bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fretting damage correction factor applicable to the McDiarmid criterion of plain high‐cycle fatigue
Authors: Nesládek M. , Španiel M. , Kuželka J. , Jurenka J. , Doubrava K.
Published: May 2016

This paper presents an assessment of the performance of a set of multi‐axial high‐cycle fatigue criteria on the basis of a series of fretting fatigue experiments. We carried out tests on a creep‐resistant chromium steel material used for steam‐turbine blades. The first type of experiment employed the classical cylinder‐on‐flat geometry with flat dog‐bone specimens. The second set of experiments adopted dovetail geometry. Various loads were applied in order to capture a wide range of contact slip amplitudes. A set of eight plain multi‐axial fatigue criteria was applied to the numerically simulated stress response in the contacts during a single load cycle. Methods, which originated in the so‐called theory of critical distances, were used for correcting the results in order to take the stress gradient effect into account. A simple factor based on slip amplitudes is introduced in order to consider the surface damage and is calibrated for the McDiarmid method. This criterion provided the best estimates of the most probable cracking sites.
The role of pulsed electric fields treatment in enhancing the stability of amino acid – sugar complexes:‐ interactions between L‐Phenylalanine and β‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Hong , Wang Lang‐Hong , Zeng Xin‐An , Brennan Charles S. , Brennan Margaret , Han Zhong
Published: May 2016

In this work, the effect of pulsed electric fields (PEF) treatment on the interactions between amino acids (using L‐Phenylalanine: L‐Phe) and sugar (using β‐Cyclodextrin: β‐CD) complex was analysed by fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and simultaneous thermal analyzer. Moreover, the molecular dynamics of β‐CD–L‐Phe inclusion complex treated by PEF was calculated by molecular modelling. The results indicated that β‐CD–L‐Phe complexes are formed by a molar ratio of 1:1, and the stability constant of such complexes increased from 147 to 614 M−1 by PEF treatment. Thermal characterisations of β‐CD–L‐Phe complexes indicated that the PEF treatment could increase the yield of complexes. The PEF treatment resulted in an increase in the reaction enthalpy of β‐CD–L‐Phe inclusion complexes by DSC curve. These results show that PEF treatment has the potential to promote the chemical processing, especially the small organic molecules participate in inclusion or cross‐linking reaction.
A Case Study of an Adolescent With Health Anxiety and OCD, Treated Using CBT: Single‐Case Experimental Design
Authors: Roberts‐Collins Cara
Published: May 2016

PROBLEM

The sparse research evidence base for adolescents with health anxiety proposes a challenge in the treatment of such mental health difficulties. Similarities are drawn between health anxiety and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in terms of their development and maintenance. The literature is reviewed and discussed in relation to the referral, assessment, formulation, cognitive behavioral intervention, and treatment outcome.

METHODS

The case of an adolescent girl (aged 15 years) who presented with significant levels of health anxiety and OCD is described. An adult cognitive behavioral model of health anxiety was adapted and integrated with evidence‐based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents with OCD. These models were used to collaboratively conceptualize the young person's presenting difficulties. A single‐case experimental design was employed to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION

Routine outcome measures demonstrated the effectiveness of the OCD intervention, and the need for further research in health anxiety in young people, including the development of disorder and age‐specific measures. The implications for the use of CBT to treat health anxiety for young people are discussed.
The Richness Available Within Medication Management
Authors: Van Byssum Doris M.
Published: May 2016

PROBLEM

An 18‐year‐old male patient comes in for an initial evaluation of his anxiety. His anxiety is not in remission on his current medication, and he is experiencing tics when his anxiety escalates.

METHODS

Time and patience are used to complete a comprehensive evaluation of the patient by interviewing him, gathering collateral information from a family member, utilizing a screening tool, reviewing past history and treatment regimens, and conceptualizing the patient.

FINDINGS

A thorough interview and assessment reveals a rich history of possible antecedents to the anxiety of the patient.

CONCLUSION

In order to make a thorough biopsychosocial assessment, the practitioner needs to approach the patient with a genuine interest. By utilizing time and patience, the practitioner has a greater opportunity to gather pertinent information for comprehensive recommendations. Underlying issues contributing to the patient's anxiety may be alleviated through nonpharmacologic management in addition to medication.
Elevated expression levels of serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1, tumor necrosis factor‐α and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 might exacerbate type 2 diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Li Xiang , Wu Ting‐Ting , Chen Juan , Qiu Wen
Published: May 2016

Aims/Introduction

The present study aimed to determine the associations between expressions of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) in serum, and occurrence and development of type 2 diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Materials and Methods

A total of 108 patients diagnosed as DN were randomly selected, including 50 patients in the microalbuminuria group, 44 patients in the macroalbuminuria group and 14 patients in the renal insufficiency group. Meanwhile, 97 healthy people were collected as a normal control group. Urinary albumin (UALB) and urine creatinine (Cr) of all participants were measured for 24 h, with their ratio (UALB/Cr) being calculated. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum concentrations of IGF‐1, TNF‐α and VEGF165.

