bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated Soluble Platelet Glycoprotein VI Levels in Patients After Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Usui Masanobu , Naitoh Katsuki , Wada Hideo , Mastsui Toshiki , Kobayashi Toshihiko , Matsumoto Takeshi , Uemoto Shinji , Isaji Shuji
Published: September 2015

Plasma-soluble platelet glycoprotein VI (sGPVI) levels were examined in patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), and the relationship between platelet activation and thrombocytopenia was evaluated to understand the mechanism of thrombocytopenia in LDLT. Platelet counts were significantly higher in the donors compared to the recipient, and the plasma sGPVI levels increased in both groups after the operation. Regarding the relationship between the platelet counts and the sGPVI levels, the slope varied on different days, and it became negative on day 3, suggesting that the plasma sGPVI levels are related to platelet activation in LDLT. The frequency of complications was high in the nonsurvivors. The platelet counts were higher in the survivors than in the nonsurvivors on days 14 and 28. Although the plasma levels of sGPVI in the survivors increased after the operation, those in the nonsurvivors were high only on day 3. Although the ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 domain, member 13) levels were markedly reduced, von Willebrand factor (VWF) and VWF propeptide (VWFpp) were markedly elevated during LDLT. The antithrombin activity was significantly lower (day 14) and VWFpp (day 28) was significantly higher in the nonsurvivors than in the survivors. These findings suggest that platelet activation first occurs after LDLT, and it is high in the nonsurvivors on day 3. Thereafter, the hemostatic abnormality and vascular endothelial cell injuries may appear on days 14 and 28.
Venous Thromboembolism in Critically Ill Medical Patients Receiving Chemoprophylaxis
Authors: Fontaine Gabriel V. , Vigil Emily , Wohlt Paul D. , Lloyd James F. , Evans R. Scott , Collingridge David S. , Stevens Scott M. , Woller Scott C.
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

To compare the incidence of 90-day venous thromboembolism (VTE) in obese critically ill medical patients receiving VTE chemoprophylaxis with nonobese patients of similar illness severity. We also identified other VTE risk factors.

Methods:

Eligible patients spent ≥24 hours in an intensive care unit between November 2007 and November 2013 and received VTE chemoprophylaxis within 48 hours of admission. The primary outcome was 90-day VTE.

Results:

A total of 11 111 patients were evaluated, of which 1732 obese and 1831 nonobese patients were enrolled with mean BMIs of 38.9 ± 9.2 kg/m2 and 24.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2 and mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores of 28.4 ± 11.8 and 26.6 ± 11.7, respectively. The rate of 90-day VTE for the total cohort, obese, and nonobese patients was 6.5%, 7.5%, and 5.5%, respectively. Obese patients were more likely to develop VTE compared with nonobese patients (odds ratio [OR]: 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03 -1.93). Other risk factors significantly associated with 90-day VTE included prior VTE (OR: 3.93; 95% CI: 1.83-8.48), trauma with surgery in the previous 30 days (OR: 3.70; 95% CI: 1.39-9.86), central venous catheters (OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.87-3.72), surgery within 90 days (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.61-3.58), mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.39-2.71), male sex (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.13-2.14), and increasing age using 1-year increments (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01 -1.03).

Conclusions:

The rate of VTE in critically ill medical patients remains high despite standard chemoprophylaxis. Obesity is among 8 risk factors independently associated with 90-day VTE.
Material homogeneity and strain compatibility in thin elastic shells
Authors: Roychowdhury Ayan , Gupta Anurag
Published: September 2015

We discuss several issues regarding material homogeneity and strain compatibility for materially uniform thin elastic shells from the viewpoint of a three-dimensional theory, with small thickness, as well as a two-dimensional Cosserat theory. A relationship between inhomogeneity and incompatibility measures under the two descriptions is developed. More specifically, we obtain explicit forms of intrinsic dislocation density tensors characterizing the inhomogeneity of a dislocated Cosserat shell. We also formulate a system of governing equations for the residual stress field emerging out of strain incompatibilities which in turn are related to inhomogeneities. The equations are simplified for several cases under the Kirchhoff–Love assumption.
Impact of heating on sensory properties of French Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) blue cheeses. Relationships with physicochemical parameters
Authors: Bord Cécile , Guerinon Delphine , Lebecque Annick
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to measure the impact of heating on the sensory properties of blue-veined cheeses in order to characterise their sensory properties and to identify their specific sensory typology associated with physicochemical parameters. Sensory profiles were performed on a selection of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses representing the four blue-veined cheese categories produced in the Massif Central (Fourme d’Ambert, Fourme de Montbrison, Bleu d’Auvergne and Bleu des Causses). At the same time, physicochemical parameters were measured in these cheeses. The relationship between these two sets of data was investigated. Four types of blue-veined cheeses displayed significantly different behaviour after heating and it is possible to discriminate these cheese categories through specific sensory attributes. Fourme d’Ambert and Bleu d’Auvergne exhibited useful culinary properties: they presented good meltability, stretchability and a weak oiling-off. However, basic tastes (salty, bitter and sour) are also sensory attributes which can distinguish heated blue cheeses. The relationship between the sensory and physicochemical data indicated a correlation suggesting that some of these sensory properties may be explained by certain physicochemical parameters of heated cheeses.
Pharmacokinetics of meropenem after intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration to cats
Authors: Albarellos Gabriela A , Montoya Laura , Passini Sabrina M , Lupi Martín P , Lorenzini Paula M , Landoni María F
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe the pharmacokinetics and predicted efficacy of meropenem after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) administration to cats at a single dose of 10 mg/kg.

