bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ventricular fibrillation after elective surgery in an adolescent with long QT syndrome
Authors: Kim Sharon J , Pundi Kavitha N , Bos J Martijn , Ackerman Michael J
Published: November 2015

Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a potentially lethal but highly treatable channelopathy. Along with multiple risk reduction measures, a recommendation for left sympathetic cardiac denervation therapy and/or implantable cardioverter defibrillator is made for higher risk patients. Despite its relatively common incidence in paediatric patients, there are no formal recommendations regarding perioperative management and discharge criteria for LQTS patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. This report describes a 17-year-old girl, diagnosed with congenital LQTS at 9 years of age, who had an episode of ventricular fibrillation the day after elective ear, nose and throat surgery. Despite several risk factors, she had a same-day dismissal, was not adequately monitored postoperatively and her cardiologists were not notified of her procedure. For the high-risk LQTS patient, we recommend monitoring of perioperative electrolytes and rhythm, postoperative ECG, adequate β-blockade therapy, avoidance of particular pharmacological agents, consideration of overnight observation and communication with the patient's cardiologist prior to procedure, and at discharge.
Acculturation, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with compliance with physical activity recommendations in the Mexican-AmericanMano A Manocohort
Authors: Chrisman Matthew , Daniel Carrie R , Chow Wong-Ho , Wu Xifeng , Zhao Hua
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Being physically active is important for health, and few Mexican-Americans meet national US physical activity recommendations. The aim of this study was to investigate sociodemographic, acculturation and lifestyle factors that were associated with meeting physical activity recommendations in this group.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional analysis of a large population-based cohort study in southern Texas, USA.

Participants

Between 2001 and 2011, 21 551 adult members of the Mexican-AmericanMano A Manocohort completed baseline questionnaires on physical activity and other lifestyle factors.

Outcomes

Meeting US physical activity recommendations was defined as participating in 150 min of moderate, or 75 min of vigorous, activity per week. Factors contributing to the likelihood of meeting physical activity recommendations were examined by sex and country of birth in multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Less than half of all men and less than a quarter of all women met US physical activity recommendations. Having some college education, greater acculturation and current alcohol use were each associated with greater odds of meeting physical activity recommendations in all groups except US-born men. Higher body mass index was associated with lower odds of meeting recommendations in US-born and Mexico-born women.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate that factors associated with meeting physical activity recommendations differ by sex and country of birth. Tailored interventions to increase Mexican-Americans’ activity levels to achieve health benefits should consider education, acculturation and alcohol use.
Specialised teams or personal continuity across inpatient and outpatient mental healthcare? Study protocol for a natural experiment
Authors: Giacco Domenico , Bird Victoria Jane , McCrone Paul , Lorant Vincent , Nicaise Pablo , Pfennig Andrea , Bauer Michael , Ruggeri Mirella , Lasalvia Antonio , Moskalewicz Jacek , Welbel Marta , Priebe Stefan
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Mental healthcare organisation can either pursuespecialisation, that is, distinct clinicians and teams for inpatient and outpatient care orpersonal continuity of care, that is, the same primary clinician for a patient across the two settings. Little systematic research has compared these approaches. Existing studies subject have serious methodological shortcomings. Yet, costly reorganisations of services have been carried out in different European countries, inconsistently aiming to achieve specialisation or personal continuity of care. More reliable evidence is required on whether specialisation or continuity of care is more effective and cost-effective, and whether this varies for different patient groups and contexts.

Design and methods

In a natural experiment, we aim to recruit at least 6000 patients consecutively admitted to inpatient psychiatric care in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the UK. In each country, care approaches supporting specialisation and personal continuity coexist. Patients will be followed up at 1 year to compare outcomes, costs and experiences. Inclusion criteria are: 18 years of age or older; clinical diagnosis of psychosis, affective disorder or anxiety/somatisation disorder; sufficient command of the language of the host country; absence of cognitive deterioration and/or organic brain disorders; and capacity to provide informed consent.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained in all countries: (1) England: NRES Committee North East—Newcastle & North Tyneside (ref: 14/NE/1017); (2) Belgium: Comité d'Ethique hospitalo-facultaire des Cliniques St-Luc; (3) Germany: Ethical Board, Technische Universität Dresden; (4) Italy: Comitati Etici per la sperimentazione clinica (CESC) delle provincie di Verona, Rovigo, Vicenza, Treviso, Padova; (5) Poland: Komisja Bioetyczna przy Instytucie Psychiatrii i Neurologii w Warszawie. We will disseminate the findings through scientific publications and a study-specific website. At the end of the study, we will develop recommendations for policy decision-making, and organise national and international workshops with stakeholders.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN registry:ISRCTN40256812.
Bereaved relatives’ experiences during the incurable phase of cancer: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Wijnhoven Marleen N , Terpstra Wim E , van Rossem Ronald , Haazer Carolien , Gunnink-Boonstra Nicolette , Sonke Gabe S , Buiting Hilde M
Published: November 2015

Objective

To examine bereaved relatives’ experiences from time of diagnosis of incurable cancer until death with specific emphasis on their role in the (end-of-life) decision-making concerning chemotherapy.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Setting

Hospital-based.

