bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluoroquinolone Sequential Therapy for Helicobacter pylori: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Kale‐Pradhan Pramodini B. , Mihaescu Anela , Wilhelm Sheila M.
Published: July 2015

Study Objective

As resistance of Helicobacter pylori to standard first‐line therapy is increasing globally, alternative treatment regimens, such as a fluoroquinolone‐based sequential regimen, have been explored. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to compare the efficacy of fluoroquinolone‐based sequential therapy with standard first‐line treatment for H. pylori infection.

Design

Meta‐analysis of six randomized controlled trials.

Patients

A total of 738 H. pylori–infected, treatment‐naive adults who received fluoroquinolone‐based sequential therapy (5–7 days of a proton pump inhibitor [PPI] and amoxicillin therapy followed by 5–7 days of a PPI, a fluoroquinolone, and metronidazole or tinidazole or furazolidone therapy) and 733 H. pylori–infected, treatment‐naive adults who received guideline‐recommended, first‐line therapy with standard triple therapy (7–14 days of a PPI plus amoxicillin and clarithromycin) or standard sequential therapy (5 days of a PPI plus amoxicillin, followed by an additional 5 days of triple therapy consisting of a PPI, clarithromycin, and metronidazole or tinidazole).

Measurements and Main Results

A systematic literature search of the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases (from inception through January 2015) was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials that compared fluoroquinolone‐based sequential therapy with guideline‐recommended, first‐line treatment regimens in H. pylori–infected, treatment‐naive adults. All selected trials confirmed H. pylori infection prior to treatment as well as post‐treatment eradication. A meta‐analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.2. Treatment effect was determined with a random‐effects model by using the Mantel–Haenszel method and was reported as a risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). In the six randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria, 648 (87.8%) of 738 patients receiving fluoroquinolone‐based sequential therapy and 521 (71.1%) of 733 patients receiving standard regimens achieved eradication (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.09–1.35). The frequencies of adverse effects that were reported in three of the trials were comparable for all treatments (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.76–1.29). In addition, no statistically significant difference was noted in the number of patients who experienced adverse effects that prompted discontinuation of therapy (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.34–3.09). The H. pylori eradication rate appeared similar among the six trials with respect to duration of therapy and daily dose of the fluoroquinolone.

Conclusion

Fluoroquinolone‐based sequential therapy is a reasonable treatment alternative to first‐line eradication therapy for treatment of H. pylori.
Biochemical studies on WbcA, a sugar epimerase from Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Salinger Ari J. , Brown Haley A. , Thoden James B. , Holden Hazel M.
Published: July 2015

Yersinia enterocolitica is a Gram‐negative bacterium that causes yersiniosis, a zoonotic disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract of humans, cattle, and pigs, among others. The lipopolysaccharide of Y. enterocolitica O:8 contains an unusual sugar, 6‐deoxy‐d‐gulose, which requires four enzymes for its biosynthesis. Here, we describe a combined structural and functional investigation of WbcA, which catalyzes the third step in the pathway, namely an epimerization about the C‐3′ carbon of a CDP‐linked sugar. The structure of WbcA was determined to 1.75‐Å resolution, and the model was refined to an overall R‐factor of 19.5%. The fold of WbcA places it into the well‐defined cupin superfamily of sugar epimerases. Typically, these enzymes contain both a conserved histidine and a tyrosine residue that play key roles in catalysis. On the basis of amino acid sequence alignments, it was anticipated that the “conserved” tyrosine had been replaced with a cysteine residue in WbcA (Cys 133), and indeed this was the case. However, what was not anticipated was the fact that another tyrosine residue (Tyr 50) situated on a neighboring β‐strand moved into the active site. Site‐directed mutant proteins were subsequently constructed and their kinetic properties analyzed to address the roles of Cys 133 and Tyr 50 in WbcA catalysis. This study emphasizes the continuing need to experimentally verify assumptions that are based solely on bioinformatics approaches.
Protein collapse driven against solvation free energy without H‐bonds
Authors: Karandur Deepti , Harris Robert C. , Pettitt B. Montgomery
Published: July 2015

Proteins collapse and fold because intramolecular interactions and solvent entropy, which favor collapse, outweigh solute–solvent interactions that favor expansion. Since the protein backbone actively participates in protein folding and some intrinsically disordered proteins are glycine rich, oligoglycines are good models to study the protein backbone as it collapses, both during conformational changes in disordered proteins and during folding. The solvation free energies of short glycine oligomers become increasingly favorable as chain length increases. In contrast, the solubility limits of glycine oligomers decrease with increasing chain length, indicating that peptide–peptide, and potentially solvent–solvent interactions, overcome peptide–solvent interactions to favor aggregation at finite concentrations of glycine oligomers. We have recently shown that hydrogen‐ (H‐) bonds do not contribute significantly to the concentration‐based aggregation of pentaglycines but that dipole–dipole (CO) interactions between the amide groups on the backbone do. Here we demonstrate for the collapse of oligoglycines ranging in length from 15 to 25 residues similarly that H‐bonds do not contribute significantly to collapse but that CO dipole interactions do. These results illustrate that some intrapeptide interactions that determine the solubility limit of short glycine oligomers are similar to those that drive the collapse of longer glycine peptides.
Dow learnings and actions from the deepwater horizon accident
Authors: Champion John , Stevick Kenan , Study Karen , Van Geffen Sheila
Published: July 2015