Methods

Five adult healthy cats were used. Blood samples were withdrawn at predetermined times over a 12 h period. Meropenem concentrations were determined by microbiological assay. Pharmacokinetic analyses were performed with computer software. Initial estimates were determined using the residual method and refitted by non-linear regression. The time that plasma concentrations were greater than the minimum inhibitory concentration (T >MIC) was estimated by applying bibliographic MIC values and meropenem MIC breakpoint.

Results

Maximum plasma concentrations of meropenem were 101.02 µg/ml (Cp(0), IV), 27.21 µg/ml (Cmax, IM) and 15.57 µg/ml (Cmax, SC). Bioavailability was 99.69% (IM) and 96.52 % (SC). Elimination half-lives for the IV, IM and SC administration were 1.35, 2.10 and 2.26 h, respectively.

Conclusions and relevance

Meropenem, when administered to cats at a dose of 10 mg/kg q12h,, is effective against bacteria with MIC values of 6 μg/ml, 7 μg/ml and 10 μg/ml for IV, IM and SC administration, respectively. However, clinical trials are necessary to confirm clinical efficacy of the proposed dosage regimen.
Impact on clinical events and healthcare costs of adding telemedicine to multidisciplinary disease management programmes for heart failure: Results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Comín-Colet Josep , Enjuanes Cristina , Verdú-Rotellar José M , Linas Anna , Ruiz-Rodriguez Pilar , González-Robledo Gina , Farré Núria , Moliner-Borja Pedro , Ruiz-Bustillo Sonia , Bruguera Jordi
Published: September 2015

Background

The role of telemedicine in the management of patients with chronic heart failure (HF) has not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that multidisciplinary comprehensive HF care could achieve better results when it is delivered using telemedicine.

Methods and results

In this study, 178 eligible patients with HF were randomized to either structured follow-up on the basis of face-to-face encounters (control group, 97 patients) or delivering health care using telemedicine (81 patients). Telemedicine included daily signs and symptoms based on telemonitoring and structured follow-up by means of video or audio-conference. The primary end-point was non-fatal HF events after six months of follow-up. The median age of the patients was 77 years, 41% were female, and 25% were frail patients. The hazard ratio for the primary end-point was 0.35 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.20–0.59; p-value < 0.001) in favour of telemedicine. HF readmission (hazard ratio 0.39 (0.19–0.77); p-value=0.007) and cardiovascular readmission (hazard ratio 0.43 (0.23–0.80); p-value=0.008) were also reduced in the telemedicine group. Mortality was similar in both groups (telemedicine: 6.2% vs control: 12.4%, p-value > 0.05). The telemedicine group experienced a significant mean net reduction in direct hospital costs of €3546 per patient per six months of follow-up.

Conclusions

Among patients managed in the setting of a comprehensive HF programme, the addition of telemedicine may result in better outcomes and reduction of costs.
Public disorder and the politics of aesthetics in Barcelona
Authors: Sansi Roger
Published: September 2015

In the last two decades, in the city of Barcelona, Spain, there has been a growing interpenetration between art practice and political activism. The MACBA, Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona, played a key role in promoting ‘direct action as one of the Fine Arts’. Rancière’s theories of the politics of aesthetics have been very influential at the MACBA. Describing different events of political conflict around the MACBA in the recent past, this article investigates the contradictions in the relation between art, activism and the politics of aesthetics in Barcelona, and advances a critique of the limits of Rancière’s notion of politics.
Effect of different temperatures on hospital admissions for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: A case study
Authors: Xiong Jing , Lan Li , Lian Zhiwei , Lin Yanbing
Published: September 2015

Although many studies have explored the effect of temperature on cardio-cerebrovascular mortality, little evidence is available for that of morbidity, especially in China. In this study, the effect of mean daily meteorological temperature on daily hospital admissions for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases was evaluated by the distributed lag non-linear model on the basis of three years' data. Particularly, extreme hot and cold temperatures' influence was investigated by treating relative risks at the 1st and 99th percentile temperatures as cold and hot effect of temperature, respectively. Besides, the effect of modification by individual characteristics was also examined. Our results show that there are a J-shaped relationship between temperature and morbidity. Both hot and cold temperatures were associated with increased hospital admissions; however, their variation patterns are different as hot effect is immediate and of short term duration whereas cold effect could be delayed by about five days and would last for more than two weeks.
‘This isn’t what I signed up for’
Authors: Huey Laura , Ricciardelli Rose
Published: September 2015

