bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method for the Separation of Overlapping Pollen Species for Automated Detection and Classification
Authors: Tello-Mijares Santiago , Flores Francisco
Published: March 2016

The identification of pollen in an automated way will accelerate different tasks and applications of palynology to aid in, among others, climate change studies, medical allergies calendar, and forensic science. The aim of this paper is to develop a system that automatically captures a hundred microscopic images of pollen and classifies them into the 12 different species from Lagunera Region, Mexico. Many times, the pollen is overlapping on the microscopic images, which increases the difficulty for its automated identification and classification. This paper focuses on a method to segment the overlapping pollen. First, the proposed method segments the overlapping pollen. Second, the method separates the pollen based on the mean shift process (100% segmentation) and erosion by H-minima based on the Fibonacci series. Thus, pollen is characterized by its shape, color, and texture for training and evaluating the performance of three classification techniques: random tree forest, multilayer perceptron, and Bayes net. Using the newly developed system, we obtained segmentation results of 100% and classification on top of 96.2% and 96.1% in recall and precision using multilayer perceptron in twofold cross validation.
Temperature Dependent Electrical Transport in Al/Poly(4-vinyl phenol)/p-GaAs Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor by Sol-Gel Spin Coating Method
Authors: Özden Şadan , Tozlu Cem , Pakma Osman
Published: March 2016

Deposition of poly(4-vinyl phenol) insulator layer is carried out by applying the spin coating technique ontop-type GaAs substrate so as to create Al/poly(4-vinyl phenol)/p-GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure. Temperature was set to 80–320 K while the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the structure were examined in the study. Ideality factor (n) and barrier height (ϕb) values found in the experiment ranged from 3.13 and 0.616 eV (320 K) to 11.56 and 0.147 eV (80 K). Comparing the thermionic field emission theory and thermionic emission theory, the temperature dependent ideality factor behavior displayed that thermionic field emission theory is more valid than the latter. The calculated tunneling energy was 96 meV.
On-Chip Reconfigurable Hardware Accelerators for Popcount Computations
Authors: Sklyarov Valery , Skliarova Iouliia , Silva João
Published: March 2016

Popcount computations are widely used in such areas as combinatorial search, data processing, statistical analysis, and bio- and chemical informatics. In many practical problems the size of initial data is very large and increase in throughput is important. The paper suggests two types of hardware accelerators that are (1) designed in FPGAs and (2) implemented in Zynq-7000 all programmable systems-on-chip with partitioning of algorithms that use popcounts between software of ARM Cortex-A9 processing system and advanced programmable logic. A three-level system architecture that includes a general-purpose computer, the problem-specific ARM, and reconfigurable hardware is then proposed. The results of experiments and comparisons with existing benchmarks demonstrate that although throughput of popcount computations is increased in FPGA-based designs interacting with general-purpose computers, communication overheads (in experiments with PCI express) are significant and actual advantages can be gained if not only popcount but also other types of relevant computations are implemented in hardware. The comparison of software/hardware designs for Zynq-7000 all programmable systems-on-chip with pure software implementations in the same Zynq-7000 devices demonstrates increase in performance by a factor ranging from 5 to 19 (taking into account all the involved communication overheads between the programmable logic and the processing systems).
Frequency and Dynamics of Leukemia-Initiating Cells during Short-term Ex Vivo Culture Informs Outcomes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients
Authors: Griessinger Emmanuel , Anjos-Afonso Fernando , Vargaftig Jacques , Taussig David C. , Lassailly François , Prebet Thomas , Imbert Véronique , Nebout Marielle , Vey Norbert , Chabannon Christian , Filby Andrew , Bollet-Quivogne Frederic , Gribben John G. , Peyron Jean-François , Bonnet Dominique
Published: March 2016

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is sustained by a subpopulation of rare leukemia-initiating cells (LIC) detected in the xenograft assay by their capacity to self-renew and to generate non-LICs in vivo. The xenotransplantation model captures functional properties of LICs that have clinical prognostic value. However, the long duration of this in vivo assay has hampered its use as a prognostic tool. Here, we show, using an ex vivo coculture system, that intermediate and poor risk AML patient samples at diagnosis have a 5 to 7 times higher frequency of leukemic long-term culture-initiating cells (L-LTC-IC) compared with the good risk group. We defined a fluorescence dilution factor (FDF) parameter that monitors sample proliferation over 1 week and established a strong correlation of this parameter with the L-LTC-IC frequency. A higher FDF was found for poor prognostic AMLs or for samples capable of engrafting NSG mice compared with good risk AMLs or nonengrafters. Importantly, FDF could classify normal karyotype intermediate risk patients into two groups with a significant difference in their overall survival, thus making this nongenetic and non-in vivo approach a new clinically relevant tool for better diagnosis of AML patients. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2082–6. ©2016 AACR.
Stress Chaperone Mortalin Contributes to Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Na Youjin , Kaul Sunil C. , Ryu Jihoon , Lee Jung-Sun , Ahn Hyo Min , Kaul Zeenia , Kalra Rajkumar S. , Li Ling , Widodo Nashi , Yun Chae-Ok , Wadhwa Renu
Published: March 2016