The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion on April 20, 2010, killed 11 workers, injured 16 others, and resulted in an offshore oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that is considered the largest accidental marine oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry. As with all major incidents in industry, there are lessons to learn from systemic failures that resulted in the tragic loss of life, insult to the environment, and the equipment loss. Many companies, including The Dow Chemical Company, followed the subsequent investigation closely to determine which lessons could be leveraged to strengthen internal programs.

Risk identification and management systems in Dow's Process and Occupational Safety programs are robust. Dow management systems are intended to meet or exceed Industry Standards with respect to design, operation, and layers of protection. The prevention of large scale accidents like Deepwater Horizon depends on an acute awareness of worst‐case scenarios and an unfailing vigilance to ensure that essential protection layers are not compromised. Dow management system reviews in 2011 on the same management systems involved in this incident identified opportunities for improvement and/or action plans in several areas. This article will focus on three programs that resulted from those management system reviews. The three programs are:

a targeted High‐Consequence Emergency Response Drill program,

a High Potential Process Safety Near Miss Program, and

technology‐specific Process Safety Cardinal Rules.

For each of the three programs, a description of the content of the program and how it was implemented at the company level is provided. Specific examples of how these programs were implemented at a facility level are included. Each of these programs play a key role in preventing a catastrophic event and have been a part of Dow's continuing process safety performance improvement over the last several years. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 335–344, 2015
Photochemical degradation of bismerthiazol: structural characterisation of the photoproducts and their inhibitory activities against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Liang Xiaoyu , Duan Yabing , Yu Xiaoyue , Wang Jianxin , Zhou Mingguo
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Bismerthiazol is a commonly used bactericide against rice bacterial leaf blight in China. Although previous research determined that bismerthiazol is susceptible to photolytic degradation, the photodegradation pathway and degradation products, except for 2‐amino‐5‐mercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole, have remained unknown.

RESULTS

The photodegradation of bismerthiazol was investigated after 4 and 8 h of irradiation in a solar simulator. Inhibition of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) was greater with a photolysed solution than with a non‐photolysed solution of bismerthiazol. Six photoproducts of bismerthiazol were characterised by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and, based on these products, a photodegradation pathway was inferred. Inhibition of Xoo was significantly greater with bismerthiazol and 2‐amino‐5‐mercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole than with 5‐amino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole. In addition, Xoo strain 2‐1‐1 was bismerthiazol‐ and 2‐amino‐5‐mercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole resistant in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Photodegradation increased the inhibitory activity of bismerthiazol against Xoo. The photodegradation pathway was inferred on the basis of the photoproducts of bismerthiazol. In vitro assays indicated that the sulfhydryl group was crucial for the inhibition of Xoo by bismerthiazol and its photoproducts. Bismerthiazol and 2‐amino‐5‐mercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole might have a similar mode action in vivo and in vitro. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Growth of nitride‐based light emitting diodes with a high‐reflectivity distributed Bragg reflector on mesa‐patterned silicon substrate
Authors: Damilano Benjamin , Brochen Stéphane , Brault Julien , Hossain Tasnia , Réveret François , Frayssinet Eric , Chenot Sébastien , Courville Aimeric , Cordier Yvon , Semond Fabrice
Published: July 2015

(Ga,In)N/GaN multiple quantum well blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on mesa‐patterned silicon substrates with improved electro‐optic characteristics are demonstrated. The active regions are grown on top of high‐reflectivity AlN/(Al,Ga)N distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs). Due to efficient stress relaxation at the mesa edges, crack formation during growth or upon the post‐growth cooling‐down of the samples can be avoided. A large number of AlN/(Al,Ga)N bilayers in the DBR can be then included in the LED structures leading to strong enhancement of the LED device output power in spite of the presence of the absorbing silicon substrate at the LED emission wavelength. Photograph of a blue light emitting diode (I = 20 mA) grown on top of a high reflectivity distributed Bragg reflector on a mesa‐patterned silicon substrate.
An intelligent control scheme for precise tip‐motion control in atomic force microscopy
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Hu Xiaodong , Xu Linyan
Published: July 2015

