bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ESTIMATION OF WALL SHEAR STRESS USING 4D FLOW CARDIOVASCULAR MRI AND COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS
Authors: SOUDAH E. , CASACUBERTA J. , GAMEZ-MONTERO P. J. , PÉREZ J. S. , RODRÍGUEZ-CANCIO M. , RAUSH G. , LI C. H. , CARRERAS F. , CASTILLA R.
Published: October 2016

In the last few years, wall shear stress (WSS) has arisen as a new diagnostic indicator in patients with arterial disease. There is a substantial evidence that the WSS plays a significant role, together with hemodynamic indicators, in initiation and progression of the vascular diseases. Estimation of WSS values, therefore, may be of clinical significance and the methods employed for its measurement are crucial for clinical community. Recently, four-dimensional (4D) flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been widely used in a number of applications for visualization and quantification of blood flow, and although the sensitivity to blood flow measurement has increased, it is not yet able to provide an accurate three-dimensional (3D) WSS distribution. The aim of this work is to evaluate the aortic blood flow features and the associated WSS by the combination of 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (4D CMR) and computational fluid dynamics technique. In particular, in this work, we used the 4D CMR to obtain the spatial domain and the boundary conditions needed to estimate the WSS within the entire thoracic aorta using computational fluid dynamics. Similar WSS distributions were found for cases simulated. A sensitivity analysis was done to check the accuracy of the method. 4D CMR begins to be a reliable tool to estimate the WSS within the entire thoracic aorta using computational fluid dynamics. The combination of both techniques may provide the ideal tool to help tackle these and other problems related to wall shear estimation.
Brand Analysis in Social Network Services: Results from Content Analysis in Twitter Regarding the US Smartphone Market
Authors: Hajikhani Arash , Porras Jari , Melkas Helinä
Published: October 2016

Marketing is the front-end strategy of firms to communicate the value of their products or services to customers; therefore, innovations in marketing have tremendous value in comparison to the whole innovation strategy of firms. The emergence of social network services (SNSs) as a dominant communication platform among firms and users provides an opportunity to evaluate the innovativeness of a firm’s marketing strategy. With an analysis of Twitter data, the study indicates how users react to content from different profile types. This result could inspire firms and the social media strategists of companies to diversify their content over multiple user profiles.
Application of Noise-Assisted Multivariate Empirical Mode Decomposition in VLF-EM Data to Identify Underground River
Authors: Sungkono  , Santosa Bagus Jaya , Bahri Ayi Syaeful , Santos Fernando Monteiro , Iswahyudi Ari
Published: October 2016

Very low-frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) method can be used for imaging the subsurface resistivity, where this image can be used directly to determine subsurface condition. VLF-EM data are generally contaminated with unwanted noise which often leads to a mistake in the resistivity imaging result. In this study, noise-assisted multivariate empirical mode decomposition (NA-MEMD) was applied to reject the unwanted noise contained within the VLF-EM data which produced NA-MEMD-filtered VLF-EM data. The resistivity imaging resulted by filtered VLF-EM data has been used for determining the position of underground rivers over the karst area of Gunung Kidul district, Central Java province, Indonesia. The results show that the NA-MEMD-filtered VLF-EM data were more accurate in determining underground river tracks of the Suci cave areas. The overall result was supported by qualitative analyses (Fraser and K–Hjelt filters) of observed VLF-EM data as well as the NA-MEMD-filtered VLF-EM data.
New exploration discoveries in a mature basin: offshore Denmark
Authors: Goffey Graham , Attree Mark , Curtis Paul , Goodfellow Fiona , Lynch Jeremy , Mackertich Dave , Orife Tobore , Tyrrell William
Published: October 2016

In 2011, two discoveries were drilled by PA Resources in the Danish sector. The Broder Tuck 2/2A wells were drilled on a thrusted anticlinal structure, downdip of the apparently small U-1X gas discovery. The wells found an excellent quality gas reservoir within an interpreted Callovian lowstand incised valley containing braided fluvial and marginal-marine sandstones. A top and base seal are provided by mudstones of the over- and underlying transgressive systems tracts respectively. The development of a base seal is key to the presence of a potentially commercial resource downdip of a relatively unpromising old well.

The Lille John 1/1B wells were then drilled on a salt diapir on which 1980s wells had encountered shallow oil shows. Lille John 1 found slightly biodegraded 34° API oil in Miocene sandstones at the uncommonly shallow depth of −910 m true vertical depth subsea (TVDSS). The reservoir is full to spill, whilst the trap developed intermittently through latest Miocene–Late Pleistocene times. It is interpreted that a deeper Chalk accumulation temporarily lost seal integrity owing to glacially induced stress or overpressure triggering top-seal failure or fault reactivation during and after latest Pleistocene diapir inflation. The wider hydrocarbon exploration implications of glaciation on stress, pore pressure and trap integrity appear to be underappreciated.
Citizen interaction design
Authors: Lampe Cliff
Published: October 2016

