bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flood Risk, Flood Mitigation, and Location Choice: Evaluating the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System
Authors: Fan Qin , Davlasheridze Meri
Published: November 2015

Climate change is expected to worsen the negative effects of natural disasters like floods. The negative impacts, however, can be mitigated by individuals’ adjustments through migration and relocation behaviors. Previous literature has identified flood risk as one significant driver in relocation decisions, but no prior study examines the effect of the National Flood Insurance Program's voluntary program—the Community Rating System (CRS)—on residential location choice. This article fills this gap and tests the hypothesis that flood risk and the CRS‐creditable flood control activities affect residential location choices. We employ a two‐stage sorting model to empirically estimate the effects. In the first stage, individuals’ risk perception and preference heterogeneity for the CRS activities are considered, while mean effects of flood risk and the CRS activities are estimated in the second stage. We then estimate heterogeneous marginal willingness to pay (WTP) for the CRS activities by category. Results show that age, ethnicity and race, educational attainment, and prior exposure to risk explain risk perception. We find significant values for the CRS‐creditable mitigation activities, which provides empirical evidence for the benefits associated with the program. The marginal WTP for an additional credit point earned for public information activities, including hazard disclosure, is found to be the highest. Results also suggest that water amenities dominate flood risk. Thus, high amenity values may increase exposure to flood risk, and flood mitigation projects should be strategized in coastal regions accordingly.
Glacitectonism, subglacial and glacilacustrine processes during a Neoproterozoic panglaciation, north‐east Svalbard
Authors: Fleming Edward J. , Benn Douglas I. , Stevenson Carl T. E. , Petronis Michael S. , Hambrey Michael J. , Fairchild Ian J.
Published: November 2015

Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of Neoproterozoic successions has been the subject of long‐standing debate, particularly concerning the interpretation of diamictites. The Wilsonbreen Formation of north‐east Svalbard is a 130 to 180 m thick diamictite‐dominated glacigenic succession deposited during a late Cryogenian (Marinoan) glaciation. Previous research has highlighted a complex sedimentary architecture with evidence of subaqueous, subglacial and non‐glacial conditions. This study combines well‐established sedimentological techniques with the first sedimentological application of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility technique in Neoproterozoic glacial sediments, to investigate the origin and palaeoenvironmental significance of glacigenic sediments within the Wilsonbreen Formation. A range of lithofacies occurs within the succession, dominated by massive diamictites, sandstones and conglomerates. Some of these facies display evidence of primary deformation and can be grouped into a Deformed Facies Association; these are interpreted to have been formed through glacitectonic deformation in a subglacial environment. Fabric investigation reveals that this deformation was associated with glacier flow towards the north. In addition, an Undeformed Facies Association records deposition in ice‐proximal and ice‐distal subaqueous environments. Taken together with intervening non‐glacial facies, the glacigenic sediments record a series of advance–retreat cycles, with ice flow involving sliding and sediment shearing below wet‐based ice.
Beliefs about intimate partner violence: A survey of the Swedish general public
Authors: Alfredsson Helen , Ask Karl , von Borgstede Chris
Published: November 2015

Public interventions are considered to be an important means of preventing intimate partner violence (IPV). What people believe about the nature of IPV is likely to determine their propensity to intervene, but little is known at present about IPV beliefs among the general public. In a survey of 650 Swedish citizens, beliefs about the prevalence and causes of IPV, and viable means of intervention were assessed. Respondents estimated, on average, that IPV occurs in almost one quarter of all intimate relationships in Sweden, and that IPV is particularly prevalent in low‐income groups, among non‐European immigrants, in suburban areas, and in couples under the age of 50 years. Physical violence was believed to be the most frequent form of abuse in male offender–female victim cases, whereas psychological violence was considered most frequent in other combinations of offender and victim gender. Female respondents estimated a higher prevalence of IPV, attributed less blame to IPV victims, and suggested more means of intervention, than did male respondents. The findings are discussed in relation to empirical prevalence estimates, and implications are proposed.
Going the Extra Mile? How Street‐level Bureaucrats Deal with the Integration of Immigrants
Authors: Belabas Warda , Gerrits Lasse
Published: November 2015

Dutch immigration and integration policies are being interpreted and implemented by local street‐level bureaucrats. We carried out 28 semi‐structured interviews with integration coaches, integration teachers and client managers in order to understand the dilemmas they face, and to explain their subsequent behaviour. The results show that although organizational characteristics such as the bureaucratic burden made street‐level bureaucrats reluctant to enlarge their discretionary space at the expense of policy rules, their willingness to help clients often transcends these boundaries under a combination of three conditions: high client motivation, extreme personal distress of the client, and negative assessment of existing policies and policy instruments (both in terms of fairness and practicality). Furthermore, street‐level bureaucrats were found to be constantly reinterpreting and revising their roles.
One Vote or Many Mexicos? Income, Heterogeneity, and the 2006–2012 Presidential Elections*
Authors: Cortina Jeronimo , Lasala‐Blanco Narayani
Published: November 2015

Objective

This article investigates the role of income and income heterogeneity on voters’ preferences for the conservative party.

Methods

Fitting a series of logistic regressions on exit poll data from the 2006 and 2012 Mexican presidential elections.

