bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic tracking performance of indoor global positioning system: An experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Zhao Gang , Jing Xishuang , Chen Liangjie , Sun Zhanlei , Han Pengfei , Zhang Pengfei
Published: October 2015

The automation level has been improved rapidly with the introduction of large-scale measurement technologies, such as indoor global positioning system, into the production process among the fields of car, ship, and aerospace due to their excellent measurement characteristics. In fact, the objects are usually in motion during the real measurement process; however, the dynamic measurement characteristics of indoor global positioning system are much limited and still in exploration. In this research, we focused on the dynamic tracking performance of indoor global positioning system and then successfully built a mathematical model based on its measurement principles. We first built single and double station system models with the consideration of measurement objects’ movement. Using MATLAB simulation, we realized the dynamic measurement characteristics of indoor global positioning system. In the real measurement process, the experimental results also support the mathematical model that we built, which proves a great success in dynamic measurement characteristics. We envision that this dynamic tracking performance of indoor global positioning system would shed light on the dynamic measurement of a motion object and therefore make contribution to the automation production.
Perceived barriers and facilitators to positive therapeutic change for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Ramsden Sarah , Tickle Anna , Dawson David L , Harris Samantha
Published: October 2015

Studies have highlighted successful outcomes of psychological therapies for people with intellectual disabilities. However, processes underlying these outcomes are uncertain. Thematic analysis was used to explore the perceptions of three clinical psychologists, six clients and six carers of barriers and facilitators to therapeutic change for people with intellectual disabilities. Six themes were identified relating to: what the client brings as an individual and with regard to their wider system; therapy factors, including the therapeutic relationship and adaptations; psychologists acting as a ‘mental health GP’ to coordinate care; systemic dependency; and the concept of the revolving door in intellectual disability services. The influence of barriers and facilitators to change is complex, with facilitators overcoming barriers and yet simultaneously creating more barriers. Given their potential impact on the psychologists’ roles and access to therapy for people with intellectual disabilities, findings suggest these factors should be formulated as part of the therapeutic process.
Future Human Evolution and Views of the Future Human
Authors: Groff Linda
Published: October 2015

Change is accelerating, with rapid and continuing advances in technology being among the leading forces shaping human evolution today. This article examines eight distinct technologies impacting future human evolution and views of the future human, noting possible advantages and concerns related to each. Although other non-technological factors are equally crucial to any serious evaluation of humanity’s potential for evolution (discussed in other writings), this article focuses on infotech- and biotech-based transhumanist views, robotics and artificial intelligence, cybernetic enhancement, genetic engineering, the Internet as an externalized global brain, and the evolutionary consequences of space exploration and settlement—which all merit careful consideration.
Efficient, Low-Cost Nucleofection of Passaged Chondrocytes
Authors: Parreno Justin , Delve Elizabeth , Andrejevic Katarina , Paez-Parent Sabrina , Wu Po-han , Kandel Rita
Published: October 2015

Nucleofection of chondrocytes has been shown to be an adequate method of transfection. Using Amaxa’s nucleofection system, transfection efficiencies up to 89% were achievable for vector (pmaxGFP) and 98% for siRNA (siGLO) into passaged chondrocytes. However, such methods rely on costly commercial kits with proprietary reagents limiting its use in basic science labs and in clinical translation. Bovine-passaged chondrocytes were plated in serum reduced media conditionsand then nucleofected using various in laboratory-produced buffers. Cell attachment, confluency, viability, and transfection efficiency was assessed following nucleofection. For each parameter the buffers were scored and a final rank for each buffer was determined. Buffer denoted as 1M resulted in no significant difference for cell attachment, confluency, and viability as compared to non-nucleofected controls. Nucleofection in 1M buffer, in the absence of DNA vectors, resulted in increased col2, ki67, ccnd1 mRNA levels, and decreased col1 mRNA levels at 4 days of culture. Flow cytometry revealed that the transfection efficiency of 1M buffer was comparable to that obtained using the Amaxa commercial kit. siRNA designed against lamin A/C resulted in an average reduction of lamin A and C proteins to 19% and 8% of control levels, respectively. This study identifies a cost-effective, efficient method of nonviral nucleofection of bovine-passaged chondrocytes using known buffer formulations. Human-passaged chondrocytes could also be successfully nucleofected in 1M buffer. Thus this method should facilitate cost-efficient gene targeting of cells used for articular cartilage repair in a research setting.
Utility of diffusion tensor imaging parameters for diagnosis of hemimegalencephaly
Authors: Oikawa Tomomi , Tatewaki Yasuko , Murata Takaki , Kato Yumiko , Mugikura Shunji , Takase Kei , Takahashi Shoki
Published: October 2015

Background

Hemimegalencephaly is a rare hamartomatous entity characterised by enlargement of all or part of the cerebral hemisphere ipsilaterally with cortical dysgenesis, large lateral ventricle and white matter hypertrophy with or without advanced myelination. Although conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for detecting these diagnostic features, hemimegalencephaly is not always easily distinguished from other entities, especially when hemimegalencephaly shows blurring between the grey and white matter. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a functional MRI technique commonly used to assess the integrity of white matter. The usefulness of DTI in assessing hemimegalencephaly has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we clarified the characteristics of hemimegalencephaly with regard to DTI and its parameters including fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient.