Mortalin/mthsp70 (HSPA9) is a stress chaperone enriched in many cancers that has been implicated in carcinogenesis by promoting cell proliferation and survival. In this study, we examined the clinical relevance of mortalin upregulation in carcinogenesis. Consistent with high mortalin expression in various human tumors and cell lines, we found that mortalin overexpression increased the migration and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. Expression analyses revealed that proteins involved in focal adhesion, PI3K–Akt, and JAK–STAT signaling, all known to play key roles in cell migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), were upregulated in mortalin-expressing cancer cells. We further determined that expression levels of the mesenchymal markers vimentin (VIM), fibronectin (FN1), β-catenin (CTNNB1), CK14 (KRT14), and hnRNP-K were also increased upon mortalin overexpression, whereas the epithelial markers E-cadherin (CDH1), CK8 (KRT8), and CK18 (KRT18) were downregulated. Furthermore, shRNA-mediated and pharmacologic inhibition of mortalin suppressed the migration and invasive capacity of cancer cells and was associated with a diminished EMT gene signature. Taken together, these findings support a role for mortalin in the induction of EMT, prompting further investigation of its therapeutic value in metastatic disease models. Cancer Res; 76(9); 2754–65. ©2016 AACR.
MK-4101, a Potent Inhibitor of the Hedgehog Pathway, Is Highly Active against Medulloblastoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Filocamo Gessica , Brunetti Mirko , Colaceci Fabrizio , Sasso Romina , Tanori Mirella , Pasquali Emanuela , Alfonsi Romina , Mancuso Mariateresa , Saran Anna , Lahm Armin , Di Marcotullio Lucia , Steinkühler Christian , Pazzaglia Simonetta
Published: March 2016

Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of many cancers, including medulloblastoma and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). In this study, using neonatally irradiated Ptch1+/− mice as a model of Hh-dependent tumors, we investigated the in vivo effects of MK-4101, a novel SMO antagonist, for the treatment of medulloblastoma and BCC. Results clearly demonstrated a robust antitumor activity of MK-4101, achieved through the inhibition of proliferation and induction of extensive apoptosis in tumor cells. Of note, beside antitumor activity on transplanted tumors, MK-4101 was highly efficacious against primary medulloblastoma and BCC developing in the cerebellum and skin of Ptch1+/− mice. By identifying the changes induced by MK-4101 in gene expression profiles in tumors, we also elucidated the mechanism of action of this novel, orally administrable compound. MK-4101 targets the Hh pathway in tumor cells, showing the maximum inhibitory effect on Gli1. MK-4101 also induced deregulation of cell cycle and block of DNA replication in tumors. Members of the IGF and Wnt signaling pathways were among the most highly deregulated genes by MK-4101, suggesting that the interplay among Hh, IGF, and Wnt is crucial in Hh-dependent tumorigenesis. Altogether, the results of this preclinical study support a therapeutic opportunity for MK-4101 in the treatment of Hh-driven cancers, also providing useful information for combination therapy with drugs targeting pathways cooperating with Hh oncogenic activity. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(6); 1177–89. ©2016 AACR.
Stimulating Effect of Elvitegravir on Suicidal Erythrocyte Death
Authors: Bissinger Rosi , Al Mamun Bhuyan Abdulla , Signoretto Elena , Lang Florian
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: The antiviral drug Elvitegravir is used for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections. The present study explored whether the drug is able to trigger eryptosis, the suicidal death of erythrocytes. Eryptosis is characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), oxidative stress, ceramide, activated p38 kinase and activated caspases. The present study explored, whether Elvitegravir induces eryptosis and, if so, to shed light on the mechanisms involved. Methods: Phosphatidylserine abundance at the erythrocyte surface was estimated from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3-fluorescence, abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from DCFDA dependent fluorescence, and ceramide abundance at the erythrocyte surface utilizing specific antibodies. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to Elvitegravir (≥ 1.5 µg/ml) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells, and significantly decreased forward scatter. Elvitegravir (2.5 µg/ml) significantly increased Fluo3-fluorescence, but did not significantly modify DCFDA fluorescence or ceramide abundance. The effect of Elvitegravir on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted by removal of extracellular Ca2+, but not in the presence of p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 (2 µM) or in the presence of pancaspase inhibitor zVAD (10 µM). Conclusions: Elvitegravir triggers cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect in part due to entry of extracellular Ca2+.
Ryanodine Receptor 2 Plays a Critical Role in Spinal Cord Injury via Induction of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Liao Bo , Zhang Yong , Sun Honghui , Ma Baoan , Qian Jixian
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe health problem worldwide. Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are a class of intracellular calcium channels in various excitable tissues such as muscles and nervous tissues. The current study was designed to investigate the possible role of RyR2 upregulation in SCI and to elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms. Methods: Rats were injected with LVshRNAi- RyR2 and then exposed to spinal cord contusion injury. Results: The results showed that knockdown of RyR2 significantly promoted the recovery of structural and functional injury in spinal cord, as evidenced by reduction of lesion volume and increase of Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) and combined behavioral score (CBS) scores. Knockdown of RyR2 inhibited the increase of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and TNFα. Moreover, downregulation of RyR2 increased oxygen consumption rate and decreased the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and ATF6, indicating the improvement of mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress after SCI. Furthermore, silence of RyR2 reduced oxidative stress, as reflected by decrease of TBARS and GSSG content and increase of GSH level. The expression of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), NOX4 and p66shc were increased in SCI rats. Knockdown of RyR2 significantly decreased NOX2 expression, but had no evident effect on NOX4 and p66shc expression. These results indicated NOX2 may be involved in RyR2-induced ROS generation which mediated contusion-induced spinal cord injury. Conclusion: The data provide novel insights into the mechanism of RyR2-mediated injury and the potential therapeutic targets for injury in spinal cord.
Stimulating Effect of Manumycin A on Suicidal Erythrocyte Death
Authors: Egler Jasmin , Zierle Jens , Lang Florian
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: The streptomycete derived farnesyltransferase inhibitor Manumycin A triggers apoptosis of tumor cells and is thus considered for the treatment of malignancy. The present study explored whether Manumycin A could similarly stimulate eryptosis, the suicidal death of erythrocytes characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include Ca2+ entry as well as activation of staurosporine sensitive protein kinase C and SB203580 sensitive p38 kinase. The present study explored, whether Manumycin A induces eryptosis and, if so, to shed some light on the mechanisms involved. Methods: Phosphatidylserine abundance at the human erythrocyte surface was estimated from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, and hemolysis from hemoglobin concentration in the supernatant. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to Manumycin A (≥ 5 µg/ml) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells, significantly decreased forward scatter and significantly incrased hemolysis. The effect of Manumycin A on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted by removal of extracellular Ca2+, by addition of staurosporine (1 µM) and by addition of SB203580 (2 µM). Conclusions: Manumycin A triggers hemolysis, cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the human erythrocyte cell membrane. The effect on cell membrane scrambling was in part but not fully dependent on entry of extracellular Ca2+, as well as activity of staurosporine and SB203580 sensitive kinases.
Long-acting recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) for perioperative haemostatic management in severe haemophilia A
Authors: Mahlangu Johnny , Ragni Margaret , Gupta Naresh , Rangarajan Savita , Klamroth Robert , Oldenburg Johannes , Nogami Keiji , Young Guy , Cristiano Lynda , Dong Yingwen , Allen Geoffrey , Pierce Glenn , Robinson Brian
Published: March 2016

