bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Cognitive Function a Concern in Independent Elderly Adults Discharged Home from the Emergency Department in Canada After a Minor Injury?
Authors: Ouellet Marie‐Christine , Sirois Marie‐Josée , Beaulieu‐Bonneau Simon , Morin Jacques , Perry Jeffrey , Daoust Raoul , Wilding Laura , Provencher Véronique , Camden Stéphanie , Allain‐Boulé Nadine , Émond Marcel
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To describe the cognitive functioning of independent community‐dwelling elderly adults visiting the emergency department (ED) for minor injuries and at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up assessments and to document the occurrence of falls, return to the ED, and hospital visits over time according to cognitive level.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Three Canadian EDs.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older who were independent in basic activities of daily living, visiting the ED for minor injuries, and discharged home within 48 hours (N = 320).

Measurements

Participants completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). New falls involving pain and ED or hospital visits were documented at 3 and 6 months.

Results

At baseline, 62.4% of participants scored below the recommended cutoff of 26 on the MoCA, suggesting cognitive dysfunction, and 22.9% scored below a more‐stringent cutoff of 21. MoCA scores had improved significantly at 3 and 6 months. Items showing the most improvement were delayed recall and verbal fluency. Persons with MoCA scores of less than 21 reported significantly more new falls and hospital visits 3 to 6 months after injury.

Conclusion

Cognition is not optimal in many community‐dwelling elderly adults visiting an ED for a minor injury, which may affect their capacity to comprehend, recall, and adhere to medical recommendations after their injury and put them at risk of further negative health events such as falls.
Objective Measures of Activity Level and Mortality in Older Men
Authors: Ensrud Kristine E. , Blackwell Terri L. , Cauley Jane A. , Dam Thuy‐Tien L. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Schousboe John T. , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth , Stone Katie L. , Bauer Douglas C. , Shikany James M. , Mackey Dawn C. ,   the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study Group
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To examine associations between objective measures of activity level and mortality risk in older men.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Six U.S. sites.

Participants

Men aged 71 and older followed an average of 4.5 years (N = 2,918).

Measurements

Time awake spent in sedentary behavior (metabolic equivalent (MET) level ≤1.50), light activity (MET level 1.51–2.99), and at least moderate activity (MET level ≥3.00) measured using an activity monitor worn for 5 days or longer and expressed as quartiles. Deaths were confirmed with death certificates; cause of death was adjudicated by review of certificates and records.

Results

During follow‐up, 409 (14%) men died. After multivariable adjustment, comparing Q4 with Q1, more time spent in sedentary behavior (Q4 vs Q1, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–2.08), less time spent in light activity (Q1 vs Q4, HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.06–2.24), and less time spent in at least moderate activity (Q1 vs Q4, HR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.09–2.25) were similarly associated with greater mortality risk primarily due to higher risks of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular, noncancer death. The association between time spent in sedentary behavior and mortality varied according to time spent at higher activity level. More time spent in sedentary behavior was associated with greater risk of death in men spending 1.2 (median) h/d or more in at least moderate activity (Q4 vs Q1, HR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.26–3.49) but not in those spending less time (Q4 vs Q1, HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.62–1.66) (P = .005 for interaction).

Conclusion

In older men exceeding current guidelines on physical activity, more time spent in sedentary behavior is associated with greater mortality risk.
Associations Between Serum Biomarkers and Pain and Pain‐Related Function in Older Adults with Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sowa Gwendolyn A. , Perera Subashan , Bechara Bernard , Agarwal Vikas , Boardman John , Huang Wan , Camacho‐Soto Alejandra , Vo Nam , Kang James , Weiner Debra
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To examine the relationship between serum biomarkers and self‐reported pain intensity and pain‐related function, in addition to the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of lumbar spine degenerative changes, in older adults with chronic low back pain.

Design

Single‐center cross‐sectional cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Participants

Individuals aged 60 and older with axial low back pain without radiculopathy or previously diagnosed osteoarthritis of the knee or hip or pain outside the low back that is more severe than the back pain (n = 43).

Measurements

To examine pain‐related impairment, pain was measured on a pain thermometer and the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form was administered. To examine pain‐related function or activity limitation, the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and repetitive trunk rotation were used. Single plasma samples were obtained before and after physical performance tests and analyzed for inflammatory markers (E‐selectin and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)), inhibitors of catabolic enzymes (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1)), markers of matrix turnover (C‐ telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX‐II) and aggrecan chondroitin sulfate 846 (CS846)), and stress biomarkers (neuropeptide Y (NPY)). Conventional nongadolinium lumbar MRI was performed and analyzed quantitatively and clinically.

Results

Composite MRI measurements did not show significant correlation with pain or pain‐related function. Basal levels and changes in serum biomarkers in response to activity, particularly NPY and RANTES, demonstrated associations with pain and pain‐related function in addition to the explanatory power of MRI‐based results.

