bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CARE approach to reducing diagnostic errors
Authors: Rush Jess L. , Helms Stephen E. , Mostow Eliot N.
Published: February 2017

Background

Diagnostic errors appear to be the most common, costly, and dangerous of all medical mistakes. There has been a notable increase on the focus of error prevention as part of a growing patient safety movement. However, diagnostic errors have received less attention than other types of error. Our goal is to present a short mnemonic that can act as a checklist or posted reminder to help practitioners in dermatology or any field of medicine to avoid diagnostic errors.

Methods

To meet this goal, the authors reviewed the literature and discussed errors and potential errors they have experienced over 55 years of combined practice, to create a short mnemonic.

Results

The CARE method has helped the authors prepare and review their differential diagnoses in the relatively fast‐paced practice of dermatology, but it has yet to be tested on a large scale.

Conclusion

The CARE (communicate, assess for biased reasoning, reconsider differential diagnoses, enact a plan) method is an efficient, recallable checklist that uses an educational approach to reduce diagnostic error while reminding us to simply “care” from a humanistic perspective. This method may help reduce preventable diagnostic errors and improve patient care.
Microencapsulation of ginsenosides using polymerised whey protein (PWP) as wall material and its application in probiotic fermented milk
Authors: Wang Mu , Gao Feng , Zheng Huajie , Zhang Tiehua , Guo Mingruo
Published: February 2017

Ginsenosides was microencapsulated using heat‐induced polymerised whey protein as wall material. The entrapment yield was 95.46 ± 1.95% and release rates were about 20% and 100% in gastric and intestine juices, respectively. Microencapsulated ginsenosides (0.03% ginsenosides, w/v) were used for fermented milk formulation. Samples with microencapsulated ginsenosides had much higher acceptability compared with those with ginsenoside extract (P < 0.01). Addition of microencapsulated ginsenosides significantly decreased the syneresis of the sample (P < 0.01). The probiotics remained above 106 CFU mL−1 during the first 6 weeks, and no significant difference was observed in probiotics population during 10‐week storage for all samples. SEM micrograph revealed that addition of microcapsules did not change the structure of the samples considerably. The polymerised whey protein‐based microencapsulation might be an effective technique to deliver ginsenosides to small intestine through stomach. It also masked bitter taste and improved the colour of the fermented milks containing ginsenosides.
Pharmacy education in Jordan: updates
Authors: Alefan Qais , Alsmadi Mo'tasem M
Published: February 2017

Objective

To describe the increasing number of pharmacy schools in Jordan.

Method

A review for numbers of schools and their curricula was conducted.

Key findings

To date, there are 18 pharmacy schools in Jordan. PharmD program is offered by two public schools. PhD program is offered by one school; while MSc program is offered by seven schools. Public pharmacy schools have two similar programs in terms of curricula, ‘regular’ and ‘parallel’. The ratio of pharmacists to 1000 population was 2.1 in 2012. Substantial increase in pharmacists’ integration is needed in public and private primary care settings.

Conclusions

Number of pharmacy schools and pharmacy graduates in Jordan seems to be ‘high’. If the schools are to remain on a track of growth, let the emphasis shift to PharmD expansion.
Circulating fibrocyte mobilization in negative pressure wound therapy
Authors: Chen Dezhi , Zhao Yong , Li Zonghuan , Shou Kangquan , Zheng Xun , Li Pengcheng , Qi Baiwen , Yu Aixi
Published: February 2017

Non‐healing diabetic wounds are difficult to treat. They also create heavy financial burdens for both patients and society. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been adopted to treat intractable wounds and has proved to be effective. However, the mechanisms that underlie the effects of this treatment are not entirely understood. Circulating fibrocytes are unique haematopoietic‐derived stem cells that have been reported to play a pivotal role in wound healing. Here, we have investigated the effect of NPWT on fibrocyte mobilization and the role of fibrocyte mobilization in the healing of diabetic wounds during NPWT. We show that the NPWT group exhibited 2.6‐fold to 12.1‐fold greater numbers of tail vein‐injected PKH‐26‐labelled fibrocytes in the diabetic wound sites compared with the control group. We also demonstrate that the full‐thickness skin wounds treated with NPWT exhibit significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression, blood vessel density and proliferating cells when exogenous fibrocyte mobilization is inhibited. We speculate that systemic mobilization of fibrocytes during NPWT may be a mechanism for healing intractable wounds in a diabetic rat model experiment and that enhancement of cell mobilization may represent a potential treatment idea for intractable wound healing across all fields of surgery.
Deletion of junctional adhesion molecule A from platelets increases early‐stage neointima formation after wire injury in hyperlipidemic mice
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Vajen Tanja , Karshovska Ela , Dickhout Annemiek , Schmitt Martin M. , Megens Remco T.A. , von Hundelshausen Philipp , Koeppel Thomas A. , Hackeng Tilman M. , Weber Christian , Koenen Rory R.
Published: February 2017