HCI education reflects the continual evolution of HCI, embracing the changing landscapes of technology, infrastructure, and technology use. This forum aims to provide a platform for HCI educators, practitioners, researchers, and students to share their perspectives, reflections, and experiences related to HCI education.
--- Sukeshini Grandhi, Editor
A conceptual framework for the analysis and visualization of Uruguayan internet for education
Authors: Cobo Cristóbal , Mateu Matías
Published: October 2016

In this forum we celebrate research that helps to successfully bring the benefits of computing technologies to children, older adults, people with disabilities, and other populations that are often ignored in the design of mass-marketed products.
--- Juan Pablo Hourcade, Editor
Keeping progress on the long and winding road
Authors: Barba Evan
Published: October 2016

Community + Culture features practitioner perspectives on designing technologies for and with communities. We highlight compelling projects and provocative points of view that speak to both community technology practice and the interaction design field as a whole.
--- Christopher A. Le Dantec, Editor
Comodulation masking release in the inferior colliculus by combined signal enhancement and masker reduction
Authors: Diepenbrock Jan-Philipp , Jeschke Marcus , Ohl Frank W. , Verhey Jesko L.
Published: October 2016

Auditory signals that contain coherent level fluctuations of a masker in different frequency regions enhance the detectability of an embedded sinusoidal target signal, an effect commonly known as comodulation masking release (CMR). Neural correlates have been proposed at different stages of the auditory system. While later stages seem to suppress the response to the masker, earlier stages are more likely to enhance their response to the signal when the masker is comodulated. Using a flanking band masking paradigm, the present study investigates how CMR is represented at the level of the inferior colliculus of the Mongolian gerbil. The responses to a target signal at various sound pressure levels in three different masking conditions were compared. In one condition the masker was a 10-Hz amplitude modulated sinusoid centered at the signal frequency while in the other two conditions six off-frequency carriers (flanking bands) were added. For 64 of a total of 94 units, the addition of comodulated flanking bands to the on-frequency masker did not change the response to the target signal. The remaining 30 units showed a change that enhanced target detectability if coherent flanking bands were added, indicative of CMR. The current data demonstrate that the response characteristics of these neurons represent an intermediate stage between the representation in the cochlear nucleus and the auditory cortex by increasing the response during the signal intervals and decreasing the response for the following masker portions.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The detection of comodulation, i.e., coherent level fluctuations in different frequency regions, is an important feature of speech recognition. In this study, we demonstrate how the representation of a signal in comodulated masking conditions changes along the auditory pathway by using a stimulus paradigm from the cochlea nucleus for the first time in the inferior colliculus. This happens on a timescale that makes corticocollicular feedback a likely candidate as the source.
Dry Powder Inhalers: A Focus on Advancements in Novel Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Mehta Piyush
Published: October 2016

Administration of drug molecules by inhalation route for treatment of respiratory diseases has the ability to deliver drugs, hormones, nucleic acids, steroids, proteins, and peptides, particularly to the site of action, improving the efficacy of the treatment and consequently lessening adverse effects of the treatment. Numerous inhalation delivery systems have been developed and studied to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, and other pulmonary infections. The progress of disciplines such as biomaterials science, nanotechnology, particle engineering, molecular biology, and cell biology permits further improvement of the treatment capability. The present review analyzes modern therapeutic approaches of inhaled drugs with special emphasis on novel drug delivery system for treatment of various respiratory diseases.
Development of Electrophysiological Properties of Nucleus Gigantocellularis Neurons Correlated with Increased CNS Arousal
Authors: Liu Xu , Pfaff Donald W. , Calderon Diany P. , Tabansky Inna , Wang Xin , Wang Yun , Kow Lee-Ming
Published: October 2016

Many types of data have suggested that neurons in the nucleus gigantocellularis (NGC) in the medullary reticular formation are critically important for CNS arousal and behavioral responsiveness. To extend this topic to a developmental framework, whole-cell patch-recorded characteristics of NGC neurons in brainstem slices and measures of arousal-dependent locomotion of postnatal day 3 (P3) to P6 mouse pups were measured and compared. These neuronal characteristics developed in an orderly, statistically significant monotonic manner over the course of P3-P6: (1) proportion of neurons capable of firing action potential (AP) trains, (2) AP amplitude, (3) AP threshold, (4) amplitude of inward and outward currents, (5) amplitude of negative peak currents, and (6) steady state currents (in I-V plot). These measurements reflect the maturation of sodium and certain potassium channels. Similarly, all measures of locomotion, latency to first movement, total locomotion duration, net locomotion distance, and total quiescence time also developed monotonically over P3-P6. Most importantly, electrophysiological and behavioral measures were significantly correlated. Interestingly, the behavioral measures were not correlated with frequency of excitatory postsynaptic currents or the proportion of neurons showing these currents, responses to a battery of neurotransmitter agents, or rapid activating potassium currents (including IA). Considering the results here in the context of a large body of literature on NGC, we hypothesize that the developmental increase in NGC neuronal excitability participates in causing the increased behavioral responsivity during the postnatal period from P3 to P6.
The Role of Cytology in the 21st Century: The Integration of Cells and Molecules
Authors: Bergeron Christine , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus
Published: October 2016