Results

We find that heterogeneity mediates the effect of income on the probability of voting for the conservative candidate.

Conclusion

In more heterogeneous places, rich voters are more likely to support the candidate on the right than their counterparts in more homogeneous places, while poorer voters are more likely to vote forPartido Accion Nacionalin less heterogeneous places. In more heterogeneous states, voters are more likely to encounter members of other socioeconomic groups who prompt them to vote for the party that better represents their group's interests.
Peak Vertical Force and Vertical Impulse in Dogs With Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture and Meniscal Injury
Authors: Wustefeld‐Janssens Brandan G. , Pettitt Rob A. , Cowderoy Emily C. , Walton Myles B. , Comerford Eithne J. , Maddox Thomas W. , Innes John F.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To compare the peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) in dogs with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease with or without concurrent meniscal injury.

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Study Population

Client‐owned dogs with naturally occurring CCL disease.

Methods

Dogs with hind limb lameness because of CCL disease that required surgery underwent force plate gait analysis. Force plate analysis was performed at a walking gait (speed 1–1.3 m/s; acceleration ±0.5 m/s2) and data were analyzed using commercial proprietary software. Meniscal injury was diagnosed either by mini‐arthrotomy or arthroscopy. The primary outcome was PVF and the secondary outcome was VI. Comparisons were made between dogs with or without meniscal injury, and dogs with partial or complete CCL rupture.

Results

Forty dogs were included. Meniscal injury was present in 18/40 dogs (45%). PVF (P = .003) and VI (P = .01) were significantly lower in dogs with meniscal injury than in dogs without meniscal injury.

Conclusion

Dogs with CCL disease and medial meniscal injury had significantly reduced PVF and VI.
Relation of Elite Rifle Shooters’ Technique-Test Measures to Competition Performance
Authors: Ihalainen Simo , Linnamo Vesa , Mononen Kaisu , Kuitunen Sami
Published: November 2015

Purpose:

To describe the long-term changes in shooting technique in relation to competition performances in elite air-rifle shooters.

Methods:

Seventeen elite shooters completed simulated air-rifle shooting-competition series in 3 consecutive seasons, participating on 15 ± 7 testing occasions. Shooting score and aiming-point-trajectory variables were obtained with an optoelectronic shooting device, and postural-balance variables were measured with force platform. Shooters’ competition results were collected from all international and national competitions during the 3-y period.

Results:

Mean test score, stability of hold, aiming accuracy, cleanness of triggering, and postural balance improved during the 3-y period (ANOVA, time, P < .05−.01). Seasonal mean test results in stability of hold (R = −.70, P = .000) and cleanness of triggering (R = −.75, P = .000) were related to competition performances. Changes in stability of hold (R = −.61, P = .000) and cleanness of triggering (R = −.39, P = .022) were also related to the changes in competition performances. Postural balance in shooting direction was more related to cleanness of triggering (R = .57, P = .000), whereas balance in cross-shooting direction was more related to stability of hold (R = .70, P = .000).

Conclusion:

The shooting-technique testing used in the current study seems to be a valid and useful tool for long-term performance assessment. Stability of hold, cleanness of triggering, and postural balance can be further developed even at the elite level, resulting in improved competition performances.
Kansas State University Physical Activity Systems Framework: Integration of the Discipline of Kinesiology and Public Health
Authors: Dzewaltowski David A. , McElroy Mary , Musch Timothy I. , Poole David C. , Harms Craig A.
Published: November 2015

Kinesiology is an academic discipline with a body of content that can be drawn on to support professions and to solve important public health problems. The Kansas State Physical Activity Systems Framework defines a new approach to structure the discipline. Central to the framework is the rejection of a kinesiology subdisciplinary approach and the adoption of an integrated “cell-to-society” systems approach. Each level of physical activity systems is addressed in undergraduate and graduate education and research. Supporting the framework are two research and education teams: exercise physiology and exercise behavioral science. These teams provide core integrated academic discipline content expertise and expertise for integrating professional application areas, such as public health. The framework has evolved over 20 years at Kansas State University, where today the Department of Kinesiology delivers high-quality extramurally-funded research; BS, MS, MPH, and PhD programs; and outreach in a cost-effective manner.
The protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 promotes D2-like dopamine receptor signaling
Authors: Likhite Neah , Jackson Christopher A. , Liang Mao-Shih , Krzyzanowski Michelle C. , Lei Pedro , Wood Jordan F. , Birkaya Barbara , Michaels Kerry L. , Andreadis Stelios T. , Clark Stewart D. , Yu Michael C. , Ferkey Denise M.
Published: November 2015

Methylation of arginine residues in dopamine receptors in humans and worms promotes signaling and functional responses.
Filamin A interacts with the coactivator MKL1 to promote the activity of the transcription factor SRF and cell migration
Authors: Kircher Philipp , Hermanns Constanze , Nossek Maximilian , Drexler Maria Katharina , Grosse Robert , Fischer Maximilian , Sarikas Antonio , Penkava Josef , Lewis Thera , Prywes Ron , Gudermann Thomas , Muehlich Susanne
Published: November 2015