Methods

Three patients with hemimegalencephaly underwent MRI including DTI. We first visually compared fractional anisotropy mapping and conventional MRI. Next, we quantitatively measured the fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient values in the subcortical white matter of the hemisphere with hemimegalencephaly and corresponding normal-appearing contralateral regions and analysed the values using the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

On fractional anisotropy mapping, we could clearly distinguish the junction of grey and white matter and observed thicker white matter in the hemisphere with hemimegalencephaly, which was unclear on conventional MRI. The white matter in the hemisphere with hemimegalencephaly showed significantly higher fractional anisotropy ( P < 0.0001) and lower apparent diffusion coefficient ( P = 0.0022) values than the normal contralateral side.

Conclusion

DTI parameters showed salient hemimegalencephaly features and could be useful in its assessment.
Education and Health Care Policies in Ghana
Authors: Abukari Ziblim , Kuyini Ahmed Bawa , Kuyini Mohammed Abdulai
Published: October 2015

Education and health care policies in Ghana since independence have been universalist in approach providing free universal health care and free basic and tertiary education until the early 1980s. Precipitated primarily by a severe drought, stagnant economic growth, mismanagement, and political instability, Ghana undertook major economic reforms with prodding from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in a bid to salvage the economy. These economic measures included cost recovery and cutback spending in education and health sectors. However, in recent years, purposive targeted interventions have been pursued to address inequalities in education and health care. These new programs include the Education Capitation Grant, school feeding program, and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which are propelling Ghana toward the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The prospects of these programs in addressing disparities in access to education and health care in the country and recommendations for improved delivery are discussed.
The Prevalence and Determinants of Under-Five Mortality in Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Abu Issah N. , Madu Ignatius A. , Ajaero Chukwuedozie K.
Published: October 2015

This study examines the prevalence, and the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of under-five mortality in Benue State, Nigeria. Using a purposive random sampling technique, a total of 1,500 questionnaires were administered to women aged 15 to 49 years and who have ever given birth in 30 communities from 10 sampled local government areas in the state. In addition, focus group discussions and key informant interviews formed sources of data for this research. The analysis of data was carried out using descriptive statistics, child survival analysis, and probit regression model. The pattern of the prevalence of infant and child mortality showed that there are three major child killers in the study area: malaria (38.2%), complications at birth (29.5%), and measles (16.9%). The survival probability results show that children born to parents living in an urban area have more chances (72.6%) of survival, as against 71.4% for children born to parents living in a rural area. The probit regression analysis showed that the pregnancies ever had by the mothers has a greater marginal effect on child survival (6.7%) than the current age of mothers at birth (3.7%) and the age of mother at marriage (0.9%). Based on the findings, recommendations such as empowerment and education of mothers are suggested.
Long-term survival and T-cell kinetics in relapsed/refractory ALL patients who achieved MRD response after blinatumomab treatment
Authors: Zugmaier Gerhard , Gökbuget Nicola , Klinger Matthias , Viardot Andreas , Stelljes Matthias , Neumann Svenja , Horst Heinz-A. , Marks Reinhard , Faul Christoph , Diedrich Helmut , Reichle Albrecht , Brüggemann Monika , Holland Chris , Schmidt Margit , Einsele Hermann , Bargou Ralf C. , Topp Max S.
Published: October 2015

Key Points

Ten of 36 patients (28%) achieved an OS ≥30 months in a blinatumomab study in relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Long-term survival may be associated with T-cell expansion, B-cell depletion, and a minimal residual disease response.
Novel biomarkers for risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Zelniker Thomas , Uhlmann Lorenz , Spaich Sebastian , Friedrich Jörg , Preusch Michael R. , Meyer Franz J. , Katus Hugo A. , Giannitsis Evangelos
Published: October 2015

Risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is paramount to identifying individuals at highest risk of death. So far, there are only limited parameters for prognostication in patients with PAH.

95 patients with confirmed PAH were included in the present analysis and followed for a total of 4 years. Blood samples were analysed for serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP), growth differentiation factor 15, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and placental growth factor.

27 (28.4%) patients died during a follow-up of 4 years. Levels of all tested biomarkers, except for placental growth factor, were significantly elevated in nonsurvivors compared with survivors. Receiver operating characteristic analyses demonstrated that cardiac biomarkers had the highest power in predicting mortality. In particular, proANP exhibited the highest area under the curve, followed by N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and hsTnT. Furthermore, proANP and hsTnT added significant additive prognostic value to the established markers in categorical and continuous net reclassification index. Moreover, after Cox regression, proANP (hazard ratio (HR) 1.91), hsTnT (HR 1.41), echocardiographic right ventricular impairment (HR 1.30) and 6-min walk test (HR 0.97 per 10 m) remained the only significant parameters in prognostication of mortality.