Results

The expressions of serum IGF‐1, TNF‐α and VEGF165 in the type 2 DN patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). The expressions of serum IGF‐1, TNF‐α and VEGF165 in the type 2 DN patients were positively correlated with UALB/Cr (all P < 0.05). As type 2 DN worsened, the expressions of serum IGF‐1, TNF‐α and VEGF165 increased, and type 2 DN severity had positive correlations with serum IGF‐1, TNF‐α and VEGF165 concentrations (all P < 0.05). There was a positive association between IGF‐1 and TNF‐α, IGF‐1 and VEGF165, and TNF‐α and VEGF165 (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that IGF‐1 and VEGF165 were associated with the progression of DN (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Elevated expression levels of serum IGF‐1, TNF‐α and VEGF165 might exacerbate type 2 DN.
Habitat use byCentropomus undecimalisin a rocky area of estuarine beach in north‐east Brazil
Authors: Dantas D. V. , Barletta M.
Published: May 2016

The influence of habitat, diel period, tidal phase and moon phase on the spatial distribution ofCentropomus undecimaliswas investigated at the mouth of the Timbo estuary, north‐east Brazil. Underwater visual censuses were conducted in three areas comprising a mix of mud, sand and beach rock substrata; with one of the areas having additional structural complexity in the form of unused wooden debris. The area with debris housed significantly higher densities of juvenile and adultC. undecimaliswhereas sub‐adults were more abundant in an area lacking the wooden debris. Juvenile abundance was greatest during the day, whereas sub‐adult and adults were more abundant at night. There were significant interactions between habitat, diel period, tidal phase and moon phase for all ages ofC. undecimalis. These results emphasize the need to account for a range of environmental factors when planning for the conservation of estuarine and coastal habitats.
Efficient programming of human mesenchymal stem cell‐derived hepatocytes by epigenetic regulations
Authors: Tsai Wei‐Lun , Yeh Po‐Hung , Tsai Chia‐Yun , Ting Chin‐Tsung , Chiu Yen‐Hui , Tao Mi‐Hua , Li Wan‐Chun , Hung Shih‐Chieh
Published: May 2016

Background and Aim

In view of its unique properties of detoxification and involvement of metabolic and biochemical functions, in vitro hepatocyte culture serves as a valuable material for drug screening and mechanistic analysis for pathology of liver diseases. The restriction of rapid de‐differentiation and inaccessibility of human hepatocytes from routine clinical procedure, however, limits its use.

Methods

To address this issue, the effort to direct human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into hepatocytes using a modified protocol was proposed. With the additional treatment of histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) and DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTi), in vitro hMSC‐derived hepatocytes were cultivated and their hepatic characteristics were examined.

Results

By using a modified protocol, it was shown that Trichostatin A and 5‐aza‐2‐deoxycitidine protected differentiating cells from death and could sufficiently trigger a wide range of liver‐specific markers as well as liver functions including albumin production, glycogen storage, and urea cycle in hMSC‐derived hepatocytes. The increased mRNA expression for hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry including CD81, Occludin, LDL receptor, and scavenger receptor class B type I in hMSC‐derived hepatocytes was also detected, implying its potential to be utilized as an in vitro model to analyze dynamic HCV infection.

Conclusions

The present study successfully established a protocol to direct hMSCs into hepatocyte‐like cells suggesting the beneficial impact to apply HDACi and DNMTi as potent modulators for hMSCs to liver differentiation.
Endovascular treatment of Budd–Chiari syndrome: Single center experience
Authors: Rathod Krantikumar , Deshmukh Hemant , Shukla Akash , Popat Bhavesh , Pandey Ankur , Gupte Amit , Gupta Deepak Kumar , Bhatia Shobna J
Published: May 2016

Background and Aim

Percutaneous radiologic interventions are increasingly being used in management of Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS). Minimal invasive approach has resulted in excellent long‐term outcomes. We evaluated the treatment efficacy and safety of radiological intervention in patients with BCS.

Methods

Between January 2008 and June 2014, 190 patients with BCS underwent endovascular procedures (hepatic vein, collateral vein or inferior vena cava [IVC] plasty with or without stenting, or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting [TIPSS]). Clinical features, biochemical profile, and stent patency were monitored pre‐procedure and post‐procedure, and for a median duration of 42 (12–88) months.

Results

Of 190 patients (mean [SD] age = 26.9 [11.5] years; 102 men), imaging revealed hepatic vein obstruction in 147 patients, IVC obstruction in 40 patients, and concomitant hepatic vein and IVC obstruction in three patients. At presentation, the radiological interventions included hepatic vein plasty/stenting in 38 patients, collateral vein stenting in three patients, IVC plasty/stenting in 40 patients, both IVC and hepatic vein stenting in three patients, and TIPSS in 106 patients. Response was seen in 153 patients (80.5%). Repeat interventions were required in 19 patients (10.0%). Complications were noted in nine patients (4.7%).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that venous recanalization and TIPSS for BCS are safe and efficacious.
Patients’ experiences of healthcare encounters in severe irritable bowel syndrome: an analysis based on narrative and feminist theory
Authors: Björkman Ida , Simrén Magnus , Ringström Gisela , Jakobsson Ung Eva
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of healthcare encounters in severe irritable bowel syndrome.