The paper proposes a new intelligent control method to precisely control the tip motion of the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The tip moves up and down at a high rate along the z direction during scanning, requiring the utilization of a rapid feedback controller. The standard proportional‐integral (PI) feedback controller is commonly used in commercial AFMs to enable topography measurements. The controller's response performance is determined by the set of the proportional (P) parameter and the integral (I) parameter. However, the two parameters cannot be automatically altered simultaneously according to the scanning speed and the surface topography during continuors scanning, leading to an inaccurate measurement. Thus a new intelligent controller combining the fuzzy controller and the PI controller is put forward in the paper. The new controller automatically selects the most appropriate PI parameters to achieve a fast response rate on basis of the tracking errors. In the experimental setup, the new controller is realized with a digital signal process (DSP) system, implemented in a conventional AFM system. Experiments are carried out by comparing the new method with the standard PI controller. The results demonstrate that the new method is more robust and effective for the precise tip motion control, corresponding to the achievement of a highly qualified image by shortening the response time of the controller. SCANNING 38:93–99, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Right person in the right place: How the host country IPR influences the distribution of inventors in offshore R&D projects of multinational enterprises
Authors: Nandkumar Anand , Srikanth Kannan
Published: July 2015

Research summary: Prior work has shown that the strength of the intellectual property regime (IPR) in a host country influences offshore R&D to that country. Building on this work we propose that the strength of the IPR in a host country differentially influences the threat of knowledge leakage on projects that are produced for the location where the multinational firm is headquartered (home) versus the offshore location to which the R&D project is sent (host). We argue and show that when the host location has a weak IPR, fewer host inventors are involved in host R&D projects when compared to home R&D projects. We test our hypotheses using a dataset of patents held by US assignees, but coinvented in 43 host locations with differing IPR strength.

Managerial summary: Multinational enterprises often cite the weak IPRs at emerging economy host destinations as a significant impediment to offshore R&D activities in those countries, despite the abundant supply of inexpensive scientific talent there. We find that the weak IPR at the host destination is a greater impediment to offshore R&D that is aimed for end use at the host market than for R&D that is aimed for end use globally or in the home market. Since IPRs are local, a weaker IPR at the host location does not protect IP that is relevant to the host market. Since the IPR at the home country is more relevant for technologies aimed at the home market, the IPR at the host country is irrelevant for such R&D projects. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sense‐making Innovative Systems: Prestigious MOOCs
Authors: Metcalfe Mike , Sastrowardoyo Saras
Published: July 2015

Making sense of the chaos that may be caused by the emergence of innovative systems is, for many, a necessary yet demanding task. Sense‐making theory offers a pragmatic explanation of how to think about these dynamic and complex socio‐technical systems. It is linguistic reflective analysis, intent on structuring alternative response actions. This paper uses sense‐making theory to structure how to think about the threats and opportunities created by the example of the emergence of a new system in education, that of low‐cost prestigious massive, open, online courses, like Coursera and FutureLearn. It demonstrates how to construct a sense‐making framework to think about these innovative systems from the perspective of formulating government policy. Stakeholders' concerns were networked and clusters identified. This resulted in the four organizing principles. This system of principles can be used to think about, structure or make sense of innovative systems like prestigious massive, open, online courses. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seamless LTE connectivity in high‐speed trains
Authors: Parichehreh Ali , Savazzi Stefano , Goratti Leonardo , Spagnolini Umberto
Published: July 2015

High‐speed train (HST) is revitalizing the train as a preferred mid‐range transportation system. The provision of broadband Internet connectivity onboard trains is one of the key challenges in the competition among train operators. Unprecedented spectral efficiency and data rates (up to 100Mbps in high mobility) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System long‐term evolution (LTE) are expected to offer the solution for high‐speed Internet access onboard in HSTs. Massive wireless access and frequent handovers (HOs) of a large number of users might potentially cause service interruptions, and this, in turn, degrades intolerably the quality of experience (QoE) of users' onboard Internet access. In this paper, we propose a solution based on distributed antenna system that combines directional and omni‐directional antennas as train‐to‐ground radio‐access terminals (T‐RATs) and LTE femtocells in each carriage. Directional antennas are deployed at both ends of the HST to provide multi‐cell access by diversifying the HOs over multiple LTE cells. This mechanism virtually elongates the train size by connecting the front and rear carriages' T‐RATs to the faraway eNodeBs and augmenting the number of cells the HST can be simultaneously connected to. An ad hoc distributed load‐balancing mechanism that consists in offloading backlogged packets to the on‐service T‐RATs is mandatorily paired with multi‐cell access scheme to tie up with the request of seamless onboard Internet service at high QoE level. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion implantation of the 4H SiC epitaxial layers and substrates with 2 MeV Se+ and 1 MeV Al+ ions
Authors: Wierzchowski W. , Turos A. , Wieteska K. , Stonert A. , Ratajczak R. , Jóźwik P. , Wilhelm R. , Akhamadaliev S. , Mazur K. , Paulmann C.
Published: July 2015