Platelets play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular remodelling after injury. Junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM‐A) was recently described to regulate platelet activation. Specific deletion of JAM‐A from platelets resulted in increased reactivity and in accelerated progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the specific contribution of platelet‐derived JAM‐A to neointima formation after vascular injury. Mice with or without platelet‐specific (tr)JAM‐A‐deficiency in an apolipoprotein e (apoe−/−) background underwent wire‐induced injury of the common carotid artery. Ex vivo imaging by two‐photon microscopy revealed increased platelet coverage at the site of injury in trJAM‐A‐deficient mice. Cell recruitment assays showed increased adhesion of monocytic cells to activated JAM‐A‐deficient platelets than to control platelets. Inhibition of αMβ2 or GPIbα, but not of CD62P, suppressed those differences. Up to 4 weeks after wire injury, intimal neoplasia and neointimal cellular content were analysed. Neointimal lesion area was increased in trJAM‐A−/− apoe−/− mice and the lesions showed an increased macrophage accumulation and proliferating smooth muscle cells compared with trJAM‐A+/+ apoe−/− littermates 2 weeks, but not 4 weeks after injury. Re‐endothelialization was decreased in trJAM‐A−/− apoe−/− mice compared with controls 2 weeks after injury, yet it was complete in both groups after 4 weeks. A platelet gain of function by deletion of JAM‐A accelerates neointima formation only during earlier phases after vascular injury, through an increased recruitment of mononuclear cells. Thus, the contribution of platelets might become less important when neointima formation progresses to later stages.
The association between periodontitis and sleep duration
Authors: Romandini Mario , Gioco Gioele , Perfetti Giorgio , Deli Giorgio , Staderini Edoardo , Laforì Andreina
Published: February 2017

Aim

Due to its potential to influence systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and to predispose to bacterial infections, sleep duration could potentially be a risk factor for periodontitis. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate if there was in 2012 an association between periodontitis and sleep duration in a representative sample of the South Korean population.

Materials and Methods

A total of 5812 subjects representative of 39.4 million of adults were examined. Multivariate logistic regressions were applied controlling for age, gender, education, smoking status, alcoholism and consumption frequency of coffee, tea, chocolate and red wine.

Results

Compared to the group sleeping ≤5 h/day, the adjusted odds ratios for periodontitis prevalence defined as Community Periodontal Index (CPI) = 4 were OR = 2.46 (95% CI: 1.20–5.06) in the 6 h/day sleepers group, OR = 2.66 (95% CI: 1.35–5.25) in the 7 h/day sleepers group, OR = 2.29 (95% CI: 1.13–4.63) in the 8 h/day sleepers group and OR = 4.27 (95% CI: 1.83–9.97) in the ≥9 h/day sleepers group. The association has shown to be highlighted in middle‐aged people, females, non‐smokers, lower educated, with lower lead and higher cadmium blood levels and with higher carotene dietary intake ones and to be partially mediated by lipid profile alterations, diabetes, serum Vitamin D levels and WBC count.

Conclusions

A novel, direct and independent association between sleep duration and the prevalence of periodontitis was found. However, it needs to be investigated how the factors influencing the sleep duration affect this association.
A field reciprocal transplant experiment reveals asymmetric costs of migration between lake and river ecotypes of three‐spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Kaufmann J. , Lenz T. L. , Kalbe M. , Milinski M. , Eizaguirre C.
Published: February 2017

Theory of local adaptation predicts that nonadapted migrants will suffer increased costs compared to local residents. Ultimately this process can result in the reduction of gene flow and culminate in speciation. Here, we experimentally investigated the relative fitness of migrants in foreign habitats, focusing on diverging lake and river ecotypes of three‐spined sticklebacks. A reciprocal transplant experiment performed in the field revealed asymmetric costs of migration: whereas mortality of river fish was increased under lake conditions, lake migrants suffered from reduced growth relative to river residents. Selection against migrants thus involved different traits in each habitat but generally contributed to bidirectional reduction in gene flow. Focusing particularly on the parasitic environments, migrant fish differed from resident fish in the parasite community they harboured. This pattern correlated with both cellular phenotypes of innate immunity as well as with allelic variation at the genes of the major histocompatibility complex. In addition to showing the costs of migration in three‐spined sticklebacks, this study highlights the role of asymmetric selection particularly from parasitism in genotype sorting and in the emergence of local adaptation.
Evaluation of the quality and health literacy demand of online renal diet information
Authors: Lambert K. , Mullan J. , Mansfield K. , Koukomous A. , Mesiti L.
Published: February 2017

Background

Dietary modification is critical in the self‐management of chronic kidney disease. The present study describes the accuracy, quality and health literacy demand of renal diet information for adults with kidney disease obtained from the Internet and YouTube (www.youtube.com).

Methods

A comprehensive content analysis was undertaken in April and July 2015 of 254 eligible websites and 161 YouTube videos. The accuracy of the renal diet information was evaluated by comparing the key messages with relevant evidence‐based guidelines for the dietary management of people with kidney disease. The DISCERN tool (www.discern.org.uk) was used to evaluate the quality of the material. Health literacy demand was evaluated using the Patient Education Material Assessment Tool (www.ahrq.gov/professionals/prevention-chronic-care/improve/self-mgmt/pemat/index.html) and seven validated readability calculators.