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional disorder with symptoms such as abdominal pain and disturbed bowel habits, the cause of which is not completely known. Treatments options are limited, and healthcare encounters in irritable bowel syndrome have been described as unsatisfying and frustrating for both patients and professional healthcare providers. Furthermore, the influence of power on healthcare encounters has long been recognised, especially regarding the disadvantaged position of those suffering from functional illness which cannot be identified by commonly used tests or investigations.

Methods

We interviewed 10 patients during 2014, all attending an outpatient clinic and suffering from severe irritable bowel syndrome. Relying on narrative and feminist theory, we explored how they actively negotiate professional discourse communicated to them in the clinical encounter.

Results

The patients’ experiences of healthcare encounters in irritable bowel syndrome were mostly described as negative, and often induced feelings of confusion and self‐doubt. Positive encounters were described as being listened to, believed and taken seriously. Narrators found it especially problematic when healthcare professionals described irritable bowel syndrome as a minor disorder with primarily stress or psychological aetiology and put the responsibility for recovery onto the patient. Patients’ actively negotiated such professional discourse by presenting a counternarrative describing their own suffering and strengths, experienced healthcare shortcomings and possible organic aetiology of irritable bowel syndrome.

Conclusions

Patients suffering from severe irritable bowel syndrome described how they often felt a need to protect their positive identities in the face of trivialisation and disbelief by healthcare professionals.

Relevance to clinical practice

A deepened understanding of patients’ experiences of healthcare encounters in irritable bowel syndrome could enable more helpful and supporting interventions by healthcare professionals.
THE DECOUPLING OF EMERGING ECONOMIES: THEORETICAL AND EMPIRICAL PUZZLE
Authors: Pesce Antonio
Published: May 2016

With the growing importance of the emerging economies (EEs) in the international scene, a lively debate has begun on whether the national economic cycles are converging or the cycles of EEs and advanced economies (AEs) are becoming disconnected, the so‐called ‘hypothesis of decoupling of EEs from the AEs’. Given the important practical implications that decoupling could have, for example, on the definition of national and international economic policies and on business strategies aimed at investment diversification and risk management, the question kindles not only the interest of academics but also policymakers and practitioners are very interested in the issue. The decoupling question has been long debated in different circles and from different points of view. This survey aims to retrace the steps of this debate and to provide some suggestions for future empirical researches.
MRI Patterns of Isolated Lesions in the Medulla Oblongata
Authors: Prakkamakul Supada , Schaefer Pamela , Gonzalez Gilberto , Rapalino Otto
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Isolated lesions of the medulla oblongata are difficult to diagnose due to their rarity and high biopsy risk. Several individual case reports have been published, but a systematic descriptive study is lacking. Our study has three objectives that 1) provide a differential diagnosis, 2) describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and 3) propose a stepwise MRI‐based approach to the isolated lesions of the medulla oblongata in nonstroke patients.

METHODS

We performed an institutional Review Board–approved retrospective analysis of 34 consecutive cases of isolated medullary lesions from nonstroke causes identified from our imaging database between January 2000 and May 2015. Eleven were excluded due to lack of pretreatment or follow‐up MRI. MR studies were reviewed by two blinded neuroradiologists. The diagnosis, demographic data, and MR findings were reported using frequencies and proportions. An MRI‐based diagnostic algorithm was proposed.

RESULTS

Most lesions were neoplasms (47%), followed by vascular malformations (15%), demyelinating/inflammatory lesions (15%), others (12%), unknown (8%), and infection (3%). Five MRI patterns were identified: 1) cystic lesion, 2) exophytic noncystic lesion, 3) intrinsic lesion with T2 hypointensity, 4) enhancing intrinsic lesion, and 5) nonenhancing intrinsic lesion. All showing patterns 1 and 2 were neoplasms or cysts. All showing pattern 3 were vascular malformations. Patterns 4 and 5 comprised of multiple etiologies.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoplasms are the most common cause of isolated medullary lesions in nonstroke patients. Other differential diagnoses include vascular malformations, demyelinating/inflammatory lesions, and infections. A stepwise MRI‐based approach can help differentiate between various etiologies.
SOCIAL DISCOUNTING AND THE LONG RATE OF INTEREST
Authors: Brody Dorje C. , Hughston Lane P.
Published: May 2016