Participants and methods

In-depth interviews with 15 close relatives of patients who died from non-small cell lung cancer or pancreatic cancer, using a thematic content analysis.

Results

All relatives reported that patients’ main reason to request chemotherapy was the possibility to prolong life. Relatives reported that patients receiving chemotherapy had more difficulty to accept the incurable nature of their disease than patients who did not. They mostly followed the patients’ treatment wish and only infrequently suggested ceasing chemotherapy (because of side effects) despite sometimes believing that this would be a better option. Relatives continuously tried to support the patient in either approaching the death or in attaining hope to continue life satisfactorily. Most relatives considered the chemotherapy period meaningful, since it sparked patients’ hope and was what patients wanted. Cessation of chemotherapy caused a relief but coincided with physical deterioration and an increased caregivers’ role; many relatives recalled this latter period as more burdensome.

Conclusions

Relatives tend to follow patients’ wish to continue or cease chemotherapy, without expressing their own feelings, although they were more inclined to opt cessation. They experience a greater caregiver role after cessation and their feelings of responsibility associated with the disease can be exhausting. More attention is needed to reduce relatives’ distress at the end of life, also to fully profit from this crucial form of (informal) healthcare.
Are suicide deaths under-reported? Nationwide re-evaluations of 1800 deaths in Scandinavia
Authors: Tøllefsen Ingvild Maria , Helweg-Larsen Karin , Thiblin Ingemar , Hem Erlend , Kastrup Marianne C , Nyberg Ullakarin , Rogde Sidsel , Zahl Per-Henrik , Østevold Gunvor , Ekeberg Øivind
Published: November 2015

Objective

Valid mortality statistics are important for healthcare planning and research. Suicides and accidents often present a challenge in the classification of the manner of death. The aim of this study was to analyse the reliability of the national suicide statistics by comparing the classification of suicide in the Scandinavian cause of death registers with a reclassification by 8 persons with different medical expertise (psychiatry, forensic pathology and public health) from each of the 3 Scandinavian countries.

Methods

The cause of death registers in Norway, Sweden and Denmark retrieved available information on a sample of 600 deaths in 2008 from each country. 200 were classified in the registers as suicides, 200 as accidents or undetermined and 200 as natural deaths. The reclassification comprised an assessment of the manner and cause of death as well as the level of certainty.

Results

In total, 81%, 88% and 90% of deaths registered as suicide in the official mortality statistics were confirmed by experts using the Swedish, Norwegian and Danish data sets, respectively. About 3% of deaths classified as accidents or natural deaths in the cause of death registers were reclassified as suicides. However, after a second reclassification based on additional information, 9% of the natural deaths and accidents were reclassified as suicides in the Norwegian data set, and 21% of the undetermined deaths were reclassified as suicides in the Swedish data set. In total, the levels of certainty of the experts were 87% of suicides in the Norwegian data set, 77% in the Swedish data set and 92% in Danish data set; the uncertainty was highest in poisoning suicides.

Conclusions

A high percentage of reported suicides were confirmed as being suicides. Few accidents and natural deaths were reclassified as suicides. Hence, reclassification did not increase the overall official suicide statistics of the 3 Scandinavian countries.
Postdischarge mortality in children with acute infectious diseases: derivation of postdischarge mortality prediction models
Authors: Wiens M O , Kumbakumba E , Larson C P , Ansermino J M , Singer J , Kissoon N , Wong H , Ndamira A , Kabakyenga J , Kiwanuka J , Zhou G
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To derive a model of paediatric postdischarge mortality following acute infectious illness.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

2 hospitals in South-western Uganda.

Participants

1307 children of 6 months to 5 years of age were admitted with a proven or suspected infection. 1242 children were discharged alive and followed up 6 months following discharge. The 6-month follow-up rate was 98.3%.

Interventions

None.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was postdischarge mortality within 6 months following the initial hospital discharge.

Results

64 children died during admission (5.0%) and 61 died within 6 months of discharge (4.9%). Of those who died following discharge, 31 (51%) occurred within the first 30 days. The final adjusted model for the prediction of postdischarge mortality included the variables mid-upper arm circumference (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.97, per 1 mm increase), time since last hospitalisation (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.93, for each increased period of no hospitalisation), oxygen saturation (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0·99, per 1% increase), abnormal Blantyre Coma Scale score (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1·18 to 4.83), and HIV-positive status (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.36 to 6.53). This model produced a receiver operating characteristic curve with an area under the curve of 0.82. With sensitivity of 80%, our model had a specificity of 66%. Approximately 35% of children would be identified as high risk (11.1% mortality risk) and the remaining would be classified as low risk (1.4% mortality risk), in a similar cohort.