F-actin mediates motility both at the leading edge of a cell and in the nucleus.
The clockwork of insulin release
Authors: Kiberstis Paula A.
Published: November 2015

Circadian control of insulin release is mediated by transcriptional enhancers active specifically in pancreatic β cells.
C5A Protects Macaques from Vaginal Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Challenge
Authors: Veazey Ronald S. , Chatterji Udayan , Bobardt Michael , Russell-Lodrigue Kasi E. , Li Jian , Wang Xiaolei , Gallay Philippe A.
Published: November 2015

A safe and effective vaginal microbicide could decrease human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in women. Here, we evaluated the safety and microbicidal efficacy of a short amphipathic peptide, C5A, in a rhesus macaque model. We found that a vaginal application of C5A protects 89% of the macaques from a simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV-162P3) challenge. We observed no signs of lesions or inflammation in animals vaginally treated with repeated C5A applications. With its noncellular cytotoxic activity and rare mechanism of action, C5A represents an attractive microbicidal candidate.
In Vitro
Activity of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam against Anaerobic Organisms Identified during the ASPECT-cIAI Study
Authors: Armstrong Eliana S. , Farrell David J. , Palchak Melissa , Steenbergen Judith N.
Published: November 2015

The
in vitro
activities of ceftolozane-tazobactam, meropenem, and metronidazole were determined against anaerobic organisms isolated from patients with complicated intraabdominal infections (cIAI) in global phase III studies. Ceftolozane-tazobactam activity was highly variable among different species of the
Bacteroides fragilis
group, with MIC
90
values ranging from 2 to 64 μg/ml. More-potent
in vitro
activity was observed against selected Gram-positive anaerobic organisms; however, small numbers of isolates were available, and, therefore, the clinical significance of these results is unknown. Variable activity of ceftolozane-tazobactam against anaerobic organisms necessitates use in combination with metronidazole for the treatment of cIAI.
Susceptibility of Clostridium difficile Isolates of Varying Antimicrobial Resistance Phenotypes to SMT19969 and 11 Comparators
Authors: Freeman Jane , Vernon Jonathan , Vickers Richard , Wilcox Mark H.
Published: November 2015

We determined the
in vitro
activity of SMT19969 and 11 comparators, including metronidazole, vancomycin, and fidaxomicin, against 107
C. difficile
isolates of different antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. Fidaxomicin and SMT19969 were the most active. The fidaxomicin and SMT19969 geometric mean MICs were highest in ribotypes known to show multiple resistance. Coresistance to linezolid and moxifloxacin was evident in ribotypes 001, 017, 027, and 356. The high-level ceftriaxone resistance in ribotypes 356 and 018 was location linked.
Human Herpesvirus 6A U14 Is Important for Virus Maturation
Authors: Mori Junko , Tang Huamin , Kawabata Akiko , Koike Masato , Mori Yasuko
Published: November 2015

Human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) U14 is a virion protein with little known function in virus propagation. Here, we elucidated its function by constructing and analyzing U14-mutated viruses. We found that U14 is essential for HHV-6A propagation. We then constructed a mutant virus harboring dysfunctional U14. This virus showed severely reduced growth and retarded maturation. Taken together, these data indicate that U14 plays an important role during HHV-6A maturation.
Genomic and transcriptomic predictors of triglyceride response to regular exercise
Authors: Sarzynski Mark A , Davidsen Peter K , Sung Yun Ju , Hesselink Matthijs K C , Schrauwen Patrick , Rice Treva K , Rao D C , Falciani Francesco , Bouchard Claude
Published: November 2015

Aim

We performed genome-wide and transcriptome-wide profiling to identify genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the response of triglycerides (TG) to exercise training.

Methods

Plasma TG levels were measured before and after a 20-week endurance training programme in 478 white participants from the HERITAGE Family Study. Illumina HumanCNV370-Quad v3.0 BeadChips were genotyped using the Illumina BeadStation 500GX platform. Affymetrix HG-U133+2 arrays were used to quantitate gene expression levels from baseline muscle biopsies of a subset of participants (N=52). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis was performed using MERLIN, while transcriptomic predictor models were developed using the R-package GALGO.

Results

The GWAS results showed that eight SNPs were associated with TG training-response (ΔTG) at p<9.9×10−6, while another 31 SNPs showed p values <1×10−4. In multivariate regression models, the top 10 SNPs explained 32.0% of the variance in ΔTG, while conditional heritability analysis showed that four SNPs statistically accounted for all of the heritability of ΔTG. A molecular signature based on the baseline expression of 11 genes predicted 27% of ΔTG in HERITAGE, which was validated in an independent study. A composite SNP score based on the top four SNPs, each from the genomic and transcriptomic analyses, was the strongest predictor of ΔTG (R2=0.14, p=3.0×10−68).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that skeletal muscle transcript abundance at 11 genes and SNPs at a number of loci contribute to TG response to exercise training. Combining data from genomics and transcriptomics analyses identified a SNP-based gene signature that should be further tested in independent samples.
Validation and application of a core set of patient-relevant outcome domains to assess the effectiveness of multimodal pain therapy (VAPAIN): a study protocol
Authors: Kaiser Ulrike , Kopkow Christian , Deckert Stefanie , Sabatowski Rainer , Schmitt Jochen
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Multimodal pain therapy (MPT) has been established accounting for biopsychosocial consideration in diagnostic and therapy. MPT seems to be effective, but comparability of studies is limited due to diversity of study designs and outcome measurements. The presented study aims to develop acore outcome setconsisting of a minimum of outcome measures deemed necessary for medical and therapeutic decision-making, which must be measured in all clinical trials and non-randomised intervention studies.