The well‐known theorem of Dybvig, Ingersoll, and Ross shows that the long zero‐coupon rate can never fall. This result, which, although undoubtedly correct, has been regarded by many as surprising, stems from the implicit assumption that the long‐term discount function has an exponential tail. We revisit the problem in the setting of modern interest rate theory, and show that if the long “simple” interest rate (or Libor rate) is finite, then this rate (unlike the zero‐coupon rate) acts viably as a state variable, the value of which can fluctuate randomly in line with other economic indicators. New interest rate models are constructed, under this hypothesis and certain generalizations thereof, that illustrate explicitly the good asymptotic behavior of the resulting discount bond systems. The conditions necessary for the existence of such “hyperbolic” and “generalized hyperbolic” long rates are those of so‐called social discounting, which allow for long‐term cash flows to be treated as broadly “just as important” as those of the short or medium term. As a consequence, we are able to provide a consistent arbitrage‐free valuation framework for the cost‐benefit analysis and risk management of long‐term social projects, such as those associated with sustainable energy, resource conservation, and climate change.
Phosphine toxicity: a story of disrupted mitochondrial metabolism
Authors: Sciuto Alfred M. , Wong Benjamin J. , Martens Margaret E. , Hoard‐Fruchey Heidi , Perkins Michael W.
Published: May 2016

Rodenticides and pesticides pose a significant threat not only to the environment but also directly to humans by way of accidental and/or intentional exposure. Metal phosphides, such as aluminum, magnesium, and zinc phosphides, have gained popularity owing to ease of manufacture and application. These agents and their hydrolysis by‐product phosphine gas (PH3) are more than adequate for eliminating pests, primarily in the grain storage industry. In addition to the potential for accidental exposures in the manufacture and use of these agents, intentional exposures must also be considered. As examples, ingestion of metal phosphides is a well‐known suicide route, especially in Asia; and intentional release of PH3 in a populated area cannot be discounted. Metal phosphides cause a wide array of effects that include cellular poisoning, oxidative stress, cholinesterase inhibition, circulatory failure, cardiotoxicity, gastrointestinal and pulmonary toxicity, hepatic damage, neurological toxicity, electrolyte imbalance, and overall metabolic disturbances. Mortality rates often exceed 70%. There are no specific antidotes against metal phosphide poisoning. Current therapeutic intervention is limited to supportive care. The development of beneficial medical countermeasures will rely on investigative mechanistic toxicology; the ultimate goal will be to identify specific treatments and therapeutic windows for intervention.
Transcatheter Leadless Cardiac Pacing in Renal Failure with Limited Venous Access
Authors: LAU CHU‐PAK , LEE KATHY LAI‐FUN
Published: May 2016

Entirely leadless cardiac pacemakers that are delivered transvenously required the use of large‐diameter delivery sheath and femoral venous approach. The complexity of external femoral and iliac venous anatomy may limit their implantation. We describe a hemodialysis patient without subclavian venous access and a conventional pacemaker with a failed right ventricular lead, who had difficult iliac venous anatomy that was also compressed by an external endovascular abdominal aortic stent. Successful leadless pacing using a Micra™ (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) was accomplished with a strong support wire, hydrophilic delivery sheath, and guided by venography.
Perioperative management of living‐donor liver transplantation for methylmalonic acidemia
Authors: Baba Chiaki , Kasahara Mureo , Kogure Yasuhiro , Kasuya Shugo , Ito Sukeyuki , Tamura Takako , Fukuda Akinari , Horikawa Reiko , Suzuki Yasuyuki
Published: May 2016

Methymalonic acidemia (MMA) is a hereditary metabolic disorder characterized by a defect of the methylmalonyl‐CoA mutase that breaks down propionate. The efficacy of liver transplantation for MMA was recently reported. However, the anesthetic management of liver transplant for MMA is not clear. The aim of this article is to describe an anesthetic management algorithm of liver transplant for MMA by reviewing our cases of liver transplant for MMA. Fourteen patients received a liver transplant; three cases showed metabolic decompensation during the transplant and two of the patients died. In the two patients who expired, propofol was used for maintenance anesthesia and preoperative continuous hemodiafiltration was used to reduce plasma methylmalonic acid level in one case, and to control severe metabolic decompensation before transplant for the other case. Their renal function was also worse than others and they were already experiencing metabolic decompensation before induction of anesthesia. Based on our experience of these 14 cases, we have established an anesthetic algorithm for patients with MMA undergoing liver transplant or other procedures. There are three important points in our experience: propofol should be avoided, dextrose infusion therapy should be continued to prevent metabolic decompensation, and liver transplant or other procedures should be avoided during metabolic decompensation.
Demographic, Medical, and Psychosocial Predictors of Pregnancy Anxiety
Authors: Dunkel Schetter Christine , Niles Andrea N. , Guardino Christine M. , Khaled Mona , Kramer Michael S.
Published: May 2016

Background

Pregnancy anxiety is associated with risk of preterm birth and an array of other birth, infant, and childhood outcomes. However, previous research has not helped identify those pregnant women at greatest risk of experiencing this specific, contextually‐based affective condition.

Methods

We examined associations between demographic, medical, and psychosocial factors and pregnancy anxiety at 24–26 weeks of gestation in a prospective, multicentre cohort study of 5271 pregnant women in Montreal, Canada.