Objectives: Cervical cancer screening test performance has been hampered by either a lack of sensitivity in Pap cytology or a lack of specificity of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. This is disturbing for patients and a cause of high costs for health care providers. Study Design: The identification of p16INK4a as a specific marker for the neoplastic transformation of cervical squamous epithelial cells by HPVs allows the identification of HPV-transformed cells in cytopathology specimens. Results: When compared to molecular HPV tests for triaging minor cytologic atypia, such as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, the immunochemical detection of dual p16INK4a/Ki-67-stained cells demonstrates a significantly improved specificity with good relative sensitivity. Conclusions: HPV testing has shown earlier detection of persistent high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) compared to cytology and is more effective in preventing invasive cervical cancer. The next challenge for the HPV primary screening program is to find the best method(s) for selecting, among HPV-positive women, those patients in need of immediate colposcopy because they are at a higher risk of developing a precancerous lesion. An HSIL cytology result and/or dual p16/Ki-67 staining could be the best candidates, but further randomized studies are required before these approaches can be used in routine practice.
Assessment of Fosfomycin for Complicated or Multidrug-Resistant Urinary Tract Infections: Patient Characteristics and Outcomes
Authors: Giancola Stephanie E. , Mahoney Monica V. , Hogan Michael D. , Raux Brian R. , McCoy Christopher , Hirsch Elizabeth B.
Published: October 2016

Background: Bacterial resistance among uropathogens is on the rise and has led to a decreased effectiveness of oral therapies. Fosfomycin tromethamine (fosfomycin) is indicated for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and displays in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates; however, clinical data assessing fosfomycin for the treatment of complicated or MDR UTIs are limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of patients who received ≥1 dose of fosfomycin between January 2009 and September 2015 for treatment of a UTI. Patients were included if they had a positive urine culture and documented signs/symptoms of a UTI. Results: Fifty-seven patients were included; 44 (77.2%) had complicated UTIs, 36 (63.2%) had MDR UTIs, and a total of 23 (40.4%) patients had a UTI that was both complicated and MDR. The majority of patients were female (66.7%) and elderly (median age, 79 years). Overall, the most common pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli (n = 28), Enterococcus spp. (n = 22), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 8). Twenty-eight patients (49.1%) were clinically evaluable; the preponderance achieved clinical success (96.4%). Fifteen out of 20 (75%) patients with repeat urine cultures had a microbiological cure. Conclusions: This retrospective study adds to the limited literature exploring alternative therapies for complicated and MDR UTIs with results providing additional evidence that fosfomycin may be an effective oral option.
Validation of an Efficient Screening Tool to Identify Low-Income Women at High Risk for Hereditary Breast Cancer
Authors: Stewart Susan L. , Kaplan Celia P. , Lee Robin , Joseph Galen , Karliner Leah , Livaudais-Toman Jennifer , Pasick Rena J.
Published: October 2016

Background/Aims: We compared the 6-Point Scale, a screening tool to identify low-income women for referral to genetic counseling, with genetic counselors' (GCs') recommendation and the Referral Screening Tool (RST). Methods: RST and 6-Point Scale scores were computed for 2 samples: (1) S1, public hospital mammography clinic patients in 2006-2010 (n = 744), classified by GCs as high risk (meriting referral to counseling) or not high risk, and (2) S2, primary care patients enrolled in an education intervention study in 2011-2012 (n = 1,425). Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve (AUROC) were computed for the 6-Point Scale score versus GC and RST classification as high risk. Results: The 6-Point Scale had low sensitivity (0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.34) but high specificity (0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99) and AUROC (0.85, 95% CI 0.81-0.90) versus GC classification, and high sensitivity (S1: 0.90, 95% CI 0.79-1.00; S2: 0.94, 95% CI 0.87-0.97), specificity (S1: 0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.97; S2: 0.94, 95% CI 0.93-0.96), and AUROC (S1: 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99; S2: 0.98, 95% CI 0.98-0.99) versus the RST. Conclusion: The 6-Point Scale compared favorably with the RST, a validated instrument, and is potentially useful as a simple tool for administration in a safety net setting, requiring minimal time investment by primary care physicians and their staff and no financial investment in tablet computers or software.
Lifetime Cocaine and Opiate Use and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Novick Tessa , Liu Yang , Alvanzo Anika , Zonderman Alan B. , Evans Michele K. , Crews Deidra C.
Published: October 2016