Methods and analysis

The study consists of several parts. First, the development and recommendation of preliminary core outcome domains will be based on results of a systematic review and structured online surveys. Participants of the expert panel are representatives of methodological, medical, physiotherapeutic, psychotherapeutic profession and patients suffering from chronic pain (n=25). Subsequently, candidate instruments to measure preliminary core outcome domains will be recommended by these experts. Therefore, systematic reviews on measurement properties of preliminary outcome measures will be conducted and finalised in a consensus meeting. Consented instruments and lacking psychometric properties of relevant instruments will be addressed and validated in the following part, a prospective multicentre study in multimodal pain centres on approximately 300 patients with chronic pain. Based on all previous results, a core outcome set for MPT measured in effectiveness studies and daily recordkeeping will be finalised by consensus. Statistical analyses will be performed according to methodological standards (COSMIN).

Ethics and dissemination

The methods and procedure of the study are developed in compliance with the ethical principles of the Helsinki Declaration and Good Epidemiologic Practice. Recruitment of study participants will require approval of the study by the responsible ethics committee and signed informed consent from each participant. Pseudonymised data will be used for statistical analysis.
A cross-sectional study of bacterial vaginosis, intravaginal practices and HIV genital shedding; implications for HIV transmission and women's health
Authors: Alcaide Maria L , Chisembele Maureen , Malupande Emeria , Arheart Kristopher , Fischl Margaret , Jones Deborah L
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with an increased risk of HIV transmission, and intravaginal practices (IVP) are an important risk factor for developing BV. The relationship between IVP, BV and HIV lower genital shedding, responsible for HIV transmission, has not been examined in women receiving antiretrovirals in Zambia.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Community Health Center in Lusaka, Zambia.

Participants and methods

Participants were HIV-infected women receiving antiretroviral therapy and engaging in IVP (n=128). Participants completed audio computer-administered self-interviews to assess IVP and underwent a vaginal examination. BV was diagnosed using Nugent criteria. HIV-1 lower genital shedding was assessed by measuring HIV-1 RNA in cervicovaginal lavages.

Results

Most women engaged in IVP daily (114, 89.0%) and 81 (63.3%) of the participants had BV. HIV-1 genital shedding was detected in 18 (14.2%) participants. BV was associated with daily use of IVP (prevalence ratio, PR=4.58, CI 1.26 to 16.64, p=0.02) and weekly use of traditional medicines for IVP (PR=1.33, CI 1.05 to 1.68, p=0.02). The only factor associated with HIV-1 lower genital shedding was plasma viraemia (PR=4.61, CI 2.02 to 10.54, p<0.001). Neither IVP nor BV were associated with HIV shedding.

Conclusions

Despite the frequency of IVP and high prevalence of BV, plasma viraemia was the primary factor associated with HIV lower genital shedding. These findings support early initiation of antiretrovirals as an HIV prevention tool. Given adverse health outcomes associated with BV, the association between frequent IVP and BV, and the powerful local norms and traditions encouraging IVP, there is a need for studies assessing culturally tailored interventions to decrease BV in high-prevalence settings.
Association between secure patient–clinician email and clinical services utilisation in a US integrated health system: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Meng Di , Palen Ted E , Tsai Joanne , McLeod Melanie , Garrido Terhilda , Qian Heather
Published: November 2015

Objective

To assess associations between secure patient–clinician email use and clinical services utilisation over time.

Design

Retrospective cohort study between July 2010 and December 2013. Controlling for a utilisation surge around first secure email use, we analysed difference of differences between propensity score-matched groups of secure patient–clinician email users and non-users for utilisation 1–12 months before and 7–18 months after first email (users) or a randomly assigned index date (non-users).

Setting

US integrated healthcare delivery system.

Participants

9345 adults with first secure email use between July 2011 and July 2012 and continuous enrolment for ≥30 months and 9345 adults without secure email use between July 2010 and July 2012 matched to users on demographics, health status, and baseline utilisation.

Primary Outcome Measures

Rates of office visits, patient-initiated phone calls, scheduled telephone visits, after-hours clinic visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalisations.

Results

After controlling for multiple factors, no statistically significant differences in utilisation between secure email users and non-users occurred. Utilisation transiently increased by 88–237% around first email use. Annual rates of patient-initiated phone calls decreased among secure email users, 0.2 fewer calls per person (95% CI −0.3 to −0.1), from a mean of 4.1 calls per person 1–12 months before first use to a mean of 3.8 calls per person 7–18 months after first use. Rates of patient-initiated phone calls also decreased among non-users, 0.1 fewer calls per person (95% CI −0.2 to 0.0), from a mean of 4.2 calls per person 1–12 months before the index date to mean of 4.1 calls per person 7–18 months after the index date.