Conclusion

Serum biomarkers may be a metric for assessment of active disease in older adults, in whom imaging changes are ubiquitous. In addition, changing levels of biomarkers in response to activity suggests that they may be useful as metrics to measure treatment responses in future studies and may reflect potential targets for use in designing personalized treatment for older adults with low back pain.
Functional Disability in Late‐Middle‐Aged and Older Adults Admitted to a Safety‐Net Hospital
Authors: Brown Rebecca T. , Pierluissi Edgar , Guzman David , Kessell Eric R. , Elizabeth Goldman L. , Sarkar Urmimala , Schneidermann Michelle , Critchfield Jeffrey M. , Kushel Margot B.
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of preadmission functional disability in late‐middle‐aged and older safety‐net inpatients and to identify characteristics associated with functional disability by age.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Safety‐net hospital in San Francisco, California.

Participants

English‐, Spanish‐, and Chinese‐speaking community‐dwelling individuals aged 55 and older admitted to a safety‐net hospital with anticipated return to the community (N = 699).

Measurements

At hospital admission, participants reported their need for help performing five activities of daily living (ADLs) and seven instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) 2 weeks before admission. ADL disability was defined as needing help performing one or more ADLs and IADL disability as needing help performing two or more IADLs. Participant characteristics were assessed, including sociodemographic characteristics, health status, health‐related behaviors, and health‐seeking behaviors.

Results

Overall, 28.3% of participants reported that they had an ADL disability 2 weeks before admission, and 40.4% reported an IADL disability. The prevalence of preadmission ADL disability was 28.9% of those aged 55 to 59, 20.7% of those aged 60 to 69, and 41.2% of those aged 70 and older (P < .001). The prevalence of IADL disability had a similar distribution. The characteristics associated with functional disability differed according to age; in participants aged 55 to 59, African Americans had a higher odds of ADL and IADL disability, whereas in participants aged 60 to 69 and aged 70 and older, inadequate health literacy was associated with functional disability.

Conclusion

Preadmission functional disability is common in individuals aged 55 and older admitted to a safety‐net hospital. Late‐middle‐aged individuals admitted to safety‐net hospitals may benefit from models of acute care currently used for older adults that prevent adverse outcomes associated with functional disability.
The Luteinising Hormone Surge‐Generating System is Functional in Male Goats as in Females: Involvement of Kisspeptin Neurones in the Medial Preoptic Area
Authors: Matsuda F. , Nakatsukasa K. , Suetomi Y. , Naniwa Y. , Ito D. , Inoue N. , Wakabayashi Y. , Okamura H. , Maeda K.‐I. , Uenoyama Y. , Tsukamura H. , Ohkura S.
Published: November 2014

A luteinising hormone (LH) surge is fundamental to the induction of ovulation in mammalian females. The administration of a preovulatory level of oestrogen evokes an LH surge in ovariectomised females, whereas the response to oestrogen in castrated males differs among species; namely, the LH surge‐generating system is sexually differentiated in some species (e.g. rodents and sheep) but not in others (e.g. primates). In the present study, we aimed to determine whether there is a functional LH surge‐generating system in male goats, and whether hypothalamic kisspeptin neurones in male goats are involved in the regulation of surge‐like LH secretion. By i.v. infusion of oestradiol (E2; 6 μg/h) for 16 h, a surge‐like LH increase occurred in both castrated male and ovariectomised female goats, although the mean peak LH concentration was lower and the mean peak of the LH surge was later in males compared to females. Dual staining with KISS1 in situ hybridisation and c‐Fos immunohistochemistry revealed that E2 treatment significantly increased c‐Fos expression in the medial preoptic area (mPOA) KISS1 cells in castrated males, as well as ovariectomised females. By contrast, dual‐labelled cells were scarcely detected in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) after E2 treatment in both sexes. These data suggest that kisspeptin neurones in the mPOA, but not those in the ARC, are involved in the induction of surge‐like LH secretion in both male and female goats. In summary, our data show that the mechanism that initiates the LH surge in response to oestrogen, the mPOA kisspeptin neurones, is functional in male goats. Thus, sexual differentiation of the LH surge‐generating system would not be applicable to goats.
Incidence and outcomes of women with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in pregnancy: A population‐based study on 7.9 million births
Authors: El‐Messidi Amira , Patenaude Valerie , Abenhaim Haim Arie
Published: November 2014

Aim

Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a rare malignancy that can affect women of all ages. The purpose of our study was to estimate the incidence, maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancy‐associated non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (PANHL).

Material and Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study on all births identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project – Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2003 to 2011. Disease incidence was calculated and logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted effect of NHL on maternal and fetal outcomes.

Results

Of 7 917 453 births, there were 427 cases of PANHL for an overall incidence of 5.39 per 100 000 births, increasing from 4.44 per 100 000 births to 7.17 per 100 000 births over the 9‐year period. Relative to controls, PANHL was more common among Caucasians and women aged 25–34 years. Non‐specified PANHL was most commonly coded in >81% of cases, with mycosis fungoides and Burkitt's lymphoma being the other two most common. After adjusting for baseline characteristics, women with PANHL were more likely to have pre‐eclampsia, odds ratio (OR) 1.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–2.32), cesarean section, OR 1.37 (95%CI 1.13–1.67), preterm births OR 2.50 (95%CI 1.94–3.22), postpartum blood transfusions, OR 2.73 (2.10–3.55), and infectious morbidity, OR 2.81 (95%CI 1.16–6.79). Maternal and fetal mortality rates were significantly increased among women with PANHL.

