bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epileptic syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus and neuronal autoantibody associations
Authors: Kampylafka E I , Alexopoulos H , Fouka P , Moutsopoulos H M , Dalakas M C , Tzioufas A G
Published: February 2016

We investigated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with epilepsy, a major and organic neurological symptom. Our aim was to test patients for the autoimmune epilepsy-associated antibodies anti-GAD, anti-NMDAR, anti-AMPAR1/2, anti-GABABR and anti-VGKC. We tested sera from ten SLE patients with current or previous episodes of epileptic seizures. In addition, sera were tested for staining on primary hippocampal neurons. The patients’ clinical and neuroimaging profile, disease activity and accumulated damage scores and therapeutic regimens administered were recorded, and correlations were evaluated. Patients were negative for all anti-neuronal autoantibodies tested, and showed no staining on primary hippocampal cells, which suggests the absence of autoantibodies against neuronal cell surface antigens. Epileptic seizures were all tonic–clonic, and all patients had high disease activity (mean SLE Damage Acticity Index score 19.3 ± 7.3). Six patients had minor or no brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, and three had major findings. 9/10 patients received immunosuppression for 5 ± 4 months, while anti-convulsive treatment was administered to all patients (4.2 ± 3 years). Our results suggest that the majority of SLE-related epileptic seizures cannot be attributed to the action of a single antibody against neuronal antigens. Studies with larger neuropsychiatric SLE populations and stricter inclusion criteria are necessary to verify these findings.
Some Predictors of Entrepreneurship Article Impact
Authors: Perry John T. , Hanke Ralph H. , Chandler Gaylen N. , Markova Gergana
Published: February 2016

We study scholarly impact in the entrepreneurship field. To answer the question of which factors predict impact, we focus on understanding how article citation behaviour has changed over 20 years. We apply paradigm development theory and framing concepts to guide our study. We find that the value attached to both an article and the article’s authors has become a greater predictor of article citations over time. Additionally, we find that whether authors’ claim that their articles present interesting or useful ideas predicts article impact. But the nature of the impact differs depending on the type of the claim. The pattern of results suggests that entrepreneurship research may currently be at an intermediate stage of development.
Indian Entrepreneurship through a Historical Lens: A Dialogue with Dwijendra Tripathi
Authors: Shankar Raj K.
Published: February 2016

History arguably is most suited to inform entrepreneurship and its varied manifestations. It is equally well placed to address entrepreneurship’s primary challenge—longitudinal work in context. Despite repeated calls for this, it has remained a plea. Extant literature review provided five themes, which researchers can use to begin to look at entrepreneurship through a historical lens. These are: business history and entrepreneurship, context and entrepreneurship, caste and entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship in emerging economies and entrepreneurship research using historical methods. A dialogue with India’s pre-eminent business historian Dwijendra Tripathi adds perspective to the considerable potential these themes present for entrepreneurship research through a historical lens. Indian entrepreneurship provides context to this perspective and reinforces this need. Furthermore, the five themes provide research gateways for scholars in both business history and entrepreneurship.
To Expand or to Diversify: The Dilemma of Grihasthi Udyog
Authors: Panda Rajeev Kumar
Published: February 2016

Grihasthi Udyog is a case which describes the various strategic challenges and dilemmas faced by an entrepreneur in order to expand its target markets beyond its present reach. His concerns were relating to the development of a sound long-term strategy to position ‘Grihasthi’ as a national brand and thus launching growth initiatives to counter competition on the national platform. The key question was whether to aggressively reinforce Grihasthi’s expansion plan and further expand its franchisee network or pursue alternative business opportunities woven around its strengths and competencies. It had further choices like diversifying into related product categories for which better product consistency could be achieved with superior economies of scale.
Book Review: Vivek Kaul, Easy Money: Evolution of Money from Robinson Crusoe to the First World War
Authors: Dwivedi Amit Kumar
Published: February 2016

Vivek Kaul, Easy Money: Evolution of Money from Robinson Crusoe to the First World War. New Delhi: SAGE Response Books, 2013, 277 pp.
An International Congress on Violence in Clinical Psychiatry
Authors: Repique Renee John R. , Polacek Michael J.
Published: February 2016

