bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Service Management Study for Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate Two Models of Stroke Care
Authors: Chan Daniel K. Y. , Levi Chris , Cordato Dennis , O'Rourke Fintan , Chen Jack , Redmond Helen , Xu Ying-Hua , Middleton Sandy , Pollack Michael , Hankey Graeme J.
Published: January 2014

Background

The most effective and efficient model for providing organized stroke care remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the effect of two models in a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Patients with acute stroke were randomized on day one of admission to combined, co-located acute/rehabilitation stroke care or traditionally separated acute/rehabilitation stroke care. Outcomes measured at baseline and 90 days post-discharge included functional independence measure, length of hospital stay, and functional independence measure efficiency (change in functional independence measure score ÷ total length of hospital stay).

Results

Among 41 patients randomized, 20 were allocated co-located acute/rehabilitation stroke care and 21 traditionally separated acute/rehabilitation stroke care. Baseline measurements showed no significant difference. There was no significant difference in functional independence measure scores between the two groups at discharge and again at 90 days postdischarge (co-located acute/rehabilitation stroke care: 103·6 ± 22·2 vs. traditionally separated acute/rehabilitation stroke care: 99·5 ± 27·7; P = 0·77 at discharge; co-located acute/rehabilitation stroke care: 109·5 ± 21·7 vs. traditionally separated acute/rehabilitation stroke care: 104·4 ± 27·9; P= 0·8875 at 90 days post-discharge). Total length of hospital stay was 5·28 days less in co-located acute/rehabilitation stroke care compared with traditionally separated acute/rehabilitation stroke care (24·15 ± 3·18 vs. 29·42 ± 4·5, P = 0·35). There was significant improvement in functional independence measure efficiency score among participants assigned to co-located acute/rehabilitation stroke care compared with traditionally separated acute/rehabilitation stroke care (co-located acute/rehabilitation stroke care: median 1·60, interquartile range: 0·87–2·81; traditionally separated acute/rehabilitation stroke care: median 0·82, interquartile range: 0·27–1·57, P = 0·0393). Linear regression analysis revealed a high inverse correlation ( R2 = 0·89) between functional independence measure efficiency and time spent in the acute stroke unit.

Conclusion

This proof-of-concept study has shown that co-located acute/rehabilitation stroke care was just as effective as traditionally separated acute/rehabilitation stroke care as reflected in functional independence measure scores, but significantly more efficient as shown in greater functional independence measure efficiency. Co-located acute/rehabilitation stroke care has potential for significantly improved hospital bed utilization with no patient disadvantage.
Nurse‐assessed metabolic monitoring: A file audit of risk factor prevalence and impact of an intervention to enhance measurement of waist circumference
Authors: Rosenbaum Simon , Nijjar Sukh , Watkins Andrew , Garwood Natasha , Sherrington Catherine , Tiedemann Anne
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present study was to: (i) document the prevalence of risk factors for non‐communicable diseases among mental health consumers (inpatients) with various diagnoses; and (ii) audit the frequency of waist circumference (WC) documentation before and after an intervention that involved a single nurse‐education session, and change in assessment‐form design. The study was undertaken in a private psychiatric hospital in Sydney, Australia. Twenty‐five nurses participated in the educational intervention. File audits were performed prior to intervention delivery (n = 60), and 3 months' (n = 60), and 9 months' (n = 60) post‐intervention. Files were randomly selected, and demographic (age, diagnosis) and risk factor (WC, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, blood pressure) data were extracted. WC was higher in this cohort compared to published general population means, and only 19% of patients had a BMI within the healthy range. In total, 37% of patients smoked, while 31% were hypertensive. At baseline, none of the audited files reported WC, which increased to 35 of the 60 (58%) files audited at the 3‐month follow up. At the 9‐month follow up, 25 of the 60 (42%) files audited reported a WC. In the 120 post‐intervention files audited, only two patients refused measurement. These results illustrate the poor physical health of inpatients, and suggest that nurse‐assessed metabolic monitoring can be enhanced with minimal training.
Enhanced Multiferroic and Magnetocapacitive Properties of (1 − x)Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3–xBiFeO3 Ceramics
Authors: Li Cai‐Xia , Yang Bin , Zhang Shan‐Tao , Zhang Rui , Sun Ye , Zhang Hong‐Jun , Cao Wen‐Wu
Published: January 2014