Although some insight into the sources and scope of occupational stress among rural police officers exists, historically, researchers have focused largely on their policing styles, rather than the relationship between what officers do and how they feel about their work as police in rural jurisdictions. To address this lacuna in knowledge and literature, we draw on data collected from semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 active police officers, each of whom is presently assigned to one of seven rural police detachments in a province in Eastern Canada and field observation of police working in a rural detachment in this same province. In adopting a role theory perspective, we first reveal how officers operationalize their roles as law enforcers, peacekeepers, social workers and/or knowledge workers. We then examine their experiences of role strain as a result of mismatches between their desired versus actual occupational role(s). The majority of officers aspired to hold either the law enforcement or social worker role, which they saw as being most closely associated with their perceptions of what it means to be a ‘police officer’. However, most felt they performed tasks related to less desirable roles, which was tied to role strain. Training recommendations are discussed for officers recruited for rural policing.
Privates in the online public: Sex(ting) and reputation on social media
Authors: Salter Michael
Published: September 2015

Drawing on focus group research, this article examines the impact of norms of publicity and privacy on young people as they negotiate technologically mediated intimate and peer relations. This article argues that digital images of bodies circulate online in manner that reinforces gender inequalities, as the public feminine body is conflated with pornography in contrast to the range of meanings that can append to the public masculine body. While the exposed female body was subject to pejorative ascriptions of sexual promiscuity, the exposed masculine body could serve a range of purposes, including its deployment in sexual harassment. Young people tended to ignore male perpetration and hold girls and women responsible for managing the risks of online abuse. The article underscores the need for a ‘critical pedagogy’ of online abuse, but it also argues that social media is rendering the homosociality and misogynist strains of online publics visible and therefore contestable.
“If she had helped me to solve the problem at my workplace, she would have cured me”: A critical discourse analysis of a mental health intake
Authors: Lavie-Ajayi Maya , Nakash Ora
Published: September 2015

Critical approaches in psychology and social work criticizing the current mainstream psychotherapy discourse have been gaining more ground in recent decades. Yet, little empirical research has, to date, explored therapy in regular practice to identify the discursive resources employed during the clinical encounter and the way such discourses create and maintain power differences and the boundaries of the therapeutic interaction. This paper is rooted within a post-structural perspective based on Foucauldian analysis which sees power as dispersed throughout the social field and emphasizes the multiple ways in which power differences are created and maintained through accepted forms of discourse and knowledge. Data were drawn from a large study of mental health intakes in clinics in Israel working with culturally diverse populations. We conducted critical discourse analysis on a single dyad including transcription of a recorded intake session and post-intake interviews with the client and the therapist. Based on existing critique of psychotherapeutic discourse for its individualistic and apolitical view, we explored how the hegemonic psychotherapy discourse is negotiated in real practice, the ideology it carries, and the power differences it perpetuates. We shed light on the way this discourse conceals social injustice and contributes to the disempowerment of the client and ultimately to a poorer quality of services.
The International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes: A new instrument to improve comparative criminological research
Authors: Bisogno Enrico , Dawson-Faber Jenna , Jandl Michael
Published: September 2015

This article presents the International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes (ICCS) developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The aim of the ICCS is to provide a common ground for the production of criminal statistics around the world. The article describes the process that led to the development of the ICCS, and explains its rationale and its structure. In particular, it presents the way in which intentional homicide offences are classified, showing the potential that such classification could have for international comparisons of crime. The article describes also the results of the tests of the ICCS that were conducted in 41 countries, and briefly discusses the possibilities of implementing that classification across the world.
Validation of the French version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Reychler Gregory , Schinckus Mathilde , Fremault Antoine , Liistro Giuseppe , Pieters Thierry
Published: September 2015

Cough is one of the three major symptoms reported by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) is a questionnaire exploring the impact of cough, but it does not exist in French. The aim of this study was to develop a French version of LCQ and to assess its psychometrics properties. A forward–backward translation process was used to develop the French version of the LCQ. COPD patients completed LCQ and Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q) to determine concurrent validity, content validity and internal consistency. Two weeks later, the LCQ was repeated to evaluate the reproducibility. Seventy-four COPD patients were recruited. The concurrent validity showed highly significant correlations between all scores of LCQ and CASA-Q ( p < 0.001). The content validity was good with domain total scores correlations ranging from 0.918 to 0.953. The LCQ domains and total scores showed a very good internal consistency with Cronbach’s α coefficients ranging between 0.802 and 0.917. The test–retest reliability was high in COPD patients with no change in cough. In conclusion, The French version of the LCQ is a valid and reliable instrument to measure health status in COPD patients.
Clues to the Blues: Predictors of Self-Reported Mental and Emotional Health Among Older African American Men
Authors: Mitchell Jamie A. , Watkins Daphne C. , Shires Deirdre , Chapman Robert A. , Burnett Janice
Published: September 2015