Conclusion

The incidence of PANHL is increasing and is associated with an increased risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, and as such, women with PANHL may best be managed in specialized centers.
Improving delivery of health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Authors: Attwood Lucy , Rodrigues Sarah , Winsor Josephine , Warren Shirley , Biviano Lyn , Gunasekera Hasantha
Published: November 2014

Aim

To identify opportunities to improve health‐care delivery for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children requiring hospital admission and to determine their characteristics.

Methods

We analysed all documentation of admissions of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children to a tertiary paediatric hospital in 2010. We reviewed the medical records to determine whether the Aboriginal status of patients was known, whether Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and their families were reviewed by Aboriginal staff during admission and whether basic health‐care quality indicators were met, including documentation of anthropometry, ear examination findings, immunisation status and catch‐up immunisation delivery.

Results

In 2010, 543 (2%) patients admitted to the institution were identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander: 140/538 (26.0%) were from the first decile (most disadvantaged) on Socio‐Economic Indexes for Areas index. Of all admitted children, 148/543 (27.3%) were referred to Aboriginal health professionals during admission, more when length of stay was greater than 7 days (61% vs. 23%, P < 0.001). There was documentation of weight in 533/543 (98.2%), ear examinations in 64/543 (11.8%), immunisations being not up to date in 126/543 (23%), catch‐up immunisation given in 7/126 (5.6%), Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status in 8/543 (1.5%) medical and 1/543 (0.2%) nursing discharge summaries.

Conclusions

We have identified several opportunities to improve culturally appropriate health‐care delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children admitted to hospital, including improved recognition of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status of patients, improved access to Aboriginal health professionals and increased performance and documentation of basic anthropometry, ear examination and immunisation catch‐up.
A case of type B botulism in a pregnant bitch
Authors: Lamoureux A. , Pouzot‐Nevoret C. , Escriou C.
Published: November 2014

A two‐year‐old pregnant Gordon setter presented with acute onset of flaccid tetraparesis and respiratory distress. Neurological examination revealed diffuse lower motor neuron dysfunction.Clostridium botulinumneurotoxin B was isolated from the dog's serum. The dog was hospitalised and received supportive care; respiratory function was monitored but positive‐pressure ventilation was not required. Recovery was complete within 1 month and parturition occurred without complication 49 days after admission. The puppies delivered lacked any obvious congenital defects and development during the first few months of life was normal. The source of contamination was suspected to be poorly conserved dry food.

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report ofC. botulinumneurotoxin B isolation in a dog and the first report of botulism in a pregnant bitch.
Simeprevir with peginterferon/ribavirin for treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection: pooled safety analysis from Phase IIb and III studies
Authors: Manns M. P. , Fried M. W. , Zeuzem S. , Jacobson I. M. , Forns X. , Poordad F. , Peeters M. , Fu M. , Lenz O. , Ouwerkerk‐Mahadevan S. , Jessner W. , Scott J. A. , Kalmeijer R. , De La Rosa G. , Sinha R. , Beumont‐Mauviel M.
Published: November 2014

This pooled analysis of five Phase IIb and III studies evaluated the safety and tolerability of simeprevir, a once daily, oral hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease inhibitor. Data were summarised for patients who received simeprevir 150 mg once daily (n = 924) or placebo (n = 540) plus pegylated interferon‐α/ribavirin for 12 weeks. During the first 12 weeks of treatment, few patients discontinued simeprevir or placebo due to adverse events (AEs) (both 2.2%). Pruritus (23.8% vs 17.4%), rash (any; 22.9% vs 16.7%) and photosensitivity (3.2% vs 0.6%) [Correction added on 16 January 2015, after first online publication: In the above sentence, the values in ‘Photosensitivity’ were previously incorrect and have now been changed to 3.2% vs 0.6%.] were more prevalent in the simeprevir vs the placebo groups. Most AEs were grade 1/2 (72.4% for simeprevir vs 71.3% for placebo). All grade 3/4 AEs occurred in <5.0% of patients, except neutropenia (9.8% vs 7.6%). Overall incidence of neutropenia was similar (17.3% vs 15.7%). Incidence of anaemia was 13.2% for simeprevir vs 10.9% for placebo, and incidence of increased bilirubin was 8.4% vs 2.8%. Bilirubin increases were mild‐to‐moderate and transient without concurrent transaminase increases or association with hepatic injury. Safety and tolerability did not vary with METAVIR score, although increased bilirubin and anaemia were more frequent in simeprevir‐treated patients with METAVIR F4 (increased bilirubin, 13.0% vs 3.3%; anaemia, 19.0% vs 14.8%). Serious AEs were infrequent (2.1% for simeprevir vs 3.0% for placebo). No deaths were reported during the first 12 weeks of treatment. Patient‐reported fatigue and other outcomes were comparable for both groups, but were of shorter duration for simeprevir due to the use of response‐guided therapy. Simeprevir is well tolerated in HCV genotype 1‐infected patients.
Simulation‐Based Seismic Risk Assessment of Gas Distribution Networks
Authors: Esposito Simona , Iervolino Iunio , d'Onofrio Anna , Santo Antonio , Cavalieri Francesco , Franchin Paolo
Published: November 2014

