bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome following physician supervised prehospital resuscitation: a retrospective study
Authors: Mikkelsen Søren , Krüger Andreas J , Zwisler Stine T , Brøchner Anne C
Published: January 2015

Background

Prehospital care provided by specially trained, physician-based emergency services (P-EMS) is an integrated part of the emergency medical systems in many developed countries. To what extent P-EMS increases survival and favourable outcomes is still unclear. The aim of the study was thus to investigate ambulance runs initially assigned ‘life-saving missions’ with emphasis on long-term outcome in patients treated by the Mobile Emergency Care Unit (MECU) in Odense, Denmark

Methods

All MECU runs are registered in a database by the attending physician, stating, among other parameters, the treatment given, outcome of the treatment and the patient's diagnosis. Over a period of 80 months from May 1 2006 to December 31 2012, all missions in which the outcome of the treatment was registered as ‘life saving’ were scrutinised. Initial outcome, level of competence of the caretaker and diagnosis of each patient were manually established in each case in a combined audit of the prehospital database, the discharge summary of the MECU and the medical records from the hospital. Outcome parameters were final outcome, the aetiology of the life-threatening condition and the level of competences necessary to treat the patient.

Results

Of 25 647 patients treated by the MECU, 701 (2.7%) received prehospital ‘life saving treatment’. In 596 (2.3%) patients this treatment exceeded the competences of the attending emergency medical technician or paramedic. Of these patients, 225 (0.9%) were ultimately discharged to their own home.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that anaesthesiologist administrated prehospital therapy increases the level of treatment modalities leading to an increased survival in relation to a prehospital system consisting of emergency medical technicians and paramedics alone and thus supports the concept of applying specialists in anaesthesiology in the prehospital setting especially when treating patients with cardiac arrest, patients in need of respiratory support and trauma patients.
Improving early recognition of delirium using SQiD (Single Question to identify Delirium): a hospital based quality improvement project
Authors: McCleary Elaine , Cumming Pamela
Published: January 2015

Delirium is a serious condition associated with poor outcomes which can be prevented and treated if recognised early. Older people and people with dementia or severe illness are more at risk of delirium. SQiD is a simple prompt question which asks, "Is this patient more confused than before?" Focusing specifically on patients aged 75 and over, this project aimed to increase awareness and usage of SQiD to help improve early recognition of delirium, in accordance with the Healthcare Improvement Scotland national initiative. This project was carried out by two student nurses during an eight week clinical placement in the acute surgical receiving unit (ASRU) of Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland.

Qualitative and quantitative methodology was used to establish baseline data which revealed that only 35% of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) were aware of SQiD, with only 15% using SQiD. Initial activities involved raising awareness of SQiD by means of information cards and posters. Once awareness was raised, the usage of the SQiD question by nurses was tested. Finally, the SQiD question was incorporated into the nursing care round forms and usage recorded. Following these awareness raising activities we noted an increase of 83% awareness and 20% use of SQiD. Incorporating the SQiD question into the hourly care round forms increased awareness to 100% and usage to 50%.

Although this small scale project could be viewed as a success, the requirements for sustainability depend upon further implementation and spreading of the change. Sustained improvement is also dependent upon the implementation of the care rounds.

As nursing students, undertaking this improvement project has provided valuable lessons in both quality improvement science and personal learning. The improved knowledge and understanding of effective communication and the intricacies of team working is transferrable and can be applied to future nursing practice.
An observational study of PM10and hospital admissions for acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory disease in Tasmania, Australia 1992–2002
Authors: Mészáros D , Markos J , FitzGerald D G , Walters E H , Wood-Baker R
Published: January 2015

Objective

Particulate matter with a diameter below 10 µ (PM10) has been a major concern in the Tamar Valley, Launceston, where wood heaters are extensively used. We examined the relationship between PM10levels, meteorological variables, respiratory medications and hospital admissions for respiratory disease over the decade 1992–2002.

Methods

PM10levels were provided by the Department of Primary Industry Water, Parks and Environment, and meteorological variables from the Bureau of Meteorology. We obtained hospital discharge codes for the Launceston General Hospital. Poisson regression was used for statistical analyses.

Results

Mean daily PM10levels declined from 50.7 to 16.5 μg/m3. Hospitalisations for asthma decreased from 29 to 21 per month, whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increased and bronchitis/bronchiolitis remained unchanged. We found a 10 μg/m3increase in PM10to be associated with a 4% increase in admissions for acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis (p0.05), but no association with asthma or COPD was found. All respiratory diseases showed seasonal patterns of hospitalisation.

Conclusions

This is the first long-term study in Australia to demonstrate an association between PM10levels and respiratory diseases. Reducing exposure to PM10may decrease hospital admissions for respiratory diseases.