Conclusions

Mortality following discharge is a poorly recognised contributor to child mortality. Identification of at-risk children is critical in developing postdischarge interventions. A simple prediction tool that uses 5 easily collected variables can be used to identify children at high risk of death after discharge. Improved discharge planning and care could be provided for high-risk children.
Assessing potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) and predicting patient outcomes in Ontario’s older population: a population-based cohort study applying subsets of the STOPP/START and Beers’ criteria in large health administrative databases
Authors: Bjerre Lise M , Ramsay Timothy , Cahir Catriona , Ryan Cristín , Halil Roland , Farrell Barbara , Thavorn Kednapa , Catley Christina , Hawken Steven , Gillespie Ulrika , Manuel Douglas G
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Adverse drug events (ADEs) are common in older people and contribute significantly to emergency department (ED) visits, unplanned hospitalisations, healthcare costs, morbidity and mortality. Many ADEs are avoidable if attention is directed towards identifying and preventing inappropriate drug use and undesirable drug combinations. Tools exist to identify potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) in clinical settings, but they are underused. Applying PIP assessment tools to population-wide health administrative data could provide an opportunity to assess the impact of PIP on individual patients as well as on the healthcare system. This would open new possibilities for interventions to monitor and optimise medication management on a broader, population-level scale.

Methods and analysis

The aim of this study is to describe the occurrence of PIP in Ontario's older population (aged 65 years and older), and to assess the health outcomes and health system costs associated with PIP—more specifically, the association between PIP and the occurrence of ED visits, hospitalisations and death, and their related costs. This will be done within the framework of a population-based retrospective cohort study using Ontario's large health administrative and population databases. Eligible patients aged 66 years and older who were issued at least 1 prescription between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2014 (approximately 2 million patients) will be included.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Ottawa Health Services Network Ethical Review Board and from the Bruyère Research Institute Ethics Review Board. Dissemination will occur via publication, presentation at national and international conferences, and ongoing exchanges with regional, provincial and national stakeholders, including the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Trial registration number

Registered with clinicaltrials.gov (registration number:NCT02555891).
"Chase CRP", "Review patient": Improving the Quality of Weekend Medical Handover at a London Teaching Hospital
Authors: Saifuddin Aamir , Magee Lucia , Barrett Rachael
Published: November 2015

Clinical handover has been identified as a "major preventable cause of harm" by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). Whilst working at a London teaching hospital from August 2013, we noted substandard weekend handover of medical patients. The existing pro forma was filled incompletely by day doctors so it was difficult for weekend colleagues to identify unwell patients, with inherent safety implications. Furthermore, on-call medical staff noted that poor accessibility of vital information in patients' files was affecting acute clinical management. We audited the pro formas over a six week period (n=83) and the Friday ward round (WR) entries for medical inpatients over two weekends (n=84) against the RCP's handover guidance. The results showed poor documentation of several important details on the pro formas, for example, ceiling of care (4%) and past medical history (PMH) (23%). Problem lists were specified on 62% of the WR entries. We designed new handover pro formas and 'Friday WR sheets' to provide prompts for this information and used Medical Meetings and emails to explain the project's aims. Re-audit demonstrated significant improvement in all parameters; for instance, PMH increased to 52% on the pro formas. Only 10% of Friday WR entries used our sheet. However, when used, outcomes were much better, for example, problem list documentation increased to 100%. In conclusion, our interventions improved the provision of crucial information needed to prioritise and manage patients over the weekend. Future work should further highlight the importance of safe handover to all doctors to induce a shift in culture and optimise patient care.
Improving viable low cost generic medication prescription rate in primary care pediatric practice
Authors: Sudhanthar Sathyanarayan , Turner Jane , Thakur Kripa , Sigal Yakov
Published: November 2015

The pediatric clinics of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSU-CHM) consist of academic pediatricians serving two clinics with a patient population of 5200. The internal quality measures published by the MSU health team had consistently indicated our generic medications prescription rate to be very low, with an average of about 21% for the years 2009, 2010, and 2011. There was an earnest need to increase our generic medication prescription rates, which is considered an indicator of good practice. The stakeholders identified were physicians, nurses, care managers, and the health information technology (HIT) team.

The purpose of the project was to increase the prescribing rate of viable low cost and approved generic medications for the patients of the MSU-CHM general pediatric clinics.

The stakeholders regularly met every few months to work on increasing the generic medication prescription rates based on the PDSA cycle. Help was sought from HIT to identify and acquire the top 10 brand names the group was prescribing along with individual provider data. The team reviewed the brand names most prescribed, and made a recommendation that the best group to target were the stimulant medications, allergy and asthma medications, and other psychotropics. The HIT team was then requested to add the available generics for all stimulant medications, asthma medications, and others in the electronic medical record (EMR). They were also clearly marked for ease of use, for example: amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended release “generic for Adderall XR." It was decided that providers would prescribe all stimulants as a generic, unless not available, and nurses would change each brand name of stimulants to a generic every time they refilled a medicine, based on a protocol outlining the appropriate generic medications corresponding to the respective brand names. The physicians and nurses were also urged to discuss with the patients the substitution process and answer any questions from parents. Monthly reports were obtained from the HIT about our progress.