The structures, Curie temperature, dielectric relaxor behaviors, ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism, and magnetocapacitance of the (1−x)Ba0.70Ca0.30TiO3–xBiFeO3 [(1−x)BCT–xBF, x = 0–0.90] solid solutions have been systematically investigated. The ceramics have coexisted tetragonal (T) and orthorhombic (O) phases when x ≤ 0.06, coexisted pseudocubic (PC) and O phases when x = 0.065, coexisted cubic and O phases when 0.07 ≤ x ≤ 0.12, PC phase when 0.21 ≤ x ≤ 0.42, coexisted T and rhombohedral (R) phases when 0.52 ≤ x ≤ 0.70, and R phase when x ≥ 0.75. Significantly, composition‐dependent microstructures and Curie temperature are observed, the average grain size increases from 1.9 μm for x = 0, reaches 12.0 μm for x = 0.67, and then decreases to 1.3 μm for x = 0.90. At room temperature, the ceramics with x = 0.42–0.70 show piezoelectric properties and multiferroic behaviors, characterized by the polarization‐electric field, polarization current intensity–electric field, and magnetization–magnetic field curves, the composition with x = 0.67 has maximum polarization, remnant polarization, maximum magnetization, and remnant magnetization of 15.0 μC/cm2, 9.1 μC/cm2, 0.33 emu/g, and 0.14 emu/g, respectively. In addition, the magnetocapacitance is evidenced by the increased relative dielectric constant with increasing the applied magnetic field (H). With ΔH = 8 kOe, the composition with x = 0.67 shows the largest values of (εr(H) − εr(0))/εr(0) = 2.96% at room temperature. The structure–property relationship is discussed intensively.
Transseptal Access for Left Atrial Ablation: The Catheter‐Probing Techniques Are Not Without Risk
Authors: LEHRMANN HEIKO , SCHNEIDER JENS , JADIDI AMIR S. , PARK CHAN‐IL , SCHIEBELING‐RÖMER JOCHEN , ALLGEIER JÜRGEN , ARENTZ THOMAS , WEBER REINHOLD
Published: January 2014

Risk of Catheter‐Probing During Transseptal Access

Background

Transseptal puncture (TP) is a prerequisite for LA ablations. LA access can be gained by catheter probing in case of PFO (trans‐PFO method) or puncture of the interatrial septum (IAS) using a transseptal needle. A 2nd access can again be gained via PFO, a 2nd TP or catheter probing of the previous puncture site (probe‐TS method). This study investigates the risk factors and complications related to the mode of transseptal access.

Methods and Results

From August 2010 to August 2012, a total of 544 LA ablations, were performed. The mode of LA access was either a double TP or a single TP followed by the probe‐TS or the trans‐PFO method, respectively. TP was always guided by TEE and was successfully performed without complications in all cases. In contrast, 6/410 patients (1.5%) in whom catheter probing was performed (probe‐TS, n = 4, trans‐PFO, n = 2) had a dissection of the superior IAS originating from inside the oval fossa (n = 5) or perforation above the oval fossa (n = 1). Perforation into the pericardial space occurred in 4/6 patients, leading to one cardiac tamponade. In 5/6 patients, LA ablation was successfully completed, after repeated TP, despite effective anticoagulation. Patients with complications had the following characteristics: LA size 46 ± 4 mm, persistent AF (5/6), a repeat transseptal procedure (3/6) and a right‐sided pouch (RSP, 5/6).

Conclusions

Interatrial septum dissection/perforation, occasionally with perforation into the pericardial space, is an unreported complication of TP, especially with the catheter‐probing techniques. An RSP is an unrecognized risk factor in this context and can be visualized by TEE.
Assessment of tissue oxygenation of periodontal inflammation in smokers using optical spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Kan‐Zhi , Duarte Poliana Mendes , Santos Vanessa Renata , Xiang Xiaoming , Xu Minqi , Miranda Tamires Szeremeske , Fermiano Daiane , Gonçalves Tiago Eduardo Dias , Sowa Micheal G.
Published: January 2014

Background

We have recently developed a periodontal diagnostic tool that was validated in non‐smokers with periodontitis. Tobacco smoking is a recognized risk factor for periodontal diseases that can mask gingival bleeding and lead to a false negative diagnosis. Therefore, the purpose of current study is to further validate this instrument in smokers with periodontal diseases.

Methods

Using a portable optical near‐infrared spectrometer, optical spectra were obtained, processed and evaluated from healthy (n = 108), gingivitis (n = 100), and periodontitis (n = 79) sites of 54 systemically healthy smokers. A modified Beer–Lambert unmixing model that incorporates a non‐parametric scattering loss function was used to determine the relative contribution of deoxygenated haemoglobin (Hb) and oxygenated haemoglobin (HbO2) to the overall spectrum. The balance between tissue oxygen delivery and utilization in periodontal tissues was then assessed.

Results

Tissue oxygen saturation was significantly decreased in the gingivitis (p = 0.016) and periodontitis (p = 0.007) sites, compared to the healthy sites. There was a trend towards increased concentration of Hb and decreased concentration of HbO2 from healthy to diseased sites, without statistical significance (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Optical spectroscopy can determine tissue oxygenation profiles of healthy and diseased sites in smokers. The spectral profile of periodontal sites in smokers generally resembles those from non‐smoking patients.
Genetic analysis of sympatric migratory ecotypes of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus: alternative mating tactics or reproductively isolated strategies?
Authors: Moore J.‐S. , Loewen T. N. , Harris L. N. , Tallman R. F.
Published: January 2014

Three populations of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus from southern Baffin Island were previously identified to display variable migratory phenotypes, with an anadromous component of the population and another remaining resident in fresh water. In this study, 14 microsatellite markers were used to help distinguish between two alternative hypotheses to explain the co‐existence of the two ecotypes: that the two ecotypes originate from a single population and are the result of a conditional mating tactic or that the migratory ecotypes are reproductively isolated populations utilizing alternative migratory strategies. In two of the three replicate systems, FST values between the resident and anadromous individuals were non‐significant, while they were significant in a third sampling location. Bayesian clustering analysis implemented in structure, however, failed to identify any within‐location clustering in all three sampling locations. It is concluded from these analyses that the life‐history ecotypes are most likely conditional mating tactics, rather than reproductively isolated populations. Other evidence in favour of the alternative mating tactic hypothesis is briefly reviewed, and implications for management of those populations are discussed.
Reduced oceanic growth of growth hormone pseudogene‐positive female masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Kitanishi S.
Published: January 2014