Results

Multivariate analyses indicated that higher pregnancy anxiety was independently related to having an unintended pregnancy, first birth, higher medical risk, and higher perceived risk of complications. Among psychosocial variables, higher pregnancy anxiety was associated with lower perceived control of pregnancy, lower commitment to the pregnancy, more stressful life events, higher perceived stress, presence of job stress, lower self‐esteem and more social support. Pregnancy anxiety was also higher in women who had experienced early income adversity and those who did not speak French as their primary language. Psychosocial variables explained a significant amount of the variance in pregnancy anxiety independently of demographic and medical variables.

Conclusions

Women with pregnancy‐related risk factors, stress of various kinds, and other psychosocial factors experienced higher pregnancy anxiety in this large Canadian sample. Some of the unique predictors of pregnancy anxiety match those of earlier US studies, while others point in new directions. Screening for high pregnancy anxiety may be warranted, particularly among women giving birth for the first time and those with high‐risk pregnancies.
Upper airway microbial colonization in patients with neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Stehling Florian , Pieper Nadine , Bouikidis Anastasios , Steinmann Joerg , Rath Peter‐Michael , Mellies Uwe
Published: May 2016

Background and objective

Inherited neuromuscular disorders (NMD) inevitably result in severe lung volume restriction and cough insufficiency associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether the airways of patients with NMD are colonized with potential pathogenic microorganisms that might contribute to the pulmonary morbidity in NMD.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, cough swabs were obtained and cultured for microbiological analyses from 77 patients with NMD and different degrees of lung volume restriction and cough insufficiency. Upper airway microbial colonization was compared to lung function parameters and cough peak flow values.

Results

Upper airway microbial colonization with potential pathogenic pathogens was identified in 39/77 (51%) of the subjects. Upper airway microbial colonization was associated with lower forced vital capacity (% pred.) 26.6 ± 19.7 versus 41.8 ± 20.4, P < 0.001 and cough peak flow (l/min) 125 ± 55 versus 207 ± 100, P < 0.001. In the subgroup colonized with potential pathogenic Gram‐negative bacteria or Staphylococcus aureus forced vital capacity and cough peak flow remained significantly lower compared with subjects without upper airway colonization (FVC (% pred.): 22.6 ± 16.5 vs 37.9 ± 21.5, P = 0.003; CPF (l/min): 123 ± 60 vs 179 ± 93, P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Severe respiratory compromise in patients with NMD is associated with upper airway microbial airway colonization, which might contribute to respiratory morbidity/insufficiency.
Understanding the Intergenerational Transmission of Human Capital: Evidence from a Quasi‐natural Experiment in China
Authors: Zhou Dong , Dasgupta Aparajita
Published: May 2016

This paper exploits the closure of senior secondary schools in urban China from 1966 to 1971 in order to identify the causal intergenerational transmission effects of education. The paper uses the instrumental variable approach to examine the intergenerational causality of educational transmission at the senior secondary schooling level in urban China. The exogenous variation in parental senior secondary educational attainment both over time and across regions allows us account for selection bias and thus identify the causal intergenerational transmission effect in education. We further show that our conclusion is robust to alternative identification strategies and data sets.
Improved Self-Tuning Fuzzy Proportional–Integral–Derivative Versus Fuzzy-Adaptive Proportional–Integral–Derivative for Speed Control of Nonlinear Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Yadav Anil Kumar , Gaur Prerna
Published: May 2016

The objective of this paper is to identify the suitable advance controller among optimized proportional–integral–derivative (O-PID), improved self-tuning fuzzy-PID (ISTF-PID), advanced fuzzy nonadaptive PID (AF-NA-PID), and AF-adaptive PID (AF-A-PID) controllers for speed control of nonlinear hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) system. The conventional PID (C-PID) controller cannot tackle the nonlinear systems effectively and gives a poor tracking and disturbance rejection performance. The performances of HEV with the proposed advance controllers are compared with existing C-PID, STF-PID, and conventional fuzzy PID (C-F-PID) controllers. The proposed controllers are designed to achieve the desired vehicle speed and rejection of disturbance due to road grade with reduced pollution and fuel economy.
On the Global Analysis of a Piecewise Linear System that is excited by a Gaussian White Noise
Authors: Kong Chen , Gao Xue , Liu Xianbin
Published: May 2016

The global analysis is very important for a nonlinear dynamical system which possesses a chaotic saddle and a nonchaotic attractor, especially for the one that is driven by a noise. For a random dynamical system, within which, chaotic saddles exist, it is found that if the noise intensity exceeds a critical value, the so called “noise-induced chaos” is observed. Meanwhile, the exit behavior is also found to be influenced significantly by the existence of chaotic saddles. In the present paper, based on the generalized cell-mapping digraph (GCMD) method, the global dynamical behaviors of a piecewise linear system, wherein a chaotic saddle exists and consists of subharmonic solutions in a wide frequency range, are investigated numerically. Further, in order to simplify the system that is driven by a Gaussian white noise excitation, the stochastic averaging method is applied and through which, a five-dimensional Itô system is obtained. Some of the global dynamical behaviors of the original system are retained in the averaged one and then are analyzed. The researches in this paper show that GCMD method is a good numerical tool to investigate the global behaviors of a nonlinear random dynamical system, and the stochastic averaging method is effective for solving the global problems.
Ecological Principles and Metrics for Improving Material Cycling Structures in Manufacturing Networks
Authors: Layton Astrid , Bras Bert , Weissburg Marc
Published: May 2016