Results

The most frequent renal diet topic found online was generic dietary information for people with chronic kidney disease. The proportion of renal diet information obtained from websites that was accurate was 73%. However, this information was mostly of poor quality with extensive shortcomings, difficult to action and written with a high health literacy demand. By contrast, renal diet information available from YouTube was highly understandable and actionable, although only 18% of the videos were accurate, and a large proportion were of poor quality with extensive shortcomings. The most frequent authors of accurate, good quality, understandable, material were government bodies, dietitians, academic institutions and medical organisations.

Conclusions

Renal diet information found online that is written by government bodies, dietitians, academic institutions and medical organisations is recommended. Further work is required to improve the quality and, most importantly, the actionability of renal diet information found online.
Technology to engage hospitalised patients in their nutrition care: a qualitative study of usability and patient perceptions of an electronic foodservice system
Authors: Roberts S. , Marshall A. P. , Gonzalez R. , Chaboyer W.
Published: February 2017

Background

Active patient involvement in nutrition care may improve dietary intakes in hospital. Our team is developing an innovative programme allowing patients to self‐assess and self‐monitor their nutrition at the bedside. The present study aimed to assess usability and patient perceptions of an electronic foodservice system (EFS) for participating in nutrition care.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in an Australian tertiary hospital. Participants were sampled purposively and included patients who were able to provide informed consent and communicate in English. Patient interviews were conducted at the bedside and consisted of: (i) usability testing of the EFS using ‘Think Aloud’ technique and (ii) questioning using a semi‐structured interview guide to understand perceptions of the EFS. Interview data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were interviewed. Their perceptions of using the EFS to participate in nutrition care were expressed in five categories: (i) Familiarity with technology can affect confidence and ability but is not essential to use EFS; (ii) User interface design significantly impacts EFS usability; (iii) Identifying benefits to technology increases its acceptance; (iv) Technology enables participation, which occurs to varying extents; and (v) Degree of participation depends on perceived importance of nutrition.

Conclusions

Patients found the EFS acceptable and acknowledged benefits to its use. Several factors appeared to influence usability, acceptability and willingness to engage with the system, such as user interface design and perceived ease of use, benefits and importance. The present study provides important insights into designing technology‐based interventions for engaging inpatients in their nutrition care.
Life Cycle Assessment of Novel Aircraft Interior Panels Made from Renewable or Recyclable Polymers with Natural Fiber Reinforcements and Non‐Halogenated Flame Retardants
Authors: Vidal Rosario , Moliner Enrique , Martin Pedro P. , Fita Sergio , Wonneberger Maik , Verdejo Eva , Vanfleteren François , Lapeña Nieves , González Ana
Published: February 2017

A comprehensive life cycle assessment of panels for aircraft interiors was conducted, including both a conventional glass fiber‐reinforced panel and different novel sustainable panels. The conventional panel is made of a glass fiber‐reinforced thermoset composite with halogenated flame retardant, whereas the sustainable panels are made of renewable or recyclable polymers, natural fiber reinforcements, and nonhalogenated flame retardants. Four different sustainable panels were investigated: a geopolymer‐based panel; a linseed‐oil–based biopolymer panel; and two thermoplastic panels, one with polypropylene (PP) and another with polylactic acid (PLA). All of the sustainable panels were developed to fulfil fire resistance requirements and to be lighter than the conventional panels in order to reduce fuel consumption and air pollutant emissions from the aircraft. The environmental impacts associated with energy consumption and air emissions were assessed, as well as other environmental impacts resulting from the extraction and processing of materials, transportation of materials and waste, panel manufacturing, use, maintenance, and end of life (EoL). All the sustainable panels showed better environmental performance than the conventional panel. The overall impacts of the sustainable panels were offset by the environmental benefits in the use stage attributed to weight reduction. One square meter of the novel panels could save to 6,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents. The break‐even point (in months) at which the use of sustainable panels would yield an environmental benefit relative to the impacts arising in production and EoL was as follows: 1.2 for the geopolymer panel; 1.7 for the biopolymer panel; 10.4 for the PLA panel; and 54.5 for the PP panel.
Impaired learning and memory in rats induced by a high‐fat diet: Involvement with the imbalance of nesfatin‐1 abundance and copine 6 expression
Authors: Chen Z. , Xu Y.‐Y. , Wu R. , Han Y.‐X. , Yu Y. , Ge J.‐F. , Chen F.‐H.
Published: February 2017