This study compared the growth rates of female masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou, who possessed a male‐specific gene marker, the growth hormone pseudogene (GHp), and normal females, as estimated from their scale growth. There was a difference between the growth rates of GHp‐positive females and those of normal females of the same age during the ocean period, although their growth rates during the river period were similar. These results suggest that GHp‐positive salmonid females exhibit male‐like characteristics such as reduced feeding activity during the ocean period, which depresses their growth.
Red cell distribution width, haemoglobin A1c and incidence of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Engström G. , Smith J. G. , Persson M. , Nilsson P. M. , Melander O. , Hedblad B.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Hyperglycaemia has multiple effects on the red blood cell (RBC), including glycation of haemoglobin, reduced deformability and reduced lifespan. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of the heterogeneity of erythrocyte volumes. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between RDW and glucose, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM).

Design, setting and subjects

RDW and mean corpuscular volume were measured in 26 709 non‐diabetic participants (aged 45–73 years) from the population‐based Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort. HbA1c and fasting venous blood glucose levels were measured in 4845 subjects.

Main outcome measure

Incidence of DM (n = 2944) over 14 years of follow‐up was studied by linkage with national and local DM registers.

Results

Individuals with low RDW had significantly higher risk of developing DM [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29–1.70, for 1st vs. 4th quartile], especially in subjects with impaired fasting glucose (n = 416) (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.12–4.14). Low RDW was also associated with significantly higher waist circumference and glucose, insulin and triglyceride concentrations. By contrast, RDW was significantly and positively associated with HbA1c, corresponding an increase in HbA1c of 0.10% per 1 SD increase in RDW.

Conclusion

Low RDW is associated with increased incidence of DM independently of other risk factors. We propose that low RDW could be a surrogate marker of reduced RBC survival, with lower HbA1c due to shorter duration of glucose exposure. RDW is a biomarker that could improve risk assessment for individuals at risk of developing DM.
Genera as proxies for species α‐ and β‐diversity: tested across a deep‐water Atlantic–Arctic boundary
Authors: Bett Brian J. , Narayanaswamy Bhavani E.
Published: January 2014

The deep‐sea floor is increasingly subject to anthropogenic impacts. Consequently, there are increasing efforts to develop appropriate management strategies. Species‐level indicators and assessments are hampered in the deep sea by the high proportion of unknown species routinely encountered. If environmental management is to keep pace with exploitation, alternative approaches including higher taxon surrogacy (taxonomic sufficiency) must be considered. Here we compare genus‐ and species‐level studies of the diversity and ecology of deep‐sea macrobenthos on the West Shetland Slope (NE Atlantic). This is an environmentally complex region that encompasses a biogeographic transition from temperate North Atlantic to Arctic conditions, and so may be particularly challenging for any general relationship between species‐ and genus‐level analyses. We ask two questions: (i) does genus diversity reflect species diversity and (ii) does genus‐level ecology reflect species‐level ecology? We conclude that among the West Shetland Slope macrobenthos: (i) genus‐level α‐ and β‐diversity measures are highly correlated with and good predictors of their species‐level equivalents and (ii) that their ecology is very well described by genus‐level data. We further note that, given the complexity of the West Shetland Slope environment, it may be reasonable to expect these conclusions to hold in other deep‐sea environments.
Structure of the bacterial type II NADH dehydrogenase: a monotopic membrane protein with an essential role in energy generation
Authors: Heikal Adam , Nakatani Yoshio , Dunn Elyse , Weimar Marion R. , Day Catherine L. , Baker Edward N. , Lott J. Shaun , Sazanov Leonid A. , Cook Gregory M.
Published: January 2014

Non‐proton pumping type II NADH dehydrogenase (NDH‐2) plays a central role in the respiratory metabolism of bacteria, and in the mitochondria of fungi, plants and protists. The lack of NDH‐2 in mammalian mitochondria and its essentiality in important bacterial pathogens suggests these enzymes may represent a potential new drug target to combat microbial pathogens. Here, we report the first crystal structure of a bacterial NDH‐2 enzyme at 2.5 Å resolution from Caldalkalibacillus thermarum. The NDH‐2 structure reveals a homodimeric organization that has a unique dimer interface. NDH‐2 is localized to the cytoplasmic membrane by two separated C‐terminal membrane‐anchoring regions that are essential for membrane localization and FAD binding, but not NDH‐2 dimerization. Comparison of bacterial NDH‐2 with the yeast NADH dehydrogenase (Ndi1) structure revealed non‐overlapping binding sites for quinone and NADH in the bacterial enzyme. The bacterial NDH‐2 structure establishes a framework for the structure‐based design of small‐molecule inhibitors.
Single‐cell C4 photosynthesis: efficiency and acclimation of Bienertia sinuspersici to growth under low light
Authors: Stutz Samantha S. , Edwards Gerald E. , Cousins Asaph B.
Published: January 2014

Traditionally, it was believed that C4 photosynthesis required two types of chlorenchyma cells to concentrate CO2 within the leaf. However, several species have been identified that perform C4 photosynthesis using dimorphic chloroplasts within an individual cell. The goal of this research was to determine how growth under limited light affects leaf structure, biochemistry and efficiency of the single‐cell CO2‐concentrating mechanism in Bienertia sinuspersici.