Psychiatric-mental health nurses are lifelong learners and reflective practitioners. In this brief article, the authors share their professional reflections and pearls on innovative mental health nursing practice from a recent international conference on violence in clinical psychiatry.
Ethically Relevant Differences in Advance Directives for Psychiatric and End-of-Life Care
Authors: Olsen Douglas P.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric advance directives (PADs) represent a shift from more coercive to more recovery-oriented care and hold the promise of empowering patients while helping fill the gap in treatment of non-dangerous patients lacking decision-making capacity. Advance directives for end-of-life and psychiatric care share an underlying rationale of extending respect for patient autonomy and preventing the harm of unwanted treatment for patients lacking the decision-making capacity to participate meaningfully in planning their care. OBJECTIVE: Ethically relevant differences in applying advance directives to end-of-life and psychiatric care are discussed. DESIGN: These differences fall into three categories: (1) patient factors, including decision-making capacity, ability to communicate, and prior experience; (2) decisional factors, including expected outcome and the nature of the decisions; and (3) historical-legal precedent. RESULTS: Specific recommendations are offered. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians need to appreciate the ethical implications of these differences to effectively invoke PADs or assist patients in creating PADs.
Psychometric Properties of Responses to an Arabic Version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D6)
Authors: Bachner Yaacov G.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND: Among existing instruments, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale has become the gold standard for assessing depressive symptoms. An Arabic version of this instrument is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the psychometric properties of responses to an abridged Arabic version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D6). DESIGN: A total of 125 Bedouin Arabs completed a questionnaire consisting of the HAM-D6 and other Well-Being measures. The HAM-D6 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was also examined. RESULTS: Responses to the HAM-D6 suggest that this instrument measures a unidimensional construct with each of the scales’ six items contributing significantly to the measurement. Concurrent validity was established by the scale’s negative association with well-being and positive associations with emotional exhaustion and caregiving burden. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that this abridged Arabic version of the HAM-D6 is appropriate for use for evaluating depressive symptoms.
“No Right Place to Die”
Authors: Morgan Betty D.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND: Approximately 6% of the U.S. population suffer from a serious mental illness (SMI). People with SMI reportedly die 20 to 25 years earlier than the general population. OBJECTIVES: To explore both hospice/palliative care nurses’ and psychiatric/mental health nurses’ attitudes and needs toward people with SMI at the end-of-life. DESIGN: A qualitative study following a phenomenological approach was used to interview hospice/palliative care nurses and psychiatric nurses about the experience of caring for people with SMI at the end-of-life; a total of 20 nurses were interviewed. Interviews were analyzed and coded, and themes were identified. RESULTS: Six themes were identified: stigma of mental illness, effect of SMI symptoms on communication and trust, chaotic family systems, advocacy issues around pain and comfort, need for formal support, no right place to die. CONCLUSIONS: Participants discussed the need for better education and collaboration between psychiatric and palliative care nurses as well as the need for ongoing support.
The evaluation of kefir pure culture starter: Liquid-core capsule entrapping microorganisms isolated from kefir grains
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhong Hao , Liu Keying , Guo Aizhen , Qi Xianghui , Cai Meihong
Published: February 2016

The main purpose of this study was to develop a pure culture starter for producing kefir. In order to accomplish starter recycling, yeasts ( Kluyveromyces marxianus strain, Pichia kudriavzevii clone), lactic acid bacteria ( Lactobacillus kefiri strain F4Aa, Lactobacillus kefiri strain NM131-7, Lactobacillus kefiri strain NM132-3, Lactobacillus kefiri strain NM180-3, respectively), and acetic acid bacteria ( Acetobacter lovaniensis strain) were entrapped in liquid core capsules based on the distribution ratio in kefir grains. The microbiological, antimicrobial, and chemical properties of kefir made with capsules (M) and kefir grains (K) were measured and compared. According to the results of plate counts in different selective medium, the number of yeasts and bacteria in the liquid core capsules gradually increased and stabilized after eight fermentation cycles. The results of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that almost all the aroma components existed in the two type of kefir, except the ethyl lactate. There was no significant difference in alcohol content, protein content, and fat content, except the acidity and sugar content. Water holding capacity of kefir K was higher than kefir M. There were 14 same free amino acids in kefir M and kefir K, and the content of most free amino acids was similar. In antimicrobial test, there was no significant difference in both kefirs.
Felodipine Inhibits Intimal Lesion Formation in the Hypercholesterolemic Rabbit: Differential Effects on Endothelial and Monocyte Determinants of Atherogenesis
Authors: Wang Bing-Yin , Niebauer Josef , Singer Alan H , Tsao Philip S , Cooke John P
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine if the calcium entry antagonist felodipine inhibited intimal lesion formation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits, and to determine if this was due to an effect upon monocyte and/or endothelial determinants of this interaction. Twenty-three male New Zealand White rabbits received the following treatment regimen for 10 weeks: normal chow (NP, n = 3); normal chow with felodipine infusion (NF, n=6); 0.5% cholesterol chow (CP, n = 7); or 0.5% cholesterol chow and felodipine infusion (CF, n=7). After 10 weeks blood was collected for biochemical measurements and mononuclear cell binding assays, and thoracic aortae were harvested for vascular reactivity studies and histomorphometry.