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, resulting not only in liver dysfunction, glucose and lipid metabolism disorder, but also in neuropsychiatric damage. In the present study, a NAFLD rat model was established via feeding of a high‐fat diet, and behaviour was observed via the open field test (OFT), the sucrose preference test (SPT), the elevated plus maze (EPM), the forced swimming test (FST) and the Morris water maze (MWM). The plasma concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose, free fatty acid (FFA), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) were detected using chemiluminescence technique. The plasma levels of nesfatin‐1, leptin and insulin were measured via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the protein expressions of p‐glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), GSK‐3β, p‐β‐catenin, β‐catenin, cyclinD and copine 6 in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were detected using western blotting. After 4 consecutive weeks of feeding with a high‐fat diet, the rats showed obesity; increased plasma concentrations of ALT, glucose, FFA, TC, TG, HDL‐C and LDL‐C; decreased plasma levels of leptin and insulin; and inflammation and mild hepatocyte steatosis in the liver. Although there was no significant difference between groups with regard to performance in the OFT, EPM or FST, the NAFLD rats showed a decreased sucrose preference index in the SPT and impaired learning and memory in the MWM task. Moreover, the present study provides the first evidence of an increased plasma nesfatin‐1 concentration in NAFLD rats, which was significantly correlated with plasma lipid concentrations and behavioural performance. Furthermore, copine 6 and p‐β‐catenin protein expression decreased and p‐GSK‐3β increased in the hippocampus and PFC of NAFLD rats. These results suggest that consuming of a high‐fat diet for 4 consecutive weeks could successfully induce a NAFLD rat model. More importantly, these results provide the first evidence that impaired learning and memory in NAFLD rats was, at least partly, associated with increased plasma nesfatin‐1 concentration and decreased copine 6 expression in the hippocampus and PFC.
The function of the ocelloid and piston in the dinoflagellate Erythropsidinium (Gymnodiniales, Dinophyceae)
Authors: Gómez Fernando
Published: February 2017

The marine dinoflagellate Erythropsidinium possesses an ocelloid, the most elaborate photoreceptor organelle known in a unicellular organism, and a piston, a fast contractile appendage unknown in any other organism. The ocelloid is able to rotate, often before the cell swims. The ocelloid contains lenses that function to concentrate light. The flagellar propulsion is atrophied, and the piston is responsible for locomotion through successive extensions and contractions. During the “locomotion mode”, the contraction is ~4 times faster than the extension. The piston attained up to 50 mm · s−1 and the cell jumps backwards at −4 mm · s−1, while during the piston extension the cell moves forwards. The net speed of ~−1 mm · s−1 is faster than other dinoflagellates. The piston usually moved in the “static mode” without significant cell swimming. This study suggests that the piston is also a tactile organelle that scans the surrounding waters for prey. Erythropsidinium feeds on copepod eggs by engulfing. The end of the piston possesses a “suction cup” able to attach the prey and place it into the posterior cavity for engulfing. The cylindrical shape of Erythropsidinium, and the anterior position of the ocelloid and nucleus, are morphological adaptations that leave space for the large vacuole. Observations are provided on morphological development during cell division. Most of the described species of Erythropsidinium apparently correspond to distinct life stages of known species, and the genus Greuetodinium (=Leucopsis) corresponds to an earlier division stage.
Endemic prevalence of hepatitis B and C in Mongolia: A nationwide survey amongst Mongolian adults
Authors: Dashtseren B. , Bungert A. , Bat‐Ulzii P. , Enkhbat M. , Lkhagva‐Ochir O. , Jargalsaikhan G. , Enkhbat A. , Oidovsambuu O. , Klemen J. , Dashdorj N. , Dashdorj N. , Genden Z. , Yagaanbuyant D.
Published: February 2017

In this study, a representative group of Mongolian adults was tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Screening was conducted at 17 different locations on a randomly sampled group, representing the Mongolian adult population. A total of 1158 adults, 500 (43.1%) men and 659 (56.9%) women were included. The prevalence estimates of HBV and HCV amongst the general Mongolian adult population were found to be 11.1%±1% (SE) and 8.5%±0.7% or 207 418 and 160 228 cases, respectively. For HCV, the majority of cases are concentrated in older age groups with a prevalence of 25.8% amongst those aged 50 years and above, whilst the prevalence of HBV does not vary significantly amongst age groups. For both, HBV and HCV, the data indicate a higher risk of infection and a higher mortality because of the hepatitis amongst men than amongst women. This study represents the first nationwide estimate of the prevalence of HBV in Mongolia and also considered the first for HCV since 2005 and confirm the position of Mongolia as one of the hot‐spots of chronic hepatitis infection in the world with about 19.4% of the adult population being infected with either HBV or HCV.
Winner of the SLS Annual Conference Best Paper Prize 2016: Knowledge and landscape in wind energy planning
Authors: Lee Maria
Published: February 2017

‘Landscape’ is relatively underexplored in legal scholarship, notwithstanding its occasional centrality to legal analysis, and the ways in which law contributes to the shaping of landscape. Wind energy is an especially rich area for the exploration of landscape; not only do wind farms consistently raise concerns about landscape, but the existence of climate change complicates the response to local concern. Most of the legal literature on ‘knowledge’ focuses on the ways in which different ‘expert’ knowledges find their way into, and then shape, legal processes and decisions. This article is more concerned with the ways in which the planning system receives different knowledge claims, and validates some of them. The discussion turns around four tentative categories of knowledge claim: expert or technical knowledge claims; lay (or sometimes local) knowledge claims; prior institutional knowledge claims; and professional planning knowledge claims. Knowledge of the complex, dynamic and plural idea of landscape in any particular case is constructed in the process of decision making and reason giving through a careful layering of these different sorts of knowledge claim.
Regulation of nrf operon expression in pathogenic enteric bacteria: sequence divergence reveals new regulatory complexity
Authors: Godfrey Rita E. , Lee David J. , Busby Stephen J. W. , Browning Douglas F.
Published: February 2017