The Phase 3 A-LONG and Kids A-LONG studies demonstrated the prolonged half-life of rFVIIIFc compared with rFVIII, and the safety and efficacy of rFVIIIFc in subjects with severe haemophilia A. Eligible subjects from A-LONG and Kids A-LONG continued rFVIIIFc treatment by enrolling in ASPIRE, an ongoing extension study. Based on combined data from the primary studies and ASPIRE interim data, the safety and efficacy of rFVIIIFc in subjects requiring surgery were evaluated. Perioperative dosing regimens were determined by investigators with guidance based on pharmacokinetic data and recommendations from a clinical dosing committee. In addition to dosing frequency, factor consumption, blood loss, transfusions, bleeding episodes, and haemostatic response were assessed. Across studies, 21 subjects underwent 23 evaluable major surgeries, including 19 orthopaedic surgeries; 41 subjects underwent 52 minor surgeries, including 30 dental procedures. No major and 10 minor surgeries were performed in paediatric subjects. Of the major (n = 22) and minor (n = 32) surgeries assessed for haemostatic response, all were rated as excellent or good by the investigator/surgeon. During most major surgeries (95.7 %), haemostasis was maintained with one rFVIIIFc infusion. Blood loss in major surgeries was consistent with similar surgeries in subjects without haemophilia. Across studies, rFVIIIFc was well tolerated; no subject developed an inhibitor.
Depictions of the Journey to the Heavenly Realm in Early Modern Catholic and Japanese Buddhist Iconography
Authors: Hioki Naoko Frances
Published: March 2016