Our data suggest benefits of the implementation of proANP and hsTnT as additive biomarkers for risk stratification in patients with PAH.
Differential ability of MSCs isolated from placenta and cord as feeders for supporting ex vivo expansion of umbilical cord blood derived CD34+ cells
Authors: Kadekar Darshana , Kale Vaijayanti , Limaye Lalita
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Ex vivo expansion of umbilical cord blood (UCB) is attempted to increase cell numbers to overcome the limitation of cell dose. Presently, suspension cultures or feeder mediated co-cultures are performed for expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have proved to be efficient feeders for the maintenance of HSCs. Here, we have established MSCs-HSCs co-culture system with MSCs isolated from less invasive and ethically acceptable sources like umbilical cord tissue (C-MSCs) and placenta (P-MSCs). MSCs derived from these tissues are often compared with bone marrow derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) which are considered as a gold standard. However, so far none of the studies have directly compared C-MSCs with P-MSCs as feeders for ex vivo expansion of HSCs. Thus, we for the first time performed a systematic comparison of hematopoietic supportive capability of C and P-MSCs using paired samples.

Methods

UCB-derived CD34+ cells were isolated and co-cultured on irradiated C and P-MSCs for 10 days. C-MSCs and P-MSCs were isolated from the same donor. The cultures comprised of serum-free medium supplemented with 25 ng/ml each of SCF, TPO, Flt-3 L and IL-6. After 10 days cells were collected and analyzed for phenotype and functionality.

Results

C-MSCs and P-MSCs were found to be morphologically and phenotypically similar but exhibited differential ability to support ex vivo hematopoiesis. Cells expanded on P-MSCs showed higher percentage of primitive cells (CD34+CD38−), CFU (Colony forming unit) content and LTC-IC (Long term culture initiating cells) ability. CD34+ cells expanded on P-MSCs also exhibited better in vitro adhesion to fibronectin and migration towards SDF-1α and enhanced NOD/SCID repopulation ability, as compared to those grown on C-MSCs. P-MSCs were found to be closer to BM-MSCs in their ability to expand HSCs. P-MSCs supported expansion of functionally superior HSCs by virtue of reduction in apoptosis of primitive HSCs, higher Wnt and Notch activity, HGF secretion and cell-cell contact. On the other hand, C-MSCs facilitated expansion of progenitors (CD34+CD38+) and differentiated (CD34−CD38+) cells by secretion of IL1-α, β, MCP-2, 3 and MIP-3α.

Conclusions

P-MSCs were found to be better feeders for ex vivo maintenance of primitive HSCs with higher engraftment potential than the cells expanded with C-MSCs as feeders.
p-adic Eisenstein-Kronecker series for CM elliptic curves and the Kronecker limit formulas
Authors: Bannai Kenichi , Furusho Hidekazu , Kobayashi Shinichi
Published: October 2015

Consider an elliptic curve defined over an imaginary quadratic field K with good reduction at the primes above p ≥ 5 and with complex multiplication by the full ring of integers of K. In this paper, we construct p-adic analogues of the Eisenstein-Kronecker series for such an elliptic curve as Coleman functions on the elliptic curve. We then prove p-adic analogues of the first and second Kronecker limit formulas by using the distribution relation of the Kronecker theta function.
4D atlas of the mouse embryo for precise morphological staging
Authors: Wong Michael D. , van Eede Matthijs C. , Spring Shoshana , Jevtic Stefan , Boughner Julia C. , Lerch Jason P. , Henkelman R. Mark
Published: October 2015

After more than a century of research, the mouse remains the gold-standard model system, for it recapitulates human development and disease and is quickly and highly tractable to genetic manipulations. Fundamental to the power and success of using a mouse model is the ability to stage embryonic mouse development accurately. Past staging systems were limited by the technologies of the day, such that only surface features, visible with a light microscope, could be recognized and used to define stages. With the advent of high-throughput 3D imaging tools that capture embryo morphology in microscopic detail, we now present the first 4D atlas staging system for mouse embryonic development using optical projection tomography and image registration methods. By tracking 3D trajectories of every anatomical point in the mouse embryo from E11.5 to E14.0, we established the first 4D atlas compiled from ex vivo 3D mouse embryo reference images. The resulting 4D atlas comprises 51 interpolated 3D images in this gestational range, resulting in a temporal resolution of 72 min. From this 4D atlas, any mouse embryo image can be subsequently compared and staged at the global, voxel and/or structural level. Assigning an embryonic stage to each point in anatomy allows for unprecedented quantitative analysis of developmental asynchrony among different anatomical structures in the same mouse embryo. This comprehensive developmental data set offers developmental biologists a new, powerful staging system that can identify and compare differences in developmental timing in wild-type embryos and shows promise for localizing deviations in mutant development.
CaV3.2 T-type channels mediate Ca2+ entry during oocyte maturation and following fertilization
Authors: Bernhardt Miranda L. , Zhang Yingpei , Erxleben Christian F. , Padilla-Banks Elizabeth , McDonough Caitlin E. , Miao Yi-Liang , Armstrong David L. , Williams Carmen J.
Published: October 2015