Conclusions

Compared with non-users, patient use of secure email with clinicians was not associated with statistically significant differences in clinical services utilisation 7–18 months after first use.
In situ simulation as a tool for patient safety: a systematic review identifying how it is used and its effectiveness
Authors: Fent Graham , Blythe James , Farooq Omer , Purva Makani
Published: November 2015

Background

In situ simulation is an emerging technique involving interdisciplinary teams working through simulated scenarios which replicate events encountered in healthcare institutions, particularly those which are either low frequency or associated with high risk to patients. Since it takes place in the clinical environment, it is ideally suited to improving patient safety outcomes.

Objective

To identify and appraise all studies assessing contribution of in situ simulation to patient safety, identify gaps in knowledge and areas for future research, as well as suggesting strategies for maximising its impact on patient safety within an institution.

Study selection

Three electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE) as well as the Cochrane Library were searched for articles relating to patient safety outcomes in in situ simulation. In addition a subject expert was approached to suggest any additional articles not identified by electronic searches. A total of 1795 abstracts were identified and screened, 35 full articles assessed for eligibility for inclusion and a total of 18 full articles included in the review after unsuitable articles were excluded.

Conclusions

In situ simulation can improve real-life patient safety outcomes, with 2 studies demonstrating improved morbidity and mortality outcomes following initiation of in situ simulation. There is good evidence to suggest that its implementation leads to improved clinical skills, teamwork and observed behaviours. Additionally, it is ideally suited to detecting latent safety errors (errors identified within a scenario which, if they had occurred in real life, could have led to a degree of harm occurring to a patient).
Traditional serrated adenoma (TSA): morphological questions, queries and quandaries
Authors: Chetty Runjan
Published: November 2015

Aim

Traditional serrated adenoma (TSA) is an uncommon type of serrated adenoma that can be a precursor to biologically aggressive colorectal cancer that invokes the serrated (accelerated) pathway. The purpose of this review is to address some of the more contentious issues around nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, histological variants, coexistence with other polyp types, the occurrence of dysplasia and the differential diagnosis.

Results

While the vast majority of TSAs are exophytic villiform polyps composed of deeply eosinophilic cells, flat top luminal serrations and numerous ectopic crypt foci, histological variants include flat TSA, filiform TSA and one composed of large numbers of mucin-containing cells. It is unlikely that there is any biological difference between the histological variants. There is a contention that TSAs are not dysplastic ab initio and that the majority do not show cytological atypia. Two types of dysplasia are associated with TSA. Serrated dysplasia is less well recognised and less commonly encountered than adenomatous dysplasia. TSA with dysplasia must be separated from TSA with coexisting conventional adenoma.

Conclusions

TSA is a characteristic polyp that may be extremely exophytic, flat or composed of mucin-rich cells and is typified by numerous ectopic crypt foci. They may coexist with other serrated polyps and conventional adenomas. Approximately 20–25% will be accompanied by adenomatous dysplasia.
‘Normal’ serum sodium concentration among inpatients over 65 admitted to hospital: an observational study
Authors: McKee Martin , Exall Sarah , Stuckler David , Wolff Anthony
Published: November 2015

Background

The usual reference range of serum sodium (typically 135–145 mmol/l) is derived from healthy populations but may not apply to hospital patients.

Objectives

To describe the range of serum sodium in inpatients and outpatients of both sexes at different ages. To ascertain correlates of serum sodium among older inpatients. To describe the association between sodium and mortality.

Methods

We used routine hospital data on serum sodium in inpatients admitted between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2014 and patients attending outpatient or community clinics with no record of admission to the same hospitals in the same period. We investigated the distribution of sodium values within these groups and explored the relationship between serum sodium and death using logistic regression.

Results

Levels among hospital inpatients were significantly lower than in outpatients of the same age. Emergency admissions had lower levels and those admitted from care homes higher levels, risk of inhospital death began to rise at 140 mmol/L, well within the ‘normal’ range. Patients with a serum sodium concentration of 145 mmol/L on admission have a risk of inhospital death 3.7 times higher than that of a patient with a concentration of 140 mmol/L.

Conclusions

The range for serum sodium concentration on admission in inpatients is broader and lower than the commonly accepted reference range. The risk of mortality increases at sodium concentration >139 mmol/L, well within reference range currently considered normal.
Seismic and static 3D stability of two-stage rock slope based on Hoek–Brown failure criterion
Authors: Yang X.-L. , Long Z.-X.
Published: November 2015

Two-stage slope is beneficial to improve slope stability in comparison with single-stage slope. Based on nonlinear Hoek–Brown criterion, a three-dimensional failure mechanism is employed to estimate the stability of two-stage rock slope, with the effect of seismic inertia force being taken into account. A generalized tangential technique is used to formulate the stability factor problem as a classical optimization problem corresponding to the dissipated energy. The upper-bound solutions are obtained by minimizing the objective function with respect to the location of sliding body center and the location of tangency point. The seismic inertia force is considered and incorporated into the objective function. In comparison with previously published solutions using the linear Mohr–Coulomb criterion, the validity of the present solutions is shown. The analytical expressions for two-stage slope are derived to estimate the seismic stability of slopes. Numerical results for different types of rocks are presented for practical use in engineering, and the effects of different parameters on slope stability are discussed.
Application of an Investigated Lump Method to the Simulation of Ground Motion For Beichuan Town During the Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Zhong Wei , Liu Tie-Lin
Published: November 2015