Implication

Better preventive measures, including sustained public health initiatives to combat air pollution, are required to reduce respiratory morbidity.
Solid-State NMR at the University of Ottawa
Authors: Bryce David L.
Published: January 2015

This article describes some highlights of the research which has been carried out in my laboratory at the University of Ottawa over the period covering 2005 to 2014. My research is in the general areas of solid-state NMR, applications of quantum chemistry, and biomolecular NMR. The format will follow that of my 2014 Canadian Society for Chemistry Keith Laidler Award presentation given in Vancouver in June 2014 at the 97th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition. Following a brief introduction, I will present some of our most interesting and exciting recent advances according to the following six themes: 1. Fundamental solid-state NMR. 2. Materials characterization and NMR crystallography. 3. Pharmaceuticals and polymorphism. 4. Non-covalent interactions: Halogen bonds. 5. Biomolecular NMR. 6. Software development.
A Circumferentially Enhanced Hermite Reproducing Kernel Meshfree Method for Buckling Analysis of Kirchhoff–Love Cylindrical Shells
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Song Chao , Peng Huikai
Published: January 2015

A circumferentially enhanced Hermite reproducing kernel (HRK) meshfree method is developed for the buckling analysis of Kirchhoff–Love cylindrical shells. In this method, in order to accurately represent the circumferential periodicity of cylindrical shells, the shell mid-surface is first discretized by a set of physical nodes in the two-dimensional parametric space, thereafter another set of dummy nodes are added by a straightforward periodic translation of the physical nodes. Subsequently the meshfree shape functions are constructed using both the physical nodes and the dummy nodes through a periodically linked relationship. The resulting meshfree shape functions exhibit the desired circumferential periodicity. The meshfree shape functions are formulated in the HRK framework which can be degenerated to the standard reproducing kernel (RK) shape functions just by removing the rotational terms. Meanwhile, the cylindrical shell buckling equations are rationally derived from the consistent linearization of the internal virtual work. During the meshfree discretization, the in-plane shell displacements are represented by the conventional RK shape functions, while the out-of-plane shell deflection is approximated by the Hermite meshfree shape functions with both directional and rotational degrees of freedom. The numerical integration of the material as well as the geometric stiffness matrices are carried out by the strain smoothing sub-domain stabilized conforming integration (SSCI) method. Numerical examples show that the proposed approach yields very favorable results for the buckling analysis of cylindrical shells.
An Analytical Shape Memory Polymer Composite Beam Model for Space Applications
Authors: Bergman D. , Yang B.
Published: January 2015

Shape memory polymer composite (SMPC) structures, due to their ability to be formed into a small compact volume and then transform back to their original shape, are considered as a solution in the design of light-weight large deployable space structures. There is a wide array of constitutive and qualitative work being done on SMPC’s but little or no development of dynamic equations. This paper documents a macroscopic model for the shape fixation and shape recovery processes of a SMPC cantilever beam. In particular the focus is on the shape fixation process, whereby a quasi-static equilibrium model can be used instead of a full equation of motion. Numerical results are obtained in this regard by use of finite difference approximation with Newton’s method. This formulation combines a nonlinear geometric model with a temperature dependent constitutive law. Additionally, the dynamic equations of the SMPC cantilever are derived. Future work will include a dynamic numerical model, and a finite element model of the SMPC structure.
Dynamic Response of Elastic Half-Space with Cavity Subjected to P and SV Waves by Finite/Infinite Element Approach
Authors: Yang Y. B. , Hung Hsiao-Hui , Lin Kuan-Chung , Cheng Kai-Wen
Published: January 2015

The problem of a half-space with cavity under vertically incident waves was solved by many researchers using different approaches. However, substantially different solutions were obtained, partially due to the difference in the method of formulation, and partially due to the lack of complete identical data for use in analysis. In this paper, the finite/infinite element approach has been adopted to study the two-dimensional response of an elastic half-space containing a buried, unlined, infinitely long cylindrical of circular shape subjected to harmonic P and SV waves. First, the analysis procedure based on the finite and infinite elements is summarized. Second, considerations in preparing the finite element mesh to ensure the accuracy and convergence of the solution are presented. Next, the validity of the procedure of solution is verified for some intuitive, fundamental cases. Finally, the problems solved by previous researchers with identical or assumed data will be re-solved, along with discussions on the discrepancies existing among the three solutions. One feature with the finite/infinite element approach is that it is simple and straightforward, involving less assumptions and mathematical operations, whose reliability has been verified in solving various soil vibration problems. The fact that the present solutions are in close agreement to those by Luco and De Barros (1994) for all the cases studied indicates that the latter is the most reliable one among the existing theories.
Gröbner-Shirshov Bases of Some Semigroup Constructions
Authors: Karpuz Eylem Güzel
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we obtain (non-commutative) Gröbner-Shirshov bases for rectangular bands, small extensions of semigroups and Bruck-Reilly extensions of monoids in terms of the general product.
On the Auslander-Yoneda Algebras of Modules over K[x]/(xn)
Authors: Zheng Rundong
Published: January 2015

In the present paper we describe a class of Φ-Auslander-Yoneda algebras over K[x]/(xn) in terms of quivers with relations, and prove that they are actually cellular algebras in the sense of Graham and Lehrer.
Proton-coupled electron transfer chemistry of hangman macrocycles: Hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Dogutan Dilek K. , Bediako D. Kwabena , Graham Daniel J. , Lemon Christopher M. , Nocera Daniel G.
Published: January 2015