A key element for achieving sustainable manufacturing systems is efficient and effective resource use. This potentially can be achieved by encouraging symbiotic thinking among multiple manufacturers and industrial actors and establish resource flow structures that are analogous to material flows in natural ecosystems. In this paper, ecological principles used by ecologists for understanding food web (FW) structures are discussed which can provide new insight for improving closed-loop manufacturing networks. Quantitative ecological metrics for measuring the performance of natural ecosystems are employed. Specifically, cyclicity, which is used by ecologists to measure the presence and strength of the internal cycling of materials and energy in a system, is discussed. To test applicability, groupings of symbiotic eco-industrial parks (EIP) were made in terms of the level of internal cycling in the network structure (high, medium, basic, and none) based on the metric cyclicity. None of the industrial systems analyzed matched the average values and amounts of cycling seen in biological ecosystems. Having detritus actors, i.e., active recyclers, is a key element for achieving more complex cycling behavior. Higher cyclicity values also correspond to higher amounts of indirect cycling and pathway proliferation rate, i.e., the rate that the number of paths increases as path length increases. In FWs, when significant cycling is present, indirect flows dominate direct flows. The application of these principles has the potential for novel insights in the context of closed-loop manufacturing systems and sustainable manufacturing.
Onset of Convection in a Porous Medium Layer Saturated With an Oldroyd-B Nanofluid
Authors: Umavathi J. C. , Prathap Kumar J.
Published: May 2016

A linear and nonlinear stability analysis of a viscoelastic fluid in a porous medium layer saturated by a nanofluid with thermal conductivity and viscosity dependent on the nanoparticle volume fraction is studied. To simulate the momentum equation in porous media, a modified Darcy model has been used. To describe the rheological behavior of viscoelastic nanofluids, an Oldroyd-B type constitutive equation has been used. The onset criterion for stationary and oscillatory convection is derived analytically. The nonlinear theory based on the truncated representation of Fourier series method is used to find the transient heat and mass transfer.
The Accounting for Geometrical Nonlinearity for Thin-Walled Pressurized Elastic Pipe With Long Axial Surface Crack
Authors: Oryniak Andrii , Orynyak Igor
Published: May 2016

Consideration of a geometrical nonlinearity is a common practice for thin-walled pressurized structures, especially when their cross section is not a perfectly circular one due to either initial imperfections or distortions caused by the nonsymmetrical loading. The application of inner pressure leads to so-called rerounding effect when decreasing of local flexibilities takes place. The crack can be also treated as the concentrated flexibility, so the goal of this work is the investigation of dependence of stress intensity factor (SIF) on applied pressure. Two cases of SIF calculation for 1D long axial surface crack in a pipe loaded by inner pressure are considered here: (a) cross section of pipe has an ideal circular form and (b) the form has a small distortion and crack is located at the place of maximal additional bending stresses. The theoretical analysis is based on: (a) well-known crack compliance method (CCM) (Cheng, W., and Finnie, I., 1986, “Measurement of Residual Hoop Stresses in Cylinders Using the Compliance Method,” ASME J. Eng. Mater. Technol., 108(2), pp. 87–92) and (b) analytically linearized solution for deformation of the curved beam in the case of action of uniform longitudinal stresses. It is shown that for moderately deep crack (crack depth to the wall thickness ratio of 0.5 and bigger) in thin-walled pipe (radius to thickness ratio of 25–40) and inner pressure which induce hoop stress up to 300 MPa, the effect investigated can be quite noticeable and can lead to 5–15% reduction of calculated SIF as compared with the linear case. The analytical results are supported by the geometrically nonlinear finite element method (FEM) calculations.
Exosomes deliver resistance
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: May 2016

An lncRNA in renal cancer exosomes acts as a miRNA sponge to enable AXL- and MET-mediated resistance to the anticancer drug sunitinib.
Treating the enigmatic “exceptional responders” as patients with undiagnosed diseases
Authors: Perakslis Eric D. , Kohane Isaac S.
Published: May 2016

“Exceptional responders” teach researchers how to improve therapies and can be assessed in the same way as patients with undiagnosed diseases.
Size matters: A growth chart for the brain connectome
Authors: Peñagarikano Olga
Published: May 2016

A growth chart to track the development of neuronal networks may be able to predict attention deficits in young people.
Naphthalene ball poisoning: a rare cause of acquired methaemoglobinaemia
Authors: Deo Prateek , Sahu Kamal Kant , Dhibar Deba Prasad , Varma Subhash Chander
Published: May 2016