After 12 months of implementing this project, the overall generic prescription rate increased from 20% at the end of first quarter 2012 to 53% at the end of 12 months, and 65.5% at the end of two years. This was well above the MSU health team (about six large group practices) primary care average of 34.6%. All brand name medication prescription rates were also decreased. This is a positive outcome for this project in a relatively short period of time, and a further plan will be to repeat the cycle and continue to improve on the generic prescription rate, thereby saving valuable dollars spent on health care.
Can clinicians and scientists explain and prevent unexplained underperformance syndrome in elite athletes: an interdisciplinary perspective and 2016 update
Authors: Lewis Nathan A , Collins Dave , Pedlar Charles R , Rogers John P
Published: November 2015

The coach and interdisciplinary sports science and medicine team strive to continually progress the athlete's performance year on year. In structuring training programmes, coaches and scientists plan distinct periods of progressive overload coupled with recovery for anticipated performances to be delivered on fixed dates of competition in the calendar year. Peaking at major championships is a challenge, and training capacity highly individualised, with fine margins between the training dose necessary for adaptation and that which elicits maladaptation at the elite level. As such, optimising adaptation is key to effective preparation. Notably, however, many factors (eg, health, nutrition, sleep, training experience, psychosocial factors) play an essential part in moderating the processes of adaptation to exercise and environmental stressors, for example, heat, altitude; processes which can often fail or be limited. In the UK, the term unexplained underperformance syndrome (UUPS) has been adopted, in contrast to the more commonly referenced term overtraining syndrome, to describe a significant episode of underperformance with persistent fatigue, that is, maladaptation. This construct, UUPS, reflects the complexity of the syndrome, the multifactorial aetiology, and that ‘overtraining’ or an imbalance between training load and recoverymaynot be the primary cause for underperformance. UUPS draws on the distinction that a decline in performance represents the universal feature. In our review, we provide a practitioner-focused perspective, proposing that causative factors can be identified and UUPSexplained, through an interdisciplinary approach (ie, medicine, nutrition, physiology, psychology) to sports science and medicine delivery, monitoring, and data interpretation and analysis.
Ankle to brachial systolic pressure index at rest increases with age in asymptomatic physically active participants
Authors: Congnard Florian , Abraham Pierre , Vincent François , Le tourneau Thierry , Carre François , Hupin David , Hamel Jean François , Vielle Bruno , Bruneau Antoine
Published: November 2015

Background

It is commonly acknowledged that the ability to use the ankle–brachial index (ABI), a reliable way to diagnose atherosclerosis, decreases with age in the general population. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between resting ABI and age in different populations.

Methods

674 physically active participants with (active high risk, ACTHR) or without (active low risk, ACTLR) cardiovascular risk factors or/and sedentary (SED) subjects, aged 20–70 years. Systolic arterial pressure was recorded at rest and simultaneously with automatic sphygmomanometers at the arms and ankles. ABI was calculated as the ratio of the lowest, highest or mean ankle pressure to the highest arm pressure.

Results

Proportion of ABImin<0.90 was 10.3% in SEDHRsubjects versus 0.5% and 1.2%, respectively, in ACTHRand ACTLRgroups. The averaged ABI value of each group was in the normal range in all groups (ABI>0.90) but was significantly lower in SEDHRcompared with all active participants (p<0.001). Regression lines from ABImeanversus age could lead to approximately +0.05 every 15 years of age in apparently healthy active participants (ACTLR).

Conclusion

ABI at rest increases with the increase in age in the groups of low-risk asymptomatic middle-aged trained adults. The previously reported decrease in ABI with age is found only in SEDHRsubjects, and is very likely to rely on the increased prevalence of asymptomatic arterial disease in this group. The increase of ABI with age is consistent with the ‘physiological’ stiffness observed in ageing arteries even in the absence of ‘pathological’ atherosclerotic lesions.

Trial registration number

NIH clinicaltrial.gov:NCT01812343.
Reproductive health needs of female sex workers and opportunities for enhanced prevention of mother-to-child transmission efforts in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Schwartz Sheree R , Papworth Erin , Ky-Zerbo Odette , Sithole Bhekie , Anato Simplice , Grosso Ashley , Ouedraogo Henri Gautier , Tchalla Jules , Ntshangase Cebisile , Ketende Sosthenes , Baral Stefan
Published: November 2015

Introduction

HIV infection and pregnancy are both common among female sex workers (FSW), indicating the need for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) among FSW.

Methods

FSW were enrolled into studies in Swaziland, Burkina Faso and Togo using respondent-driven sampling. Women completed interview-administered socio-behavioural surveys and HIV counselling and testing. This secondary analysis describes contraceptive use and attempted pregnancy among reproductive-aged FSW (16–49 years). Robust Poisson regression with generalised estimating equations to account for clustering within recruitment networks was used to separately estimate associations between current unmet contraceptive need and attempted pregnancy among FSW.

