is the cause of more than 90% of these cancers. Despite our advances in successfully targeting other pathways, such as Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), there are no clinically relevant therapies available for Wnt-related diseases. Here, we investigated where research activities are focused with respect to Wnt signaling modulators by searching the United States Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) for patents and patent applications related to Wnt modulators and compared this to clinical trials focusing on Wnt modulation. We found that while the transition of intellectual property surrounding the Wnt ligand-receptor interface to clinical trials is robust, this is not true for specific inhibitors of β-catenin, which is constitutively active in many cancers. Considering the ubiquitous use of the synthetic T-cell Factor/Lymphoid Enhancer Factor (TCF/Lef) reporter system and its success in identifying novel modulators in vitro, we speculate that this model of drug discovery does not capture the complexity of in vivo Wnt signaling that may be required if we are to successfully target the Wnt pathway in the clinic. Notwithstanding, increasingly more complex models are being developed, which may not be high throughput, but more pragmatic in our pursuit to control Wnt signaling.
Generalized Robustness of Contextuality
Authors: Meng Huixian , Cao Huaixin , Wang Wenhua , Fan Yajing , Chen Liang
Published: September 2016

Motivated by the importance of contextuality and a work on the robustness of the entanglement of mixed quantum states, the robustness of contextuality (RoC) R C ( e ) of an empirical model e against non-contextual noises was introduced and discussed in Science China Physics, Mechanics and Astronomy (59(4) and 59(9), 2016). Because noises are not always non-contextual, this paper introduces and discusses the generalized robustness of contextuality (GRoC) R g ( e ) of an empirical model e against general noises. It is proven that R g ( e ) = 0 if and only if e is non-contextual. This means that the quantity R g can be used to distinguish contextual empirical models from non-contextual ones. It is also shown that the function R g is convex on the set of all empirical models and continuous on the set of all no-signaling empirical models. For any two empirical models e and f such that the generalized relative robustness of e with respect to f is finite, a fascinating relationship between the GRoCs of e and f is proven, which reads R g ( e ) R g ( f ) ≤ 1 . Lastly, for any n-cycle contextual box e, a relationship between the GRoC R g ( e ) and the extent Δ e of violating the non-contextual inequalities is established.
Correction: Lopatin, E., et al. Assessment of Compliance with PEFC Forest Certification Indicators with Remote Sensing. Forests 2016, 7, 85
Authors: Lopatin Eugene , Trishkin Maxim , Gavrilova Olga
Published: September 2016

The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper [1].[...]
Introduction to the Special Issue on Human–Computer Interaction and the Social Web
Authors: Carta Salvatore , Boratto Ludovico
Published: September 2016

In recent years, both Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and the Social Web (also known as Web 2.0) have had exponential growth.[...]
Main Issues in Big Data Security
Authors: Moreno Julio , Serrano Manuel , Fernández-Medina Eduardo
Published: September 2016

Data is currently one of the most important assets for companies in every field. The continuous growth in the importance and volume of data has created a new problem: it cannot be handled by traditional analysis techniques. This problem was, therefore, solved through the creation of a new paradigm: Big Data. However, Big Data originated new issues related not only to the volume or the variety of the data, but also to data security and privacy. In order to obtain a full perspective of the problem, we decided to carry out an investigation with the objective of highlighting the main issues regarding Big Data security, and also the solutions proposed by the scientific community to solve them. In this paper, we explain the results obtained after applying a systematic mapping study to security in the Big Data ecosystem. It is almost impossible to carry out detailed research into the entire topic of security, and the outcome of this research is, therefore, a big picture of the main problems related to security in a Big Data system, along with the principal solutions to them proposed by the research community.
Delirium Diagnostic and Screening Instruments in the Emergency Department: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review
Authors: Mariz José , Costa Castanho Teresa , Teixeira Jorge , Sousa Nuno , Correia Santos Nadine
Published: September 2016