In the animals receiving normal chow, felodipine did not significantly affect blood pressure, plasma cholesterol levels, binding studies, vascular reactivity, or structure; therefore these animals were analyzed as one group (N). Plasma cholesterol levels were significantly elevated in groups receiving the 0.5% cholesterol diet (N, 29±3 mg/dl; CP, 1221±73 mg/dl; CF, 979±108 mg/dl). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was not different between the groups (25±4 vs 23±4 vs 27±4 mg/dl; N vs CF vs CP respectively; p=NS). Cholesterol feeding markedly augmented the adhesiveness of mononuclear cells, as demonstrated by a 250% increase in cell binding. Felodipine did not alter the adhesiveness of mononuclear cells in hypercholesterolemic animals. Cholesterol feeding significantly impaired endothelium-dependent relaxations. Endothelium-dependent relaxations were restored by felodipine treatment as reflected by the maximal responses to acetylcholine (40±7% vs 58±4% vs 67±5%; CP vs CF vs N respectively). The improvement in endothelium-dependent relaxation in the felodipine-treated animals was associated with a 2.2-fold reduction in lesion surface area of the thoracic aorta (8.2±6.3% vs 18.2±9.5%; CF vs CP; p<0.01). Moreover, the intima/media ratio reflecting lesion thickness was substantially reduced by felodipine treatment (0.05±0.02 vs 0.20±0.07; CF vs CP; p=0.006). Ex vivo studies revealed that felodipine inhibited the adhesiveness of vascular endothelium, but not mononuclear cells, derived from hypercholesterolemic animals.

Low-dose felodipine appears to inhibit monocyte-endothelial interaction, as indicated by a reduction in the formation of lesions in hypercholesterolemic animals. This effect is not due to an alteration in adhesiveness of mononuclear cells. The salutary effect of felodipine is associated with an increase in vascular nitric oxide activity which may reduce endothelial adhesiveness.
Vasodilator Responses in the Forearm Skin of Patients with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Khan F , Cohen RA , Ruderman NB , Chipkin SR , Coffman JD
Published: February 2016

The integrity of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the skin of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is unclear, especially with respect to the role of nitric oxide. To examine this, forearm skin blood flow by laser Doppler flowmetry and total blood flow by venous occlusion plethysmography was measured in response to brachial artery infusions of an endothelium-dependent (methacholine) and -independent (sodium nitroprusside) vasodilator. Peak hyperemic forearm blood flow, following 5 min of arterial occlusion, was also determined. Responses were compared in 11 control subjects and 16 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

In ten normal subjects, co-infusion of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine with methacholine produced a significant reduction in total forearm blood flow response to methacholine ( p < 0.002), measured by venous occlusion plethysmography, as well as vascular conductance ( p < 0.001), confirming that nitric oxide contributes to this response. In contrast, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine had no significant effect on the methacholine-induced increase in forearm skin blood flow measured by laser Doppler flowmetry indicating that factors other than nitric oxide may be involved.

Increases in forearm skin blood flow in response to methacholine, sodium nitroprusside and to an ischemic stimulus were not significantly different between the normal subjects and patients with IDDM.

Dose-related increases in total forearm blood flow and vascular conductance were not significantly different between control subjects and diabetic patients during infusions of methacholine. The increases in these parameters during infusions of sodium nitroprusside, however, were significantly less in the diabetic group than in the control group ( p < 0.05) as was the peak reactive hyperemic blood flow ( p < 0.05).

Since skin blood flow was not affected, the reduced vasodilator responses to sodium nitroprusside and an ischemic stimulus in the diabetic group are in forearm skeletal muscle. The reduced muscle blood flow does not reflect a decreased vasodilatory capacity, but rather a functional impairment in response to nitric oxide and ischemia since the methacholine dilation was normal. The normal vasodilator responses in the forearm skin, which is predominantly capillary as opposed to arteriovenous anastomatic blood flow, indicate that the response to nitric oxide and an ischemic stimulus in this vascular bed is intact in patients with IDDM. This is, therefore, an unlikely cause of diabetic skin complications in these areas.
Oxidative Stress and Lipids in Diabetes: A Role in Endothelium Vasodilator Dysfunction?
Authors: Tribe Rachel M , Poston Lucilla
Published: February 2016

Endothelial dysfunction is a key feature of diabetes mellitus and is thought to be the major cause of vascular complications associated with the disease. The vascular endothelium demonstrates impaired synthesis of vasodilators and increased release of procoagulants and vasoconstrictors, defects which theoretically could explain the increased incidence of atherosclerosis and hypertension found within this patient group. The pathways mediating endothelial cell layer dysfunction are unknown, although many candidates have been proposed. This review concentrates on the hypothesis that increased oxidative stress combined with abnormal plasma lipid composition leads to reduced synthesis of endothelial vasodilators and hence endothelial dysfunction. Free radical generation is undoubtedly raised in diabetes but the evidence for decreased antioxidant status is debatable. The role of antioxidant and lipid-lowering therapy is considered, but few studies have directly investigated the effect of treatment on vascular function. Concern arises from individual studies of vitamin E in diabetic animals which have proved deleterious. Current literature implies that a combination therapy of vitamin E and vitamin C may be beneficial, but this needs to be investigated further in both animal and human diabetes.
Changes in Energy Metabolism of Calf Muscle in Patients with Intermittent Claudication Assessed by 31P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Phase II Open Study
Authors: Taylor DJ , Amato A , Hands LJ , Kemp GJ , Ramaswami G , Nicolaides A , Radda GK
Published: February 2016