The mental health needs of aging African American men have been overlooked and few studies have distinguished between more severe clinically diagnosable mental health challenges and less severe emotional states for this population. African American men may not identify with or internalize the terminology of “depression” despite exhibiting the symptom criteria. This exploratory cross-sectional study examined correlates of “downheartedness” as an alternative indicator of emotional health. The authors examined the self-reported responses of 1,666 older African American men on a baseline questionnaire from a larger longitudinal study. Demographic, physical, mental and emotional health, and health system factors were examined as possible correlates of downheartedness. The mean age of participants was 73.6 years and 74.8% of men described themselves as “downhearted and blue” most or all of the time while only 18.5% of them reported feeling moderate to severe anxiety or depression. When other factors were controlled, mobility problems (odds ratio [ OR] = 2.36), problems getting health care ( OR = 2.69), having a doctor who never listens ( OR = 2.18), physical or mental problems that interfere with social activities ( OR = 1.34), accomplishing less due to physical health ( OR = 1.35), and accomplishing less due to mental/emotional health ( OR = 1.57) were all associated with greater odds of being downhearted. The current findings indicate that this sample more closely identified with language accurately describing their emotional health state (i.e., downhearted) and not with clinical mental health terminology (i.e., depression) that may be culturally stigmatized.
The Ebb and Flow of Filipino First-Time Fatherhood Transition Space
Authors: Villamor Neil Jupiter E. , de Guzman Allan B. , Matienzo Evangeline T.
Published: September 2015

Fatherhood, as a developmental process, is both a human experience and a text that needs to be read. For developing nations like the Philippines, little is known about the process undergone by first-time fathers on their transition to fatherhood, and how nurses can play a significant role in assisting them. This grounded theory study purported to conceptualize the multifaceted process of transition from the lens of Filipino first-time fathers’ lived experiences. A total of 20 first-time fathers from Metro Manila, Philippines, were purposively selected to take part in an individual, semistructured, and in-depth interview. The Glaserian (classical) method of analysis was specifically used, and field texts were inductively analyzed using a repertory grid. Member checking and correspondence were done to validate the findings of the study. Six surfacing stages emerged relative to the process of transition. Interestingly, The B.R.I.D.G.E. Theory of First-Time Fatherhood Transition Space describes how these fathers progress from the beholding, reorganizing, inhibiting, delivering, grasping, and embracing phases toward successful transition. This emerged theoretical model can be used in framing health care programs where the needs of fathers during this period are met and addressed. Finally, it can also be used in guiding nurses in their provision of a more empathetic care for first-time fathers.
Meeting the Needs of Gifted and Talented Students
Authors: Swan Bonnie , Coulombe-Quach Xuan-Lise , Huang Angela , Godek Jaime , Becker Deborah , Zhou Yan
Published: September 2015

Researchers used case study methods to investigate a virtual learning lab (VLL) in a rural school district that was created in 2011 as a way to better meet the unique needs of exceptional students who are considered gifted. Data were collected through focus groups, classroom observations, interviews, and reviewing relevant documents. Topics include an in-depth explication of the learning lab, lessons learned and suggestions by teachers and administrators, and benefits for improved teaching and learning. Findings are that VLL programming, specifically online instruction that takes place in brick-and-mortar public schools, can be an effective means for providing accelerated coursework to exceptional middle school students who are gifted. Benefits include cost-effectiveness, parent and student satisfaction, allowing for individualized work pace in talent area, and others.
Glucosamine Hydrochloride but Not Chondroitin Sulfate Prevents Cartilage Degradation and Inflammation Induced by Interleukin-1α in Bovine Cartilage Explants
Authors: Bascoul-Colombo Cécile , Garaiova Iveta , Plummer Sue F. , Harwood John L. , Caterson Bruce , Hughes Clare E
Published: September 2015

Objective

Glucosamine hydrochloride (GH) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) are commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to assess their effects, alone and in combination, on preventing aggrecan degradation and inflammation in an in vitro model of OA.

Design

To test the effects of GH and/or CS as a preventative treatment, cartilage explants were pretreated with the compound(s) using concentrations that showed no detrimental effect on chondrocyte viability. Interleukin-1α (IL-1α) was added to induce cartilage degradation, supernatant and explants were analyzed for proteoglycan degradation products, aggrecanase mRNA expression and activity, and for the release of inflammatory markers.

Results

Following treatment with IL-1α, 2 mg/mL dose of GH pretreatment was associated with a reduction of glycosaminoglycan release, reduced generation of the pathological interglobular domain aggrecan catabolites, decreased mRNA levels of ADAMTS-4 and -5 and reduced activity of ADAMTS-4. In contrast, CS alone did not have a significant effect on IL-1α-induced cartilage degradation and the addition of 0.4 mg/mL CS to 2 mg/mL GH did not further inhibit IL-1α-induced activity. Pretreatment with 2 mg/mL GH also reduced the release of inflammatory markers, prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide induced by IL-1α while CS did not have a significant effect.