The implantations were performed in 4H silicon carbide homoepitaxial layers deposited on (00.1) substrates with 8° offcut, and reference 4H‐SiC substrates. The 2 MeV Se+ ions and 1 MeV Al+ ions were implanted with four fluences subsequently increased by the factor of 4–5×. The samples were studied by means of X‐ray diffraction topography, high‐resolution diffractometry, specular X‐ray reflectometry, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry\channeling method. The dislocation density in the samples evaluated from the diffraction topographs did not exceed 5 × 103 cm−2. The representative roughness values evaluated from the reflectometric measurements was 2.3 ± 0.1 nm for the substrates and less than 1.4 ± 0.1 nm for the epitaxial layers.

A significantly higher damage level in the case of 2 MeV Se+ ions in comparison with 1 MeV Al+ ion and a linear increase of the strain with the fluence was indicated, but the highest doses of selenium ions caused the amorphization of the implanted layer. It was also possible to obtain a good fitting of the theoretical and experimental diffraction curves approximating the strain profiles by the distribution of the point defects calculated with the SRIM 2008 code. It was confirmed that the maximum coming from surface damages observed in channeling spectra of the virgin substrate wafers was significantly higher than in the case of epitaxial layers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation and Assessment of a Technology Familiarity Score in Patients Attending a Symptomatic Breast Clinic
Authors: O’Brien C. , Kelly J. , Lehane E. A. , Livingstone V. , Cotter B. , Butt A. , Kelly L. , Corrigan M. A.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

New media technologies (computers, mobile phones and the internet) have the potential to transform the healthcare information needs of patients with breast disease (Ferlay et al. in Eur J Cancer 49:1374–1403, 2013). However, patients’ current level of use and their willingness to accept new media for education and communication remain unknown.

Methods

This was a single‐centre clinic‐based prospective cross‐sectional study. A previously developed instrument was modified, validated and tested on patients attending a symptomatic breast clinic.

Results

The instrument was evaluated on 200 symptomatic breast patients. The commonest outlets for education were staff (95 %), leaflets (69 %) and websites (59 %). Websites are more likely to be consulted by younger patients (<47 years), and patients who were working, students or homemakers (p < 0.05). Patients rated usefulness of information media in this order: (1) print, (2) phone, (3) website, (4) email, (5) text and (6) apps. Patients who were new to the clinic were more likely to find text messaging and emailing useful (n < 0.05). Younger patients (<47 years) are more likely to find text messages, apps, websites and email useful (p < 0.05). Urban patients are more likely to find websites and email useful (p < 0.05). Patients with higher education were more likely to favour apps, websites and email (p < 0.05). Smartphone owners were significantly more likely to rate text messaging, apps, websites and email as useful media (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that new media technology use among breast patients is expanding as expected along generational trends. As such its’ further integration into healthcare systems can potentially ameliorate patient education and communication.
Improving Health Education for Women Who Carry an FMR1 Premutation
Authors: Espinel Whitney , Charen Krista , Huddleston Lillie , Visootsak Jeannie , Sherman Stephanie
Published: July 2015

Women who carry an FMR1 (i.e., fragile X) premutation have specific health risks over their lifetime. However, little is known about their experience understanding these risks and navigating their health needs. The aim of this study was to use qualitative analysis to uncover both barriers and facilitators to personal healthcare using a framework of the Health Belief Model. Five focus groups were conducted with a total of 20 women who carry the FMR1 premutation using a semi‐structured discussion guide. All sessions were transcribed verbatim and independently coded by two researchers. The coders used a deductive – inductive approach to determine the prominent themes related to the participants’ experiences seeking healthcare for premutation‐related conditions. Salient barriers to personal healthcare included difficult clinical translation of research findings, lack of knowledge among healthcare providers and among the women themselves, different priorities, and shortage of premutation‐specific support and targeted educational materials. Facilitators included family members, national and community support organizations, research studies, compassionate physicians, and other premutation carriers. Addressing barriers to personal healthcare through up‐to‐date educational materials can help diminish misperceptions regarding health risks. Targeted educational materials will aid in information sharing and awareness for women who carry the FMR1 premutation and their physicians.
Characterization of Wax Esters by Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Double Bond Effect and Unusual Product Ions
Authors: Chen Jianzhong , Green Kari B. , Nichols Kelly K.
Published: July 2015