Measurements of rates of CO2 assimilation and CO2 isotope exchange in response to light intensity and O2 were used to determine the efficiency of the CO2‐concentrating mechanism in plants grown under moderate and low light. In addition, enzyme assays, chlorophyll content and light microscopy of leaves were used to characterize acclimation to light‐limited growth conditions.

There was acclimation to growth under low light with a decrease in capacity for photosynthesis when exposed to high light. This was associated with a decreased investment in biochemistry for carbon assimilation with only subtle changes in leaf structure and anatomy. The capture and assimilation of CO2 delivered by the C4 cycle was lower in low‐light‐grown plants.

Low‐light‐grown plants were able to acclimate to maintain structural and functional features for the performance of efficient single‐cell C4 photosynthesis.
Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells as a Predictor of Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle?
Authors: ANTÓNIO NATÁLIA , SOARES ANA , CARVALHEIRO TIAGO , FERNANDES ROSA , PAIVA ARTUR , VENTURA MIGUEL , CRISTÓVÃO JOÃO , ELVAS LUÍS , GONÇALVES LINO , PROVIDÊNCIA LUÍS A. , FONTES RIBEIRO CARLOS , MARIANO PEGO GUILHERME
Published: January 2014

Background

It would be important to better identify heart failure (HF) patients most likely to respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Because endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a crucial role in the maintenance of vascular endothelium integrity, we hypothesize that patients who have higher circulating EPCs levels have greater neovascularization potential and are more prone to be responders to CRT.

Methods

Prospective study of 30 consecutive patients, scheduled for CRT. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed before implant and 6 months after. Responders to CRT were defined as patients who were still alive, have not been hospitalized for HF management, and demonstrated ≥15% reduction in left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV) at the 6‐month follow‐up. EPCs were quantified before CRT, from peripheral blood, by flow cytometry using five different conjugated antibodies: anti‐CD34, anti‐KDR, anti‐CD133, anti‐CD45, and anti‐CXCR4. We quantified five different populations of angiogenic cells: CD133+/CD34+ cells, CD133+/KDR+ cells, CD133+/CD34+/KDR+ cells, CD45dimCD34+/KDR+ cells, and CD45dimCD34+/KDR+/CXCR4+ cells.

Results

The proportion of responders to CRT at the 6‐month follow‐up was 46.7%. Responders to CRT presented higher baseline EPCs levels than nonresponders (0.0003 ± 0.0006% vs 0.0001 ± 0.0002%, P = 0.04, for CD34+/CD133+/KDR+ and 0.0006 ± 0.0005% vs 0.0003 ± 0.0003%, P = 0.009, for CD45dimCD34+/KDR+/CXCR4+ cells). In addition, baseline levels of CD45dimCD34+/KDR+/CXCR4+ cells were positively correlated with the reduction of LVESV verified 6 months after CRT (r = 0.497, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

High circulating EPCs levels may identify the subset of HF patients who are more likely to undergo reverse remodeling and benefit from CRT. Addition of EPCs levels assessment to current selection criteria may improve the ability to predict CRT response.
Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Associated with Amniotic Band Syndrome
Authors: Snadecki Haley , Criscione Vincent , Jaquith Alisha , Hay Beverly , Deng April , Wiss Karen
Published: January 2014

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a term used to describe congenital anomalies that result from the entrapment of a fetus in fibrous bands. We describe two male infants born with features of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) and ABS. These cases add to the few previous reports of simultaneous DEB and ABS. Abnormal type VII collagen in anchoring structures of the amniotic epithelium is a proposed mechanism for loose amniotic bands that entangle the fetus, with an abnormality in the gene that encodes for type VII collagen.
World Human Development: 1870–2007
Authors: Prados de la Escosura Leandro
Published: January 2014

How has wellbeing evolved over time and across regions? How does the West compare to the Rest? What explains their differences? These questions are addressed using a historical index of human development. A sustained improvement in world wellbeing has taken place since 1870. The absolute gap between OECD and the Rest widened over time, but an incomplete catching up—largely explained by education—occurred between 1913 and 1970. As the health transition was achieved in the Rest, the contribution of life expectancy to human development improvement declined and the Rest fell behind in terms of longevity. Meanwhile, in the OECD, as longevity increased, healthy years expanded. A large variance in human development is noticeable in the Rest since 1970, with East Asia, Latin America, and North Africa catching up to the OECD, and Central and Eastern Europe and Sub‐Saharan Africa falling behind.
Technical Efficiency in the Angolan Banking Sector with the B‐convexity Model
Authors: Barros Carlos P. , Liang Qi Bin , Peypoch Nicolas
Published: January 2014

This paper analyses technical efficiency in Angolan banks from 2005 to 2010 with an innovative production frontier model, themodel. The intermediate approach is adopted. It is observed that the efficiency increases over the observation period, according to the international experience, market share and local markets. Policy implications indicate that competition and governance should be promoted in order to increase efficiency.
Variable inflammation and intramuscular STAT3 phosphorylation and myeloperoxidase levels after downhill running
Authors: van de Vyver M. , Myburgh K. H.
Published: January 2014