Conclusions

The results suggest that GH prevents cartilage degradation mediated by aggrecanases ADAMTS-4 and -5, and may also reduce inflammation. This could be part of the mechanisms by which GH is effective in maintaining joint integrity and function, and preventing or delaying early symptoms of OA.
Cardiac involvement in Erdheim- Chester disease: MRI findings and literature revision
Authors: Ponsiglione Andrea , Puglia Marta , Barbuto Luigi , Solla Raffaele , Altiero Michele , Lubrano Valentina , Imbriaco Massimo
Published: September 2015

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare form of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, characterized by the involvement of several organs. The lesions may be skeletal or extra-skeletal: in particular, long bones, skin, lungs, and the cardiovascular and the central nervous systems can be affected. In this report, we describe a case of a 34-year-old man, who came to our observation with symptomatic ECD, for a correct assessment of the degree of cardiac involvement through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
“Just Another Story”
Authors: Antunovic Dunja
Published: September 2015

Since 1972, when the U.S. Congress passed Title IX, girls’ and women’s participation in sport exponentially increased. Yet, major gender inequities remain, including in media coverage. Feminist sports media scholars have pointed to journalists’ resistance toward Title IX as one explanation for these inequities. To further examine the relationship between Title IX and coverage of women’s sport, this study draws upon oral history interviews with 14 sports journalists who worked at newspapers in one major media market in the United States before and after the implementation of Title IX. In their memories, journalists incorporated two dominant cultural narratives: conflict narratives, which position gains in women’s sports against losses in men’s sports, and celebratory narratives, which uncritically embrace Title IX as a catalyst for girls and women in sport. Although all agreed that Title IX had a positive impact upon women’s sports, few believed Title IX actually changed coverage. This study points to the limitations of applying Title IX’s gender equity framework to sports journalism and calls for a reassessment in advocacy efforts toward gender justice.
The reproducibility and responsiveness of the lung clearance index in bronchiectasis
Authors: Grillo Lizzie , Irving Samantha , Hansell David M. , Nair Arjun , Annan Bertrand , Ward Simon , Bilton Diana , Main Eleanor , Davies Jane , Bush Andrew , Wilson Robert , Loebinger Michael R.
Published: September 2015

Lung clearance index (LCI) is a potential clinical outcome marker in bronchiectasis. Its responsiveness to therapeutic intervention has not been determined. This study evaluates its responsiveness to a session of physiotherapy and intravenous antibiotic treatment of an exacerbation.

32 stable and 32 exacerbating bronchiectasis patients and 26 healthy controls were recruited. Patients had LCI and lung function performed before and after physiotherapy on two separate occasions in the stable patients and at the beginning and end of an intravenous antibiotic course in the exacerbating patients.

LCI was reproducible between visits in 25 stable patients, with an intraclass correlation of 0.978 (0.948, 0.991; p<0.001). There was no significant difference in LCI (mean±sd) between stable 11.91±3.39 and exacerbating patients 12.76±3.47, but LCI was significantly higher in both bronchiectasis groups compared with healthy controls (7.36±0.99) (p<0.001). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s improved after physiotherapy, as did alveolar volume after intravenous antibiotics, but LCI did not change significantly.

LCI is reproducible in stable bronchiectasis but unlike conventional lung function tests, is unresponsive to two short-term interventions and hence is unlikely to be a useful clinical tool for short-term acute assessment in these patients. Further evaluation is required to establish its role in milder disease and in the evaluation of long-term interventions.
Pulmonary vascular resistance and compliance relationship in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Chemla Denis , Lau Edmund M.T. , Papelier Yves , Attal Pierre , Hervé Philippe
Published: September 2015

Right ventricular adaptation to the increased pulmonary arterial load is a key determinant of outcomes in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and total arterial compliance (C) quantify resistive and elastic properties of pulmonary arteries that modulate the steady and pulsatile components of pulmonary arterial load, respectively. PVR is commonly calculated as transpulmonary pressure gradient over pulmonary flow and total arterial compliance as stroke volume over pulmonary arterial pulse pressure (SV/PApp). Assuming that there is an inverse, hyperbolic relationship between PVR and C, recent studies have popularised the concept that their product (RC-time of the pulmonary circulation, in seconds) is “constant” in health and diseases. However, emerging evidence suggests that this concept should be challenged, with shortened RC-times documented in post-capillary PH and normotensive subjects. Furthermore, reported RC-times in the literature have consistently demonstrated significant scatter around the mean. In precapillary PH, the true PVR can be overestimated if one uses the standard PVR equation because the zero-flow pressure may be significantly higher than pulmonary arterial wedge pressure. Furthermore, SV/PApp may also overestimate true C. Further studies are needed to clarify some of the inconsistencies of pulmonary RC-time, as this has major implications for our understanding of the arterial load in diseases of the pulmonary circulation.
Potassium channels in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Boucherat Olivier , Chabot Sophie , Antigny Fabrice , Perros Frédéric , Provencher Steeve , Bonnet Sébastien
Published: September 2015