Results

Overall 1666 FSW were enrolled, 1372 (82.4%) of whom had ever been pregnant. In Togo and Burkina Faso, 83 FSW reported a prior HIV diagnosis and having a child, of which 12.1% (10/83) reported a child known to be HIV-positive. Twenty-five per cent of FSW had an unmet need for contraception; 9% of FSW employed dual contraception, including highly effective non-barrier methods and consistent condom use. Consistent condom use varied substantially by partner type and was higher with clients than non-paying partners. Nineteen per cent (n=313/1666) of FSW were trying to conceive. HIV-positive, undiagnosed FSW were more likely to be trying to conceive as compared to HIV-negative FSW; among 98 HIV-positive women trying to conceive, 25.5% were on antiretroviral therapy.

Conclusions

FSW have varying reproductive goals and contraceptive usage. Efforts to improve coverage of comprehensive family planning – including efforts to increase HIV testing and engagement in treatment among FSW trying to conceive – are necessary for PMTCT.
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Doherty Simon
Published: November 2015

As well as being president of BVA's Northern Ireland Branch, Simon Doherty sits on the board of the livestock development charity, Send a Cow, which helps people in sub‐Saharan Africa escape hunger and works to improve the health, education, housing and happiness of whole communities.
Trends and key elements in community-based monitoring: a systematic review of the literature with an emphasis on Arctic and Subarctic regions
Authors: Kouril Diana , Furgal Chris , Whillans Tom
Published: November 2015

Community-based monitoring (CBM) is receiving much attention from the research community, particularly in Arctic and Subarctic regions of Canada and other circumpolar regions. Currently, there is a lack of understanding of the trends and patterns in its use within the literature and a documented need to improve environmental CBM efforts in the Arctic and Subarctic regions. A systematic literature review was conducted of CBM publications in peer-reviewed and grey literature to provide a synthesis of trends on the topic and to clarify key elements that are needed to operate an environmental CBM program in Arctic and Subarctic regions. Both sets of literature show a significant growth in the publication of CBM studies over time, with a high proportion of research taking place in North America and in the field of environmental sciences. More CBM studies are reported in connection to First Nations and Inuit groups, as compared to other Indigenous groups. Thirteen key elements of environmental CBM programs, commonly reported in the literature focused on Arctic and Subarctic regions, were identified in the analysis. Specifically, traditional and local ecological knowledge (TLEK) was a unique component highlighted in Arctic and Subarctic sources and a specific feature observed in studies focusing on Indigenous groups. The identification of such key CBM elements serves as a resource to guide current and future environmental CBM initiatives in northern regions and elsewhere. Future research on this topic should contrast and compare literature findings with existing environmental CBM programs and provide more case studies to show the process and utility of environmental CBM initiatives in the Arctic and Subarctic, particularly with use of TLEK and the ways to facilitate it within a CBM program.
Development of a high-current microbeam system
Authors: Matsuyama S. , Ishii K. , Suzuki S. , Terakawa A. , Fujiwara M. , Koshio S. , Toyama S. , Ito S. , Fujisawa M. , Nagaya T.
Published: November 2015

We report on the development of a high-current microbeam system for wavelength-dispersive X-ray micro particle-induced X-ray emission (WDX-[Formula: see text]-PIXE) for chemical state mapping. The microbeam system is composed of two slits and a quadrupole doublet lens mounted on a heavy rigid support. The microbeam system is installed immediately after a switching magnet. A beam brightness of [Formula: see text] is obtained at a half-divergence of 0.1 mrad. A beam current of more than 300 pA is obtained for object sizes of [Formula: see text] with a half-divergence of 0.2 mrad, which corresponds to a beam spot size of [Formula: see text]. The calculated spot size of the beam was [Formula: see text] and the measured spot size was [Formula: see text]. The WDX-[Formula: see text]-PIXE system with the microbeam system is now operational.
Tumor CT imaging using targeted nanoparticle delivery for contrast enhancement and tumor inhibition using targeted release of carboplatin nanoparticles via radiotherapy
Authors: Harada S. , Ehara S. , Ishii K. , Sato T. , Koka M. , Kamiya T. , Sera K. , Goto S.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we used microcapsules releasing liposome-protamine-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (LPH-NP) with/without carboplatin in response to radiation to image and treat MM48 breast cancer in C3He/N mice in two radiation sessions. The micro-particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) camera and quantitative PIXE were used to image and measure the release of nanoparticles from the microcapsules. In session one, iopamiron and computed tomography (CT)-detectable microcapsules containing P-selectin and LPH-NP were mixed with a solution of alginate, hyaluronate, ascorbate, and P-selectin. This solution was sprayed into an FeCl2 solution containing VEGFR-1/2 antibodies (Abs). The microcapsules obtained were injected intravenously into mice, and after 9 h, the mice were exposed to 10 or 20 Gy (140 keV) of X-ray radiation. Anti-VEGFR-1/VEGFR-2 microcapsules accumulated around tumors and released P-selectin and the iopamiron-labeled LPH-NP in response to the first radiation. The iopamiron-containing nanoparticles were detected by CT, allowing detection of MM48 tumors by CT. In the second session, the microcapsules released LPH-NH that delivered carboplatin into the tumor cells. This treatment had a significant antitumor effect [Formula: see text]. The micro-PIXE camera and quantitative PIXE successfully imaged and measured the release of contents from microcapsules. Our results indicate that targeted nanoparticles allow for accurate detection and treatment of tumors.
Long term airborne lead pollution monitoring in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Santoso Muhayatun , Lestiani Diah Dwiana , Kurniawati Syukria , Markwitz A. , Trompetter W. J. , Barry B. , Davy P. K.
Published: November 2015