The Escherichia coli K‐12 nrf operon encodes a periplasmic nitrite reductase, the expression of which is driven from a single promoter, pnrf. Expression from pnrf is activated by the FNR transcription factor in response to anaerobiosis and further increased in response to nitrite by the response regulator proteins, NarL and NarP. FNR‐dependent transcription is suppressed by the binding of two nucleoid associated proteins, IHF and Fis. As Fis levels increase in cells grown in rich medium, the positioning of its binding site, overlapping the promoter −10 element, ensures that pnrf is sharply repressed. Here, we investigate the expression of the nrf operon promoter from various pathogenic enteric bacteria. We show that pnrf from enterohaemorrhagic E. coli is more active than its K‐12 counterpart, exhibits substantial FNR‐independent activity and is insensitive to nutrient quality, due to an improved −10 element. We also demonstrate that the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium core promoter is more active than previously thought, due to differences around the transcription start site, and that its expression is repressed by downstream sequences. We identify the CsrA RNA binding protein as being responsible for this, and show that CsrA differentially regulates the E. coli K‐12 and Salmonella nrf operons.
A national survey of the use of pachymeters by optometrists in Scotland: experience, views and barriers to use
Authors: Goudie Colin , Pronin Savva , Court Helen , Pooley Janet , Tatham Andrew J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Thin central corneal thickness (CCT) is a risk factor for glaucoma. In 2016 all optometry practices in Scotland were provided with pachymeters aiming to improve risk assessment and accuracy of referrals to secondary care. We examined optometrists’ experience and views of pachymetry, including perceived barriers to pachymetry in primary care.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent using the REDCap electronic data capture tool to all 1264 optometrists registered with NHS Education for Scotland (NES). The questionnaire evaluated year of qualification, previous pachymetry training, confidence performing and interpreting pachymetry, and perceived indications for and barriers to use.

Results

Respondents numbered 418 out of 1264 (33%) optometrists, of whom 56% had previous training in pachymetry. Those that had previous training were significantly more likely to report pachymetry to be useful, with median (inter‐quartile range) usefulness score of 86 (71–98) where 0 indicated not at all useful, and 100 extremely useful, vs 76 (58–90), Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test, z = −4.67, p < 0.01. There are no valid scales for adjusting intraocular pressure (IOP) using CCT, however 45% of respondents reported using a scale. Optometrists planned to use pachymetry when assessing patients with ocular hypertension or suspected glaucoma. The greatest perceived barrier was the process of decontaminating or cleaning the pachymeter between patients, followed by lack of time and lack of training.

Conclusions

Although the majority of optometrists were interested in performing pachymetry, many lacked confidence in performing and interpreting the results. Forty‐one percent of those who reported training in pachymetry still used non‐validated scales to convert IOP measurements illustrating the need for further training.
Comparison of Left Atrial Voltage between Sinus Rhythm and Atrial Fibrillation in Association with Electrogram Waveform
Authors: MASUDA MASAHARU , FUJITA MASASHI , IIDA OSAMU , OKAMOTO SHIN , ISHIHARA TAKAYUKI , NANTO KIYONORI , KANDA TAKASHI , SUNAGA AKIHIRO , TSUJIMURA TAKUYA , MATSUDA YASUHIRO , OHASHI TAKUYA , UEMATSU MASAAKI
Published: February 2017

Background

The efficacy of low‐voltage‐guided ablation in addition to pulmonary vein (PV) isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported with voltage mapping being performed during sinus rhythm (SR) or AF. The study aimed to compare the left atrial voltage between SR and AF in association with the electrogram waveform.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 30 consecutive patients with persistent AF. After completion of PV isolation, electrogram points were taken during both SR and AF at the identical locations evenly throughout the left atrium. Electrograms were divided into two types: normal (sharp electrogram with ≤3 peaks or duration <50 ms) and fractionated (>3 peaks and duration ≥50 ms).

Results

During SR, 14 (47%) patients had low‐voltage (0.5 mV) substrate with an area of 6.8 ± 4.5 cm2. In a total of 1,063 point pairs, 135 (13%) demonstrated a fractionated electrogram during SR and 483 (45%) during AF. The locations with fractionated electrograms during AF more frequently showed fractionation during SR compared to those with normal electrograms during AF (23% vs 5%, P < 0.0001), and had lower amplitude during SR (1.47 ± 1.29 mV vs 2.03 ± 1.19 mV, P < 0.0001). Electrogram amplitude was higher during SR than that during AF (1.77 ± 1.27 mV vs 0.96 ± 0.77 mV, P < 0.0001) with a weak correlation (r = 0.56, P < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the correlation was relatively strong (r = 0.73, P < 0.0001) among the electrogram amplitudes with normal waveform during SR and AF.