Background: More than 50% of American adolescents and adults report having used illicit drugs in their lifetime. We examined the association of lifetime opiate and cocaine use with reduced kidney function, albuminuria and rapid kidney function decline among urban-dwelling adults. Methods: Our prospective cohort included 2,286 Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study participants who were community-dwelling adults residing in Baltimore, MD. The predictive variables were lifetime opiate and cocaine use, defined as use of opiates or crack/cocaine ≥5 times. Outcomes included prevalent reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)-Epidemiology Collaboration), albuminuria (albumin-to-creatinine ratio >30 mg/g, n = 1,652) and rapid kidney function decline (>3 ml/min/1.73 m2 per year over a median of 4.7 years, n = 1,660). Results: Participants' mean age was 48 years, 15% reported opiate use, and 22% reported cocaine use. A total of 115 (5.0%) participants had reduced eGFR, 190 (11.5%) had albuminuria and 230 (13.8%) experienced rapid decline in kidney function. In adjusted logistic regression analyses, both substances were associated with greater odds of reduced eGFR (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.50-4.89 for opiates; OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.87-2.24 for cocaine). Both substances were associated with greater odds of albuminuria (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.83-1.73 for opiates; OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.29-2.51 for cocaine). Neither substance was associated with the rapid decline of kidney function. Conclusions: Lifetime opiate and cocaine use was associated with prevalent reduced eGFR and albuminuria, yet not with rapid kidney function decline. The use of opiate and cocaine may be an important risk factor for CKD in urban populations.
The Preventive Effect of the Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine, Hochuekkito, against Influenza A Virus via Autophagy in vitro
Authors: Takanashi Keita , Dan Katsuaki , Kanzaki Sho , Hasegawa Hideki , Watanabe Kenji , Ogawa Kaoru
Published: October 2016

Background: Hochuekkito (HKT), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, enhances the immunity of elderly or weak individuals. It is also known to have preventive effects against influenza clinically. However, the detailed mechanisms of the preventive effects have not been clarified. We examined the relationship between the preventive effects of HKT and autophagy, a known stress response and quality control mechanism, using Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) virus. Methods: The effect of HKT on autophagy in influenza A virus (IAV)-infected cells was assessed by Western blotting and fluorescence microscopy using an RFP-GFP-LC3B sensor kit. Results: In Western blotting, treatment with HKT before IAV infection (pre-HKT) tended to induce autophagy in IAV-infected cells at an early stage of infection, eventually suppressing IAV-induced autophagy. Moreover, several autolysosomes, indicative of normal autophagosome-lysosome fusion, were observed in Pre-HKT cells transduced with RFP-GFP-LC3B but not in untreated IAV-infected cells. Conclusions: These findings indicated that IAV-mediated inhibition of the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes was prevented by HKT treatment before infection. According to these results, we propose that this phenomenon is one of the preventive effects of HKT against IAV.
Identification of the alcohol abuse in bankers
Authors: Rodrigues Anália Ferraz , Quilião Paula Lamb , Pinheiro Lyz Soltau Missio , Carneiro Clímaco Mallmann Gomes , Carneiro Cláudia Fleck Gomes , Péres Décio Passos Sampaio
Published: October 2016

Este estudo tem como objetivo observar aspectos relacionados ao consumo de álcool enquanto fator de risco para o adoecimento laboral em trabalhadores de agências bancárias do município de Alegrete – RS. Foram aplicados questionários de maio a agosto de 2013 em 94 bancários que aceitaram participar da pesquisa, destes, 58,5% eram do sexo masculino e 41,5%, do feminino, com uma média de idade de 41,54 anos. Dentre os participantes, 14,9% realizavam consumo de risco de álcool, ao passo que 1% dos bancários fazem consumo de alto risco, e 1% apresentou provável dependência. Os resultados indicam prevalência um consumo de risco para bebidas alcoólicas entre os bancários deste município e apontam a necessidade de ações de promoção da saúde destes trabalhadores
Nursing Consultation on Mental Health: Integrative Review
Authors: Bolsoni Eduarda Berckenbrock , Heusy Isabella Paola Meisterlin , Silva Zenandia Feliciano da , Rodrigues Jeferson , Peres Girlane Mayara , Morais Ramona De
Published: October 2016

Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura que objetivou revisar as produções científicas sobre consulta de enfermagem em saúde mental nos serviços de saúde no período de 2001 a 2013 nas bases de dados Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO) e Literatura LatinoAmericana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). Identificou-se que 60% dos artigos pesquisados indicaram que os enfermeiros possuem limitações para realizar o diagnóstico de enfermagem em saúde mental. Concluiu-se que a consulta de enfermagem e sua relação no campo da saúde mental ainda é incipiente. Sugere-se que a consulta de enfermagem seja sistematizada e abranja temas como a relação interpessoal, histórico de enfermagem, exame físico e mental, diagnóstico e planejamento em enfermagem
A SEGURANÇA DO PACIENTE À LUZ DO REFERENCIAL DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Albuquerque Aline
Published: October 2016

