bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SmartPill®as an objective parameter for determination of severity and duration of postoperative ileus: study protocol of a prospective, two-arm, open-label trial (the PIDuSA study)
Authors: Vilz Tim O , Pantelis Dimitrios , Lingohr Philipp , Fimmers Rolf , Esmann Anke , Randau Thomas , Kalff Jörg C , Coenen Martin , Wehner Sven
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a frequent complication after abdominal surgery (AS). Until today, neither a prophylaxis nor an evidence-based therapy exists. This originates from the absence of objective parameters evaluating the severity and duration of POI resulting in clinical trials of modest quality. The SmartPill®, a capsule which frequently measures pH value, temperature and intraluminal pressure after swallowing, offers an elegant option for analysing gastrointestinal (GI) transit times and smooth muscle activity in vivo. As the use in patients in the first months after AS is not covered by the marketing authorisation, we aim to investigate the safety and feasibility of the SmartPill®immediately after surgery. Additionally, we analyse the influence of prokinetics and laxatives as well as standardised physiotherapy on postoperative bowel contractility, as scientific evidence of its effects is still lacking.

Methods and analysis

The PIDuSA study is a prospective, single-centre, two-arm, open-label trial. The SmartPill®will be applied to 55 patients undergoing AS having a high risk for POI and 10 patients undergoing extra-abdominal surgery rarely developing POI. The primary objective is the safety of the SmartPill®in patients after surgery on the basis of adverse device effects/serious adverse device effects (ADE/SADE). The sample size suggests that events with a probability of 3% could be seen with a certainty of 80% for at least once in the sample. Secondary objective is the analysis of postoperative intestinal activity in the GI tract in both groups. Furthermore, clinical signs of bowel motility disorders will be correlated to the data measured by the SmartPill®to evaluate its significance as an objective parameter for assessing POI severity. Additionally, effects of prokinetics, laxatives and physiotherapy on postoperative peristaltic activity recorded by the SmartPill®will be analysed.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was approved by the federal authority (94.1.05-5660-8976) and the local ethics committee (092/14-MPG). Findings will be disseminated through publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT02329912; Pre-results.
Effectiveness of the Assessment of Burden of COPD (ABC) tool on health-related quality of life in patients with COPD: a cluster randomised controlled trial in primary and hospital care
Authors: Slok Annerika H M , Kotz Daniel , van Breukelen Gerard , Chavannes Niels H , Rutten-van Mölken Maureen P M H , Kerstjens Huib A M , van der Molen Thys , Asijee Guus M , Dekhuijzen P N Richard , Holverda Sebastiaan , Salomé Philippe L , Goossens Lucas M A , Twellaar Mascha , in ‘t Veen Johannes C C M , van Schayck Onno C P
Published: July 2016

Objective

Assessing the effectiveness of the Assessment of Burden of COPD (ABC) tool on disease-specific quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) measured with the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), compared with usual care.

Methods

A pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial, in 39 Dutch primary care practices and 17 hospitals, with 357 patients with COPD (postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio <0.7) aged ≥40 years, who could understand and read the Dutch language. Healthcare providers were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention group applied the ABC tool, which consists of a short validated questionnaire assessing the experienced burden of COPD, objective COPD parameter (eg, lung function) and a treatment algorithm including a visual display and treatment advice. The control group provided usual care. Researchers were blinded to group allocation during analyses. Primary outcome was the number of patients with a clinically relevant improvement in SGRQ score between baseline and 18-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC; a measurement of perceived quality of care).

Results

At 18-month follow-up, 34% of the 146 patients from 27 healthcare providers in the intervention group showed a clinically relevant improvement in the SGRQ, compared with 22% of the 148 patients from 29 healthcare providers in the control group (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.16). No difference was found on the CAT (−0.26 points (scores ranging from 0 to 40); 95% CI −1.52 to 0.99). The PACIC showed a higher improvement in the intervention group (0.32 points (scores ranging from 1 to 5); 95% CI 0.14 to 0.50).

Conclusions

This study showed that use of the ABC tool may increase quality of life and perceived quality of care.

Trial registration number

NTR3788; Results.
Understanding the role of the immune system in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Immunometabolic CONnections to Scoliosis (ICONS) study protocol
Authors: Samaan M Constantine , Missiuna Paul , Peterson Devin , Thabane Lehana
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects up to 3% of children around the world. There is limited knowledge of AIS aetiopathogenesis, and this evidence is needed to develop new management strategies. Paraspinal muscle in AIS demonstrates evidence of differential fibrosis based on curve sidedness. Fibrosis is the hallmark of macrophage-driven inflammation and tissue remodelling, yet the mechanisms of fibrosis in paraspinal muscle in AIS are poorly understood.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to determine the influence of curve sidedness on paraspinal muscle inflammation. Secondary objectives include defining the mechanisms of macrophage homing to muscle, and determining muscle–macrophage crosstalk in muscle fibrosis in AIS.