Lead poisoning is one of the environmental problems affecting human health. In Indonesia, leaded gasoline was completely phased out since July 2006. As part of an air pollution study, Pb monitoring was carried out from 2005 to 2012 in Bandung to assess the impact of the use of unleaded gasoline on the Pb level in the ambient air in Indonesia. Airborne particulate samples were collected using a Gent stacked filter unit sampler in two size fractions of [Formula: see text] (fine) and 2.5 to [Formula: see text] (coarse). Black carbon (BC) was determined by reflectance and elemental analysis was performed using particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE). The results showed that the annual averages of lead concentrations in the fine particulate matter in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 44.53, 27.06, 22.21, 17.75, 17.21, 16.24, 19.25 and 12.69 [Formula: see text], respectively. The airborne lead concentrations showed a declining trend over the years after implementation of the government policy of phasing out leaded gasoline. After six years of monitoring, the lead concentration in PM2.5 was decreased by over 70% compared to samples collected before July 2006. The average of PM mass, BC and elemental concentrations are also presented and discussed. The significant decrease of Pb concentration in the ambient air of Bandung is a great success story of the phase out of leaded gasoline in Indonesia.
An X-ray pinhole camera using metallic radioisotopes emitting only characteristic X-rays
Authors: Ishii K. , Kawano H. , Inagaki S. , Sato Y. , Maruyama T. , Fujiwara M. , Arai H. , Terakawa A. , Matsuyama S.
Published: November 2015

We developed an X-ray pinhole camera using a radio-isotope source that emits only X-rays.We investigated the performance of this system using a 55Fe source with phantom samples. We then applied it to investigate the movement of a 55Fe tracer in Japanese mustard spinach. We obtained X-ray images of the 55Fe tracer in the spinach samples, and found that 55Fe accumulated in the plant.
Wilson RG of noncommutative Φ44
Authors: Ydri Badis , Ahmim Rachid , Bouchareb Adel
Published: November 2015

We present a study of phi-four theory on noncommutative spaces using a combination of the Wilson renormalization group recursion formula and the solution to the zero dimensional vector/matrix models at large N. Three fixed points are identified. The matrix model [Formula: see text] fixed point which describes the disordered-to-nonuniform-ordered transition. The Wilson–Fisher fixed point at [Formula: see text] which describes the disordered-to-uniform-ordered transition, and a noncommutative Wilson–Fisher fixed point at a maximum value of [Formula: see text] which is associated with the transition between nonuniform-order and uniform-order phases.
Automorphisms of higher rank lamplighter groups
Authors: Stein Melanie , Taback Jennifer , Wong Peter
Published: November 2015

Let [Formula: see text] denote the group whose Cayley graph with respect to a particular generating set is the Diestel–Leader graph [Formula: see text], as described by Bartholdi, Neuhauser and Woess. We compute both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], and apply our results to count twisted conjugacy classes in these groups when [Formula: see text]. Specifically, we show that when [Formula: see text], the groups [Formula: see text] have property [Formula: see text], that is, every automorphism has an infinite number of twisted conjugacy classes. In contrast, when [Formula: see text] the lamplighter groups [Formula: see text] have property [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text].
Analytical Solution of Thermoelastic Damping in a Nanoscale Beam using the Fractional Order Theory of Thermoelasticity
Authors: Abbas Ibrahim A. , Hobiny Aatef D.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we study the generalized thermoelastic vibration of a bounded nano-beam resonator under fractional order theory of thermoelasticity. The theory of generalized thermoelasticity with one relaxation time can be established in the limit as the special cases of the present model. The effect of fractional parameter is investigated on the nano-beam resonator for beams with clamped ends. Analytical expressions for the deflection, temperature change, frequency shift, and thermoelastic damping have been derived for the beam. The effect of the fractional parameter on the variation of frequency shifts and thermoelastic damping is analyzed graphically.
Hadron-hadron scattering at very low energies
Authors: Adamuščín C. , Dubnička S. , Dubničková A. Z.
Published: November 2015

In this paper we study the contribution of the incoming hadrons’ polarization to the differential cross section of the hadron scattering at the ultra low energy limit. It is shown that their polarization does not have significant effect on the differential cross section of such scattering. The polarization of the outgoing hadrons is also analyzed.
Impact of scalar mesons on the rare B-decays
Authors: Issadykov Aidos , Ivanov Mikhail A. , Sakhiyev Sayabek K.
Published: November 2015