Initiation of mouse embryonic development depends upon a series of fertilization-induced rises in intracellular Ca2+. Complete egg activation requires influx of extracellular Ca2+; however, the channels that mediate this influx remain unknown. Here we tested whether the T-type channel CaV3.2, encoded by Cacna1h, mediates Ca2+ entry into oocytes. We show that mouse eggs express a robust voltage-activated Ca2+ current that is completely absent in Cacna1h−/− eggs. Cacna1h−/− females have reduced litter sizes, and careful analysis of Ca2+ oscillation patterns in Cacna1h−/− eggs following in vitro fertilization (IVF) revealed reductions in first transient length and oscillation persistence. Total and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores were also reduced in Cacna1h−/− eggs. Pharmacological inhibition of CaV3.2 in wild type CF-1 strain eggs using mibefradil or pimozide reduced Ca2+ store accumulation during oocyte maturation and reduced Ca2+ oscillation persistence, frequency, and number following IVF. Overall, these data show that CaV3.2 T-type channels have previously unrecognized roles in supporting the meiotic maturation-associated increase in ER Ca2+ stores and mediating Ca2+ influx required for the activation of development.
In vivo tracking of phosphoinositides in Drosophila photoreceptors
Authors: Hardie Roger C. , Liu Che-Hsiung , Randall Alexander S. , Sengupta Sukanya
Published: October 2015

In order to monitor phosphoinositide turnover during phospholipase C (PLC) mediated Drosophila phototransduction, fluorescently tagged lipid probes were expressed in photoreceptors and imaged both in dissociated cells, and in eyes of intact living flies. Of six probes tested, TbR332H (mutant of the Tubby protein pleckstrin homology domain) was judged the best reporter for PtdIns(4,5)P2, and the P4M domain from Legionella SidM for PtdIns4P. Using accurately calibrated illumination, these indicated that only ∼50% of PtdIns(4,5)P2 and very little PtdIns4P were depleted by full daylight intensities in wild-type flies, but both were severely depleted by ∼100-fold dimmer intensities in mutants lacking Ca2+ permeable TRP channels or protein kinase C (PKC). Resynthesis of PtdIns4P (t½ ∼12 s) was faster than PtdIns(4,5)P2 (t½ ∼40s ), but both were greatly slowed in mutants of DAG kinase (rdgA) or PtdIns transfer protein (rdgB). The results indicate that Ca2+ and PKC-dependent inhibition of PLC is critical for enabling photoreceptors to maintain phosphoinositide levels despite high rates of hydrolysis by PLC, and suggest phosphorylation of PtdIns4P to PtdIns(4,5)P2 is the rate-limiting step of the cycle.
Machine learning models identify molecules active against the Ebola virus in vitro
Authors: Ekins Sean , Freundlich Joel S. , Clark Alex M. , Anantpadma Manu , Davey Robert A. , Madrid Peter
Published: October 2015

The search for small molecule inhibitors of Ebola virus (EBOV) has led to several high throughput screens over the past 3 years. These have identified a range of FDA-approved active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with anti-EBOV activity in vitro and several of which are also active in a mouse infection model. There are millions of additional commercially-available molecules that could be screened for potential activities as anti-EBOV compounds. One way to prioritize compounds for testing is to generate computational models based on the high throughput screening data and then virtually screen compound libraries. In the current study, we have generated Bayesian machine learning models with viral pseudotype entry assay and the EBOV replication assay data. We have validated the models internally and externally. We have also used these models to computationally score the MicroSource library of drugs to select those likely to be potential inhibitors. Three of the highest scoring molecules that were not in the model training sets, quinacrine, pyronaridine and tilorone, were tested in vitro and had EC50 values of 350, 420 and 230 nM, respectively. Pyronaridine is a component of a combination therapy for malaria that was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency, which may make it more readily accessible for clinical testing. Like other known antimalarial drugs active against EBOV, it shares the 4-aminoquinoline scaffold. Tilorone, is an investigational antiviral agent that has shown a broad array of biological activities including cell growth inhibition in cancer cells, antifibrotic properties, α7 nicotinic receptor agonist activity, radioprotective activity and activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1. Quinacrine is an antimalarial but also has use as an anthelmintic. Our results suggest data sets with less than 1,000 molecules can produce validated machine learning models that can in turn be utilized to identify novel EBOV inhibitors in vitro.
Prevalence of depressive symptoms in school aged children with type 1 diabetes – a questionnaire study.
Authors: Sendela Joanna , Zduńczyk Beata , Trippenbach-Dulska Hanna , Szypowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2015

Cel

Badania pokazują, iż istnieje większe ryzyko rozwoju zaburzeń psychicznych u osób z cukrzycą w porównaniu z ogólna populacją. Celem pracy była ocena częstości występowania objawów depresji u dzieci w wieku szkolnym chorych na cukrzycę typu 1 (T1D).