Methods and analysis

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary paediatric centre in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We will recruit boys and girls, 10–17 years of age, who are having surgery to correct AIS. We will exclude children who have an active infection or are on immunosuppressive therapies within 2 weeks of surgery, smokers and pregnant girls. Paraspinal muscle biopsies will be obtained at the start of surgery. Also, blood and urine samples will be collected from participants, who will fill questionnaires about their lifestyle. Anthropometric measures will also be collected including height, weight, waist and hip circumferences.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethics authorisation by the institutional review board. This work will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented in oral and poster formats at scientific meetings.

Discussion

This study will explore the mechanisms of paraspinal muscle inflammation, remodelling and fibrosis in AIS. This will help identify pathways and molecules as potential therapeutic targets to treat and prevent AIS. It may also yield markers that predict scoliosis progression and response to treatment in these children.
Glycosylated haemoglobin as a predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cavero-Redondo I , Peleteiro B , Álvarez-Bueno C , Rodríguez-Artalejo F , Martínez-Vizcaíno V
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Glycosylated haemoglobin level (HbA1c) is an indicator of the average blood glucose concentrations over the preceding 2–3 months and is used as a convenient and well-known biomarker in clinical practice. Currently, epidemiological evidence suggests that HbA1c level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary heart disease and heart failure. This protocol aim is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine relationships of HbA1c levels with cardiovascular outcomes and cause of death, and to analyse the range of HbA1c levels that is a predictor of cardiovascular disease and/or mortality based on data from published observational studies.

Methods and analysis

The search will be conducted using Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science databases from their inception. Observational studies written in Portuguese, Spanish or English will be included. The Quality In Prognosis Studies tool will be used to assess the risk of bias for the studies included in the systematic review or meta-analysis. HRs for cardiovascular outcomes and causes of death with 95% CIs will be determined as primary outcomes. Subgroup analyses will be performed based on cardiovascular outcomes, cause of death studied, and type of population included in the studies.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review will synthesise evidence on the potential of using HbA1c level as a prognostic marker for cardiovascular disease outcomes and/or mortality. The results will be disseminated by publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Ethics approval will not be needed because the data used for this systematic review will be obtained from published studies and there will be no concerns about privacy.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42015032552.
Diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome in the UK (2004–2014): a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ding Tao , Baio Gianluca , Hardiman Paul J , Petersen Irene , Sammon Cormac
Published: July 2016

Objective

To estimate the incidence and prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in UK primary care and investigate prescribing patterns before and after a PCOS diagnosis.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

UK primary care (2004–2014).

Participants

Women aged 15–45 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The incidence and prevalence of diagnosed PCOS and probable PCOS (ie, those without a confirmed diagnosis but with at least 2 PCOS features recorded within 3 years). Among women with diagnosed or probable PCOS, the prevalence of prescribing of drugs typically used to treat PCOS was calculated prior to and in the 24 months after the diagnosis of PCOS.

Results

We identified 7233 women with PCOS diagnoses and 7057 women with records suggestive of probable PCOS, corresponding to incidence rates of 0.93 and 0.91 per 1000 person-years at risk (PYAR) and an overall rate of 1.84 per 1000 PYAR. Women aged 20–24 years and women living in deprived areas had the highest incidence of PCOS. The prevalence of PCOS in 2014 was ∼2%. The proportion of women with a prescription in the 24 months after their PCOS index date varied by drug type: 10.2% metformin, 15.2% combined oral contraceptives, 18.8% acne-related treatments, 1.93% clomiphene, 1.0% spironolactone, 0.28% cyproterone and 3.11% eflornithine. Acne-related treatments were more commonly used to treat probable (28.3%) than diagnosed (12.3%) cases, while metformin was prescribed much more commonly in diagnosed cases.

Conclusions

In conclusion, compared to rates estimated in community samples, the incidence and prevalence of women presenting in primary care with PCOS diagnoses and features are low, indicating that PCOS is an under-recognised condition. Although considerable variation is observed in treatments prescribed to women with PCOS, the treatments initiated following a confirmed diagnosis generally reflect the long-term prognostic concerns raised in PCOS consensuses.
Reaction time and onset of psychological distress: the UK Health and Lifestyle Survey
Authors: Gale Catharine R , Harris Alicia , Deary Ian J
Published: July 2016

Background

Cross-sectional studies have shown that depression is often accompanied by less efficient cognitive function, as indicated by slower speed of information processing. The direction of effect is unclear. We investigated prospectively whether slower processing speed, as indexed by longer simple or choice reaction time, is associated with an increased risk of psychological distress.

Methods

Participants were 3088 men and women aged 18 and over who had taken part in the UK Health and Lifestyle Survey. Simple and choice reaction time was measured in the baseline survey. Symptoms of psychological distress were assessed at baseline and at the 7-year follow-up survey with the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).