Energy status and metabolism in skeletal muscle of nine patients with peripheral arterial disease and suffering from intermittent claudication were evaluated using 31phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) before and after treatment for 3 months with propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC; 2 g/day p.o.). Maximum walking distance (MWD) was assessed on a standard treadmill (4 km/h, zero incline). For the group as a whole 31P MRS results did not change significantly with PLC. Although MWD increased by a mean of 36%, this change did not reach significance. However, when these variables were assessed with respect to the change in MWD, there were significant differences between those who increased MWD by > 30% (responders, R; n = 5) and those who did not (nonresponders, NR; n = 4). Compared with pretreatment values, during exercise the decrease in muscle pH in R relative to the decrease in phosphocreatine was less after PLC ( p = 0.04). After exercise there was a significant inverse correlation between the changes in recovery half-time ( t½) for phosphocreatine and in MWD ( r=−0.91, p = 0.01). With PLC, Vmax increased in R ( p = 0.04), but not in NR. For the patient group as a whole, the changes in Vmax and MWD correlated positively ( r = 0.90, p = 0.01). This study helps to identify the changes in muscle metabolism that correlate with changes in exercise performance, and may accompany treatment with PLC.
Positive and Negative Regulation of Angiogenesis: From Cell Biology to the Clinic
Authors: Pepper Michael S
Published: February 2016

Virtually every subspecialty in medicine in one way or another deals with angiogenesis-associated physiological or pathological processes and, without exception, every organ system in the body has many diseases in which angiogenesis is an important component. This in itself makes the study of angiogenesis mandatory, in both basic science and clinical settings. Yet the study of angiogenesis does not require this justification. As a biological process it is extraordinarily rich, touching on virtually every aspect of modern cell biology, making it almost impossible for molecular biologists, biochemists and morphologists to ignore. Considerable therapeutic benefit can now be obtained through positive or negative manipulation of the angiogenic process, and this is due in large part to the rapid transfer to the clinical setting of knowledge acquired through a cell biological approach.
The Diagnosis and Clinical Manifestations of Activated Protein C Resistance: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hoerl Howard Daniel , Tabares Aldo , Kottke-Marchant Kandice
Published: February 2016

Activated protein C resistance (APCR) is a recently discovered, medically important cause of venous thrombosis. More than 95% of cases are due to factor V Leiden (FVL), a mutated form of factor V that is resistant to degradation by activated protein C. The prevalence of this disorder, which is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, is approximately 5% among asymptomatic people of European heritage. In addition, 20 to 60% of patient cohorts with previous thrombosis demonstrate APCR, making it the most common known genetic cause of abnormal thrombophilia. Current laboratory techniques available for diagnosis include functional assays, such as the APC ratio, as well as DNA-based tests that detect the specific genetic anomaly responsible for FVL. A case report is presented, along with a review of the literature highlighting epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and methods for laboratory diagnosis.
Forensic Social Work: Implementing Specialist Social Work Education
Authors: Sheehan Rosemary
Published: February 2016

This article reports on a case study of specialist social work education in Australia. In particular, the views of specialist forensic social workers are explored both about their needs for social work education to support them for practice in forensic social work and also about their experiences of a particular program. Whilst social work education focuses in varying degrees on mental health practice, social workers not only in mental health and corrections but also in child protection, disability, and drug and alcohol services are increasingly expected to understand linkages between offending behavior, psychological disorder and family systems, and balance community and individual needs. The social workers reported that their experience of postqualifying education led to adaptations in the nature of their practice, the development of generic skills, which enabled them to incorporate an awareness of the effects of the justice system on mental health and to balance what are often opposing needs and considerations when working in this contested area. The experiences of the study group of forensic social work practitioners can be used to inform the development of similar specialist programs elsewhere not only in forensic social work but more widely as part of debates about the nature of specialist social work practice.
‘Getting to Know Me’: The second phase roll-out of a staff training programme for supporting people with dementia in general hospitals
Authors: Elvish Ruth , Burrow Simon , Cawley Rosanne , Harney Kathryn , Pilling Mark , Gregory Julie , Keady John
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The aims were to evaluate a second phase roll-out of a dementia care training programme for general hospital staff and to further develop two outcome scales: the Confidence in Dementia scale for measuring confidence in working with people with dementia and the Knowledge in Dementia scale for measuring knowledge in dementia.

Method

Following a ‘training the trainers’ phase, the study involved the delivery of the ‘Getting to Know Me’ training programme to a large number of staff (n = 517) across three National Health Service (NHS) Trusts situated in North-West England. The impact of the programme was evaluated using a pre–post design which explored: (i) changes in confidence in dementia, (ii) changes in knowledge in dementia, and (iii) changes in beliefs about behaviours that challenge.