The splitting of water into its constituent elements is an important solar fuels conversion reaction for the storage of renewable energy. For each of the half reactions of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), multiple protons and electrons must be coupled to avoid high-energy intermediates. To understand the mechanistic details of the PCET chemistry that underpins HER and OER, we have designed hangman porphyrin and corrole catalysts. In these hangman constructs, a pendant acid/base functionality within the secondary coordination sphere is "hung" above the macrocyclic redox platform on which substrate binds. The two critical thermodynamic properties of a PCET event, the redox potential and pKa may be tuned with the macrocycle and hanging group, respectively. This review outlines the synthesis of these catalysts, as well as the examination of the PCET kinetics of hydrogen and oxygen evolution by the hangman catalysts. The insights provided by these systems provide a guide for the design of future HER and OER catalysts that use a secondary coordination sphere to manage PCET.
Molecular structure, optical and magnetic properties of the {SnIVPc(3-)Cl2}•- radical anions containing negatively charged Pc ligands
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Faraonov Maxim A. , Ishikawa Manabu , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Saito Gunzi , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: January 2015

Radical anion salt ( PPN +){ Sn IV Pc (3-) Cl 2}•- (1) was obtained by the reduction of tin(IV) phthalocyanine dichloride { Sn IV Pc (2-) Cl 2} with ( PPN +)( C 60•-) ( PPN + is bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene)-ammonium cation). It was shown that the reduction is centered mainly on the Pc ligand providing the appearance of a new band in the spectrum of 1 in the NIR range at 1006 nm and blue-shift of Soret and Q-bands of Sn IV Pc (2-) Cl 2. The alternation of short and long C – N imine bonds for two oppositely located isoindole units in 1 indicates possible disruption of aromaticity of the Pc ligand under reduction. Salt 1 has effective magnetic moment of 1.69 μB at 300 K corresponding to the contribution of one non-interacting S = 1/2 spin per formula unit and manifests antiferromagnetic coupling of spins with Weiss temperature of -7.3 K in the 400–30 K range. The salt shows a broad EPR signal with g = 1.9957 and linewidth of 19.3 mT at room temperature. The signal splits into two components below 120 K. Strong broadening of the EPR signal and shift of g-factors to smaller values in comparison with the EPR signal from radical anions of metal-free phthalocyanine { H 2 Pc (3-)}•- were attributed to the contribution of the { Sn III Pc (2-) Cl 2}- admixture with paramagnetic Sn III . There are π–π stacking one-dimensional chains composed of { Sn IV Pc (3-) Cl 2}•- in 1 along the a axis with weak overlapping between phenylene groups of phthalocyanine radical anions. The calculated HOMO–HOMO overlap integral is 0.0033 and the SOMO–SOMO overlap integral is only 0.0004. Metallic conductivity is not realized in 1 most probably due to weak SOMO–SOMO overlapping.
Molecular determinants of force production in human skeletal muscle fibers: effects of myosin isoform expression and cross-sectional area
Authors: Miller Mark S. , Bedrin Nicholas G. , Ades Philip A. , Palmer Bradley M. , Toth Michael J.
Published: January 2015

Skeletal muscle contractile performance is governed by the properties of its constituent fibers, which are, in turn, determined by the molecular interactions of the myofilament proteins. To define the molecular determinants of contractile function in humans, we measured myofilament mechanics during maximal Ca2+-activated and passive isometric conditions in single muscle fibers with homogenous (I and IIA) and mixed (I/IIA and IIA/X) myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms from healthy, young adult male ( n = 5) and female ( n = 7) volunteers. Fibers containing only MHC II isoforms (IIA and IIA/X) produced higher maximal Ca2+-activated forces over the range of cross-sectional areas (CSAs) examined than MHC I fibers, resulting in higher (24–42%) specific forces. The number and/or stiffness of the strongly bound myosin-actin cross bridges increased in the higher force-producing MHC II isoforms and, in all isoforms, better predicted force than CSA. In men and women, cross-bridge kinetics, in terms of myosin attachment time and rate of myosin force production, were independent of CSA, although women had faster (7–15%) kinetics. The relative proportion of cross bridges and/or their stiffness was reduced as fiber size increased, causing a decline in specific force. Results from our examination of molecular mechanisms across the range of physiological CSAs explain the variation in specific force among the different fiber types in human skeletal muscle, which may have relevance to understanding how various physiological and pathophysiological conditions modulate single-fiber and whole muscle contractility.
Inhibition of RhoA-dependent pathway and contraction by endogenous hydrogen sulfide in rabbit gastric smooth muscle cells
Authors: Nalli Ancy D. , Rajagopal Senthilkumar , Mahavadi Sunila , Grider John R. , Murthy Karnam S.
Published: January 2015