Results

In unadjusted models, a SD slower simple or choice reaction time at baseline was associated with ORs for psychological distress (≥5 on GHQ) at follow-up of 1.14 (1.06 to 1.23; p<0.001) or 1.13 (1.04 to 1.22; p=0.002), respectively. Further adjustment for age, sex, social class, educational attainment, health behaviours, number of chronic physical illnesses present, neuroticism and GHQ score at baseline had only slight attenuating effects on these associations. In fully adjusted models, a SD slower simple or choice reaction time at baseline was associated with ORs for psychological distress of 1.11 (1.02 to 1.21; p=0.017) or 1.11 (1.00 to 1.24; p=0.048), respectively.

Conclusions

Slower processing speed may be a risk factor for the development of psychological distress. Future studies should explore the extent to which slower processing speed explains previously demonstrated associations between lower intelligence and poorer mental health.
Is regular drinking in later life an indicator of good health? Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Holdsworth Clare , Mendonça Marina , Pikhart Hynek , Frisher Martin , de Oliveira Cesar , Shelton Nicola
Published: July 2016

Background

Older people who drink have been shown to have better health than those who do not. This might suggest that moderate drinking is beneficial for health, or, as considered here, that older people modify their drinking as their health deteriorates. The relationship between how often older adults drink and their health is considered for two heath states: self-rated health (SRH) and depressive symptoms.

Methods

Data were analysed from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), a prospective cohort study of older adults, using multilevel ordered logit analysis. The analysis involved 4741 participants present at wave 0, (1998/1999 and 2001), wave 4 (2008/2009) and wave 5 (2010/2011). The outcome measure was frequency of drinking in last year recorded at all three time points.

Results

Older adults with fair/poor SRH at the onset of the study drank less frequently compared with adults with good SRH (p<0.05). Drinking frequency declined over time for all health statuses, though respondents with both continual fair/poor SRH and declining SRH experienced a sharper reduction in the frequency of their drinking over time compared with older adults who remained in good SRH or whose health improved. The findings were similar for depression, though the association between depressive symptoms and drinking frequency at the baseline was not significant after adjusting for confounding variables.

Conclusions

The frequency of older adults’ drinking responds to changes in health status and drinking frequency in later life may be an indicator, rather than a cause, of health status.
Effect of Calorie or Exercise Labels on Menus on Calories and Macronutrients Ordered and Calories from Specific Foods in Hispanic Participants: A Randomized Study
Authors: Shah Meena , Bouza Brooke , Adams-Huet Beverley , Jaffery Manall , Esposito Phil , Dart Lyn
Published: July 2016

The effect of menu labels on food choices is unknown in Hispanics. This study evaluated the impact of menu labels on calories and macronutrients ordered in Hispanics. 372 Hispanics (18–65 years) were randomly assigned to menus with no labels (NL) (n=127), rank-ordered calorie labels plus a statement on energy needs per meal (CL) (n=123), or rank-ordered exercise labels showing minutes of brisk walking necessary to burn the food calories (EL) (n=122). The menus had identical food choices. Participants were instructed to select foods from the assigned menu as if having lunch in a fast food restaurant. One-way analysis of variance found no difference in calories ordered (median (25th and 75th centiles)) by menu condition (NL: 785.0 (465.0, 1010.0) kcal; CL: 790.0 (510.0, 1020.0) kcal; EL: 752.5 (520.0, 1033.8) kcal; p=0.75). Calories from specific foods and macronutrient intake were not different by menu condition. Menu label use was 26.8% in the CL and 25.4% in the EL condition. Calories ordered were not different between those who used and those who did not use the labels. Regression analysis showed that perception of being overweight (p=0.02), selecting foods based on health value (p<0.0001), and meeting exercise guidelines (p<0.0001) were associated with fewer calories ordered. Logistic regression showed that selecting foods based on health value (p=0.01) was associated with higher food label use. Menu labels did not affect food choices in Hispanic participants. Future studies should determine if nutrition, exercise, and weight perception counseling prior to menu labels intervention would result in better food choices.

Trial registration number

NCT02804503; post-results.
A libertarian case for mandatory vaccination
Authors: Brennan Jason
Published: July 2016

This paper argues that mandatory, government-enforced vaccination can be justified even within a libertarian political framework. If so, this implies that the case for mandatory vaccination is very strong indeed as it can be justified even within a framework that, at first glance, loads the philosophical dice against that conclusion. I argue that people who refuse vaccinations violate the ‘clean hands principle’, a (in this case, enforceable) moral principle that prohibits people from participating in the collective imposition of unjust harm or risk of harm. In a libertarian framework, individuals may be forced to accept certain vaccines not because they have an enforceable duty to serve the common, and not because cost–benefit analysis recommends it, but because anti-vaxxers are wrongfully imposing undue harm upon others.
Long term durability and outcomes of carotid stenting and carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Jung Jin-Man , Choi Jeong-Yoon , Kim Hyun Jung , Suh Sang-il , Seo Woo-Keun
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the long term durability and outcomes of carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) compared with carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods

Using multiple comprehensive databases, we searched for randomized controlled trials comparing CAS with CEA for carotid stenosis. Studies were classified according to symptom status: symptomatic, asymptomatic, or all inclusive stenosis. Postprocedural ipsilateral stroke, restenosis/occlusion after revascularization, procedural stroke/death/myocardial infarction (MI), and postprocedural ipsilateral stroke were evaluated. Subgroup analysis was performed according to follow-up duration.