Conclusions

Significant differences in electrogram voltage and fractionation degree may exist between SR and AF at the same locations in patients with persistent AF.
Temporary partisans, tagged officers or impartial professionals: Moving between ministerial offices and departments
Authors: Maley Maria
Published: February 2017

There are increasing concerns that the line between political and public service roles is becoming blurred, and that political advisers may be politicizing the work of public servants. Underlying this is the fundamental value conflict between responsiveness and impartiality and the challenge of balancing neutral competence and responsive competence in government. In Australia and Canada the norm of impartiality is challenged by the movement of staff between partisan ministers' offices and the public service. This is a case study comparison of how the risks posed by these transitions are managed through institutional rules and practices. This study of rule‐building by two countries with similar political institutions and shared traditions demonstrates the critical role played by rules which regulate activity between two organizations with opposed values. It finds differences of approach and attention in Canada and Australia and provides a lens through which to explore the contested boundaries of impartiality.
Increased Fas ligand expression of peripheral B‐1 cells correlated with CD4+ T‐cell apoptosis in filarial‐infected patients
Authors: Mishra R. , Panda S. K. , Sahoo P. K. , Bal M. S. , Satapathy A. K.
Published: February 2017

Cellular hyporesponsiveness observed during helminth infections is attributed to factors such as antigen‐presenting cells (APC) dysfunction, increased interleukin‐10(IL‐10), regulatory T cells and induction of CD4+ T (Th)‐cell apoptosis. Increased Fas ligand (FasL) expression on the surface of B‐1 cells and induction of apoptosis of Th cells by FasL‐expressing B‐1 cells due to helminth infection were demonstrated in murine model of helminth infection where as profile of FasL expression, Th‐cell apoptosis and correlation between these two populations of cells in clinical filariasis remain unknown. In this study, we have scored the profile of apoptotic Th‐cell population and FasL‐expressing B‐1 cells in different clinical categories of filariasis. The peripheral apoptotic T‐helper cells were significantly increased in filarial patients compared to endemic controls. Expression of FasL on the surface of peripheral B‐1 cells increased in filarial patients and positively correlated with peripheral apoptotic T‐helper cells indicating FasL‐expressing B‐1 cells may be one of the important mediators of Th‐cell apoptosis and immune anergy during filarial pathology.
A rare case of TFE‐related pigmented renal tumor with overlapping features between melanotic Xp11 translocation renal cancer and Xp11 renal cell carcinoma with melanotic features
Authors: Cardili Leonardo , Wrublevsky Pereira Gregório , Viana Cristiano Ribeiro
Published: February 2017

In recent years, an increasing number of TFE3 rearrangement‐associated tumors with melanotic features have been reported as primary neoplasm in different anatomical sites, including the kidney. Melanotic Xp11 translocation renal cancer (MXTRC) and Xp11 renal cell carcinoma with melanotic features (XRCCM) have been proposed to be main categories for pigmented lesions in the microophthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MiTF/TFE3) family of renal tumors that may show variable degrees of melanocytic differentiation. Herein we report a rare case of TFE3‐related pigmented renal tumor showing unusual immunoexpression of cytokeratins (AE1/AE3) and renal cell carcinoma markers (RCC, CD10). Cathepsin‐K and Vimentin were diffusely positive whereas melanocytic markers (HMB‐45 and Melan‐A) displayed weak and patchy expression. We found no labelling for PAX‐8, muscle markers (desmin, smooth muscle actin, muscle‐specific actin and caldesmon) and S‐100. TFE3 fusion was confirmed by break‐apart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). This case corroborates previous evidence for overlap in the TFE3‐associated cancer family and illustrates that it may not be possible to set a clear cutoff between epithelial (XRCCM) and mesenchymal (MXTRC) subgroups.
How Sourcing of Interdependent Components Affects Quality in Automotive Supply Chains
Authors: Agrawal Anupam , Muthulingam Suresh , Rajapakshe Tharanga
Published: February 2017

In the automotive industry, many firms source key components from different suppliers, even though the components may function interdependently. In this study, we investigate how component level interdependence impacts quality performance and analyze how various operational factors moderate this relation. We synthesize information from several case studies to model the quality challenges faced by an automotive firm. For several sub‐assemblies that go into its products, the firm sourced key components from two different suppliers. The sub‐assemblies would fail whenever a component fails, but due to interdependent operations, failure of one component could cause the failure of the other. The firm found it challenging to improve the suppliers' quality performance as it was difficult to trace the failures to specific components. Our analysis reveals that – (i) the impact of interdependence is governed by the supply chain structure: reducing the interdependence between components improves quality when suppliers provide the components, but reducing interdependence worsens quality when the firm manufactures the entire sub‐assembly; and (ii) the relation between interdependence and quality performance is moderated by factors such as penalties, production costs, and interdependence costs. Additionally, we find that quality performance is lower when the firm outsources the components than when the firm manufactures the entire sub‐assembly. We identify coordinating mechanisms that leverage incentives and penalties to bridge the quality performance gap.
Legacy microsite effect on the survival of bitterbrush outplantings after prescribed fire: capitalizing on spatial variability to improve restoration
Authors: Davies Kirk W. , Boyd Chad S. , Bates Jon D. , Gearhart Amanda
Published: February 2017