In the wake of exploring uncertainty in the full angular distribution of the [Formula: see text] caused by the presence of the intermediate scalar [Formula: see text] meson, we perform the straightforward calculation of the [Formula: see text] (S is a scalar meson) transition form factors in the full kinematical region within the covariant quark model. We restrict ourselves by the scalar mesons below 1 GeV: [Formula: see text]. As an application of the obtained results we calculate the widths of the semileptonic and rare decays [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We compare our results with those obtained in other approaches.
Effect of coupled channels of the multi-channel pion-pion scattering in two-pion transitions of the Υ mesons
Authors: Surovtsev Yurii S. , Bydžovský Petr , Gutsche Thomas , Kamiński Robert , Lyubovitskij Valery E. , Nagy Miroslav
Published: November 2015

The effect of isoscalar S-wave processes [Formula: see text] is considered in the analysis of data (from the ARGUS, CLEO, CUSB, Crystal Ball, Belle, BABAR collaborations) on the bottomonia decays — [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]). It is shown that the dipion mass spectra of these decays are explained by the unified mechanism related to the contribution of the multichannel [Formula: see text] scattering in the final states of these reactions. Since in the analysis the multichannel [Formula: see text]-scattering amplitudes did not change in comparison with the ones in our combined analysis of data on the multichannel [Formula: see text] scattering and on the charmonia decays — [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (from the Crystal Ball, DM2, Mark II, Mark III, and BES II) — the results confirm all our earlier conclusions on the scalar mesons.
The study of dp-elastic scattering at the energies from 500 to 1000 MeV/nucleon
Authors: Terekhin A. A. , Gurchin Yu. V. , Isupov A. Yu. , Khrenov A. N. , Kurilkin A. K. , Kurilkin P. K. , Ladygin V. P. , Ladygina N. B. , Piyadin S. M. , Reznikov S. G. , Vnukov I. E.
Published: November 2015

The results of the differential cross section measurements of dp-elastic scattering at energies from 500 to 1000 MeV/nucleon at Nuclotron JINR are reported. The data were obtained for angels range of 75-120[Formula: see text] in the c.m.s. The results are compared with existing world data.
Experimental data on the dp → ppn reaction at the deuteron energy of 300–500MeV obtained at ITS at Nuclotron
Authors: Piyadin S. M. , Gurchin Yu. V. , Isupov A. Yu. , Khrenov A. N. , Kurilkin A. K. , Kurilkin P. K. , Ladygin V. P. , Reznikov S. G. , Terekhin A. A. , Janek M. , Tarjanyiova G. , Karachuk J.-T. , Martinska G.
Published: November 2015

The experiment on dp non-mesonic breakup at Internal Target Station at Nuclotron is presented. Recent results on the study of the dp-breakup reaction with 300–500[Formula: see text]MeV unpolarized deuteron beam at Internal Target Station at Nuclotron are discussed. Selection procedure of useful events for the [Formula: see text] reaction with the registration of two protons is shown. Further scientific program with polarized and unpolarized deuterons is discussed.
CPLEAR data on semileptonic decay of K0, K̄0 and the mass difference of KL0 and KS0 mesons
Authors: Dubnicka Stanislav , Dubnickova Anna-Zuzana
Published: November 2015

It is demonstrated that for a determination of the mass difference of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons an explicit theoretical formula to be derived by an assumption of the CP-conservation has been used by CPLEAR Collaboration in a fitting of the time-dependent CPLEAR data on ASYMMETRY.

So, in such procedure the mass difference [Formula: see text] of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] mesons has been found and in no case [Formula: see text] one as in this case the CP-violation has to be considered.
Radial meson excitations and Abelian self-dual gluon fields
Authors: Nedelko Sergei N. , Voronin Vladimir E.
Published: November 2015

We briefly review motivation and results of the approach to QCD vacuum as a medium describable in terms of statistical ensemble of almost everywhere constant Abelian (anti-)self-dual gluon fields. An overview of the hadronization formalism based on this ensemble is presented. New results for radial excitations of light, heavy-light mesons and heavy quarkonia are presented. A possible interrelation between the present approach and holographic QCD with harmonic confinement is outlined.
The renormalization scale problem and novel perspectives for QCD
Authors: Brodsky Stanley J.
Published: November 2015

I discuss a number of novel tests of QCD, measurements which can illuminate fundamental features of hadron physics. These include the origin of the “ridge” in proton-proton collisions; the production of the Higgs at high [Formula: see text]; the role of digluon-initiated processes for quarkonium production; flavor-dependent anti-shadowing; the effect of nuclear shadowing on QCD sum rules; direct production of hadrons at high transverse momentum; and leading-twist lensing corrections; and the breakdown of perturbative QCD factorization. I also review the “Principle of Maximum Conformalit” (PMC) which systematically sets the renormalization scale order-by-order in pQCD, independent of the choice of renormalization scheme, thus eliminating an unnecessary theoretical uncertainty.
Study of di-electron production in quasi-free n-p interactions at HADES set-up
Authors: Jerusalimov A. P. , Lykasov G. I.
Published: November 2015