Results

22 studies were included and classified for meta-analyses in relation to specific outcomes. The maximum follow-up duration was 10 years. The risk of postprocedural ipsilateral stroke in CEA was equivalent to that in CAS, irrespective of symptom status or follow-up time points. The CAS group had a greater risk of restenosis/occlusion after revascularization compared with CEA in studies of all inclusive stenosis. A similar tendency was found in studies of symptomatic stenosis, but without statistical significance. However, subgroup analysis showed that the risk of restenosis/occlusion in CAS decreased gradually with time, to the extent that these risks became comparable 1 year after the procedure. Procedural stroke/death/MI and postprocedural ipsilateral stroke occurred more frequently in the CAS group in studies of symptomatic stenosis although not in studies of asymptomatic or all inclusive stenosis. However, this association did not persist when studies were divided according to follow-up time points.

Conclusions

Although CAS may be more strongly associated with periprocedural stroke/death compared with CEA, it could be a good alternative to CEA in terms of long term durability and outcomes.
Endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke in nonagenarians compared with younger patients in a multicenter cohort
Authors: Khan Muhib A , Baird Grayson L , Miller David , Patel Anand , Tsekhan Shawn , Yaghi Shadi , Puri Ajit , Jayaraman Mahesh , Henninger Nils , Silver Brian
Published: July 2016

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated the superiority of endovascular therapy (EVT) for emergent large vessel occlusion.

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of EVT in nonagenarians, for whom data are limited.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical and imaging data of all patients who underwent EVT at two stroke centers between January 2012 and August 2014. The 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score) was compared between younger patients (age 18–89 years; n=175) and nonagenarians (n=18). The relationship between pre-stroke and 90-day post-stroke mRS was analyzed in these two groups. Multivariable analysis of age, recanalization grade, and admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for predicting outcome was performed.

Results

Age ≥90 years was associated with a poor (mRS >2) 90-day outcome relative to those under 90 (89% vs 52%, OR=8, 95% CI 1.7 to 35.0; p=0.0081). Nonagenarians had a higher pre-stroke mRS score (0.77; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.30) than younger patients (0.24; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.35; p=0.005). No difference was observed between nonagenarians and younger patients in the rate of mRS change from pre-stroke to 90 days (p=0.540). On multivariable regression, age (OR=1.05, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.08; p<0.0001), recanalization grade (OR=0.62 95% CI 0.42 to 0.91; p=0.015), and admission NIHSS (OR=1.07 95% CI 1.02 to 1.13; p=0.01) were associated with a poor 90-day outcome.

Conclusions

Nonagenarians are at a substantially higher risk of a poor 90-day outcome after EVT than younger patients. However, a small subset of nonagenarians may benefit from EVT, particularly if they have a good pre-stroke functional status. Further research is needed to identify factors associated with favorable outcome in this age cohort.
Decreasing procedure times with a standardized approach to ELVO cases
Authors: McTaggart Ryan A , Yaghi Shadi , Baird Grayson , Haas Richard A , Jayaraman Mahesh V
Published: July 2016

Background

Embolectomy is the standard of care for emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO), and needs to be done as quickly as possible for the best possible outcomes. Optimization of workflow and process is certainly paramount. One aspect of this is process improvement to standardize as much as possible the procedure in order to decrease variability among operators, which breeds familiarity for the entire team.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a standardized approach to ELVO cases in decreasing times from groin puncture to first deployment of a stent-retriever and final recanalization.

Methods

A retrospective review of 83 consecutive patients consisting of a pre-standardization phase (group 1) and those after standardization (group 2). The standardization process involved all three neurointerventional radiologists agreeing on a standard approach to the cases and to the equipment to be used. Times from groin puncture to first deployment of the stent-retriever and from puncture to final reperfusion were evaluated. Angiographic outcomes were scored using the Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) score. Complications from intracranial catheter manipulation (such as wire perforation) were also recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on admission and discharge National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score.

Results

There were 22 patients in group 1 and 61 patients in group 2. Mean times from groin puncture to first deployment were 39.8 min in group 1 and 20 min in group 2, a difference which was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Overall times from puncture to final recanalization were reduced from 68.2 to 37 min, also a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). There were no cases of intraprocedural complications such as wire perforation or subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Conclusions

A standardized approach to the equipment used and process for ELVO cases at a single institution can dramatically reduce procedure times.
Sudden cardiac death in adults with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries
Authors: McCombe A , Touma F , Jackson D , Canniffe C , Choudhary P , Pressley L , Tanous D , Robinson Peter J , Celermajer D
Published: July 2016

Background

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is a rare congenital heart disease. There have been only few reports of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with ccTGA and reasonable ventricular function.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records of all patients attending our adult congenital heart centre, with known ccTGA.