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating cardiopulmonary disorder with various origins. All forms of PAH share a common pulmonary arteriopathy characterised by vasoconstriction, remodelling of the pre-capillary pulmonary vessel wall, andin situthrombosis. Although the pathogenesis of PAH is recognised as a complex and multifactorial process, there is growing evidence that potassium channels dysfunction in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells is a hallmark of PAH. Besides regulating many physiological functions, reduced potassium channels expression and/or activity have significant effects on PAH establishment and progression. This review describes the molecular mechanisms and physiological consequences of potassium channel modulation. Special emphasis is placed on KCNA5 (Kv1.5) and KCNK3 (TASK1), which are considered to play a central role in determining pulmonary vascular tone and may represent attractive therapeutic targets in the treatment of PAH.
Physiological tradeoffs may underlie the evolution of hypoxia tolerance and exercise performance in sunfish (Centrarchidae)
Authors: Crans Kyle D. , Pranckevicius Nicole , Scott Graham R.
Published: September 2015

Tradeoffs between hypoxia tolerance and aerobic exercise performance appear to exist in some fish taxa, even though both of these traits are often associated with a high O2 transport capacity. We examined the physiological basis for this potential tradeoff in four species of sunfish from the family Centrarchidae. Hypoxia tolerance was greatest in rock bass, intermediate in pumpkinseed and bluegill, and lowest in largemouth bass, based on measurements of critical O2 tension (Pcrit) and O2 tension at loss of equilibrium (PO2 at LOE). Consistent with there being a tradeoff between hypoxia tolerance and aerobic exercise capacity, the least hypoxia-tolerant species had the highest critical swimming speed (Ucrit) during normoxia and suffered the greatest decrease in Ucrit in hypoxia. There was also a positive correlation between Ucrit in normoxia and PO2 at LOE, which remained significant after accounting for phylogeny using phylogenetically independent contrasts. Several sub-organismal traits appeared to contribute to both hypoxia tolerance and aerobic exercise capacity (reflected by traits that were highest in both rock bass and largemouth bass), such as the gas-exchange surface area of the gills, the pH sensitivity of haemoglobin-O2 affinity, and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase and the gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the liver. Some other sub-organismal traits were uniquely associated with either hypoxia tolerance (low sensitivity of haemoglobin-O2 affinity to organic phosphates, high pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities in the heart) or aerobic exercise capacity (capillarity and fibre size of the axial swimming muscle). Therefore, the cumulative influence of a variety of respiratory and metabolic traits can result in physiological tradeoffs associated with the evolution of hypoxia tolerance and aerobic exercise performance in fish.
Hydrostatic pressure affects selective tidal stream transport (STST) in the North Sea brown shrimp (Crangon crangon, L.)
Authors: Tielmann Moritz , Reiser Stefan , Hufnagl Marc , Herrmann Jens-Peter , Eckardt André , Temming Axel
Published: September 2015

The brown shrimp (Crangon crangon) is a highly abundant invertebrate in the North Sea with its life cycle spanning deeper offshore spawning and shallow onshore nursery areas. To overcome the long distances between these two habitats, brown shrimp are suspected to use selective tidal stream transport (STST) moving with the cyclic tide currents towards their preferred water depths. However, it is not known which stimulus actually triggers STST behavior in brown shrimp. In this work, we determined the influence of different hyperbaric pressures on STST behavior of juvenile brown shrimp. Brown shrimp's activity was recorded in a hyperbaric pressure chamber that supplied constant and dynamic pressure conditions simulating different depths with and without a tidal cycle. Subsequent Wavelet and Fourier analysis were performed to determine the periodicity in the activity data. The results of the experiments show that STST behavior in brown shrimp varies with pressure and therefore with depth. We further show that STST behavior can be initiated by cyclic pressure changes. However, an interaction with one or more other environmental triggers remains possible. Furthermore a security ebb-tide activity was identified that may serve to avoid potential stranding in shallow waters and is “remembered” by shrimp for about 1.5 days without contact to tidal triggers.
Systems genomics analysis centered on epigenetic inheritance supports development of a unified theory of biology
Authors: Sharma Abhay
Published: September 2015

New discoveries are increasingly demanding integration of epigenetics, molecular biology, genomic networks, and physiology with evolution. This article provides a proof of concept for evolutionary transgenerational systems biology, proposed recently in the context of epigenetic inheritance in mammals. Gene set enrichment analysis of available genome level mammalian data presented here seems consistent with the concept that (1) heritable information about environmental effects in somatic cells is communicated to the germline by circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) or other RNAs released in physiological fluids, (2) epigenetic factors including miRNA-like small RNAs, DNA methylation and histone modifications are propagated across generations via gene networks, and (3) inherited epigenetic variations in the form of methylated cytosines are fixed in the population as thymines in evolutionary time course. The analysis supports integration of physiology and epigenetics with inheritance and evolution. This may catalyze efforts to develop a unified theory of biology.
The big squeeze: scaling of constriction pressure in two of the world's largest snakes, Python reticulatus and P. molurus bivittatus
Authors: Penning David A. , Dartez Schuyler F. , Moon Brad R.
Published: September 2015