The basic function of a gas distribution system, essentially composed of buried pipelines, reduction stations, and demand nodes, is to deliver gas from sources to end users. The objective of the article is to discuss the evaluation of seismic risk of gas networks in compliance with the performance‐based earthquake engineering framework adapted to spatially distributed systems. In particular, three issues are addressed: (1) spatial seismic hazard characterization in terms of ground shaking and permanent ground deformation; (2) analysis of system's vulnerability via fragility curves; (3) seismic performance evaluation via computer‐aided simulation. As an application, the seismic risk analysis of L'Aquila (central Italy) gas distribution network, a 621‐km mid‐ and low‐pressure pipeline system was considered. The analyses were performed with reference to the mid‐pressure part of the network, through an object‐oriented software, specific for risk assessment of lifelines, developed by the authors. Results in terms of connectivity‐based performance indicators are presented and discussed, along with a performance disaggregation analysis carried out to evaluate the contribution of the components of the system to the risk.
Assessing the value of imperfect biocontainment nationally: rapeseed in the United Kingdom as an exemplar
Authors: Ford Caroline S. , Allainguillaume Joël , Fu Tzu‐Yu Richard , Mitchley Jonathan , Wilkinson Mike J.
Published: November 2014

Paternal biocontainment methods (PBMs) act by preventing pollen‐mediated transgene flow. They are compromised by transgene escape via the crop‐maternal line. We therefore assess the efficacy of PBMs for transgenic rapeseed (Brassica napus) biocontainment across the United Kingdom by estimating crop‐maternal hybridization with its two progenitor species.

We used remote sensing, field surveys, agricultural statistics, and meta‐analysis to determine the extent of sympatry between the crop and populations of riparian and weedy B. rapa and B. oleracea. We then estimated the incidence of crop‐maternal hybridization across all settings to predict the efficacy of PBMs.

Evidence of crop chloroplast capture by the progenitors was expanded to a national scale, revealing that crop‐maternal gene flow occurs at widely variable rates and is dependent on both the recipient and setting.

We use these data to explore the value that this kind of biocontainment can bring to genetic modification (GM) risk management in terms of reducing the impact that hybrids have on the environment rather than preventing or reducing hybrid abundance per se.
High prevalence of anti‐hepatitis B core antigen in hepatitis B virus–vaccinated Chinese blood donors suggests insufficient protection but little threat to the blood supply
Authors: Zheng Xin , Ye Xianlin , Du Peng , Zeng Jinfeng , Zhu Weigang , Yang Baocheng , Li Chengyao , Allain Jean‐Pierre
Published: November 2014

Background

In East Asia, individuals systematically vaccinated at birth to hepatitis B virus (HBV) are an increasing part of the blood donor population. Their environment presents a high risk of contact with HBV. HBV vaccine efficacy and potential safety risk carried by vaccinated donors were examined.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 2028 vaccinated blood donors were recruited in 2012 and 2013 and tested for serologic (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti‐HBs], and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen [anti‐HBc]) and molecular (HBV DNA) markers of HBV. HBsAg, anti‐HBs, and viral load were quantified.

Results

Donors 18 to 21 years systematically vaccinated at birth and 22 to 25 years and older donors had both 30.0% negative serology and 1.8% anti‐HBc only but the latter group carried significantly higher prevalence of anti‐HBc (p < 0.0001). Anti‐HBc, mostly associated with anti‐HBs, increased from 10.7% at age 18 to 31.5% at age 25. The level of anti‐HBs was significantly higher in anti‐HBc–positive donors than in anti‐HBs–only donors (p < 0.0001). Samples from 24 donors contained low viral load (25 ± 22 IU/mL), half of them undetected by standard nucleic acid testing (NAT), and were classified as four recent infections, 17 occult HBV infections (OBI), and three primary OBIs. Eighteen of 24 carried anti‐HBs; 14 of 15 strains were wild‐type Genotype B and one was Genotype C.

Conclusions

In an environment of frequent high Genotype B or C viremia, blood donors vaccinated at birth are frequently but mildly infected: asymptomatic and normal alanine aminotransferase level, identified by anti‐HBc seroconversion and boosting of anti‐HBs. Low viral load and frequent anti‐HBs limit transfusion risk.
Stochastic Model for Aerodynamic Force Dynamics on Wind Turbine Blades in Unsteady Wind Inflow
Authors: Luhur M. R. , Peinke J. , Kühn M. , Wächter M.
Published: November 2014

The paper presents a stochastic approach to estimate the aerodynamic forces with local dynamics on wind turbine blades in unsteady wind inflow. This is done by integrating a stochastic model of lift and drag dynamics for an airfoil into the aerodynamic simulation software AeroDyn. The model is added as an alternative to the static table lookup approach in blade element momentum (BEM) wake model used by AeroDyn. The stochastic forces are obtained for a rotor blade element using full field turbulence simulated wind data input and compared with the classical BEM and dynamic stall models for identical conditions. The comparison shows that the stochastic model generates additional extended dynamic response in terms of local force fluctuations. Further, the comparison of statistics between the classical BEM, dynamic stall, and stochastic models' results in terms of their increment probability density functions (PDFs) gives consistent results.
Performance Modeling of a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Fueled With Methanol and Ethanol
Authors: Bade Shrestha S. O. , Mohan Sujith
Published: November 2014