Results

From a database of over 3500 adult patients with congenital heart disease, we identified 39 (∼1%) with ccTGA and ‘two-ventricle’ circulations. 65% were male. The mean age at diagnosis was 12.4±11.4 years and the mean age at last time of review was 34.3±11.3 years. 24 patients (56%) had a history of surgical intervention. 8 (19%) had had pacemaker implantation and 2 had had a defibrillator implanted for non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT). In 544 years of patient follow-up, there had been five cases of SCD in our population; 1 death per 109 patient-years. Two of these patients had had previously documented supraventricular or NSVT. However, they were all classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I or II, and systemic (right) ventricular function had been recorded as normal, mildly or mildly–moderately impaired, at most recent follow-up.

Conclusions

Our experience suggests the need for improved risk stratification and/or surveillance for malignant arrhythmia in adults with ccTGA, even in those with reasonable functional class on ventricular function.
Coronary sinus-based percutaneous annuloplasty as treatment for functional mitral regurgitation: the TITAN II trial
Authors: Lipiecki Janusz , Siminiak Tomasz , Sievert Horst , Müller-Ehmsen Jochen , Degen Hubertus , Wu Justina C , Schandrin Christian , Kalmucki Piotr , Hofmann Ilona , Reuter David , Goldberg Steven L , Haude Michael
Published: July 2016

Objective

Functional (or secondary) mitral regurgitation (FMR) is associated with greater morbidity and worse outcomes in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and cardiomyopathy. The Carillon® Mitral Contour System® is a coronary sinus-based percutaneous therapy to reduce FMR. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a modified version of the Carillon device in the treatment of patients with cardiomyopathy and FMR.

Methods

36 patients with CHF, depressed left ventricular function (ejection fraction <40%) and at least moderate FMR underwent the Carillon device implant.

Results

There was 1 major adverse event within 30 days—a death (not device related)—occurring 17 days after the implant. Reductions in FMR and improvements in functional class and 6 min walk tests were seen, similar to prior studies. Device fractures in the high strain region of the proximal anchor (seen in prior studies) were not seen in this study.

Conclusions

The modified Carillon device was associated with improvements in clinical and echocardiographic parameters in treating patients with FMR, while successfully addressing the issue of anchor fracture. This version of the Carillon device will be used in a blinded randomised trial of symptomatic patients with FMR.
Dietary regulation of Ucp2 and Ucp3 expressions in white adipose tissues of beef cattle
Authors: Shigematsu Mei , Yamada Tomoya , Wong Yun Yi , Kanamori Yohei , Murakami Masaru , Fujimoto Yusuke , Suzuki Mika , Kida Ryosuke , Qiao Yuhang , Tomonaga Shozo , Matsui Tohru , Funaba Masayuki
Published: July 2016

Expression of uncoupling protein (Ucp) 2 but not Ucp3 in subcutaneous fat was significantly higher in cattle fed the concentrate diet than in those fed the roughage diet. Ucp2 expression in mesenteric fat was higher in cattle fed the vitamin A-deficient diet than in those fed the control diet.
Laser gain calculations for soft X-ray and XUV radiation emitted from copper-like ions by electron collisional pumping
Authors: Sayed Mohamed A. , Allam Sami H. , El-Sherbini Tharwat M.
Published: July 2016

Electron impact excitation rate coefficients, level population densities, and gain coefficients for six excited ions with Z = 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 in the copper isoelectronic sequence have been calculated. The electron collisional excitation rate coefficients are calculated according to the analytical formulas of Vriens and Smeets. Fine structure energy levels, transition probabilities, and oscillator strengths needed in the calculations have been calculated using Cowan atomic structure code with relativistic corrections for [Ar]3d10nl with n = 4–7 and l = 0–6. The level population densities are calculated by solving the coupled rate equations involving 30 levels. Positive gain coefficients of the possible emitted lines are obtained at three selected electron temperatures, namely 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 of the ionization energy. The present calculated data show promising values for the production of soft X-ray and XUV laser by collisional pumping for the transitions 5p–5s and 6d–5f with wavelengths between 108 and 571 Å. The values of the maximum gain coefficient are found to increase with atomic number and their order of magnitude ranges from102 to 104 cm−1.
Students’ opinions on the educational value of physics laboratories: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Leung Anthony C.K. , Terrana Alexandra , Jerzak Stanislaw
Published: July 2016

Physics laboratories are currently under pressure to reform because of the growing evidence that students are not learning effectively in the lab. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on what the most important goals for the laboratories should be or how to implement them. With the overall value and purpose of physics laboratories in question, we have set out to determine the opinions of the students themselves. How valuable do students perceive physics labs to be, what skills do they find useful in the lab, and what kinds of lab technologies do they prefer? We accomplished this through a nationwide cross-sectional online survey of physics majors, at both undergraduate and graduate levels, receiving responses from a total of 445 students from 20 post-secondary Canadian institutions. The present survey shows that students recognize the usefulness of many laboratory aspects. However, despite the best intentions of educators, there are a few components that students do not find as useful.
First-principles study of the cubic CaHfO3(001) surface
Authors: Yang Kun , He Yanqing , Yao Li , Cheng Yi , Wang Guiqiu , Xia Wenwen
Published: July 2016