Restoration of shrubs in arid and semi‐arid rangelands is hampered by low success rates. Planting shrub seedlings is a method used to improve success in these rangelands; however, it is expensive and labor intensive. The efficiency of shrub restoration could be improved by identifying microsites where shrub survival is greater. Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata Pursh DC) is an important shrub to wildlife that has declined because of conifer encroachment, excessive defoliation, wildfires, and low recruitment. We investigated planting bitterbrush seedlings in western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis ssp. occidentalis Hook) encroached shrublands after prescribed fire was used to control trees. Bitterbrush seedlings were planted in under (canopy) and between (interspace) former juniper canopies at five blocks and evaluated for three growing seasons. Bitterbrush survival was greater than 50% in the former canopy, but only 5% in the interspace microsite by the third growing season. Growth of bitterbrush was also greater in the former canopy compared with the interspace, potentially due to markedly less perennial vegetation in this microsite. Exotic annual grasses and annual forbs became prevalent in the former canopy in the second and third growing season, suggesting that soil resource availability was greater in this microsite. These results suggest that restoration success will vary by specific locations within a burned landscape and that this variability can be used to improve restoration efficiency. In this situation, bitterbrush restoration can be improved by planting seedlings in former canopy compared with interspace microsites.
Asthma or asthma‐COPD overlap syndrome? – Reply
Authors: Tay Tunn R. , Radhakrishna Naghmeh , Hew Mark
Published: February 2017

See Letter
Evolving Learning: The Changing Effect of Internet Access on Political Knowledge and Engagement (1998–2012)
Authors: Morris David S. , Morris Jonathan S.
Published: February 2017

This study addresses the changing role of Internet usage on the political knowledge and participation gap between individuals of low and high socioeconomic status (SES). Analysis of data collected by the Pew Research Center's Biennial Media Consumption Studies (1998–2012) shows that the percentage of the population that accidentally encounters political information online has risen dramatically. Results show that accidental exposure and SES are positively related to political knowledge, and that accidental exposure reduces the SES knowledge gap. Moreover, accidental exposure appears to be mitigating the SES voting gap at an increasing rate over time.
Scabies in a bilateral hand allograft recipient: An additional mimicker of acute skin rejection in vascularized composite allotransplantation
Authors: Kanitakis Jean , Morelon Emmanuel
Published: February 2017

Vascularized composite tissue allografts include skin, which frequently undergoes, in the early post‐graft period, acute rejections. The diagnosis of acute rejection may be difficult as it can be mimicked by several dermatoses. We present a bilateral hand allograft recipient who developed, 16.5 years post‐graft, cutaneous lesions raising suspicion about rejection. Physical examination and skin biopsy were diagnostic of scabies. This ectoparasitosis should be added in the list of dermatoses that can mimic allograft rejection in vascular composite allografts.
Research on Strategies of Stock Index Futures Transaction Based on LMS Linear Regression
Authors: Pan Yaqian , Li Yang , Yu Shiqi , Fu Xiaomin
Published: February 2017

In recent years, stock index futures has developed into an important financial derivative in the global capital market and provided an indispensable investment and hedging tool for investors. This paper is mainly studying the low frequency transaction of stock index futures. Firstly, it conducts data cleaning to the stock index futures data and has an interpolation calculation to the missing values. Afterwards, it judges the market information in the short period and achieves the purpose of gaining profits through the basis. Furthermore, the time and the price difference are used as the key factors for establishing the quantitative model of gaining profits. Through lease square regression and inventory analysis technology, it completes the whole transaction process with several actions such as judging the open position time, transaction direction, reverse position closing time and yield accounting. Finally, as to the regression testing of the model, it detects the expression of the strategy through annual earnings, maximum drawback, transaction frequency, Sharpe ratio, variety commonality and cycle commonality. In the end, it conducts scientific analysis to the approaches used in the model and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the model, thus providing some optimizing strategies in considering the improvement direction in practical application.
The Effect of ICT Assisted Project Based Learning Approach on Prospective ICT Integration Skills of Teacher Candidates
Authors: Pilten Pusat , Pilten Gulhiz , Sahinkaya Nihan
Published: February 2017

The purpose of the present research is studying the effects of information and communication technologies (ICT) assisted project based learning practices on ICT integration skills of pre-service classroom teachers. The research adopted a mixed method. The quantitative dimension of the research was designed with pre-test-post-test control groups. The qualitative dimension was conducted as a case study. The work group of the research consisted of 72 pre-service teachers, who studied at the third grade of the department of the classroom teaching of a state university in the province of Konya in 2015-2016 academic year; 34 of the participants were included in the experiment group and 38 were included in the control group. ICT Self-Efficacy Perception Scale (ICT-SEPS) and ICT Attitude Scale (ICT-AS) used as the quantitative data collection tools for the present research were obtained from the literature. The interview form used to collect the qualitative data of the research was developed by the researchers in accordance with the related literature. Comparison of the data collected before and after the 12-week experimental procedure revealed that ICT assisted project based learning practices had positive effects on ICT self-efficacy perceptions and attitudes and accordingly expected ICT integration levels among pre-service teachers.
Morphological differences affect speech transmission over bone conduction
Authors: Pollard Kimberly A. , Tran Phuong K. , Letowski Tomasz
Published: February 2017