Individual responses in creatine kinase (CK) release after eccentric exercise are divergent. This study aimed to identify whether this could be related to selected humoral or intramuscular inflammatory factors. Twenty‐three subjects were divided into non‐exercising (n = 5) and downhill run (DHR; n = 18) groups (12 × 5 min, 10% decline at 15 km/h). Blood samples were analyzed for white blood cell differential count, CK, myoglobin, tumor necrosis factor‐α, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐10. Muscle biopsies were analyzed for signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3), IκBα, and myeloperoxidase (MPO). DHR participants clustered as early (DHR1) recovery, biphasic response (DHR2), or classic delayed exaggerated CK response (DHR3), with a delayed CK peak (4784 ± 1496 U/L) on day 4. For DHR1 and DHR2, CK peaked on day 1 (DHR1: 1198 ± 837 U/L) or on day 1 and day 4 (DHR2: 1583 ± 448 U/L; 1878 ± 427 U/L), respectively. Immediately post‐DHR, IL‐6 increased in DHR2 and DHR3 whereas IL‐10 increased in all DHR groups. STAT3 signaling increased for DHR1 and DHR2 at 4 h, but MPO at day 2 only in DHR2. Objective cluster analysis uncovered a group of subjects with a characteristic biphasic CK release after DHR. The second elevation was related to their early cytokine response. The results provide evidence that early responses following eccentric exercise are indicative of later variation.
Spatial analysis of thickness variability applied to an Early Jurassic carbonate platform in the central Southern Alps (Italy): a tool to unravel syn‐sedimentary faulting
Authors: Franceschi Marco , Massironi Matteo , Franceschi Pietro , Picotti Vincenzo
Published: January 2014

Early Jurassic syn‐sedimentary extensional tectonics in the central Southern Alps controlled patterns of deposition within the Calcari Grigi carbonate platform. We used variogram maps to gather model‐independent information on the spatial distribution of thicknesses of selected platform units and investigated whether major syn‐sedimentary faults outlined subsiding domains during platform growth. Thicknesses display a spatial organization that suggests that large fault belts, often coincident with exposed Jurassic extensional structures, transected large parts of the platform. The network of four fault systems (trending NNW–SSE and NE–SW) displays orthorhombic symmetry, suggesting non‐Andersonian faulting and a true triaxial strain field with N100°E maximum extension or transfer shear zones connecting major NNW–SSE‐trending extensional faults. In both cases, inherited structures of Permian to Triassic age may have played a primary role in Jurassic faulting. If confirmed throughout the South‐Alpine domain, this arrangement could shed new light on Early Jurassic rifting mechanisms in the Southern Alps.
The significance of silica precipitation on the formation of the permeable–impermeable boundary within Earth's crust
Authors: Saishu Hanae , Okamoto Atsushi , Tsuchiya Noriyoshi
Published: January 2014

The hydrological system within Earth's crust is divided into the permeable zone and the underlying, much less permeable zone. In this study, we investigated the solubility and precipitation kinetics of silica in water under the conditions of the Kakkonda geothermal field, Japan, where well WD‐1a penetrates the boundary between the hydrothermal convection zone and the heat conduction zone. We found that quartz solubility has a local minimum at the depth of the hydrological boundary, at ~3100‐m depth (380 °C and 24 MPa), in the case of either hydrostatic conditions or fluid pressure increase above hydrostatic at deeper levels. The hydrothermal experiments reveal that rapid quartz precipitation occurs via nucleation when fluids are brought from the liquid region to the supercritical region. The preferential precipitation of quartz at a specific depth plays a significant role in forming and sustaining the permeable–impermeable boundary in the crust.
Invasive Trichosporon infection in solid organ transplant patients: a report of two cases identified using IGS1 ribosomal DNA sequencing and a review of the literature
Authors: Almeida Júnior J.N. , Song A.T.W. , Campos S.V. , Strabelli T.M.V. , Del Negro G.M. , Figueiredo D.S.Y. , Motta A.L. , Rossi F. , Guitard J. , Benard G. , Hennequin C.
Published: January 2014

Trichosporon species are rare etiologic agents of invasive fungal infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. We report 2 well‐documented cases of Trichosporon inkin invasive infection in SOT patients. We also conducted a detailed literature review of Trichosporon species infections in this susceptible population. We gathered a total of 13 cases of Trichosporon species infections. Any type of organ transplantation can be complicated by Trichosporon infection. Bloodstream infections and disseminated infections were the most common clinical presentations. Liver recipients with bloodstream or disseminated infections had poor prognoses. Although the most common species was formerly called Trichosporon beigelii, this species name should no longer be used because of the changes in the taxonomy of this genus resulting from the advent of molecular approaches, which were also used to identify the strains isolated from our patients. Antifungal susceptibility testing highlights the possibility of multidrug resistance. Indeed, Trichosporon has to be considered in cases of breakthrough infection or treatment failure under echinocandins or amphotericin therapy. Voriconazole seems to be the best treatment option.
Long-Term, High-Throughput Operation of a Controlled Detonation Chamber Based on Shakedown Under Initial Overload in the Plastic Range
Authors: Asahina Joseph K. , Nickell Robert E. , Rodriguez Edward A. , Shirakura Takao
Published: January 2014