Results

Statistically significant change was identified between pre–post training on all outcome measures (Confidence in Dementia: eight point increase, p < 0.001; Knowledge in Dementia: two point increase p < 0.001; controllability beliefs scale: four point decrease, p < 0.001). Medium to large effect sizes were demonstrated on all outcome measures. The psychometric properties of the Confidence in Dementia and Knowledge in Dementia scales are reported.

Conclusion

Staff knowledge in dementia and confidence in working with people with dementia significantly increased following attendance at the training sessions. The findings are consistent with preliminary findings and strengthen current knowledge about the impact of dementia care training in general hospitals. The Confidence in Dementia and Knowledge in Dementia scales continue to demonstrate psychometrically sound properties and demonstrate utility in the field of dementia research.
Embodiment in tests of cognitive functioning: A study of an interpreter-mediated dementia evaluation
Authors: Majlesi Ali Reza , Plejert Charlotta
Published: February 2016

This study explores how manners of mediation, and the use of embodiment in interpreter-mediated conversation have an impact on tests of cognitive functioning in a dementia evaluation. By a detailed analysis of video recordings, we show how participants—an occupational therapist, an interpreter, and a patient—use embodied practices to make the tasks of a test of cognitive functioning intelligible, and how participants collaboratively put the instructions of the tasks into practice. We demonstrate that both instructions and instructed actions—and the whole procedure of accomplishing the tasks—are shaped co-operatively by embodied practices of all three participants involved in the test situation. Consequently, the accomplishment of the tasks should be viewed as the outcome of a collaborative achievement of instructed actions, rather than an individual product. The result of the study calls attention to issues concerning interpretations of, and the reliability of interpreter-mediated tests and their bearings for diagnostic procedures in dementia evaluations.
Apprenticeship in learning design for literature courses
Authors: Luxon Thomas H
Published: February 2016

This essay explains how research in Physics education by Eric Mazur, arguing from the pedagogic deficiencies of instruction through lectures, has been applied successfully in a thorough revision of two undergraduate courses in English, one on John Milton and another on William Shakespeare.
Activity Prioritization to Focus the Control Task Analysis
Authors: Bodin Ida , Krupenia Stas S.
Published: February 2016

We describe a structured method for decreasing the gap between cognitive work analysis (CWA) and sociotechnical systems design within industrial contexts. Key to closing this gap is reducing the volume of data collected during initial CWA stages so as to focus further development effort on the key determinants of system performance. The goal of the current study was to develop a method to accompany control task analysis (ConTA; and associated contextual activity templates [CATs]). The method developed, “activity prioritization,” involved a multifaceted procedure for prioritizing activities to identify each activity’s overall impact on system performance. Using three key values, each activity receives a priority score that is ordered to create an activity priority list. For the prioritization, the functions described in the CAT were the purpose-related functions identified via a work domain analysis of long haulage trucking. The method described was used to guide development of highly automated trucks within a recently completed industrial project (methods for designing future autonomous systems [MODAS]).
The effect of basilar artery bifurcation angle on rates of initial occlusion, recanalization, and retreatment of basilar artery apex aneurysms following coil embolization
Authors: Stapleton Christopher J , Kumar Jay I , Walcott Brian P , Torok Collin M , Agarwalla Pankaj K , Koch Matthew J , Patel Aman B
Published: February 2016

Background

Arterial bifurcations are common locations for aneurysm development given the altered hemodynamic forces and shear stress variations present at these locations. Recent reports indicate that a wide basilar artery bifurcation angle is an independent predictor of aneurysm development, growth, and subsequent rupture.

Methods

To determine the effect of basilar artery bifurcation angle on rates of initial occlusion, recanalization, and retreatment of basilar artery apex aneurysms following coil embolization, the records of 46 patients with basilar artery apex aneurysms treated with endovascular coil embolization from 2007 to 2013 were analyzed.

Results

A wide basilar artery bifurcation angle was associated with a Raymond–Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) III occlusion in univariate analysis, but was not a statistically significant factor in multivariate modeling. An increasing basilar artery bifurcation angle was not associated with aneurysm recanalization or retreatment following coil embolization. Increasing packing density ( p < .01) was the only statistically significant predictor of a RROC I or II closure. The initial RROC designation was the most powerful predictor of both eventual aneurysm recanalization ( p = .01) and retreatment ( p = .02). While increasing aneurysm size ( p < .01), increasing aneurysm volume ( p < .01), and increasing neck size ( p < .01) were associated with wide basilar artery bifurcation angles, neck size ( p = .03) was the only statistically significant predictor of basilar artery bifurcation angle on multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

Basilar artery bifurcation angle fails to predict rates of initial occlusion, recanalization, and retreatment on multivariate modeling in our series. Basilar artery apex aneurysm neck size independently correlates with basilar artery bifurcation angle.
Neurointerventional management of carotid webs associated with recurrent and acute cerebral ischemic syndromes
Authors: Elmokadem AH , Ansari SA , Sangha R , Prabhakaran S , Shaibani A , Hurley MC
Published: February 2016

Background

A carotid web can be defined as an endoluminal shelf-like projection often noted at the origin of the internal carotid artery (ICA) just beyond the bifurcation. Diagnosis of a carotid web as an underlying cause of recurrent ischemic stroke is infrequent and easily misdiagnosed as an atheromatous plaque. Surgery has traditionally been used to resect symptomatic lesions while there is no enough evidence supporting medical therapy as the sole management. To our knowledge there is only one report about carotid artery stenting (CAS) as a definite management of carotid web and no previous reports of acute large-vessel occlusions undergoing mechanical thrombectomy in the setting of carotid web as the etiology.