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are becoming a choice of a power source in the field of power electronics, and portable devices because of their high energy density. The benefits of using a fuel cell toward the environment will be enhanced if the fuel used for its application comes from renewable sources such as ethanol. A method of modeling of the performance of DMFC was developed and validated with the experimental data obtained from a passive DMFC operated under varying methanol and ethanol concentrations. Impedance spectroscopy was employed to measure ohmic, activation and mass transport losses for all concentrations. Improved performance of the cell was observed when the concentrations of the solutions were closer to stoichiometric values. The model predicted results were compared to the corresponding experimental values and found satisfactory.
Heat Flux Controlled Pool Boiling of Zirconia–Water and Silver–Water Nanofluids on a Flat Plate: A Coupled Map Lattice Simulation
Authors: Sadhu Sayan , Ghoshdastidar P. S.
Published: November 2014

In the present work, the characteristic atmospheric saturated heat flux controlled pool boiling curves for zirconia–water and silver–water nanofluids have been reproduced by the coupled map lattice (CML) method using a two-dimensional (2D) boiling field model. The heater is a long horizontal flat plate of thickness 0.44 mm. The pool height is 0.7 mm. The stirring action of the bubbles is modeled by increasing the fluid thermal diffusivity by an enhancement factor. The thermal conduction in the plate is also incorporated into the model. The basic advantage of CML is that individual bubbles are not tracked, and yet the effects of bubbles are reflected qualitatively in the final solution. In the simulation of atmospheric saturated pool boiling of water minimum cavity diameter taken is 0.8 μm based on which a random distribution of cavity sizes has been specified. In the boiling of ZrO2–water nanofluid there is a deposition of nanoparticles in the cavities on the heated surface resulting in reduction of surface roughness. This feature is taken care of by proportionate decrease in minimum cavity diameter. The CML model predicts decrease in heat transfer coefficient and increase in critical heat flux (CHF) with increase in zirconia nanoparticle concentration. In the case of Ag–water nanofluid no such deposition of nanoparticles has been reported; rather surface oxidation occurs which increases the surface roughness. This is simulated by proportionately increasing the minimum cavity diameter with weight fractions of nanoparticles. The present CML model predicts increase in the heat transfer coefficient and decrease in CHF with increase in silver nanoparticle concentration. Thus, the CML results for the boiling of the aforesaid two nanofluids match qualitatively with the published experimental works.
Stochastic Nature of Wall Nucleation and Its Impact on the Time Average Boundary Condition
Authors: Martínez-Cuenca Raúl , Brooks Caleb S. , Enrique Juliá J. , Hibiki Takashi , Ishii Mamoru
Published: November 2014

A new interpretation of the characteristic area and frequency appearing in the wall nucleation source from the point of view of the stochastic nature of this phenomenon is presented in this paper. This analysis shows important drawbacks in the standard interpretation of these terms, such as a strong bias in the characteristic area and high sensitivity to experimental conditions for the frequency. Finally, methods to improve the measurement of the corresponding mean values as well as estimators for their uncertainties based on the definition of a generalized probability density function (PDF) are provided.
Rotational Acceleration, Brain Tissue Strain, and the Relationship to Concussion
Authors: Post Andrew , Blaine Hoshizaki T.
Published: November 2014

The mechanisms of concussion have been investigated by many researchers using a variety of methods. However, there remains much debate over the relationships between head kinematics from an impact and concussion. This review presents the links between research conducted in different disciplines to better understand the relationship between linear and rotational acceleration and brain strains that have been postulated as the root cause of concussion. These concepts are important when assigning performance variables for helmet development, car design, and protective innovation research.
Dynamic tumor tracking using the Elekta Agility MLC
Authors: Fast Martin F. , Nill Simeon , Bedford James L. , Oelfke Uwe
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the performance of the Elekta Agility multileaf collimator (MLC) for dynamic real‐time tumor tracking.

Methods:

The authors have developed a new control software which interfaces to the Agility MLC to dynamically program the movement of individual leaves, the dynamic leaf guides (DLGs), and the Y collimators (“jaws”) based on the actual target trajectory. A motion platform was used to perform dynamic tracking experiments with sinusoidal trajectories. The actual target positions reported by the motion platform at 20, 30, or 40 Hz were used as shift vectors for the MLC in beams‐eye‐view. The system latency of the MLC (i.e., the average latency comprising target device reporting latencies and MLC adjustment latency) and the geometric tracking accuracy were extracted from a sequence of MV portal images acquired during irradiation for the following treatment scenarios: leaf‐only motion, jaw + leaf motion, and DLG + leaf motion.