In bone conduction (BC), acoustic signals travel through an individual's bones and soft tissues rather than travelling through the air. While bone conduction hearing and communication are important in everyday life, nature, and technology, little is known about how individual differences affect the transmission of bone-conducted sound. Individuals differ in the sizes, shapes, and proportions of their craniofacial bones, leading to potentially different bone-conducted sound transmission effects in different individuals. Individual differences may influence the audibility and quality of bone-conducted sound, and this was studied using speech intelligibility as an assessment criterion for bone-conducted sound transmission. Thirty-two human participants were first subjected to a series of anthropometric craniofacial measurements. Eight morphologically diverse talkers were recorded with bone microphones placed at different skull locations, and 24 morphologically diverse listeners listened to these samples over bone conduction headphones. Modified Rhyme Test results suggest that skull morphology influences BC speech intelligibility and does so differently at different skull locations. Understanding morphological effects can improve bone conduction sound transmission models and may help to enhance BC technology for a diverse user population.
Determination of acoustic nonlinearity parameter (β) using nonlinear resonance ultrasound spectroscopy: Theory and experiment
Authors: Chakrapani Sunil Kishore , Barnard Daniel J.
Published: February 2017

The present article investigates the possibility of using nonlinear resonance ultrasound spectroscopy to determine the acoustic nonlinearity parameter (β) and third order elastic constant by developing an inverse problem. A theoretical framework was developed for nonlinear forced vibration of a cantilever beam using material nonlinearity (stress-strain nonlinearity). The resulting nonlinear equation was solved using method of multiple time scales to obtain the nonlinear frequency shifts. The present works focuses only on classical nonlinearity and, therefore, a diverse group of intact, classic nonlinear materials were chosen. The samples were tested using nonlinear resonance ultrasound spectroscopy, and the developed theory was used to invert the experimental frequency shifts to obtain the nonlinearity parameters. The third order elastic constants and β were calculated using their analytical relationship with the nonlinearity parameter. The experimentally determined C111 and β values for all various materials agree well with literature values. In addition to determining β, determination of the sign, or phase of β was also explored theoretically and experimentally.
Quantized thermal transport in single-atom junctions
Authors: Cui Longji , Jeong Wonho , Hur Sunghoon , Matt Manuel , Klöckner Jan C. , Pauly Fabian , Nielaba Peter , Cuevas Juan Carlos , Meyhofer Edgar , Reddy Pramod
Published: February 2017

Calorimetry reaches an atomic junction

Electrical and thermal conductivity in metals are linked at the macroscopic length scale because electrons carry both heat and current. Cui
et al.
found that this relationship, the Wiedemann-Franz law, holds down to the atomic scale in gold and platinum (see the Perspective by Segal). They made thermal and electrical conductance measurements through a point contact only one atom thick. In gold, the thermal and electrical conductance was quantized, owing to the electronic band structure of the metal. The experiments pave the way for high-resolution calorimetry and other thermal measurements at the nanoscale.

Science
, this issue p.
1192
; see also p.
1125
Complete Genome Sequence of Desulfovibrio piger FI11049
Authors: Wegmann Udo , Nueno Palop Carmen , Mayer Melinda J. , Crost Emmanuelle , Narbad Arjan
Published: February 2017

The complete genome sequence of
Desulfovibrio piger
FI11049 was determined. The genome consists of a single circular chromosome of 2,807,531 bp encoding seven rRNA operons, 76 tRNA genes, and 2,535 coding genes.
Whole-Genome Sequence of a Colombian Acinetobacter baumannii Strain, a Coproducer of OXA-72 and OXA-255-Like Carbapenemases
Authors: Saavedra Sandra Yamile , Prada-Cardozo Diego , Rincón Verónica , Pérez-Cardona Hermes , Hidalgo Andrea Melissa , González María Nilse , Reguero María T. , Valenzuela de Silva Emilia M. , Mantilla José R. , Falquet Laurent , Barreto-Hernández Emiliano , Duarte Carolina
Published: February 2017

Colombian
Acinetobacter baumannii
strain ST920 was isolated from the sputum of a 68-year-old male patient. This isolate possessed
bla
OXA-72 and
bla
OXA-255-like genes. The assembled genome contained 4,104,098 pb and 38.79% G+C content. This is the first case reported of the coproduction (
bla
OXA-72 and
bla
OXA-255-like) of carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamases (CHDLs) in
Acinetobacter baumannii
.
Genome Sequence of a Novel Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Strain That Reemerged in Southern China
Authors: Zhai Shao-Lun , Zhou Xia , Lin Tao , Zhang He , Lv Dian-Hong , Wen Xiao-Hui , Zhou Xiu-Rong , Jia Chun-Ling , Tu Du , Zhu Xue-Liang , Chen Qin-Ling , Wei Wen-Kang
Published: February 2017

Here, we describe a novel porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) variant (GD2014) found in the Guangdong province, southern China. Its complete genome is 1,766 nucleotides and contained a 708-nucleotide open reading frame 2 (ORF2). Sequence analysis suggested that GD2014 is closest to JS2015 originating from the Jiangsu province of China and belongs to the PCV2d genotype.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Actinomyces glycerinitolerans
Strain G10
T
, Isolated from Sheep Rumen Fluid
Authors: Palakawong Na Ayudthaya Susakul , Strepis Nikolaos , Pristaš Peter , Plugge Caroline M.
Published: February 2017

Actinomyces glycerinitolerans
strain G10
T
, which was isolated from sheep rumen fluid, can metabolize a range of substrates, including complex carbohydrates to organic acids (OAs). Here, we report a 3.69-Mbp draft genome of
Actinomyces glycerinitolerans
.