Este artigo tem por objetivo a elaboração de aporte teórico que ampare a concepção de que a segurança do paciente se interconecta com a obrigação dos Estados de preservar a vida de seus jurisdicionados, bem como é uma expressão do direito à saúde sob o prisma do Direito Internacional dos Direitos Humanos – que compreende os tratados de direitos humanos e a jurisprudência internacional emanada dos órgãos de direitos humanos situados na ONU, no Sistema Interamericano de Direitos Humanos e no Sistema Europeu de Direitos Humanos. Com o escopo de desenvolver a acepção de segurança do paciente sustentada sob o prisma do direito à vida e do direito à saúde, adotou-se pesquisa de revisão bibliográfica e documental, destacando-se o levantamento e a análise de relatórios e decisões produzidos pelos órgãos de direitos humanos apontados. Em conclusão, o direito ao cuidado em saúde seguro, derivado do direito à vida e do direito à saúde, deve ser objeto de regulação por parte dos Estados. Ou seja, sustenta-se neste artigo que certo elenco de medidas gerais de segurança do paciente seja legalmente instituído, de modo a enunciar explicitamente o direito ao cuidado em saúde seguro, enquanto um dos direitos humanos do paciente. Com efeito, a implantação da cultura de segurança do paciente é uma obrigação dos Estados; sua negligência em efetivá-la por meio de medidas legislativas, de políticas públicas e de orçamento próprio consiste em infringência aos comandos internacionais de direitos humanos.
RIGHT TO TRY? FOSFOETANOLAMINA, DI BELLA E STAMINA: UMA ANÁLISE ÍTALO-BRASILEIRA
Authors: Barbosa Elina Magnan
Published: October 2016

Este trabalho possui como objetivo a análise do fornecimento judicial de medicamentos em fase de teste laboratorial, por meio de um estudo comparado dos casos italianos di Bella e Stamina e do caso brasileiro da fosfoetanolamina da Universidade de São Paulo. Para tanto, foram considerados os percursos judiciais dos três casos, as opiniões doutrinárias e repercussões médicas anunciadas pela mídia e pelos órgãos oficiais interessados. Como resultado, observou-se, no Brasil, uma tendência jurisprudencial que desponta, ainda que não confirmada, no sentido de que a realização do direito à saúde não pode prescindir da segurança médica, afastando-se, em princípio, a obrigação do Estado de fornecer tratamentos experimentais por meio de sua rede de saúde. Na Itália, por outro lado, após a experiência judicial e médica negativa decorrente de dois casos emblemáticos, a Corte Constitucional italiana (Corte Costituzionale) parece ter mudado de orientação, no sentido da não obrigação do fornecimento de tratamento experimental por parte do Servizio Sanitario Nazionale. No âmbito das ações com pretensão de curas compassivas, as normas técnicas, representadas pelas boas práticas clínicas, surgem como zíper de união entre o direito, a ciência e a ética.
Characteristics of Decremental Accessory Pathways in Children
Authors: Hill Allison C. , Silka Michael J. , Wee Choo Phei , Bar-Cohen Yaniv
Published: October 2016

Background—

Although retrograde decremental accessory pathways (DAPs) are thought to typically present as permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia), they may also be diagnosed unexpectedly during electrophysiology study. We aimed to compare the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of patients with DAPs to an age-matched cohort with nondecremental accessory pathways.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively studied pediatric patients (<21 years of age) with retrograde DAPs and an age-matched control population with nondecremental accessory pathways who underwent electrophysiology study between 2005 and 2014. Decrement was defined as rate-dependent prolongation of the local ventriculo-atrial time by >30 ms. Twenty-six patients with DAPs were compared with 73 controls (mean age at electrophysiology study 9.8±5.7 and 10.3±5.2 years, respectively [
P
=nonsignificant]). Compared with controls, patients with DAPs had more frequent syncope (5/26 [19%] versus 3/73 [4%];
P
=0.02) and ventricular dysfunction (6/26 [23%] versus 4/73 [6%];
P
=0.04). Only 11 (42%) DAP patients manifested clinical permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia, and these patients had more syncope (5/11 [45%] versus 0/15 [0%];
P
<0.01), slower orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia (176±44 beats per minute versus 229±31 beats per minute;
P
=0.001), and longer ventriculo-atrial times (mean maximum ventriculo-atrial times of 283±116 ms versus 208±42 ms;
P
=0.02) compared with those with DAPs without clinical permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia. DAPs and controls had similar rates of acute ablation success (23/26 [89%] versus 67/73 [92%];
P
=nonsignificant) and recurrences (1/23 [4%] versus 2/67 [3%];
P
=nonsignificant).

Conclusions—

The majority of pediatric patients with DAPs do not present with clinical permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia. DAPs are associated with more severe symptoms, but ablation outcomes are similar to those of age-matched controls.
Pulmonary Vein Antral Isolation and Nonpulmonary Vein Trigger Ablation Are Sufficient to Achieve Favorable Long-Term Outcomes Including Transformation to Paroxysmal Arrhythmias in Patients With Persistent and Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Liang Jackson J. , Elafros Melissa A. , Muser Daniele , Pathak Rajeev K. , Santangeli Pasquale , Zado Erica S. , Frankel David S. , Supple Gregory E. , Schaller Robert D. , Deo Rajat , Garcia Fermin C. , Lin David , Hutchinson Mathew D. , Riley Michael P. , Callans David J. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Dixit Sanjay
Published: October 2016

Background—

Transformation from persistent to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablation suggests modification of the underlying substrate. We examined the nature of initial arrhythmia recurrence in patients with nonparoxysmal AF undergoing antral pulmonary vein isolation and nonpulmonary vein trigger ablation and correlated recurrence type with long-term ablation efficacy after the last procedure.