Metoda

W badaniu wzięło udział 477 dzieci chorujących co najmniej rok na cukrzycę typu 1 w wieku 13,1 ± 2,7 lat. Średni czas choroby wynosił 5,0 ± 3,5 lat. Badani wypełniali polskie wersje kwestionariuszy: Inwentarza Depresji Dziecięcej (CDI) i Jakości Życia (QoL). Zbierano również dane demograficzne o wieku, masie ciała, czasie chorowania, dobowej dawce insuliny (TDD).

Wyniki

17% (81/477) badanych prezentowało symptomy depresji (CDI ≥ 13), wśród których 20,9% to dzieci ≥ 12 roku życia, a 8,1% ≤ 12 roku życia, p=0,0005. Badani z wynikiem CDI równym 13 i powyżej byli starsi (p=0,002), mieli większe BMI (p=0,029), TDD (p=0,026) i gorszą jakość życia (p<0,0001) w porównaniu z badanymi, którzy osiągnęli wynik <13. Nie było różnicy istotnej statystycznie w poziomie hemoglobiny glikowanej (HbA1c) między grupami z i bez objawów depresji (p=0,249).Istnieje korelacja między poziomem HbA1c, a wynikiem CDI (r = 0,16, p = 0,0002).

Wnioski

Objawy depresji są obserwowane u 1 na 12 dzieci z cukrzycą typu 1 w szkole podstawowej i u 1 na 5 nastolatków i mogą wpływać na kontrolę metaboliczną i jakość życia pacjentów, dlatego wczesne ich wykrywanie i zapobieganie powinny stać się standardem w leczeniu dzieci i młodzieży z cukrzycą typu 1.
The orthogonal-oblique bi-level model of the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45.2): Polish adaptation based on factor analysis
Authors: Simon Witold , Śliwka Piotr , Sobański Jerzy , Klasa Katarzyna , Sala Paweł , Żak Wojciech , Busath Gregory , Lambert Michael
Published: October 2015

Cel

Celem niniejszego projektu było przeprowadzenie międzykulturowej walidacji Kwestionariusza Wyniku (Outcome Questionnaire, OQ-45.2) dla polskiej populacji.

Metoda

Dane pozyskano od pacjentów psychoterapeutycznego oddziału dziennego (n = 211), pacjentów całodobowego ośrodka psychoterapeutycznego (n = 234), pacjentów psychoterapii ambulatoryjnej (n=137) oraz nie-pacjentów (n = 426). Zastosowano następujące metody statystyczne: metodę równoległą, eksploracyjną analizę czynnikową, konfirmacyjną analizę czynnikową, analizę współczynników korelacji, kryterium równoważności, kliniczną istotność i indeks rzetelnej zmiany, oraz metodę powtórnego testowania.

Wyniki

Analizy statystyczne wskazują na model dwupoziomowy – obejmujący wynik całkowity, pięć czynników ortogonalnych (podskale specyficzne dla polskiego OQ: Konflikty Społeczne i Zachowania Uzależnieniowe oraz oryginalne, lecz zmodyfikowane podskale: Nasilenie Objawów, Relacje Interpersonalne i Rola Społeczna) oraz dwa czynniki ukośne (Somatyzacja i Lęk oraz Rola Społeczna 2) – jako na najlepiej dopasowane do zebranych danych. Właściwości psychometryczne polskiego OQ są adekwatne i zbliżone zarówno do oryginalnego amerykańskiego narzędzia jak i jego międzynarodowych adaptacji. Ustalono specyficzne dla polskiego OQ punkty odcięcia służące do obliczania istotności klinicznej. Omówiono jak różnice międzykulturowe oraz upływ czasu mogą wpływać na uzyskane wyniki.

Wnioski

Polska wersja OQ 45-2 może zostać uznana za narzędzie adekwatnie mierzące funkcjonowanie jednostki zarówno w ogólnym zakresie jak i w kilku specyficznych obszarach. Wyniki niniejszej analizy czynnikowej wydają się być wartościowe nie tylko dla terapeutów korzystających z OQ-45, ale również dla badaczy, którzy tworzą narzędzia oceniające skuteczność psychoterapii.
Identifying Risks and Mitigating Disruptions in the Automotive Supply Chain
Authors: Simchi-Levi David , Schmidt William , Wei Yehua , Zhang Peter Yun , Combs Keith , Ge Yao , Gusikhin Oleg , Sanders Michael , Zhang Don
Published: October 2015

Firms are exposed to a variety of low-probability, high-impact risks that can disrupt their operations and supply chains. These risks are difficult to predict and quantify; therefore, they are difficult to manage. As a result, managers may suboptimally deploy countermeasures, leaving their firms exposed to some risks, while wasting resources to mitigate other risks that would not cause significant damage. In a three-year research engagement with Ford Motor Company, we addressed this practical need by developing a novel risk-exposure model that assesses the impact of a disruption originating anywhere in a firm’s supply chain. Our approach defers the need for a company to estimate the probability associated with any specific disruption risk until after it has learned the effect such a disruption will have on its operations. As a result, the company can make more informed decisions about where to focus its limited risk-management resources. We demonstrate how Ford applied this model to identify previously unrecognized risk exposures, evaluate predisruption risk-mitigation actions, and develop optimal postdisruption contingency plans, including circumstances in which the duration of the disruption is unknown.
Book Reviews
Authors: Shen Wenjing
Published: October 2015

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an email from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor.