Case report

We report two cases: The first presented with recurrent ischemic stroke in the same arterial territory and the other with an emergent left middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion that underwent endovascular mechanical thrombectomy in which initial computed tomographic angiograms (CTA) suggested carotid web etiologies. Following confirmation with digital subtraction angiography (DSA), both patients ultimately underwent endovascular carotid stenting instead of surgical resection for definitive carotid web treatment.

Conclusions

Carotid webs are a rare cause of ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged adults that can readily be identified by CTA. Endovascular management may include emergent mechanical thrombectomy for large-vessel thromboembolic complications, and for definitive treatment with carotid stenting across the carotid web as an alternative to surgical resection and medical management for secondary stroke prevention.
Cholesterol in platelet biogenesis and activation
Authors: Wang Nan , Tall Alan R.
Published: February 2016

Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for atherothrombotic disease, largely attributed to its impact on atherosclerotic lesional cells such as macrophages. Platelets are involved in immunity and inflammation and impact atherogenesis, primarily by modulating immune and inflammatory effector cells. There is evidence that hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis by modulating platelet biogenesis and activity. This review highlights recent findings on the impact of aberrant cholesterol metabolism on platelet biogenesis and activity and their relevance in atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
Discrete distributional differential expression (D3E) - a tool for gene expression analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Delmans Mihails , Hemberg Martin
Published: February 2016

Background

The advent of high throughput RNA-seq at the single-cell level has opened up new opportunities to elucidate the heterogeneity of gene expression. One of the most widespread applications of RNA-seq is to identify genes which are differentially expressed between two experimental conditions.

Results

We present a discrete, distributional method for differential gene expression (D3E), a novel algorithm specifically designed for single-cell RNA-seq data. We use synthetic data to evaluate D3E, demonstrating that it can detect changes in expression, even when the mean level remains unchanged. Since D3E is based on an analytically tractable stochastic model, it provides additional biological insights by quantifying biologically meaningful properties, such as the average burst size and frequency. We use D3E to investigate experimental data, and with the help of the underlying model, we directly test hypotheses about the driving mechanism behind changes in gene expression.

Conclusion

Evaluation using synthetic data shows that D3E performs better than other methods for identifying differentially expressed genes since it is designed to take full advantage of the information available from single-cell RNA-seq experiments. Moreover, the analytical model underlying D3E makes it possible to gain additional biological insights.
Applying the termination of resuscitation rules to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests of both cardiac and non-cardiac etiologies: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kashiura Masahiro , Hamabe Yuichi , Akashi Akiko , Sakurai Atsushi , Tahara Yoshio , Yonemoto Naohiro , Nagao Ken , Yaguchi Arino , Morimura Naoto ,   on behalf of the SOS-KANTO 2012 Study Group
Published: February 2016

Background

The 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation recommend Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) rules for termination of resuscitation (TOR). However, it is unclear whether the TOR rules are valid for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) of both cardiac and non-cardiac etiologies. In this study, we validated the TOR rules for OHCA resulting from both etiologies.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter observational study of OHCA patients transported to 67 emergency hospitals between January 2012 and March 2013 in the Kanto region of Japan. We calculated the specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) for neurologically unfavorable outcomes at one month in patients with OHCA of cardiac and non-cardiac etiologies.

Results

Of 11,505 eligible cases, 6,138 and 5,367 cases were of cardiac and non-cardiac etiology, respectively. BLS was performed on 2,818 and 2,606 patients with OHCA of cardiac and non-cardiac etiology, respectively. ALS was performed on 3,320 and 2,761 patients with OHCA of cardiac and non-cardiac etiology, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the TOR rules for predicting unfavorable outcomes in patients with OHCA of cardiac etiology who received BLS included a specificity of 0.985 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.956–0.997) and a PPV of 0.999 (95 % CI: 0.996–1.000). In patients with OHCA from cardiac etiologies who received ALS, the TOR rules had a specificity of 0.963 (95 % CI: 0.896–0.992) and a PPV of 0.997 (95 % CI: 0.991–0.999). In patients with OHCA from non-cardiac etiologies who received BLS, the specificity was 0.915 (95 % CI: 0.796–0.976) and PPV was 0.998 (95 % CI: 0.995–0.999). For patients with OHCA from non-cardiac etiologies who received ALS, the specificity was 0.833 (95 % CI: 0.586–0.964) and PPV was 0.996 (95 % CI: 0.988–0.999).