Methods and Results—

Three hundred and seventeen consecutive patients with persistent (n=200) and long-standing persistent (n=117) AF undergoing first ablation were included. AF recurrence was defined as early (≤6 weeks) or late (>6 weeks after ablation) and paroxysmal (either spontaneous conversion or treated with cardioversion ≤7 days) or persistent (lasting >7 days). During median follow-up of 29.8 (interquartile range: 14.8–49.9) months, 221 patients had ≥1 recurrence. Initial recurrence was paroxysmal in 169 patients (76%) and persistent in 52 patients (24%). Patients experiencing paroxysmal (versus persistent) initial recurrence were more likely to achieve long-term freedom off antiarrhythmic drugs (hazard ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–3.2;
P
<0.0001), freedom on/off antiarrhythmic drugs (hazard ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–3.8;
P
<0.0001), and arrhythmia control (hazard ratio, 5.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.9–9.2;
P
<0.0001) after last ablation.

Conclusions—

In patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF, limited ablation targeting pulmonary veins and documented nonpulmonary vein triggers improves the maintenance of sinus rhythm and reverses disease progression. Transformation to paroxysmal AF after initial ablation may be a step toward long-term freedom from recurrent arrhythmia.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors Associated With Blood Metabolite Concentrations and Their Alterations During a 4-Year Period in a Population-Based Cohort
Authors: Lacruz Maria Elena , Kluttig Alexander , Tiller Daniel , Medenwald Daniel , Giegling Ina , Rujescu Dan , Prehn Cornelia , Adamski Jerzy , Frantz Stefan , Greiser Karin Halina , Emeny Rebecca Thwing , Kastenmüller Gabi , Haerting Johannes
Published: October 2016

Background—

The effects of lifestyle risk factors considered collectively on the human metabolism are to date unknown. We aim to investigate the association of these risk factors with metabolites and their changes during 4 years.

Methods and Results—

One hundred and sixty-three metabolites were measured in serum samples with the AbsoluteIDQ kit p150 (Biocrates) following a targeted metabolomics approach, in a population-based cohort of 1030 individuals, aged 45 to 83 years at baseline. We evaluated associations between metabolite concentrations (28 acylcarnitines, 14 amino acids, 9 lysophosphocholines, 72 phosphocholines, 10 sphingomyelins and sum of hexoses) and 5 lifestyle risk factors (body mass index [BMI], alcohol consumption, smoking, diet, and exercise). Multilevel or simple linear regression modeling adjusted for relevant covariates was used for the evaluation of cross-sectional or longitudinal associations, respectively; multiple testing correction was based on false discovery rate. BMI, alcohol consumption, and smoking were associated with lipid metabolism (reduced lyso- and acyl-alkyl-phosphatidylcholines and increased diacylphosphatidylcholines concentrations). Smoking showed positive associations with acylcarnitines, and BMI correlated inversely with nonessential amino acids. Fewer metabolites showed relative changes that were associated with baseline risk factors: increases in 5 different acyl-alkyl phosphatidylcholines were associated with lower alcohol consumption and BMI and with a healthier diet. Increased levels of tyrosine were associated with BMI. Sex-specific effects of smoking and BMI were found specifically related to acylcarnitine metabolism: in women higher BMI and in men more pack-years were associated with increases in acylcarnitines.

Conclusions—

This study showed sex-specific effects of lifestyle risks factors on human metabolism and highlighted their long-term metabolic consequences.
Is 6, 3 et la qedusha dans le corpus rabbinique ancien : une approche phénoménologique
Authors: Costa José
Published: October 2016

This article systematically analyses all ancient aggadic sources referring to Isaiah 6:3 with a mainly phenomenological approach. In explaining the meaning of this verse, the rabbis are interested in four topics. First, several texts deal with the relationship between the angels and Israel and often make a distinction between their songs. We ask the following questions: Is there any agreement as to how these songs are defined and eventually connected together? To what extent is the motif of the song related to the more general topic of the relationship between the angels and Israel? According to our investigation, the answers to these questions are less simple than usually thought. Second, the second part of the verse may refer to the body of God or to the Shekhina. Third, the rabbis try to describe more precisely how the kedusha is recited by the angels. Fourth, Isaiah 6:3 is also related to practical concerns. The last part of the article explores the implications of the midrashic data already studied for a better understanding of the Palestinian and Babylonian versions of the kedusha.
Zonal Transport from the Western Boundary and Its Role in Warm Water Volume Changes during ENSO
Authors: Lu Qing , Ruan Zhenxin , Wang Dong-Ping , Chen Dake , Wu Qiaoyan
Published: October 2016