The following books are reviewed in this issue of Interfaces, 45(5), September–October 2015: Integer Programming, Michele Conforti, Gérard Cornuéjols, and Giacomo Zambelli; and Mapping Urban Practices Through Mobile Phone Data, Paola Pucci, Fabio Manfredini, and Paola Tagliolato.
Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in Elderly Patients Receiving SSRIs; Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis Associated with Canagliflozin Use in a Type 1 Diabetic Patient; Duloxetine-Induced Galactorrhea; Canagliflozin-Associated Severe Hypercalcemia and Hypernatremia; Vemurafenib-Induced Fanconi Syndrome
Authors: Mancano Michael A.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Immune Globulin Intravenous: Myasthenia Gravis (Acute Exacerbation)
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: October 2015

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@ku.edu .
Increasing Hospital Pharmacist Clinical Competence in Intensive Pharmacotherapeutics Using a Novel Pharmacist Clinical Educational Program
Authors: Rudd Kelly , Goss J.B. , Engle Amanda L. , Kile David
Published: October 2015

Background

Intensive pharmacotherapeutics (IP) is the application of multiple evidence-based practices applied at a patient-specific level, creating the overall best treatment plan in medically complex patients. To practice at this level, a high level of clinical knowledge and competency is paramount.

Objective

The goal of the pharmacist clinical educational program was to develop an engaging, challenging, and interactive program, which was concise but intense, to improve pharmacists’ clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Methods

A 12-week educational series was developed and successfully implemented. The primary outcome was a comparison of the proportion of accepted clinical interventions per total number of medication orders reviewed by hospital pharmacists during and after the pharmacist clinical educational program to a 3-month baseline. The secondary outcome was to anonymously gauge participant satisfaction with the program.

Results

The proportion of accepted clinical interventions increased from 6.4% (at baseline) to 9.1% and 8.7% in the 3 months during and 3 months immediately after the educational program, respectively ( P < .01). The overall acceptance rate for clinical interventions remained >90% for all periods. Approximately 94% of respondents ( n = 16) indicated that the program met their educational needs.

Conclusions

The development of a clinical educational program to engage, challenge, and incentivize pharmacists is an essential tool to elevate the practice of IP. By maximizing existing resources, programming can be provided in an efficient and cost-effective manner. As health systems continue to merge on a national level, the methods described here demonstrate a means to provide critical education for both clinical and organizational competency.
How Drug Shortages Affect Clinical Care: The Case of the Surgical Anesthetic Propofol
Authors: Romito Bryan , Stone Jonathan , Ning Ning , Yin Chen , Llano Ernesto M. , Liu Jing , Somanath Keerthan , Lee Christopher T. , Matchett Gerald
Published: October 2015

Background

Periodic drug shortages have become a reality in clinical practice. In 2010, in the context of a nationwide drug shortage, our hospital experienced an abrupt 3-month shortage of the surgical anesthetic propofol. The purpose of this retrospective study was to survey the clinical impact of the abrupt propofol shortage at our hospital and to survey for any change in perioperative mortality.

Methods

A retrospective before-and-after analysis, comparing May through July 2010 (group A, prior to the propofol shortage) to August through October 2010 (group B, during the propofol shortage).

Results

In May through July 2010, before the propofol shortage, a majority of patients (80%) received propofol (group A, n = 2,830). In August through October 2010, during the propofol shortage, a majority of patients (81%) received etomidate (group B, n = 3,066). We observed that net usage of etomidate increased by more than 600% in our hospital. Baseline health characteristics and type of surgery were similar between groups A and B. Thirty-day and 2-year mortality were similar between groups A and B. The reported causes and frequency of mortality in groups A and B were also similar.

Conclusion

The propofol shortage led to an increased usage of etomidate by more than 600%. In spite of that, we did not detect an increase in mortality associated with the increased use of etomidate during a 3-month propofol shortage.
Ivadradine
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Bindler Ross , Baker Danial E.
Published: October 2015

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The October 2015 monograph topics are sacubitril/valsartan, daclatasvir, sonidegib, alirocumab, and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. The Safety MUE is on sacubitril/valsartan.
How Population Health Management and Big Data Can Rock Your World
Authors: Felkey Bill G. , Fox Brent I.
Published: October 2015