The geometric and electronic structures of the cubic CaHfO3(001) surfaces have been studied using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Two different terminations, CaO- and HfO2-terminated surfaces, were investigated. It has been found that Ca atom has the largest relaxation for both kinds of terminations, and the surface rumpling of the CaO termination is far more prominent than that of the HfO2-terminated surface. Both the bandgaps of the CaO- and HfO2-terminated surfaces were calculated to be smaller than that of the CaHfO3bulk. It was also shown that the CaO-terminated surface has a lower energy than the HfO2-terminated surface.
The phononic crystals: An unending quest for tailoring acoustics
Authors: Kushwaha Manvir S.
Published: July 2016

Periodicity (in time or space) is a part and parcel of every living being: one can see, hear and feel it. Everyday examples are locomotion, respiration and heart beat. The reinforced N-dimensional periodicity over two or more crystalline solids results in the so-called phononic band gap crystals. These can have dramatic consequences on the propagation of phonons, vibrations and sound. The fundamental physics of cleverly fabricated phononic crystals can offer a systematic route to realize the Anderson localization of sound and vibrations. As to the applications, the phononic crystals are envisaged to find ways in the architecture, acoustic waveguides, designing transducers, elastic/acoustic filters, noise control, ultrasonics, medical imaging and acoustic cloaking, to mention a few. This review focuses on the brief sketch of the progress made in the field that seems to have prospered even more than was originally imagined in the early nineties.
Monotone traveling waves for delayed neural field equations
Authors: Fang Jian , Faye Grégory
Published: July 2016

We study the existence of traveling wave solutions and spreading properties for single-layer delayed neural field equations. We focus on the case where the kinetic dynamics are of monostable type and characterize the invasion speeds as a function of the asymptotic decay of the connectivity kernel. More precisely, we show that for exponentially bounded kernels the minimal speed of traveling waves exists and coincides with the spreading speed, which further can be explicitly characterized under a KPP type condition. We also investigate the case of algebraically decaying kernels where we prove the non-existence of traveling wave solutions and show the level sets of the solutions eventually locate in-between two exponential functions of time. The uniqueness of traveling waves modulo translation is also obtained.
Generalized impedance boundary conditions and shape derivatives for 3D Helmholtz problems
Authors: Kateb Djalil , Le Louër Frédérique
Published: July 2016

This paper is concerned with the shape sensitivity analysis of the solution to the Helmholtz transmission problem for three-dimensional sound-soft or sound-hard obstacles coated by a thin layer. This problem can be asymptotically approached by exterior problems with an improved condition on the exterior boundary of the coated obstacle, called generalized impedance boundary condition (GIBC). Using a series expansion of the Laplacian operator in the neighborhood of the exterior boundary, we retrieve the first-order GIBCs characterizing the presence of an interior thin layer with a constant thickness. The first shape derivative of the solution to the original Helmholtz transmission problem solves a new thin layer transmission problem with non-vanishing jumps across the exterior and the interior boundary of the thin layer. We show that we can interchange the first-order differentiation with respect to the shape of the exterior boundary and the asymptotic approximation of the solution. Numerical experiments are presented to highlight the various theoretical results.
Emergent spacetime for quantum gravity
Authors: Yang Hyun Seok
Published: July 2016

We emphasize that noncommutative (NC) spacetime necessarily implies emergent spacetime if spacetime at microscopic scales should be viewed as NC. In order to understand NC spacetime correctly, we need to deactivate the thought patterns that we have installed in our brains and taken for granted for so many years. Emergent spacetime allows a background-independent formulation of quantum gravity that will open a new perspective to resolve the notorious problems in theoretical physics such as the cosmological constant problem, hierarchy problem, dark energy, dark matter and cosmic inflation.
Time to move on?
Authors: Ellis John
Published: July 2016

Cosmology and particle physics have long been dominated by theoretical paradigms: Einstein’s general theory of relativity in cosmology and the standard model of particle physics. The time may have come for paradigm shifts. Does cosmological inflation require a modification of Einstein’s gravity? Have experiments at the LHC discovered a new particle beyond the Standard Model? It is premature to answer these questions, but we theorists can dream about the possibilities.
Finite p-groups with the least number of outer p-automorphisms
Authors: Abdollahi Alireza , Ahmadi Marzieh , Ghoraishi S. Mohsen
Published: July 2016

In this paper we study finite [Formula: see text]-groups [Formula: see text] for which the [Formula: see text]-part of [Formula: see text] has the least possible value [Formula: see text]. We characterize the groups in some special cases, including [Formula: see text]-groups of nilpotency class [Formula: see text], of maximal class, of order at most [Formula: see text], with cyclic Frattini subgroup and [Formula: see text]-groups [Formula: see text] in which [Formula: see text].
Study of
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Sr transport through a column filled with crushed granite in the presence of bentonite colloids
Authors: Kolomá Kateřina , Červinka Radek
Published: July 2016