Snakes are important predators that have radiated throughout many ecosystems, and constriction was important in their radiation. Constrictors immobilize and kill prey by using body loops to exert pressure on their prey. Despite its importance, little is known about constriction performance or its full effects on prey. We studied the scaling of constriction performance in two species of giant pythons (Python reticulatus Schneider 1801 and Python molurus bivittatus Kuhl 1820) and propose a new mechanism of prey death by constriction. In both species, peak constriction pressure increased significantly with snake diameter. These and other constrictors can exert pressures dramatically higher than their prey's blood pressure, suggesting that constriction can stop circulatory function and perhaps kill prey rapidly by over-pressurizing the brain and disrupting neural function. We propose the latter “red-out effect” as another possible mechanism of prey death from constriction. These effects may be important to recognize and treat properly in rare cases when constrictors injure humans.
Brief Biography of Dr. Marvin E. Goldstein and a Short Survey of his Contributions to Jet Noise and Rapid Distortion Theory
Authors: Leib S. J.
Published: September 2015

This article is a brief biographical outline of Dr. Marvin E. Goldstein's professional career and a short survey of his contributions to two particular areas of aeroacoustics: jet noise and rapid distortion theory. This survey is not exhaustive or complete and is subject to my own personal biases. However, I have attempted to highlight what seem to me to be the most important technical contributions in these areas and tried to give some idea of their impact on the field of aeroacoustics. For the latter, I have described some of the many follow-on works by other researchers who have picked up on Dr. Goldstein's original ideas and mathematical formulations, either through further theoretical development, numerical implementation of the resulting equations or adoption of these approaches to the development of practical noise prediction methods. It is not possible to list all of these here and I offer my apologies in advance to those who do not find their work cited. Among the works cited are publications that have appeared in the last few years as well as work that is currently under way. It is my hope that this review will provide some context to Dr. Goldstein's work in these areas and show its continued influence on research in aeroacoustics.
Fine-Scale Turbulent Noise Predictions from Non-Axisymmetric Jets
Authors: Cheung Lawrence C. , Pastouchenko Nikolai N. , Mani Ramani , Paliath Umesh
Published: September 2015

In this work a model for fine-scale turbulent noise predictions from non-axisymmetric, heated and unheated jets is developed. This model, called GENO, improves upon the previous noise prediction methods JeNo and MGBK by including the effects of mean flow refraction from non-circular geometry, as well as a more complete model for the self, shear, and enthalpy noise sources. The Green's function for non-axisymmetric flows is determined by solving the Lilley-Goldstein equation in terms of coupled azimuthal modes. Additionally, the noise source model evaluates the fourth order velocity correlation tensor I ijkl for the general case and the relationship between non-zero components is found. This is combined with an empirical noise source model for heated jets. Acoustic results using GENO are shown for aspect ratio 2:1 and 4:1 rectangular jets, under unheated (SP7) and heated (SP46) conditions, and the comparisons agree favorably with experimental data.
Experiments in Numerical Error Control for Sound Propagation in a 2D Jet Using a dAmping Layer and Nonreflecting Outer Boundaries
Authors: Goodrich John W.
Published: September 2015

This paper reports numerical experiments for propagating a continuous acoustic pressure signal by means of the linearized Euler equations with both a uniform flow and a parallel jet as the base or mean flow. The numerical domain is embedded in a surrounding damping layer, and the outer boundaries of the damping layer are treated with weak Giles type nonreflecting boundary conditions that are introduced in this paper as interpolation constraints. We view this combination of the damping layer with the nonreflecting outer boundary conditions as the complete boundary treatment. The issue that is being addressed is not the accuracy of the numerical solution when compared to a mathematical solution, which would be improved by grid refinement, but the effect of the complete boundary treatment on the numerical solution, and to what degree the error from the complete boundary treatment can be controlled. These computational experiments show that the weak boundary conditions are stable, and the complete boundary treatment is conditionally stable, for long simulation times, and that the damping layer width and the damping amplitude can be adjusted to produce maximum relative errors that are O[10−6]. The complete boundary treatment is in this sense consistent with the numerical simulation of the propagation dynamics.
On the Numerical Calculation of Nonlinear Residual Equations
Authors: Hixon Ray
Published: September 2015