Results:

The portal imager measurements indicated a clear dependence of the system latency on the target position reporting frequency. Deducting the effect of the target frequency, the leaf adjustment latency was measured to be 38 ± 3 ms for a maximum target speed v of 13 mm/s. The jaw + leaf adjustment latency was 53 ± 3 at a similar speed. The system latency at a target position frequency of 30 Hz was in the range of 56–61 ms for the leaves (v ≤ 31 mm/s), 71–78 ms for the jaw + leaf motion (v ≤ 25 mm/s), and 58–72 ms for the DLG + leaf motion (v ≤ 59 mm/s). The tracking accuracy showed a similar dependency on the target position frequency and the maximum target speed. For the leaves, the root‐mean‐squared error (RMSE) was between 0.6–1.5 mm depending on the maximum target speed. For the jaw + leaf (DLG + leaf) motion, the RMSE was between 0.7–1.5 mm (1.9–3.4 mm).

Conclusions:

The authors have measured the latency and geometric accuracy of the Agility MLC, facilitating its future use for clinical tracking applications.
Does the Addition of Hip Strengthening to a Knee-Focused Exercise Program Improve Outcomes in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?
Authors: Bloomer Ben A. , Durall Chris J.
Published: November 2014

Clinical Scenario:

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common disorders affecting the lower extremities. To improve function and decrease pain, affected individuals often undergo a guided rehabilitation program. Traditional programs have concentrated on quadriceps strengthening and other knee-focused exercises, but recent literature suggests that adding hip-muscle strengthening may improve outcomes. This review was conducted to determine the extent to which current evidence supports the addition of hip-muscle strengthening to a knee-focused strengthening and stretching program in the treatment of PFPS.

Focused Clinical Question:

Does the addition of hip-muscle strengthening to a knee-focused strengthening and stretching program improve outcomes in patients with PFPS?
AFLP markers for analysis of genetic diversity and structure of teak (Tectona grandis) in India
Authors: Vaishnaw Vivek , Mohammad Naseer , Wali Syed Arif , Kumar Randhir , Tripathi Shashi Bhushan , Negi Madan Singh , Ansari Shamim Akhtar
Published: November 2014

Five amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations (E-AAC × M-CAT, E-AAC × M-CTG, E-ACA × M-CTC, E-ACA × M-CTA, and E-ACC × M-CTA) were employed for analysis of genetic diversity, differentiation, and structure of 96 genotypes of teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) from 10 natural locations in India. The analysis of the AFLP marker data by both versions, i.e., GSTand θ, of F statistics showed a similar trend due to the outcrossing nature of teak. The primer combination E-AAC × M-CAT detected maximum polymorphism in the teak genome. The analysis of molecular variance assigned a large proportion of the genetic diversity to within sampled locations and a very small proportion to among locations. The population genetic structure resolved by the neighbor joining tree, principal coordinate analysis, and no-admixture and admixture model Bayesian-based analyses irrefutably revealed two distinct centers of teak diversity, i.e., central India and peninsular India. Furthermore, the very high proportion of genetic diversity residing within locations encourages the intensive selection and (or) collection of diverse superior genotypes (elite trees) from each location for the conservation of germplasm and the genetic improvement of teak.
Analysis of bacterial communities associated with the benthic amphipodDiporeiain the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin
Authors: Winters Andrew D. , Marsh Terence L. , Brenden Travis O. , Faisal Mohamed
Published: November 2014

Bacterial communities play important roles in the biological functioning of crustaceans, yet little is known about their diversity, structure, and dynamics. This study was conducted to investigate the bacterial communities associated with the benthic amphipod Diporeia, an important component in the Great Lakes foodweb that has been declining over the past 3 decades. In this study, the combination of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism revealed a total of 175 and 138 terminal restriction fragments (T-RFs) in Diporeia samples following treatment with the endonucleases HhaI and MspI, respectively. Relatively abundant and prevalent T-RFs were affiliated with the genera Flavobacterium and Pseudomonas and the class Betaproteobacteria. T-RFs affiliated with the order Rickettsiales were also detected. A significant difference in T-RF presence and abundance (P = 0.035) was detected among profiles generated for Diporeia collected from 4 sites in Lake Michigan. Comparison of profiles generated for Diporeia samples collected in 2 years from lakes Superior and Michigan showed a significant change in diversity for Lake Superior Diporeia but not Lake Michigan Diporeia. Profiles from one Lake Michigan site contained multiple unique T-RFs compared with other Lake Michigan Diporeia profiles, most notably one that represents the genus Methylotenera. This study generated the most extensive list of bacteria associated with Diporeia and sheds useful insights on the microbiome of Great Lakes Diporeia that may help to reveal potential causes of the decline of Diporeia populations.
Quantum entanglement for two electrons in the excited states of helium-like systems
Authors: Lin Yen-Chang , Ho Yew Kam
Published: November 2014

Quantum entanglement for two electrons in the excited states of helium-like atom or ions is investigated using two-electron wave functions constructed in the B-spline basis. As a measure of spatial (electron – electron orbital) entanglement, the von Neumann entropy and linear entropy of the reduced density matrix are calculated for the 1s2s 1,3S excited states for systems with some selected Z values from Z = 2 to 100. Results for the helium atom are compared with other available calculations. We have also investigated the entropies for these excited states when the nucleus charge is reduced from Z = 2 continuously to Z = 1. At such a critical charge, all the singly excited states of this system become unbound, and the linear entropies and the von Neumann entropies for the excited states approach 1/2 and 1, respectively; the limits for the entropies when one electron is bound to the nucleus, and the other is free.
Vitamin D improves corticosteroid efficacy and attenuates its side-effects in an animal model of asthma
Authors: Mehta Anita A. , Agrawal Ashok D. , Appanna Vasu , Chaudagar Kiranj K.
Published: November 2014