A series of different types of wax esters (represented by RCOOR′) were systematically studied by using electrospray ionization (ESI) collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) along with pseudo MS3 (in‐source dissociation combined with MS/MS) on a quadrupole time‐of‐flight (Q‐TOF) mass spectrometer. The tandem mass spectra patterns resulting from dissociation of ammonium/proton adducts of these wax esters were influenced by the wax ester type and the collision energy applied. The product ions [RCOOH2]+, [RCO]+ and [RCO−H2O]+ that have been reported previously were detected; however, different primary product ions were demonstrated for the three wax ester types including: (1) [RCOOH2]+ for saturated wax esters, (2) [RCOOH2]+, [RCO]+ and [RCO−H2O]+ for unsaturated wax esters containing only one double bond in the fatty acid moiety or with one additional double bond in the fatty alcohol moiety, and (3) [RCOOH2]+ and [RCO]+ for unsaturated wax esters containing a double bond in the fatty alcohol moiety alone. Other fragments included [R′]+ and several series of product ions for all types of wax esters. Interestingly, unusual product ions were detected, such as neutral molecule (including water, methanol and ammonia) adducts of [RCOOH2]+ ions for all types of wax esters and [R′−2H]+ ions for unsaturated fatty acyl‐containing wax esters. The patterns of tandem mass spectra for different types of wax esters will inform future identification and quantification approaches of wax esters in biological samples as supported by a preliminary study of quantification of isomeric wax esters in human meibomian gland secretions.
Oxidative Stability of Commodity Fats and Oils: Modeling Based on Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Kerrihard Adrian L. , Nagy Kornél , Craft Brian D. , Beggio Maurizio , Pegg Ronald B.
Published: July 2015

Although fatty acid (FA) composition is known to be of fundamental importance to oxidative stability in lipids, consistent quantifications of the magnitude of this association have proved elusive. The objective of this study was to quantify the relationship between FA composition and stability on a large scale within comparable lipid systems, with the numerical effects of individual outcome factors (e.g. output of a singular assay, oxidative products after a brief period of time, etc.) attenuated by incorporation into a comprehensive summation of stability. The stability of 50 plant‐based oils and fats was modeled according to FA composition, utilizing a quantification of stability that encompassed the complete oxidation curves of four distinct classical assays (two 1° and two 2° oxidation assessments) throughout 2 months of accelerated storage (60 °C). In our models, the concentrations of monounsaturated FA (MUFA), diunsaturated FA (DiUFA), and triunsaturated FA (TriUFA) together demonstrated a very strong correlation with our consolidated measure of stability (r2 = 0.915; greater than observed with our assessments by individual assays). The resultant model also indicated the relative effect upon magnitude of oxidation of MUFA:DiUFA:TriUFA to be approximately 1:3:12—substantially greater than the 1:2:3 ratio of their relative unsaturation.
Evaluation of periesophageal nerve injury after pulmonary vein isolation using the 13C‐acetate breath test
Authors: Kanaeda Tomonori , Ueda Marehiko , Arai Makoto , Ishimura Masayuki , Kajiyama Takatsugu , Hashiguchi Naotaka , Nakano Masahiro , Kondo Yusuke , Hiranuma Yasunori , Oyamada Arata , Yokosuka Osamu , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: July 2015

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has become an important option for treating patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Periesophageal nerve (PEN) injury after PVI causes pyloric spasms and gastric hypomotility. This study aimed to clarify the impact of PVI on gastric motility and assess the prevalence of gastric hypomotility after PVI.

Methods

Thirty consecutive patients with AF underwent PVI under luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring. The 13C‐acetate breath test was conducted before and after the procedure for all patients (PVI group). Gastric emptying was evaluated using the time to peak concentration of 13CO2 (Tmax). This test was also conducted in another 20 patients who underwent catheter ablation procedures other than PVI (control group).

Results

The number of patients with abnormal Tmax (≥75 min) increased from seven (23%) to 13 (43%) and from three (15%) to five (25%) after the procedure in the PVI group and control group, respectively. The mean Tmax was longer after PVI than before PVI (64±14 min vs. 57±15 min, p=0.006), whereas there was no significant difference before and after the procedure in the control group. However, no significant difference in ΔTmax was observed between the two groups (p=0.27). No patients suffered from symptomatic gastric hypomotility.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic gastric hypomotility occurred more often after PVI. However, the average impact of PVI on gastric motility was minimal.
Clearance Rate of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Carriage Among Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Kim Kyu-Ri , Lee Jeong-Young , Park Hee-Youn , Kwak Sun-Hee , Lim Young-Ju , Hong Min-Jee , Kim Sun-Kyung , Park So-Yeon , Kim Hyeon-Jeong , Choi Hye-Suk , Kim Mi-Na , Choi Hye-Ran , Jeong Jae-Sim , Choi Sang-Ho
Published: July 2015

During the past decade, carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) has emerged and spread across the world.1 The major carbapenemase enzymes currently being reported are KPC, NDM-1, VIM, IMP, and OXA.2 Because carbapenemase can be effectively transmitted via mobile genetic elements, and current therapeutic options for CPE infections are extremely limited, CPE may be one of the most serious contemporary threats to public health. However, very little is known about the characteristics of CPE carriage during hospitalization. The aims of this study were to investigate the clearance rate of CPE carriage and determine the number of consecutive negative cultures required to confirm CPE clearance. We also examined CPE transmission among hospitalized patients.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(11):1361–1362
Mindfulness at Work: A New Approach to Improving Individual and Organizational Performance
Authors: Hyland Patrick K. , Lee R. Andrew , Mills Maura J.
Published: July 2015