This article works to identify an intersection of the Catholic and Buddhist pictorial traditions with regard to the symbolism of the journey to the spiritual world. In both Christian and Buddhist traditions, the river/ ocean is a popular symbol that designates the border between this world and the other world. A work of western-inspired Japanese folding screens known as Yōjin Sōgakuzu (Europeans Playing Music) is an outstanding example that makes use of the symbolism of the river to allude to one’s pilgrimage to the other world in the guise of a secular waterfront scene. The folding screens were painted in the seventeenth century by Japanese artists who were affiliated with the art studio founded by the Jesuits. An investigation of European sources of the painting will show how the painters modified the famous Catholic iconography of “The Ship of the Church” to match the taste of the Japanese patrons of the time. Further, comparisons with other Japanese paintings that similarly deal with the theme of the river will show that such secular scenes of waterfront leisure could demonstrate to the Japanese audience the life in the world beyond, as well as a journey to that world they anticipated.
Microula roseiflora (Boraginaceae), a new species from Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: YU WEN-TAO , YU YUN , SHEN JIAN-GUO , GUO QIONG-XIA
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we describe and illustrate Microula roseiflora as a new species from Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The new species is morphologically similar to M. muliensis and M. leiocarpa, but M. roseiflora can be easily distinguished by the combination of characteristics: nutlet black spotted; dorsal pseudoaperture ca. 0.5 mm long; corolla pink; faucal appendages triangular-ovate; upper stem leaf elliptic to ovate; and stem trichomes appressed, ca. 0.3–1.5 mm long. For the new taxon, information on its geographic range, habitat and hypothetical taxonomic affinities is provided.
Eleocharis konkanensis, a new species of Cyperaceae from the Konkan region of Western Ghats, India
Authors: CHANDORE ARUN N. , BORUDE DEVIDAS B. , KAMBALE SHARAD S. , YADAV SHRIRANG R.
Published: March 2016

A new species Eleocharis konkanensis Chandore, Borude, Kambale & S.R. Yadav from Konkan region of Maharashtra, India is described and illustrated here.
Parenteral Plant Sterols Accumulate in the Liver Reflecting Their Increased Serum Levels and Portal Inflammation in Children With Intestinal Failure
Authors: Hukkinen Maria , Mutanen Annika , Nissinen Markku , Merras‐Salmio Laura , Gylling Helena , Pakarinen Mikko P.
Published: March 2016

Background: Parenteral plant sterols (PSs) are considered hepatotoxic; however, liver PSs and their associations with liver injury in patients with intestinal failure (IF) have not been reported. Materials and Methods: We analyzed liver and serum PS (avenasterol, campesterol, sitosterol, and stigmasterol) concentrations and ratios to cholesterol and their associations with biochemical and histologic liver damage in children with IF during (n = 7) parenteral nutrition (PN) and after weaning off it (n = 9), including vegetable oil–based lipid emulsions. Results: Liver avenasterol, sitosterol, and total PS concentrations and cholesterol ratios were 2.4‐fold to 5.6‐fold higher in PN‐dependent patients (P < .05). Parenteral PS delivery reflected liver avenasterol and sitosterol ratios to cholesterol (r = 0.83–0.89, P = .02–.04), while serum and liver total PS levels were positively interrelated (r = 0.98, P < .01). Any liver histopathology was equally common while portal inflammation more frequent (57 vs 0%, P = .02) in PN‐dependent patients. All liver PS fractions correlated positively with histologic portal inflammation (r = 0.53–0.66, P < .05), and their total concentration was significantly (P = .01) higher among patients with versus without portal inflammation. In PN‐dependent patients, liver fibrosis and any histopathology correlated with liver campesterol and stigmasterol levels (r = 0.79–0.87, P ≤ .03). Conclusion: Among children with IF, parenteral PSs accumulate in the liver, reflect their increased serum levels, and relate with biochemical liver injury, portal inflammation, and liver fibrosis, thus supporting their role in promoting liver damage.
Rapid diagnosis of hypoglycin A intoxication in atypical myopathy of horses
Authors: Sander Johannes , Cavalleri Jessika-M. V. , Terhardt Michael , Bochnia Mandy , Zeyner Annette , Zuraw Aleksandra , Sander Stefanie , Peter Michael , Janzen Nils
Published: March 2016

Hypoglycin A (2-amino-3-(2-methylidenecyclopropyl)propanoic acid) is the plant toxin shown to cause atypical myopathy in horses. It is converted in vivo to methylenecyclopropyl acetic acid, which is transformed to a coenzyme A ester that subsequently blocks beta oxidation of fatty acids. Methylenecyclopropyl acetic acid is also conjugated with carnitine and glycine. Acute atypical myopathy may be diagnosed by quantifying the conjugates of methylenecyclopropyl acetic acid plus a selection of acyl conjugates in urine and serum. We describe a new mass spectrometric method for sample volumes of <0.5 mL. Samples were extracted with methanol containing 5 different internal standards. Extracts were analyzed by ultra–high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry focusing on 11 metabolites. The total preparation time for a series of 20 samples was 100 min. Instrument run time was 14 min per sample. For the quantification of carnitine and glycine conjugates of methylenecyclopropyl acetic acid in urine, the coefficients of variation for intraday quantification were 2.9% and 3.0%, respectively. The respective values for interday were 9.3% and 8.0%. Methylenecyclopropyl acetyl carnitine was detected as high as 1.18 µmol/L in serum (median: 0.46 µmol/L) and 1.98 mmol/mol creatinine in urine (median: 0.79 mmol/mol creatinine) of diseased horses, while the glycine derivative accumulated up to 1.97 mmol/mol creatinine in urine but was undetectable in most serum samples. In serum samples from horses with atypical myopathy, the intraday coefficients of variation for C4–C8 carnitines and glycines were ≤4.5%. Measured concentrations exceeded those in healthy horses by ~10 to 1,400 times.
Assessment of structural nonlinearities employing extremes of dynamic responses
Authors: Pakrashi Vikram , Fitzgerald Paul , O’Leary Michael , Jaksic Vesna , Ryan Kevin , Basu Biswajit
Published: March 2016