The subacute use of corticosteroids has side-effects such as glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, anxiety, and depression, which could be halted with vitamin D, which is an immunomodulatory vitamin. Thus, we aimed to study the anti-asthmatic efficacy and side-effects profile of vitamin D, the corticosteroid dexamethasone, and their combination on ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in rats. For this, 2 different doses of vitamin D (50 IU/kg, daily for 2 weeks, or and 60000 IU/kg, bolus dose, by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.)) were administered in combination with dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg, i.p., for 2 weeks) prior to challenge with ovalbumin. At the end of the therapy, the asthmatic parameters such as differential white blood cell counts, serum levels of immunoglobulin E, bronchoalveolar lavaged fluid, and interleukin-5, as well as serum levels of nitric oxide were significantly increased after allergen challenges in asthmatic rats as compared with the controls. Such increases were significantly attenuated by monotherapy with vitamin D and with combination therapy of vitamin D and dexamethasone, where the combination therapy was superior to the monotherapy. Dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and behavioral abnormalities in the allergic rats were attenuated with vitamin D. The daily dose was better for controlling serum levels of immunoglobulin E than the bolus dose, whereas the bolus was superior for reducing dexamethasone-induced psychotropic abnormalities. There were no significant changes in other parameters between the daily and the bolus dose. In conclusion, a daily dose of vitamin D in combination with dexamethasone is more efficacious for treating asthma in allergic rats than monotherapy.
Advances in MBE Selective Area Growth of III-Nitride Nanostructures: From NanoLEDs to Pseudo Substrates
Authors: Albert Steven , Bengoechea-Encabo Ana Maria , Barbagini Francesca , Lopez-Rormero David , Sanchez-Garcia Miguel Angel , Calleja Enrique , Lefebvre Pierre , Kong Xiang , Jahn Uwe , Trampert Achim , Müller Marcus , Bertram Frank , Schmidt Gordon , Veit Peter , Petzold Silke , Christen Jürgen , De Mierry Philippe , Zuñiga-Perez Jesus
Published: November 2014

The aim of this work is to provide an overview on the recent advances in the selective area growth (SAG) of ( In ) GaN nanostructures by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy, focusing on their potential as building blocks for next generation LEDs.

The first three sections deal with the basic growth mechanisms of GaN SAG and the emission control in the entire ultraviolet to infrared range, including approaches for white light emission, using InGaN disks and thick segments on axial nanocolumns. SAG of axial nanostructures is developed on both GaN /sapphire templates and GaN -buffered Si (111).

As an alternative to axial nanocolumns, section 4 reports on the growth and characterization of InGaN / GaN core-shell structures on an ordered array of top-down patterned GaN microrods. Finally, section 5 reports on the SAG of GaN , with and without InGaN insertion, on semi-polar (11-22) and non-polar (11-20) templates. Upon SAG the high defect density present in the templates is strongly reduced as indicated by a dramatic improvement of the optical properties. In the case of SAG on non-polar (11-22) templates, the formation of nanostructures with a low aspect ratio took place allowing for the fabrication of high-quality, non-polar GaN pseudo-templates by coalescence of these nanostructures.
Recurrence quantification analysis for detecting dynamical changes in earthquake magnitude time series
Authors: Lin Min , Zhao Gang , Wang Gang
Published: November 2014

In this study, recurrence plot (RP) and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) techniques are applied to a magnitude time series composed of seismic events occurred in California region. Using bootstrapping techniques, we give the statistical test of the RQA for detecting dynamical transitions. From our results, we find the different patterns of RPs for magnitude time series before and after the M6.1 Joshua Tree Earthquake. RQA measurements of determinism (DET) and laminarity (LAM) quantifying the order with confidence levels also show peculiar behaviors. It is found that DET and LAM values of the recurrence-based complexity measure significantly increase to a large value at the main shock, and then gradually recovers to a small values after it. The main shock and its aftershock sequences trigger a temporary growth in order and complexity of the deterministic structure in the RP of seismic activity. It implies that the onset of the strong earthquake event is reflected in a sharp and great simultaneous change in RQA measures.
Cosmic coincidence or graviton mass?
Authors: Das Saurya
Published: November 2014

Using the quantum corrected Friedmann equation, obtained from the quantum Raychaudhuri equation, and assuming a small mass of the graviton (but consistent with observations and theory), we propose a resolution of the smallness problem (why is observed vacuum energy so small?) and the coincidence problem (why does it constitute most of the universe, about 70%, in the current epoch?).
A study of event-by-event fluctuations in relativistic heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Ahmad Shakeel , Khan M. M. , Khan Shaista , Khatun A. , Irfan M.
Published: November 2014