In recent years the concept of mindfulness has become increasingly popular, and with good reason. A growing body of research indicates that mindfulness provides a number of physical, psychological, and even performance benefits. As a result, some organizations have started offering mindfulness programs to their employees. But despite growing interest, mindfulness has received little attention from the industrial–organizational community. In this article, we provide an overview of what mindfulness is, where the concept came from, how it has been utilized and studied to date, and what its application in the work setting is. We also propose new directions for researchers and practitioners.
A Global Perspective on Psycho-Educational Assessment
Authors: Gilmore Linda , Islam Shaheen , Su Hui , Younesian Sharifeh
Published: July 2015

For psychologists in less developed countries, psycho-educational assessment is often challenging due to a lack of specialist training and a scarcity of appropriate, psychometrically robust instruments. This article focuses on school psychology and psycho-educational assessment in three countries: Bangladesh, China and Iran. Despite differences in demographic and cultural features, these countries share similar issues that restrict the practice of psycho-educational assessment. We conclude that it is important for psychologists in Western countries to support professional training and testing practices in less developed countries.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigations on Shear Lag Effect of Double-Box Composite Beam with Wide Flange under Symmetrical Loading
Authors: Hu S.-W. , Yu J. , Huang Y.-Q. , Xiao S.-Y.
Published: July 2015

A new type of steel-concrete composite beam with double-box cross-section is proposed in this paper. In order to investigate stress behaviors and deflection characteristics of such composite beam with wide flange considering the shear lag effect, theoretical analysis and experimental study are launched simultaneously. Based on the minimum potential energy principle, governing differential equations in view of the shear lag effect are deduced by energy variational method, and analytical solutions of it's stress and deflection under the effect of symmetrical loading are calculated. The preceding analyses show that relative error is less than 14.71%, with a good agreement, and farther show that this method of theoretical derivation, which is used for analyzing shear lag effect of composite beam with wide flange, has certain reference and guidance.
3D Analysis of Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Micropump Performance Using Numerical Method
Authors: Derakhshan S. , Yazdani K.
Published: July 2015

In the present study, a 3-dimensional model was developed to investigate fluid flow in MHD micro-pumps. Initially, 3D governing equations were derived and numerically solved using the finite volume method/SIMPLE algorithm. The case study was a (MHD) micropump built in the year 2000 (channel length: 20mm, channel width: 800μm, channel height: 380μm and electrode length: 4mm). The applied magnetic flux density was 13mT and the electric current was different for various solutions (10 ~ 140mA). The numerical results were verified by experimental and analytical data for several solutions. In addition effects of magnetic field strength, electric current, geometrical parameters of the MHD micropump, electrode length and electrode location on its performance have been investigated. Finally the results has been considered and discussed.
The Electro-Elastic Fields in a Functionally Gradient Piezoelectric Strip with an Internal Electrode
Authors: Chen C.-D. , Chen Y.-C. , Chen C.-C.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the electro-elastic fields in a functionally gradient piezoelectric strip with an internal semi-infinite electrode are analyzed by using Fourier transform and Wiener-Hopf technique. The exact forms of asymptotic solutions and intensity factor and energy are obtained. The energy density criterion is proposed to study the fracture behavior near the electrode tip. The fracture initiation angle depends on the fracture resistance of the piezoelectric ceramic, bonding strength between piezoelectric and electrode, and the direction of least energy density factor S inside the piezoceramic.
Torsional Surface Waves in an Inhomogeneous Layer over a Fluid Saturated Porous Half-Space
Authors: Gupta S. , Pramanik A.
Published: July 2015

In the present paper the propagation of torsional surface waves is discussed in an inhomogeneous elastic layer lying over a fluid saturated porous half space. The inhomogeneity in rigidity and density in the inhomogeneous layer plays an important role in the propagation of torsional surface waves. The presence of fluid in the pores diminishes the velocity. Further, it is seen that if the layer becomes homogeneous and the porous half space is replaced by a homogeneous half space, the velocity of the torsional surface waves coincides with that of Love wave. The effect of inhomogeneity factors and porosity factor on the phase velocity of torsional surface wave is delimitated by means of graphs.
Effect of Lubricant Compressibility on Hydrodynamic Behavior of Finite Length Journal Bearings Running under Heavy Load Conditions
Authors: Besanjideh M. , Nassab S. A. Gandjalikhan
Published: July 2015