A range of methodologies exist for estimating nonlinear responses of structural systems using numerical simulations. However, efforts in relation to experimental methods in this regard still warrant further investigation. This paper presents an approach for assessing structural nonlinearities using the extremes of dynamic responses of the structural system under consideration. The approach allows revisiting and parameter tuning of theoretical models of structures based on experimental studies. A single degree of freedom system was excited in this study using broadband input excitations and the output dynamic responses were measured using different devices. The type and extent of experimentation required for implementation of the presented technique was investigated along with the effects of the estimates of the measured variables and the effects related to different measurement devices.
Sound emission of a turbine stage due to an azimuthally periodic mean temperature
Authors: Mu Zhongqiang , Michel Ulf , Steger Mathias , Ashcroft Graham , Kennepohl Fritz , Thiele Frank
Published: March 2016

It is shown in a simulation that the tonal sound emission of a high-pressure turbine stage may increase considerably when the mean temperature of the inflow is spatially not uniform. The tonal sound power emitted in the downstream direction is increased by 5.9 dB at the blade passing frequency f b and by 11.7 dB at [Formula: see text]. The mean total temperature of the incoming flow is assumed to vary periodically in the azimuthal direction with a temperature amplitude of ±9% as a result of 14 discrete burners inside the annular combustion chamber. The temperature also varies radially with minima at the inner and outer walls of the annular channel. The turbine stage consists of a stator with 70 vanes and a rotor with 73 blades, while the temperature field in the simulation has 14 periods in the circumference.
Correction: Re: Acknowledgment: A Profile of Coding Staff in Sydney Metropolitan Public Hospitals Health Information Management, Vol 32(2)
Authors: McIntosh Jean , Dimitropoulos Vera , Bramley Michelle
Published: March 2016

The authors would like to thank Adam Bennett, who collected the raw data used in this study for his thesis submitted for the degree of Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Information Management) (Honours) at The University of Sydney.
Asthma Terminology and Classification in Hospital Records
Authors: McKenzie Kirsten , Wood Sue
Published: March 2016

Asthma is a national health priority area in Australia, and there is significant interest in capturing relevant detail about hospitalisations as a result of asthma. A public submission received by the National Centre for Classification in Health from a large teaching hospital in Victoria suggested that current classification terminology in ICD-10-AM did not adequately reflect the terms recorded in clinical inpatient records, and that patterns and severity of asthma better reflected current clinical terminology in Australian hospitals. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the public submission and inform future changes to ICD-10-AM. A representative sample of over 3000 asthma records across Australia and New Zealand were extracted, and the asthma terminology documented and codes assigned were recorded and analysed. The study concluded that there was little support for either pattern terminology or the current classification terminology; however, severity of asthma was commonly used in asthma documentation.
The Preparedness of Hospital Health Information Services for System Failures Due to Internal Disasters
Authors: Lee Cheens , Robinson Kerin M , Wendt Kate , Williamson Dianne
Published: March 2016

The unimpeded functioning of hospital Health Information Services (HIS) is essential for patient care, clinical governance, organisational performance measurement, funding and research. In an investigation of hospital Health Information Services' preparedness for internal disasters, all hospitals in the state of Victoria with the following characteristics were surveyed: they have a Health Information Service/Department; there is a Manager of the Health Information Service/Department; and their inpatient capacity is greater than 80 beds. Fifty percent of the respondents have experienced an internal disaster within the past decade, the majority affecting the Health Information Service. The most commonly occurring internal disasters were computer system failure and floods. Two-thirds of the hospitals have internal disaster plans; the most frequently occurring scenarios provided for are computer system failure, power failure and fire. More large hospitals have established back-up systems than medium- and small-size hospitals. Fifty-three percent of hospitals have a recovery plan for internal disasters. Hospitals typically self-rate as having a ‘medium’ level of internal disaster preparedness. Overall, large hospitals are better prepared for internal disasters than medium and small hospitals, and preparation for disruption of computer systems and medical record services is relatively high on their agendas.
‘Write Right’: The GSAHS Clinical Documentation Project
Authors: Stewart Ann , Robben Tony
Published: March 2016

The Clinical Documentation Project was piloted at one site in Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) in New South Wales; it aimed to improve the standard of clinical documentation by 50% between March and August 2005. The main intervention was the use of a Self Directed Documentation Learning Package (SDDLP). Results achieved a 75% improvement in clinical documentation within six months and a 46.5% improvement in clinicians' confidence in their level of knowledge on documentation requirements.
Perinatal Data Collection: Current Practice in the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Healthcare Context
Authors: Craswell Alison , Moxham Lorna , Broadbent Marc
Published: March 2016