Conclusions

Both TOR rules have high specificity and PPV in patients with OHCA from cardiac etiologies. For patients with OHCA from non-cardiac etiologies, the rules had a high PPV, but relatively low specificity. Therefore, TOR rules are useful in patients with OHCA from cardiac etiologies, but should be applied with caution to patients with OHCA from non-cardiac etiologies.
How are biodiversity and dispersal of species affected by the management of roadsides? A systematic map protocol
Authors: Bernes Claes , Bullock James M. , Jakobsson Simon , Rundlöf Maj , Verheyen Kris , Lindborg Regina
Published: February 2016

Background

In many parts of the world, roadsides are regularly managed for traffic-safety reasons. Hence, there are similarities between roadsides and certain other managed habitats, such as wooded pastures and mown or grazed grasslands. In contrast to roadsides, the latter habitats have declined rapidly in Europe during the last century, and today only a fraction of their former extent remains. For many species historically associated with these habitats, roadsides may therefore function as new primary habitats or as dispersal corridors in fragmented landscapes. Current recommendations for roadside management to promote conservation values are largely based on studies of plants in semi-natural grasslands, although such areas often differ from roadsides in terms of environmental factors and impacts. Moreover, roadsides provide habitats not only for plants but also for many insects, especially if they are sandy and exposed to the sun. For these reasons, stakeholders in Sweden have emphasised the need for more targeted management recommendations, based on actual studies of roadside biodiversity.

Methods

The proposed systematic map is intended to provide an overview of the available evidence on how biodiversity is affected by various forms of roadside management, and how such management influences the dispersal of species along roads or roadsides. Relevant interventions include e.g. mowing, shrub removal, control of invasive/nuisance species, sowing or planting, burning, grazing by livestock, scraping and ditching. Non-intervention or alternative forms of roadside management will be used as comparators. Relevant outcomes include measures of species or genetic diversity, the abundance of individual species or groups of organisms, species distribution patterns, and movement rates of individuals or propagules. Searches will be made for peer-reviewed and grey literature in English and several other languages. No geographical restrictions will be applied, and all species and species groups will be considered.
Oral corticosteroid prescribing habits of Canadian Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeons
Authors: Ansari Saad , Rotenberg Brian W. , Sowerby Leigh J.
Published: February 2016

Background

Oral corticosteroids (OCSs) are widely prescribed in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck surgery (OtoHNS). There is evidence in the literature regarding specific dosing regimens. However, it is not known to what extent these recommendations are being implemented in practice.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was sent to Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery members ( N = 696). Dosing, frequency and tapering of OCSs were assessed in acute rhino-sinusitis (ARS), chronic rhino-sinusitis with (CRSwP) and without polyps (CRSsP), sudden sensori-neural hearing loss (SSNHL), and idiopathic facial nerve/Bell's palsy (IFN). Participants were asked to complete for conditions treated and results were compared with current guidelines. Development of prescribing habits and observed complications were also explored.

Results

124 surveys (18 %) were completed. In CRSwP ( N = 98), the median dose was 50 mg (Range: 10–100 mg) and the average duration was 8 days (Range: 1–21 days). In CRSsP ( N = 29), the median dose was 50 mg (Range: 20-80 mg) and the average duration was 8 days (Range: 1–14 days). In SSNHL ( N = 118), the median dose was 60 mg (Range: 10–120 mg) and the average duration was 10 days (Range: 1–21 days). In IFN ( N = 108), the median dose was 50 mg (Range: 10–100 mg) and the average duration was 10 days (Range: 1–21 days). Tapering dosages were used in treating CRSwP (64 %), CRSsP (62 %), ARS (44 %), SSNHL (60 %) and IFN (53 %). Respondents most frequently perceived “Mentor/Preceptor Guidance” as a source of their prescribing habits.

Conclusion

There is significant heterogeneity in OCS prescribing habits despite the availability of fairly consistent evidence in the literature for some of the surveyed conditions. Improvements in standardization should be made with the aim of enhancing outcomes and reducing complications.
Draft genomic sequence of Nereida ignava CECT 5292T, a marine bacterium of the family Rhodobacteraceae
Authors: Arahal David R. , Pujalte María J. , Rodrigo-Torres Lidia
Published: February 2016

Nereida ignava strain 2SM4T (= CECT 5292T = DSM 16309T = CIP 108404T = CCUG 49433T) is a marine bacterium belonging to the Roseobacter group of the family Rhodobacteraceae within the class Alphaproteobacteria. The strain was isolated from sea water surrounding cultivated oysters 2–3 miles off the Mediterranean coast near Valencia (Spain) and was phylogenetically related to uncultured clones of gall symbiont bacteria of some species of Prionitis alga. Here we describe the genome sequence and annotation of this organism, the type strain of the single species of this genus. The genome comprised 2,888,349 bp, 2,872 protein-coding genes and 52 RNA genes. The annotation revealed the capacity to produce bacteriocins, vitamins and auxins. Besides, it contained sulfur cycling related genes.
Physically Parameterized Prediction Equations for Significant Duration in Active Crustal Regions
Authors: Afshari Kioumars , Stewart Jonathan P.
Published: February 2016