A 15-year-old boy presented to emergency services with accidental naphthalene ball ingestion. Following consumption he developed methaemoglobinaemia, massive intravascular haemolysis and acute kidney injury. He had no history suggestive of congenital haemoglobin M disease. Development of severe methaemoglobinaemia and intravascular haemolysis is quite unusual after consumption of a single ball of naphthalene. The patient was managed with ascorbic acid and intravenous N-acetyl cysteine. He also required haemodialysis for acute kidney injury that developed secondary to pigment nephropathy.
Patient involvement in research priorities (PIRE): a study protocol
Authors: Piil Karin , Jarden Mary
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Patient involvement in healthcare has expanded from the clinical practice setting to include collaboration during the research process. There has been a growing international interest in patient and public involvement in setting research priorities to reduce the risk of discrepancy between what patients with cancer and their relatives experience as important unanswered questions and those which are actually researched. This study aims to challenge the conventional research process by inviting patients with life-threatening cancer (primary malignant brain tumours or acute leukaemia), relatives and patient organisations to join forces with clinical specialists and researchers to identify, discuss and prioritise supportive care and rehabilitation issues in future research.

Methods and analysis

This is an exploratory qualitative study comprising two sets of three focus group interviews (FGIs): one set for primary malignant brain tumours and the other for acute leukaemia. Separate FGIs will be carried out with patients and relatives including representation from patient organisations and clinical specialists to identify important unanswered questions and research topics within each group. The FGIs will be video/audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. This study will contribute to a patient-centred research agenda that captures issues that patients, their relatives, clinical specialists and researchers consider important.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is registered at the Danish Data Protection Agency (number: 2012-58-0004) and the Scientific Ethics Review Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (number: H-15001485). Papers will be published describing the methods applied and the supportive care and rehabilitation issues that are identified as important for future research.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN57131943; Pre-results.
Moving forward through consensus: protocol for a modified Delphi approach to determine the top research priorities in the field of orthopaedic oncology
Authors: Schneider Patricia , Evaniew Nathan , Rendon Juan Sebastian , McKay Paula , Randall R Lor , Turcotte Robert , Vélez Roberto , Bhandari Mohit , Ghert Michelle
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Orthopaedic oncology researchers face several obstacles in the design and execution of randomised controlled trials, including finite fiscal resources to support the rising costs of clinical research and insufficient patient volume at individual sites. As a result, high-quality research to guide clinical practice has lagged behind other surgical subspecialties. A focused approach is imperative to design a research programme that is economical, streamlined and addresses clinically relevant endpoints. The primary objective of this study will be to use a consensus-based approach to identify research priorities for international clinical trials in orthopaedic oncology.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a 3-phase modified Delphi method consisting of 2 sequential rounds of anonymous web-based questionnaires (phases I and II), and an in-person consensus meeting (phase III). Participants will suggest research questions that they believe are of particular importance to the field (phase I), and individually rate each proposed question on 5 criteria (phase II). Research questions that meet predetermined consensus thresholds will be brought forward to the consensus meeting (phase III) for discussion by an expert panel. Following these discussions, the expert panel will be asked to assign scores for each research question, and research questions meeting predetermined criteria will be brought forward for final ranking. The expert panel will then be asked to rank the top 3 research questions, and these 3 research questions will be distributed to the initial group of participants for validation.

Ethics and dissemination

An ethics application is currently under review with the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The results of this initiative will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Validation evidence of the paediatric Objective Structured Assessment of Debriefing (OSAD) tool
Authors: Runnacles Jane , Thomas Libby , Korndorffer James , Arora Sonal , Sevdalis Nick
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Debriefing is essential to maximise the simulation-based learning experience, but until recently, there was little guidance on an effective paediatric debriefing. A debriefing assessment tool, Objective Structured Assessment of Debriefing (OSAD), has been developed to measure the quality of feedback in paediatric simulation debriefings. This study gathers and evaluates the validity evidence of OSAD with reference to the contemporary hypothesis-driven approach to validity.

Methods

Expert input on the paediatric OSAD tool from 10 paediatric simulation facilitators provided validity evidence based on content and feasibility (phase 1). Evidence for internal structure validity was sought by examining reliability of scores from video ratings of 35 postsimulation debriefings; and evidence for validity based on relationship to other variables was sought by comparing results with trainee ratings of the same debriefings (phase 2).

Results

Simulation experts’ scores were significantly positive regarding the content of OSAD and its instructions. OSAD's feasibility was demonstrated with positive comments regarding clarity and application. Inter-rater reliability was demonstrated with intraclass correlations above 0.45 for 6 of the 7 dimensions of OSAD. The internal consistency of OSAD (Cronbach α) was 0.78. Pearson correlation of trainee total score with OSAD total score was 0.82 (p<0.001) demonstrating validity evidence based on relationships to other variables.

Conclusion

The paediatric OSAD tool provides a structured approach to debriefing, which is evidence-based, has multiple sources of validity evidence and is relevant to end-users. OSAD may be used to improve the quality of debriefing after paediatric simulations.
Home safety assessment and modification to reduce injurious falls in community-dwelling older adults: cost-utility and equity analysis
Authors: Pega Frank , Kvizhinadze Giorgi , Blakely Tony , Atkinson June , Wilson Nick
Published: May 2016

Background

This study aimed to improve on previous modelling work to determine the health gain, cost-utility and health equity impacts from home safety assessment and modification (HSAM) for reducing injurious falls in older people.