Background: Emergency care systems are at the core of modern healthcare and are the “point-of-entry/admission” into the hospital for many older/elderly patients. Among these, it is estimated that 15% to 30% will have delirium on admission and that over 50% will develop it during their stay. However, appropriate delirium diagnostic and screening still remains a critical area of need. The goal of this review is to update the field, exploring target areas in screening methods for delirium in the Emergency Department (ED), and/or acute care units, in the older population. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to search screening/diagnostic methods for delirium in the ED and/or acute care units within the ED. Results: Seven different scales were identified. Of the identified instruments, the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) for the Intense Care Unit (CAM-ICU) was the most widely used. Of note, a brief two-step approach for delirium surveillance was defined with the Delirium Triage Screen (DTS) and the Brief Confusion Assessment Method (bCAM), and the diagnostic accuracy of the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) for delirium had a good sensitivity and specificity in older patients. Conclusion: The CAM-ICU appears as the potential reference standard for use in the ED, but research in a global approach of evaluation of actual and past cognitive changes is still warranted.
Surveillance and Social Memory: Remembering Princess Diana with CCTV
Authors: Falkenhayner Nicole
Published: September 2016

Since the 1990s, surveillance camera images have experienced a function creep from their juridical uses into journalism and entertainment. In these contexts, the images have also become memory media. This article, for the first time, analyses CCTV images, meaning closed circuit surveillance camera images, as memory media and discusses the implications of our use of artefacts of control within a frame of mediated constructions of social memory. The article undertakes this work by analyzing remediations of the CCTV images of Diana Spencer and Dodi Al-Fayed in the Ritz Hotel in Paris on 30 August 1997 in television news and a documentary from 2007 and 2011, respectively. It is shown how social memory of Diana’s death is a contested site, in which the images play a specific role.
Assessing Impacts on Unplanned Hospitalisations of Care Quality and Access Using a Structural Equation Method: With a Case Study of Diabetes
Authors: Congdon Peter
Published: September 2016

Background: Enhanced quality of care and improved access are central to effective primary care management of long term conditions. However, research evidence is inconclusive in establishing a link between quality of primary care, or access, and adverse outcomes, such as unplanned hospitalisation. Methods: This paper proposes a structural equation model for quality and access as latent variables affecting adverse outcomes, such as unplanned hospitalisations. In a case study application, quality of care (QOC) is defined in relation to diabetes, and the aim is to assess impacts of care quality and access on unplanned hospital admissions for diabetes, while allowing also for socio-economic deprivation, diabetes morbidity, and supply effects. The study involves 90 general practitioner (GP) practices in two London Clinical Commissioning Groups, using clinical quality of care indicators, and patient survey data on perceived access. Results: As a single predictor, quality of care has a significant negative impact on emergency admissions, and this significant effect remains when socio-economic deprivation and morbidity are allowed. In a full structural equation model including access, the probability that QOC negatively impacts on unplanned admissions exceeds 0.9. Furthermore, poor access is linked to deprivation, diminished QOC, and larger list sizes. Conclusions: Using a Bayesian inference methodology, the evidence from the analysis is weighted towards negative impacts of higher primary care quality and improved access on unplanned admissions. The methodology of the paper is potentially applicable to other long term conditions, and relevant when care quality and access cannot be measured directly and are better regarded as latent variables.
De Novo Analysis of the Transcriptome of Meloidogyne enterolobii to Uncover Potential Target Genes for Biological Control
Authors: Li Xiangyang , Yang Dan , Niu Junhai , Zhao Jianlong , Jian Heng
Published: September 2016

Meloidogyne enterolobii is one of the obligate biotrophic root-knot nematodes that has the ability to reproduce on many economically-important crops. We carried out de novo sequencing of the transcriptome of M. enterolobii using Roche GS FLX and obtained 408,663 good quality reads that were assembled into 8193 contigs and 31,860 singletons. We compared the transcripts in different nematodes that were potential targets for biological control. These included the transcripts that putatively coded for CAZymes, kinases, neuropeptide genes and secretory proteins and those that were involved in the RNAi pathway and immune signaling. Typically, 75 non-membrane secretory proteins with signal peptides secreted from esophageal gland cells were identified as putative effectors, three of which were preliminarily examined using a PVX (pGR107)-based high-throughput transient plant expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana). Results showed that these candidate proteins suppressed the programmed cell death (PCD) triggered by the pro-apoptosis protein BAX, and one protein also caused necrosis, suggesting that they might suppress plant immune responses to promote pathogenicity. In conclusion, the current study provides comprehensive insight into the transcriptome of M. enterolobii for the first time and lays a foundation for further investigation and biological control strategies.