Hydrostatic or pneumatic overpressure testing prior to actual service provides a number of purposes related to structural integrity of pressure vessels, including some degree of confirmation of both the design and fabrication processes. For detonation chambers designed to control impulsive pressure loadings, preservice hydrostatic testing at impulses greater than those expected during normal operation can provide an added benefit—the ability to reduce cyclic fatigue damage caused by long-term, high-throughput operation, where the chamber may be use to control hundreds or even thousands of detonations without compromising structural integrity through excessive fatigue crack initiation and growth. This paper illustrates the favorable characteristics of controlled detonation chamber operation following an initial preservice impulsive over-testing program that demonstrates shakedown and satisfaction of strain ratcheting criteria, leading to favorable cyclic fatigue behavior during subsequent long-term, high-throughput operation.
Biomechanical Evaluation of an Interfacet Joint Decompression and Stabilization System
Authors: Leasure Jeremi M. , Buckley Jenni
Published: January 2014

A majority of the middle-aged population exhibit cervical spondylosis that may require decompression and fusion of the affected level. Minimally invasive cervical fusion is an attractive option for decreasing operative time, morbidity, and mortality rates. A novel interfacet joint spacer (DTRAX facet screw system, Providence Medical) promises minimally invasive deployment resulting in decompression of the neuroforamen and interfacet fusion. The present study investigates the effectiveness of the device in minimizing intervertebral motion to promote fusion, decompression of the nerve root during bending activity, and performance of the implant to adhere to anatomy during repeated bending loads. We observed flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation resonant overshoot mode (ROM) in cadaver models of c-spine treated with the interfacet joint spacer (FJ spacer) as stand-alone and supplementing anterior plating. The FJ spacer was deployed bilaterally at single levels. Specimens were placed at the limit of ROM in flexion, extension, axial bending, and lateral bending. 3D images of the foramen were taken and postprocessed to quantify changes in foraminal area. Stand-alone spacer specimens were subjected to 30,000 cycles at 2 Hz of nonsimultaneous flexion-extension and lateral bending under compressive load and X-ray imaged at regular cycle intervals for quantitative measurements of device loosening. The stand-alone FJ spacer increased specimen stiffness in all directions except extension. 86% of all deployments resulted in some level of foraminal distraction. The rate of effective distraction was maintained in flexed, extended, and axially rotated postures. Two specimens demonstrated no detectable implant loosening (<0.25 mm). Three showed unilateral subclinical loosening (0.4 mm maximum), and one had subclinical loosening bilaterally (0.5 mm maximum). Results of our study are comparable to previous investigations into the stiffness of other stand-alone minimally invasive technologies. The FJ spacer system effectively increased stiffness of the affected level comparable to predicate systems. Results of this study indicate the FJ spacer increases foraminal area in the cervical spine, and decompression is maintained during bending activities. Clinical studies will be necessary to determine whether the magnitude of decompression observed in this cadaveric study will effectively treat cervical radiculopathy; however, results of this study, taken in context of successful decompression treatments in the lumbar spine, are promising for the continued development of this product. Results of this biomechanical study are encouraging for the continued investigation of this device in animal and clinical trials, as they suggest the device is well fixated and mechanically competent.
Active Noise Control in a Duct With Flow
Authors: Yuksel Osman , Yilmaz Cetin
Published: January 2014

Active noise control in a one dimensional acoustic duct, in which fluid medium inside the duct has a mean flow velocity, is studied. The acoustic duct model with general boundary conditions is solved in Laplace domain and infinite dimensional system transfer functions are obtained. For controller designs, appropriate microphone, and noise canceling source locations are determined. Low order finite dimensional transfer function approximations of actual system transfer functions are obtained. It is found that, in a selected frequency range, approximations represent actual system in a satisfactory way. By using approximated system transfer functions, finite dimensional, low order, optimal H2 and H∞ controllers are synthesized via linear matrix inequalities method. Closed loop frequency response and time domain simulations show that the controllers successfully suppress unwanted sound, which propagates along the duct.
Thermally Conductive and Highly Electrically Resistive Grease Through Homogeneously Dispersing Liquid Metal Droplets Inside Methyl Silicone Oil
Authors: Mei Shengfu , Gao Yunxia , Deng Zhongshan , Liu Jing
Published: January 2014

Thermal grease, as a thermal interface material (TIM), has been extensively applied in electronic packaging areas. Generally, thermal greases consist of highly thermally conductive solid fillers and matrix material that provides good surface wettability and compliance of the material during application. In this study, the room-temperature liquid metal (a gallium, indium and tin eutectic, also called Galinstan) was proposed as a new kind of liquid filler for making high performance TIMs with desired thermal and electrical behaviors. Through directly mixing and stirring in air, liquid metal micron-droplets were accidentally discovered capable to be homogeneously distributed and sealed in the matrix of methyl silicone oil. Along this way, four different volume ratios of the liquid metal poly (LMP) greases were fabricated. The thermal and electrical properties of the LMP greases were experimentally investigated, and the mechanisms were clarified by analyzing their surface morphologies. The experimental results indicate that the original highly electrically conductive liquid metal can be turned into a highly electrically resistive composite, by simply blending with methyl silicone oil. When the filler content comes up to 81.8 vol. %, the thermal conductivity, viscosity and volume resistivity read 5.27 W/(m · °C), 760 Pa · s and 1.07 × 107 Ω m, respectively. Furthermore, the LMP greases presented no obvious corrosion effect, compared with pure liquid metal. This study opens a new approach to flexibly modify the material behaviors of the room-temperature liquid metals. The resulted thermally conductive however highly electrically resistive LMP greases can be significant in a wide variety of electronic packaging applications.
Adaptive Mesh Refinement for Immersed Boundary Methods
Authors: Vanella Marcos , Posa Antonio , Balaras Elias
Published: January 2014