Methods

The model was a Markov macrosimulation one that estimated quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. The setting was a country with detailed epidemiological and cost data (New Zealand (NZ)) for 2011. A health system perspective was taken and a discount rate of 3% was used (for both health gain and costs). Intervention effectiveness estimates came from a Cochrane systematic review and NZ-specific intervention costs were from a randomised controlled trial.

Results

In the 65 years and above age group, the HSAM programme cost a total of US$98 million (95% uncertainty interval (UI) US$65 to US$139 million) to implement nationally and the accrued net health system costs were US$74 million (95% UI: cost saving to US$132 million). Health gains were 34 000 QALYs (95% UI: 5000 to 65 000). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was US$6000 (95% UI: cost saving to US$13 000), suggesting that HSAM is highly cost-effective. Targeting HSAM only to older people with previous injurious falls and to older people aged 75 years and above were also cost-effective (ICERs=US$1000 and US$11 000, respectively). There was no evidence for differential cost-effectiveness by gender or by ethnicity (Indigenous New Zealanders: Māori vs non-Māori).

Conclusions

As per other studies, this modelling study indicates that the provision of an HSAM intervention produces considerable health gain and is highly cost-effective among older people. Targeting this intervention to older people with previous injurious falls is a promising initial approach before any scale up.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12609000779279.
Successful nutritional management of a 21‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding with acute renal failure
Authors: Vandendriessche Veerle Ludmilla , Dufourni Alexander , van Loon Gunther , Hesta Myriam
Published: May 2016

A 21‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding was diagnosed with acute renal failure after an acute kidney injury. Upon discharge a nutritional recommendation was given with the aim to minimise risk for chronic renal failure development by optimally supporting kidney function. A ration was designed to achieve weight gain, to decrease retention of renal toxic solutes from protein catabolism by limiting protein intake, to avoid gastric ulcer development by limiting sugar and starch intake per meal to 1.5 g/kg of ideal bodyweight, to supply ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for their kidney protective properties and restrict dietary calcium uptake to avoid hypercalcaemia development. Three months after implementing the recommendation the horse's ideal bodyweight was reached, muscle mass was regained and its renal blood parameters were normalised. Biannual blood checks with a nutritional recommendation to maintain bodyweight in a healthy horse were applied hereafter.
Suppressive Effects of Pelargonidin on Endothelial Protein C Receptor Shedding via the Inhibition of TACE Activity and MAP Kinases
Authors: Kang Hyejin , Lee Taeho , Bae Jong-Sup
Published: May 2016

Beyond its role in the activation of protein C, the endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) plays an important role in the cytoprotective pathway. EPCR can be shed from the cell surface, which is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] converting enzyme (TACE). Pelargonidin is a well-known red pigment found in plants, and has been reported to have important biological activities that are potentially beneficial to human health. However, little is known about the effects of pelargonidin on EPCR shedding. We investigated this issue by monitoring the effects of pelargonidin on phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[Formula: see text]-, interleukin (IL)-1β-, and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated EPCR shedding and by investigating the underlying mechanism of pelargonidin action. Data demonstrate that pelargonidin induced potent inhibition of PMA-, TNF-[Formula: see text]-, IL-1β-, and CLP-induced EPCR shedding by inhibiting the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as p38, janus kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Pelargonidin also inhibited the expression and activity of PMA-induced TACE in endothelial cells. These results demonstrate the potential of pelargonidin as an anti-EPCR shedding reagent against PMA- and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding.
The complete synchronization of coupled Morris–Lecar neurons with chemical synapses
Authors: Wang Guanping , Jin Wuyin , Wang An
Published: May 2016

Based on the basic principles of stability theory and Lyapunov function, the condition of complete synchronization in coupled Morris–Lecar (ML) neuronal system with chemical synapses is studied in this work. The boundedness of the model solution is proved by analytical approach, the sufficient condition of the complete synchronization is proposed based on the quadratic of the constructed Lyapunov function and the result is verified by simulations.
Investigations of defect structures and g factors for octahedral (CrO6)7− and (VO6)8− clusters in rutile-type crystals
Authors: Zhu Lianxuan , Wang Minjie
Published: May 2016

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) [Formula: see text] factor formulas for Cr[Formula: see text] and V[Formula: see text] ions in Al2O3, TiO2 and VO2 crystals are deduced from Jahn–Teller effect and contributions of the charge transfer (CT) levels. The tetragonal distortions. [Formula: see text] and −0.0124 nm, and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and 0[Formula: see text], for Al2O3:Cr[Formula: see text], TiO2:V[Formula: see text] and VO2, respectively. The calculations of the [Formula: see text] factors agree well with the experimental values. The contributions of the CT levels to [Formula: see text] factors increase with the increasing valence state. It must be taken into account in the precise calculations of [Formula: see text] factors for the high valence state [Formula: see text] ions in crystals.