The present work is focused on the study of strontium transport through crushed granite in the presence of bentonite colloids under dynamic arrangement. The aim of the experiments was to investigate the effect of bentonite colloids on strontium migration in crushed granite. The tracer behaviour was studied in a column set-up under aerobic conditions with a continuous inlet of the liquid phase of a constant tracer concentration (activity) and flow rate. Defined volumes of liquid phase were sampled at periodic time intervals at the column outlet for the measurements of tracer concentrations (activity). The transport was described by breakthrough curves. The stepwise approach included these steps: (1) an evaluation of the hydrodynamic column properties by the non-sorbing tracer
3
H; (2) a column experiment with bentonite colloids in deionized water was performed; (3) migration of
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Sr solution in two liquid phases (deionized and synthetic granitic water); and (4) the transport of a radiocolloid suspension in deionized water was studied. Results showed different behaviour of bentonite colloids and strontium in the column. Bentonite colloids behaved as a non-sorbing tracer: conversely, strontium showed strong sorption on granitic material. The strontium transport in the presence of bentonite colloids differed from strontium transport itself. The strontium transport in the presence of colloids was faster than transport without the bentonite colloids. The observed retention of strontium on granite suggests a higher affinity of strontium towards granitic rock than towards bentonite colloids, and showed the reversibility of the sorption of strontium on bentonite colloids.
CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation regulates basal cardiac pacemaker function via modulation of local Ca2+ releases
Authors: Li Yue , Sirenko Syevda , Riordon Daniel R. , Yang Dongmei , Spurgeon Harold , Lakatta Edward G. , Vinogradova Tatiana M.
Published: July 2016

Spontaneous beating of the heart pacemaker, the sinoatrial node, is generated by sinoatrial node cells (SANC) due to gradual change of the membrane potential called diastolic depolarization (DD). Spontaneous, submembrane local Ca2+ releases (LCR) from ryanodine receptors (RyR) occur during late DD and activate an inward Na+/Ca2+exchange current to boost the DD rate and fire an action potential (AP). Here we studied the extent of basal Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activation and the role of basal CaMKII-dependent protein phosphorylation in generation of LCRs and regulation of normal automaticity of intact rabbit SANC. The basal level of activated (autophosphorylated) CaMKII in rabbit SANC surpassed that in ventricular myocytes (VM) by approximately twofold, and this was accompanied by high basal level of protein phosphorylation. Specifically, phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLB) at the CaMKII-dependent Thr17 site was approximately threefold greater in SANC compared with VM, and RyR phosphorylation at CaMKII-dependent Ser2815 site was ∼10-fold greater in the SA node, compared with that in ventricle. CaMKII inhibition reduced phosphorylation of PLB and RyR, decreased LCR size, increased LCR periods (time from AP-induced Ca2+ transient to subsequent LCR), and suppressed spontaneous SANC firing. Graded changes in CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation (indexed by PLB phosphorylation at the Thr17site) produced by CaMKII inhibition, β-AR stimulation or phosphodiesterase inhibition were highly correlated with changes in SR Ca2+ replenishment times and LCR periods and concomitant changes in spontaneous SANC cycle lengths ( R2 = 0.96). Thus high basal CaMKII activation modifies the phosphorylation state of Ca2+ cycling proteins PLB, RyR, L-type Ca2+ channels (and likely others), adjusting LCR period and characteristics, and ultimately regulates both normal and reserve cardiac pacemaker function.
Differential regulation of autophagy and mitophagy in pulmonary diseases
Authors: Aggarwal Saurabh , Mannam Praveen , Zhang Jianhua
Published: July 2016

Lysosomal-mediated degradation of intracellular lipids, proteins and organelles, known as autophagy, represents a inducible adaptive response to lung injury resulting from exposure to insults, such as hypoxia, microbes, inflammation, ischemia-reperfusion, pharmaceuticals (e.g., bleomycin), or inhaled xenobiotics (i.e., air pollution, cigarette smoke). This process clears damaged or toxic cellular constituents and facilitates cell survival in stressful environments. Autophagic degradation of dysfunctional or damaged mitochondria is termed mitophagy. Enhanced mitophagy is usually an early response to promote survival. However, overwhelming or prolonged mitochondrial damage can induce excessive/pathological levels of mitophagy, thereby promoting cell death and tissue injury. Autophagy/mitophagy is therefore an important modulator in human pulmonary diseases and a potential therapeutic target. This review article will summarize the most recent studies highlighting the role of autophagy/mitophagy and its molecular pathways involved in stress response in pulmonary pathologies.
Intermuscular adipose tissue and thigh muscle area dynamics during an 18-month randomized weight loss trial
Authors: Yaskolka Meir Anat , Shelef Ilan , Schwarzfuchs Dan , Gepner Yftach , Tene Lilac , Zelicha Hila , Tsaban Gal , Bilitzky Avital , Komy Oded , Cohen Noa , Bril Nitzan , Rein Michal , Serfaty Dana , Kenigsbuch Shira , Chassidim Yoash , Zeller Lior , Ceglarek Uta , Stumvoll Michael , Blüher Matthias , Thiery Joachim , Stampfer Meir J. , Rudich Assaf , Shai Iris
Published: July 2016