Inhibitory neurotransmitters, chiefly nitric oxide and vasoactive intestinal peptide, increase cyclic nucleotide levels and inhibit muscle contraction via inhibition of myosin light chain (MLC) kinase and activation of MLC phosphatase (MLCP). H2S produced as an endogenous signaling molecule synthesized mainly from l-cysteine via cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) regulates muscle contraction. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of CSE and H2S function in the regulation of MLCP activity, 20-kDa regulatory light chain of myosin II (MLC20) phosphorylation, and contraction in isolated gastric smooth muscle cells. Both mRNA expression and protein expression of CSE, but not CBS, were detected in smooth muscle cells of rabbit, human, and mouse stomach. l-cysteine, an activator of CSE, and NaHS, a donor of H2S, inhibited carbachol-induced Rho kinase and PKC activity, Rho kinase-sensitive phosphorylation of MYPT1, PKC-sensitive phosphorylation of CPI-17, and MLC20 phosphorylation and sustained muscle contraction. The inhibitory effects of l-cysteine, but not NaHS, were blocked upon suppression of CSE expression by siRNA or inhibition of its activity by dl-propargylglycine (PPG) suggesting that the effect of l-cysteine is mediated via activation of CSE. Glibenclamide, an inhibitor of KATP channels, had no effect on the inhibition of contraction by H2S. Both l-cysteine and NaHS had no effect on basal cAMP and cGMP levels but augmented forskolin-induced cAMP and SNP-induced cGMP formation. We conclude that both endogenous and exogenous H2S inhibit muscle contraction, and the mechanism involves inhibition of Rho kinase and PKC activities and stimulation of MLCP activity leading to MLC20 dephosphorylation and inhibition of muscle contraction.
Properties of single FDB fibers following a collagenase digestion for studying contractility, fatigue, and pCa-sarcomere shortening relationship
Authors: Selvin David , Hesse Erik , Renaud Jean-Marc
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to optimize the approach to obtain viable single flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) fibers following a collagenase digestion. A first aim was to determine the culture medium conditions for the collagenase digestion. The MEM yielded better fibers in terms of morphology and contractility than the DMEM. The addition of FBS to culture media was crucial to prevent fiber supercontraction. The addition of FBS to the physiological solution used during an experiment was also beneficial, especially during fatigue. Optimum FBS concentration in MEM was 10% (vol/vol), and for the physiological solution, it ranged between 0.2 and 1.0%. A second aim was to document the stability of single FDB fibers. If tested the day of the preparation, most fibers (∼80%) had stable contractions for up to 3 h, normal stimulus duration strength to elicit contractions, and normal and stable resting membrane potential during prolonged microelectrode penetration. A third aim was to document their fatigue kinetics. Major differences in fatigue resistance were observed between fibers as expected from the FDB fiber-type composition. All sarcoplasmic [Ca2+] and sarcomere length parameters returned to their prefatigue levels after a short recovery. The pCa-sarcomere shortening relationship of unfatigued fibers is very similar to the pCa-force curve reported in other studies. The pCa-sarcomere shortening from fatigue data is complicated by large decreases in sarcomere length between contractions. It is concluded that isolation of single fibers by a collagenase digestion is a viable preparation to study contractility and fatigue kinetics.
Comparative effects of intraduodenal protein and lipid on ghrelin, peptide YY, and leptin release in healthy men
Authors: Ullrich Sina S. , Otto Bärbel , Hutchison Amy T. , Luscombe-Marsh Natalie D. , Horowitz Michael , Feinle-Bisset Christine
Published: January 2015

Intraduodenal infusion of lipid or protein potently reduces subsequent energy intake. There is evidence that the underlying mechanisms differ significantly between the two nutrients. While intraduodenal lipid stimulates glucagon-like peptide-1 and CCK much more than protein, the release of insulin and glucagon is substantially greater in response to protein. Ghrelin and PYY are both involved in short-term regulation, while leptin is a long-term regulator, of energy balance; the acute effects of nutrients on leptin release are unclear. We investigated the comparative effects of intraduodenal lipid and protein on plasma ghrelin, PYY, and leptin concentrations. Thirteen lean, young men received 90-min intraduodenal infusions of protein (whey hydrolysate) or lipid (long-chain triglyceride emulsion) at a rate of 3 kcal/min, or saline control, on three separate days. Blood samples were collected at baseline and regularly during infusions. Both lipid and protein potently suppressed plasma ghrelin compared with control (both P < 0.001), with no difference between them. While both lipid and protein stimulated plasma PYY ( P < 0.001), the effect of lipid was substantially greater than that of protein ( P < 0.001). Neither intraduodenal lipid nor protein affected plasma leptin. In conclusion, intraduodenal lipid and protein have discrepant effects on the release of PYY, but not ghrelin. When considered with our previous findings, it appears that, with the exception of ghrelin, the energy intake-suppressant effects of lipid and protein are mediated by different mechanisms.
Modeling the impairment of airway smooth muscle force by stretch
Authors: Bates Jason H. T.
Published: January 2015