The collection of perinatal data within Queensland, Australia, has traditionally been achieved via a paper form completed by midwives after each birth. Recently, with an increase in the use of e-health systems in healthcare, perinatal data collection has migrated to an online system. It is suggested that this move from paper to an e-health platform has resulted in improvement to error rates, completion levels, timeliness of data transfer from healthcare institutions to the perinatal data collection and subsequent publication of data items. Worldwide, perinatal data are collected utilising a variety of methods, but essentially data are used for similar purposes: to monitor outcome patterns within obstetrics and midwifery. This paper discusses current practice in relation to perinatal data collection worldwide and within Australia, with a specific focus on Queensland, highlights relevant issues for midwives, and points to the need for further research into the efficient use of an e-health platform for perinatal data collection.
PeTTSy: a computational tool for perturbation analysis of complex systems biology models
Authors: Domijan Mirela , Brown Paul E. , Shulgin Boris V. , Rand David A.
Published: March 2016

Background

Over the last decade sensitivity analysis techniques have been shown to be very useful to analyse complex and high dimensional Systems Biology models. However, many of the currently available toolboxes have either used parameter sampling, been focused on a restricted set of model observables of interest, studied optimisation of a objective function, or have not dealt with multiple simultaneous model parameter changes where the changes can be permanent or temporary.

Results

Here we introduce our new, freely downloadable toolbox, PeTTSy (Perturbation Theory Toolbox for Systems). PeTTSy is a package for MATLAB which implements a wide array of techniques for the perturbation theory and sensitivity analysis of large and complex ordinary differential equation (ODE) based models. PeTTSy is a comprehensive modelling framework that introduces a number of new approaches and that fully addresses analysis of oscillatory systems. It examines sensitivity analysis of the models to perturbations of parameters, where the perturbation timing, strength, length and overall shape can be controlled by the user. This can be done in a system-global setting, namely, the user can determine how many parameters to perturb, by how much and for how long. PeTTSy also offers the user the ability to explore the effect of the parameter perturbations on many different types of outputs: period, phase (timing of peak) and model solutions. PeTTSy can be employed on a wide range of mathematical models including free-running and forced oscillators and signalling systems.

To enable experimental optimisation using the Fisher Information Matrix it efficiently allows one to combine multiple variants of a model (i.e. a model with multiple experimental conditions) in order to determine the value of new experiments. It is especially useful in the analysis of large and complex models involving many variables and parameters.

Conclusions

PeTTSy is a comprehensive tool for analysing large and complex models of regulatory and signalling systems. It allows for simulation and analysis of models under a variety of environmental conditions and for experimental optimisation of complex combined experiments. With its unique set of tools it makes a valuable addition to the current library of sensitivity analysis toolboxes. We believe that this software will be of great use to the wider biological, systems biology and modelling communities.
Exchange Rates, Interest Rates, and the Risk Premium
Authors: Engel Charles
Published: March 2016

The uncovered interest parity puzzle concerns the empirical regularity that high interest rate countries tend to have high expected returns on short term deposits. A separate puzzle is that high real interest rate countries tend to have currencies that are stronger than can be accounted for by the path of expected real interest differentials under uncovered interest parity. These two findings have apparently contradictory implications for the relationship of the foreign-exchange risk premium and interest-rate differentials. We document these puzzles, and show that existing models appear unable to account for both. A model that might reconcile the findings is discussed. (JEL E43, F31, G15)
The Politics of Compromise
Authors: Bonatti Alessandro , Rantakari Heikki
Published: March 2016

An organization must select among competing projects that differ in their payoff consequences for its members. Each agent chooses a project and exerts effort affecting its completion time. When one or more projects are complete, the agents select which one to adopt. The selection rule for multiple projects that maximizes ex post welfare leads to inefficiently high polarization; rules that favor later proposals improve upon ex post optimal selections. The optimal degree of favoritism increases in the cost of effort and discount rate. This trade-off informs the design of process rules in standard-setting organizations and helps explain their performance. (JEL C78, D23, D71, D72, D83, L15)
On Communication and Collusion
Authors: Awaya Yu , Krishna Vijay
Published: March 2016

We study the role of communication within a cartel. Our analysis is carried out in Stigler’s (1964) model of repeated oligopoly with secret price cuts. Firms observe neither the prices nor the sales of their rivals. For a fixed discount factor, we identify conditions under which there are equilibria with “cheap talk” that result in near-perfect collusion, whereas all equilibria without such communication are bounded away from this outcome. In our model, communication improves monitoring and leads to higher prices and profits. (JEL C73, D43, D83, L12, L13, L25)
Phylogenetic relationships within the cosmopolitan buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) support the resurrection of Sarcomphalus and the description of Pseudoziziphus gen. nov.
Authors: Hauenschild Frank , Matuszak Sabine , Muellner-Riehl Alexandra N. , Favre Adrien
Published: March 2016