Observations from TRITON buoys in the warm/fresh pool and a global ocean general circulation model are used to study the interannual variability of the equatorial western Pacific and the relationship between the zonal warm water transport, meridional convergence, and the warm water volume (WWV). The simulated temperature, salinity, and zonal warm water transport are validated with the mooring observations for the period 2000–14. The model results are then used to examine the WWV balance in ENSO cycles in an extended period from 1980 to 2014. It is shown that the zonal transport is highly correlated with meridional convergence and leads by about 4–5 months, and their phase offset determines the WWV changes. This result differs from the recharge paradigm in which the meridional convergence is supposed to be mainly responsible for the WWV changes. There is also no apparent change in relationship between zonal and meridional transports since 2000, unlike that between WWV and SST. The study suggests that the zonal warm water transport from the western boundary could have major implications for ENSO dynamics.
Coding Human Factors Observations in Surgery
Authors: Cohen Tara N. , Wiegmann Douglas A. , Reeves Scott T. , Boquet Albert J. , Shappell Scott A.
Published: October 2016

The reliability of the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) for classifying retrospective observational human factors data in the cardiovascular operating room is examined. Three trained analysts independently used HFACS to categorize observational human factors data collected at a teaching and nonteaching hospital system. Results revealed that the framework was substantially reliable overall (Study I: k = 0.635; Study II: k = 0.642). Reliability increased when only preconditions for unsafe acts were investigated (Study I: k =0.660; Study II: k = 0.726). Preconditions for unsafe acts were the most commonly identified issues, with HFACS categories being similarly populated across both hospitals. HFACS is a reliable tool for systematically categorizing observational data of human factors issues in the operating room. Findings have implications for the development of a HFACS tool for proactively collecting observational human factors data, eliminating the necessity for classification post hoc.
Viral-derived complement inhibitors: current status and potential role in immunomodulation
Authors: Abou-El-Hassan Hadi , Zaraket Hassan
Published: October 2016

The complement system is one of the body’s major innate immune defense mechanisms in vertebrates. Its function is to detect foreign bodies and promote their elimination through opsonisation or lysis. Complement proteins play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of several disorders. However, excessive complement activation does not confer more protection but instead leads to several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. With inappropriate activation of the complement system, activated complement proteins and glycoproteins may damage both healthy and diseased tissues. Development of complement inhibitors represents an effective approach in controlling dysregulated complement activity and reducing disease severity, yet few studies have investigated the nature and role of novel complement inhibitory proteins of viral origin. Viral complement inhibitors have important implications in understanding the importance of complement inhibition and their role as a promising novel therapeutic approach in diseases caused by dysregulated complement function. In this review, we discuss the role and importance of complement inhibitors derived from several viruses in the scope of human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Bacteriocin production: a relatively unharnessed probiotic trait?
Authors: Hegarty James W. , Guinane Caitriona M. , Ross R. Paul , Hill Colin , Cotter Paul D.
Published: October 2016

Probiotics are “live microorganisms which, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host”. A number of attributes are highly sought after among these microorganisms, including immunomodulation, epithelial barrier maintenance, competitive exclusion, production of short-chain fatty acids, and bile salt metabolism. Bacteriocin production is also generally regarded as a probiotic trait, but it can be argued that, in contrast to other traits, it is often considered a feature that is desirable, rather than a key probiotic trait. As such, the true potential of these antimicrobials has yet to be realised.
Preparing Nursing Home Data from Multiple Sites for Clinical Research – A Case
Study Using Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics
Authors: Boyce Richard D. , Handler Steven M. , Karp Jordan F. , Perera Subashan , Reynolds, III Charles F.
Published: October 2016

Introduction: A potential barrier to nursing home research is the limited
availability of research quality data in electronic form. We describe a case study of
converting electronic health data from five skilled nursing facilities to a research
quality longitudinal dataset by means of open-source tools produced by the Observational
Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) collaborative.Methods: The Long-Term Care
Minimum Data Set (MDS), drug dispensing , and fall incident data from five SNFs were
extracted, translated, and loaded into version 4 of the OHDSI common data model. Quality
assurance involved identifying errors using the Achilles data characterization tool and
comparing both quality measures and drug exposures in the new database for concordance
with externally available sources.Findings: Records for a total 4,519 patients (95.1%)
made it into the final database. Achilles identified 10 different types of errors that
were addressed in the final dataset. Drug exposures based on dispensing were generally
accurate when compared with medication administration data from the pharmacy services
provider. Quality measures were generally concordant between the new database and
Nursing Home Compare for measures with a prevalence ≥ 10%. Fall data recorded in MDS was
found to be more complete than data from fall incident reports.Conclusions: The new
dataset is ready to support observational research on topics of clinical importance in
the NH including patient-level prediction of falls. The extraction, translation, and
loading process enabled the use of OHDSI data characterization tools that improved the
quality of the final dataset.
Studies of social wasp diversity in Brazil: Over 30 years of research, advancements and priorities
Authors: Barbosa Bruno Corrêa , Detoni Mateus , Maciel Tatiane Tagliatti , Prezoto Fábio
Published: October 2016