Hospitals and health systems like yours have been aggressively pursuing a range of information systems over the last several decades. Cited goals are often efficiency, lower costs, better decisions, and better patient outcomes. But how do these systems purportedly lead to population-level improvements in care? In this column, we address the connections that are anticipated as well as challenges to be expected along the way.
Pitfalls in Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin Measurement for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Protoporphyrias
Authors: Gou Eric W , Balwani Manisha , Bissell D Montgomery , Bloomer Joseph R , Bonkovsky Herbert L , Desnick Robert J , Naik Hetanshi , Phillips John D , Singal Ashwani K , Wang Bruce , Keel Sioban , Anderson Karl E
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Laboratory diagnosis of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) requires a marked increase in total erythrocyte protoporphyrin (300–5000 μg/dL erythrocytes, reference interval <80 μg/dL) and a predominance (85%–100%) of metal-free protoporphyrin [normal, mostly zinc protoporphyrin (reference intervals for the zinc protoporphyrin proportion have not been established)]; plasma porphyrins are not always increased. X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) causes a similar increase in total erythrocyte protoporphyrin with a lower fraction of metal-free protoporphyrin (50%–85% of the total).

CONTENT

In studying more than 180 patients with EPP and XLP, the Porphyrias Consortium found that erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations for some patients were much higher (4.3- to 46.7-fold) than indicated by previous reports provided by these patients. The discrepant earlier reports, which sometimes caused the diagnosis to be missed initially, were from laboratories that measure protoporphyrin only by hematofluorometry, which is intended primarily to screen for lead poisoning. However, the instrument can calculate results on the basis of assumed hematocrits and reports results as “free” and “zinc” protoporphyrin (with different reference intervals), implying separate measurements of metal-free and zinc protoporphyrin. Such misleading reports impair diagnosis and monitoring of patients with protoporphyria.

We suggest that laboratories should prioritize testing for EPP and XLP, because accurate measurement of erythrocyte total and metal-free protoporphyrin is essential for diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions, but less important for other disorders. Terms and abbreviations used in reporting erythrocyte protoporphyrin results should be accurately defined.
Impact of uncertainty and decentralization on activity-based costing use
Authors: Elhamma Azzouz , Moalla Hanen
Published: October 2015

The aim of this paper is to explore the impact of environmental and organizational factors on activity-based costing (ABC) use. These variables are studied respectively through the perceived environmental uncertainty, and the organizational structure represented by both horizontal and vertical decentralization.Data were collected from 62 Moroccan firms, operating in different sectors, via a questionnaire survey. The findings indicated that ABC use is not associated with perceived environmental uncertainty and horizontal decentralization. However, firms with a high degree of vertical decentralization use more ABC than those with a centralized vertical structure (p<10%).This research adds to general knowledge and offers insights into management accounting since the study is conducted in a developing country that has specific environmental and organizational characteristics. Previous research has studied perceived environmental uncertainty in other contexts of innovations. In our paper, we investigate the case of ABC and we.analyse decentralization with both horizontal and vertical dimensions.
Antiproliferative Effects of Selected Chemotherapeutics in Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Line A2780
Authors: Caltová Kateřina , Červinka Miroslav
Published: October 2015

The aim of our study was to determine the effect of selected cytostatics on a human ovarian cancer cell line A2780 as a model system for ovarian cancer treatment. This cell line is considered cisplatin-sensitive. Panel of tested cytostatics included cisplatin, paclitaxel, carboplatin, gemcitabine, topotecan and etoposide. These cytostatics have a different mechanism of action. To evaluate cytotoxic potential of the tested compounds, the methods measuring various toxicological endpoints were employed including morphological studies, MTT assay, dynamic monitoring of cell proliferation with xCELLigence, cell cycle analysis, caspase 3 activity and expression of proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and cell death. The A270 cell line showed different sensitivity towards the selected cytostatics, the highest cytotoxic effect was associated with paclitaxel and topotecan.
Notions of affinity in calculus of variations with differential forms
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Saugata , Sil Swarnendu
Published: October 2015

Ext-int. one affine functions are functions affine in the direction of one-divisible exterior forms with respect to the exterior product in one variable and with respect to
the interior product in the other. The purpose of this article is to prove a characterization theorem for this class of functions, which plays an important role
in the calculus of variations for differential forms.
The Spatial Analysis of Terrorism in Pakistan
Authors: Ur Rehman Faiz
Published: October 2015

Many governments, political economists and terrorist experts consider the use of military and police forces as the ultimate way to effectively deter terrorism. The most effective negative sanctions are considered to be military strikes, aggressive actions (including crackdowns, search operations, raids and shelling) against individuals known or suspected of being terrorists, or against organizations and persons who allegedly support terrorists. Do these negative sanctions effectively deter terrorism? To explore this question, I test displacement, diffusion of terrorism control benefits and vengeance hypotheses of terrorism prevention interventions in Pakistan. The displacement proposition holds when policy intervention raises the opportunity cost of terrorist activities in a given geographic space, thus, increases terrorist incidents in the neighborhoods, where opportunity cost is low. If the same policy decreases terrorism in the adjacent neighborhood, the diffusion proposition holds. Lastly, the vengeance hypothesis illustrates that intervention decreases the opportunity cost of terrorism which escalates more violence. This study explores district level spatial variation in terrorist incidents and terrorism prevention strategies from 2001 to 2012. It shows that terrorism prevention interventions significantly displace terrorism to the neighboring units. The results further illustrate that spatial differences in the legal framework across districts against terrorism related crimes lead to significant cross sectional variation in terrorist attacks.
On Public Host Liability
Authors: Kim Jeong-Yoo
Published: October 2015