Imposed length changes of only a small percent produce transient reductions in active force in strips of airway smooth muscle (ASM) due to the temporary detachment of bound cross-bridges caused by the relative motion of the actin and myosin fibers. More dramatic and sustained reductions in active force occur following large changes in length. The Huxley two-state model of skeletal muscle originally proposed in 1957 and later adapted to include a four-state description of cross-bridge kinetics has been widely used to model the former phenomenon, but is unable to account for the latter unless modified to include mechanisms by which the contractile machinery in the ASM cell becomes appropriately rearranged. Even so, the Huxley model itself is based on the assumption that the contractile proteins are all aligned precisely in the direction of bulk force generation, which is not true for ASM. The present study derives a coarse-grained version of the Huxley model that is free of inherent assumptions about cross-bridge orientation. This simplified model recapitulates the key features observed in the force-length behavior of activated strips of ASM and, in addition, provides a mechanistically based way of accounting for the sustained force reductions that occur following large stretch.
Electrophysiological properties of genetically identified subtypes of layer 5 neocortical pyramidal neurons: Ca2+ dependence and differential modulation by norepinephrine
Authors: Guan Dongxu , Armstrong William E. , Foehring Robert C.
Published: January 2015

We studied neocortical pyramidal neurons from two lines of bacterial artificial chromosome mice ( etv1 and glt; Gene Expression Nervous System Atlas: GENSAT project), each of which expresses enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in a different subpopulation of layer 5 pyramidal neurons. In barrel cortex, etv1 and glt pyramidal cells were previously reported to differ in terms of their laminar distribution, morphology, thalamic inputs, cellular targets, and receptive field size. In this study, we measured the laminar distribution of etv1 and glt cells. On average, glt cells were located more deeply; however, the distributions of etv1 and glt cells extensively overlap in layer 5. To test whether these two cell types differed in electrophysiological properties that influence firing behavior, we prepared acute brain slices from 2–4-wk-old mice, where EGFP-positive cells in somatosensory cortex were identified under epifluorescence and then studied using whole cell current- or voltage-clamp recordings. We studied the details of action potential parameters and repetitive firing, characterized by the larger slow afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) in etv1 neurons and larger medium AHPs (mAHPS) in glt cells, and compared currents underlying the mAHP and slow AHP (sAHP) in etv1 and glt neurons. Etv1 cells exhibited lower d V/d t for spike polarization and repolarization and reduced direct current (DC) gain (lower f- I slope) for repetitive firing than glt cells. Most importantly, we found that 1) differences in the expression of Ca2+-dependent K+ conductances (small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels and sAHP channels) determine major functional differences between etv1 and glt cells, and 2) there is differential modulation of etv1 and glt neurons by norepinephrine.
Computer-Aided Color Aesthetic Evaluation Method Based on the Combination of Form and Color
Authors: Kang Wenke , Qin Shengfeng , Zhang Quan
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a new method of color aesthetic evaluation based on the combination of form and color. According to the human visual physiological and psychological characteristics, this paper first proposes a new form-color field theory for the coupled form-color aesthetic evaluation based on the psychophysical field theory and the Moon and Spencer model. Second, it builds a coupled form-color topological graph for describing their interaction and develops a strength calculation algorithm for color harmony based on the new form-color field theory. Finally, it develops an aesthetic measure evaluation model for coupled form-color fields to evaluate the new theory. The experiment results show that the new coupled form-color aesthetic evaluation method is useful and can be integrated into an intelligent evaluation process for color design scheme.
Damage Identification of Bridge Based on Chebyshev Polynomial Fitting and Fuzzy Logic without Considering Baseline Model Parameters
Authors: Jiao Yu-Bo , Liu Han-Bing , Cheng Yong-Chun , Gong Ya-Feng
Published: January 2015

The paper presents an effective approach for damage identification of bridge based on Chebyshev polynomial fitting and fuzzy logic systems without considering baseline model data. The modal curvature of damaged bridge can be obtained through central difference approximation based on displacement modal shape. Depending on the modal curvature of damaged structure, Chebyshev polynomial fitting is applied to acquire the curvature of undamaged one without considering baseline parameters. Therefore, modal curvature difference can be derived and used for damage localizing. Subsequently, the normalized modal curvature difference is treated as input variable of fuzzy logic systems for damage condition assessment. Numerical simulation on a simply supported bridge was carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method.
Integrating a Suicide Prevention Program into the Primary Health Care Network: A Field Trial Study in Iran
Authors: Malakouti Seyed Kazem , Nojomi Marzieh , Poshtmashadi Marjan , Hakim Shooshtari Mitra , Mansouri Moghadam Fariba , Rahimi-Movaghar Afarin , Afghah Susan , Bolhari Jafar , Bazargan-Hejazi Shahrzad
Published: January 2015

Objective. To describe and evaluate the feasibility of integrating a suicide prevention program with Primary Health Care services and evaluate if such system can improve screening and identification of depressive disorder, reduce number of suicide attempters, and lower rate of suicide completion.Methodology. This was a quasi-experimental trial in which one community was exposed to the intervention versus the control community with no such exposure. The study sites were two counties in Western Iran. The intervention protocol called for primary care and suicide prevention collaboration at different levels of care. The outcome variables were the number of suicides committed, the number of documented suicide attempts, and the number of identified depressed cases.Results. We identified a higher prevalence of depressive disorders in the intervention site versus the control site (χ2=14.8,P<0.001). We also found a reduction in the rate of suicide completion in the intervention region compared to the control, but a higher prevalence of suicide attempts in both the intervention and the control sites.Conclusion. Integrating a suicide prevention program with the Primary Health Care network enhanced depression and suicide surveillance capacity and subsequently reduced the number of suicides, especially in rural areas.
An Unusual Initial Presentation of Lupus Nephritis as a Renal Mass
Authors: Goupil Remi , Nadeau-Fredette Annie-Claire , Royal Virginie , Dugas Alexandre , Lafrance Jean-Philippe
Published: January 2015