An investigated lump method based on the mixed mesh of triangle and quadrangle for simulating near-fault ground motion is presented by using finite-fault sources and a differential type of viscoelastic constitutive equations of the generalized zener body (GZB) with two mechanisms. One numerical test is performed to verify the validity and accuracy of the investigated lump method. The ground motion in Beichuan town during the Wenchuan earthquake is simulated, considering attenuation of real earth material and the effect of realistic topography. Numerical results of simulations demonstrated that the viscoelasticity of earth medium attenuates the PGAs noticeably and changes the frequency characteristics of the ground motion. The local topography influences greatly the PGAs in the area of Beichuan town.
PKA and phosphatases attached to the CaV1.2 channel regulate channel activity in cell-free patches
Authors: Xu Jianjun , Yu Lifeng , Minobe Etsuko , Lu Liting , Lei Ming , Kameyama Masaki
Published: November 2015

Calmodulin (CaM) + ATP can reprime voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels (CaV1.2) in inside-out patches for activation, but this effect decreases time dependently. This suggests that the CaV1.2 channel activity is regulated by additional cytoplasmic factors. To test this hypothesis, we examined the role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) and protein phosphatases in the regulation of CaV1.2 channel activity in the inside-out mode in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. CaV1.2 channel activity quickly disappeared after the patch was excised from the cell and recovered to only 9% of that in the cell-attached mode on application of CaM + ATP at 10 min after the inside out. However, immediate exposure of the excised patch to the catalytic subunit of PKA + ATP or the nonspecific phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid significantly increased the CaV1.2 channel activity recovery by CaM + ATP (114 and 96%, respectively) at 10 min. Interestingly, incubation of the excised patches with cAMP + ATP also increased CaM/ATP-induced CaV1.2 channel activity recovery (108%), and this effect was blocked by the nonspecific protein kinase inhibitor K252a. The channel activity in the inside-out mode was not maintained by either catalytic subunit of PKA or cAMP + ATP in the absence of CaM, but was stably maintained in the presence of CaM for more than 40 min. These results suggest that PKA and phosphatase(s) attached on or near the CaV1.2 channel regulate the basal channel activity, presumably through modulation of the dynamic CaM interaction with the channel.
Calcineurin homologous proteins regulate the membrane localization and activity of sodium/proton exchangers in C. elegans
Authors: Allman Erik , Wang Qian , Walker Rachel L. , Austen Molly , Peters Maureen A. , Nehrke Keith
Published: November 2015

Calcineurin B homologous proteins (CHP) are N-myristoylated, EF-hand Ca2+-binding proteins that bind to and regulate Na+/H+ exchangers, which occurs through a variety of mechanisms whose relative significance is incompletely understood. Like mammals, Caenorhabditis elegans has three CHP paralogs, but unlike mammals, worms can survive CHP loss-of-function. However, mutants for the CHP ortholog PBO-1 are unfit, and PBO-1 has been shown to be required for proton signaling by the basolateral Na+/H+ exchanger NHX-7 and for proton-coupled intestinal nutrient uptake by the apical Na+/H+ exchanger NHX-2. Here, we have used this genetic model organism to interrogate PBO-1's mechanism of action. Using fluorescent tags to monitor Na+/H+ exchanger trafficking and localization, we found that loss of either PBO-1 binding or activity caused NHX-7 to accumulate in late endosomes/lysosomes. In contrast, NHX-2 was stabilized at the apical membrane by a nonfunctional PBO-1 protein and was only internalized following its complete loss. Additionally, two pbo-1 paralogs were identified, and their expression patterns were analyzed. One of these contributed to the function of the excretory cell, which acts like a kidney in worms, establishing an alternative model for testing the role of this protein in membrane transporter trafficking and regulation. These results lead us to conclude that the role of CHP in Na+/H+ exchanger regulation differs between apical and basolateral transporters. This further emphasizes the importance of proper targeting of Na+/H+ exchangers and the critical role of CHP family proteins in this process.
Reduced venous compliance: an important determinant for orthostatic intolerance in women with vasovagal syncope
Authors: Skoog Johan , Lindenberger Marcus , Ekman Mikael , Holmberg Bengt , Zachrisson Helene , Länne Toste
Published: November 2015