Immersed boundary methods coupled with adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) are a powerful tool to solve complex viscous incompressible flow problems, especially in the presence of moving and deforming boundaries. Immersed boundary methods have been traditionally used in the framework of fractional step formulations for temporal integration and are generally coupled to logically structured grids, where the elliptic problem for the pressure is solved using fast solution techniques. In many situations, especially at large Reynolds numbers, adaptive clustering of fluid grid points on large gradient regions is desirable. This article gives an overview of currently available AMR tools, with an emphasis on block structured grids that are a natural fit to immersed boundary methods, and discusses future trends.
Basic Studies of Flow-Instability Inception in Axial Compressors Using Eigenvalue Method
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Sun Dakun , Sun Xiaofeng
Published: January 2014

This paper applies a theoretical model developed recently to calculate the flow-instability inception of an axial transonic single stage compressor. After several calculation methods are compared, the singular value decomposition method is adopted to solve the resultant eigenvalue problem in which the involved matrix is rather large due to multistage configuration. The onset point of flow instability is judged by the imaginary part of the resultant eigenvalue. The effect of flow compressibility on the stall onset point calculation for the transonic rotor is studied. It is shown that the compressibility of flow perturbation plays a major role in computing high speed compressor flow stability.
A Common Cellular Basis for Muscle Regeneration in Arthropods and Vertebrates
Authors: Konstantinides Nikolaos , Averof Michalis
Published: January 2014

Crustacean limb regeneration relies on committed progenitor cells, including satellite-like muscle precursors.
Draft Genome Sequence of Porphyromonas gingivalis Strain SJD2, Isolated from the Periodontal Pocket of a Patient with Periodontitis in China
Authors: Liu Dali , Zhou Yanbin , Naito Mariko , Yumoto Hiromichi , Li Qiang , Miyake Yoichiro , Liang Jingping , Shu Rong
Published: January 2014

Porphyromonas gingivalis
strain SJD2 was isolated from subgingival plaque of a patient in China with chronic periodontitis. Here, we report the draft genome of this strain, with a size of 2,328,850 bp, average G+C content of 48.3%, and 2,020 predicted protein-coding sequences.
Factors affecting emergency preparedness competency of public health inspectors: a cross-sectional study in northeastern China
Authors: Ning Ning , Kang Zheng , Jiao Mingli , Hao Yanhua , Gao Lijun , Sun Hong , Wu Qunhong
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To determine the emergency preparedness competency specific to public health inspectors (PHIs), preparedness limitations and needs of the workforce, as well as to identify important factors that affect the preparedness competency of PHIs.

Setting

Cross-sectional survey was conducted in Heilongjiang, a province in northeastern China.

Participants

A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 368 PHIs from 17 public health inspection agencies, chosen by stratified cluster sampling strategy. 9 PHIs and 6 agency's leaders were invited to participate in an in-depth interview.

Outcome measures

Self-rated preparedness competency in quantitative study was measured. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to test the associations between individual determinants and self-rated preparedness competency. Key themes relating to preparedness competency of PHIs in qualitative study were analysed.

Results

Although 82% of PHIs highly rated their general preparedness competency, there were significant differences among the assessment on specific domains of their competency. Comparing with attitude, the domains of skills and knowledge tend to be lower (p=0.000). Awareness on one's own responsibilities regarding emergency response work was identified as the most important factor associated with preparedness competency (adjusted OR=6.33, 95% CI 3.30 to 12.16). Lack of explicit national job requirements, overlapping responsibilities and poor collaboration among agencies, together with poor knowledge and skills level of personnel, led to an ambiguity of responsibility, and hindered the preparedness competency enhancement of PHIs furthermore.

Conclusions

Ambiguity responsibility in emergency response is still a prominent issue that hinders the further improvement on the preparedness competency for PHIs’ in China. Intensified capacity-building activities targeting at individuals’ weakness in specific knowledge and skills are urgently needed; in addition, capacity building at policy and system level as well as agency levels is of equal importance.
Factors influencing the diagnostic accuracy of the rapid influenza antigen detection test (RIADT): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tanei Mika , Yokokawa Hirohide , Murai Kenji , Sakamoto Rino , Amari Yu , Boku Soushin , Inui Akihiro , Fujibayashi Kazutoshi , Uehara Yuki , Isonuma Hiroshi , Kikuchi Ken , Naito Toshio
Published: January 2014

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the rapid influenza antigen detection test (RIADT) and determine which symptoms are relevant to results.

Design

Single-centre, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Primary care centre, Tokyo, Japan.

Participants

82 consecutive outpatients presenting with upper respiratory symptoms and fever ≥37°C at any time from symptom onset, between December 2010 and April 2011.