Lupus nephritis is a frequent manifestation of systemic lupus erythematous. Lupus nephritis usually presents with abnormal urinalysis, proteinuria, and/or renal insufficiency. We report a case of a 48-year-old woman who underwent partial nephrectomy for a fortuitously discovered solid enhancing left kidney mass. No neoplastic cells were found in the biopsy specimen; however, the pathology findings were compatible with immune complex glomerulonephritis with a predominantly membranous distribution, a pattern suggestive of lupus nephritis. The mass effect was apparently due to a dense interstitial lymphocytic infiltrate resulting in a pseudotumor. Further investigation revealed microscopic hematuria with a normal kidney function and no significant proteinuria. Antinuclear antibodies were negative, although anti-DNA and anti-SSA/Rho antibodies were positive. A diagnosis of probable silent lupus nephritis was made and the patient was followed up without immunosuppressive treatment. After two years of follow-up, she did not progress to overt disease. To our knowledge, this represents the first case of lupus nephritis with an initial presentation as a renal mass.
Impact of Train Schedule on Pedestrian Movement on Stairway at Suburban Rail Transit Station in Mumbai, India
Authors: Jiten Shah , Gaurang Joshi , Purnima Parida , Shriniwas Arkatkar
Published: January 2015

Pedestrian flow takes place in confined environment on stairways under the influence of composition, direction of movement, and schedule of trains. During peak-period, alighting and boarding rate is quite high resulting in very high pedestrian movement from one platform to the other to catch the next train at interchange stations. The transfer of passengers from railway platforms through common undivided stairways becomes difficult, uncomfortable, and unsafe at times when pedestrian flow reaches the capacity level. Understanding of criteria defining quality of flow that affect the effectiveness of facilities like stairways in handling the pedestrian traffic is vital for planning and designing of such facilities to ensure the desired level of service as well as safety in case of emergency. The present paper is based on the study of pedestrian movement on stairways at busy suburban rail transit interchange station at Dadar in Mumbai, India. Pedestrian movements are captured through videography at two stairways and the effect of bidirectional movement on average walking speed is analyzed. The ascending flow in small proportion is found to be more influential in causing speed reduction on undivided stairways. The outcome of the study is useful for capacity and level of service analysis while planning and designing the transit station stairways.
Composition of Periphyton Community on Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes): In Analysis of Environmental Characteristics at Ejirin Part of Epe Lagoon in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Inyang A. I. , Sunday K. E. , Nwankwo D. I.
Published: January 2015

The composition of periphyton community on water hyacinth was investigated at Ejirin, part of Epe Lagoon, in relation to environmental characteristics from December 2012 to May 2013. A total of 14,536 individuals of 104 species belonging to five divisions were identified, with Bacillariophyta (82.69%), Cyanobacteria (10.43%), Chlorophyta (5.63%), and Euglenophyta (1.15%). The total species abundance observed showed a strong correlation with rainfall (r = 0.745) and strongly significant correlation with TDS (r=0.836*;P >0.05). Biochemical oxygen demand value remained (BOD)≤4.8 mg/L while Shannon-Wiener index value remained (Hs)≤ 1.47. The presence of the following organisms could be used as an indicator of environmentally stressed aquatic ecosystem: euglenoids, blue green algae,Nitzschia palea,Surirellasp.,Pinnulariasp.,Gomphonema parvulum,Mougeotiasp.,Spirogyrasp.,Trachelomonas affinis(Lemm.), andT. ensifera Daday; T. gibberosaPlayf. andPhormidium articulatum;Lyngbya intermedia;Cymbella ventricosa;Eunotia arcus;Surirella linearisandClosterium parvulumNag.
Saving a Child’s Elbow Joint: A Novel Reconstruction for a Tumour of the Distal Humerus
Authors: Graci Calogero , Gaston Czar Louie , Grimer Robert , Jeys Lee , Ozkan Korhan
Published: January 2015

Reconstruction after wide resection of a malignant bone tumor can be obtained using several techniques such as the use of prostheses, allograft, autograft, or combined procedure. We describe a 12-year-old girl with parosteal osteosarcoma of the distal right humerus treated by en bloc resection, intraoperative extracorporeal irradiation, and implantation. We inserted a nonvascularised fibular autograft through the middle of irradiated graft to obtain a greater stability. We have not recorded any complication associated with this technique such as nonunion, pathological fracture, infection, and bone necrosis and we obtained an excellent functional result. 10 years after surgery, the patient had no recurrence. Extracorporeal irradiation and reimplantation is a valid and inexpensive technique for the treatment of bone tumors when there is reasonable residual bone stock. With this procedure we have a precise fit being the patient’s own bone. In this way we avoid all the problems related to the adaptation of the shape and size.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale in the Assessment of Sleep Disturbance in Veterans with Tinnitus
Authors: Liu Yuan F. , Hu Jinwei , Streelman Matthew , Guthrie O’neil W.
Published: January 2015