The first records of social wasps in Brazil were made during expeditions that focused on the taxonomy and distribution of the species in the country. From the 70s there was a change in the essence of publications on the diversity of social wasps, which began to be directed to a specific place, which over the years have incorporated the use of sampling methodologies and analysis of results through ecological indexes. Since then, the neotropical social wasps have gained more prominence because of the recognition that act decisively in the trophic balance of ecosystems, thus increasing interest in research on these insects. So, our aim was to conduct a detailed analysis of published studies diversity of social wasps in Brazil over the past 33 years, aimed at increasing knowledge about the history of these works. For the literature review criteria were adopted: keywords with the matter and publications indexed in databases within the defined period. We found 78 publications, with the majority (70.52%) in scientific journals. From the year 2005, there was a regularly featured in publications with the years 2010, 2012 and 2014 as the most productive and a concentration of studies in BA, MG and SP states. Were used 11 collection methods, however there no a pattern of time or collection methodology, highlighting the Search-Active methods and Attractive Trap. The contribution of this analysis is to extend the current status of knowledge of social wasps with research as well as guide and encourage future studies to places unexplored.
Nesting stingless bees in urban areas: a reevaluation after eight years
Authors: Vieira Karine Munck , Netto Paula , Amaral Danielle L.A.S. , Mendes Sarah Silva , Castro Lívia Cabral , Prezoto Fábio
Published: October 2016

Studies of nesting ecology have proven to be extremely important for stingless bee conservation. These studies have rarely been conducted in urban landscapes, and even fewer have compared species diversity and abundances over time. We surveyed native stingless bee nests at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora campus in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, from May 2008 to April 2009. We recorded the number of nests, nest height, species diversity, and nest substrate type (i.e., natural or artificial). We compared our results to those of a similar survey carried out in the same location eight years prior (2000/2001) in order to evaluate how urban expansion on campus has influenced the Meliponini bee community. Stingless bee abundance and richness were greater in the second survey. The use of natural substrates decreased, while the use of artificial substrates increased. This suggests that the increase in man-made structures on the UFJF campus has provided favorable sites for establishment of some stingless bee species.
Increased forest biomass production in the Nordic and Baltic countries – a review on current and future opportunities
Authors: Rytter Lars , Ingerslev Morten , Kilpeläinen Antti , Torssonen Piritta , Lazdina Dagnija , Löf Magnus , Madsen Palle , Muiste Peeter , Stener Lars-Göran
Published: October 2016

The Nordic and Baltic countries are in the frontline of replacing fossil fuel with renewables. An important question is how forest management of the productive parts of this region can support a sustainable development of our societies in reaching low or carbon neutral conditions by 2050. This may involve a 70% increased consumption of biomass and waste to meet the goals. The present review concludes that a 50â100% increase of forest growth at the stand scale, relative to todayâs common level of forest productivity, is a realistic estimate within a stand rotation (~70Â years). Change of tree species, including the use of non-native species, tree breeding, introduction of high-productive systems with the opportunity to use nurse crops, fertilization and afforestation are powerful elements in an implementation and utilization of the potential. The productive forests of the Nordic and Baltic countries cover in total 63 million hectares, which corresponds to an average 51% land cover. The annual growth is 287 million m and the annual average harvest is 189 million m (65% of the growth). A short-term increase of wood-based bioenergy by utilizing more of the growth is estimated to be between 236 and 416 TWh depending on legislative and operational restrictions. Balanced priorities of forest functions and management aims such as nature conservation, biodiversity, recreation, game management, ground water protection etc. all need consideration. We believe that these aims may be combined at the landscape level in ways that do not conflict with the goals of reaching higher forest productivity and biomass production.33
Framework for the Packaging Supply Chain of an Automotive Engine Company
Authors: Vöröskői K , Böröcz P
Published: October 2016

Automotive industrial groups consider the impacts of packaging very important, mainly focusing on the cost effectiveness and environmentally conscious nature thereof. In the literature, the packaging supply chain is not a significantly researched area as regards the supply of the complete automotive engines. But the selection of packaging and the relevant development process in engine production are among the main elements of the extensive automotive industry, because participants sometimes have the same interests and considerations. This way, decision-making and strategies on using different packaging solutions and systems can be very varied. The reason is that each automotive group practically produces its own engines and transports them to their assembling subsidiaries all over the world. These groups often apply similar logistics policies and supply systems to use, take-back and recover their packaging. This is being driven as much by group strategies as it is by the need to reduce costs and increase efficiency in supply chains. The focus of this paper will be on the components and elements of packaging supply chain management in the field of engine supply for automotive industry groups, and on how the decision-making framework is determined. This paper shows models defining the network process for decision-making within the automotive groups as regards the packaging supply chain.