We develop prediction equations for the median and standard deviation of the significant duration of earthquake ground motions from shallow crustal earthquakes in active tectonic regions. We consider significant duration parameters for 5–75%, 5–95%, and 20–80% of the normalized Arias intensity. The equations were derived from a global database with M 3.0–7.9 events. We find significant noise effects on duration parameters that compel us to exclude some records that had been used previously to develop models for amplitude parameters. Our equations include an M-dependent source duration term that also depends on focal mechanism. At small M, the data suggest approximately M-independent source durations that are close to 1 sec. The increase of source durations with M is slower over the range ∼5 to 7.2–7.4 than for larger magnitudes. We adopt an additive path term with breaks in distance scaling at 10 km and 50 km. We include site terms that increase duration for decreasing V S30 and increasing basin depth. Our aleatory variability model captures decreasing between- and within-event standard deviation terms with increasing M.
Firm Dynamics, Job Turnover, and Wage Distributions in an Open Economy
Authors: Coşar A. Kerem , Guner Nezih , Tybout James
Published: February 2016

This paper explores the combined effects of reductions in trade frictions, tariffs, and firing costs on firm dynamics, job turnover, and wage distributions. It uses establishment-level data from Colombia to estimate an open economy dynamic model that links trade to job flows and wages. Counterfactual experiments imply that Colombia's integration with global product markets increased its national income at the expense of higher unemployment, greater wage inequality, and increased firm-level volatility. In contrast, contemporaneous labor market reforms dampened the increase in unemployment and aggregate job turnover. The results speak more generally to the effects of globalization on labor markets. (JEL F13, F16, F66, J31, J63, O15, O19)
University Differences in the Graduation of Minorities in STEM Fields: Evidence from California
Authors: Arcidiacono Peter , Aucejo Esteban M. , Hotz V. Joseph
Published: February 2016

We examine differences in minority science graduation rates among University of California campuses when racial preferences were in place. Less prepared minorities at higher ranked campuses had lower persistence rates in science and took longer to graduate. We estimate a model of students' college major choice where net returns of a science major differ across campuses and student preparation. We find less prepared minority students at top ranked campuses would have higher science graduation rates had they attended lower ranked campuses. Better matching of science students to universities by preparation and providing information about students' prospects in different major-university combinations could increase minority science graduation. (JEL D14, E23, E32, E43, E52, E61, E62)
The Effect of Unemployment Benefits and Nonemployment Durations on Wages
Authors: Schmieder Johannes F. , von Wachter Till , Bender Stefan
Published: February 2016

We estimate that unemployment insurance (UI) extensions reduce reemployment wages using sharp age discontinuities in UI eligibility in Germany. We show this effect combines two key policy parameters: the effect of UI on reservation wages and the effect of nonemployment durations on wage offers. Our framework implies if UI extensions do not affect wages conditional on duration, then reservation wages do not bind. We derive resulting instrumental variable estimates for the effect of nonemployment durations on wage offers and bounds for reservation wage effects. The effect of UI on wages we find arises mainly from substantial negative nonemployment duration effects. (JEL J31, J64, J65)
Search Design and Broad Matching
Authors: Eliaz Kfir , Spiegler Ran
Published: February 2016

We study decentralized mechanisms for allocating firms into search pools. The pools are created in response to noisy preference signals provided by consumers, who then browse the pools via costly random sequential search. Surplus-maximizing search pools are implementable in symmetric Nash equilibrium. Full extraction of the maximal surplus is implementable if and only if the distribution of consumer types satisfies a set of simple inequalities, which involve the relative fractions of consumers who like different products and the Bhattacharyya coefficient of similarity between their conditional signal distributions. The optimal mechanism can be simulated by a keyword auction with broad matching. (JEL C78, D44, D82)
A Balls-and-Bins Model of Trade: Reply
Authors: Armenter Roc , Koren Miklós
Published: February 2016

Blum, Claro, and Horstmann (2016) make two statements about the balls-and-bins model of Armenter and Koren (2014). First, that using firm-level shipment data changes some of our results. Second, that the balls-and-bins model is not an appropriate statistical method. We respond to the first statement and argue that the second statement is unfounded and unrelated to the first. Indeed, the work of Blum, Claro, and Horstmann (2016) is a perfect example of how to use balls-and-bins in a rich dataset to spot interesting data patterns. (JEL F11, F14)
Tumour Cell Heterogeneity
Authors: Gay Laura , Baker Ann-Marie , Graham Trevor A.
Published: February 2016

The population of cells that make up a cancer are manifestly heterogeneous at the genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic levels. In this mini-review, we summarise the extent of intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH) across human malignancies, review the mechanisms that are responsible for generating and maintaining ITH, and discuss the ramifications and opportunities that ITH presents for cancer prognostication and treatment.