Purpose. Tinnitus and sleep disturbance are prevalent in veterans, and a better understanding of their relationship can help with tinnitus treatment.Materials and Methods. Retrospective chart review of 94 veterans seen in audiology clinic between 2010 and 2013 is presented.Results. The mean age was 62 years, and 93 of 94 veterans were males. The majority (96%) had hearing loss. The positive predictive value of the ESS for sleep disorder was 97% and the negative predictive value was 100%. Veterans with a Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score ≥38 had significantly higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores compared to those with THI score <38 (P=0.006). The former had a significantly higher incidence of PTSD, anxiety, and sleep disorder. A subgroup of patients had normal sleep despite rising THI scores. Bilateral tinnitus, vertigo, and anxiety were found to be predictors of sleep disturbance.Conclusions. The ESS can be used as a tool in the initial assessment of sleep disorders in veterans with tinnitus. Higher tinnitus handicap severity is significantly associated with greater sleep disturbance. Optimal management of tinnitus may require concomitant treatment of sleep disorder, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
BPS Center Vortices in NonrelativisticSU(N)Gauge Models with Adjoint Higgs Fields
Authors: Oxman L. E.
Published: January 2015

We propose a class ofSU(N)Yang-Mills models, with adjoint Higgs fields, that accept BPS center vortex equations. The lack of a local magnetic flux that could serve as an energy bound is circumvented by including a new term in the energy functional. This term tends to align, in the Lie algebra, the magnetic field and one of the adjoint Higgs fields. Finally, a reduced set of equations for the center vortex profile functions is obtained (forN=2,3). In particular,Z(3)BPS vortices come in three colours and three anticolours, obtained from an ansatz based on the defining representation and its conjugate.
An Optimized Grey GM(2,1) Model and Forecasting of Highway Subgrade Settlement
Authors: Xu Ning , Dang Yao-guo
Published: January 2015

Grey prediction technique is a useful tool for few data analysis and short term forecasting. GM(2,1) model is one of the most important grey models. For improving the precision and prediction ability, we proposed a structure optimized GM(2,1) model, namely, SOGM(2,1) model. This study contributes grey prediction theory on three points. First, SOGM(2,1) model utilizes background sequence and inverse accumulating generated sequence to construct new grey equation with optimized structure, and then estimation of parameters is derived based on least errors. Second, reflection equation is constructed and the solving process is derived with the time response function acquired. Third, we put forward a new method for establishing initial values of time response function. After that, the new model is used to predict highway settlement of an engineering assessment. Comparing with other models, the results show that SOGM(2,1) is effective and practicable to forecast.
Increase in Distant Stage Breast Cancer Incidence Rates in US Women Aged 25–49 Years, 2000–2011: The Stage Migration Hypothesis
Authors: Polednak Anthony P.
Published: January 2015

Background.Unexplained increases have been reported in incidence rates for breast cancer diagnosed at distant stage in younger U.S. women, using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program.Methods.This report focused on recent SEER trends (2000–2011) in age-standardized incidence rates of invasive breast cancer at ages 25–39 and 40–49 years and the hypothesis that stage migration may have resulted from advances in detecting distant metastases at diagnosis.Results.Increases in the rates for distant stage were roughly equal to decreases in the rates for the most advanced stage subgroups within regional stage; this was evident for estrogen receptor (ER) negative cancers, associated with poorer prognosis, but not for ER positive cancers. The 3-year relative survival rate increased over time for distant stage (especially in the ER positive subgroup) and regional stage but not for localized stage; these trends do not contradict the stage-migration hypothesis.Conclusions.Findings provide some support for stage migration as one explanation for the recent increase in incidence of distant stage breast cancer, but additional studies are needed using other databases.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Major Constituents in Chinese Medical Preparation Lianhua‐Qingwen Capsule by UPLC‐DAD‐QTOF‐MS
Authors: Jia Weina , Wang Chunhua , Wang Yuefei , Pan Guixiang , Jiang Miaomiao , Li Zheng , Zhu Yan
Published: January 2015

Lianhua‐Qingwen capsule (LQC) is a commonly used Chinese medical preparation to treat viral influenza and especially played a very important role in the fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002‐2003 in China. In this paper, a rapid ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with diode‐array detector and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐DAD‐QTOF‐MS) method was established for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major constituents of LQC. A total of 61 compounds including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, anthraquinones, triterpenoids, iridoids, and other types of compounds were unambiguously or tentatively identified by comparing the retention times and accurate mass measurement with reference compounds or literature data. Among them, twelve representative compounds were further quantified as chemical markers in quantitative analysis, including salidroside, chlorogenic acid, forsythoside E, cryptochlorogenic acid, amygdalin, sweroside, hyperin, rutin, forsythoside A, phillyrin, rhein, and glycyrrhizic acid. The UPLC‐DAD method was evaluated with linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, stability, repeatability, and recovery tests. The results showed that the developed quantitative method was linear, sensitive, and precise for the quality control of LQC.
Research and Application of a New Hybrid Forecasting Model Based on Genetic Algorithm Optimization: A Case Study of Shandong Wind Farm in China
Authors: Jiang Ping , Li Xiaofei , Dong Yao
Published: January 2015