Civil laws or commercial laws in many countries stipulate the liability of the public host whereby a public host is liable for the losses due to damage or lost of the property of the guest left to the host. In this paper, we consider the situation in which the value of the property is ex ante not known to the host. In this case, we show that the voluntary information disclosure rule is more efficient than the mandatory information disclosure rule. We also derive some implications on Article 153 of the Korean Commercial Law prescribing for this case.
HB Puerta del Sol [HBA1:c.148A>C], HB Valdecilla [HBA2:c.3G>T], HB Gran Vía [HBA2:c.98T>G], HB Macarena [HBA2:c.358C>T] and HB El Retiro [HBA2:c.364_366dupGTG]: description of five new hemoglobinopathies
Authors: de la Fuente-Gonzalo Félix , Nieto Jorge M. , Velasco Diego , Cela Elena , Pérez Germán , Fernández-Teijeiro Ana , Escudero Antonio , Villegas Ana , González-Fernández Fernando A. , Ropero Paloma
Published: October 2015

Structural hemoglobinopathies do not usually have a clinical impact, but they can interfere with the analytical determination of some parameters, such as the glycated hemoglobin in diabetic patients. Thalassemias represent a serious health problem in areas where their incidence is high. The defects in the post-translational modifications produce hyper-unstable hemoglobin that is not detected by most of electrophoretic or chromatographic methods that are available so far.

We studied seven patients who belong to six unrelated families. The first two families were studied because they had peak abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) during routine analytical assays. The other four families were studied because they had microcytosis and hypochromia with normal HbA

The Hb Puerta del Sol presents electrophoretic mobility and elution in HPLC that is different from HbA and similar to HbS. The electrophoretic and chromatographic profiles of the four other variants are normal and do not show any anomalies, and their identification was only possible with sequencing.

Some variants, such as Hb Valdecilla, Hb Gran Vía, Hb Macarena and Hb El Retiro, have significant clinical impact when they are associated with other forms of α-thalassemia, which could lead to more serious forms of this group of pathologies as for HbH disease. Therefore, it is important to maintain an adequate program for screening these diseases in countries where the prevalence is high to prevent the occurrence of severe forms.
Variable association of complement activation by rituximab and paclitaxel in cancer patients in vivo and in their screening serum in vitro with clinical manifestations of hypersensitivity: a pilot study
Authors: Kozma Gergely Tibor , Mészáros Tamás , Weiszhár Zsóka , Schneider Tamás , Rosta András , Urbanics Rudolf , Rosivall László , Szebeni János
Published: October 2015

To explore the role of complement (C) activation in the hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to some anticancer drugs, as well as the use of the C activation biomarkers (C
Halogenated sunflower oil as a precursor for synthesis of polysulfide polymer
Authors: Moqadam Samira , Salami-Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: October 2015

Polysulfide polymers usually are prepared by the reaction of different dihalide compounds with disodium polysulfides. In this field, dihalides are expensive and produced from halogenation of organic compounds by different methods with harsh conditions. To overcome this problem, in this work, sunflower oil as polyunsaturated oil was used as precursor to produce polyhalide compound. In this field, double bonds of oil were applied as functional groups to halogenate the sunflower via benzoyl peroxide-catalyzed reaction with hydrochloric acid. Also, Na2S3 was synthesized via the reaction between sulfur and sodium hydroxide. Then, halogenated oil was reacted with Na2S3 to produce sunflower oil-based polysulfide polymer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) were used to characterize the structure of sunflower oil and synthesized polysulfide polymer. The content of halogenation was also obtained via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Thermal stability of synthesized polymer was determined by means of thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and glass transition temperature was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in healthy and insulin-resistant skeletal muscle
Authors: Deshmukh Atul S.
Published: October 2015

Skeletal muscle is the largest tissues in the human body and is considered the primary target for insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. In skeletal muscle, binding of the insulin to insulin receptor (IR) initiates a signaling cascade that results in the translocation of the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane which leads to facilitated diffusion of glucose into the cell. Understanding the precise signaling events guiding insulin-stimulated glucose uptake is pivotal, because impairment in these signaling events leads to development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This review summarizes current understanding of insulin signaling pathways mediating glucose uptake in healthy and insulin-resistant skeletal muscle.
A note on nilpotent representations
Authors: Bergeron Maxime , Silberman Lior
Published: October 2015

Let Γ be a finitely generated nilpotent group and let G be a
complex reductive algebraic group. The representation variety Hom(Γ,G) and
the character variety Hom(Γ,G)//G each carry a natural topology,
and we describe the topology of their connected components in terms of
representations factoring through quotients of Γ by elements of its
lower central series.