The journal bearings which are designed for heavy-duty operations could experience different lubricant density due to high bearing loads. In the present work, hydrodynamic behaviour of finite length journal bearings under laminar and isoviscous flow with variable density are investigated. For this purpose, three-dimensional continuity and momentum equations along with a proper density-pressure relation are solved numerically, using CFD technique. Also, an appropriate cavitation model based on mass conservation is involved in the computation. Because of complex geometry of journal bearing, a conformal mapping is employed to generate an orthogonal grid and the governing equations are transformed in the computational domain. Since the degree of oil compressibility can be depended to the type of lubricant, typical mineral and synthetic oils treatments are modelled, separately. Results indicate that the oil compressibility effect leads to increasing load carrying capacity such that this increase is slightly more for the synthetic oil.
The Antecedents and Performance Consequences of Proactive Environmental Strategy: A Meta-analytic Review of National Contingency
Authors: Liu Yi , Guo Jingzhou , Chi Nan
Published: July 2015

In this article we provide a comprehensive framework to explain, in China and in Western countries, how three antecedents – regulations, stakeholder norms, and managerial mindsets – differently affect proactive environmental strategies (PES) and subsequently influence firm performance. A meta-analysis of 68 studies involving 71 samples supports our hypotheses. In Western countries, top managerial mindsets have the strongest effect and regulations have the weakest effect on PES. In China, regulations, stakeholder norms, and managerial mindsets have similar effects on PES. For Western firms, the PES has stronger effects on environmental performance than on economic performance and the effect on environmental performance is stronger than that in Chinese firms. For firms in China, the PES has equally positively affects on environmental and economic performance, but the effect on economic performance is stronger than that of Western firms. Implications for future research are discussed.
Central Bank Independence and Fiscal Policy: Can the Central Bank Restrain Deficit Spending?
Authors: Bodea Cristina , Higashijima Masaaki
Published: July 2015

Independent central banks prefer balanced budgets due to the long-run connection between deficits and inflation, and can enforce their preference through interest rate increases and denial of credit to the government. This article argues that legal central bank independence (CBI) deters fiscal deficits predominantly in countries with rule of law and impartial contract enforcement, a free press and constraints on executive power. It further suggests that CBI may not affect fiscal deficits in a counter-cyclical fashion, but instead depending on the electoral calendar and government partisanship. The article also tests the novel hypotheses using new yearly data on legal CBI for seventy-eight countries from 1970 to 2007. The results show that CBI restrains deficits only in democracies, during non-election years and under left government tenures.
Mercury anomalies associated with three extinction events (Capitanian Crisis, Latest Permian Extinction and the Smithian/Spathian Extinction) in NW Pangea
Authors: GRASBY STEPHEN E. , BEAUCHAMP BENOIT , BOND DAVID P.G. , WIGNALL PAUL B. , SANEI HAMED
Published: July 2015

Strata of Permian – Early Triassic age that include a record of three major extinction events (Capitanian Crisis, Latest Permian Extinction and the Smithian/Spathian Extinction) were examined at the Festningen section, Spitsbergen. Over thec. 12 Ma record examined, mercury in the sediments shows relatively constant background values of 0.005–0.010 μg g–1. However, there are notable spikes in Hg concentration over an order of magnitude above background associated with the three extinctions. The Hg/total organic carbon (TOC) ratio shows similar large spikes, indicating that they represent a true increase in Hg loading to the environment. We argue that these represent Hg loading events associated with enhanced Hg emissions from large igneous province (LIP) events that are synchronous with the extinctions. The Hg anomalies are consistent across the NW margin of Pangea, indicating that widespread mercury loading occurred. While this provides utility as a chemostratigraphic marker the Hg spikes may also indicate loading of toxic metals to the environment, a contributing cause to the mass extinction events.
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of larynx: case series and literature review
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Paleri V , Moor J , Dobrowsky W , Kelly C , Kovarik J
Published: July 2015

Background:

Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of larynx is a rare, aggressive type of malignancy. As only about 200 cases worldwide have been reported, any larger institutional experience is valuable. This study reports our experience in managing this rare entity.

Methods:

Of the nine patients identified, three had metastatic cancer at the time of diagnosis. Four patients underwent radical treatment: one was managed surgically followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and consolidation radiotherapy; the remaining three were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and definitive radiotherapy.

Results:

Of the 4 patients treated with radical intent, 1 was alive and disease free after 99 months, 2 died of metastatic disease after 22 and 26 months, and 1 was alive after 20 months with a diagnosis of recurrent disease.

Conclusion:

Our relatively small number of patients confirms other centres' experiences. This cancer has a poorer prognosis than most other head and neck cancers. Although the logistics would be challenging, there is a need for international multicentre trials for this disease modelled on those performed for other cancers, as has been done for paediatric malignancies.
Circulating and disseminated tumour cells in head and neck cancer
Authors: Harris A T , Derbyshire S , Wilson J , Loh C , Kinshuck A J , Attlmayr B , Jones T M
Published: July 2015

Background:

Multimodal treatment options in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have allowed for greater control of locoregional disease, but this has not translated into a significant overall survival advantage for patients. This is partially because these treatment modalities have no influence over the rate of development of distant metastases.