The influence of lower limb venous compliance on orthostatic vasovagal syncope (VVS) is uncertain. The most widespread technique to calculate venous compliance uses a nonphysiological quadratic regression equation. Our aim was therefore to construct a physiologically derived venous wall model (VWM) for calculation of calf venous compliance and to determine the effect of venous compliance on tolerance to maximal lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Venous occlusion plethysmography was used to study calf volume changes in 15 women with VVS (25.5 ± 1.3 yr of age) and 15 controls (22.8 ± 0.8 yr of age). The fit of the VWM and the regression equation to the experimentally induced pressure-volume curve was examined. Venous compliance was calculated as the derivative of the modeled pressure-volume relationship. Graded LBNP to presyncope was used to determine the LBNP tolerance index (LTI). The VWM displayed a better fit to the experimentally induced pressure-volume curve ( P < 0.0001). Calf blood pooling was similar in the groups and was not correlated to the LTI ( r = 0.204, P = 0.30). Venous compliance was significantly reduced at low venous pressures in women with VVS ( P = 0.042) and correlated to the LTI ( r = 0.459, P = 0.014) in the low pressure range. No correlation was found between venous compliance at high venous pressures and the LTI. In conclusion, the new VWM accurately adopted the curvilinear pressure-volume curve, providing a valid characterization of venous compliance. Reduced venous compliance at low venous pressures may adversely affect mobilization of peripheral venous blood to the central circulation during hypovolemic circulatory stress in women with VVS.
fMLP-Induced IL-8 Release Is Dependent on NADPH Oxidase in Human Neutrophils
Authors: Hidalgo María A. , Carretta María D. , Teuber Stefanie E. , Zárate Cristian , Cárcamo Leonardo , Concha Ilona I. , Burgos Rafael A.
Published: November 2015

N-Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) induce similar intracellular signalling profiles; but only fMLP induces interleukin-8 (IL-8) release and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced (NADPH) oxidase activity in neutrophils. Because the role of ROS on IL-8 release in neutrophils is until now controversial, we assessed if NADPH oxidase is involved in the IL-8 secretions and PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB pathways activity induced by fMLP. Neutrophils were obtained from healthy volunteers. IL-8 was measured by ELISA, IL-8 mRNA by qPCR, and ROS production by luminol-amplified chemiluminescence, reduction of ferricytochrome c, and FACS. Intracellular pH changes were detected by spectrofluorescence. ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and Akt phosphorylation were analysed by immunoblotting and NF-κB was analysed by immunocytochemistry. Hydroxy-3-methoxyaceto-phenone (HMAP), diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), and siRNA Nox2 reduced the ROS and IL-8 release in neutrophils treated with fMLP. HMAP, DPI, and amiloride (a Na+/H+exchanger inhibitor) inhibited the Akt phosphorylation and did not affect the p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 activity. DPI and HMAP reduced NF-κB translocation induced by fMLP. We showed that IL-8 release induced by fMLP is dependent on NADPH oxidase, and ROS could play a redundant role in cell signalling, ultimately activating the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways in neutrophils.
Biodegradation Study of Nanocomposites of Phenol Novolac Epoxy/Unsaturated Polyester Resin/Egg Shell Nanoparticles Using Natural Polymers
Authors: Mousavi S. M. , Esmaeili H. , Arjmand O. , Karimi Sh. , Hashemi S. A.
Published: November 2015

Nanocomposite materials refer to those materials whose reinforcing phase has dimensions on a scale from one to one hundred nanometers. In this study, the nanocomposite biodegradation of the phenol Novolac epoxy and the unsaturated polyester resins was investigated using the egg shell nanoparticle as bioceramic as well as starch and glycerin as natural polymers to modify their properties. The phenol Novolac epoxy resin has a good compatibility with the unsaturated polyester resin. The prepared samples with different composition of materials for specified time were buried under soil and their biodegradation was studied using FTIR and SEM. The FTIR results before and after degradation showed that the presence of the hydroxyl group increased the samples degradation. Also adding the egg shell nanoparticle to samples had a positive effect on its degradation. The SEM results with and without the egg shell nanoparticle also showed that use of the egg shell nanoparticle increases the samples degradation. Additionally, increasing the amount of starch, and glycerol and the presence of egg shell nanoparticles can increase water adsorption.
Prognostic Significance of N-Glycolyl GM3 Ganglioside Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Patients: New Evidences
Authors: Blanco Rancés , Domínguez Elizabeth , Morales Orlando , Blanco Damián , Martínez Darel , Rengifo Charles E. , Viada Carmen , Cedeño Mercedes , Rengifo Enrique , Carr Adriana
Published: November 2015

The prognostic role of N-glycolyl GM3 ganglioside (NeuGcGM3) expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) still remains controversial. In this study, the NeuGcGM3 expression was reevaluated using an increased number of NSCLC cases and the 14F7 Mab (a highly specific IgG1 raised against NeuGcGM3). An immunohistochemical score integrating the percentage of 14F7-positive cells and the intensity of reaction was applied to reassess the relationship between NeuGcGM3 expression, some clinicopathological features, and the overall survival (OS) of NSCLC patients. The double and the triple expression of NeuGcGM3 with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and/or its ligand, the epidermal growth factor (EGF), were also evaluated. NeuGcGM3 expression correlates with both S-Phase fraction (p=0.006) and proliferation index (p=0.000). Additionally, NeuGcGM3 expression was associated with a poor OS of patients in both univariate (p=0.020) and multivariate (p=0.010) analysis. Moreover, the double and/or the triple positivity of tumors to NeuGcGM3, EGFR, and/or EGF permitted us to identify phenotypes of NSCLC with a more aggressive biological behavior. Our results are in agreement with the negative prognostic significance of NeuGcGM3 expression in NSCLC patients. However, standardization of techniques to determine the expression of NeuGcGM3 in NSCLC as well as the implementation of a universal scoring system is recommended.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Costanzo Eliana , Cohen Salomon Yves , Miere Alexandra , Querques Giuseppe , Capuano Vittorio , Semoun Oudy , El Ameen Ala’a , Oubraham Hassiba , Souied Eric H.
Published: November 2015