Uncertainties persist in the delineation of tribes and genera within the cosmopolitan and species‐rich Rhamnaceae. In this family, the identification of tribes and genera largely depends on combinations of traits rather than single synapomorphies, diagnostic morphological features being often shared among several clades. When taxonomic treatments based on morphological traits are in conflict with each other, phylogenetic reconstructions can help to guide taxonomic efforts. In this study, we present the largest molecular dataset to date for Rhamnaceae, by combining trnL‐trnF and ITS sequence data for more than 400 taxa, either newly sequenced or retrieved from GenBank. Our sampling design includes all 11 Rhamnaceae tribes and 57 genera. We used fasttree‐like searches, maximum likelihood estimates, and Bayesian analyses to generate a consensus phylogeny. Our reconstructions support most of the tribes as monophyletic, except Paliureae. Similarly, our analyses show the monophyly of most genera, with the exception of Ziziphus which appears to be paraphyletic. To preserve its monophyly, some species are excluded from Ziziphus and either attributed to the resurrected genus Sarcomphalus or to Pseudoziziphus, which is newly described here. Finally, our study highlights remaining uncertainties concerning phylogenetic relationships within Rhamnaceae, and identifies genera for which an increased sampling effort is encouraged.
About some eponyms in Taxonomic literature (TL-2)
Authors: Burkhardt Lotte
Published: March 2016

TL‐2 is an important information source for eponyms in plant genera. Some of the entries in TL‐2 (among several hundred) do not correspond with the original dedication by the botanical author or other botanical or geographical information and genealogical literature. The differences, problems and corrections for those eponyms listed in TL‐2 are pointed out here.
Building care and compassion—introducing Lego Serious Play to HCA education
Authors: Hayes Catherine
Published: March 2016

Lego Serious Play, an approach that seeks to foster creative thinking and teamwork, provides a mechanism by which adult learners can express their conscious thinking by using Lego bricks to physically represent their relationships with the outside world, their emotions and their building of meaning in relation to the world around them. Narrative storytelling is then used by the learners to articulate these ideas to an audience.

They tell a story that represents issues of meaning in practice. This is a mechanism that involves using the hands in the process of creative expression, something that has long been documented in the field of cognitive neuroscience.

This article provides an insight into how Lego Serious Play could potentially be integrated into the education and training of HCAs in practice, as a mechanism of facilitating their affective learning around care and compassion, subjects which have become so topical in the light of the Francis Report (2013) and the Cavendish Review (2013) .

An adaptation of Gilbert's Multi-Modal Compassionate Mind Training is used to illustrate how Lego Serious Play might facilitate the construction of affective domain learning in healthcare assistant practice.

The article concludes with an overview of how the process could improve the capacity of HCAs to communicate and articulate their contributions to HCA practice.
Dental and Oral Lesions in HIV-Positive Individuals in East Bohemia – Czech Republic, Single Centre Experience
Authors: Šembera Martin , Radochová Vladimíra , Slezák Radovan
Published: March 2016

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a serious health issue and one of the world most devastating epidemics. An estimated 1.5 million people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2013, and an estimated 37 million people with AIDS have died worldwide since the epidemic has begun. HIV infection is known for its oral manifestations which causes discomfort and pain for infected individuals. The objective of this study was to document oral conditions of HIV positive patients and the pattern and frequency of oral and dental lesions.Methods: All patients with confirmed HIV infection who were treated at the Department of Dentistry, University Hospital in Hradec Králové, were examined. Results: During the study period, 29 HIV positive patients were examined and treated – 19 men, 10 women, with mean age of 32.9 years (range 22–58 years). 72.41% patients received ART. In total, all patients underwent 186 visits. The most frequent treatments were associated with teeth and periodontal lesions (71.80%), oral mucosal lesions were diagnosed and treated only in 3.96% cases. Conclusion: Since the introduction of ART, the frequency of oral mucosal lesions is minimal in patients with HIV infection.
Oesophageal Manometry in Experimental Pigs: Methods and Initial Experience
Authors: Tachecí Ilja , Radochová Věra , Květina Jaroslav , Rejchrt Stanislav , Kopáčová Marcela , Bureš Jan
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study project was to prepare our own method of porcine oesophageal manometry. Ten mature experimental pigs entered the study. Conventional water-perfused system was decided for manometry. Porcine resting and relaxed pressures of the lower oesophageal sphincter are fully comparable with healthy human subjects. Evocable swallowing is doable and oesophageal peristalsis is quantifiable. Basic manometric parameters were different in male and female animals. Oesophageal manometry in experimental pigs is feasible. Porcine oesophageal manometry will be usable for preclinical studies in future.
Computer Interfaces and the “Direct-Touch” Effect: Can iPads Increase the Choice of Hedonic Food?
Authors: Shen Hao , Zhang Meng , Krishna Aradhna
Published: March 2016

People are able to order food using a variety of computer devices, such as desktops, laptops, and mobile phones. Even in restaurants, patrons can place orders on computer screens. Can the interface that consumers use affect their choice of food? The authors focus on the “direct-touch” aspect of touch interfaces, whereby users can touch the screen in an interactive manner. In a series of five studies, they show that a touch interface, such as that provided by an iPad, compared with a nontouch interface, such as that of a desktop computer with a mouse, facilitates the choice of an affect-laden alternative over a cognitively superior one—what the authors call the “direct-touch effect.” The studies provide some mediational support that the direct-touch effect is driven by the enhanced mental simulation of product interaction with the more affective choice alternative on touch interfaces. The authors also test the moderator of this effect. Using multiple product pairs as stimuli, the authors obtain consistent results, which have rich theoretical and managerial implications.
Behavior of canonical divisors under purely inseparable base changes
Authors: Tanaka Hiromu
Published: March 2016