Objective:

This article summarises the current methods of detecting circulating and disseminated tumour cells. It also discusses how these cells can offer prognostic value in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and considers questions posed by the identification of these cells.

Methods:

A literature search of relevant journal articles was performed using ScienceDirect and PubMed databases, and a general article search was conducted using the online search engine Google.

Results and conclusion:

The evidence presented in this article indicates that circulating tumour cells and disseminated tumour cells may be clinically useful as prognostic markers or in the assessment of response to treatment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Abundance distribution patterns of intertidal bivalvesMacoma balthicaandCerastoderma eduleat the Murman coast tidal flats (the Barents Sea)
Authors: Nazarova Sophia A. , Shunkina Ksenia , Genelt-Yanovskiy Evgeny A.
Published: July 2015

Density distribution of the common infaunal bivalves,Macoma balthicaandCerastoderma edule, was studied along the Murman Coast of the Barents Sea during 2002–2010. In both species, abundance was generally higher in West Murman in contrast to East Murman. Highest density ofMacoma balthicareaching 1535 ind. m−2was observed in the Kola Inlet.Cerastoderma edulewas less abundant; its density rarely exceeded 10 ind. m−2in all but one site, where 282 ind. m−2was registered. Reconstruction of abundance distribution across the European geographic range ofMacoma balthicarevealed that it does not match an ‘abundant-centre’ pattern, having features of ramped north. On the other hand, distribution ofCerastoderma eduleabundance across the range generally follows an ‘abundant-centre’ pattern but southern edge populations show relatively higher abundances as compared with those at the north edge (the Barents Sea).
Familial risk for distress and fear disorders and emotional reactivity in adolescence: an event-related potential investigation
Authors: Nelson B. D. , Perlman G. , Hajcak G. , Klein D. N. , Kotov R.
Published: July 2015

Background

The late positive potential (LPP) is an event-related potential component that is sensitive to the motivational salience of stimuli. Children with a parental history of depression, an indicator of risk, have been found to exhibit an attenuated LPP to emotional stimuli. Research on depressive and anxiety disorders has organized these conditions into two empirical classes: distress and fear disorders. The present study examined whether parental history of distress and fear disorders was associated with the LPP to emotional stimuli in a large sample of adolescent girls.

Method

The sample of 550 girls (ages 13.5–15.5 years) with no lifetime history of depression completed an emotional picture-viewing task and the LPP was measured in response to neutral, pleasant and unpleasant pictures. Parental lifetime history of psychopathology was determined via a semi-structured diagnostic interview with a biological parent, and confirmatory factor analysis was used to model distress and fear dimensions.

Results

Parental distress risk was associated with an attenuated LPP to all stimuli. In contrast, parental fear risk was associated with an enhanced LPP to unpleasant pictures but was unrelated to the LPP to neutral and pleasant pictures. Furthermore, these results were independent of the adolescent girls’ current depression and anxiety symptoms and pubertal status.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that familial risk for distress and fear disorders may have unique profiles in terms of electrocortical measures of emotional information processing. This study is also one of the first to investigate emotional/motivational processes underlying the distress and fear disorder dimensions.
The impact of childhood adversity on the persistence of psychotic symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Trotta A. , Murray R. M. , Fisher H. L.
Published: July 2015

Background

Evidence suggests that childhood adversity is associated with the development of psychotic experiences (PE), psychotic symptoms and disorders. However, less is known regarding the impact of early adversity on the persistence of PE and clinically relevant psychosis. Thus we conducted a systematic review of the association between childhood adversity and the course of PE and symptoms over time.

Method

A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE and PsychINFO databases was undertaken to identify articles published between January 1956 and November 2014. We included studies conducted on general population samples, individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) of psychosis, and patients with full-blown psychotic disorders. A meta-analysis was performed on a subgroup.

Results

A total of 20 studies were included. Of these, 17 reported positive associations between exposure to overall or specific subtypes of childhood adversity and persistence of PE or clinically relevant psychotic symptoms. A meta-analysis of nine studies yielded a weighted odds ratio of 1.76 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–2.32,p< 0.001] for general population studies and 1.55 (95% CI 0.32–2.77,p= 0.007) for studies conducted using clinical populations.

Conclusions

The available evidence is limited but tentatively suggests that reported exposure to adverse events in childhood is associated with persistence of PE and clinically relevant psychotic symptoms. This partially strengthens the case for addressing the consequences of early adversity in individuals presenting with psychotic phenomena to improve long-term outcomes. However, the heterogeneity of studies was high which urges caution in interpreting the results and highlights the need for more methodologically robust studies.