Purpose. To analyze optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and to compare them with those obtained with multimodal imaging.Methods. A series of consecutive patients diagnosed with CSC, underwent OCTA and multimodal imaging, including spectral domain OCT, fluorescein, and indocyanine green angiography. OCTA images were performed at three main depth intervals: automatically segmented outer retina, manually adjusted outer retina, and automatically segmented choriocapillaris.Results. Thirty-three eyes of 32 consecutive patients were analyzed. OCTA showed 3 main anomalies at the choriocapillaris: the presence of dark areas (19/33 eyes) which were frequently associated with serous retinal detachment, presence of dark spots (7/33 eyes) which were frequently associated with retinal pigment epithelium detachment, and presence of abnormal vessels (12/33 eyes) which were frequently, but not systematically, associated with choroidal neovascularization, as confirmed by multimodal imaging.Conclusions. OCTA revealed dark areas and dark spots, which were commonly observed. An abnormal choroidal pattern was also observed in one-third of cases, even when multimodal imaging did not evidence any choroidal neovascularization. Abnormal choroidal vessels should be interpreted with caution, and we could assume that this pathological choroidal vascular pattern observed in many CSC cases could be distinct from CNV.
freeQuant: A Mass Spectrometry Label‐Free Quantification Software Tool for Complex Proteome Analysis
Authors: Deng Ning , Li Zhenye , Pan Chao , Duan Huilong
Published: November 2015

Study of complex proteome brings forward higher request for the quantification method using mass spectrometry technology. In this paper, we present a mass spectrometry label‐free quantification tool for complex proteomes, called freeQuant, which integrated quantification with functional analysis effectively. freeQuant consists of two well‐integrated modules: label‐free quantification and functional analysis with biomedical knowledge. freeQuant supports label‐free quantitative analysis which makes full use of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectral count, protein sequence length, shared peptides, and ion intensity. It adopts spectral count for quantitative analysis and builds a new method for shared peptides to accurately evaluate abundance of isoforms. For proteins with low abundance, MS/MS total ion count coupled with spectral count is included to ensure accurate protein quantification. Furthermore, freeQuant supports the large‐scale functional annotations for complex proteomes. Mitochondrial proteomes from the mouse heart, the mouse liver, and the human heart were used to evaluate the usability and performance of freeQuant. The evaluation showed that the quantitative algorithms implemented in freeQuant can improve accuracy of quantification with better dynamic range.
Target Detection in Low Grazing Angle with Adaptive OFDM Radar
Authors: Xia Yang , Song Zhiyong , Lu Zaiqi , Wu Hao , Fu Qiang
Published: November 2015

Multipath effect is the main factor of deteriorating target detection performance in low grazing angle scenario, which results from reflections on the ground/sea surface. Amplitudes of the received signals fluctuate acutely due to the random phase variations of reflected signals along different paths; thereby the performances of target detection and tracking are heavily influenced. This paper deals with target detection in low grazing angle scenario with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) radar. Realistic physical and statistical effects are incorporated into the multipath propagation model. By taking advantage of multipath propagation that provides spatial diversity of radar system and frequency diversity of OFDM waveform, we derive a detection method based on generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT). Then, we propose an algorithm to optimally design the transmitted subcarrier weights to improve the detection performance. Simulation results show that the detection performance can be improved due to the multipath effect and adaptive OFDM waveform design.
The Effects of Hemodialysis on Tear Osmolarity
Authors: Taskapili Muhittin , Serefoglu Cabuk Kubra , Aydin Rukiye , Atalay Kursat , Kirgiz Ahmet , Sit Dede , Kayabasi Hasan
Published: November 2015

Aim. To determine the effects of hemodialysis (HD) on tear osmolarity and to define the blood biochemical tests correlating with tear osmolarity among patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD).Material-Method. Tear osmolarity of ESRD patients before and after the hemodialysis program was determined as well as the blood biochemical data including glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, urea, and creatinine levels.Results. Totally 43 eyes of 43 patients (20 females and 23 males) with a mean age of53.98±18.06years were included in the study. Tear osmolarity of patients was statistically significantly decreased after hemodialysis (314.06±17.77versus301.88±15.22 mOsm/L,p=0.0001). In correlation analysis, pre-HD tear osmolarity was negatively correlated with pre-HD blood creatinine level (r=-0.366,  p=0.016). Post-HD tear osmolarity was statistically significantly correlated with the post-HD glucose levels (r=0.305  p=0.047). Tear osmolarity alteration by HD was negatively correlated with creatinine alteration, body weight alteration, and ultrafiltration (r=-0.426,  p=0.004;r=-0.365,  p=0.016; andr=-0.320,p=0.036, resp.). There was no correlation between tear osmolarity and Kt/V and URR values.Conclusion. HD effectively decreases tear osmolarity to normal values and corrects the volume and composition of the ocular fluid transiently. Tear osmolarity alteration induced by HD is correlated with body weight changes, creatinine alterations, and ultrafiltration.