It remains unclear whether intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) has any metabolic influence or whether it is merely a marker of abnormalities, as well as what are the effects of specific lifestyle strategies for weight loss on the dynamics of both IMAT and thigh muscle area (TMA). We followed the trajectory of IMAT and TMA during 18-mo lifestyle intervention among 278 sedentary participants with abdominal obesity, using magnetic resonance imaging. We measured the resting metabolic rate (RMR) by an indirect calorimeter. Among 273 eligible participants (47.8 ± 9.3 yr of age), the mean IMAT was 9.6 ± 4.6 cm2. Baseline IMAT levels were directly correlated with waist circumference, abdominal subdepots, C-reactive protein, and leptin and inversely correlated with baseline TMA and creatinine ( P < 0.05 for all). After 18 mo (86.3% adherence), both IMAT (−1.6%) and TMA (−3.3%) significantly decreased ( P < 0.01 vs. baseline). The changes in both IMAT and TMA were similar across the lifestyle intervention groups and directly corresponded with moderate weight loss ( P < 0.001). IMAT change did not remain independently associated with decreased abdominal subdepots or improved cardiometabolic parameters after adjustments for age, sex, and 18-mo weight loss. In similar models, 18-mo TMA loss remained associated with decreased RMR, decreased activity, and with increased fasting glucose levels and IMAT ( P < 0.05 for all). Unlike other fat depots, IMAT may not represent a unique or specific adipose tissue, instead largely reflecting body weight change per se. Moderate weight loss induced a significant decrease in thigh muscle area, suggesting the importance of resistance training to accompany weight loss programs.
Effect of betamethasone, surfactant, and positive end-expiratory pressures on lung aeration at birth in preterm rabbits
Authors: Crawshaw Jessica R. , Hooper Stuart B. , te Pas Arjan B. , Allison Beth A. , Wallace Megan J. , Kerr Lauren T. , Lewis Robert A. , Morley Colin J. , Leong Andrew F. , Kitchen Marcus J.
Published: July 2016

Antenatal glucocorticoids, exogenous surfactant, and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilation are commonly provided to preterm infants to enhance respiratory function after birth. It is unclear how these treatments interact to improve the transition to air-breathing at birth. We investigated the relative contribution of antenatal betamethasone, prophylactic surfactant, and PEEP (3 cmH2O) on functional residual capacity (FRC) and dynamic lung compliance (CDL) in preterm (28 day GA) rabbit kittens at birth. Kittens were delivered by cesarean section and mechanically ventilated. FRC was calculated from X-ray images, and CDLwas measured using plethysmography. Without betamethasone, PEEP increased FRC recruitment and CDL. Surfactant did not further increase FRC, but significantly increased CDL. Betamethasone abolished the benefit of PEEP on FRC, but surfactant counteracted this effect of betamethasone. These findings indicate that low PEEP levels are insufficient to establish FRC at birth following betamethasone treatment. However, surfactant reversed the effect of betamethasone and when combined, these two treatments enhanced FRC recruitment irrespective of PEEP level.
A Multiperiod Supply Chain Network Design Considering Carbon Emissions
Authors: Peng Yang , Ablanedo-Rosas Jose Humberto , Fu Peihua
Published: July 2016

This paper introduces a mixed integer linear programming formulation for modeling and solving a multiperiod one-stage supply chain distribution network design problem. The model is aimed to minimize two objectives, the total supply chain cost and the greenhouse gas emissions generated mainly by transportation and warehousing operations. The demand forecast is known for the planning horizon and shortage of demand is allowed at a penalty cost. This scenario must satisfy a minimum service level. Two carbon emission regulatory policies are investigated, the tax or carbon credit and the carbon emission cap. Computational experiments are performed to analyze the trade-offs between the total cost of the supply chain, the carbon emission quantity, and both carbon emission regulatory policies. Results demonstrate that for a certain range the carbon credit price incentivizes the reduction of carbon emissions to the environment. On the other hand, modifying the carbon emission cap inside a certain range could lead to significant reductions of carbon emission while not significantly compromising the total cost of the supply chain.
Do Small-Mass Neutrinos Participate in Gauge Transformations?
Authors: Kim Y. S. , Maguire G. Q. , Noz M. E.
Published: July 2016

Neutrino oscillation experiments presently suggest that neutrinos have a small but finite mass. If neutrinos have mass, there should be a Lorentz frame in which they can be brought to rest. This paper discusses how Wigner’s little groups can be used to distinguish between massive and massless particles. We derive a representation of theSL(2,c)group which separates out the two sets of spinors: one set is gauge dependent and the other set is gauge invariant and represents polarized neutrinos. We show that a similar calculation can be done for the Dirac equation. In the large-momentum/zero-mass limit, the Dirac spinors can be separated into large and small components. The large components are gauge invariant, while the small components are not. These small components represent spin-1/2non-zero-mass particles. If we renormalize the large components, these gauge invariant spinors represent the polarization of neutrinos. Massive neutrinos cannot be invariant under gauge transformations.