In recent years, nonlinear ‘residual’ forms of the Navier-Stokes equations have been proposed for theoretical and computational analysis of unsteady flow and noise. In this approach, the flow variables are split into a user-specified base flow and the remaining residual flow. The ‘residual’ equations that govern the nonlinear evolution of the residual flow are obtained by removing the chosen base flow from the unsteady Navier-Stokes equations. Because there is no restriction on the choice of the base flow, the time-averaged mean flow is composed of contributions from the base and the residual flow components. In this work, the zero-average form of the residual equations is presented, in which the time-averaged mean flow is the base flow and the residual flow must have a zero mean. A new Zero-average Source Term (ZEST) strategy for numerically converging the residual flow to a zero mean is demonstrated.
Instability Waves in High-Speed Jets: Near-and Far-Field DNS/LES Data Analysis
Authors: Ryu Jaiyoung , Lele Sanjiva K.
Published: September 2015

Solutions from inviscid linear stability theory (LST) and linear parabolized stability equations (PSE) were used to quantify the extent to which instability waves represent actual near-field dynamics in high-speed forced turbulent jets. The mean and unsteady flow data were taken from a well-validated large-eddy simulation (LES) database (Bodony and Lele, 2005). The jets and their operating conditions were heated high subsonic ( M j = 0.97, T j/ T∞ = 2.3, Re D = 84,000) and unheated supersonic ( M j = 1.95, T j/T∞ = 0.56, Re D = 336,000) jets with the same jet exit velocities. The coherent components of the turbulent jet flow fields were extracted using a filter based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). To examine the effects of nonlinear interactions and to test the decomposition method, forced laminar jets were also considered; the flow data were obtained from a direct numerical simulation (DNS) database for an unheated M j = 0.90 and Re D = 4,100 jet (Ryu, 2010). Two methods were used to extract instability waves from the nonlinear flow fields: first, bi-orthogonal relations between regular and adjoint instability waves were formulated from linearized Euler equations to determine the amplitude coefficients of the instability waves in nonlinear flows; then, a least-squares fit was applied to solutions from the PSE, POD, and LES data for the same purpose. The noise radiated by the deduced instability wave modes, POD, and LES were computed using the Kirchhoff surface integral method. Frequencies St = fD j/ U j = 0.1 ∼ 0.5 at azimuthal modes m = 0, 1, and 2 were compared. The adjoint decomposition method showed promising results only for the laminar jet. The eigenfunction shape in the radial direction and the growth and decay of energy in the streamwise direction were well captured. However, this method produced errors in analyses of turbulent jets due to sensitivity in regions where the mode had saturated and was decaying. The results of PSE and POD showed reasonably good agreement in the near field for the first helical mode ( m = 1). However, there was only limited agreement in the far field, and among other modes, in contrast to the good agreements described in recent studies for supersonic unforced jets. This is due to the strong nonlinear effects in forced turbulent jets considered in the present study. This finding confirms a limitation of linear stability theories when predicting the wavepacket dynamics of forced turbulent jets. The PSE solution for the subsonic jet showed very weak acoustic radiation, and the far-field noise displayed strong sensitivity to the location of the Kirchhoff surface. This suggests a limitation of direct propagation approaches for the PSE solutions of moderately heated subsonic jets.
Enhancing the Robustness of Steel-Concrete Composite Buildings under Column Loss Scenarios
Authors: Jeyarajan S , Liew J Y Richard , Koh CG
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates the robustness of steel-concrete composite building frames under column loss scenarios. Various composite building frame models, including different bracing systems, composite slab and joints are taken into account in analysing the dynamic response of the frame structure against the loss of a column due to accidental load. Robustness of ten-storey steel-concrete composite buildings with (i) diagonal braces at the corners, (ii) centre core wall, (iii) rigid moment joints are analysed for corner, perimeter and internal column loss. The analyses results show that simple braced frames are vulnerable to the progressive collapse compared with the moment resisting frames, which has higher redundancy to redistribute the loads arising from sudden column loss. Various strengthening approaches are investigated to improve the collapse resistance of the simple braced frames. Vierendeel truss was proposed at selected floor level in a building to redistribute the load due to column loss. End-plate or modified fin-plate connections were proposed for column-to-beam connections to enhance the progressive collapse resistance of simple braced frame. The resistance against progressive collapse is also investigated for building with outrigger-belt truss.
Anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation: delayed implementation of evidence
Authors: Tagney Jenny
Published: September 2015

Prescribing evidence-based medications and keeping up-to-date with new evidence is a requirement for both medical and non-medical prescribers ( Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2006 ). In considering how evidence is incorporated into practice, it is clear that there can be a considerable lag before new, authorised and recommended treatments are assimilated. This case study illustrates the potential for conflicting advice that can arise as a result of inconsistent guidance and lack of awareness of updated evidence for treatment of specific conditions. Further, benefits of shared decision-making between patients and clinicians and their potential application between clinicians in such situations is highlighted. The importance of specialist nurses in facilitating both education and access to new evidence is identified, as is the need for effective and timely communication to secure judicious implementation of changes in policy and practice.
Insertable cardiac monitors
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: September 2015

This section presents a concise overview of the treatments and clinical procedures regularly carried out in the field of cardiovascular care. This ‘back-to-basics’ article aims to refresh nurses' knowledge on correct practice, as well as introduce students and junior nurses to procedures