Main outcome measures

Results of history and physical examination including age, sex, temperature, time of test from symptom onset, vaccination record and current symptoms (sore throat, arthralgia and/or myalgia, headache, chills, cough and/or throat phlegm, nasal discharge) were recorded. The RIADT and a fully automated respiratory virus nucleic acid test (Verigene Respiratory Virus Plus; VRV), the latter being the gold standard, were performed. Patients were divided into four groups: false negative (FN), RIADT− and VRV+; true positive (TP), RIADT+ and VRV+; true negative (TN), RIADT− and VRV−; and false positive, RIADT+ and VRV−. Groups were compared regarding age, sex, temperature, time of test from symptom onset, vaccination record and symptoms.

Results

RIADT sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 72.9% (95% CI 61.5% to 84.2%), 91.3% (79.7% to 102.8%), 95.6% (89.5% to 101.6%) and 56.8% (40.8% to 72.7%), respectively. Time from symptom onset to test was shorter for the FN group than the TP group (p=0.009). No significant differences were detected for the other factors assessed. Results revealed higher temperatures for FN than TN patients (p=0.043), and more FN than TN patients had chills (p=0.058).

Conclusions

The RIADT sensitivity was low, due to early administration of the test. In the epidemic season, the RIADT should not be used for suspected influenza until 12 h after symptom onset. A positive RIADT firmly supports the influenza diagnosis; a negative result does not confirm its absence. High fever and chills might indicate influenza, but additional tests are sometimes necessary.
Dear health minister: tend the garden but make sure you fence the crocodiles
Authors: Baum Frances E , Laris Paul , Fisher Matthew , Newman Lareen A , MacDougall Colin
Published: January 2014

This paper offers lessons to in-coming health ministers on how they can act to reduce inequities and take action on social determinants. It draws on an interview study of twenty former Australian State, Territory and Federal health ministers about the extent to which they were able to do these things during their tenure. In order to take effective health equity action the health ministers advised: ensure evidence is used to develop a strong party policy platform for health equity; install policy entrepreneurs for health equity and social determinants in the health ministry; build popular constituencies through processes of deliberative democracy; establish context appropriate cross-department mechanisms to co-ordinate action on social determinants; and be elected in the context of a political party which values social justice and redistribution.
Changes in weight and health-related quality of life. The Doetinchem Cohort Study
Authors: Milder Ivon E J , de Hollander Ellen L , Picavet H Susan , Verschuren W M Monique , de Groot Lisette C PG M , Bemelmans Wanda J E
Published: January 2014

Background

The cross-sectional association between obesity and a lower health-related quality of life (HRQL) is clear. However, less is known about the association between changes in weight and HRQL. We examined the association between weight changes and changes in HRQL in a population-based sample of 2005 men and 2130 women aged 26–70 years.

Methods

Weight was measured two or three times with 5-year intervals between 1995 and 2009, and was categorised as stable (change ≤2 kg, 40%), weight loss (19%), or weight gain 2.1–4.0 kg, 4.1–6.0 kg, or >6 kg (41%). Changes in HRQL (SF36 questionnaire, including physical and mental scales) per weight change category were compared with a stable weight using generalised estimating equations.

Results

Weight gain was associated with declines of up to 5 points on five mainly physical scales and holds for different age categories. Especially for women, a dose-response relationship was observed, that is, larger weight gain was associated with larger declines in HRQL. Changes in HRQL for those with weight loss were small, but particularly on the mental scales, changes were in the negative direction compared to a stable weight.

Conclusions

Weight gain and weight loss were associated with unfavourable changes in HRQL compared with a stable weight. For weight gain, this was most pronounced on the physical scales and for weight loss, although less consistent, on the mental scales.
Household crowding is associated with higher allostatic load among the Inuit
Authors: Riva Mylene , Plusquellec Pierrich , Juster Robert-Paul , Laouan-Sidi Elhadji A , Abdous Belkacem , Lucas Michel , Dery Serge , Dewailly Eric
Published: January 2014

Background

Household crowding is an important problem in some aboriginal communities that is reaching particularly high levels among the circumpolar Inuit. Living in overcrowded conditions may endanger health via stress pathophysiology. This study examines whether higher household crowding is associated with stress-related physiological dysregulations among the Inuit.

Methods

Cross-sectional data on 822 Inuit adults were taken from the 2004 Qanuippitaa? How are we? Nunavik Inuit Health Survey. Chronic stress was measured using the concept of allostatic load (AL) representing the multisystemic biological ‘wear and tear’ of chronic stress. A summary index of AL was constructed using 14 physiological indicators compiled into a traditional count-based index and a binary variable that contrasted people at risk on at least seven physiological indicators. Household crowding was measured using indicators of household size (total number of people and number of children per house) and overcrowding defined as more than one person per room. Data were analysed using weighted Generalised Estimating Equations controlling for participants’ age, sex, income, diet and involvement in traditional activities.

Results

Higher household crowding was significantly associated with elevated AL levels and with greater odds of being at risk on at least seven physiological indicators, especially among women and independently of individuals’ characteristics.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that household crowding is a source of chronic stress among the Inuit of Nunavik. Differential housing conditions are shown to be a marker of health inequalities among this population. Housing conditions are a critical public health issue in many aboriginal communities that must be investigated further to inform healthy and sustainable housing strategies.