A method for selecting events with densely populated narrow regions or spikes in a given data sample is discussed. Applying this method to 200 A GeV/c 32 S - AgBr and 32 S -Gold collision data, a few events having "hot regions" are chosen for further analysis. The finding reveals that a systematic study of particle density fluctuations, if carried out in terms of scaled factorial moments, and the results are compared with those for the analysis of correlation free Monte Carlo events, would be useful in identifying events with large dynamical fluctuations. Formation of clusters or jet-like structure in multihadronic final states in the selected spiky events is also looked into and compared with the predictions of AMPT and independent emission hypothesis models by carrying out Monte Carlo simulation. The findings suggest that clustering or jet-like algorithm adopted in the present study may also serve as an important tool for triggering different classes of events.
A study of intermittency in heavy-ion collisions at relativistic energies
Authors: Khan M. Mohisin , Ahmad Shakeel , Ahmad N. , Irfan M.
Published: November 2014

An attempt is made to investigate occurrence of nonstatistical fluctuations in terms of intermittency in 16 O – AgBr interactions at 4.5, 14.5, 60 and 200 A GeV/c. Additionally, mixed and AMPT generated events are also analyzed. Normalized factorial moments, Fq, are calculated and their variations with pseudorapidity resolution, δη, are investigated. Various important parameters like intermittency indices, anomalous dimensions, Renyi dimensions and Levy indices are calculated and interpreted. Comparison of the experimental results with the results obtained for the mixed and AMPT events suggests that the intermittency pattern observed in the experimental data is a manifestation of some dynamical phenomena and not due to statistical fluctuations.
Nagata-like theorems for integral domains of finite character and finite t-character
Authors: Anderson D. D. , Chang Gyu Whan , Zafrullah Muhammad
Published: November 2014

An integral domain D is said to be of finite character (resp., finite t-character) if every nonzero nonunit of D belongs to at most a finite number of maximal ideals (resp., maximal t-ideals) of D. Let S be a multiplicative set of D. In this paper we study when DSbeing of finite character (resp., finite t-character) implies that D is of finite character (resp., finite t-character).
Choice Manipulation Through Comparability in Markets with Verifiable Multi-Attribute Products
Authors: Di Caprio Debora , Santos Arteaga Francisco Javier , Tavana Madjid
Published: November 2014

We illustrate how an information sender may use unverifiable signals regarding a set of substitute products located in an alternative market to manipulate the choices made by uninformed but perfectly rational decision makers (DMs) within the verifiable market where the information sender operates. We do so by defining an optimal information gathering structure for rational DMs who acquire information sequentially from a set of multidimensional products. The resulting strategic signaling environment delivers two main results that are illustrated numerically. First, in order for the sender to successfully manipulate the information gathering and choice behavior of DMs, he should release signals on characteristics that differ from their most preferred ones. Second, the capacity of the sender to manipulate the behavior of DMs depends negatively on his reputation regarding the expected value of the unobserved characteristics guaranteed to DMs within the market where he operates. Normative applications to online search environments conditioned by the provision of strategic reviews in social media are presented.
Construction of Justice at the Street Level
Authors: Portillo Shannon , Rudes Danielle S.
Published: November 2014

By conceptualizing street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) as the ultimate policy makers, Michael Lipsky (1980) focused attention on the interaction between citizens and the state at the organizational front lines. In subsequent years, research on SLBs provided significant insight into the interactions of SLBs and citizens. In particular, scholarship has focused on the inherently autonomous nature of street-level work and the discretion these agents of the state possess. Work in this area has traditionally relied on teachers, social workers, and police officers as sources for empirical study of how formal and informal social structures influence the use of discretion by SLBs. Recent scholarship, and coverage of New York City's stop and frisk policy, has renewed interest in the role that SLBs play in constructing justice for the citizens they encounter. In this review, we consider the street-level-bureaucracy scholarship and articulate how insights from this literature inform our current understanding of investigatory police stops, such as those stemming from the stop and frisk policy in place in New York.
A Study of Basal Cell Carcinoma in South Asians for Risk Factor and Clinicopathological Characterization: A Hospital Based Study
Authors: Kumar Sumir , Mahajan Bharat Bhushan , Kaur Sandeep , Yadav Ashish , Singh Navtej , Singh Amarbir
Published: November 2014

Objectives. Although the incidence of skin cancers in India (part of South Asia) is low, the absolute number of cases may be significant due to large population. The existing literature on BCC in India is scant. So, this study was done focusing on its epidemiology, risk factors, and clinicopathological aspects.Methods. A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in Punjab, North India, from 2011 to 2013. History, examination and histopathological confirmation were done in all the patients visiting skin department with suspected lesions.Results. Out of 36 confirmed cases, 63.9% were females with mean ± SD age being60.9±14.2years. Mean duration of disease was 4.7 years. Though there was statistically significant higher sun exposure in males compared to females (Pvalue being 0.000), BCC was commoner in females, explainable by intermittent sun exposure (during household work in the open kitchens) in women. Majority of patients (88.9%) had a single lesion. Head and neck region was involved in 97.2% of cases, with nose being the commonest site (50%) with nodular/noduloulcerative morphology in 77.8% of cases. Pigmentation was evident in 22.2% of cases clinically. Nodular variety was the commonest histopathological variant (77.8%).Conclusions. This study highlights a paradoxically increasing trend of BCC with female preponderance, preferential involvement of nose, and higher percentage of pigmentation in Indians.