The study of [Formula: see text]-pairs production in n-p interactions was carried out at HADES set-up due to irradiation of proton target by deuteron beam at [Formula: see text] AGeV. The momentum and angular distributions of proton-spectator an effective masses of [Formula: see text]-pairs were satisfactory described by a sum of various reactions of quasi-free n-p and p-p interactions.
Significance of gluon density at soft and hard processes at LHC
Authors: Grinyuk A. A. , Lipatov A. V. , Lykasov G. I.
Published: November 2015

We study the role of the non-perturbative input to the transverse momentum dependent (TMD) gluon density in hard processes at the LHC. We derive the TMD gluon distribution from the fit of the inclusive hadron spectra measured at low transverse momenta in [Formula: see text] collisions at the LHC and demonstrate that the best description of these spectra for larger hadron transverse momenta can be achieved by matching the derived TMD gluon distribution with the exact solution of the Balitsky-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov (BFKL) equation obtained at small transverse momenta outside the saturation region. A special attention is put to the phenomenological applications of presented TMD parton densities to some LHC processes, which are sensitive to the quark and gluon content of a proton.
Global Land Surface Extremes of Precipitation: Data Limitations and Trends
Authors: Kunkel Kenneth E. , Frankson Rebekah M.
Published: November 2015

The lack of ready availability of daily precipitation data is a barrier to global analyses of long-term trends in extreme precipitation over land areas. Good availability of station data in the readily accessible Global Historical Climatological Network dataset is concentrated in Northern Hemisphere (NH) mid and high latitudes. The NH subtropics, the tropics, and Southern Hemisphere land areas are not well represented in this dataset. Our analysis of global trends for 1951–2014 spans a transition from slowly increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the 1950s to accelerating increases after the 1960s. We have examined common metrics as well as ones that are more extreme than what is typically studied and thus are more relevant to engineering applications. The area of increasing trends is approximately 1.5–2 times the area of decreasing trends for all of the metrics. These results show an increase at mid and high latitudes with a high level of confidence. Some areas with predominantly downward trends include western North America, the east and west coasts of Australia, and the Mediterranean Sea region. Recent studies on extreme precipitation have added to our knowledge of historical trends for selected regions. A number of studies for regions in China indicate a mix of upward and downward trends, but dominated by upward trends. Trends for India are not consistent among studies and thus no clear statement can be made. Studies for Africa are of limited use because the periods of analysis are shorter (due to lack of data availability) and thus cannot be directly compared with other regions. Overall, these recent regional studies do not cover sufficient area to make any general statements for zonal belts outside the NH mid and high latitudes.
Low Flow Response Surfaces for Drought Decision Support: A Case Study from the UK
Authors: Prudhomme Christel , Sauquet Eric , Watts Glenn
Published: November 2015

Droughts are complex natural hazards, and planning future management is complicated by the difficulty of projecting future drought and low flow conditions. This paper demonstrates the use of a response surface approach to explore the hydrological behavior of catchments under a range of possible future conditions. Choosing appropriate hydrological metrics ensures that the response surfaces are relevant to decision-making. Examples from two contrasting English catchments show how low flows in different catchments respond to changes in rainfall and temperature. In an upland western catchment, the Mint, low flows respond most to rainfall and temperature changes in summer, but in the groundwater dominated catchment of the Thet, changes in spring rainfall have the biggest impact on summer flows. Response surfaces are useful for understanding long-term changes, such as those projected in climate projections, but they may also prove useful in drought event management, where possible future conditions can be plotted onto the surface to understand the range of conditions the manager faces. Developing effective response surfaces requires considerable involvement and learning from catchment decision-makers at an early stage, and this should be considered in any planned application.
On the primary and secondary petroleum generating characteristics of the Bowland Shale, northern England
Authors: Yang S. , Horsfield B. , Mahlstedt N. , Stephenson M. , Könitzer S.
Published: November 2015

The Carboniferous Bowland Shale of northern England has drawn considerable attention because it has been estimated to have 1329 trillion cubic feet hydrocarbons in-place (gas and liquids) resource potential (Andrews 2013). Here we report on the oil and gas generation characteristics of three selected Bowland Shale whole-rock samples taken from cores and their respective kerogen concentrates. Compositional kinetics and phase properties of the primary and secondary fluids were calculated through the PhaseKinetics and GOR-Fit approaches and
PVT
modelling software. The three Bowland Shale samples contain immature, marine type II kerogen. Pyrolysate compositions imply primary generation of paraffinic–naphthenic–aromatic (PNA) oil with low contents of wax and sulphur. Bulk kinetic parameters have many similarities to those of productive American Palaeozoic marine shale plays. The secondary gas generation potential of Bowland Shale is greater than the primary gas potential although it requires a 10 kcal mol
−1
higher activation energy to achieve peak production. Primary oil, primary gas and secondary gas reach their maximum generation at 137, 150 and 200°C respectively for a 3°C Ma
−1
heating rate. Different driving forces of expulsion including the generation of hydrocarbon and overpressure caused by phase separation during sequential periods of subsidence and uplift could be inferred.