With the increasing depletion of fossil fuel and serious destruction of environment, wind power, as a kind of clean and renewable resource, is more and more connected to the power system and plays a crucial role in power dispatch of hybrid system. Thus, it is necessary to forecast wind speed accurately for the operation of wind farm in hybrid system. In this paper, we propose a hybrid model called EEMD-GA-FAC/SAC to forecast wind speed. First, the Ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) can be applied to eliminate the noise of the original data. After data preprocessing, first-order adaptive coefficient forecasting method (FAC) or second-order adaptive coefficient forecasting method (SAC) can be employed to do forecast. It is significant to select optimal parameters for an effective model. Thus, genetic algorithm (GA) is used to determine parameter of the hybrid model. In order to verify the validity of the proposed model, every ten-minute wind speed data from three observation sites in Shandong Peninsula of China and several error evaluation criteria can be collected. Through comparing with traditional BP, ARIMA, FAC, and SAC model, the experimental results show that the proposed hybrid model EEMD-GA-FAC/SAC has the best forecasting performance.
Effects of Electroacupuncture Stimulation at “Zusanli” Acupoint on Hepatic NO Release and Blood Perfusion in Mice
Authors: Wang Shu-you , Zhang Dong , Tang Li-mei , Li Shun-yue , Wen Mei , Song Xiao-jing
Published: January 2015

The study is to observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at “Zusanli” (ST36) on the release of nitric oxide (NO) and blood perfusion (BP) in the liver and further explore whether the hepatic blood perfusion (HBP) changes were regulated by EA ST36 induced NO in nitric oxide synthase inhibited mice. The HBP change of the mice was detected by laser speckle perfusion imaging (LSPI) before and after being given interventions, and the NO in liver tissue was detected by nitric acid reductase in each group. The NO levels and HBP in the L-NAME group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). The NO level and HBP increase in EA group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The NO level in the L-NAME EA group was slightly higher than that in the L-NAME group. The HBP increase in the L-NAME EA group was not statistically significant. These results showed that EA could accelerate the synthesis of NO and thereby increase HBP via vasodilation in liver tissue.
Copy Number Variations in a Population-Based Study of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Authors: Høyer Helle , Braathen Geir J. , Eek Anette K. , Nordang Gry B. N. , Skjelbred Camilla F. , Russell Michael B.
Published: January 2015

Copy number variations (CNVs) are important in relation to diversity and evolution but can sometimes cause disease. The most common genetic cause of the inherited peripheral neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is thePMP22duplication; otherwise, CNVs have been considered rare. We investigated CNVs in a population-based sample of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) families. The 81 CMT families had previously been screened for thePMP22duplication and point mutations in 51 peripheral neuropathy genes, and a genetic cause was identified in 37 CMT families (46%). Index patients from the 44 CMT families with an unknown genetic diagnosis were analysed by whole-genome array comparative genomic hybridization to investigate the entire genome for larger CNVs and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification to detect smaller intragenomic CNVs inMFN2andMPZ. One patient had the pathogenicPMP22duplication not detected by previous methods. Three patients had potentially pathogenic CNVs in theCNTNAP2,LAMA2, orSEMA5A, that is, genes related to neuromuscular or neurodevelopmental disease. Genotype and phenotype correlation indicated likely pathogenicity for theLAMA2CNV, whereas theCNTNAP2andSEMA5ACNVs remained potentially pathogenic. Except thePMP22duplication, disease causing CNVs are rare but may cause CMT in about 1% (95% CI 0–7%) of the Norwegian CMT families.
New Prognostic Score for the Prediction of 30-Day Outcome in Spontaneous Supratentorial Cerebral Haemorrhage
Authors: Szepesi Rita , Széll Ibolya Katalin , Hortobágyi Tibor , Kardos László , Nagy Katalin , Lánczi Levente István , Berényi Ervin , Bereczki Dániel , Csiba László
Published: January 2015

Aims. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate predictors of outcome in primary supratentorial cerebral haemorrhage. Furthermore, we aimed to develop a prognostic model to predict 30-day fatality.Methods. We retrospectively analyzed a database of 156 patients with spontaneous supratentorial haemorrhage to explore the relationship between clinical and CT characteristics and fatal outcome within 30 days using multiple logistic regression analysis. The analyzed factors included volumetric data assessed by neuropathological and CT volumetry. A second CT scan in survivors or neuropathological ABC/2 volumetry in nonsurvivors was used along with the baseline CT to assess the growth index of haematoma.Results. Systolic blood pressure, serum potassium and glucose levels, platelet count, absolute and relative haematoma volumes, and presence and size of intraventricular haemorrhage statistically significantly predicted the fatal outcome within 30 days. Based on our results we formulated a six-factor scoring algorithm named SUSPEKT to predict outcome.Conclusions. After validation the SUSPEKT score may be applicable in general clinical practice for early patient selection to optimize individual management or for assessment of eligibility for treatment trials.