Let k be an imperfect field.
Let X be a regular variety over k and
set Y to be the normalization of

(

X

⊗
k

k

1
/

p
∞

)

red

{(X\otimes_{k}k^{1/p^{\infty}})_{{\rm red}}}

.
In this paper, we show that

K
Y

+
C

=

f
*

⁢

K
X

{K_{Y}+C=f^{*}K_{X}}

for some effective divisor C on Y.
We obtain the following three applications.
First, we show that a

K
X

{K_{X}}

-trivial fiber space with non-normal fibers is uniruled.
Second, we prove that general fibers of Mori fiber spaces are rationally chain connected.
Third, we obtain a weakening of the cone theorem for surfaces and threefolds defined over an imperfect field.
Gasification Reaction Characteristics of Ferro-Coke at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhang Jian-liang , Gao Bing
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the effects of temperature and atmosphere on the gasification reaction of ferro-coke were investigated in consideration of the actual blast furnace conditions. Besides, the microstructure of the cokes was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). It is found that the weight loss of ferro-coke during the gasification reaction is significantly enhanced in the case of increasing either the reaction temperature or the CO2 concentration. Furthermore, compared with the normal type of metallurgical coke, ferro-coke exhibits a higher weight loss when they are gasified at the same temperature or under the same atmosphere. As to the microstructure, inside the reacted ferro-coke are a large amount of pores. Contrary to the normal coke, the proportions of the large-size pores and the through holes are greatly increased after gasification, giving rise to thinner pore walls and hence a degradation in coke strength after reaction (CSR).
Enhancing Constructive Neural Network Performance Using Functionally Expanded Input Data
Authors: Bertini Junior João Roberto , Nicoletti Maria do Carmo
Published: March 2016

Constructive learning algorithms are an efficient way to train feedforward neural networks. Some of their features, such as the automatic definition of the neural network (NN) architecture and its fast training, promote their high adaptive capacity, as well as allow for skipping the usual pre-training phase, known as model selection. However, such advantages usually come with the price of lower accuracy rates, when compared to those obtained with conventional NN learning approaches. This is, perhaps, the reason for conventional NN training algorithms being preferred over constructive NN (CoNN) algorithms. Aiming at enhancing CoNN accuracy performance and, as a result, making them a competitive choice for machine learning based applications, this paper proposes the use of functionally expanded input data. The investigation described in this paper considered six two-class CoNN algorithms, ten data domains and seven polynomial expansions. Results from experiments, followed by a comparative analysis, show that performance rates can be improved when CoNN algorithms learn from functionally expanded input data.
From Boredom to Dependence: The Medicalisation of the Swedish Gambling Problem
Authors: Edman Johan , Berndt Josefine
Published: March 2016

Aims

The aim of this study is to investigate the medicalising of gambling problems by comparing the political discussions on gambling in the Swedish Parliament in the early 1970s and the early 2010s.

Design

Against a theoretical background on medicalising processes in general, and medicalisation of gambling problems in particular, we have analysed discussion protocols and parliamentary bills in the Swedish Parliament from the years 1970–1975 and 2012–2013.

Results

The problem descriptions of the 1970s and 2010s are, in certain respects, strikingly similar, identifying proactive operators such as the gambling companies and highlighting an inadequate legal framework. But where the MPs of the 1970s put some effort into describing the drab society which fed the need for gambling, the elected representatives of the 2010s shortcut to individual dependence.

Conclusions

EU membership and the development of the Internet have made effective control and regulation impossible in the early 2010s and the political handling of the Swedish gambling problem is therefore a clear example of how market liberalisation can pave the way for individualisation, medicalisation and depoliticisation of social problems.
Attitudes of Social Gerontology and Physiotherapy Students Towards the Elderly
Authors: Kaker Diana Jeleč , Ovsenik Marija , Zupančič Jože
Published: March 2016

Background/Goal. Attitudes towards older persons are particularly important for healthcare students and practitioners. The aim of our work is to analyse the attitudes of social gerontology and physiotherapy students towards elderly persons.

Method. A structured questionnaire using the Kogan Attitudes towards Older People scale (KAOP) was used to collect data. Statistical methods were applied to evaluate the data: reliability test, t-test for independent samples and bivariate correlational analysis.

Results. Social gerontology and physiotherapy students accept the elderly with awareness and respect. Few age-related prejudices and stereotypes were found among them, and they do not problematise the elderly. Social gerontology students have more positive attitudes towards the elderly than physiotherapy students do. Male students and students who live in the same household with elderly persons are more appreciative towards them, but they have more prejudices; the same applies to a lesser extent to students who do not live in the same household with an elderly person.

Conclusion. Although minor deviations from a positive attitude were found, probably resulting from different experiences with elderly people, the results of this study raise hopes that respectful relations and cooperation across age groups will continue.